cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Rice Straw Incorporation on Soil Redox Status and Sulfide Toxicity

Incorporation of rice (Oryza saliva L.) straw into the soil has become an alternative to straw burning to improve air quality in the Sacramento Valley, California. However, straw addition to paddies could promote reducing conditions that may lead to sulfide accumulation and plant toxicity. Sulfide toxicity has been observed in randomly localized field sites and is characterized by blackened roots, retarded growth, fewer standing plants, and even death in severe cases. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of straw incorporation on soil redox status and sulfide toxicity to rice in a greenhouse pot study. Treatments included straw incorporation (0, 6, and 23 g straw kg -1 soil) and sulfate additions (0, 160, and 800 mg SO, k -1 soil). Redox status was evaluated by identifying dominant terminal electron-accepting processes and geochemical redox classes based on oxidative capacity. Higher straw incorporation rates led to more reducing conditions at earlier times. The most reducing conditions (methanic) were observed within 3 wk for the 23 g straw kg -1 soil treatment and in about 6 wk for the 6 g straw kg -1 soiltreatment and were not observed till the end of the experiment when no straw was added. Straw incorporation significantly reduced grain yield (p < 0.0001), number of tillers (p < 0.0001), and plant height at 4 wk (p = 0.01). Sulfate addition only showed significant reduction on the number of tillers (p = 0.0028). Soluble sulfide concentrations were very low, mainly due to precipitation with Fe. The higher straw incorporation rates induced sulfide toxicity symptoms and reduced rice yield significantly. It is not clear, however, if other causes, such as organic acids and salinity, may have contributed to the adverse impact of straw incorporation on rice.
User delay costs and internal pricing for a service facility

This paper studies optimal pricing and capacity decisions for a service facility in an environment where users' delay cost is important. The model assumes a general nonlinear delay cost structure and incorporates the tradeoff between the delay cost and capacity cost. We find necessary and sufficient conditions for the optimality of a pricing rule that charges out service resources at their marginal capacity cost. We examine the issue of budgetary balance and find that net-value maximization entails a budget deficit for the service facility; that is, the service facility should be evaluated as a "deficit center." The results provide guidelines under which the optimal magnitude of the deficit can be determined.
Strengthening Polymer Interfaces with Triblock Copolymers

We have measured the fracture toughness, Gc, of an interface between polystyrene (PS) and poly (2-vinylpyridine) (PVP) reinforced with triblock copolymers (PVP-b-dPS-b-PVP) as a function of the areal chain density, ", of the copolymers at the interface. The failure mechanisms of the interface are studied by transmission electron microscopy and forward recoil spectrometry. For triblock copolymers with long PVP blocks (NPVP > NePVP, where NePVP is the entanglement polymerization index of PVP), a transition from chain scission at low " to crazing at high "* is observed. By comparing the areal chain density "* for the transition from chain scission to crazing for the triblock copolymers ("* ) 0.015 chains/ nm 2 ) to that for the diblock copolymers, PVP-dPS ("* ) 0.03 chains/nm 2 ), we show that most of the triblock copolymers form a "staple" structure at the interface with the dPS block making a loop on the PS side of the interface and the PVP ends anchoring the "staple" in the PVP side. As a result of the "staple" structure, the saturation areal chain density of the triblock copolymer ("sat) at the interface is half of that for the diblock copolymer of similar molecular weight. For " "sat, the triblock copolymers appear to reinforce the craze fibrils at the crack tip better than the corresponding diblock copolymers, leading to an interface fracture toughness approaching that of the PS homopolymer itself. For a triblock copolymer with short PVP blocks (NPVP < NePVP), there is a transition in the fracture mechanism from pull out of the PVP block to crazing with increasing ". Short triblock copolymers can form two chain conforma- tions: one in which two PVP blocks anchor the copolymer on the homopolymer PVP side (staple structure) and one in which one PVP block anchors the copolymer on the PVP side (tail structure) of the interface. Comparison of Gc between the triblock copolymer and the corresponding diblock copolymer is made. The larger Gc values of the triblock copolymer reinforced interface in the crazing regime are observed as a result of enhancement in entanglements between the dPS loops of the triblock copolymer and the homopolymer PS.
Frequency-dependent polarizability of —CC— linked para-nitroaniline monomer through pentamer

Abstract Using atomic orbital basis sets calibrated in an earlier study on the monomer and dimer and employing the direct atomic-integral driven strategy of the DISCO program package, we performed self-consistent field level calculations of the frequency-dependent polarizabilities of the monomer through pentamer of —CC— linked para-nitroaniline. These computations, which were performed in parallel using seven IBM RS6000 model 560 workstations, involved up to 612 atomic basis functions and 10 11 two-electron integrals, and required solution of linear response equations whose dimensions ranged up to 132000.
Structure-Based Analysis of Toxoplasma gondii Profilin: A Parasite-Specific Motif is Required for Recognition by Toll-like Receptor 11

