Digital Commons Network^™

Norleucine, A Natural Occurrence In A Novel Ergot Alkaloid Γ-Ergokryptinine, L. Cvak, A. Jegorov, P. Sedmera, I. Císařová, J. Čejka, B. Kratochvíl, S. Pakhomova

Faculty Publications

A novel natural peptide ergot alkaloid γ-ergokryptinine containing norleucine has been isolated from ergot sclerotia of the field-growing parasitic fungus Claviceps purpurea CCM 8059. Its structure was deduced from the NMR and mass spectral data. The final structural proof was provided by the crystal structure determination, which is the first X-ray structure of a natural Nle-containing secondary metabolite. The conformations of three ergopeptinines: γ-ergokryptinine, ergoladinine, and α-ergokryptinine were compared. © Springer-Verlag 2005.

Ethnicity And Human Genetic Linkage Maps, Eric Jorgenson, Hua Tang, Maya Gadde, Mike Province, Mark Leppert, Sharon Kardia, Nicholas Schork, Richard Cooper, D. C. Rao, Eric Boerwinkle, Neil Risch

Faculty Publications

Human genetic linkage maps are based on rates of recombination across the genome. These rates in humans vary by the sex of the parent from whom alleles are inherited, by chromosomal position, and by genomic features, such as GC content and repeat density. We have examined-for the first time, to our knowledge-racial/ethnic differences in genetic maps of humans. We constructed genetic maps based on 353 microsatellite markers in four racial/ethnic groups: whites, African Americans, Mexican Americans, and East Asians (Chinese and Japanese). These maps were generated using 9,291 subjects from 2,900 nuclear families who participated in the National Heart, Lung, …

Equations Of Parametric Surfaces With Base Points Via Syzygies, William A. Adkins, J. William Hoffman, Hao Hao Wang

Faculty Publications

Let S be a tensor product parametrized surface in P ; that is, S is given as the image of φ : P × P → P . This paper will show that the use of syzygies in the form of a combination of moving planes and moving quadrics provides a valid method for finding the implicit equation of S when certain base points are present. This work extends the algorithm provided by Cox [Cox, D.A., 2001. Equations of parametric curves and surfaces via syzygies. In: Symbolic Computation: Solving Equations in Algebra, Geometry, and Engineering. Contemporary Mathematics vol. 286, pp. …

The Epoch Of The Constellations On The Farnese Atlas And Their Origin In Hipparchus's Lost Catalogue, E. Bradley Schaefer

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Composite Cosine Transforms, E. Ournycheva, B. Rubin

Faculty Publications

The cosine transforms of functions on the unit sphere play an important role in convex geometry, Banach space theory, stochastic geometry and other areas. Their higher-rank generalization to Grassmann manifolds represents an interesting mathematical object useful for applications. More general integral transforms are introduced that reveal distinctive features of higher-rank objects in full generality. These new transforms are called the composite cosine transforms, by taking into account that their kernels agree with the composite power function of the cone of positive definite symmetric matrices. It is shown that injectivity of the composite cosine transforms can be studied using standard tools …

Gauss-Manin Connections For Arrangements, Ii Nonresonant Weights, Daniel C. Cohen, Peter Orlik

Faculty Publications

We study the Gauss-Manin connection for the moduli space of an arrangement of complex hyperplanes in the cohomology of a nonresonant complex rank one local system. Aomoto and Kita determined this Gauss-Manin connection for arrangements in general position. We use their results and an algorithm constructed in this paper to determine this Gauss-Manin connection for all arrangements.

