cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating unmanned aerial systems and LSPIV for rapid, cost-effective stream gauging

Abstract Quantifying flow in rivers is fundamental to assessments of water supply, water quality, ecological conditions, hydrological responses to storm events, and geomorphological processes. Image-based surface velocity measurements have shown promise in extending the range of discharge conditions that can be measured in the field. The use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in image-based measurements of surface velocities has the potential to expand applications of this method. Thus far, few investigations have assessed this potential by evaluating the accuracy and repeatability of discharge measurements using surface velocities obtained from UAS. This study uses large-scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV) derived from videos captured by cameras on a UAS and a fixed tripod to obtain discharge measurements at ten different stream locations in Illinois, USA. Discharge values are compared to reference values measured by an acoustic Doppler current profiler, a propeller meter, and established stream gauges. The results demonstrate the effects of UAS flight height, camera steadiness and leveling accuracy, video sampling frequency, and LSPIV interrogation area size on surface velocities, and show that the mean difference between fixed and UAS cameras is less than 10%. Differences between LSPIV-derived and reference discharge values are generally less than 20%, not systematically low or high, and not related to site parameters like channel width or depth, indicating that results are relatively insensitive to camera setup and image processing parameters typically required of LSPIV. The results also show that standard velocity indices (between 0.85 and 0.9) recommended for converting surface velocities to depth-averaged velocities yield reasonable discharge estimates, but are best calibrated at specific sites. The study recommends a basic methodology for LSPIV discharge measurements using UAS that is rapid, cost-efficient, and does not require major preparatory work at a measurement location, pre- and post-processing of imagery, or extensive background in image analysis and PIV.
Thyroid Cancer in Childhood

Thyroid carcinoma (TC) in the pediatric age group is rare, constituting only 1.3% of all newly diagnosed pediatric malignancies in the United States between 1973 and 1987, as determined from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program data collected by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health [1]. Two thirds of TCs occur in girls, with a peak incidence between 7 and 12 years of age [2]. In general, TCs in children and adolescents have a better prognosis than other malignancies in children or even same-stage TCs of the same histological type in adults. Most pediatric studies designate papillary and follicular 23
Resonance Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy in Condensed Phases

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) has emerged as a highly efficient technique for obtaining Raman spectra of molecular species. A major drawback to the CARS technique has been a lower limit on solute concentrations of about 0.05 M due to the background signal generated by the nonresonant third order susceptibility of the solvent. This background signal is a very slowly varying function of Raman frequency [1] (see chapter on CARS in condensed phases) and remains nearly constant in intensity for typical experiments. The solute signal at ω3 can be so small for solute concentrations of less than 0.05 M as to be ‘buried’ in the background emission. Resonance enhanced CARS has greatly increased the sensitivity of the technique in analytical and structural investigations.
Reflectivity: Key Ingredient in Positive Adolescent Parenting

Forty-six low-income adolescent mother-infant pairs (M age = 17.2 years) were randomly assigned at birth to a control (C) or an experimental group (E). All dyads were videotaped in teaching, play, and feeding sessions at entry visit, 3-month post-program visit, and a follow-up visit at 5-6 months. E mothers received weekly home visits to enhance maternal skills and sensitivity and were interviewed in depth regarding their own family-of-origin experiences. Maternal reflectivity about her own past proved significantly associated with sensitive and more growth enhancing parenting practices, as well as increased responsivity to infant distress.
Common Pool Resource Management at the Extensive and Intensive Margins: Experimental Evidence

Policies aimed at managing common pool resources (CPRs) often target only one decision margin, despite the fact that the social efficiency of resource use is determined along multiple decision margins. For example, limited entry fisheries and irrigated land retirement programs focus only on influencing the number of agents engaged in resource extraction (the extensive margin), but ignore the quantity extracted by each agent (the intensive margin). This research uses empirical evidence from a laboratory economics experiment to examine the efficiency of incentive-based policies in a two-stage CPR game. Participants in the first stage decide whether to enter the CPR and in the second stage entrants choose an intensity of CPR use. Policy treatments vary the incentives at the intensive and extensive margins of resource use in a situation where social efficiency can only be maximized in theory through a combination of intensive and extensive-margin policies. We find that observed rates of CPR entry tend to be higher than predicted by theory, while the intensity of resource use is lower than predicted across the range of policy treatments. Although intensive- and extensive-margin policies improve social welfare, policies that target a single margin tend to reduce efficiency by impacting the incentives along the other decision margin. This is particularly true with the extensive-margin policy, which leads to the highest intensity of CPR use by entrants and the lowest observed efficiency among the policy treatments.
An overview of modeling the stacking faults in lightweight and high-entropy alloys: Theory and application

