cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seed quality of runner peanuts as affected by gypsum and soil calcium

Abstract There is only weak evidence that supplemental soil Ca may be beneficial beyond its obvious effects on yield and sound mature kernel (SMK) of runner peanuts (Arachis hypogea L.). This study was initiated to determine the effect of applied Ca on seed Ca, seed germination, and seedling vigor on sites varying in extractable soil Ca and to determine the minimum seedCa concentration required for maximum germination and seedling vigor of runner peanuts. Eight on‐farm experiments with replicated gypsum and no‐gypsum treatments were established on soils with 130 to 625 mg/kg Melich‐1 extractable Ca. Yield and SMK were generally unaffected by the gypsum topdressing, but there were effects on seed concentrations of Ca, Mg, and K. One site showed a highly significant increase in germination and seedling vigor from the gypsum application and two other sites had a significant increase in seedling survival without a simultaneous increase in germination. The minimum seed Ca needed for maximum germination was 282...
On the nature of the Monoceros supernova remnant.

A dynamical expansion time of 300,000 years and an envelope of 100 km/sec are derived for the filamentary Monoceros Loop supernova remnant. Through arguments connecting three O stars with the supernova remnant, a lower limit of 25-30 solar masses is derived for the progenitor star. A thermal soft X-ray point source is predicted based on the hypothesis of a cooling neutron star. By analogy, we interpret the Cygnus Loop X-ray source as a neutron star.
Packing Digraphs with Directed Closed Trails

It has been shown [2] that if n is odd and m1,…,mt are integers with mig3 and ∑i=1t mi=vE(Kn)v then Kn can be decomposed as an edge-disjoint union of closed trails of lengths m1,…,mt. This result was later generalized [3] to all sufficiently dense Eulerian graphs G in place of Kn. In this article we consider the corresponding questions for directed graphs. We show that the complete directed graph ****gif image here**** can be decomposed as an edge-disjoint union of directed closed trails of lengths m1,…,mt whenever mig2 and ****gif image here****, except for the single case when n=6 and all mi=3. We also show that sufficiently dense Eulerian digraphs can be decomposed in a similar manner, and we prove corresponding results for (undirected) complete multigraphs.
The Wineskin of Love: Errors and Hybrid Prayers in the Libro de buen amor, MS S

The following article shows how the well-known episode of the Canonical Hours in the Libro de buen amor (Salamanca MS 2198 or S) engages in a subversive,intentional hybridization of Latin and Castilian. Errors in this preserved manuscript must be understood not merely as corrupting intrusions, but more importantly as active collaborations in the Archpriest of Hita's parody of Love's eroticized prayer. Specifically, vernacular alterationscontribute to thepoet's representation of an undereducated, worldly clergygarbling verses from the Hours—a problem that was vividly described in popular penitential literaturefrom the period,such as the fourteenth-century Libro de confesiones by Martin Perez. Supposed errors introduced into the Salamancan witness to the poem serve to mockingly alter, deform, and fragment language from the Divine Office, drawing marginal distortions of the sacred wordinto the textual centre.
Simulation Models for MIMO Mobile-to-Mobile Channels

Two new sum-of-sinusoids (SoS) based simulation models for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) mobile-to-mobile (M-to-M) Rayleigh fading channels are proposed. First, an ergodic statistical (deterministic) SoS simulation model is proposed, and its statistical properties are derived and verified by simulations. The deterministic model is shown to well approximate the reference model and, compared to existing simulation models, requires smaller number of scatterers. By allowing all three parameter sets (amplitudes, phases, and Doppler frequencies) to be random variables, the deterministic model is modified to yield a statistical simulation model. Compared to the deterministic and existing simulation models, the statistical model better matches the reference model over a wider range of normalized time delays while using a smaller number of scatterers.
Comprehensive job level resource usage measurement and analysis for XSEDE HPC systems

This paper presents a methodology for comprehensive job level resource use measurement and analysis and applications of the analyses to planning for HPC systems and a case study application of the methodology to the XSEDE Ranger and Lonestar4 systems at the University of Texas. The steps in the methodology are: System-wide collection of resource use and performance statistics at the job and node levels, mapping and storage of the resultant job-wise data to a relational database which eases further implementation and transformation of data to the formats required by specific statistical and analytical algorithms. Analyses can be carried out at different levels of granularity: job, user, or system-wide basis. Measurements are based on a novel lightweight job-centric measurement tool "TACC_Stats" [1], which gathers a comprehensive set of metrics on all compute nodes. The data mapping and analysis tools will be an extension to the XDMoD project [2] for the XSEDE community. This paper also reports the preliminary results from the analysis of measured data for Texas Advanced Computing Center's Lonestar4 and Ranger supercomputers. The case studies presented indicate the level of detailed information that will be available for all resources when TACC_Stats is deployed throughout the XSEDE system. The methodology can be applied to any system that runs the TACC_Stats measurement tool.
An Evaluation of “Does Economic Inequality Breed Political Conflict?” Studies

