cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal Strategies for Guarding a Compact and Convex Target Area: A Differential Game Approach.

We revisit the two-player planar target-defense game posed in [1], a special class of pursuit-evasion games in which the pursuer (or defender) strives to defend a stationary target area from the evader (or intruder) who desires to reach it, if possible, or approach it as close as possible. In this paper, the target area is assumed to be a compact and convex set. Unlike classical two-player pursuit-evasion games, this game involves two subgames: a capture game and an escape game. In the capture game, where capture is assured, the evader attempts to minimize the distance between her final position and the target area whereas the pursuer tries to maximize the same distance. In the escape game, where capture is not guaranteed, the evader attempts to maximize the distance between herself and the pursuer at the moment that she reaches the target for the first time. Our solution approach is based on Isaacs classical method in differential games. We first identify the barrier surface that demarcates the state space of the game into two subspaces, each of which corresponds to the two aforementioned subgames, by means of geometric arguments. Thereafter, we derive the optimal strategies for the players in each subspace. We show that, as long as the target area is compact and convex, the value of the game in each subspace is always continuously differentiable, and the proposed optimal strategies correspond to the unique saddle-point state-feedback strategies for the players. We illustrate our proposed solutions by means of numerical simulations.
3 ADDING TECHNOLOGY TO CONTACT TRACING

When the cook from Bradford Children's Hospital was belatedly diagnosed with smallpox, it didn't take much time to do contact tracing and determine whom he might have infected. As we've seen, contact tracing— test, trace, isolate— has been successful in ending smallpox, as well as in limiting typhoid, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and other infectious diseases.
Ocean Carbonate Chemistry: The Aquatic Chemistry Fundamentals

Some of the main questions we consider when studying the global carbon cycle are the exchange of CO2 between the ocean and atmosphere and internal redistribution of carbon species within the ocean due to uptake and remineralization of organic matter and calcium carbonate. A schematic representation of these processes is shown in Figure 1. When CO2 evades from or invades to the ocean it changes the equilibrium that exists between the species of dissolved inorganic carbon (H2CO3, HCO3 - and CO3 2) already there. Some of the CO2 is taken75 up by phytoplankton to make algal protoplasm.lasm. Some CO3 2 reacts with Ca2+ and is taken up in the form of calcium carbonate shells. Both organic matter and CaCO3 are contained in the particles that sink from the surface ocean into the deep sea. The biologically driven fluxes are called the “Biological Pump”. These particles are remineralized through respiration of the organic carbon and solubilization of the CaCO3. The reactions control the distribution of carbonate species and pH in the deep sea. The pH of seawater is a master variable that reflects the net effect of all acid and base producing aquatic geochemical processes. Some of these particles reach the sediments where their input drives an extensive set of reactions termed sedimentary diagenesis. All of these processes involve various species of the ocean dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) system, thus the fundamental aquatic chemistry aspects of these equilibrium reactions of the carbonate system need to be understood.
Hit-and-Run Based Algorithms

The theoretical performance of stochastic adaptive search methods, as analyzed in previous chapters, is governed by the underlying sampling distribution of the global optimization algorithm. In particular, if one could sample uniformly in the improving level set of an optimization problem, as in pure adaptive search, then the expected number of iteration would be linear in dimension. The analyses of hesitant adaptive search and annealing adaptive search suggest that nonuniform sampling distributions may also provide polynomial performance as long as the sampling distribution has a high probability of generating an improving point. This chapter presents an approach to create a practical approximation of pure adaptive search by embedding a version of Hit-and-Run within the context of a simulated annealing algorithm. The ultimate goal is to develop an algorithm with polynomial complexity in the expected number of sample points.
Negotiating to Engagement: Creating an Art Curriculum with Eighth-Graders.

With the goal of re-engaging students in their art class, a participatory action research project was conducted in which an art teacher, his eighth-graders, and the researcher as mentorteacher used democratic practices to negotiate the structure and content of their class over a school year. Starting with an agreed upon concept of art, pedagogical strategies were developed that moved the class from teacher-centered to idea-centered. These strategies included elevating student perspectives, minimizing teacher talk with active listening techniques, and expanding “working in art class” to include idea-development practices.
Asymptotics for Dynamic Equations on Time Scales

