cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theoretical aspects of polymer morphology— crystallization from solution

Investigation of the crystallography of the thin platelike polymer crystals precipitated from dilute solution has led to the concept of chain folding in polymer crystallization. This unexpected and unusual phenomenon has produced much speculation about both its origin and its implications concerning the morphology of the polymer crystals. The theories which have been proposed to account for the observed effects fall into two categories: (a) equilibrium theories; and (b) kinetic theories. At the moment the kinetic theories appear to be the more successful in explaining the observed morphology and behavior of the polymer crystals. Essentially it is proposed that the plate-like habit of the crystals results from the formation of crystal uncleii from single polymer molecules followed by a growth process whose rate is controlled by nucleation of new crystal layers on existing completed crystal faces. Quantitative observations of crystal growth rates and of the influence of supercooling on the thickness of the crystals are consistent with the predictions of these theories.
Radar observations at 3.5 and 12.6 cm wavelength of asteroid 433 Eros

A study of the asteroid 433 Eros using 3.5 and 12.6 cm radar waves indicates that the surface is very much rougher than any planetary or lunar surface observed by this method. A surface completely covered with sharp edges, pits, subsurface holes, or embedded chunks with scale sizes on the order of our wavelengths seems to be indicated. A model based on a rough rotating triaxial ellipsoid having radii in the rotation equator of 18.6 and 7.9 km agrees well with our data, although a strong wobble in the apparent center frequency of the spectra as rotation progresses indicates that one side may be more reflective than the other, or more likely, that the projected axis of rotation does not equally divide the projected area.
Colloidal effects of acrylamide polyampholytes. Part 1. Electrokinetic behavior

The colloidal and electrokinetic behavior of three amphoteric acrylamide-based water-soluble terpolymers of high molecular mass was elucidated in terms of their structure and composition, using potentiometric and colloidal titrations, as well as microelectrophoresis, viscometry, and turbidity measurements. Independent variables included polymer composition, pH, and the concentration of salt ions. The electrokinetic properties, titratable charge, and isoelectric pH values of the samples were compared to their monomeric composition, as confirmed by NMR and FTIR analysis. The electrophoretic mobilities of the polyampholytes changed relatively rapidly with pH in the neighborhood of the isoelectric pH values, consistent with an enrichment of excess charges toward the outer parts of the macromolecules. Interactions of the polyampholytes with highly-charged titrants appeared to be less pH-dependent, in the neighborhood of the isoelectric condition, relative to a linear prediction based on the numbers of acidic and basic macromolecular groups. Specific viscosity measurements, in the vicinity of the isoelectric point, were found to increase with increasing salt concentration, which is a typical anti-polyelectrolyte behavior. In a similar manner, salt addition suppressed the development of a turbidity maximum at the isoelectric point.
Real-time caption challenge: C-print

This poster/demonstration session showcases C-Print, a typing-based transcription system. This form of real-time captioning will be provided for approximately one half day during the ASSETS 2014 Conference and will be part of a real-time caption challenge. The C-Print system requires a trained transcriptionist who uses computerized abbreviations and condensing strategies to produce the text display of spoken information. This spoken information appears as text on a computer or mobile device for viewing by the consumer approximately two seconds later.
Multiple-methods investigation of recharge at a humid-region fractured rock site, Pennsylvania, USA

Lysimeter-percolate and well-hydrograph analyses were combined to evaluate recharge for the Masser Recharge Site (central Pennsylvania, USA). In humid regions, aquifer recharge through an unconfined low-porosity fractured-rock aquifer can cause large magnitude water-table fluctuations over short time scales. The unsaturated hydraulic characteristics of the subsurface porous media control the magnitude and timing of these fluctuations. Data from multiple sets of lysimeters at the site show a highly seasonal pattern of percolate and exhibit variability due to both installation factors and hydraulic property heterogeneity. Individual event analysis of well hydrograph data reveals the primary influences on water-table response, namely rainfall depth, rainfall intensity, and initial water-table depth. Spatial and seasonal variability in well response is also evident. A new approach for calculating recharge from continuous water-table elevation records using a master recession curve (MRC) is demonstrated. The recharge estimated by the MRC approach when assuming a constant specific yield is seasonal to a lesser degree than the recharge estimate resulting from the lysimeter analysis. Partial reconciliation of the two recharge estimates is achieved by considering a conceptual model of flow processes in the highly-heterogeneous underlying fractured porous medium.
Borohydride photoreduction of nitroaromatic compounds related to military ordnance constituents

Nitroaromatic compounds are pollutants of considerable concern due to their toxicity and the extent of their use as synthetic intermediates, propellants, and explosives. Oxidative methods for treating wastes containing these compounds are not entirely satisfactory because of the recalcitrant nature of the compounds toward aerobic microbial decomposition and common chemical oxidizing agents. Recently, several publications have appeared indicating that these substances are susceptible to microbial reduction under anaerobic conditions. We have evaluated the chemical reduction of these compounds using alkaline sodium borohydride. In the presence of excess borohydride, exposure of the compounds to ultraviolet wavelengths >280 nm strongly promoted their decomposition. Rates of disappearance for four tested nitroaromatic compounds were increased even more if the illumination was conducted in the absence of oxygen. Numerous denitration, desulfonation, reduction, and condensation products were tentatively identifi...
Accurate analytic vibrational potential and dipole functions for HF

