cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The landward and seaward mechanisms of fine-sediment transport across intertidal flats in the shallow-water region—A numerical investigation

Abstract This study investigates transport of fine sediment across idealized intertidal flats with emphasis on resolving processes at the tidal edge, which is defined as the very shallow region of the land–water interface. We first utilize a two-dimensional, vertical numerical model solving the non-hydrostatic Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with a k – e turbulence closure. The numerical model adopts the Volume of Fluid method to simulate the wetting and drying region of the intertidal flat. The model is demonstrated to be able to reproduce the classic theory of tidal-flat hydrodynamics of Friedrichs and Aubrey (1996) and to predict the turbidity at the tidal edge that is similar, qualitatively, to prior field observations. The Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) is also utilized to simulate the same idealized tidal flat to evaluate its applicability in this environment. We demonstrate that when a small critical depth ( h crit =2 cm) in the wetting and drying scheme is adopted, ROMS is able to predict the main features of hydrodynamics and sediment-transport processes similar to those predicted by the RANS–VOF model. When driving the models with a symmetric tidal forcing, both models predict landward transport on the lower and upper flat and seaward transport in the subtidal region. When the very shallow region of the tidal edge is well resolved, both models predict an asymmetry of tidal velocity magnitude between the flood and the ebb that may encourage landward sediment transport on the flat. Further model simulation suggests that the predicted landward transport of sediment on the flat is mainly due to the settling-lag effect while the asymmetry of tidal velocity magnitude may add a lesser but non-negligible amount. When the bed erosion is limited by the availability of soft mud, the predicted transport direction becomes landward in both the subtidal region and on the flat. These results suggest that the tidal flow generally encourages landward transport while significant seaward transport may be caused by other mechanisms. Comparisons with field observations show similarities in the net landward transport on the flat and enhanced stresses and suspended-sediment concentrations near the very shallow region of the tidal edge. The field results also indicate significant transport of sediment occurs through the channels, as a function of three-dimensional processes, which are not incorporated in the present idealized modeling.
Toward Settlement Occupation Span from Dispersion of Tobacco-Pipe Borestem Diameter Values

Past time is both antiquity and duration, both “when?” and “how long?” Tobacco-pipe stem fragments are a common historical artifact. Harrington histograms and Binford regressions are common dating methods that use pipe stems to answer “when?” questions, regression linking estimated occupation midpoint to mean stem-bore diameter. The value of knowing “how long” justifies the search in three 17th- and 18th-century North American data sets for a relationship between dispersion of stem-bore values (measured by standard deviation) and occupation span. Results further corroborate regression dating, if it needs it, and document qualified but statistically significant correlations between dispersion and occupation span. In the process, they strengthen links between historical and prehistoric archaeology in the science of material culture.
Survey of Academic Writing Tasks

Questionaire responses from faculty members in 190 academic departments at 34 universities were analyzed to determine the writing tasks faced by beginning undergraduate and graduate students. In ad...
The visual pathways of the lorisid lemurs (Nycticebus coucang and Galago crassicaudatus).

The primary projections of the optic nerve were investigated in two species of lorisid lemurs (Nycticebus coucang and Galago crassicaudatus) following unilateral enucleation of an eye. In addition, the cytoarchitecture of the lateral geniculate body and of the pretectum is described. The lateral geniculate nucleus is composed of six cellular laminae – four magnocellular and two parvocellular. Optic nerve fibers from the retina of an eye terminate in laminae 1, 5 and 6 of the lateral geniculate body on the side opposite to the enucleated eye and laminae 2, 3 and 4 of the lateral geniculate body on the same side as the enucleated eye. Retinofugal fibers were also observed to project to the pregeniculate nucleus, nucleus of the optic tract, pretectal nucleus and superior colliculus on both the same side as and on the side opposite to the enucleated eye. A completely crossed accessory optic tract was noted. The lateral geniculate bodies of a Galago “borgne” (one blind atrophic eye) are also described.
Consistently computing the K -> pi long distance weak transition

First we extract the long-distance (LD) weak matrix element from certain data and give compatible theoretical estimates. We also link this LD scale to the single-quark-line (SQL) transition scale and then test the latter SQL scale against the decuplet weak decay amplitude ratio. Finally, we study LD decay. All of these experimental and theoretical values are in good agreement. We deduce an average value from eleven experimental determinations compared to the theoretical SQL values average.
Retarding field optics with field-free sample

Retarding field immersion lenses are coming into wide-spread use for focusing low energy electron and ion beams. One disadvantage is that any sample non-flatness will distort the focusing field. A more recent variant is a non-immersion retarding field lens, in which the sample is located outside the retarding field. We describe here a simple model and analysis which predicts that the performance of such a lens is competitive with the retarding immersion lens. With this lens design, it should be possible to focus a 1 keV electron beam with an energy spread of 1 eV into a spot of 4 nm diameter using realistic values of maximum voltage and retarding field strength. The effective resolution under these conditions is estimated to be 1.4 nm.
Analysis of augmented recall in short-term memory following a shift in connotation.

