cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potential ultrahigh pressure polymorphs of ABX3-type compounds

We have identified by first-principles computations two dynamically stable structures that are candidate ultrahigh pressure polymorphs of $\mathrm{AB}{X}_{3}$-type compounds. To our knowledge, they have not been experimentally observed yet. They are produced by metastable pressure-induced transformations in $Cmcm$ $\mathrm{Na}\mathrm{Mg}{\mathrm{F}}_{3}$, a postperovskite phase. The first transition to a $Pmcn$ structure is related to a soft phonon mode in postperovskite. The second one is a regular enthalpically driven transition from $Pmcn$ to a $P{6}_{3}∕mmc$ structure. In $\mathrm{Na}\mathrm{Mg}{\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ these phases are metastable with respect to the dissociation into CsCl-type NaF and cotunnite-type $\mathrm{Mg}{\mathrm{F}}_{2}$. However, other $\mathrm{AB}{X}_{3}$-type compounds may favor these phases over the dissociation products. Even in $\mathrm{Na}\mathrm{Mg}{\mathrm{F}}_{3}$, the $Pmcn$ phase might be observed at low temperatures.
Slater-transforms-preuss basis sets for He TO Ne and energies for H2, LiH and HF

Abstract Slater-Transform-Preuss (STP) functions have been fitted to double-zeta 1s orbitals for elements 2 through 10. For 2s and 2p orbitals it is shown that setting ( N - 1)/α to a single-zeta value and the use of N = 25 to 100, usually 50, results in minimal basis STP energies below fully optimized (Ransil) exponential type calculated values. Six nuclear-centered gaussians were used to expand each STP function to obtain the two-electron integrals giving at least four significant figure accuracy. Calculated energies were −1.12828 au for H 2 , −7.97458 au for LiH and −99.61672 au for HF.
A hydrostatic pressure-cycle energy harvester

There have been a number of new applications for energy harvesting with the ever-decreasing power consumption of microelectronic devices. In this paper we explore a new area of marine animal energy harvesting for use in powering tags known as bio-loggers. These devices record data about the animal or its surroundings, but have always had limited deployment times due to battery depletion. Reduced solar irradiance below the water's surface provides the impetus to explore other energy harvesting concepts beyond solar power for use on marine animals. We review existing tag technologies in relation to this application, specifically relating to energy consumption. Additionally, we propose a new idea for energy harvesting, using hydrostatic pressure changes as a source for energy production. We present initial testing results of a bench-top model and show that the daily energy harvesting potential from this technology can meet or exceed that consumed by current marine bio-logging tags. The application of this concept in the arena of bio-logging technology could substantially increase bio-logger deployment lifetimes, allowing for longitudinal studies over the course of multiple breeding and/or migration cycles.
Rapid, in situ detection of Agrobacterium tumefaciens attachment to leaf tissue

Attachment of the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens to host plant cells is an early and necessary step in plant transformation and agroinfiltration processes. However, bacterial attachment behavior is not well understood in complex plant tissues. Here we developed an imaging-based method to observe and quantify A. tumefaciens attached to leaf tissue in situ. Fluorescent labeling of bacteria with nucleic acid, protein, and vital dyes was investigated as a rapid alternative to generating recombinant strains expressing fluorescent proteins. Syto 16 green fluorescent nucleic acid stain was found to yield the greatest signal intensity in stained bacteria without affecting viability or infectivity. Stained bacteria retained the stain and were detectable over 72 h. To demonstrate in situ detection of attached bacteria, confocal fluorescent microscopy was used to image A. tumefaciens in sections of lettuce leaf tissue following vacuum-infiltration with labeled bacteria. Bacterial signals were associated with plant cell surfaces, suggesting detection of bacteria attached to plant cells. Bacterial attachment to specific leaf tissues was in agreement with known leaf tissue competencies for transformation with Agrobacterium. Levels of bacteria attached to leaf cells were quantified over time post-infiltration. Signals from stained bacteria were stable over the first 24 h following infiltration but decreased in intensity as bacteria multiplied in planta. Nucleic acid staining of A. tumefaciens followed by confocal microscopy of infected leaf tissue offers a rapid, in situ method for evaluating attachment of A. tumefaciens' to plant expression hosts and a tool to facilitate management of transient expression processes via agroinfiltration.
Validity of Self-Reported Hypertension in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, 1988–1991☆☆☆

