cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus on blue grama growth and mycorrhizal infection

The purpose of this study was to examine the growth response of Bouteloua gracilis, with and without the vescular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM), Glomus fasciculatus, to varying levels of phosphorus and nitrogen (as NH +4 ) and to determine whether nitrogen and phosphorus levels influence VAM establishment. Bouteloua gracilis was grown in 225 g of soil in a factorial experiment combining four levels of ammonium nitrogen (4, 30, 60, and 126 μg/g), four levels of phosphorus (3, 7, 12, and 22 μg/g), and with VAM spores or no spores. Bouteloua gracilis showed enhanced growth with increased nutrients over the entire range of experimental amendments. Shoot nitrogen concentration for all plants ranged from an average of 0.73% at the low amendment level to 1.61% at the high level, whereas shoot total averages ranged from 2.43 mg at the low amendment to 16.4 mg at the high amendment. Mean shoot phosphorus concentrations ranged from 0.109% at the low amendment level to 0.150% at the high amendment, while totals averaged 5.29 mg at the low amendment and 11.8 mg at the high amendment level. Infected plants were consistently smaller than uninfected plants. This reduction was significant at high nitrogen-low phosphorus, where percent infection was highest (71%). At low nitrogen levels, moderate infection (17%) was established at all phosphorus levels. No infection occurred when both nitrogen and phosphorus levels were high. The lack of a positive nutrient or biomass response to VAM establishment is contrary to most published reports, but is similar to a lack of response shown with certain grasses and other plants. It is possible that the parasitic nature of the response to infection represents the early phase of infection.
Comparison of flap thickness reproducibility using microkeratomes with a second motor for advancement

Abstract Purpose To compare flap thickness and reproducibility of four different types of microkeratomes during LASIK. Design Retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative case series. Participants Four hundred ninety consecutive eyes underwent LASIK and were evaluated by measuring the central flap thickness by subtractive pachymetry. Methods All flaps were created using the Bausch & Lomb (Miami, FL) Hansatome 180 head, the Alcon (Fort Worth, TX) Summit Krumeich Barraquer Microkeratome 160 head, the Moria (Antony, France) Carriazo Barraquer (CB) 130 head, or the Moria M2 110 head. Results The flap thickness measurements differed according to the microkeratome used and were 131±28 μm in 41 eyes (8.4%) with the Bausch & Lomb Hansatome 180 head, 162±21 μm in 127 eyes (25.9%) with the Alcon Summit Krumeich Barraquer Microkeratome (SKBM) 160 head, 157±40 μm in 65 eyes (13.3%) with the Moria CB 130 head, and 134±23 μm in 257 eyes (52.4%) with the Moria M2 110 head. The central flap thickness with the SKBM and Moria M2 was statistically significantly more reproducible than with the Moria CB ( P P Conclusions Based on these results, the greatest predictability of flap thickness was seen with the SKBM and Moria M2 microkeratomes, which both use a second motor for advancement. The greatest variability, noted with the Moria CB, was likely due to the manual translation feature and places further importance on the safety of the second motor and automation when performing LASIK.
Cardiovascular effects of microinjection of dynorphin fragments into the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) are mediated by non-opioid mechanisms

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is important for the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis. In the present study we investigated the effect of dynorphin A-(1-13), dynorphin A-(1-17) and dynorphin A-(2-17) microinjected into the NTS on mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV) and left ventricular stroke work (LVSW) following hemorrhage in conscious rats. Following fixed-volume hemorrhage (8 ml/300 g), microinjection of dynorphin A-(2-17) (6 nmol), which is inactive at opioid receptors, into the NTS significantly attenuated the recovery of CO, SV and LVSW following hemorrhage when compared to those animals receiving a microinjection of normal saline (NS) vehicle into the NTS (P < 0.01). NTS microinjection of dynorphin A-(2-17) also increased HR following hemorrhage when compared with the NS group (P < 0.05). No significant effects were observed on CO, SV and LVSW following NTS microinjection of the kappa-opioid agonists, dynorphin A-(1-13) and dynorphin A-(1-17), although dynorphin A-(1-13) microinjection increased HR following hemorrhage when compared with control animals (P < 0.05). Microinjection of all three peptide fragments had no significant effect on MAP when compared with MAP of the control group following hemorrhage. The results of this study suggest that dynorphin A-(2-17) in the NTS can attenuate the compensatory cardiovascular responses to hemorrhage, perhaps via a non-opioid mechanism.
“E” the People: Do U.S. Municipal Government Web Sites Support Public Involvement?

