cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unit commitment by genetic algorithm with penalty methods and a comparison of Lagrangian search and genetic algorithm—economic dispatch example

A genetic algorithm is a random search procedure which is based on the survival of the fittest theory. This paper presents the genetic algorithm applied to the unit commitment scheduling problem and to the economic dispatch of generating units. The first half of the paper applies the genetic algorithm to the unit commitment scheduling problem, which is the problem of determining the optimal set of generating units within a power system, to be used during the next one to seven days. The first half of the paper presents an explanation of the genetic-based unit commitment algorithm, the implementation of this algorithm and a discussion of the problems encountered when using this algorithm with penalty methods for unit commitment scheduling. The second half of the paper applies a genetic algorithm to solve the economic dispatch problem. Using the economic dispatch problem as a basic for comparison, several approaches to implementing a refined genetic algorithm are explored. The results are verified for a sample problem using a classical Lagrangian search technique.
Photoinduced cationic ring‐opening frontal polymerizations of oxetanes and oxiranes

The photoinitiated cationic ring-opening polymerizations of certain epoxides and 3,3-disubstituted oxetanes display the characteristics of frontal polymerizations. When irradiated with UV light, these monomers display a marked induction period, during which little conversion of the monomer to the polymer takes place. The local application of heat to an irradiated monomer sample results in polymerization that occurs as a front propagating rapidly throughout the entire reaction mass. For the characterization of these frontal polymerizations, the use of a new monitoring technique, employing optical pyrometry, has been instituted. This method provides a simple, rapid means of following these fast polymerizations and quantitatively determining their frontal velocities. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 1630–1646, 2004
Topoisomerase deficiencies subtly enhance global genomic repair of ultraviolet-induced DNA damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract Genetic integrity depends upon the precision of all pathways that manipulate DNA. DNA repair mechanisms prevent mutations and aberrant recombination events by removing DNA damage. DNA topoisomerases maintain favorable nucleic acid topology for replication, transcription, and chromosome segregation. However, topoisomerases can also become trapped on DNA at sites of damage, and thereby, might alter the efficiency of DNA repair. The activities of the three nuclear DNA topoisomerases (Top1, Top2, and Top3) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were examined for their influence upon the nucleotide excision repair (NER) of DNA damage induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. A 10–20% increase in the global genomic repair (GGR) of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) was observed with impaired Top1 or Top2 function. The GGR of 6-4 photoproducts (6-4PPs) and the strand-specific removal of CPDs from the yeast RPB2 gene were unaffected by the loss of topoisomerase activity. Even though the deletion of TOP3 conferred UV sensitivity, neither the GGR nor the strand-specific repair of UV-induced DNA damage was compromised in top3Δ yeast. Top1 and Top2 in DNA complexes near CPDs may inhibit GGR recognition of these lesions and produce protein-linked DNA breaks, resulting in CPD repair by an alternate pathway. While the physiological role of topoisomerase association with DNA damage has yet to be determined, these enzymes do not play a direct role in the NER pathways for removing UV-induced lesions in yeast.
Magnetic resonance microscopy for monitoring osteogenesis in tissue-engineered construct in vitro

Magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) is used to monitor osteogenesis in tissue-engineered constructs. Measurements of the developing tissue's MR relaxation times (T1 and T2), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and elastic shear modulus were conducted over a 4-week growth period using an 11.74 T Bruker spectrometer with an imaging probe adapted for MR elastography (MRE). Both the relaxation times and the ADC show a statistically significant decrease after only one week of tissue development while the tissue stiffness increases progressively during the first two weeks of in vitro growth. The measured MR parameters are correlated with histologically monitored osteogenic tissue development. This study shows that MRM can provide quantitative data with which to characterize the growth and development of tissue-engineered bone.
Organohalogen constituents of the acorn worm Ptychodera bahamensis

Abstract 1. 1. Twenty organohalogen compounds, primarily phenols, were detected in the volatile extracts of the acorn worm Ptychodera bahamensis . 2. 2. Five chlorinated compounds, previously undescribed from acorn worms, were identified. 3. 3. Enteropneusts can be significant contributors of halogenated organics to the marine environment.
COUP-TFII Regulates Human Endometrial Stromal Genes Involved in Inflammation

Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII; NR2F2) is an orphan nuclear receptor involved in cell-fate specification, organogenesis, angiogenesis, and metabolism. Ablation of COUP-TFII in the mouse uterus causes infertility due to defects in embryo attachment and impaired uterine stromal cell decidualization. Although the function of COUP-TFII in uterine decidualization has been described in mice, its role in the human uterus remains unknown. We observed that, as in mice, COUP-TFII is robustly expressed in the endometrial stroma of healthy women, and its expression is reduced in the ectopic lesions of women with endometriosis. To interrogate the role of COUP-TFII in human endometrial function, we used a small interfering RNA-mediated loss of function approach in primary human endometrial stromal cells. Attenuation of COUP-TFII expression did not completely block decidualization; rather it had a selective effect on gene expression. To better elucidate the role of COUP-TFII in endometrial stroma cell biology, the COUP-TFII transcriptome was defined by pairing microarray comparison with chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing. Gene ontology analysis demonstrates that COUP-TFII regulates a subset of genes in endometrial stroma cell decidualization such as those involved in cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Importantly this analysis shows that COUP-TFII plays a role in controlling the expression of inflammatory cytokines. The determination that COUP-TFII plays a role in inflammation may add insight into the role of COUP-TFII in embryo implantation and in endometrial diseases such as endometriosis.
Scapholunate ligament reconstruction using an acellular dermal matrix: a mechanical study.