Abstract An analytic 19-parameter model is obtained for the vibrational potential of the ground state of HF by a fit to the rovibrational spectrum. Two additional parameters are used to describe nonadiabatic effects. The accuracy of the fit is about as good as experimental errors permit. A 12-parameter model for the dipole function is obtained by fitting empirical dipole matrix elements, using eigenfunctions from the above potential model; accuracy is again about as good as the data permit.
Studies on biology and genomic characterization of a caulimo-like virus associated with a leaf distortion disease of Lamium maculatum

A virus associated with leaf distortion of Lamium maculatum had features characteristic of caulimoviruses. The viral genome (Genbank accession number: EU554423) is 7,713 bp in size, with six open reading frames similar in size and organization to those of known caulimoviruses. Phylogenetic analyses based on the conserved ORF V polyprotein coding region indicated that the Lamium virus is a possible new member of the genus Caulimovirus. The virus was not transmitted by mechanical or graft inoculation, or by Myzus persicae. Because proof of pathogenicity remains to be demonstrated, the virus was named provisionally Lamuim leaf distortion-associated virus (LLDAV).
Impacts of the exotic, nitrogen-fixing black locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia ) on nitrogen-cycling in a pine–oak ecosystem

We investigated the influence of the exotic nitrogen-fixing black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) on nitrogen cycling in a pitch pine (Pinus rigida) −scrub oak (Quercus ilicifolia, Q. prinoides) ecosystem. Within paired pine-oak and adjacent black locust stands that were the result of a 20-35 year-old invasion, we evaluated soil nutrient contents, soil nitrogen transformation rates, and annual litterfall biomass and nitrogen concentrations. In the A horizon, black locust soils had 1.3-3.2 times greater nitrogen concentration relative to soils within pine-oak stands. Black locust soils also had elevated levels of P and Ca, net nitrification rates and total net N-mineralization rates. Net nitrification rates were 25-120 times greater in black locust than in pine-oak stands. Elevated net N-mineralization rates in black locust stands were associated with an abundance of high nitrogen, low lignin leaf litter, with 86 kg N ha–1 yr–1 in leaf litter returned compared with 19 kg N ha–1 yr–1 in pine-oak stands. This difference resulted from a two-fold greater litterfall mass combined with increased litter nitrogen concentration in black locust stands (1.1% and 2.6% N for scrub oak and black locust litter, respectively). Thus, black locust supplements soil nitrogen pools, increases nitrogen return in litterfall, and enhances soil nitrogen mineralization rates when it invades nutrient poor, pine-oak ecosystems.
Body-image disorder and gender identity

A person's body image is a representation in the mind and brain (mindbrain). It may be socially endorsed or idiosyncratic, even bizarre, by other people's criteria. In cases of sex reassignment, the three principles of body transformation are exemplified, namely, realignment and enhancement, obliteration and relinquuishment, and augmentation and amplification.
Analytical modeling and simulation of an autonomous underwater vehicle with five control surfaces

This research describes the dynamic modeling and numerical simulation of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with five hydrodynamic control surfaces, necessary for the development of an autopilot algorithm, based solely upon analytical methodologies. The purpose of this research was to demonstrate the ability to develop a low order approximation of the dynamics and control characteristics of an underwater vehicle that is complete enough to validate a specific design before physical construction begins; therefore, allowing for a more cost effective virtual design, test, and evaluation process. The AUV model developed in this study takes into consideration inertia, hydrostatic forces, hydrodynamic forces, propulsion forces, control fin forces, added mass, and damping. The model assumes that the vehicle is sufficiently far enough away from the bottom and the surface so that their effects can be ignored. The necessary stability and control derivatives were determined through the use of engineering formulae. The mathematical model represents a general, nonlinear, six degrees of freedom model, and it is similar to those used to carry out atmospheric flight simulations. The non-linear model was linearized about the design (equilibrium) condition to obtain a linear state-space vehicle model.
From ligand binding to gene expression: new insights into the regulation of G-protein-coupled receptors

Transmembrane signaling systems relay information from the exterior to the interior of a cell, through a series of complex protein-protein interactions and second messenger cascades. One such system consists of the G-protein-coupled receptors, which interact with G proteins upon ligand binding, and in turn activate an effector molecule. The receptor is the first component in this signaling cascade and is subject to considerable regulation. Recent studies have shown that these regulatory events can occur at the levels of receptor protein modification and receptor gene expression. Interestingly, some of these processes appear to be mediated by the same second messenger systems that these receptors activate, which leads to various forms of positive and negative feedback regulation.
The tryptolines: Effect of intraventricular administration on spontaneous motor activity of rats

