cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-uniform torsion of tapered i-beams

Abstract In this paper an analysis is made of the tapered I-beam in non-uniform torsion. The result of the analysis holds true for that class of I-sections having relatively high ratios of web to flange thickness. The effects of web deformation, considered by Goodier and Barton for beams of uniform cross-sections are relatively small for these ratios. Therefore, these effects are not taken into consideration in this analysis. The result is illustrated by three numerical examples.
Adaptive clustering algorithm

Output data from many types of sensor systems (radar, radar warning, sonar, electro-optical, etc.) must be associated with one or more possible sources based on multiple observations of the data. This paper presents an algorithm that associates data with their source by simultaneous n-dimensional clustering of multiple data observations. The algorithm first orders the observations by successive nearest neighbor, in the n-dimensional Euclidean sense, from a defined starting point. Clusters are then isolated using a method derived from statistical decision theory. The algorithm's primary feature is its ability to perform clustering adaptively without any assumptions about the size, number, or statistical characteristics of the clusters. Since the algorithm was developed for radar warning system processing, a performance comparison with a well-known algorithm used in that field is included.
Differential plasticity of morphologically distinct neuron populations in the medial geniculate body of the cat during classical conditioning

This study investigated the development of neuronal classical conditioning in the three morphologically distinct major subdivisions of the medial geniculate body (MGB), i.e., the ventral, dorsal, and medial regions. Multiple unit activity was recorded simultaneously from at least two of these regions during classical conditioning of the pupillary dilation response in the cat using acoustic and pawshock stimulation. The training paradigm consisted of sensitization, conditioning, and discrimination periods to control for non-associative factors. The subjects bore chronically implanted electrodes and were trained, following recovery from surgery, under neuromuscular paralysis to prevent changes in effective CS intensity in the ear due to middle ear contractions, head movement, or noise produced by body movement. Neuronal conditioned responses, consisting of an increase in multiple unit activity during presentation of the CS+, developed only in the medial subdivision of the medial geniculate body; this effect was never found in the ventral and dorsal regions. The conditioned neuronal responses in the medial division of the MGB were not due merely to increased light stimulation consequent to pupillary dilation because they were evident during the initial 152 msec of conditioning trials, prior to the onset of pupillary dilation. An analysis of the characteristics of initial responses to the CS+ and US prior to conditioning indicated that responses to the CS+ were not consistently different among the ventral, dorsal, and medial subdivisions of the MGB. However, the responses to the pawshock did relate to conditionability; neurons in the medial division, which exhibited conditioning, were driven only during the duration of US presentation whereas responses in the ventral and dorsal divisions, which did not exhibit conditioning, continued to be prominent after the offset of the US. This preliminary finding suggests that the characteristics of the initial response to the US may be critical in determining whether or not neuronal conditioning develops.
Capillary Electrophoresis-Assisted Identification of Peroxyl Radical Generated by Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in a Cell-Free System

The mechanism of how single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) induce oxidative stress in cells has always been under debate. In the present paper, we have clearly identified the generation of peroxyl radical (ROO•) by the unmodified SWCNT and the poly(ethylene glycol)-functionalized SWCNT (SWCNT-PEG) in aqueous solutions using a simple analytical technique: capillary electrophoresis (CE). CE provides a sensitive detection platform for the oxidation product of the employed reactive oxygen species (ROS) indicator, 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (H2DCF). In addition, its high separation power eliminates the fluorescence quenching exerted by SWCNTs, which was a big problem that has been encountered in measurements with microplate readers, and facilitates the screening of a large variety of ROS scavengers, including small molecules, surfactant, and proteins, in our study. Furthermore, CE enables the simultaneous incubation of multiple ROS indicators for comparison of their oxidation efficiency, improving the de...
Characterization of two forms of cadmium phosphide by magic-angle spinning 31P NMR

Abstract Annealing of commercial grade cadmium phosphide (Cd3P2) at 600 K produces a material which, in magic-angle spinning spin-lattice 31P NMR relaxation experiments, has broad lines and multiple T1 values. By contrast, sublimation at 900 K results in a crystalline material with narrow lines and a single T1ver, both materials have the same Cd-P lattice spacings as determined by rotational-echo, double-resonance 31P NMR with 113Cd dephasing. Both materials also have closely similar X-ray diffraction powder patterns. These results are interpreted in terms of a distribution of lattice vacancies in the annealed material, creating structural heterogeneity but with no substantial change in lattice parameters from those of the sublimed cadmium phosphide.
Gender and Corporate Sustainability: On Values, Vision, and Voice

This article presents an exploratory empirical study of the role of gender in sustainability initiatives and practices in a sample of 925 men and women from American companies. We explore gender differences and their implications for sustainability values, priorities, and perceptions of sustainability-related activities in the workplace. Drawing from studies of sustainability, gender, and environmental values and action, our study finds that corporate women hold sustainability-related concerns and values to be significantly more important to them personally than do their male colleagues, and they view and evaluate their companies’ sustainability-related value priorities, initiatives, and activities from these foundational ethical and value orientations. We conclude with a research agenda that includes identifying the actual participation of women in corporate sustainability initiatives, and also the organizational enablers and impediments of their empowered action and leadership.
Dissection and fine mapping of a major QTL for preharvest sprouting resistance in white wheat Rio Blanco

