cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Water requirements of subsurface drip-irrigated faba bean in California

A 3-year study was done in central California to determine the water requirements for growing faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as a winter cover crop using subsurface drip irrigation (SDI). Water was applied at 0, 50, and 100% of the estimated crop evapotranspiration (ETc) the first 2 years and 50, 100, and 150% ETc the third year, with drip laterals installed 0.30, 0.45, or 0.60 m deep. Rainfall was above normal the first year (>330 mm) and irrigation had no effect on crop production. Irrigation improved production and water-use efficiency the following years, however. Production was higher when drip laterals were located at 0.30 or 0.45 m than at 0.60 m depth, even though roots tended to be concentrated near the laterals (later in the season) regardless of depth. Overall, well-irrigated faba bean required 231–297 mm of water to produce 3.0–4.4 t ha−1 of dry vegetative biomass.
Electrical Study of Device Arrays on Thin Film Vanadium Dioxide

The VO2 phase of vanadium oxide is known to exhibit large changes in the electrical and optical properties in the vicinity of the structural phase transition at 68C. Here, we report on the fabrication and study of thin film vanadium oxide (VO2) devices deposited on R-plane sapphire. Thin films prepared by electron beam evaporation have been processed by photolithography into two-terminal strips for electrical measurements. Measurements on such specimens exhibit reproducibility across a chip, in addition to hysteretic transport, and a one-to-two orders of magnitude change in the resistance in the vicinity of the structural transition. In sum, these experiments show that e-beam evaporation of VO2 constitutes a simple and useful approach to realizing devices from this technologically important material.
DTC pharmaceutical advertising: the debate’s not over

Direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) advertising of prescription drugs is no longer the novel experiment it was during the late 1980s. Liberalization of the Food and Drug Administration regulations in the USA, combined with a substantial body of evidence that DTC advertising is a stimulus to consumer purchasing behavior, has resulted in DTC advertising becoming a standard component of every major drug company’s marketing plan. Research since the late 1980s has compared consumers’ perceptions of DTC ads with the perceptions of physicians. While the studies are methodologically diverse, the results have been directionally consistent. In general, consumers have positive attitudes toward DTC advertising, viewing it as a valuable educational resource that helps them become more involved in their health care. A significant proportion of DTC readers claim to have acted directly on the message by talking to their doctor about the advertised brand. Consumers report that they are more likely to take prescribed medication and/or get their prescriptions filled when prompted by DTC advertising. Physicians, however, have been far less enthusiastic about DTC advertising, with majorities expressing the wish that it be decreased, or discontinued altogether. In most studies, only small minorities of physicians believed that it contributed in a positive way to the doctor‐patient relationship. In certain specialties, notably internal medicine and family practice, approval rates were below the norm. We relate problems identified in advertising communication research to applications of DTC pharmaceutical advertising, and identify specific issues in need of further research. Notably, gaining an improved understanding of how well consumers comprehend DTC advertising messages, and which copy elements hinder comprehension, can help the industry to better educate consumers, facilitate improved ad campaign recognition, brand recall and message association, and help promote more constructive, and less confrontational, doctor‐patient relationships.
PHENIX study of dihadron Δη correlation in Au + Au collision at \sqrt {s_{NN} } = 200 GeV: the ridge

We show the recent study of the ridge phenomena by PHENIX Collaboration over a broad transverse momentum (pT) range. Properties of the ridge are extracted in terms of its shape in Δϕ and Δη, and its yield. These properties are found to be similar to the away-side modification in the same pT range, suggesting a related modification mechanisms in both the near- and away-side.
Aberrant topoisomerase-1 DNA lesions are pathogenic in neurodegenerative genome instability syndromes

DNA damage is considered a prime factor in multiple spinocerebellar neurodegenerative diseases; however, the DNA lesions underpinning disease etiology are unknown. Here we identify the endogenous accumulation of pathogenic topoisomerase-1-DNA cleavage complexes (Top1cc) in murine models of ataxia telangiectasia and spinocerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy 1. We also show that the defective DNA damage response factors in these two diseases cooperatively modulate Top1cc turnover in a non-epistatic and ATM kinase-independent manner. Furthermore, coincident neural inactivation of ATM and DNA single strand break repair factors including tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase-1 or XRCC1 result in increased Top1cc formation and excessive DNA damage and neurodevelopmental defects. Importantly, direct topoisomerase-1 poisoning to elevate Top1cc levels phenocopies the neuropathology of the mouse models above. Our study identifies a critical endogenous pathogenic lesion associated with neurodegenerative syndromes arising from DNA repair deficiency, indicating the essential role that genome integrity plays in preventing disease in the nervous system.
Integrated Marketing Communications for Local Nonprofit Organizations: Developing an Integrated Marketing Communications Strategy

SUMMARY Discusses the importance of integrated marketing communications for nonprofit organizations and how to get started on developing a plan including issues to address and writing objectives. Also included are strategies for writing a marketing communications plan including a prototype for such a document. Sidebars are included in the article on writing objectives and a mission statement. An explanation of a successful campaign and an organizational audit are additional sidebars.
Polarized expression of human P2Y receptors in epithelial cells from kidney, lung, and colon

