cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of canopy transpiration to altered precipitation in an upland oak forest: evidence from a long‐term field manipulation study

Climate-induced changes in regional precipitation could have important implications for the carbon, water, and nutrient cycles of forest ecosystems. However, few studies have examined the response of deciduous forests to increases or decreases in precipitation. Therefore, the throughfall displacement experiment (TDE) was established in 1993 near Oak Ridge, Tennessee to examine the sensitivity of an upland oak (Quercus spp.) forest to ambient, wet ( 133%), and dry (� 33%) precipitation regimes. Sap flux measurements on co-occurring tree species were scaled using species-specific estimates of stand sapwood area to derive daily and seasonal rates of canopy transpiration (EC) from 2000 to 2003. With the exception of 2003, which was an extremely wet year, daily EC in the dry plot, and occasionally during extended droughts in the ambient and wet plots, declined as water potential in the upper 0.35m soil profile approached -3.0MPa. Seasonal patterns of soil water potential and treatment-specific differences in EC were dependent on precipitation frequency and intensity. Supplemental precipitation added to the wet plot increased seasonal EC on average by 9% (range � 1% to 19%), whereas extended periods of drought on the dry plot in 2000, 2001, and 2002 were sufficient to reduce seasonal EC by 26‐30% compared with the ambient plot. There was a strong correlation between seasonal EC and the water stress integral, a cumulative index of drought severity and duration. A polynomial fitted to these data indicated that reductions in seasonal EC on the order of 40% were possible given TDE-imposed reductions in soil water potential. Application of this equation to all years of the TDE (1994‐2003) revealed considerable interannual and treatment-specific variation in canopy transpiration. In general, a 33% removal of throughfall on the dry plot during 1995, 1998, and 2002 resulted in a 23‐32% reduction in seasonal EC compared with the ambient plot. While droughts in deciduous forests are often limited in duration and tend to occur late in the growing season, soil water deficits of the magnitude observed in this study have the potential to impact local and regional forest water budgets.
AN ENZYMATIC METHOD FOB YEAST AUTOLYSIS

Treatment of intact yeast cells with lytic enzymes, i.e. zymolase and lysozyme, markedly increased the release of nitrogen and proteins during incubation. The addition of pancreatin or pronase during incubation of cells with lytic enzymes caused the concurrent hydrolysis of the yeast proteins. The precipitable yeast protein at pH 4.5 decreased from 73 to 21% within 60 min. This procedure may be used for the commercial production of yeast autolysate.
Simultaneous parameter estimation and contaminant source characterization for coupled groundwater flow and contaminant transport modelling

Abstract Parameter estimation and contaminant source characterization are key steps in the development of a coupled groundwater flow and contaminant transport simulation model. Here a methodologyfor simultaneous model parameter estimation and source characterization is presented. The parameter estimation/source characterization inverse model combines groundwater flow and contaminant transport simulation with non-linear maximum likelihood estimation to determine optimal estimates of the unknown model parameters and source characteristics based on measurements of hydraulic head and contaminant concentration. First-order uncertainty analysis provides a means for assessing the reliability of the maximum likelihood estimates and evaluating the accuracy and reliability of the flow and transport model predictions. A series of hypothetical examples is presented to demonstrate the ability of the inverse model to solve the combined parameter estimation/source characterization inverse problem. Hydraulic conductivities, effective porosity, longitudinal and transverse dispersivities, boundary flux, and contaminant flux at the source are estimated for a two-dimensional groundwater system. In addition, characterization of the history of contaminant disposal or location of the contaminant source is demonstrated. Finally, the problem of estimating the statistical parameters that describe the errors associated with the head and concentration data is addressed. A stage-wise estimation procedure is used to jointly estimate these statistical parameters along with the unknown model parameters and source characteristics.
Fracture fabrication of precision single-crystal silicon surfaces for MEMS devices

Abstract Processes for creating complementary and smooth surfaces by deliberately fracturing a weakened portion of a larger single-crystal silicon structure are described. The structure was designed to refine and concentrate an externally applied load pre-fracture and to provide precision guidance post-fracture. Under the right conditions, material is not ejected from the fracture zone, and the extreme brittleness of crystalline silicon produces complementary fracture surfaces; “closed” post-fracture gaps of 20–30 nm are typical. The effects of lithographic, focused ion beam, and anisotropically etched notches as well as crystal orientation and specimen thickness were studied, and a method was developed for fabricating smooth surfaces perpendicular to the wafer plane: 10 μm square specimens oriented with the (1 1 0) plane fully notched by anisotropic etching (KOH) and fractured within a structure optimized to apply pure tension during fracture. While developing the fabrication process for a variable capacitor device, it was found that the high temperature processing associated with the thermal oxidation necessary for growing the actuator’s dielectric layer blunted the anisotropically etched notches. This blunting manifested itself as material ejecting fractures and occurred even when the notches were covered with a nitride diffusion barrier. The blunting was overcome by employing the actuator’s thermal oxide dielectric layer as a mask for etching the notch after all high temperature processing was complete, indicating it was likely due to diffusional smoothing and that high temperature processes may be useful for strengthening anisotropically etched structures.
Comparative cost analysis of endobronchial ultrasound-guided and blind TBNA in the evaluation of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