Abstract Modeling stacking faults in lightweight and medium- to high-entropy alloys is an exciting and fast developing field. Stacking faults and associated defects play a key role in understanding and modeling mechanical properties of alloys. We review the recent the studies of stacking faults, dislocations and twins in the novel alloys. Although this Review is focused on the theories and their applications in modeling stacking faults, relevant experimental progresses are also discussed. The Review starts with a brief introduction for the significance of stacking faults. The theoretical methods to calculate (generalized) stacking faults are then summarized and new developments of the methods are formulated. In the framework of thermodynamics, we discuss the factors that affect stacking fault energies with latest examples. Important applications of the (generalized) stacking fault method in lightweight and high-entropy alloys are demonstrated in details with research by us and other researchers. Last but not least, some generalizations of the generalized stacking fault method are discussed, among which is our new method to search possible twin boundaries. We conclude that many of these methods developed for the conventional alloys are ready for future applications in the medium- and high-entropy alloys as well.
Identifying Pros and Cons of Product Aspects Based on Customer Reviews

The task of identifying pros and cons from product reviews has applications in decision support for consumers. It becomes even more useful when the pros and cons are identified for product aspects so consumers can quickly see strengths and weaknesses of each aspect of the product without reading all reviews. Given a collection of product reviews, we automatically extract relevant product aspects, find the most significant sentences that represent pros and cons for each aspect, and provide a summary for each aspect. We introduce SS2 to select sentences that are likely to represent pros/cons and are semantically related to the aspect to which they are associated. Our results on three data sets indicate that compared to an existing algorithm, our algorithm can generate more meaningful summarized aspects, along with a list of pros and cons more closely related to each aspect.
Phylogeography of sand‐burrowing amphipods (Haustoriidae) supports an ancient suture zone in the Gulf of Mexico

AIM: To evaluate the impact of a proposed ancient suture zone in the Gulf of Mexico on the distribution and molecular diversity of dispersal‐limited, sand‐burrowing amphipods of the genera Haustorius and Lepidactylus (Haustoriidae: Amphipoda). LOCATION: Gulf of Mexico, USA and Mexico. METHODS: Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses were performed using mitochondrial (COI and 16S) and nuclear (18S and 28S) data from 93 amphipod individuals from 16 sites across the Gulf of Mexico. Bayesian and ML phylogenies were constructed for all genes, divergence times were estimated using a molecular clock for COI (0.007–0.013 subs./site per Myr), and four species delimitation methods were used to identify operational taxonomic units (OTUs) within each amphipod species. The mitochondrial COI gene was used to construct haplotype networks and estimate population genetic parameters to evaluate historical changes in effective population sizes. RESULTS: Deep divergences (most estimated to be >4 Ma) were uncovered between sister clades of both amphipod genera on either side of the Mississippi River as well as within Lepidactylus triarticulatus where each sample site was found to harbour a unique genetic lineage. Two cryptic OTUs of L. triarticulatus were identified living sympatrically at Pass Christian, Mississippi. Two distinct OTUs representing western and eastern Haustorius galvezi clades were identified along the Texas and Mexico coastlines with abutting ranges. Population genetic results show some support for recent population expansions for western Gulf OTUs, while eastern Gulf OTUs may have suffered population bottlenecks in the past. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Divergences between sister species of sand‐burrowing amphipods exceeds the timing of previous vicariant hypotheses. The split appears to be consistent with Miocene sedimentation levels from the Mississippi River acting as an east–west barrier to gene flow in the Gulf of Mexico. Given their strong population structure and cryptic diversity, haustoriid amphipods are ideal model organisms for studying open coast biogeography.
Posthumous Reconciliation: 21st century Cuban-Soviet-North American Filmic Collaboration

While the Soviet Union’s disintegration in 1991 may have felt to Cubans as if they had been abandoned, in the filmic representation of the two countries and their citizens within two recent transna...
Complex multi-environment gene interactions linked to the interplay between polysubstance dependence and suicidal behaviors