Preharvest sprouting (PHS) is a major constraint to white wheat production. Previously, we mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) for PHS resistance in white wheat by using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross Rio Blanco/NW97S186. One QTL, QPhs.pseru-3A, showed a major effect on PHS resistance, and three simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were mapped in the QTL region. To determine the flanking markers for the QTL and narrow down the QTL to a smaller chromosome region, we developed a new fine mapping population of 1,874 secondary segregating F2 plants by selfing an F6 RIL (RIL25) that was heterozygous in the three SSR marker loci. Segregation of PHS resistance in the population fitted monogenic inheritance. An additive effect of the QTL played a major role on PHS resistance, but a dominant effect was also observed. Fifty-six recombinants among the three SSR markers were identified in the population and selfed to produce homozygous recombinants or QTL near-isogenic lines (NIL). PHS evaluation of the recombinants delineated the QTL in the region close to Xbarc57 flanked by Xbarc321 and Xbarc12. To saturate the QTL region, 11 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were mapped in the QTL region with 7 AFLP co-segregated with Xbarc57 by using the NIL population. Dissection of the QTL as a Mendelian factor and saturation of the QTL region with additional markers created a solid foundation for positional cloning of the major QTL.
Space matters: local and global dendritic Ca2+ compartmentalization in cortical interneurons.

Dendrites of pyramidal neurons are complex, electrically active structures that can produce local and global Ca 2+ compartments. Recent studies indicate that dendrites of cortical GABAergic interneurons are also highly specialized, and that different subtypes vary in their morphology, in their intrinsic and synaptic conductances and in the Ca 2+ signals they generate. Because interneurons play a major role in oscillations, understanding their dendrites could offer key insights into rhythmogenesis. Different interneuron subtypes have different synaptic integration properties and generate differentially timed inhibition at distinct sites of the pyramidal neuraxis. In addition, interneuron dendrites generate diverse Ca 2+ signals that reflect this circuit function and probably also implement subclass-specific plasticity and homeostasis.
Female reproductive success in artificial sponges in Paracerceis sculpta (Holmes) (Crustacea: Isopoda)

Paracerceis sculpta (Holmes), a sphaeromatid isopod crustacean, breeds in the spongocoels of intertidal sponges (Leucetta losangelensis de Laubenfels) in the northern Gulf of California. In the laboratory, P. sculpta adults readily colonize and inhabit artificial sponges constructed of a synthetic polymer (FHP-3000). To examine the effect of artificial sponges on female fecundity, I compared the numbers of live mancas and undeveloped embryos produced by females that had completed their gestations (1) without sponges in 225 ml cups, (2) within artificial sponges at densities of one, three and five females per sponge, and (3) within natural sponges in the field. Females that completed their gestations in 225 ml cups released the most live mancas, whereas females that completed their gestations in the field released the fewest live mancas. Although differences among female groups in numbers of undeveloped embryos were found, the majority of females in all groups produced no undeveloped progeny, thus the significance of these differences is uncertain. There were no differences in numbers of live mancas released, or in numbers of undeveloped embryos remaining in the brood pouches among females that completed their gestations in artificial sponges at different densities. Thus, neither female aggregation nor gestation in artificial sponges appear to deleteriously affect female fecundity. These results corroborate earlier experiments indicating that artificial sponges provide suitable substitute reproductive habitat for laboratory studies of P. sculpta, and suggest that selection in other contexts (perhaps predation) maintains the tendency for females to complete their gestations in protected locations.
Restoring trust in American business: the struggle to change perception

Purpose – To analyze the challenges for business posed by rising anti‐Americanism and anti‐globalism, the need to restore trust in business, and the demands of transparency. These considerable, but surmountable challenges are met by keeping pace with rapid change, through communicating and building reputation, and through modeling the concepts of “truth” and “trust” as the common currency of a robust world civilization.Design/methodology/approach – Focus on recent research into global attitudes toward business by Pew Global Attitudes Project, Edelman Annual Trust Barometer, NOP World, Global Market Insite; and on the PR Coalition White Paper, Restoring Trust in Business.Findings – Emerging best practices for combating anti‐Americanism and for restoring trust through ethical behavior, transparency, and board‐level commitment.Practical implications – Corporate development of public affairs and issues management strategies designed to mitigate the negative impact of rising anti‐Americanism and declining trus...
Reusable component interconnection patterns for distributed software architectures

This paper investigates the design of reusable component interconnection in client/ server systems. In particular, the paper describes the design of component interconnection patterns, which define and encapsulate the way client and server components communicate with each other. This paper uses the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to describe the component interconnection patterns for synchronous, asynchronous, and brokered communication. When designing a new distributed application, the appropriate component interaction patterns may then be selected and reused.
Effects of paced and non-paced mating stimulation on plasma progesterone, 3α-diol and corticosterone

