cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organization and simplification of high-resolution 3D city facades

This paper describes an approach for the organization and simplification of high-resolution geometry and imagery data for 3D buildings for interactive city navigation. At the highest level of organization, building data are inserted into a global hierarchy that supports the large-scale storage of cities around the world. This structure also provides fast access to the data suitable for interactive visualization. At this level the structure and simplification algorithms deal with city blocks. An associated latitude and longitude coordinate for each block is used to place it in the hierarchy. Each block is decomposed into building facades. A facade is a texture-mapped polygonal mesh representing one side of a city block. Therefore, a block typically contains four facades, but it may contain more. The facades are partitioned into relatively flat surfaces called faces. A texture-mapped polygonal mesh represents the building facades. By simplifying the faces first instead of the facades, the dominant characteristics of the building geometry are maintained. At the lowest level of detail, each face is simplified into a single texture-mapped polygon. An algorithm is presented for the simplification transition between the high- and low-detail representations of the faces. Other techniques for the simplification of entire blocks and even cities are discussed.
Constructal Theory: Tree-Shaped Flows and Energy Systems for Aircraft

Attention is drawn to constructal theory and design, which relies on global maximization of performance in the pursuitofe owsystem architecture. Exergy analysisestablishesthetheoreticalperformancelimit.Thermodynamic optimization (orentropygenerationminimization )bringsthedesignascloselyaspermissibletothetheoreticallimit. The design is destined to remain imperfect because of constraints (e nite sizes, times, and costs ). Improvements are registered by spreading the imperfection, for example, e ow resistances, through the system. Resistances compete againsteach otherand must be optimized together. Optimal spreading meansgeometricform. System architecture is generated by the constructal principle: constrained global optimization and constraints in a morphing e ow medium. In e ows that connect a volume (or area) with one point, the resulting structure is a tree of low-resistance links, and high-resistance interstices. These structures are robust, diverse, and everywhere. A key example is the extraction of maximum exergy from a hot-gas stream that is cooled and discharged into the ambient. The optimal cone guration consists ofa heat transfer surface with a temperaturethat decays exponentially in the e owdirection. Additional examples show that the complete structure of a heat exchanger for an environmental control system can be derived based on this method.
Secondary Sewage Treatment Versus Ocean Outfalls: An Assessment

Simplified models have been developed to obtain order of magnitude estimates of the oxygen demand of municipal and industrial wastes and of their potential eutrophication effects in the marine environment. The models have been applied to assess two major corrective actions that might be considered for such pollution problems—secondary sewage treatment and ocean outfalls. It is concluded that the arguments for secondary sewage treatment as the proper corrective action are not compelling and that the problem should be reexamined with appropriate scientific and engineering evaluations. One goal of such scientific evaluations should be a more thorough understanding of the life histories of possible trace contaminants and pathogens which may have long biological, chemical, or geological retention times in the marine environment.
Power-law creep in near-equiatomic nickel–titanium alloys

The compressive creep behavior of nickel-rich B2–NiTi (with 50–140 μm grain size) was studied over the stress range 3–11 MPa and the temperature range 950–1100 °C. The stress exponent (n = 2.7) and activation energy (Q = 155 kJ mol−1) are compared with a literature review of NiTi creep studies performed over lower temperature and/or higher stresses. Possible explanations for discrepancies between studies are discussed.
How to Write a Research Paper

Background: Busy strokologists often find little time for scientific writing. They sometimes develop a mental condition equivalent to that known by neurologists as writer’s cramp. I
Geo-Graphic Code Representation Of 3-D Objects From Their Pictorial Drawings

The technique of geographic encoding for the representation of a 3-D object is introduced in this paper. The geographic codes consist of the number of visible vertices and surfaces, the vertex-surface description, the vertex-surface vector, the vertex-type description, and the vertex-link code. A novel method for automatic surface extraction from the pictorial drawing of a 3-D object is presented. This method converts a pictorial drawing into surface trees. For each candidate visible surface, a surface tree is generated from which a visible surface is automatically identified via tree tracing. The extracted surfaces are orderly arranged to generate the vertex-surface description (VSD) for the 3-D object. The other geographic codes are automatically generated from the vertex-surface description.
RESTRUCTURED PORK WITH FLAVOR ENHANCERS

Muscles were removed from pork shoulders at 24 h postmortem and converted to restructured chops. Flavor enhancers included in the formulations were 0.5% mushroom extract (M), 0.38% Globe Natural Potentiator (NP), 0.38% monosodium glutamate (MSG), and no flavor enhancers (C). At 0, 14, and 56 days after packinging, samples were evaluated for discoloration, cohesiveness, muscle cut resemblence, overall appearance, juiciness, connective tissue amount, tenderness and flavor. Objective evaluations included Hunter Color and TBA values. Samples with MSG sustained less discoloration (P< 0.05), when measured objectively and subjectively, after storage for 42 days than the M and NP chops. Similar effects on overall appearance scores were noted. All flavor enhancers had a minimal effect on cohesiveness, muscle cut resemblance, juiciness, connective tissue amount and tenderness. The mushroom extract and the Globe Natural Potentiator provided more flavor protection than monosodium glutamate.
SIMPLE THEORY OF THE MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF RARE-EARTH METALS.

