cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maize Crop Coefficients under Variable and Fixed (Uniform) Rate Irrigation and Conventional and Variable Rate Fertilizer Management in Three Soil Types

Abstract Maize (Zea mays L.) evapotranspiration crop coefficients (Kc) that are needed to estimate crop evapotranspiration (ETc) using the two-step approach for variable rate irrigation and nitrogen management under different soil types have not been investigated or quantified. In this research, alfalfa- and grass-reference crop coefficients (Kcr and Kco) curves were developed for fixed rate or uniform rate fertigation (FRF), variable rate fertigation (VRF) and pre-plant nitrogen (PP) management under fixed rate or uniform rate irrigation (FRI) and variable rate irrigation (VRI) for three soil types [Crete silt loam (S1), Hastings silty clay loam (2) and Hastings silt loam (S3)] in 2015, 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. Irrigation and nitrogen management strategies, as well as soil type, all influenced the Kcr and Kco values, which exhibited inter-annual variation. On average, greater variation in Kc curves between FRF, VRF and PP nitrogen treatment were observed under VRI treatments as compared with FRI. Results showed that Kc values are more dependent on the amount rather than the timing of the nitrogen application. In all three seasons, higher Kc values were observed in the FRI treatment than VRI with Kcr, ranging from 0.07 to 1.30 in FRI and 0.07 to 1.20 in VRI. Kc curves also differed between nitrogen treatments and the difference was more prominent in the VRI treatments than in the FRI in all years. In general, maximum Kc was observed in PP nitrogen treatment, followed by FRF and VRF. On a monthly average basis, maximum Kc values were observed in July and August in all soil types and minimum Kc values were observed in June. When soil types are considered, overall, the maximum Kcr value was observed in FRI-PP treatment in S1 (1.02), FRI-VRF treatment in S2 (1.06) and FRI-VRF treatment in S3 (1.02). The Kcr and Kco equations as a function of growing degree days were developed and monthly average Kcr and Kco values were tabulated for practical applications. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first that investigated and quantified the impact of VRI and VRF strategies under FRF, VRF and PP fertilizer management strategies on maize Kc values. The Kcr and Kco values quantified in this research can aid irrigators, state agencies and other water management and agricultural professionals for more accurate crop water use determinations under different irrigation and nitrogen management strategies and different soil types.
Roles of the Polyphenol–Gut Microbiota Interaction in Alleviating Colitis and Preventing Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer

Accumulating evidence indicates that the gut microbiota can promote or inhibit colonic inflammation and carcinogenesis. Promotion of beneficial gut bacteria is considered a promising strategy to alleviate colonic diseases including colitis and colorectal cancer. Interestingly, dietary polyphenols, which have been shown to attenuate colitis and inhibit colorectal cancer in animal models and some human studies, appear to reach relatively high concentrations in the large intestine and to interact with the gut microbial community. This review summarizes the modulatory effects of polyphenols on the gut microbiota in humans and animals under healthy and diseased conditions including colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). Existing human and animal studies indicate that polyphenols and polyphenol-rich whole foods are capable of elevating butyrate producers and probiotics that alleviate colitis and inhibit CAC, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Studies in colitis and CAC models indicate that polyphenols decrease opportunistic pathogenic or proinflammatory microbes and counteract disease-induced dysbiosis. Consistently, polyphenols also change microbial functions, including increasing butyrate formation. Moreover, polyphenol metabolites produced by the gut microbiota appear to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities, protect gut barrier integrity, and mitigate inflammatory conditions in cells and animal models. Based on these results, we conclude that polyphenol-mediated alteration of microbial composition and functions, together with polyphenol metabolites produced by the gut microbiota, likely contribute to the protective effects of polyphenols on colitis and CAC. Future research is needed to validate the causal role of the polyphenol-gut microbiota interaction in polyphenols' anti-colitis and anti-CAC effects, and to further elucidate mechanisms underlying such interaction.
Microcircuit synchronization and heavy tailed synaptic weight distribution in preBötzinger Complex contribute to generation of breathing rhythm

The preBotzinger Complex, the mammalian inspiratory rhythm generator, encodes inspiratory time as motor pattern. Spike synchronization throughout this sparsely connected network generates inspiratory bursts albeit with variable latencies after preinspiratory activity onset in each breathing cycle. Using preBotC rhythmogenic microcircuit minimal models, we examined the variability in probability and latency to burst, mimicking experiments. Among various physiologically plausible graphs of 1000 point neurons with experimentally determined neuronal and synaptic parameters, directed Erdős-Renyi graphs best captured the experimentally observed dynamics. Mechanistically, preBotC (de)synchronization and oscillatory dynamics are regulated by the efferent connectivity of spiking neurons that gates the amplification of modest preinspiratory activity through input convergence. Furthermore, to replicate experiments, a lognormal distribution of synaptic weights was necessary to augment the efficacy of convergent coincident inputs. These mechanisms enable exceptionally robust yet flexible preBotC attractor dynamics that, we postulate, represent universal temporal-processing and decision-making computational motifs throughout the brain.
Implementation of industry-oriented animal welfare and quality assurance assessment in Kansas cattle feeding operations