The pharmacologic properties of the tryptolines, hindered analogues of the tryptamines, were studied behaviorally in rats. Following intraventricular injections, it was found that spontaneous motor activity decreased markedly during the initial 25 mins when compared with saline. Since both the tryptolines and tryptamines have been shown to be inhibitors of 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake, it may be possible that these compounds are acting indirectly throught an effect on the serotonergic system.
Energy Expenditure and Water Turnover Assessed by Doubly Labeled Water during Manual Work in a Dry and Warm Environment

Objective: During training and other strenuous physical activity in the mountains, deserts, and other wilderness areas, those consuming pre-packaged rations or take-along-food often have difficulty maintaining adequate energy, water and electrolytes, and carbohydrate intakes. This study assessed the effects of ad libitum consumption of a carbohydrate beverage supplement (8% maltodextrin sweetened with aspartame) on energy and carbohydrate intakes of physically active test volunteers. Methods: Energy and carbohydrate intakes of volunteers randomly assigned to receive either a carbohydrate beverage supplement (CHO) (n=32) or a non-caloric placebo beverage (PLACEBO) (n=31) during an 11-day field training exercise were assessed. Mean total energy expenditure (TEE), water turnover (RH2O), and total body water (TBW) were measured in a sub-group of volunteers (CHO: n=10, PLACEBO: n=9) using the stable isotopes 2H2O and H218O. Results: The CHO group had greater daily energy intake (EICHO: 12.8±0.6 MJ/day; EIPLACEBO: 11.0±0.8 MJ/day; p<0.05) and carbohydrate intake (CHO: 470±139 g/day; PLACEBO: 317±68 g/day; p<0.05). No differences were observed in TEE (TEECHO: 18.41±4.40 MJ/day; TEEPLACEBO: 16.12±2.70 MJ/day), TBW (TBWCHO: 46.9±5.5 L; TBWPLACEBO: 44.5±3.3 L) or water turnover (RH2O–CHO: 5.6±1.1 L/day; RH2O–PLACEBO: 5.1±0.7 L/day) between groups. Discussion: Providing a carbohydrate beverage may reduce energy and CHO deficits that commonly occur during recreational treks or in those working for extended periods in wilderness environments.
Social Capital and the Dynamics of Trust in Government

It is well understood that trust in government responds to the performance of the president, Congress, and the economy. Despite improved government performance, however, trust has never returned to the levels witnessed in the 1950s and 1960s. Social capital may be the force that has kept trust low. If so, we need to assess the relative contributions of both government performance and social capital at the macro level. Using macrolevel data, the analysis, here, is designed to capture the variation over time in both social capital and government performance and let them compete to explain the macro variation in trust. The empirical results demonstrate that both government performance and social capital matter, but that social capital appears to be the force which accounts for the decline in trust over the last 40 years.
Different roles of alpha-noradrenergic receptor subtypes in regulating lordosis

Ovariectomized guinea pigs were given free estradiol (E) at hr 0 and 28, and progesterone (P) at hr 39. Experiment 1: The alpha-1 noradrenergic antagonist prazosin, but not the alpha-2 noradrenergic antagonist idazoxan, prevented display of lordosis behavior when administered systemically 30 min prior to E injections at either hr 0 or 28, or 30 min prior to both injections. Experiment 2: Multiple injections of idazoxan (i.e., 30 min prior to and 60 and 120 min after each E injection) failed to prevent display of lordosis. Experiment 3: E-primed animals were given a single injection of idazoxan 1 hr before P, or 5 hr after P. In those animals given idazoxan 1 hr before P, display of lordosis was not prevented. However, in animals given idazoxan once lordosis display had begun (i.e., 5 hr after P) ongoing lordosis behavior was blocked. These data suggest differential roles of alpha-noradrenergic receptor subtypes in regulation of lordosis: noradrenergic transmission through the alpha-1 subtype may mediate hormone-priming processes leading to lordosis, whereas transmission through the alpha-2 subtype may modulate ongoing lordosis responses.
Radiant Temperatures of Sparse Plant Canopies and Soil Using IR Thernometry

Measurement of plant temperature can be useful in detectingdisease and moisture stresses and in estimating transpiration.Also, measurements of surface soil temperature are relevant for evaluatingsurface soil energy budgets. For incomplete plant cover, it isdifficult to accurately measure plant and/or soil temperatures with infraredthermometry (IRT) because of background radiation interferencefrom scene components other than the one of interest. The purposeof this study was to use a simple deterministic model based uponearlier models by Kimes and by Heilman et al. to infer plant and soilcomponent temperatures within scenes viewed by a portable IRT, andanalyze sensitivities of the component temperatures to the various inpurs.
Reproductive behavior of the Lake Malawi cichlid fish, Tramitichromis intermedius

