cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applied Bacterial Genetics

Bacterial genetics is undergoing an exciting time in its history. The new methodologies and concomitant understanding of molecular biology have given scientists new insights that are so far-reaching that it is impossible to estimate their ultimate impact. Bacterial genetics is becoming a tool for studying genetic systems other than those of bacteria and for developing processes applicable to specific industrial, ecological, pharmaceutical, or other problems (e.g., fermentation technologists and biochemists). This chapter presents some of the current trends in bacterial genetic research and some of their implications. Old and new technologies are included, for basic research in bacterial genetics does not cease but continues to reveal phenomena important to the understanding of life processes. The topics of this chapter should be viewed as summaries of subjects presently under investigation.
Isolating Tubulin from Nonneural Sources

Tubulin is a highly conserved, negatively charged protein that is found in essentially all eukaryotic cells. These properties ensure that isolation protocols successful in one system will likely work, with a few modifications, in most systems. Tubulin has been isolated most frequently from mammalian brain, and the main difference encountered in other systems versus brain is that tubulin is much less abundant in nearly all other sources than it is in brain. This means that attempting to purify tubulin by direct polymerization from a homogenate will often fail or be quite inefficient. However, the conservation of negative charge on tubulin means that an initial ion exchange step can be used to both purify and concentrate the protein from most systems. Polymerization-competent tubulin can usually be obtained by inducing polymerization in the salt eluate from the ion exchange step. We describe protocols for this procedure and describe its application to a number of vertebrate, fungal, protozoal, and plant sources.
Effect of fluid perfusion and cleansing on canine colonic motor activity

We investigated the effect of absorbable and nonabsorbable fluid perfusion and cleansing on colonic motor activity in eight intact conscious dogs. Each dog was instrumented with an indwelling catheter in the proximal colon and seven strain gauge transducers on the entire colon. After an overnight fast, a control recording was made for 3 h, followed by 3 h of perfusion and 3 additional h of postperfusion recording. Next day, a 3-h recording was made when the colon was empty. The colon exhibited normal migrating and nonmigrating motor complexes in the control uncleansed state. The perfusion of absorbable electrolyte or nonabsorbable Colyte solution immediately disrupted the migrating motor complexes and replaced them with almost continuous but irregular contractions at all recording sites. Both solutions significantly prolonged the mean and total duration per hour of contractile states in the proximal, middle, and distal colon. The dogs began to leak fluid stools in squirts approximately 40-80 min after the start of perfusion. This type of incontinence was not associated with any specific type of motor activity. Infrequently, giant migrating contractions occurred during perfusion and caused explosive diarrhea. The migrating motor complexes remained disrupted during the 3-h postperfusion period. However, on the next day, the empty colon exhibited normal migrating motor complexes. The frequency of giant migrating contractions during perfusion and in the empty colon was significantly greater than that in the normal uncleansed colon. The total duration per hour of colonic motor activity in the empty colon was also greater than that in the normal uncleansed colon. We conclude that excessive fluid in the colon significantly alters its motor pattern.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Evaluation of surface properties of exhausted carbons used as H2S adsorbents in sewage treatment plants

Physical and chemical properties of carbons previously used for air purification in sewage plants are investigated. The chosen samples are characterized by pH values (estimated according to ASTM D 3838) between 2 and 10. Their H2S breakthrough capacities are less than 0.01 g of H2S/cm3 of carbon. The surface chemistry and porous structure are determined using sorption of nitrogen. The influence of carbon pH and the type of deposited species on the capacity for physical adsorption are discussed. Compounds adsorbed/bound on the surface as a result of long term exposure to H2S are evaluated using potentiometric titration. Thermogravimetric analysis in inert and oxidizing atmospheres reveals the dependence of ignition temperature on the surface chemistry of the sorbent (chemical compounds bound/deposited on the surface).
CORNEAL DAMAGE AFTER INTRAOCULAR SURGERY

Summary The corneal endothelium maintains corneal transparency by providing a fluid barrier between the aqueous humor and the corneal stroma. Loss of funtional integrity of this cell layer results in corneal edema and a reduction in visual acuity. Because the corneal endothelial cells appear not to replicate by cell division, damaged areas heal only by the enlargement and spreading out of the remaining cells. Thus, there is a limit to the “healing reserve” of the endothelium and excessive surgically-induced trauma coupled with natural cell losses due to aging can result in loss of endothelial function and corneal decompensation. Contact between corneal endothelial cells and the intraocular lens during lens insertion causes stripping of the cell membranes and cell death. Prevention of this damage can be obtained through improved surgical techniques and modifications of intraocular lens surfaces. In addition, studies are in progress to find ways to stimulate endothelial cell regeneration.
Flat optics based on metasurfaces: Molding wavefronts with optical antenna arrays

