cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bivariate optimization of pedalling rate and crank arm length in cycling

The contribution of this paper is a bivariate optimization of cycling performance. Relying on a biomechanical model of the lower limb, a cost function derived from the joint moments developed during cycling is computed. At constant average power, both pedalling rate (i.e. rpm) and crank arm length are systematically varied to explore the relation between these variables and the cost function. A crank arm length of 170 mm and pedalling rate of 100 rpm correspond closely to the cost function minimum. In cycling situations where the rpm deviates from 100 rpm, however, crank arms of length other than 170 mm yield minimum cost function values. In addition, the sensitivity of optimization results to both increased power and anthropometric parameter variations is examined. At increased power, the cost function minimum is more strongly related to the pedalling rate, with higher pedalling rates corresponding to the minimum. Anthropometric parameter variations influence the results significantly. In general it is found that the cost function minimum for tall people occurs at longer crank arm lengths and lower pedalling rates than the length and rate for short people.
Heterotrophic plate count methodology in the United States.

Abstract In the United States (US), the history of bacterial plate counting (BPC) methods used for water can be traced largely through Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (Standard Methods). The bacterial count method has evolved from the original Standard Methods (1st edition, 1905) plate count which used nutrient gelatin and incubation at 20 °C for 48 h, to the HPC method options in the latest edition of Standard Methods that provide greater flexibility of application, depending on the data needs of the water analyst. The use of agar–agar as a gelling agent, replacing gelatin, allowed the use of higher incubation temperatures and resulted in the “body temperature count” (37 °C) found in the 3rd through the 8th edition of Standard Methods. The change from 37 °C incubation to 35±0.5 °C accommodated laboratories that did both milk and water analyses. By using a single temperature, fewer incubators were needed. The term “standard plate count” (SPC) first appeared in 1960 (11th edition) along with plate count agar. Incubation at 20 °C for the plate count was dropped from the 13th to 15th editions and few changes were made in the SPC method from the 11th edition through the 13th editions. Plate count analysis of bottled waters was included in the 14th edition (1975), calling for incubation at 35±0.5 °C for 72±4 h. Perhaps the most significant changes in plate count methods occurred with the 16th edition (1985). The term heterotrophic plate count replaced the standard plate count, and the spread plate (SP) and membrane filter (MF) methods were added along with new media for pour and spread plates (R2A agar and NWRI agar, both low nutrient) and for the membrane filter method (mHPC medium). The use of low nutrient media, lower incubation temperature, and longer incubation times, results in higher plate count results for most water samples. The options currently available, including low and high nutrient media, incubation temperatures (20 °C, 28 °C or 35 °C), plating methods (pour plate (PP), spread plate and membrane filter) and range of incubation times (24, 48, 72 h and 5–7 days) provide great flexibility in the application of the HPC analysis to drinking water.
A study of stabilization and projection in the 4‐node Mindlin plate element

In this paper, a Mindlin plate element is formulated based on the Hellinger–Reissner principle and the γ-technique. The stiffness consists of a constant stress (one-point quadrature) matrix and a stabilization matrix. The stabilization matrix is compared with those previously proposed. In addition, the element uses a projection to modify the nodal displacements so that the patch test is satisfied. The projection matrix is based on a mode decomposition. Several numerical cases are presented, and it is shown that the mode decomposition projection is necessary both for satisfaction of the patch test and convergence.
Identification and quantification of aquatic vegetation with hyperspectral remote sensing in western Nevada rivers, USA

This study used a portable spectrometer to assess the feasibility of using airborne hyperspectral imagery to map the dominant types and amounts of aquatic vegetation in the Carson and Truckee Rivers of western Nevada. Spectral reflectance data were acquired for a number of periphyton and macrophyte types, and corresponding vegetation samples were processed in the laboratory to quantify chlorophyll a chla and ash-free dry mass. The dominant periphyton and macrophyte communities encountered in the field could be identified with an overall accuracy of greater than 95%. The lowest individual class accuracy was 82% for one community type, primarily green filamentous algae GF, which was brown in colour and mixed with diatoms and sediments. Separate stepwise regression models were developed for chla and biomass of each type of vegetation. Regression models had r2s greater than 0.92, except for the aforementioned brown-coloured community of mixed algae that had r2s of just over 0.5 for both laboratory measurements. This study suggests good prospects for airborne hyperspectral surveys of aquatic vegetation for water quality studies, assuming a sensor with a high signal-to-noise ratio, high spatial resolution and good environmental conditions at the time of image acquisition.
Modified Embedded Atom Method Study of the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Nickel Composites

