cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polyclonal activation of naïve T cells by urease deficient-recombinant BCG that produced protein complex composed of heat shock protein 70, CysO and major membrane protein-II

Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is known to be only partially effective in inhibiting M. tuberculosis (MTB) multiplication in human. A new recombinant (r) urease-deficient BCG (BCG-dHCM) that secretes protein composed of heat shock protein (HSP)70, MTB-derived CysO and major membrane protein (MMP)-II was produced for the efficient production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) which is an essential element for mycobacteriocidal action and inhibition of neutrophil accumulation in lungs. Human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages were differentiated from human monocytes, infected with BCG and autologous T cells-stimulating activity of different constructs of BCG was assessed. C57BL/6 mice were used to test the effectiveness of BCG for the production of T cells responsive to MTB-derived antigens (Ags). BCG-dHCM intracellularly secreted HSP70-CysO-MMP-II fusion protein, and activated DC by up-regulating Major Histcompatibility Complex (MHC), CD86 and CD83 molecules and enhanced various cytokines production from DC and macrophages. BCG-dHCM activated naive T cells of both CD4 and CD8 subsets through DC, and memory type CD4+ T cells through macrophages in a manner dependent on MHC and CD86 molecules. These T cell activations were inhibited by the pre-treatment of Ag-presenting cells (APCs) with chloroquine. The single and primary BCG-dHCM-inoculation produced long lasting T cells responsive to in vitro secondarily stimulation with HSP70, CysO, MMP-II and H37Rv-derived cytosolic protein, and partially inhibited the replication of aerosol-challenged MTB. The results indicate that introduction of different type of immunogenic molecules into a urease-deficient rBCG is useful for providing polyclonal T cell activating ability to BCG and for production of T cells responsive to secondary stimulation.
Undergraduate education in nuclear engineering in the USA

The discipline of nuclear engineering is described, giving some historical background to explain the structure of the curricula commonly found in nuclear engineering programs in the U.S. Typical curricula are described, along with a specific example given by the University of Michigan undergraduate program in nuclear engineering. The National Academy of Sciences report on U.S. nuclear engineering education is summarized, and the major findings are presented, including data on the number of programs, number of degrees, and enrollment trends. Some discussion is made of manpower trends and the degree to which nuclear programs can supply nuclear engineers to meet the anticipated demands of the current decade and into the next century.
A stochastic dynamic programming model for co-optimization of distributed energy storage

We develop a stochastic dynamic programming model that co-optimizes the use of energy storage for multiple applications, such as energy, capacity, and backup services, while accounting for market and system uncertainty. Using the example of a battery that has been installed in a home as a distributed storage device, we demonstrate the ability of the model to co-optimize services that ‘compete’ for the capacity of the battery. We also show that these multiple uses of a battery can provide substantive value.
Quantitative Risikoanalyse (QRA) – Anwendungsbeispiele aus dem Großanlagenbau

Der Beitrag gibt einen Uberblick uber die Durchfuhrung von quantitativen Risikoanalysen (QRA), wie sie haufig im internationalen Anlagenbau der Ol- und Gasindustrie angewendet werden. Anhand von zwei Beispielen der Ol- und Gasindustrie wird dargestellt, wie die Modellierung erfolgt und anlagenspezifische Parameter einfliesen. Die beiden Beispiele zeigen, dass quantitative Risikoanalysen einen wesentlichen Beitrag zu designrelevanten Entscheidungen leisten konnen und nicht nur zum ubergeordneten Nachweis der Einhaltung von vorgegebenen Akzeptanzkriterien dienen.
EMPIRICAL RELATION BETWEEN ENERGY GAP AND LATTICE CONSTANT IN CUBIC SEMICONDUCTORS

The empirical relation ${E}_{0}\ensuremath{\propto}(\frac{1}{{a}_{0}^{2}})$ between the energy gap ${E}_{0}$ and lattice constant ${a}_{0}$ has been found to hold for a wide range of semiconductors with the cubic NaCl crystal structure.
Electron temperature and emission measure variations during solar X-ray flares