A simple theory for the magnetism of the rare-earth metals is presented. It is based on assuming strongly correlated, well-defined $f$-electron states of an atomiclike character which are weakly hybridized with conduction-band states. This hybridization plays the role of an indirect exchange interaction. A model calculation is presented: It yields for various values of the two relevant parameters ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, and helical arrangements. These arrangements are strongly dependent on the features of the conduction-electron band structure (Fermi surface). Order of magnitude estimates give reasonable agreement for physical parameters as determined from unrelated experiments.
Ph1-negative chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) with an unusual karyotype.

Abstract A case of Ph 1 -negative chronic myelocytic leukemia is reported. Cytogenetic analysis and the development of colonies in soft agar culture 2 months before the clinical manifestation of the acute phase of the disease clearly indicated the bad prognosis of the patient. An extra #8 chromosome was found in 23% of his cells. Also of note was the presence of an abnormal clone characterized by t(12;13).
Motor Control: Spinal Circuits Help Tadpoles See Clearly

Summary A recent study suggests that animals can rely on internal expectations about their head movements, rather than vestibular sensations, to see what's in front of them.
Overcoming Blocks in Conceptual Design: The Effects of Open Goals and Analogical Similarity on Idea Generation

Designers have been known to seek analogical inspiration during design ideation. This paper presents an experiment that studies the types of analogies that most impact design creativity, as well as the time during problem solving when it is most effective to seek such analogical stimulation. This experiment showed that new information that was highly similar to the problem affected problem solving even if the information was given before problem solving began. On the other hand, new information that was distantly related to the problem only affected problem solving when it was presented during a break after problem solving had already begun. These results support the idea that open goals increase the likelihood that distantly related information become incorporated into problem solving. Functional principles found in the problem-relevant information given were also found to prime solutions in corresponding categories.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Positive surface charge inhibition of phospholipase A2 in mixed monolayer systems.

Abstract Inhibition of pancreatic phospholipase A 2 by surface-active local anesthetics was recently reported by this laboratory to be due to enzyme-anesthetic interaction in the subphase and surface effects. In order to study surface effects in the absence of subphase effects, a long-chain tetracaine analog which was completely insoluble in the subphase, dimethylaminoethyl p -decoxybenzoate, was synthesized. To determine if inhibition was due to the positive surface charge of the analog or some other effect related to structure, the analog's inhibitory effects were compared with those of octadecylamine. Analog-didecanoyl lecithin (PC) monolayers showed nonideal mixing as evidenced by a condensing effect, while octadecylamine-didecanoyl PC monolayers showed ideal mixing. The apparent pK′ a of octadecylamine-dioctanoyl PC micelles (1:4) was 9.9, while that of the analog-dioctanoyl PC micelles (1:4) was 7.6. At pH values where both amines were fully protonated, inhibition of both porcine pancreatic and Crotalus adamanteus phospholipase A 2 on the mixed films was maximal and similar (94–97%). Inhibition decreased with increasing pH and decreasing surface charge on both mixed films and at pH values where both amines were 50% protonated, inhibition was half-maximal. At pH 8.5, where the analog was unprotonated, no inhibition was observed. Thus, inhibition of phospholipase A 2 appears to be due to a positive surface charge alone rather than any effects related to anesthetic structure or spacing in the monolayer.
Association between fetal lymphedema and congenital cardiovascular defects in Turner syndrome.

Objectives. Turner syndrome (TS) is as­ sociated with congenital cardiovascular defects (CCVDs), most commonly bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and aortic coarctation (COARC), congenital renal anomalies, and fetal lymphedema. It has been theorized that compres­ sive or obstructive effects of fetal lymphedema may ac­ tually cause cardiovascular and renal dysmorphogenesis in TS. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a specific association between a history of fetal lymphedema and CCVDs in monosomy X, or TS, independent of karyotype or general severity of the phe­ notype. Methods. This was a prospective study of 134 girls and women who have TS (mean age: 30 years) and were clinically evaluated for evidence of fetal lymphedema, classified as central (signified by the presence of neck webbing) or peripheral (current or perinatal, or dysplas­ tic fingernails). The presence of BAV and/or COARC was detected by magnetic resonance imaging combined with echocardiography, and renal anomalies were determined by ultrasound. Results. There is a strong association between devel­ opmental central lymphedema, signified by neck web­ bing, and the presence of BAV (X 2 = 10) and COARC (X 2 = 8). The association between webbed neck and CCVDs was independent of karyotype. There was, in contrast, no significant association between renal anomalies and webbed neck or CCVDs. Conclusions. The strong, statistically significant associ­ ation between neck webbing and the presence of BAV and COARC in TS suggests a pathogenetic connection between fetal lymphatic obstruction and defective aortic develop­ ment. The presence of neck webbing in TS should alert the clinician to the possibility of congenital cardiovascular defects. Pediatrics 2005;115:732-735; X-chromosome, aortic coarctation, bicuspid aortic valve, lymphedema.
Self-organized lateral superlattice formation by vertical exchange reactions