Contradictory findings, that economic inequality may have a positive, negative, or no impact on political conflict, are a puzzle for conflict studies. Three approaches have been used t o explain the inconsistent findings of the EI-PC (Economic Inequality-Political Conflict) nexus: statistical modeling, formal modeling, and theory building. Because analysts have tended to possess different research skills, these three approaches have been employed in isolation from one another. Singly, however, all three approaches have proved deficient and are unlikely to solve the EI-PC puzzle. The most fruitful approach is to combine the assumptions of the theory builders and the deductive approach of the formal modelers with the various empirical tests of the statistical modelers. Such an approach to the EI-PC puzzle produces a crucial test of the Deprived Actor and Rational Actor theories of conflict. The approach is also our best hope for solving the other long-standing puzzles in conflict studies.
The s-packing chromatic number of a graph

13 Let S = (a1, a2, . . .) be an infinite nondecreasing sequence of positive 14 integers. An S-packing k-coloring of a graph G is a mapping from V (G) to 15 {1, 2, . . . , k} such that vertices with color i have pairwise distance greater 16 than ai, and the S-packing chromatic number χS(G) of G is the smallest 17 integer k such that G has an S-packing k-coloring. This concept general18 izes the concept of proper coloring (when S = (1, 1, 1, . . .)) and broadcast 19 coloring (when S = (1, 2, 3, 4, . . .)). In this paper, we consider bounds on 20 the parameter and its relationship with other parameters. We characterize 21 the graphs with χS = 2 and determine χS for several common families of 22 graphs. We examine χS for the infinite path and give some exact values and 23 asymptotic bounds. Finally we consider complexity questions, especially 24 about recognizing graphs with χS = 3. 25
Energy-gap structure of layered superconductors.

We report the energy gap structure and density-of-states (DOS) of a model layered superconductor with one superconducting layer and one normal layer in a unit cell along the c- axis. In the physically interesting parameter range where the interlayer hopping strengths of the quasiparticles are comparable to the critical temperature, the peaks in the DOS curve do not correspond to the order parameter (OP) of the superconducting layer, but depend on the OP and the band dispersion in the c-direction in a complex manner. In contrast to a BCS superconductor, the DOS of layered systems have logarithmic singularities. Our simulated tunneling characteristics bear close resemblance to experimental results.
Organizational effects of testosterone, estradiol, and dihydrotestosterone on vasopressin mRNA expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis.

In adulthood, male rats express higher levels of arginine vasopressin (AVP) mRNA in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) than do female rats. We tested whether this sex difference is primarily due to differences in neonatal levels of testosterone. Male and female rats were gonadectomized on the day of birth and treated with testosterone propionate (TP) or vehicle on postnatal days 1, 3, and 5 (P1, P3, and P5). Three months later, all rats were implanted with testosterone-filled capsules. Two weeks later, brains were processed for in situ hybridization to detect AVP mRNA. We found that neonatal TP treatment significantly increased the number of vasopressinergic cells in the BST over control injections. We then sought to determine the effects of testosterone metabolites, estradiol and dihydrotestosterone, given alone or in combination, on AVP expression in the BST. Rat pups were treated as described above, except that instead of testosterone, estradiol benzoate (EB), dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP), a combination of EB and DHTP (EB+DHTP), or vehicle was injected neonatally. Neonatal treatment with either EB or EB+DHTP increased the number of vasopressinergic cells in the BST over that of DHTP or oil treatment. However, treatment with DHTP also significantly increased the number of vasopressinergic cells over that of oil treatment. Hence, in addition to bolstering evidence that estradiol is the more potent metabolite of testosterone in causing sexual differentiation of the brain, these data provide the first example of a masculinizing effect of a nonaromatizable androgen on a sexually dimorphic neuropeptide system.
Cyclic GMP increases the rate of the calcium extrusion pump in intact human platelets but has no direct effect on the dense tubular calcium accumulation system.

Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and other agents that elevate cGMP levels are known to inhibit the aggregation of human platelets. Published data suggest that cGMP attenuation of agonist-induced Ca2+ transients is involved in this effect. The present study shows that elevation of cGMP increases the rate of the Ca2+ extrusion pump located in the plasma membrane (PM) but does not have a direct effect on the Ca2+ accumulating pump of the dense tubules (DT). The study verifies that SNP can specifically elevate the cGMP level in the platelet. The kinetics of the Ca2+ extrusion system were studied in situ in platelets overloaded with the cytoplasmic Ca2+ indicator quin2 according to a published protocol developed in this laboratory. Elevation of cGMP by means of (10 μM) SNP increased the Vm of the Ca2+-ATPase pump by 63%, without affecting its Km (66–80 nM) or Hill coefficient (1.6–1.8). Dibutyryl-cGMP (Bt2-cGMP), preincubated for 45 min at 1 mM, increased the Vm by a factor of 2.2 ± 0.4. The experiments did not give any indication that SNP or Bt2-cGMP change the rate of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger which makes a minor contribution to Ca2+ extrusion in the studied [Ca2+]cyt range. The rate constant for passive leakage of Ca2+ across the PM was increased by 32 ± 4% by SNP and 90 ± 34% by Bt2-cGMP. The net result is that the free Ca2+ in the cytoplasm ([Ca2+]cyt) at ‘rest’ is lowered from control values of 112 nM to 89 nM or 80 nM, respectively. The kinetics of Ca2+ uptake by the dense tubules were determined in situ using the fluorescence of chlorotetracycline (CTC) according to protocols developed in this laboratory. Analysis showed that SNP and Bt2-cGMP had no effect on the Vm or Km of the dense tubular pump, and did not affect the rate constant for passive leakage. The agents did decrease resting [Ca2+]dt by 25% or 30%, respectively, but this result can be explained purely in terms of the reduced [Ca2+]cyt. The effects of cGMP (vs. cAMP) on the PM and DT pumps are closely correlated with reported effects of cGMP/cAMP induced phosphorylation of a protein of the molecular weight of the PM pump and a 22 kDa activator of the DT pump. Cyclic AMP increases the rate of both the PM and the DT pumps, whereas cGMP increases the rate of the PM pump only. In combination, treatment with maximally-effective doses of Bt2-cGMP and Bt2-cAMP had no greater effect on the PM pump than did either agent alone.
Capsule commentary on Bassett et al., Gender, race, and variations in the evaluation of microscopic hematuria among Medicare beneficiaries.

Why do we evaluate patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria (AMH)? The primary concern is that these patients may have cancer (urothelial, renal, prostate), urolithiasis, medical renal disease or infections. Studies have found potentially lethal conditions in up to 10 % of patients with microscopic hematuria.1 The AUA guidelines are very strict in their recommendations.2 “All patients 35 years or older should undergo cystoscopy, and upper urinary tract imaging is indicated in all adults with AMH in the absence of known benign causation.” The premise is that this will lead to the least chance of missing malignancy. One problem for clinicians is that prevalence of AMH is common, ranging from 9 to 14 %, requiring many evaluations if the guidelines are followed strictly. Basset et al. studied 9,211 Medicare beneficiaries with incidental hematuria and found that hematuria evaluations were completed in only 14 %.3 Women were significantly less likely to undergo a complete evaluation compared to men (10 vs. 22 %) and 69 % of women failed to undergo any evaluation. Overall, only 23 % of subjects were referred to urologists, who performed 98 % of all procedures. Among 403 malignancies identified (4 % of participants), 81 % were the result of complete evaluations. A major concern for low rates of evaluation is the potential delay in diagnosis of cancer. Bladder cancer is diagnosed with muscle invasion in 25 % of cases and half of those patients already have metastatic disease. Evaluation of patients in a timely fashion could theoretically improve detection of disease at an earlier stage. There have been several studies that have developed predictive models using clinical factors alone or in conjunction with urine-based tumor markers to improve detection of bladder cancer in patients with hematuria.4,5 These types of models can identify most patients with cancer while significantly reducing the number of evaluations in patients with AMH, but there is always a risk that some cancers will be missed. Regardless, the current situation where the vast majority of hematuria patients undergo little to no evaluation is clearly not optimal. Risk stratification could potentially identify patients at highest risk to improve the odds that they will undergo appropriate evaluation.
Characterization of Li cations in zeolite LiX by solid-state NMR spectroscopy and neutron diffraction

Lithium cations in the dehydrated zeolites LiX-1.0 [(SiAlO4)96Li96] and LiX-1.25 [(Si106Al86O384)Li86] are characterized by a combination of neutron diffraction and magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy. Both samples show in the 6Li and the 7Li MAS NMR spectra three lines assigned to Li cations in three different crystallographic sites (SI‘, SII, and SIII‘). The low-field component in 6Li and 7Li MAS NMR spectra recorded at a temperature of 295 K belongs to mobile Li cations, as proven by variable-temperature 7Li MAS NMR spectra. Variable-temperature neutron diffraction experiments show a phase transition in the temperature range T = 220−230 K in case of LiX-1.0. Neutron diffraction data recorded at 296 K were refined in the cubic space group Fd and data obtained at 20 K were refined in the orthorhombic space group Fddd. No phase transitions were observed in the refinement of the neutron diffraction data of zeolite LiX-1.25 (Fd ) recorded at 10 K.
Stair Climbing via Successive Perching

Stairs are a primary challenge for mobile robots navigating indoor human environments. Stair climbing is a useful, if not necessary, capability for mobile robots in urban search and rescue, security, cleaning, telepresence, elder care, and other applications. Existing stair climbing robots are large, expensive, and not always reliable, especially when descending stairs. In this paper, we present a novel approach for stair climbing that is achievable by a small mobile robot with minimal actuators and sensors and, thus, cost. The proposed robot has articulated tread assemblies on either side of a chassis. Using feedback control, the robot can balance on the edge of a single step. As the robot drives up the step, the chassis pivots to maintain the center of mass directly above the contact point. The dynamics of the system are derived with the Lagrangian method, and a discrete-time integral controller with friction compensation is designed to stabilize a stair climbing trajectory. The algorithms used to estimate the state of the system with low-cost noisy proprioceptive sensors are explained in detail. No external motion capture system is used. Simulation results are compared with successful experimental results.
Inhibition of rat brain norepinephrine N-methyltransferase by 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-indeno [1,2-c]pyridine hydrochloride (LY87130).

