cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PIEZO2 as the anomalous mechanotransducer channel in auditory hair cells

Throughout postnatal maturation of the mouse inner ear, cochlear hair cells display at least two types of mechanically gated ion channel: normal mechanotransducer (MT) channels at the tips of the stereocilia, activated by tension in interciliary tip links, and anomalous mechanosensitive (MS) channels on the top surface of the cells. The anomalous MS channels are responsible for the reverse-polarity current that appears in mutants in which normal transduction is lost. They are also seen in wild-type hair cells around birth, appearing 2 days earlier than normal MT channels, and being down-regulated with the emergence of the normal channels. We review the evidence that the normal and anomalous channels are distinct channel types, which includes differences in localization, susceptibility to pharmacological agents, single-channel conductance and Ca2+ permeability. The dichotomy is reinforced by the observation that the anomalous current is absent in cochlear cells of Piezo2-null mice, even though the normal MT current persists. The anomalous current is suppressed by high intracellular Ca2+ , suggesting that influx of the divalent ion via more Ca2+ -permeable normal MT channels inhibits the anomalous channels, thus explaining the temporal relationship between the two. Piezo2-null mice have largely normal hearing, exhibiting up to 20 dB elevation in threshold in the acoustic brainstem response, so raising questions about the significance of PIEZO2 in the cochlea. Since the anomalous current declines with postnatal age, PIEZO2 may contribute to hair cell development, but it does not underlie the normal MT current. Its role in the development of hearing is not understood.
Variables Sociodemográficas y Académicas Explicativas de la Deserción de Estudiantes en la Facultad de Ciencias Naturales de la Universidad de Playa Ancha (Chile)

espanolEste articulo presenta un analisis explicativo, tomando como efecto la desercion universitaria y como causas un conjunto de variables predictoras. El estudio se focalizo en los estudiantes de la Universidad de Playa Ancha, en Chile. El estudio propone como objetivo la identificacion de los factores que influyen de manera significativa en el proceso de desercion de los estudiantes de la Universidad de Playa Ancha y, cuantificar el efecto individual de cada predictor en la respuesta de un modelo estadistico. Basado en la dicotomia de la variable dependiente, se utilizo un modelo logistico con funcion de enlace binomial. El proceso de ajuste del modelo se desarrollo en dos etapas. Primero se estimaron los efectos individuales de cada variable predictora, seleccionando de entre ellas las significativas. En segundo lugar, se descartaron aquellas con efectos no significativos propendiendo un modelo parsimonioso. SE concluye que las variables que afectan directamente a la desercion son los predictores de primer orden, Ramos Aprobados (RA), Orden de Lista (OL), Estado Civil (EC) y Educacion del Padre (EP). EnglishThis article presents an explanatory analysis, taking as an effect the university dropout and as causes a set of predictor variables. The study focused on students of the University of Playa Ancha in Chile. The objective of the study was the identification of the factors that significantly influence the desertion process of the students of the Playa Ancha University and quantify the individual effect of each predictor. Based on the dichotomy of the dependent variable, a logistic model with a binomial link function was used. The process of adjustment of the model was developed in two stages. First, the individual effects of each predictor variable were estimated, selecting among them the significant ones. Secondly, those having non-significant effects were discarded, following a parsimonious model. It is concluded that the variables that directly affect the dropout are the predictors of first order, Approved Branches (RA), List Order (OL), Civil Status (EC) and Parent Education (EP)
Evaluation, Supervision, and Staff Development under Mandated Reform: The Perceptions and Practices of Rural Middle School Principals.

The perspectives of three rural middle school principals as they implement Georgia’s A Plus Education Reform Act of 2000 were investigated in this study. A case study approach was used, employing both within case and cross case analyses. Three interviews were conducted with each of the three participants, resulting in a total of nine interviews. Five perspectives emerged from the data: (1) Evaluation of teacher effectiveness can be indicated only by the results of standardized tests, (2) Supervision consists of classroom visits and observations, (3) Ruralness affects how staff development is delivered, (4) Lack of funding limits the effectiveness of the staff development component of teacher evaluation, and (5) Implementation of A Plus adversely affects the traditional middle school schedule.
PARP inhibition - not all gene mutations are created equal.

Preliminary results from TRITON2 demonstrate efficacy of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor rucaparib in ~50% of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and inactivation of BRCA1/BRCA2. However, those with ATM and CDK12 mutations do not seem to benefit. An improved homologous recombination deficiency test must be developed and alternative treatments defined for these subsets of patients.
Role of wnt/ß-catenin pathway in myeloid neoplasms with 5q deletion: A new therapeutic target.

7076 Background: 5q deletion (del 5q) is a recurring cytogenetic abnormality present in around 10% of de-novo and 40% of therapy related myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/ Acute myeloid leukemia( AML)...
p16INK4a as a proliferation marker unrelated to HPV expression in odontogenic cysts and tumors.