In the foregoing chapters, one sees that many asymptotic results for linear differential and difference equations as well as the methods used to derive them are closely related. So it is natural to ask for a framework which would encompass both sets of results as well as including some generalizations. One possibility for doing this has been discussed by Spigler and Vianello [143].
Identification of G-protein alpha-subunits during distinct stages of lens cell differentiation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify alpha-subunits of heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphate-binding proteins in lens cell populations at various stages of terminal differentiation. METHODS: Crude cell membranes were isolated from the annular pad, cortical fibers, and nuclear fibers of adult chickens and subjected to cholera and pertussis toxin-mediated ribosylation reactions. Specific labeling of toxin substrates was visualized after SDS-PAGE and radioautography. In complementary experiments, cell membranes were first separated by SDS-PAGE, transferred to a nitrocellulose support membrane, and probed with a panel of commercially available antibodies that recognize various classes of G-protein alpha-subunits. RESULTS: A cholera toxin substrate was identified in cortical fibers whose labeling was dependent on a soluble factor. No cholera toxin substrates were labeled in annular pad cells. Two pertussis toxin substrates were seen in the relatively undifferentiated annular pad and the more differentiated cortical fibers. Relative abundance of the pertussis toxin substrates differed between the two cell types. Antibody staining revealed the presence of alpha-subunits belonging to the Gs, G(o), and G(i), families throughout the lens. Molecular weight differences of G alpha 2 polypeptides were noted between annular pad and cortical fiber cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that G-protein-based signal transduction pathways continue to function in lens cells during various stages of terminal differentiation. Differences noted between annular pad and cortical fibers provide additional evidence that dynamic alterations in receptor-mediated processes may be responsible for the accumulation of differentiated characteristics during fiber formation. This also indicates that ocular pharmacologic intervention could affect various aspects of lens physiology throughout the process of fiber formation.
Religiosity, beliefs about mental illness, and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help among Protestant Christians.

RELIGIOSITY, BELIEFS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS, AND ATTITUDES TOWARD SEEKING PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP AMONG PROTESTANT CHRISTIANS Juan M. Thompson November 30, 2009 Researchers have long been interested in the relationship among the separate fields of psychology and religion. This dissertation seeks to explore the differences in the way protestant Christians with various religious orientations view mental illness and how these views relate to their attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. A total of 540 individuals from church congregations representing ten different denominations completed measures of religiosity, beliefs about mental illness, and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. Scores on these measures were analyzed to observe group differences between religious orientations and correlations among the orientations and dependent variables of belief about mental illness and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. Analyses revealed significant group differences between extrinsic religiosity and all other religious orientations as it pertained to stereotypical beliefs about mental illness. Also, results showed a small but significant negative correlation between intrinsic religiosity and belief about mental illness, a significant positive correlation between extrinsic religiosity and belief about mental illness, and weak but significant negative
Letter to the editor: Multimodal treatment of co-existent callosal cavernous malformation and anterior communicating artery aneurysm associated with an infraoptic anterior cerebral artery.

Dear Sir, We wish to bring to your attention the neuroradiological findings in a 40-year-old woman who presented with a sentinel headache. Neuroimaging revealed a hemorrhagic cavernous malformation in the body of the corpus callosum and an anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysm (Fig. 1a and b). Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage was excluded on the basis of computed tomography and lumbar puncture. The aneurysm measured 1.2 cm on a catheterbased angiogram; an early carotid bifurcation at the level of the ophthalmic artery (OA) origin and a horizontal course of the right A1 segment (the only A1) were also noted (Fig. 2a and b). Given the higher risk of rupture of the aneurysm, the patient underwent coil embolization of the aneurysm. The patient did well, but significant aneurysm recurrence was documented on the follow-up angiogram. She underwent microsurgical clipping through a right-sided transsylvian approach. Intraoperatively, the right A1 was seen to originate from the carotid artery at the level of the OA, coursing beneath the optic nerve to supply the ACoA aneurysm (Fig. 3). Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (Fig. 4) and postoperative conventional angiography revealed total aneurysm occlusion. To our knowledge, the present report is the first case of an infraoptic anterior cerebral artery (ACA) in association with a cavernous malformation. This is also the first reported case of multimodal treatment of an infraoptic ACoA aneurysm variant. The origin of an infraoptic ACA remains speculative. Enlargement of the prechiasmal arterial plexus, persistence and enlargement of an anastomotic loop between the primitive dorsal and ventral OAs and persistence of a fetal anastomosis between the primitive maxillary artery, and the ACA have all been implicated [1–3]. The aberrant anastomosis often leads to agenesis of ipsilateral and contralateral A1 segments [4]. Infraoptic ACAs are classified according to local vascular anatomy [5]. The type I configuration has a normal ACoA complex with an additional infraoptic vessel P. Kan : P. Yashar :A. J. Chamczuk : E. I. Levy : L. N. Hopkins : A. H. Siddiqui (*) Department of Neurosurgery, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 3 Gates Circle, Buffalo, NY 14209, USA e-mail: asiddiqui@ubns.com
A generalized coefficient of performance for conditioning moist air