Laser Induced Fluorescence Photobleaching Anemometer For Microfluidic Devices, Guiren Wang

Faculty Publications

We have developed a novel, non-intrusive fluid velocity measurement method based on photobleaching of a fluorescent dye for microfluidic devices. The residence time of thefluorescent dye in a laser beam depends on the flow velocity and approximately corresponds to the decaying time of the photobleaching of the dye in the laser beam. The residence time is inversely proportional to the flow velocity. The fluorescence intensity increases with the flow velocity due to the decrease of the residence time. A calibration curve between fluorescence intensity and known flow velocity should be obtained first. The calibration relationship is then used to calculate …

Religious Freedom Deserves More Than Neutrality: The Constitutional Argument For Nonpreferential Favoritism Of Religion, Patrick Garry

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Elicited Priors For Bayesian Model Specifications In Political Science Research, Jeff Gill, Lee D. Walker

Faculty Publications

We explain how to use elicited priors in Bayesian political science research. These are a form of prior information produced by previous knowledge from structured interviews with subjective area experts who have little or no concern for the statistical aspects of the project. The purpose is to introduce qualitative and area-specific information into an empirical model in a systematic and organized manner in order to produce parsimonious yet realistic implications. Currently, there is no work in political science that articulates elicited priors in a Bayesian specification. We demonstrate the value of the approach by applying elicited priors to a problem …

Analyzing How Rhetoric Is Epistemic: A Reply To Fuller, William D. Harpine

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

From Imperial China To Cyberspace: Contracting Without The State, David D. Friedman

Faculty Publications

In 1895, as part of the treaty of Shimonoseki, China ceded the island of Taiwan to Japan. The Japanese government wished to maintain the existing legal system; in order to do so it had to discover what that legal system was.

One feature of that legal system was the combination of elaborate contractual practice with an almost total absence of contract law. Imperial China had no equivalent of our civil lawsuits. A merchant who had sold goods on credit and not been paid could, if he wished, report his debtor to the district magistrate for the crime of swindling him-but …

Data Management And Visualization Of X-Ray Diffraction Spectra From Thin Film Ternary Composition Spreads, I. Takeuchi, C. J. Long, O. O. Famodu, M. Murakami, Jason R. Hattrick-Simpers, G. W. Rubloff, M. Stukowski, K. Rajan

Faculty Publications

We discuss techniques for managing and visualizing x-ray diffraction spectrum data for thin film composition spreads which map large fractions of ternary compositional phase diagrams. An in-house x-ray microdiffractometer is used to obtain spectra from over 500 different compositions on an individual spread. The MATLAB software is used to quickly organize the data and create various plots from which one can quickly grasp different information regarding structural and phase changes across the composition spreads. Such exercises are valuable in rapidly assessing the “overall” picture of the structural evolution across phase diagrams before focusing in on specific composition regions for detailed …

Interphase Exchange Coupling In Fe/Sm-Co Bilayers With Gradient Fe Thickness, Ming-Hui Yu, Jason R. Hattrick-Simpers, Ichiro Takeuchi, Jing Li, Z. L. Wang, J. P. Liu, S. E. Lofland, Somdev Tyagi, J. W. Freeland, D. Giubertoni, M. Bersani, M. Anderle

Faculty Publications

We have fabricated Fe∕Sm–Co bilayers with gradient Fe thicknesses in order to systematically study the dependence of exchange coupling on the thickness of the Fe layer. The Fe layer was deposited at two different temperatures (150 and 300°C) to study the effect of deposition temperature on the exchange coupling. Magneto-optical Kerr effect and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) have been employed as nondestructive rapid characterization tools to map the magnetic properties of the gradient samples. Systematic enhancement in exchange coupling between the soft layer and the hard layer is observed as the soft layer thickness is decreased. Separate exchange couplings …

Automated Operation Minimization Of Tensor Contraction Expressions In Electronic Structure Calculations, Albert Hartono, Alexander Sibiryakov, Marcel Nooijen, Gerald Baumgartner, David E. Bernholdt, So Hirata, Chi Chung Lam, Russell M. Pitzer, J. Ramanujam, P. Sadayappan

