cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WRF modeling of PM2.5 remediation by SALSCS and its clean air flow over Beijing terrain

Abstract Atmospheric simulations were carried out over the terrain of entire Beijing, China, to investigate the effectiveness of an air-pollution cleaning system named Solar-Assisted Large-Scale Cleaning System (SALSCS) for PM2.5 mitigation by using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. SALSCS was proposed to utilize solar energy to generate airflow therefrom the airborne particulate pollution of atmosphere was separated by filtration elements. Our model used a derived tendency term in the potential temperature equation to simulate the buoyancy effect of SALSCS created with solar radiation on its nearby atmosphere. PM2.5 pollutant and SALSCS clean air were simulated in the model domain by passive tracer scalars. Simulation conditions with two system flow rates of 2.64 × 105 m3/s and 3.80 × 105 m3/s were tested for seven air pollution episodes of Beijing during the winters of 2015–2017. The numerical results showed that with eight SALSCSs installed along the 6th Ring Road of the city, 11.2% and 14.6% of PM2.5 concentrations were reduced under the two flow-rate simulation conditions, respectively.
An ecohydrological stream type classification of intermittent and ephemeral streams in the southwestern United States

Abstract An ecohydrological stream type classification was developed to improve decision making for ephemeral and intermittent streams at four military reservations in the southwestern U.S.: Fort Irwin, Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), Fort Huachuca, and Fort Bliss. Agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify stream reaches by ecohydrologic properties (vegetation, hydrologic, and geomorphic attributes derived using geographic information system analyses), and Classification and Regression Trees (CART) were used to determine thresholds for each variable for a predictive model. Final stream types were determined from statistical analyses, cluster validity tests, examination of mapped clusters, and site knowledge. Climate regime and geomorphology were most important for YPG and Fort Irwin where annual precipitation is low. Vegetation variables were important at Fort Bliss and hydrologic variables were important at Fort Huachuca where higher annual precipitation and a bimodal rainfall pattern occur. The classification results and input variables are spatially linked to specific stream reaches, allowing managers to identify locations with similar attributes to support management actions. These methods enable the development of a stream type classification in gauged or ungauged watersheds and for areas where intensive field data collection is not feasible.
The Role of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling and K-Cadherin in the Regulation of Intraocular Pressure.

Purpose Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the trabecular meshwork (TM) is required for maintaining normal intraocular pressure (IOP), although the mechanism(s) behind this are unknown. We hypothesize that Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates IOP via β-catenin's effects on cadherin junctions. Methods Nonglaucomatous primary human TM (NTM) cells were treated with or without 100 ng/ml Wnt3a, 1 μg/ml sFRP1, or both for 4 to 48 hours. Cells were immunostained for β-catenin, total cadherins, or cadherin isoforms. Membrane proteins or whole-cell lysates were isolated for Western immunoblotting and probed for cadherin isoforms. RNA was extracted for cDNA synthesis and qPCR analysis of cadherin expression. Some NTM cells were cultured on electric plates for cell impedance assays. Ad5.CMV recombinant adenoviruses encoding K-cadherin, and/or sFRP1 were injected into eyes of 4- to 6-month-old female BALB/cJ mice (n = 8-10). Conscious IOPs were assessed for 35 days. Results Upon Wnt3a treatment, total cadherin expression increased and β-catenin accumulated at the TM cell membrane and on processes formed between TM cells. qPCR showed that Wnt3a significantly increased K-cadherin expression in NTM cells (P < 0.01, n = 3), and Western immunoblotting showed that Wnt3a increased K-cadherin in NTM cells, which was inhibited by the addition of sFRP1. Cell impedance assays showed that Wnt3a treatment increased transcellular resistance and anti-K-cadherin siRNA decreased transcellular resistance (P < 0.001, n = 4-6). Our in vivo study showed that K-cadherin significantly decreased sFRP1-induced ocular hypertension (P < 0.05, n = 6). Western immunoblotting also showed that K-cadherin alleviated sFRP1-induced β-catenin decrease in mouse anterior segments. Conclusions Our results suggest that cadherins play important roles in the regulation of TM homeostasis and IOP via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Physical Activity, Weight Control, and Cancer Prognosis

