cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved thermal structure simulation and optimized sampling strategy for Lake Erie using a data assimilative model

Abstract Lake Erie has experienced substantial environmental issues (e.g., hypoxia, harmful algal blooms) for decades, which are closely related to the lake’s thermal characteristics. While three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic models have been widely applied to Lake Erie, challenges remain due to model representation of physical processes, errors and uncertainty in boundary conditions and forcing terms. The Great Lakes region has a relatively dense and long-term observational record, and these observational data have been used for model initialization and verification, but have not been incorporated into 3D model simulations through data assimilation (DA) to create reanalysis products or improve short-term forecasts. In this work, we developed and evaluated DA to improve thermal structure simulation of Lake Erie. Moored instrument data and satellite data are incorporated into a data-assimilative hydrodynamic model for analysis and evaluation. Results show that DA can effectively improve the model performance to create reanalysis fields when the DA formulation is appropriately developed in recognition of the dynamic complexities and anisotropic error covariances of Lake Erie. The data assimilative model also improves forecasting accuracy and restrains forecasting uncertainty to an acceptable level on a timescale of 1–7 days after being unleashed from DA. Lastly, data sampling strategies based on an error correlation map are examined. Results show the method can effectively reduce the sampling effort while still achieving similar model skills with potential for optimal design of an observation network or field sampling strategy.
Enhancement of Ni–(Y2O3)0.08(ZrO2)0.92 fuel electrode performance by infiltration of Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ nanoparticles

This paper addresses the use of Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ (GDC) infiltration into the Ni–(Y2O3)0.08(ZrO2)0.92 (YSZ) fuel electrode of solid oxide cells (SOCs) for improving their electrochemical performance in fuel cell and electrolysis operation. Although doped ceria infiltration into Ni–YSZ has recently been shown to improve the electrode performance and stability, the mechanisms defining how GDC impacts electrochemical characteristics are not fully delineated. Furthermore, the electrochemical characteristics have not yet been determined over the full range of conditions normally encountered in fuel cell and electrolysis operation. Here we present a study of both symmetric and full cells aimed at understanding the electrochemical mechanisms of GDC-modified Ni–YSZ over a wide range of fuel compositions and temperatures. Single-step GDC infiltration at an appropriate loading substantially reduced the polarization resistance of Ni–YSZ electrodes in electrolyte-supported cells, as measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) at various temperatures (600–800 °C) in a range of H2O–H2 mixtures (3–90 vol% H2O). Fuel-electrode-supported cells had significant concentration polarization due to the thick Ni–YSZ supports. A distribution of relaxation times approach is used to develop a physically-based electrochemical model; the results show that GDC reduces the reaction resistance associated with three-phase boundaries, but also appears to improve oxygen transport in the electrode. Increasing the H2O fraction in the H2–H2O fuel mixture reduced both the three-phase boundary resistance and the gas diffusion resistance for Ni–YSZ; with GDC infiltration, the electrode resistance showed less variation with fuel composition. GDC infiltration improved the performance of fuel-electrode-supported full cells, which yielded a maximum power density of 2.28 W cm−2 in fuel cell mode and an electrolysis current density at 1.3 V of 2.22 A cm−2, both at 800 °C.
Emergency Remote Instruction during the COVID-19 Pandemic Reshapes Collaborative Learning in General Chemistry

The spring of 2020 saw the spread of COVID-19 throughout the world, and in response many colleges and universities moved to emergency remote instruction. Herein is described how an introductory chemistry course that prioritizes active learning and collaboration was adapted for emergency remote learning. Instructors used both asynchronous and synchronous instruction and continued with revised group activities. A Distance Learning Pod allowed students in distant time zones to work collaboratively even when they could not participate in synchronous instruction. Rates of submitted work paralleled how heavily that work factored into the student’s final grade. Equity, for example in access to technology and disparate student living conditions, remains a critical concern during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comparison of ozone measurement methods in biomass burning smoke: an evaluation under field and laboratory conditions.