Abstract Background and Aims Substance dependence diagnoses (SDs) are important risk factors for suicidal behaviors. We investigated the associations of multiple SDs with different suicidal behaviors and tested how genetic background moderates these associations. Design Multivariate logistic regression to investigate the associations of SDs with suicidal behaviors; structured linear mixed model to study multivariate gene– environment interactions. Setting The Yale-Penn cohort was recruited to investigate the genetics of SDs. The Army STARRS (Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers) cohort was recruited to evaluate mental health risk and resilience for suicidal behaviors among Army personnel. Participants Yale-Penn participants (N=15,557) were assessed via the Semi-Structured Assessment for Drug Dependence and Alcoholism. Army STARRS participants (N=11,236) were evaluated using the self-administered Composite International Diagnostic Interview Screening Scales. Measurement Lifetime self-reported suicidal behaviors (ideation, SI; planning; attempt, SA); Lifetime DSM-IV diagnoses and criteria for dependence on alcohol, cannabis, cocaine (CoD), opioid (OD), and nicotine (ND) (Yale-Penn); substance use disorder (SUD) (Army STARRS). Findings In Yale-Penn, lifetime polysubstance dependence was strongly associated with lifetime suicidal behaviors: individuals with five SDs showed increased odds ranging from OR=6.77 (95%CI=5.74-7.99) for SI to OR=3.61 (95%CI=2.7-4.86) for SA. In Army STARRS, SUD was associated with increased odds ranging from OR=2.88 (95%CI=2.6-3.19) for SI to OR=3.92 (95%CI=3.19-4.81) for SA. In Yale-Penn, we identified multivariate gene–environment interactions (Bayes factors, BF > 0) of SI with respect to a gene cluster on chromosome 16 (LCAT, p=1.82×10−7; TSNAXIP1, p=2.13×10−7; CENPT, p=2.32×10−7; PARD6A, p=5.57×10−7) for OD (BF=12.2), CoD (BF=12.1), ND (BF=9.2), and polysubstance dependence (BF=2.1). Conclusions Comorbidity of multiple SDs is a significant suicide risk factor and heritability of suicidal behaviors is partially moderated by multivariate gene interactions.
What constitutes a neglected tropical disease

The World Health Organization (WHO) currently classifies 20 diseases and conditions as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). However, since its inception in 2007, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases has considered an expanded list that includes additional diseases with the chronic and/or debilitating, and poverty-promoting features of NTDs. Described here is an update of our current scope, which attempts to embrace all of the NTDs, and a discussion of the status of some of the more debated medical conditions in terms of whether or not they constitute an NTD.
Multiple sources of internal calcium stores mediate ethanol-induced presynaptic inhibitory GABA release in the central nucleus of the amygdala in mice.

Ethanol can enhance GABA release in various brain regions via presynaptic mechanisms. However, the presynaptic action of ethanol on inhibitory GABA release is still not well understood. Since calcium is required for neurotransmitter release from presynaptic terminals, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of both internal and external calcium signaling in ethanol-induced enhancement of GABA release within the central amygdala nucleus (CeA) in acute brain slice preparations. Whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology was used to record miniature GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) from CeA neurons. Ethanol-enhanced mIPSCs were recorded in the presence of antagonists that regulate internal and external calcium-mediated processes. Bath-applied ethanol dose-dependently increased the mean frequency of mIPSCs without altering mIPSC amplitude. Ethanol-induced increases in mIPSC frequency were antagonized by dantrolene, 2-APB, and the endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump (SERCA) antagonists thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). Blocking calcium release from mitochondria or via exocytosis with ruthenium red also attenuated mIPSCs while frequency was not altered in the presence of a non-selective calcium channel blocker cadmium. The L-type calcium blocker nifedipine, but not its analogue nimodipine, blocked ethanol-induced enhancement in CeA neurons. These results demonstrate ethanol-induced presynaptic release of GABA is mediated by internal calcium stores and by disrupting neurotransmitter exocytosis within the CeA, a critical brain area involved in drugs of abuse and alcohol addiction.
AWAKENING TEACHER LEADERS: A NEW PARADIGM IN EDUCATION FOR SCHOOL AND STUDENT SUCCESS

For decades, teachers have fulfilled many leadership roles from serving on committees to functioning as department chairs and grade-level leaders in selecting instructional materials and designing curricula. Advocacy for expanded leadership opportunities has become increasingly important in the United States. In response, state policy-makers have established advanced degrees to promote teacher leadership. Research has further shown that when teachers function in leadership roles, the results are positive for school reform, student achievement, and the profession. Because teachers are on the frontline and interact daily with students, teacher leadership is grounded by a set of principles that acknowledges teachers are positioned to make informed decisions and promote needed changes concerning the improvement of the teaching and learning process. While teacher leadership is often viewed as a set of knowledge and skills that enhance the teaching profession, the writer believes teacher leadership is an optimal strategy for school and student success. Teacher leadership is a win-win strategy for public education in states that have endorsed the teacher leadership principle. This contribution aims to bring awareness to teacher leadership. Based on a university advanced degree course the writer has developed, the paper provides a research-based framework for promoting teachers as leaders and ultimately leading to school improvement and student success.
We'd like to know how we're doing and where we're going!

The beginning of a new publication year is a good time to reflect on where we are and how we got here. When AstroNotes was rebooted in 2014, I had in mind that I did not want to “break” anything so to speak, but at the same time I hoped to provide a platform for some new ideas. I additionally wanted to appeal to physics teachers looking for ways to show the connections, both obvious and subtle, between physics and its subspecialty, astronomy. As the person charged with editing AstroNotes for the past six years, my biased opinion is that we met all of those goals to one extent or the other. However, the ultimate judge is you, our readers.
Use of distal protection filter device for rescue mechanical thrombectomy for symptomatic free-floating thrombus of the cervical internal carotid artery:

BackgroundIntraluminal free floating thrombus (FFT) of the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) is a potentially high-risk lesion for recurrent ischemic strokes, with no single optimal treatment ...
Epiretinal Membrane Surgery after Retinal Detachment Repair: Visual Acuity Outcomes and OCT Analysis.