Abstract The psychrometric chart is a useful tool for calculating the energy change between any two states and visually identifying the contribution of ‘sensible’ and ‘latent’ effects. However, the amount of work needed to move from one state to another is not read directly from the chart. In this paper, temperature and vapor pressure changes are cast into terms of minimum work relative to a dead state, and work contours are plotted on the psychrometric chart. These contours show the minimum work needed to move the state of the air further from the ambient conditions or the maximum work produced by letting a state approach the ambient conditions. A dividing line between heat pump and refrigeration operation is set on the basis total energy of the conditioned space relative to the ambient. Finally, an example is used to illustrate the implementation of the analysis.
Global existence and asymptotic convergence of weak solutions for the one-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations with capillarity and nonmonotonic pressure

Abstract We construct global weak solution of the Navier–Stokes equations with capillarity and nonmonotonic pressure. The volume variable v 0 is initially assumed to be in H 1 and the velocity variable u 0 to be in L 2 on a finite interval [ 0 , 1 ] . We show that both variables become smooth in positive time and that asymptotically in time u → 0 strongly in L 2 ( [ 0 , 1 ] ) and v approaches the set of stationary solutions in H 1 ( [ 0 , 1 ] ) .
The behaviour of healthy awake cats following intravenous and intramuscular administration of midazolam

The onset of action and behavioural effects following intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administration of 0.05, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 mg/kg of midazolam were studied for 2 h in 20 awake, healthy cats. All cats, except one that received 0.05 mg/kg i.m., showed effects of the drug, whereas no effects were observed in cats administered only the vehicle in which midazolam was dissolved. The onset of action was rapid following both i.v. and i.m. administration, some cats became ataxic, while others assumed positions of sternal or lateral recumbency. Even after administration of the highest dose (5.0 mg/kg), anaesthesia was not induced, with swallowing reflexes and conscious perception of a clamp placed on the tail still present in all cats. An abnormal arousal state was observed in many cats after administration of midazolam. During the first hour, restlessness was more commonly observed, while from 1 to 2 h, sedation was more prominent in cats that received the highest dose. Ataxia occurred in all but one cat, was short-lived in cats that received the lower doses, but still present at 2 h in all cats that received 2.0 and 5.0 mg/kg. Midazolam caused some of the cats to behave differently when approached and restrained compared with behavioural patterns identified prior to administration of the drug. The cats were more likely to behave abnormally following i.v. administration rather than i.m. administration and, for the most part, abnormal behaviour was equally distributed between the two extremes; cats being easier to approach and restrain and cats being more difficult to approach and restrain. Food consumption increased significantly, during the 2 h period, following all i.m. doses and all but the highest (5.0 mg/kg) i.v. dose, with most of the food being consumed in the first hour after administration.
The Effects of Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 and Pediococcus pentosaceus R1094 on the Fermentation of Corn Silage

The effect of inoculating whole-plant corn at the time of harvest with Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 (4 x 10(5) cfu/g of fresh forage) combined with Pediococcus pentosaceus R1094 (1 x 10(5) cfu/g) on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage (37% dry matter) through 361 d of ensiling was investigated. Dry matter recovery was similar between treatments throughout the study except at one early time point (14 d), when treated silage had a lower recovery than untreated silage. The concentration of lactic acid was unaffected by inoculation but inoculated silages had greater concentrations of 1,2-propanediol and acetic acid from 56 to 361 d of storage. In general, inoculation decreased the concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates but increased the concentration of ethanol. The numbers of yeasts was lower in inoculated silage at 42, 56, 70, and 282 d of ensiling. However, inoculation did not consistently improve the aerobic stability of silage, suggesting that microbes other than yeasts may have been responsible for aerobic instability in this study. Even after prolonged storage (361 d), silage treated with L. buchneri 40788 and P. pentosaceus R1094 had normal silage fermentation characteristics.
National targeting policies, high‐technology industries, and excessive competition

This paper explores some fundamental changes in market dynamics that are unfolding in the new competitive landscape as a result of aggressive industrial intervention by nation'states. The thesis is that national targeting policies are likely, under identifiable conditions, to cause rivalry in high-technology industries to become excessively competitive, strictly defined in terms of producer welfare. The paper analyzes why this is likely to occur in high-technology sectors rather than in other types of industries, and how excessive competition is likely to be manifested in specific dimensions of competitive rivalry. The paper also discusses research opportunities for further development of a theory of the political economy of excessive competition and for strategy scholars to make new contributions to trade policy debates.
Content analysis of two reading series for disabled readers

Abstract Two basais designed for remedial readers were analyzed for literature content and for their portrayal of reading attitudes as represented in the text. The content was analyzed using a nine genre classification scheme, and attitudes were analyzed based upon whether or not they dealt with reading for pleasure, the utility of reading, the frustrations of readers, or with children or adults needing help with reading. It was found that both series made some attempt to portray attitudes toward reading in their text selections, the most often used topic being the usefulness of reading skill. As to content, it was found that informational selections were used more than other literature types in both series.
The influence of infectious diseases on population genetics.

