cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The language of mathematics teaching: a text mining approach to explore the zeitgeist of US mathematics education

Exploring language provides us with one approach to better understanding the practices and beliefs of a community. With advances in technology—specifically, computational text processing and machine learning tools—we can now examine written language on a large scale. In this study, we investigate the language of mathematics teaching and learning in the USA over a decade (2009–2018) by analyzing text from articles published in Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School. Our analyses explore the terminology used by middle school teachers and teacher educators to discuss their practice, revealing terms that are used widely, terms that have largely been absent from such writing, and terms that have shifted in usage over the past decade. This research provides insight into the zeitgeist of mathematics teaching and learning during a particular period of time, while also suggesting a fruitful approach to examining language as a means of uncovering the beliefs and practices of a community.
Exploring best practice for municipal e-scooter policy in the United States

Abstract The transportation and mobility landscape has changed at exponential rates in recent years. This is particularly evident in the spread and use of micromobility, primarily via e-scooters, in the United States. It is widely agreed that municipalities need to regulate the deployment of this new form of mobility to capture some of the benefits that these devices provide but also mitigate the impact and risks associated with their use. This paper evaluates commercial scooter deployment within municipalities in the United States, and seeks to identify policy trends for regulating e-scooters. As many communities do not have policies in place, the study seeks to benchmark and develop a policy dialogue addressing e-scooter use and deployment. The study focuses on three specific policy strategies cities are implementing: the use of pilot programs; vendor limits or caps; and the inclusion of equity policy. The study finds that tension between these policies has the potential to constrain or accelerate the market adoption of scooters and that very few communities are designing and adopting environment strategies to regulate scooter use. These policy dialogues are worth exploration as cities accelerate trends toward micromobility.
Civic Education in Circumstances of Constitutional Rot and Strong Polarization

This Essay argues that civic education is crucial to remedying what Jack Balkin, in The Cycles of Constitutional Time, diagnoses as “constitutional rot” in the United States. A twenty-first century civic education must meet challenges of polarization and growing diversity and inequality and equip people for forms of democratic participation necessary to the health of constitutional democracy. Some commentators have called the insurrection on January 6, 2021, a “Sputnik moment for teaching civics”—seeing a link between the white-supremacist/conspiracy-theory mob’s actions and the failure to instill civic virtue in “We the People.” To be capable of spurring national reconciliation and renewal, civic education must reckon with systemic racism and with how to strive to overcome it. This Essay critiques the model of “patriotic education” set out in The 1776 Report as a signal of, rather than a cure for, constitutional rot. The Report’s attacks on “identity politics” and critical race theory as incompatible with “authentic” civics education echo in recent proposed or enacted state and local laws prescribing whether and how teachers may teach students about racism and sexism. A better model of civic education, we argue, is the call for “reflective patriotism” set out in the Educating for American Democracy Initiative. This model combines “love of country with clear-eyed wisdom about our successes and failures in order to chart our path forward.” It helps students to engage with “hard histories” of inclusion and exclusion and to understand how the constitutional order has become more democratic because of the efforts of social movements. It seeks to educate young people “to participate in and sustain our constitutional democracy.” This model offers hope for addressing constitutional rot and preparing students to face present-day challenges.
ALDH1B1 links alcohol consumption and diabetes.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1B1 (ALDH1B1) is a mitochondrial enzyme sharing 65% and 72% sequence identity with ALDH1A1 and ALDH2 proteins, respectively. Compared to the latter two ALDH isozymes, little is known about the physiological functions of ALDH1B1. Studies in humans indicate that ALDH1B1 may be associated with alcohol sensitivity and stem cells. Our recent in vitro studies using human ALDH1B1 showed that it metabolizes acetaldehyde and retinaldehyde. To investigate the in vivo role of ALDH1B1, we generated and characterized a global Aldh1b1 knockout mouse line. These knockout (KO) mice are fertile and show overtly good health. However, ethanol pharmacokinetic analysis revealed ∼40% increase in blood acetaldehyde levels in KO mice. Interestingly, the KO mice exhibited higher fasting blood glucose levels. Collectively, we show for the first time the functional in vivo role of ALDH1B1 in acetaldehyde metabolism and in maintaining glucose homeostasis. This mouse model is a valuable tool to investigate the mechanism by which alcohol may promote the development of diabetes.
Multiple Aspects of Maltreatment: Moving Toward a Holistic Framework

The ways that researchers define and categorize maltreatment experiences determine both the priorities and scope of scholarly work in the field. In this chapter we review extant literature on maltreatment experiences and consider the benefits and limitations of the current focus on discrete types of maltreatment (i.e., physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect). We then offer suggestions for moving prevention efforts beyond the focus on individual maltreatment experiences to more broadly address the complex nature of early adversity. We consider the need for research identifying the meaningful ways in which maltreatment experiences overlap and suggest promising research methodology. We further suggest that the field would benefit from a more holistic preventative framework anchored by a public health model of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
Early Student Support for a Statistical Investigation of Internal Wave Propagation in the Northern South China Sea