Eight human G protein-coupled P2Y receptors (P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y4, P2Y6, P2Y11, P2Y12, P2Y13, and P2Y14) that respond to extracellular nucleotides have been molecularly identified and characterized. P2...
Adventurous Dreaming Highflying Dragon: a full body game for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Adventurous Dreaming Highflying Dragon is a full body-driven, game prototype for children ages 6--8 with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It incorporates research evidence showing that physical activity can help improve ADHD-related symptoms. Physical activity is integrated with cognitively challenging tasks that may improve brain activity by encouraging goal planning and dedication. The current prototype includes three mini-games, each of which teaches skills with generalization potential. Players role-play a young dragon and repeat virtual tasks to gain mastery over real-life skills. Each activity includes game mechanics targeting ADHD diagnosis categories: specific hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
An intrinsic circadian clock of the pancreas is required for normal insulin release and glucose homeostasis in mice

Aims/hypothesis Loss of circadian clocks from all tissues causes defective glucose homeostasis as well as loss of feeding and activity rhythms. Little is known about peripheral tissue clocks, so we tested the hypothesis that an intrinsic circadian clock of the pancreas is important for glucose homeostasis.
Conservation of amino acid sequences between human and porcine choline acetyltransferase.

: The amino acid sequence of 11 peptides generated from human placental choline acetyltransferase was compared to the corresponding amino acid sequences predicted from the nucleotide sequence of a recently cloned porcine choline acetyltransferase cDNA. These peptides, which were generated by cyanogen bromide cleavage or tryptic digestion, accounted for 23% of the amino acids in the enzyme. Of the 145 amino acids sequenced eight differed between the two species, yielding an identity of 94% over the regions sampled. Of the eight amino acids that differed six could represent single base changes in the DNA sequence. These findings demonstrate strong sequence similarity between porcine and human choline acetyltransferase and indicate that they are closely related evolutionarily.
Differential binding properties of the peripheral-type benzodiazepine ligands [3H]PK 11195 and [3H]Ro 5-4864 in trout and mouse brain membranes.

High-affinity binding sites for [3H]PK 11195 have been detected in brain membranes of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) and mouse forebrain, where the densities of receptors were 1,030 and 445 fmol/mg of protein, respectively. Ro 5-4864 (4'-chlorodiazepam) was 2,200-fold less potent as a competitor of [3H]PK 11195 binding in the piscine than the murine membranes. Investigation of the regional distribution of these sites in trout yielded a rank order of density of spinal cord greater than olfactory bulb = optic tectum = rhombencephalon greater than cerebellum greater than telencephalon. This site in trout shared some of the characteristics of the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PTBR) (also known as the mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptor) in rodents, i.e., high affinity for PK 11195 and the endogenous ligand protoporphyrin IX, but was unique in the low affinity of Ro 5-4864 (41 microM) and diazepam and the relatively high affinity of the calcium channel ligand diltiazem and two central benzodiazepine ligands, CGS 8216 and CGS 9896. The differential affinity for the two prototypic PTBR ligands in trout is similar to that previously observed in calf and human brain membranes. Structural differences for the trout sites are indicated by the relative inability of diethyl pyrocarbonate to modify histidine residues of the binding site in trout as compared with mouse membranes. Heterogeneity of binding of the two prototypic PTBR ligands in mouse brain membranes was indicated by additivity studies, equilibrium competition experiments, and saturation isotherms, which together support the hypothesis that Ro 5-4864 discriminates between two [3H]PK 11195 binding sites having high (nanomolar) and low (micromolar) affinity, respectively.
New nitrogen-related recombination in GaP

A new radiative recombination is reported in GaP: N, Te, Zn. The recombination is a broad-band centered at 2.19 eV. We propose that the emission is associated with the nitrogen impurity.
Analysis of histones during organogenesis.

Abstract 1. 1. Histones from adult and embryonic chicken brain, liver, and dorsal skin with feather organ were studied at different developmental stages. Electrophoretic analysis in starch gel revealed seven major electrophoretic components similar to mammalian histones. The electrophoretic patterns were practically identical for all tissue analyzed. 2. 2. The amino acid composition of embryonic histones did not differ from that of adult tissues. In general, the histones from various tissues of chicken contained slightly less lysine and more dicarboxylic amino acids than the unfractionated calf thymus histone. As differentiation progressed an increase was seen in basic amino acids, especially in embryonic dorsal skin histones. 3. 3. The NH2-terminal amino acids of embryonic and adult chicken histones were alanine (34.3–39.2 per cent) and proline (55.7–60.3 per cent); these two amino acids in similar quantities have been found in most mammalian histones, e.g. calf thymus. 4. 4. It is concluded that histological differentiation and organogenesis in chicken embryonic development is not accompanied by major qualitative changes in histone composition.
Dimensional and Locational Integrity in the Replication of Polymeric Microdevices