We report an atomistic simulation study of the behavior of nanocomposite materials that are formed by incorporating single-walled carbon nanotubes SWCNTs, with three different diameters, and a multiwalled carbon nanotube MWCNT into a single-crystal nickel matrix. The interactions between carbon and nickel atoms are described by a modified embedded atom method potential. Mechanical properties of these nanocomposite materials are predicted by atomistic calculations and compared with that of fcc nickel and pristine CNTs. Our simulations predict that all Ni/CNT composites studied in this work are mechanically stable. Their elastic properties depend on the volume fraction and diameter of embedded CNTs. The single-crystal Young’s modulus E11 of Ni/SWCNT composites exhibit a large increase in the direction of CNTs alignment compared to that of a single-crystal nickel. However, a moderate but gradual decrease is seen for E22 and E33 in the transverse directions with increase in CNT diameters. As a consequence, Ni/SWCNTs show a gradual decrease for the polycrystalline Young’s, bulk and shear moduli with the increasing CNT diameters and volume fractions. These reductions, although moderate, suggest that enhancement of mechanical properties for polycrystalline Ni/SWCNT nanocomposites are not achievable at any CNT volume fraction. The Ni/MWCNT composite with high CNT volume fraction shows the highest increase in E11. Unlike the E22 and E33 for Ni/ SWCNTs, there is a significant increase in the E22 and the E33 for Ni/MWCNT. As a result, polycrystalline Ni/MWCNT composites show slight increase in the elastic properties. This suggests that nickel nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties can be fabricated using large volume fractions of larger diameter MWCNTs. Depending on type, alignment and volume fraction, Ni/CNT composites show varying degrees of elastic anisotropy and Poisson’s ratio compared to pure Ni. Simulation predicts strong adhesion at the Ni/CNT interface and a significant interfacial stress transfer between CNT and Ni matrix.
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and southern Wyoming—a review and new analysis of past study results

Abstract The Rocky Mountain region of Colorado and southern Wyoming receives as much as 7 kg ha −1 yr −1 of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, an amount that may have caused changes in aquatic and terrestrial life in otherwise pristine ecosystems. Results from published studies indicate a long-term increase in the rate of atmospheric N deposition during the 20th century, but data from the National Atmospheric Deposition Program and Clean Air Status and Trends Network show no region-wide increase during the past 2 decades. Nitrogen loads in atmospheric wet deposition have increased since the mid-1980s, however, at three high elevation (> 3000 m) sites east of the Continental Divide in the Front Range. Much of this increase is the result of increased ammonium (NH 4 + ) concentrations in wet deposition. This suggests an increase in contributions from agricultural areas or from vehicles east of the Rocky Mountains and is consistent with the results of previous studies that have suggested a significant eastern source for atmospheric N deposition to the Front Range. The four sites with the highest NH 4 + concentrations in wet deposition were among the six easternmost NADP sites, which is also consistent with a source to the east of the Rockies. This analysis found an increase in N loads in wet deposition at Niwot Ridge of only 0.013 kg ha −1 yr −1 , more than an order of magnitude less than previously reported for this site. This lower rate of increase results from application of the non-parametric Seasonal Kendall trend test to mean monthly data, which failed a test for normality, in contrast to linear regression, which was applied to mean annual data in a previous study. Current upward trends in population growth and energy use in Colorado and throughout the west suggest a need for continued monitoring of atmospheric deposition of N, and may reveal more widespread trends in N deposition in the future.
Relationship between crystallinity and thermoreversible gelation

Abstract The thermoreversible gelation of chlorinated polyethylene has been described. Polymers with a large range of crystallinities, including noncrystalline materials, were studied. Solutions of all the polymers exhibited thermoreversible gelation. Gels of the noncrystalline polymers showed equilibrium properties in that the sol-gel and gel-sol transitions occurred at the same temperature. Crystalline polymers produced nonequilibrium gels. The gel-sol transition occurred 10–20° above the sol-gel transition and ageing phenomena were observed. The gelation enthalpy was determined from the concentration dependence of the gelation temperature. A linear relationship between the heat of gelation and the solid state crystallinity was observed. The plot extrapolated to 24 kJ/mol at zero crystallinity in accord with the observed gelation enthalpies of the noncrystalline polymers which were less than 24 kJ/mol. This result is interpreted as evidence that at least two processes contribute to gel formation, viz network formation by chain associations in both crystalline and non crystalline polymers and, in the case of crystalline polymers, network stabilization by formation of microcrystallites.
Education for Computers

The computer engineers who refer to the education of computers do not have a definite idea of education and do not bother to justify the fuzzy ones to which they allude. Hence, they logically cannot specify the features a computer must have in order to be educable. This paper puts forth a non-standard, but not arbitrary, concept of education that determines such traits. The proposed concept is derived from the idea of education embedded in modern standard-English discourse. Because the standard concept entails that an educable entity must be capable of consciousness and voluntary action, it cannot apply to computers. If, therefore, one is to have an idea of educable computers, one must drop the feature of consciousness and omit or modify that of voluntariness. The advanced concept leaves out consciousness, alters the ordinary notion of voluntariness, but keeps in tact the other criteria of the standard idea. Thereby, it provides continuity between those who talk about education in modern ordinary English and those who talk about it in the world of artificial intelligence.
Stabilization of carrier-frequency servomechanisms. I. Gain-phase margin diagrams of controller characteristics