Purpose To assess visual acuity (VA) outcomes of epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery following primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) repair and to identify OCT features predictive of visual outcomes. Design Retrospective, consecutive case series. Subjects Eyes undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with membrane peel (MP) surgery for ERM following primary RD repair (PPV with or without scleral buckle (SB) and gas tamponade). Methods Retrospective chart review from 2015 to 2018. A previously described ERM grading scale was utilized for OCT structural analysis. Main Outcome Measures Visual acuity (VA) and change in VA from pre- MP to 6 months and final follow-up. Secondary outcomes included RD and OCT features predictive of VA, as well as RD factors associated with need for subsequent MP surgery. Results 53 eyes of 53 patients underwent MP following RD repair. VA improved significantly from logMAR 1.00 ± 0.51 (Snellen 20/200) pre-MP to 0.45 ± 0.41 (20/56) at 6 months and 0.42 ± 0.41 (20/53) at final follow-up, (p Conclusions Eyes undergoing MP after RD repair have significant visual acuity gains independent of macula-status at time of RD repair. Pre-operative IS/OS disruption was the OCT feature best predictive of visual acuity.
Strategy for Translating English to Indonesian Written Text for Understanding the English Education Students’ Materials in Umn Al Washliyah, Indonesia

The purpose of this study was to determine whether students translate in English texts, describe the strategy applied by students in translating English texts, and observe students’ abilities in translating English texts. The research method used in this research was qualitative and the subject was the assignment of the Translation Strategy class by students of the English Language Education Study Program at the Muslim Nusantara Al Washliyah University. In addition, this study also uses a qualitative research perspective. The instrument used is the people themselves, researchers use research instruments in collecting data to support research. The population in this study was fourth-semester students in the Translation subject. The researchers concluded in the translation strategy that students use the borrowing translation strategy because most students rarely practice their translation skills. Students rarely look up words in the dictionary to find out the meaning of the words in their textbooks and the students’ ability to translate English texts. The researchers concluded that the students’ ability in translating English texts was still low because students had difficulty translating text in arranging words into good sentences and did not know the translation strategy. Their difficulties were caused by several things, such as they did not know what strategy to use in translating the text and did not have the motivation to do the exercises to translate the text to find out the purpose of the Indonesian text. So that students do not have a solution to overcome translation.
Exosome Traceability and Cell Source Dependence on Composition and Cell-Cell Cross Talk.

Exosomes are small vesicles with an average diameter of 100 nm that are produced by many, if not all, cell types. Exosome cargo includes lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids arranged specifically in the endosomes of donor cells. Exosomes can transfer the donor cell components to target cells and can affect cell signaling, proliferation, and differentiation. Important new information about exosomes’ remote communication with other cells is rapidly being accumulated. Recent data indicates that the results of this communication depend on the donor cell type and the environment of the host cell. In the field of cancer research, major questions remain, such as whether tumor cell exosomes are equally taken up by cancer cells and normal cells and whether exosomes secreted by normal cells are specifically taken up by other normal cells or also tumor cells. Furthermore, we do not know how exosome uptake is made selective, how we can trace exosome uptake selectivity, or what the most appropriate methods are to study exosome uptake and selectivity. This review will explain the effect of exosome source and the impact of the donor cell growth environment on tumor and normal cell interaction and communication. The review will also summarize the methods that have been used to label and trace exosomes to date.
Detection of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in patients with neurofibromatosis using aneuploidy and mutation identification in plasma

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are the deadliest cancer that arises in individuals diagnosed with neurofibromatosis and account for nearly 5% of the 15,000 soft tissue sarcomas diagnosed in the United States each year. Comprised of neoplastic Schwann cells, primary risk factors for developing MPNST include existing plexiform neurofibromas (PN), prior radiotherapy treatment, and expansive germline mutations involving the entire NF1 gene and surrounding genes. PN develop in nearly 30-50% of patients with NF1 and most often grow rapidly in the first decade of life. One of the most important aspects of clinical care for NF1 patients is monitoring PN for signs of malignant transformation to MPNST that occurs in 10-15% of patients. We perform aneuploidy analysis on ctDNA from 883 ostensibly healthy individuals and 28 patients with neurofibromas, including 7 patients with benign neurofibroma, 9 patients with PN and 12 patients with MPNST. Overall sensitivity for detecting MPNST using genome wide aneuploidy scoring was 33%, and analysis of sub-chromosomal copy number alterations (CNAs) improved sensitivity to 50% while retaining a high specificity of 97%. In addition, we performed mutation analysis on plasma cfDNA for a subset of patients and identified mutations in NF1, NF2, RB1, TP53BP2, and GOLGA2. Given the high throughput and relatively low sequencing coverage required by our assay, liquid biopsy represents a promising technology to identify incipient MPNST.
Optimal Cutoff Concentration of Urinary Cyanoethyl Mercapturic Acid for Differentiating Cigarette Smokers from Nonsmokers.