Abstract. In recent years wildland fires in the United States have had significant impacts on local and regional air quality and negative human health outcomes. Although the primary health concerns from wildland fires come from fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), large increases in ozone (O 3 ) have been observed downwind of wildland fire plumes (DeBell et al., 2004; Bytnerowicz et al., 2010; Preisler et al., 2010; Jaffe et al., 2012; Bytnerowicz et al., 2013; Jaffe et al., 2013; Lu et al., 2016; Lindaas et al., 2017; McClure and Jaffe, 2018; Liu et al., 2018; Baylon et al., 2018; Buysse et al., 2019). Conditions generated in and around wildland fire plumes, including the presence of interfering chemical species, can make the accurate measurement of O 3 concentrations using the ultraviolet (UV) photometric method challenging if not impossible. UV photometric method instruments are prone to interferences by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are present at high concentrations in wildland fire smoke. Four different O 3 measurement methodologies were deployed in a mobile sampling platform downwind of active prescribed grassland fire lines in Kansas and Oregon and during controlled chamber burns at the United States Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station Fire Sciences Laboratory in Missoula, Montana. We demonstrate that the Federal Reference Method (FRM) nitric oxide (NO) chemiluminescence monitors and Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) gas-phase (NO) chemical scrubber UV photometric O 3 monitors are relatively interference-free, even in near-field combustion plumes. In contrast, FEM UV photometric O 3 monitors using solid-phase catalytic scrubbers show positive artifacts that are positively correlated with carbon monoxide (CO) and total gas-phase hydrocarbon (THC), two indicator species of biomass burning. Of the two catalytic scrubber UV photometric methods evaluated, the instruments that included a Nafion® tube dryer in the sample introduction system had artifacts an order of magnitude smaller than the instrument with no humidity correction. We hypothesize that Nafion®-permeating VOCs (such as aromatic hydrocarbons) could be a significant source of interference for catalytic scrubber UV photometric O 3 monitors and that the inclusion of a Nafion® tube dryer assists with the mitigation of these interferences. The chemiluminescence FRM method is highly recommended for accurate measurements of O 3 in wildland fire plume studies and at regulatory ambient monitoring sites frequently impacted by wildland fire smoke.
FGDB: Database of follicle stimulating hormone glycans.

Abstract Glycomics, the study of the entire complement of sugars of an organism has received significant attention in the recent past due to the advances made in high throughput mass spectrometry technologies. These analytical advancements have facilitated the characterization of glycans associated with the follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH), which play a central role in the human reproductive system both in males and females utilizing regulating gonadal (testicular and ovarian) functions. The irregularities in FSH activity are also directly linked with osteoporosis. The glycoanalytical studies have been tremendously helpful in understanding the biological roles of FSH. Subsequently, the increasing number of characterized FSH glycan structures and related glycoform data has thrown a challenge to the glycoinformatics community in terms of data organization, storage and access. Also, a user-friendly platform is needed for providing easy access to the database and performing integrated analysis using a high volume of experimental data to accelerate FSH-focused research. FSH Glycans DataBase (FGDB) serves as a comprehensive and unique repository of structures, features, and related information of glycans associated with FSH. Apart from providing multiple search options, the database also facilitates an integrated user-friendly interface to perform the glycan abundance and comparative analyses using experimental data. The automated integrated pipelines present the possible structures of glycans and variants of FSH based on the input data, and allow the user to perform various analyses. The potential application of FGDB will significantly help both glycoinformaticians as well as wet-lab researchers to stimulate the research in this area. FGDB web access: https://fgdb.unmc.edu/
Comments on Rights to Federally Funded Inventions and Licensing of Government Owned Inventions, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), United States Department of Commerce, Notice of proposed rulemaking. 86 FR 35. Agency/Docket Number: 201207-0327

This letter is written in response to the notice of proposed rulemaking published in the Federal Register on January 4, 2021, seeking public comments on the revised regulations proposed by NIST to the University and Small Business Patent Procedure Act of 1980 (the “Bayh-Dole Act”). We submit this letter as academics who engage in research on patent law and biomedical innovation. The arguments also reflect practical knowledge that one of us has acquired from a decade of working with U.S. universities and biotech companies in the process of technology transfer as a lawyer practicing in two highly regarded Boston law firms, and experience that others of us have gained from working in the U.S. government and engaging in intellectual property policy work on Bayh-Dole related issues. We submit that the proposed rule-making includes changes that are contrary to the intent and the stated purpose of the Bayh-Dole Act and that unduly limit the interpretive authority of the Federal Government in administering the Act. We suggest alternative ways in which regulations implementing the Bayh-Dole Act could be changed to further the Act’s intent and purpose.
Land Quality and Management Practices Strongly Affect Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Bioenergy Feedstocks

We estimated emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from development of a large bioenergy industry in New York State, a humid continental region of 12.6 million hectares of mixed urban, agricultural, and forest land uses. Six representative feedstocks were considered: maize grain, maize stover, warm season grass, short rotation willow, and hardwood and softwood residues from existing mixed-species forests. We analyzed how variation in land quality and management affects feedstock yields and related GHG emissions. Emissions from existing forest harvest are only due to equipment use and emit 0.01–0.02 Mg CO2e/Mg hardwood and softwood, respectively. Development of purpose-grown biomass crops will require the use of lower quality lands (the extensive margin), resulting in higher GHG emissions per metric ton of biomass harvested. For example, projected grass yields for 2020 range from 7–16 Mg/ha Wightman et al (Bioenerg Res doi: 10.1007/s12155-015-9618-x ) with emissions ranging from 0.14 to 0.32 Mg CO2e/Mg grass. Average emissions from willow and grass across available land are 0.12 and 0.19 Mg CO2e/Mg dry biomass, respectively. Emissions from biomass crops are primarily due to nitrogen (61–75 %), lime (14–22 %), and equipment (6–11 %). Based on our analysis, production of these feedstocks emits 0.5 % (hardwood) to 37.8 % (maize grain) of the CO2-equivalents captured by photosynthesis in the biomass prior to conversion to usable energy. This analysis indicates that perennial systems (existing forest, woody crops, and grasses) provide the best yield on the lowest quality lands with lowest GHG emissions per metric ton of harvested biomass.
An Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy

In this clearly written undergraduate textbook, Stephen Laumakis explains the origin and development of Buddhist ideas and concepts, focusing on the philosophical ideas and arguments presented and defended by selected thinkers and sutras from various traditions. He starts with a sketch of the Buddha and the Dharma, and highlights the origins of Buddhism in India. He then considers specific details of the Dharma with special attention to Buddhist metaphysics and epistemology, and examines the development of Buddhism in China, Japan, and Tibet, concluding with the ideas of the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh. In each chapter he includes explanations of key terms and teachings, excerpts from primary source materials, and presentations of the arguments for each position. His book will be an invaluable guide for all who are interested in this rich and vibrant philosophy.
Computational Intelligent Techniques and Similarity Measures for Malware Classification

One of the major problems concerning information security is malicious code. To evade detection, malware (unwanted malicious piece of code) is packed, encrypted, and obfuscated to produce variants that continue to plague properly defended and patched systems and networks with zero day exploits. Zero day exploits are used by the attackers to compromise victims computer before the developer of the target software knows about the vulnerability.
Powerful Tukey’s One Degree-of-Freedom Test for Detecting Gene–Gene and Gene–Environment Interactions

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) robustly associated with hundreds of complex human diseases including cancers. However, the large number of GWAS-identified genetic loci only explains a small proportion of the disease heritability. This “missing heritability” problem has been partly attributed to the yet-to-be-identified gene–gene (G × G) and gene–environment (G × E) interactions. In spite of the important roles of G × G and G × E interactions in understanding disease mechanisms and filling in the missing heritability, straightforward GWAS scanning for such interactions has very limited statistical power, leading to few successes. Here we propose a two-step statistical approach to test G × G/G × E interactions: the first step is to perform principal component analysis (PCA) on the multiple SNPs within a gene region, and the second step is to perform Tukey’s one degree-of-freedom (1-df) test on the leading PCs. We derive a score test that is computationally fast and numerically stable for the proposed Tukey’s 1-df interaction test. Using extensive simulations we show that the proposed approach, which combines the two parsimonious models, namely, the PCA and Tukey’s 1-df form of interaction, outperforms other state-of-the-art methods. We also demonstrate the utility and efficiency gains of the proposed method with applications to testing G × G interactions for Crohn’s disease using the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC) GWAS data and testing G × E interaction using data from a case–control study of pancreatic cancer.
Returning modified rows - select statements with side effects

SQL in the IBM® DB2® Universal DatabaseTM for Linux®, UNIX®, and Windows® (DB2 UDB) database management product has been extended to support nested INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE operations in SELECT statements. This allows database applications additional processing on modified rows. Within a single unit of work, applications can retrieve a result set containing the modified rows from a table or view modified by an SQL data-change operation. This eliminates the need to select the row after an INSERT or UPDATE, or before a DELETE statement. As a result, fewer network round trips, less server CPU time, fewer cursors, and less server memory are required. In addition, deadlocks can be avoided. The proposed approach is integrated with the set semantics of SQL, and does not require any procedural logic or modifications on the underlying relational data model. Pipelining multiple update, insert and delete operations using the same source data provides a very efficient way for multitable data-change statements typically found in ETL (extraction, transformation, load) applications. We demonstrate significant performance benefit with our experiences in the TPC-C benchmark. Experimental results show that the new SQL is more efficient in query execution compared to classic SQL.
Temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of AsF5-doped poly(p-phenylene vinylene).

The electrical conductivity \ensuremath{\sigma}(T) in poly(p-phenlyene vinylene) (PPV) heavily doped with ${\mathrm{AsF}}_{5}$ has been measured as a function of temperature for 4.2lTl300 K. Films which can be oriented were prepared by a soluble-polymer precursor route and were investigated in the as-doped state and after aging by exposure to air. PPV with \ensuremath{\sigma}(300 K)\ensuremath{\sim}100 (\ensuremath{\Omega} cm${)}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ has a temperature dependence given by \ensuremath{\sigma}(T)\ensuremath{\sim}${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}$ exp[-(${T}_{0}$/T${)}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$], (1/4\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\le} 1) / 2 , independent of the sample history. For samples with higher room-temperature conductivity, the temperature dependence for T100 K is well represented by a power law of the form \ensuremath{\sigma}=${a}_{0}$+${\mathrm{bT}}^{1/2}$; ${a}_{0}$ generally decreases with decreasing \ensuremath{\sigma}(300 K) and becomes negative for \ensuremath{\sigma}(300 K)\ensuremath{\sim}300 (\ensuremath{\Omega} cm${)}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. The latter results are consistent with a metal-insulator transition.
Prospective evaluation of unilateral adrenal masses in patients with operable non-small-cell lung cancer. Impact of magnetic resonance imaging