There is a growing body of empirical evidence that both physical activity and body weight are associated with cancer prognosis and survival. The majority of evidence that physical activity may prevent recurrence or mortality of cancer is in breast and colon cancer. The evidence linking obesity at diagnosis to poorer prognosis is strongest for breast cancer, but there are studies supporting this link for other cancers as well, including colon, endometrium, kidney (renal cell), esophagus (adenocarcinoma), gastric cardia, pancreas, prostate, gallbladder, and liver. It is unknown if these associations are explained by factors that are already in place at the time of cancer diagnosis or factors that are amenable to intervention after diagnosis, or both. Research on this topic is emerging, and more discoveries are needed in this area. Additionally, evidence shows that physical activity and weight control may be useful for preventing or attenuating some persistent effects of cancer treatments. Oncologists are urged to prescribe exercise programs or refer patients to the increasingly available exercise programs specific for cancer survivors, as well as to advise weight loss or control as appropriate for each patient.
Progress report on the prophylactic use of oral hypoglycemic drugs in asymptomatic diabetes: neurovascular studies.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the prophylactic use of oral hypoglycemic drugs in asymptomatic diabetes. In a study described in the chapter, research subjects were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. The asymptomatic nature of the diabetes in the population was emphasized by the mean fasting blood sugar (FBS) of 105 mg/100 ml for all subjects and by a FBS in three-quarters of the total group >110 mg/100 ml. The rest of the glucose tolerance curve was well above normal. While insulin response varied widely, the mean curves were typical of mild maturity-onset diabetes. The treatment groups did not differ in MNC velocities at first testing. A year later, a group difference was noted between placebo and phenformin groups for the ulnar nerve. The mean duration of therapy at the time of second testing for pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and MNC was about 2 ½ years. Individual-paired second and first MNC velocities showed several statistically significant differences between treatment groups and indicated that, in all three tested nerves, the greatest improvement was in the phenformin group.
Contractile protein changes in urinary bladder smooth muscle following outlet obstruction.

Force production by the bladder body smooth muscle and relaxation of the bladder outlet, required for bladder emptying, are regulated by Ca2+ via myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation by a Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent MLC kinase (for review, 1–3). Besides this mode of regulation, evidence from most laboratories, including ours, supports the existence of a thin-filament-mediated regulation due to protein-protein interaction by actin-binding proteins acting in concert with tropomyosin and a calcium-binding protein, most likely, calmodulin. Caldesmon (CaD), a thin-filament-associated protein, inhibits the ac-tin-myosin interaction and actomyosin ATPase, and this inhibition is reversed by calmodulin in the presence of Ca2+.3–5 Urinary bladder outlet obstruction interferes with the ability of the bladder to empty its contents, thereby inducing changes in the bladder wall smooth muscle cells which enable the bladder to produce the increased contractile force required to expel urine through the obstructed urethra. In the initial phases of outlet obstruction, there is transient decompensation of the bladder smooth muscle, which initiates the molecular events that lead to hypertrophy of the detrusor smooth muscle cells enabling it to generate and maintain force. However, continuation of the outlet obstruction induces molecular, cellular, and structural alterations in the muscle cells of the bladder wall, leading ultimately to decreased compliance and impaired emptying. The ability of smooth muscles to compensate for increased functional demand is associated with alterations in the expression of proteins in the thick- and thin-filaments.
Forecasting Floating Exchange Rates

It is hardly necessary to emphasize the frequency and magnitude of changes of pegged exchange rates or the continuous gyrations of floating exchange rates to understand the hazards of successful decision-making in international business.
TMC1 Forms the Pore of Mechanosensory Transduction Channels in Vertebrate Inner Ear Hair Cells.

Summary The proteins that form the permeation pathway of mechanosensory transduction channels in inner-ear hair cells have not been definitively identified. Genetic, anatomical, and physiological evidence support a role for transmembrane channel-like protein (TMC) 1 in hair cell sensory transduction, yet the molecular function of TMC proteins remains unclear. Here, we provide biochemical evidence suggesting TMC1 assembles as a dimer, along with structural and sequence analyses suggesting similarity to dimeric TMEM16 channels. To identify the pore region of TMC1, we used cysteine mutagenesis and expressed mutant TMC1 in hair cells of Tmc1/2-null mice. Cysteine-modification reagents rapidly and irreversibly altered permeation properties of mechanosensory transduction. We propose that TMC1 is structurally similar to TMEM16 channels and includes ten transmembrane domains with four domains, S4–S7, that line the channel pore. The data provide compelling evidence that TMC1 is a pore-forming component of sensory transduction channels in auditory and vestibular hair cells.
Grammar constraints

With the introduction of the Regular Membership Constraint, a new line of research has opened where constraints are based on formal languages. This paper is taking the next step, namely to investigate constraints based on grammars higher up in the Chomsky hierarchy. We devise a time- and space-efficient incremental arc-consistency algorithm for context-free grammars, investigate when logic combinations of grammar constraints are tractable, show how to exploit non-constant size grammars and reorderings of languages, and study where the boundaries run between regular, context-free, and context-sensitive grammar filtering.
3449 Bacterial biotransformation of chemotherapeutics may promote diversity among the intestinal microbiota