Abstract Background. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is the main data source for hypertension surveillance. However, because of a gap of almost 10 years between each NHANES, self-reported data from annual surveys need to be examined as an alternative data source. This study analyzes the validity of self-reported hypertension in a national sample of non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican-Americans. Methods. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values positive (PVP) and negative (PVN) of self-reported hypertension were calculated against two definitions of hypertension: the definition recommended by the Third Joint National Committee on Hypertension, JNC III (blood pressure ≥140/90 and/or taking antihypertension medication) and a broader definition including control with lifestyle modifications. Data used come from the NHANES III, 1988–1991. Results. Overall test characteristics using the JNC III definition are sensitivity 71%, specificity 90%, PVP 72%, and PVN 89%. Test characteristics were consistently higher for the broad than for the JNC III definition. Validity of self-reported hypertension is higher among women than among men and among persons with a medical visit during the past year than among those with no visits: validity was lowest among Mexican-American men. Due to the similarity between sensitivity and PVP, the prevalence of self-reported hypertension is nearly equal to the prevalence of JNC III-defined hypertension. Conclusions. Self-reported hypertension may be used for surveillance of hypertension trends, in the absence of measured blood pressure, among non-Hispanic whites and non-Hispanic black women and persons with a medical visit in the past year. Validation should be repeated with each NHANES.
Structural analysis of the recombinant therapeutic product rFVIII and its PEGylated variants using 2-D DIGE

2-D DIGE is a method that circumvents the gel-to-gel variability inherent in conventional 2-DE and is particularly useful for studying proteome changes in diverse applications such as developmental biology and tissue proteomics. We developed a 2-D DIGE protocol for recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII), a therapeutic protein used for the treatment of hemophilia A. The factor VIII heterodimer is composed of heterogeneous, heavily glycosylated heavy and light chains that are held together by a divalent cation. 2-DE of rFVIII led to a separation of the various fragments whose identity could be determined by Western blot. A comparison of two rFVIII batches by 2-D DIGE revealed their identical composition, whereas an rFVIII variant lacking its central B domain was congruent with the smallest heavy and light chain fragments of rFVIII only. A simpler pattern was obtained upon removal of the terminal sialic acids of rFVIII's glycans, due to a better focusing in the first dimension. 2-D DIGE was also well suited to structurally evaluate various PEGylated rFVIII conjugates. 2-D DIGE thus proved an excellent and straightforward method for structural analysis of rFVIII. Our data suggest that the method could serve as a tool for quality control of very complex pharmaceutically active ingredients.
Comparison of uniform perturbation and numerical solutions for some potential flows past slender bodies

Approximate solutions for potential flow past an axisymmetric slender body and past a thin airfoil are calculated using a uniform perturbation method and then compared with either the exact analytical solution or the solution obtained using a purely numerical method. The perturbation method is based upon a representation of the disturbance flow as the superposition of singularities distributed entirely within the body, while the numerical (panel) method is based upon a distribution of singularities on the surface of the body. It is found that the perturbation method provides very good results for small values of the slenderness ratio and for small angles of attack. Moreover, for comparable accuracy, the perturbation method is simpler to implement, requires less computer memory, and generally uses less computation time than the panel method. In particular, the uniform perturbation method yields good resolution near the regions of the leading and trailing edges where other methods fail or require special attention.
Micromorphic theory of turbulence

Based on the theory of micromorphic fluid dynamics (MMF), a new theory of turbulence is introduced. The law of conservation of microinertia of MMF is replaced by a balance law of microinertia, with all other laws remaining unchanged, the theory is called, “extended micromorphic fluid dynamics”. The present theory of turbulence is founded on the extended theory. Thus, a new theory of turbulence, is founded on the first principles, not using any a priori closure assumptions or semi-empirical hypothesis. Field equations are solved for the two-dimensional steady channel flow. The mean velocity turbulent shear stress and all turbulent velocities are in remarkably good agreement with the experimentally observed turbulent velocities.
2,3-Diaminonaphthalene as a Spectrophotometric and Fluorometric Reagent for the Determination of Nitrite Ion

Abstract Spectrophotometric and fluorometric procedures have been developed for the analysis of nitrite ion based upon 2,3-naphthotriazole formation with the reagent 2,3-diaminonaphthalene. Reaction conditions, interferences, solvent extraction, and sensitivity of the procedures are discussed.
A specific effect of calcium ion on the polymerization-depolymerization of tobacco mosaic virus protein.

Abstract Tobacco mosaic virus protein stored in the cold at low ionic strength between pH 5 and 5.5 is highly polymerized. When such protein is brought to room temperature and mixed with acetate buffer and additional electrolyte to give a final pH of 6.5 and ionic strength of 0.1, the protein is still in the polymerized state. When the temperature is dropped to about 5 °C, the protein depolymerizes rapidly, in the normal manner, if the added electrolyte is barium chloride, magnesium chloride, or potassium chloride. However, if it is 0.01 m calcium chloride, the depolymerization is slow, requiring about 12 h to reach completion. When the temperature of this depolymerized solution is raised, the protein polymerizes rapidly; when the temperature is dropped, the protein depolymerizes rapidly, just as in solutions free of calcium. Ion-binding studies show that calcium is bound to the protein during the initial step when it is brought to pH 6.5 and room temperature in the presence of calcium. The calcium is released during the slow depolymerization when the temperature is dropped and is not bound again during polymerization at pH 6.5, brought about by an increase in temperature. This means that polymerized protein at pH 5.5 has a structure capable of binding calcium ions, probably a helical structure like that of the protein in the virus. When pH is raised to pH 6.5 at room temperature, this structure remains long enough for calcium to be bound when present. These calcium ions stabilize the polymer, resulting in slow depolymerization when the temperature is lowered. When the temperature is raised at pH 6.5, a different, looser polymer structure is obtained, one not capable of binding calcium.
Analysis of Binding at a Single Spatially Localized Cluster of Binding Sites by Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching

Cells contain many subcellular structures in which specialized proteins locally cluster. Binding interactions within such clusters may be analyzed in live cells using models for fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Here we analyze a three-dimensional FRAP model that accounts for a single spatially localized cluster of binding sites in the presence of both diffusion and impermeable boundaries. We demonstrate that models completely ignoring the spatial localization of binding yield poor estimates for the binding parameters within the binding site cluster. In contrast, we find that ignoring only the restricted axial height of the binding-site cluster is far less detrimental, thereby enabling the use of computationally less expensive models. We also identify simplified solutions to the FRAP model for limiting behaviors where either diffusion or binding dominate. We show how ignoring a role for diffusion can sometimes produce serious errors in binding parameter estimation. We illustrate application of the method by analyzing binding of a transcription factor, the glucocorticoid receptor, to a tandem array of mouse mammary tumor virus promoter sites in live cells, obtaining an estimate for an in vivo binding constant (10(-7) M), and a first approximation of an upper bound on the transcription-factor residence time at the promoter (approximately 170 ms). These FRAP analysis tools will be important for measuring key cellular binding parameters necessary for a complete and accurate description of the networks that regulate cellular behavior.
Performance of a dual toroidal grating monochromator

Abstract The performance of a new monochromator using holographically-ruled toroidal blank gratings has been evaluated at the Tantalus-I synchrotron radiation facility. Two gratings, optimized for 80–320 A and 320–1280 A respectively, are mounted on a common scan axis and can be exchanged with a flip mechanism. The monochromator is characterized by high flux from 10–150 eV and by its simplicity of operation. Measurements of photon flux, resolution, and polarization are summarized.
Electrical solutions of problems of regular scheduled flight

AN ARTICLE based on this paper was published on pp. 654–657 Electrical Engineering, August 1931. (A. I. E. E. Paper No. 31 M 3)
Confusing Senses and Tirso de Molina's La celosa de sí misma

The role of the senses in Early Modern European literature all too often has been treated in a cursory manner given the noteworthy sensuousness of the Baroque. The senses as expressed in myriad texts define in both a personal and material way the relationship between the individual and society. Literary studies of late have responded to these questions and recent anthropological approaches to human sensorial experience has resulted in a growing interdisciplinary view of early modern life. How one learns, perceives objects, responds to social stimuli or approaches the universal questions of existence, is always taken in by the senses, and as a result our understanding of them requires ever-widening contexts. Spain's Early Modern period, like England's or France's, is characterized by what Lisa Vollendorf has summarized as an ‘intense self-consciousness with regard to the customs and taste of the age’. Tirso de Molina's La celosa de si misma provides an excellent textual opportunity to read both the self (h...
Evaluation of stress intensity factors by the R-functions method

An attempt has been made to apply the novel R-functions method (RFM) to the linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) problems. Essential feature of this method consists in a conversion of logical operations performed on sets (relevant to the sub-domains) into algebraic operations performed on elementary functions. The RFM is an analytical-numerical approach to the solution of the boundary value problems involving arbitrary domains that may be concave or/and multiconnected. The solution constructed by the R-functions method is realized in two phases. In the first one an analytical formula for the so-called general structure of solution (GSS) is designed in such a way that it satisfies the prescribed boundary conditions while a certain number of functions remains undetermined. In the second step a suitable numerical procedure is employed to evaluate these functions in order to satisfy the governing equation of the problem considered. The method was proved to be effective in elasticity problems, especially when fully computerized through the use of symbolic programming. The paper gives: u The present work may be considered as an encouraging first step, but further significant effort is required before the R-functions method of treating the problems of fracture mechanics becomes a useful and efficient mathematical tool.
The Georgia Tech aware home

The Aware Home Research Initiative (AHRI) at Georgia Tech is devoted to the multidisciplinary exploration of emerging technologies and services based in the home. Starting in 1998, our collection of faculty and students has created a unique research facility that allows us to simulate and evaluate user experiences with off-the-shelf and state-of-the-art technologies. With specific expertise in health, education, entertainment and usable security, we are able to apply our research to problems of significant social and economic impact.
Hyalomyodes triangulifer Parasitizing the Cereal Leaf Beetle, Oulema melanopus,