To what extent do local government Web sites support practical, meaningful public involvement? Fifteen years after the adoption and diffusion of the World Wide Web, the answer to this question remains cloudy and controversial. The promise—and peril—of Web-based public involvement, known as e-democracy, has been widely debated. Much of the debate has focused on theoretical abstractions or extrapolations of current political or technological trends. Empirical studies have been limited to reports on pilot projects, case studies, or special population surveys. This paper contributes to our empirical understanding of the question. It reports results of a recent comprehensive survey of official government Web sites in the principal cities of the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas. In particular, it examines whether and how U.S. city government Web sites facilitate users’ involvement in local public issues.
Effect of end plates on the flow around rough cylinders

Measurements of mean and fluctuating pressures on a rough circular cylinder in uniform flow are presented. The experiments were carried out with and without end plates, at critical and transcritical Reynolds numbers. The effect of the end plates was found to be very significant, of the order of 15 to 20 percent. The characteristics of the flow transitions around rough cylinders are examined in the light of these and other results.
Selective-Resputtering-Induced Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy in Amorphous TbFe Films

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy in rf magnetron sputtered amorphous TbFe films is measured to increase exponentially with pair-order anisotropy induced by the selective resputtering of surface adatoms during film growth.
Recurrent gastrointestinal tract bleeding secondary to jejunal gastric heterotopia

A 4-year-old Latino boy with a history of malrotation, nonobstructing annular pancreas, and a Ladd procedure during infancy presented with recurrent severe gastrointestinal tract bleeding. Investigations revealed a large mass in the proximal small bowel. At laparotomy, the proximal jejunal segment containing the mass was resected. Pathological examinations revealed a large intraluminal polyp composed of ectopic gastric mucosa. The patient presented 10 months later with recurrent bleeding, and subsequent laparotomy demonstrated a newly acquired segment of jejunal polyposis not present at the first operation. The case is presented, along with a plan of patient surveillance and a review of the pertinent literature.
Application of pyrene-derived benzimidazole-linked polymers to CO2 separation under pressure and vacuum swing adsorption settings

Pyrene-derived benzimidazole-linked polymers (BILPs) have been prepared and evaluated for selective CO2 uptake and separation under pressure and vacuum swing conditions. Condensation of 1,3,6,8-tetrakis(4-formylphenyl)pyrene (TFPPy) with 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaaminotriphenylene, 2,3,6,7,14,15 hexaaminotriptycene, and 3,3′-diaminobenzidine afforded BILP-11, BILP-12 and BILP-13, respectively, in good yields. BILP-12 exhibits the highest specific surface area (SABET = 1497 m2 g−1) among all known BILPs and it also has very high CO2 uptake 5.06 mmol g−1 at 273 K and 1.0 bar. Initial slope selectivity calculations indicate that BILP-11 has high selectivity for CO2/N2 (103) and CO2/CH4 (11) at 273 K. IAST selectivity calculations of BILPs at 298 K also showed high CO2/N2 (31–56) and CO2/CH4 (6.6–7.6) selectivity levels. The isosteric heats of adsorption for CO2 fall in the range of 32 to 36 kJ mol−1 and were considerably higher than those of CH4 (16.1–21.7 kJ mol−1). More importantly, the performance of pyrene-based BILPs in CO2 removal from flue gas and methane-rich gases (natural gas and landfill gas) under different industrial conditions was investigated according to evaluation criteria suggested recently by Bae and Snurr. The outcome of this study revealed that BILPs are among the best known porous materials in the field; they exhibit high working capacity, regenerability, and sorbent selection parameters. Collectively, these properties coupled with the remarkable physicochemical stability of BILPs make this class of polymers very promising for CO2 separation applications.
Passing large dynamic objects out of function frame boundaries: the temporary linked list method

It is a well known fact that passing objects into functions by reference (in C++) is more efficient than passing by value. Passing objects, created within functions, out of functions by reference could also be more efficient if it wasn't sure to cause memory-leak in the system. Programmers therefore resort to "pass-by-reference, return-by-value". Here we first briefly look at why it is important to be able to return by reference, particularly for large dynamic objects in mathematical applications, and then present a new scheme for doing so. The new method can attain efficiency comparable to that of 'method of reference counting', but without the undesirable side-effects of the latter.
METABOLITES OF PINACOLYL METHYLPHOSPHONOFLUORIDATE (SOMAN) AFTER ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS IN VITRO.

Abstract Analytical procedures for the characterization and quantitative estimation of phosphonic acids derived from Soman, based upon paper chromatography and partition between isobutanol-benzene and an aqueous phase, were developed. Utilization of 32P-labeled phosphonic acids permitted the determination of as little as 10 −2 μmole of acid. Application of these methods to the enzymatic hydrolysis products of Soman suggests that the principal, if not the only, metabolite of Soman incubated with rat plasma or liver tissue in vitro is pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid.
Nerve regeneration through a synthetic microporous tube (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene): Experimental study in the sciatic nerve of the rat

Nerve grafts made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were used to bridge 10-mm gaps in the sciatic nerves of rats. The most prominent gross and histological finding was abundant neovascularization and capillary ingrowth through the microporous PTFE wall. Organized, myelinated nerve tissue was observed. After 4 months, regeneration through hollow PTFE tubes (N = 16) was equivalent to autogenous nerve grafts (N = 12) as measured by gastrocnemius muscle weights (P = 0.33). Nerve conduction velocity in the hollow PTFE tubes was 21.7 m/sec as compared to 50.6 m/sec in the control nerves (P less than 0.001).
Anchor Loss Reduction in Resonant MEMS using MESA Structures