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: This study aims to test the hypothesis that bacterial biotransformation of chemotherapeutics promotes gut microbial diversity by enhancing persistence of drug-sensitive taxa. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The impacts of doxorubicin on a model community of gut bacteria was investigated in vitro in anaerobic batch culture. The synthetic community was composed of specific members predicted by genomic analysis to be sensitive to the therapeutic (i.e., Clostridium innocuum, Lactobacillus sp.), resistant via putative biotransformation (i.e., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae), or resistant via putative efflux (i.e., Enterococcus faecalis). Bacterial growth was monitored in monocultures by measuring OD600 and standard plate counts, and in mixed cultures by strain-targeted qPCR. Doxorubicin concentration was detected via absorbance assay. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Strains with predicted resistance to doxorubicin by drug biotransformation significantly lowered concentrations of the drug in culture media. In contrast, E. faecalis proved resistant without evidence of drug transformation. Predicted sensitive strains were growth-repressed by the doxorubicin, but able to grow in spent media where biotransformation had occurred. However, they remained growth-repressed in spent media from E. faecalis where drug transformation had not been observed. Bacterial growth kinetics in mixed batch culture were dependent on starting bacterial concentrations and timing of drug exposure. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: This work will be extended to model microbial community responses to doxorubicin as a factor of microbial interactions and extent of drug transformation prior its exposure to sensitive strains. The resulting model will have translational implications for mitigating health risks during pediatric cancer treatment.
Long Term Effects of Vagal Nerve Stimulation on Seizure Control and Quality of Life (P2.341)

Objective: To evaluate long term outcomes for patients in our practice who required a vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) after being classified refractory to medical therapy, and to assess factors relating to the patient’s subjective quality of life. Background: VNS have been proven to be an effective adjunctive therapy that reduces the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures. There have been several studies which have evaluated the effects of VNS on mood and quality of life, but these studies only assessed limited metrics for 2 years post-device implantation. In addition, specific quality of life metrics, which include working and driving, have not been adequately addressed in previous studies. Design/Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of 46 pediatric and adult patients who had VNS implanted for refractory seizure controls between 1/2011–6/2015. For quality of life study analysis, all children under the age of 18 and patients with developmental delay were excluded. Results: Within 12 months, 57% of patients experienced a decrease in seizure frequency and 80% reported a reduced severity of their seizures. Within 24 months, approximately 75% of patients had a reduced frequency, and 100% had a reduced severity. This effect plateaued at approximately 24 months, and did not change over the subsequent 3 years. In terms of quality of life factors, PHQ-7 and NDDI scores did not change over 5 years. Only 1 of 36 eligible patients became able to drive, and no unemployed patient returned to work. Conclusions: While VNS was successful in reducing seizure frequency and severity, there was no improvement in standardized QOL metrics (PHQ-7 and NDDI). Furthermore, none of our patients were able to return to employment or drive. These findings suggest physicians need to be more aware of the psychosocial issues associated with refractory epilepsy patients, and should consider being more aggressive in the evaluation of their seizures. Disclosure: Dr. Abraham has nothing to disclose. Dr. Balabanov has nothing to disclose.
The ecology of integration: A descriptive rural perspective:

Many field-based teachers believe all research accomplished at universities should have direct impact on the public school environment, and transform classrooms into Utopian panaceas of reform. While it is true that there is a gap between research and practice, and many university researchers now attempt applied investigations in field-based settings, frequently the information gained can only claim reliability and rarely examines valid problems or results as prescriptions for change. This paper describes an alternative investigative process by utilizing a phenomenological approach to explain, analyze, and begin ameliorating the rural main-streaming problem that plagues special educators teaching in rural communities. Evidence contained herein indicates that main-streaming malpractice remains a highly problematic issue for the rural physical education teacher. Because most of these teachers are not qualified to teach children with special needs, and quick relief does not seem feasible, this paper is inten...
Human capital versus signaling is empirically unresolvable

Economists offer two main explanations for the causal labor market returns to education. The first is human capital accumulation: Education improves ability. The second is signaling: Education allows high-ability students to distinguish themselves. A major point of interest is the relative contributions of these effects. I demonstrate the theoretical and empirical conditions necessary to identify the relative contribution of the two models. Then, I review the existing literature to evaluate whether the feasible set of empirical estimates is capable of meeting those conditions and so informing theory. Empirical evidence is capable of rejecting pure human capital and signaling models and usually does so. I argue that, for the general question of relative contribution, necessary identification conditions are not met, and partial identification bounds are wide. Two models with different nonzero contributions of human capital and signaling cannot be empirically distinguished, limiting the usefulness of human capital versus signaling as a framing for understanding the return to education and for policy.
Predicting the overall response of an orthogonal 3D woven composite using simulated and tomography-derived geometry