We designed a prospective study to evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in distinguishing a benign from a malignant adrenal mass in patients with otherwise operable non-small-cell lung cancer. Methods: Potentially operable non-small-cell lung cancer was prospectively staged. If a unilateral adrenal mass was found by computed tomographic scanning, respiratory compensated and cardiac gated thin section magnetic resonance imaging of the adrenal glands was done. One radiologist interpreted the magnetic resonance imaging scan blinded and, on the basis of the relative signal strengths of the T1- and T2-weighted images, judged whether the adrenal mass was benign or malignant. The patients then underwent a percutaneous needle biopsy of the adrenal mass, if technically feasible. If the result of the needle biopsy was nondiagnostic or if the biopsy was not feasible, an adrenalectomy through a posterior approach was performed. Results: Twenty-seven patients with a unilateral adrenal mass entered the study—11 men and 16 women whose ages ranged from 42 to 75 years (median 58 years). Four patients had epidermoid and 23 adenocarcinoma of the lung. The clinical locoregional stage was I in 9, II in 1, IIIA in 16, and IIIB in 1. Twenty-five completed the magnetic resonance imaging procedure. Five adrenal masses (19%) were metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (adenocarcinoma = 4, epidermoid=1); 22 masses (81 %) were benign (adenoma = 20, hyperplasia=2). There were no significant differences in age, sex, histologic type, or locoregional stage between those with a benign versus a malignant mass. However, the malignant masses were significantly larger (3.8 ± 1.9 cm; range 2.5 to 7.1; median 3.1) than the benign masses (2.0 ± 0.4 cm, range 1.2 to 2.8; median 2.0) ( p n = 25), the technique correctly predicted a malignant mass in the four patients with a histologically confirmed metastasis from non-small-cell lung cancer. However, among the 21 histologically benign masses, the magnetic resonance imaging was interpreted as benign in 5, malignant in 14, and indeterminate in 2. Therefore, although the false-negative rate was 0 %, the false-positive rate was 67%. Conclusion: Most adrenal masses in patients with otherwise operable non-small-cell lung cancer are benign. Currently available magnetic resonance imaging methods cannot replace biopsy.
Age-varying associations between substance use behaviors and depressive symptoms during adolescence and young adulthood.

Abstract Background Substance use and depression often co-occur, complicating treatment of both substance use and depression. Despite research documenting age-related trends in both substance use and depression, little research has examined how the associations between substance use behaviors and depression changes across the lifespan. Methods This study examines how the associations between substance use behaviors (daily smoking, regular heavy episodic drinking (HED), and marijuana use) and depressive symptoms vary from adolescence into young adulthood (ages 12–31), and how these associations differ by gender. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), we implemented time-varying effect models (TVEM), an analytic approach that estimates how the associations between predictors (e.g., substance use measures) and an outcome (e.g., depressive symptoms) vary across age. Results Marijuana use and daily smoking were significantly associated with depressive symptoms at most ages from 12 to 31. Regular HED was significantly associated with depressive symptoms during adolescence only. In bivariate analyses, the association with depressive symptoms for each substance use behavior was significantly stronger for females at certain ages; when adjusting for concurrent substance use in a multivariate analysis, no gender differences were observed. Conclusions While the associations between depressive symptoms and both marijuana and daily smoking were relatively stable across ages 12–31, regular HED was only significantly associated with depressive symptoms during adolescence. Understanding age and gender trends in these associations can help tailor prevention efforts and joint treatment methods in order to maximize public health benefit.
Hypoxemia raises muscle sympathetic activity but not norepinephrine in resting humans

The experimental objective was to determine whether moderate to severe hypoxemia increases skeletal muscle sympathetic nervous activity (MSNA) in resting humans without increasing venous plasma con...
Broadband and gap-free response of a terahertz system using poled polymers

Poled polymer films are employed for terahertz (THz) generation and detection, with an observable gap-free bandwidth of /spl sim/12 THz. The bandwidth dependence on the group velocity mismatch in the polymer films is experimentally studied.
Variability and persistence of hillslope initial conditions: A continuous perspective on subsurface flow response to rain events