The effect of connotative history upon a critical triad of connotatively defined words was studied in short-term memory. The critical triad was presented subsequent to a build-up in proactive interference. A release from proaction was obtained only when the history was one of homogeneous items connotatively different from the critical items; heterogeneous items connotatively different from the critical items did not produce the effect. This observation replicated in a second experiment was interpreted in terms of the operation of collative variables in the condition producing the release from proactive interference.
DENIM: an informal tool for early stage web site design

DENIM is a system that helps web site designers in the early stages of design. DENIM supports sketching input; allows design at different refinement levels--site map, storyboard, and individual page; and unifies the levels through zooming. The design of DENIM was informed by a study of web site design practice, in which we observed that web site designers design sites at the levels of refinement mentioned above and that designers sketch at all levels during the early stages of design.
Oracular Deities as Traditional Sources of Credit Among the Igbo of Nigeria

AbstractThis study focuses on the role of oracular deities as traditional sources of credit among a limited number of local communities of the Igbo of southeastern Nigeria noted for their powerful ancestral deities. The study is based on ethnographic methods of research and the fieldwork carried out in three local communities within the Nsukka cultural area of the Igbo ethnic group. The communities are Oba, Amufie, and Ugbaike. The findings of the study indicate that the credit institutions of the community deities are dual-tracked, involving financial and non-financial capital. The oracular credit institutions have far-reaching advantages as sources of micro-credits for a variety of largely (but not exclusively) non-business related purposes, albeit the institutions also have some negative externalities. But the real challenge of the fetish gods’ credit system is the issue of sustainability given its characteristic informality, poor liquidity base, and its overwhelming dependence on the personality and e...
Signal Transduction in Isolated Islets from the ob/ob Mouse: Enhanced Sensitivity of Protein Kinase C to Stimulation

The insulin secretory responses of islets isolated from ob/ob mice or their lean litter mates to glucose or the phorbol ester tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate were determined. Glucose-induced phospholipase C activation was also monitored. Even though lean mouse islets contained more insulin than ob/ob mouse islets, the first and second phases of 15mM glucose-induced secretion were significantly greater from ob/ob mouse islets. The kinetics of this amplified response were similar to those seen from lean islets as was the ability of 15mM glucose to activate phospholipase C. A striking dichotomy in responsiveness to the protein kinase C activator tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate was observed between lean and ob/ob mouse islets: while islets from lean animals were unresponsive to tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (500nM), a rising and sustained insulin secretory response was evoked from ob/ob mouse islets. The combination of 7.5mM glucose plus tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate resulted in dramatic and sustained insulin secretory responses from ob/ob mouse islets, responses that could be duplicated by stimulation with the combination of 3mM glucose, 500nM tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate and 30mM potassium. Significantly smaller responses to these agonist combinations were observed from lean mouse islets. These findings demonstrate that the sensitivity of ob/ob mouse islet protein kinase C to stimulation is markedly enhanced when compared to islets from lean mice and that the activation of protein kinase C or processes distal to and dependent on the enzyme may account, at least in part, for the amplified insulin secretory responses of these islets.
Balancing photovoltage generation and charge-transfer enhancement for catalyst-decorated photoelectrochemical water splitting: A case study of the hematite/MnOx combination

Abstract To improve semiconductor-based water-splitting performance, one popular approach is to modify the electrode surface with catalysts. The strategy is to increase charge-transfer kinetics and, hence, to reduce overpotential requirements. Relatively underwhelming attention has been paid to how such surface treatments influence the nature of the semiconductor/solution interface so as to reduce photovoltage generated by the photoelectrode. Using atomic layer deposition-grown (ALD) MnO x on hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) as an example, here, we show that increased charge-transfer kinetics does not necessarily lead to improved overall performance. Compared to bare hematite, MnO x -decorated photoelectrode exhibits significant anodic on-set potential shift. The phenomenon is understood as a substantial reduction in photovoltage generation by hematite, and the origin is identified as Fermi-level pinning effect due to MnO x introduction. This work sheds light on the importance of maintaining band-edge pinning for semiconductor-based photoelectrochemical reactions.
Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis among medical patients at US hospitals.