In molding, geometric variation of molded parts is inevitable since the parts have a thermal history, including expansion and shrinkage, during the molding process. Shrinkage induces variation between the designed dimensions and locations of features on molded parts while the parts are cooled. Characterization of the variation is necessary to ensure dimensional and location integrity. Hot embossing and injection molding were performed in order to assess variation. Measurements were made using a Measurescope (MM-22, Nikon Corp., Kawasaki, Japan). The measured locations and dimensions were compared to estimates obtained using a simple model based on the linear thermal expansion coefficients (CTE) of the molded materials. The measured and the estimated shrinkage from hot embossing were incorporated in the fabrication of microtiter plate-based polymer microfluidic platforms.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
RF -LINAC Free-Electron Lasers

Radio-frequency linear accelerators have been, and will continue to be, the most important source of electrons for free-electron lasers. This article describes the principles of operation of these devices along with some of their technological problems and expectations for the future. Some results of rf-linac free-electron laser experiments are discussed, with emphasis on those features of free-electron laser operation which are peculiar to devices powered by rf linacs.
Theoretical Lifetimes and Fluorescence Yields for Multiply-Ionized Fluorine

Theoretical lifetimes and multiplet partial fluorescence yields for various fluorine ions with a single K-shell vacancy have been calculated. For few-electron systems, the lifetimes and line fluorescence yields were computed in the intermediate coupling scheme with the inclusion of the effects arising from configuration interactions.
1153 OBESITY IN CHILDREN. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ZINC (ZN) TRIGLYCERIDE (TG) AND TESTOSTERONE (T)

1153 OBESITY IN CHILDREN. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ZINC (ZN) TRIGLYCERIDE (TG) AND TESTOSTERONE (T)
OCCURRENCE OF SECONDARY CRASHES ON URBAN ARTERIAL ROADWAYS

Analysis of incidents and crashes occurring along urban arterial roadways suggests that as many as 15 percent of the crashes occurring along these roadways may have been, in part, caused by an earlier incident. To conduct the analysis, data covering reported vehicular crashes, fires, disablements, traffic enforcement, and other incidents affecting roadways were collected from seven contiguous urban municipalities in the Northern Chicago, Illinois, metropolitan region. Crashes represented 35 percent of the incidents; traffic enforcement, 30 percent; and disabled vehicles, 27 percent. Other events represented the remaining 8 percent. To associate an initial event with a subsequent crash, any crash that occurred on roadways affected by the primary event, within the duration of the primary event plus 15 min, and within 1600 m of that event (based on use of geographic information systems software) was assumed to have been related. Analysis of 1,796 incidents in the data base identified 97 secondary crashes rel...
Measurement of collateral blood flow after myocardial infarction in the closed-chest dog

A technique is described whereby the blood flow distal to experimental occlusion of a coronary artery can be measured in the closed-chest dog. Coronary blood flow fell to a mean of 31.8 per cent of control immediately following occlusion. All dogs showed electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial infarction. This procedure may be of value in the study of the effects of various interventions on collateral circulation following experimental infarction.
Globin Gene Switching IN VIVO PROTEIN-DNA INTERACTIONS OF THE HUMAN β-GLOBIN LOCUS IN ERYTHROID CELLS EXPRESSING THE FETAL OR THE ADULT GLOBIN GENE PROGRAM

To characterize the protein-DNA interactions important for the developmental control of the human beta-globin locus, we analyzed by in vivo dimethyl sulfate footprinting erythroid cells expressing either the fetal or the adult globin developmental program. In the locus control region (LCR) of the beta-globin locus, in vivo footprints on NF-E2 (or AP-1) and GATA-1 motifs remained the same regardless of whether the fetal or the adult globin genes are expressed. In contrast, in vivo footprints on GT (CACCC) motifs differed between the cells expressing the fetal or the adult globin program. In promoter regions, the actively transcribed genes demonstrated extensive and consistent footprints over the canonical elements, such as CACCC and CCAAT motifs. The adult globin expressing cells displayed more extensive footprints than the fetal globin expressing cells in the 3' regulatory sequences of both the Agamma- and the beta-globin genes, suggesting a role of these 3' elements in beta-globin gene expression. Our results suggest that the bulk of protein-DNA interactions that underlies the developmental control of globin genes takes place in the gamma- and beta-globin gene promoters, and that GT motifs of the beta-globin locus LCR may play a role in the developmental regulation of human beta-globin gene expression, perhaps by increasing the probability of interaction of the LCR holocomplex with the fetal or the adult globin gene.
A Multiple Sample Extraction and On-line System for the Analysis of Chlorinated Compounds

Abstract A multiple sample extraction and on-line analysis for rapid determination of polychlorinated organics in complex matrices has been developed. The system is based on the direct coupling of supercritical fluid extraction with tandem supercritical fluid chromatography and gas chromatography. The on-line system permits the simultaneous extraction and analysis with high reproducibility and accuracy, while the overall methodology is considerably faster and less laborious than the conventional liquid extraction-based analytical procedures.
A Depth Sensing Display for Bomb Disposal Robots