X-ray emission from seventeen X-ray flares was analyzed to obtain electron temperatures and emission measures associated with the source region in the solar corona. The source region was assumed to be isothermal with a Maxwellian electron velocity distribution. Flares which were characterized by a rapid initial X-ray flux increase were found to also have a rapid initial rise in electron temperature and emission measure. Flares which were characterized by a gradual initial X-ray energy flux increase were found to have a less rapid initial rise in electron temperature and emission measure. In all X-ray flares studied the peak temperature chronologically preceded the peak X-ray flux and the peak flux never came after the peak emission measure.
"Bottom-Quark Forward-Backward Asymmetry in the Standard Model and Beyond"

We computed the bottom-quark forward-backward asymmetry at the Tevatron in the standard model (SM) and for several new physics scenarios. Near the Z pole, the SM bottom asymmetry is dominated by tree level exchanges of electroweak gauge bosons. While above the Z pole, next-to-leading order QCD dominates the SM asymmetry as was the case with the top-quark forward-backward asymmetry. Light new physics, M(NP)≲150 GeV, can cause significant deviations from the SM prediction for the bottom asymmetry. The bottom asymmetry can be used to distinguish between competing new physics (NP) explanations of the top asymmetry based on how the NP interferes with s-channel gluon and Z exchange.
SOME EFFECTS OF ANAESTHETICS ON LUNG SURFACTANT

SUMMARY The effect of anaesthetic and other vapours on lung surfactant has been investigated by four methods. Bubbles obtained from the lung were exposed in hanging drops to various concentrations of the vapours of ether, chloroform, and halothane. At 36.5 °C the bubbles lost their stability when the vapour had more than about 40% of its saturation concentration. Such a concentration is much greater than any used in practice. Organic vapours usually destabilize the bubbles when saturated. When a collapsed lung was reinflated with air saturated with certain rather insoluble vapours, it tended to collapse again; with other vapours it remained open. Mice killed with massive doses of insoluble vapours (e.g. pentane) showed lung collapse; those killed with more soluble vapours (e.g. ether) did not. Prolonged exposure of collapsed lung to saturated anaesthetic vapour did not prevent it from forming a lining film, but the film was somewhat abnormal. These findings are discussed in relation to anaesthesia, and it is concluded that collapse of the lining film would not occur in normal practice and would be a hazard only in the event of a gross overdose of halothane. It is concluded that acute massive collapse of the lung, as reported in the literature, is unconnected with the action of anaesthetic on the lining film. The means adopted to produce partially saturated vapours are discussed in relation to oil-gas partition coefficients. A method of testing bubbles for "clicking", using perfluoromethylcyclohexane vapour, is described.
Seamless application of rapid thermal processing in manufacturing

Although rapid thermal processing (RTP) has existed for a number of years, difficulties associated with pyrometric temperature measurement and control have prevented RTP's widespread acceptance in manufacturing. We show that nominal process-associated film thickness variations drastically reduce the wafer-to-wafer process repeatability using pyrometry. These thickness variations lead to large changes in wafer emissivity producing temperature errors of as much as +/- 100 K. The result is reduced process capability which limits the utility of RTP in manufacturing. This paper contrasts pyrometric temperature feedback with power control (PC). The data indicate that PC results in significant reduction of wafer-to-wafer temperature fluctuations, to better than +/- 5 K. The improvement is due to minimal sensitivity of PC to dielectric-film-induced wafer emissivity fluctuations. Therefore, PC can be used without the need for back-side strip, allowing seamless integration into semiconductor processing. We also present a theoretical basis for power control and discuss the limitations and boundary conditions governing the technique.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The rise and fall of psoroptic scabies in bighorn sheep in the San Andres Mountains, New Mexico.

Between 1978 and 1997, a combination of psoroptic scabies (Psoroptes spp.), mountain lion (Puma concolor) predation, and periodic drought reduced a population of native desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in the San Andres Mountains (SAM), New Mexico, from >200 individuals to a single ewe. In 1999, this ewe was captured, ensured to be Psoroptes-free, and released back into the SAM. Eleven radiocollared rams were translocated from the Red Rock Wildlife Area (RRWA) in New Mexico into the SAM range and monitored through 2002 to determine whether Psoroptes spp. mites were still in the environment. None of these sentinel rams acquired scabies during this period, and no additional native sheep were found to be present in the range. In 2002, 51 desert bighorn sheep were translocated into the SAM from the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona (n=20) and the RRWA in New Mexico (n=31). Twenty-one bighorn sheep have died in the SAM since that time, but Psoroptes spp. mites have not been detected on any of thes...
Electron microscopic analysis of KvAP voltage-dependent K + channels in an open conformation