Malaria is the vector-transmitted disease that causes the highest morbidity and mortality in humans. Motivated by the known influence of sickle-cell anemia on the morbidity and mortality of malaria-infected humans, we study the effect of malaria on the genetic composition of a host (human) population where sickle-cell anemia is prevalent and malaria is endemic. The host subpopulations are therefore classified according to three genotypes, $A$$A$, $AS$, and $SS$. It is known that $A$$A$ malaria-infected individuals experience higher malaria-induced mortality than $AS$ or $SS$ individuals. However, individuals carrying the $S$ gene are known to experience a higher mortality rate in a malaria-free environment than those who lack such a gene. The tradeoffs between increased fitness for some types in the presence of disease (a population level process) and reduced fitness in a disease-free environment are explored in this manuscript. We start from the published results of an earlier model and proceed to remove some model restrictions in order to better understand the impact on the natural hosts' genetics in an environment where malaria is endemic.
Two halide exchange in copper(II) halide dimers: (Morpholinium)2Cu2ClxBr6 − x

Abstract The structural and magnetic properties of the planar Cu 2 Cl 6 - x Br x 2 - dimers in the (morpholinium)2Cu2Cl6 − xBrx salts are investigated. The Cu 2 Cl 6 2 - salt is triclinic, space group P 1 ¯ , a = 7.408(7), b = 10.458(10), c = 11.933(12) A, α = 82.26(2), β = 88.35(2), and γ = 77.22(2)° with Z = 2, while the Cu 2 Br 6 2 - salt is monoclinic, space group P21/c, a = 14.148(6), b = 10.814(4), c = 14.298(6) A and β = 117.108(7)° with Z = 4. The mixed halide salts are all isomorphous with the Cu 2 Br 6 2 - salt. Structurally, the compounds contain isolated dimeric species due to the weak coordination of the morpholinium cations to the copper ions via semi-coordinate Cu⋯O bonds. This is in contrast to other such dimer systems, where semi-coordinate Cu⋯X bonds link the dimers together into stacks or chains. In the morpholinium salts, hydrogen bonding ties the molecular units into a layered structure. These N–H⋯X hydrogen bonds force short X⋯X contacts between dimers with X⋯X distances of 3.92–4.07 A. In this manner, magnetic chains with alternating exchange pathways exist: the intradimer exchange coupling and the X⋯X (2H) pathway. Magnetic studies indicate that these systems behave as alternating AFM chains, demonstrating that the halide⋯halide contacts are effective exchange pathways. The magnetic studies show that the AFM coupling increases monotonically as the bromide content increases. The values for the Cu 2 Cl 6 2 - salt are J1/k = −41.6(1) K and J2/k = −26(2) K, while those of the Cu 2 Br 6 2 - salt are −149.5(5) and −59(2) K. Comparison with other systems suggests that J1 value for the chloride salt corresponds to the intradimer coupling while the J2 value is assigned to the two-halide pathway, while the assignments are reversed for the bromide containing salts.
The "new" head and neck cancer patient-young, nonsmoker, nondrinker, and HPV positive: evaluation.

ObjectiveThe near epidemic rise of the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) presents the practitioner with a “new” head and neck cancer patient, vastly different from those with the traditional risk factors who formed the basis of most practitioners’ training experience. Accordingly, a thorough and disease-specific evaluation process is necessitated. This article will review the evaluation of the HPV-related cancer patient, including a review of the HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer epidemic from the surgeon’s perspective, evaluation of the primary lesion, evaluation of the neck mass, and role of imaging, to provide a framework for addressing the challenging questions patients may ask.Data SourcesAvailable peer-reviewed literature and practice guidelines.Review MethodsAssessment of selected specific topics by authors solicited from the Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Found...
Equilibrium modeling of 5-ht2a receptors with [18f]deuteroaltanserin and pet: feasibility of a constant infusion paradigm

Abstract ABSTRACT. [ 18 F]Altanserin has emerged as a promising positron emission tomography (PET) ligand for serotonin-2A (5-HT 2A ) receptors. The deuterium substitution of both of the 2′-hydrogens of altanserin ([ 18 F]deuteroaltanserin) yields a metabolically more stable radiotracer with higher ratios of parent tracer to radiometabolites and increased specific brain uptake than [ 18 F]altanserin. The slower metabolism of the deuterated analog might preclude the possibility of achieving stable plasma and brain activities with a bolus plus constant infusion within a reasonable time frame for an 18 F-labeled tracer (T 1/2 110 min). Thus, the purpose of this study was to test the feasibility in human subjects of a constant infusion paradigm for equilibrium modeling of [ 18 F]deuteroaltanserin with PET. Seven healthy male subjects were injected with [ 18 F]deuteroaltanserin as a bolus plus constant infusion lasting 10 h postinjection. PET acquisitions and venous blood sampling were performed throughout the infusion period. Linear regression analysis revealed that time-activity curves for both specific brain uptake and plasma [ 18 F]deuteroaltanserin concentration stabilized after about 5 h. This permitted equilibrium modeling and estimation of V ′ 3 (ratio of specific uptake to total plasma parent concentration) and the binding potential V 3 (ratio of specific uptake to free plasma parent concentration). Cortical/cerebellar ratios were increased by 26% relative to those we previously observed with [ 18 F]altanserin using similar methodology in a somewhat older subject sample. These results demonstrate feasibility of equilibrium imaging with [ 18 F]deuteroaltanserin and suggest that it may be superior to [ 18 F]altanserin as a PET radioligand.
Drosophila ultraspiracle modulates ecdysone receptor function via heterodimer formation