Consumer interest in production agriculture has prompted the beef industry to develop tools to increase accountability of producers for animal management practices. The Beef Quality Assurance Feedyard Assessment, developed by veterinarians, animal scientists, and production specialists, was used to objectively evaluate key areas of beef cattle production such as animal handling, antimicrobial residue avoidance, and cattle comfort in 56 Kansas feedyards. During the assessment, management protocols were reviewed, facilities and pens were inspected, and cattle handling practices were observed. Of the 56 feedyards, 19 maintained complete and current documentation of Best Management Practices for all management protocols required by the assessment. During assessment of cattle handling practices, 78.6% of feedyards met requirements for an Acceptable score for all measured criteria. An electric prod was used on only 4.0% of cattle during processing. In addition, 83.0% of feedyards scored Acceptable for all stocking rate, feed bunk, water tank, and mud score standards.
When culture and health collide: feminine honor endorsement and attitudes toward catch-up HPV vaccinations in college women

Sexual promiscuity stigma constitutes a significant barrier which prevents young women from receiving catch-up human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations. Our objective was to explore how this stigma may be particularly detrimental to women in cultures of honor, where women are expected to maintain a reputation of sexual purity. Participants were a sample of 182 young women who had not previously received an HPV vaccination. We measured feminine honor endorsement, HPV sexual promiscuity stigma, HPV vaccination shame, HPV vaccination intentions, and a set of covariates. Analyses revealed that the significant association between feminine honor endorsement and HPV vaccination intentions is fully explained by HPV sexual purity stigma and HPV vaccination shame. These findings indicate that honor-endorsing women are significantly impacted by sexual purity stigma, minimizing intentions to receive HPV vaccinations. These findings also highlight the need for the inclusion of cultural factors in the study of HPV vaccine uptake.
Order-Disorder Studies in Silicates by Means of Gamma-Ray Resonant Absorption of 57Fe

The occupancy of Fe+2 at the nonequivalent octahedral sites in pyroxenes (chain silicates) has been determined from 57Fe resonant absorption spectra. The accuracy of the occupancy numbers is better than 0.02. The nuclear quadrupole splittings and isomer shifts are not affected by the degree of Fe+2 disorder. Therefore, the intensities of the doublets yield intrinsic values, independent of short-range order effects. Employing simple thermodynamical considerations, conclusions can be made on Fe+2 equilibrium distribution constants, free Gibbs energy differences for the Fe+2 exchange reactions, activation energies for ordering and disordering, etc.
The effects of MK-801 injections and dorsal cortex lesions on maze learning in turtles (Chrysemys picta)

The present studies examined the effects of dorsal cortex lesions and injections of MK-801, an NMDA receptor blocker, on learning of a position habit in a maze. In Experiment 1, turtles were trained in a T-maze for food reward. After they had mastered this task, the turtles were randomly assigned to three groups: dorsal cortex lesion, MK-801 injection, or sham-lesion/saline-injection control. The animals were run in an X-maze for 40 days or until they reached criterion. In comparison with controls, the lesion and MK-801 groups were significantly impaired in X-maze learning. Experiment 2 examined the effects of MK-801 injections on measures of general activity. These measures were not affected by injections of MK-801. The results provide evidence for the involvement of the turtle dorsal cortex and the NMDA receptor in the acquisition of a position habit.
Beyond Equality? Against the Universal Turn in Workplace Protections

Sexual harassment law and family leave policy originated as feminist reform projects designed to protect women in the workplace. But many academics now ask whether harassment and leave policies have outgrown their gendered roots. The anti-bullying movement advocates taking the “sexual” out of harassment law to prohibit all forms of on-the-job mistreatment. Likewise, the work-life balance movement advocates taking the “family” out of leave policy to require employers to accommodate all types of life pursuits. These proposals are in line with recent cases and scholarship on civil rights that reframe problems once seen as issues of inequality as deprivations of liberty or dignity. I refer to this trend as the universal turn in workplace protections.This Article urges caution with respect to the universal turn. Drawing on feminist legal and political theory, it provides a set of questions to ask in evaluating proposals to universalize protections. It concludes that anti-bullying and work-life proposals are likely to dilute feminist workplace gains and mask inequality. If the universal rule swallows the anti-discrimination rule, the transformative potential of requiring employers and the public to scrutinize the workplace for gender discrimination is lost. Personality conflicts are seen as no worse than sexual harassment, and recreational pursuits are supported to the same extent as caretaking responsibilities. The benefits of sexual harassment law and leave policy are likely to be diluted.I therefore oppose universal approaches to harassment and work-life conflicts that would simply expand civil rights protections to cover harms other than discrimination. Instead of the universal turn, this Article proposes a hybrid approach focused on inclusivity that would expand protections incrementally without abandoning equality.
Assouad, Fano, and Le Cam