Abstract In this first part a method of analysis of linear carrier-frequency systems is indicated, and applied in particular to electrical servomechanisms using a two-phase alternating-current control motor. The performance of such a servo, as regards stability and fidelity of the output as a copy of the input, depends on the action of a controller-demodulator unit including the motor. A calculation of the steady-state effect of a linear transfer characteristic on the suppressed-carrier modulated error signal makes possible application of the Nyquist stability criterion. The method does not require symmetry of the characteristics about the carrier frequency; if such symmetry is present the system is similar to an ordinary or d-c. servo. Thus a band-rejection network tuned to the carrier frequency has an approximate proportional plus derivative action on the envelope of the error signal, resulting in an “anti-hunt” or stabilizing effect similar to that due to a translated band-rejection characteristic (center at zero-frequency) in a corresponding d-c. servo. A procedure is given for construction of transformed Nyquist diagrams, or gain-phase margin diagrams. The effect of the correctly tuned band-rejection network, as well as the effects of bandwidth, of the network being tuned off the carrier frequency, of increasing gain or velocity constant kν, and of the use of phase-shifting networks, are clearly shown by a series of such diagrams.
Effect of chamber seasoning on the chrome dry etch process

ABSTRACT Chamber surface condition in high-density plasma etch reactors can dramatically affect process performance. The well-known first wafer effect in wafer etch processes is often reduced by a seasoning process which runs an appropriate etch chemistry on a dummy wafer prior to the etch of a production wafer. The seasoning process has proven to be an effective method for minimizing wafer process shift, but it has not been examined for photomask production using typical dry etch chemistries. In this work, a series of PR/Cr/Quartz photomasks were etched in a Etec Systems, Inc. Tetra TM photomask etch system with the goal of quantifying the amount of change in etch rate and critical dimension (CDs) following an isopropanol wet cleaning of the chamber, as well as the amount of seasoning necessary to minimize the observed process shift using a standard Cl 2 /O 2 /He chemistry. The chamber seasoning and etch processes were observed via in-situ recording of optical emission from the plasma reactor with a CCD array and monochromator. Alumina coupons affixed to different areas of the chamber prior to mask seasoning/etching were subjected to X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy as well as Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) to determine the identity of the chemical species deposited in the chamber during the seasoning/etching process. Results from these etching processes clearly indicated the presence of a first mask effect, which can be reduced by a seasoning process appropriate for the particular chemistry involved. Alumina coupon surface analysis revealed a negligible amount of deposition accumulating during the experiments. Keywords : chrome etch, seasoning, process performance, chamber condition
Integrating Science in Applied Psychology Programs: A Student-Operated Journal

Abstract As a requirement of APA accreditation, many PhD programs in applied psychology subscribe to some variant of the scientist-practitioner model. However, critics have argued that integrating science into an applied psychology curriculum may be too challenging a task. This article describes the development of The New School Psychology Bulletin, a student-operated journal dedicated to publishing original research articles written by psychology graduate students. We argue that the process of publishing a student-operated journal can have a positive effect on students' attitudes toward research and has the potential to serve as a model to foster integration of research and training experiences in an applied psychology program.
Latex specific IgE: performance characteristics of the IMMULITE 2000 3gAllergy assay compared with skin testing

Background In the absence of a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared latex skin testing reagent, in vitro tests remain important for the diagnosis of latex allergy. Objectives To evaluate the performance characteristics of IMMULITE 2000 3gAllergy (Immulite), a third-generation, FDA-cleared, continuous random-access immunoanalyzer, for the quantification of latex specific IgE. Methods Stored serum samples (N = 201) from patients classified as having positive or negative latex puncture skin test results were measured for latex specific IgE levels using Immulite, and these data were compared with historical results from 3 second-generation, FDA-cleared IgE antilatex assays (AlaSTAT [Ala], AutoCAP [CAP], and HY*TEC enzyme immunoassay [HT]). Results The diagnostic performances of the CAP, Ala, and Immulite assays (≥0.35 kU/L cutoff value) were equivalent in sensitivity and specificity ( P > .05). The HT assay (≥0.05 kU/L cutoff value) was more sensitive and less specific ( P P P Conclusions The Immulite system is superior in diagnostic performance, especially at the 0.10 kU/L or greater cutoff level, for the diagnosis of latex allergy compared with older, second-generation assays. Immulite still misclassifies 15.5% of puncture skin test-positive individuals as negative for latex specific IgE. Compared with second-generation assays, Immulite represents a technological advance, with enhanced speed and less operator intervention.
Magnetic Domains in Evaporated Thin Films of Nickel-Iron