The vertebrate retinoid X receptor (RXR) has been implicated in the regulation of multiple hormonal signaling pathways through the formation of heteromeric receptor complexes that bind DNA with high affinity. We now demonstrate that ultraspiracle (usp), a Drosophila RXR homolog, can substitute for RXR in stimulating the DNA binding of receptors for retinoic acid, T3, vitamin D, and peroxisome proliferator activators. These observations led to the search and ultimate identification of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) as a Drosophila partner of usp. Together, usp and EcR bind DNA in a highly cooperative fashion. Cotransfection of both EcR and usp expression vectors is required to render cultured mammalian cells ecdysone responsive. These results implicate usp as an integral component of the functional EcR. By demonstrating that receptor heterodimer formation precedes the divergence of vertebrate and invertebrate lineages, these data underscore a central role for RXR and its homolog usp in the evolution and control of the nuclear receptor-based endocrine system.
Freezing potentials in heavy water

Abstract The freezing of a dilute aqueous solution is accompanied by a charge separation (Workman-Reynold's “freezing potential”) between the advancing ice front (negatively charged) and the unfrozen solution (positively charged). Potentials of 10 and 25 V are observed when freezing 10 −3 and 10 −4 M KCl solutions at a rate of 20 μ/sec. The potential is generated within seconds after freezing has begun, reaches a maximum value, and decays slowly as freezing progresses. Gentle stirring obliterates the potential. The freezing of 10 −3 and 10 −4 M KCl solutions in heavy water (D 2 O) has now been studied. The observed behavior is similar to that observed in H 2 O. Freezing potentials occur in the solidification of dilute solutions of electrolytes in D 2 O as with ordinary water. The magnitude of the freezing potentials observed with heavy water is similar to that observed with ordinary water (H 2 O), both with respect to magnitude and concentration dependence. Notable differences are observed only for very low concentrations where a reversal of sign of the potential is observed.
An instrument for measuring effectiveness of information systems

Abstract The purpose of this study was to apply four methodologies to help understand and measure current information systems—information flows, user needs, utility of information, and user satisfaction. This paper reports on the application for these methodologies. The objective is to recommend an easy-to-use instrument for improving the effectiveness of information systems. It was concluded that methodologies, alone and in combination, are useful for improving information systems alone and in combination. With one exception, the methodologies are easy to learn to use and easy to apply.
Persistence of penicillin G benzathine in pregnant group B streptococcus carriers

Objective: To determine if streptococcicidal levels of penicillin G benzathine can be detected in maternal serum 4 weeks after treatment with 4.8 million units. Methods: Thirty-seven pregnant women with positive group B streptococcus vaginal or urine cultures were each given 4.8 million units of penicillin G benzathine. Maternal blood samples were collected after injection and at delivery. Serum penicillin levels were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Follow-up cultures were done when possible. Results: None of the patients had serum penicillin levels below 0.20 μ g/mL 30 days after treatment. Cord blood levels were approximately 50% lower than maternal levels. In all but three subjects, cord blood levels exceeded 0.06 μ g/mL, the minimal inhibitory concentration for group B streptococcus. The three exceptions were patients who delivered more than 100 days after treatment. Group B streptococcus cultures were negative at the time of delivery in 72% of cases. None of the patients with positive cultures were moderately or heavily colonized. Conclusion: In pregnant women, penicillin G benzathine levels are high enough to inhibit the growth of group B streptococcus for more than 4 weeks after injection with 4.8 million units. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether this regimen can prevent neonatal colonization and invasive group B streptococcus disease.
Enantioselective autocatalysis. Spontaneous resolution and the prebiotic generation of chirality

Theoretical and experimental models for autocatalytic systems leading to the prebiotic origin of chiralityvia the spontaneous symmetry breaking (resolution) of racemic substrates are reviewed. Of the experimental models so far studied, only 2nd order assymetric transformations during crystallization of optically labile enantiometers, leading to their spontaneous resolution under racemizing conditions (SRURC) have been successful. Our objective was to investigate in further detail the most promising of these systems from the point of view of its overall efficiency and its potential viability as a mechanism for the spontaneous generation of molecular chirality on the prebiotic Earth. To this end the 1,4-benzo-diazepinooxazole derivative XI, having a single asymmetric carbon atom, has been synthesized. We here confirm a report in the literature that (±)-XI undergoes SRURC in methanol, both on crystallization and as a slurry. The ‘total spontaneous resolution’ of (±)-XI has been achieved in a yield of 99%, of which 80% had an optical purity ofca. 93%. Arguments are presented that SRURC of racemic substrates, while thus demonstrably effective in laboratory experiments, was probably not of major importance for the origin or amplification of molecular chirality on the primitive earth.
Monitoring Drought in the West