Abstract : The long-term goal of this project is to predict the generation of internal waves over the ridges in the Luzon Strait and wave propagation across the northern South China Sea. The objective of this study is to provide support for a student to participate in the study of the internal wave/tide propagation from the Luzon Strait to the edge of the continental shelf off China. Three issues are to be studied: 1) the relationship between the internal waves and the barotropic tides in the Luzon Strait, 2) temporal and spatial variations of internal wave properties during propagation across the deep basin of the northern South China Sea, and 3) wave transmission across the continental margin.
Condorcet's Jury Theorem and the Optimum Number of Voters

Many political theorists and philosophers use Condorcet's Jury Theorem to defend democracy. This article illustrates an uncomfortable implication of Condorcet's Jury Theorem. Realistically, when the conditions of Condorcet's Jury Theorem hold, even in very high stakes elections, having more than 100,000 citizens vote does no significant good in securing good political outcomes. On the Condorcet model, unless voters enjoy voting, or unless they produce some other value by voting, then the cost to most voters of voting exceeds the expected epistemic benefits to the common good of their casting a vote. Anyone who is committed to democracy on the basis of the Jury Theorem ought also to hold that widespread voting is wasteful, at least unless he or she can provide some further justification of mass democratic participation.
EVALUATION AND TESTING OF n + 239pu DATA FOR ENDF/B·VI IN THE keV AND MeV ENERGY REGIONS

A new analysis of neutron-induced reactions on 239Pu above En = 20 keV was performed as part of the evaluation activity for Version VI of ENDF/B. This study merges results from a new theoretical analysis of n + 239Pu reactions with covariance analyses of experimental data for the 239Pu total and (n,f) cross sections and for the prompt fission neutron multiplicity. The results of this study are combined with a new analysis of the resolved and unresolved resonance regions of 239Pu to produce a new evaluation spanning the incident neutron energy range 10−5 eV to 20 MeV. Preliminary data testing calculations for several fast critical assemblies were performed in conjunction with the evaluation.
Synergism in binary mixtures of surfactants: I. Theoretical analysis

Nonideal solution theory is used to derive equations for the conditions under which synergism can exist in aqueous binary mixtures of surfactants. For synergism in surface tension reduction efficiency, β, the experimentally obtained molecular interaction parameter at the aqueous solution/air interface, must be negative and ∥ln (C10C20)∥ must be <∥βM∥, where C10 and C20 are the solution phase molar concentrations of surfactants 1 and 2, respectively, required to produce a given surface tension (reduction). For synergism in mixed micelle formation, βM, the molecular interaction parameter in mixed micelle, must be negative and ∥ln (CIMC2M)∥ must be <∥βM∥, where C1M and C2M are the respective critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of surfactants 1 and 2. For synergism in surface tension reduction effectiveness, the condition is: f1,cXc < f1MXM, where XM and Xc are the mole fractions of surfactant 1 in the total surfactant in the mixed micelle and in the mixed monolayer at the aqueous solution/air interface, respectively, and f1,c and f1M are the activity coefficients in the surface phase at the CMC and in the micelle, respectively.
Effects of bark beetle‐caused tree mortality on biogeochemical and biogeophysical MODIS products

[1] Disturbances affect forest-atmosphere exchanges of carbon, water, and energy, thereby influencing weather and climate. Bark beetle outbreaks are one such disturbance type that alters biogeochemical and biogeophysical processes in forests. Few studies have documented bark beetle impacts to leaf area index (LAI), gross primary productivity (GPP), evapotranspiration (ET), land surface temperature (LST), and surface albedo with satellite observations. Our objective was to use Landsat-derived estimates of bark beetle-caused tree mortality and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) land surface products to estimate beetle-caused changes in LAI, GPP, ET, LST, and surface albedo in northern Colorado. Following bark beetle-caused tree mortality, decreases occurred in LAI (0.02–0.80 m2m−2, 1–40%), annual GPP (50–248 gC m−2 yr−1, (5–26%), and daily summer ET (0.20–0.70 mm day−1, 13–44%), whereas increases occurred in August LST (1–3.9 K) and February albedo (0.03–0.09, 19–52%). We found greater responses of these variables in areas of greater mortality severity. The extent and severity of tree mortality in northern Colorado caused substantial changes in land surface variables (9–23%) when averaged across all forested areas of our study area. Our results demonstrate that land surface variables are sensitive to bark beetle-caused tree mortality and that bark beetle outbreaks can significantly impact biogeochemical and biogeophysical processes.
Theory of magnetic order in Fe1+yTe1- xSex