Introduction p16INK4a is a tumor suppressor protein that retards cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase. Prior studies have evaluated p16INK4a expression in odontogenic keratocyst and ameloblastoma, but data regarding other odontogenic cysts and tumors have been sparse. Methods With IRB approval, cases from the following entities were identified from archives of the UF Oral Pathology Biopsy Service (2005-2015): benign incidental odontogenic rest, dentigerous cyst, lateral periodontal cyst, calcifying odontogenic cyst, glandular odontogenic cyst, odontogenic keratocyst, orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor, and ameloblastoma. All cases were submitted for p16INK4a immunohistochemical testing. Results Results were scored as follows: nuclear and cytoplasmic staining of 50% (score 3). No significant difference in p16INK4a staining was noted between odontogenic cysts and the listed odontogenic tumors (chi-square, P = .540). When comparing lesions with higher recurrence rates (over 25% as reported in the literature) versus lesions with low recurrence rates (under 25%), higher recurrence correlated to significantly higher p16INK4a positivity (chi-square, P = .001). Follow-up testing was performed on 18 cases with "2" or "3" p16INK4a expression scores for high-risk HPV strains through HPV in situ hybridization (ISH) messenger RNA testing with no cases exhibiting a positive result. Conclusion This study exhibits an association between increased p16INK4a positivity and odontogenic lesions with higher recurrence rates and highlights the role of p16INK4a as a progression marker unrelated to HPV expression in this group of pathologic entities.
Acute Blast Crisis/Hyperviscosity Syndrome: Blasting Off!

Emergency providers are likely to encounter patients with acute and chronic leukemias. The first presentation to the ED may be for symptoms related to blast crisis and leukostasis. Making a timely diagnosis and immediately consulting a hematologist can be life-saving. Presenting symptoms are due to complications of bone marrow infiltration and hyperleukocytosis with WBC counts over 100,000. Presentations may include fatigue (anemia), bleeding (thrombocytopenia), shortness of breath, and/or neurological symptoms owing to hyperleukocytosis and subsequent leukostasis. Blast crisis with leukostasis is a Heme/Onc emergency. Treatment of symptomatic cases involves induction chemotherapy and/or leukapheresis. Asymptomatic hyperleukocytosis can be treated with hydroxyurea.
Building a Cross-Disciplinary Culture in Academia Through Joint Hires, Degree Programs, and Scholarships

The University of California San Diego has problem-focused, multidisciplinary research and training embedded in its development since Roger Revelle launched the idea of an experimental campus in the University of California (UC) system in 1960. With a limited number of departments and a plethora of programs, institutes and centers, working in thematic and problem-focused teams became common at UC San Diego. In this brief chapter, we summarize several design and implementation aspects of the team science approach that has resulted in the rapid ascendency of UC San Diego into a top-tier research university with a research portfolio of over one billion dollars per year. In particular, we will highlight our strategic framework to promote training and research experience in team science, which includes costly new faculty hiring and time-consuming Joint Doctoral Training Program infrastructure commitments, as well as inexpensive and flexible student scholarships efforts. In each case, we describe advantages and inherent challenges these types of structures and processes produce for the academic community.
Adaptive governance and the administrative state: knowledge management for forest planning in the western United States

Scholarship on adaptive governance emphasizes the importance of institutional flexibility, collaboration, and social networks for linking knowledge to action across scales of socio-ecological organization. However, a major gap in our knowledge exists around the design of policies that can support the generation and application of knowledge across levels of decision-making in natural resource management agencies such as the US Forest Service. To address this gap, we conducted a qualitative study, consisting of interviews with Forest Service staff and external partners, to investigate challenges and opportunities for improved knowledge management in the context of ecological monitoring for federal forest planning in the western United States. We found that decentralized decision-making structures, limited formalization for knowledge management processes, and scarce institutional resources interact to create barriers for effective knowledge management and adaptive decision-making. However, we also found there are opportunities for improving knowledge management through administrative policy tools such as partnerships, centralized budgetary authority and coordination, formal administrative and collaborative processes, and investment in administrative knowledge brokers at different levels of the agency. Our findings underscore the importance of bureaucratic organization and research on administrative policy design for operationalizing elements of adaptive governance in state institutions.
Breast Reconstruction for Medicaid Beneficiaries: A Systematic Review of the Current Evidence.