Profilins promote actin polymerization by exchanging ADP for ATP on monomeric actin and delivering ATP-actin to growing filament barbed ends. Apicomplexan protozoa such as Toxoplasma gondii invade host cells using an actin-dependent gliding motility. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 11 generates an innate immune response upon sensing T. gondii profilin (TgPRF). The crystal structure of TgPRF reveals a parasite-specific surface motif consisting of an acidic loop, followed by a long β-hairpin. A series of structure-based profilin mutants show that TLR11 recognition of the acidic loop is responsible for most of the interleukin (IL)-12 secretion response to TgPRF in peritoneal macrophages. Deletion of both the acidic loop and the β-hairpin completely abrogates IL-12 secretion. Insertion of the T. gondii acidic loop and β-hairpin into yeast profilin is sufficient to generate TLR11-dependent signaling. Substitution of the acidic loop in TgPRF with the homologous loop from the apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum does not affect TLR11-dependent IL-12 secretion, while substitution with the acidic loop from Plasmodium falciparum results in reduced but significant IL-12 secretion. We conclude that the parasite-specific motif in TgPRF is the key molecular pattern recognized by TLR11. Unlike other profilins, TgPRF slows nucleotide exchange on monomeric rabbit actin and binds rabbit actin weakly. The putative TgPRF actin-binding surface includes the β-hairpin and diverges widely from the actin-binding surfaces of vertebrate profilins.
Chemical vapor deposition and characterization of amorphous Teflon fluoropolymer thin films

Dielectric materials with dielectric constant (K) less than the conventionally used SiO2 (K = 3.9) are gaining importance particularly for low voltage operated integrated circuits due to their ability to reduce signal propagation delays, power dissipation, and crosstalk when used as interconnect dielectrics. In this paper, we report for the first time ever a chemical vapor deposition technique for the deposition of the copolymeric amorphous Teflon fluoropolymer AF 1600 which is a new low K material with a value of K of about 1.93. The principle of direct liquid injection in an ultra-violet (UV) light assisted rapid isothermal processing system was followed. Different processing cycles were studied with and without the UV source to investigate the effect of high energy photons during processing on the film properties. Preliminary characterization results indicate that the processed films exceed the established dielectric performance standards required for future generation IC manufacturing. An improvement in film properties was observed when the UV source was used during processing.
Ineffectiveness of phylloquinone epoxide as an inhibitor of prothrombin synthesis in the rat.

Abstract Phylloquinone epoxide (vitamin K 1 -oxide), a metabolite of phylloquinone, does not inhibit prothrombin synthesis when administered in high doses to Sprague-Dawley and warfarin-resistant rats. Further, it does not accumulate to presumed inhibitory levels in the livers of rats given physiological doses of 3 H-phylloquinone when they are anticoagulated with warfarin. These data do not support the Bell-Matschiner hypothesis that warfarin exerts its action by inhibiting the vitamin K oxide reductase which results in the accumulation of vitamin K oxide and the inhibition of vitamin K at its active site. Rather, our data support the view that vitamin K and warfarin combine at different sites with a single regulatory protein which serves as a conformational switch for prothrombin synthesis.
Fabrication of Micro PEM Fuel Cells Using Pyrolysis and Experimental Testing

In this paper, we propose a relatively new fabrication technique for micro proton exchange membrane fuel cell (μPEMFC) fabrication. Microgrooves are fabricated on the polymer Circlex plate first which is relatively easy to manufacture comparing with directly patterning on carbon, cheap, and mechanically robust (in contrast to graphite). By carbonizing the machined polymer at high temperature, the bipolar plates are produced for a μPEMFC assembly to distribute the reactants via its micro groove structure. A μPEMFC with 0.64 cm2 active surface is fabricated. A maximum power of ∼70 mW/cm2 is achieved for 1 atm at 25 °C, which is comparable with most of data reported in the literature. The Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and performance test are conducted on fuel cell steady-state operation.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Inverse boundary value problems in domains with several obstacles

We consider the inverse boundary value problem for the Schrodinger equations with electromagnetic potentials in domains with several obstacles. We show that the boundary data allow one to recover integrals of potentials along broken rays. Then we prove the uniqueness modulo a gauge transform of the recovery of electromagnetic potentials from the integrals over broken rays under some geometrical conditions on the obstacles.
Accounting for Untoward Managerial Actions The Mediating Influence of Appraisal

When managers deny employees' requests, employees may evaluate the action as unfair, attribute responsibility to the manager, and engage in negative reactions such as anger and disapproval. Manager...
Applications of Real-Time Multiresolution Analysis for Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Infrequent Events