In the female rat, gonadal and adrenal progestins and androgens modulate sexual receptivity and in turn, their levels increase in response to mating stimulation. Paced mating, in which the female controls the timing of sexual contacts with the male, is particularly effective at eliciting acute increases in progesterone (P) and 5 alpha-Androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol (3 alpha-Diol). Interestingly, restraint stress produces comparable increases in P and 3 alpha-Diol levels, as well as increases in corticosterone (CORT) levels. In this study, we explored the possibility that paced mating would be associated with increased CORT, in conjunction with mating-induced increases in P and 3 alpha-Diol. Ovariectomized rats primed with estradiol benzoate (10 micrograms in oil SC) and P (0.5 mg in oil s.c.) received a single ejaculatory series from males in paced or non-paced mating tests. Fifteen minutes post-mating rats were exposed to CO2 and rapidly decapitated for the collection of trunk blood and determination of P, 3 alpha-Diol and CORT via radioimmunoassay. As expected, P and 3 alpha-Diol concentrations were significantly elevated in serum obtained from animals allowed to pace their sexual contacts with males compared to those which did not pace their contacts. Importantly, although all mated animals had CORT levels between 10-20 micrograms/dl, there were no differences between paced and non-paced conditions. This suggests that the acute rises in P and 3 alpha-Diol in response to paced mating are not due to paced mating being more stressful than non-paced mating.
Improved bowel function after gynecological surgery with epidural bupivacaine-fentanyl than bupivacaine-morphine infusion.

Purpose: To compare postoperative gastrointestinal recovery between continuous epidural bupivacaine-fentanyl and bupivacaine-morphine.
Temperatures after bloom affect plant growth and fruit quality of strawberry.

Abstract The influence of four day/night temperature combinations (18/12, 25/12, 25/22, 30/22) on plant growth and fruit quality of ‘Earliglow’ and ‘Kent’ strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) were studied. The optimum day/night temperatures for leaf and petiole growth was 25/12°C, while for roots and fruits it was at 18/12°C. For the growth of the whole plant, 25/12°C was also the optimum temperature. Fruit surface and flesh color became darker ( L * value decreased) and greater in pigment intensity (chroma value increased) as the day and night temperatures increased. Leaf color was brighter, greener and greater in pigment intensity as day and night temperatures decreased (18/12°C). Increased in growth temperatures resulted in decreased fruit quality including soluble solids (SSC), titratable acids (TA), SSC/TA ratio, and ascorbic acid (AA) content in the fruit. Plants grown at 18/12°C greatest amounts of fructose, glucose, and total carbohydrates in fruit and decreased with increasing temperature. The greatest fruit sucrose content occurred at 25/12°C and the lowest was at 30/22°C. Fruit from plants grown at 18/12°C also contained greater amounts of citric acid and ellagic acid, but lesser amounts of malic acid. As the day/night temperature increased, fruit malic acid content increased, while citric acid and ellagic acid content decreased. Temperatures of 30/22°C inhibited plant and fruit growth, and also reduced fruit quality. At higher day and night temperatures (25/22 and 30/22°C), leaves, petioles, and crowns had higher amounts of fructose and myo-inositol, whereas at cooler temperatures (18/12 and 25/12°C), greater amounts of sucrose were found. Plants grown at 25/12°C had the highest starch and total carbohydrate contents. Cooler day/night temperature (18/12°C) shifted biomass from leaves to roots.
The in situ determination of the 15N chemical-shift tensor orientation in a polypeptide

An analytical approach for the determination of the orientation of the variable σ33 component of the amide 15N chemical-shift tensor element with respect to the molecular frame is described. Advantage is taken of the known orientation of the unique axis of the heteronuclear dipolar interaction between 15N and 13C in doubly labeled samples through observations of the dipolar-coupled 15N chemical-shift powder patterns. Certain singularities in the powder spectrum have a unique dependence on a single polar angle and hence an analytical solution can be found from the frequency differences of the singularities. This approach is demonstrated for two peptide backbone sites in the pentadecapeptide, gramicidin A, in a lipid environment.
Similarity solutions for breakup of jets of power law fluids

Abstract We compute similarity solutions for the breakup of a jet of a power law liquid surrounded by a vacuum. As is known from the Newtonian case, such similarity solutions are fundamentally different depending on whether creeping flow or flow with inertia is considered. We shall investigate both cases. For flow with inertia, we start with Eggers’ solution for the Newtonian case, and we continue it to other values of the power law exponent. The jet profile corresponding to Eggers’ solution is highly asymmmetric. We find that the degree of asymmetry decreases as we deviate from the Newtonian case in either direction. For small as well as for large values of the power law exponent, we find new branches of symmetric solutions. These branches establish a connection between the similarity solutions with and without inertia.
The Lewis A. Conner Memorial Lecture