BACKGROUND The superior accuracy of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) averts many diagnostic surgical procedures. This likely leads to significant cost savings despite an increased per procedure cost. We sought to compare the true costs of endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) compared with "blind" fiberoptic bronchoscopy-transbronchial needle aspiration (FB-TBNA) factoring in the impact of diagnostic surgical procedures in the diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy. METHODS In this retrospective case study, we selected 294 patients with thoracic lymphadenopathy as diagnosed by computed tomography at a university hospital. Information was extracted from the electronic record. Costs were determined from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services resource-based relative value scale. We defined a positive diagnosis as one where benign or malignant disease was found. A negative biopsy was one where lymph node sampling was confirmed, but no pathology (benign or malignant) was seen. A nondiagnostic biopsy was one where no pathology was seen and lymph node sampling could not be confirmed. The total cost of endoscopic and surgical diagnostic procedures was tallied for each patient to obtain mean costs per patient. RESULTS Thirty-seven patients underwent FB-TBNA and 257 underwent EBUS-TBNA. A diagnosis was found in 90% of patients in the EBUS group and 62.2% of patients in the FB-TBNA group (P<0.001). More patients in the FB-TBNA group underwent a diagnostic surgical procedure (HR= -0.1573, 95% confidence interval, -0.30 to -0.15; P<0.001). After accounting for all diagnostic procedures, the mean savings with EBUS was $1071.09 (P=0.09) per patient. CONCLUSIONS EBUS-TBNA is less expensive than blind FB-TBNA in the evaluation of thoracic lymphadenopathy when accounting for diagnostic surgical procedures.
A Numerical Study of Spiral Turbulence

We present several observations on spiral turbulence based on three-dimensional direct numerical simulations of a Taylor-Couette system at three Reynolds numbers. The o w is characteristized by patterns of alternating helical bands, with possibly dieren t helicities at dieren t Reynolds numbers, of laminar and turbulent uids that propagate between the cylinders. The region that the turbulent spiral sweeps through is observed to be radially closer to the outer cylinder than to the inner one.
OVERVIEW OF NIMH SUPPORT OF RESEARCH IN BEHAVIOR THERAPY1

Many parts of the National Institute of Mental Health have explicit policies of encouraging research on behavior therapy. The policies about behavior therapy research of sub-units of NIMH are reviewed, as these policies existed in fiscal year 1973. Examples are given of the type of behavior therapy research that NIMH was supporting in 1972. Particularly important is the evaluation of the efficacy of behavior therapy in comparison with standard treatment procedures.
The transient magnetohydrodynamic phenomena in electromagnetic levitation processes

Abstract This paper presents an analytical study on the transient electrodynamic and fluid flow phenomena in a magnetically-levitated liquid sphere. Using the method of separation of variables, analytical solutions are derived for the transient electromagnetic field inside and outside the sphere in the form of the magnetic vector potential, and the fluid flow field in terms of the stream function, respectively. Both asymptotic and detailed analyses are described. It is found that the decay of a levitation system is characterized by three quite different time scales: one for the electromagnetic field, one for the fluid flow field, and one for the thermal field. The electromagnetic field decays several orders of magnitude faster than either the fluid flow field or the temperature field, and therefore its effect can be well ignored when the flow and/or thermal fields are considered. The ratios of these time scales may be related to the nondimensional system numbers that characterize the system. Detailed calculations show that when started from a symmetric velocity field, the decay results in a reduction of the velocity level but the flow pattern remains unchanged, whereas the evolution from an asymmetric flow field involves both a diminution in the velocity level and a change in the flow pattern. The two decaying processes are also characterized by different time scales, with the one for the asymmetric case being larger. Application of the analyses to design and control the experiments of undercooling and/or free surface oscillations under microgravity is also discussed. It is found that an undercooling of a desired degree may be obtained free from the internal flow influence if an appropriate starting temperature is chosen for the experiment. It is also possible to carry out the experiments of free surface oscillation without the interference from the internal flow; however, careful control is needed to maintain the liquid at a relatively constant temperature.
A dynamical explanation of the falling cat phenomenon

Two body mechanical system operating within dynamics laws simulating backward and forward bending motions of falling cat
EFFECTS OF K+ CHANNEL BLOCKERS ON K+ CHANNELS, MEMBRANE POTENTIAL, AND ALDOSTERONE SECRETION IN RAT ADRENAL ZONA GLOMERULOSA CELLS