Faculty Publications

Complex tensor contraction expressions arise in accurate electronic structure models in quantum chemistry, such as the Coupled Cluster method. Transformations using algebraic properties of commutativity and associativity can be used to significantly decrease the number of arithmetic operations required for evaluation of these expressions, but the optimization problem is NP-hard. Operation minimization is an important optimization step for the Tensor Contraction Engine, a tool being developed for the automatic transformation of high-level tensor contraction expressions into efficient programs. In this paper, we develop an effective heuristic approach to the operation minimization problem, and demonstrate its effectiveness on tensor contraction expressions …

Monsoon-Driven Biogeochemical Processes In The Arabian Sea, Jerry D. Wiggert, Raleigh Hood, Karl Banse, John Kindle

Faculty Publications

Although it is nominally a tropical locale, the semiannual wind reversals associated with the Monsoon system of the Arabian Sea result annually in two distinct periods of elevated biological activity. While in both cases monsoonal forcing drives surface layer nutrient enrichment that supports increased rates of primary productivity, fundamentally different entrainment mechanisms are operating in summer (Southwest) and winter (Northeast) Monsoons. Moreover, the intervening intermonsoon periods, during which the region relaxes toward oligotrophic conditions more typical of tropical environments, provide a stark contrast to the dynamic biogeochemical activity of the monsoons. The resulting spatial and temporal variability is great and …

Novel Cyanine-Amp Conjugates For Efficient 5' Rna Fluorescent Labeling By One-Step Transcription And Replacement Of [γ-32P] Atp In Rna Structural Investigation, Na Li, Changjun Yu, Faqing Huang

Faculty Publications

Two novel fluorescent cyanine-AMP conjugates, F550/570 and F650/670, have been synthesized to serve as transcription initiators under the T7 φ2.5 promoter. Efficient fluorophore labeling of 5′ RNA is achieved in a single transcription step by including F550/570 and F650/670 in the transcription solution. The current work makes fluorescently labeled RNA readily available for broad applications in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology and biomedicine. In particular, site-specifically fluorophore-labeled large RNAs prepared by the current method may be used to investigate RNA structure, folding and mechanism by various fluorescence techniques. In addition, F550/570 and F650/670 may replace [γ-³²P]ATP to prepare …

Habitat Patch Occupancy Dynamics Of Glaucous-Winged Gulls (Larus Glaucescens) Ii: A Continuous-Time Model, Smruti P. Damania, Karl W. Phillips, Shandelle M. Henson, James L. Hayward

Faculty Publications

The diurnal distribution and abundance dynamics of loafing Glaucous-winged Gulls (Larus glaucescens) were examined at Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Washington. Asynchronous movement of gulls among three habitat patches dedicated to loafing was modeled as a function of environmental variables using differential equations. Multiple time scale analysis led to the derivation of algebraic models for habitat patch occupancy dynamics. The models were parameterized with hourly census data collected from each habitat patch, and the resulting model predictions were compared with observed census data. A four-compartment model explained 41% of the variability in the data. Models …

Genetic Variation In Ustilago Bullata: Molecular Genetic Markers And Virulence On Bromus Tectorum Host Lines, Mikel Stevens, Daniel J. Fairbanks, Susan E. Meyer, David L. Nelson, Suzette Clement, Jennifer Waters

Faculty Publications

The pathogen Ustilago bullata often causes epidemic levels of head smut disease in Intermountain populations of the inbreeding annual grass Bromus tectorum. We examined patterns of genetic variation for virulence and for amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers in four U. bullata populations on B. tectorum in northern Utah and southern Nevada. Patterns of disease incidence generally supported a genefor-gene model for virulence and resistance in this pathosystem. Most host lines were susceptible to most or all paired isolates included in cross-inoculation tests, but we found evidence for the existence of four avirulence genes. Host lines with alleles conferring resistance …

Prioritization Methods For Accelerating Mdp Solvers, Kevin Seppi, David Wingate

Faculty Publications

The performance of value and policy iteration can be dramatically improved by eliminating redundant or useless backups, and by backing up states in the right order. We study several methods designed to accelerate these iterative solvers, including prioritization, partitioning, and variable reordering. We generate a family of algorithms by combining several of the methods discussed, and present extensive empirical evidence demonstrating that performance can improve by several orders of magnitude for many problems, while preserving accuracy and convergence guarantees.