This paper describes a visual display that provides depth of objects to be grasped and was developed at the request of a local bomb squad for use with a bomb disposal robot. The display provides four key functions: (1) it allows the operator to extract the distance between the object and the robot's grasper that each pixel represents, (2) it cues the operator when the object is within a predefined distance from the robot grasper, (3) it can track the object in the video display, and (4) it can continuously display the distance from the robot grasper to the selected object. The display was designed specifically for the Canesta EP200 mounted on a Remotec mini-max robot, but the display functionality is expected to be useful for any robot grasper used in conjunction with a 3D sensor. While the usability of the visual display and its impact on grasper-related performance has not been formally evaluated, the informal feedback from the subject matter experts is that this display meets their requirements.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the structure and dynamics of a dodecylphosphocholine micelle in aqueous solution

Abstract A molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study of a dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelle in water is presented. This system contains 60 DPC molecules in 5294 water molecules. The structure, shape, hydrocarbon chain fluidity, the hydration of the head group and the hydrocarbon chain, and the dynamics of the micelle were analyzed from the 1.2 ns constant pressure MD simulation. The micelle was found to be slightly prolate, with the ratio of the moments of inertia 1:24:1.11:1. The penetration of water into the interior of the micelle is limited. The interaction of water with the micelle mainly comes from the head group, and the modes of interaction with the positively charged choline group and the negatively charged phosphate group can be deciphered from the radial distribution functions between these groups and both the hydrogen and the oxygen atoms of water. From the ratio of the trans/gauche conformers on the hydrocarbon chain, and the density distribution of the various carbons with respect to the center of the mass of the micelle, the conformational properties of the hydrocarbon chains have been analyzed. The dynamics of the micelle was probed by the trans–gauche conformational transition rates and from the time correlation function of the C–H bonds. From the latter, the order parameters and the correlation times for the internal motions have been obtained. These parameters were found to be, for the most part, in excellent agreement with those obtained from NMR relaxation.
Operator ranges and non-cyclic vectors for the backward shift

In this paper we look at operators on the Hardy spaceH 2(D) with range containing all of the non-cyclic vectors of the backward shift. We show several classes of such operators must be surjective, including Toeplitz, Hankel and composition operators.
Interaction of plasma lipoproteins containing apolipoproteins B and E with heparin and cell surface receptors

Low density lipoproteins (LDL) containing apolipoprotein B and a high density lipoprotein (the HDLc) containing apolipoprotein E bind to the same cell surface receptors of fibroblasts and also bind to and are precipitated by heparin. To determine if the nature of the chemical interaction of these lipoproteins with the receptor and with heparin were identical, we undertook to compare the effects of the chemical modification of selected amino acid residues of these lipoproteins on receptor and heparin binding activities. Previously, we reported the importance of the positively charged amino acids arginine and lysine in the interaction of LDL and HDLc with the cell surface receptors. Lysine residues were modified by a procedure which did not alter the positive charge on the ϵ-amino group (reductive methylation) or by procedures which neutralized this positive charge (acetoacetylation and carbamylation). Modification of arginyl residues was accomplished using 1,2-cyclohexanedione. Whereas all procedures used to modify the arginine and lysine residues totally abolished receptor binding activity, only the procedures which neutralized the positive charge of these residues abolished heparin binding. Reductive methylation of the lysine residues, which preserved the positive charge on the ϵ-amino group, did not significantly prevent heparin binding or heparin precipitation of LDL or HDLc. Several conclusions are possible from the results of these studies. The protein moieties of both the LDL (apolipoprotein B) and HDLc (apolipoprotein E) can interact with heparin. Furthermore, both arginine and lysine residues participate in the interaction of these lipoproteins with heparin,apparently through an ionic interaction between the positively charged guanido group of arginine or the ϵ-amino group of lysine and the heparin. Although the same residues (arginine and lysine) are involved in cell surface receptor binding of these lipoproteins, the nature of the chemical interaction appears to be different and does not appear to be strictly ionic.
Symmetric Test for Second Differencing in Univariate Time Series

A test for the null hypothesis that a time series has characteristic equations with two unit roots is presented. The test, based on a standard regression computation, is shown to have good power properties when compared to previously existing tests.
L'Arche: The Successes of Community, the Challenges of Empowerment in a Faith-Centered Setting

L'Arche communities offer faith-centered, shared com- munity living for individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. L'Arche communities focus primarily on deepening social ties for per- sons with intellectual disabilities in an international context that increas- ingly focuses on the empowerment of this group. Several theoretical distinctions between sense of community and empowerment point to natural tensions between the two concepts. However, a further analysis
Homogeneity requirements for minimizing self-focusing damage by strong electromagnetic waves

The Rytov approximation for wave propagation in random media is generalized to include the effects of self‐focusing. Solutions are obtained which show how the intensity fluctuations, which are either initially present in the wave or which are induced by the random inhomogeneities in the media, grow catastrophically. These solutions may be used to obtain conditions on the homogeneity of the medium, or of the incident beam, for reduction or elimination of catastrophic self‐focusing in the medium.
Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Basic Approach