We develop a local spin model to explain the rich magnetic structures in the iron-based superconductors Fe1+yTe1−xSex. We show that our model exhibits both commensurate antiferromagnetic and incommensurate magnetic order along the crystal a-axis. The transition from the commensurate to the incommensurate phase is induced when the concentration of excess Fe atoms is larger than a critical value. Experimentally measurable spin-wave features are calculated, and the mean-field phase diagram of the model is obtained. Our model also suggests the existence of a large quantum critical region due to strong spin frustration upon increasing Se concentration.
The Social Security Earnings Test: The Tax That Wasn't

Most seniors view the Social Security earnings test as a "tax" that reduces their Social Security benefits by fifty cents for each dollar they earn above a modest limit. In fact, the earnings test is not a tax at all: at a person's full retirement age, Social Security increases benefits to account for any lost to the earnings test in earlier years. Over the typical retiree's lifetime, total benefits are almost exactly the same. Most retirees are unaware of this because the Social Security Administration (SSA) and financial advisers fail to inform them of how the earnings test works. Retirees need better information - and policymakers should consider whether the earnings test makes sense at all.
Hashimoto's Encephalopathy after Intensive Lymphocyte Depletion with Rabbit Anti-Thymocyte Globulin in a Renal Transplant Patient

There has been no reported case of Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) ('steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis', 'SREAT'), in the renal transplant recipient population. We describe the case of a 55-year-old female with Type-1 diabetes who presented 2 years posttransplantation in a comatose state that had developed over the preceding 24 h. The patient had received a short, intensive course of rATG induction at the time of transplantation and early steroid withdrawal. After 6 months she had been withdrawn from calcineurin inhibitors and was maintained on mycophenolate mofetil and sirolimus. Systematic workup determined the cause of her coma to be HE. High-dose steroid therapy resulted in complete resolution of the patient's symptoms. The literature regarding the diagnosis, course and treatment of HE is reviewed and the possibility that increased use of steroid-free immunosuppression and intensive lymphocyte depletion regimens may increase the prevalence of de novo autoimmune disease is discussed.
The Effect of Organizational Emphases upon the Diffusion of Information about Innovations

An important but seldomly addressed issue for both managers and researchers is how the environment influences innovation in work organizations. A theoretical model explaining this influence is presented and suggests that the environment affects both an organization's emphasis on change and the emphasis given a specific innovation. Findings from a sample of 2083 managers from 96 organizations illustrated that (a) these two emphases were empirically distinct and (b) only the latter significantly influenced managers' tendencies to inform their subordinates about an innovation. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for future research and managerial implementation of innovations.
Effects of Epinephrine on Frog Ventricle

Thirty-six isolated frog ventricles were attached to an inflow cannula with stopcocks that could permit direct systolic ejection back into the reservoir, return flow back to the reservoir by another route through a valve, or isochorie contractions. The heart, enclosed in a container with a "U" tube outlet, produced pressure changes (extra-cardiac) which could be used in determining the in-flow rate and transmural pressures. The rate of change of the transmural pressure was calculated for the frog ventricle during early diastole. This value was taken as a measurement of the rate of relaxation. The effects of epinephrine (.02 µg./ml.) were studied. At low filling pressures without valves (and therefore with outflow pressure equal to inflow pressure), epinephrine slows the rate of relaxation, although other inotropic effects, such as an increase in stroke volumes, are present. If, however, the heart contracts against a high outflow pressure or resistance the rate of relaxation is increased by epinephrine. The slowing of relaxation in the former case is a result of filling commencing before relaxation is complete. In the isochoric heart, epinephrine does not change the time of positive tension, but does accelerate the relaxation after contraction.
Trend forecasting for stability in supply chains

Abstract This paper revisits the use of trend forecasting to determine ordering policy in supply chains by viewing it as a part of the control process for making the supply responsive to demand. Trend forecasting is often used to assess demand — a tracked variable in the control context, which drives supply — a tracking variable. Used in this way, it is often observed to increase instability creating the so-called bullwhip effect. Trend is used on the other hand with reliability to increase stability in controller control, but with the difference that a trend of a tracking variable is used to drive correction. While both processes involve use of trend to determine policies for achieving reliable performance, the outcomes of the former are variable while those of the later can create improvement in control with certainty. The similarities and differences between the two processes are discussed and guidelines developed for applying trend forecasting to enhance stability in supply chains.
Ten year environmental test of glass fiber/epoxy pressure vessels