Although drought is difficult to define and measure, several indices are presently available to assist in rangeland monitoring and management. Several drought indices are noted with documentation where recent information may be easily found. Temporal and spatial considerations may be helpful in management applications. Research is continuing in the development of understandable, and usable, graphical presentations of drought.
From “at-risk” youth to wounded healer: a longitudinal study of two pre-service teachers

The present article describes a two-year longitudinal study of two “at-risk” US teenagers who successfully transformed their unusually challenging high school experiences into motivation to become classroom teachers. Frank’s adolescence was characterized by addiction and defiance. He spent his sophomore year in a locked, residential treatment center, and his junior and senior years in a therapeutic boarding school. Marie spent 19 months in a residential school for adolescents with substance abuse problems, becoming pregnant the following year. At age 22 both Frank and Marie graduated summa cum laude (grade point average of 3.9 or greater) from the same nationally recognized teacher preparation program. The archetype of the “wounded healer” is used to interpret their experiences. Results suggest (1) memories of personal adversity in school may have a profound impact on an individual’s orientation to teaching, and (2) these memories can be used advantageously by pre-service teachers. Implications for teache...
Solid phase synthesis of N-alkyl-bis-o-aminobenzamides for metal ion sensing based on a fluorescent dansyl platform.

In this paper, we report the synthesis on Merrifield′s resin of alkyl-bis-o-aminobenzamides labeled with a fluorescent dansyl group for use in metal ion recognition. The influence of alkyl groups with different long chains (n = 1, 2, 4, 6) on the spectral fluorescence characteristics was studied. The sensing properties of the beads were evaluated by packing the resins into a flow-through cell for use in a FIA (flow injection analysis) format. Results demonstrated that for those materials with a longer alkyl chain, the fluorescence emission increased upon Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ addition with a higher sensitivity for Mg2+. On the contrary, a fluorescence quenching was observed when Cu2+, Fe3+, or Zn2+ ions were added. The potential applicability of the sensing approach described in this paper for magnesium ions and the sensing response mechanism are outlined.
Use of a simple mathematical model to predict the behavior of Escherichia coli overproducing β‐lactamase within continuous single‐ and two‐stage reactor systems

A simple mathematical model is developed to help explain the complex population dynamics of an Escherichia coli host–plasmid expression/excretion system for β-lactamase within single- and two-stage reactors. The model successfully integrates the individual regulatory (tac promoter induction), genetic (runaway plasmid replication), and population dynamics (culture instability) aspects of the system. The model predicts, and experiment confirms, that high-level β-lactamase production and excretion cannot be easily maintained in single-stage reactors using the current plasmid construction. Stable target protein production and excretion is mathematically predicted, and experimentally confirmed, within two-stage reactors. The model is used to provide insight into engineering a more stable host–vector expression/excretion system for use in single-stage reactors. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Diesel Engine Turbocharger Rebuild and Experimental Testing

The objective of the 2006–07 Virginia Tech Turbocharger Project was to obtain and analyze vibrations data from different bearing designs. The supporting tasks were divided amongst various sub-teams; a turbocharger team, an engine test operating team, a dynamometer team, and an ADRE software team. The turbocharger team has successfully developed a procedure for disassembly and reassembly of the turbocharger. A consistent and well-documented assembly procedure has ensured turbocharger operation free from human error. Consistency in the rebuild process is vital to properly compare vibration data with the different shaft bearings. The most important aspect of this reassembly is the torque applied to the tie-bolt nut. This torque causes the tie-bolt to stretch, and this stretch must be accounted for because it is a measure of preload force on the compressor wheel. The team designed and made a stand to carefully apply this torque on the tie-bolt nut without creating a bending moment. The original stock bearings were used for the first turbocharger rebuild to see if the rebuild procedure would lead to similar data. Two other bearings have been tested and analyzed. This paper will give a brief overview of the results to date.© 2007 ASME
Russia, China, and the Far East: Old geopolitics or a new peaceful cooperation?