Voltage-dependent ion channels serve as field-effect transistors by opening a gate in response to membrane voltage changes1. The gate's response to voltage is mediated by voltage sensors2, which are arginine-containing structures that must move with respect to the membrane electric field. We have analysed by electron microscopy a voltage-dependent K+ channel from Aeropyrum pernix (KvAP)3. Fab fragments were attached to ‘voltage sensor paddles’ and identified in the electron microscopy map at 10.5 A resolution. The extracellular surface location of the Fab fragments in the map is consistent with the membrane-depolarized, open conformation of the channel in electrophysiological experiments. Comparison of the map with a crystal structure4 demonstrates that the voltage sensor paddles are ‘up’ (that is, near the channel's extracellular surface) and situated at the protein–lipid interface. This finding supports the hypothesis that in response to changes in voltage the sensors move at the protein–lipid interface5 rather than in a gating pore surrounded by protein6,7.
Cardiac chemical constant. Part I: Derivation of the characteristic phenomenological equation.

Abstract A physiochemical parameter is derived and defined as the cardiac chemical equilibrium dissociation constant (KD), KD is based upon a phenomenological model in which the cardiac muscle chemical reaction kinetics describe the interconversion between long and short unils (i.e. the individual sarcomere is fully extended or fully contracted). KD is defined as the ratio of the number of units in the long state to the number of units in the short state. The mathematical development proceeds through four stages: derivation of the governing differential equation during cardiac systole; simplification of the differential equation to describe the cardiac model; determination of the upper and lower limits and average value of Nt (the total number of units in a hypothetical mid-wall circumferential fibre); definition and calculation of the cardiac chemical constant (KD). KD is shown to describe a series of equilibrium points throughout cardiac systole. This requires that each mechanical equilibrium state (a series of static, steady-state intervals over time) is also associated with its own specific chemical equilibrium state.
Generalized predictive neurofuzzy control model for nonlinear dynamical systems

A generalized controller based on fuzzy clustering and fuzzy generalized predictive control has been developed for nonlinear systems. The identification of the system to be controlled is realized by a three-layer feed-forward neural network model. The speed of convergence of the neural network is improved by the introduction of a fuzzy logic controlled backpropagation learning algorithm. The neural network model is then used as the system simulator for developing the predictive fuzzy logic controller. The use of fuzzy clustering facilitates automatic generation of membership relations of the input-output data. Unlike the linguistic fuzzy logic controller which requires approximate knowledge of the shape and the numbers of the membership functions in the unput and output universes of the discourse, this integrated neuro-fuzzy approach allows one to find the fuzzy relations and the membership functions more accurately. Furthermore, there is no need for tuning the controller. A nonlinear heating/cooling system is chosen as an application. The performance of this predictive fuzzy controller is shown to be superior to that of on/off, PI, and linguistic fuzzy logic controllers in terms of both the accuracy and the consumption of energy.
Assessing criminal justice student learning styles for multimedia instruction

As part of a study examining the appropriateness and applicability of a multimedia instructional strategy in a criminal justice program, information was gathered about the learning styles of students who attend many of the criminal justice classes. Students in several classes were administered Kolb's Learning Style Inventory (LSI), a widely used instrument that allows learners to be classified according to their preferred learning style and corresponding learning environment. Results indicate that the majority of criminal justice majors have a preferred learning style. Using the results from this study, methodologies and media approaches can be planned to meet the learning needs of the majority of criminal justice students.
Orbits of Groups Generated by Transvections over F2

Let V be a finite dimensional vector space over the two element field. We compute orbits for the linear action of groups generated by transvections with respect to a certain class of bilinear forms on V. n particular, we compute orbits that are in bijection with connected components of real double Bruhat cells in semisimple groups, extending results of M. Gekhtman, B. Shapiro, M. Shapiro, A. Vainshtein and A. Zelevinsky.
Investigation of impurity deposition on plasma facing component using electron beam technique