The cereal leaf beetle, Oulema melanopus (L.), of Eurasian origin was first identified in the United States from specimens collected near Galien, Berrien County, Mich., in 1962. In southern Michigan, overwintering adult cereal leaf beetles become active in late March or early April, and adults of the next generation usually emerge in late June and feed for about 3 weeks before aestivating. Thus, after the middle of July, only a small percentage of the population is active daily. Fourteen ♂ and 21 ♀ beetles were collected on native grasses near Galien on Sept. 5, 1967, for study of their reproductive systems. When the beetles were dissected, 6 1st-instar dipterous larval parasites, 1/♀, were found. (These parasites were later identified as Hyalomyodes triangulifer (Loew) by C. W. Sabrosky, Systematic Entomology Laboratory, Entomology Research Division.) An additional 137 cereal leaf beetles were then collected in the same location on Sept. 9, 1967, to obtain more information about the biology of the parasites.
Impaired arterial baroreflex regulation of heart rate after blockade of P2-purinoceptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius.

Abstract Activation of P 2x -purinoceptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) via microinjection of ATP mimics baroreflex responses (bradycardia, hypotension); however, the physiological role of these receptors in cardiovascular control remains unclear. We tested whether blockade of these receptors attenuates arterial baroreflex control of heart rate (HR). Baroreflex-induced changes in HR (via graded i.v. infusion of phenylephrine and nitroprusside) were observed in seven α-chloralose/urethane anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats before and after microinjection of the purinergic P 2 receptor antagonist suramin (0.5 nmol in 50 nL) into the subpostremal NTS. Before suramin, typical baroreflex changes in HR were observed (maximum gain, G max = 2.94 ± 0.54 bpm/mmHg). Suramin markedly impaired baroreflex-induced changes in HR (gain = 0.02 ± 0.08 and 0.18 ± 0.09 bpm/mmHg for increases and decreases in mean arterial blood pressure, respectively); however, after 90–130 min, HR and baroreflex reactivity returned to control levels. Microinjections of vehicle into the same area did not alter baroreflex function. In addition, suramin did not alter the depressor responses to microinjections of glutamate into the same site of the NTS. We conclude that normal P 2x -purinoceptor function in subpostremal NTS may be necessary for baroreflex regulation of HR.
Estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction with healed myocardial infarction by multiple regression analysis of electrocardiographic minnesota Q-QS codes

The cardiac damage caused by a myocardial infarction may be evidenced by abnormal electrocardiographic Q-QS complexes (i.e., Minnesota Q-QS codes) and by impairment of left ventricular function. It has been shown that the level of significance of the Q-QS codes is highly correlated with the extent of left ventricular impairment. This study was directed to quantitating this relationship in subjects with a healed myocardial infarction and expressing it mathematically. Using multiple linear regression analysis, a coefficient value was obtained corresponding to the level of significance of each Q-QS code located in each electrocardiographic cardiac area. The left ventricular ejection fraction was estimated by subtracting the coefficient of the most significant code present in each cardiac area from the constant, which was calculated to be the ejection fraction in the absence of any Q-QS code. The results were reproducible, and there was a good correlation between the estimated and measured ejection fraction.
Electrorheological fluid damper for seismic protection of structures

An electrorheological (ER) fluid damper suitable for vibration and seismic protection of civil structures has been designed, constructed and is under testing. The damper consist of an outer cylinder and a piston rod that pushes the ER-fluid through a stationary annular duct. The design of the damper was based on approximate calculations based on the Hagen-Poiseille flow theory. It is found that the Hagen-Poiseille theory predicts satisfactorily the damper response at moderate values of the flow rate. Experimental results on the damper response with and without the presence of electric field are presented. The average fluid velocity in the ER-duct has to be kept relatively small so that viscous stresses do not dominate over `yield' stresses.
An Operationally Optimized Seven Link Biped Robot Moving on Slopes

In this paper, we discuss operational optimization of a seven link biped robot using the well-known “Simulated Annealing” algorithm. Some critical parameters affecting the robot gait pattern are selected to be optimized reducing the total energy used. Nonlinear modeling process we published elsewhere is shown here for completeness. The trajectories of both the hip and ankle joints are used to plan the robot gait on slopes and undoubtedly those parameters would be the target ones for the optimization process. The results we obtained reveal considerable amounts of the energy saved for both the ascending and descending surfaces while keeping the robot stable. The stability criterion we utilized for both the modeling and then optimization is “Zero Moment Point”. A comparative study of human evolutionary gait and the operationally optimized robot is also presented.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Valuation and Performance of Convertible Bonds with Hedge Funds

Convertible bonds may be regarded as a temporary investment substitute for an equity investment or as a stand-alone investment in their own right. In this article several of the alternative academic pricing models suggested for convertible bond valuation are presented. In addition, the performance of various international convertible bond indices is reviewed, as well as the consistency of the performance of these indices with the factors described in the valuation models. The performance of hedge convertible bond indices for similar time periods and relative to similar factors is also presented.
Observation of bistable behavior in the polarization of a laser.