This note explores the connections and differences between three commonly used methods for constructing minimax lower bounds in nonparametric estimation problems: Le Cam’s, Assouad’s and Fano’s. Two connections are established between Le Cam’s and Assouad’s and between Assouad’s and Fano’s. The three methods are then compared in the context of two estimation problems for a smooth class of densities on [0,1]. The two estimation problems are for the integrated squared first derivatives and for the density function itself.
A Theory of Bayesian Decision Making

This paper presents a complete, choice-based, axiomatic Bayesian decision theory. It introduces a new choice set consisting of information-contingent plans for choosing actions and bets and subjective expected utility model with effect-dependent utility functions and action-dependent subjective probabilities which, in conjunction with the updating of the probabilities using Bayes' rule, gives rise to a unique prior and a set of action-dependent posterior probabilities representing the decision maker's prior and posterior beliefs.
Auditing Judgment and Dispositional Need for Closure: Effects on Hypothesis Generation and Confidence

The extent to which auditors seek and process information before forming a judgment can have important consequences. In this regard, psychology researchers have identified a personality characteristic, called Cognitive Need for Closure (Kruglanski 1989a; Webster and Kruglanski 1994), concerning one's drive to terminate deliberations and reach conclusions. This construct, and Kruglanski's Need for Closure Scale (NFCS) that measures dispositional need for closure (DNFC), are well established in the psychology literature but not in the accounting or business literature. Further, similarities exist between the characteristics of persons low in DNFC and the characteristics of experts. We began our study of this construct by administering the NFCS to a sample of Big-Four auditors, finding that CPAs at higher ranks tend to be lower in DNFC. After finding significant differences across ranks, we conducted an experiment in which professional auditors offered hypotheses regarding the cause of shifts in financial ratios between two reported years. Participants continued to generate hypotheses until satisfied that they had considered the cause of the shifts. Results indicate that auditors lower in DNFC generate more hypotheses, and higher quality hypotheses, than auditors higher in DNFC. Further, although their hypotheses are lower in both number and quality, auditors higher in DNFC express greater confidence that they have included the true cause among their hypotheses. Finally, questions arise concerning the selection/socialization of auditing professionals, because persons most attracted to the profession may be less suited to it and less comfortable with the decision-making environment than they expected.
Generation of Transformation Competent E. coli

Transformation of bacterial cells, specifically Escherichia coli, is a widespread and powerful laboratory technique. This unit describes two protocols to make competent E. coli, which can then be used in subsequent transformations. The first protocol describes the preparation of chemically competent E. coli. These cells can be transformed in almost any laboratory with simple equipment, such as a water bath. The second protocol is used to make electrocompetent cells. These cells will yield high numbers of transformants, but require an electroporator, which may not be available in all environments. Thus, these two protocols should be sufficient for almost any situation that requires the preparation of competent E. coli. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 22:A.3L.1-A.3L.5. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: competent cells; E. coli; transformation
Ethics of Participation: Research or Reporting

The diverse assemblage of those involved in Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD) efforts exposes inherent tensions between fields and perspectives. While debates between researcher and practitioner "intent" are starting to surface, these conversations primarily pertain to the methods and strategies in common and in question between technologists and social scientists. This paper discusses the differing ethics between the academic researcher, the practitioner, and the journalist - which efforts work in support of each other, and where are they at variance? When the journalist is also the researcher, a phenomenon occurring more frequently (especially in academic ICTD efforts), what position does this hybrid entity assume when conducting fieldwork? The authors, an ICTD professor and a professional journalist pursuing a Ph.D. in ICTD, are interested in exploring issues of representation, identity and responsibility in ICTD initiatives through the lens of Development Informatics in order to study the opportunities and challenges inherent when the traditions and perspectives of different academic and vocational fields merge, requiring those from different backgrounds to mediate and negotiate their involvement strategies with target communities. This paper endeavors to provide a “blueprint" for others in ICTD coming from a variety of backgrounds and methodologies, and to begin a larger discussion that can grow to incorporate the positions of additional journalists, researchers, and the combination, from both Northern and Southern standpoints.
The structurally distinct form of pp60c-src detected in neuronal cells is encoded by a unique c-src mRNA.

A cellular scr (c-src) cDNA clone was isolated from a chicken embryonic brain cDNA library and characterized by DNA sequence analysis. Comparison with the published sequence of a chicken genomic c-src clone indicated that the brain cDNA clone contained an 18-base-pair insertion located between exons 3 and 4 of the c-src gene. The six amino acids encoded by the insertion caused an alteration in the electrophoretic mobility of the c-src gene product similar to that of the structurally distinct form of the src protein detected in neuronal cultures.
An orthopoxvirus serpinlike gene controls the ability of infected cells to fuse.