Introduction: Medicaid beneficiaries are a generally disadvantaged population with access to elective specialty services. We sought to better understand utilization of breast reconstruction by Medi...
Influenza complicated with invasive pneumococcal disease in 3 children

对深圳市儿童医院儿童重症监护病房收治的3例流感并侵袭性肺炎链球菌病患儿的临床资料行回顾性分析。例1为10个月男童，以咳嗽4 d、反应差伴呻吟1 d入院，甲型流感病毒核酸检测阳性，血培养为肺炎链球菌；例2为1岁5个月女童，以发热4 d、咳嗽、精神差2 d入院，甲型流感病毒核酸检测阳性，血培养为肺炎链球菌；例3为1岁5个月男童，以发热3 d、精神差1 d入院，乙型流感病毒核酸检测阳性，尿肺炎链球菌抗原阳性；3例患儿均有重症肺炎、肺出血和严重脓毒症表现，例2和例3出现脑水肿和脑疝；3例均接受气管插管及呼吸机辅助通气，使用了奥司他韦、头孢曲松或万古霉素、扩容等支持治疗，但最终均死亡。提示流感并侵袭性肺炎链球菌病是导致其加重和死亡的重要原因，应高度关注。
Unmanned autonomous ground hybrid vehicle thermal management system: design and control

Modern autonomous hybrid vehicles are required to have longer range, better fuel economy and operate in diverse climate conditions which challenges cooling system design. This paper examines a heat pipe based thermal management system for the vehicle's powertrain components (electric motors, battery pack, and engine). Mathematical models were developed to describe the components' thermal behavior. Nonlinear controllers were designed to maintain the components' temperatures about their reference values by regulating multiple actuators for minimised temperature fluctuations and energy consumption. Numerical results considered various road grades and ambient conditions to demonstrate the thermal management system robustness. Simulation results show that the component temperatures were successfully maintained about their reference values with a small tracking error using the proposed thermal management system. The findings also show the ability to minimise energy through the integration of heat pipes and smart actuators.
College Student Development within the Context of Formalized Sport in American Higher Education

Those providing and managing sport in primary, secondary and post-secondary educational settings must be cognizant of the need for sport programs to enhance, rather than detract from, the educational environment. American post-secondary education provides an important context for inquiry in sport for two primary reasons. First, college enrollment marks a significant period of transition for individuals who are at a developmentally impressionable stage of their lives. Second, roughly 80% of all college students participate in some form of physical activity during their time on a college or university campus, with roughly half of them participating in formal sport. Two bodies of literature provide guidance for sport managers in US higher education: 1) sport development theory and 2) student development theory. This paper aims to provide a road map to facilitate the conversation between these two bodies of theory to unpack the potential contribution of sport to the individual development of sport participants at American colleges and universities.
Sources of ammonium in seasonal wet deposition at a coastal New England city

Abstract National monitoring networks have reported an increase in ammonium (NH4+) deposition, such that NH4+ now dominates inorganic nitrogen deposition across most of the United States. Atmospheric deposition of fixed nitrogen has significant environmental consequences, including acidification and eutrophication. Thus, understanding source contributions is critical for formulating policies to mitigate the effects of excess nitrogen in sensitive ecosystems. Here, we investigated sources of wet-deposited NH4+ (w-NH4+) in Providence, RI, U.S.A., a mid-sized coastal city at the head of Narragansett Bay. We utilized concentration measurements, nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N), and air mass back trajectory analysis for precipitation events and intra-event samples collected between January–November 2018. There was a general lack of seasonality in δ15N(w-NH4+). Air mass origin had a strong influence on [w-NH4+], but [w-NH4+] was not related to δ15N(w-NH4+), suggesting the potential dominance of a single NH3 emission source type. An average δ15N(w-NH4+) of −3.7 ± 3.5‰ (n = 42) was measured for daily-based precipitation. This value is consistent with previous measurements in the U.S. over the past 40 years, indicating a similar source of NH3 across the U.S. likely derived from agricultural activities. Intra-event analysis from precipitation events collected throughout the year found frequent mid- and end-event [w-NH4+] peaks that were suggested to be related to in-cloud [w-NH4+] changes rather than changes in below-cloud scavenging due to a consistent corresponding shift in precipitation intensity. Large intra-event δ15N(w-NH4+) variations as high as 15.9‰ were also observed. However, the cumulative mass-weighted δ15N(w-NH4+) of the intra-event series tended to converge to a similar value (−4.8 ± 1.3‰; n = 6). Overall, our results indicate that long-range transport via in-cloud scavenging tended to play a stronger role in shaping w-NH4+ patterns compared to local emissions at our study site.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the synthetic cannabinoid, 5F-MDMB-PICA, in male rats.