The hypothesis that angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced aldosterone secretion is mediated through inhibition of plasma membrane K+ channels was examined by measuring the effects of K+ channel blockers on K+ currents, membrane potential, and aldosterone secretion in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. Effective K+ channel blockers were identified and studied using patch clamp methods on isolated glomerulosa cells in cell culture. Extracellular Cs+ (2-20 mm) caused a voltage-dependent inhibition of macroscopic K+ currents, exhibiting an apparent Kd of 2 mM for blockade of K+ current at membrane potentials near the K+ equilibrium potential. Outward K+ current opposed the Cs+ block, imparting a steep voltage dependence to this block. In single channel studies Cs blocked inward, but not outward, unitary currents through ANG II-regulated weakly voltage-dependent K+ channels, which are thought to control resting membrane potential. Cs+ reversibly depolarized the resting membrane potential at concentrations greater than or equal to the apparent Kd for K+ conductance inhibition (> or =2 mM). Depolarization consisted of a slow, maintained phase proportional to Cs+ concentration superimposed with 2- to 5-mV transient depolarizing events. Cs+ induced a Ca2+-dependent stimulation of aldosterone secretion in acutely dissociated cells, exhibiting an EC50 of approximately 3 mM. Maximal Cs+-induced secretion was quantitatively similar to 1 nM ANG II- or 8 mM K+-induced secretion. Cs+-induced secretion was not additive with that of ANG II. K+ channel blockers that did not inhibit weakly voltage-dependent K+ channels at rest (quinidine, apamin, and charybdotoxin) did not cause depolarization or stimulate aldosterone secretion. Furthermore, charybdotoxin did not significantly affect ANG II-induced aldosterone secretion, indicating that Ca2+-dependent maxi-K+ channels did not contribute to the control of aldosterone secretion in acutely dissociated cells. These data strongly support involvement of weakly voltage-dependent K+ channels in ANG II-induced aldosterone secretion, but also implicate roles for other channel classes in controlling membrane potential during ANG II-induced aldosterone secretion.
Typification of some species names in Elaphoglossum section Polytrichia (Dryopteridaceae) from Brazil

The fern genus Elaphoglossum has received a great deal of attention in Brazil over the last two centuries. Nevertheless, many of the early names remain inadequately typified. In this paper, the nomenclature of some Brazilian species of Elaphoglossum sect. Polytrichia is discussed under the rules and recommendations of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. Lectotypes are designated for the following names: Acrostichum amplissimum Fee; A. apodum Kaulf. var. sprucei Baker; A. glaziovii Fee; A. lindbergii Mett. ex Kuhn; A. prestonii Baker; Elaphoglossum spannagelii Rosenst.; and Elaphoglossum ulei H. Christ. Most of these types were collected in Brazil during the 19th century and are now preserved in several European herbaria.
Progressive accumulation of DNA methylation with malignant progression in breast tissue

Abstract Introduction: The detection of methylated tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) in ductal aspirates/lavages from breast cancer (BC) patients suggests a role for DNA methylation in molecular screening. We measured DNA methylation in normal tissue from non-cancer patients (Nl), normal tissue from BC patients (Nl-CA), and malignant tissue from patients with in situ (DCIS) or invasive (CA) BC to determine whether methylation changes can distinguish between normal and cancer. Methods: DNA was extracted and bisulfite converted from fresh frozen tissue (reduction mammoplasty (Nl, 7), matched Nl-CA and CA (48)) or microdissected paraffinized tissue (Nl from benign biopsy (3), or DCIS (7)). Methylation of APC, ESR1, HPP1, and p16 was assayed using the MethyLight assay. Results: All Nl specimens were unmethylated. Methylation of the 4 TSGs was observed in tissues from cancer patients (Table). The mean number of methylated genes (NMG) increased from Nl (0) to Nl-CA (0.5), to cancer (DCIS 1.1, CA 1.2) (p Conclusions: The increased NMG from Nl to cancer suggests a progressive accumulation of methylation with malignant progression. Nl-CA tissue displays elevated levels of TSG methylation, suggesting a methylation field effect. When assessing several genes simultaneously, methylation can distinguish between normal and cancer tissue. The discriminatory power will likely increase with the number of genes assayed. These findings support the evaluation of DNA methylation as a biomarker for molecular screening.
Evaluation of Surface-Related Pavement Damage due to Tire Braking

ABSTRACT The response of flexible pavement at near-surface is significantly affected by interfacial tire-pavement contact stresses. In addition to highly non-uniform vertical stresses and surface tangential shear stresses at tire-pavement interface, tire braking at an intersection causes additional significant longitudinal contact stresses on the pavement surface. In this paper, the flexible pavement responses to three-dimensional (3-D) tire-pavement contact stresses at various tire rolling conditions were determined using a developed 3-D finite element model. The hot-mix asphalt (HMA) layer was characterized as a viscoelastic material, and the transient dynamic tire loading was simulated using a continuous moving load and implicit dynamic analysis. The analysis matrix includes two typical flexible pavement structures (76 mm and 152 mm HMA thicknesses) and three tire rolling conditions (free rolling at high speed, free rolling at low speed, and braking). The study concluded that the low-speed vehicle load...
Exploratory development of the reconnection launcher 1986-90

