cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
POPULATION PERSISTENCE OF CALIFORNIA CURRENT FISHES AND BENTHIC CRUSTACEANS: A MARINE DRIFT PARADOX

Because flow in the California Current is unidirectional for months, larvae of coastal species may drift and settle downstream of their parents, potentially causing the parental population to go extinct from upstream to downstream; this is a marine equivalent of the drift paradox in streams. Unidirectional larval drift might, however, be minimized by when, where, and how organisms reproduce. We compiled data on California Current fishes (89 nearshore, 65 shelf/slope) and benthic crustaceans (35 nearshore, 15 shelf/slope) and found three unique sets of life history traits displayed by (1) shelf/slope species, (2) nearshore pelagic-spawning fishes (all from the Southern California Bight [SCB] and Baja California), and (3) all other nearshore species. Pelagic larval durations (PD) of shelf/slope species are long (∼136 d); offspring are pelagic winter through summer and are found at depth below the mixed layer offshore. Offspring experience northward flow in winter and southward flow in spring/summer, perhaps minimizing net alongshore drift. Adults are both long-lived and highly fecund. Nearshore species have short PDs (∼45 d), and offspring are pelagic during spring/summer upwelling and are found nearshore and near the bottom. Nearshore larvae may experience southward flow during upwelling and northward flow during relaxation events, minimizing net alongshore transport. Nearshore species have shorter lives and are less fecund than shelf/slope species. Nearshore pelagic-spawning fishes (all from the SCB and Baja) have short PDs (∼48 d), but in contrast to other nearshore species, their larvae are pelagic from spring into fall and are found far from shore. Adults are long-lived, highly fecund, and have numerous broods per year. These life history traits may have evolved to exploit eddies and countercurrents present in the SCB and off Baja for larval retention. Each set of life history traits appears to improve chances of offspring recruiting to parental populations. The pelagic phase, rather than being dispersive, may be selected to achieve a migration between larval pelagic and adult benthic habitats.
Narrow and vague convergence of set functions

Abstract In this paper we review analogues of narrow (= weak) convergence of probability measures on a metric space, and present a synthesis that incorporates all separate cases and seems to be the right framework for the “large deviation principle”.
A model for slip irreversibility, and its effect on the fatigue crack propagation threshold in a nickel-base superalloy

A theoretical model for slip irreversibility in a polycrystalline nickel-base superalloy has been developed. This alloy deforms in a planar manner, and the slip irreversibility parameter was based on the fraction of dislocations which exit the free surface as a result of the loading. Defined in this manner, the slip irreversibility parameter can take values between zero, which corresponds to fully reversible slip and one, which denotes fully irreversible slip. It has been demonstrated that existing irreversibility models, which take into account the irreversibility of surface strains, are actually special cases of our general model. The theoretical calculations were compared to experimental observations of slip offsets resulting from a single stroke compression test in this superalloy. It was found that slip irreversibility increased as temperature increased and it has been proposed that this variation causes the observed decrease in fatigue crack propagation threshold values with increasing temperature.
Hardening during the late stages of spinodal decomposition

Abstract The microstructural changes inherent in the late stages of spinodal decomposition have been taken into account in modelling the hardening process. The force balance equation for a mixed dislocation lying in the slip plane has been modified to take into account the pronouced wave squaring and coarsening commonly observed. Calculated solutions show a marked saturation in the peak hardening which can be achieved and demonstrate that this value is dependent on the wavelenght of the decomposition and the sharpness of the wave squaring.
The influence of thymol on the sodium efflux in barnacle muscle fibres.

Nachweis, dass Thymol sowie Coffein in der Barnakel-Muskelfaser eine primare Hemmung mit nachfolgender Stimulierung des Natrium-Auswartsstromes hervorruft.
Syracuse University School of Information Studies: A tradition of innovation

This article describes the School of Information Studies' approach to the education of information professionals, the School's perspective, as it evolved in the 1970s, and the addition of two new degree programs in the 1980s. Unique features of the curriculum and degree programs are explained. The authors suggest future directions for the School and its programs, especially in relation to societal trends and developments within Syracuse University. © 1988 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 171☆

Abstract Experimental data pertaining to all nuclei with mass number A=171 have been evaluated. Level schemes from both radioactive decay and reaction studies are presented, along with associated tables of experimental data and adopted properties for levels and γ rays. This evaluation for A=171, which considers data received by 5 August 2002, supercedes the 1992 evaluation (with a literature cutoff date of June 1991) by V. Shirley, published in Nuclear Data Sheets 66 , 69 (1992) and the subsequent evaluations of Os, Ir, Pt and Au by C. Baglin (literature cutoff date of December 1998).
Analytic Research, Positivism, and Behavioral Geography

ABSTRACT Although we acknowledge the debt that mainstream behavioral geography owes to positivism, our central argument here is that much of that research tradition has now transcended its positivist roots and that we should preserve only those virtues of analytic discourse that appear to be of enduring value. In this paper we examine the strengths and weaknesses of analytic behavioral research and compare the perspective of this research with the viewpoints adopted by geographers espousing phenomenologist and Marxist philosophies.
Disclosure of parental HIV infection to children: a systematic review of global literature.