Background Cotinine is a widely used biomarker for classifying cigarette smoking status. However, cotinine does not differentiate between the use of combustible and noncombustible tobacco products. The increasing use of noncombustible tobacco drives the need for a complementary biomarker for distinguishing cigarette smokers from users of noncombustible tobacco products. Methods We evaluated the urinary acrylonitrile metabolite, 2CyEMA, as a biomarker of exposure to cigarette smoke in the U.S. population-representative data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES). Smoking status was categorized based on the recent tobacco use questionnaire. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to identify optimal cutoff concentrations by maximizing Youden's J index. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to compare 2CyEMA effectiveness with respect to serum cotinine. Results The overall cutoff concentration for the classification of cigarette smokers from nonsmokers was 7.32 ng/mL with high sensitivity and specificity (≥0.925). When stratified by demographic variables, the cutoff concentrations varied among subgroups based on age, sex, and race/Hispanic origin. Non-Hispanic Blacks had the highest cutoff concentration (15.3 ng/mL), and Hispanics had the lowest (4.63 ng/mL). Females had higher cutoff concentrations (8.80 ng/mL) compared to males (6.10 ng/mL). Among different age groups, the cutoff concentrations varied between 4.63 ng/mL (21 - 39 years old) and 10.6 ng/mL (for ≥60 years old). We also explored the creatinine adjusted cutoff values. Conclusions 2CyEMA is an effective biomarker for distinguishing cigarette smokers from nonsmokers (users of noncombustible tobacco products or nonusers). Impact Increasing use of noncombustible tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, complicates differentiating smokers from nonsmokers; we document that urinary 2CyEMA accurately differentiates cigarette smokers from the noncombustible tobacco product users and nonusers. Also, it is the first paper to report urinary 2CyEMA cutoff values based on U.S. representative population data.
Generational Difference in Perception of Tax Equity and Attitudes Towards Compliance

Generational theory research suggests that the arrival of the Millennial generation into adulthood will have significant effects on society because of their differing values and attitudes. We examine whether this generation has differing perceptions of tax fairness and equity as well as their attitudes towards tax compliance as compared to other generations by administering an instrument to a sample of 303 taxpayers, distributed approximately equally across three generational groups: Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennials. Each group answered a series of questions related to vertical equity, horizontal equity, and exchange equity. The results suggest that there are significant differences in the viewpoint toward vertical equity and progressive taxation among the three generations. More specifically, the Millennial generation was less likely to recommend progressive taxation than the other two generations. In addition, there were significant differences between the groups on an exchange equity question as well. However, in this situation, it was the Baby Boomers that were significantly different from the other two generations. The results also suggest that the Millennials have attitudes that are more accepting of noncompliance than both the Generation X participants and the Baby Boomer participants. However, a significant difference does not exist between the Baby Boomer participants and Generation X participants and their attitudes towards compliance.
Infrared thermography videos of the elastocaloric effect for shape memory alloys NiTi and Ni2FeGa

Infrared thermogrpahy was utilized to record the temperature change during tensile loading cycles of two shape memory alloy single crystals with pseudoelastic behavior. During unloading, a giant temperature drop was measured in the gage section due to the elastocaloric effect. This data article provides a video of a [001] oriented Ni2FeGa single crystal, including the corresponding stress–strain curve, shows the temperature drop over one cycle. The second video of a [148] oriented NiTi single crystal depicts the repeatability of the elastocaloric effect by showing two consecutive cycles. The videos are supplied in this paper. For further analysis and enhanced discussion of large temperature change in shape memory alloys, see Pataky et al. [1]
The new communalism: The unrealized mid-twentieth century vision of planned unit development

This article argues that understanding the vision of Planned Unit Development (PUD) advocates in the mid-twentieth century corrects the common misconception that American city planning and development practices turned away from traditional notions of urbanism in that period. However, although PUD remains a significant regulatory tool, it does not meet the vision of its early advocates due to pragmatic and political limitations. This article uses a case study of PUD in Los Angeles to explain the intentions and fate of private and public sector promoters of the PUD concept in the decades following the Second World War.
The Matching of Automotive Paint Chips by Surface Striation Alignment

The technique of physical comparison for paint chips by the characteristics of their physical alignment is common practice. Sometimes, however, the examiner may find only a small unremarkable area of physical alignment between paint chips. It is important in such cases to use some additional method or methods that will affect a more scientific proof of identity. This paper describes two interesting cases in which automotive paint chips are matched by the alignment of their surface scratches (striations).
Large chern number one-way waveguides