The exploratory development phase for the reconnection launcher is summarized. This is an induction launcher which features a contactless, solid armature with either flat-plate or cylindrical geometry. The strategy for successful design is discussed, emphasizing the way the issues of ohmic heating and high-voltage requirements for high velocity were resolved. The indispensable role of a fast-running, mesh-matrix code is stressed. The three multistage launcher are described. One of these achieved a muzzle velocity of 1 km/s with a 150 gram flat-plate projectile. The other two have launched cylindrical projectiles at 335 m/s, one with relatively heavy projectiles of 5 kg, the other with relatively light ones of 10 g. The cylindrical projectile scan be spin-stabilized prior to launch for improved flight. The potential of this technology for earth-to-orbit launch of small artificial satellites is outlined. >
Sleep and its Relationship to Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease.

There are substantial racial/ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease in the U.S., but few mechanisms have emerged as feasible intervention targets. A growing body of research suggests that racial/ethnic differences in sleep deficiency, including extreme sleep duration, sleep-disordered breathing, and insomnia, may help explain disparities in cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying racial/ethnic disparities in sleep. In this article, we review the extant literature on sleep and cardiovascular outcomes (eg, hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular disease) and racial/ethnic differences in these relations. We also discuss possible mechanisms that might help explain racial/ethnic sleep disparities, including neighborhood disadvantage, psychosocial and occupational stressors, acculturation, and treatment access and adherence. More research is needed to establish causal linkages among race/ethnicity, sleep, and these mechanisms, but existing evidence suggests that targeting these factors in interventions may reduce racial/ethnic sleep disparities and improve primary prevention of cardiovascular disease among all racial/ethnic groups.
Pseudonoise Tracking in the Presence of Spectrally-Known Interference

This paper describes the design of a direct-sequence code tracking loop employing generalized correlators for tracking-error estimation. The signal to be tracked is assumed to be PSK modulated by data, and carrier-phase incoherent. The correlators consist of the usual correlator circuit with realizable filters inserted in each input arm. In the proposed design technique, the tracking loop's effective signal-to-noise ratio is optimized by filter design for operation in the presence of strong colored interference of known spectral content. Performance results are given.
An Evaluation of Precipitation Scavenging Rates of Background Aerosol

Abstract Concentrations of radon daughters in falling rain have been used to derive precipitation scavenging rates of those particles with which radon daughters are associated; presumably these are the particulate component of natural, background aerosol. Scavenging rates ranging from 10−4 to 10−3 s−1 are deduced from a comparison of the observations with the predictions of simple models of in-cloud scavenging processes.
A morphologic study of live Escherichia coli organism shock in baboons.

Abstract This study was designed to examine the response of the baboon during a 24 hr period following live Escherichia coli organism infusion. Experiments were performed on 10 young adult adolescent baboons. Eight of the baboons received a mean concentration of 1.5 × 10 10 organisms/kg infused during a 30 to 360 min period. Two control baboons received anesthesia and 0.9% sodium chloride solution during the 24 hr period. Heart, lung, liver, and kidney were evaluated with both light and electron microscopy and the morphologic data were interrelated with the physiologic data. The acute lung lesion seen in 2 to 6 hr studies was not found in this prolonged shock model. Both the liver and kidney exhibited dysfunction; these pathophysiologic alterations were accompanied by morphologic changes. Sinusoidal fibrin thrombi and hepatocyte damage were observed in the liver, and were associated with increases in LDH, FLDH, and hypoglycemia. Glomerular fibrin thrombi and tubular epithelial changes of cytoplasmic vacuolization and brush border loss were present in the kidney, and an increase in BUN levels was noted. Our data would indicate that the live E. coli infusion baboon model shows pathologic and physiologic derangements quite similar to those reported in the patient in septic shock.
Vibrational assignment and force constants of S8 from a normal-coordinate treatment

Normal-coordinate calculations for S8 were revised by use of new far-infrared spectral data that locate the low infrared-active fundamentals at 191 (e1) and 243 (b2) cm−1 (solution state). Digital computer methods were used. Agreement of calculated with observed frequencies could not be obtained with the basic Urey-Bradley field alone, but was obtained when an extra quadratic cross-term between adjacent SS bond stretchings was included. The vibrational assignment based on the calculations is consistent with all well-established features of the observed spectra. Thermodynamic comparisons with vapor-pressure data for rhombic sulfur suggest that low fundamental frequencies of the S8 molecule are lower in the vapor state than in condensed states.
Plasma Activated Chemical Vapor Deposition of Polythiophene Thin Films