Most orthopoxviruses encode a functional hemagglutinin (HA), which is nonessential for virus growth in cell culture. However, inactivation of the HA gene leads to the formation of polykaryocytes (syncytia) by fusion of infected cells at neutral pH. Fusion is not observed when a functional HA gene is present. Deletion of open reading frames (ORFs) K2, K3, and K4 within the HindIII K fragment of the HA-positive (HA+) vaccinia virus strain WR also led to fusion of cells upon infection at neutral pH. A novel ORF inactivation procedure utilizing the polymerase chain reaction was used to specifically implicate the K2 ORF in this phenomenon. The K2 ORF (the viral SPI-3 gene) encodes a protein resembling serine protease inhibitors (serpins). Inactivation of the SPI-3 gene in any of the HA+ orthopoxviruses tested caused infected cells to fuse in a manner which appeared identical to that seen for HA- mutants, although fusion was most pronounced with cowpox virus. SPI-3-negative strains fused despite the fact that the HA was expressed and processed normally, i.e., cells infected with SPI-3 mutants remained functionally hemadsorption positive, and analysis of the HA protein by Western immunoblot suggested that posttranslational modifications of the HA protein appeared normal. Fusion triggered by SPI-3 mutants, like that for HA- mutants, was inhibited by the monoclonal antibody C3 directed against the vaccinia virus 14-kDa envelope protein. Therefore SPI-3- and HA-mediated fusion share a requirement for the 14-kDa protein, suggesting linkage of the seemingly disparate SPI-3 and HA genes through a common pathway which normally acts to prevent fusion of cells infected with wild-type virus.
Problems and Dilemmas of Antimicrobial Resistance

An important obstacle to the long-term efficacy of an antimicrobial agent is the appearance and spread of resistance to the agent. The fact that many antimicrobials are produced by microorganisms in nature may provide long-term selective pressure for the emergence of resistance in antibiotic-producing as well as -nonproducing organisms. Indeed, the rapidity with which many resistances have appeared after the introduction of a new antibiotic suggests that these resistance genes were already present somewhere in nature prior to clinical use. In the hospital setting, the most recent worrisome resistance traits to emerge include plasmid-mediated resistance to imipenem and to third-generation cephalosporins among nosocomial gram-negative bacteria, and the acquisition of resistance to vancomycin by enterococci. Methicillin-resistant staphylococci continue to be a problem and are increasingly resistant to numerous other agents such as rifampin and the newer fluoroquinolones. The most important resistances seen in community-acquired organisms include beta-lactam resistance in pneumococci and combined ampicillin and chloramphenicol resistance in Haemophilus influenzae. Shigellae resistant to essentially all commonly used oral agents are also a problem, particularly in developing countries. No end is in sight to the problem of antimicrobial resistance, and thus new strategies to prevent infections and control resistant organisms continue to be necessary.
Infinitesimal Characterizations for Strong Invariance and Monotonicity for Non-Lipschitz Control Systems ∗

We provide new infinitesimal characterizations for strong invariance of multifunctions in terms of Hamiltonian inequalities and tangent cones. In lieu of the standard local Lipschitzness assumption on the multifunction, we assume a new feedback realizability condition that can in particular be satisfied by control systems that are discontinuous in the state variable. Our realization condition is based on H. Sussmann’s unique limiting property, and allows a more general class of feedback realizations than is allowed by the recent strong invariance characterizations [16]. We also give new nonsmooth monotonicity characterizations for control systems that may be discontinuous in the state.
Heat seal connectors: a new high density SMT interconnection system

Most conventional electronic products use liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) to display information. The introduction of the heat seal connector, which uses a conductive adhesive system as the bridge to connect the board substrate and the LCD, has been shown to result in an order of magnitude reduction in size with a corresponding increase in reliability while reducing overall product cost as compared with the older-technology elastomer interconnect systems. These new interconnect systems are capable of connecting traces as close as 0.004-in. centers, and the new thin-film versions are capable of interconnections as fine as 180 lines per inch. Much development work has been done in quantifying the key processing parameters necessary to achieve the required bond strength for high-reliability, industrial-rated electronic devices. The key processes that were developed to obtain the required bond strength, how these bonds were stress-tested to verify field reliability, and what was needed to introduce this new interconnecting technique to the factory are discussed. >
The work of time in Western Uganda

This paper is about the unsettling prospect of the millennium. In post-colonial Africa and in other locales, nationalists sought to organize culture as heritage, a set of behaviors and projects inherited, in a lineal fashion, from ancient forefathers. By codifying and consolidating religion, and by reforming citizens' conduct, nationalists created a sovereign culture that could serve as a foundation for an independent state. However, there were other, more imminent frames in which citizens could act. This paper focuses on the Rwenzururu Kingdom in Western Uganda, where in 1970 a prophet named Timosewo Bawalana announced that the Christian eschaton had at last arrived. Rwenzururu's founders were historians: they recognized the organizing power of linear time. With evidence of their distinct language and culture at hand, Rwenzururu's architects used the techniques of modern governance – census, map, bureaucracy – to make their independent polity visible, credible, and worthy of support. Whereas Rwenzururu s...
Intravenous pretreatment with A1-selective adenosine analogues protects the heart against infarction.