By the beginning of the 1970's composite pressure vessels had received a significant amount of development effort, and applications were beginning to be investigated. One of the first applications grew out of NASA Johnson Space Center efforts to develop a superior emergency breathing system for firemen. While the new breathing system provided improved wearer comfort and an improved mask and regulator, the primary feature was low weight which was achieved by using a glass fiber reinforced aluminum pressure vessel. Part of the development effort was to evaluate the long term performance of the pressure vessel and as a consequence, some 30 bottles for a test program were procured. These bottles were then provided to NASA Lewis Research Center where they were maintained in an outdoor environment in a pressurized condition for a period of up to 10 yr. During this period, bottles were periodically subjected to cyclic and burst testing. There was no protective coating applied to the fiberglass/epoxy composite, and significant loss in strength did occur as a result of the environment. Similar bottles stored indoors showed little, if any, degradation. This report contains a description of the pressure vessels, a discussion of the test program, data for each bottle, and appropriate plots, comparisons, and conclusions.
UV laser etching processes for film layers used in silicon integrated circuits

Abstract Maskless, single-step, 0.2 μm resolution laser etching processes have been developed for various film-layer combinations used in silicon microelectronic devices. Initial mechanistic studies have been carried out of etching processes for Si and Mo based on the ArF laser-induced decomposition of the fluorine (F) atom precursors COF 2 and NF 3 . Silicon etch efficiency and modeling studies show that, for the precursor NF 3 , F atoms are primarily produced by gas-phase photolysis. Precursor decomposition processes on surfaces are unimportant. Laser illumination of the surface may enhance the reactivity of F atoms with Si and the volatilization of lower-stoichiometry silicon fluorides. The results indicate that, although the F atoms are mainly produced in the gas phase, the etch efficiency and resolution is controlled by laser-induced surface processes.
Neuroanatomical alterations in the rat nucleus of the solitary tract following early maternal NaCl deprivation and subsequent NaCl repletion

Restricting the NaCl content in the rat maternal and preweaning diet results in a significant and specific reduction (60%) of chorda tympani nerve responsiveness to sodium stimuli in the offspring. Repletion of dietary sodium at any time during postnatal development results in a complete and persistent recovery of chorda tympani nerve function. To learn whether the maturation of postsynaptic cells are also affected by the early dietary manipulation, dendritic morphology, neuronal and glial densities and numbers were studied within the area of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Examination of dendritic morphologies in Golgi-Cox stained neurons revealed that cells with multipolar and fusiform somata in the rostral NTS exhibited longer dendrites following dietary NaCl deprivation during development (deprived rats) than in controls. These changes were generally maintained in rats initially deprived of NaCl and then fed a NaCl-replete diet postweaning ("recovered" rats). In contrast, ovoid neurons were not affected by NaCl deprivation but had increases in the lengths of their dendrites following "recovery." Along with dendritic alterations, the packing density of neurons in the rostral NTS was greater in NaCl-deprived rats than in controls, but was similar to controls following "recovery." Glial packing density also increased following deprivation and remained high in "recovered" rats. These results indicate that activity-dependent events as well as events not related to afferent activity (e.g., hormonal changes) may influence the morphological development of NTS neurons. In addition, significant interactions among primary afferent fibers, central neurons, and glia may direct development within the central gustatory system.
Hurricane Wind Damage Mitigation: Research and Outlook

The U.S. coast from Maine to Texas is vulnerable to hurricane impacts. Hurricane-induced economic losses have steadily increased in recent decades. At the same time, trillions of dollars have been invested in coastal development to accommodate the increasing population; therefore, the socioeconomic impacts of hurricane landfalls will also escalate. The state of Florida has sustained massive hurricane losses in recent years. Hurricane Wilma, barely a Category 2 hurricane in 2005, amounted to $16 billion in damages in South Florida. These tremendous losses have resulted in unprecedented insurance payouts. The answer to Florida’s hurricane crisis is to strengthen homes and businesses through retrofitting and improved new construction. This requires full-scale, destructive building testing to gain a better understanding of hurricane-induced, wind-rain effects on buildings and structures. Scientific understanding of hurricane effects will lead to innovative design technologies to mitigate hurricane damages. Th...
Chronic bioassays: Relevance to quantitative risk assessment of carcinogens

Conventional carcinogenic potency estimates for chemicals have been compared across rodent species. The high correlations previously demonstrated between maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) for chemicals identified as positive carcinogens in both rats and mice (r = 0.83, n = 83) are shown to occur also for chemicals that were negative in both species (r = 0.85, n = 51), for chemicals causing tumors in rats but not mice (r = 0.55, n = 15), and for those causing tumors in mice but not rats (r = 0.68, n = 25). Corresponding upper-bound estimates of carcinogenic potency are also highly correlated across rodent species. The correlations arise from (i) the strong interspecies correlation between maximum doses tested in chronic bioassays, (ii) the small group sizes utilized, and (iii) the narrow range of doses typically tested. These factors constrain conventional ML and upper-bound potency estimates to lie very close to the inverse maximum doses tested, irrespective of the bioassay's qualitative outcomes. The potency estimates are thus artifacts of experimental design and would seem to provide little information on the actual human cancer risks from chemical exposure. Risk assessment models can reveal true potency differences across species, but they must incorporate relevant mechanistic information before quantitative risk extrapolation from rodents to humans is scientifically defensible.
Establishment of lucerne after maize in conservation tillage systems