Abstract The future of Russian-Chinese relations remains one of the most obscure issues facing the world at the end of the 20th century. So far, these relations have been rather friendly, and Moscow is seemingly unconcerned about the growing economic disparity between the two countries which evidently favors China. However, outside the Kremlin many politicians and experts express genuine fear about China. They continue to remind the people that, only a few dozen years ago, both nations were on the brink of a nuclear confrontation. The author of this paper muses on whether the old geopolitical conflicts have already left the historical scene, and if the 21st century will witness the cooperation of the two former communist giants with a common border three thousand miles long. Being inclined to believe that geopolitics is still a force to be reckoned with, the author points to the Russian Far East and also to Central Asia where he considers a confrontation between both countries is most probable. The author also discusses how regionalization in Russia and in China can radically change the geopolitical situation in Asia and in the whole world.
The state of science and research in clinical pharmacy.

In late 2002, the president of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), Mary Beth O’Connell, Pharm.D., charged the ACCP Research Affairs Committee with developing a White Paper on The State of Science and Research in Clinical Pharmacy. Its purpose would be to address the current state of research conducted by clinical pharmacists in terms of prevalence, scope, funding, location, and impact; describe the current state of research training for clinical pharmacists; envision the state of research conducted by future clinical pharmacists in 2030 and the training required for these future scientists, if ACCP’s vision is to be realized; describe any gaps that exist between current and envisioned states of clinical pharmacy research; and formulate recommendations to the profession and to ACCP in order to narrow any identified gaps. Member surveys, additional research, and committee deliberations in preparation for this White Paper began in October 2002. It is in accordance with these goals the following observations, analyses, and recommendations have been developed.
Integration of Gas Turbine Education in an Undergraduate Thermodynamics Course

The mission of the United States Military Academy (USMA) is “To educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country; professional growth throughout a career as an officer in the United States Army; and a lifetime of selfless service to the nation.” [1] In order to accomplish this mission, USMA puts their cadets through a 47-month program that includes a variety of military training, and college courses totaling about 150 credit-hours. Upon completion of the program, cadets receive a Bachelor of Science degree and become Second Lieutenants in the United States Army. A very unique aspect of the academic program at USMA is that each cadet is required to take a minimum of five engineering classes regardless of their major or field of study. This means that about 500 cadets will have taken the one-semester course in thermodynamics. The thermodynamics course taught at USMA is different from others throughout the country because within every class there is a mixture of cadets majoring in engineering and those that are in other majors, i.e. languages, history [2]. Topics on gas turbine machinery have been integrated into this unique thermodynamics course. Because the cadets will encounter gas turbines throughout their service in the Army, we feel that it is important for all of the students, not just engineering majors, to learn about gas turbines, their operation, and their applications. This is accomplished by four methods. The first is in a classroom environment. Cadets learn how actual gas turbines work, how to model them, and learn how to solve problems. Thermodynamics instructors have access to several actual gas turbines used in military applications to aid in cadet learning. The second method occurs in the laboratory where cadets take measurements and analyze an operational auxiliary power unit (APU) from an Army helicopter. The third method occurs in the form of a design project. The engineering majors redesign the cogeneration plant that exists here at West Point. Many of them use a topping cycle in this design. The final method is a capstone design project. During the 2001–02 academic year, three cadets are improving the thermodynamic laboratories. Among their tasks are designing a new test stand for the APU, increasing the benefit of the gas turbine laboratory through more student interaction, and designing a web-based gas turbine pre-laboratory instruction to compliment the actual laboratory exercise.© 2002 ASME
Vibronic effects in the decay of the fluorescence excited in SO2 and NO2

Abstract The intensity of fluorescence of the first excited singlet sulphur dioxide molecule ( 1 SO 2 ) shows an unexpected non-exponential decay when observed over several lifetimes. This is found for both broad-band, Xe-flash excitation at 2660 ± 100 and 2860 ± 160 A and for laser excitation at 2662 ± 1 A. The decay is exponential when either long wavelength, broad-band excitation is employed (2980 ± 140 A) or at long observation times using any excitation wavelength. All of the data are most consistent with the hypothesis of one emitting singlet state whose rate constants are somewhat dependent on its degree of vibrational excitation. A kinetic treatment of the data gives the zero pressure lifetime and the quenching rate constants for the vibrationally rich (22.7 kcal/mole) and the vibrationally relaxed excited singlet states. These and other quantum yield data suggest that the observed decrease in the lifetime of the 1 SO 2 state which accompanies vibrational relaxation is associated with a significant increase in the rate of some ill-defined, non-radiative decay process for these conditions. Emission data from the spectroscopically analogous compound NO 2 , excited at 4365, 5324, and 6943 A, also show non-exponential decay. In this case, however, the lifetimes at zero pressure show no significant variation with alteration in the degree of vibrational excitation of the NO 2 ( 2 B 1 ) state.
Where court-annexed mediation fails: How to avoid a decline in the practice

The effectiveness of court-connected mediation is declining, according to Jeffrey Krivis of Los Angeles. In his article at right, he discusses the maturity of the mediation profession, and recommends courses of action for practitioners and litigators to improve court ADR processes.
Normal aging and the multicultural population