Abstract 5F-MDMB-PICA is a popular synthetic cannabinoid associated with analytically confirmed intoxications. In vitro studies show 5F-MDMB-PICA is a potent cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1) agonist, but little information is available about in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. To this end, the present study had three aims: 1) to develop a validated method for detection of 5F-MDMB-PICA and its metabolites in rat plasma, 2) to utilize the method for investigating pharmacokinetics of 5F-MDMB-PICA in rats, and 3) to relate 5F-MDMB-PICA pharmacokinetics to pharmacodynamic effects. 5F-MDMB-PICA and its metabolites were quantified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and method validation followed forensic standards. Male Sprague-Dawley rats bearing surgically implanted jugular catheters and subcutaneous (s.c.) temperature transponders received 5F-MDMB-PICA (50, 100, or 200 μg/kg, s.c.) or its vehicle. Blood samples were drawn at 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 min post-injection, and plasma was assayed using LC-MS/MS. At each blood draw, body temperature, and catalepsy scores were recorded. Maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) of 5F-MDMB-PICA rose linearly with increasing dose (1.72–6.20 ng/mL), and plasma half-life (t1/2) ranged from 400 to 1000 min 5F-MDMB-PICA-3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid and 5OH-MDMB-PICA were the only metabolites detected, and plasma concentrations were much lower than the parent drug. 5F-MDMB-PICA induced robust hypothermia and catalepsy-like symptoms that were significantly correlated with concentrations of 5F-MDMB-PICA. Radioligand binding in rat brain membranes revealed 5F-MDMB-PICA displays high affinity for CB1 (IC50 = 2 nM) while metabolites do not. In summary, 5F-MDMB-PICA is a potent CB1 agonist in rats whose pharmacodynamic effects are related to circulating concentrations of the parent drug and not its metabolites.
The NetSage measurement and analysis framework in practice

Data sharing is required for research collaborations, but effective data transfer performance continues to be difficult to achieve. The NetSage Measurement and Analysis Framework can assist in understanding research data movement. It collects a broad set of monitoring data and builds performance Dashboards to visualize the data. Each Dashboard is specifically designed to address a well-defined analysis need of the stakeholders. This paper describes the design methodology, the resulting architecture, the development approach and lessons learned, and a set of discoveries that NetSage Dashboards made possible.
Corner Strength of Investment Casting Shells

During the investment casting process, the shell is subjected to high internal pressure and thermal stress, particularly during pattern removal and when pouring steel into the free standing ceramic shell. Most testing methods investigate the properties of the ceramic shell in flat regions while cracks typically form in the sharp corners and edge regions. The corners and edge regions have different structure and thickness when compared to flat regions and experience large mechanical stress during processing. In this study, experimental methods were combined with finite element modeling to predict failure stress in the internal corner regions of the shell. The model takes into consideration the mechanical properties of the ceramic shell to determine the stress developed during loading. The effect of shell porosity on stress concentration in sharp corners was evaluated. A general equation was developed to predict the force necessary for crack formation in the shell based on various geometric variables. The results from the model were experimentally verified and the failure stress in flat and corner regions of the shell were compared in order to develop an improved equation.
FIRE EFFECTS ON SOIL HETEROGENEITY BENEATH CHAMISE AND REDSHANKS CHAPARRAL

The origin of soil heterogeneity found in Adenostoma fasciculatum and A sparsifolium chaparral was investigated in the Santa Monica Mountains, California. Possibilities were that geologic and genetic processes created inherent variability in surface soils, and/or that chaparral vegetation generated this variability. Fourteen soil properties were assessed under 17 pairs of the two shrub species before (1984) and after (1985) a wildfire. Hypotheses were that, although magnitudes of soil properties may change with fire, the inherent soil patterns would remain, while vegetation-influenced patterns might either be accentuated or obliterated. All but one of the 14 soil properties changed after fire, and 8 of these changed in the same direction for both shrub species. Different magnitudes of change, as well as opposite changes in 5 soil properties, led to an elimination of most spatial heterogeneity after fire. Eleven soil properties showed significant pre-burn differences between shrub species, while only 3 did...
WE-B-210-03: Closing

In the last fifteen years, the introduction of plane or diverging wave transmissions rather than line by line scanning focused beams has broken the conventional barriers of ultrasound imaging. By using such large field of view transmissions, the frame rate reaches the theoretical limit of physics dictated by the ultrasound speed and an ultrasonic map can be provided typically in tens of micro-seconds (several thousands of frames per second). Interestingly, this leap in frame rate is not only a technological breakthrough but it permits the advent of completely new ultrasound imaging modes, including shear wave elastography, electromechanical wave imaging, ultrafast doppler, ultrafast contrast imaging, and even functional ultrasound imaging of brain activity (fUltrasound) introducing Ultrasound as an emerging full-fledged neuroimaging modality. At ultrafast frame rates, it becomes possible to track in real time the transient vibrations – known as shear waves – propagating through organs. Such “human body seismology” provides quantitative maps of local tissue stiffness whose added value for diagnosis has been recently demonstrated in many fields of radiology (breast, prostate and liver cancer, cardiovascular imaging, …). Today, Supersonic Imagine company is commercializing the first clinical ultrafast ultrasound scanner, Aixplorer with real time Shear Wave Elastography. This is the first example of an ultrafast Ultrasound approach surpassing the research phase and now widely spread in the clinical medical ultrasound community with an installed base of more than 1000 Aixplorer systems in 54 countries worldwide. For blood flow imaging, ultrafast Doppler permits high-precision characterization of complex vascular and cardiac flows. It also gives ultrasound the ability to detect very subtle blood flow in very small vessels. In the brain, such ultrasensitive Doppler paves the way for fUltrasound (functional ultrasound imaging) of brain activity with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution compared to fMRI. Combined with contrast agents, our group demonstrated that Ultrafast Ultrasound Localization could provide a first in vivo and non invasive imaging modality at microscopic scales deep into organs. Many of these ultrafast modes should lead to major improvements in ultrasound screening, diagnosis, and therapeutic monitoring. Learning Objectives: 1. Achieve familiarity with recent advances in ultrafast ultrasound imaging technology. 2. Develop an understanding of potential applications of ultrafast ultrasound imaging for diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. Dr. Tanter is a co-founder of Supersonic Imagine,a French company positioned in the field of medical ultrasound imaging and therapy.
RainMaker: Workflow Execution Using Distributed, Interoperable Components