We studied the reproductive behavior of wild caught and captive-born, first generation offspring of the Lake Malawi fish, Tramitichromis intermedius(Teleostei, Cichlidae), held in aquaria. Spawning behavior includes an exchange of actions with dominant males performing bower construction and courtship behaviors while females focus on oviposition and mouthbrooding. Egg counts per oviposition and brooding and interbrooding periods of wild caught T. intermedius follow records of other mouthbrooding cichlid fishes. Observation of circling behavior suggests this behavioral trait may be used in mate choice as longer circling, indicating a secure territory and thus male dominance, leads to more oviposition events and hence the potential for larger broods. Comparisons of clutch size and total length of young at release from full-sized females vs. first spawners reveal smaller clutches and young from the younger females, most likely stemming from differences in body size. Investigation of spawning photoperiodicity also noted distinctions between the two groups with wild caught T. intermedius spawning activity peaking in the middle of the light cycle and captive-born, first spawners exhibiting no significant peak in activity. The trend to spawn midday is most likely influenced by predation factors, while the lack of a spawning periodicity in the offspring may be explained by developmental processes, the absence of environmental cues or the tendency for smaller males to be opportunistic in spawning events. The details of spawning behavior recorded in this study provide a database to investigate species differences and to indicate changes due to chemical and physical disturbances.
Processes and outcomes of psychotherapists' personal therapy: Replication and extension 20 years later.

In this replication and extension of a national survey of psychotherapists conducted in 1987, American psychologists (n 219), counselors (n 191), and social workers (n 192) reported in 2007 on the processes and outcomes of their personal therapy experiences. Of the 85% who sought therapy at least once, women, men, and members of all three professions were equally as likely to have received personal treatment. Their top reasons for seeking therapy were marital– couple distress (20%), depression (13%), need for selfunderstanding (12%), and anxiety– stress (10%). Approximately 24% used psychotropic medication in combination with personal therapy. More than 90% of therapists reported positive outcomes across multiple domains. The modal lasting lessons from personal treatment related to therapist reliability, skill, and empathy. The results are tentatively compared with those obtained in 1987, thus chronicling the evolution of personal therapy among psychologists and social workers during the past 20 years.
Ladies first? A field study of discrimination in coffee shops

Despite anecdotal and survey evidence suggesting the presence of discrimination against customers in stores, restaurants and other small-transaction consumer markets, few studies exist that identify or quantify the nature of any unequal treatment. We provide evidence from a field study of wait times in Boston-area coffee shops that suggests that female customers wait an average of 20 seconds longer for their orders than do male customers even when controlling for gender differences in orders. We find that this differential in wait times is inverse to the proportion of employees who are female and directly related to how busy the coffee shop is at the time of the order. This supports the conclusion that the observed differential is driven at least in part by employee animus and/or statistical discrimination rather than unobserved heterogeneity in the purchasing behaviour of female customers.
A policy of cooperation: the cartelisation of American fire insurance, 1873–1906

In the era before state regulation of insurance rates, the American fire insurance industry succeeded in regulating itself. The final quarter of the nineteenth century witnessed a sustained movement towards organisation in the fire insurance industry. Through the establishment of local rate-setting boards fire insurers were able to manage the risks that had plagued their industry since its inception. The local insurance ‘cartels’ of the late nineteenth century differed from their mid-century predecessors in their longevity. As the organisations became stronger, they were able to stabilise prices throughout the industry and enhance diversification. As a result, economic downturns no longer routinely resulted in destructive competition, and major fires no longer led to waves of bankruptcies.
Supersonic jet noise and the high speed civil transport

An evaluation is made of the comparative advantages of prospective SST engine noise-suppression systems, with a view to their effectiveness in meeting the federally-mandated community noise standards of FAR 36 Stage III. A noise-suppression system must be capable of removing at least 4 EPNdB of noise percent thrust loss at takeoff. While none of the suppressors presently discussed is capable of meeting this goal, the inverted velocity profile/annular convergent-divergent plug/acoustically-treated ejector suppressor combination of configurational elements appears to represent the most efficient noise-control apparatus. Noncircular cross-section nozzle geometries also furnish a general noise reduction advantage over circular ones.
More Problems for MaxCon: Contingent Particularity and Stuff-Thing Coincidence

Ned Markosian argues (Australasian Journal of Philosophy 76:213-228, 1998a; Australasian Journal of Philosophy 82:332-340, 2004a, The Monist 87:405-428, 2004b) that simples are ‘maximally continuous’ entities. This leads him to conclude that there could be non-particular ‘stuff’ in addition to things. I first show how an ensuing debate on this issue McDaniel (Australasian Journal of Philosophy 81(2):265-275, 2003); Markosian (Australasian Journal of Philosophy 82:332-340, 2004a) ended in deadlock. I attempt to break the deadlock. Markosian’s view entails stuff-thing coincidence, which I show is just as problematic as the more oft-discussed thing-thing coincidence. Also, the view entails that every particular is only contingently so. If there is a world W like our own, but with ether, then there would be only one object in W. But, since merely adding ether to a world does not destroy the entities in it, then W contains counterparts of all the entities in the actual world—they just are not things. Hence, if simples are maximally continuous, then every actual particular is only contingently so. This in turn entails the following disjunction: (i) identity is contingent or intransitive, or (ii) there are no things at all in the actual world, or (iii) the distinction between stuff and things is one without a difference. I recommend that we reject this stuff-thing dualism.
Deleterious actions of gossypol on bovine spermatozoa, oocytes and embryos