Extensive slug damage reported for lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) establishment in grass sod and small grain fields when using conservation tillage prompted this 3-year study on establishing lucerne in maize (Zea mays L.). Different crop residues were created by harvesting maize for grain and silage and including a silage+rye (Secale cereale L.) winter cover crop treatment. Conventional tillage (ploughed in spring) following grain harvest was included as a control. In addition, a combination treatment of methiocarb bait broadcast on the surface and carbofuran granules applied in the furrow with the seed was compared with an untreated control. Finally, three planting dates, early and late April and late May, simulated the spring planting season. Planting lucerne in the different maize residues had a significant effect on lucerne yields, especially the silage+rye residue treatment, which caused the lowest lucerne yields. Highest yields of lucerne occurred when it was planted after silage, a treatment in which residue was minimal. The earliest planting date gave the highest lucerne yields in the establishment year. Slugs did not reduce the establishment of lucerne in any maize residue, nor were lucerne yields affected by slug feeding. This was attributed to the low slug populations observed early in the growing season. Establishing and producing lucerne in maize residues was more successful in this study because of the lower slug populations than those usually encountered in grass sod or small grain residues.
Paleozoic shell-Boring Annelids and their Trace Fossils

Polychaete shell-borings are widespread but not often common in Paleozoic strata of most continents, occurring in pelecypod, gastropod, cephalopod, coral, stromatoporoid, crinoid, brachiopod, ectoproct, and calcareous algal skeletons of Ordovician to Permian age. Four genera are known: Vermiforichnus (Spionidae), Ordovician to Permian; Caulostrepsis (Spionidae) , Devonian to Oligocene; Myzoslomites (Myzostomidae), Ordovician to Jurassic: and possibly Conchotrema , Devonian to Permian. The Silurian Citonia sipho is a worm-boring, not a calcareous worm tube, referable to Vermiforichnus . An exceedingly well preserved Devonian fossilized polychaete, Vermiforafacta rollhisi , with complex setigerous parapodia, dorsal cirri, peristomial cirri, prostomium, and tentacle-like palps, occurs entombed in an agglutinated tube-lined worm-boring ( Vermiforichnus ) . It may have been a shell-borer considering its many similarities to the spionid, Polydora , which apparently ecologically replaced it. Like Polydora, Vermiforafacta probably filtered food and sediment from sea water and constructed agglutinated tubes which lined its borings. In bivalves, borings parallel valves and are usually perpendicular to commissures; in massive skeletons, they radiate outward and laterally. Distorted later growth and “blisters” indicate that the host was often alive. Commensal to pathogenic parasitism existed and worms benefited from their hosts's feeding currents and protective shells. One polychaete nestler is reported. Life positions of hosts are sometimes indicated.
Gamma-convergence, Sobolev norms, and BV functions

We prove that the family of functionals (Iδ) defined by Iδ(g)=∫∫RN×RN|g(x)-g(y)|>δδp|x-y|N+pdxdy, ∀g∈Lp(RN), for p≥1 and δ>0, Γ-converges in Lp(RN), as δ goes to zero, when p≥1. Hereafter | | denotes the Euclidean norm of RN. We also introduce a characterization for bounded variation (BV) functions which has some advantages in comparison with the classic one based on the notion of essential variation on almost every line.
Three-dimensional optical architecture and data-parallel algorithms for massively parallel computing

A 3-D optical architecture currently under investigation is described. This model, a single-instruction, multiple-data (SIMD) system, exploits spatial parallelism and processes 2-D binary images as fundamental computational entities using symbolic substitution logic. This system effectively implements highly structured data-parallel algorithms, such as signal and image processing, partial differential equations, multidimensional numerical transforms, and numerical supercomputing. The model includes a hierarchical mapping technique that helps design the algorithms and maps them onto the proposed optical architecture. The symbolic substitution logic and the mapping of data-parallel algorithms are discussed. The theoretical performance of the optical system was estimated and compared with that of electronic SIMD array processors. Preliminary results show that the system provides greater computational throughput and efficiency than its electronic counterparts. >
Incorporating public opinion surveys in national forest land and resource planning

Abstract The United States Forest Service is legislatively mandated to include participation of interested publics in land and resource planning. In the narrowet interpretation, plans or revisions are to be made available to the public for review and comment, and meetings are to be held to solicit public participation. An inadequacy of this type of public involvement is the accurate representation of affected publics. Input can reflect opinions of polarized interests, frequently represented by groups organized to promote specific causes. This paper describes the public involvement process and suggests the incorporation of public opinion surveys in assessment of public perceptions toward forest management. Benefits arid drawbacks to public opinion surveys are discussed. A rural northern California county's “Compatible Business Survey”; is described as an example of potential cooperative survey research partnerships between the VSFS and other governmental agencies.
OMIT: A Domain-Specific Knowledge Base for MicroRNA Target Prediction