Summary form only given. Metasurfaces based on sub-wavelength patterning have major potential for realizing arbitrary control of the wavefront of the diffracted light by achieving local control of the phase, amplitude and polarization. While our prototypes are based on optical antenna array the concepts are more general and can also use sub-wavelength spaced dielectric resonator array. We discuss novel devices based on this technique; a salient feature is the ability to create often with a single digital mask an arbitrary analog phase profile. A variety of flat optical components, including lenses, polarizers, vortex plates, coatings, holograms and couplers with polarization invariant coupling efficiency will be presented. Our ultimate vision is an optical phased array with fast wavefront tuning capabilities, including beam steering, on a nanosceocn time scale or shorter.
889 PNEUMOCOCCAL SEPTICEMIA DESPITE PENICILLIN PROPHYLAXIS IN CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

889 PNEUMOCOCCAL SEPTICEMIA DESPITE PENICILLIN PROPHYLAXIS IN CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL ANEMIA
Grasping and Tracking Using Constant Curvature Dynamic Contours

In this paper we present our constant curvature dynamic contours (snakes) and three applications of these: visual servoing and grasping, occluding contour depth extraction, and localization of mini...
Reckoning electromagnetic principles with polarimetric measurements of anisotropic optically active crystals

A method is introduced to correlate electromagnetic theory and polarimetric experiments for anisotropic optically active crystals at oblique angles of incidence. It is based on the 4 × 4 algebraic descriptions of light propagation in layered anisotropic media, which can be simplified to 2 × 2 matrices when multiple reflections are disregarded. Spectroscopic Mueller matrix measurements in transmission and at oblique angles of incidence have been made on two uniaxial crystals: α-quartz and silver thiogallate. Their optical activity tensors have been spectroscopically determined using the method presented here.
An economic mechanism to manage operational security risks for inter-organizational information systems

As organizations increasingly deploy Inter-organizational Information Systems (IOS), the interdependent security risk they add is a problem affecting market efficiency. Connected organizations become part of entire networks, and are subject to threats from the entire network; but members' security profile information is private, members lack incentives to minimize impact on peers and are not accountable. We model the problem as a signaling-screening game, and outline an incentive mechanism that addresses these problems. Our mechanism proposes formation of secure communities of organizations anchored by Security Compliance Consortium (SCC), with members held accountable to the community for security failures. We study the interconnection decisions with and without the mechanism, and characterize conditions where the mechanism plays roles of addressing moral hazard and hidden information issues by screening the organizations' security types and/or by providing them incentives to improve. We also discuss the welfare gains and the broad impact of the mechanism.
Dissecting aneurysms of the posterior cerebral artery: current endovascular/surgical evaluation and treatment strategies.

BACKGROUND Posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysms are relatively rare, making up 1% to 2% of all intracranial aneurysms. To date, most clinical series are heterogeneous in nature, with few reports of isolated PCA dissecting aneurysms. Their clinical presentation can vary greatly, and the potential for long-term sequelae during or after treatment remains relatively high. OBJECTIVE To report our recent experience in 9 consecutive patients with PCA dissecting aneurysms with a discussion of the unique clinical challenges of their evaluation and treatment. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 9 consecutive patients with PCA dissecting aneurysms from November 2003 to February 2010. Their hospital charts and follow-up records were reviewed and summarized. RESULTS : We identified 6 male and 3 female patients ranging in age from 7 months to 69 years (median age, 53 years). None had any associated trauma. Four patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Three presented with intraventricular and intracerebral hemorrhage. The remaining 2 presented with headache and acute onset of right-sided numbness, respectively. Four underwent endovascular embolization; 2 underwent surgical clipping; and the remaining 3 were managed medically and followed up conservatively. The dissecting aneurysms involved P1 (n = 2), P1-2 junction (n = 1), P2 (n = 4), and P2-3 junction (n = 1). At a mean follow-up of 3 months, 6 patients had excellent functional outcome with modified Rankin Scale score of 0 or 1. The remaining 3 patients who presented in deep coma did poorly (1 died and 2 had severe disabilities). CONCLUSION PCA dissecting aneurysms pose a unique challenge and have many unresolved issues regarding treatment modalities.
Work in Progress: Creating a Computer Engineering Curriculum for High School Students

The Partnership for Engineering Education in the Rockies (PEER) is a unique collaboration of teaching and industry professionals dedicated to developing an electrical and computer engineering curriculum for high school students in the Northern Colorado region. PEER offers four college-level courses to high school students, including courses in introductory circuits, digital circuits, computer programming, and VLSI design. PEER has expanded its course offerings and opportunities over the last two years. During the third year of its National Science Foundation grant, PEER is making its classes more accessible to students throughout Fort Collins and helping teachers to develop their own courses. After the third year, it is hoped that the PEER courses will be self-sustainable. Although PEER students are just now moving on to college, many plan to study engineering. Above all, the PEER program has increased the enthusiasm and awareness of students and the community in Fort Collins.
Modeling and separation-detection methods to evaluate the speciation of metals for toxicity assessment.