Life On A Tricycle A Case Study Of Language Impairment From 4 To 19, Lee Robinson, Bonnie Brinton, Martin Fujiki

Faculty Publications

This article presents a longitudinal case study of a child named Cody identified with specific language impairment. Cody was followed from 4 to 19 years of age, at which time he compared his social skills with those of peers: “It’s like they’re driving sports car and I’m on a tricycle.” His initial long- and short-term intervention goals are presented, along with the treatment methods employed and the resulting outcomes. Although long-term goals remained consistent, as the nature of Cody’s academic, social, and emotional challenges shifted, it was necessary to gear treatment to address his changing needs. Cody’s case illustrates the …

The Unique Benefits Of Treating Personal Goodwill As Property In Corporate Acquisitions, Darian M. Ibrahim

Faculty Publications

Corporate acquisition talks may not get far if buyer and seller disagree over transaction structure, which can have significant after-tax effects. But the parties may have overlooked an item that, due to its potential tax treatment, could be the key to facilitating the acquisition. That item is the selling shareholder's "personal goodwill."

Personal goodwill exists when the shareholder's reputation, expertise, or contacts gives the corporation its intrinsic value. It is most likely to be found in closely held businesses, especially those that are technical, specialized, orprofessional in nature or have few customers and suppliers. If personal goodwill is treated as …

The Effects Of Satellite-Derived Vegetation Cover Variability On Simulated Land–Atmosphere Interactions In The Nams, Toshi Matsui, Venkataraman Lakshmi, Eric Small

Faculty Publications

Substantial evolution of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NVDI)-derived vegetation cover (Fg)exists in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The intraseasonal and wet-/dry-year fluctuations of Fgare linked to observed precipitation in the North American monsoon system (NAMS). The manner in whichthe spatial and temporal variability of Fg influences the land–atmosphere energy and moisture fluxes, andassociated likelihood of moist convection in the NAMS regions, is examined. For this, the regional climatemodel (RCM) is employed, with three different Fg boundary conditions to examine the influence ofintraseasonal and wet-/dry-year vegetation variability. Results show that a strong link exists between evaporativefraction (EF), surface temperature, and …

New Standards For Reducing Gravity Data: The North American Gravity Database, William J. Hinze, Carlos Aiken, John Brozena, Bernard Coakley, David Dater, Guy Flanagan, Rene Forsberg, Thomas Hildenbrand, G. Randy Keller, James N. Kellogg, Robert Kucks, Xiong Li, Andre Mainville, Robert Morin, Mark Pilkington, Donald Plouff, Dhananjay Ravat, Daniel Roman, Jamie Urrutia-Fucugauchi, Marc Veronneau, Michael Webring, Daniel Winester

Faculty Publications

The North American gravity database as well as databases from Canada, Mexico, and the United States are being revised to improve their coverage, versatility, and accuracy. An important part of this effort is revising procedures for calculating gravity anomalies, taking into account our enhanced computational power, improved terrain databases and datums, and increased interest in more accurately defining long-wavelength anomaly components. Users of the databases may note minor differences between previous and revised database values as a result of these procedures. Generally, the differences do not impact the interpretation of local anomalies but do improve regional anomaly studies. The most …

Flexible Multiobjective Control Of Power Converter In Active Hybrid Fuel Cell/Battery Power Sources, Zhenhua Jiang, Lijun Gao, Roger A. Dougal

Faculty Publications

Hybrid power sources composed of fuel cells and secondary batteries can combine the high energy density of fuel cells with the high power density of batteries. A dc/dc power converter can be placed between the fuel cell and the battery to balance the power flow and greatly augment the peak output power. This paper presents a novel, flexible strategy for multiobjective control of the power converter in the hybrid power source. The control strategy is able to regulate the output current of the fuel cell and the charging current or voltage of the battery while limiting the discharging current of …