Identification and characterization of the important roles microRNAs (miRNAs) perform in human cancer is an increasingly active research area. Unfortunately, prediction of miRNA target genes remains a challenging task to cancer researchers. Current processes are time-consuming, error-prone, and subject to biologists’ limited prior knowledge. Therefore, we propose a domain-specific knowledge base built upon Ontology for MicroRNA Targets (OMIT) to facilitate knowledge acquisition in miRNA target gene prediction. We describe the ontology design, semantic annotation and data integration, and user-friendly interface and conclude that the OMIT system can assist biologists in unraveling the important roles of miRNAs in human cancer. Thus, it will help clinicians make sound decisions when treating cancer patients.
Renal prostaglandin synthesis: Sites of production and specific actions of prostaglandins

Prostaglandins are substances that exert their effects at the site of their production. Therefore, the synthesis and effects of prostaglandins have to be considered separately for each nephron segment. In the cortex, major sites of prostaglandin synthesis include arteries and arterioles as well as the glomerulus. At these sites, prostaglandins are important in maintaining blood flow and glomerular filtration, especially during conditions of enhanced vasoconstrictor activity. Vasoconstrictors such as angiotensin II, norepinephrine, and vasopressin increase production of the vasodilator prostaglandins, thereby preventing an overshoot of their action. The role of arteriolar-glomerular prostaglandins in maintaining blood flow and filtration may be even more prominent during renal diseases. The proximal tubule and the loop of Henle show little ability to produce prostaglandins, but may generate considerable amounts of epoxygenase products of arachidonic acid. These epoxygenase products may play a prostaglandin-independent role in water and electrolyte transport in the thick ascending loop of Henle and the collecting tubule. Both the cortical and the medullary collecting tubules produce large amounts of prostaglandins, predominantly prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In these segments, synthesis of PGE2 is stimulated by bradykinin and to a somewhat more variable degree by vasopressin. The PGE2 generated antagonizes the hydroosomotic effect of vasopressin both in vivo and in vitro, and may influence electrolyte excretion. Thus, the overall role of PGE2--and possibly of epoxygenase products of arachidonic acid--in tubular functions seems to be one of local modulation of water and electrolyte transport. Finally, interstitial cells are a major site of medullary prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins generated by the interstitial cells may play a role in maintaining blood flow to this poorly oxygenated and hypertonic region of the kidney.
Professional Journals in Secondary Education: Which Ones Do Teachers Recommend Most?.

(1980). Professional Journals in Secondary Education: Which Ones Do Teachers Recommend Most? The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 53, No. 7, pp. 349-350.
Interview with Rebecca A. Mosher.

Rebecca Mosher began working in research laboratories at the University of Arizona at age 15 and quickly discovered a love of science. After completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Arizona, with majors in Molecular & Cellular Biology and Biochemistry, she performed doctoral work in the Program in Genetics and Genomics at Duke University. During graduate work Rebecca discovered the emerging field of epigenetics and decided to indulge her hobby of travel by pursuing postdoctoral research in Europe under the supervision of David Baulcombe, first at the Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich, UK and later at the University of Cambridge.
Educating local government managers: a national survey of MPA programs

This article reports the findings of a national survey of masters degree programs in public administration. The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of efforts to educate local government managers. The findings suggest that programs with an overall focus on local government management or a specialized concentration are distinctly different from generalist programs. Furthermore, they indicate that internship programs may suffer from some serious shortcomings and that they may not offer an effective content supplement for generalist programs.
Telescope divisibility limitations due to synchronization of array-based photon counting receivers in laser communications links

Array-based architectures for deep-space photon counting lasercom links offer a powerful mechanism to lower the cost and improve the scalability of Earth- or space-based optical receivers. In this architecture, a large area receive telescope is constructed by using an array of small, inexpensive telescopes that are networked together. However, a limitation on how many small telescopes can be used comes from the minimum SNR requirement for synchronization. In general, the synchronization requirements are not difficult to meet for systems with enough SNR to achieve >Mbps performance. However, deep-space links often have large variations in their operational parameters due to varying link distances from orbital considerations as well as atmospherics. If the system is required to operate under such stressing conditions, albeit with a low (100's of Kbps) data rate, it is important to consider required SNR for synchronization as a design parameter. Furthermore, for very remote systems (e.g. beyond Mars), expected data rates may only be 100's of Kbps, in which case synchronization will be a critical design parameter. In this paper, we will examine the design trade space between number of arrayed telescopes and synchronization parameters. We will focus on the low SNR/ low data rate case as it is the most stressing.
Functionality of Soymilk Powder and Its Components in Fresh Soy Bread

