cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Origin and composition of Samoan acid precipitation

Samoan precipitation events are both plentiful and well distributed throughout the year. The chemistry of this rain, determined from weekly samples from 1980 to 1983, shows that the annual fluctuations of free acidity are almost negligible. The 3-year pH is 5.3, with no significant yearly trend. Classification using trajectory analyses of storm events that originated from westerly sources and occurred mainly during the March-April austral fall period, have revealed consistently poorer equivalent ion balance, e.g., anion deficits of 10 μeq L -1 larger than observed from other sources. The austral spring period (October-November) is characterized by very steady, strong, easterly trade winds and the Ocean is probably the primary source of aerosol. Decreases of acidity are also observed in samples measured first in the field and then in the laboratory, suggesting the existence of another contributor of free protons in Samoan precipitation in addition to the long-range transport of sulfate aerosols. Air masses arriving from westerly sources and associated with precipitation events had almost 25% of their points of origin in the New Guinea area. It is speculated that during these flows, organic acids may be transported to Samoa. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.1988.tb00218.x
The imminent EDA transformation

Summary form only given. The electronic age has provided enormous opportunities to advance our understanding of the world around us. It has allowed us to work remotely but collaboratively, generate and move terabytes of data at levels never anticipated even two decades ago, bring science to those who never could have imagined having the opportunity to contribute solutions, and it has allowed us to explore the details and intricate workings of nearly every part of our physical world. But our ability to process all this information is outpacing our infrastructure and is requiring us to develop new analytical methods and techniques that can fully exploit these datasets. The geoscience community is dealing with these same issues and society is now demanding detailed historical, current and future information about our Earth system. This talk will discuss these challenges and opportunities.
Probe-Excited Oblique Ion-Acoustic Waves in a Multidipole Plasma Device

The nature of the waves excited by positively biased probes in the “outskirt” region of a multi-dipole plasma device is experimentally investigated. Measuring variations of the phase and amplitude of the waves along the lines parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic field we concluded that the waves excited by the positively biased probe are the oblique ion-acoustic waves i.e. the electrostatic ion-cyclotron waves in the low field limit propagating at large angle to the magnetic field lines. The conclusion is fortified by additional experiments performed on grid-excited ion-acoustic waves,
QUANTUM ENGINEERING FOR THREAT REDUCTION AND HOMELAND SECURITY

We review the results of our current research on quantum engineering which include the theory, modeling and simulations of quantum devices for potential applications to threat reduction and homeland security. In particular, we discuss: (i) scalable solid-state quantum computation with qubits based on (a) nuclear spins of impurity atoms in solids, (b) superconducting junctions, and (c) unpaired electron spins of spin radicals in self-assembled organic materials; (ii) quantum neural devices; (iii) quantum annealing; (iv) novel magnetic memory devices based on magnetic tunneling junctions with large tunneling magnetoresistance; (v) terahertz detectors based on microcantilever as a light pressure sensor; (vi) BEC based interferometers; (vii) quantum microscopes with a single-spin resolution based on (a) a magnetic resonant force microscopy and (b) an optically detected magnetic resonance; and (viii) novel approach for suppression of fluctuations in free space high-speed optical communication. Finally, we describe the similarities between the behavior of cross sections in reactions with heavy nuclei in the regions of strongly overlapped resonances and electron conductivity in semiconductor heterostructures.
RUBIC: a multiprocessor for rule-based systems

It is shown how sequential production systems can be transformed into equivalent parallel forms by performing an analysis of rule interdependence. In the parallel production system model, rules fire simultaneously and the search space is reduced from the original form. A multiprocessor called RUBIC (rule-based inference computer) was designed to implement the parallel processing model. RUBIC has a message-passing architecture. The partitioning and mapping of production systems into the multiprocessor is achieved by optimizing a performance index such that inherent parallelism is maximized and interprocessor communication is minimized. >
Matched filter decoding of random binary and Gaussian codes in broadband Gaussian channel

In this paper we consider the additive white Gaussian noise channel with an average input power constraint in the power-limited regime. A well-known result in information theory states that the capacity of this channel can be achieved by random Gaussian coding with analog quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). In practical applications, however, discrete binary channel codes with digital modulation are most often employed. We analyze the matched filter decoding error probability in random binary and Gaussian coding setups in the wide bandwidth regime, and show that the performance in the two cases is surprisingly similar without explicit adaptation of the codeword construction to the modulation. The result also holds for the multiple access and the broadcast Gaussian channels, when signal-to-noise ratio is low. Moreover, the two modulations can be even mixed together in a single codeword resulting in a hybrid modulation with asymptotically close decoding behavior. In this sense the matched filter decoder demonstrates the performance that is largely insensitive to the choice of binary versus Gaussian modulation.
Regulation and action of the bacterial enhancer-binding protein AAA+ domains.