This review examines the global empirical literature regarding disclosure of parental HIV infection to children. Thirty-eight articles published in English-language journals prior to 2011 were retrieved and reviewed regarding disclosure process, reasons for disclosure/non-disclosure and impacts of disclosure/non-disclosure. Disclosure rate was relatively low worldwide. The decision making of disclosure or non-disclosure was mainly affected by children’s development level, stigma, consideration of children’s benefits, and parenting practices. Unintentional and forced disclosures were common. Findings regarding the impacts of disclosure/non-disclosure were mixed but disclosure tended to have long-term positive impacts on the well-being of children, parents and family in general. This review underscores the importance of developing evidence-informed developmentally and culturally appropriate interventions to assist HIV-positive parents to disclose their HIV status to children, particularly in low-resource settings.
Comparative efficacy of inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta agonist combinations in preventing COPD exacerbations: a Bayesian network meta-analysis

Background A combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) is recommended in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients experiencing frequent exacerbations. Currently, there are five ICS/LABA combination products available on the market. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the efficacy of various ICS/LABA combinations with a network meta-analysis.
Some effects of light on the formation of aggregations in planaria Phagocata gracilis.

Summary Four populations of planaria, P. gracilis, were observed under heterogeneous and homogeneous light conditions. Aggregations were formed in the area of reduced illumination under heterogeneous light. These aggregations also developed reliably under three homogeneous light conditions. A dark condition resulted in-the rapid formation of aggregations and within 24 hr equally large aggregations were also evident under dim and bright levels of illumination. An explanation in terms of photokinesis was rejected; the results were not inconsistent with a chemotactic hypothesis.
Incommensurate Ground State of Double-Layer Quantum Hall Systems

Double-layer quantum Hall systems possess interlayer phase coherence at sufficiently small layer separations, even without interlayer tunneling. When interlayer tunneling is present, application of a sufficiently strong in-plane magnetic field ${B}_{\ensuremath{\Vert}}g{B}_{c}$ drives a commensurate-incommensurate (CI) transition to an incommensurate soliton-lattice (SL) state. We calculate the Hartree-Fock ground-state energy of the SL state for all values of ${B}_{\ensuremath{\Vert}}$ within a gradient approximation, and use it to obtain the anisotropic SL stiffness, the Kosterlitz-Thouless melting temperature for the SL, and the SL magnetization. The in-plane differential magnetic susceptibility diverges as $|{B}_{\ensuremath{\Vert}}\ensuremath{-}{B}_{c}{|}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ when the CI transition is approached from the SL state.
Long-term Benefits of GM crops: Potential for Diabrotica Suppression in Europe using Bt Maize

Transgenic crops producing insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been widely adopted since 1996 in the United States of America to combat important pests of maize and cotton. There is growing evidence that several target pest populations have been dramatically reduced in areas where the Bt crops have been most intensively adopted over multiple years. The evidence is most dramatic for nonmigratory monophagous and oligophagous species that show high mortality on Bt crops, such as European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), and tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens). Bt cotton is currently being used in the southwestern USA as part of an area-wide eradication program for pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella). Single, stacked, and pyramided Bt maize lines producing coleopteran-active insecticidal proteins have been shown in some cases to cause >99% mortality of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) larvae every year. Simulation models suggest that long-term area-wide cultivation of these Bt corn lines can lead to dramatic population reduction, and even local extinction, of corn rootworms. An eradication program for this economically important pest, based around Bt maize and incorporating a combination of other tools, would benefit European agriculture and the environment. Post-commercial monitoring programs should be designed to investigate long-term benefits to agricultural production systems that can be reasonably expected from the widespread cultivation of Bt crops in Europe.
Clicking Away Your Speech Rights: The Enforceability of Gagwrap Licenses

Abstract Software companies would like to be able to control what their customers and reviewers can say about them and their software. To this end, many include in their license agreements “DeWitt” or “gagwrap” clauses which purport to prevent written reviews or disclosure of benchmark test results involving the software without the manufacturer's consent. While the courts have recognized the enforceability of software licenses to protect manufacturers, they have so far not addressed the enforceability of gagwrap clauses. This article examines gagwrap clauses and examines them in a public policy framework arising from contract and First Amendment jurisprudence. It proposes a test for the enforceability of the clauses that leaves in place many agreements not to speak but renders gagwrap clauses suspect on public policy grounds.
Theory of lattice-dynamical properties of solids: Application to Si and Ge