The longitudinal Kerr magneto-optic technique proves to be well suited for the observation of domains in evaporated ferromagnetic thin films. In a series of six films of NiFe ranging in thickness from 20 000 angstroms to 500 angstroms, domain patterns have been photographed in all but the two thickest. Many features of domain structure, familiar in bulk single crystals, have been observed in the films. Certain unusual features of domain behavior appear characteristic of the thinnest specimens and have also been photographed. Complexities in many of the patterns, uncorrelated with change of film thickness, are probably due to uncontrolled physical factors connected with the manufacture and the preservation of the specimens. The necessity of careful control of such factors for quantitative domain investigation is emphasized.
Aerodynamic focusing of high-density aerosols

Abstract High-density micron-sized particle aerosols might form the basis for a number of applications in which a material target with a particular shape might be quickly ionized to form a cylindrical or sheet shaped plasma. A simple experimental device was built in order to study the properties of high-density aerosol focusing for 1 μm silica spheres. Preliminary results recover previous findings on aerodynamic focusing at low densities. At higher densities, it is demonstrated that the focusing properties change in a way which is consistent with a density dependent Stokes number.
Effect of TEA on light emission from aequorin-injected Aplysia central neurons

Abstract Aplysia central neurons were injected with the calcium-sensitive photoprotein aequorin and stimulated with trains of identical depolarizing voltage-clamp pulses. The light emissions grew and the outward currents declined in successive pulses. Tetraethylammonium (TEA) enhanced the light emissions to single depolarizing pulses and suppressed the outward current. The remaining net inward current is carried primarily by calcium ions and does not facilitate. The aequorin emissions were larger at all amplitudes of depolarizing pulses that elicited emissions, and the facilitation of emissions in a train of pulses was reduced. The effect of TEA on outward current was nearly maximal when sodium ions were partially replaced with 0.1 M TEA, while the aequorin emissions were further enhanced by increasing the TEA concentration to 0.459 M. TEA enhanced the aequorin emissions at all voltages. These observations suggest that the action of TEA on aequorin emissions is not strictly a consequence of its better known outward current blocking action. The effects of TEA could be partly due to the lowered sodium concentration of these solutions. Replacement of sodium by Tris, sucrose or mannose, however, all produced no enhancement of emissions. Tetramethylammonium (TMA) replacement of sodium had effects similar to those of TEA. Thus TEA and TMA appear to have a specific effect. Part of the enhancement of light emissions by TEA is due to the removal of a series resistance error in the voltage clamp, and this may also account partly for the reduced facilitation of aequorin emissions in TEA. The remainder of the action of TEA on aequorin emissions evidently reflects a specific but previously unrecognized action on the cellular metabolism of calcium ions or on the voltage-dependent calcium channels.
Technology and Financial Development

The growth benefits from financial development are known to vary across industries. However, no systematic effort has been made to determine the technological characteristics shared by industries that grow relatively faster in more financially developed economies. Using the standard growth-theoretic definition of technology in terms of the production function, we explore a range of technological characteristics that theory suggests might underpin differences across industries in the need or the ability to raise external finance. We find that industries that grow faster in more financially developed countries display greater R&D intensity and investment lumpiness, indicating that well-functioning financial markets direct resources toward industries where growth is driven by R&D.
Increasing Sensor Measurements to Reduce Detection Complexity in Large-Scale Detection Applications

Large-scale detection problems, where the number of hypotheses is exponentially large, characterize many important sensor network applications. In such applications, sensors whose output is simultaneously affected by multiple target locations in the environment pose a significant computational challenge. Conditioned on such sensor measurements, separate target locations become dependent, requiring computationally expensive joint detection. Therefore there exists a tradeoff between the computational complexity and accuracy of detection. In this paper we demonstrate that this tradeoff can be altered by collecting additional sensor measurements, enabling algorithms that are both accurate and computationally efficient. We draw the insight for this tradeoff from our work on the sensing capacity of sensor networks, a quantity analogous to the channel capacity in communications. To demonstrate this tradeoff, we apply sequential decoding algorithms to a large-scale detection problem using a realistic infrared temperature sensor model and real experimental data. We explore the tradeoff between the number of sensor measurements, accuracy, and computational complexity. For a sufficient number of sensor measurements, we demonstrate that sequential decoding algorithms have sharp empirical performance transitions, becoming both computationally efficient and accurate. We provide extensive comparisons with belief propagation and a simple heuristic algorithm. For a temperature sensing application, we empirically demonstrate that given sufficient sensor measurements, belief propagation has exponential complexity and sequential decoding has linear complexity in sensor field of view. Despite this disparity in complexity, sequential decoding was significantly more accurate.
Semantic satiation as a function of duration of repetition and initial meaning intensity