There is an increasing appreciation for the importance of speciation in the assessment of metal toxicity. In this review, two approaches to speciation are discussed, with an emphasis on their application to biological samples. One approach is the direct separation and detection of metal species of toxicological interest. Various “hyphenated” techniques, consisting of a chromatographic system coupled to inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), are discussed. The chromatographic strategies employed for separation emphasize liquid chromatography (LC), but the increasing use of gas chromatography (GC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) in speciation analysis is discussed. The second approach to speciation is the use of computer models to calculate the speciation of a metal ion within a complex mixture of ligands. This approach is applicable to systems in which the metal cation exchanges ligands rapidly, so that the sample represents an equilibrium mixture of metal complexes. These computational ...
Identification of potent inhibitors of the chicken soluble epoxide hydrolase.

Abstract In vertebrates, soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) hydrolyzes natural epoxy-fatty acids (EpFAs), which are chemical mediators modulating inflammation, pain, and angiogenesis. Chick embryos are used to study angiogenesis, particularly its role in cardiovascular biology and pathology. To find potent and bio-stable inhibitors of the chicken sEH (chxEH) a library of human sEH inhibitors was screened. Derivatives of 1(adamantan-1-yl)-3-(trans-4-phenoxycyclohexyl) urea were found to be very potent tight binding inhibitors (KI
Tensor-Based Temporal Behavior Analysis in Pain Medicine

Electronic medical records provide us with an enormous amount of data with vast potential. If properly analyzed, medical data can be converted to knowledge that improves treatment, uncovers unexpected associations, and supports the personal experience of doctors and nurses, allowing them to make more informed decisions. Medical data is often generated by monitoring across a period of time, whether new data arrives quickly or slowly, consistently or sporadically, but many data mining methods are not designed to consider the temporal aspect of a data set. Besides the extra dimension of time, medical processes often involve interaction between many attributes at once, complicating the discovery of relevant patterns and associations. Specialized methods to interpret medical data can improve the quality of knowledge extracted from it. Tensors are appropriate data structures to represent our data in a multi-dimensional format, taking into account the relationship between many dimensions at once. We can further segment our data into discrete temporal chunks, creating a sequence of tensors. By applying dynamic tensor analysis to our tensor sequence, we can reveal patterns and associations within our data set and capture their change over time. This information can be developed into medical knowledge that can be used to support future treatment.
Case manager-reported utilization of support group, substance use and mental health services among HIV-positive women in New York City

Abstract A retrospective, longitudinal analysis of case management and medical charts was used to evaluate utilization of support group, mental health, and substance abuse treatment services among HIV-positive women in New York City. Analyses of 4134 case management and supportive service transactions revealed that 70% utilized support groups over the two-year study period. In contrast, only 35% utilized mental health services (therapy) and of those identified as using substances, only 48% utilized substance abuse treatment services. Considering the high prevalence of mental illness (63%, n=29) and substance use (54%, n=25) in the sample, the low utilization rates highlight unmet needs for service. Significant differences were found in utilization of mental health and substance abuse treatment services, with those who received services at a medical model agency (integrated care) being more likely to receive both types of treatment. In contrast, participants attending support groups in non-medical model ag...
Climate control on Quaternary coal fires and landscape evolution, Powder River basin, Wyoming and Montana

Late Cenozoic stream incision and basin excavation have strongly influenced the modern Rocky Mountain landscape, but constraints on the timing and rates of erosion are limited. The geology of the Powder River basin provides an unusually good opportunity to address spatial and temporal patterns of stream incision. Numerous coal seams in the Paleocene Fort Union and Eocene Wasatch Formations within the basin have burned during late Cenozoic incision, as coal was exposed to dry and oxygen-rich near-surface conditions. The topography of this region is dominated by hills capped with clinker, sedimentary rocks metamorphosed by burning of underlying coal beds. We use (U-Th)/He ages of clinker to determine times of relatively rapid erosion, with the assumption that coal must be near Earth's surface to burn. Ages of 55 in situ samples range from 0.007 to 1.1 Ma. Clinker preferentially formed during times in which eccentricity of the Earth's orbit was high, times that typically but not always correlate with interglacial periods. Our data therefore suggest that rates of landscape evolution in this region are affected by climate fluctuations. Because the clinker ages correlate better with eccentricity time series than with an oxygen isotope record of global ice volume, we hypothesize thatmore » variations in solar insolation modulated by eccentricity have a larger impact on rates of landscape evolution in this region than do glacial-interglacial cycles.« less
Using the Internet to Integrate Thematic and Regional Approaches in Geographic Education