The quality factor of an oscillator is inversely proportional to the damping and is a measure of the width of its amplitude vs. forcing frequency response. For sensing and signal processing applications of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) oscillators, the quality factor (henceforth called Q) affects the sensitivity and performance of such devices. As MEMS vibrates (resonates) some of its vibrational energy is transmitted to the substrate upon which the MEMS is fabricated. A large component of this energy is carried away as surface acoustic waves (SAW). We demonstrate a design that improves the Q of resonant MEMS oscillators by up to 4times by reflecting surface wave energy back to the MEMS. Wave reflection occurs at trenches fabricated in a circle around the MEMS. The trench creates a "mesa" that provides partial mechanical isolation to the MEMS. The loss of energy due to SAW increases almost exponentially with frequency, with a corresponding decrease in Q. Hence the demonstrated design would become even more useful with the increasing need for higher frequency resonators. The mesa structure presented here is a simple idea which can be easily integrated into existing fabrication procedures and can be used for commercial purposes.
Compact routing with slack in low doubling dimension

We consider the problem of compact routing with slack in networks of low doubling dimension. Namely, we seek name-independent routing schemes with (1+e) stretch and polylogarithmic storage at each node: since existing lower bound precludes such a scheme, we relax our guarantees to allow for (i) a small fraction of nodes to have large storage, say size of O(n log n) bits, or (ii) a small fraction of source-destination pairs to have larger, but still constant, stretch.In this paper, given any constant e ∈ (0,1), any δ ∈ Θ(1/ polylog n) and any connected edge-weighted undirected graph G with doubling dimension α ∈ O(log log n) and arbitrary node names, we present 1. a (1+e)-stretch name-independent routing scheme for G with polylogarithmic packet header size, and with (1-δ)n nodes storing polylogarithmic size routing tables each and the remaining δn nodes storing O(nlog n)-bit routing tables each.2. a name-independent routing scheme for G with polylogarithmic storage and packet header size, and with stretch (1+e) for (1-α n source nodes and (9+e) for the remaining α n source nodes..These results are to be contrasted with our lower bound from PODC 2006, where we showed that stretch 9 is asymptotically optimal for name-independent compact routing schemes in networks of constant doubling dimension.
Aural paired-associate learning: Stimulus familiarization, response familiarization, and pronunciability

Summary The present investigation was concerned with the effect on subsequent verbal paired-associate (PA) learning of prior familiarization with stimulus or response trigrams which represented the entire range of rated ease of pronunciability. Materials were presented aurally by means of a tape recorder during both familiarization and PA learning. Three groups of 60 S s were given 0, 30 relevant or 30 irrelevant trigram familiarization trials during which they listened silently as E spelled the appropriate set of 8 trigrams at a 2-sec rate. Following familiarization, half the S s in each group learned an 8-item trigram-number list (stimulus familiarization conditions), the other half learned a number-trigram list (response familiarization conditions). These lists were learned by the study-test method. In terms of the mean number of correct responses over the 15 PA test trials, the following were the main results: (1) Stimulus-term familiarization, whether it was relevant or irrelevant, facilitated PA performance to an equal degree and did not interact with level of pronunciability. (2) When applied to response terms, both types of familiarization facilitated PA performance, but the amount of facilitation was greater with relevant than with irrelevant familiarization. (3) The facilitation produced by relevant response-term familiarization decreased as the pronunciability of the trigrams increased; however, the nonspecific effect of irrelevant familiarization was not related to pronunciability. (4) Under all conditions, PA performance was directly related to ease of trigram pronunciability.
Managing n-nitrosopiperazine and dinitrosopiperazine

Abstract Formation and decomposition of nitroso-piperazine (NNO) compounds were studied under conditions pertinent to amine scrubbing. Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) has an overall liquid-side mass transfer coefficient of approximately 10 −6 mol/Pa·m 2 ·s at 40 °C in 8 m PZ. In an amine scrubber designed to remove 90% will travel to the absorber where it will react with PZ to form MNPZ and trace amounts of dinitrosopiperazine (DNPZ). NNO formation is first order in NO 2 − , carbamated amine, and hydronium ions. The NNO will thermally decompose in the stripper. Thermal decomposition is first order in NNO and dependent on PZ concentration and loading. NNO formation from the flue gas NO 2 will balance out with NNO thermal decomposition to give steady state NNO concentrations. The NNO steady state concentration is proportional to the inlet NO 2 . It is inversely proportional to the decomposition rate constant and the volume of the stripper sump. An amine scrubber using a flue gas without NOx removal will have a steady state MNPZ concentration on the order of 1 mM. Reaching the steady state concentration takes on the order of 10 days. DNPZ concentration will be on the order of 10 −5 mM, which is undetectable using the methods in this work.
Neuromuscular assessment of the home client

In this article the authors provide a review of the anatomy and physiology of the neurologic and musculoskeletal systems and components of the health history and physical examination of these systems. The information presented in this article may be utilized to develop home health care assessments or to serve as a review for home care clinicians.
EVIDENCE THAT EXTEROCEPTIVE STIMULI CAN RELEASE PROLACTIN FROM THE PITUITARY GLAND OF THE LACTATING RAT.