This article documents the dramatic increase expected in the number of people over 65 years of age who will be living in the United States during the first half of the 21st century and describes how the age, health, and ethnic differences of this expanding group will comprise an extremely heterogeneous subpopulation. Differences in how aging and the health problems that accompany it may be viewed are discussed in terms of cultural influences and traditions. It is suggested that such differences in a growing segment of the population that is likely to have increasing needs for speech-language pathology services in the years ahead could pose significant challenges for the profession.
Topographic analysis of human cortical potentials preceding self-initiated and visually triggered saccades

Abstract The topography of human brain potentials preceding self-initiated saccadic eye movements was compared with those preceding visually triggered saccades to examine differences in presaccadic activity under different programming requirements. A slow negative shift beginning approximately 650 ms before eye movement and largest in amplitude over the frontal region was recorded only in the self-initiated condition. This potential presumably reflects preparatory activity occurring predominantly within the frontal eye fields. A ramp-like positivity preceding eye movements by 100–250 ms and a sharp positive potential peaking 10–40 ms before saccades were recorded under both conditions. These potentials were of maximum amplitude over the parietal region. In order to examine the extent to which presaccadic enhancement of parietal activity was related to executive or to attentional mechanisms, the presaccadic visual evoked potential components were compared with activity at the same latency when stimuli were counted without saccades or were ignored. Enhancement of parietal potentials was seen both with counting and with saccades, but was greater in the eye movement condition. Occipital enhancement predominated with counting and parietal enhancement with saccades. These findings suggest that attentional and command mechanisms contribute distinct complementary increments in posterior cortical presaccadic activity associated with visually triggered saccades.
Calculus from an historical perspective: a course for humanities students

ABSTRACT A case is made for teaching calculus to humanities students from an historical perspective. It is one that emphasizes the historical narrative by focusing on the genesis of its central ideas, identifying a number of the major players in its development, exploring its impact on the development of science and technology, and investigating its philosophical dimensions. An outline of a curriculum is suggested and the author's experience at teaching such a course is shared.
A review of aqueous-phase VOC transport in modern landfill liners

Leachates from municipal solid waste (MSW) and hazardous waste landfills contain a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in addition to inorganic compounds. VOCs have been shown to migrate and contaminate the surrounding environment and impair the use of groundwater. Therefore, the effectiveness of modern landfill liner systems to minimize migration of VOCs is of concern. Most modern landfills employ a composite liner consisting of a geomembrane overlying a compacted clay liner or a geosynthetic clay liner. The geomembrane is often believed to be the primary barrier to contaminant transport. However, for VOCs, the clay component usually controls the rate of transport since VOCs are shown to diffuse through geomembrane at appreciable rates. Additionally, analyses have shown that transport of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generally is more critical than transport of inorganic compounds (e.g., toxic heavy metals), even though VOCs are often found at lower concentrations in leachates. Therefore, the effectiveness of modern landfill liner systems to minimize migration of VOCs and transport of VOCs through clay liners and modeling of transport through composite liners merit scrutiny. This paper presents a review of recent research by the author and others on these topics. A systematic and comprehensive approach to determine mass transport parameters for transport of VOCs in liquid phase through compacted clay liners, geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs), and geomembranes has enabled to develop realistic models to predict mass flux of VOCs through modern composite liners and provide a quantitative basis to evaluate potential for transport of dissolved VOCs and the equivalency of different composite liners.
Outcomes of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in patients with low body mass index

Abstract Background The current National Institutes of Health guidelines have recommended bariatric surgery for patients with a body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m 2 or BMI >35 kg/m 2 with significant co-morbidities. However, some preliminary studies have shown that patients with a BMI that does not meet these criteria could also experience similar weight loss and the benefits associated with it. Methods An institutional review board-approved protocol was obtained to study the effectiveness of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in patients with a low BMI. A total of 66 patients with a BMI of 30–35 kg/m 2 and co-morbidities (n = 22) or a BMI of 35–40 kg/m 2 without co-morbidities (n = 44) underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. These patients were compared with 438 standard patients who had undergone laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding who met the National Institutes of Health criteria for bariatric surgery. The excess weight loss at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months and the status of their co-morbidities were compared between the 2 groups. Results The average BMI for the study group was 36.1 ± 2.6 kg/m 2 compared with 46.0 ± 7.3 kg/m 2 for the control group. Both groups had significant co-morbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, stress incontinence, and obstructive sleep apnea. The mean percentage of excess weight loss was 20.3% ± 9.0%, 28.5% ± 14.0%, 44.7% ± 19.3%, and 42.2% ± 33.7% at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. This was not significantly different from the excess weight loss in the control group, except for at 12 months. Both groups showed similar improvement of most co-morbidities. Conclusion Moderately obese patients whose BMI is less than the current guidelines for bariatric surgery will have similar weight loss and associated benefits. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a safe and effective treatment for patients with a BMI of 30–35 kg/m 2 .