Polythiophene thin films have been deposited by a novel plasma technique which avoids the disadvantages of conventional plasma-based processes. In particular, the thiophene precursor is injected into an activated argon stream rather than into a plasma. The films produced are dense and uniform, with surface roughness of less than 1 nm. Other film properties are comparable to films deposited by more conventional methods. These films have been processed by reactive ion etching to produce micron-scale features.
RETMen2B-transgene Produces Sympathoadrenal Tumors But Does Not Prevent Intestinal Aganglionosis in gdnf—/— or gfrα-1—/— Mice:

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN2B) syndrome is caused by a missense mutation in the RET gene, which replaces Met918 by Thr in the intracellular kinase domain of the protein. This single amino acid substitution transforms the receptor into a constitutively active monomeric kinase (RET(Men2B)) and produces an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytomas, musculoskeletal anomalies, and mucosal ganglioneuromas. The ligand, GDNF, stimulates RET activity through a co-receptor, GFR alpha-1. In vitro studies have shown that the kinase and mitogenic properties of RET(Men2B) are enhanced by GDNF/GFR alpha-1 stimulation. A relevant clinical question is whether ablation of either GDNF or GFR alpha-1 could alter penetrance or severity of the MEN2B syndrome. We report that ganglioneuromatous tumors caused by a RET(Men2B) transgene in mice are not affected grossly or microscopically by the absence of gdnf or gfr alpha-1. Loss-of-function mutations in ret, gdnf, or gfr alpha-1 cause pan-intestinal aganglionosis in mice. We find that expression of the RET(Men2B) transgene in enteric neural progenitors, after they colonize the gut, does not prevent intestinal aganglionosis associated with gdnf or gfr alpha-1 deficiency.
Origins of Embedded Orthodoxy: International Cooperation and Political Unity in Greece

International organisations have considered national unity a necessary prerequisite to maintaining political stability and restoring economic growth in countries facing severe economic crisis. The European Union and the International Monetary Fund promoted such unity in Greece when making stabilisation packages available during the country's sovereign debt crisis in 2011–2012. Focused on the conditions under which diverse political groups can credibly coordinate their economic and political strategies, this article examines domestic and international factors that impact the prospect of political unity in Greece and small European economies. Anchored in the historical institutionalism tradition, it finds that political unity in small European economies has been consolidated during periods of economic growth and when complementary international institutions existed, but has regularly been undermined in countries experiencing the opposite conditions, including Greece. National unity in Greece over the long term requires domestic reforms, but such reforms will not be sustainable without external economic growth and a multilateral architecture that incentivises economic groups to share the benefits and costs of structural reform. Since the latter conditions are not ones that a small country itself can produce, sustained political unity rests as much with the actions of big economies as it does with Greece overcoming the historic legacies of its particular model of capitalism.
Conceptual Design of LED-Based Hydroponic Photobioreactor for High-Density Plant Cultivation

A novel hydroponic photobioreactor is proposed for high-density cultivation of plants. This cultivation can be achieved by growing plants on a floatable platform, allowing the roots to directly contact a continuously aerated nutrient solution. Plant growth of Mentha x piperita (peppermint) can be shown to strongly correlate with the light intensity at incident light intensities between 0 and 650 mmol m(-)(2) s(-)(1). For a constant incident light intensity (I(0) = 420 mmol m(-)(2) s(-)(1)), the overall specific growth rates of these plants are found to be strongly dependent on the plant density. They range from 0.023 to 0.075 d(-)(1) for plants grown at a density range from 16 to 256 plants m(-)(2). A simple mathematical model is presented that allows one to predict these effects of light intensity and plant density on peppermint growth. Light delivery is derived from the modification of Beer-Lambert's law. From this, the relationship between the light extinction coefficient and plant density can be experimentally determined. The light transport can then be coupled with plant growth kinetics under light-limiting conditions. The predicted growth results agree reasonably well with most experimental results from a growth period of 17-20 days. On the basis of these simulation results, we suggest that a more efficient way of delivering light to this photobioreactor can be attained by supplying light from both the top and the bottom of the plant shoots. The proposed design takes advantage of the small size and low weight of light emitting diodes, which allow them to be mounted on platforms for delivering light closer to the plants.
Characterization of the 5′ to 3′ exonuclease associated with Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase

Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase was shown to contain an associated 5' to 3' exonuclease activity. Both polymerase and exonuclease activities cosedimented with a molecular weight of 72,000 during sucrose gradient centrifugation. Using a novel in situ activity gel procedure to simultaneously detect these two activities, we observed both DNA polymerase and exonuclease in a single band following either nondenaturing or denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis: therefore, DNA polymerase and exonuclease activities reside in the same polypeptide. As determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis this enzyme has an apparent molecular weight of 92,000. The exonuclease requires a divalent cation (MgCl2 or MnCl2), has a pH optimum of 9.0 and excises primarily deoxyribonucleoside 5'-monophosphate from double-stranded DNA. Neither heat denatured DNA nor the free oligonucleotide (24-mer) were efficient substrates for exonuclease activity. The rate of hydrolysis of a 5'-phosphorylated oligonucleotide (24-mer) annealed to M13mp2 DNA was about twofold faster than the same substrate containing a 5'-hydroxylated residue. Hydrolysis of a 5'-terminal residue from a nick was preferred threefold over the same 5'-end of duplex DNA. The 5' to 3' exonuclease activity appeared to function coordinately with the DNA polymerase to facilitate a nick translational DNA synthesis reaction.
Alphanumeric paging in an academic hospital setting.