Abstract 2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-1H-indeno[1,2-c]pyridine hydrochloride (LY87130) was a potent inhibitor of rat brain stem norepinephrine N-methyltransferase (NMT) in vitro. The inhibition was competitive with l -norepinephrine as the variable substrate and non-competitive with S-adenosyl- l -methionine as the variable substrate. The K i value for LY87130 calculated from a Dixon plot was 2 × 10 −7 M. In rats, LY87130 inhibited NMT in vivo when injected i.p. at 10–40 mg/kg doses. Epinephrine concentration in hypothalamus was lowered within 1 h after LY87130 injection; the lowering was maximum at 6 h and persisted at 24 but not 48 h after a 40 mg/kg dose of LY87130. The lowering of epinephrine at 6 h was dose-related over a 10–40 mg/kg dose range. Norepinephrine and dopamine concentrations were increased transiently; by 6 h the concentrations of these other catecholamines were normal whereas epinephrine was maximally depleted. MOPEG sulfate, a major metabolite of norepinephrine in rat brain, was markedly elevated by LY87130. The effects of low doses of LY87130 (5 and 10 mg/kg) were enhanced by iprindole, which increased LY87130 levels in brain, suggesting that ring hydroxylation is a major pathway of LY87130 metabolism. The ability of LY87130 to produce selective depletion of epinephrine in rat brain makes it a useful tool for manipulating epinephrine-forming neurons.
Notes on and Descriptions of Mexican Orthoptera

In 1932 Hcbard (p. 343) considered three names, sallei, sumichrasti and sartorianus , used in the genus Stenopelmatus by Saussure in 1859, and synonymized sartorianus under sumichrasti . At the same time Hebard questioned the validity of sumichrasti since sallei has line priority and the specimen upon which Saussure based the name sumichrasti , and which he supposed to be an adult, actually is an immature individual. Hebard expressed himself as uncertain as to the described differences in the facial scutella of sallei and sumichrasti but apparently had only Costa Rican material at hand whereas the types of all three are from “Mexico” and most likely from the state of Vera Cruz. From evidence from three adult females, two large immature females with wing pads and two small immatures collected at Cordoba, V. C, by Dr. C. H. Seevers it appears certain that the three names apply to one species. Although Saussure in his original description and later (1893?) key described the facial scutellum of sallei as broad, the figure (1893, pi. 14, fig. 11) agrees closely with the specimens before me. Actually the frontal carinae do not meet above, but there the interval between them is half, or less than half as broad as the interval below. In one of the large immatures before me there is a light line on each frontal carina; these lines meet above and continue as a single median line over the vertex and occiput but the carinae are separate above. In all the larger specimens there is, just below the point of closest approach to the carinae, a very shallow, semicircular depression. This is well shown in Saussure's figure. The form of the clypeus is distinctive and apparently primitive, and is shown in the figure cited. All the specimens at hand are similar in this respect except one adult in which the clypeus is grossly malformed and the labrum absent. Perhaps the name sallei should be retained on line priority but it seems to me the better course to use sartorianus , the name applied to the adult and easily recognized form.
A novel boundary layer sensor utilizing domain switching in ferroelectric liquid crystals

A new sensor for optical detection of shear stress field induced by air or gas flow on a rigid surface is reported. The sensor uses the novel effects of shear induced optical switching in ferroelectric liquid crystals. The principle of operation of the sensor is described and a theoretical model for the optical response to shear stress is given. Director dynamics and system‐free energy considerations predict a system response time ≊10 ns for an applied shear stress step of ≊700 Torr. A thin (≊1 μm) ferroelectric liquid crystal film coated on a flat glass model surface is exposed to gas flow from a micro wind tunnel attached to the polarizing microscope employed for optical measurements. Schlieren texture of the thin film consists of two stable domains separated by a domain wall. Gas or air flow on the liquid crystal surface induces director reorientation resulting in optical contrast. Transmitted and reflected light intensities from polarization microscopy provide measurement of the flow parameters. System response time τ∼150 μs has been estimated from the material viscosity and the time variation of the applied shear stress in the experiment. Optical response is linear for applied differential pressures up to ≊800 Torr beyond which it tends to saturate. Second‐order nonlinear effects are observed for flow rates beyond ≊42 l/min. The configuration used in the present method overcomes many of the limitations of similar measuring techniques including those using cholesteric liquid crystals. The present method offers a preferred alternative for flow visualization and skin friction measurements in wind‐tunnel experiments on laminar boundary layer transition investigations.
Reconciliation of the X-ray and NMR structures of the thrombin-binding aptamer d(GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG).