Bacterial EBPs (enhancer-binding proteins) play crucial roles in regulating cellular responses to environmental changes, in part by providing efficient control over σ 54 -dependent gene transcription. The AAA+ (ATPase associated with various cellular activites) domain of the EBPs, when assembled into a ring, uses energy from ATP binding, hydrolysis and product release to remodel the σ 54 –RNAP (RNA polymerase) holoenzyme so that it can transition from closed to open form at promoter DNA. The assembly, and hence activity, of these ATPases are regulated by many different signal transduction mechanisms. Recent advances in solution scattering techniques, when combined with high-resolution structures and biochemical data, have enabled us to obtain mechanistic insights into the regulation and action of a subset of these σ 54 activators: those whose assembly into ring form is controlled by two-component signal transduction. We review (i) experimental considerations of applying the SAXS (small-angle X-ray scattering)/WAXS (wide-angle X-ray scattering) technique, (ii) distinct regulation mechanisms of the AAA+ domains of three EBPs by similar two-component signal transduction receiver domains, and (iii) major conformational changes and correlated σ 54 -binding activity of an isolated EBP AAA+ domain in the ATP hydrolysis cycle.
A Comparison of the Hoop-Net Catch on Several Waters in the Tennessee Valley before and after Impoundment

Abstract Identical hoop nets were set in two pre-impoundment areas and in one reservoir in the Tennessee Valley to note differences in the relative abundance of fish before and after impoundment. In one pre-impoundment area (Holston River) 107 net lifts yielded 321 fish (300 fish per 100 lifts); in the other pre-impoundment area (Tennessee River) 583 fish were taken in 148 net lifts (394 fish per 100 lifts). The four major habitats in Wheeler Reservoir yielded 17,087, 877, 1,590, and 947 fish, respectively, per 100 lifts. It seems that fish are much more abundant in the reservoir than in the several pre-impoundment areas.
Shc proteins influence the activities of enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis

Abstract Objectives ShcKO mice have low body fat and resist weight gain on a high fat diet, indicating that Shc proteins may influence enzymes involved in β-oxidation. To investigate this idea, the activities of β-oxidation and ketone body metabolism enzymes were measured. Methods The activities of β-oxidation enzymes (acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase and ketoacyl-CoA thiolase) in liver and hindlimb skeletal muscle, ketolytic enzymes (acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase, β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and 3-oxoacid-CoA transferase) in skeletal muscle, and ketogenic enzymes (acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase and β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase) in liver were measured from wild-type and ShcKO mice. Results The activities of β-oxidation enzymes were increased ( P P P Conclusion These studies indicate that the low Shc levels in ShcKO mice result in increased liver and muscle β-oxidation enzyme activities in response to fasting and induce chronic increases in the activity of liver ketogenic enzymes. Decreases in the level of Shc proteins should be considered as possible contributors to the increase in activity of fatty acid oxidation enzymes in response to physiological conditions which increase reliance on fatty acids as a source of energy.
Comparison of reactive hyperemia and treadmill tests in the evaluation of peripheral vascular disease.

Summary The systolic ankle pressure response to thigh cuff occlusion (reactive hyperemia test) was compared with a similar measurement after treadmill exercise in 48 limbs of 24 normal volunteers. The reactive hyperemia test was then performed on 26 legs in 16 patients with clinical evidence of arterial disease of the leg and abnormal treadmill tests (mean decrease 39 ± 24 percent). No decrease in pressure occurred in normal subjects after exercise. All control subjects demonstrated a decrease in pressure after thigh cuff occlusion (34 ± 7.9 percent). The percent pressure decrease during reactive hyperemia in the abnormal group was significantly lower (49.7 ± 19 percent; p
The effect of partial outlet obstruction on prostaglandin generation in the rabbit urinary bladder.

Partial outlet obstruction of the urinary bladder has been demonstrated to induce specific dysfunctions in cellular and sub-cellular membrane structures within the bladder’s smooth muscle and mucosal compartments. Recent studies have linked these membrane dysfunctions to alterations in phospholipid metabolism leading to mobilization of free arachidonic acid, the precursor for synthesis of prostaglandins (PG). The purpose of this study was to determine if partial outlet obstruction of the urinary bladder induces changes in the capacity of bladder smooth muscle and mucosa to generate PG. PG were isolated from control and partially obstructed urinary bladder smooth muscle and mucosa of male New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. PG concentrations (PGE2, PGF2α, and PGI2, as its stable metabolite 6-keto-PGF1α) were determined after 30 minute incubations using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kits. In both control and obstructed rabbit urinary bladders, PG generation was significantly higher in isolated mucosa than muscle tissues. A significantly higher concentration of PGF2α, and 6-keto-PGF1α was measured in obstructed muscle tissue relative to controls. The concentration of 6-keto-PGF1α was also significantly higher than the concentrations measured for PGE2 and PGF2α in both control and obstructed smooth muscle samples. The generation of PGE2 was significantly higher in rabbit urinary bladder mucosa than either PGF2α or 6-keto-PGF1α in both control and obstructed samples. The capacity of obstructed mucosal tissue to generate 6-keto-PGF1α was significantly higher than control tissue, while no significant differences in PGE or PGF2α generation were noted. These data suggest obstruction of the urinary bladder induce specific elevations in PG in both smooth muscle and mucosal tissues.
Genetic mapping of the Gy4 and Gy5 glycinin genes in soybean and the analysis of a variant of Gy4