Chronic back pain and other refractory pain syndromes are a documented burden on our society. They also are a huge cost in quality of life and dollars spent on health care. Neuromodulation and specifically dorsal column stimulation of the spinal cord has been shown to decrease pain with minimal risk to the patient. We describe in this article the basic techniques and methods of both the stimulation trial and the permanent implantation of the leads and generator. With advanced imaging and the minimally invasive approach we further explain how to minimize any risk associated with this percutaneous procedure.
Natural frequencies of negative resistors with parasitics

The regions of allowed natural frequencies in Re p?0 are determined for two different circuits which physically correspond to linearized equivalent circuits for tunnel diodes. One circuit consists of a parasitic resistance in series with the parallel capacity and negative resistance of a tunnel diode; the other contains series inductance. Passive networks to obtain any possible natural frequency are given. Multiple diode circuits are treated and for identical diodes it is shown that the best results occur with two diodes.
Can we undo quantum measurements

The Schr\"odinger equation cannot convert a pure state into a mixture (just as Newton's equations cannot display irreversibility). However, to observe phase relationships between macroscopically distinguishable states, one has to measure very peculiar operators. An example, constructed explicitly, shows that the classical analog of such an operator cannot be measured, because to do so would violate classical irreversibility. This result justifies von Neumann's measurement theory, without any hypothesis on the role of the observer.
Joint ICI Cancellation based on Adaptive Cross-Channel Linear Equalizer for Coherent Optical Superchannel Systems

We demonstrate a novel joint adaptive ICI cancellation algorithm based on “super receiver” architecture for superchannel coherent systems. Improved performance over conventional coherent receivers is achieved for both BTB and after 960km SSMF transmission.
A Cautionary Tale about Conducting Research on Abstinence Education: How Do State Abstinence Coordinators Define “Sexual Activity?”

Abstract The purpose of the study was to determine how the state coordinators of abstinence education programs defined the term “sexual activity.” A questionnaire was mailed to Title V abstinence education coordinators in each of the 50 states, Washington DC, and the three territories receiving these federal funds (n=54). In addition to demographic data, the questionnaire asked the respondent to indicate whether or not the state/territory had established definitions of the term “sexual activity” and, if so, to identify what those definitions were. In addition we asked respondents to indicate whether selected behaviors constituted sexual activity. Seventeen coordinators (31.5%) provided at least partial responses to the survey. Of the states that responded, none indicated that his or her state had a definition of sexual activity. The participation rate in the study by abstinence coordinators was not high, but the questionnaire did elicit much reaction. This included efforts by individuals and organizations...
A practical scheme for quantum oblivious transfer and private database sampling

We present an unconditionally secure Oblivious Transfer protocol relying on two rounds of entanglement-free quantum communication. When played honestly, the protocol only requires the ability to measure a single qubit in a fixed basis, and to perform a coherent bit-flip (Pauli X) operation. We present a generalization to a "Private Data Sampling" protocol, where a player (Bob) can obtain a random sample of fixed size from a classical database of size N, while the database owner (Alice) remains oblivious as to which bits were accessed. The protocol is efficient in the sense that the communication complexity per query scales at most linearly with the size of the database. It does not violate Lo's "no-go" theorem for one-sided two-party secure computation, since a given joint input by Alice and Bob can result in randomly different protocol outcomes. Finally it could be used to implement a practical bit string commitment protocol, among other applications.
Phase fluctuations of coherent light in an anharmonic oscillator using the hermitian phase operator

Abstract We study the phase fluctuations of coherent light interacting with a non-absorbing nonlinear medium, modelled as an anharmonic oscillator, by using the Pegg-Barnett formalism for hermitian phase operators.
Contraction models for the evolution of Jupiter

Abstract The evolution of Jupiter is discussed under the hypothesis that the planet formed as a subcondensation in the solar nebula with a density just high enough that it would be gravitationally bound. Numerical calculations show that the evolution consists of two major phases: (1) a radiative protoplanetary contraction in quasi-hydrostatic equilibrium followed by hydrodynamic collapse; and (2) a convective quasi-static contraction during which the planet approaches its present radius. The consistency between existing calculations of these two phases is discussed and the basic assumptions used in such calculations are critically examined.
Picosecond studies of quinone-substituted monometalated porphyrin dimers: evidence for superexchange-mediated electron transfer in a photosynthetic model system

Time-resolved studies are reported for a series of quinone-substituted porphyrin monomers and monometalated phenyl-linked dimers. Irradiation of the simple porphyrin monomer systems Ph-Zn-Q, Ph-H 2 -Q, and H 2 -Q in toluene at 295 K elicits charge separation to produce the oxidized free-base (H 2 ) or zinc (Zn) porphyrin and the reduced quinone (Q) within the 350-fs excitation flash
Electromagnetic survey of cornfield with repeated manure applications