Gossypol (50 and 100 ig/ml) decreased the percentage of sperm that completed the swim-up procedure. This effect was not blocked by glutathione monoethyl ester. Cleavage rates were not different between oocytes inseminated with gossypol-treated spermatozoa (10 or 50 ig/ml) and oocytes inseminated with control spermatozoa. Development to the blastocyst stage at Day 7 after insemination was reduced when spermatozoa treated with 50 Ig/ml gossypol were used for fertilization. Gossypol toxicity was evident in cows fed cottonseed meal because erythrocyte fragility was greater than for control cows. However, there were no differences between cottonseed meal and control groups in number of oocytes collected per cow, cleavage rate after in vitro maturation and fertilization, or the proportion of oocytes or embryos that developed to blastocysts. Similarly, exposure of oocytes to 2.5-10 iug/ml gossypol during in vitro maturation did not affect cleavage rates or subsequent development. In contrast, addition of 10 jig/ml gossypol to embryos reduced cleavage rate. Moreover, development of cleaved embryos was reduced by culture with 5 or 10 Lg/ml gossypol and tended to be reduced by 2.5 g/ml gossypol. In conclusion, bovine gametes are resistant to gossypol at concentrations similar to those in blood of cows fed cottonseed meal. In contrast, the developing embryo is sensitive to gossypol.
Inhibition of Na-K-ATPase in thick ascending limbs by NO depends on O2- and is diminished by a high-salt diet.

A high-salt diet enhances nitric oxide (NO)-induced inhibition of transport in the thick ascending limb (THAL). Long exposures to NO inhibit Na-K-ATPase in cultured cells. We hypothesized that NO i...
Purification and Characterization of a DNA Strand Transferase from Broccoli

A protein with DNA binding, renaturation, and strand-transfer activities has been purified to homogeneity from broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica). The enzyme, broccoli DNA strand transferase, has a native molecular mass of at least 200 kD and an apparent subunit molecular mass of 95 kD and is isolated as a set of isoforms differing only in charge. All three activities are saturated at very low stoichiometry, one monomer per approximately 1000 nucleotides of single-stranded DNA. Strand transfer is not effected by nuclease activity and reannealing, is only slightly dependent on ATP, and is independent of added Mg2+. Transfer requires homologous single- and double-stranded DNA and at higher enzyme concentrations results in very high molecular mass complexes. As with Escherichia coli RecA, transfer by broccoli DNA strand transferase depends strongly on the presence of 3' homologous ends.
Nitrous Oxide Markedly Increases Cerebral Cortical Metabolic Rate and Blood Flow in the Goat

Studies to date on the influence of N2O on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and metabolism in dogs, rodents, and humans have produced conflicting results. In the present study the authors have employed techniques in the awake, freely breathing nonstressed goat that allowed the authors to 1) serially obtain rapidly frozen cerebral cortical biopsy specimens (for labile metabolite assay) and 2) measure changes in cerebral O2 metabolism (CMRO2) and total and regional CBF (rCBF). Thus, with each animal utilized as its own control, the authors studied N2O effects on the above variables. Two determinations of the effects of 1 h of N2O (70% via a mask) on these variables were performed on each animal. Following introduction of N2O, PaCO2 and arterial blood pressure did not change, but arterial epinephrine levels declined over the 60-min period. Total CBF increased in the first 5 min of N2O exposure, reached a maximum of 165% control at 15 min, and then decreased to 143% control at 60 min. rCBF evaluations showed that much of this CBF increase was confined to cerebral cortical structures (188-246% control at 60 min). Over the same period cortical CMRO2 increased to 170% of control. No appreciable changes in the levels of high-energy phosphates or glycolytic intermediates were found at 60 min of N2O. The authors attribute the described changes solely to the presence of N2O and not to sympathoadrenal influences, altered ventilation, or anything related to the experimental preparation, and they conclude that N2O (at least in goats) is associated with a marked cerebral cortical "activation".
EXTENSIVE OXYGEN DEPLETION IN MOBILE BAY, ALABAMA1

Extensive areas of bottom water in Mobile Bay, Alabama, one of the largest estuaries on the Gulf of Mexico, suffer oxygen depletion in summer because of salinity stratification in sinks created by shoals in the lower bay land by spoil from construction of the Mobile Ship Channel. When these water masses low in dissolved oxygen are occasionally forced against the beach demersal fishes and crustaceans migrate shoreward in a depressed or moribund state. In the absence of technical data these popular occurrences called “jubilees” provide over a century of historical evidence of oxygen depletion. Oxygen depletion and jubilees occurred in the bay before man physically modified the basin but the conditions responsible for oxygen depletion are worse than in the past. Because of bathymetric changes and modifications which have restricted water circulation, Mobile Bay has exceeded its capacity to assimilate its oxygen demand in summer, which has severely affected the biota of the estuary.
Peripheral Arterial Testing Before Lower Extremity Amputation Among Medicare Beneficiaries, 2000 to 2010