Abstract Objective To determine whether implementation of an alphanumeric-paging system would improve physician work environment. Design Surveys were distributed to all general surgery residents, faculty, and nurses before and after implementation of an alphanumeric-paging system. Housestaff also kept a detailed log of paging activity before and after the intervention. Measurements User satisfaction with the paging system was measured using a Likert format survey. Interruptions to patient care and pages requiring a call back were tracked using paging logs. Results Physician perceptions of the capability of text paging before the intervention were high and did not differ significantly postintervention. For nursing staff, postintervention perceptions of the text-paging system were significantly more positive than preintervention, especially with regard to perceived improvements in patient care (54.1% versus 81.6%, P P P Conclusions Study participants rated the alphanumeric-paging system highly. Text-paging technology has the potential to reduce interruptions in patient care and improve physician work efficiency and satisfaction.
Use of commercial off-the-shelf digital cameras for scientific data acquisition and scene-specific color calibration

Commercial off-the-shelf digital cameras are inexpensive and easy-to-use instruments that can be used for quantitative scientific data acquisition if images are captured in raw format and processed so that they maintain a linear relationship with scene radiance. Here we describe the image-processing steps required for consistent data acquisition with color cameras. In addition, we present a method for scene-specific color calibration that increases the accuracy of color capture when a scene contains colors that are not well represented in the gamut of a standard color-calibration target. We demonstrate applications of the proposed methodology in the fields of biomedical engineering, artwork photography, perception science, marine biology, and underwater imaging.
Comparison of the effectiveness of three manual physical therapy techniques in a subgroup of patients with low back pain who satisfy a clinical prediction rule: study protocol of a randomized clinical trial [NCT00257998].

Recently a clinical prediction rule (CPR) has been developed and validated that accurately identifies patients with low back pain (LBP) that are likely to benefit from a lumbo-pelvic thrust manipulation. The studies that developed and validated the rule used the identical manipulation procedure. However, recent evidence suggests that different manual therapy techniques may result similar outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of three different manual therapy techniques in a subgroup of patient with low back pain that satisfy the CPR. Consecutive patients with LBP referred to physical therapy clinics in one of four geographical locations who satisfy the CPR will be invited to participate in this randomized clinical trial. Subjects who agree to participate will undergo a standard evaluation and complete a number of patient self-report questionnaires including the Oswestry Disability Index (OSW), which will serve as the primary outcome measure. Following the baseline examination patients will be randomly assigned to receive the lumbopelvic manipulation used in the development of the CPR, an alternative lumbar manipulation technique, or non-thrust lumbar mobilization technique for the first 2 visits. Beginning on visit 3, all 3 groups will receive an identical standard exercise program for 3 visits (visits 3,4,5). Outcomes of interest will be captured by a therapist blind to group assignment at 1 week (3rd visit), 4 weeks (6th visit) and at a 6-month follow-up. The primary aim of the study will be tested with analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the change in OSW score from baseline to 4-weeks (OSWBaseline – OSW4-weeks) as the dependent variable. The independent variable will be treatment with three levels (lumbo-pelvic manipulation, alternative lumbar manipulation, lumbar mobilization). This trial will be the first to investigate the effectiveness of various manual therapy techniques for patients with LBP who satisfy a CPR.
Incremental Improvements in Chesapeake Bay Environmental Model Package

The performance of the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Model Package is examined in four steps of model development. The steps include initial application, grid refinements, addition of living resources, and grid refinements with recalibration. Performance statistics are presented for the mainstem bay and for the James River, a major tributary. Computed salinity has the lowest relative error. Computed total phosphorus and surface chlorophyll have the greatest relative error. Errors in the bay are lower than in the James River. The capacity of the model has increased substantially over more than a decade but quantitative performance, measured by the summary statistics, has reached a plateau. Limited spatial sampling, uncertainty in loading, and difficulty in assigning boundary conditions are among the factors that limit the accuracy that can be attained with the model.
A study of distortion and surface hardness of improved artificial stone casts

1. The single-pour technique is as accurate as the double-pour technique except for point 6 (palatal point). Here the double-pour technique has greater accuracy. Impression material thickness over point 6 was approximately 15 mm. 2. The double-pour technique produced specimens which had superficial hardness values significantly higher than those of casts produced by the single-pour technique. 3. Specimens made with slurry water showed no greater distortion than specimens from other techniques. Surfaces of the specimens made with slurry water were significantly harder than those of specimens made with distilled water. Both types of specimens were made with the single-pour technique. 4. No significant difference in distortion was found in specimens produced with varying thickness of irreversible hydrocolloid impression material over the occlusal pins.
Editorial: The Seventh Interfaces Ranking of Universities' Contributions to the Practice Literature