The litters of lactating rats were separated from their mothers for 10 hours on postpartum day 14. The concentration of prolactin in the anterior pituitary glands of the mothers was significantly reduced when the pups were replaced with the mothers for 30 min but were prevented from nursing by means of a wire screen placed between mother and litter. The reduction in prolactin was com- parable in extent to that which occurred after 30 min of nursing. These results suggest that exteroceptive stimuli emanating from the young can cause the discharge of prolactin in the lactating rat. (Endocrinology 76: 340, 1965)
Explosive events, magnetic reconnection, and coronal heating

Abstract Signatures of explosive events are prominent in transition region spectra where they display exceptionally large velocities (>100 km s −1 ) in small areas (1500 km). Their physical properties, deduced from previous analyses of HRTS spectra and more recent work, are summarized here. It now appears that the explosive events are associated with the process of magnetic cancellation and HRTS data obtained during the most recent rocket flight in 1990 provide direct evidence for this assertion. Flux cancellation, which tends to proceed on time-scales of hours, most likely involves magnetic reconnection in a very bursty manner which explains the small, short-lived explosive events. These reconnection events are part of a larger pattern where small flux elements emerge in the supergranule centers and are transported to the boundaries to continually regenerate the network fields on a timescale of about 8 hours. These timescales are also sufficiently short to account for the energetics of the quiet sun.
Upper and lower bounds for frequencies of clamped rhombical plates

Abstract Upper and lower bounds are given for the lowest frequencies of vibration of clamped rhombical plates. These bounds were obtained by using a recently developed method which allows the use of trial functions which do not need to satisfy any boundary conditions.
An improvement to a biometric.based multimedia content protection scheme

A biometric-based method for multimedia content protection was recently proposed. The method relies on biometric data of the user and a layered encryption mechanism to achieve confidentiality of the multimedia content. Our analysis suggests that the method originally proposed has a few security related problems and several unnecessary performance bottlenecks. We point these out and propose corresponding security and performance improvements in order to make the scheme practical and efficient for the task it was originally designed for.
Relatively about: Loose composites and loose ends

Nelson Goodman's paper 'About'1 made a giant contribution to the analytical study of relevance. It set forth a crisp criterion determining what statements are about what, and it made a compelling case for the criterion's acceptance. Goodman's basic notion was absolutely about. Roughly, a statement S is absolutely about an object k if S has a consequence T that uses a name of k but S does not have as further consequence the generalization of T with respect to that name. Thus a statement that implies either 'Maine is crowded' or 'The Pine Tree State is crowded' is thereby absolutely about Maine, provided it does not also imply 'Everything is crowded'. Put another way, for S to be absolutely about k, S must "attribute something" to k that it does not attribute to everything. Say that T, which S implies, is the explicit vehicle of the attribution. Then in Goodman's phrase, S implies T differentially with respect to k. This concept of differential consequence was the key to Goodman's explication of 'absolutely about'. But consider a statement like
Skin Perfusion, Arterial and Venous Blood Flow, and Soft Tissue Thickness in Relation to Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers have been a concern in healthcare settings, with more than 50% of bedridden or wheelchair-bound patients being affected [1]. Pressure ulcers typically occur on a region of the body that experiences forces from an external structure (e.g. bed, wheelchair). Researchers believe that such forces cause a decrease in blood flow, which results in tissue necrosis, causing pressure ulcers [2].Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Interaction between the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Gag Matrix Domain and Phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-Bisphosphate Is Essential for Efficient Gag Membrane Binding

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) particle assembly mediated by the viral structural protein Gag occurs predominantly on the plasma membrane (PM). Although it is known that the matrix (MA) domain of Gag plays a major role in PM localization, molecular mechanisms that determine the location of assembly remain to be elucidated. We observed previously that overexpression of polyphosphoinositide 5-phosphatase IV (5ptaseIV) that depletes PM phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P(2)] impairs virus particle production and redirects processed Gag to intracellular compartments. In this study, we examined the impact of PI(4,5)P(2) depletion on the subcellular localization of the entire Gag population using Gag-fluorescent protein chimeras. Upon 5ptaseIV overexpression, in addition to perinuclear localization, Gag also showed a hazy cytosolic signal, suggesting that PI(4,5)P(2) depletion impairs Gag membrane binding. Indeed, Gag was less membrane bound in PI(4,5)P(2)-depleted cells, as assessed by biochemical analysis. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that Gag interacts with PI(4,5)P(2). To examine a putative Gag interaction with PI(4,5)P(2), we developed an in vitro binding assay using full-length myristoylated Gag and liposome-associated PI(4,5)P(2). Using this assay, we observed that PI(4,5)P(2) significantly enhances liposome binding of wild-type Gag. In contrast, a Gag derivative lacking MA did not require PI(4,5)P(2) for efficient liposome binding. To analyze the involvement of MA in PI(4,5)P(2) binding further, we examined MA basic amino acid substitution mutants. These mutants, previously shown to localize in perinuclear compartments, bound PI(4,5)P(2)-containing liposomes weakly. Altogether, these results indicate that HIV-1 Gag binds PI(4,5)P(2) on the membrane and that the MA basic domain mediates this interaction.
Coring method for clustering a graph