Abstract Effects of two meso-scale geometry generation approaches on predicting effective elastic properties and thermal conductivity of an orthogonal 3D woven composite are studied in this paper. The two approaches used are fabric mechanics simulation (DFMA software, Kansas State University) and direct processing of X-ray microtomography (µCT) data. Two models are created in DFMA using two different sets of cross-sectional areas as input: nominal (based on the initial weave pattern) and adjusted (informed by volume fraction measurements obtained from microscopy data). In addition, one conformal mesh and three voxel mesh models are created from µCT data. Experimental measurements of transverse Young’s moduli are used to evaluate the accuracy of the predicted results. In each case, a unit cell with in-plane periodic boundary conditions is modeled, which has not been previously done in the case of µCT-based models. The effect of high frequency oscillations in local material orientations imparted by a wavy centerline (artifact of µCT image processing) on the elastic and thermal conductivity properties is studied. The differences in volume fractions and shapes of bundles of fibers (tows) between µCT-based and DFMA-based models are also investigated to determine sensitivity of effective thermo-mechanical properties to each of these factors.
Molecular targets for chemopreventive agent 1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate (p-XSC) in human non small cell lung cancer cells

2444 Lung cancer is the leading cause of mortality in men and women. In the US smoking contributes to more than 80% of all deaths from lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is by far the most common type, occurring in 75-80% of all cases. While quitting the smoking habit is generally considered the surest way towards reducing the lung cancer epidemic, dietary and/or chemopreventive interventions may offer a plausible alternative for those unable to quit. Moreover, in ex-smokers, chemopreventive agents may have the potential to reduce the lingering lung cancer risk that remains high for 5-10 years after cessation of smoking and which never reaches the very low level of risk of a never smoker. Although supplementation of selenium to humans appears to provide some protection against lung cancer, clinical chemoprevention trials of lung cancer in general have been disappointing. Therefore, there is an urgent need to define the true molecular targets and to better understand lung cancer biology; such information will assist in the development of realistic strategies for lung cancer chemoprevention. In preclinical investigation we showed that selenium in the form of 1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate (p-XSC) inhibits the tobacco specific nitrosamine (NNK)-induced lung tumors in the A/J mice in vivo and inhibits cell growth in vitro using NSCLC cells (NCI-H460). To further understand the mechanism responsible for the inhibitory effect of p-XSC, we examined key molecular markers that are known to be critical in the development of NSCLC by Western Blot analysis. Furthermore, the effects of p-XSC on global gene expression were examined using cDNA microarray followed by RT-PCR analysis. p-XSC significantly inhibited COX-2 protein expression at all doses employed (5, 10, 20 μM) and only at the highest dose, it significantly inhibited PLA2 protein levels. Although p-XSC had no effect on AKT protein expression, a non-significant inhibition of p-AKT levels was observed at the highest dose. The results of microarray analysis revealed that 22 genes were up-regulated while 13 genes were down-regulated following treatment of NCI-H460 cells with p-XSC. RT-PCR analysis of selected genes showed that p-XSC reduced the levels of COX-2, PLA2, cyclin D1 and NF-kB, and enhanced the levels of glutathione peroxide-5, but it had no effect on AKT. Collectively, the results of this study showed that p-XSC is capable of inhibiting several molecular targets that are critical in the development of lung cancer; thus p-XSC appears to be a promising candidate for chemoprevention of NSCLC. Support NCI-CA70972
Review of the special issue ‘robotics autonomous systems and warfare,’ Small Wars and Insurgencies 31, 4 June 2020

The purpose of this review article is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a recent special issue of Small Wars & Insurgencies, “The impacts of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) across the...
Introduction to housing, edited by Katrin B. Anacker, Andrew T. Carswell, Sarah D. Kirby, and Kenneth R. Tremblay: Athens, GA, University of Georgia Press, 2018

A crisis of housing affordability has been brewing in the United States. For decades, housing costs have risen faster than wages. As of 2018, nearly half of all renters were cost burdened, meaning ...
Plant community composition alters moisture and temperature sensitivity of soil respiration in semi-arid shrubland

Soil respiration (Rs) is the second largest carbon (C) flux to the atmosphere and our understanding of how Rs and its components shift with plant-community composition remains an important question. We used high-frequency soil respiration measurements and root exclusion to evaluate how Rs, autotrophic respiration (Ra) and heterotrophic respiration (Rh) vary between a semi-arid perennial shrub community and annual invasive community. Over two growing seasons, total Rs was 40% higher under annual vegetation compared to shrubs. Partitioning revealed consistently higher Ra under annual vegetation which accounted for most of the difference in Rs. Under annual vegetation, Ra increased soon after the first rain events and remained high despite cooling temperatures while shrub Ra increased only when soil temperature began to warm up. The Rh rates were similar between vegetation types when daily soil temperatures were lower than 20 °C. As soil temperatures increased and soil moisture dropped below 10%, Rh was consistently higher under annual vegetation than shrubs. Seasonal dynamics of Rs and Rh were best modeled with an interaction term between soil moisture and temperature with significantly different model parameters for each vegetation type. Differences in the timing and magnitude of Rs and Ra between vegetation types are consistent with phenological differences between shrubs and annuals. Under annuals, larger Rh at high temperatures suggests that expansion of annual vegetation and future hotter and drier conditions could lead to greater C losses from this semi-arid shrub system.
Audit, Nonaudit, and Information Technology Fees: Some Empirical Evidence