The output of a single-mode He–Ne laser with internal mirrors is usually linearly polarized in one of two orthogonal directions. This polarization state may be selected by a tunable injected signal or by feedback from a tunable secondary optical resonator. The laser will remain in the selected polarization even after the injected signal or the feedback from the secondary resonator is removed. This effect has potential applications as a fast switch or as an optical memory. An explanation based on intracavity birefringence is given for this bistable behavior in the polarization.
Pyrite synthesis via polysulfide compounds

The reactions of Fe(II) and Fe(III) solutions with polysulfide solutions prepared from freshly synthesized Na2Sx (x = 2, 4, 5) were studied at 25 and 100°C over the pH range 5.5 to 8. Direct and instantaneous pyrite formation was not observed in any reaction. High temperature reactions are nearly quantitative over periods of four hours with Fe(II) and polysulfide solutions. The rate of reaction at room temperature is comparable to that found by Rickard (1975), and the observations reported here are in agreement with his mechanism of pyrite formation. Based on the polarographic results of these reactions and previous work, a refinement of the mechanism which includes dissolved iron sulfide complexes is proposed. Every reaction of equimolar amounts of polysulfide and Fe(II) gave the kinetic product “FeS” (an example of the Ostwald step rule). Polarographic results demonstrate that the “FeS” initially formed consists of (1) a complex of the form Fe(SH)+ and (2) solid FeS. When excess polysulfide is present, a complex of form [Fe(SH) Sx]− is present. This complex should readily allow for (1) the reduction of polysulfide by sulfide which produces S22− in unprotonated form, and (2) the change of Fe(II) from high spin to low spin during the formation of pyrite. The reduction of polysulfide by sulfide was proposed by Rickard (1975), but at the pH of the solutions studied herein, S22− in solution should be protonated. The 22− ion is critical in the formation and structure of pyrite (Tossel et al., 1981). The proposed complex allows for a cyclic intermediate which cleaves the reacting polysulfide to form S22− unprotonated. As this process occurs, there is a change in the spin state of the Fe(II) from the high spin t2g4eg2 to the low spin t2g6 state which is an electron configuration exhibiting kinetic inertness. On change of the Fe(II) spin state, the complex irreversibly decomposes to form pyrite. The complex may be a cluster complex containing two or more formula units similar to ferredoxin complexes. Single crystal pyrite morphology is observed for low temperature syntheses. This is the morphology of pyrite commonly found in salt marsh sediments. The morphology found at the higher temperature is also single crystals, but noticeable weak clustering (framboid like) is observed. The reactions studied do not give any additional information on the low temperature synthesis of pyrite framboids because framboids were not observed. Other mechanisms must be operative for framboid formation in natural sediments.
Facilitators and Barriers in Effective Clinical Practice with Postdeployed Military Couples and Families

Although many military couples navigate the stressors and rewards of deployment without difficulty, others contend with “signature injuries,” including post-traumatic stress, or post-traumatic stress disorder, and co-occurring conditions of depression, substance abuse, traumatic brain injury and intimate partner violence. Research data reveal that partners and children suffer the effects associated with deployment cycle stressors as well. Although a pressing need exists to provide couple and family behavioral health care, there is a paucity of evaluation research. More recently, such efforts have been undertaken to explore the efficacy of innovative couple and family therapy practice models. In this article, standards for high-quality behavioral health care are discussed within the framework of the Quality Chasm reports published by the Institute of Medicine, while barriers and facilitators are addressed from the perspectives published by the Rand Corporation (Tanielian & Jaycox, 2008). A clinical vignett...
The relationship between the Repression-Sensitization Scale and the Incomplete Sentences Blank.

Summary Prior research with the Repression-Sensitization (R-S(scale has isolated certain differential behavior patterns in Ss scoring at the extremes of the scale. Thus Byrne's formulation of the R-S scale hypothesized a curvilinear relationship between the R-S scale and psychological adjustment. However, other research suggests that the relationship may be linear. Using Rotter's Incomplete Sentence Blank, College Form (ISB), it was hypothesized that there would be a linear relationship between the R-S scale and ISB. 204 college students took both the R-S and ISB. No significant sex differences were obtained. While the correlation between the R-S scale and ISB was significant (r = 59, p < .01), the results did not prove linearity, but there is insufficient evidence to support any other kind of relationship.
Density-based clustering of polygons

Clustering is an important task in spatial data mining and spatial analysis. We propose a clustering algorithm P-DBSCAN to cluster polygons in space. P-DBSCAN is based on the well established density-based clustering algorithm DBSCAN. In order to cluster polygons, we incorporate their topological and spatial properties in the process of clustering by using a distance function customized for the polygon space. The objective of our clustering algorithm is to produce spatially compact clusters. We measure the compactness of the clusters produced using P-DBSCAN and compare it with the clusters formed using DBSCAN, using the Schwartzberg Index. We measure the effectiveness and robustness of our algorithm using a synthetic dataset and two real datasets. Results show that the clusters produced using P-DBSCAN have a lower compactness index (hence more compact) than DBSCAN.
Soil Moisture Estimates From AMSR-E Brightness Temperatures by Using a Dual-Frequency Algorithm