ABSTRACT: The physicochemical changes upon addition of soymilk powder (SMP) to soy bread were investigated. Two-pound loaves of soy bread were produced with components (soluble fiber [SF], insoluble fiber [ISF], soy protein) that mimic those levels contributed by SMP. Soy flour and soy flour/SMP soy breads served as controls. The following were determined for all breads produced: physical properties (loaf volume, crust, and crumb color); chemical compositions (SF and ISF contents, protein and ash contents); and physicochemical properties (water activity, total moisture content by thermogravimetric analysis [TGA], “freezable” water [FW], “unfreezable” water [UFW] content by DSC, stiffness at 25 °C by dynamic mechanical analysis [DMA], and firmness with Instron testing machine). SMP contained significant amounts of SF aside from the ISF fraction and mostly denatured soy protein. SMP addition to soy bread formulation significantly decreased loaf volume with respect to control soy bread, which can be attributed to the ISF and SPI contents of this ingredient. Other effects of SMP were found to be lighter and yellowish crumb color, darker crust color, and increase in firmness, as well as no change in moisture content, FW and UFW contents, water activity, and stiffness parameters.
Mouse models dissect the role of p53 in cancer and development.

Abstract Mice lacking one or two copies of the p53 gene have provided invaluable insight into the process of tumorigenesis. The importance of apoptosis in suppression of tumorigenesis in vivo became evident from analysis of these mice. Moreover, the timing and kinds of tumors that develop in these mice are altered by the presence of additional inherited mutations, by strain differences, and by food intake. Developmental abnormalities are also visible in mice with loss of p53 and with overexpression of p53 suggesting that p53 levels are critical for normal cellular processes. While mice do not necessarily recapitulate all the tumor types found in inherited cancers, they offer the unique opportunity to deci- pher the critical pathways in tumorigenesis. These findings can then be applied to humans.
Thieves of Bombay: United Artists, Colonial Copyright, and Film Piracy in the 1920s

This article examines Hollywood’s attempts to curtail print duplication piracy in Bombay during the 1920s. The Thief of Bagdad, starring Douglas Fairbanks, was a massive international success for t...
Effect of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Lifetime Sexual Partner Count, and Recreational Drug Use on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men Who Have Sex With Men

Objective To investigate the relationship of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) to urinary tract infection, prostatitis, sexually transmitted infection, lifetime sexual partner count, and recreational drug use in a population of men who have sex with men. LUTS in men are a source of considerable morbidity, distress, and medical expense. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, Internet-based survey of urinary quality-of-life outcomes in men who have sex with men. The main outcome was the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), classified as none/mild (IPSS 0-7), moderate/severe (IPSS 8-35), or severe (IPSS 20-35). The participants were also asked whether they ever sought medical attention for urinary problems. Results The survey web site was accessed by 2783 men, of whom 2348 (84.3%) completed the questionnaire. The median age was 39 years (range 18-81). Age, depression, human immunodeficiency virus infection, gonorrhea, syphilis, prostatitis, and prescription drug abuse were all associated with LUTS. Men who sought medical attention for LUTS were more likely to report older age, diabetes, depression, gonorrhea, urinary tract infection history, and prostatitis. Conclusion Specific infectious conditions of the urinary tract and depressive symptoms are independent predictors of LUTS in men who have sex with men. Although LUTS are often multifactorial, a common unifying explanation for our finding could be the effects of local and systemic inflammation on the lower urinary tract.
Non-rigid disk-based DDA with a new contact model

Abstract In this paper, a new disk-based DDA formulation is presented. In the original disk-based DDA, disks are considered to be rigid and the penalty method is used to enforce disk contact constraints. In order to improve the accuracy of the disk-based DDA, new formulations of stiffness and force matrices for non-rigid disks using a new efficient contact model are presented in this paper. Blocks are considered deformable without need to do more computations for contact detection. In the proposed contact model, disk–disk and disk–boundary contacts are transformed into the form of point-to-line contacts and normal spring, shear spring and frictional force sub-matrices are derived by vector analysis. The penalty method is quite simple to implement, but has some major disadvantages. In the presented contact model, not only the simplicity of the penalty method is retained but also the limitations are overcome by using the augmented Lagrangian method. Moreover, unlike the contact model used in the original disk-based DDA, reference line can be obtained directly by using only coordinates of disk centers and their radii, and no more computations are needed. The validity and capability of the new disk-based DDA formulation are demonstrated by several illustrative examples.
Outcome after cytoreductive nephrectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma is predicted by fractional percentage of tumour volume removed.