Runoff response to rain events depends on the initial moisture conditions in the subsurface. This study explores subsurface stormflow response to initial conditions within the context of a continuous hillslope water balance. A hypothetical hillslope with three-dimensional variably saturated subsurface flow is developed using the HYDRUS model forced with a year-long sequence of hourly precipitation and transpiration from Seattle, WA, USA. Using six different soil hydraulic parameter sets, test simulations examine (1) variability of hillslope initial conditions prior to rain events, (2) persistence of initial conditions in a continuous simulation, and (3) effects of initial conditions on subsurface stormflow during rain events. Results show that hillslope initial conditions vary seasonally, producing bimodal distributions of storage values with preferred storage ranges for wet and dry seasons. Preferred storage ranges differ by soil texture and by hydraulic conductivity. Wet season initial conditions are most frequently at storage values above hillslope field capacity, with higher preferred ranges of storage for scenarios with lower saturated hydraulic conductivity. Dry season hillslope storage values converge to minimum values below field capacity, and these minimum values vary with soil texture but not with saturated hydraulic conductivity. Tests of initial condition convergence show that scenarios with different initial storages can eventually converge under either persistent wetting or persistent drying until hillslope storage reaches the wet or dry preferred states. Dry preferred states are unlikely to produce subsurface stormflow, as test rain events generate hillslope outflow only when initial storage is at or above an event and parameter-specific threshold near the hillslope field capacity. Above this flow threshold, all simulations show a nonlinear increase in subsurface stormflow with increasing initial storage, with the steepest rates of increase for scenarios with the highest values of saturated hydraulic conductivity. Simulation experiments present a quantitative approach for deriving functional relationships between event response, initial storage, and hillslope water retention.
Transfer-free, wafer-scale fabrication of graphene-based nanoelectromechanical resonators

This paper presents a method for fabricating graphene-based nanoelectromechanical resonators at the wafer-scale using techniques that are compatibles with conventional MEMS manufacturing. In this method, graphene is grown directly on copper thin films using chemical vapor deposition. The graphene is then patterned and the copper is etched to create suspended graphene structures. This transfer-free fabrication method allows for precise fabrication of graphene resonators with localized back gates to minimize parasitic capacitances. This method also increase manufacturing flexability by allowing many different types of graphene devices to be fabricated on a single wafer.
Chemical Control of a Carob Moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and Various Nitidulid Beetles (Coleoptera) on ‘Deglet Noor’ Dates in California

Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller), a carob moth, is a date pest that was recently introduced into the Coachella Valley of California. Infestation of the current season’s crop of ‘Deglet Noor’ dates by this moth or by nitidulid beetles does not occur in the khalal stage of development of date fruits unless summer rains occur. Rain and accompanying high relative humidity results in fruit cracks, fungus infection, and susceptibility to insect infestation of khalal stage dates. In summers without rain, significant nitidulid populations fail to develop. In dry summers, E. ceratoniae oviposits on fallen dates of the previous season that are lodged in frond axils. They begin to oviposit on the new crop when the rutab or ripening stage begins. The appearance of the rutab stage is forecast by the development of a glossy finish on khalal dates and is the time when the first insecticide treatment should be applied. Commercial treatments are applied exclusively by powerful dusting equipment that delivers a dust stream through a hand-directed tube. Only insecticides of low toxicity to the operator can be used. During three seasons, trials were made of various application schedules of a malathion (5%) dust. In a summer with rain-induced nitidulid populations, four applications at 2-wk intervals adequately controlled both beetles and moths. Treatment should begin just ahead of the development of the rutab stage of fruit development. In rainless summers, three treatments applied at 3-wk intervals successfully controlled E. ceratoniae . Early initiation of the treatment schedule did not improve control.
Growing inequality: agricultural revolutions and the political ecology of rural development

This article argues that the case studies to be published in a special issue together with this article make three arguments about the deployment of Green Revolution technologies in development strategies. These arguments identify the importance of context in understanding sustainable outcomes, and the claim that technical fixes such as the increasing use of synthetic fertilizers and increased yields do not necessarily alleviate hunger and poverty over the long term. The third argument is that interventions built upon existing social, political and economic inequalities will only deepen unequal access, distribution and control of food and food-producing resources for rural people. In the second half of this essay, these arguments frame responses to the world food crisis of 2007–2008 as exemplified in the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa and the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development report. These responses are overshadowed by the large-scale for...
Proton-Mediated Block of Ca2+ Channels during Multivesicular Release Regulates Short-Term Plasticity at an Auditory Hair Cell Synapse

Synaptic vesicles release both neurotransmitter and protons during exocytosis, which may result in a transient acidification of the synaptic cleft that can block Ca(2+) channels located close to the sites of exocytosis. Evidence for this effect has been reported for retinal ribbon-type synapses, but not for hair cell ribbon synapses. Here, we report evidence for proton release from bullfrog auditory hair cells when they are held at more physiological, in vivo-like holding potentials (Vh = -60 mV) that facilitate multivesicular release. During paired recordings of hair cells and afferent fibers, L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) currents showed a transient block, which was highly correlated with the EPSC amplitude (or the amount of glutamate release). This effect was masked at Vh = -90 mV due to the presence of a T-type Ca(2+) current and blocked by strong pH buffering with HEPES or TABS. Increasing vesicular pH with internal methylamine in hair cells also abolished the transient block. High concentrations of intracellular Ca(2+) buffer (10 mm BAPTA) greatly reduced exocytosis and abolished the transient block of the Ca(2+) current. We estimate that this transient block is due to the rapid multivesicular release of ∼600-1300 H(+) ions per synaptic ribbon. Finally, during a train of depolarizing pulses, paired pulse plasticity was significantly changed by using 40 mm HEPES in addition to bicarbonate buffer. We propose that this transient block of Ca(2+) current leads to more efficient exocytosis per Ca(2+) ion influx and it may contribute to spike adaptation at the auditory nerve.
Going to meet death: the art of dying in the early part of the twenty-first century.