The predominant storage protein of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed is a globulin called glycinin. Thus far five genes encoding glycinin subunits have been described, and these are denoted by the gene symbols Gy1 to Gy5. The objectives of this study were to map two of these genes, Gy4 and Gy5, and to conduct a genetic analysis of a subunit size-variant from an allele of Gy4. For this purpose a population was formed with an interspecific cross between PI 468916 (G. soja) and A81-356022 (G. max). The two size forms of G4, the subunit from Gy4, segregated codominantly in the mapping population, and were due to a short insertion in the hypervariable region of the mutant protein. The biochemical and molecular characteristics of the two subunits indicate that they are produced from alternate alleles of the same gene. The gene symbols Gya and Gyb have been assigned to the normal and variant genes, respectively. When genomic DNA from the two parents was probed with a Gy4 cDNA, RFLPs were identified for both Gy4 and Gy5. Using these genetic markers, the Gy4 and Gy5 glycinin genes were mapped in linkage group “O” and “F” on the public soybean genomic map.
Synapsin I: A regulated synaptic vesicle organizing protein

Synapsin is a protein initially discovered and characterized as a target for cyclic AMP and Ca/calmodulin-regulated protein kinases that is concentrated in nerve endings and is localized on the surface of small synaptic vesicles. Synapsin shares antigenic sites and some local regions of homology with erythrocyte protein 4.1, although these proteins in general are quite different in sequence. Protein 4.1 and synapsin share several local regions of homology with erythrocyte spectrin alpha subunit. Protein 4.1 and synapsin may be related to each other through a common relationship with spectrin. Synapsin binds to synaptic vesicles and membrane sites with a Kd of 0.01-0.02 microM and associates with a Kd of 0.5-4 microM to spectrin, microtubules and neurofilaments in in vitro assays. Synapsin interconnects synaptic vesicles to membranes, and this activity is inhibited by phosphorylation with Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. Synapsin may have a role in neurons as a structural protein capable of interconnecting small synaptic vesicles with a number of proteins, including spectrin, microtubules, neurofilaments, and membrane sites. A physiological function of synapsin could be as a vesicle-organizing protein that mediates calcium-regulated association of vesicles with cytoskeletal proteins during axonal transport and attaches vesicles to active zones in nerve endings.
A method for total skin electron treatment for infants

Diseases such as mycosis fungoides require the treatment of a patient's total skin surface with superficial radiation. In a unique clinical situation, a 14-month-old child presented with a need for total skin treatment. A typical total skin technique requires overlapping electron beams, using 6 body positions, each with the gantry rotated for 2 angulations, or '6 positions-12 fields'. Adaptation of this technique for infants is complicated by the small diameter of some body parts, and by the necessity to treat while the patient is anesthetized. Even degraded, low energy electrons can easily penetrate fingers and toes. Therefore, dose from 6 positions becomes additive, and the total dose to small circumferences can be 3 to 4 times more than skin dose on the torso, raising concerns about uneven bone growth in the developing child. Special phantoms were designed for extensive dosimetry needed to determine both dose rate and dose summation from the overlapping beams. Computerized electron pencil beam calculations were compared to TLD measurements. Unique compensating techniques were used to deliver uniform dose. A modification of the 6 position-12 field technique will be described; and accessories used to reduce high dose regions will be illustrated.
Salinity stress in harpacticoid copepods

Three species of intertidal harpacticoid copepods,Tigriopus japonicus, Tachidius brevicornis andTisbe sp., were tested for their response to salinities ranging from 0‰ to 210‰. At 90‰Tigriopus became dormant, but could be reanimated if placed in 30‰ seawater within 18 hours.Tachidius became dormant at 60‰ but could also be revived if placed in 30‰ seawater.Tisbe died shortly after an exposure to seawater of 45‰. Death was brought about inTigriopus andTachidius by salinities of 150‰. Naupliar, copepodite, and adult stages ofTigriopus withstood the salinities equally well, while egg sacs could tolerate five times the length of exposure of these stages. The respiratory rate ofTigriopus was 3.76 (±1.32) μl 02 hr−1 for active adults and 0.03 (±0.01) nl 02 hr−1 mg dry wt−1 for adults in the dormant state. The duration of dormancy, with successful revival, appears to be limited to the time before the loss of the vital water content of the tissues due to the high osmotic pressure. The ability to enter dormancy in times of stress may have high survival value to some intertidal copepods.
Evidence for Duplication of the Haemoglobin γ Chain Locus in Macaca nemestrina