Waste management sites are subject to nutrient buildup from storage, treatment, and repeated application of manure. Methods are needed to quickly assess a site or field location to survey nutrient levels and estimate risk potential. Electromagnetic (EM) conductivity methods have been shown to be sensitive to areas of high nutrient levels (Eigenberg et al., 1996) and offer promise to provide field assessments. In this report, high density electromagnetic field mapping is described as a method to isolate and detect areas of nutrient buildup in a cornfield receiving waste management research treatments. Various manure and compost rates have been applied to this research field for replacement of commercial fertilizer with the treatment assignments remaining identical over a 4-yr period. Electromagnetic conductivity measurements were able to differentiate (P < 0.0001) the N check treatment (commercial application rate) vs. manure applied at the recommended P rate, compost applied at the P rate, and compost applied at the N rate. The N check treatment and the manure applied at the N rate treatment resulted in nearly identical mean values for EM readings and were not statistically distinguishable. Analysis of soil cores (NO 3 , Cl, P, K, SO 4 , NH 4 , Na, electrical conductivity, and soil moisture content) randomly located within each treatment were compared to EM readings at the same locations. The Pearson correlation coefficients revealed strong (P = 0.02 or better) correlations for all constituents except NH 4 (P = 0.308). Treatment effects were significant (P < 0.05) for all soil constituents except NH 4 and water content.
Simplified Method for Estimating Scour at Bridges

This research proposes a new method to assess a bridge for scour. It is made up of three levels of assessments. The first level is termed Bridge Scour Assessment 1 (BSA 1). The second and third levels are termed BSA 2 and BSA 3, respectively. BSA 1 overcomes the qualitative nature of current initial evaluation procedures by extrapolating present scour measurements to obtain the scour depth corresponding to a specified future flood event. It utilizes computer-generated extrapolation charts based on a large combination of hypothetical bridges, which relate the future scour depth/maximum observed scour depth ratio to the future flood velocity/maximum observed flood velocity ratio. BSA 2 has to be carried out if BSA 1 does not conclude with a specific plan of action for the bridge. BSA 2 determines the maximum scour depth. Though conservative, BSA 2 was introduced due to its simplicity. BSA 3 has to be carried out if BSA 2 does not conclude with a specific plan of action. BSA 3 involves the calculation of time-dependent scour depth rather than simply using the maximum scour depth. BSA 3 is valuable in the case of highly erosion-resistant materials that do not achieve the maximum scour depth within the lifetime of a bridge. Both BSA 2 and BSA 3 utilize erosion classification charts that replace site-specific erosion testing for preliminary evaluations. The scour vulnerability depends on the comparison of the predicted scour depth and the allowable scour depth of the foundation. Hydrologic and hydraulic computer programs were developed to obtain the flow parameters. These programs generate maps of the maximum previous flood recurrence interval experienced by a specified bridge in Texas and converts flow into flow velocities. The 11 case histories used as validation showed good agreement between predicted and measured values. BSA 1 was then applied to 16 bridges. In this process, 6 out of 10 scour-critical bridges were found to be stable in terms of scour. The proposed bridge scour assessment procedure allows for the economical and relatively simple evaluation of scour-critical bridges. It also overcomes the over-conservatism in current methods.
Knowledge-salvage practices for dormant R&D projects

Most successful firms have an abundance of new and old knowledge in their research and development laboratories, and only a fraction is being put into use in new product development. This knowledge is left over from projects that have been killed at different development stages and may actually carry considerable value. In this article, we propose a knowledge bank as a possible solution to preserve and possibly grow this knowledge. It is a self-sustaining institute with minimal or no ongoing effort from the donor company, yet manages the knowledge in a way that protects proprietary interests and actively fosters communication and interchange among sponsoring companies wherever possible. The framework of this structure, as well as how it works, is described here. Specifically, a system dynamics modeling of the knowledge bank is developed, and a simulation study is conducted using VENSIM®. The results confirm the viability of creating such a system in a consortium of organizations.
Communication apprehension, state anxiety and behavioral disruption: A causal analysis

Although a considerable body of research has accumulated which establishes correlations among communication apprehension, communication state anxiety and behavioral disruption, theoretical speculations regarding the causal nature of those relationships are based mostly on cross‐sectional data. In the present study, data pertaining to all three variables were collected across time and causal models of the relationships were tested. The results of path analysis indicated that behavioral disruption and state anxiety were predictive of subsequent communication apprehension scores. These findings were consistent with expectations based on the “James‐Lange” theory of emotion and the assimilation theory of communication apprehension. On the other hand, no effect on behavior was detected for communication apprehension. Theoretical implications for these findings are discussed.
High-Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Analysis of Estrogens in Pharmaceuticals by Measurement of Their Dansyl Derivatives