Background—Despite mild reductions in rates of lower extremity amputation over the past decade, few data exist on the use of arterial testing in patients before amputation. Methods and Results—Using Medicare claims from 2000 through 2010, we examined rates of preamputation arterial testing between 0 to 12 and 0 to 24 months before amputation. We used multivariable, modified Poisson regression models to identify patient and clinical predictors of preamputation arterial testing. The main outcome measures were rates of preamputation arterial testing. Among 17 463 patients undergoing nontraumatic amputation, 68.4% underwent some type of arterial testing. Of these patients, 47.5% underwent ankle-brachial index measurement, 38.7% duplex ultrasound, 31.1% invasive angiography, 6.7% computed tomographic angiography, and 5.6% magnetic resonance angiography. Temporal analysis revealed an increase in testing from 65.7% in 2002 to 69.2% in 2010 (P<0.001). The use of preamputation arterial testing varied significantly...
Adaptive compensation techniques for communications systems with Tomlinson-Harashima precoding

To improve compensation to channel or interference changes, we propose adapting an auxiliary feedback filter (FBF) in the receiver of systems which use Tomlinson-Harashima (1971, 1972) precoding. We show how the auxiliary FBF can be adapted in conjunction with the receiver feedforward filter (FFF). Simulations demonstrate the performance advantage of our auxiliary FBF technique relative to FFF updating alone, and how the FFF combines interference suppression with despreading in wideband applications. Error propagation can be effectively avoided by using the auxiliary FBF values to decide when to update the precoder, while transient increases in mean-squared error are avoided by using the FBF values in the update equation.
The effect of wave breaking on wave spectrum in water of finite depth

An approximate method is devised to compute the energy-containing portion of the spectrum of waves in water of finite depth, taking into account the effect of wave breaking. It is assumed that there exists a linear and Gaussian ideal wave train whose spectrum is first calculated using the wave energy flux balance equation without considering wave breaking. The Miche wave-breaking criterion for waves in water of finite depth is then applied to limit the wave elevation and establish an expression for the breaking wave elevation in terms of the elevation and elevation's second time derivative of the ideal waves. Simple expressions for the mean value, the mean square value, and the spectrum of the breaking waves are then obtained, and numerical results are presented graphically.
A fast wavelet collocation method for high-speed VLSI circuit simulation

This paper presents a fast wavelet collocation method (FWCM) for high-speed circuit simulation. The FWCM has the following properties: (1) It works in the time domain, so that the circuit nonlinearity can be handled, and the accuracy of the result can be well controlled, unlike the method working in the frequency domain where the numerical error may get uncontrolled during the inverse Laplace transform; (2) The wavelet property of localization in both time and frequency domains makes a uniform approximation possible, which is generally not found in the time marching methods; (3) It is very effective in treating the singularities often developed in high-speed ICs due to the property of the wavelets; (4) Calculation of derivatives at all collocation points is optimal and takes O(n log n), where n is the number of collocation points; (5) An adaptive scheme exists; and (6) It has an O(h/sup 4/) convergence rate while the most existing methods only have an O(h/sup 2/) convergence rate, where h is the step length. Numerical experiments further demonstrated the promising features of FWCM in high-speed IC simulation.
Spatial differentiation of the intestinal epithelium: analysis of enteroendocrine cells containing immunoreactive serotonin, secretin, and substance P in normal and transgenic mice.

Abstract The mammalian intestinal epithelium undergoes continuous and rapid renewal of its four principal terminally differentiated cell types. These cells arise from multipotent stem cells located at or near the base of the crypts of Lieberkuhn. The differentiation process is precisely organized along two spatial dimensions (axes)--from the crypt to the villus tip and from the duodenum to the colon. The enteroendocrine cell population provides a sensitive marker of the intestine's topologic differentiation. At least 15 different regionally distributed subsets have been described based on their principal neuroendocrine products. We have used immunocytochemical methods to characterize the spatial relationships of the serotonin-, secretin-, and substance P-containing enteroendocrine cell subsets in normal adult C57BL/6J x LT/Sv mice as well as in transgenic littermates that contain rat liver fatty acid-binding protein-human growth hormone fusion genes. Our results reveal precise spatial interrelationships between these populations and suggest a differentiation pathway that may involve the sequential expression of substance P, serotonin, and secretin.
A Chemical Method for Determining Endotoxins in Cotton Dust and Lint Without Extraction

Endotoxins present on cotton and released during carding have been implicated as a cause of byssinosis, a lung dysfunction found in some textile mill workers. The endotoxin content of cotton lints and dusts is frequently determined by the Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) test. Although this test is a very effective measure of endotoxin in drugs and parenteral solutions, it is subject to interferences and false positives from other components in a more complex matrix such as cotton dust. To obviate these problems, we are investigating the quantitation of endotoxins by determining the 3- hydroxymyristic acid content of the sample. This fatty acid is reported to be unique to the lipid A portion of lipopolysaccharides from gram-negative bacteria and has been reported as a marker for endotoxin by others. A major source of error in deter mining endotoxins in cotton lints and dusts appears to lie with the extraction procedures used to remove the endotoxin from the cellulosic matrix. This is true for both chemical...
Dispersive barotropic equations for stratified mesoscale ocean dynamics