The physiologic, pathologic, and clinical interrelationships between the thyroid and the cardiovascular system are discussed. The therapeutic effects of hypothyroidism induced by I131 to lessen the work of the heart are described in 39 euthyroid patients with intractable advanced angina pectoris or congestive failure. Only patients were treated who were seriously incapacitated despite all conventional forms of therapy for many months or years. The results of two confirmatory series of cases similarly treated by others are reviewed.
International Treasury Management: Understanding the Cost of Capital

Cost of capital is an important concept for international treasury management. It plays a key role in evaluating prospective investments, the firm itself, and the performance of both management and the company. The authors explain what cost of capital is, how you determine it, and some implications for U.S. multinational firms. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Two-stage factor screening procedures using multiple grouping assignments

A generalization of the group screening technique for finding the non-negligible factors in a first order model is presented. In conventional screening designs, each factor is assigned to a single factor group, and the sum of effects associated with each group is estimated in the first stage. The new designs assign a factor to multiple groups in the first stage. An individual effect is estimated in the second stage only if each group to which the corresponding factor is assigned is “active” in the first stage. The performance of these designs is compared to conventional group screening designs for cases in which the direction of each factor, if active, is assumed known a priori and measurement error is negligible.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Female Nursing Students

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine cardiovascular risk factors in third-year baccalaureate nursing students. Female students (n=64, median age 26 years) participated in a 3-tiered assessment of health history, fitness and diet. The health history used for assessing cardiovascular risks included items about smoking and familial history of heart disease. The fitness assessment was designed to measure cardio-respiratory fitness, percent body fat, and self-rated activity level. After completing the Rockport Walk Test (1 mile), almost all students (96.7%) received a rating of excellent for cardio-respiratory fitness. A mean value of 30.4% was calculated for percent body fat. The majority of students (82%) self-reported that they did not meet the Surgeon General's recommended amount of physical activity. The dietary assessment was based on an analysis of 3-day diet records. Dietary analyses revealed that on average, 34% of the students' total energy was consumed as fat, 10% of their total energy as saturated fat, and the mean cholesterol consumed was 172mg/d. It was encouraging that the students exhibited excellent cardio-respiratory fitness, low prevalence of smoking, moderate cholesterol and saturated fat intakes. The cardiovascular risk factors identified in this subset were positive familial history of heart disease, greater than recommended intakes of total fat, greater than recommended percent body fat, and less than recommended physical activity. Family history was the only risk factor that was not modifiable. These data from this subset could be used to target areas in need of improvement.
Laminar Flow Forced Convection Heat Transfer Behavior of a Phase Change Material Fluid in Finned Tubes

The heat transfer behavior of phase change material fluid (PCM) under laminar flow conditions in circular tubes and internally longitudinal finned tubes was studied. An effective specific heat technique was used to model the phase change process. Heat transfer results for a smooth circular tube with PCM fluid were obtained under hydrodynamically and thermally fully developed conditions. Results for the finned tube were obtained using the H2 and T boundary conditions. It was determined that the Nusselt number was strongly dependent on the Stefan number, fin thermal conductivity value, and height of the fins.
Increased longevity of hematopoiesis in continuous bone marrow cultures derived from NOS1 (nNOS, mtNOS) homozygous recombinant negative mice correlates with radioresistance of hematopoietic and marrow stromal cells.

Objective Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1, mitochondrial NOS, neuronal NOS) homozygous deletion recombinant negative mice demonstrate ionizing irradiation resistance in vivo, attributable to the decrease in mitochondrial-localized production of peroxynitrite, a potent lipid toxic free radical species resulting from the combination of nitric oxide and superoxide. The present studies were designed to determine whether reduced mitochondrial generation of toxic radical oxygen species in NOS1−/− mice also increased the longevity of hematopoiesis in continuous bone marrow cultures and conferred radioresistance to cells in vitro. Materials and Methods Long-term bone marrow cultures (LTBMCs) were established from NOS1−/− and NOS1+/+ littermate mice. Radiation resistance of hematopoietic and marrow stromal cells was measured. Cell cycle analysis and measurement of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase were carried out on irradiated clonal bone marrow stromal cell lines. Results A significant increase in longevity of hematopoiesis was detected in NOS1−/− mouse LTBMCs for over 64 weeks in culture compared to 20 weeks for NOS1+/+ mouse LTBMCs (p n ¯ = 32.15 ± 1.21 compared to NOS1+/+ cells n ¯ = 10.47 ± 3.2 (p = 0.0026), interleukin-3-dependent NOS1−/− hematopoietic progenitor cell lines also demonstrated decreased apoptosis after 10 Gy irradiation. Both pre- and postirradiation stabilization of the cellular antioxidant pool was detected in NOS1−/− cells. NOS1−/− cells showed a prolonged G1 cell cycle arrest after 10 Gy. Conclusions Prolonged hematopoiesis in LTBMCs correlates with intrinsic radioresistance of hematopoietic and marrow stromal cells from NOS1−/− mice. The data confirm the importance to hematopoiesis of mitochondrial localized nitric oxide in both radioresistance and longevity of hematopoiesis in continuous bone marrow cultures.
WE-D-201B-01: Wide Area Detector CT in Cardiovascular Imaging