Purpose Numerous surgical techniques have been described for the treatment of chronic scapholunate ligament instability. We hypothesized that scapholunate ligament reconstruction using an acellular dermal matrix was biomechanically comparable to previously described surgical reconstructions. Methods The scaphoid and lunate with the entire scapholunate ligament were harvested from 15 cadaveric specimens. The scapholunate ligament was transected and reconstructed using an acellular dermal matrix (Arthroflex; LifeNet Health, Virginia Beach, VA) and 4 micro suture anchors in 10 specimens. Five specimens were kept with the native scapholunate ligament intact. Five other specimens were reconstructed using a 1.0-mm-thick dermal matrix, and a second cohort of 5 specimens was reconstructed using a 1.5-mm-thick matrix. Tensile testing of all specimens was performed using a servohydraulic material testing system and data acquisition software. The tensile test apparatus applied a distractive load of 10 mm/min (0.17 mm/s) until the specimens reached ultimate failure. Failure force, failure displacement, stiffness, and energy to failure were calculated. Results All 5 specimens in the intact group failed at the scapholunate ligament midsubstance. The mean ultimate failure force was 172 N, with mean stiffness of 74 N/mm. In the reconstruction group with 1.0-mm dermal matrices, the mode of failure was at the suture–matrix interface in all specimens, whereas the 1.5-mm dermal matrix reconstruction cohort all failed at the bone–suture anchor interface. In the 1.0-mm reconstruction group, the mean ultimate failure force was 77 N, with mean stiffness of 24 N/mm. In the 1.5-mm dermal matrix reconstruction cohort, the mean ultimate failure force was 111 N, with mean stiffness of 30 N/mm. Conclusions Scapholunate ligament reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix and suture anchors demonstrated similar biomechanical properties to previously described reconstruction techniques. Clinical relevance Scapholunate ligament reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix warrants clinical investigation as a potential treatment alternative for chronic scapholunate instability.
Flashy Silver Nanoparticles

Temporal fluctuations in the Raman spectrum from molecules adsorbed to noble metal colloids (i.e., “blinking”) has been viewed as a single molecule signature. It is demonstrated here that silver colloids exhibit blinking that is independent of the nature of the adsorbate. Blinking was observed on silver colloids in the presence and absence of a SERS probe (e.g., R6G, BPE), sodium chloride, poly-l-lysine, an alkanethiol layer, and a liquid overlayer (e.g., water, methanol). These observations suggest that the mechanism that gives rise to blinking is insensitive to the nature of the adsorbate and is likely to be a property of the nanoparticle. Consistent with this idea, blinking was observed from vapor-deposited silver films and silver powders with no added molecular probe. In addition, two distinct broad luminescence-like (continuum) features also exhibited blinking and spectral diffusion, with no apparent adsorbate dependence. Evidence that SERS and the underlying continuum are associated is provided by a...
Simulation of unsteady flow at renal branches

Abstract The unsteady viscous laminar flow through a rigid two-dimensional orthogonal branch, an idealization of blood flow at the junction the renal arteries make with the abdominal aorta, has been simulated by nonlinear finite-difference calculations. The steady flow was calculated also, so the effects of pulsatility can be assessed. Results are also compared with simulated flows in a symmetric bifurcating branch at the same dynamic parameters, mean Reynolds number and Stokes number.
Staging of supratentorial hemispheric glioma using tumour extension, histopathological grade and extent of surgical resection

A 'TGS' classification for supratentorial brain glioma is proposed, based on three parameters: tumour extension (T), histopathological grade (G) and extent of surgical resection (S). Two groups of patients were analysed: the first (n = 137) had tumour submitted to stereotactic biopsy; the second (n = 60) had malignant glioma operated on by craniotomy and tumor resection. All three staging parameters significantly influenced survival. Histopathological grade was the most significant factor, and the only independent variable on multivariate analysis, followed by extent of tumour and then extent of surgical resection. The data support the applicability of the proposed parameters for a staging classification of hemispheric brain glioma.
A defect of in vitro monocyte leukotaxis induced by cutaneous allograft rejection