The simulation of defect dynamics (e.g., transient enhanced diffusion of boron in the presence of silicon interstitials) is a technologically relevant challenge for computational materials science. The dynamics of defect structures in bulk unfolds as a sequence of thermally induced structural transitions. Identifying and characterizing reaction paths, as well as extracting dynamical quantities (e.g., diffusion constants) is important for modeling the macroscopic properties of real materials. Applying real-time multiresolution analysis (RTMRA) to various dynamical quantities using simple Haar wavelets, we have developed a computationally cheap data compression scheme to handle the massive data sets generated in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations; data storage has been reduced hundredfold with no loss of relevant information. More importantly, the same RTMRA techniques are developed into a sophisticated event detection scheme capable of solving three major challenges to multiscale MD simulations, specifically, (1) identifying meta-stable structures against the background of thermal vibrations, (2) detecting infrequent events, e.g., structural transitions, in the presence of thermal noise, and (3) accurately identifying transition times to further enhance recently emerging MD acceleration techniques.
Synthesis of poly(l-lactide-co-serine) and its graft copolymers with poly(ethylene glycol)

A new monomer, phenylmethyl [2-(6-methyl-2,5-dioxo-3-morpholinyl)] ethyl ether (monomer 1), was synthesised and used to prepare copolymers with l-lactide. Different feed ratios of monomer 1 to l-lactide (6 and 20 mol%) were used. The copolymers (PLS2) have ester and amide functional groups in the backbone, as well as pendant free hydroxy functional groups. The presence of free hydroxy groups was further confirmed by reacting with diisocyanate-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (DIPEG). The copolymers of PLS2 with DIPEG were crosslinked to varying degrees, depending on the amount of free hydroxy groups in PLS2. The addition of poly(ethylene glycol) decreased the Tg or increased the amorphous property of the polylactide drastically.
Fibroblasts transformed by an oncogenic virus show decreased uptake of puromycin aminonucleoside

Summary The rate of accumulation and the total uptake of aminonucleoside of puromycin are decreased in human embroyonic lung fibroblasts transformed by the oncogenic virus SV40, while the efflux is similar in normal and transformed fibroblasts. This contrasts with the increased uptake of sugars, amino acids and nucleosides by the transformed cells.
Forced Convective Cooling Enhancement of Electronic Package Configurations Through Self-Sustained Oscillatory Flows

Grooved-channel geometries are formed when electronic components are directly mounted to a substrate. Some grooved-channel geometries have been found to excite and sustain the normally damped instabilities present in Poiseuille flows at lower Reynolds numbers than indicated by linear stability analysis. The resulting selfsustained oscillatory flows improve mixing and thereby enhance convective heat dissipation. Numerical simulations of the flow field and heat transfer characteristics of oscillatory and non-oscillatory flows for five grooved-channel and one suspended block geometry are presented. The extent of heat transfer enhancement is gauged through direct comparison to results corresponding to the steady-flow regime. Local heat transfer coefficients are determined and used to calculate the temperature distribution within a surface-mounted package. Furthermore, the importance of using locally-defined heat transfer coefficients instead of spatially-averaged coefficients for thermal design and analysis is discussed. This work was supported by the Engineering Design Research Center, a National Science Foundation / Engineering Research Center, under cooperative agreement EDC-8943164 and by the National Science Foundation Grant CTS-8908808.
Approximations of Bayes and Minimax Risks and the Least Favorable Distribution

In this paper we present a method for approximating the risks and Bayes risk associated with a Bayes decision procedure. Additionally, our method leads to approximating the least favorable distribution and the risk associated with the minimax decision procedure. We assume two states of nature (or classes of patterns) and multivariate probability density functions. Taylor series expansions are used, and an nth-order polynomial equation derived from such expansions provides an approximation to one of the least favorable probabilities. An application to a normally distributed random vector of observables is presented with numerical comparisons. The method can be generalized to cases having more than two states of nature by using Taylor series expansions in several variables.
Interfacial microstructure and the kinetics of interfacial reaction in diffusion couples between Sn–Pb solder and Cu/Ni/Pd metallization

Abstract The interfacial microstructure and the kinetics of interfacial reaction between eutectic Sn–Pb solder and electroplated Ni/Pd on a Cu substrate have been studied by scanning, transmission and analytical electron microscopies. Besides PdSn 4 and Ni 3 Sn 4 , small grains of Ni 3 Sn 2 with a hexagonal structure are also observed after long-time aging of the diffusion couples at 125°C. The presence of intermetallic phases is correlated with the diffusion paths in the calculated Pd–Pb–Sn and Ni–Pb–Sn isothermal sections. The growth kinetics of the Ni 3 Sn 4 scallops in the submicrometer length scale was analyzed with an Arrhenius type of equation. The thickening kinetics yields a time exponent n =3.1 and an apparent activation energy ( Q h ) of 25,750 J/mol, while the radial growth kinetics data yield a time exponent m ≈6.6 and an apparent activation energy ( Q d ) of 15,300 J/mol. The radial size distributions (RSDs) of Ni 3 Sn 4 scallops were also quantified. The parameters describing RSDs are consistent with the theories of coarsening in two-phase systems containing a very high volume fraction of the second phase. Selective etching of solder revealed the three-dimensional morphology of PdSn 4 and Ni 3 Sn 4 , and also the dynamical phenomena, such as faceting, competitive growth and coalescence of Ni 3 Sn 4 scallops during interfacial reaction. Non-parabolic growth kinetics is discussed in terms of the existing theories and characteristics of the evolving microstructure.
Preparation of megabase‐size DNA from plant nuclei