As individuals and enterprises interconnect via wide area networks, workflows that span them seamlessly will become increasingly valuable. It is likely that heterogeneous participants - humans, applications, organizations - that are physically dispersed over such networks will share workflows that cut across organizational and geographic boundaries. We address the problem of designing a distributed workflow infrastructure that supports such scenarios in the presence of heterogeneous workflow systems and components. We present RainMaker, a workflow framework based on a service requestor/service provider execution model. RainMaker defines a core set of abstract interfaces that can be implemented by distributed workflow components. Together, the RainMaker execution model and interfaces provide a foundation for the interoperability of workflow systems and components.
Present Value of the Tax Shield: A Note

In this note, the present value of the tax shield is reconsidered. In most corporate finance textbooks, it is commonly assumed that the discount rate for the tax shield is d, the risk-free rate for debt. Here, it is shown that the correct discount rate for the tax shield is rho, the required rate of return with all equity financing.
S’affirmer en tant que Nation : La voie diplomatique des Kitigan Zibi Anishnabeg

Par la Loi sur les Indiens, les societes amerindiennes se sont fait imposer un nouvel univers politique par les autorites canadiennes. Elles ont donc du composer avec le systeme des conseils de bande en s'adaptant et en reamenageant leurs facons de faire politiques. La tradition diplomatique algonquienne, bien active au XVIIe siecle et encore durant une partie du XVIIIe, s'est-elle aussi transformee? Depuis la vague de mouvement d'affirmation autochtone des annees 1970, les relations des conseils de bande ne se limitent plus au gouvernement canadien, aux autres nations autochtones ou aux relations avec des instances non autochtones locales, regionales, provinciales ou pan canadiennes: elles s'etendent desor mais aussi au niveau international. Peut-on maintenant utiliser le mot « diplomatie » dans le contexte des conseils de bande? A l'aide de l'exemple de la communaute algonquine de Kitigan Zibi, l'auteure explore la participation active de cette bande a des rencontres avec les ambassadeurs de divers pays representes a Ottawa. L'affirmation d'une identite nationale et la reconnaissance politique de la bande sont au coeur de cette demarche entreprise par les Anishnabeg.
Prompting discussion : writing prompts, habits of mind, and the shape of the writing classroom.

PROMPTING DISCUSSION: WRITING PROMPTS, HABITS OF MIND, AND THE SHAPE OF THE WRITING CLASSROOM William Matthew Wiles November 5, 2014 Much of the important writing students will be tasked with in their college careers calls upon them to approximate the writing styles academics and professionals use to shape and advance their respective fields. Many disciplinary values are encoded within the such texts. Learning these styles can be difficult for students who lack the experience and ingrained habits that their instructors may take for granted. In most cases, college writers are outsiders peeking in from the outskirts of academic and professional discourse. Also, the “Expert Blind Spot” (Ambrose et. al) can make college instructors oblivious to the nuances of the writing styles they take for granted, which can make acquisition of those styles difficult for their students. These factors can lead to students feeling that different courses/disciplines are giving them contradictory lessons in writing, which often leads them to pay more attention to the differences in teachers instead of the differences in disciplinary habits. These conflicts or contradictions in instruction can become “double binds,” which are intractable roadblocks caused by the inability to reconcile two contrary commands or signals.
Analysis of Environmental Endocrine Disruptors. Lawrence H. Keith, Tammy L. Jones-Lepp, and Larry L. Needham, eds. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 2000, 173 pp., $75.00. ISBN 0-8412-3650-X.