FOETAL haemoglobins are synthesized by several and perhaps all, of the Anthropoidea during intrauterine development; little is known of the primary structures of their γ chains, but they are presumed to bear close structural resemblances to human γ chains. Until recently, the synthesis of human γ chains was thought to be controlled by a single structural locus; Schroeder et al.1 showed that at least two and possibly four, γ-chain loci are active in human foetuses. So far theirs has been the only report indicating that there are two or more γ-chain loci in any mammal. We have evidence for the existence of duplicate haemoglobin γ-chain loci in Macaca nemestrina (pig-tailed macaques).
Contending mediated risk messages: A grounded theory of the physician–patient discussion of a prescription medication's changing risk

Abstract Objective This study investigated the process and message strategies physicians use to communicate the changing risk of medication to patients with chronic medical conditions. The study purposes were to identify mediated messages’ effects on the risk discussion and to develop a model of the changing risk communication process. Methods Using a grounded theory approach, this study systematically analyzed physician reports of clinic risk communication to explain how the process occurs inductively. Results Overall, physicians described an intermediate model of the patient–physician relationship, identifying two types of patients. The communicatively active patient talked to salient others about and scanned media for health information and recognized when known risks of the medication have changed. The communicatively non-active patient may have passive exposure to health information but did not recognize known risks have changed. Physicians reported a difference in medical discussions with communicatively active patients compared to communicatively non-active patients. Conclusion Theory generated here includes media exposure as a critical influence in the clinical risk discussion and the physician's response to those mediated messages as a distinguishing characteristic. Practice implications A practical application of this generated theory is how it can be used to address the potential barriers of communicating about medication risk.
TCR Signal Strength Influences αβ/γδ Lineage Fate

Summary Signals transduced by T cell antigen receptors (TCRs) have been shown to be critical for αβ and γδ T cell development, but their role in lineage determination remains poorly defined. Two models have been forwarded for αβ/γδ lineage choice: the instructive model and the stochastic model. Recent data, however, are inconsistent with either model. In this study, we devised an experimental system in which lineage fate was controlled exclusively by the γδTCR. We then analyzed the impact of TCR signal strength on αβ/γδ lineage development by altering the surface expression or signaling potential of the γδTCR complex. We found that increasing the γδTCR signal strength favored γδ lineage development, whereas weakening the γδTCR signal favored αβ lineage development. These results support a model in which the strength of the TCR signal is a critical determinant in the lineage fate decision.
Pseudophosphorylation of Cardiac Troponin I Residues 23/24 Decreases Myofilament Ca2+ Sensitivity in Transgenic Mice Containing D230N Mutation in α-Tropomyosin

The role of sarcomeric mutations in pathological cardiac-remodeling is not well understood. Furthermore, the constant modulation of myofilament contractility by post-translational modifications (PTM) of regulatory proteins, to adapt to a frequently changing circulatory demand, adds to the complexity. Therefore, we investigated how such a PTM in cardiac troponin I (cTnI) interacted with D230N (a dilated cardiomyopathy-related α-tropomyosin mutation), to alter the contractile properties of the myofilament. We reconstituted the pseudophosphorylated form of cTnI (cTnID23/D24) into detergent-skinned papillary muscle fibers from non-transgenic (NTG) and transgenic D230N mice, to mimic PKA-mediated phosphorylation in response to β-adrenergic stimulation. We carried out mechanical and dynamic studies on cTnID23/D24-D230N and control fibers at sarcomere length 2.3 μm. The pCa-tension relationship revealed that cTnID23/D24 decreased the pCa50 (-log10 [Ca2+]free required for half maximal activation) from 5.61±0.02 to 5.34±0.01 in NTG fibers and from 5.49±0.02 to 5.22±0.01 in D230N fibers. Thus, cTnID23/D24 uniformly decreased pCa50 by 0.27 pCa units in both NTG and D230N fibers. Interestingly, D230N mutation also uniformly decreased pCa50 by 0.12 pCa units, regardless of the phosphorylation status of cTnI. This indicates that cTnID23/D24 and D230N act independently to exert an additive effect of decreasing myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity. Therefore, under sub-maximal concentrations of Ca2+, the amount of force produced would be greatly impaired, resulting in systolic dysfunction.
Blood transfusions in total hip and knee arthroplasty: an analysis of outcomes.