A novel technique has been developed for the preparation of high molecular weight (HMW) DNA from plant nuclei. This technique involves physical homogenization of plant tissues, nuclei isolation, embedding of the nuclei in low-melting-point agarose microbeads or plugs, and DNA purification in situ. This technique is simple, rapid, and economical, and the majority of the DNA prepared is over 5.7 Mb in size. The genomic DNA content of the HMW DNA prepared by this technique is enriched by at least threefold and the chloroplast DNA content is reduced by over twofold relative to that prepared from plant protoplasts by existing methods. The DNA is readily digestible with different restriction enzymes and partial digestions of the DNA could be reproducibly performed. This method has been successfully used for the preparation of HMW DNA from a wide range of plant taxa, including grasses, legumes, vegetables, and trees. These results demonstrate that the DNA prepared by this technique is suitable for plant genome analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and for the construction of yeast and bacterial artificial chromosomes.
Protein kinase C is involved in neurokinin receptor modulation of N- and L-type Ca2+ channels in DRG neurons of the adult rat.

Whole cell patch-clamp techniques were used to examine neurokinin receptor modulation of Ca2+ channels in small to medium size dorsal root ganglia neurons (<40 pF) that express mainly N- and L-type...
Compression of CdCu3Ti4O12 perovskite to 55 GPa

Abstract Synchrotron x-ray diffraction measurements of CdCu3Ti4O12 (CDCTO) were performed up to 55.5 GPa. There is no structural phase transformation in this pressure range. The irregular curvature shifts of the P – V curve are attributed to the grain surface effect. Analysis indicates that the grain surface of CDCTO is stiffer than the grain interior at higher pressures. We point out that the atoms on grain surfaces must be either densely packed or have a strong correlation with the gain interior in order to have a high dielectric constant, as in CaCu3Ti4O12. The derived bulk modulus K OT of CDCTO is approximately 235±7 GPa with K ′ = 5.1 ± 0.4 .
Diagnostic tests for influenza infection.

Purpose of review The 2009 H1N1 pandemic focused attention on the speed and accuracy of influenza diagnostic methods. This review provides an update on current tests and new developments. Recent findings Widely used rapid antigen tests and immunofluorescence tests were generally less sensitive for 2009 H1N1 influenza than for seasonal influenza. In addition, marked variability was reported for the same tests in different settings and patient groups. The advantages of molecular testing gained wide recognition, namely high sensitivity, speed compared with culture, ability to assess viral load and to identify subtype. Although adoption of influenza molecular testing can be expected to accelerate, immunoassays and rapid cultures performed on site retain advantages for many facilities. Falsely negative results were seen with all methods, especially for samples collected very early or late. Summary Influenza diagnostic test performance can be adversely affected by viral genetic and antigenic changes and should be re-assessed annually. Variability in sensitivity and specificity of the same test in different settings highlights the need for each laboratory to ensure optimal procedures and work with clinicians to improve sample quality. Manufacturers have been motivated to improve immunoassays and develop simpler and faster multiplex molecular tests, hopefully in advance of the next pandemic.
Spatial Heterodyne Imager for Mesospheric Radicals on STPSat-1

[1] The Spatial Heterodyne Imager for Mesospheric Radicals (SHIMMER) was a high-resolution, near ultraviolet spectrometer that imaged the Earth's limb for 2.5 years between March 2007 and October 2009. The instrument used the Spatial Heterodyne Spectroscopy technique for the first time on a satellite and successfully demonstrated its capabilities. SHIMMER measured the solar resonance fluorescence of the OH A2Σ+-X2Π (0, 0) band around 309 nm, which allows the retrieval of mesospheric OH density profiles. It also measured the Rayleigh scattered background from the clear atmosphere and solar scattering from polar mesospheric cloud particles. We present details on the SHIMMER mission, the payload design, and the data analysis. A comparison between SHIMMER and concurrent Microwave Limb Sounder OH data shows good agreement between 60 and 90 km altitude for several latitudes and seasons. We also find good agreement of the SHIMMER OH densities and standard photochemical model calculations between 60 and 80 km. We find no evidence of a 25%–35% mesospheric OH deficit, previously reported using Middle Atmosphere High-Resolution Spectrograph Investigation (MAHRSI) OH data. However, independent analysis of Rayleigh scattered background signals observed by SHIMMER and MAHRSI under similar lighting conditions revealed that MAHRSI radiances are systematically smaller than SHIMMER radiances by 24%. Although this difference is well outside of the combined uncertainties for both experiments, the agreement of SHIMMER OH with Microwave Limb Sounder OH and standard photochemistry results, together with our Rayleigh scattering comparison, suggests an unidentified MAHRSI calibration problem that effectively eliminates the mesospheric OH deficit reported using MAHRSI observations.
Effect of nickel oxide synthesis conditions on its physical properties and electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol

Abstract Nickel oxide (NiO) was synthesized using several methods and the various physical characteristics observed were correlated to differences in electrocatalytic activity, specifically relating to the oxidation of methanol in alkaline media. Room temperature NaOH-precipitated NiO showed the highest activity and stability towards methanol oxidation in hydroxide (0.005 M KOH) and carbonate (0.1 M Na 2 CO 3 ) media of similar alkalinity. Rapid degradation of NiO electrodes was attributed to microcracking and disintegration associated with the formation of the γ-NiOOH/α-Ni(OH) 2 redox couple, in addition to repeated scans through the oxygen evolution reaction region. Carbonate electrolytes also exhibited average current ranges 3–4 times higher and charge transfer resistances around 85% lower than hydroxide electrolytes. This suggests carbonate may provide a better medium in terms of higher activity and more moderate alkalinity for electrochemical reactions than hydroxide solutions.
Computational geometry of linear threshold functions

Linear threshold machines are defined to be those whose computations are based on the outputs of a set of linear threshold decision elements. The number of such elements is called the rank of the machine. An analysis of the computational geometry of finite-rank linear threshold machines, analogous to the analysis of finite-order perceptrons given by Minsky and Papert, reveals that the use of such machines as “general purpose pattern recognition systems” is severely limited. For example, these machines cannot recognize any topological invariant, nor can they recognize nontrivial figures “in context”.
Energy Gap Induced Super Resolusion (EG-SR) Rom Disc with High Readout Stability

We have already reported super-resolution technologies with high readout stability using a zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film, which we have called EG-SR technologies. 3-6) In this paper, we report a super-resolution function and high readout stability of a ROM disc with a ZnO film in an optical pickup system with a 404-nm-wavelength laser and a 0.85-numerical-aperture objective lens.
ELECTRON ENERGY DISSIPATION.

Abstract A new algorithm for the computation of the energy dissipated by normally incident, monoenergetic electron beams, provides good agreement with experimental data and with the computations of Spencer.
Method for color correction with noise consideration

As the spectral sensitivities of most color devices are typically different from that of human vision or corresponding output devices, signals from different channels (such as Red, Green and Blue) of a color recording device need to be properly mixed to generate color information suitable for viewing. The mixing (or transformation) which minimizes some error measure between the target and the transformed colors of a large set of color patches is normally used for this purpose. As the color error is the only criterion in determining such transformation, the measurement noises of the color device may often be amplified in the target color space without much control. We present in this paper a new color correction method that takes account of both the color error and the noise variance in reproduced images. This method is useful in applications where the measurement noises of recording devices are not necessarily low. The proposed method is then extended to include other color reproduction constraints. Analytical solutions and experimental results of the proposed method are both reported in the paper.
The function of the corpus luteum of pregnancy in ovulatory dysfunction and luteal phase deficiency

Relatively little knowledge exists of corpus luteum function in early pregnancy after the successful treatment of ovulatory dysfunction or luteal phase deficiency. To assess the activity of the corpus luteum of such patients, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH-P) levels were determined in serum samples obtained from normal women (44 patients), women with ovulatory dysfunction (10 patients), and women with luteal phase deficiency (7 patients); all determinations were made during conceptive cycles, and sampling continued into the first trimester of pregnancy. There were no statistically significant abnormalities of hCG levels when infertility patients were compared with control patients. According to the premise that 17-OH-P levels reflect corpus luteal function, there appeared to be adequate function in pregnancies after progesterone treatment of luteal phase deficiency. In pregnancies following ovulation induction with clomiphene, the corpus luteum function, on the basis of 17-OH-P levels, was significantly increased in magnitude and duration. These results have clinical implications with regard to supplemental hormone therapy in early pregnancy.
Analysis and justification of a simple, practical 2 1/2-D capacitance extraction methodology

This paper addresses post-routing capacitance extraction duringperformance-driven layout. We first show how basic driversin process technology (planarization and minimum metal densityrequirements) actually simplify the extraction problem; wedo this by proposing and validating five "foundations" throughdetailed experiments with representative 0.18μm process parametersand a 3-D field solver.We then present a simple yetaccurate 2 1/2-D extraction methodology directly based on thefoundations.This methodology has been productized and isbeing shipped with the Cadence Silicon Ensemble 5.0 product.We conclude that the 2 1/2-D approach has sufficient accuracyfor current and near-term process generations.
Polariton spectroscopy of three-level atoms inside an optical cavity

Distinct peaks associated with atom-cavity polaritons are observed in the transmission spectrum of three-level rubidium atoms in an optically-dense vapor cell inside an optical ring cavity.
Finite element formulation for modeling particle debonding in reinforced elastomers subjected to finite deformations