Up until recently, most people died quickly and too soon. Now, with many illnesses curable or held at bay, many die very slowly and too late—sometimes many years too late. It's time to rethink dying.
Thermal effects of hooding incubators.

Objective To determine the effect of covering infant incubators on incubator wall and air temperatures, as well as on infant temperatures. Design A within‐subject ABA design, in which blankets covering the incubators were removed for a 30‐minute period and then replaced. Setting A neonatal intensive‐care unit. Participants Eight medically stable infants (gestational age, 28–33 weeks; birth weight, 913–1,947 g; and postnatal age, 2–39 days). Interventions Incubator wall and air temperatures as well as infant temperatures were measured during three study conditions: incubators covered (30 minutes), uncovered (60 minutes), and re‐covered (30 minutes). Main outcome measures Incubator air and wall temperature; infant temperature. Results All incubator walls decreased in temperature after being uncovered; the decrease ranged from 0.6–2.2° C. Conclusion Although infants maintained relatively stable body temperatures during the uncovered period, the energy cost to their thermoregulatory efforts is unknown.
Leukocyte-endothelium adhesion molecules in atherosclerosis

The genetic manipulation of mice has provided an invaluable tool for studying the molecular mechanism(s) involved in atherosclerotic lesion development and maturation. The use of these new animal models has demonstrated that leukocyte-endothelium adhesion receptors play a significant part in promoting monocyte recruitment and consequently lesion growth. The next phase of investigation should test whether the inhibition of these adhesion receptors can reproduce the powerful anti-atherosclerotic effects seen in the adhesion receptor-deficient mice.
Isolated pulmonary arteriovenous malformations requiring anatomic resection

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Katz, Jeffrey Golden, Kirk Jones and David M. Jablons Michael J. Mann, Miranda J. Kramer, Timothy S. Hall, Peter Anastassiou, Jeffery Isolated pulmonary arteriovenous malformations requiring anatomic resection http://jtcs.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/127/2/574 located on the World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is
Society and the Dance: The Social Anthropology of Process and Performance

List of figures and tables Preface Introduction 1. Temiar dance and the maintenance of order Sue Jennings 2. Movement, dance, music, and the Venda girls' initiation cycle John Blacking 3. Structured movement systems in Tonga Adrienne L. Kaeppler 4. 'A line of boys': Melpa dance as a symbol of maturation Andrew Strathern 5. Dance as antithesis in the Samburu discourse Paul Spencer 6. The dance among the Lugbara of Uganda John Middleton 7. Style and meaning in Umeda dance Alfred Gell Epilogue: Anthropology and the study of dance Peter Brinson Notes on contributors Name Index Subject Index.
In the Adult Male Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta), Unilateral Orchidectomy in the Face of Unchanging Gonadotropin Stimulation Results in Partial Compensation of Testosterone Secretion by the Remaining Testis

This study examined, in adult monkeys, the role that gonadotropin-independent mechanisms play in compensation of testosterone (T) secretion by the testis that remains after unilateral orchidectomy (UO). We employed a model (testicular clamp), in which endogenous gonadotropin secretion was abolished with a GnRH receptor antagonist, and the gonadotropin drive to the testes was concomitantly replaced with an invariant iv pulsatile infusion of recombinant human LH and FSH (1-min pulse every 2.5 h: LH, 0.08–0.12 IU/kg·pulse; FSH, 0.12–0.32 IU/kg·pulse) that provided the Leydig cells with a physiological stimulus. Within 5 h of UO (n = 5), circulating T concentrations had declined to 43% of pre-UO levels. By d 4, however, loss of the first testis was partially compensated, as reflected by the finding that circulating T had reached a plateau of 67% of the pre-UO level, where it remained for the duration of the study (39 d). That the recovery in circulating T was the result of increased T secretion by the remaini...
On the measurement of antenna beamwidth using extraterrestrial radio sources

The effect of source angular size on the measurement of antenna half-power beamwidth using extraterrestrial sources is analyzed for a circularly symmetric Gaussian antenna pattern and a circular uniform disk source. Results are presented in the form of universal curves which can be used conveniently in practical applications. The curves may be also used in the determination of the angular size of the disk source.
Equity and access in music education: conceptualizing culture as barriers to and supports for music learning