The thrombin-binding aptamer d(GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG) is one of a family of DNA oligonucleotides that were identified byin vitroselection to bind specifically and with high affinity to thrombin. Two groups independently determined the tertiary structure in solution by NMR and at about the same time, the X-ray crystal structure of the aptamer in complex with thrombin was reported. In all cases, the thrombin-binding aptamer was found to fold into a structure containing two planar guanine quartets as its core. The NMR and crystal structures, however, have fundamentally different folding patterns owing to differences in the way these central bases are connected. We discuss the distinctions between the refined crystal and solution structures and show that the NMR model is consistent with the X-ray diffraction data.
Maximum-Likelihood-Constrained Deconvolution of Two-Dimensional NMR Spectra. Accuracy of Spectral Quantification

Abstract The maximum-likelihood method (MLM) and a related processing protocol involving diagonally symmetrized data, symmetrized maximum-likelihood (SML) spectral deconvolution, yield contrast-enhanced 2D NMR spectra with simultaneous noise suppression and marked resolution enhancement, relative to spectra processed with conventional apodization and FFT. In this paper the MLM deconvolution technique and SML protocol were applied to synthetic and real 2D NOE spectra to evaluate the accuracy of peak-volume quantification under various conditions. It is concluded that use of MLM and SML is remarkably robust for peak discrimination and volume calculations in 2D NMR studies, despite the inherent nonlinear nature of MLM. These protocols clearly facilitate identification and quantification of heavily overlapped cross peaks. In this study, quantitative integration linearity was observed at peak dynamic ranges of up to 1000:1 for 2D spectral reconstructions.
Results following physiological repair for tricuspid atresia.

Abstract Fourteen patients underwent a physiological operation for tricuspid atresia. Seven patients survived up to 3 years after operation. Six patients underwent hemodynamic studies 2 to 34 months postoperatively (mean, 15 months). Average age at the time of operation was 14 years (range, 5 to 25 years). Postoperative studies showed 4 patients to be in sinus rhythm and 2 in junctional rhythm. Right atrial pressure was elevated an average of 17 mm Hg (range, 10 to 34 mm Hg). All patients showed good atrial transport function regardless of their rhythm. Two had a right atrium-left pulmonary artery gradient of 1.5 to 10 mm Hg across the conduit. Average arterial saturation was 92% (range, 87 to 97%), an improvement of 13% over preoperative values. Residual hypoxemia was due to pulmonary vein desaturation and to atrial right-to-left shunting early postoperatively and later, to atrial right-to-left shunting alone.
Multi-unit retail site selection processes: incorporating opening delays and unidentified competition

Abstract Multiunit site selection models have long ignored the impact of time delays in store openings. To determine the effect of this limitation and to identify a solution, we compare three multiunit site selection procedures. The first is a sequential procedure that selects sites and then opens them one at a time. The second is a global approach that selects all future sites in a single decision process. Third, is a proposed anticipated-delay procedure that incorporates opening delays, firm planning horizons and discount rates in determining appropriate sites for multiunit retail systems. We further compare the results of these site-selection procedures to similar procedures that incorporate leakage to unidentified competitors when seeking locations for new outlets. We make the comparisons based upon discounted revenues by using a two-party, game-like simulation. The simulation estimates revenue results under the various alternatives while allowing for reactive and preemptive competitive store openings. Our results indicate that the anticipated-delay procedure incorporating leakage produces a significantly better revenue stream than either the standard sequential or global approach procedures.
Inclusive (π, η) reactions on nuclei

Abstract The inclusive (π, η) reaction is studied in the framework of a momentum space DWIA model. It is assumed that the reaction proceeds via quasifree single-nucleon knockout, mediated by formation of an N(1535) resonance. Medium corrections for the intermediate N ∗ are taken into account. Cross sections are calculated for (π + , η) inclusive reactions on 12 C and compared with experiment and with existing theoretical calculations; for an N ∗ free width of 150 MeV, quantitative agreement is obtained with experimental data.
Wave scattering analysis of bolted joints

The present research investigates the complex phenomena of wave scattering in bolted joint. The goal is to develop an understanding of the attenuation behavior of propagating waves, through the structure, as the bolt is subjected to different torques. This is a first step towards developing a structural health monitoring technique for detecting torque loss at a bolted joint. To simulate the local effects of the bolt, a micromechanics based model has been developed to model the scattering and attenuation behavior due to a single fiber in a matrix with a circumferential interface crack. A slicing approach is used to account for the effect of multiple interfacial cracks at different orientations through the depth of the structure, to simulate the global effects of the bolt. The change in wave attenuation as a function of bolt location, at different depths in a plate, is studied. Next, the variation in wave scattering as the bolt, which is now fully embedded in the plate, is subjected to different torque is investigated. The local stress fields that develop in the plate due to the torque are treated as a pre-stress condition and their effect on the resultant wave scattering is investigated using the developed model. The resultant attenuation accounts for the combined effect of the geometrical attenuation and the attenuation due to the pre-stress. Numerical results obtained show small but steady increase in the attenuation with the applied torque. Experiments conducted to validate the developed model show similar trends.
Evaluation of Relative Response Factor Methodology for Demonstrating Attainment of Ozone in Houston, Texas