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated defective monocyte leukotaxis in human sarcoidosis and tuberculosis, diseases associated with chronic cellular immune activation. In the present study, we sought to determine if acute cellular immune activation might also alter this monocyte function, using a primate model of skin allograft rejection. A profound, short-lived depression of monocyte leukotactic responsiveness occurred during the time of allograft rejection. The leukotactic defect was mediated by a cell-directed inhibitor in plasma, a heat-stable protein of 230,000 daltons molecular weight. Neither monocyte leukotactic responsiveness nor plasma inhibitory activity was affected by autografting or nonspecific cutaneous inflammation. A physicochemically and functionally similar inhibitor was produced in vitro during the course of one-way primed mixed lymphocyte cultures. The cell-directed inhibitor appears to be a lymphocyte product which is clearly distinguishable from MIF and leukotactic lymphokines.
Simulation of airflow fields and microparticle deposition in realistic human lung airway models. Part I: Airflow patterns

Abstract In Part I, transient and steady laminar airflow fields were simulated with an in-house finite volume code for realistic upper airway models subject to different inlet conditions and geometric features. Axial velocities and secondary flows were compared at key time levels during the acceleration/deceleration phase of inhaled air and for steady-state inhalation. The main results can be summarized as follows. Considering two acceleration and deceleration time levels during transient inhalation as well as steady-state inhalation generating the same inlet Reynolds number, Re in - mean = 1201 , the airflow patterns are quite similar. However, stronger axial and secondary velocities occur at all upper branch locations during flow deceleration because of the dynamic lingering effect. In general, the axial velocity profiles at steady state are very close to those at the point of deceleration. Variations in upper airway geometry, e.g., in-plane vs. out-of-plane configurations, have a significant effect on the airflow fields, although the primary airflow structures are similar in both idealized and more realistic airway configurations. The type of velocity inlet condition and existence of cartilaginous rings also influence the flow field; however, their impact is less important than changes in spatial angles.
Reproductive Bodies and Bits: Exploring Dilemmas of Egg Donation Under Neoliberalism

The use of third-party eggs has steadily increased throughout the past 3 decades. In turn, debates have emerged within feminist scholarship concerning whether the technology of egg “donation” is oppressive or libratory, perpetuates “motherhood mandates” or subverts biogenetic notions of motherhood, and whether it commodifies women's bodies or offers women new ways to join the labor market using their reproductive body parts. This article expands on these tensions and argues for a feminist psychological approach that focuses analytic attention on the material body to explore dilemmas of motherhood and commodification within the U.S. health care context of neoliberalism.
It's prime time for reverse transcriptase.

As early life is thought to have existed in an RNA-based universe, the RNA dependent DNA polymerase activity of RTs may have allowed RNA elements to survive the evolutionary transition to DNA based genomes. In doing so these enzymes have provided us with information about the evolution of RTs and perhaps even DNA polymerases in general. That the Mauriceville RT initiates DNA synthesis at tRNA-like structures similar to that used by RNA plant viruses suggests that this enzyme evolved from a primitive RNA replicase. Phylogenetic analysis supports this possibility in that the Mauriceville RT is most closely related to the RTs isolated from bacteria (retron RT) and the organelles that evolved from endosymbiotic bacteria (group II intron RT). Based on amino acid sequence, the RTs of LINE-like transposons also belong to this early group and the LTR- retroelements with proteases and integrases evolved later. This relationship implies that the LTR-elements retained the ability to use tRNA primer from the primitive group of RTs while a progenitor of the LINE-like family lost the tRNA mechanism early in RT evolution. Although other possibilities for the early evolution of RTs have been proposed, the outcome of phylogenetic studies can vary since they depend on which RTs are used to root the analysis (Eickbush 1994xEickbush, T.H. : 121–157See all ReferencesEickbush 1994).The high level of specificity in each of the priming mechanisms very likely reflects the importance of regulating the position and the timing of reverse transcription. Ultimately, the choice of specific primer results in fixing the origin of replication for elements that must undergo a series of complex maneuvers to create a full-length, double-stranded copy of their DNA. Although the Mauriceville plasmid requires no primer in vitro, it does possess a tRNA-like structure that is absolutely required to position the start of DNA synthesis. Though selecting a single primer has clear advantages for regulation and specificity, the availability of the primer must be guaranteed. The protein priming mechanism of Hepatitis B RT, the target-priming of the LINE-like elements, the 2'OH priming of the bacterial retrons, the tRNA mechanism of LTR-retroelements, and the self-priming method of Tf1 all use primer that are either encoded by the retroelement or are essential features of the host.Little is known about the regulation of reverse transcripton. However, because minus-strand priming represents the first committed step in the synthesis of the full-length cDNA, it is likely to be strictly controlled. The initiation of reverse transcription may be sensitive to stimuli such as cell-cycle or the nutritional state of the host. Mechanisms that regulate reverse transcription once identified could serve as models for the control of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells.
A corotational finite element formulation for the analysis of planar beams

An efficient and accurate locking-free corotational beam finite element for the analysis of large displacements and small-strain problems is developed in this paper. Three different finite element models based on three different beam theories, namely, the Euler–Bernoulli, Timoshenko, and simplified Reddy theories are presented. In order to develop a single corotational finite element that incorporates the kinematics of all three theories, the unified linear finite element model of beams developed by Reddy (Comm. Numer. Meth. Eng. 1997; 13:495–510) is included in the formulation. An incremental iterative technique based on the Newton–Raphson method is employed for the solution of the non-linear equilibrium equations. Numerical examples that demonstrate the efficiency and large rotation capability of the corotational formulation are presented. The element is validated by comparisons with exact and/or approximate solutions available in the literature. Very good agreement is found in all cases. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of glucose ingestion in plasma markers of inflammation and oxidative stress: analysis of 16 plasma markers from oral glucose tolerance test samples of normal and diabetic patients.