Background Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for medical patients at moderate to high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and is now a requirement of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. To see who receives prophylaxis and how far hospitals will need to go to meet this requirement, we examined VTE prophylaxis patterns at US hospitals.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF β-LACTAMASE POSITIVE HEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Fifteen of 192 hospitals enrolled in the L.A. County Meningitis Surveillance Program were identified as caring for all patients with Hemophilus influenzae meningitis in the county in 1975. The prevalence of β-lactamase positive Hemophilus influenzae (βLPHI) was estimated by a survey of bacteriology records at these hospitals. Four of 217 (1.8%) Hemophilus influenzae meningitis patients had β-lactamase positive CSF isolates in 1975. An additional patient with mastoiditis, and CSF pleocytosis with a positive direct CSF Quelling for Hemophilus influenzae type B, but negative CSF culture, had βLPHI isolated from a middle ear aspirate. Seven other βLPHI were reported in 1975 including one from blood culture. These same hospitals reported 19 βLPHI in 1976 including five from CSF and two from blood. MICs of ampicillin for 13 CSF and blood isolates ranged from 1.6 to 200 ugm/ml with a mean of 58 ugm/ml. All strains tested were inhibited by ≤ 1.6 ugm/ml of chloramphenicol. All patients with positive CSF cultures for βLPHI were treated with chloramphenicol 8/9 recovered without sequelae and one expired. Two patients with positive blood cultures for βLPHI, one each with septic arthritis and facial cellulitis, and the patient with CSF pleocytosis and mastoiditis, were treated with ampicillin or penicillin and made a full recovery.
EMU and the dynamics of regional per capita income inequality in Europe

This paper analyzes the evolution of per capita income inequality among 197 European regions between 1977 and 2003, and seeks evidence of the relationship between the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and interregional income inequality. The conclusion is that overall interregional income inequality has decreased since 1977, owing to a decrease in between-country inequality. The panel analysis conducted in this paper suggests that the adoption of the common currency has, thus far, exacerbated regional inequality in poorer EU countries, while it has not significantly affected regional inequality within richer countries. Inequality in less advanced countries has also increased with the establishment of the convergence criteria and with the implementation of the Single Market.
Visual communication in aphasia.

Abstract Aphasic patients who possessed little or no ability to communicate using natural language were taught a visual communication system (VIC). At issue on a theoretical level was wheter those cognitive operations entailed in natural language may persist in the face of destruction of natural language capacities. Of practical interest was whether severely aphasic patients could communicate effectively using an alternative symbol system. The program included two levels of communicative functions. At Level 1, patients carried out commands, answered questions, and described actions; at Level 2, patients employed the system spontaneously to express their desires and feelings. Of 8 patients given sufficient opportunity to master VIC, 5 completed Level 1, and 2 of these also satisfied the criteria for Level 2. Among these 5 patients, performance in VIC far surpassed performance on matching tasks in English; error rates were quite low; the pattern of errors was remarkably similar; an inverse correlation obtained between ability at English and ability at VIC. The evidence suggests that some severely aphasic patients can master the basics of an alternative symbol system. Moreover several indices suggest that the communicative consequences of the system are appreciated, and that at least some of the cognitive operations entailed in natural language persist despite severe aphasia.
Synthesis of high-density grafted polymer layers with thickness and grafting density gradients.

A novel approach was developed for the synthesis of tethered polymer layers with thickness and grafting density gradients. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) was employed as a primary anchoring layer to attach the polymer chains to the surface of a silicon wafer. A linear temperature gradient heated stage was used for the generation of a gradual variation in the thickness of the anchoring PGMA film along the substrate. The obtained gradient was translated into the polymerization initiator gradient via the reaction between the epoxy groups of PGMA and the carboxyl functionality of 2-bromo-2-methylpropionic acid (BPA). The attachment of BPA to the surface modified with the monolayer of PGMA was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments. To complete the experimental procedures, surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization was performed to synthesize the grafted polymer layers with thickness and surface densities that were varied along the substrate. The grafting density of the sampl...
Elevation of proline hydroxylase activity in diseased rabbit aorta.

Abstract Proline hydroxylase activity was demonstrated in 15,000 x g supernate of homogenates of rabbit aorta. The characteristics of the rabbit aorta enzyme were compared to those of rat liver, a known source of proline hydroxylase activity. Ascorbate, Fe+2 and α-ketoglutarate were found to be necessary for maximum activity. Kinetic data indicate that the apparent Vmax and apparent Km for rabbit aorta enzyme and rat liver are similar in magnitude. These data confirm the presence of the collagen synthetic pathway in rabbit aortic tissue. Enzyme assays conducted on thoracic aorta indicated that proline hydroxylase activity is elevated six-fold in the presence of gross aortic plaquing.
Nonlinear vibrational spectroscopic studies of the adsorption and speciation of nitric acid at the vapor/acid solution interface.