The basic parameters of this experiment were seven intervals of repetition (0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, and 120 sec) and three levels of semantic differential (SD) meaning intensity for each of the three major factors. 140 S s first rated 48 words on a number of SD scales, then repeated the words orally for a specified duration and finally rerated them on 1 of 6 SD scales. Both mean difference and polarity difference scores were used to assess satiation effects. Regardless of the measure, satiation increased roughly as a negatively accelerated function of the duration of repetition, with words measured on the Activity dimension showing the largest satiation effects. The regression hypothesis (Yelen and Schulz, 1963) seemed applicable only when mean difference scores were analyzed. Theoretical implications of the results were discussed in terms of the regression hypothesis, loss of meaning as a function of time, and the bipolarity assumption underlying the SD.
Application of Adjoint Methodology to Supersonic Aircraft Design Using Reversed Equivalent Areas

This paper presents an approach to shape an aircraft to equivalent area based objectives using the discrete adjoint approach. Equivalent areas can be obtained either using reversed augmented Burgers equation or direct conversion of off-body pressures into equivalent area. Formal coupling with CFD allows computation of sensitivities of equivalent area objectives with respect to aircraft shape parameters. The exactness of the adjoint sensitivities is verified against derivatives obtained using the complex step approach. This methodology has the benefit of using designer-friendly equivalent areas in the shape design of low-boom aircraft. Shape optimization results with equivalent area cost functionals are discussed and further refined using ground loudness based objectives.
Preparation and thin-layer chromatography of sulfate conjugates of the component oligomers of triton x-100

Abstract The preparation and thin-layer chromatographic identification of sulfate conjugates of the individual oligomers of the surfactant Triton X-100 are described. The use of these compounds as standards in the characterization of radioactive substances formed upon incubation of Triton X-100 with tissue enzyme systems and radioactive sulfate is also presented.
Bronchoscopy in the Blast Injury Patient

Hypothesis Delayed presentation of secondary airway injury is a significant clinical entity following blast injury. Design Retrospective review. Setting Combat Support Hospital, Operation Iraqi Freedom. Patients Twenty-three blast injury patients with bronchoscopic evidence of secondary airway injury. Main Outcome Measures Symptom development and time frame, bronchoscopic findings, and requirement for mechanical ventilation. Results All of the 23 patients presented within 12 hours of injury. Eleven patients (48%) arrived at the hospital after prior endotracheal intubation. The majority (17 patients [74%]) of patients had no carbonaceous sputum, singed nasal hair, or thoracic trauma that would suggest possible airway injury. Bronchoscopy revealed mucosal erythema and edema in 16 (70%) of the patients, 6 (23%) had additional airway carbonaceous deposits, and 5 (21%) had normal findings on initial bronchoscopy. Eight patients (35%) initially breathing spontaneously and demonstrating no thoracic trauma required intubation within 12 hours of admission owing to impending loss of airway patency. Bronchoscopy revealed significant airway edema (>50% patency loss) in 6 (75%) of these 8 patients, with additional carbonaceous deposits in 3 patients (38%). Patients requiring delayed intubation had a significantly greater respiratory rate on initial examination. Conclusions Manifestation of secondary airway injury may be delayed up to 12 hours following blast injury. We believe that blast injury patients should be observed for at least 18 hours after injury or until edema has resolved and in a setting amenable to emergent airway support and rapid bronchoscopic evaluation at the earliest indication of possible airway compromise.
Comparison of Conventional Transabdominal and Transvaginal Ultrasound and 3D Transvaginal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of First-Trimester Nuchal Translucency:

This study represents a comparison of conventional transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound and 3D transvaginal ultrasound in the evaluation of first trimester nuchal translucency. The 2D sonographic examinations were performed on 417 women with singleton pregnancies for evaluation of first trimester nuchal translucency. The 3D volumes were obtained using a transvaginal probe in 235 of the cases. In 208of the 235 patients, the nuchal translucency was obtained with 3D transvaginal transducer. The nuchal translucency is an excellent screening tool used in the first trimester to evaluate the fetus for aneuploidy and other fetal structural abnormalities. The 3D transvaginal ultrasound can obtain the desired image in less time and more efficiently then changing and repositioning the patient.
The novel HSV-1 US5-1 RNA is transcribed off a domain encoding US 5, US 4, US 3, US 2 and α22

Background The genome of herpes simplex virus 1 encodes at least 84 transcripts from which proteins are translated and several additional RNAs whose status as mRNAs is unknown. These RNAs include latency-associated transcript, OriS1 and OriS2 RNAs and in case of α4 null mutant additional transcript that spans the junction between L and S component of the HSV-1 genome. Current data do not suggest that a peptide is translated from these RNAs.
Antiviral activities of interferons