Dispersive effects induced by weak hydrostatic imbalance in the presence of topography and stratification are incorporated into a new model of barotropic (vertically integrated) mesoscale ocean dynamics. This barotropic model is obtained by first expanding the solutions of three dimensional Euler-Boussinesq equations in a regular perturbation expansion in terms of the several small dimensionless parameters appropriate to mesoscale ocean dynamics. Vertically integrating from a fixed bottom topography to the free surface interface with the atmosphere and balancing orders in the expansion at fourth order in the small aspect ratio parameter then yields a system of reduced barotropic equations. These reduced barotropic equations are considerably more tractable than the starting equations and have appropriate limits to known dispersive wave equations such as the forced Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation in one limit, and the rotating shallow water equations in another. This new model of barotropic ocean dynamics may be of use in developing numerical algorithms for global ocean circulation modeling.
Systemic Approaches to Middle East International Relations

This article critiques four important works that use systems-level perspectives to explain the international politics of the Middle East, and suggests an alternative way of conceptualizing the Middle East international system. Its purpose is to show how insights from international relations theory can be used to explain the specificities of the Middle East, and therefore bridge the gap between international relations specialists who use the Middle East as a case study and Middle East area specialists. The article examines: (1) definitions of the Middle East regional system, (2) the independent and dependent variables and causal logics identified in the works under review, and (3) arguments about the uniqueness of the international relations of the Middle East. It concludes with a research program for students of the region's international politics.
Brain and spinal cord lesions in the newborn rat

Summary Previous studies involving the induction of central nervous system lesions in animals have required complex, expensive equipment including stereotaxis and an operating microscope. This study describes a technique for producing telencephalic (forebrain) lesions in the developing rat by the use of copper wire. In addition, a nonvisual method of producing spinal cord transections in the young rat is discussed. Both techniques have a high success rate and minimal mortality. Investigations on the developmental patterns of muscle morphology and histochemistry in newborn • rats have shown progressive alterations for approximately 30 days after birth. By creating upper motor neuron lesions at various levels of the neuraxis, the influence of suprasegmental pathways on these alterations can be analyzed. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate a successful technique of producing brain lesions and spinal cord transect ions in rats 2-20 days old by instilling copper wires through the intact skull into the cerebrum, or by spinal cord transection by blind instrumentation through a skin incision. Pathological verification is demonstrated by gross and microscopic tissue analysis.
On the impedance of a class of biconical antennas

It is shown that the results derived in a series of papers by K, Franz in general represent upper bounds rather than exact expressions for the impedance characteristics of a class of dipole antennas with biconical input regions.
A temporal algebra for an ER-based temporal data model

There have been many temporal data models proposed in the literature. Most of them are based on relational models. Despite their popularity as design and analysis tools for information systems, entity-relationship (ER) based temporal data models have not drawn as much attention as those based on relational models. One reason is that most ER-based temporal data models lack an underlying formalism and algebra. If a conceptual model, along with an algebra, is formally defined, we can design a query language that operates on the conceptual model rather than on the implementation model. Also, it can provide a basis for a user-friendly visual query language. In this paper, we present a temporal algebra for an ER-based temporal data model called ITDM (Integrated Temporal Data Model). We define ten algebraic operations and ten temporal aggregate operations. We also define time-series-specific operations.
Thermospheric meridional winds and atomic oxygen depletion at high latitudes

Rocket vapor trail measurements of the properties of the high latitude wind system are compared with Ogo 6 measurements, the atomic densities being studied as a function of geomagnetic local time at three seasons for three ranges of magnetic activity. It is found that the atomic oxygen densities at altitudes in the region of 120 km are about 35% lower in the post-midnight sector than in the afternoon and evening sectors, decrease with increasing magnetic activity, and are lower in summer than in winter. The variations are related to vertical velocities in the 95-150 km altitude range and to the meridional fluxes at 70 deg geomagnetic latitude. The upward average vertical velocity of atomic oxygen in the region poleward of 70 deg is calculated to be of the order of 0.3 m/s at 120 km and the energy transported by the winds out of this region is calculated to be of the order of 10 to the 10th W for Kp levels of 2.
Using Online Competitor's Inventory Information for Pricing