Nitric acid plays an important role in the heterogeneous chemistry of the atmosphere. Reactions involving HNO3 at aqueous interfaces in the stratosphere and troposphere depend on the state of nitric acid at these surfaces. The vapor/liquid interface of HNO3-H2O binary solutions and HNO3-H2SO4-H2O ternary solutions are examined here using vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy (VSFS). Spectra of the NO2 group at different HNO3 mole fractions and under different polarization combinations are used to develop a detailed picture of these atmospherically important systems. Consistent with surface tension and spectroscopic measurements from other laboratories, molecular nitric acid is identified at the surface of concentrated solutions. However, the data here reveal the adsorption of two different hydrogen-bonded species of undissociated HNO3 in the interfacial region that differ in their degree of solvation of the nitro group. The adsorption of these undissociated nitric acid species is shown to be sensitive to the H 2O:HNO3 ratio as well as to the concentration of sulfuric acid.
In Search of Watty Piper: The History of the “Little Engine” Story

The tale of the little locomotive that takes on a task that other locomotives refuse and succeeds due to determination is one of the most popular children's stories of all time. The locomotive's earnest repetitions of “I think I can” when performing its goal, followed by a triumphant “I thought I could” when the goal is achieved, are familiar worldwide. The best known version of this story is The Little Engine that Could, first published in 1930, with the authorship attributed to Watty Piper (a pseudonym), and with credit given to Mabel C. Bragg for the 1916 version The Pony Engine. In the 1950s a fierce effort was made to instead give credit to Frances M. Ford, who wrote a version in 1912. In actuality, the roots of the story date at least to the beginning of the twentieth century. The first uses of the iconic phrases appear in 1902–1903 and a recognizable form of the story was published in 1906. The basic tale was in wide circulation before 1920, often used in the context of a sermon or a presentation t...
Evaluation of ion-implanted-silicon detectors for use in intraoperative positron-sensitive probes

The continuing development of probes for use with beta (positron and electron) emitting radionuclides may result in more complete excision of tracer‐avid tumors. Perhaps one of the most promising radiopharmaceuticals for this task is 18F‐labeled‐Fluoro‐2‐Deoxy‐D‐Glucose (FDG). This positron‐emitting agent has been demonstrated to be avidly and rapidly absorbed by many human cancers. We have investigated the use of ion‐implanted‐silicon detectors in intraoperative positron‐sensitive surgical probes for use with FDG. These detectors possess very high positrondetection efficiency, while the efficiency for 511 keV photondetection is low. The spatial resolution, as well as positron and annihilation photondetection sensitivity, of an ion‐implanted‐silicon detector used with 18F was measured at several energy thresholds. In addition, the ability of the device to detect the presence of relatively small amounts of FDG during surgery was evaluated by simulating a surgical field in which some tumor was left intact following lesion excision. The performance of the ion‐implanted‐silicon detector was compared to the operating characteristics of a positron‐sensitive surgical probe which utilizes plastic scintillator. In all areas of performance the ion‐implanted‐silicon detector proved superior to the plastic scintillator‐based probe. At an energy threshold of 14 keV positron sensitivity measured for the ion‐implanted‐silicon detector was 101.3 cps/kBq, photon sensitivity was 7.4 cps/kBq. In addition, spatial resolution was found to be relatively unaffected by the presence of distant sources of annihilation photon flux. Finally, the detector was demonstrated to be able to localize small amounts of FDG in a simulated tumor bed; indicating that this device has promise as a probe to aid in FDG‐guided surgery.
SUR-dependent Modulation of KATP Channels by an N-terminal KIR6.2 Peptide DEFINING INTERSUBUNIT GATING INTERACTIONS