This contribution to the American Chemical Society Symposium Series presents a collection of chapters focused on several critical issues involving endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Some of these issues include the sources of EDCs, their presence in the environment, strategies for screening by the use of bioassays, and the quantitative measurement and identification of EDCs in various environmental media. By intention, this book is not comprehensive by any means. For example, there is little discussion of the possible toxic effects on exposed organisms. Such have been presented in great detail elsewhere and would only dilute the important focus on analytical approaches. For the most part, the authors do a very credible job in succinctly presenting the historical development of the concerns, the important questions, proposed and ongoing research approaches, and, to some degree, the possible significance of these in risk assessment and regulatory policies. The initial chapter nicely presents in a very straightforward manner most of the critical policy issues …
Detection of tropospheric propagation effects from deep space links of the Cassini spacecraft

[1] The bandwidth allocations for frequencies that lie below 10 GHz are limited, and thus they cannot accommodate high rate communications requirements for future deep space missions. The transition to higher-frequency bands where there are higher bandwidth allocations is being considered for such missions. As communications frequencies increase, the degradation effects due to weather also increase. The statistics of such effects have been documented in a variety of experimental programs using geostationary satellites. Deep-space missions operate at much weaker received signal levels than near-Earth missions because of very large interplanetary distances. These weaker signal levels result in lower operating margins, and thus it becomes important to characterize propagation effects at these higher microwave frequencies. The Ka band frequency allocation (27–40 GHz) offers increased advantages over the X band allocation (8–12 GHz) for telecommunications. Such advantages include increased gain (using directional antennas) and increased bandwidth. Knowledge of weather degradation effects is essential for developing optimum telemetry return strategies at Ka band. This article will report on atmospheric induced effects that have been observed on a deep-space Ka band carrier signal (32 GHz) emitted by the Cassini spacecraft between December 2002 and January 2003. The results of such work will be beneficial in the planning of operations on future spacecraft with Ka band telemetry links.
Age-related decline in RMR in physically active men: relation to exercise volume and energy intake

We tested the hypothesis that resting metabolic rate (RMR) declines with age in physically active men (endurance exercise ≥3 times/wk) and that this decline is related to weekly exercise volume (h/...
Scaled Up Pulsed Deposition Technology: Carburization Resistant Ablation Coatings for Ethylene Pyrolysis Coils

Products derived from ethylene have and will continue to replace metallic materials traditionally used for transportation, building materials, and products we use in our everyday lives. As the demand continues to increase, a more suitable material for the outlet coils of ethylene pyrolysis heaters will have to be identified. In this study, we discuss utilization of scaled up pulsed deposition technology to deposit adherent carburization resistant coatings on the inner diameter of ethylene pyrolysis tubing with the intent of extending tube life. Ablation target material selection was based primarily on elevated temperature properties and the ability of the coating to prevent transformation of the inherent protective chromium oxide surface film to metal carbides while in service. The near optimal settings of the processing parameters for pulsed laser deposition of ceramic SiC on heat resistant tubing traditionally used for ethylene service were investigated using a semi quantitative controlled random search methodology. Minimization of the objective function which was based on width, thickness and coverage of the thin film resulted in an optimal deposition time of 4.3 minutes and surface finish of 272 nm.
Transition and pattern diversity in arid and semiarid grassland: A modeling study

[1] Abrupt transitions between large-scale grassland and desert in arid and semiarid regions have been observed in nature and reproduced by modeling studies. Observations also show the existence of nonuniform fine-scale vegetation patterns along the transition zone. This paper attempts to better understand these observations from two very different spatial scales. By explicitly introducing horizontal interaction terms into our previous dynamical grassland model, vegetation patterns with high diversities are found in the transition zone, and the system possesses an infinite number of equilibrium states in response to a given climatic forcing. The transition can be elucidated in two ways. In terms of the vegetation formations, the ecosystem undergoes the transition from uniform grassland to regular and irregular vegetation patterns, and then to pure desert as the moisture index (i.e., the ratio of precipitation over potential evaporation) decreases. In terms of biomass, the transition from grassland to desert goes through a narrow range of moisture index under which grassland is most fragile, as indicated by erratic vegetation patterns and large variation of average biomass. The existence of this range, however, has not been reported in previous modeling studies, and still needs to be validated using observational data.
The MSA Certification Board: Practices and Visions 2010

The Microscopy Society of America (MSA) is the world's largest professional association of microscopists. The society presently provides the only forum for certification of technologists in the disciplines of biological transmission electron microscopy in the Americas. The certification program was initiated in 1978 to establish standards of technical skills required for ensuring proficiency in biological microscopy practices that could be recognized as leading to national certifications.
Nonsurgical evaluation of pathologic nipple discharge.