BACKGROUNDRecent data from this laboratory indicate that pretreatment with adenosine can protect the heart against infarction via A1-receptors, but because of systemic hypotension, adenosine had to be given into the coronary circulation.METHODS AND RESULTSIn this study, we tested whether the protection could be achieved by intravenous administration of the A1-selective adenosine agonists N6-(phenyl-2R-isopropyl)-adenosine (PIA) and 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA). Nine groups of open-chest anesthetized rabbits were subjected to 30 minutes of regional coronary ischemia and 3 hours of reperfusion. Infarct size was determined by tetrazolium staining. Control hearts receiving no treatment had 38 +/- 4% of the risk zone infarcted. Preconditioning with 5 minutes of ischemia and 10 minutes of reperfusion before ischemia limited the infarct to 8 +/- 4%. Intravenous PIA 15 minutes before 30-minute ischemia also limited infarct size to 6 +/- 2% at the highest dose. CCPA offered similar protection. When the ...
Icilin induces a hyperthermia in rats that is dependent on nitric oxide production and NMDA receptor activation

Abstract Icilin (AG-3-5) is a cold-inducing agent that activates the transient receptor potential channels TRPM8 and TRPA1. Both channels are members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of ion channels and are activated by cold. Despite the key role of cold-activated TRPM8 and TRPA1 channels in temperature sensation and other physiological processes, the significance of these channels in thermoregulation in conscious animals is poorly understood. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the effects of icilin on body temperature in rats and tested the hypothesis that cold-activated TRP channel activation by icilin causes a hyperthermia which requires nitric oxide (NO) production and NMDA receptor stimulation. Our experiments revealed that icilin (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 mg/kg, i.m.) elicits a dose-related hyperthermia that is rapid in onset and of long duration. Pretreating rats with NG-nitro- l -arginine methyl ester hydrochloride ( l -NAME) (10, 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.), a non-selective NO synthase inhibitor, attenuated the hyperthermia associated with icilin (7.5 mg/kg, i.m.). Pretreatment with (−)-6-[phosphonomethyl-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-decahydro-isoquinoline-2-carboxylate] (LY 235959) (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.), a selective NMDA receptor antagonist, also attenuated the icilin-evoked hyperthermia. The administration of icilin (5 and 100 μg) into the lateral cerebroventricle of rats did not affect body temperature, thus indicating a peripheral site of action. These results indicate that icilin, a TRPM8/TRPA1 agonist, produces a dose-related hyperthermia in rats which requires both NO production and NMDA receptor activation.
Disparities in patient satisfaction among Hispanics: the role of language preference.

Hispanic and Spanish-speaking patients experience lower satisfaction with their health care when compared to whites and English speakers. We attempt to clarify the relationship between language preference and patient satisfaction in Hispanics. Study participants were Hispanic patients recruited from two clinics that serve an exclusively Hispanic population. We compared baseline levels of patient satisfaction among English-speaking, Spanish-speaking, and bilingual participants. Multivariate linear regression was used to model the effect of language preference on patient satisfaction. Baseline comparisons revealed that bilingual patients experienced higher satisfaction with doctor–patient communication and the office staff than Spanish-speaking patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that language preference was not significantly associated with patient satisfaction. Patient language preference was not a consistent predictor of satisfaction in this cohort of Hispanic patients receiving linguistically competent primary care. The analysis of local data in this study provides a crude adjustment for healthcare quality that is missing from previous research.
Recent advances in ABE fermentation: hyper-butanol producing Clostridium beijerinckii BA101.

This is an overview of the mutant strain Clostridium beijerinckii BA101 which produces solvents (acetone–butanol–ethanol, ABE) at elevated levels. This organism expresses high levels of amylases when grown on starch. C. beijerinckii BA101 hydrolyzes starch effectively and produces solvent in the concentration range of 27–29 g l−1. C. beijerinckii BA101 has been characterized for both substrate and butanol inhibition. Supplementing the fermentation medium (MP2) with sodium acetate enhances solvent production to 33 g l−1. The results of studies utilizing commercial fermentation medium and pilot plant-scale reactors are consistent with the results using small-scale reactors. Pervaporation, a technique to recover solvents, has been applied to fed-batch reactors containing C. beijerinckii BA101, and solvent production as high as 165 g l−1 has been achieved. Immobilization of C. beijerinckii BA101 by adsorption and use in a continuous reactor resulted in reactor productivity of 15.8 g l−1 h−1. Recent economic studies employing C. beijerinckii BA101 suggested that butanol can be produced at US$0.20–0.25 lb−1 by employing batch fermentation and distillative recovery. Application of new technologies such as pervaporation, fed-batch culture, and immobilized cell reactors is expected to further reduce these prices. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2001) 27, 287–291.
Flash Tube Lacquer Seal Dynamic Rupture Strength in 30‐mm Ammunition