Abstract Ntp and Ctp, synthetic peptides based on the N- and C-terminal sequences of KIR6.0, respectively, were used to probe gating of KIR6.0/SUR KATPchannels. Micromolar Ntp dose-dependently increased the mean open channel probability in ligand-free solution (P O(max)) and attenuated the ATP inhibition of KIR6.2/SUR1, but had no effect on homomeric KIR6.2 channels. Ntp (up to ∼10−4 m) did not affect significantly the mean open or “fast,” K+ driving force-dependent, intraburst closed times, verifying that Ntp selectively modulates the ratio of mean burst to interburst times. Ctp and Rnp, a randomized Ntp, had no effect, indicating that the effects of Ntp are structure specific. Ntp opened KIR6.1/SUR1 channels normally silent in the absence of stimulatory Mg− nucleotide(s) and attenuated the coupling of high-affinity sulfonylurea binding with KATP pore closure. These effects resemble those seen with N-terminal deletions (ΔN) of KIR6.0, and application of Ntp to ΔNKATP channels decreased theirP O(max) and apparent IC50 for ATP in the absence of Mg2+. The results are consistent with a competition between Ntp and the endogenous N terminus for a site of interaction on the cytoplasmic face of the channel or with partial replacement of the deleted N terminus by Ntp, respectively. The KIR N terminus and the TMD0-L0 segment of SUR1 are known to control the P O(max). The L0 linker has been reported to be required for glibenclamide binding, and ΔNKIR6.2/SUR1 channels exhibit reduced labeling of KIR with 125I-azidoglibenclamide, implying that the KIR N terminus and L0 of SUR1 are in proximity. We hypothesize that L0 interacts with the KIR N terminus in ligand-inhibited KATP channels and put forward a model, based on the architecture of BtuCD, MsbA, and the KcsA channel, in which TMD0-L0 links the MDR-like core of SUR with the KIR pore.
Snail transcription factor negatively regulates maspin tumor suppressor in human prostate cancer cells

Background Maspin, a putative tumor suppressor that is down-regulated in breast and prostate cancer, has been associated with decreased cell motility. Snail transcription factor is a zinc finger protein that is increased in breast cancer and is associated with increased tumor motility and invasion by induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We investigated the molecular mechanisms by which Snail increases tumor motility and invasion utilizing prostate cancer cells.
Evidence for the presence of diacylglycerol kinase in rat brain myelin.

The previous demonstration that incubation of brain slices with [32P]phosphate brings about rapid tabeling of phosphatidic acid in myelin suggests that the enzyme involved should be present in this specialized membrane. DAG kinase (ATP:1,2-diacyglycerol 3-phosphotransferase, E.C. 2.7.1.107) is present in rat brain homogenate at a specific activity of 2.5 nmol phosphatidic acid formed/min/mg protein, while highly purified myelin had a much lower specific activity (0.29 nmol/min/mg protein). Nevertheless, the enzyme appears to be intrinsic to this membrane since it can not be removed by washing with a variety of detergents or chelating agents, and it could not be accounted for as contamination by another subcellular fraction. Production of endogenous, membrane-associated, diacylglycerol (DAG) by PLC (phospholipase C) treatment brought about translocation from soluble to particulate fractions, including myelin. Another level of control of activity involves inactivation by phosphorylation; a 10 min incubation of brain homogenate with ATP resulted in a large decrease in DAG kinase activity in soluble, particulate and myelin fractions.
What Preservice Social Studies Teachers (Don't) Know About Politics and Current Events—And Why It Matters

This article reports findings from a 3-year study on preservice middle and secondary social studies teachers' common content knowledge of politics and current events. Surveys showed that both groups were generally uninformed about these issues, and on almost all measures, the middle-grades preservice teachers performed worse than those in the secondary program. Interviews were conducted with preservice teachers in both groups, and although they articulated a vision of teaching social studies that included relating content to politics and current events, most of the preservice teachers admitted that their habits related to acquiring this type of content knowledge were not sufficient to enact that vision in their classrooms. The author argues that these preservice teachers' lack of political and social awareness is a product of their intellectual dispositions as opposed to a deficiency in their content preparation.
Future lunar landing navigation schemes, with emphasis on precision landings

Preliminary descriptions and analyses of a precision lunar landing using various navigation scenarios are presented. The scenerios assume the Common Lunar Lander (CLL) as a reference mission. Current state-of-the-art or off-the-shelf technology is emphasized to keep mission cost to a minimum—an important driver in the possible funding of future space missions. It is concluded that precision navigation sensor suites are required to meet certain stringent mission navigation requirements.
The methamphetamine home: psychological impact on preschoolers in rural Tennessee.

CONTEXT: A growing number of children reside with methamphetamine-abusing parents in homes where the illicit drug is produced. Yet, the effects of a methamphetamine environment on psychological child outcome are still unknown. PURPOSE: To examine whether preschoolers who lived in methamphetamine-producing homes are at increased risk for developing psychological problems. METHODS: The participants were 58 white children between the ages of 4 and 5 years; 31 with a history of living in methamphetamine-producing homes and 27 children who live in non-methamphetamine producing homes in rural Tennessee. The groups were similar in age, gender, and socioeconomic background. The groups were compared for behavioral and emotional adjustment using the behavior assessment system for children-parent rating scale-preschool (BASC-PRS-P) form. Biological or custodian parents completed a rating on their preschoolers that provided information about the children's pattern of behavior and feelings. FINDINGS: Preschoolers from the methamphetamine-producing homes showed more externalizing problems than their peers, but were comparable on internalizing problems. On specific behaviors, the data indicate that preschoolers in the methamphetamine group showed higher aggression symptoms than their peers from non-methamphetamine-producing homes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings, if replicated, point to the need for mental health screening when a child is removed from a methamphetamine-producing home. Language: en
Bambino: a variant detector and alignment viewer for next-generation sequencing data in the SAM/BAM format