Abstract In experiments in PISCES-B facility we have observed carbon film formation on beryllium substrates after hydrogen plasma exposure. The sources of the carbon are gaseous impurities in the vacuum system, which also exist in a fusion reactor such as the International thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER). Thin film formation, resulting from electron-impurity interactions, is studied using a focused electron beam. Initial results show that carbon films are readily formed on beryllium surface in a range of power densities from two kilowatts to over one megawatt per square meter. Electron beam experiments on silicon and tungsten substrates, under the same conditions, do not result in carbon film formation. Microanalyses using scanning electron microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman are presented.
The Fundamentals of Infrared Hotbox Detection

Existing data on railroad car plain bearing temperatures are presented and interpreted by means of equivalent thermal circuits. Analyzing the radiation from the car truck, relating it to the characteristics of infrared measuring equipment, and discussing the handling of resulting data?all suggest approaches to more efficient use of wayside hotbox detectors. Effects of some ambient phenomena are presented, and further study of transient temperature conditions following lubrication failure is suggested.
Time Sensitive Functionals in a Queue with Sequential Maintenance

We use semi-regenerative, fluctuations methods, and sequential games to examine a queueing system with server performing a secondary maintenance work. When the buffer becomes empty, the server leaves the system to service packets of jobs at a maintenance facility where his time there is restricted by T (a random time). He returns to the system when his sojourn time expires and if the last packet is fully processed. If the buffer contents is below N, the server departs from the system again to continue with maintenance; this time rendering just one packet at a time until the buffer is replenished. We obtain compact and explicit functionals for the queueing process in equilibrium for both discrete and continuous time parameter processes.
Technology Policy Making As A Social And Political Process: Liberalizing India's Software Policy

This paper investigates the policy-making process i n a high-technology Indian industry—software—that epitomizes the liberalizing, export-oriented India of the 1980s. Although policy making is a political process, with different groups in both state and industry lobbying for different measures, there are, nevertheless, dominant forces. Within industry, the very large companies have favoured limited liberalization of policy. Within the state, Finance Ministry bureaucrats do not oppose liberalization per se, but their interests are such that they have tended to oppose most liberalization measures. Overlain on this static picture is a dynamic one, in which the balance of power between the various coalitions of interest groups has changed over time. After the early 1980s) liberalization came to be part of the political agenda through the rise to power of policy makers committed to this ideology. However, other interest groups gained in strength and by early 1987 the liberalization process had become piecemeal...
Effect of Antiserum to E. coli DNA Polymerase on Synthesis of ΦXI74 DNA in Extracts of ΦX-Infected Cells

In vitro synthesis of ΦX DNA in extracts of ΦX-infected cells is at least in part the same as the normal in vivo process. It seems that a bacterial enzyme plays a part in the synthesis of single stranded DNA (both in vivo and in extracts), but that this enzyme is not simply the enzyme isolated by Kornberg from E. coli.
Putting the Science Back into Science Education Through the Science Education Program and Leadership (SEPAL) Model.

None of the SEPAL teachers had undergraduate degrees in science, and most were afraid of science before they became involved with the project. Although gains in content knowledge were modest, progress toward other instructional goals were made, indicating that improved pedagogical content knowledge is not entirely dependent on content knowledge.
Uniform methodology for benchmarking beyond-CMOS logic devices

A consistent methodology for benchmarking beyond CMOS logic devices was developed to guide the research directions. The promising devices — tunneling FET and spin wave devices — perform > 1015 Integer Ops/s/cm2 with power < 1W/cm2.
The NHE1 Na+/H+ Exchanger Recruits Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin Proteins to Regulate Akt-dependent Cell Survival

Apoptosis results in cell shrinkage and intracellular acidification, processes opposed by the ubiquitously expressed NHE1 Na+/H+ exchanger. In addition to mediating Na+/H+ transport, NHE1 interacts with ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM), which tethers NHE1 to cortical actin cytoskeleton to regulate cell shape, adhesion, motility, and resistance to apoptosis. We hypothesize that apoptotic stress activates NHE1-dependent Na+/H+ exchange, and NHE1-ERM interaction is required for cell survival signaling. Apoptotic stimuli induced NHE1-regulated Na+/H+ transport, as demonstrated by ethyl-N-isopropyl-amiloride-inhibitable, intracellular alkalinization. Ectopic NHE1, but not NHE3, expression rescued NHE1-null cells from apoptosis induced by staurosporine or N-ethylmaleimide-stimulated KCl efflux. When cells were subjected to apoptotic stress, NHE1 and phosphorylated ERM physically associated within the cytoskeleton-enriched fraction, resulting in activation of the pro-survival kinase, Akt. NHE1-associated Akt activity and cell survival were inhibited in cells expressing ERM binding-deficient NHE1, dominant negative ezrin constructs, or ezrin mutants with defective binding to phosphoinositide 3-kinase, an upstream regulator of Akt. We conclude that NHE1 promotes cell survival by dual mechanisms: by defending cell volume and pHi through Na+/H+ exchange and by functioning as a scaffold for recruitment of a signalplex that includes ERM, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and Akt.
Thermal stability of nanocrystalline Pd81Zr19