Interfacial damage nucleation and evolution in reinforced elastomers is modeled using a three-dimensional updated Lagrangian finite element formulation based on the perturbed Petrov–Galerkin method for the treatment of nearly incompressible behavior. The progressive failure of the particle–matrix interface is modeled by a cohesive law accounting for mode mixity. The meso-scale is characterized by a unit cell, which contains particles dispersed in a homogenized blend. A new, fully implicit and efficient finite element formulation, including consistent linearization, is presented. The proposed finite element model is capable of predicting the non-homogeneous meso-fields and damage nucleation and propagation along the particle–matrix interface. Simple deformations involving an idealized solid rocket propellant are considered to demonstrate the algorithm. � 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Discontinuities in stream nutrient uptake below lakes in mountain drainage networks

In many watersheds, lakes and streams are hydrologically linked in spatial patterns that influence material transport and retention. We hypothesized that lakes affect stream nutrient cycling via modifications to stream hydrogeomorphology, source-waters, and biological communities. We tested this hypothesis in a lake district of the Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho. Uptake of NO { and PO {3 4 was compared among 25 reaches representing the following landscape positions: lake inlets and outlets, reaches .1-km downstream from lakes, and reference reaches with no nearby lakes. We quantified landscape-scale hydrographic and reach-scale hydrogeomorphic, source-water, and biological variables to characterize these landscape positions and analyze relationships to nutrient uptake. Nitrate uptake was undetectable at most lake outlets, whereas PO {3 4 uptake was higher at outlets as compared to reference and lake inlet reaches. Patterns in nutrient demand farther downstream were similar to lake outlets with a gradual shift toward reference-reach functionality. Nitrate uptake was most correlated to sediment mobility and channel morphology, whereas PO {3 4 uptake was most correlated to source-water characteristics. The best integrated predictor of these patterns in nutrient demand was % contributing area (the proportion of watershed area not routing through a lake). We estimate that NO { and PO {3 4 demand returned to 50% of pre-lake conditions within 1–4-km downstream of a small headwater lake and resetting of nutrient demand was slower downstream of a larger lake set lower in a watershed. Full resetting of these nutrient cycling processes was not reached within 20-km downstream, indicating that lakes can alter stream ecosystem functioning at large spatial scales throughout mountain watersheds.
Generating Non-Brittle Configuration-design Tools

This paper describes the Domain-Independent Design System (DIDS). DIDS enables knowledge engineers to rapidly build knowledge systems by providing libraries of reusable problem-solving procedures, called mechanisms. Instead of writing code, engineers build systems by selecting and combining elements from these libraries. Therefore, DIDS-developed systems are easy to build and are not brittle, i.e., they can be easily modified by replacing mechanisms. In addition, these systems are built on theoretically sound design models. To demonstrate these ideas, DIDS was used to solve a number of configuration-design tasks. The flexibility of DIDS-generated systems was shown by starting with an existing DIDS-generated knowledge system and then modifying it to perform other tasks. Only one or two mechanism substitutions were required to create these new systems.
Modeling of light scattering by biconcave and deformed red blood cells with the invariant imbedding T-matrix method

The invariant imbedding T-matrix method (II-TM) is employed to simulate the optical properties of normal biconcave and deformed red blood cells (RBCs). The phase matrix elements of a RBC model computed with the II-TM are compared with their counterparts computed with the discrete-dipole approximation (DDA) method. As expected, the DDA results approach the II-TM results with an increase in the number of dipoles per incident wavelength. Computationally, the II-TM is faster than the DDA when multiple RBC orientations are considered. For a single orientation, the DDA is comparable with or even faster than the II-TM because the DDA efficiently converges for optically soft particles; however, the DDA method demands significantly more computer memory than the II-TM. After the applicability of the II-TM is numerically confirmed, a comparison is conducted of the optical properties of oxygenated and deoxygenated RBCs and of normal and deformed RBCs. The spectral variations of RBCs' optical properties are investigated in the wavelength range from 0.25 to 1.0 μm. Furthermore, the statistically averaged phase matrix of spheres and biconcave RBCs are compared. Conducted numerical simulations suggest the applicability of the II-TM for the inverse light scattering analysis and radiative transfer simulations in blood.
“The Nature and Significance of Economic Science” in Recent Discussion

I. Suffocation by analytical definition, 377. — II. Rationality and the Individualist Exchange Economy, 387. — III. Scientific Precision and "the" Stationary State, 391. — IV. Pseudo-Positivism and the doctrine of "the logical gap," 401. — V. The Mecca of twentieth century economics, 408. "… One day in looking over his books he discovered a remarkable law. For every item on the credit side an equal item appeared somewhere else on the debit side. ‘Ha!’ said the Bursar, ‘I have discovered one of the great laws controlling the college. It is a perfect and exact law of the real world. Credit must be called plus and debit minus; and so we have the law of conservation of £.s.d. This is the true way to find out things, and there is no limit to what may ultimately be discovered by this scientific method. I will pay no more heed to the superstitions held by some of the Fellows as to a beneficent spirit called the King or evil spirits called the University Commissioners. I have only to go on in this way and I shall succeed in understanding why prices are always going up.’" The Nature of the Physical World.
The Kinesin ATK5 Functions in Early Spindle Assembly in Arabidopsis