Information displayed on an e-commerce site can be used not just by the intended customers but also by competitors. In the paper, we examine the effect of such proactive information use in the setting of e-commerce retailing where duopoly e-tailers set their prices of a commodity that is in short supply. While e-tailers enhance their service quality by making stockout information available online, that inventory information could also be used by competitors to determine their prices. Each e-tailer can launch software agents to detect its competitor's inventory position and make its price decision contingent on that position. We show that when customer reservation value is relatively high, and e-tailers do not resemble each other in terms of fill rate, both e-tailers choose to adopt the software agent technology and price dynamically at equilibrium. The high availability e-tailer can charge higher prices and enjoy a higher profit level than the low availability e-tailer. More customers prefer to visit the high fill rate e-tailer first under the dynamic pricing scheme than under the static pricing scheme. Because total search costs are reduced, social welfare is improved under the new dynamic pricing scheme
PEPTIDASE DISTRIBUTION IN LYMPHATIC TISSUE

The lymphatic tissue of the rabbit contains a labile peptidase as measured by the hydrolysis of alanylglycine. Some characteristics of the enzyme were determined. This enzyme increases in amount when the numbers of macrophages in the tissue are increased and it is also present in the extracellular fluid in high concentration. The extracellular fluid value for this activity is calculated to be about 8 times the value for serum. Based on a correlation between the types of cells present and the amount of peptidase found in the tissue the following relative activities are assigned to the tissue components per unit volume : lymphocytes 1.0, tissue fluid 11.0, serum 1.4, phagocytes (macrophages) 30.0, reticular cells 12.0. The amount of chloride space varied from 35 to 55 per cent. The relative amounts of acid phosphatase per unit volume in the same elements were calculated to be: lymphocytes 1.0, tissue fluid 0, phagocytes 20.0, and reticular cells 4.0. Analysis of the distribution of peptidase was facilitated by simultaneous determination of acid phosphatase whose primary localization in one cell type was known. The over-all contribution of lymphocytes to the labile peptidase content of lymphatic tissue is relatively minor and was not found to exceed 5 per cent of the average value for the entire nodular tissue. In the absence of large numbers of macrophages the intercellular fluid of the nodule accounts for half or more of the peptidase content of the nodules.
Teaching Mathematical Word Problem Solving: The Quality of Evidence for Strategy Instruction Priming the Problem Structure

This study examined the quality of the research base related to strategy instruction priming the underlying mathematical problem structure for students with learning disabilities and those at risk for mathematics difficulties. We evaluated the quality of methodological rigor of 18 group research studies using the criteria proposed by Gersten et al. and 10 single case design (SCD) research studies using criteria suggested by Horner et al. and the What Works Clearinghouse. Results indicated that 14 group design studies met the criteria for high-quality or acceptable research, whereas SCD studies did not meet the standards for an evidence-based practice. Based on these findings, strategy instruction priming the mathematics problem structure is considered an evidence-based practice using only group design methodological criteria. Implications for future research and for practice are discussed.
NITROGEN CYCLING IN FOREST AND GRASS ECOSYSTEMS IRRIGATED WITH 15N-ENRICHED WASTEWATER

Nitrogen cycling was studied during the first 2 yr of spray irrigation of vegetation by treated wastewater in Falmouth (Cape Cod), Massachusetts. We attempted to take advantage of an unexpected natural 15N enrichment during wastewater treatment to trace the fate of wastewater N following irrigation. Wastewater N was enriched by 6–20‰ relative to soil and by 13–25‰ relative to vegetation. We were able to estimate retention of wastewater N by soil using a mass balance of 15N. However, under conditions of N saturation δ15N values for plants were lower than expected, possibly due to discrimination against 15N during uptake of NH4+ and NO3− by plant roots. This is a potential weakness of trying to use low-level natural 15N enrichment in a tracer study. This problem is not likely to occur in N-limited ecosystems, or at high levels of isotopic enrichment. Three different ecosystem types were irrigated: a successional pitch pine woodland 26 yr in age; a mixed oak–pitch pine forest >70 yr in age; and cleared areas...
Stochastic Population Dynamics of a Montane Ground-Dwelling Squirrel

Understanding the causes and consequences of population fluctuations is a central goal of ecology. We used demographic data from a long-term (1990–2008) study and matrix population models to investigate factors and processes influencing the dynamics and persistence of a golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis) population, inhabiting a dynamic subalpine habitat in Colorado, USA. The overall deterministic population growth rate λ was 0.94±SE 0.05 but it varied widely over time, ranging from 0.45±0.09 in 2006 to 1.50±0.12 in 2003, and was below replacement (λ<1) for 9 out of 18 years. The stochastic population growth rate λs was 0.92, suggesting a declining population; however, the 95% CI on λs included 1.0 (0.52–1.60). Stochastic elasticity analysis showed that survival of adult females, followed by survival of juvenile females and litter size, were potentially the most influential vital rates; analysis of life table response experiments revealed that the same three life history variables made the largest contributions to year-to year changes in λ. Population viability analysis revealed that, when the influences of density dependence and immigration were not considered, the population had a high (close to 1.0 in 50 years) probability of extinction. However, probability of extinction declined to as low as zero when density dependence and immigration were considered. Destabilizing effects of stochastic forces were counteracted by regulating effects of density dependence and rescue effects of immigration, which allowed our study population to bounce back from low densities and prevented extinction. These results suggest that dynamics and persistence of our study population are determined synergistically by density-dependence, stochastic forces, and immigration.