Abstract Sixteen plasma markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were measured during OGTT in 54 subjects. Leptin, RBP4, CRP, OPN, ANG, MDC, and MCSF concentrations significantly decreased during OGTT ( P P
Validation of computational prediction of horizontal gene transfer events--XenoCluster

In this paper, we assess the biological accuracy and relevance of XenoCluster results compared to a reported set of known xenologs in yeast (Hall et al. Eukaryot. Cell 4(6):1102---1115, 2005). We were able to assign a high-priority rank to all reported yeast xenologs for which we had sufficient genomic sequence data. Additionally, we now report on a fine-grained extension to our previous implementation (Walters et al. 8th International Parallel Computing Technologies Conference (PaCT), LNCS, vol. 3606, pp. 355---366, Springer, Berlin, 2005), in which we achieved 80% efficiency on 8 CPU cores. In the coarse-grained component, high degrees parallelism (up to 65x speedup on 4,096 processors) was reported. While an obvious candidate for coarse-grained implementation, this paper now describes a multiple granularity parallelism solution that includes exploitation of multicore shared memory nodes to address fine-grained aspects in the tree-clustering phase of our previous deployment of XenoCluster (Walters et al. 8th International Parallel Computing Technologies Conference (PaCT), LNCS, vol. 3606, pp. 355---366, Springer, Berlin, 2005).
Load Sharing in Soft Real-Time Distributed Computer Systems

in soft real-time distributed computer stems, a job submitted at a node in the network must complete execution within a specified time constraint, otherwise it is considered lost. When a single node occasionally experiences an overload of jobs, it may still be possible to execute some of the otherwise lost jobs by invoking a load sharingnode algorithm to distribute the local overload to other system nodes. We examine several relatively simple approaches to load sharing and show that these simple real-time load sharing algorithms may often perform as well as their more complex counterparts. Approximate analytic performance models are developed and validated through simulation. The performance results suggest that, over a relatively wide range of system parameters, the performance of these simple approaches is substantially better than the case of no load sharing and often close to that of a theoretically optimum algorithm.
Marine natural products as therapeutic agents

The marine environment has been shown to provide a source of great diversity of chemical structures with promising biological activities. A growing number of these compounds are entering clinical trials and thus, the impact of this field on the biomedical industry is increasing. The majority of recent patents discussing marine natural products have focused on the discovery of antitumour agents with the antiviral and anti-inflammatory areas receiving significantly less attention. The phylum Porifera is the source of the greatest number of metabolites described in recent patents. The review is organised phylogenetically and will provide a description of the patent literature in the field of marine natural products focussing on the period 1996 to April 1999.
Role of neurotrophic factors in Alzheimer's disease

Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) could potentially play a role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) in many ways. Neuronal degeneration may result from disruption in NTF production, delivery, or interaction with the neuronal target. Even if alterations in NTF function are not responsible for neuronal degeneration, NTFs may still be therapeutically useful in ameliorating some morphological or cognitive deficits observed in AD.
Parallel coil resonators for time-domain radiofrequency electron paramagnetic resonance imaging of biological objects.

Resonators suitable for time-domain electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging at a radiofrequency capable of accommodating experimental animals such as mice are described. Design considerations included B(1) field homogeneity, optimal Q, spectral bandwidth, resonator ring-down, and sensitivity. Typically, a resonator with 25-mm diameter and 25-mm length was constructed by coupling 11 single loops in parallel with a separation of 2.5 mm. To minimize the resonator ring-down time and provide the necessary spectral bandwidth for in vivo imaging experiments, the Q was reduced predominantly by overcoupling. Capacitative coupling was utilized to minimize microphonic effects. The B(1) field in the resonator was mapped both radially and axially and found to be uniform and adequate for imaging studies. Imaging studies with phantom objects containing a narrow-line spin probe as well as in vivo objects administered with the spin probe show the suitability of these resonators for valid reproduction of the spin probe distribution in three dimensions. The fabrication of such resonators is simple and can be scaled up with relative ease to accommodate larger objects as well.
N2-Methylguanosine is iso-energetic with guanosine in RNA duplexes and GNRA tetraloops