Summary: Bambino is a variant detector and graphical alignment viewer for next-generation sequencing data in the SAM/BAM format, which is capable of pooling data from multiple source files. The variant detector takes advantage of SAM-specific annotations, and produces detailed output suitable for genotyping and identification of somatic mutations. The assembly viewer can display reads in the context of either a user-provided or automatically generated reference sequence, retrieve genome annotation features from a UCSC genome annotation database, display histograms of nonreference allele frequencies, and predict protein-coding changes caused by SNPs. Availability: Bambino is written in platform-independent Java and available from https://cgwb.nci.nih.gov/goldenPath/bamview/ documentation/index.html, along with documentation and example data. Bambino may be launched online via Java Web Start or downloaded and run locally. Contact: edmonson@nih.gov.
Bio-inspired node localization in wireless sensor networks

Many applications of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) require location information of the randomly deployed nodes. A common solution to the localization problem is to deploy a few special beacon nodes having location awareness, which help the ordinary nodes to localize. In this approach, non-beacon nodes estimate their locations using noisy distance measurements from three or more non-collinear beacons they can receive signals from. In this paper, the ranging-based localization task is formulated as a multidimensional optimization problem, and addressed using bio-inspired algorithms, exploiting their quick convergence to quality solutions. An investigation on distributed iterative localization is presented in this paper. Here, the nodes that get localized in an iteration act as references for remaining nodes to localize. The problem has been addressed using particle swarm optimization (PSO) and bacterial foraging algorithm (BFA). A comparison of the performances of PSO and BFA in terms of the number of nodes localized, localization accuracy and computation time is presented.
Characterization of muscle spindle afferents in the adult mouse using an in vitro muscle-nerve preparation.

We utilized an in vitro adult mouse extensor digitorum longus (EDL) nerve-attached preparation to characterize the responses of muscle spindle afferents to ramp-and-hold stretch and sinusoidal vibratory stimuli. Responses were measured at both room (24°C) and muscle body temperature (34°C). Muscle spindle afferent static firing frequencies increased linearly in response to increasing stretch lengths to accurately encode the magnitude of muscle stretch (tested at 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% of resting length [Lo]). Peak firing frequency increased with ramp speeds (20% Lo/sec, 40% Lo/sec, and 60% Lo/sec). As a population, muscle spindle afferents could entrain 1:1 to sinusoidal vibrations throughout the frequency (10–100 Hz) and amplitude ranges tested (5–100 µm). Most units preferentially entrained to vibration frequencies close to their baseline steady-state firing frequencies. Cooling the muscle to 24°C decreased baseline firing frequency and units correspondingly entrained to slower frequency vibrations. The ramp component of stretch generated dynamic firing responses. These responses and related measures of dynamic sensitivity were not able to categorize units as primary (group Ia) or secondary (group II) even when tested with more extreme length changes (10% Lo). We conclude that the population of spindle afferents combines to encode stretch in a smoothly graded manner over the physiological range of lengths and speeds tested. Overall, spindle afferent response properties were comparable to those seen in other species, supporting subsequent use of the mouse genetic model system for studies on spindle function and dysfunction in an isolated muscle-nerve preparation.
Photoionization cross sections and oscillator strengths for oxygen ions: O I-O VII

oxygen ion, into the ground and a number of excited states of the residual ion, are also presented. A further reason for the recomputation of the radiative data for the oxygen ions in a more complete manner was to calculate the total recombination rate coefficients, a R(T), for these ions employing the unified treatment@13#. The unified treatment for total recombination rate coefficients requires partial photoionization cross sections leaving the residual core in the ground state, rather than the total cross sections that are usually computed ~such as in the OP work!. The f values are also needed for radiative transition probabilities in the calculations for the dielectronic recombination cross sections. Hence a consistent set of radiative parameters for both the bound-bound transitions, f values, and the bound-free transitions, s PI , in oxygen ions are obtained.
Mechanisms Linking Drought, Hydraulics, Carbon Metabolism, and Vegetation Mortality

Events of regional-scale vegetation mortality appear to be increasing in a variety of biomes throughout the Earth and are frequently associated with increased temperatures, droughts, and often (but not always) with outbreaks of biotic agents such as insects and pathogens (for review, see [Allen et
Response to the commentary ‘Early clean intermittent catheterization may not prevent dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan abnormalities in children with spinal dysraphism’