This study examines the purchase of nonaudit services by SEC audit clients. Effective February 5, 2001, the SEC has required the disclosure and description of audit, nonaudit, and information technology fees paid to the incumbent auditor. The SEC enacted this rule due to concerns about auditor independence. Our study reviews these disclosed fees contained in the proxy statements of 2,795 firms since the effective date of the new SEC disclosure rules. The results indicate that the actual incidence and magnitude of nonaudit fees is much greater than the information relied upon during the SEC rule‐making deliberations. Consequently, our study calls into question the data used during SEC rule‐making process, as well as the clarity of the current audit and nonaudit service distinctions. Our results also suggest that the nonaudit service landscape has changed dramatically since the last period of publicly available fee data (1978–1981). Our results provide at least two public policy implications. First, the SEC...
The Impact of a Principles-Based Approach to Director Gender Diversity Policy

We study the impact of a principles-based (i.e., comply or explain) approach to female representation on corporate boards. In contrast to the existing evidence on mandatory diversity regulation, we find that those firms most likely to be affected by this principles-based regulation exhibit positive abnormal returns around its announcement. Moreover, relative to control firms, they exhibit a 30% increase in the fraction of female directors over the longer term. We find that compliance with the gender diversity policy increases over time and that the main determinants of non-compliance are economic frictions related to the supply of qualified female directors.
The combined effect of psychological and social capital in registered nurses experiencing second victimization: A structural equation model.

Purpose This study examined the combined role psychological capital and social capital play in the severity of second victim syndrome experienced by registered nurses. Design This research study was an ex post facto, cross-sectional, non-experimental survey design. Data were collected from October to December 2018. The study sample was composed of 1167 nurses recruited through 12 professional nursing associations in the United States. Methods Self-report questionnaires were administered to measure psychological capital (Psychological Capital Questionnaire), social capital (Social Capital Outcomes for Nurses) and second victim syndrome (Second Victim Experience and Support Tool). Data cleaning and analysis of 1167 cases were conducted via SPSS v25 and structural equation modeling of 999 cases was conducted with AMOS v25. Findings The SEM analysis demonstrated that psychological capital, on its own, had no effect on the severity of the second victim experience. Social capital, on its own, had a statistically significant relationship with second victim severity. The combined impact of social capital and psychological capital had a statistically significant effect on second victim severity. Conclusions The results of this study have practical implications that include unit-based peer support programs and an increased focus on supportive workplace cultures. Programmatic efforts should also focus on social capital at the team level as well as the importance of building self-efficacy through increasing mastery experiences, modeling of behavior, social persuasion and monitoring one's physiological responses. Clinical relevance These findings demonstrate the importance of social capital to mitigation of second victim experiences, while also demonstrating that psychological capital has no effect on second victim severity. Building social capital and collective efficacy are critical to mitigation of second victim syndrome.
The NASS lumbar spine outcome assessment instrument: Large sample assessment and sub-scale identification

Background Accurately assessing patient-reported pain and functional ability is essential to measuring quality of care. Purpose Evaluating the instruments used in assessing quality of care is often overlooked. The North American Spine Society Lumbar Spine Outcome Assessment (NASS-LS) instrument measures patient-reported pain and function in a combined scale. We evaluated the original instrument and assessed separate pain and function subscales based on a set of the items in the original instrument. Study design/setting Data were collected from seven spine clinics in the United States participating in the Spinal Surgery Consortium for Outcomes Research Project. Consenting patients were enrolled in the project and asked to complete the NASS instrument when arriving for a surgical consult. Patient sample Data from 811 lumbar spine patients were used. Methods Analyses were conducted on the original instrument to determine its internal consistency and to determine the structural existence of any underlying scales. Internal consistency of the original and new scales were assessed with Cronbach's coefficient alpha. Results The original scale was found to be a useful measure of pain and functional ability. Important subscales of pain and functional ability were also identified allowing us to report more meaningful results. Conclusion The original instrument is useful for assessing low-back pain and function as a combined concept. The separate pain and function scales may prove useful assessing varying outcome levels and/or different decisions about subsequent follow-up care.
Exploiting Rogue Signals to Attack Trust-based Cooperative Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks

EXPLOITING ROGUE SIGNALS TO ATTACK TRUST-BASED COOPERATIVE SPECTRUM SENSING IN COGNITIVE RADIO NETWORKS By David Jackson A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013. Major Director: Wanyu Zang, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science Cognitive radios are currently presented as the solution to the ever-increasing spectrum shortage problem. However, their increased capabilities over traditional radios introduce a new dimension of security threats. Cooperative Spectrum Sensing (CSS) has been proposed as a means to protect cognitive radio networks from the well known security threats: Primary User Emulation (PUE) and Spectrum Sensing Data Falsification (SSDF). I demonstrate a new threat to trust-based CSS protocols, called the Rogue Signal Framing (RSF) intrusion. Rogue signals can be exploited to create the illusion of malicious sensors which leads to the framing of innocent sensors and consequently, their removal from the shared spectrum sensing. Ultimately, with fewer sensors working together, the spectrum sensing is less robust for making correct spectrum access decisions. The simulation experiments illustrate the impact of RSF intrusions which, in severe cases, shows roughly 40% of sensors removed. To mitigate the RSF intrusion’s damage to the network’s trust, I introduce a new defense based on community detection from analyzing the network’s Received Signal Strength (RSS) diversity. Tests show a 95% damage reduction in terms of removed sensors from the shared spectrum sensing, thus retaining the benefits of CSS protocols.
Evidence for insolation and Pacific forcing of late glacial through Holocene climate in the Central Mojave Desert (Silver Lake, CA)

Abstract Silver Lake is the modern terminal playa of the Mojave River in southern California (USA). As a result, it is well located to record both influences from the winter precipitation dominated San Bernardino Mountains – the source of the Mojave River – and from the late summer to early fall North American monsoon at Silver Lake. Here, we present various physical, chemical and biological data from a new radiocarbon-dated, 8.2 m sediment core taken from Silver Lake that spans modern through 14.8 cal ka BP. Texturally, the core varies between sandy clay, clayey sand, and sand-silt-clay, often with abrupt sedimentological transitions. These grain-size changes are used to divide the core into six lake status intervals over the past 14.8 cal ka BP. Notable intervals include a dry Younger Dryas chronozone, a wet early Holocene terminating 7.8 – 7.4 cal ka BP, a distinct mid-Holocene arid interval, and a late Holocene return to ephemeral lake conditions. A comparison to potential climatic forcings implicates a combination of changing summer – winter insolation and tropical and N Pacific sea-surface temperature dynamics as the primary drivers of Holocene climate in the central Mojave Desert.
Contractual Restrictions on the Forum

S OME loose language has come out of the Second Circuit since 1949 which has led some attorneys, and even some courts, to believe that the law has somehow done an about-face and that it now recognizes the validity of contractual clauses limiting the forum in which a cause of action may be brought, whereas it previously denied validity to such clauses. Such a concept of the present state of the law can only cloud our understanding of the rulings themselves and could prove most harmful to the public interest. It is appropriate, therefore, that we examine the matter at some length, lest we permit the overly broad language of the Second Circuit to influence other courts in their decisions.
A Retrospective on the Intellectual Environment Surrounding the Establishment of the American Real Estate Society

The American Real Estate Society was a natural reaction to the lack of inclusion that was symptomatic of the intellectual environment that existed at the time of its inception. ARES was established on a principle of inclusion of all willing and interested parties and has grown to its present dominant state because as a society, it has resolutely adhered to that principle.
Pharmacological Approaches to Modifying HDL: More Basic Science to Understand HDL Metabolism is Necessary

While lowering LDL-C has well established benefits, modification of HDL by pharmacological therapy remains an elusive goal in demonstrating conclusive improvements in cardiovascular outcomes. Part of the challenge in developing therapeutic approaches to HDL is that it is unclear whether increasing HDL-C levels or modifying HDL function or increasing reverse cholesterol transport is (are) the mechanism(s) by which HDL protects against cardiovascular disease. In light of the spectacular failure of torcetrapib, a CETP inhibitor (with toxic off-target effects), it is prudent to better understand the means by which cells utilize HDL to efflux excess cholesterol. One potentially important target is the nuclear receptor Liver Receptor X (LXR). LXR is a nuclear receptor found in all cells (misnamed because it was originally discovered in liver cells) that regulates the genes involved in cholesterol efflux to protect the cell from cholesterol toxicity. LXR is known to upregulate ABCA1 in response to oxysterols promoting the efflux of free cholesterol into HDL as an acceptor. LXR agonists have been shown to increase reverse cholesterol transport and reduce atherosclerosis in animal models [1]. Ma et al, in this issue of Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy, demonstrate that Neumann-Pick C1 protein (NPC1) is regulated by LXR [2]. NO-1886, which was originally developed as a lipoprotein lipase activator, has been shown to activate LXR and thereby increase NPC1 expression. This effect is abolished in THP-1 macrophages if interference RNA which block LXR transcription is used in conjunction with NO-1886 [3]. Of interest is that NPC-IL1, the sterol transporter that is inhibited by ezetimibe in the intestine, also appears to be regulated by LXR. LXR, as a therapeutic target, has been difficult due in effect by increasing SREBP1c in the liver promoting triglyceride synthesis and hepatic steatosis. Therefore, developing selective LXR agonists for the macrophage is the key to identify a means to pharmacologically modify LXR to reduce atherosclerosis [4]. Infusing HDL to reduce atherosclerosis has been shown in pilot human data to reduce atheroma volume measured by intravascular ultrasound. However, unless the excess cholesterol is mobilized to be removed from the cell, HDL infusion alone may not be sufficient in the removal of the majority of excess cholesterol that is stimulating the atherosclerotic process. The work by Ma et al. [2] provides important insights into novel therapies that can be used to enhance the ability of cells, especially macrophages, to mobilize the free cholesterol substrate that HDL, as the acceptor, can remove and return to the liver for clearance into bile. HDL physiology appears to be far more complex than LDL metabolism and the more that can be learned regarding the regulation of cellular cholesterol removal, the more likely there will be pharmacological approaches developed that will translate into clinical benefits. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther (2009) 23:187–188 DOI 10.1007/s10557-009-6171-x
Medical Aspects of Some Steroidal Natural Products