Modified nucleotides are resource-intensive alternatives to the four nucleotides that constitute the bulk of natural RNAs. Yet, even in cases where modifications are highly conserved, their functions are difficult to identify. One possible function might be to modulate the stability of RNA structures. To investigate this possibility for N 2-methylguanosine (m2G), which is present in a wide variety of RNAs, we have determined the thermodynamic consequences of substituting m2G for G in G-C Watson-Crick pairs and G@U wobble pairs within RNA duplexes. The m2G substitution is iso-energetic with G in all cases, except for aninternal m2G@U pair, where it has a modest (0.3 kcal/mol) stabilizing effect. We have also examined theconsequences of replacing G by m2G, and A by N 6, N 6-dimethyladenosine (m26A) in the helix 45 tetraloop of 16S rRNA, which would otherwise be a standard GNRA tetraloop. This loop is a conserved, hypermethylated region of the ribosome where methylation appears to modulate activity. m26A substitution destabilizes the tetraloop, presumably because it prevents the formation of the G@A sheared pair it would otherwise contain. m2G substitution has no effect on tetraloop stability. Together, these results suggest that m2G is equally stable as either the s-cis or s-trans rotamer. The lack of a significant effect on secondary structural stability in these systems suggests that m2G is introduced into naturally occurring RNAs for reasons other than modulation of duplex stability.
Development of MEMS microchannel heat sinks for micro/nano spacecraft thermal control

MEMS-based microchannel heat sinks are being investigated at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for use in micro/nano spacecraft thermal control.
Theory of nanoscale pattern formation produced by oblique-incidence ion bombardment of binary compounds

The Bradley-Shipman theory explains the genesis of the highly ordered hexagonal arrays of nanodots that can result from normal-incidence ion bombardment of a binary material [R. M. Bradley and P. D. Shipman, Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 145501 (2010)]. To facilitate experimental testing of the theory, we generalize it to oblique-incidence bombardment with two diametrically opposed beams. Using analytical methods valid in the weakly nonlinear regime and computer simulations, we demonstrate that an unusual ``dots-on-ripples'' topography can emerge for nonzero angles of ion incidence $\ensuremath{\theta}$. In such a pattern, nanodots arranged in a hexagonal array sit atop a ripple topography. We find that if dots-on-ripples are supplanted by surface ripples as $\ensuremath{\theta}$ or the ion energy are varied, the transition is continuous rather than hysteretic.
A -1 frameshift in the HIV-1 env gene is enhanced by arginine deficiency via a hungry codon mechanism.

Ribosomal frameshifting is used by various organisms to maximize protein coding potential of genomic sequences. It is commonly exploited by RNA viruses to overcome the constraint of their limited genome size. Frameshifting requires specific RNA structural features, such as a suitable heptanucleotide “slippery” sequence and an RNA pseudoknot. Previous genomic analysis of HIV-1 indicated the potential for several hidden genes encoded through frameshifting; one of these, overlapping the envelope gene, has an RNA pseudoknot just downstream from a slippery sequence, AAAAAGA that features an adenine quadruplet prior to a potential hungry arginine codon (AGA). This env-frameshift (env-fs) gene has been shown to encode a truncated glutathione peroxidase homologue, with both antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities in transfected cells. Using a dual reporter cell-based frameshift assay, we demonstrate that the env-fs frameshift sequence is active in vitro. Furthermore, in arginine deficient media, env-fs frameshifting increased over 100% (p < 0.005), consistent with the hypothesized hungry codon mechanism. As a response to arginine deficiency, increased expression of the antioxidant viral GPx gene (env-fs) by upregulation of frameshifting could be protective to HIV-infected cells, as a countermeasure to the increased oxidative stress induced by arginine deficiency (because NO is a known scavenger of hydroxyl radical).
Oral preloads of liquid diet and hormonal satiety mechanisms.

Abstract A hormonal short-term satiety mechanism involving cholecystokinin (CCK) has recently been proposed. We attempted to manipulate endogenous CCK levels in rats by administering oral preloads at varying time intervals before a test meal. Support for the CCK hypothesis was equivocal. In addition, there was little support for other hypothesized satiety mechanisms, such as regulation of volume or calories, or glucose-related mechanisms. The results are discussed in terms of the necessity of considering the total “ecological” situation (diet composition, diet palatability, diet availability, and training) when studying food intake and body weight.
A Speech Act Theory of Metadiscourse

Metadiscourse commonly is defined as “discourse about discoursing.” In its brief history, the term has appeared in several studies of text structure; however, theorists disagree concerning the functions and forms of metadiscursive structures and the role of metadiscourse in a larger theory of text linguistics. This study provides representative examples of the problems that diminish the utility of the metadiscourse theories that currently are available. It then proposes an alternative theory that locates metadiscourse within the larger context of speech act theory. The study defines metadiscourse as indicators of expositive illocutionary acts, and it then provides a taxonomy of metadiscursive functions and forms.
Diversification of rocky-shore biotas through geologic time