It is demonstrated that the ab initio pseudopotential theory within the local-density-functional formalism provides an accurate theoretical framework for the study of lattice-dynamical properties of solids. With the use of atomic numbers and masses of constituent elements and the crystal structure as the only input information, the calculated phonon frequencies and mode-Gr\"uneisen parameters at $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ and $X$, the third-order force constant for LTO ($\ensuremath{\Gamma}$), the shear modulus, and the zone-center TA [110] velocity are all in excellent agreement with experiment. Comparison with other microscopic calculations is made.
Some effects of thymocyte-stimulating factor

Abstract Thymocyte-stimulating factor (TSF) produced in supernatants of murine spleen cells stimulated with mitogens or with allogeneic cells confers to thymocytes the ability to respond to concanavalin A (Con A) with the dose-response characteristic of mature, immunocompetent T cells. No enhancement of the responsiveness of bone marrow cells to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was found. Thymocytes from mice of different strains acquire, after treatment with TSF, a responsiveness to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and Con A proportional to that shown by spleen or lymph node cells from mice of the same strain. It was also shown that murine thymocytes treated with TSF cause a graft-vs-host reaction when injected into an appropriate hybrid. All these activities are thermolabile and disappear from supernatants at the same rate, thus showing that they are, very probably, due to the same substance. Spleen cells of mice bearing tumors causing splenomegaly (C3HBA and H2712 adenocarcinomas) show a decreased production of TSF if judged on the basis of TSF produced per million spleen cells. Rat spleen cells produce a substance (rat TSF) which stimulates the PHA and Con A responsiveness of murine thymocytes. Rat TSF has a molecular weight similar or identical to that of murine TSF. However, on the basis of the different rates of thermodenaturation, it appears that rat TSF and murine TSF are two different molecules.
Characterization of the three-well active region of a quantum cascade laser using contactless electroreflectance

Quantum cascade (QC) lasers with emission at wavelengths below 4 μm are difficult to achieve from conventional III-V materials systems lattice matched to GaAs and InP due to the limited conduction band offset (CBO) of those materials that results from the presence of intervalley scattering. The II-VI materials ZnCdSe/ZnCdMgSe, with a CBO as high as 1.12 eV and no intervalley scattering, are promising candidates to achieve this goal. Using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), the authors grew a QC laser structure with a three-well active region design made of ZnCdSe and ZnCdMgSe multilayers closely lattice matched to InP. A test structure, which contains only the active region of the QC laser separated by quaternary barrier layers, was also grown. The test structure was characterized by contactless electroreflectance (CER). Photoluminescence measurements and a model based on the transfer matrix method were used to identify the CER transitions. The energy levels obtained for the test structure were then used to predict the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectrum of the QC laser structure. Excellent agreement between the predicted values based on the test structure and the experimental FTIR absorption peaks of the full QC laser structure was observed.
Tri‐o‐tolylphosphine: A rapid photopolymerization initiator

The rate of tri-o-tolyphosphine-initiated photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate was found to be significantly higher than that for the triphenylphosphine initiated polymerization. The mechanism was shown to be dependent upon the concentration of the initiator. At low concentrations (10−4 mole/l.), an activated complex is the initiating species, while at higher concentrations (above 10−2 mole/l.) homolytic cleavage of the phosphorus–carbon bond is the radical source. Steric inhibition of resonance is advanced as an explanation for the enhanced activity of tri-o-tolylphosphine over triphenylphosphine.
Attached bacterial populations shared by four species of aquatic angiosperms

Symbiotic relationships between microbes and plants are common and well studied in terrestrial ecosystems, but little is known about such relationships in aquatic environments. We compared the phylogenetic diversities of leaf- and root-attached bacteria from four species of aquatic angiosperms using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and DNA sequencing of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA genes. Plants were collected from three beds in Chesapeake Bay at sites characterized as freshwater (Vallisneria americana), brackish (Potomogeton perfoliatus and Stuckenia pectinata), and marine (Zostera marina). DGGE analyses showed that bacterial communities were very similar for replicate samples of leaves from canopy-forming plants S. pectinata and P. perfoliatus and less similar for replicate samples of leaves from meadow-forming plants Z. marina and V. americana and of roots of all species. In contrast, bacterial communities differed greatly among plant species and between leaves and roots. DNA sequencing identified 154 bacterial phylotypes, most of which were restricted to single plant species. However, 12 phylotypes were found on more than one plant species, and several of these phylotypes were abundant in clone libraries and represented the darkest bands in DGGE banding patterns. Root-attached phylotypes included relatives of sulfur-oxidizing Gammaproteobacteria and sulfate-reducing Deltaproteobacteria. Leaf-attached phylotypes included relatives of polymer-degrading Bacteroidetes and phototrophic Alphaproteobacteria. Also, leaves and roots of three plant species hosted relatives of methylotrophic Betaproteobacteria belonging to the family Methylophilaceae. These results suggest that aquatic angiosperms host specialized communities of bacteria on their surfaces, including several broadly distributed and potentially mutualistic bacterial populations.
Duplication of unique optical effects of ancient Egyptian lenses from the IV/V Dynasties: lenses fabricated ca 2620–2400 BC or roughly 4600 years ago