Geographers have long debated the superiority of regional versus thematic approaches to geographical analysis and geographic education. While most acknowledge that these two approaches are complementary, the task of implementing both approaches in a single introductory course remains challenging. “Global Change, Local Places,” an Internet–based course offered at Florida State University, attempts to fuse thematic and regional approaches using methodological and pedagogical techniques that emphasize student–centered learning and Internet technologies. Results of a student survey and analysis of student assignments suggest that this format was successful. Students expressed a high level of satisfaction with course content, and, although attainment of skills and knowledge was particularly hard to measure given the structure and goals of the course, students appear to have gained country–specific knowledge as well as skills in critical analysis using thematic concepts.
The Orator as Propagandist: Elizabeth Gurley Flynn and “The Truth About the Paterson Strike”

Abstract This essay offers an analysis of “The Truth about the Paterson Strike,” Elizabeth Gurley Flynn's 1914 speech containing her ideas about the nature of propaganda in radical working-class movements. Flynn defines propaganda as ideological education, and her speech highlights the importance of oratory to early twentieth century radical propaganda campaigns. These ideas belie fundamental principles of contemporary propaganda studies, which define propaganda as manipulative, mass mediated persuasion to advance the interests of powerful elites and institutions, and contain oratory within the ethical art of rhetoric. The study concludes by recommending that the purview of propaganda studies be expanded to include Flynn's activities and those of other radical propagandists.
Evolving cellular automata to perform computations: mechanisms and impediments

Abstract We present results from experiments in which a genetic algorithm (GA) was used to evolve cellular automata (CAs) to perform a particular computational task - one-dimensional density classification. We look in detail at the evolutionary mechanisms producing the GA's behavior on this task and the impediments faced by the GA. In particular, we identify four “epochs of innovation” in which new CA strategies for solving the problem are discovered by the GA, describe how these strategies are implemented in CA rule tables, and identify the GA mechanisms underlying their discovery. The epochs are characterized by a breaking of the task's symmetries on the part of the GA. The symmetry breaking results in a short-term fitness gain but ultimately prevents the discovery of the most highly fit strategies. We discuss the extent to which symmetry breaking and other impediments are general phenomena in any GA search.
Operant theory and methodology in infant vocal conditioning.

Abstract The numerous mechanisms of behavior change in infant development are sometimes difficult to distinguish. Although it is agreed that elicitation and reinforcement both influence infant learning, the distinction between these two learning mechanisms was clarified in response to K. Bloom's (1984 , Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 38, 93–102) commentary. The theoretical and methodological assumptions of an functional analysis of infant behavior were made explicit in the contex of the C. L. Poulson study (1983 , Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 36, 471–489). The rationale for the use of DRO schedules to control for elicitation effects of continuous reinforcement and the inadequacy of noncontingent schedules for this purpose were also discussed.
Historical perspectives of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery: Michael E. DeBakey (1908-2008)

Michael Ellis DeBakey, 38th president of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on September 7, 1908, to parents who had emigrated from Lebanon. His father was a pharmacist who ran 2 pharmacies, where DeBakey first encountered many physicians who inspired him to go into the field of medicine. He credited his mother for teaching him to sew from a young age. His parents insisted he and his siblings read a new book from the library every week. DeBakey recalls, ‘‘I was around seven when I found the best book I’d ever seen in the library. When I asked to take it home, the librarian refused. This fascinating book. The Encyclopedia Britannica.’’ In addition to instilling the values of education and self-discipline, DeBakey also credited his parents for instilling their children with compassion; every Sunday, his family would deliver clothes and warm cooked meals to a local orphanage.
Effect of storage method and associated holding time on nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in surface water samples.

Assessments were conducted to determine the effect of sample storage method and associated holding time on surface water nutrient concentrations from field sites. Six surface water sites and two nutrient spiked, laboratory water samples were evaluated for nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, filtered orthophosphorus, and total orthophosphorus concentrations on four separate days throughout the period of 1 year. Samples stored at ambient temperature (23°C) for 24 h prior to nutrient analyses resulted in 18 % ± 2 % of results being significantly different from controls (which were analyzed immediately upon collection). Samples placed in the cooler (4°C) for 7 days prior to nutrient analyses resulted in 30 % ± 1 % of values being significantly different from controls. Samples placed in the freezer (−20°C) for 7 days prior to analyses resulted in 34 % ± 12 %, 44 % ± 10 %, and 28 % ± 5.7 % of ammonium, filtered orthophosphate, and total orthophosphate, respectively, values being significantly different from controls. This study highlights the challenges facing researchers in efficient collection, storage and nutrient analysis of samples, especially when sites are remote and difficult to access .
Surface topology using rutherford backscattering