We agree that the ideal study to address the value of early clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) would only be possible if myelodysplastic patients were followed prospectively with specific guidelines regarding imaging. As a result, we are advocating for dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scans as a baseline during the first year of life, at 5 years of age, and if there are clinical changes. Selection bias and the retrospective nature of this study are valid concerns that we realize prevent an absolute statement on when to initiate CIC. In fact, we were quite surprised to find a higher likelihood of renal scarring in patients who started early CIC versus CIC later in life since this was contrary to our initial hypothesis. Nevertheless, given the limitations, we can only propose that early CIC may not prevent renal scarring. There have been several studies looking at the early initiation of CIC or prophylactic CIC to prevent upper tract changes or prevent the need for further surgery. The 2006 study by Dik et al. addressed the value of early CIC as well. However, out of their population of 144 patients, only 10 DMSA scans were performed based on suspicion of ultrasound determined renal abnormalities. Of these, six scans
Solution structure of At3g28950 from Arabidopsis thaliana.

We determined the solution structure of At3g28950 from A. thaliana, a homolog of At5g39720, whose structure we solved earlier. The secondary structure of the 165-aa protein consists of a 5-strand antiparallel β-barrel domain flanked by two α-helices and a 2-strand β-sheet; an additional free C-terminal α-helix extends into solution. Bioinformatic searches and analyses suggest that members of this growing set of structurally related proteins have been recruited to serve a wide variety of functions ranging from γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase activity to participation in plant responses to chemical and biotic stimuli. Expression of a human homolog is elevated in bladder cancer tissues. Expression patterns for At3g28950 and its Arabidopsis paralogs suggest that each one evolved a different physiological role. The At3g28950 structure was solved as part of a structural genomics effort, and the results demonstrate how such a project can further understanding of genome evolution in addition to sequence–structure and structure–function relationships. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Benzophenone Photoprobes for Phosphoinositides, Peptides and Drugs

Benzophenones (BP) and related aryl ketone photophores have become established as the photoactivatable group of choice for high-efficiency covalent modification of hydrophobic regions of binding proteins, including enzymes and receptors that recognize peptide hormones, (oligo) nucleotides and nucleosides, phosphoinositides, inositol polyphosphates and a wide variety of therapeutic molecules. This review presents the advantages of BP as photoaffinity labels and provides specific examples from the last 3 years of applications of BP-containing ligands used in biochemistry.
SRI's real-time spoken language system

This project involves the integration of speech and natural-language processing for spoken language systems (SLS). The goal of this project, to develop a multi-modal interface to the Official Airline Guide database, is being developed along two overlapping research and development lines: one focussed on an SLS kernel for database query, and the other on the full interactive system.
Comparison of auditory models for robust speech recognition

Two auditory front ends which emulate some aspects of the human auditory system were compared using a high performance isolated word Hidden Markov Model (HMM) speech recognizer. In these initial studies, auditory models from Seneff [2] and Ghitza [4] were compared using both clean speech and speech corrupted by speech-like "babble" noise. Preliminary results indicate that the auditory models reduce the error rate slightly, especially at intermediate and high noise levels.
2-D Electrical Interferometer: A Novel High-Speed Quantizer

In this paper, we propose a 2-D electrical interferometer as a means of high-speed data conversion. The structure is based on wave propagation in 2-D LC lattices. We will discuss the principle behind this technique, which exploits wave propagation and medium manipulation in order to take advantage of different interference patterns. This method of quantization is based on passive LC lattices that can operate at very high frequencies on a conventional CMOS process. We analyze different properties of the structure and propose the design methodology. To show the feasibility of this approach, we design a 20-GS/s 4-bit quantizer consuming 194 mW for quanization and 943 mW for an analog memory. There is good agreement between analysis and simulation.
Effects of Rearing Density, Age, Sex, and Food Deprivation on Flight Initiation of the Red Flour Beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Effects of rearing density, adult density and sex ratio in the flight chamber, adult age, sex, presence or absence of food, and duration of food deprivation on rate of and time to flight initiation of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), were studied in the laboratory. Rates of flight initiation were slightly lower at lower rearing densities, but they did not differ with age or sex of adults, presence or absence of food in the flight chamber, or duration of food deprivation. Focal adults were less likely to fly when individuals of the opposite sex were present in flight chambers. Presence of the same sex or mixed sexes and numbers of individuals in flight chambers did not affect tendency to fly of focal individuals. Mean time to flight of older beetles (7-20 d old) was less than that of younger beetles (1-4 d old). No young beetles flew during the first 24 h of flight tests. Mean time to flight did not differ with rearing density, sex, presence or absence of food, or duration of food deprivation. Our results indicate that this species is highly dispersive during the adult stage and that flight does not seem to be associated with just prereproductive or postreproductive dispersal phases, high rearing density, or short to medium periods of food deprivation. Therefore, T. castaneum level of flight activity does not seem to be associated with factors that have been shown in the literature to increase dispersal by walking for this species and to increase flight initiation in other stored-product species.
WHEN DOES FALSEHOOD PRECLUDE KNOWLEDGE