Graph clustering partitions a graph into subgraphs with strongly interconnected nodes, while nodes belonging to different subgraphs are weakly connected. In this paper, we propose a new clustering method applicable to either weighted or unweighted graphs in which each cluster consists of a highly dense core region surrounded by a region with lower density. We have developed a highly efficient and robust method to identify nodes belonging to dense cores of clusters. The set of the nodes is then divided into groups, each of which is the representative of one cluster. These groups are finally expanded into complete clusters covering all the nodes of the graph. Experiments with both synthetic and real datasets for gene expression analysis and image segmentation yield very encouraging results.
A cascade algorithm for estimating and compensating motion error for synthetic aperture sonar imaging

This paper presents a three-level cascade algorithm for estimating and compensating platform motion errors during synthetic aperture sonar imaging. By using a multiple element receiving array, physical aperture images can be produced from each transmit burst. With proper spatial sampling, there is sufficient redundancy in successive physical aperture images to extract motion parameters that can be applied to the image data to fully realize the improved resolution capability of synthetic aperture techniques. Since this algorithm is based on autofocus techniques, changes in the medium during synthetic aperture formation are inherently corrected as well. In addition, this algorithm is compared to two motion estimation and compensation techniques used in synthetic aperture radar imaging. >
Logic programming in a fragment of intuitionistic linear logic

The intuitionistic notion of context is refined by using a fragment of J.-Y. Girard's (Theor. Comput. Sci., vol.50, p.1-102, 1987) linear logic that includes additive and multiplicative conjunction, linear implication, universal quantification, the of course exponential, and the constants for the empty context and for the erasing contexts. It is shown that the logic has a goal-directed interpretation. It is also shown that the nondeterminism that results from the need to split contexts in order to prove a multiplicative conjunction can be handled by viewing proof search as a process that takes a context, consumes part of it, and returns the rest (to be consumed elsewhere). Examples taken from theorem proving, natural language parsing, and database programming are presented: each example requires a linear, rather than intuitionistic, notion of context to be modeled adequately. >
Suicidal Behavior, Negative Affect, Gender, and Self-Reported Delinquency in College Students

The associations among suicidal behavior, negative affect, and delinquency were assessed via an anonymous self-report survey administered to male and female college students ( N = 383). Contrary to our hypothesized results, there were no gender differences in rates of suicidal ideation and attempts. Confirming our hypotheses about gender differences, college men did report significantly more delinquent behavior than college women. College men also scored higher on the suicide-proneness scale, which contained a mixture of death-related, risk-related, and negative self- and health-related items. Furthermore, as predicted, college students with a history of depression, suicide ideation, and/or suicide attempts all reported significantly more delinquent behavior. Self-reported delinquency and current levels of depressive symptomology emerged as significant predictors of suicide-prone behavior for both college men and women, explaining 34% of the variance for women and 17% for men. Levels of engagement in suicide-prone behavior and feelings of depression were elevated in college students with any type of juvenile arrest history. Students with an arrest history were also more likely to have had a diagnosis of depression and to have engaged in suicide ideation in their past. These findings suggest there are complex links between depression, delinquency, and suicidal behavior in college men and women.
Repeated erosion of cohesive sediments with biofilms

Abstract. This study aims to explore the interplay between biofilms and erodability of cohesive sediments. Erosion experiments were run in four laboratory annular flumes with natural sediments. After each erosion the sediment was allowed to settle, mimicking intermittent physical processes like tidal currents and waves. The time between consecutive erosion events ranged from 1 to 12 days. Turbidity of the water column caused by sediment resuspension was used to determine the erodability of the sediments with respect to small and moderate shear stresses. Erodability was also compared on the basis of the presence of benthic biofilms, which were quantified using a Pulse-Amplitude Modulation (PAM) Underwater Fluorometer. We found that frequent erosion lead to the establishment of a weak biofilm, which reduced sediment erosion at small shear stresses (around 0.1 Pa). If prolonged periods without erosion were present, the biofilm fully established, resulting in lower erosion at moderate shear stresses (around 0.4 Pa). We conclude that an unstructured extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) matrix always affect sediment erodability at low shear stresses, while only a fully developed biofilm mat can reduce sediment erodability at moderate shear stresses.
Linear constraints in pre-Doppler STAP processing