A high-pressure liquid chromatographic method is described for the analysis of estrogens in pharmaceutical tablet and injectable dosage forms. In general, the estrogens are isolated, an internal standard is added, the dansyl derivatives are formed, and the dansyl estrogen solution is injected into a liquid chromatograph. Linear response is experienced between the mass of estrogen and the ratio of the estrogen peak height to the internal standard peak height, using a microparticle silica column and chloroform-n-heptane mobile phases. With fluorometric measurement, limits of detectability for ethinyl estradiol and estradiol were 0.04 and 0.05 ng, respectively. Methyltestosterone, an androgen in combination with ethinyl estradiol, was analyzed simultaneously. Commercial pharmaceutical preparations containing estrone, ethinyl estradiol, and estradiol were analyzed by the proposed method. The results indicate the method to be sensitive, reasonably precise (< 2%), and accurate in the analysis of estrogen in dosage forms.
Baby universes in higher dimensional theories

Abstract We investigate the third quantization of baby universes in theories with space-time dimension greater than two. The mechanism for the vanishing of the cosmological constant extends to these theories. Naively, having the low-energy space-time dimension as large as possible seems to be selected by the baby universe ground state. Suggestions are made on how this result may be avoided. Further arguments are given that complex topologies are also favored.
Thrombin-induced phosphorylation of MARCKS does not alter its interactions with calmodulin or actin

Myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) is a calmodulin (CaM)- and actin-binding protein and prominent protein kinase C (PKC) substrate. In vitro phosphorylation of MARCKS by PKC has been shown to induce the release of both CaM and actin, leading to the suggestion that MARCKS may regulate CaM availability during agonist-induced signalling. In support of this hypothesis we previously demonstrated that thrombin-induced MARCKS phosphorylation in endothelial cells (EC) parallels activation of myosin light chain kinase, a CaM-dependent enzyme. To test this theory further, we transfected CHO cells, which normally do not express significant levels of MARCKS, with a MARCKS cDNA. The thrombin-stimulated phosphorylation of myosin light chains and the sensitivity to CaM antagonists in the MARCKS overexpressing cells was the same as that in control CHO cells. MARCKS associated with the actin cytoskeleton in EC was markedly increased upon treatment with the PKC activator, PMA, but only modestly enhanced by thrombin treatment. Similarly, colocalisation of MARCKS with actin was enhanced when the EC were challenged with PMA but not thrombin. These data may be partially explained by PKC-independent phosphorylation of MARCKS in response to thrombin stimulation.
Is the Universal String Axion the QCD Axion

We consider the class of effective supergravity theories from the weakly coupled heterotic string in which local supersymmetry is broken by gaugino condensation in a hidden sector, with dilaton stabilization achieved through corrections to the classical dilaton Kahler potential. If there is a single hidden condensing (simple) gauge group, the axion is massless (up to contributions from higher dimension operators) above the QCD condensation scale. We show how the standard relation between the axion mass and its Planck scale coupling constant is modified in this class of models due to a contribution to the axion-gluon coupling that appears below the scale of supersymmetry breaking when gluinos are integrated out. In particular there is a point of enhanced symmetry in parameter space where the axion mass is suppressed. We revisit the question of the universal axion as the Peccei-Quinn axion in the light of these results, and find that the strong CP problem is avoided in most compactifications of the weakly coupled heterotic string.
A quality control programme for performance evaluation of dynamic replacement of organic soil deposits

Dynamic replacement (DR) is a relatively new ground-modification technique that has been used successfully to stabilize organic soil deposits by replacing the organic soil with sand columns. A full-scale DR field study was conducted in order to assess its effectiveness on Florida organic soils. A computer-based quality control system was developed using data-acquisition-management techniques to evaluate the degree of improvement of the organic soil layer at a given stage of treatment. One of the DR drop locations was instrumented in order to select technical criteria such as the print spacing and the number of blows per print for effective DR implementation, and to facilitate monitoring of the improvement of soil properties. The new quality control system evaluates the effects of treatment by computing the dynamic settlement modulus (DSM) from the impact acceleration data collected during the treatment period. This paper presents the results obtained from the pilot study and their subsequent use in establishing evaluation criteria for the test programme. It is also shown how the DSM-based treatment criteria are in agreement with those obtained from conventional methods. Hence, it is concluded that with the use of the quality control system presented, the implementation of any DR programme can be effectively monitored.
THE INTERACTION OF PH, DISSOLVED ORGANIC CARBON, AND TOTAL COPPER IN THE DETERMINATION OF IONIC COPPER AND TOXICITY

Abstract The bioavailability of copper to Daphnia magna was studied in a complete three factor experiment with variable total copper (TCU), pH, and naturally-derived dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Both pH and DOC were found to be important in controlling the amount of ionic copper (for a given total copper concentration) and a model was developed which explained 94% of the variability in the data. Mortality of Daphnia magna was highly correlated with ionic copper under pH 7 at 24 and 48 hours ( r 2 = 0.90 and 0.96) and less so at higher pH suggesting that copper complexes may be contributing to the response. When toxicity was expressed in terms of ionic copper, it was concluded that a given amount of ionic copper produced more toxicity as pH increased. The 48-h SP 50 for D. magna exposed to ionic copper was in the order of 0.5 nM (0.03 ng.ml −1 ).
Rapid quantification of Bacillus subtilis antibiotics in the rhizosphere