Ancient (in fact, first known) lenses (ca. 4600 years ago) mainly from the IVth and Vth Dynasties of Egypt had truly remarkable and unique optical properties. These were parts of equally fascinating eye structures. These structures were fabricated as separate assemblies for insertion into funerary statues during certain brief windows of time (roughly from 2620-2400 BC, and 1750-1700 BC). These "eyes" appear to follow the observer as he/she rotated in any direction about these statues. In this paper, by simple means, we have recreated the optical properties of these unique lenses in the laboratory in order to help understand their special properties.
Triangulation end-to-side vasoepididymostomy.

AbstractPurpose: A technique and the preliminary results of triangulation vasoepididymostomy are described.Materials and Methods: Triangulation vasoepididymostomy is performed by placing 3 double-armed 10-zero nylon sutures into the epididymis so that each suture forms 1 side of a triangle. An opening in the tubule is made between the sutures and they are brought inside-out, invaginating the epididymal tubule into the vas deferens.Results: Triangulation end-to-side vasoepididymostomy was performed bilaterally in 12 men, and sperm was found in the postoperative ejaculate of 11 (92%). Operative time was 156 +/− 14 minutes.Conclusions: Triangulation vasoepididymostomy is reasonably successful in restoring sperm to the ejaculate and should be considered as an alternative method of vasoepididymostomy.
Distribution and developmental expression of the nerve terminal protein NT75 in the rat cerebellum.

Previous studies of the nerve terminal protein NT75 in the developing spinal cord have suggested an association between the appearance of NT75 immunoreactivity and the process of synaptogenesis. To examine the time course of NT75 expression further, the current study. Compared the localization of NT75 and the synaptic vesicle protein synaptophysin in the adult and developing rat cerebellum and in cerebellar tissue cultures. In the adult cerebellum, dense NT75 staining is confined to the molecular layer, where it is associated with parallel fiber endings of cerebellar granule cells. During development, NT75 immunoreactivity is first detectable in the cerebellar cortex as a dense band of staining in the deepest portion of the molecular layer at postnatal day 10. The stained zone expands to occupy a progressively greater portion of the molecular layer until about postnatal day 20. Synaptophysin staining occurs in granule cell processes earlier than NT75 and is found throughout the molecular layer by postnatal day 7. Quantitatively, rapid increases in both NT75 and synaptophysin occur in the first three postnatal weeks, with NT75 activity reaching levels exceeding the adult value by 50% over postnatal days 20 through 30, whereas synaptophysin plateaus at near adult levels by postnatal day 20. In cerebellar cultures, NT75 staining in neurites develops over several days, increasing coincidentally with development of synaptic contacts, whereas synaptophysin staining is already present in most neurites after only 1 day in vitro. The results indicate that NT75 expression in developing cerebellar granule cell nerve terminals is closely associated with the appearance of mature nerve terminals, suggesting that the protein may have a role in the formation/stabilization of the synaptic ending or in the mechanisms of synaptic transmission.
Study of Usage Patterns and Learning Gains in a Web-based Interactive Static Course

Background Courseware for engineering education can feature many discrete interactive learning elements, and typically student usage is not compelled. To take advantage of such courseware, self-regulation of learning may be necessary. Evaluation of courseware should consider actual usage, learning gains, and indications of learning self-regulation. Purpose (Hypothesis) The research question focuses on how students' interactions with the courseware affect their learning gains. The hypothesis tested is that learning gains from online courseware increase with usage, and particularly with usage that suggests learning self-regulation. Design/Method Students in a lecture-based statics course were assigned to study previously developed courseware as part of homework assignments. Learning gains were deduced from pre- and post- paper and pencil diagnostic quizzes, and from the first class exam. Credit was based on quiz scores, rather than courseware usage. Usage of interactive elements of the courseware was inferred from log files of students' interactions with the courseware, and patterns suggesting learning self-regulation were identified. Results High, statistically significant learning gains were found. Substantial usage was evident, with core learning activities initiated by, on average, three-quarters of students. Learning gains and performance on the relevant class exam appeared to be more closely correlated with usage that indicated self-regulation of learning rather than with total usage of the courseware. Conclusions Methods of assessing courseware should go beyond courseware features, learning gains, and student self-reports of effectiveness to include monitoring of actual usage and analyses relating usage to learning. Self-regulation of learning is likely to be critical to successful usage of courseware, and courseware should be designed to encourage it.
X-ray Diffraction Analysis of Geometry Changes upon Excitation: The Ground-State and Metastable-State Structures of K(2)[Ru(NO(2))(4)(OH)(NO)].