Abstract In order to investigate roughness, we have scattered protons in the vicinity of 400 keV off a variety of surfaces. The energy spectra were measured using surface barrier detectors as a function of incident and emergent angle. Spectra have been calculated theoretically, simulating the particle trajectories using both analytical and computer techniques. The analytical method has lead to rules connecting the spectral shape for smooth and rough surfaces. A statistical computer model has been used to investigate random roughness. It was found that there was a unique relationship between the energy spectrum and surface parameters. In order to confirm the predictions concerning surface oscillations, the spectra of protons scattered from an aluminized diffraction grating of 1200 lines per mm were observed. The profile of the grating was found using a scanning electron microscope. There was agreement between the calculated spectrum, based on the profile and the oscillations in the experimental backscattering spectrum. Experiments were performed on rough aluminum surface and the spectra were analyzed with the aid of the computer program based on the statistical model.
Hetero‐α‐helical, two‐chain, coiled coils: αβ hybrid tropomysin

The nature of the interhelix interaction in two-chain, α-helical, coiled coils is studied by experiments on the formation of hydrid molecules in which one helical chain is an α-tropomyosin and the other a β-tropomoysin. By means of a recently developed assay, the population of heterohelical (i.e., αβ hybrid) molecules relative to their homohelical (αα and ββ) parent species is determined under a variety of conditions, both equilibrium and nonequilibrium. It is found that mixed intact αα and ββ molecules do not form hybrid species in detectible amounts even after incubation at room temperature (or below) for periods of over one week. That the lack of αβ species in this “native-exchange” system is a result of a kinetic barrier is evident from experiments involving a thermal denaturation–renaturation cycle in which the largely dissociated, unfolded chains at higher temperature are annealed to benign temperatures over a period of 6 h, thus assuring an equilibrium population of two-chain species. In the resulting equilibrium state, the αβ population is one-half the total, indicating that recombination is random. Furthermore, this same (equilibrium) state is reached if the separated, mostly unfolded chains are renatured by a rapid (∼ 40 s) quench to benign temperatures. Some implications of these results for the thermodynamics of interhelix interation, for kinetics of chain dissociation and recombination, and for in vivo genesis of two-chain coiled coils are discussed.
Amphibious modular robotic astrobiology

This paper presents the design of a robot that can traverse land, water, as well as quicksand-like mud. The robot is low cost and modular allowing the replacement of a variety of arms suitable for many of the tasks associated with astrobiological exploration. An astrobiologist on a field study will spend most of the time walking around and exploring the site looking for areas of interest which will be tested in situ or sampled for testing offsite. For a robot replicating these tasks, it must be able to locomote in that terrain, sense the interesting features (or provide sensing for teleoperation), and do a variety of manipulation tasks once an area of interest is reached. The configurations for this robot include 10's of modules that can achieve astrobiological tasks such as amphibious locomotion, digging, core sampling, probing, liquid sampling and exploration. This paper also presents results from the first experiments of this platform at Lake Tyrrell, a salt lake in Australia.
Method of images for the harmonic response of beams and rectangular plates

The feasibility of calculating the narrow band harmonic response of thin plates and beams by using the method of images or the ray tracing technique is examined. The fundamental solution of an infinite plate is employed, in conjunction with appropriately placed images, to obtain the dynamic compliance spectra of simply supported rectangular plates over a wide range of frequencies. Predictions yielded by the method of images are in excellent agreement with the normal mode expansion technique. Simply supported beams are analyzed first by considering the fundamental solution of an infinite beam, and second as a case of a narrow plate with simply supported and roller boundary conditions. Both approaches match well with the closed form solutions and with measurements conducted on two beams. Several issues including convergence characteristics and high frequency behavior are discussed.
Molecular genetics and genomics of heart failure

Heart failure is a major disease burden worldwide, and its incidence continues to increase as premature deaths from other cardiovascular conditions decline. Although the overall molecular portrait of this multifactorial disease remains incomplete, molecular and genetic studies have implicated, in recent decades, various pathways and genes that participate in the pathophysiology of heart failure. Here, we highlight the current understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of heart failure and show how recently developed genomic tools are providing a new perspective on this complex disease.
Influence of carbon support microstructure on the polarization behavior of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies

Abstract The influence of carbon support morphology on the polarization behavior of a PEM fuel cell membrane electrode assembly has been investigated in this communication. Nanometer sized platinum electrocatalyst particles were deposited on lower surface area fibrous (carbon nanofibers) and particulate carbon supports (carbon blacks) by the well-documented ethylene glycol route for supported electrocatalyst synthesis. These supported catalyst systems were subsequently utilized to prepare catalyst inks and membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) in conjunction with a perflurosulfonated ionomeric membrane-Nafion ® . Level of liquid Nafion binder in the supported catalyst inks was varied and the ramifications of such a variation on polarization behavior of the MEA determined. The trend in polarization performance was found to be independent of the carbon support morphology in the various ink compositions. The two varieties of carbon supports were also mixed together in various weight ratios and platinum was deposited by the glycol method. Key parameters such as the platinum content on carbon and platinum particle size were determined to be independent of the nature of the supports on which the particles had been deposited. The results indicate that lower surface area carbon supports of vastly contrasting morphologies can be interchangeably employed as catalyst support materials in a PEM fuel cell MEA.
Distribution and carbon isotope patterns of diterpenoids and triterpenoids in modern temperate C3 trees and their geochemical significance

Abstract Tricyclic diterpenoids and pentacyclic triterpenoids are nearly exclusively produced by gymnosperms and angiosperms, respectively. Even though both classes of terpenoids have long been recognized as plant biomarkers, their potential use as phylogenetically specific δ 13 C proxies remains largely unexplored. Little is known of how terpenoid abundance and carbon isotope composition vary either with plant phylogenetic position, functional group, or during synthesis. Here, we report terpenoid abundances and isotopic data for 44 tree species in 21 families, representing both angiosperms and gymnosperms, and both deciduous and evergreen leaf habits. Di- and triterpenoid abundances are significantly higher in evergreens compared to deciduous species, reflecting differences in growth strategies and increased chemical investment in longer-lived leaves. Carbon isotope abundances of terpenoid lipids are similar to leaf tissues, indicating biosynthetic isotope effects are small for both the MVA (−0.4‰) and MEP (−0.6‰) pathways. Leaf and molecular isotopic patterns for modern plants are consistent with observations of amber, resins and plant biomarkers in ancient sediments. The δ 13 C values of ancient diterpenoids are higher than triterpenoids by 2–5‰, consistent with observed isotopic differences between gymnosperms and angiosperms leaves, and support the relatively small lipid biosynthetic effects reported here. All other factors being equal, evergreen plants will dominate the abundance of terpenoids contributed to soils, sediments and ancient archives, with similar inputs estimated for angiosperm and gymnosperm trees when scaled by litter flux.
An Analytical Framework for Offshore Wind Farm Layout Optimization

A method is developed for using the levelized cost of energy as the objective function for offshore wind farm layout optimization problems. The method converts the cost of energy into a function of turbine position only. To accomplish this, wind speed data are first characterized by direction sector. Continuous functions are then fitted to the Weibull parameters for each direction sector. The wind direction probability density function and the turbine power curve are also transformed into continuous functions. For each turbine in the farm, the continuous function that describes the Weibull scale parameter can be scaled to reflect wake losses from other turbines. The function may also be adjusted according to the variation in wind speed with fetch. The annual energy production of the farm is thus modeled as a function only of the turbine positions. When combined with wind farm cost estimates, the levelized cost of energy is still only a function of turbine position and can then be used as an objective func...
The utility of gestures in patients with chest discomfort.

PURPOSE: Patient gestures are thought to be useful in determining the etiology of chest discomfort. We sought to determine the utility of certain patient gestures in the diagnosis of ischemic chest discomfort or myocardial infarction. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study of 202 patients admitted with chest discomfort. Patients were observed for the Levine Sign (clenched fist to the chest), the Palm Sign (palm of the hand to the chest), the Arm Sign (touching the left arm), and, as an indicator of nonischemic chest discomfort, the Pointing Sign (pointing with 1 finger). RESULTS: Prevalences of the Levine, Palm, Arm, and Pointing Signs were 11%, 35%, 16%, and 4%, respectively. Using troponin levels and results of functional studies and coronary angiograms as reference standards, none of the sensitivities of the signs exceeded 38%. Specificities of the Levine and Arm Signs ranged between 78% and 86%, but the positive predictive values did not exceed 55%. The Pointing Sign had a specificity of 98% for evidence of nonischemic chest discomfort, and the positive predictive value of a negative troponin was 88%. The diameter of discomfort significantly correlated with certain gestures. Larger chest pain diameters were associated with evidence of myocardial ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: Although certain gestures are exhibited by patients presenting with chest discomfort, they generally have poor test characteristics. The Pointing Sign has a high specificity for nonischemic chest discomfort, but a low prevalence. The gestures may communicate the size of the chest discomfort, with larger areas suggestive of ischemia. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Neutral definition and recognition of assembly features for legacy systems reverse engineering

Current CAD systems provide utilities to position and orient parts with respect to each other in assemblies through associative relations that include geometric and parametric constraints. However, assembly features are not explicitly defined, nor available in CAD databases for exploitation in downstream applications. This paper examines the attributes of assembly features and proposes a template for their definition in a uniform way. The template can be used in conjunction with an EXPRESS-like language (N-Rep) to define assembly features that are implementation independent. The template includes slots for part features, mating relations, geometric, parametric, kinematic and structural relations. The current application for assembly features being explored is for Reverse Engineering of legacy parts. Assembly features serve as “knowledge containers” in that they allow one to encode form, fit and function in a uniform way so that replacement parts can be redesigned to meet key requirements.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Market value estimates of Japanese saving and comparisons with the U.S.: can the capital gains to land be included in ‘saving?’