Background. Various studies have raised concern of worse outcomes in patients receiving blood transfusions perioperatively compared to those who do not. In this study we attempted to determine the proportion of perioperative complications in the orthopedic population attributable to the use of a blood transfusion. Methods. Data from 400 hospitals in the United States were used to identify patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) from 2006 to 2010. Patient and health care demographics, as well as comorbidities and perioperative outcomes were compared. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to determine associations between transfusion, age, and comorbidities and various perioperative outcomes. Population attributable fraction (PAF) was determined to measure the proportion of outcome attributable to transfusion and other risk factors. Results. Of 530,089 patients, 18.93% received a blood transfusion during their hospitalization. Patients requiring blood transfusion were significantly older and showed a higher comorbidity burden. In addition, these patients had significantly higher rates of major complications and a longer length of hospitalization. The logistic regression models showed that transfused patients were more likely to have adverse health outcomes than nontransfused patients. However, patients who were older or had preexisting diseases carried a higher risk than use of a transfusion for these outcomes. The need for a blood transfusion explained 9.51% (95% CI 9.12–9.90) of all major complications. Conclusions. Advanced age and high comorbidity may be responsible for a higher proportion of adverse outcomes in THA and TKA patients than blood transfusions.
Pause Café: French in Review, Moving Toward Fluency by MEGHARBI, NORA, STÉPHANIE PELLET, CARL BLYTH, & SHARON FOERSTER

The article reviews the book "Pause Cafe: French in Review, Moving Toward Fluency" by Nora Megharbi, Stephanie Pellet, Carl Blyth, and Sharon Foerste.
Inflation, indexing and economic development

Abstract Recent analyses have established that there are significant costs as well as benefits to issuing indexed bonds. An assessment of the desirability of indexing hasproven to be clusive, perhaps because of the complexity involved in formulating the (presumably government) preferences by which indexing is to be evaluated and in ascertaining the optimal government policy with which to accompany indexing. This paper develops a general framework for examining indexed bonds. The envelope theorem is exploited to derive a convenient representation of the effects of indexing. The crucial elements in evaluating indexed bonds are the relative desirabilities of transferring purchasing power to the government and reducing consumer liquidity. The greater is the relative importance placed on the former, the more likely are the effects of indexed bonds to be favorably evaluated.
Nonlinear Analyte Concentration Gradients for One-Step Kinetic Analysis Employing Optical Microring Resonators

Conventional methods to probe the binding kinetics of macromolecules at biosensor surfaces employ a stepwise titration of analyte concentrations and measure the association and dissociation to the immobilized ligand at each concentration level. It has previously been shown that kinetic rates can be measured in a single step by monitoring binding as the analyte concentration increases over time in a linear gradient. We report here the application of nonlinear analyte concentration gradients for determining kinetic rates and equilibrium binding affinities in a single experiment. A versatile nonlinear gradient maker is presented, which is easily applied to microfluidic systems. Simulations validate that accurate kinetic rates can be extracted for a wide range of association and dissociation rates, gradient slopes, and curvatures, and with models for mass transport. The nonlinear analyte gradient method is demonstrated with a silicon photonic microring resonator platform to measure prostate specific antigen-antibody binding kinetics.
Isolation, partial purification and characterization of a potato peel ∞-solanine cleaving glycosidase

An enzyme which hydrolyzes the rhamnose from ∞-solanine was isolated and partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation from the peels of Kennebec and Wauseon potatoes. Enzyme activity was found to be present in the 60 to 80% ammonium sulfate fraction. Enzyme activity was increased by the use of non-ionic detergents with a mixture of Triton X-100:Triton CF-54 (2:1, w/w) providing the greatest increase in activity. The pH optimum for the rhamnosidase for both varieties was found to be 6.0 while of the temperatures evaluated 42 °C was the optimum temperature. The effect of substrate concentration on enzyme activity was determined for both varieties and the Vmax and Km were calculated from Lineweaver-Burke double reciprocal plots. The Vmax and Km for the Kennebec and Wauseon rhamnosidases were found to be 0.27 mg/ml and 5.4 x 10-4 M and 0.48 mg/ml and 8.2 x 10-4 M, respectively.
Explicit calculation of the crack tip stress intensity factor for the double slip plane model crack

Abstract A more rigorous analysis is presented for the stationary double slip plane (DSP) crack loaded in mode III with constant friction stress on the slip planes. This analysis gives the dislocation distributions on the slip and crack planes. More important, the analysis leads to an explicit calculation of the crack tip stress intensity factor Kt without resort to use of the J-integral or the Rice-Thompson expression for dislocation crack tip shielding/antishielding factor. It is shown that Kt ≈ K for the stationary crack. With the results of this paper there are now essentially three independent methods of obtaining Kt for a DSP crack.
An indoor air quality study of 40 east Tennessee homes