Abstract Grain growth stability in mechanically alloyed nanocrystalline Pd81Zr19 was investigated. Previous research suggested that the alloy is thermodynamically stable to very high temperatures. When X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to estimate the grain size of annealed samples the alloy appears to have remarkable resistance to growth. Microscopy done here on the same alloy indicated that the XRD estimates are not accurate for samples annealed above 600 °C. It appears that when this alloy is annealed at high temperatures XRD peak broadening is retained for reasons that are unrelated to the grain size. The alloy still has much improved grain growth stability compared with pure Pd, but not as significant as suggested by the XRD results. A similar phenomenon was observed in Fe–Zr alloys.
Development of a graph method for preliminary design of borehole ground-coupled heat exchanger in North Louisiana

Abstract Heating and cooling of a building is a major energy demand and a source of CO2 emission in the atmosphere. Using geothermal energy in the form of borehole ground coupled heat exchanger (GHX) can be an effective and economical alternative. To make the GHX design quick and easy to do in its preliminary stage, a simple and easily implemented method is needed. This paper synthesizes relations between the GHX spacing, diameter, soil thermal conductivity and peak heating/cooling energy output for a typical building foundation in Louisiana by proposing a graph method. One set of design graphs were developed for northern Louisiana, where subsurface soils are mainly stiff clays and dense sands. The GHX boreholes were designed without any tedious calculation by using these graphs. The GHX solutions from the developed graph-method were reliable and accurate, and agreed fairly well with the results from the industry-popular software packages GLD 2012 and GLHEPRO for a house cooling example that was selected in Ruston, Louisiana.
Radial oscillations of a thick-walled spherical highly stressed nonhomogeneous shell☆

Abstract Radial oscillations of a thick-walled spherical shell are investigated assuming the material of the shell to be elastic, isotropic, incompressible and continuously nonhomogeneous in the radial direction. The shell is first subjected to a static axially symmetric deformation and then set into infinitesimal motions. General equations are specialized to the neo-Hookean material and an explicit equation for the frequency of oscillations is derived. In the limit case of a homogeneous thin shell and of an infinite medium with a spherical cavity the results agree with the known results. Graphs are given displaying the frequency variations for various degrees of nonhomogeneity, wall-thickness and initial stretch.
Enhancing the post-buckling response of a composite panel structure utilising shape memory alloy actuators – a smart structural concept

Restoration forces, associated with embedded activated pre-strained shape memory alloy wires, have successfully been employed to enhance the post-buckling behaviour of a laminated panel structure. An extensive experimental and numerical programme has been conducted, of which, results will be presented. The manufacturing methodology of the hybrid SMA/carbon/epoxy panel is outlined. The panel specimen features 0.3 mm diameter shape memory alloy wires embedded and partially consolidated to the host matrix at desired locations. Numerical thermal analysis has been employed to predict the non-uniform temperature profile, attributed to shape memory alloy activation through resistive heating, within the laminate. Structural finite element (FE) analysis has been employed to determine the hybrid panel's adaptive response while under the influence of the uniaxial compressive load in excess of its pseudo-critical buckling value. It is shown that, utilising the control authority generated from the small SMA actuator volume fraction employed, the out-of-plane displacement of the post-buckled laminated panel can be reduced. With the increase in use of composite materials within aerospace platforms, it is envisaged that the hybrid adaptive SMA/laminate configuration will extend the operational performance over conventional materials and structures, particularly when the structure is exposed to an elevated temperature.
Monocrotaline Metabolism and Distribution in Fisher 344 and Sprague-Dawley Rats