Abstract Changes in biodiversity of rocky-shore ecosystems from the early Precambrian (3,500 Ma) to the last interglacial epoch (125 Ka) are summarized on the basis of the fossil record associated with geological unconformities that reflect coastal paleotopography. This analysis is derived from data reported in 130 published papers culled and updated from previous bibliographic reviews. Minimum total diversity of fossil and extant species treated herein is 655 species. The highest biodiversity from any single locality is a mollusk-dominated biota of 62 species from San Nicolas Island on the Pacific coast of North America dating from the last interglacial epoch. Diversification was affected by mass extinctions, as rocky-shore ecosystems expanded and contracted through a combination of species attributed to Archaic, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and/or Modern biotas. Stromatolites dominated Precambrian rocky shores, but continued as the principal Archaic biota through to the Miocene. The Paleozoic rocky-shore biota is characterized by encrusting inarticulate brachiopods, tabulate corals, and polyplacophorans, as well as ichnofossils representative of boring sipunculid worms (ichnogenus Trypanites)) and acrothoracican barnacles (ichnogenus Zapfella)). Boring bivalves (ichnogenus Gastrochaenolites)), encrusting bivalves (including oysters and rudists), scleractinian corals, and coralline red algae, as well as terebratulid brachiopods, are typical of an enhanced Mesozoic rocky-shore biota. The much expanded biodiversity of the Modern rocky-shore biota is demonstrated by clinging but mobile gastropods, fixed bivalves that adopted byssate and wedging habits, and by balanomorph barnacles. Adaptive innovations played critical roles in the long-term colonization of rocky-shore substrates, but the primary force behind the expansion of rocky-shore ecosystems through geologic time was selective biotic displacement from offshore low-energy to onshore high-energy settings. Rocky coastlines subjected to strong and persistent wave shock are effective “safe places” where species living in the intertidal zone often find refuge from predators and other competitors. This thesis is tested by checking the offshore origins of successful rocky-shore groups including barnacles, bivalves, corals, and coralline red algae. Concepts of keystone species and ecological locking in ancient rocky-shore ecosystems are explored. Latitudinal gradients and other geographic relationships among Pleistocene rocky-shore groups are commensurate with the Recent record, but only vaguely apparent for groups dating from earlier periods such as the Cretaceous. Time intervals for which even the most rudimentary data on rocky-shore biotas are most sparse include the Paleocene, Triassic, and the Devonian.
High-Bandwidth Optical Detectors for Fusion Experiments

Summary form only given. Traditional nuclear diagnostics for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments have relied on detectors which convert interactions with radiation to high-bandwidth electrical signals. As the power of the lasers and the nuclear yields from ICF experiments has increased, electrical background signals have become a serious problem that prevents the recording of high-quality data. A recent series of experiments at the University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics OMEGA facility studied the feasibility of using radiation-to-light converters and high bandwidth optical signal transmission as an alternate nuclear diagnostic method. The radiation to light converters (scintillators, pure glasses and plastics, and pressurized CO2) performed well and produced predictable signal amplitudes. Fiber optic transmission lines proved to have a number of fundamental problems, with radiation sensitivity being the most serious. Simple optical light pipes have performed very well and make it possible to design high-bandwidth diagnostic systems. The light pipes are hollow stainless steel tubes with polished interior surfaces which can provide efficient signal transmission with modal dispersion of the order of 10 picoseconds. Experimental results will be discussed, and the preliminary design of a diagnostic system will be described.
Design issues in magnetorheological fluid actuators

There are a number of designs that have been proposed for MR and ER fluid actuators. While studies have shown that the fluids themselves behave similarly (in terms of constitutive behavior), the design issues are clearly different. ER fluids require electric fields to control their behavior, while MR fluids require magnetic fields. The goal in each case is to maximize the field to achieve the highest possible change in fluid properties in the working volume. Design challenges are faced in trying to maximize this field in an actuator. This paper will focus on design issues for MR fluid actuators. The focus will be on how to get the most out of the field that is produced. One critical issue is how to produce high force with a low magnetic field. Magnetic field alignment and actuator geometry are investigated as design issues. Experimental data shall be presented for two distinct actuator designs.
Distribution-free graphical and statistical analysis of serial dependence in neuronal spike trains

Two-dimensional 'joint' interval distributions of sequential interspike (ISIs) are a commonly used tool in neuronal spike train analysis. We present and evaluate here a modification of the joint interval plot using ranked ISIs. This modification provides clearer graphical evaluation of serial dependence in ISI sequences, a distribution-free basis for isolating changes in serial dependence across experimental treatments from changes in ISI distributions, and a basis for unambiguous statistical tests of serial dependence and stationarity. To validate this method and illustrate the advantages of its use we have applied it to both single-neuron spike trains recorded from cultured mammalian spinal cord neurons and artificial spike trains generated by stochastic models with defined burst envelopes and serial dependencies.
An Investigation into the Role of Image Repair Theory in Strategic Conflict Management

This study investigated the effectiveness of image repair strategies and contingency theory perspectives in crisis management. A content analysis of news releases and reports on sexual assaults at the Air Force Academy in 2002 found crisis communication is a dialectic process serving to change the perspectives of the institution and the media over the crisis period. A proactive approach was most effective in generating positive media coverage. Bolstering was the most effective image repair strategy and apologizing was ineffective. The study suggests a complexity approach to crises might better prepare communicative entities to deal with a crisis.
Toward a psychology of human survival: psychological approaches to contemporary global threats.