Background:Nipple discharge is a common breast complaint. Because most nipple discharge is a result of benign processes, less-invasive, nonsurgical diagnostic modalities have been explored to reduce the need for surgical intervention. Methods:Between September 1994 and December 2000, 108 female patients aged 25 to 77 years underwent duct excision for bloody or clear nipple discharge. Results of various preoperative studies were compared with surgical pathology to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of these tests in detecting malignant ductal pathology. Results:Of the 108 surgical histopathology specimens, 90 of 108 patients were benign, 5 of 108 patients were atypical, and 13 of 108 patients were malignant. The sensitivity of mammography was 57.1%, specificity was 61.5%, positive predictive value was 16.7%, and negative predictive value was 91.4%. Hemoccult sensitivity was 50%, specificity was 0%, positive predictive value was 20%, and negative predictive value was 0%. The sensitivity of ductography was 0%, specificity was 90%, positive predictive value was 0%, and negative predictive value was 81.8%. The sensitivity of cytology was 11.1%, specificity was 96.3%, positive predictive value was 50%, and negative predictive value was 76.5%. Conclusions:Preoperative evaluations by mammography, Hemoccult, ductography, and cytology are poor predictors of histological diagnosis. These data suggest that patients with pathologic nipple discharge should undergo surgical biopsy for accurate diagnosis.
An Adaptive Reduced Complexity K-Best Decoding Algorithm with Early Termination

This paper presents a K-Best decoding algorithm that requires a much smaller K while preserving advantages of the sphere decoding algorithm such as branch pruning and an adaptively updated pruning threshold. The proposed approach results in examining a much smaller set of modulation points with a significantly reduced complexity. Simulations are presented that quantify the BER performance and complexity in terms of the number of visited nodes. The variability in the required operations (hence run-time) due to branch pruning is studied and compared with the sphere decoding algorithm.
Solar luminosity and the sunspot cycle

Neither sunspots, flares, other solar activity, nor the solar wind, are found to be responsible for the 22-yr solar cycle period found in the [D/H] climate indicator. This period may be due to a periodic variation in solar luminosity induced by a deeply buried magnetic field.
Normalization of text messages for text-to-speech

This paper describes a normalization system for text messages to allow them to be read by a TTS engine. To address the large number of texting abbreviations, we use a statistical classifier to learn when to delete a character. The features we use are based on character context, function, and position in the word and containing syllable. To ensure that our system is robust to different abbreviations for a word, we generate multiple abbreviation hypotheses for each word based on the classifier's prediction. We then reverse the mappings to enable prediction of English words from the abbreviations. Our results show that this approach is feasible and warrants further exploration.
Classroom Environment as Related to Contest Ratings Among High School Performing Ensembles

The purpose of this study was to assess classroom environments, as measured by the Classroom Environment Scale, Form R (CESR) and as perceived by high school instrumental and choral students and teachers (N = 1,843) in performing ensembles, to determine whether any significant differences existed between CESR subject scores according to musical achievement (contest ratings), status (teacher or student), sex, or type of performing group (instrumental or choral). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in all these areas.
Expression of the GDNF family members and their receptors in the mature rat cochlea

Abstract The GDNF family comprises glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and the related proteins neurturin, artemin and persephin, which form a subgroup of the TGF-β superfamily of growth factors. All four neurotrophic factors provide neuronal cell protection and cell survival. GDNF expression was found in the cochlea, and GDNF has been shown to be effective for inner ear protection from drugs and noise-induced insults. As the other members of the GDNF family also provide protective effects on neuronal cells, they may play important roles in the inner ear. We used RT–PCR to examine the expression of GDNF, neurturin, artemin, persephin and their receptors GFRα-1, GFRα-2, GFRα-3 and c-ret in whole rat cochlea as well as in functionally different subfractions (modiolus and sensorineural epithelium/lateral wall) and compared the levels of neurotrophin and receptor mRNAs in the cochlea to those in substantia nigra brain region. Our results demonstrate the expression of all GDNF family members and their receptors in cochlea and substantia nigra. However, the relative levels of mRNA were different for several genes tested in subfractions of the cochlea and/or compared to expression levels in substantia nigra. The presence of mRNA for all four members of the GDNF family and their preferred receptors in the rat cochlea suggests potential functional importance of these neurotrophic factors as protection and survival factors in the inner ear.
Power-Law Distribution of the World Wide Web

Barabasi and Albert ([1][1]) propose an improved version of the Erdos-Renyi (ER) theory of random networks to account for the scaling properties of a number of systems, including the link structure of the World Wide Web (WWW). The theory they present, however, is inconsistent with empirically
The central connection problem at turning points of linear differential equations

A system of linear differential equations of the vectorial form edy/dx=A (x, e) y is considered, where e is a positive parameter, and the matrixA (x, e) is holomorphic in |x|⩽x 0, 0 < e ⩽ e0 , with an asymptotic expansionsA (x, e) ∼ ∑ =0 ∞ A r (x) e r , as e→0. The eigenvalues ofA 0(x) are supposed to coalesce atx=0 so as to make this point a simple turning point. With the help of refinements of the representations for the inner and outer asymptotic solutions, as e→0, that were introduced in the articles [9] and [10] by the author (see the references at the end of the paper), explicit connection formulas between these solutions are calculated. As part of this derivation it is shown that only the diagonal entries of the connection matrix are asymptotically relevant.
Notes on a rhetoric of lamentation