Over a 1-yr period, measurements of indoor air pollutants (COx, NOx, formaldehyde, volatile, organics. particulate matter, and radon) were made in 40 homes in east Tennessee. The houses were of various ages with different types of insulation and heating. Sixty percent of the houses exceeded 100 nL/L of formaldehyde on at least one occasion. Over the duration of the study, houses older than 5 yr averaged 40 nL/L of formaldehyde while houses less than 5 yr old averaged 80 nL/L. The highest concentration of formaldehyde was 400 nL/L, measured in a new home. The highest levels of formaldehyde were usually recorded during summer months. The concentration of various organics in indoor air was at least tenfold higher than in outdoor air. Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides were usually <2 μL/L and <20 nL/L, respectively, except when gas stoves or kerosene space heaters were operating, or when a car was running in the garage. In 30% of the houses, the radon concentration exceeded 4 pCi/L. The mean radon level in houses built near ridgelines was 4.4 pCi/L, while houses located in the valleys had a mean level of 1.7 pCi/L. The factor having the most impact on infiltration was operation of the central duct fan of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. For measurements made before December 1984, the mean rate of air exchange increased from 0.39 to 0.74 h−1 when the duct fan was operated.
INFLUENCE OF INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID ON THE RESPIRATION AND GROWTH OF INTACT WHEAT SEEDLINGS

INVESTIGATION OF the influence of auxins on different phvsiological processes constitutes an important, but as yet relatively unexplored, aspect of plant hormone research. Although the ultimate effect of auxins is usually measured in terms of cell or organ enlargement, little is known regarding the mechanism by which the final result is attained. Accelerated respiration might be expected to accompanv increased growth, especially if this involves cell multiplication and increase in protoplasm in addition to mere enlargement of cells. Several investigators, however, have failed to detect any accelerating influence of auxin on respiration; they noted retardation when high concentrations were employed (BoysenJensen and Nielsen, 1925; Bonner, 1936; 2 Kogl, Haagen-Smit, and van Hulsen, 1936). Calculations led Thimann and Bonner (1933) to conclude that auxins do not enter directly into the growth reactions of the Avena coleoptile but "act in some indirect manner that allows each molecule to exert its influence a number of times." The coleoptile of grass seedlings is an ephemeral structure with relatively low metabolic activity. In an attempt to discover the influence of auxins on metabolic processes of plants, it seems of interest, therefore, to investigate organs that are physiologic,ally more active. The present experiments were performed in order to study the effect of indole-3-acetic acid, or heteroauxin, on the respiration and early growth of intact wheat seedlings. The work was done in the laboratory of plant physiology of Columbia Iniversity. The friendly and helpful criticism of Prof. Sam F. Trelease is appreciatively acknowledged. MATERIALS AND METHODS.-Fresh solutions of crystalline indole-3-acetic acid (Eastman Kodak Co.) were prepared for each experiment by dissolving a suitable quantity in 1-'2 cc. of 95 per cent ethyl alcohol and then diluting with water distilled from Pyrex flasks through quartz condensers.3 The stock solution was heated to evaporate the alcohol. Similar quantities of alcohol were added to the water to be used in control tests and were evaporated in the same way.
On buoyancy induced heat and mass transfer from a concentrated source in an infinite porous medium

Abstract This paper reports an analytical study of natural convection heat and mass transfer, induced by a concentrated source, located in an infinite porous medium. The transient and steady-state flow, temperature and concentration fields are obtained in terms of series expansions in the Rayleigh number based on the permeability of the porous medium and the heat generation rate from the source. The impact of the chemical species created by the source is to either aid or retard the flow induced by thermal buoyancy. Expressions determining the effect of species generation on the resulting transient and steady-state temperature and flow fields in the porous medium are reported in the course of the study. All discussions in this paper focus on the case where the net flow is upwards. Even though heat was specified to be one of the two diffusion mechanisms, the results of the present study apply as well to the case of buoyancy induced flow from a concentrated source generating simultaneously two different chemical components.
Why not a high level assembly language

This paper questions the cost effectiveness of high order language (HOL) support for specialized signal processing hardware. It describes an extended assembly language approach that was adopted to support one such signal processor. The special, but typical, features of this processor are described, along with the language constructs provided to make those features more useable. Many HOL constructs were added and the resulting language illustrates the way HOL functions can be provided whilst still making optimum use of the hardware. The language has been in use since 1978 and experience, both good and bad, is reported.
Evaluating Democratic Progress: A Normative Theoretical Perspective

Roth argues that much of the current discourse on the diffusion of democratic norms is misleading and that only a realistic assessment of the progress of societies in transition will focus attention on the problems that remain to be solved. Only in this way will normative evaluation contribute to progress in the achievement of democratic ends.
Inductive modeling for predicting maximum turbine inlet temperatures