The formation of a self-organized lateral superlattice has been observed in (AlAs)m(GaAs)n short-period superlattices grown on vicinal GaAs(100) surfaces by molecular beam epitaxy. The lateral period is given by the substrate step periodicity. It is proposed that a vertical exchange reaction between the Al and the Ga at the growing interface, in conjunction with step-flow behavior leads to a spontaneous lateral segregation. Monte Carlo simulations within a one-dimensional growth model are used to substantiate the experimental findings. The proposed mechanism may be a kinetic pathway for lateral ordering in other materials systems.
Design and fabrication of optical-MEMS pressure sensor arrays

Arrays of pressure sensors utilizing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology for fabrication of the sensing element and interrogation by fiber optics are described. Optically interrogated MEMS devices are potentially more suitable for many propulsion applications involving harsh environments than electrically interrogated MEMS devices. Pressure sensor elements form a Fabry-Perot interferometer so that reflected light measures pressure. Rationale for the design of the geometry of sensor elements and array configurations will be presented. These devices are designed to provide sensitivity over a given pressure range, ease of fabrication, and array configurations useful for propulsion characterization. Sensor element and array fabrication will be discussed. These sensor elements are fabricated by etching shallow cavities in glass substrates followed by electrostatic bonding of silicon onto the glass over the cavity. The silicon is then etched to form the pressure sensitive diaphragm. Linear arrays having 6 elements will be described. Experimentally results for static pressure tests and dynamic pressure test carried out in a shock tube demonstrate reasonable linearity, sensitivity and time response.
Smooth 2-spheres in homology K3 surfaces

Abstract We show that a homology class in a smooth 4-manifold homologically resembling a K3 surface with positive self-intersection (or with zero self-intersection and odd divisibility) is not represented by a smooth 2-sphere. The method is to blow down a purported 2-sphere and use a gauge-theoretic argument on the resulting orbifold. As a corollary, we deduce a result on real projective planes in a homology Enriques surface.
Valence and conduction band alignment at ScN interfaces with 3C-SiC (111) and 2H-GaN (0001)

In order to understand and predict the behavior of future scandium nitride (ScN) semiconductor heterostructure devices, we have utilized in situ x-ray and ultra-violet photoelectron spectroscopy to determine the valence band offset (VBO) present at ScN/3C-SiC (111) and 2H-GaN (0001)/ScN (111) interfaces formed by ammonia gas source molecular beam epitaxy. The ScN/3C-SiC (111) VBO was dependent on the ScN growth temperature and resistivity. VBOs of 0.4 ± 0.1 and 0.1 ± 0.1 eV were, respectively, determined for ScN grown at 925 °C (low resistivity) and 800 °C (high resistivity). Using the band-gaps of 1.6 ± 0.2 and 1.4 ± 0.2 eV previously determined by reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy for the 925 and 800 °C ScN films, the respective conduction band offsets (CBO) for these interfaces were 0.4 ± 0.2 and 0.9 ± 0.2 eV. For a GaN (0001) interface with 925 °C ScN (111), the VBO and CBO were similarly determined to be 0.9 ± 0.1 and 0.9 ± 0.2 eV, respectively.
Androstenetriol improves survival in a rodent model of traumatic shock.

Summary Trauma results in activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to mediate a cascade of neurohormonal changes as a defensive mechanism. Its prolongation, however, leads to a hypermetabolic, hypoperfused, and immunosuppressed state, setting the stage for subsequent sepsis and organ failure. Androstenetriol (5-androstene-3β, 7β, 17βtriol – AET), a metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone, up-regulates the host immune response markedly, prevents immune suppression and controls inflammation, leading to improved survival after lethal infections by several diverse pathogens and lethal radiation. Such actions may be useful in improving survival from traumatic shock. Hypothesis The neurosteroid AET will increase survival following traumatic shock. Methods A combat relevant model of traumatic shock was used. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were anesthetized, catheterized and subjected to soft tissue injury (laparotomy). Animals were allowed to regain consciousness over the next 0.5h and then bled 40% of their blood volume over 15min. Forty-five minutes after the onset of hemorrhage animals were randomized to receive either a single subcutaneous dose of AET (40mg/kg, sc) or vehicle (methylcellulose). Volume resuscitation consisted of l-lactated Ringer's (three times the shed blood volume), followed by packed red blood cells (one-third shed red cell volume). Animals were observed for three days. Results A total of 24 animals were studied. Of the 12 animals randomized to receive AET, all (100%) survived compared to 9 of 12 animals (75%) randomized to receive the vehicle ( p Conclusion AET significantly improved survival when administered subcutaneously in a single dose in this rodent model of traumatic shock. Further survival and mechanism studies are warranted.
Feuerstein's Dynamic Assessment Approach A Semantic, Logical, and Empirical Critique