The structure of the laser-light-induced metastable state MS(1) of the [Ru(NO(2))(4)(OH)(NO)](2)(-) anion in K(2)[Ru(NO(2))(4)(OH)(NO)] was determined by X-ray analysis at 50 K of a crystal with a 16% excited-state population. Results of an independent determination of the ground-state structure were used in the analysis. The most pronounced geometrical change upon excitation was an increase of the Ru-(NO) distance by 0.097(11) A, significantly larger than the change of the corresponding distance in sodium nitroprusside (Pressprich, M. R.; White, M. A.; Vekhter, Y.; Coppens, P. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1994, 116, 5233-5238). A decrease in the angleRu-(N-O) angle from 174.0(2) to 169(1) degrees was observed. The diffraction results provide evidence that the photoinduced state MS(1) of the transition metal nitrosyl complexes is a linkage isomer in which the NO group is attached to the metal atom through the oxygen, instead of through the nitrogen atom, rather than an electronic excited state as reported previously.
Studies on a bactericidal substance produced by group A streptococci

Summary: During bacteriophage studies of group A streptococci, some strains produced an inhibitory substance active against other group A strains. The inhibitory material was not found in broth cultures and could only be extracted from cultures grown in semi-solid agar; its activity was assayed by the inhibition of growth and killing of a sensitive group A strain, 12203. Viable counts showed that 2 h exposure to the factor at 37°C produced greater than 90% inhibition and more than 60% killing of the treated culture. Turbidimetric measurements indicated no gross lysis of the sensitive culture and a dose-response curve demonstrated that approximately two bactericidal factor molecules were sufficient to inactivate a colony-forming unit of strain 12203. The inhibitory factor was of low molecular weight as judged by its diffusibility; it was concentrated by lyophilization and partially purified by gel filtration on G-10 Sephadex. The factor was resistant to proteolytic enzymes, nucleases and lipase as well as reducing and oxidizing conditions. Activity was lost at 60°C, but the factor was stable at ---70°C. The bactericidal substance was stable within the pH range 2 to 12. These properties, as well as the wide range of activity of the bactericidal factor on several Gram-positive and -negative organisms, suggest that it is an inhibitory substance other than a bacteriocin.
The role of ENSO in determining climate and maize yield variability in the U.S. cornbelt

Recent advances in understanding the role of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in climate variability present opportunities for improving efficiency in agricultural production. We investigated the relationships between ENSO, climate and maize yields in the U.S. cornbelt, using both observed data and crop simulations. Using a time-series of sea-surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) from the NINO3 region of the Pacific Ocean and historical records of temperature and precipitation spatially averaged across 51 mid-western climate divisions from 1950 to 1995, we ran linear correlation tests at three different lags. Northern hemisphere wintertime SSTAs were significantly correlated with air temperature at the 95% level of confidence in both the previous (r 0.32) and following (r 0.41) summer, but had opposite signs. Correlations with precipitation were significant only in the summer preceding the ENSO event (r0.31). Detrended maize yield for the same area and time period was also significantly related to SSTAs in the winter after harvest, with a correlation coefficient of 0.39, indicating that ENSO accounts for : 15% of interannual maize yield variability in the cornbelt. Crop growth simulations at seven sites across the region suggest that water stress in July and August is the primary cause of lowered corn yield in La Nina years, but shortened grainfill period due to higher temperatures is also important. The benefits of El Nino-related rainfall and cooler temperatures are less pronounced than the negative impacts of warmer and dryer La Ninas. However, advance warning of both ENSO phases may present opportunities for improved crop management in the cornbelt. Copyright © 1999 Royal Meteorological Society.
qMRI relaxometry of mandibular bone marrow: A monomodal distribution in sickle cell disease

Purpose: To identify and characterize sickle cell disease (SCD)-related changes in the composition of mandibular bone marrow using qMRI relaxometry histograms. Materials and Methods: Thirteen SCD patients and 17 controls underwent brain MR imaging with the mixed turbo spin-echo (TSE) pulse sequence at 1.5T. The mandible was manually segmented and divided into body, angle, ramus, and condyle. T1 and T2 histograms of each mandible were modeled with Gaussian functions. The relaxation time histogram peaks were calculated, and the number of monomodal versus bimodal curves was compared. Results: SCD patients exhibited monomodal distributions on both T1 and T2 histograms, consistent with a composition of predominantly red hematopoietic marrow. Eighty-eight percent of mandibles in control subjects exhibited a bimodal distribution in T1 and all showed a bimodal distribution in T2, indicating mixed but predominantly yellow marrow composition. The second peak in control subjects was shorter in T1 and longer in T2, consistent with yellow marrow composition. Conclusion: Instead of physiological fatty replacement, SCD patients exhibit red marrow persistence in the mandible, likely due to the increased demand for hematopoiesis. This phenomenon can be manifested by a monomodal curve in both T1 and T2 relaxometric histograms. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1182–1188. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Community Gardening in St. Louis: A MicroScale Analysis of What Was Grown