Engine, aircraft, and environmental data collected during the operation of eight GE TF-39 engines installed in US Air Force C-5 Galaxy cargo aircraft were used in a two part program to demonstrate, test, and evaluate the capability of polynomial neural networks (PNNs) to predict maximum turbine inlet temperatures (Max TITs). Input parameters were measured before, during, and shortly after the takeoff throttle advance. The average absolute value of the prediction error for Max TITs averaging 787 degrees F was 8.5 degrees F based on as many as 13 input variables available immediately before the takeoff throttle advance. Better accuracy was then achieved by collecting data from one input variable (TIT) for several seconds after the takeoff throttle advance before making Max TIT predictions. These results, based on models derived from the performance of eight engines on two aircraft during a total of five flights, suggest the possibility of significantly improving aviation safety and reducing engine maintenance by enabling on-board engine monitoring equipment to notify aircrews of off-normal engine performance in sufficient time to avoid operating the engines at potentially destructive TITs. However, additional data for PNN training and evaluation is needed to develop models applicable to the entire C-5 fleet. >
Quantifying biodiversity: procedures and pitfalls in the measurement and comparison of species richness

Species richness is a fundamental measurement of community and regional diversity, and it underlies many ecological models and conservation strategies. In spite of its importance, ecologists have not always appreciated the effects of abundance and sampling effort on richness measures and comparisons. We survey a series of common pitfalls in quantifying and comparing taxon richness. These pitfalls can be largely avoided by using accumulation and rarefaction curves, which may be based on either individuals or samples. These taxon sampling curves contain the basic information for valid richness comparisons, including category‐subcategory ratios (species-to-genus and species-toindividual ratios). Rarefaction methods ‐ both sample-based and individual-based ‐ allow for meaningful standardization and comparison of datasets. Standardizing data sets by area or sampling effort may produce very different results compared to standardizing by number of individuals collected, and it is not always clear which measure of diversity is more appropriate. Asymptotic richness estimators provide lower-bound estimates for taxon-rich groups such as tropical arthropods, in which observed richness rarely reaches an asymptote, despite intensive sampling. Recent examples of diversity studies of tropical trees, stream invertebrates, and herbaceous plants emphasize the importance of carefully quantifying species richness using taxon sampling curves.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Positively Regulates Fas (CD95)-Mediated Apoptosis in Epidermal Cl41 Cells

Fas (CD95)-mediated apoptosis is an essential mechanism for the maintenance of homeostasis, and disruption of this death pathway contributes to many human diseases. The cell survival protein kinase Akt/protein kinase B (PKB) is a known regulator of apoptosis, but its role in Fas-mediated cell death and its regulatory mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we show that stimulation of the Fas receptor by its ligand (FasL) induces rapid phosphorylation of Akt/PKB and a parallel increase in cell apoptosis in epidermal Cl41 cells. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt by dominant-negative overexpression of PI3K (Δp85) and Akt (Akt-T308A/S473A) protects the cells from apoptosis, indicating an unexpected proapoptotic role of PI3K/Akt in the Fas signaling process. Treatment of the cells with pharmacological inhibitors of PI3K, wortmannin and 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4 H -1-benzopyran-4-1 (LY294002), similarly inhibits FasL-induced apoptosis and Akt/PKB phosphorylation, indicating that PI3K is an upstream mediator of Akt/PKB and is involved in Fas-mediated cell death. Electron spin resonance studies show that FasL treatment induces rapid generation of reactive oxygen species, and inhibition of ROS by antioxidants effectively inhibits Akt/PKB signaling, suggesting that FasL activation of Akt/PKB is redox sensitive. In cells transfected with dominant-negative PI3K/Akt, Fas expression is down-regulated, but FLIP expression is unaffected. Reporter gene and mRNA expression assays show that FasL activates fas transcriptional activity and this effect is inhibited by PI3K/Akt suppression. Together, our results indicate that the PI3K/Akt, in addition to its normal prosurvival role, also plays an apoptotic role in Fas-mediated cell death through a mechanism that involves transcriptional activation of Fas receptor.
Another use of the mobile device: warm-up for laparoscopic surgery.

Background An important facet of laparoscopic surgery is its psychomotor component. As this aspect of surgery gains attention, lessons from other psychomotor-intense fields such as athletics have led to an investigation of the benefits of “warming up” prior to entering the operating room. Practical implementation of established methods of warm-up is hampered by a reliance on special equipment and instrumentations that are not readily available. In light of emerging evidence of translatability between video-game play and operative performance, we sought to find if laparoscopic task performance improved after warming up on a mobile device balance game. Materials and Methods Laparoscopic novices were randomized into either the intervention group ( n = 20) or the control group ( n = 20). The intervention group played a mobile device balance game for 10 min while the control group did no warm-up whatsoever. Assessment was performed using two tasks on the ProMIS laparoscopic simulation system: “object positioning” (where small beads are transferred between four cups) and “tissue manipulation” (where pieces of plastic are stretched over pegs). Metrics measured were time to task completion, path length, smoothness, hand dominance, and errors. Results The intervention group made fewer errors: object positioning task 0.20 versus 0.70, P = 0.01, tissue manipulation task 0.15 versus 0.55, P = 0.05, total errors 0.35 versus 1.25, P = 0.002. The two groups performed similarly on the other metrics. Conclusions Warm-up using a mobile device balance game decreases errors on basic tasks performed on a laparoscopic surgery simulator, suggesting a practical way to warm-up prior to cases in the operating room.
Factors contributing to nursing distance education student success