Interferons are a group of proteins produced by eucaryotic cells when they are stimulated by virus infection, double-stranded RNA and various other inducers. Cells, when treated with interferons, exhibit a number of responses, the principal action of interest in this review being the establishment of virus resistance. There are however a number of other responses that have been described, such as inhibition of non-viral agents; priming; blocking; cell-multiplication-inhibition; toxicity enhancement; enhanced synthetic activities; surface alteration; enhanced immunolysis; enhanced phagocytosis and various immune modulations. In this survey we will first discuss the antiviral action of interferon both in vitro and in vivo and describe the non-antiviral activities, as these are likely to contribute to virus resistance mechanisms in the animal.
A new phylogenetic classification for the gymnophthalmid genera Cercosaura , Pantodactylus and Prionodactylus (Reptilia: Squamata)

Because of the poor state of knowledge of many of the gymnophthalmid genera, systematic revision is necessary to render the classification consistent with evolutionary history. To that end, I conducted a review of the species of three genera of the Cercosaurinae which appear to form a monophyletic group: Cercosaura , Pantodactylus , and Prionodactylus . Phylogenetic analysis of 61 morphological characters was conducted after specimens of all species were examined to evaluate the composition of each taxon. The phylogenetic reconstruction suggested that the genus Prionodactylus was paraphyletic. A new phylogenetic classification is proposed that synonymizes Pantodactylus and Prionodactylus with Cercosaura. Cercosaura is redefined to include 11 species and seven subspecies. A key is provided to distinguish among species. © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 137, 101−115.
Genome-wide patterns of Arabidopsis gene expression in nature

Organisms in the wild are subject to multiple, fluctuating environmental factors, and it is in complex natural environments that genetic regulatory networks actually function and evolve. We assessed genome-wide gene expression patterns in the wild in two natural accessions of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and examined the nature of transcriptional variation throughout its life cycle and gene expression correlations with natural environmental fluctuations. We grew plants in a natural field environment and measured genome-wide time-series gene expression from the plant shoot every three days, spanning the seedling to reproductive stages. We find that 15,352 genes were expressed in the A. thaliana shoot in the field, and accession and flowering status (vegetative versus flowering) were strong components of transcriptional variation in this plant. We identified between ∼110 and 190 time-varying gene expression clusters in the field, many of which were significantly overrepresented by genes regulated by abiotic and biotic environmental stresses. The two main principal components of vegetative shoot gene expression (PCveg) correlate to temperature and precipitation occurrence in the field. The largest PCveg axes included thermoregulatory genes while the second major PCveg was associated with precipitation and contained drought-responsive genes. By exposing A. thaliana to natural environments in an open field, we provide a framework for further understanding the genetic networks that are deployed in natural environments, and we connect plant molecular genetics in the laboratory to plant organismal ecology in the wild.
The martingale method: Introductory sketch and access to the literature

Since 1975 there has developed a powerful and sophisticated theory of statistical inference for point processes known as the 'martingale method'. Because it is based on deep and in many cases technical results in the (French) general theory of stochastic processes, it has remained inaccessible to many who might usefully apply it. Yet the fundamental ideas (as opposed to the details, which can be formidable) are not hopelessly arcane; our purposes here are to describe the theory in a manner that reveals its underlying conceptual simplicity (although oversimplified, (6) below is the essential idea), to illustrate it with three examples, and to give some points of entry into the complex and now rather extensive literature. This is not a guide to application, much less even an incomplete development of the theory, but merely (so to speak) a silhoutte.
Progress and plans for the optical communications program at the Jet Propulsion Lab. (JPL)

Recent accomplishments and programmatic changes in direction of the NASA- funded optical communications project at JPL are discussed. The applications for the technology are first described. The systems and technologies for both the spacecraft optical communications terminals and the supporting optical reception infrastructure are covered. Plans for a comprehensive set of systems-level demonstrations are presented. These include early aircraft and ground demonstrations, a proposed mission enhancement experiment in space, and a planned solicitation for the first (mission definition) phase for a flight hardware development and demonstration of the technology in space contract.
Performance of parallel two-pass MDL context tree algorithm

Computing problems that handle large amounts of data necessitate the use of lossless data compression for efficient storage and transmission. We present numerical results that showcase the advantages of a novel lossless universal data compression algorithm that uses parallel computational units to increase the throughput with minimal degradation in the compression quality. Our approach is to divide the data into blocks, estimate the minimum description length (MDL) context tree source underlying the entire input, and compress each block in parallel based on the MDL source. Numerical results from a prototype implementation suggest that our algorithm offers a better trade-off between compression and throughput than competing universal data compression algorithms.
The effect of operative timing on functional outcome after isolated spinal trauma.