This paper addresses the issue of employing space-time adaptive processing (STAP) prior to Doppler filtering in radar systems. When STAP beamformer processing is applied to spatial/temporal samples that include successive radar pulses, the adaptive weights can cause modulation (spreading) of the desired target Doppler. In this paper, a linearly constrained adaptive beamformer is proposed that ensures pre-Doppler adaptive processing will not degrade desired signal coherence. A formulation of the processor is presented and its properties described. This formulation is first given for the case of slow-time STAP and is then extended to include processors which use both fast and slow-time samples. Examples showing the application of the proposed structure to recorded data are used to illustrate its performance. Comparisons are made with adaptive systems that do not employ constraints to illustrate the advantages of the proposed system. An extension to the full STAP system which employs time taps in both range and pulse number is described.
Addressing Pedestrian Safety: A Content Analysis of Pedestrian Master Plans in North Carolina

Objective: To systematically examine the content of pedestrian master plans in North Carolina in order to assess whether and how these plans were designed to improve pedestrian safety. Methods: All current pedestrian master plans in North Carolina through 2008 were gathered and examined using content analysis. A safety quality index was developed to assess the thoroughness with which a plan addressed safety issues in four categories: (1) goal statement, (2) analysis of current conditions, (3) policy proposals, and (4) program proposals. Plans were also compared according to the implementation guidelines included and on the recent pedestrian accident history of the municipalities in which they were developed. Results: Forty-six plans were developed in North Carolina through 2008, either at the municipal or regional level. Almost all pedestrian master plans in North Carolina described improving safety as one of their goals. The majority attempted to do so by improving the built environment through engineeri...
Bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)(2,2-dimethylpropyl)phosphine

[60633-21-8] C13H29P (MW 216.3) InChI = 1S/C13H29P/c1-11(2,3)10-14(12(4,5)6)13(7,8)9/h10H2,1-9H3 InChIKey = JBGICSFDKZAWFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N (ligand for palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions1, 2) Physical Data: bp 43–47 °C, 0.1 Torr. Solubility: soluble in organic solvents; insoluble in water. Form Supplied in: commercially available in pure form, as a 10 wt% solution in hexane, or as HBF4 salt. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 31P{1H} NMR: 19.76 ppm (CD2Cl2). Preparative Method: prepared by reaction of 2,2-dimethylpropylmagnesium chloride with di-(1,1-dimethylethyl)chlorophosphine in THF at reflux.3 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: free bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)(2,2-dimethylpropyl)phosphine (DTBNpP) is pyrophoric. Solutions of DTBNpP are air sensitive and should be stored and handled under inert atmospheres. The HBF4 salt is indefinitely air stable.
Women, Alcohol, and Driving

Alcohol-related crashes and fatalities have shown a dramatic decrease over the last decade. While males continue to account for most alcohol-related crashes, females are an increasing proportion of alcohol-involved drivers in both fatal and nonfatal crashes. Although most research has not addressed the possibility of gender differences in the effects of alcohol on driving performance, available evidence suggests that such differences may exist. Alcohol appears to have greater effects on females in terms of biomedical damage and impaired performance, although these effects have not been systematically investigated in relation to driving. Effective prevention programs for women require more focused research to understand gender-related factors in the effects of alcohol on driving.
EFFECT OF SMALL DOSES OF X-RAYS ON HYPERTROPHIED TONSILS AND OTHER LYMPHOID STRUCTURES OF THE NASOPHARYNX.

46 individuals with tonsils both hypertrophied and otherwise pathologically altered and some of whom had in addition adenoid masses and lymphoid deposits posterior to the pillars of the fauces, were given exposures to x-rays. In all but four cases the treatment was followed by marked atrophy of the tonsils and the other lymphoid deposits, attended by an opening and drainage of the tonsillar crypts. As this process progressed the previously enlarged tonsils assumed a smooth and normal appearance and the hemolytic bacteria—streptococci and staphylococci chiefly—which were often present in the affected tonsil disappeared usually within 4 weeks of the treatment.
Prior-based line-coding for WDM RZ systems

We propose a block line-coding scheme that uses prior information about the distortion mechanism for reducing timing jitter in WDM return-to-zero (RZ) systems, and we demonstrate its effectiveness using simulations.
Reaction and movement time variability in ADD/H: effect of tactile . experience

A clinical group of children with attention deficit disorders with hyperactivity (ADD/H) was compared to a control group, each divided into high and low variability (HV and LV) on reaction time (RT) and movement time (MT) measures. The effects of tactile-somatosensory experience on performance was also investigated. Analyses of the HV and LV groups based on RT variability found improvement on MT in both HV groups (ADD/H and control) following a tactile-somatosensory task. Both HV groups based on MT variability also showed improvement in MT following the TPT administration. No LV group (based on either RT or MT) showed improvement in MT or RT. The results in this study indicated that HV (either RT or MT) predicted improved speed and accuracy following a tactile somatosensory task. Several neuroanatomical models for the study of response variability and the role of tactile somatosensory training programmes in paediatric rehabilitation are discussed.
Agricultural landscape simplification does not consistently drive insecticide use