In 2007, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released guidance on demonstrating attainment of the federal ozone (O3) standard. This guidance recommended a change in the use of air quality model (AQM) predictions from an absolute to a relative way. This was accomplished by using a ratio, and not the absolute difference of AQM O3 predictions from a historical year to an attainment year. This ratio of O3 concentrations, labeled the relative response factor (RRF), is multiplied by an average of observed concentrations at every monitor. In this analysis, whether the methodology used to calculate RRFs is severing the source-receptor relationship for a given monitor was investigated. Model predictions were generated with a regulatory AQM system used to support the 2004 Houston-Galveston-Brazoria State Implementation Plan. Following the procedures in the EPA guidance, an attainment demonstration was completed using regulatory AQM predictions and measurements from the Houston ground-monitoring network. Results show that the model predictions used for the RRF calculation were often based on model conditions that were geographically remote from observations and counter to wind flow. Many of the monitors used the same model predictions for an RRF, even if that O3 plume did not impact it. The RRF methodology resulted in severing the true source-receptor relationship for a monitor. This analysis also showed that model performance could influence RRF values, and values at monitoring sites appear to be sensitive to model bias. Results indicate an inverse linear correlation of RRFs with model bias at each monitor (R2 = 0.47), resulting in a change in future O3 design values up to 5 parts per billion (ppb). These results suggest that the application of RRF methodology in Houston, TX, should be changed from using all model predictions above 85 ppb to a method that removes any predictions that are not relevant to the observed source-receptor relationship.
Modulation of Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone Secretion by an Endogenous Circadian Clock

The mechanisms mediating positive feedback effects of oestradiol on pre-ovulatory gonadotrophin releasing-hormone (GnRH) surge generation in female mammals, although well-explored, are still incompletely understood. In addition to binding to and signalling through classical nuclear receptor-mediated pathways in afferent hypothalamic neurones, recent evidence suggests that ovarian steroids may use membrane-bound receptors or nonclassical signalling pathways to directly influence cell function leading to the generation of GnRH surge secretion. We review recent investigations into the role of the endogenous molecular circadian clock on modulation of GnRH gene expression and neuropeptide secretion, and will explore potential molecular mechanisms by which ovarian steroids may directly induce secretory changes at the level of the GnRH neurone, examining closely whether circadian clock gene oscillations may be involved.
Dynamics of exciton transfer between the bound and the continuum states in GaAs-AlxGa1-xAs multiple quantum wells.

Experimentally observed two-exponential decay of excitonic transitions in GaAs-${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As multiple quantum wells has been successfully interpreted in terms of the exciton transfer between the continuum (free carriers) and the bound states. The calculation results obtained from this exciton-transfer model are in excellent agreement with experimental observations. The rates of the exciton transfer and the free-carrier recombination have been obtained. We have demonstrated that the emission-energy dependence of the decay time constant of the slower decay component is caused by the variation in exciton binding energy induced by interface roughness in the quantum wells.
Electroproduction ofπ-mesons

An approximate evaluation is made of the dispersion relations for the production of pions in electron-nucleon collisions. The results are applicable at low energies in the final pion-nucleon barycentric system where the assumption that the (3, 3) state dominates the dispersion integrals is expected to be valid. Effects due to nuclear recoil and crossing symmetry are treated exactly to all orders.
Sparse PCA with Oracle Property

In this paper, we study the estimation of the k-dimensional sparse principal sub-space of covariance matrix Σ in the high-dimensional setting. We aim to recover the oracle principal subspace solution, i.e., the principal subspace estimator obtained assuming the true support is known a priori. To this end, we propose a family of estimators based on the semidefinite relaxation of sparse PCA with novel regularizations. In particular, under a weak assumption on the magnitude of the population projection matrix, one estimator within this family exactly recovers the true support with high probability, has exact rank-k, and attains a √s/n statistical rate of convergence with s being the subspace sparsity level and n the sample size. Compared to existing support recovery results for sparse PCA, our approach does not hinge on the spiked covariance model or the limited correlation condition. As a complement to the first estimator that enjoys the oracle property, we prove that, another estimator within the family achieves a sharper statistical rate of convergence than the standard semidefinite relaxation of sparse PCA, even when the previous assumption on the magnitude of the projection matrix is violated. We validate the theoretical results by numerical experiments on synthetic datasets.
Fatigue and stress-rupture behaviors of SiC/SiC composite under humid environment at elevated temperature