We predict quantum anomalous Hall phases in photonic crystals with large Chern numbers of 2, 3 and 4, and demonstrate their applications. Finally, we present experimental evidence for multimode unidirectional waveguides at microwave frequencies.
Optimizing the spectral placement of future radio services

Several candidate frequency bands are currently being considered for allocation to future air/ground (A/G) communications systems. This paper presents a methodology for quantitatively comparing the inherent suitability of candidate bands. Attainable link capacity, which varies with carrier frequency and directly affects the overall spectral efficiency of a system, is used as suitability metric. Capacity bounds are derived from fundamental frequency-dependent propagation characteristics and design constraints imposed by operational system requirements. "Acceptable" and "optimal" frequency ranges (in which attainable link capacity exceeds 10% and 80% of maximum, respectively) are identified for various system implementations involving different combinations of antenna directionality, link direction, and link bandwidth. It is shown that, depending on the implementation considered, the optimal frequencies may fall within a range as narrow as 80-160 MHz or as wide as 40-4500 MHz (although, of course, only a small fraction of the "optimal" range could realistically be made available to any new aeronautical system). The methodology could serve as an analytical basis for evaluating future proposals for adjusting band allocations, so that new systems can be placed in bands where they will operate with maximal effectiveness and spectral efficiency.
A Legislative History of the Communications Act of 1934

(1990). A Legislative History of the Communications Act of 1934. American Journalism: Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 284-284.
Nature's new deal

INTRODUCTION: NEW DEAL CONSERVATION Chapter 1 Ideas: Franklin Roosevelt's Progressive Era Influences Chapter 2 Landscapes: The Evolution of CCC Conservation Chapter 3 Labor: Enrollee Work and the Body Politics Chapter 4 Community: Locals and Next Door Natures Chapter 5 The Public: The National Conservation Debate Chapter 6 Planning: From Top-Down Conservation to Bottom-Up Environment EPILOGUE: NEW DEAL LANDSCAPES IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL ERA
Child Abuse Law

Pediatrics deserves congratulations for publishing the article by Clark1 on decisions to withdraw or withhold medical treatment in pediatrics. Clark is right to point out the disturbing discrepancy between federal and state standards on this important matter. A number of other important points deserve emphasis. First, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement, "Guidelines on Forgoing Life-Sustaining Medical Treatment,"2 developed by its Committee on Bioethics, was published earlier this year. Although guidelines do not constitute a standard of medical care, they do provide a useful approach that pediatricians might follow when faced with these difficult situations.
The Beginning Psychotherapy Supervisor

Abstract Learning to become an effective psychotherapy supervisor has been recognized as a difficult, trying task. Because the role is demanding and challenging, those new to it can have particular problems, crises, and concerns with which to cope. As a means of helping new supervisors make yet another professional transition, three issues are subsequently discussed as being important: (a) training institute or programmatic hold; (b) the training institute or program as gatekeeper; and (c) the provision of supervision for new supervisors. Those issues are discussed as being vital to the care and optimal development of the new psychotherapy supervisor.
Single-center experience with primary orthotopic liver transplantation with FK 506 immunosuppression.

Objective: The efficacy for primary orthotopic liver transplantation of a new immunosuppressive agent, FK 506 (tacrolimus, Prograf, Fujisawa USA, Deerfield, IL), was determined. Summary Background Data: After 3 years of preclinical research, a clinical trial of FK 506 for orthotopic liver transplantation was begun in February 1989, first as a rescue therapy for patients with intractable rejection with conventional immunosuppression, then as a primary drug. Methods: Between August 1989 and December 1993, 1391 recipients (1188 adult and 203 pediatric) of primary liver allografts were treated with FK 506 from the outset. Results from these patients were analyzed and compared with those of 1212 historical control patients (971 adult and 241 pediatric) given cyclosporine-based immunosuppression. Results: Actuarial survival at 4 years was 86.2% with FK 506 versus 65.5% with cyclosporine in the pediatric patients (p < 0.0000) and 71.4% versus 65.5% in the adults (p < 0.0005). The need for retransplantation was reduced significantly for FK 506 patients. Four-year graft survival was 77.0% with FK 506 versus 48.4% with cyclosporine in the pediatric patients (p < 0.0000), and 61.9% with FK 506 versus 51.4% with cyclosporine in the adult recipients (p < 0.0000). Regression analysis revealed that reductions in mortality or graft loss from uncontrollable rejection, sepsis, technical failure, and recurrent original liver disease were responsible for the improved results with FK 506 therapy. Conclusions: FK 506 is a potent and superior immunosuppressive agent for orthotopic liver transplantation.
Liver function studies and progestagen contraception. Review of an intramuscularly administered contraceptive.