The increase in agricultural production over the past 40 y has greatly altered land-use patterns, often resulting in simplified landscapes composed of large swaths of monocultures separated by small fragments of natural lands. These simplified landscapes may be more susceptible to insect pest pressure because of the loss of natural enemies and the increased size and connectivity of crop resources, and a recent analysis from a single year (2007) suggests this increased susceptibility results in increased insecticide use. I broaden the temporal analysis of this connection between landscape simplification and insecticide use by examining cross-sectional and panel data models from multiple decades (US Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture years 2007, 2002, 1997, 1992, 1987) for seven Midwestern states composed of over 560 counties. I find that although the proportion of county in cropland—my metric for landscape simplification—was positively correlated with insecticide use in 2007, this relationship is absent or reversed in prior census years and when all years are analyzed together. This broader temporal perspective suggests that landscape simplification has inconsistent effects on insecticide use and that multiyear studies will be key to unlocking the true drivers of variation in insecticide application.
The influence of diet on faecal DNA amplification and sex identification in brown bears (Ursus arctos).

To evaluate the influence of diet on faecal DNA amplification, 11 captive brown bears ( Ursus arctos ) were placed on six restricted diets: grass ( Trifolium spp., Haplopappus hirtus and Poa pratensis ), alfalfa ( Lupinus spp.), carrots ( Daucus spp.), white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ), blueberries ( Vaccinium spp.) and salmon ( Salmo spp.). DNA was extracted from 50 faecal samples of each restricted diet, and amplification of brown bear DNA was attempted for a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) locus and nuclear DNA (nDNA) locus. For mtDNA, no significant differences were observed in amplification success rates across diets. For nDNA, amplification success rates for salmon diet extracts were significantly lower than all other diet extracts ( P < 0.001). To evaluate the accuracy of faecal DNA sex identification when female carnivores consume male mammalian prey, female bears were fed male white-tailed deer. Four of 10 extracts amplified, and all extracts were incorrectly scored as male due to amplification of X and Y-chromosome fragments. The potential biases highlighted in this study have broad implications for researchers using faecal DNA for individual and sex identification, and should be evaluated in other species.
PHYTOPLANKTON INDICATORS OF ECOLOGICAL CHANGE IN THE EUTROPHYING PAMLICO SOUND SYSTEM, NORTH CAROLINA

Nutrient enrichment and eutrophication of estuarine and coastal waters are accelerating, and there is a need to develop rapidly detectable and quantifiable indicators of these changes. Coastal systems are also impacted by climatic perturbations, including droughts, storms, and floods, the frequencies of which may be increasing. Phytoplankton are excellent indicators of ecological change. They are relatively easy to detect, identify, and quantify; they conduct a large share of primary production; and they are sensitive to diverse environmental stressors. In this study, phytoplankton total biomass, as chlorophyll a, and group-specific chemotaxonomic indicators (including chlorophylls and carotenoids) were used to characterize community responses to human (nutrient) and climatic (hydrologic) perturbations in the Neuse River Estuary-Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, USA. This estuarine-coastal continuum is experiencing anthropogenic nutrient enrichment and, since 1996, a rise in hurricane frequency. Freshwater input and flushing strongly interacted with supplies of the limiting nutrient nitrogen (N) to determine the location, magnitude, and composition of phytoplankton biomass along this continuum. Elevated flow (high flushing) following hurricanes favored dominance by the fast-growing chlorophytes and cryptophytes. Diatoms tended to dominate under moderate flow, while dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria increased in dominance when low flow prevailed in winter/spring and summer/fall, respectively. Depending on seasonal hydrologic cycles and episodic (hurricane) conditions, phytoplankton community structure differed substantially. These changes impact eutrophi- cation, food web, biogeochemical (e.g., hypoxia), and habitat conditions in this and other coastal ecosystems currently experiencing changes in nutrient inputs and climatic events. Phytoplankton-based indicators are adaptable to unattended monitoring platforms (e.g., ferries) that can be coupled to remote sensing and modeling efforts, in order to evaluate and help manage ecological change at ecosystem and regional scales.
Effector Genes Altered in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells after Exposure to Fractionated Ionizing Radiation

Abstract Li, Z., Xia, L., Lee, L. M., Khaletskiy, A., Wang, J., Wong, J. Y. C. and Li, J-J. Effector Genes Altered in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells after Exposure to Fractionated Ionizing Radiation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the response of tumors to fractionated exposures to ionizing radiation is important for improving radiotherapy and/or radiochemotherapy. In the present study, we examined the expression of stress-related genes in an MCF-7 cell population (MCF-IR20) that has been derived through treatment with fractionated irradiation (2 Gy per fraction with a total dose of 40 Gy). MCF-IR20 cells showed a 1.6-fold increase in sensitization with dose at 10% isosurvival in a clonogenic assay, and a reduced growth delay (∼15 h compared to ∼27 h), compared to the parental MCF-7 cells treated with a single dose of 5 Gy. To determine which effector genes were altered in the MCF-IR20 cells, the expression of stress-related effector genes was measured using a filter with 588 genes (C...
Biological effects of the Magnetic Stimulation on the Toad Heart