A conceptual model designed specifically for the investigation of issues surrounding race, ethnicity and culture in relation to music learning will best serve our profession as we attempt to understand how these issues may impact music learning among diverse populations. This paper proposes such a model, depicted as a concept map, featuring five primary categories: teacher, student, content, instruction, and context. Focusing research according to this model will serve to categorize current knowledge, clarify factors and constructs involving music learning, and formulate predictions of specific learning outcomes, thereby facilitating the development of hypotheses and theories that support a research agenda devoted to examining the barriers to and support for music learning as influenced by race, culture and ethnicity.
On the angle between the average interplanetary magnetic field and the propagation direction of plane large amplitude Alfvén waves

The paper shows that the experimentally observed close alignment of magnetic field minimum variance direction with the average magnetic field for Alfven waves in the solar wind is consistent with theoretically predicted properties of plane large amplitude Alfven waves in the MHD approximation. The theoretical properties of these Alfven waves constrain the time averaged magnetic field to cluster around the direction of minimum variance, which is aligned with the wave normal. Thus, spacecraft magnetometer observations in the solar wind of minimum variance directions strongly peaked about the average magnetic field direction are consistent with plane large amplitude Alfven waves which have wave normals aligned with the directions of minimum variance. This does not imply that geometrical hydromagnetic calculations for Alfven wave propagation direction in the solar wind are incorrect, but there is a discrepancy between geometrical hydromagnetics theory and observations that IMF minimum variance directions tend to be aligned with the ideal Parker spiral instead of the radial direction.
Bayesian design for accelerated life testing

Abstract In this paper we study experimental design for accelerated life tests where the lifetimes have either lognormal distributions or Weibull distributions. We assume that the quantities of interest are quantiles of the lifetime distribution at a specified stress and that the log lifetime decreases as a function of stress. There is an upper limit on the stress that can be used in the experiment and a fixed period of time in which to perform the experiment so that there is type I censoring when the experiment is terminated. Examples are given and it is shown that locally optimal designs, which correspond to putting a point mass prior distribution on the parameters, are very similar to Bayesian designs, which allow for prior uncertainty in the parameter values.
Mechanism of platelet aggregation induced by a monoclonal antibody requiring Fc portion.

Abstract A monoclonal antibody designated Apt4, which is IgGl, was produced by fusion of mouse myeloma cells to spleen cells from a BALB/c mouse immunized with normal human platelets. Apt4 whole IgG caused the aggregation of both platelet rich plasma (PRP) and washed platelets from normal subjects and a patient with Bernard Soulier syndrome but not those from two patients with the Type 1 Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. No aggregation was observed when Apt4 F(ab′)2 fragments were used. Immunofluorescence study showed that both whole IgG and F(ab′)2 fragments of Apt4 bound to fresh or formalin fixed platelets from normal subjects and a patient with Bernard Soulier syndrome but not to those from two patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. Aggregation induced by Apt4 IgG was inhibited by EDTA (10 mM), PGE1 (1 mM), 2-deoxy-D-glucose /antimycin (1.4 uM), and apyrase (20 units/ml). Preincubation of normal PRP with monoclonal anti-GPIIb/IIIa or anti-GPIb antibodies completely or partially inhibited the Apt4-induced aggregation, whereas anti-GPIIIa antibodies have no effects on this activation. Monoclonal ant-FcγRII antibody (IV.3) inhibited Apt4 induced aggregation. Immunoprecipitation of 125I-labeled platelet membrane lysate by Apt4 IgG showed two protein bands with a molecular weight of 145,000 and 95,000 daltons respectively under nonreducing condition, which are corresponding to GPIIb and GPIIIa. In conclusion, Apt4 antibody binds to GPIIb/IIIa complex and induces aggregation, requiring energy metabolism, calcium, ADP release and Fc portion of IgG to interact with Fc receptor, but independent of thromboXane A2 formation.
Modeling a Flat Learning Environment as a Social Network to Understand Effects of Peer-to-Peer Information Exchange on Learning

In this paper we present a technology assisted flat learning environment, Teaching to Learn (TeatoL), that capitalizes on the research findings on linkages between higher-order thinking and peer-learning. Within TeatoL students are introduced to a “flatter” instructional environment; all participants have dual roles as students and instructors who are embedded in a collaborative environment where all learn collectively from each other’s experiences, even the instructor. The main objective of this paper is to understand flat learning environment as a social network. The focus is on peer learning mode, where students are instructors to share their experience and then learn from fellow student instructors. In this paper, we present our initial analysis of a flat learning environment, implemented at the University of Oklahoma, as a network. The participants in the learning environment were given an open design problem related to sheet metal forming. We close the paper with observations from our initial implementations on peer-learning as a network.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
The bernoulli property for expansive ℤ2 actions on compact groups

We show that an expansive ℤ2 action on a compact abelian group is measurably isomorphic to a two-dimensional Bernoulli shift if and only if it has completely positive entropy. The proof uses the algebraic structure of such actions described by Kitchens and Schmidt and an algebraic characterisation of theK property due to Lind, Schmidt and the author. As a corollary, we note that an expansive ℤ2 action on a compact abelian group is measurably isomorphic to a Bernoulli shift relative to the Pinsker algebra. A further corollary applies an argument of Lind to show that an expansiveK action of ℤ2 on a compact abelian group is exponentially recurrent. Finally an example is given of measurable isomorphism without topological conjugacy for ℤ2 actions.
Functional analysis of lac repressor restart sites in translational initiation and reinitiation.