The M788, M789, and M799 30-mm ammunition use a flash tube to augment the ignition stimulus of the primer and to provide an ignition source for the propellant bed in each round. The flash tube must be fast acting, provide abundant hot gases/particles, and increase the pressure in the propellant bed sufficiently so that the initial burn rate of the propellant in the bed is high enough to propel the projectile to the muzzle within the few milliseconds that constitute the action time of the M230 cannon. This investigation studied the dynamic rupture pressure of the lacquer seal on the flash tube. The rupture pressure of the seal was found to be a function of the pressurization rate in the flash tube. At the largest rupture pressure of this study (78 MPa), significant gas generation would be achieved before the flash tube vented into the main propellant bed. Gas flow at these pressures is expected to play a significant role in ignition of the main propellant charge and rapid functioning of the round.
Novel strategies to enhance vaccine immunity against coccidioidomycosis.

Abstract : Coccidioidomycosis is a potentially life-threatening respiratory mycosis endemic to the Americas and caused by inhalation of spores produced by the molds Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii. The dry, air-dispersed infectious spores (arthroconidia) are derived from saprobic-phase filaments that grow in semidesert soil of the southwestern United States and arid regions of Mexico and Central and South America [1]. Coccidioides is a dimorphic ascomycetous fungus with distinct saprobic and parasitic phases and is classified in the order Onygenales together with other genera of pathogenic molds that include Histoplasma, Blastomyces, and Paracoccidioides. The clinical spectrum of disease caused by these environmental pathogens ranges from a mild infection that resolves spontaneously to a disseminated mycosis. Inhaled spores of Coccidioides are small enough to colonize the lowermost reaches of the respiratory tree. Nonhuman primates experimentally challenged by aerosolization with fewer than ten infectious propagules developed a severe form of the disease and died within four to six weeks [2]. The parasitic cycle of Coccidioides is unique among these medically important, dimorphic molds. Spores in the lungs germinate to form multinucleate spherules (.60 mm diameter) that are too large to be engulfed by host phagocytes. The contents of mature spherules differentiate into a multitude of propagative endospores. Production of indigestible spherules that display high fecundity during the endosporulation stage confound phagocytic defenses and augment survival of the fungus in the lungs. Mammalian innate immune defenses are further compromised by the ability of endosporulating spherules to generate an alkaline microenvironment at infection sites due to their release of ammonia, which contributes to the pathogen s virulence [3].
Assessment of branched GDGTs as temperature proxies in sedimentary records from several small lakes in southwestern Greenland

This study of five small (<3.0 ha) lakes in southwestern Greenland examines the veracity of branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (br GDGTs) as a temperature proxy in lacustrine systems. The proximity (<5 km) of the lakes suggests that their temperature history, and thus their br GDGT records, should be similar. Distributions of br GDGTs in (i) surface sediments from all five lakes, (ii) 14C-dated sediment cores from two lakes (Upper and Lower EVV Lakes) and (iii) soil samples from the area surrounding the lakes were examined. The temporal records of br GDGT-based temperature for the two cores exhibited both similarities and major discrepancies. The differences between the paleotemperature records for the two lakes suggest that br GDGTs are not solely soil-derived, reflecting air temperature, but also indicate an additional br GDGT contribution from another source. Among the broader suite of lake sediments, there was a strong correlation (R2 0.987) between br GDGT-based surface sediment temperatures and measured summer bottom water temperatures for the four lakes with hypoxic/anoxic bottom waters, including Upper EVV Lake. The correlation suggests production of br GDGTs by anaerobic bacteria within the bottom water and/or sediment–water interface, reflecting environmental temperature for the individual lakes and augmenting the uniform, soil-derived signal. Hence, assessment of br GDGTs in Greenland lake sediments provides evidence for their origin from anaerobic autochthonous bacteria and indicates that interpretation of lacustrine br GDGT-based paleotemperature records requires contextual knowledge of individual lake systems and potential source(s) of sedimentary br GDGTs.
JC virus large T‐antigen and IGF‐I signaling system merge to affect DNA repair and genomic integrity

The progression of cancer is often associated with genomic instability, which may develop as a result of compromised defense mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of chromosomal integrity. These include defects in telomere preservation, chromosomal segregation, and DNA repair. In this review, we discuss molecular interactions between viral and cellular signaling components, which interfere with DNA repair mechanisms, and possibly contribute to the development of a mutagenic phenotype. Our studies indicate that large T-antigen from the human polyomavirus JC (JCV T-antigen) inhibits homologous recombination directed DNA repair (HRR)-causing accumulation of mutations in the affected cells (JCP 2005, in press). Surprisingly, T-antigen does not operate directly, but utilizes insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), which is the major signaling molecule for insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR). Following T-antigen-mediated nuclear translocation, IRS-1 binds Rad51 at the site of damaged DNA. This T-antigen-mediated inhibition of HRR does not function in cells lacking IRS-1, and can be reproduced in the absence of T-antigen by IRS-1 with an artificial nuclear localization signal. The interplay described between the IGF-IR signaling system and JCV T-antigen in the process of DNA repair could be relevant, since nearly 90% of the human population is seropositive for JC virus, JCV T-antigen transforms cells in vitro, is tumorigenic in experimental animals, and the presence of JC virus has been shown in an increasing number of biopsies of human cancer.
A practical approach to evaluation of patients with diplopia