Wide area detectorCT gives new applications for cardiovascular imaging, based on the ability to perform axial imaging over a craniocaudal field of view that extends up to 16 centimeters. This lecture will review the principles of the technology and focus on current and future clinical applications. Imaging of the cardiac and vascular systems, with related organ perfusion data will be presented. Radiation doses from these applications will be discussed. Learning Objectives: 1. Develop an understanding of wide area detectorCT clinical applications. 2. Highlight examples of current cardiovascular CT protocols. 3. Discuss radiation dose in wide area detectorCT.
Metonyms of modernity in contemporary Syrian music and painting

This essay examines painting and music in modern Syria as cultural practices that give voice to modernist sensibilities. I argue that two important spatial and temporal tropes structure the aesthetics of authenticity in Syrian visual and musical arts: the old city and the countryside. Through recourse to these metonymic representations and evocations, Syrian artists articulate a vision of modernity in which discourses of emotion and sentiment are important bases of authentic Syrian cultural identity. In this manner they offer an alternative to European ideologies of modernity that have stressed rationality. At the same time they promote critical responses to the modern Syrian state.
Insight Into Active Health Monitoring Methods Using Machine Learning

Current satellite validation tests involve numerous procedures to qualify the space vehicle for the vibrations expected during launch and for exposure to the space environment. Structural Health Monitoring methods are being considered in an effort to truncate the number of validation tests required for satellite checkout. The most promising of these monitoring techniques uses an active wave-based method in which an active piezoelectric transducer propagates a Lamb wave through the structure, where it is then received by a second sensor and evaluated over time to detect structural changes. Thus far, this method has proven effective in locating structural defects in a complex satellite panel; however, the attributes associated with the first wave arrival change significantly as the wave travels through ribs and interfaces. This study establishes a method to identify important features in the sensor signal that may otherwise be missed. In this work, an FE model of a plate is developed, and variability is introduced for each state observation. Different states are modeled as masses distributed at 12 locations. Signals are obtained through an explicit time-domain analysis. Matching Pursuit Decomposition is used to extract physically significant parameters from the signal, the features are reduced to a more manageable subset, and Support Vector Machines are utilized to identify important features in the sensor signal. The results of the classification indicate that for a plate specimen the extracted feature corresponding to anti-symmetric wave mode interaction with damage does the best job of differentiating damage states.© 2011 ASME
Long-term effects of infant rearing condition on the acquisition of dominance rank in juvenile and adult rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

We examined the effects of early rearing experience on the development of dominance status in 53 juvenile (age 3) and then in 38 adult (ages 5-8) rhesus macaques. Based on previous research investigating the behavioral outcomes of nursery-rearing, we predicted that mother-reared (MR) monkeys would outrank peer-only reared (PR) monkeys, which would in turn outrank surrogate/peer-reared (SPR) subjects. Juvenile MR and PR subjects did not differ in ranks, but monkeys from both rearing backgrounds outranked SPR cage-mates at age 3. Independent of rearing condition, high-ranking juveniles gained the most weight between ages 1-3, suggesting that low status may be associated with decreases in early weight gain. Adult MR subjects outranked both PR and SPR subjects, with PR animals occupying intermediate ranks. These results indicate that impoverished early experiences, such as adult absence and limited social interaction, are useful predictors of future social success in rhesus macaques.
On explaining beliefs

In explicating the concept of scientific explanation Hempel provided an ideal in terms of which we can judge both philosophical theories of methodology and contemporary scientific theories of natural and social phenomena.
COMMUNITY BASED CLINICS ARE BETTER THAN HOSPITAL BASED CLINICS FOR PRIMARY CARE OF HIGH RISK FAMILIES. • 794

COMMUNITY BASED CLINICS ARE BETTER THAN HOSPITAL BASED CLINICS FOR PRIMARY CARE OF HIGH RISK FAMILIES. • 794
Effect of pressure on antigen-antibody complexes: modulation by temperature and ionic strength.

Abstract Changes in the equilibrium binding affinity of antigen–antibody complexes subjected to hydrostatic pressures of about 2000 bar provide a potential means for the separation and recovery under mild conditions of biological molecules from immunoadsorbents or immunosensors. We have investigated the ability of temperature and ionic strength to modulate the pressure sensitivity of several antigen–antibody complexes in solution. For two different protein:monoclonal antibody complexes (BSA:9.1 and HEWL:HyHEL-10) exhibiting pressure-induced dissociation (positive association volume), we find little temperature dependence to the association volume. For another complex (digoxigenin:26-10) exhibiting pressure-induced association, the association volume increases with temperature, which, via a Maxwell relation, indicates that enthalpic changes drive the pressure effect. An increase in ionic strength decreases the affinity of binding the HEWL:HyHEL-5 complex, which contains several salt bridges. At low ionic strengths (
SORGHUM TORTILLAS: PROCESS AND PRODUCT ATTRIBUTES