Background:To evaluate the effect of operative timing on functional outcome in patients suffering spinal trauma, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank. By treating time to operation as a categorical variable and limiting our analysis to isolated spinal trauma, we hyp
Combination radiation-adriamycin therapy: Renoprival growth, functional and structural effects in the immature mouse☆☆☆

The normal tissue effects of radiation-adriamycin combination therapy were studied in the renoprival weanling mouse in an attempt to determine whether compensatory renal growth inhibition from radiation and chemotherapy could be associated with structural or functional abnormalities. Weanling BLcFl mice underwent unilateral nephrectomy, then single fraction renal irradiation, LD 1/21 doses of adriamycin in 5 daily doses, or combination therapy with radiation and adriamycin. Control animals received 5 daily injections of saline following unilateral nephrectomy. Animals were sacrificed at 3, 12, and 24 weeks. Compensatory renal growth, body growth, serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and renal morphology by light microscopy were evaluated. Significant compensatory renal growth inhibition from radiation-adriamycin therapy exceeded that produced by adriamycin alone and radiation alone, at all time periods (p < 0.005). Body growth inhibition from radiation-adriamycin therapy or adriamycin alone significantly exceeded that produced by radiation alone (p < 0.005). Kidney and body growth inhibition from radiation-adriamycin therapy was proportionately severe. Kidney growth inhibition proportionately exceeded body growth inhibition with radiation alone; body growth inhibition proportionately exceeded kidney growth inhibition with adriamycin alone. Comparable azotemia developed by 24 weeks in both the radiation alone (p < .005) and radiation-adriamycin animals (p < 0.005), but not in the adriamycin only animals. Morphologic alterations consisting of increased glomerular density, tubular atrophy, and stromal fibrosis occurred with greater severity in the radiation-adriamycin animals than in the radiation only animals by 24 weeks; no alterations were seen in the adriamycin only animals. Using histologic criteria 750 rad plus adriamycin produced comparable injury as seen with 1000 rad alone, thus, adriamycin produced an apparent dose-modifying factor of 1.33. Compensatory renal and body growth inhibition from radiation-adriamycin combination therapy exceeded that produced by radiation alone or adriamycin alone, and was associated with azotemia and histologic changes compatible with radiation nephropathy.
Variable range hopping conductivity in hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin film transistors

Abstract Electron conduction in the accumulation layer of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin film transistors shows a transition from activated band conduction to variable-range hopping, for temperatures below approximately 240°K. The observed T − 1 3 temperature dependence suggests that the hopping takes place in a two-dimensional (2-D) layer close to the a-Si:H/gate dielectric interface. This is consistent with the calculated conducting channel thickness of 8.5 A to 60 A, for the range of gate voltages used. The present results are also consistent with previously reported 2-D variable range hopping conductivity in thin amorphous semiconductors.
The Lbc Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor/α-Catulin Axis Functions in Serotonin-induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Mitogenesis and RhoA/ROCK Activation

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is mitogenic for several cell types including pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC), and is associated with the abnormal vascular smooth muscle remodeling that occurs in pulmonary arterial hypertension. RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) function is required for 5-HT-induced PASMC mitogenesis, and 5-HT activates RhoA; however, the signaling steps are poorly defined. Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (Rho GEFs) transduce extracellular signals to Rho, and we found that 5-HT treatment of PASMC led to increased membrane-associated Lbc Rho GEF, suggesting modulation by 5-HT. Lbc knockdown by siRNA attenuated 5-HT-induced thymidine uptake in PASMC, indicating a role in PASMC mitogenesis. 5-HT triggered Rho-dependent serum response factor-mediated reporter activation in PASMC, and this was reduced by Lbc depletion. Lbc knockdown reduced 5-HT-induced RhoA/ROCK activation, but not p42/44 ERK MAP kinase activation, suggesting that Lbc is an intermediary between 5-HT and RhoA/ROCK, but not ERK. 5-HT stimulation of PASMC led to increased association between Lbc, RhoA, and the α-catulin scaffold. Furthermore, α-catulin knockdown attenuated 5-HT-induced PASMC thymidine uptake. 5-HT-induced PASMC mitogenesis was reduced by dominant-negative Gq protein, suggesting cooperation with Lbc/α-catulin. These results for the first time define a Rho GEF involved in vascular smooth muscle cell growth and serotonin signaling, and suggest that Lbc Rho GEF family members play distinct roles. Thus, the Lbc/α-catulin axis participates in 5-HT-induced PASMC mitogenesis and RhoA/ROCK signaling, and may be an interventional target in diseases involving vascular smooth muscle remodeling.
Preparing for Library Leadership

The task of finding and developing potential leaders from within the library profession requires an understanding of what a leader is, as well as the challen es that librarianship will face as it enters the twenty-first century. ~ f i s article explores five fundamen- tal leadership competencies: vision, communication, trust, risk-tak- ing and em owerment and examines how individuals learn from personal an ! organizational experiences. It sug ests ways of incor- porating programs and activities into the workp k ace that support the development of leadership skills. If everyone within the library community assumes responsibility for recognizing untapped talent and providing developmental opportunities for it to mature, it will ensure that the library field has a pool of competent, confident, com- mitted leaders for the future.
'Gauge-Invariant' Variables in General Relativity