Liver function during treatment with an intramuscular progestagen-estrogen combination was assessed in 191 patients. Serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase levels did not change significantly. Thymol turbidity determinations and total protein albumin globulin alkaline phosphatase and serum bilirubin levels were all within normal limits. Only 2 patients had deviations from the norm in more than 1 of the battery of liver function studies. Return to normal levels was demonstrated in those individuals with alterations prior to medication. It is concluded however that further long-term follow-up studies of protein fractions and carbohydrate alterations in regard to hepatic changes are warranted.
Decreasing Psychological Distress in Cancer Inpatients Using FLEX Care®: A Pilot Study

While the incidence of psychological distress among people receiving treatment for cancer in outpatient treatment settings has received attention by researchers, few studies have investigated the incidence of psychological distress in inpatient settings. Similarly, efficacy or effectiveness studies describing psychosocial interventions with cancer patients in inpatient settings are all but absent from the research literature. The purpose of this study was to screen for psychological distress among persons receiving inpatient treatment for cancer and to then test the efficacy of a communications model known as FLEX Care®, used to enhance routine psychosocial care, in an effort to reduce measurable levels of psychological distress. Following the vetting of more than 400 potential participants, 35 met rigorous screening criteria and also consented to participate in this randomized pre–post control group study. The intervention group received the FLEX Care®–enhanced routine psychosocial intervention, while th...
Multiple Ionic Conductances of the Human Dopamine Transporter: The Actions of Dopamine and Psychostimulants

Electrophysiological and pharmacological studies of a cloned human dopamine transporter (hDAT) were undertaken to investigate the mechanisms of transporter function and the actions of drugs at this target. Using two-electrode voltage-clamp techniques with hDAT-expressing Xenopus laevis oocytes, we show that hDAT can be considered electrogenic by two criteria. (1) Uptake of hDAT substrates gives rise to a pharmacologically appropriate “transport-associated” current. (2) The velocity of DA uptake measured in oocytes clamped at various membrane potentials was voltage-dependent, increasing with hyperpolarization. Concurrent measurement of transport-associated current and substrate flux in individual oocytes revealed that charge movement during substrate translocation was greater than would be expected for a transport mechanism with fixed stoichiometry of 2 Na+ and 1 Cl− per DA+ molecule. In addition to the transport-associated current, hDAT also mediates a constitutive leak current, the voltage and ionic dependencies of which differ markedly from those of the transport-associated current. Ion substitution experiments suggest that alkali cations and protons are carried by the hDAT leak conductance. In contrast to the transport-associated functions, the leak does not require Na+ or Cl−, and DAT ligands readily interact with the transporter even in the absence of these ions. The currents that hDAT mediates provide a functional assay that readily distinguishes the modes of action of amphetamine-like “DA-releasing” drugs from cocaine-like translocation blockers. In addition, the voltage dependence of DA uptake suggests a mechanism through which presynaptic DA autoreceptor activation may accelerate the termination of dopaminergic neurotransmission in vivo .
Intricacies of the contralateral oblique view for interlaminar epidural access.

To the Editor, Furman and colleagues present a good overview of the contralateral oblique view when performing interventions via the posterior epidural space ⇓. Indeed, this view is superior to the lateral view in visualizing the needle tip and may improve overall safety especially with cervical interventions. Ambiguity, however, remains about the appropriate angle and the distance the needle needs to be advanced beyond the ventral interlaminar line (VILL) before the epidural space is accessed. In this letter we would like to highlight these inconsistencies and look at the relationship of the angle used in the contralateral oblique view to the location of the needle tip. Furthermore, we would like to comment on the so-called “spinolaminar” line mentioned by Furman and colleagues. The degree of obliquity when employing the contralateral oblique view is of paramount importance. Final needle tip position in this view is a function of the …
Differential roles of the NPXXY motif in formyl peptide receptor signaling

The NPXXY motif (X represents any amino acid) in the seventh transmembrane domain of the chemotactic formyl peptide receptor (FPR) is highly conserved among G protein-coupled receptors. Recent work suggested that this motif contributes to G protein-coupled receptor internalization and signal transduction; however, its role in FPR signaling remains unclear. In this study we replaced Asn297 and Tyr301 in the NPXXY motif of the human FPR with Ala (N297A) and Ala/Phe (Y301A/Y301F), respectively, and determined the effects of the substitutions on FPR functions in transfected rat basophilic leukemia cells. Whereas all the mutant receptors were expressed on the cell surface, the N297A receptor exhibited reduced binding affinity and was unable to mediate activation of phospholipase C-β and the p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase). The Y301F receptor displayed significantly decreased ligand-stimulated internalization and MAP kinase activation, suggesting that the hydrogen bonding at Tyr301 is critical for these functions. The Y301F receptor showed a chemotactic response similar to that of wild-type FPR, indicating that cell chemotaxis does not require receptor internalization and hydrogen bonding at the Tyr301 position. In contrast, the Y301A receptor displayed a left-shifted, but overall reduced, chemotaxis response that peaked at 0.1–1 nM. Finally, using a specific MAP kinase kinase inhibitor, we found that activation of MAP kinase is required for efficient FPR internalization, but is not essential for chemotaxis. These findings demonstrate that residues within the NPXXY motif differentially regulate the functions of FPR.
Graves and families in Japan: Continuity and change