Since their introduction in America, the theory and techniques of Feuerstein's Learning Potential Assessment Device (LPAD) and the related Instrumental Enrichment (IE) program have enjoyed substantial popularity among some educators. In our view, the reasons for this popularity are based more on philosophical considerations than on technical adequacy. In arguing this position, we critique Feuerstein's theory on semantic, logical, and empirical grounds. It is concluded that evidence casting Feuerstein's approach to dynamic assessment as a serious competitor to “traditional” assessment is not compelling.
The mechanism of the CH3O+CO reaction and the stability of the CH3OCO radical

Abstract The CH 3 O+CO → CH 3 +CO 2 reaction is studied by ab initio molecular orbital calculations. The potential energy surface of the reaction system is examined with second-order Moller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) and the quadratic configuration interaction (QCISD) method. The QCISD(T) method is used to compute the energetics. It is found that the reaction proceeds through a CH 3 OCO intermediate. This intermediate is predicted to be stable and its heat formation is estimated as −37.3±3 kcal mol −1 . The best estimate of the heat of reaction is −38.0 kcal mol −1 at the QCISD(T)/6-311++G(3df, 3pd)//QCISD/6-311G(2d, 2p) level of theory. At the same level of theory, the barrier height for addition is 5.8 kcal mol −1 . However, the dissociation of the CH 3 OCO intermediate into CH 3 +CO 2 is found to be the rate-limiting step. The dissociation barrier is estimated as 38.2 kcal mol −1 . The CH 3 O+CO reaction shows several features that are similar to the OH+CO reaction.
Faculty Perceptions of Moral and Civic Education: Spotlight on Perry Glanzer

Perry Glanzer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Baylor University where he teaches courses in educational thought, ethics, and the relationship between religion and education. This article highlights research that was presented at the 2003 Institute on College Student Values. We contacted Dr. Glanzer about his research.
Agronomic evaluation of fertilizer placement methods for no-tillage sorghum in vertisol clays

One goal in conservation farming systems is to optimize fertilizer use while reducing the loss of soil by water erosion. This requires evaluation of fertilizer application methods that minimize physical disturbance of protective crop residues and the soil surface and allow efficient uptake of added nutrients by the crop. We conduncted this study to determine which of several surface and subsurface fertilizer application techniques would be the most beneficial to plant responses. A 3-yr randomized block study was conducted on a Houston Black clay (fine, montomorillonitic, thermic Udic Pellusterts) at Temple, TX. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake and grain yield were measured for the sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] test crop (...)
Complete sequence of the RNA genome of human rhinovirus 16, a clinically useful common cold virus belonging to the ICAM-1 receptor group

We report here the complete nucleotide sequence and predicted polyprotein sequence of HeLa cell-adapted human rhinovirus 16 (HRV16). This virus is more suitable than human rhinovirus 14 (HRV14) for clinical studies, and its growth and physical properties are favorable for biochemical and crystallographic analysis. The complete message-sense RNA genome of HRV16 is composed of 7124 bases, not including the poly(A) tail. An open reading frame, extending from base 626 to 7084 predicts a polyprotein containing 2152 amino acid residues. Comparison with other rhinovirus sequences shows HRV16 is much more representative of human rhinoviruses than HRV14. No apparent relationship was found between receptor group and amino acid sequence in VP1, the capsid protein bearing the binding site for the intercullular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in both HRV14 and HRV16.
Protective effects of ifenprodil on ischemic injury size, blood-brain barrier breakdown, and edema formation in focal cerebral ischemia.

OBJECTIVE Ifenprodil, a polyamine site N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor/channel antagonist, has been reported to decrease infarction volume after cerebral ischemia. However, the possible mechanisms of this protective effect have not been studied in detail. We investigated the effects of ifenprodil on ischemic injury size, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, regional brain edema, and cerebral blood flow. METHODS Focal ischemia for 6 hours was produced by permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in 15 anesthetized cats. Treatment with drug (n = 8) or vehicle (n = 7) was initiated at 5 minutes after ischemia and continued for 3 hours. Physiological variables were continuously monitored during experiments. We measured ischemic injury size, brain edema, and BBB permeability to Evans blue and determined regional cerebral blood flow by using laser doppler flowmetry. RESULTS Both ischemic injury size and BBB permeability were smaller in the ifenprodil-treated group, compared with the saline-treated group (P < 0.05). Ifenprodil treatment also attenuated brain edema formation in the dense ischemic region, compared with saline treatment (1.035 +/- 0.002 versus 1.028 +/- 0.002, P < 0.05). There was no significant change in cerebral blood flow with ifenprodil treatment. CONCLUSION Findings from this study confirm that ifenprodil treatment results in a significant decrease in the size of ischemic injury after focal ischemia. The tissue-sparing effect of ifenprodil is not related to its vasoactive properties. It is likely that its neuroprotective effects are related to its ability to antagonize N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, which results in a decrease in brain edema and BBB permeability.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Investigation of Acceptor Centers in Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 Ceramics