OBJECTIVE To determine if the fractional percentage of tumour volume (FPTV) removed at cytoreductive nephrectomy predicts disease-specific survival (DSS), as metastatic renal cell carcinoma ((M+)RCC) is associated with poor overall survival with only a 10–20% patient survival at 2 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS The Columbia Urologic Oncology Database was reviewed; 1016 patients had renal surgery from 1988 to 2005, 78 patients with (M+)RCC underwent nephrectomy. The FPTV removed was determined using pathological and imaging reports. The patients were stratified as having a > or <90% FPTV. Kaplan–Meier analysis with log-rank test was used to determine survival advantage between groups. A Cox proportional hazard model was used for FPTV in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Secondary analyses were conducted to determine if the size of the primary tumour or volume of metastases affected outcome and if the FPTV affected hospitalization time. RESULTS In all, 55 patients had their FPTV calculated exactly; 45 had a >90% FPTV. The median DSS times were 11.6 and 2.9 months for patients with >90% and 90% FPTV in a univariate model (P = 0.016) and 0.29 in multivariate analysis (P = 0.02). Patients with a <90% FPTV spent a greater percentage of time hospitalized before death, 21.2% vs 6.5% (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION For patients with (M+)RCC, overall survival is limited, but can be extended by cytoreductive nephrectomy. The FPTV expected to be removed is a simple and available method to counsel patients regarding the benefits of surgical intervention.
The nature and plausibility of cognitivism

Cognitivism in psychology and philosophy is roughly the position that intelligent behavior can (only) be explained by appeal to internal “cognitive processes,” that is, rational thought in a very broad sense. Sections 1 to 5 attempt to explicate in detail the nature of the scientific enterprise that this intuition has inspired. That enterprise is distinctive in at least three ways: It relies on a style of explanation which is different from that of mathematical physics, in such a way that it is not basically concerned with quantitative equational laws; the states and processes with which it deals are “interpreted,” in the sense that they are regarded as meaningful or representational; and it is not committed to reductionism, but is open to reduction in a form different from that encountered in other sciences. Spelling these points out makes it clear that the Cognitivist study of the mind can be rigorous and empirical, despite its unprecedented theoretical form. The philosophical explication has another advantage as well: It provides a much needed framework for articulating questions about whether the Cognitivist approach is right or wrong. The last three sections take that advantage of the account, and address several such questions, pro and con.
Patenting genomic technologies.

The review article “Can patents deter innovation? The anticommons in biomedical research” by Michael A. Heller and Rebecca S. Eisenberg ( Science 's Compass, 1 May, p. [698][1]) has errors of fact and some erroneous assumptions as it relates to Cre-loxP patents owned and administered by the
Decay of motor memories in the absence of error.

When motor commands are accompanied by an unexpected outcome, the resulting error induces changes in subsequent commands. However, when errors are artificially eliminated, changes in motor commands are not sustained but show decay. Why does the adaptation-induced change in motor output decay in the absence of error? A prominent idea is that decay reflects the stability of the memory. We show results that challenge this idea and instead suggest that motor output decays because the brain actively disengages a component of the memory. Humans adapted their reaching movements to a perturbation and were then introduced to a long period of trials in which errors were absent (error-clamp). We found that, in some subjects, motor output did not decay at the onset of the error-clamp block but a few trials later. We manipulated the kinematics of movements in the error-clamp block and found that, as movements became more similar to subjects9 natural movements in the perturbation block, the lag to decay onset became longer and eventually reached hundreds of trials. Furthermore, when there was decay in the motor output, the endpoint of decay was not zero but a fraction of the motor memory that was last acquired. Therefore, adaptation to a perturbation installed two distinct kinds of memories: (1) one that was disengaged when the brain detected a change in the task and (2) one that persisted despite it. Motor memories showed little decay in the absence of error if the brain was prevented from detecting a change in task conditions.
A protocol for characterizing the structural performance of metallic sandwich panels: application to pyramidal truss cores

All-metallic sandwich panels with truss and prismatic cores have impending application as ultra-light load bearing panels amenable to simultaneous active cooling and blast resistance. To facilitate application, a protocol for characterizing the structural performance of such panels is needed that can be used for design calculations. An approach capable of realizing this objective is presented and demonstrated for panels with pyramidal truss cores. It combines measurements, mechanism maps, finite element simulations and optimization. Mechanism maps based on beam theory are used to characterize face and core dimensions as well as to estimate minimum weight designs. Experimental measurements and finite element calculations are used to calibrate and understand the responses of the core in transverse compression, in-plane shear and stretch. Overlaying the measurements and simulations allows assessment of the mechanical properties of the core material, as affected by fabrication. The updated results are used to establish and calibrate an orthotropic constitutive law for the core. Bending tests performed on panels subject to two end constraints are used to assess the fidelity of the core constitutive law. The tests are simulated by using a stress/strain response for the faces obtained from independent tensile measurements. The comparison reveals that the loads are predicted quite accurately. However, when controlled by the core, the simulations predict a more abrupt yield point than that found experimentally.