Tortillas were made from different sorghum types, employing the basic process for making corn tortillas. A textural comparison study between corn and intermediate endosperm sorghum tortillas was conducted employing tensile testing methods using an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Corneous and intermediate endosperm sorghum grains were found to produce tortillas similar to those made from corn, although processing conditions of time, temperature, and lime dose required to give acceptable tortillas were varied. The corneous textured endosperm produced sorghum tortillas having grainy characteristics not exhibited by the intermediate endosperm product. Sorghum tortillas became darker when higher doses of lime were added, and dilute citric acid was used to achieve pH change during grain neutralization. Greater tensile strength and stretchability were observed in the intermediate endosperm sorghum tortillas than in the corn product, indicating greater flexibility and possible reliability. No significant difference was found between the acceptability of intermediate endosperm sorghum and corn tortillas. Sorghum tortillas had greater protein content than corn tortillas.
Oxygen Isotopes as Index for Paleosalinity During Deposition of Pennsylvanian Marble Falls Limestone of Central Texas: ABSTRACT

One major goal of a depositional model is to portray variations in salinity across an ancient facies tract. Qualitative determination of paleosalinity gradients with whole-rock, oxygen isotope analyses of limestones is usually hampered by the effects of cementation and reequilibration with formation water at depth. Numerous characteristics of the Marble Falls Limestone make it ideal for facies analysis using isotopes. Burial did not exceed 1 km and the low vitrinite reflectance, averaging 0.30%, indicates cool temperatures. A closed system during stabilization is manifested in high strontium levels in calcite (2,000 to 5,000 ppm). The Marble Falls was deposited on the Llano platform which was bordered on the east by the Fort Worth basin. An east-west sediment profile consisted of black spiculite, algal boundstone, oolitic grainstone, spiculitic wackestone, and calcareous shale. Carbonate mud within spiculite and boundstone of the foreslope environment is isotopically "marine" (^dgr18O = -2.52 + 0.55 per mil PDB, n = 12). The whole-rock composition of grainstone (^dgr18O = -4.00 ± 0.56, n = 10) is in accord with a two-component mixture consisting of marine ooids and meteoric cement, supporting the contention that the platform rim was exposed. The high standard deviation of the del values for spiculitic wackestone from the platform interior (^dgr18O = -3.76 ± 1.24, n = 2 ) is due to changing amounts of runoff from the Concho arch. Calcite within the shale, a marsh deposit, is depleted (^dgr18O = -5.10 ± 2.26, n = 2). It is rare to find limestone sequences with facies-specific oxygen isotopes because most have undergone complex cementation histories or burial-related recrystallization. In limestones known to have escaped burial, oxygen isotopes should be of great utility for paleosalinity determinations, when combined with other types of data. End_of_Article - Last_Page 642------------
Graded exercise testing and postthoracotomy complications.

Abstract A controversy exists over whether or not preoperative exercise testing can predict postthoracotomy complications. This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of a presurgical exercise protocol in patients with lung disease, but no evidence of cardiac disease. Seventy patients underwent baseline pulmonary function testing and split function perfusion studies, when indicated, to calculate predicted postoperative pulmonary function. Noninvasive data were incrementally collected from 17 patients by using a treadmill exercise tolerance test that was designed to elicit maximal performance. Inhaled and exhaled gas flow and, volume, the partial pressure of O 2 and CO 2 , maximal O 2 consumption (VO 2 max), and maximal minute ventilation (V E Max) were measured. The breathing and heart rate reserves were calculated by standard formulae in an attempt to separate cardiac from pulmonary exercise limitation. Two patients had postoperative cardiopulmonary complications after thoracotomy and lung resection, and six patients had noncardiopulmonary complications. There was no significant prognostic relationship among VO 2 max, V E max. maximum O 2 pulse, and the incidence of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications. The percentages of predicted V E max and predicted maximum heart rate were related to the occurrence of total complications, but not specifically to cardiopulmonary complications. The results emphasize the difficulty in attempting to exercise thoracotomy candidates with chronic lung disease to maximal performance. Excluding patients from further surgical consideration because of exercise limitation is not feasible based on these data.
Strongly Subspectral Conjugated Molecular Systems. From Small Molecules to Infinitely Large π-Electronic Networks

Series of molecular graphs having a preponderance of common eigenvalues are identified, and their structural relationships studied. A framework for the analysis of graphitic polymers is provided by an infinite two-dimensional mapping. Collections of subspectral structures (molecular graphs) and their eigenvalues are tabulated for the first time.
A study of hand grip pressure distribution and EMG of finger flexor muscles under dynamic loads