Ferroelectric Pb(Zr,Ti)O{sub 3} (PZT) thin-film dielectrics are an emerging technology for semiconductor nonvolatile memories. Ferroelectric thin-film capacitors appear to have significant advantages with respect to endurance, write speed, and nonvolatility over polysilicon-nitride-oxide-silicon devices. The nature of extrinsic point defects in lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics of various compositions prepared by solution chemistry has been explored. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), several impurity sites have been identified in the as-received materials, which include Fe{sup 3+}--oxygen vacancy (V{sub o}) complex and isolated Cu{sup 2+} ions; both of these ions are incorporated into the lattice by replacing the Ti (Zr) ion. A Fe{sup 3+}--V{sub o} complex serves as a sensitive probe of the local crystalline field environment of the ceramic; the symmetry of this defect is roughly correlated with its phase diagram as the composition is varied from PbTiO{sub 3} to PbZrO{sub 3}. The Fe{sup 3+}--V{sub o} complex experiences tetragonal, rhombic, or orthorhombic symmetry as the composition is varied from PbTiO{sub 3} to PbZrO{sub 3}. As the composition of the Cu{sup 2+} ion is varied, it appears as though the addition of Zr, and not necessarily a change in phase, is largely responsible in determining the local environment of this acceptor impurity. Also,more » the Cu{sup 2+} resonance parameters weakly reflect the relative Ti-O (Zr-O) bond covalency in the perovskite lattice.« less
A new empirical Bayes estimator with type II censored data

Estimation of the scale parameter in a Weibull, Raleigh or an exponential distribution with type II censored data is considered. A new class of empirical Bayes estimators, which expands the present estimator by a multiple of the geometric mean of the component estimators, is developed. The exact risk improvement over the best multiple estimator is obtained. A numerical example is given to compare our empirical Bayes estimates with two others existing in the literature. The risk comparison among the three estimators is also evaluated by Monte Carlo methods.
Pediatric trauma caused by personal watercraft: a ten-year retrospective

Abstract Background/Purpose Evidence indicates that young adults are at significant risk for powered personal watercraft (PWC)-related injuries. This article examines the nature of PWC injuries sustained in the pediatric population over a 10-year period. Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted of trauma registry charts on 66 pediatric patients, aged 5 to 19 years, hospitalized for PWC-related injuries between 1990 and 1999. The keywords PWC and Jet Ski were used to extract anonymous data from the National Pediatric Trauma Registry, which then were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results The most common mechanism of injury was a collision with another PWC, a boat, or a fixed object (70%). A total of 55.1% of all the injury diagnoses involved the head, face, and/or neck, and 72.7% of the injuries occurred to the operator of the PWC. A total of 83.3% of the patients required at least 1 surgical procedure, and 42.2% required admission to the intensive care unit. Four children (6.1%) died, and 28 (42.4%) of the children had disabilities as a consequence of the injury. Conclusions Operation of PWCs can result in severe injures, death, and long-term disability in the pediatric population. Possible safety recommendations include minimum age regulations, operator training, operating regulations, design improvements, and required helmet use.
Adult Intimate Relationships and Psychological Adjustment

This study explored relations among perceived acceptance and behavioral control by intimate partners, remembrances of parents’ acceptance and behavioral control in childhood, and adults’ psychological adjustment. The study was conducted on 98 American adults (50 men and 48 women) between ages 18 and 50 (mean 26 years). Measures used were the Adult version of the Parental Acceptance-Rejection/Control Questionnaire for Mothers and Fathers(Adult PARQ/Control: Mother and Father); Intimate Partner Acceptance-Rejection/Control Questionnaire (IPAR/CQ); and, the Adult version of the Personality Assessment Questionnaire (Adult PAQ). Results showed significant positive correlations between psychological adjustment and perceived partner acceptance and parental acceptance for both women and men. Results also showed significant negative correlations between psychological adjustment and perceived partner control and parental control for both women and men. Regression analyses, however, revealed a significant independent effect of only paternal acceptance (but not of maternal and partner acceptance) on the psychological adjustment of men. Regression analyses also revealed significant independent effects of both paternal and maternal acceptance (but not partner acceptance) on the psychological adjustment of women.
Subunit-Specific NMDA Receptor Trafficking to Synapses

To elucidate mechanisms controlling the number and subunit composition of synaptic NMDA-Rs in hippocampal slice neurons, the NR1, NR2A, and NR2B subunits were optically and electrophysiologically tagged. The NR2 subunit directs delivery of receptors to synapses with different rules controlling NR2A and NR2B. Synaptic incorporation of NR2B-containing receptors is not limited by synaptic transmission nor enhanced by increased subunit expression. NR2A-containing receptors whose expression normally increases with age replace synaptic NR2B-containing receptors. Replacement is enhanced by increased NR2A expression and requires synaptic activity. Surprisingly, spontaneously released transmitter acting on synaptic NMDA-Rs is sufficient for replacement and reduces NMDA-R responses. Thus, as with AMPA-Rs, synaptic trafficking of NMDA-Rs is tightly regulated and has subunit-specific rules with functionally important consequences.
WATER QUALITY BENEATH URBAN RUNOFF WATER MANAGEMENT BASINS