A microscale geographical analysis of one community garden in St. Louis, Missouri, was conducted to discover what gardeners grew, why they grew those plants, and why they organized their garden plots the way that they did. This article reports results on the first research question: What did gardeners in this community garden grow? A plant survey was used to discover what the gardeners grew. The community gardeners made decisions about plant choice and garden layout by first considering their previous gardening experiences and personal preferences. They then made decisions based on aesthetics, the influence of other people, and a desire to maximize their garden space. These factors led the gardeners to select certain plants at different frequencies. In particular, when compared to the wide body of literature on home gardeners, the community gardeners studied in this research devoted a significant amount of garden space to greens and minimal amount of space to those plants that required more space or time ...
I.I.D. stochastic analysis of PWM signals

A stochastic analysis for pulse width modulation (PWM) is given. Under a discrete random generator process with independent identically distributed (i.i.d.), continuous, range-limited samples, stochastic models for different PWM signals are proposed. Using randomization of the signal starting point, wide sense stationarity (WSS) of proposed PWM signals are shown. Autocorrelation functions and their corresponding power spectrum densities (PSD) are derived in terms of the modified complementary cumulative distribution function of i.i.d samples. For the case where the samples are i.i.d. uniformly distributed, the proposed autocorrelation functions are tested with simulations.
Lattice dynamics of graphite-iron chloride intercalation compounds from Mössbauer spectroscopy

Abstract Mossbauer spectra of graphite-FeCl3 and graphite-FeCl2 intercalation compounds have been measured over the temperature range 4.2 ≤ T ≤ 320 K. The spectrum of the FeCl3 intercalated compound consists of a singletv resonance at an isomer shift characteristic of ferric iron in a cubic symmetry charge site. The spectrum of the FeCl2 intercalated compound showed that there are two crystallographically inequivalent iron sites, described as Fe(I) and Fe(O), in this compound. In single crystal orientation experiments of the graphite-FeCl2 compound, the intensity ratio of the doublet spectrum for the Fe(I) site was angularly dependent but that of the Fe(O) site was not. The Mossbauer lattice temperature, θM, obtained from the temperature dependence of recoil free fraction for the intercalates were smaller than those of the corresponding neat iron chlorides. This result suggests that the iron atoms in the intercalation compounds are more labile than those in the corresponding iron chloride.
PLANT DIVERSITY, SOIL MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES, AND ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION: ARE THERE ANY LINKS?

A current debate in ecology centers on the extent to which ecosystem function depends on biodiversity. Here, we provide evidence from a long-term field manipulation of plant diversity that soil microbial communities, and the key ecosystem processes that they mediate, are significantly altered by plant species richness. After seven years of plant growth, we determined the composition and function of soil microbial communities beneath experimental plant diversity treatments containing 1-16 species. Microbial community bio- mass, respiration, and fungal abundance significantly increased with greater plant diversity, as did N mineralization rates. However, changes in microbial community biomass, activity, and composition largely resulted from the higher levels of plant production associated with greater diversity, rather than from plant diversity per se. Nonetheless, greater plant pro- duction could not explain more rapid N mineralization, indicating that plant diversity affected this microbial process, which controls rates of ecosystem N cycling. Greater N availability probably contributed to the positive relationship between plant diversity and productivity in the N-limited soils of our experiment, suggesting that plant-microbe in- teractions in soil are an integral component of plant diversity's influence on ecosystem
Towards the Application of a Handwriting Interface for Mathematics Learning

We believe handwriting input may be able to provide significant advantages over typing, especially in the mathematics learning domain. The use of handwriting may result in decreased extraneous cognitive load on students, and it may provide better support for the two-dimensional spatial components of mathematics when compared to existing typing-based tools. Here we report progress towards the application of a handwriting interface for mathematics learning. We introduce a prototype system that allows students to use handwriting input to solve algebraic equations in an intelligent tutor. We discuss strategies to improve the existing handwriting system and apply it to math learning. Although the recognition accuracy of current handwriting engines may not be at a level suitable for use by students, we hypothesize that this may be realistically improved via advance training of the engine on a large corpus, as well as via techniques similar to co-training.
Storm-Water Predictions by Dimensionless Unit Hydrograph