This paper investigates the possibility of estimating the soil moisture content (SMC) on a global scale from dual-frequency (C- and X-bands) microwave data of the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System (AMSR-E). Because some anomalous behavior was occasionally found in AMSR-E C- and X-band data, a calibration check compared the AMSR-E data with measurements from the SSM/I sensor over two reference targets, namely a Russian evergreen forest and the sea surface, both of which have already been studied in the past. The algorithm for retrieving soil moisture uses both the brightness temperature at C-band in horizontal polarization and the polarization index at X-band for correcting the effects of vegetation. This algorithm is based on a simplified radiative transfer (tau-omega) model, which has been inverted by using the Nelder-Mead iterative minimization method. The algorithm was validated with microwave data collected on two sites during the Microwave Alpine Soil Moisture Experiment 2002 (MASMEx02) and the Soil Moisture Experiment 2002 (SMEX02), respectively. The first site, in Italy, was characterized by natural vegetation covers, whereas the second site, in Iowa (U.S.), was covered primarily in agricultural crops. In general, the soil moisture estimated by the algorithm from AMSR-E data and the SMC measured on the ground were in good agreement with each other in both sites, and five classes of soil moisture were easily identified
Design of thiol–ene photoclick hydrogels using facile techniques for cell culture applications

Thiol–ene ‘click’ chemistries have been widely used in biomaterials applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and controlled cell culture, owing to their rapid, cytocompatible, and often orthogonal reactivity. In particular, hydrogel-based biomaterials formed by photoinitiated thiol–ene reactions afford spatiotemporal control over the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the network for creating synthetic materials that mimic the extracellular matrix or enable controlled drug release. However, the use of charged peptides functionalized with cysteines, which can form disulfides prior to reaction, and vinyl monomers that require multistep syntheses and contain ester bonds, may lead to undesired inhomogeneity or degradation under cell culture conditions. Here, we designed a thiol–ene hydrogel formed by the reaction of allyloxycarbonyl-functionalized peptides and thiol-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol). Hydrogels were polymerized by free radical initiation under cytocompatible doses of long wavelength ultraviolet light in the presence of water-soluble photoinitiators (lithium acylphosphinate, LAP, and 2-hydroxy-1-[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]-2-methyl-1-propanone, Irgacure 2959). Mechanical properties of these hydrogels were controlled by varying the monomer concentration to mimic a range of soft tissue environments, and hydrogel stability in cell culture medium was observed over weeks. Patterns of biochemical cues were created within the hydrogels post-formation and confirmed through the incorporation of fluorescently-labeled peptides and Ellman's assay to detect free thiols. Human mesenchymal stem cells remained viable after encapsulation and subsequent photopatterning, demonstrating the utility of the monomers and hydrogels for three-dimensional cell culture. This facile approach enables the formation and characterization of hydrogels with well-defined, spatially-specific properties and expands the suite of monomers available for three-dimensional cell culture and other biological applications.
EFFECTS OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE ON GROUP KIN STRUCTURE AND GENE DYNAMICS OF POPULATIONS OF RED HOWLING MONKEYS

Four populations of red howling monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) in different states of pop­ ulation growth were studied to examine how changes in intrasexual competition and kin availability influence mating patterns and population genetic structure. The demography of each population was monitored for 5 years. Genetic variance within and between groups and coefficients of relatedness (r) were estimated from allozyme loci. Advantages of co­ operating with kin over non-kin changed with different demographic circumstances for each sex, such that social groups were more likely to be kin groups when population density was approaching or at carrying capacity than when it was low. In populations growing rapidly through new social group formation, genetic differentiation between groups was low. Genetic differentiation increased as populations approached carrying capacity and groups matured socially (i.e., r increased). That trend was reversed as r within group breed­ ing subsets (males and females, respectively) increased, thereby decreasing r between males and females and reducing group r. This was enhanced when inbreeding within groups was followed by transfer of pods of related males, which occurred in a saturated habitat and in a declining population experiencing high mortality of adult females. Heterozygosity within groups in excess of predicted values was increased due to lineage effects as groups matured and as r within breeding subsets increased. It also increased when population growth oc­ curred through immigration from genetically differentiated demes, and when groups fused during population decline. There were large intergroup differences in mortality during pop­ ulation decline, which was accompanied by social instability that resulted in increased intergroup transfer of both sexes, thereby resorting survivors throughout remaining breeding groups. Conditions favoring intergroup selection thus decreased during periods of popula­ tion growth when selection was relaxed and group r was low, increased during periods of stasis when habitats were saturated and group r was highest, and were most prominent during periods of popUlation decline when differences in group fitness should have the most pronounced consequences.
A time-varying matching scheme for pulse-based high-Q receivers