Abstract In this paper, we show that the market value of Japanese saving is much higher than that in the United States. Much of the difference in the market value saving rates comes from the difference in the prices of land in the two countries. We perform several ‘consumption-based’ tests to show that at least a fraction of the rise in the value of land can be included in the change in wealth or ‘saving’.
Two-sample median test for order restricted randomized designs

A two-sample Mood median test, along with an associated confidence interval, is developed for the contrast parameter of the treatment and control medians, under an order restricted randomization. The exact and asymptotic null distributions of the test statistic are derived. It is shown that the proposed test is superior to the corresponding procedures based on completely randomized and ranked set sampling designs both in asymptotic relative efficiency and in empirical power study.
Applying Total-Quality-Management Principles to Improving Engineering Education

Peer review of teaching is assumed to be an excellent tool, next to student evaluation, to measure the quality of a professor. This argument builds on the fact that only peers can understand the material of the engineering discipline and are up-to-date with the practice. On the other hand, virtually no engineering professor has had any training in being an educator, never having passed a course in pedagogy or instruction. This paper will first review this inconsistency before introducing the substance of scholarly teaching. The main section, however, discusses a new and dynamic model for a peer review of teaching that introduces a process of constant improvement. It is believed that replacing the old method of peer review is vital in persuading the engineering professoriate to implement the changes called for by many blue-ribbon committees. However, this change has to be framed by an institutional culture that provides the incentives for continuous improvements of teaching by an ongoing increase of the competence level of teachers who, today, lack any significant training in education.
Perceptions of supervisor nonverbal immediacy, vocalics, and subordinate liking

This study examined relationships between nonverbal immediacy and liking, and between liking and vocalics in workplace environments. Subordinates ‘ perceptions of their supervisors’ nonverbal immediacy behaviors were strongly correlated with subordinates’ liking for their supervisors, and supervisors’ vocalics were linked significantly to subordinates’ liking for their supervisors. Findings in this study provide fresh insight into the relationships between supervisors’ communication behaviors and subordinates’ attitudes. The results also identify the cross‐contextual nature of the correlation between nonverbal immediacy behaviors and liking. The findings support and extend existing relational maintenance, nonverbal immediacy, vocalics, and liking literature.
Peer-Mediated Social Skill Instruction for African American Males with or at Risk for Mild Disabilities

Disproportionality of African American males in special education and for disciplinary referrals has persisted for several decades. Culturally responsive social skill instruction, designed to teach critical skills and to involve peers from the learners' cultural group, can serve as a means to promote the overall social competence of African American males. This study examined the effects of a peer-mediated social skill instruction program on (a) the skill knowledge of classroom-related and aggression-resolution social skills and (b) the inappropriate classroom behaviors of seven African American males with or at risk for mild disabilities. Using a multiple probe across instructional groups design, we demonstrated that all participants clearly improved their response accuracy on specific social skill knowledge probes when corresponding social skills were taught by peers. Further, six participants reduced their inappropriate classroom behaviors during social skill instruction implementation. Results are dis...
Ab Initio Calculations on Spiropentane Stereomutations Lead to a Reinterpretation of the Experimental Results

The potential energy surfaces for stereomutation of spiropentane (1) and cis- and trans-1,2-dimethylspiropentanes (4 and 7) have been explored, using ab initio methods. In diradicals 2, 5, and 6, which are formed by cleavage of the peripheral bond between C-1 and C-2 in the spiropentanes, the weakly electron-donating cyclopropane ring results in the lowest energy pathway for stereomutation of all three being computed to be conrotatory. A larger preference for double over single rotation is computed in 4 than in 7, in agreement with the experimental results reported in 1980 by Gajewski and Chang. However, in contrast to the assumption made by these authors, our calculations find that the s-cis-methyl conformation in diradical 6 is lower in energy than the s-trans-methyl conformation in diradical 5, and moreover, 6 is statistically favored over 5 by a factor of 2. Thus, double rotation is both computed and found to be preferred by more in the stereomutation of 4 than of 7 because 4 undergoes conrotatory ope...
Usefulness of a branching treadmill protocol for evaluation of cardiac functional capacity.