This paper presents a theoretical derivation of a dimensionless unit hydrograph using the kinematic wave approach. The dimensionless kinematic wave unit hydrograph (KWUH) is normalized by the parameters associated with the equilibrium condition and can be generated according to the selected rainfall duration. For comparison, a KWUH whose rainfall duration is equal to the time of equilibrium produces good agreement with the Soil Conservation Service dimensionless unit graph (SCSUH). Both the KWUH and SCSUH are kinematic in nature and have a 37.5% runoff volume that occurred before the time to peak. To verify the applicability of the KWUH derived in this study, a set of hypothetical rectangular watersheds ranging from 20 to 200 acres was investigated. The predicted 100-year peak flow rates from these five hypothetical rectangular watersheds are compared with the SCSUH method and the Colorado Unit Hydrograph Procedures (CUHP). In general, the KWUH produces good agreement with the CUHP when the catchment has an area between 60 and 120 acres. Based on the study of hypothetical rectangular watersheds, it is recommended that the KWUH be applicable to urban catchments with a drainage area of up to 120 acres.
Asymptotic performance of subspace methods for synchronous multirate CDMA systems

Two direct sequence (DS) code division multiple access (CDMA) multirate access methods with a fixed chip rate can be employed to support multirate services: multicode (MC) access and multiple processing gain (MPG) access. In either an MC or an MPG multirate CDMA system, severe intersymbol interference (ISI) may exist due to large channel delay spread relative to the symbol interval. We generalize the blind subspace technique to such a multirate CDMA system in order to estimate possibly long channel impulse response of a desired user. Then, we build a blind minimum mean-square-error (MMSE) detector to detect the user's information. The detection performance can be significantly improved by suppressing ISI, which becomes feasible after the user's channel parameters are estimated. The asymptotic performance of the channel estimator and the detector is analyzed. In particular, for typical distributions of the inputs and channel noise, closed-form expressions for the channel estimation error and the output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of the detector are derived as functions of the number of received data samples and system parameters. Simulation results are provided to verify our analysis.
The Effect of Orifice Angle and Cavity Dimension on Rectangular Synthetic Jet Actuators

In the last decade, a great deal of interest has been focused on the application of synthetic jet actuators (SJA) for active flow control. SJAs delay separation by injecting vortex pairs into the cross flow and energizing the turbulent boundary layer. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of the orifice angle on the performance of axisymmetric SJAs. The SJAs used in this experiment were composed of a piezoelectric (PZT) membrane, cavities and orifices. SJA’s with either a straight (90°) or angled (60°) orifices were characterized using hot-wire anemometry and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). It was found that the structure of the jet flow changed depending on the angle of the orifice with differences in the resulting vortical structure observed. The peak jet speed was found to be higher for the straight orifice than for the angled orifice contradicting the analytic prediction based on cavity dimension.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Optimal design of a thermistor probe for surface measurement of cerebral blood flow

Microthermistors are put on the surface of the cerebral cortex to monitor local cerebral blood flow (CBF) continuously with minimal tissue damage and disturbance to the normal physiological state. Using a distributed, dynamic model of the measurement system, the authors simulated the effects of this flow measurement method under isothermal and adiabatic boundary conditions. Numerical results show that the adiabatic boundary condition can provide maximal sensitivity to perfusion changes at physiological perfusion levels. The constant power and constant temperature operating modes are compared in terms of output relation, sensitivity, and frequency response through analytical and numerical solutions. While the steady-state relations between thermistor measurements and perfusion for the two modes do not differ significantly, the constant temperature mode has better frequency response. Analytical results show that the relative sensitivity is the same for the two modes and is approximately proportional to the radius of thermistor. >
Clinical Implication of MicroRNAs in Molecular Pathology

MicroRNAs are small endogenous noncoding RNAs that are critical regulators of several physiologic and pathologic processes including cancers. Variations in the level of microRNA expression have been linked with the development, progression, and spread of cancer to distant organs. These tiny molecules may play a role in accurate and early diagnosis, and also as prognostic determinants. Modulating their activity provides opportunities for developing and designing novel cancer therapeutics. Recent studies indicate their detection in a wide variety of human biologic specimens including blood, serum, fine-needle aspirates, and tissues, making them clinically useful biomarkers of disease for early detection, prognosis, and for designing personalized therapies.
Conceptual design of advanced inductively coupled plasma etching tools using computer modeling

Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactors for semiconductor etching are attractive in that the location of plasma generation and the plasma density can be controlled by placement of the inductive coils. This feature has been used to perform a conceptual design of an ICP etching tool having two plasma sources which provide additional control over the magnitude and composition of the reactive fluxes to the wafer. Images of plasma properties in the reactor are presented.
Introducing signals, systems, and control in grades K through 12

Signals, systems, and control provide a powerful paradigm for intellectual thought in science and technology, yet these ideas have had virtually no penetration into grades K through 12 education. In this article the author provides some suggestions for introducing these concepts into primary and secondary education, thus promoting their diffusion throughout the academic disciplines.
JANUS: towards robust and malicious resilient routing in hybrid wireless networks