Diplopia is a common presenting symptom to ophthalmologists and emergency room physicians. The etiology is very broad and includes both benign and common entities such as convergence insufficiency and life threatening entities such as aneurysmal third nerve palsy or sixth nerve palsy due to an intracranial space occupying lesion. Because of the broad differential for diplopia, a systematic approach is necessary to elicit the pertinent points in patients presenting with this symptom so that sinister causes can be confidently ruled out. This paper reviews history and physical examination features that help the clinician formulate a differential diagnosis for diplopia. J. Exp. Clin. Med., 2012; 29:S55-S57
Some problems with extended inflation.

The recently proposed extended inflation scenario is examined. Upper bounds on the Brans-Dicke parameter {omega} are obtained by requiring that the recovery from the supercooled regime be such that the presently observed Universe could have emerged. These bounds are well below the present-day experimental limits, implying that one must use models which have a potential to fix the present value of the Brans-Dicke-like scalar field. The implications for extended inflation in such models are discussed.
Representation of a word function as the sum of two functions

We establish an algebraic condition which is necessary and sufficient for a word function of finite rank to be expressible as the sum of two functions, each of rank lower than that of the given function.
Monitoring atmospheric ozone from space limb scatter measurements

The possibility of utilizing limb scattering to monitor stratospheric ozone from space has been recognized as a possible remote sensing technique for many years. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of the radiative transfer problem associated with the spherical shell geometry and associated multiple scattering, the problem has received relatively little attention. While the complexity of the problem remains, the development of newer codes allows for the problem to now be tractable. Utilizing one such recently developed code, the authors have made a series of sensitivity studies relating changes in the limb radiances to changes in the ozone profiles. The calculations allow for the spherical geometry, include all orders of multiple scattering, and may include aerosols and other absorbing gases when relevant. Calculations of the changes are presented for a series of standard ozone profiles and for perturbed profiles. The results of these calculations indicate that measurement accuracies on the order of plus or minus 1% should provide adequate sensitivity to determine the significant structure of the ozone profile. Due to the complexity of the spherical, multiple scattering problem, direct inversion of the measured radiances is probably not feasible at this time. However, table look-ups provide a reasonable alternative, much as is currently done in the TOMS/SBUV retrieval algorithms. Results of the sensitivity studies for a range of conditions are presented.
Law Enforcement Departments as Learning Organizations: Argyris's Theory as a Framework for Implementing Community-Oriented Policing:

Over the past 45 years, Argyris contributed significantly to human relations and organizational learning theory by recognizing the power of individuals to induce change within their work environmen...
Expecting the Unexpected — Drug Safety, Pharmacovigilance, and the Prepared Mind

When a new drug is first marketed, findings regarding its efficacy and safety are commonly based on the experience of several thousand people who have been treated in controlled clinical trials. De...
Determination of structural models of the complex between the cytoplasmic domain of erythrocyte band 3 and ankyrin-R repeats 13-24.

The adaptor protein ankyrin-R interacts via its membrane binding domain with the cytoplasmic domain of the anion exchange protein (AE1) and via its spectrin binding domain with the spectrin-based membrane skeleton in human erythrocytes. This set of interactions provides a bridge between the lipid bilayer and the membrane skeleton, thereby stabilizing the membrane. Crystal structures for the dimeric cytoplasmic domain of AE1 (cdb3) and for a 12-ankyrin repeat segment (repeats 13–24) from the membrane binding domain of ankyrin-R (AnkD34) have been reported. However, structural data on how these proteins assemble to form a stable complex have not been reported. In the current studies, site-directed spin labeling, in combination with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and double electron-electron resonance, has been utilized to map the binding interfaces of the two proteins in the complex and to obtain inter-protein distance constraints. These data have been utilized to construct a family of structural models that are consistent with the full range of experimental data. These models indicate that an extensive area on the peripheral domain of cdb3 binds to ankyrin repeats 18–20 on the top loop surface of AnkD34 primarily through hydrophobic interactions. This is a previously uncharacterized surface for binding of cdb3 to AnkD34. Because a second dimer of cdb3 is known to bind to ankyrin repeats 7–12 of the membrane binding domain of ankyrin-R, the current models have significant implications regarding the structural nature of a tetrameric form of AE1 that is hypothesized to be involved in binding to full-length ankyrin-R in the erythrocyte membrane.
Meningiomas: clinical implications of a high proliferative potential determined by bromodeoxyuridine labeling.