Falsehood can preclude knowledge in many ways. A false proposition cannot be known. A false ground can prevent knowledge of a truth, or so we argue, but not every false ground deprives its subject of knowledge. A falsehood that is not a ground for belief can also prevent knowledge of a truth. This paper provides a systematic account of just when falsehood precludes knowledge, and hence when it does not. We present the paper as an approach to the Gettier problem and arrive at a relatively simple theory with virtues linked to several issues at the heart of contemporary epistemology.
Simplified derivation of the amplitudes for the photodisintegration of the deuteron with arbitrary number of electromagnetic multipoles

By employing the interaction Hamiltonian in the operator form as derived by Breit and Rustgi, a simplified derivation of the amplitudes for the photodisintegration of the deuteron is reported, and the same expressions as given in an earlier paper are obtained. The derivation makes use of the Wigher-Eckart theorem and commutation relations between the spin matrices, but does not employ Racah coefficients. As in the earlier paper, the nonrelated approximation is used; the finalstate interaction of the outgoing neutron and proton is included. The effect of adding various electromagnetic multipoles on the cross-section and polarization is studied.
Test-driven design for introductory OO programming

Test-Driven Design (TDD) has been shown to increase the productivity of programming teams and improve the quality of the code they produce. However, most of the introductory curricula provide no introduction to test design, no support for defining the tests, and do not insist on a comprehensive test coverage that is the driving force of the TDD.This paper presents a curriculum, pedagogy, and the software support for introductory object-oriented program design that uses the TDD consistently from the very beginning. The testing software does not increase the program complexity and is designed to work with the simplest programs. It has been used by hundreds of students at several colleges and is freely available on the web.Our experiences show that besides improving the quality of code students produce, TDD combined with the novice-appropriate test libraries reinforces students' understanding of the object oriented program design.
Simultaneous selection and counter‐selection for the directed evolution of proteases in E. coli using a cytoplasmic anchoring strategy

With the goal of generating new enzymes that can cleave custom sequences, this article describes a selection strategy for evolving proteases with desirable characteristics. Positive selection and counter-selection are combined to select for and against specified cleavage sequences simultaneously. Cleavage of the positive selection sequence permits E. coli growth, and cleavage of the counter-selection sequence slows growth. Growth occurs when cleavage of the positive selection sequence releases β-lactamase into the periplasm where it can confer antibiotic resistance. The counter-selection traps β-lactamase in the cytoplasm, preventing antibiotic resistance and growth. Thus, proteases with a preference for the positive selection sequence relative to the counter-selection sequence grow more rapidly. This system was used to select a tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease mutant with new substrate compatibility. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1187-1193. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FAILS TO DETECT LEFT VENTRICULAR NON-COMPACTION IN A COHORT OF PATIENTS WITH NON-COMPACTION ON CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) are considered standard diagnostic imaging modalities for the diagnosis of left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC). Criteria for assessment of LVNC on CMR are based on a population of patients in which non-compaction was detected on both
Analysis of tube burst resulted from the cavitation grooves on waterwall at the furnace arch of boiler

The tube burst resulted from the overheating corrosion grooves inside waterwall tubes at furnace arch of HP boiler was introduced. There are ferruginous oxide layer covered on the groove surface and on the both sides. Based on the overall analysis of bursting tube section, the factors such as tube material and heat transferring were excluded. The local cavitation on the waterwall tubes at furnace arch was determined to cause the overheating corrosion. The ultimate solution for this problem is not to replace the damaged tubes but to study how to improve the design of furnace arch for super HP boiler.
The Features of the Painting Theory in "Twelve Avoidances in Chinese Painting"

"Twelve Avoidances in Chinese Painting"was a famous paper on the paining theory of landscape in the period between the end of the Song Dynasty and the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty.It has absolutely high literature value and practical sense of guidance.Starting with the very paper,the writer concludes three theoretical features: systematicness;versatility and practicality. The writer tries to have a clear and detailed exploration for "Twelve Avoidances in Chinese Painting"by going deeply in its inner construction.