Abstract To define some of the features that influence ribosomal recognition of translational restart sites in the lac repressor mRNA, recombinant DNA methods have been used to construct lacI-Z fusions in which lacZ gene expression is dependent upon initiation or reinitiation within lacI mRNA sequences. Reinitiation efficiencies, as assessed by β-galactosidase levels in strains bearing such plasmids, appear to be determined by at least three features of the RNA between the termination codon and reinitiation codon: the presence of competing out-of-frame AUG or GUG triplets, the distance between termination and reinitiation points, and the extent to which restart sequences remain accessible to ribosomes. While some of the restart sites are used with substantial efficiency for reinitiation, they do not function detectably as primary initiators if placed at the 5′ end of the lacZ mRNA. This finding concurs with our observation that relative to the wild-type initiator region, which is recovered in quantitative yield from in vitro initiation reactions, ribosome protection of the four restart sites occurs at more than 100-fold lower efficiencies. In part, the lack of initiation activity is rationalized by the striking potential these sequences have for forming stable secondary structures that sequester elements essential for ribosome binding. However, the differential functioning of the restart sites in primary initiation versus reinitiation must also reflect real differences in the mechanisms operative in the two events.
Protein and oligonucleotide delivery systems for vaginal microbicides against viral STIs

Intravaginal delivery offers an effective option for localized, targeted, and potent microbicide delivery. However, an understanding of the physiological factors that impact intravaginal delivery must be considered to develop the next generation of microbicides. In this review, a comprehensive discussion of the opportunities and challenges of intravaginal delivery are highlighted, in the context of the intravaginal environment and currently utilized dosage forms. After a subsequent discussion of the stages of microbicide development, the intravaginal delivery of proteins and oligonucleotides is addressed, with specific application to HSV and HIV. Future directions may include the integration of more targeted delivery modalities to virus and host cells, in addition to the use of biological agents to affect specific genes and proteins involved in infection. More versatile and multipurpose solutions are envisioned that integrate new biologicals and materials into potentially synergistic combinations to achieve these goals.
Branch-and-bound techniques for the maximum planar subgraph problem ∗

We present branch-and-bound algorithms for finding a maximum planar subgraph of a nonplanar graph. The problem has important applicatons in circuit layout, automated graph drawing, and facility layout. The algorithms described utilize heuristics to obtain an initial lower bound for the size of a maximum planar subgraph, then apply a sequence of fast preliminary tests for planarity to eliminate infeasible partial solutions. Computational experience is reported from testing the algorithms on a set of random nonplanar graphs and is encouraging. A best-first search technique is shown to be a practical approach to solving problems of moderate size.
Lexical representations in children with SLI: evidence from a frequency-manipulated gating task.

Purpose This study investigated lexical representations of children with specific language impairment (SLI) and typically developing, chronological age-matched (CA) peers on a frequency-manipulated...
Observation of a mixed-metal transition in heterobimetallic Au/Ag dicyanide systems.

Crystals of the mixed-metal heterobimetallic Au/Ag dicyanide complex, K[AuxAg1-x(CN)2] (x = 0→1), were obtained by slow evaporation. The mixed-metal complex K[Au0.44Ag0.56(CN)2] crystallizes in a rhombohedral crystal system, space group R3. The crystal structure consists of layers of linear chains of Au(CN)2- and Ag(CN)2- ions and K+ ions that connect the layers through the N atoms. The excitation and emission spectra of single crystals of K[AuxAg1-x(CN)2] were recorded at 4.2−180 K using excitation wavelengths between 230 and 260 nm. Two emission bands due to Ag−Au interactions were observed at 343 and 372 nm. Lifetime measurements indicate the shorter-wavelength emission corresponds to fluorescence and the longer-wavelength band is phosphorescence. These new emission bands are not seen in the pure K[Ag(CN)2] or pure K[Au(CN)2] crystals. Extended Huckel calculations show that the LUMO of the mixed-metal system is bonding while the HOMO is antibonding or very weakly bonding. Moreover, excited-state exten...
The University Rankings Game: Modeling the Competition Among Universities for Ranking

With university rankings gaining both in popularity and influence, university administrators develop strategies to improve their rankings. To better understand this competition for ranking, we present an adjacent category logit model to address the localized nature of ranking competition and include lagged rank as an independent variable to account for stickiness of ranking. Calibrating our model with data from U.S. News and World Report from 1999–2006 shows persistence in ranking and identifies important interactions among university attributes and lagged rank. The model provides (lagged) rank-specific elasticities of ranks with respect to changes in university characteristics, thereby offering insight about the effect of a university's strategy on its rank.