Abstract This article describes physiological properties of two classes of natural products, namely cholesterol oxides and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The cholesterol oxides, also called oxysterols, are autoxidation products of cholesterol. Dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate DHEAS are formed mainly in the adrenals. The biological activities of these compounds are utilized to construct the two following hypotheses. In the first hypothesis, psychological/emotional stress and cardiovascular health states are correlated with biodynamic measurements of serum cholesterol. Although occurrences of hourly variations in serum cholesterol were reported in scientific literature many years ago, the phenomenon is still not recognized by many health professionals. Instead of using a single serum cholesterol value as an individual's health indicator, our research utilizes a cholesterol number that is the difference between the highest and the lowest cholesterol concentration that relates tot he five hourly cholesterol measurements performed over a five hour span. Thus the cholesterol variation number (CVN) should correspond to the state of serum cholesterol occurring over a specific time frame. Since cholesterol in serum arises from the liver, the hourly variations in serum cholesterol are equated with the hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis fluctuations. The phenomenon and various aspects of circadian rhythm are introduced in the article, in order to explain circadian rhythmicity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase (HMGR), which is a rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. It is hypothesized that the latter occurrences are related to stress-induced aberrant circadian variation in hepatic sterol synthesis. Consequently we believe that cholesterol variation number variation values should very likely correlate with stressful conditions and cardiovascular health. The second hypothesis deals with the construction heath profiles for early detection of coronary heart disease (CHD). This research involves relationships of oxysterols and DHEAS with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Profiling and searching for RNA pseudoknot structures in genomes

We developed a new method that can profile and efficiently search for pseudoknot structures in noncoding RNA genes. It profiles interleaving stems in pseudoknot structures with independent Covariance Model (CM) components. The statistical alignment score for searching is obtained by combining the alignment scores from all CM components. Our experiments show that the model can achieve excellent accuracy on both random and biological data. The efficiency achieved by the method makes it possible to search for structures that contain pseudoknot in genomes of a variety of organisms.
The effect of heliox treatment in a rat model of focal transient cerebral ischemia

Manipulation of inhaled gases during ischemia/reperfusion is a potential novel therapy for acute stroke. We previously found that treatment with a mixture of 70%/30% helium/oxygen (heliox) or 100% oxygen protects the brain against acute focal ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study evaluates the potential neuro-protective effects of delayed heliox treatment and its dose response effects in a rat transient focal cerebral ischemia model. Adult male rats were subjected to 2-h middle cerebral artery occlusion and then assigned to 1 of 4 inhaled gas exposure groups: I: 70%/30% nitrogen/oxygen (control); II: 70%/30% helium/oxygen administered immediately after occlusion; III: 70%/30% helium/oxygen administered after a 30-60 min delay; or, IV: 40%/30%/30% nitrogen/helium/oxygen administered immediately after occlusion. Outcome measurements included infarct size and neurological deficit score. Mean infarct sizes from groups I to IV were 228, 35, 109, and 124 mm³ respectively (p=0.012). Only group II had significantly smaller infarct size compared to the control group (p=0.008). In addition, only Group II had a significantly lower neurological deficit score at 24h post ischemia when compared to the control group (p<0.001). Since heliox reduced infarct size and improved neurological deficit scores if initiated immediately after onset of ischemia, it may be a useful adjuvant to other stroke therapies.
Differences in the Decision to Attend College among African Americans, Hispanics, and Whites

(2000). Differences in the Decision to Attend College among African Americans, Hispanics, and Whites. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 71, The Shape of Diversity, pp. 117-141.
Enhancing the Saturn V translunar payload capability.