Abstract The effects of moisture on fatigue and stress-rupture behaviors of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) at an elevated temperature were investigated. The CMC consisted of silicon carbide fiber with an in situ BN layer (iBN) reinforced in silicon carbide matrix with boron nitride (BN) interphase. Two series of tests were conducted; tension–tension fatigue tests at a frequency of 10 Hz with a stress ratio of 0.1 and stress-rupture tests. Both type of tests were conducted at 750 °C: (1) under dry environment test condition (with 0% moisture content) and (2) under humid environment test condition (with 60% moisture content). Stress versus time to failure relationships were established under these test conditions. Moisture (humid environment) decreased the time to failure at a prescribed stress level in comparison to that without moisture (dry condition) in both series of tests. For a given test environment, time to failure was shorter under the cycling loading condition of fatigue test than that under the constant load of stress-rupture test. Damage analysis showed that the exposure to the elevated temperature caused the embrittlement of BN interphase between fiber and matrix. The presence of moisture accelerated this embrittlement process, which in turn caused the more degradation of fatigue or stress-rupture performance of the tested CMC system in humid test environment in comparison to that in dry test environment.
Crystal Structure and Computational Modeling of the Fab Fragment from a Protective Anti-Ricin Monoclonal Antibody

Background Many antibody crystal structures have been solved. Structural modeling programs have been developed that utilize this information to predict 3-D structures of an antibody based upon its sequence. Because of the problem of self-reference, the accuracy and utility of these predictions can only be tested when a new structure has not yet been deposited in the Protein Data Bank.
Sedentary behavior as a factor in determining lateral line contributions to rheotaxis

Rheotaxis is a robust, multisensory behavior with many potential benefits for fish and other aquatic animals. Visual (optic flow) cues appear to be sufficient for rheotaxis, but other sensory cues can clearly compensate for the loss of vision. The role of various non-visual sensory systems, in particular the flow-sensing lateral line, is poorly understood, largely because of widely varying methods and sensory conditions for studying rheotaxis. Here, we examine how sedentary behavior under visually deprived conditions affects the relative importance of lateral line cues in two species: one that is normally sedentary (the three-lined corydoras, Corydoras trilineatus) and one that normally swims continuously along the substrate (the blind cavefish, Astyanax mexicanus). No effect of lateral line disruption on rheotactic performance was found in blind cavefish, which were significantly more mobile than three-lined corydoras. By contrast, rheotaxis was significantly impaired at low, but not high, flow speeds in lateral-line-disabled corydoras. In addition, lateral-line-enabled corydoras were characterized by decreased mobility and increased rheotactic performance relative to lateral-line-disabled fish. Taken together, these results suggest that sedentary behavior is an important factor in promoting reliance on lateral line cues.
Structure of the NS1 Protein N-Terminal Origin Recognition/Nickase Domain from the Emerging Human Bocavirus

Human bocavirus is a newly identified, globally prevalent, parvovirus that is associated with respiratory infection in infants and young children. Parvoviruses encode a large nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) that is essential for replication of the viral single-stranded DNA genome and DNA packaging and may play versatile roles in virus-host interactions. Here, we report the structure of the human bocavirus NS1 N-terminal domain, the first for any autonomous parvovirus. The structure shows an overall fold that is canonical to the histidine-hydrophobic-histidine superfamily of nucleases, which integrates two distinct DNA-binding sites: (i) a positively charged region mediated by a surface hairpin (residues 190 to 198) that is responsible for recognition of the viral origin of replication of the double-stranded DNA nature and (ii) the nickase active site that binds to the single-stranded DNA substrate for site-specific cleavage. The structure reveals an acidic-residue-rich subdomain that is present in bocavirus NS1 proteins but not in the NS1 orthologs in erythrovirus or dependovirus, which may mediate bocavirus-specific interaction with DNA or potential host factors. These results provide insights into recognition of the origin of replication and nicking of DNA during bocavirus genome replication. Mapping of variable amino acid residues of NS1s from four human bocavirus species onto the structure shows a scattered pattern, but the origin recognition site and the nuclease active site are invariable, suggesting potential targets for antivirals against this clade of highly diverse human viruses.
Shock‐induced melting of MgSiO3 perovskite and implications for melts in Earth's lowermost mantle

[1] New shock wave equation of state (EOS) data for enstatite and MgSiO3 glass constrain the density change upon melting of Mg-silicate perovskite up to 200 GPa. The melt becomes denser than perovskite near the base of Earth’s lower mantle. This inference is confirmed by shock temperature data suggesting a negative pressure-temperature slope along the melting curve at high pressure. Although melting of Earth’s mantle involves multiple phases and chemical components, this implies that the partial melts invoked to explain anomalous seismic velocities in the lowermost mantle may be dynamically stable. INDEX TERMS: 3919 Mineral Physics: Equations of state; 3944 Mineral Physics: Shock wave experiments; 8124 Tectonophysics: Earth’s interior—composition and state (1212). Citation: Akins, J. A., S.-N. Luo, P. D. Asimow, and T. J. Ahrens (2004), Shock-induced melting of MgSiO3 perovskite and implications for melts in Earth’s lowermost mantle, Geophys. Res. Lett., 31, L14612, doi:10.1029/2004GL020237.
Modeling Distribution Overcurrent Protective Devices for Time-Domain Simulations