Abstract Biological control agents like Bacillus subtilis offer an alternative and supplement to synthetic pesticides. Antibiotic production by biocontrol strains of B. subtilis can play a major role in plant disease suppression. Our current understanding of B. subtilis antibiosis comes from culture media measurements of antibiotic production and in vitro suppression of pathogens. Quantifying the antibiotic metabolite chemistry of B. subtilis biofilms growing on root surfaces provides a more accurate understanding of in vivo antibiotic production. An analytical method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectroscopy (MS) has been developed to quantify antibiotics produced by B. subtilis growing on plant roots. Cucumber ( Cucumis sativus ) was grown in composted soil and potting media inoculated with B. subtilis strain QST 713 (AgraQuest, USA). Two important B. subtilis antibiotics, surfactin and iturin A, were extracted from root and rhizosphere soil using acidified organic solvents followed by cleaning and concentration using SPE. HPLC and HPLC-MS were used to measure surfactin and iturin A. Rhizosphere concentrations of both antibiotics increased with plant age. For plants grown in peat-based potting media, surfactin concentrations increased from 9 μg g −1 root fresh weight (RFW) at 15 d to 30 μg g −1 RFW at 43 d. Iturin concentrations were 7 μg g −1 RFW at 15 d and 180 μg g −1 RFW at 43 d. In an initial field trial in a composted fine sandy loam, we demonstrated rhizosphere production of surfactin and iturin under competition and predation by the myriad macro- and microfauna existing in a fertile high-organic soil, with mature B. subtilis -inoculated cucumber roots yielding 33 μg g −1 RFW surfactin and 630 μg g −1 RFW iturin at 78 d.
Evaluation of a high-volume, low-latency market data processing system implemented with IBM middleware

A stock market data processing system that can handle high data volumes at low latencies is critical to market makers. Such systems play a critical role in algorithmic trading, risk analysis, market surveillance, and many other related areas. The current systems tend to use specialized software and custom processors. We show that such a system can be built with general-purpose middleware and run on commodity hardware. The middleware we use is IBM System S which includes transport technology from IBM WebSphere MQ Low Latency Messaging (LLM). Our performance evaluation consists of two parts. First, we determined the effectiveness of each system optimization that the hardware and software infrastructure makes available. These optimizations were implemented at all software levels--application, middleware, and operating system. Second, we evaluated our system on different hardware platforms.
The 2.7 Å resolution structure of the glycopeptide sulfotransferase Teg14.

The TEG gene cluster was recently isolated from an environmental DNA library and is predicted to encode the biosynthesis of a polysulfated glycopeptide congener. Three closely related sulfotransferases found in the TEG gene cluster (Teg12, Teg13 and Teg14) have been shown to sulfate the teicoplanin aglycone at three unique sites. Crystal structures of the first sulfotransferase from the TEG cluster, Teg12, in complex with the teicoplanin aglycone and its desulfated cosubstrate PAP have recently been reported [Bick et al. (2010), Biochemistry, 49, 4159–4168]. Here, the 2.7 A resolution crystal structure of the apo form of Teg14 is reported. Teg14 sulfates the hydroxyphenylglycine at position 4 in the teicoplanin aglycone. The Teg14 structure is discussed and is compared with those of other bacterial 3′-phospho­adenosine 5′-­phosphosulfate-dependent sulfotransferases.
Integrated finite element thermal-structural analysis with radiation heat transfer

An integrated approach for efficiently coupling thermal and stress analyses of structures with radiation heat transfer is presented. A new integrated one dimensional element based on a nodeless variable formulation is introduced. Lumped and consistent formulations of the nonlinear radiation heat transfer matrix are presented. The accuracy of the integrated approach is assessed by comparisons with analytical solutions and conventional finite element thermal-structural analyses. Results show that the nodeless variable thermal element yields accuracy equivalent to a higher order element but permits a common discretization with a lower order congruent structural element. The integrated element thus provides improved accuracy and efficiency of thermal stress analysis for structures with complex temperature distributions.
THE ROLE OF 25‐HYDROXY‐VITAMIN D3 IN THE INDUCTION OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN SWINE and RABBIT BY HYPERVITAMINOSIS D

Fibromuscular intimal thickening was seen in the ascending and thoracic aorta of the swine fed 62,500 IU of vitamin D3/kg of diet for three months duration; and after 3 months of vitamin D3 withdrawal, atherosclerotic lesions were found. In rabbits, pronounced aortic smooth muscle cell necrosis developed with the forced feeding of 10,000 IU vitamin D3 dissolved in corn oil/kg body weight/day for 14 days. Serum analyses indicated that blood calcium did not differ from that of animals fed corn oil alone, but that the level of serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 measured by HPLC was 30 times that in the control animals. These data suggest that choleclaciferol (the oxidized sterol with vitamin D3 activity) has a very destructive influence on the integrity of arterial wall, and that smooth muscle cell necrosis could be caused by enhanced membrane permeability to Ca2+ following 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 incorporation into smooth muscle cell membranes.