Abstract The clinical behavior of meningiomas with a high proliferative potential was analyzed to determine if the bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) labeling index (LI) could be used to predict recurrence and the time to reoperation. Each patient received an intraoperative infusion of BUdR to label cells in DNA synthesis; the percentage of S-phase cells, or BUdR LI, of each tumor was determined immunohistochemically. Of 178 meningiomas studied, 53 had BUdR LIs greater than or equal to 1%. Of these 53 tumors, 21 were diagnosed histopathologically as malignant meningioma. Twenty-two percent of nonmalignant tumors and 81% of malignant tumors were recurrent or recurred after the BUdR study; repeat studies were performed in four patients. The mean BUdR LI of recurrent tumors was significantly higher than that of the nonrecurrent tumors [3.9 +/- 2.6 versus 1.9 +/- 1.0% (SD), P less than 0.005]. The recurrence rate was 100% for tumors with LIs greater than or equal to 5%, 55.6% for those with LIs of 3 to 5%, and 30.6% for those with LIs of 1 to 3%; the percentages of malignant meningiomas in these groups were 88%, 78%, and 19%, respectively. Logarithmic regression analysis showed that the time to reoperation (in months) can be predicted from the BUdR LI as: 70.0 x LI (%)-1.2 (R = 0.76). This formula can be used to estimate the doubling time of individual tumors and to predict the period of greatest risk of recurrence of meningiomas with a high proliferative potential.
Cooling of a polyethylene tunnel type greenhouse by means of a rock bed

Abstract An experiment was conducted to cool a 15 m 2 ground area plastic-tunnel-type greenhouse by the use of a rock bed. An identical greenhouse with no rock bed was also erected for control purposes. Two rock-bed canals, each with the dimensions of 3×1.25×0.75 m, were dug in the soil of the experimental greenhouse. After the canals were filled with the rocks and insulated, the top surface was covered by a soil layer of thickness enough for the root development depth of the plants. Air was pushed through the rock bed by a centrifugal fan with a 1100 m 3 /h flow rate. Energy stored in the rock bed during the day was dumped outside the greenhouse at night using the cooler outside air. The results of the measurements showed that the rock-bed system maintained air temperature 14 °C lower at maximum in the experimental greenhouse than the control one. The temperature difference seemed to increase with increasing solar radiation and outside air temperature. Relative humidity during the day remained at about 40% in the experimental greenhouse and was always higher than that in the control one. The coefficient of performance (COP) of the rock-bed system was higher than 3 in general, and it was observed that this value increased with decreasing rock-bed temperature. The average solar collection efficiency was 38%. The rock-bed system seems to have a significant potential for cooling applications in greenhouses.
On efficiency in mean field differential games

We investigate the efficiency of Nash equilibria of a class of Mean Field Games. We focus on the stationary case with entry and exit of players, and derive an expression for the social cost at a Nash equilibrium, based on value function and agent density. We propose a model for a Mean Field Congestion Game, in which the agents' control cost depends (locally) on the agent density. We present numerical results that show that the Nash equilibria of these games are inefficient in general. Also, we point out an interesting paradox, which can be seen as a continuous analogue of Braess's paradox known from selfish routing games. Finally, we cast the welfare maximization problem as a PDE-constrained optimization problem.
N-methyltyramine: Formation in Opuntia clavata and metabolism in Coryphantha macromeris var. Runyonii

Abstract -Administration of tyramine-[1- 14 C] to Opuntia clavata resulted in the formation of labeled N -methyltyramine. This procedure established the biosynthetic origin of the major alkaloid in this cactus as well as providing a radiolabeled chemical that was not commercially available. The N -methyltyramine-[1- 14 C] was in turn administered to Coryphantha macromeris var. runyonii to determine its metabolic role in the biosynthesis of the psychoactive cactus alkaloid normacromerine ( N -methyl-3,4-dimethoxy-β-hydroxyphenethylamine). This feeding experiment established N -methyltyramine as a precursor to normacromerine.
Adsorption of proteins at the lipid-serum interface in milk systems with various lipids

Abstract The effect of lipid type on the amount and profile of proteins adsorbed at the lipid-serum interface in homogenized milk systems was studied. Lipid sources were milkfat, butter oil, corn oil and a commercial system used for vitamin A and D milk fortification. Protein adsorption with the commercial system was significantly lower than with the other systems, which exhibited similar protein concentrations. Inclusion of vitamin A (all- trans retinyl palmitate) alone or in combination with Tween 80 or distilled monoglycerides in corn oil decreased significantly the amount of proteins adsorbed. Both casein and whey proteins were adsorbed at the lipid-serum interface. Casein composed more than 96% of the total milk proteins adsorbed. Among whey proteins, β-lactoglobulin was the dominant protein. The ratios for the three caseins in the adsorbed film were different from their proportions in the serum phase; β-casein was present in higher concentrations, followed by α s and κ-casein, respectively.