Much of the literature has focused on students in the traditional baccalaureate programs versus those who attend classes at a satellite campus and use a hybrid (combination of classroom and on-line) format. In addition, the RN-BSN nursing distance education (NDE) student population is characteristically older than the traditional student, has full or part time nursing employment, and has family responsibilities placing them at higher risk for attrition. Student attrition at a Southern California state university was higher than in the on-campus face-to-face cohorts. As attrition of NDE students continued to be an issue, the identification of risk factors for attrition and development of additional evidence-based interventions and tools was needed to promote optimal student success. Prior to the study, a few informal initiatives had been undertaken to attempt to impact attrition, but with limited success. The study validated and expanded upon reports about non-traditional NDE students at risk of attrition. As a result of the study, more focused retention initiatives have been developed to assist students to be successful and persist to graduation, such as writing tutors, library orientation, computer and technology “boot camps”, alternate study plans (full-time and part-time), offering a hybrid course format (on campus and on-line class), and peer support. Attrition of students in the RN-to-BSN cohort has been reduced and the effect of the interventions continues to be monitored.
Diagnosis of Down's Syndrome: Clinical vs. Laboratory

The art of simple physical examination is still valuable. Faced with a child suspected of having Down's syndrome, a lack of facilities for chromosome analysis, and anxious parents, the physician can often make the diagnosis with a high degree of accuracy by a thor ough physical examination, performed with the help of a check-list of frequently found signs. This paper compares the results of physi cal examination with those of chromosome analysis in 150 patients.
Urp: a luminous-tangible workbench for urban planning and design

We introduce a system for urban planning - called Urp -that integrates functions addressing a broad range of the fields concerns into a single, physically based workbench setting. The I/O Bulb infrastructure on which the application is based allows physical architectural models placed on an ordinary table surface to cast shadows accurate for arbitrary times of day; to throw reflections off glass facade surfaces; to affect a real-time and visually coincident simulation of pedestrian-level windflow; and so on.We then use comparisons among Urp and several earlier I/O Bulb applications as the basis for an understanding of luminous-tangible interactions, which result whenever an interface distributes meaning and functionality between physical objects and visual information projectively coupled to those objects. Finally, we briefly discuss two issues common to all such systems, offering them as informal thought-tools for the design and analysis of luminous-tangible interfaces.
Interference-Aware Robust Wireless Mesh Network Design

Interference has been proven to have an effect on the performance in wireless mesh networks (WMN). Using multichannels can improve the performance of WMNs by reducing interference influence. In this paper, we study how to design a robust WMN for a set of mesh nodes, each with Q Networking Interface Cards (NICs) and pre-defined connection requests. Our scheme aims to construct an interference-aware network topology for the nodes, then set up a pair of link-disjoint paths for each request with fault- tolerant capability. We propose two novel schemes to improve the network design. First, we embrace the network interference for providing resource- efficient protections. Second, protection links are shared and reused by multiple connections for protection, which further improves the efficiency of network resource usage. Our simulation results show that our scheme outperformed previous schemes.
Miniature in vivo robot for laparoendoscopic single-site surgery

The aim of this study was to develop a multidexterous robot capable of generating the required forces and speeds to perform surgical tasks intra-abdominally. Current laparoscopic surgical robots are expensive, bulky, and fundamentally constrained by a small entry incision. A new approach to minimally invasive surgery places the robot completely within the patient. Miniature in vivo robots may allow surgeons to overcome current laparoscopic constraints such as dexterity, orientation, and visualization. A collaborative research group from the Department of Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the College of Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln designed and built a surgical robot prototype capable of performing specific surgical tasks within the peritoneal cavity. The basic robotic design consists of two arms each connected to a central body. Each arm has three degrees of freedom and rotational shoulder and elbow joints. This combination allows a surgeon to grasp, manipulate, cauterize, and perform intracorporeal suturing. The robot’s workspace is a hollow hemisphere with an inner radius of 75 mm and an outer radius of 205 mm. Its versatility was demonstrated in four procedures performed in a porcine model: cholecystectomy, partial colectomy, abdominal exploration, and intracorporeal suturing. Miniature in vivo robots have the potential to address the limitations of using articulated instrumentation to perform advanced laparoscopic surgical procedures. Once inserted into the peritoneal cavity, the robot provides a stable platform for visualization with sufficient dexterity and speed to perform surgical tasks from multiple orientations and workspaces.