During cell division, the mitotic spindle partitions chromosomes into daughter nuclei. In higher plants, the molecular mechanisms governing spindle assembly and function remain largely unexplored. Here, live cell imaging of mitosis in Arabidopsis thaliana plants lacking a kinesin-14 (ATK5) reveals defects during early spindle formation. Beginning during prophase and lasting until late prometaphase, spindles of atk5-1 plants become abnormally elongated, are frequently bent, and have splayed poles by prometaphase. The period of spindle elongation during prophase and prometaphase is prolonged in atk5-1 cells. Time-lapse imaging of yellow fluorescent protein:ATK5 reveals colocalization with perinuclear microtubules before nuclear envelope breakdown, after which it congresses inward from the poles to the midzone, where it becomes progressively enriched at regions of overlap between antiparallel microtubules. In vitro microtubule motility assays demonstrate that in the presence of ATK5, two microtubules encountering one another at an angle can interact and coalign, forming a linear bundle. These data indicate that ATK5 participates in the search and capture of antiparallel interpolar microtubules, where it aids in generating force to coalign microtubules, thereby affecting spindle length, width, and integrity.
Posterior versus frontal theta activity indexes approach motivation during affective autobiographical memories

Research has recently identified a promising neurophysiological marker of approach motivation involving posterior versus frontal (Pz – Fz) electroencephalographic (EEG) theta activity PFTA; Wacker, Chavanon, & Stemmler (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 91:171-187, 2006). Preliminary evidence indicated that PFTA is modulated by dopaminergic activity, thought to underlie appetitive tendencies, and that it indexes self-reported behavioral activation system (BAS) sensitivity. To date, research has largely relied on resting indices of PFTA and has yet to examine the relationship between PFTA and specific approach-related affective states generated by emotionally salient laboratory tasks. Accordingly, the present study evaluated PFTA both at rest and during an ecologically valid autobiographical memory task in which participants recalled personal life experiences involving a goal-striving, an anxious apprehension, a low-point (i.e., difficult), and a neutral memory while EEG data were recorded. In line with prediction, elevated PFTA was observed during both goal-striving and anxious apprehension autobiographical memories. PFTA was particularly elevated during anxious apprehension memories coded as being high on approach-related tendencies. Elevated PFTA during anxious apprehension is consistent with a growing literature indicating that anxious apprehension is associated with elevated approach- and reward-related brain function. Lastly, elevated resting PFTA was positively correlated with self-reported trait anger, a negatively valenced emotion characterized by approach-related tendencies. These results have implications for (a) enhancing our understanding of the neurophysiology of approach-related emotions, (b) establishing PFTA as an index of appetitive motivational states, and (c) clarifying our understanding of the neurophysiology and approach-related tendencies associated with both anxious apprehension and anger.
Mechanism of Nitrification by Arthrobacter sp

Resting cells of Arthrobacter sp. excrete as much as 60 μg of hydroxylamine-nitrogen per ml when supplied with ammonium. An organic carbon source in abundant supply is necessary for the oxidation. Resting cells oxidize hydroxylamine to nitrite and 1-nitrosoethanol, the former accumulating only when an exogenous carbon source is available. Cell-free extracts contain an enzyme catalyzing the formation of hydroxylamine from acetohydroxamic acid, a hydroxylamine-nitrite oxido-reductase, and an enzyme producing nitrite and nitrate from various primary nitro compounds. Nitrite is not produced from hydroxylamine by the extracts, but 1-nitrosoethanol is formed from hydroxylamine in the presence of acetate. 1-Nitrosoethanol is also produced from acetohydroxamic acid by these preparations. Nitrite was formed from hydroxylamine, however, by extracellular enzymes excreted by the bacterium.
Subsurface Imaging of Integrated Circuits with Widefield and Confocal Microscopy Using Numerical Aperture Increasing Lens

We report a lateral spatial resolution of 0.37 mum with a custom infrared widefield microscope while imaging subsurface features in silicon integrated circuits from backside. In addition, 2.65 mum apart polysilicon and metal layers can be differentiated.
KINETICS OF HEPATIC ACCUMULATION OF DEXTRANS IN ISOLATED PERFUSED RAT LIVERS