We stimulated the exposed toad heart by a low frequency and high energy magnetic. By analyze the data of this experiment, it shows that the pulsating of the weak toad heart would make change after stimulated by magnetic. Weak heartbeat strengthened, the single peak curve would become the two peaks curve with atria wave and ventricle wave after the magnetic stimulation. But the cycling of rhythmic pulsatile curve of toad doesn't change.
A surface-tethered spheroid model for functional evaluation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

In order to effectively treat obesity, it must be better understood at the cellular level with respect to metabolic state and environmental stress. However, current two-dimensional (2D) in vitro cell culture methods do not represent the in vivo adipose tissue appropriately due to the absence of complex architecture and cellular signaling. Conversely, 3D in vitro cultures have been reported to have optimal results mimicking the adipose tissue in vivo. The main aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of a novel conjugate of a genetically engineered polymer, elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) and a synthetic polymer, polyethyleneimine (PEI), toward creating a 3D preadipocyte culture system. We then used this 3D culture model to study the preadipocyte differentiation and adipocyte maintenance processes when subjected to various dosages of nutritionally relevant free fatty acids with respect to total DNA and protein content, cell viability, and intracellular triglyceride accumulation. Our results showed that 3T3-L1 preadipocytes cultured on the ELP-PEI surface formed 3D spheroids within 72 h, whereas the cells cultured on unmodified tissue culture polystyrene surfaces remained in monolayer configuration. Significant statistical differences were discovered between the 3D spheroid and 2D monolayer culture with respect to the DNA and protein content, fatty acid consumption, and triglyceride accumulation, indicating differences in cellular response. Results indicated that the 3D culture may be a more sensitive modeling technique for in vitro adipocyte culture and provides a platform for future evaluation of 3D in vitro adipocyte function. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 174–183. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of the National Cancer Institute's Data-based Intervention Research program on state health agencies

To assist state health agencies adopt a new role in cancer prevention and control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) initiated the Data-based Intervention Research (DBIR) program. The goal of DBIR was to stimulate data-driven activities and to build capacity for ongoing programs within state health agencies to ensure the translation of cancer prevention and control science into practice across the US. Each state funded under the DBIR program was required to conduct four phases of activity: identifying and analyzing relevant data, using these data to develop a state cancer control plan, and implementing and evaluating prevention and control interventions at the local level. This paper presents the results of survey of the 22 states that participated in the DBIR program. The survey is intended as a supplement to the case study also reported in this issue of Health Education Research. Results indicated that states were able to implement the DBIR model and they show the process to be useful to their cancer prevention efforts. DBIR had a major impact on how states will use data in future planning for cancer prevention and control. States had a number of recommendations for how NCI could improve its working relationships with state health agencies.
PriSM: a primer selection and matching tool for amplification and sequencing of viral genomes

Summary: PriSM is a set of algorithms designed to select and match degenerate primer pairs for the amplification of viral genomes. The design of panels of hundreds of primer pairs takes just hours using this program, compared with days using a manual approach. PriSM allows for rapid in silico optimization of primers for downstream applications such as sequencing. As a validation, PriSM was used to create an amplification primer panel for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Clade B. Availability: The program is freely available for use at:
Inhibition of the prostaglandin EP2 receptor is neuroprotective and accelerates functional recovery in a rat model of organophosphorus induced status epilepticus

Exposure to high levels of organophosphorus compounds (OP) can induce status epilepticus (SE) in humans and rodents via acute cholinergic toxicity, leading to neurodegeneration and brain inflammation. Currently there is no treatment to combat the neuropathologies associated with OP exposure. We recently demonstrated that inhibition of the EP2 receptor for PGE2 reduces neuronal injury in mice following pilocarpine-induced SE. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects of an EP2 inhibitor (TG6-10-1) in a rat model of SE using diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP). We tested the hypothesis that EP2 receptor inhibition initiated well after the onset of DFP-induced SE reduces the associated neuropathologies. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with pyridostigmine bromide (0.1 mg/kg, sc) and atropine methylbromide (20 mg/kg, sc) followed by DFP (9.5 mg/kg, ip) to induce SE. DFP administration resulted in prolonged upregulation of COX-2. The rats were administered TG6-10-1 or vehicle (ip) at various time points relative to DFP exposure. Treatment with TG6-10-1 or vehicle did not alter the observed behavioral seizures, however six doses of TG6-10-1 starting 80-150 min after the onset of DFP-induced SE significantly reduced neurodegeneration in the hippocampus, blunted the inflammatory cytokine burst, reduced microglial activation and decreased weight loss in the days after status epilepticus. By contrast, astrogliosis was unaffected by EP2 inhibition 4 d after DFP. Transient treatments with the EP2 antagonist 1 h before DFP, or beginning 4 h after DFP, were ineffective. Delayed mortality, which was low (10%) after DFP, was unaffected by TG6-10-1. Thus, selective inhibition of the EP2 receptor within a time window that coincides with the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 by DFP is neuroprotective and accelerates functional recovery of rats.