Abstract A branching treadmill protocol was designed to measure functional capacity in patients with low work capacity and varying ability to walk at speeds used in traditional protocols. A comfortable walking pace is first selected (2.0 to 3.5 mph, 0.25 mph increments) and the workload is then increased every 2 minutes in 1 MET increments (a multiple of the resting oxygen uptake [1 MET = 3.5 ml O 2 /kg/ min]) by adjusting grade. Nine trained (maximal MET = 7.6 ± 1.6, mean ± standard deviation) male subjects (age 59 ± 7 years) with previous myocardial infarction and 9 trained (maximal MET = 11.7 ± 2.5) male control subjects (age 56 ± 8 years) completed submaximal and maximal workloads without handrail support. The measured oxygen consumption, volume of oxygen in ml/kg/min (VO 2 ), was compared with the predicted VO 2 cost of treadmill walking calculated from speed and grade. A linear regression analysis of predicted versus measured VO 2 was performed. There were no significant differences between myocardial infarction and control regression lines. Therefore, a simplified prediction equation for estimated VO 2 in myocardial infarction and control subjects is proposed. Overall VO 2 prediction = 1.61 + 0.99 x. The main advantage of the branching protocol format is the selection of a stable, brisk walking pace compatible with age and gait, which may improve mechanical efficiency through impedance matching. The protocol is adaptable enough in design so that most patients can complete the exercise test without use of handrails, which is essential for an accurate estimate of VO 2 from treadmill speed and grade.
Gonadotropic responses of male mice to female urine.

Five experiments consistently demonstrated the existence of a factor(s) in the urine of female mice which stimulates gonadotropin secretion in male mice. The factor, presumably a priming pheromone, is not found in the urine of intact or castrated males nor is it in the urine of female hamsters. Furthermore, the potency of female mouse urine is apparently independent of ovarian state. In the response of the male, the release of LH is more dramatic than that of FSH. As little as 10 min of exposure to female urine produced significantly elevated LH levels at 30 min. Finally, the male's responsiveness is largely, and possibly entirely, independent of his sexual experience. These results are discussed within the framework of a two-way pheromonal system by way of which urinary factors of both sexes modulate gonadotropin and gonadal hormone secretion in the opposite sex.
Symptom syndromes of emergency cases in an urban community mental health center.

Abstract The present study was made possible by the accidental confluence of two events. One event was the institution of the use at intake of a particular brief psychiatric rating scale developed by Overall and Garbam 1 in the Emergency Service of an urban Community Mental Health Center, and the subsequent accumulation of symptom profiles on a large sample of patients. The other was the design of a new computer program 2 that could take such data and sort patient symptom profiles in such a fashion as to discover patient groups manifesting similar overall symptom patterns. These events afforded an opportunity to ask what types of patients, symptomwise, were appearing for emergency service, how these symptom types might relate to other available information, and whether these types suggest a need for certain treatment emphases.
The relationship between light‐evoked synaptic excitation and spiking behaviour of salamander retinal ganglion cells.

1. Light-evoked input-output characteristics of ganglion cells in dark-adapted tiger salamander retina were studied in the slice preparation using patch-clamp techniques. Excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), isolated by blocking inhibitory inputs and evoked by a range of light stimulus intensities, were recorded under whole-cell voltage clamp. Spike responses, evoked by the same light intensities, were recorded extracellularly from the same cells using the cell-attached patch-clamp technique. 2. When N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated input was blocked by the competitive NMDA antagonist DL-2-amino-5-phosphonoheptanoate (AP7), light-evoked EPSC amplitude and peak firing rate were reduced at all light intensities. In both cases, the data obtained in the presence of AP7 scaled linearly to control data, indicating that NMDA and non-NMDA receptors are activated in the same proportions across the entire 2 log unit stimulus response range of these ganglion cells. 3. The relationship between light-evoked spike frequency and light-evoked EPSC amplitude was linear. The slope of the light-evoked synaptic current-spike frequency relationship was close to the slope of the injected current-spike frequency relationship, indicating that synaptic current and injected current drive spiking in a similar manner. The linearity of the synaptic current-spike frequency relationship was not compromised when NMDA input was blocked by AP7. 4. Light-evoked voltage responses, recorded under whole-cell current clamp, revealed that the average membrane potential during a spike response was depolarized only slightly with increased firing rate. Once the membrane potential surpassed spike threshold, it was maintained by the voltage-gated, spike-generating conductances at a depolarized plateau upon which action potentials were fired. The potential of this plateau varied only slightly with spike frequency. We conclude that the voltage control exerted by the spike-generating currents in ganglion cells prevents a substantial response-dependent decrease in the electrical driving force of the excitatory currents, obviating the need for the voltage-independent synaptic efficacy provided by the combination of NMDA and non-NMDA inputs.