For the seventh time, I rank universities according to their contributions to the INFORMS practice literature and trace the evolution of the rankings of the top universities. Two universities are tied for the top ranking this time: the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Pennsylvania. Erasmus University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Chile are now tied for the top ranking among non-US universities. The number of non-US universities contributing to the practice literature is growing.
Optimal online ring routing

We study how to route online splittable flows in bidirectional ring networks to minimize maximum load. We show that the competitive ratio of any deterministic online algorithm for this problem is at least $2- 2/n$ **image** , where $n$ **image** is the size of the ring, and that the online algorithm that splits each flow inversely proportionally to the length of the flow's shortest path achieves this competitive ratio for all integers $n \geq 2$ **image** © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 57(2), 187–197 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parents of unhappy poets: fiduciary responsibility and genetic enhancements.

“What is a poet? An unhappy person who conceals profound anguish in his heart but whose lips are so formed that as sighs and cries pass over them they sound like beautiful music.” These opening lines from Kierkegaard's Either / Or signify a tragic state of affairs because the poet brings joy to others and yet experiences no joy himself. In a similar vein, consider the child prodigy—Bobby Fischer, Shirley Temple, Mozart. Although there is no question that these children were gifted, there is some debate about how happy their childhoods were. There are benefits to just “being a kid,” and it is not clear that these individuals had that opportunity.
A genetic linkage map of red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus

Summary Second-generation, sex-specific genetic linkage maps were generated for the economically important estuarine-dependent marine fish Sciaenops ocellatus (red drum). The maps were based on F1 progeny from each of two single-pair mating families. A total of 237 nuclearencoded microsatellite markers were mapped to 25 linkage groups. The female map contained 226 markers, with a total length of 1270.9 centiMorgans (cM) and an average inter-marker interval of 6.53 cM; the male map contained 201 markers, with a total length of 1122.9 cM and an average inter-marker interval of 6.03 cM. The overall recombination rate was approximately equal in the two sexes ($:# = 1.03:1). Recombination rates in a number of linkage intervals, however, differed significantly between the same sex in both families and between sexes within families. The former occurred in 2.4% of mapped intervals, while the latter occurred in 51.2% of mapped intervals. Sex-specific recombination rates varied within chromosomes, with regions of both female-biased and male-biased recombination. Original clones from which the microsatellite markers were generated were compared with genome sequence data for the spotted green puffer, Tetraodon nigroviridis; a total of 43 matches were located in 17 of 21 chromosomes of T. nigroviridis, while seven matches were in unknown portions of the T. nigroviridis genome. The map for red drum provides a new, useful tool for aquaculture, population genetics, and comparative genomics of this economically important marine species.
NCSWT: an integrated modeling and simulation tool for networked control systems

This paper presents the Networked Control Systems Windtunnel (NCSWT), an integrated modeling and simulation tool for the evaluation of networked control systems (NCS). NCSWT integrates Matlab/Simulink and ns-2 using the High Level Architecture (HLA). Our implementation of the NCSWT based on HLA guarantees accurate time synchronization and data communication in heterogenous simulations. NCSWT uses the Model Integrated Computing (MIC) techniques to define HLA-based model constructs such as federates representing the simulators and interactions between the simulators. NCSWT also uses MIC techniques to define models representing the control system and network dynamics for the rapid synthesis of simulations.
Geospatial analysis of a coastal sand dune field evolution: Jockey's Ridge, North Carolina

Preservation and effective management of highly dynamic coastal features located in areas under development pressures requires in-depth understanding of their evolution. Modern geospatial technologies such as lidar, real time kinematic GPS, and three-dimensional GIS provide tools for efficient acquisition of high resolution data, geospatial analysis, feature extraction, and quantification of change. These techniques were applied to the Jockey’s Ridge, North Carolina, the largest active dune field on the east coast of the United States, with the goal to quantify its deflation and rapid horizontal migration. Digitized contours, photogrammetric, lidar and GPS point data were used to compute a multitemporal elevation model of the dune field capturing its evolution for the period of 1974– 2004. In addition, peak elevation data were available for 1915 and 1953. Analysis revealed possible rapid growth of the dune complex between 1915–1953, followed by a slower rate of deflation that continues today. The main dune peak grew from 20.1 m in 1915 to 41.8 m in 1953 and has since eroded to 21.9 m in 2004. Two of the smaller peaks within the dune complex have recently gained elevation, approaching the current height of the main dune. Steady annual rate of main peak elevation loss since 1953 suggests that increase in the number of visitors after the park was established in 1974 had little effect on the rate of dune deflation. Horizontal dune migration of 3–6 m/yr in southerly direction has carried the sand out of the park boundaries and threatened several houses. As a result, the south dune section was removed and the sand was placed at the northern end of the park to serve as a potential source. Sand fencing has been an effective management strategy for both slowing the dune migration and forcing growth in dune elevation. Understanding the causes of the current movements can point to potential solutions and suggest new perspectives on management of the dune as a tourist attraction and as a recreation site, while preserving its unique geomorphic character and dynamic behavior. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Evidence of dual mobility in sulfur dioxide‐polyarylate system: An integral sorption analysis