The chemical impact of urban runoff water on water quality beneath five retention/recharge basins was investigated as part of the US EPA's Nationwide Urban Runoff Program in Fresno, California. Soil water percolating through alluvium soils and the ground water at the top of the water table were sampled with ceramic/Teflon vacuum water extractors at depths up to 26 m during the two-year investigation. Inorganic and organic pollutants are present in the runoff water delivered to the basins. No significant contamination of percolating soil water or ground water underlying any of the five retention/recharge basins has occurred for constituents monitored in the study. The oldest basin was constructed in 1962. The concentration of selected trace elements in the ground water samples was similar to the levels reported in the regional ground water. None of the pesticides or other organic priority pollutants, for which water samples were analyzed, was detected except diazinon which was found in trace amounts (0.3 g/L or less) in only three soil water samples. These results are important to the continued conservation of storm water and the development of a best management practice for storm-water management using retention/recharge basins in a semi-arid climate.
Acquisition of factor H by a novel surface protein on group B Streptococcus promotes complement degradation

Binding of the host complement regulator, factor H (FH), by some pathogenic microbes constitutes an important virulence mechanism, whereby complement is broken down to help microbes survive in the host. Although it has been hypothesized for the past two decades that GBS type III binds FH via sialic acid present on its capsule, neither the binding of FH to GBS has been demonstrated nor the mechanism of interaction identified. We observed that FH bound to both wild-type and capsule or sialic acid-deficient GBS that were used as negative controls. Wild-type and acapsular GBS were incubated with serum or pure FH degraded almost 90% of C3b, suggesting that the GBS-bound FH maintained cofactor activity. In addition, dot-blot analysis showed approximately 5-10% of C5 and C9 formation, as compared to an Escherichia coli control, suggesting breakdown at the C3b level. Protease treatment of the bacteria completely abolished binding of FH. Using overlay assays and mass spectroscopic analysis, we identified the FH receptor as the streptococcal histidine triad (SHT) surface protein. The ability of binding FH to SHT was further confirmed by using recombinant SHT. This report describes the identification of the SHT as an FH-binding protein on the surface of GBS type III, revealing a novel mechanism by which the bacterium acquires FH to evade complement opsonization.
Teaching the Research Process: Helping Students Become Lifelong Learners.

Students in secondary schools are not experts at the research process; they need consistent, constructive guidance to make the experience enjoyable, engaging, enriching, and meaningful. When they are made aware that a research process exists and that each stage of the process is characterized by particular activities, thoughts, and feelings, they will be more comfortable moving through the process.
Water infiltration influenced by agroforestry and grass buffers for a grazed pasture system

Agroforestry (AgB) and grass buffers (GB) are often adopted as alternative resource management tools in agroecosystems for environmental and economic benefits. The objective of this study was to compare the influence of AgB and GB systems under rotationally stocked (RP) and continuously stocked (CP) pasture systems on water infiltration measured using ponded infiltration and tension infiltration methods. Buffers were surrounded by a fence that prevented cattle from grazing within these areas. Soils at the site are Menfro silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Hapludalf). Infiltration rates were measured using ponded ring infiltration units during 2 years for the four (AgB, GB, RP and CP) treatments with three replicates from two subareas within each treatment. Infiltration rate as a function of tension (at 50, 100, and 150 mm) was also measured using a tension infiltrometer. Water infiltration parameters were estimated using Green-Ampt and Parlange infiltration equations. Quasi-steady state infiltration rates (q s ) and field-saturated hydraulic conductivity (K fs ) for buffers were about 31 and 46 times higher as compared to pasture treatments, respectively. Green-Ampt and Parlange models appeared to fit measured data with r 2 values ranging from 0.91 to 0.98. The q s (measured with ponded method) in the first year for the GB treatment was the highest (221 mm h−1) and for the CP treatment was the lowest (3.7 mm h−1). For both years, estimated sorptivity (S) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (K s ) parameters were higher for buffer areas compared to the stocked pasture areas. Grazing reduced the infiltration rate for the pasture (RP and CP) treatments. Results show that the buffer areas have higher infiltration rates which imply lower runoff compared to pasture areas.
Complexin arrests a neighbor

Mechanistic details about complexin's contradictory double life as both a facilitator and an inhibitor of SNARE-mediated synaptic vesicle fusion have been challenging to uncover. A series of studies in this issue addresses the problem by revealing a switchable complexin conformation in which fusion arrest occurs when complexin clamps neighboring SNAREs.
Application of the Method of Fundamental Solutions to Potential-based Inverse Electrocardiography