The role of various processes (uptake, release, metabolism, and excretion) in the hepatic accumulation of dextrans was investigated in isolated perfused rat livers (IPRLs). Single-pass IPRLs were infused with fluorescein-dextran (FD) with a molecular weight (MW) of 70,000 (FD-70) for 15, 30, 45, or 60 min, and inlet and outlet samples and livers were collected. In addition, two groups of livers were infused with FD-70 for 60 min, followed by 30 or 60 min of drug-free perfusion. The concentrations of the macromolecule in the samples were measured by a size exclusion chromatographic method. Similar, but limited, experiments were also conducted for FDs with MWs of 4,000 (FD-4) and 150,000 (FD-150). In addition, the metabolism of all three FDs were investigated using liver homogenates. Because of low hepatic extraction, the concentrations of dextrans in the inlet and outlet perfusates were almost the same during the entire perfusion. However, liver concentrations increased almost linearly during the infusion of FD-70 (0-60 min) and declined slowly thereafter (60-120 min). The apparent hepatic extraction ratio (Eapp) values, estimated directly from the concentrations of FDs in the liver, were MW dependent; Eapp of FD-4 (0.124% +/- 0.015%) was significantly (p < 0.05) less than that for FD-70 (0.677% +/- 0.193%) or FD-150 (0.711% +/- 0.022%). The metabolism and biliary excretion of all FDs were negligible during the perfusion time. The mean residence time of FD-70 in the liver, estimated by nonlinear regression analysis of experimental data, was 248 min. These studies define the role of various processes involved in the slow (but substantial) and MW dependent hepatic accumulation of dextrans.
Extended-cavity grating-tuned operation of mid-infrared InAsSb diode lasers

cryostat that permits placement of both the collimation optics and the extended-cavity elements within a vacuum chamber. We have observed tuning of the laser frequency over a 1.44 THz (48 cm-1) range by rotation of the external grating. This result was obtained without anti-reflection coating of the laser output facet.
Exercise may be beneficial for patients with chronic severe sciatica who would normally qualify for surgery

Commentary on: Albert HB, Manniche C. The efficacy of systematic active conservative treatment for patients with severe sciatica: a single-blind, randomized, clinical, controlled trial. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2012;37:531–42.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2] The role of conservative treatment and exercise still remain uncertain for severe sciatica. This prospective single-blind, randomised, controlled trial compares two active exercise programmes for patients with severe sciatica. In the county of Funen, patients are referred by general practitioners, rheumatologists or chiropractors to a state funded regional facility ‘Back Center Funen’ for specialty care. The two treatment arms proposed are identical except for the exercise regimens; both groups received thorough information (anatomy of the spine, the pathogenesis of a herniated disc and the natural healing process); a special emphasis was made on the positive prognosis of sciatica. The exercise regimens differed; … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DSpine%2B%2528Phila%2BPa%2B1976%2529%26rft.volume%253D37%26rft.spage%253D531%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1097%252FBRS.0b013e31821ace7f%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1097/BRS.0b013e31821ace7f&link_type=DOI
Development of a Cropland Management Dataset to Support U.S. Swat Assessments

The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is widely used in the United States (U.S.) to simulate hydrology and water quality simulation. Process-based models like SWAT require a great deal of data to accurately represent the natural world, including topography, land use, soils, weather, and management. With the exception of management, all these data are available nationally from multiple sources. To date, credible SWAT studies in the U.S. have assembled suitable management data (operation scheduling, fertilization application rates, and plant growth parameterization). In this research, we develop a national management database for SWAT using existing U.S. Department of Agriculture data sources. These data are compatible with existing SWAT interfaces and are relatively easy to use. Although management data from local sources is preferred, these data are not always available. This work is intended to fill this void with more reasonable management data than the existing defaults. This national database covers all major cultivated crops and should facilitate improved SWAT applications in the U.S. These data were tested in two case studies and found to produce satisfactory SWAT predictions. The database developed in this research is freely available on the web.
Adaptive governance in water reform discourses of the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia

Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin exemplifies complex governance challenges raised by large-scale trans-boundary river systems. The Basin contains a varied and fragmentary mosaic of human perspectives and practices, situated in a dynamic biophysical system that accounts for a significant portion of Australia’s agricultural produce and is home to diverse and iconic ecosystems. Severe drought, high river-flow variability, and persistent ecosystem degradation have been impetus for water policy reforms culminating in the highly contested 2012 Murray–Darling Basin Plan. We analyzed public-record content from opinion editorials and speeches by policy elites, 2010–2012, to examine public discourses and discourse coalitions associated with development of the Plan. We focus on three domains of discourse: definition of problems, promotion of solutions, and assertions of fact. Discourses illustrated divergent, exclusionary, and largely un-reconciled perspectives about how water resources should be managed, as well as how plural interests should be represented in decision-making. We identify discourse coalition-linked narrative scripts, develop an understanding of constitutive dynamics relevant to ongoing processes of policy development and implementation, and discuss implications for adaptive governance of water resources.
Pressure Estimation-Based Robust Force Control of Pneumatic Actuators

AbstractPneumatic actuators enjoy a number of unique advantages, such as high power density and low cost, in comparison with the widely used electromagnetic actuators. In this paper, a new force control approach is presented for pneumatic actuation systems, with the objective of providing robust control performance while eliminating the need for pressure sensors to reduce the cost and complexity of the system. To achieve this goal, a unique pressure estimation algorithm is developed to provide the required chamber pressure information. This pressure estimation algorithm is formulated according to two simultaneous conditions, established based on the measured actuation force and the average air pressure in the actuator. Utilizing these conditions, the chamber pressures can be calculated through simple algebraic equations instead of complex pressure observers. For the force controller design, the dynamic model of the entire system is developed, and the standard sliding mode control approach is applied to ob...