Nuclear weapons, population explosion, resource and food-supply depletion, and environmental deterioration have been posing increasing threats to human survival. Moreover, for the first time in history, all these major global threats are human caused and can, therefore, be traced in large part to psychological origins. After a brief overview of the nature and extent of current threats, this paper suggests criteria for an adequate psychology of human survival. The causes and effects of the threats are examined from various psychological perspectives and the psychological principles underlying effective responses are deduced. The ways in which mental health professionals may contribute to this most crucial task are discussed. 76 references.
On Becoming a Pragmatic Researcher: The Importance of Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methodologies

The last 100 years have witnessed a fervent debate in the USA about quantitative and qualitative research paradigms. Unfortunately, this has led to a great divide between quantitative and qualitative researchers, who often view themselves as in competition with each other. Clearly, this polarization has promoted purists, namely, researchers who restrict themselves exclusively either to quantitative or to qualitative research methods. Mono‐method research is the biggest threat to the advancement of the social sciences. Indeed, as long as we stay polarized in research, how can we expect stakeholders who rely on our research findings to take our work seriously? Thus, the purpose of this paper is to explore how the debate between quantitative and qualitative is divisive and, hence, counterproductive for advancing the social and behavioural science field. This paper advocates that all graduate students learn to utilize and to appreciate both quantitative and qualitative research. In so doing, students will dev...
New trichothecene mycotoxins of Fusarium sporotrichioides (MC-72083)

Abstract Isolation and characterization of three new trichothecene mycotoxins from Fusarium sporotrichioides MC-72083 are reported. Structure and n.m.r. assignments were made using COSY, NOESY and INAPT as well as other spectroscopic techniques.
Auxin 2012: a rich mea ho’oulu

In December 2012, scientists from around the world gathered in Waikoloa, Hawaii for ‘Auxin 2012’, a meeting organized by Paula McSteen (University of Missouri, USA), Ben Scheres (Utrecht University, The Netherlands) and Yunde Zhao (University of California, San Diego, USA). At the meeting, participants discussed the latest advances in auxin biosynthesis, transport and signaling research, in addition to providing context for how these pathways intersect with other aspects of plant physiology and development. Fittingly, the meeting began with a traditional Hawaiian ceremony that recognized the centrality of the harvest of plant life (’mea ho’oulu’ in Hawaiian) for continued human survival.
A fine-structure study on spermiogenesis in the tick Amblyomma dissimill, with special reference to the development of motile processes.

Tick spermiogenesis has been studied with the aid of the electron microscope to observe the development of motile processes. During the second maturation division a series of thimble-shaped, subsurface cisternae appear in dividing spermatocytes. Each cisterna encloses a finger-shaped cytoplasmic process. The cisternae are initially equally distributed around the entire surface of the cell but become aggregated at one side as spermiogenesis progresses. During this period the cisternae fuse, resulting in a single cisterna within which multiple cellular processes are now located. The spermatid next elongates into a long, tubule-shaped cell and the intracisternal cellular processes become aggregated at one end of the tube. At this time electron-dense regions appear within each cellular process which eventually give rise to two hollow filaments 60–90 A in diameter and spaced 100–125 A apart. These resulting processes are the motile structures of tick spermatozoids. These findings are compared with the early light microscope investigations on tick spermiogenesis and with other types of motile process fine structure.
Photophysical properties of pyrene in zeolites. Observation of pyrene anion radicals in zeolites X and Y

Abstract Formation of pyrene anion radicals in the supercages of zeolites X and Y on photoexcitation is observed by using direct time-resolved diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and the pyrene anion radical is found to co-exist with the pyrene cation radical.
Periodic Properties and Inquiry: Student Mental Models Observed during a Periodic Table Puzzle Activity.

The mental models of both novice and advanced chemistry students were observed while the students performed a periodic table activity. The mental model framework seems to be an effective way of analyzing student behavior during learning activities. The analysis suggests that students do not recognize periodic trends through the examination of elemental data. Even simple relationships (e.g., the sequence of atomic mass values) proved important to novice understanding of the trends in the periodic table. The use of common heuristics for decision making, and well-known common errors associated with those heuristics independent of the students’ chemistry background, were also observed.
Calculation of 29 Si NMR shifts of silicate complexes with carbohydrates, amino acids, and MuHicarboxylic acids: Potential role in biological silica utilization