The population aging in Japan has been accelerated not only by the nation's longest life expectancy at birth but also by its falling fertility rate. As the existence of a Japanese family's grave presupposes the continuity of the family line, Japan's current low fertility rate has increased families without progeny who now face problems of their family graves becoming “disconnected.” In this study, historical trends of graves in Japan were analyzed — how the idea of traditional family grave was socially constructed and how it has transformed society, culture, and families. In addition, analyzing the Japanese General Social Survey (JGSS) 2001, it addresses the importance of gender on people's expectations about burial partners in current Japanese society. The analysis of JGSS-2001 data revealed that although the majority of people chose graves with succession across generations, younger generations were more likely to support diversified graves than were older generations, and this difference was greater fo...
Phosphorylation of Gli2 by protein kinase A is required for Gli2 processing and degradation and the Sonic Hedgehog-regulated mouse development.

In mice, Gli2 and Gli3 are the transcription factors that mediate the initial Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In the absence of Hh signaling, the majority of the full-length Gli3 protein undergoes proteolytic processing into a repressor, while only a small fraction of the full-length Gli2 protein is processed. Gli3 processing is dependent on phosphorylation of the first four of the six protein kinase A (PKA) sites at its C-terminus. However, whether the same phosphorylation of Gli2 by PKA is required for Gli2 processing and, if so, whether such phosphorylation regulates additional Gli2 function are unknown. To address these questions, we mutated these PKA sites in the mouse Gli2 locus to create the Gli2P1-4 allele. Gli2P1-4 homozygous embryos die in utero and exhibit exencephaly, defects in neural tube closure, enlarged craniofacial structures, and an extra anterior digit. Analysis of spinal cord patterning shows that domains of motoneurons and V2, V1, and V0 interneurons are expanded to different degrees in both Gli2P1-4 single and Gli2P1-4;Shh double mutants. Furthermore, Gli2P1-4 expression prevents massive cell death and promotes cell proliferation in Shh mutant. Analysis of Gli2P1-4 protein in vivo reveals that the mutant protein is not processed and is twice as stable as wild type Gli2 protein. We also show that the Gli2 repressor can effectively antagonize Gli2P1-4 activity. Together, these results indicate that phosphorylation of Gli2 by PKA induces Gli2 processing and destabilization in vivo and plays an important role in the Hh-regulated mouse embryonic patterning.
Compression of MR-Thermometry images using reduced-order Karhunen-Loève basis

In this paper, we develop an approach to achieve MR thermal image compression by exploiting the spatial correlations of image voxels during thermal treatment. A set of reduced-order basis was identified using Karhunen-Loeve (KL) decomposition of MR thermal images. Each image can be compressed with a relative small number of identified KL basis functions. The proposed approach can be used in real-time compression of imaging data in order to minimize a potentially massive amount of information that must be exchanged between the MR scanner and the treatment controller, and reduce computer storage requirements during thermal treatment. Simulation and MR thermometry experimental results demonstrate that the proposed image compression method is also effective in suppressing high spatial-frequency MR measurement noises.
Methods of finding the initial values of parameters in the maximum likelihood estimating equations for a logistic regression model and comparison of their final solutions using different criterion functions

Abstract We present two methods of finding the initial values of parameters of the maximum likelihood estimating equations (MLEE) for a logistic regression model using two criterion functions. We then use the initial values and the corresponding criterion functions to obtain the final solutions of MLEE. Most experiments include more than two doses for determining a lethal dose like E D 50 . With more than two doses, we do not have an exact analytical expression for the solution of estimating equations. However, for two doses, we do have an exact analytic expression for the solution of estimating equations. The iterative methods make use of the initial values of the parameters. We have used the search algorithm for performing the optimization to find the final solutions of MLEE. The proposed approach starts with all possible pairs of doses from the doses considered in the experiment. It then chooses the pair giving the optimum value of a criterion function and the corresponding exact solutions for the parameters based on two observations in the pair as the initial values of parameters for solving MLEE for all observations. The proposed methods are transparent in the selection of the initial values of parameters. The proposed methods are computer intensive like bootstrap and jackknife methods popular among statisticians. We illustrate our two methods of finding the initial values with an observed beetle mortality data. We then apply them to obtain the final solutions using two criterion functions. We observe that the numerical values of E D 50 for the initial values of the parameters obtained by our approach are almost the same as the numerical values of E D 50 for the final solutions. This closeness of the estimated E D 50 values from our initial parameter values to the estimated E D 50 values from the final solutions is a strong feature of our proposed methods. Moreover, the proposed methods compare favorably with SAS and R in terms of CPU time values.