Potential-based inverse electrocardiography is a method for the noninvasive computation of epicardial potentials from measured body surface electrocardiographic data. From the computed epicardial potentials, epicardial electrograms and isochrones (activation sequences), as well as repolarization patterns can be constructed. We term this noninvasive procedure Electrocardiographic Imaging (ECGI). The method of choice for computing epicardial potentials has been the Boundary Element Method (BEM) which requires meshing the heart and torso surfaces and optimizing the mesh, a very time-consuming operation that requires manual editing. Moreover, it can introduce mesh-related artifacts in the reconstructed epicardial images. Here we introduce the application of a meshless method, the Method of Fundamental Solutions (MFS) to ECGI. This new approach that does not require meshing is evaluated on data from animal experiments and human studies, and compared to BEM. Results demonstrate similar accuracy, with the following advantages: 1. Elimination of meshing and manual mesh optimization processes, thereby enhancing automation and speeding the ECGI procedure. 2. Elimination of mesh-induced artifacts. 3. Elimination of complex singular integrals that must be carefully computed in BEM. 4. Simpler implementation. These properties of MFS enhance the practical application of ECGI as a clinical diagnostic tool.
Analysis of hydrocarbon polymers by matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization-fourier transform mass spectrometry

A quick and effective sample preparation is demonstrated for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) analysis of nonpolar polymers. Polyisoprene, polystyrene, and polybutadiene polymers were investigated by using as matrix a 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and silver nitrate combination. Silver cationized oligomers produce useful spectra that can be signal averaged to characterize polymer distributions extending up to 6000 u by using a 3-T Fourier transform mass spectrometer. Because an electrostatic ion deceleration protocol was used to extend the mass range, trapping discrimination is shown to exist for molecular weight distributions broader than about 2500 u. However, an integral procedure can be used to reconstruct the true polymer profiles through co-addition of signal transients obtained by using various gated deceleration times. For polymers with narrower mass distributions, silver cationization along with signal averaging provides rapid and accurate polymer characterization for nonpolar polymer systems by using standard MALDI Fourier transform mass spectrometry instrumentation.
Carnivore competition, bone destruction, and bone density

In carnivore-modified archaeofaunal assemblages it is important to evaluate the degree to which carnivores have overprinted hominin behavioral signals. To examine the signals of increased competition for discarded bone, we present controlled experimental data on 33 simulated archaeological sites subjected to secondary consumption by spotted hyenas. We examine the relationship between competition, as measured by controlled numbers of hyenas and limb bones, and resultant levels of destruction and correlations between long-bone portion survivorship and bone density. Our results indicate that levels of destruction are equivalent regardless of the numbers of hyenas or long-bones included in the experimental assemblages. Correlations between long-bone epiphyseal and near-epiphyseal portions and bone density, however, do provide an indication of the level of competition. Results from the experimental study are used to highlight divergent levels of carnivore competition for hominin-discarded bone at the Plio-Pleistocene localities FLKN-Zinjanthropus and FLKN levels 1-2 from Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania.
Diel variation of in-stream nitrification

Abstract The diel variation of in-stream nitrification is explained as a function of observed fluctuations in temperature and pH. A simultaneous nitrogen and dissolved oxygen mass balance model was used to calculate hourly nitrification rate coefficient values. These calculated rate coefficients were based upon observed spatial and temporal changes in nitrogen species and dissolved oxygen concentrations. A non-linear regression analysis was performed to determine the functional relationship between calculated in-stream nitrification variation and observed changes in bulk fluid temperature and pH.
Behavioral and physiological effects of capsaicin in red-winged blackbirds

We injected red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) subcutaneously with capsaicin, and assessed (a) changes in basal body temperature, (b) ability to discriminate warm from cool drinking water, and (c) sensitivity to oral and topical applications of capsaicin, a trigeminal irritant. As predicted from studies of mammals, the injections seemed to disrupt thermoregulation when the ambient temperature increased, and eliminated discrimination between warm and cool drinking water (Figs. 1 and 2). In contrast to effects on mammals, injections failed to observably diminish oral or topical sensitivity to capsaicin and apparently induced a capsaicin preference in two-bottle drinking tests between capsaicin and its vehicle (Fig. 3). Such preferences were context-dependent, however, since water was reliably preferred to capsaicin or vehicle in three-bottle tests. To our knowledge, the present work is the first to report physiological and behavioral effects of capsaicin on birds, and the first to suggest that the substance may have different behavioral and physiological effects on different classes of animals.
Innovations in Times of Austerity: Thinking Outside the Box to Maintain Programs During Periods of Financial Exigency

This case represents a multitude of leadership dilemmas created by financial exigencies and the difficult decisions that must be made during times of economic austerity. Under the best of circumsta...
The direct measurement of ppm levels of uranium in soils using high-resolution Ge(Li) gamma-ray spectroscopy