Abstract The existence of ether or ester-like complexes of silicate with organic compounds has long been debated in the literature on biological utilization of silicon. Comparison of theoretically calculated 29Si NMR chemical shifts for such complexes with experimentally measured values in biological systems could provide a diagnostic tool for identifying which, if any of these molecules exist under physiological conditions. Results are presented here for ab initio molecular orbital calculations of 29Si NMR shifts and formation energies of silicate complexes with polyalcohols, sugar-acids, pyranose sugars, amino acids and multicarboxylic acids. The effects of functional group and molecular structure including ligand size, denticity, ring size, silicon polymerization and coordination number on calculated 29Si shifts were considered. The potential role of such compounds in biological silica utilization pathways is discussed. 29Si NMR shifts and energies were calculated at the HF/6-311+G(2d,p)//HF/6-31G* level. The main result is that only five-membered rings containing penta- and hexa-coordinated Si can explain experimentally observed resonances at ∼ −101 and −141 ppm. Further, the heptet observed in 1H-29Si coupled spectra can only be explained by structures where Si bonds to oxygens atoms in H-C-O-Si linkages with six symmetrically equivalent H atoms. While compounds containing quadra-coordinated silicon may exist in intracellular silicon storage pools within diatoms, calculated reaction energies suggest that the organism has no thermodynamic advantage in taking up extracellular organ-silicate compounds, instead of silicic acid, from the ambient aqueous environment. Hyper-coordinated complexes are deemed unlikely for transport and storage, though they may exist as transient reactive intermediates or activated complexes during enzymatically- catalyzed silica polymerization, as known previously from sol-gel silica synthesis studies.
Wind‐gradient observations

In our report of the work of the Soil Conservation Service evaporation-project, at the meeting in 1942, we called attention to the need for reliable observations of wind-velocity at various levels within a few feet of the Earth's surface, taken throughout the day, and at various seasons of the year to determine the character of the wind-structure during different conditions of atmospheric stability, and over different kinds of surfaces. We also pointed out the non-existence of such observations and mentioned the difficulty of obtaining them [see 3 of “References” at end of paper]
Hydrothermal Synthesis, Structural Chemistry, and Magnetic Properties of Materials of the MII/Triazolate/Anion Family, Where MII = Mn, Fe, and Ni

Hydrothermal chemistry has been exploited in the preparation of a series of manganese(II), iron(II), and nickel(II) triazolate frameworks, [Mn7(trz)8(CH3CO2)4(OH)2]·2.5H2O (1·2.5H2O), [Mn5(Htrz)2(SO4)4(OH)2] (2), [Fe5(Htrz)2(SO4)4(OH)2] (3), [Fe3(Htrz)3(HSO4)(SO4)2(OH)]·H2O (4·H2O), [Ni3(trz)3(OH)3(H2O)4]·5H2O (5·5H2O), and [Ni3(trz)5(OH)]·2.5H2O (6·2.5H2O). The materials all exhibit three-dimensional structures, reflecting the tendency of triazole/triazolate ligands to bridge multiple metal sites. A prominent characteristic of the structures is the presence of embedded metal clusters as building blocks: heptanuclear MnII units in 1, pentanuclear MII sites in 2 and 3, and trinuclear MII clusters in 4 and 5. The presence of the pentanuclear and trinuclear clusters of magnetic metal cations in 2−5 is reflected in the unusual magnetic characteristics of these materials, all of which exhibit spin frustration. The compound 5·5H2O reversibly desorbs/sorbs solvent. However, the dehydrated phase does not adsorb ...
Control of Unsteady Separation Using Nonlinear Dynamics

where τ is the skin friction, ρ is the density, ν is the kinematic viscosity, and u(x,y) is the horizontal component of the velocity field. In geometric terms, (p,0) is the location where a singular streamline separates from the boundary. By contrast, fluid particles in unsteady flow separate from the boundary at points of nonzero skin friction. As an example, Fig. 1 shows the breakaway of fluid particles from the boundary at a point different from the instantaneous zero skin friction point, which is at 1.6 x = − . In general, as Sears and Tellionis observe, zero skin friction “does not denote separation in any meaningful sense in unsteady flow.” Instead, they propose, the Moore–Rott–Sears (MRS) principle should apply, by which separation takes place at offboundary points where the horizontal shear is zero, and the fluid velocity is equal to the velocity of the separation point. This postulate, however, assumes the a priori knowledge of the separation point, and hence appears inapplicable in practice. 5,6 Van Dommelen and co-workers notice that despite the lack of a well-defined separation location in the unsteady Eulerian frame, fluid particles do break away in a thin spike from the boundary in
Effects of sodium meta bisulfite on diffusion fermentation of fodder beets for fuel ethanol production.

The authors designed and tested a new process for converting fodder beets to ethanol: continuous diffusion-fermentation. This process utilizes the simultaneous diffusion-fermentation concept of the EX-FERM design; however, it overcomes the material handling problems inherent in that system by utilizing a counterflow tubular auger system. This process also eliminates the need for roller mills or presses and dryers which are required for alcohol recovery from solid phase fermentation. The latter is the only other currently feasible procedure for producing distillably worthwhile amounts of ethanol from fodder beets, sweet sorghum, and other similar feedstocks. Results on the use of sodium meta bisulfite (SMB) for contamination control with fermenting fodder beet cubes are reported.