Einstein's field equations for the gravitational field possess solutions having a large variety of topological properties; among them there are solutions whose curvature goes asymptotically to zero at spatial infinity. If we restrict ourselves to solutions that are asymptotically Minkowskian, then it is tempting to try to divide the effects of curvilinear coordinate transformations into those that correspond to a Lorentz transformation and those that represent "gauge-type" effects. In fact a number of authors have followed a variety of approaches toward a reformulation of general relativity that would make the theory resemble, to some extent, a conventional Lorentz-covariant field theory. In this paper we analyze the group-theoretical aspects of such schemes. Making a definite assumption concerning the group of curvilinear transformations that will preserve the asymptotic Minkowski character of the metric field, we come to the conclusion that the reduction to a Lorentz-covariant theory is in fact impossible. The course of the analysis suggests, however, that this negative result depends on the initial group of transformations adopted; it is conceivable that a slightly different invariance group would be compatible with a special-relativistic formulation of the theory.
Reconciling Debt: Microcredit and the Politics of Indigeneity in Argentina's Altiplano

Microcredit is a particularly popular economic development tool that seeks to empower poor people through easy access to credit. It has been deployed as a development tool globally, often with much-lauded results. In this article, I examine a case study based on lending practices of Warmi Sayasunqo, a self-consciously indigenous microcredit Nongovernment organization (NGO) based in the Andean altiplano of Argentina. This article focuses on the ways in which efforts to reconcile debts come to configure both the microcredit practices of Warmi as well as struggles over indigenous rights and recognition in Argentina. While Warmi leadership envisioned their obligation to borrowers in terms of identity recuperation and community strengthening, the Argentine state was concomitantly elaborating similar modalities of obligation to its indigenous people. I suggest that these two projects are in dialogue and, perhaps, mutually constitutive. I examine the ways in which microcredit and indigeneity are linked in the administrative practices of Warmi. Then I analyze Argentina's 1994 constitutional reform, and struggles by the constitutional commissioners and policymakers around Argentina's debts to its indigenous peoples. In these two separate modalities of reconciliation, debates about whether obligation is terminal or ongoing also speak very concretely to whether social relationships are themselves also terminal or ongoing. I suggest that reconciliation through lending keeps borrower and creditor on intimate terms, which serves as a valuable counterpoint to transaction-based audit processes that seek to fully characterize (and terminate) an economic or social relationship.
The Effect of Dietary Fat on Salivary Habituation and Satiation

Abstract Myers, M. D. and L. H. Epstein. The effect of dietary fat on salivary habituation and satiation. Physiol Behav 62(1) 155–161, 1997.—This study was designed to explore the effect of dietary fat and carbohydrate on oral habituation. Forty women (18–21 years old) were randomized to 1 of 4 yogurt conditions that varied levels of dietary fat and carbohydrate. Subjects consumed 0.4 g of yogurt per pound per trial until they indicated fullness in up to 15 trials, with salivation, number of trials to fullness, and ratings of hedonics, appetite, and fullness measured. Subjects in the high-fat conditions demonstrated a significantly faster rate of salivary habituation than subjects in the low-fat conditions, and consumed less volume of yogurt but consumed more calories. The rate of habituation was not influenced by carbohydrate content of the yogurt. These findings suggest that oral habituation in humans is sensitive to macronutrient content of food.
Dynamic displacement measurement of bridges using vision-based system

Measuring the displacement of flexible bridges directly is difficult particularly on monumental suspension bridges. Since these bridges cross over sea channels or large rivers, installation of conventional devices for displacement measurement is technically not easy and costly, if not impossible. In this study, real-time displacement measurement of bridges was carried out by means of digital image processing techniques. This is innovative, highly cost-effective and easy to implement, and yet maintains the advantages of dynamic measurement and high resolution. First, the measurement point is marked on the bridge with a target panel of known geometry. A commercially available digital video camcorder is installed on a fixed point some distance from the bridge (e.g. on the coast) or on a pier (abutment) of the bridge which can be regarded as a fixed point. The camcorder with a telescopic device installed takes a motion picture of the target marked. Meanwhile, the displacement of the target is calculated using an image processing technique, which requires a target recognition algorithm, projection of the captured image, and calculation of the actual displacement using target geometry and the number of pixels moved. To measure the displacement at multiple locations on the bridge, an effective synchronized vision-based system was developed using master/slave system and wireless data communication. For the purpose of verification, the measured displacement by synchronized vision-based system was compared with the data measured by a contact-type sensor, a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) from laboratory tests. The displacement measured by the proposed method showed a good agreement with the data from the conventional sensors. A field test on a pedestrian suspension bridge was also carried out to check the feasibility of the proposed system.