Poor overcurrent protective device coordination can cause prolonged and unnecessary voltage variation problems. The coordination of many protective devices can be a difficult task and unfortunately, device performance and accuracy are not evaluated once the device settings are chosen and deployed. Ideally, an automated system would interrogate system data at the substation and estimate voltage variations and assess protective device performance. To test the accuracy of the automated system, a simulation model is developed to generate test data. The time-domain overcurrent protective device models can be used to estimate the duration of voltage sag during utility fault clearing operation as well. This paper presents the modeling of overcurrent protective device models created in a time-domain power system simulator. The radial distribution simulation, also made in the same time-domain software, allows testing of different overcurrent protection device settings and placement.
Distribution of suspended sediment in a natural stream

The sediment-load of a natural stream may be considered to be made up of two parts, the wash load and the bed-materials load [see 1 of “References” at end of paper]. The wash load is the fine material washed into and through the reach under consideration by storm-runoff. The bed-materials load is derived from the bed of the stream and may be transported either by rolling along the bed or in suspension. The various particles moving in suspension come into contact with the bed with a frequency depending on their size.
Significance of an abnormally low or high hemoglobin concentration during pregnancy: special consideration of iron nutrition

An association between moderate anemia and poor perinatal outcomes has been found through epidemiologic studies, although available evidence cannot establish this relation as causal. Anemia may not be a direct cause of poor pregnancy outcomes, except in the case of maternal mortality resulting directly from severe anemia due to hypoxia and heart failure. Preventing or treating anemia, whether moderate or severe, is desirable. Because iron deficiency is a common cause of maternal anemia, iron supplementation is a common practice to reduce the incidence of maternal anemia. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of large-scale supplementation programs needs to be improved operationally and, where multiple micronutrient deficiencies are common, supplementation beyond iron and folate can be considered. High hemoglobin concentrations are often mistaken as adequate iron status; however, high hemoglobin is independent of iron status and is often associated with poor health outcomes. Very high hemoglobin concentrations cause high blood viscosity, which results in both compromised oxygen delivery to tissues and cerebrovascular complications. Epidemiologic studies have also found an association between high maternal hemoglobin concentrations and an increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. Evidence does not suggest that this association is causal; it could be better attributed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and to preeclampsia. The pathophysiologic mechanism of these conditions during pregnancy can produce higher hemoglobin concentrations because of reduced normal plasma expansion and cause fetal stress because of reduced placental-fetal perfusion. Accordingly, higher than normal hemoglobin concentrations should be regarded as an indicator of possible pregnancy complications, not necessarily as a sign of adequate iron nutrition, because iron supplementation does not increase hemoglobin higher than the optimal concentration needed for oxygen delivery.
Metabolic heat flow patterns in the intertidal mussel Ischadium (=Modiolus=Geukensia) demissum demissum during aerial and underwater respiration

Rapid changes in heat production rate by Ischadium demissum demissum (=Modiolus demissus demissus, Geukensia demissa), largely though not exclusively effected by opening and closing of shell valves, signify changing metabolic states, physical activity level, and body processes with time and experimental condition. It is theorized that the relative rates of anaerobic metabolism and oxygen uptake, as influenced by temperature, and the presence or absence of unfavorable external stimuli all interact, in feedback mode, to regulate the opening and closing of shell valves. Knowledge of the pattern of instantaneous changes in metabolic rates of organisms is essential in analysis of, and interpreting and comparing data on, average metabolic rates. Direct calorimetry should be particularly useful in understanding the evolutionary ecology of facultatively anaerobic organisms.
De novo ICAM-1 synthesis in the mouse lung: model of assessment of protein expression in lungs

Because most studies addressing the regulatory mechanisms of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression have used cultured endothelial cells, we set out to develop an isolated mouse lung p...
Response Time and Grip Strength as Possible Factors Affecting Children's Catching Performance

Summary.-This investigation was designed to determine the influence of response time (reaction time f movement time) and grip strength on a catching task. 30 boys and 30 girls in Grade 3 were subjects. A standard hand dynamometer was employed co measure grip strength while a unique timing apparatus consisting of two digital stop watches and a strobe light mas constructed to measure both reaction time (RT) and movement time (MT) while simulating the act of catching. Subjects were allowed 8 attempts to catch a tennis ball which was mechanically projected a distance of 30 ft. Boys were more proficient on the catching task than girls even when adjusting for differences in RT, MT, and grip strength. A significant but w& relationship was found between grip strength and catching performance for the girls.
Effects of water intrusion on the charge-carrier dynamics, performance, and stability of dye-sensitized solar cells

We report on the influence of water on the charge-carrier dynamics, photocurrent density–photovoltage (J–V) properties, and stability of dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cells (DSSCs) containing two different commonly used solvents. Adding water to the solvents was found to strongly alter the energy level alignments, retard recombination at the electrode–redox electrolyte interfaces, and increase the dark exchange current density. The added water had no effect on electron transport, however. The addition of water to the cells increased the photocurrent densities, photovoltages, and solar cell efficiencies but lowered the fill factors. Changes in the J–V characteristics were shown to result from the effects of water on the energetics and kinetics of transport and recombination in the DSSCs. Regardless of the solvent used in the DSSCs, the added water had no observed effect on the cell stability during 1000 h of continuous illumination under full sunlight (AM1.5).