A time-varying matching scheme for pulse-based receiving systems with high-Q sources is introduced. The proposed technique explores the time-domain characteristics of the incoming pulse and hence improves the performance of the matching network by adapting it to the signal in real time. The matching scheme is applied to a high-Q RF front-end in the receiving mode resulting in a simple switched capacitor design. Measurement and simulation results show that the proposed design is able to improve the system energy efficiency while minimizing pulse dispersion that is one of the major limitations in conventional matching networks. It is also shown that the proposed matching scheme has the ability to discriminate closely-aligned pulses. These advantages make the proposed technique suitable for receiving systems under common modulation schemes such as pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) and on-off keying (OOK).
Task partitioning upon memory-constrained multiprocessors

Most prior theoretical research on partitioning algorithms for real-time multiprocessor platforms has focused on ensuring that the cumulative computing requirements of the tasks assigned to each processor does not exceed the processor's processing power. However, many multiprocessor platforms have only limited amounts of local per-processor memory; if the memory limitation of a processor is not respected, thrashing between "main" memory and the processor's local memory may occur during run-time and may result in performance degradation. We formalize the problem of task partitioning in a manner that is cognizant of both memory and processing capacity constraints as the memory constrained multiprocessor partitioning problem, prove that this problem is intractable, and present efficient algorithms for solving it under certain well-defined conditions.
Problem-based learning and performance-based testing: effective alternatives for undergraduate surgical education and assessment of student performance

The recent trend in medical education has been toward problem-based learning (PBL) and performance-based testing. An attractive alternative to traditional lecture-based instruction, problem-based learning emphasizes knowledge acquisition and its application in the clinical setting. In conjunction, performance-based testing offers a means of assessing student performance that measures not only the mastery of factual information, but also the application of knowledge in solving clinical problems often encountered in patient care. Since the installation of an undergraduate PBL surgery clerkship at the University of Kentucky (UKY) in 1989, several studies have shown that the performance of PBL students equals or exceeds that of students in lecture-based instruction on tests of factual knowledge. More importantly, PBL students perform significantly better on examinations designed to measure the clinical application of knowledge. The UKY studies also show that PBL students develop better clinical reasoning skil...
Asthma clinical trials of American Lung Association/Asthma Clinical Research Centers (ALA-ACRC): what have we learned in 12 years?

The American Lung Association Asthma Clinical Research Centers (ALA-ACRC) is a research network focused on performing clinical trials that directly affect medical care for adults and children with asthma. The group of eighteen clinical research centers and a data-coordinating center perform studies supported by the American Lung Association, the National Institute of Health/National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NIH/NHLBI), and partnership with industry. The network has completed and published eight clinical trials (seven randomized control trials and one validation study of a diagnostic tool), numerous ancillary studies, and has four ongoing trials at the time of publication of this review. The network’s trials have focused on areas such as the relative merits of different adjunctive treatments for asthma not controlled on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) alone, the effect of treatment of comorbid diseases on asthma care, and studies evaluating techniques used in the conduct of clinical trials of treatments for asthma. This review will describe the accomplishments of our network to date and the effect of those accomplishments on asthma care.
Clinical review: Sepsis and septic shock - the potential of gene arrays

Over the past decade several investigators have applied microarray technology and related bioinformatic approaches to clinical sepsis and septic shock, thus allowing for an assessment of how, or if, this branch of genomic medicine has meaningfully impacted the field of sepsis research. The ability to simultaneously and efficiently measure the steady-state mRNA abundance of thousands of transcripts from a given tissue source (that is, 'transcriptomics') has provided an unprecedented opportunity to gain a broader, genome-level 'picture' of complex and heterogeneous clinical syndromes such as sepsis. A trancriptomic approach to sepsis and septic shock is technically challenging on multiple levels, but nonetheless modest, tangible advances are being realized. These include a genome-level understanding of the complexity of sepsis and septic shock, identification of novel candidate pathways and targets for potential intervention, discovery of novel, candidate diagnostic and stratification biomarkers, and the ability to stratify patients into clinically relevant, expression-based subclasses. The challenges moving forward include robust validation studies, standardization of technical approaches, standardization and further development of analytical algorithms, and large-scale collaborations.
Effects of Noise on Rodent Physiology

Experiments are described in which Sprague Dawley rats were deliberately subjected to a daily 15- min white noise regime (90 dB) for 3 or 6 weeks, to determine its effects on the cardiovascular system and intestinal mucosa. In one set of experiments cardiovascular responses were monitored by radiotelemetry. Exposure to noise increased heart rate and mean arterial pressure and reduced stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. In the second set of experiments, one group of rats was exposed to the noise protocol for 3 weeks and a second group was not. All the rats were then anaesthetized and the small intestines of half the animals were fixed for microscopy. The remaining rats had their mesenteric microvasculature perfused for one minute with fluorescent albumin before fixing for microscopy. The rats exposed to noise showed significantly more eosinophils and degranulated mast cells in the intestinal villi than the quiet rats. In addition, the villi were swollen and the epithelial cells had widened junctions. The noise group also showed significantly more leakage of fluorescent albumin from the mesenteric microvessels. These experiments demonstrate that 90 dB white noise reduces stimulation the parasympathetic nervous system and also induces an inflammatory response in the intestinal mucosa, resulting in structural damage. These results are consistent with a stress response.
FANCD2-Controlled Chromatin Access of the Fanconi-Associated Nuclease FAN1 Is Crucial for the Recovery of Stalled Replication Forks