Saturn 5 translunar payload capability encancement by fuel biasing, propellant utilization systems, trajectory shaping and programmed mixture ratio scheme
Suffering Child: An Embodiment of War and Its Aftermath in Post‐Sandinista Nicaragua

This article considers how the ripple effects of war and its aftermath are embodied and lived even after being mediated by time, space, and social status. Through a case study of a Nicaraguan boy and his natal family, I argue that the legacy of war, structural violence, and endemic poverty are chronic and lingering and emerge from internationally and locally produced traumatogenic social relations. I use a phenomenological approach to distress to minimize the clinical tendency to pathologize individual sufferers, and to illuminate the destructive capacities of politically and historically produced conditions of social "normal abnormality." The continuum of lived experience of social suffering is poignantly articulated by a member of one of society's most vulnerable sectors, a ten-year-old child.
Approximation of the overflow process of a D/G/K loss system

Abstract The overflow process of a D / G / K loss system with deterministic interarrival time, generally distributed service time, K parallel heterogeneous servers, random access processing discipline and no waiting room is approximated. Furthermore, numerical results are provided and the approximation results are compared against those from a simulation study.
Improving Production Management with Intelligent Systems: Tutorial and Overview of Applications

ABSTRACTAs manufacturing moves into the 1990s, intelligent systems will flourish because knowledge engineering and its applicability to the production domain have matured. The decision sophistication, flexibility, and timeliness and the integration possibilities embodied by these systems can assist each major function of the production life cycle—design, process planning, production and quality control, and distribution and service. This article discusses the advantages of expert systems over traditional computing and examines many applications to each phase of manufacturing.
Informal Learning in Family Caregiving: A Worm's Eye View.

The purpose of this study was to examine the process of informal learning in the context of family caregiving for the frail elderly in the community. Sixty ethnographic interviews were conducted wi...
Comprehensive piezoceramic actuator review

Piezoceramic actuation has become an area of increased interest in the past ten years. Having been used for many years as sensors in such applications as pressure transducers and smoke detectors, piezoceramics are now being used as prime movers in fuel injectors and valve lifters. In an effort to aid the engineering community, this paper will conduct a comprehensive review of several piezoceramic actuators. Classical design parameters will be derived for each actuator such as blocked force and free stroke. In addition, more esoteric entities such as mechanical efficiency and energy density will also be derived. The result will be design metrics of popular piezoceramic actuators containing vital design equations, validated with empirical data. Of the many different configurations of piezoceramic actuators, this paper will investigate the bimorph and unimorph bender. These actuator types are finding increased use in semi-active structural damping, energy harvesting and vibration control. The work in this paper will show experimental verification of various actuator types as well as theoretical derivations. In addition to unimorphs, bimorphs and stack actuators a novel type of unimorph bender, the THUNDER actuator (developed and licensed by NASA) will be included in the review.
Periodic movements of Dictyostelium discoideum sorocarps

Abstract We report periodic movements during erection of Dictyostelium discoideum (Dd) sorocarps. Our observations lead to the working hypothesis that Dd sorocarp erection occurs by two superimposed processes: one periodic, with a modal period of 6 1 2 min , and one continuous. We tentatively identify the periodic process with cell movement into the apex of the Dd stalk, and the continuous process with cell vacuolation, together with stalk sheath extension.
Michelle Kathleen Hall Receives the 2012 Excellence in Geophysical Education Award: Response

I am very grateful to AGU for this honor and for the many wonderful colleagues and students I have been blessed to work with other the years. Without them, this award would not have been possible.
Quality Assurance of RNA Expression Profiling in Clinical Laboratories

RNA expression profiles are increasingly used to diagnose and classify disease, based on expression patterns of as many as several thousand RNAs. To ensure quality of expression profiling services in clinical settings, a standard operating procedure incorporates multiple quality indicators and controls, beginning with preanalytic specimen preparation and proceeding thorough analysis, interpretation, and reporting. Before testing, histopathological examination of each cellular specimen, along with optional cell enrichment procedures, ensures adequacy of the input tissue. Other tactics include endogenous controls to evaluate adequacy of RNA and exogenous or spiked controls to evaluate run- and patient-specific performance of the test system, respectively. Unique aspects of quality assurance for array-based tests include controls for the pertinent outcome signatures that often supersede controls for each individual analyte, built-in redundancy for critical analytes or biochemical pathways, and software-supported scrutiny of abundant data by a laboratory physician who interprets the findings in a manner facilitating appropriate medical intervention. Access to high-quality reagents, instruments, and software from commercial sources promotes standardization and adoption in clinical settings, once an assay is vetted in validation studies as being analytically sound and clinically useful. Careful attention to the well-honed principles of laboratory medicine, along with guidance from government and professional groups on strategies to preserve RNA and manage large data sets, promotes clinical-grade assay performance.