A matrix of miniature and flexible pressure sensors is proposed to measure the grip pressure distribution (GPD) at the hand-handle interface of a vibrating handle. The GPD was acquired under static and dynamic loads for various levels of grip forces and magnitudes of vibration at different discrete frequencies in the 20-1000 Hz range. The EMG of finger flexor muscles was acquired using the silver-silver chloride surface electrodes under different static and dynamic loads. The measured data was analysed to study the influence of grip force, and magnitude and frequency characteristics of handle vibration on: (i) the local concentration of forces at the hand-handle interface; and (ii) the electrical activity of the finger flexor muscles. The results of the study revealed high interface pressure near the tips of index and middle fingers, and base of the thumb under static grip conditions. This concentration of high pressure shifted towards the middle of the fingers under dynamic loads, irrespective of the grip force, excitation frequency, and acceleration levels. The electrical activity of the finger flexor muscles increased considerably with the grip force under static as well as dynamic loads. The electrical activity under dynamic loads was observed to be 1.5-6.0 times higher than that under the static loads.
An integrated pneumatic tactile feedback actuator array for robotic surgery.

Background A pneumatically controlled balloon actuator array has been developed to provide tactile feedback to the fingers during robotic surgery. Methods The actuator and pneumatics were integrated onto a robotic surgical system. Potential interference of the inactive system was evaluated using a timed robotic peg transfer task. System performance was evaluated by measuring human perception of the thumb and index finger. Results No significant difference was found between performance with and without the inactive mounted actuator blocks. Subjects were able to determine inflation location with > 95% accuracy and five discrete inflation levels with both the index finger and thumb with accuracies of 94% and 92%. Temporal tests revealed that an 80 ms temporal separation was sufficient to detect balloon stimuli with high accuracy. Conclusions The mounted balloon actuators successfully transmitted tactile information to the index finger and thumb, while not hindering performance of robotic surgical movements. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential effects of swimming and running on microsomal metabolism in middle-aged and aged Fischer 344 rats.

Abstract Cytochrome P-450 (P-450) content as well as p-nitroanisole (pNA) O-demethylase and UDP-glucuronyltransferase (UDPGT) activities were determined in livers of middle-aged (MA; 12 or 18 months) and aged (24–26 months) rats exercised by either treadmill running or swimming. In addition, aniline hydroxylase activity was measured in MA runners and aged swimmers and compared to respective sham and non-handled controls. Treadmill exercise consisted of running aged and MA rats on a motorized treadmill for 16 and 20 m/min respectively, 60 min/day and 4 times per week, for 8 weeks. Sham rats were placed on the treadmill twice per week for 5 mins at 8 m/min. No differences were found in any parameter comparing sham rats to non-handled controls. Running did not affect body weight or hepatic microsomal protein during the 8-week study. A 33–35% decline in microsomal P-450 content in treadmill exercised MA and aged rats was found. PNA O-demethylase activity was decreased 30% in MA and 45% in aged runners and aniline metabolism was inhibited 21% in MA rats. UDPGT activity was not affected by running in MA or aged rats. Swimming exercise was accomplished by placing the rats in a tank of water (32–33°C) filled to a depth of 2 ft. Swim time was 60 min twice daily, 5 times per week. The aged and MA rats were trained for 6 months and 1 year, respectively. Two control groups, non-swimming sedentary (dry control) and 1 min swim/day sham (wet control), were utilized. MA and aged wet controls and swimmers weighed 8% and 15% less respectively, than MA and aged sedentary rats. Microsomal protein was significantly increased in MA swimmers compared to sedentary (20%) and wet control (35%) bu no change was found with swimming in the aged rats. The results of the enzymatic studies were variable in the MA rats. Increases in P-450 content were found in wet controls (16%) and swimmers (27%) of the MA group, but only the swimming change was significant. No significant change was determined for pNA metabolism between swimmers and wet (22%) or dry (17%) controls. Aged swimmers and wet controls were more consistent, with no change in any of the parameters except aniline metabolism which was significantly increased in wet controls (25%) and swimmers (28%) as compared to dry controls. No significant change in UDPGT activity was measured in either age group of swimmers. Thus, while runing resulted in consistent results including an inhibition of P-450 content and activity within and between age groups, swimming results were variable and most changes included the wet control. Therefore, the results of the swimming study appear to be influenced by some components associated with exposuer to the water which may or may not be related to the exercise itself.
Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Rhodopsins — Photochemistry at Its Best!

Recent advances in laser technology now allow us to study the ultrafast primary photochemical events in rhodopsin, bacteriorhodopsin, and halorhodopsin in real time. The results of various ultrafast studies of rhodopsins are reviewed with an emphasis on (1) the relationship between the reaction rate and reaction efficiency and its implications for the mechanism of isomerization, (2) the homogeneity of the reaction pathways, and (3) the role of the protein in the reaction dynamics. The results mandate the introduction of a new paradigm to describe these ultrafast reactions that specifically considers the importance of the timescale of vibrational dephasing and relaxation relative to the reactive motion and the contribution of vibrational coherence to the reaction mechanism.
Beyond Cronbach's Alpha: Considering Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Segmentation