Abstract The direct determination of 238U in various soil samples was done by measuring the 63.3-keV transition from the decay of the first daughter 234Th. Potential errors resulting from the chemical non-equilibrium of 238U with its daughters are thus avoided. The method sensitivity is 1 ppm compared to the 35 ppm obtainable by employing the 1001-keV gamma ray. A Ge(Li) gamma-ray spectrometer is the only analytical tool required. Examples are offered that demonstrate the usefulness of the technique for routine, inexpensive environmental monitoring of uranium. The technique also has the capability of providing information on the 238U/235U isotopic ratio.
Rapid efficient macromolecular substructure searching in a cloud

We present, https://drugsite.msi.umn.edu, a centralized database and an associated application suite that supports searching for complex substructures in macromolecules from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) [2] and user uploaded structures, storing and sharing user provided macromolecular data, and presenting search results. Each macromolecular structure is represented by the pairwise distances between all the pairs of amino acids and nucleotides in the structure (including intermolecular distances). Given the distance geometry representation of a query complex substructure, one can search a database of macromolecular structures and identify other structures that contain similar distance patterns, a process called distance geometry matching [3]. Matching substructures are ranked by RMSD with respect to the query substructure and annotated with the sequence of the matches. The atoms of the matching amino acids and nucleotides are superimposed on the corresponding atoms in query substructure, and users may download the superimposed structures. The search process is challenging because of the relatively large amount of data, the combinatorics of combining segment matches, and our goal of searching the data in a few seconds. Our distance geometry matching method is very flexible and allows users to tailor searches to their needs. It is the only method known to the authors that searches for local likeness within and between any combination of protein and RNA/DNA molecules. It is expected that our continued efforts on search efficiency will show that the substructure searching method can be used to rapidly search the entire PDB using relatively modest hardware.
Critical Geographies of Childhood and Youth: Contemporary Policy and Practice

Critical Geographies of Childhood and Youth: Contemporary Policy and Practice, edited by Peter Kraftl, John Horton, and Faith Tucker, Bristol, UK: The Policy Press, 2012. xiv + 279 pp., US$42.95 (paperback), ISBN: 978-1-8474-2845 Children and youth are the future decision-makers and contributing members of society; understanding the role of policy in children and youth's lives is important. In this context, policy is a proposed or implemented course of action by a regulating body such as a national or state government, a school district, or a business's board of directors. Critical Geographies of Childhood and Youth highlights "why geography matters, profoundly, to any analysis of youth policies and professional practices" (p. 2), while emphasizing the geographical and historical backgrounds that are essential to "understanding the state of contemporary childhood and youth, and the policies relating to them" (p. 2). This book takes a critical geography perspective and successfully utilizes the principles of discourse analysis in examination and summation of childhood and youth policy issues with the goal of addressing both applied and theoretical viewpoints. The book is composed of four main parts: first, it examines the role of geographical processes in formulating and implementing childhood and youth policies at the national level, second, it explores the effects of these policies on children and youth's lives, third, is a review of the geographical contexts from which policies influence and interfere with children and youth's daily experiences, and finally, the book concludes with a reflective summary of the youth policy and practices discussed and gives recommendations for future policy and related research. Critical Geographies of Childhood and Youth provides a succinct and diverse analysis of the role of space and place in the geographies of children and youth (e.g. education, work, transportation system). The authors build a strong case that children and youth are the social capital of the present and future and that policy needs to be "less interested in children as children and more as human beings" (p. 268). There is also a great deal of importance put on scale issues in childhood and youth geographies, for example, the difference in implementation and impact of local, regional, national, and international policy. Within the context of space, place, scale, and the implications of children and youth as social capital, the emphasis on the overarching role of governmental influence and the role of policy, as well as policy-making regarding children and youth, is consistently scrutinized and discussed in detail. The chapters provide examples of achievements such as enhanced school meal policies in the UK, the impacts of sustainable development curriculum in the UK, and transnational youth policy in Malawi; as well as breakdowns in the system such as youth homelessness policies in Wales and the inclusion of children and youth in heritage conservation in Brazil. …
Ni8X phases in the systems Ni-V, Ni-V-Nb, and Ni-V-Ta

In nickel-base alloys at the composition Ni8X, where “X” may be combinations of V, Nb, and Ta, the ordering reactions have been investigated by employing electrical resistivity and electron diffraction techniques. The critical temperature for the order-disorder reaction is estimated to be 405° C for Ni8V and is shown to decrease linearly with increasing vanadium content across the pseudo-binary sections Ni8Nb-Ni8V and Ni8Ta-Ni8V, in agreement with calculations based upon the Bragg-Williams model. A secondary ordering reaction between V and Nb atoms has been observed in nickel-base alloys at the composition Ni8(V0.5Nb0.5).
Computation of molecular weight averages for DNA molecules containing both preformed and randomly induced single-strand breaks.

We derive equations for calculating the number-, weight-, and z-average lengths between single-strand breaks in DNA molecules. Provision is made for the existence of preformed breaks under genetic control: these are assumed to be fixed in number in each molecule, but may be variable in position. Breaks due to random degradation may be superimposed on the pre-existing breaks. An example is given for illustrative purposes.