Representative descriptive, critical, analytical and narrative prose materials on a wide range of topics are informally sampled in order to provide a “balanced” rhetorical statement of dyslogistic impressions of recent industrial society, with emphasis upon the American. The brief and highly experimental history of mass industrial life‐ways, capitalist and socialist, has its many defenders. Perhaps Americans in particular have shown the way in modes of living and being which have blossomed to the fullest extent only in the past few generations. The rich rewards have been endlessly celebrated. The costs have tended to be minimized, in a civilization which generally disapproves of the purely intellectual cast of mind, and especially of the adversarial mentality. This article makes the attempt to “ground” a broad rhetoric of criticism of industrial life‐ways as currently conceived, without at the same time arguing at length for its uncritical adoption. Some of the symbolic dynamics of these statements are ex...
Relevance of software reuse in building advanced scientific data processing systems

Reuse of software and related components can contribute to the development of systems for processing scientific data. The reuse of components, which can be from any stage of the development life cycle, provides opportunities to realize benefits such as reduced costs and learning curves. However, the reuse of existing components also comes with risks that must be recognized in order to be mitigated. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration established the Earth Science Data Systems Software Reuse Working Group to support software reuse among members of the community of Earth science data systems developers. This is done through a variety of activities, including research, education, and public outreach, which are conducted to help encourage and enable reuse within the community. Considerations for realizing the benefits of software reuse and minimizing risks are presented along with recent working group activities to improve reuse capabilities for the community of Earth science data systems developers.
Initiation of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and complications of chronic airways disorders in elderly patients.

Background and objective: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), commonly prescribed in Alzheimer’s disease, may trigger complications of chronic airways disorders. The aim of this study was to determine whether initiation of therapy with AChEIs contributes to complications of chronic airways disorders in an elderly population.
Attachment of gold nanograins onto colloidal magnetite nanocrystals

The successful attachment of 2−3 nm gold particles to ∼10 nm Fe3O4 nanocrystals through a simple, two-step chemically controlled procedure is reported. The surface of individual, relatively monodis...
Experimental Characterization of Hysteresis in a Revolute Joint for Precision Deployable Structures

Recent studies of the micro-dynamic behavior of a deployable telescope metering truss have identified instabilities in the equilibrium shape of the truss in response to low-energy dynamic loading. Analyses indicate that these micro-dynamic instabilities arise from stick-slip friction within the truss joints (e.g., hinges and latches). The present study characterizes the low-magnitude quasi-static load-cycle response of the precision revolute joints incorporated in the deployable telescope metering truss, and specifically, the hysteretic response of these joints caused by stick-slip friction within the joint. Detailed descriptions are presented of the test setup and data reduction algorithms, including discussions of data-error sources and data-filtering techniques. Test results are presented from thirteen specimens, and the effects of joint preload and manufacturing tolerances are investigated. Using a simplified model of stick-slip friction, a relationship is made between joint load-cycle behavior and micro-dynamic dimensional instabilities in the deployable telescope metering truss.
Red blood cell/plasma choline ratio in elderly depressed and demented patients.

In further study of red blood cell (RBC) and plasma choline concentrations in 160 elderly subjects, we found no significant differences in RBC/plasma choline ratios among depressed, demented, and healthy subjects. On the basis of a smaller sample, we had earlier reported that a significantly higher proportion of Alzheimer patients had RBC/plasma choline ratios greater than 1.9. Thus, it now appears that static RBC choline levels cannot be recommended as a specific marker of Alzheimer's dementia. However, within subgroups of these diagnostic categories, determined by RBC/plasma choline ratios less than or equal to 1.9 or greater than 1.9, consistent differences in electroencephalographic (EEG) sleep measures were found. The subgroup of demented patients with a RBC/plasma choline ratio greater than 1.9 was more impaired on the Blessed Dementia Rating Scale and had less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep than the subgroup with a choline ratio less than or equal to 1.9. Similarly, depressives with a choline ratio less than or equal to 1.9 had a lower REM latency than depressives with a choline ratio greater than 1.9. Finally, depressed-demented (i.e., mixed-symptom) patients with a choline ratio greater than 1.9 showed less sleep continuity disturbance but more indeterminate non-REM sleep (reflecting loss of spindles and K-complexes) than those with lower choline ratios. These differences parallel those previously reported for diagnostically "pure" depressed and demented patients, and they suggest a possible link between peripheral RBC/plasma choline measures and central nervous system function as reflected in sleep physiological alterations.
Ostracism and the Guilty Conscience: A Comparison of Guy de Maupassant's “A Piece of String” and Katherine Anne Porter's “Noon Wine”

Katherine Anne Porter entered a handwritten note, “Did you forget to mention Maupassant's A Piece of String[?],” on her copy of George Hendrick's essay on “Noon Wine.” 1 Despite Porter's notation, ...
Polypharmacy and medication-related complications in the chronic kidney disease patient.

Purpose of reviewMedication-related problems are very common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Identification, prevention and management of these problems require a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach. This article reviews the recent literature regarding medication-related problem