Transient Analysis Of A Porous Electrode, Sheba Devan, Venkat R. Subramanian, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

An analytical expression is presented for the voltage response including the transient voltage for a simple (i.e., no concentration gradients) porous electrode model subject to a sinusoidal input current density. The transient voltage response as a function of the frequency, exchange current density, and double layer capacitance is studied independent of the periodic (steady state) voltage response. The change in the voltage response in the transient region is compared to that of the periodic voltage response with respect to the parameters. The physical properties of the porous electrode can be estimated using the voltage response in the transient …

Cubic Spline Regression For The Open-Circuit Potential Curves Of A Lithium-Ion Battery, Qingzhi Guo, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A cubic spline regression model was used to fit the experimental open-circuit potential (OCP) curves of two intercalation electrodes of a lithium-ion battery. All the details of an OCP curve were accurately predicted by the resulting model. The number of regression intervals used to fit an OCP curve was determined in a way such that in each regression interval the OCP exhibits a profile predictable by a third-order polynomial. The locations of the data points used to separate regression intervals were optimized. Compared to a polynomial model with the same number of fitting parameters, the cubic spline regression model is …

A Mathematical Model For A Lithium-Ion Battery/Electrochemical Capacitor Hybrid System, Godfrey Sikha, Ralph E. White, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

A one-dimensional model for predicting the performance of a battery/electrochemical capacitor-hybrid system has been developed. Simulation results are presented for a LiCoO₂|LiPF₆ ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate|carbon battery system and a Maxwell PC 10F carbon double-layer electrochemical capacitor. The current shared between the battery and the electrochemical capacitor at very short times depends on the ohmic resistances of the battery and the capacitor. As the discharge proceeds, the operating conditions such as frequency, duty ratio, and peak pulse discharge current control the current shared among parallel circuits. These parameters also determine the extent of the run time increase of …

Thorium-Based Thin Films As Highly Reflective Mirrors In The Euv, David D. Allred, William R. Evans, Jed E. Johnson, Richard L. Sandberg, R. Steven Turley

Faculty Publications

As applications for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation have been identified, the demand for better optics has also increased. Thorium and thorium oxide thin films (19 to 61 nm thick) were RF-sputtered and characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), spectroscopic ellipsometry, low-angle x-ray diffraction (LAXRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) in order to assess their capability as EUV reflectors. Their reflectance and absorption at different energies were also measured and analyzed at the Advanced Light Source in Berkeley. The reflectance of oxidized thorium is reported between 2 and 32 nm at 5, 10, and 15 …

Coordination Variables, Coordination Functions, And Cooperative Timing Missions, Randal Beard, Timothy W. Mclain

Faculty Publications

Sponsorship: AFOSR, DARPA. This paper presents a solution strategy for achieving cooperative timing among teams of vehicles. Based on the notion of coordination variables and coordination functions, the strategy facilitates cooperative timing by requiring acceptably low levels of communication and computation. The application of the coordination variable/function approach to trajectory planning problems for teams of unmanned air vehicles with timing constraints is described. Three types of timing constraints are considered: simultaneous arrival, tight sequencing, and loose sequencing. Simulation results demonstrating the viability of the approach are presented.

Early Decisions: A Regulatory Framework, John Beshears, James J. Choi, David Laibson, Brigitte C. Madrian

Faculty Publications

We describe a regulatory framework that helps consumers who have difficulty sticking to their own long-run plans. Early Decision regulations help long-run preferences prevail by allowing consumers to partially commit to their long-run goals, making it harder for a momentary impulse to reverse past decisions. In the cigarette market, examples of Early Decision regulations include restricting the locations or times at which cigarettes are sold, delaying the receipt of cigarettes following purchase, and allowing a consumer to choose in advance the legal restrictions on her own cigarette purchases. A formal model of Early Decision regulations demonstrates that Early Decisions are …