Cronbach's alpha is a potentially useful statistic for scale development that can be misleading when used improperly. As a result, it is important for human dimensions researchers to use the statistic cautiously. The purpose of this study is to explore the importance of segmentation and confirmatory factor analysis in scale development. Data were obtained from mail surveys on wolves and wolf management given to Grand Teton National Park visitors and Greater Yellowstone Area residents. Cronbach's alpha was calculated on the survey questions regarding emotions about wolves for park visitors and local residents merged and each segment individually. Confirmatory factor analysis was also conducted on each segment. Beyond demonstrating the importance of confirmatroy factor analysis in scale development, results suggest that segmentation is an important consideration. Indices commonly used by researchers to measure social science concepts such as emotions about wolves cannot be assumed to fit all segments.
Does the NAIRU Have the Right Dynamics

The ‘‘NAIRU’’ view of the relationship between inflation and the unemployment rate is that there is a value of the unemployment rate (the NAIRU) below which the price level forever accelerates and above which the price level forever decelerates. This view imposes two important restrictions on the dynamics of the price process. This can be seen by examining a simple version of the NAIRU equation:
A 3D mine simulation model for decision-making in mine design and production

In this paper, the philosophy, methodology, objectives, mining process logic, program structure and its state-of-the-art for our recently developed mine simulation model (a decision-making tool for mine design and production) are discussed. This simulation model is a detailed 3D model that can be used for many different mine sites without the need for programming but requiring only different input data that characterize the mine being simulated. The simulation model generates development, production and performance data throughout mine lifetime. The model also provides economics analyses such as operating cost, revenue, cash flow, rate of return on investment, net present value, ore tons mined and mine lifetime based on simulation results. Further, it studies the sensitivity and risk for the variation of parameters such as ore grade, dilution rate, market price and pre-production investment. The model thus provides all-important information for decision-making in mine design and production. This decision-...
Time-Domain Computation of Mean and Variance of Doppler Spectra

Abstract The mean VT, variance σT2 and signal-to-noise ratio SNRT of Doppler spectra from precipitation in a thunderstorm and from radar signal reflecting chaff have been estimated by an objective thresholding scheme. Using pulse-pair algorithms the mean VP and the variance of the spectra were estimated with and without correction for noise (σ22 and σ12, respectively). A new technique is proposed for estimation of the Doppler variance σ32 using R(τ) and R(2τ), and a similar technique for the signal-to-noise ratio, SNR3, using R(0), R(τ) and R(2τ), where R(X) is the signal autocorrelation at lag X and τ the inter-pulse period of the radar. In the derivation of these functions, a Gaussian-Doppler spectrum was assumed. It has been found that VP agrees closely with VT, and σ22 and σ32 agree closely with σT2 for SNRT≳5 dB. The estimators σ22 and σ32 are superior to σ12 for the estimation of Doppler variance. In contrast to σ22, σ32 does not require explicit knowledge of the signal-to-noise ratio. The estimator...
PREDISPOSITIONS TOWARD VERBAL BEHAVIOR IN TASK-ORIENTED INTERACTION

Two studies were conducted that examined the interaction patterns of dissimilar PVB subjects in task oriented discussions. Their interaction was content analyzed and subjected to computer assisted Markov analysis. We found predictable behavioral, cognitive, and content differences between high, middle, and low PVB subjects. High-PVB subjects talked longer, interrupted less, initiated and reinitiated more ideas, had higher credibility, and had more perceived influence than did low-PVB subjects.
Incentivizing information sharing in networks

For many networks (e.g. opinion consensus, cooperative estimation, distributed learning and adaptation etc.) to proliferate and efficiently operate, the participating agents need to collaborate with each other by repeatedly sharing information which is often costly while brings no direct immediate benefit for the agents. In this paper, we develop a systematic framework for designing distributed rating protocols aimed at incentivizing the strategic agents to collaborate with each other by sharing information. The proposed incentive protocols exploit the ongoing nature of the agents’ interactions to assign ratings and through them, determine future rewards and punishments through social reciprocation. Unlike existing rating protocols, the proposed protocol operates in a distributed manner, and takes into consideration the underlying interconnectivity of agents as well as their heterogeneity. We prove that in many deployment scenarios adopting the proposed rating protocols achieves full efficiency (i.e. price of anarchy is one) even with strategic agents.
Chromosomal heterogeneity of Arabidopsis thaliana anther callus, regenerated shoots and plants

Summary The extent and causes of variation of chromosome number in anther cultures of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. were studied. Comparisons of the chromosome number heterogeneity of different tissue types were conducted. Primary callus induced from anthers developed substantial aneuploidy and polyploidy. Shoots regenerated from anther callus, including diploids, dihaploids and parentally derived diploids, displayed no greater variability of chromosome number than did normal plants. Comparison of variability of chromosome numbers among calli, among local regions within calli, and among cells within local callus regions was conducted. This analysis indicated that the greatest variation occurs among regions with calli. The variability among calli was attributable simply to sampling effect associated within intra-callus variance. Chromosome numbers of adjacent cells were very similar, as should be expected. The dissimilarity of chromosome numbers of different groups of cells of the same callus suggests that the chromosomal heterogeneity arises during callus growth.