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a cancer predisposition syndrome characterized by cellular hypersensitivity to DNA interstrand cross-links (ICLs). Within the FA pathway, an upstream core complex monoubiquitinates and recruits the FANCD2 protein to ICLs on chromatin. Ensuing DNA repair involves the Fanconi-associated nuclease 1 (FAN1), which interacts selectively with monoubiquitinated FANCD2 (FANCD2Ub) at ICLs. Importantly, FANCD2 has additional independent functions: it binds chromatin and coordinates the restart of aphidicolin (APH)-stalled replication forks in concert with the BLM helicase, while protecting forks from nucleolytic degradation by MRE11. We identified FAN1 as a new crucial replication fork recovery factor. FAN1 joins the BLM-FANCD2 complex following APH-mediated fork stalling in a manner dependent on MRE11 and FANCD2, followed by FAN1 nuclease-mediated fork restart. Surprisingly, APH-induced activation and chromatin recruitment of FAN1 occur independently of the FA core complex or the FAN1 UBZ domain, indicating that the FANCD2Ub isoform is dispensable for functional FANCD2-FAN1 cross talk during stalled fork recovery. In the absence of FANCD2, MRE11 exonuclease-promoted access of FAN1 to stalled forks results in severe FAN1-mediated nucleolytic degradation of nascent DNA strands. Thus, FAN1 nuclease activity at stalled replication forks requires tight regulation: too little inhibits fork restart, whereas too much causes fork degradation.
Mary Robinson’s Memoirs and the Terrors of Literary Obscurity

Mary Robinson’s return to authorship was widely anticipated. After having gained immense celebrity as a popular actress and the first mistress of the Prince of Wales (the future George IV), she acq...
The adaptive nature of non-food collection for the Florida harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex badius

Many animals forage for non-food objects, such as nesting materials. In many organisms, the depots of such objects can be expansive, and are not intuitively adaptive. This study empirically explores varying theories for why these depots exist in the Florida harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex badius . 2. The Florida harvester ant, like its western congeners, collects and deposits large quantities of non-food objects around its nest entrance. The vast majority of objects sampled from colonies in this study population were charcoal pieces whereas most western species collect pebbles. 3. Objects in these depots can number in the millions, suggesting a large cost to this behaviour and strengthening an adaptationist argument. 4. Many hypotheses have been suggested for these depots, including temperature and water modification and territoriality. No evidence was found to support the results of a previous study which found that charcoal depots deter other ant species. 5. The depots do not appear to affect soil hydrology, but do slightly increase soil temperature at the very top of the nest. In an attempt to estimate the seasonal fitness of colonies with and without charcoal depots, no statistical difference was detected in sexual investment between treatment groups. 6. These results suggest that the charcoal depots may be selectively advantageous through temperature modification, but may serve alternate functions that are species and habitat specific.
A review of the challenges in the chemical analysis of the polybrominated diphenyl ethers

Toxicity studies coupled with recent occurrence data have resulted in a plethora of analytical papers concerning the polybrominated diphenyl ether compounds. As the need to investigate alternate and complex matrices has increased, extraction methodologies have undergone appropriate modifications and these are discussed in this review. Over the past few years, published manuscripts have extended beyond conventional analytical approaches in search of enhanced selectivity and sensitivity and these novel instrumental approaches are examined. Finally, along with this quest have come issues of quality control and data reporting and this review is also in part a critical inspection of these issues.
Biology and control of burcucumber

Abstract Research was initiated to determine the periodicity of emergence, seasonal plant growth and reproductive potential, and response to selected preemergence (PRE) and postemergence (POST) herbicides for burcucumber. Under Indiana conditions, burcucumber germinated from late April to October and was stimulated by periodic rainfall. Relative growth rates of plants were greatest up to 10 wk after establishment and declined when flowering was initiated. Without competition, early spring (May)–established burcucumber plants attained a fresh weight of up to 86 kg and produced almost 80,000 seeds. With later establishment, less biomass and and a smaller number of seeds were produced. Seedlings emerging up to mid-August produced germinable seed prior to frost, thus indicating that season-long control strategies are needed to minimize reproduction. A PRE application of atrazine, metribuzin plus chlorimuron, or linuron plus chlorimuron provided greater than 90% visual control up to 8 wk after treatment (WAT)....