Integral sorption/desorption measurements were carried out for the sulfur dioxide-glassy polyarylate polymer system at 25°C, 40°C, 55°C, and 63°C. The transport of sulfur dioxide in the glassy polyarylate polymer was governed by Fickian diffusion. The effective diffusion coefficient of sulfur dioxide increased with increasing penetrant concentration. The concentration dependence of the effective diffusion coefficient is explained on the basis of the partial-immobilization model developed by Paul and Koros. The mobility of the molecules sorbed in the Langmuir mode is shown to be significantly lower than the mobility of the molecules in Henry's law dissolution mode. The predictions of permeability values as a function of upstream gas pressure are presented. The equilibrium sorption isotherms for this system are well represented by the dualmode sorption model. The eltergetics and the temperature dependence of the dual-mode parameters are also discussed.
An evaluation of the Teamwork CASE environment for specifications capture of hardware systems

The use of the Teamwork computer-aided software engineering (CASE) environment in a hardware application is examined. Teamwork is used to capture and maintain the specifications of a real-time image processing system under development at Duke University. It is demonstrated that when coupled with appropriate methodology, Teamwork can be used in hardware projects. The strengths and weaknesses of this approach are identified. The requirements for similar environments to overcome some of the problems encountered are outlined. >
Effects of iron oxidation state on the surface and structural properties of smectites

The oxidation state of iron (Fe) in the crystal structure of smectite clay minerals profoundly alters their physical-chemical properties. Among the properties affected are layer charge, cation exchange and fixation capacity, swelling in water, particle size, specific sur- face area, layer stacking order, magnetic exchange interactions, octahedral site occupancy, surface acidity, and reduction potential. Also affected is the surface chemistry of the clay, which alters clay-water and clay-organic interaction mechanisms. Rates and extents of degradation of pesticides are increased in the presence of reduced smectites compared to oxi- dized and reduced-reoxidized counterparts. A hypothesis regarding the mechanism for Fe reduction in clay minerals was first developed in 1963, and subsequent modifications have been proposed periodically through the present time. Recent studies clearly reveal that the process of Fe reduction involves more than the mere transfer of an electron to octahedral Fe(III) in the clay crystal. Ancillary reactions occur that produce significant structural mod- ifications, some of which are reversible and others of which are not. Such changes in the crys- tal-chemical environment of structural Fe are thought to play a dominant role in altering the clay surface chemistry.
EVIDENCE OF ORIBATID MITE DETRITIVORY IN ANTARCTICA DURING THE LATE PALEOZOIC AND MESOZOIC

Despite their importance in breaking down lignified tissue today, much is still unknown about the role of mites in the fossil record, especially with reference to the Paleozoic-Mesozoic transition. This study examines permineralized peat from three localities in the central Transantarctic Mountains, ranging in age from Permian to Jurassic, for evidence of diversity and abundance of wood-boring mites. Evidence of mites, in the form of coprolites and tunnels in wood and other tissues, was found at all three localities; the Triassic site included more than 10 times as many wood borings as the Permian site. Our results supplement prior evidence of wood-boring mites during the Mesozoic and thereby fill in the known geologic range of this plant/animal interaction.
Evaluating metrics for automatic mind map assessment in various classes

Over the past three years, we have been studying how automated evaluation of student mind maps (when compared to an expert map) shows student learning for a variety of metrics. The goal of this work is to build a system that would then allow students to evaluate their understanding of the terminology in a respective field. The weakness of our studies, so far, is that our focus group to study these metrics consists of a single course in the field of Computer Engineering, and though this class has been used over multiple years to demonstrate the feasibility of our approach in a longitudinal study, a broader study needs to be done. In this work, we show how our current metrics perform across three additional fields; specifically, we have collaborated with instructors in speech pathology, communications, and political science (in addition to our traditional class in computer engineering). We then use our methodology to determine if these courses and a term long mind map exercise have similar results than previously reported and are these results evidence of student learning. Our results show that our existing metrics have similar results for one of the three new courses. However, in the two other courses, the data shows no evidence of learning based on the mind map exercise. Each of the instructors of these courses describes their experience with the activity. Additionally, we evaluate the construction of the expert maps in each course to understand if there is a graph-based structural reason why we the results might be different. We conclude by suggesting our methodology is good for courses where terminology is clearly defined and is used and studied throughout the semester, and describe some future directions for this research.