In this paper we investigate and provide solutions for security threats in the context of hybrid networks consisting of a cellular base station and mobile devices equipped with dual cellular and ad-hoc (802.11b) cards. The cellular connection is used for receiving services (i.e. Internet access) from the base station, while the ad-hoc links are used to improve the quality of the connection. We provide detailed descriptions of several attacks that arbitrarily powerful adversaries, whether outsiders or insiders, can mount against well-behaved members of the network. We introduce a secure routing protocol called JANUS, that focuses on the establishment of secure routes between the base station and mobile devices, and the secure routing of the data. We show that our protocol is secure against the attacks described and experimentally compare the message overhead introduced by JANUS and UCAN.
Penile Skin Flaps for Urethral Reconstruction

The penile skin flap is a versatile tool in the reconstruction of anterior urethral stricture disease. When adequate non-diseased skin exists and when the arterial supply is dependable, a flap may be used for single stage reconstruction of strictures from the bulbar urethra to the urethral meatus. The surgical technique is challenging; a thorough understanding of the penile anatomy, particularly the vascular anatomy and fascial layers, is necessary to successful flap harvest. While based on similar principles, the various penile skin flaps described in this chapter have distinct differences in their technique of harvest as well as their appropriateness for strictures of the bulbar and penile urethra. All share a common blood supply in the external pudendal arteries. All involve the isolation of an island of skin dependent on this vascular pedicle. The differences in technique center on whether the island is isolated transversely or longitudinally, to what degree the pedicle is developed proximally and whether the pedicle is primarily ventrally-based or dorsally-based. With a proper understanding of each of these techniques a surgeon is well-prepared to approach the difficult task of anterior urethral reconstruction.
Parental Predictors of Children’s Animal Abuse Findings From a National and Intergenerational Sample

This study examines the intra- and intergenerational links between intimate partner violence (IPV) and animal abuse by analyzing a national, longitudinal, and multigenerational sample of 1,614 individuals collected by the National Youth Survey Family Study from 1990 to 2004. Using multilevel random-intercept regression modeling, parents' own history of animal abuse is predictive of their later involvement in IPV perpetration and victimization, net of important controls. In turn, parents' IPV violent perpetration (but not violent victimization) is predictive of their children's history of animal abuse-measured 14 years later. Intergenerational continuity of animal abuse, however, is not significant. Implications of these findings are discussed, as are the study's limitations, and future research directions.
Rapid detection of inhomogeneity in a tissue phantom

Detecting inhomogeneity in a turbid tissue using an optical tomography technique as a non-invasive tool is of paramount importance in imaging and diagnosis of diseases and tissue abnormalities. In our approach, an ultrafast laser is used as the detecting source and the backscattered light signals are collected around the boundary of the target. We have developed a Monte Carlo program used to simulate time-dependent photon transport in inhomogeneous turbid media. As the laser pulse is attenuated by absorption and scattering, the detected temporal signal depends strongly on the optical properties of the medium and therefore leads us to the detection of inhomogeneity. Simulation results have shown that the presence of a small absorbing inhomogeneity in a highly scattering tissue will yield different log slopes in the temporal intensity profile. Further experimental studies in this paper yield similar results.
Everyday archaic: fieldworkers in New Left poetry

This essay articulates links between anthropologically orientated poets of the 1960s and '70s and the New Left. It explores how the abstract utopian spaces of Jerome Rothenberg's ethnopoetics anthologies operated as radical statements within the early phases of the culture wars and how the concrete place‐based ecopoetic work of Gary Snyder became crucial for the Diggers as they developed rural collectives. Both poets appealed to anthropology in order to reorient history toward an expanded concept of daily life. The essay also explores why Snyder's critics have frequently understood the poet's body as the ultimate horizon of place.
THE SENSIBILITY OF THE SUN-FISH, LEPOMIS, TO MONOCHROMATIC RADIATION OF LOW INTENSITIES

1. A test is proposed of the hypothesis that visual purple is the photosensitive substance concerned in dim vision. It is based on the fact that fish visual purple is different from that of other vertebrates. If the hypothesis is correct, the fish dim-visibility function should be different from that of other vertebrates and should be determined by the absorption spectrum of its visual purple. 2. A new method is described for obtaining the visibility function of fish, in quantitative terms. It depends on the measurement of the least amounts of various spectral energies which will produce a visual orienting response to the displacement of a constant background. 3. Data are presented on thirteen animals. It is shown that the maximum of the visibility function is identical with the maximum of the absorption spectrum of fish visual purple. The shapes of the visibility curves obtained are, however, variable and different from that of the absorption spectrum. 4. The possibility that Lepomis visual purple is different from that of other fish is ruled out by a series of measurements which confirm the results of Koettgen and Abelsdorff on other fish. 5. Reasons are given for the conclusion that there are present in Lepomis special conditions which distort the visibility curve out of true agreement with that predictable from the absorption spectrum of its visual purple. The suggestion is made that the presence of light absorbing, but not light sensitive, pigments is responsible for this distortion. One of these pigments may perhaps be carotin while the second is unspecified.