The metabolism and distribution of 14C-monocrotaline in Fisher 344 (F344) rats was compared with that in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. In vitro microsomal preparations, in situ isolated perfused livers and in vivo excretion and distribution studies were used to discern any differences between these two strains. These strains have previously been shown to differ in their susceptibility to monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension. Hepatic phase I metabolism appears to be similar in both strains with N-oxidation and dehydrogenation to the reactive pyrroles as the major pathways. During the liver perfusions, SD rats generated more monocrotalic acid than F344 rats, but the microsome and excretion studies demonstrated no significant differences in the amount of monocrotalic acid. Monocrotalic acid is a stable byproducer of dehydromonocrotaline reacting with cellular nucleophiles and indicates the amount of monocrotaline dehydrogenation when carboxylesterase activity is negligible. These data suggest that the differences in strain susceptibility to pulmonary vascular toxicity is most likely due to differences in their response to the toxic metabolites.
Self-consistent model of hydrogen chemisorption on ferromagnetic transition metals

The chemisorption of hydrogen on ferromagnetic transition metals is studied self-consistently with use of a spin-dependent Anderson-Hubbard Hamiltonian. The electronic structure of the crystal is treated with the Bethe-lattice method. The present treatment differs from previous ones in that the dominant effects of the change in occupancy of the substrate orbitals are taken into account. The consequent modification of the substrate Hamiltonian leads to the result that the chemisorption energy changes very little with the change of the magnetization of the substrate. This finding agrees with recent experimental evidence that a magnetic phase transition has no influence on the catalytic activity.
Synthesis, comparative photosensitizing efficacy, human serum albumin (site II) binding ability, and intracellular localization characteristics of novel benzobacteriochlorins derived from vic-dihydroxybacteriochlorins.

In a sequence of reactions, methyl mesopyropheophorbide a, mesochlorin e6 trimethyl ester, mesochlorin p6 trimethyl ester, mesopurpurin-18-N-hexylimide methyl ester, and mesopurpurin-18-N-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzylimide methyl ester were synthesized from chlorophyll-a. These chlorins on reacting with osmium tetraoxide produced the corresponding vic-dihydroxybacteriochlorins. The 8-vinylchlorins obtained by refluxing the related vic-dihydroxybacteriochlorins in o-dichlorobenzene were individually treated with dimethylacetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) under Diels−Alder reaction conditions. The intermediate adducts on 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) treatment rearranged to the corresponding stable benzobacteriochlorins, exhibiting the longest wavelength absorption in the range of 737 to 805 nm. In preliminary in vitro (RIF tumor cells) and in vivo screening (C3H/HeJ mice bearing RIF tumors), some of these compounds were found to be quite effective. Under similar treatment conditions (drug dose: 5.0...
Compliance with public library standards in the state of Ohio

This study explored whether voluntary state public library standards, intended to be applied to all libraries regardless of size, will be complied with to the same extent by smaller and larger libraries. Data were collected from 111 public library directors in the state of Ohio (73.5% response rate) through a self-administered mail questionnaire. An overall increase was reported between 1992 and 1995 in the percentage of public libraries complying with individual components of the Ohio Standards. A discernible pattern among specific categories of standards components was found with respect to compliance and usefulness as perceived by the director. Findings indicate that library size, as measured by population served and total income, is a factor in compliance with, and perceived usefulness of, two categories of standards components: Community Input, and Management. Library Size appeared to be unrelated to the Planning, Written Policy, and Output Measures.
Juvenile Hypothyroidism and Precocious Testicular Maturation

A 7 6/12-year-old male with the syndrome of juvenile hypothyroidism and sexual precocity is described. The primary nature of the thyroid deficiency was established and testicular maturation was verified by biopsy. Papilledema, present initially, increased during and presumably as a result of therapy. Thyroid hormone replacement resulted in the simultaneous regression of the signs of hypothyroidism and sexual precocity.
A low-complexity multirate channel selector transmit filter bank with reconfigurable bandwidth

Filter banks are efficient and essential signal processing blocks for design and implementation of multirate multiband communications and signaling. In this paper, we analytically study and derive the optimum choice of design parameters and filter bank structure to minimize complexity and implementation cost for a low-complexity multirate channel selector transmit filter bank with reconfigurable bandwidth. The optimization is performed on two fronts. We first perform system-level analysis to define the optimum choice of filter parameters. Then through a hardware-level optimization, an efficient IFIR-based multirate filter bank structure is introduced that results in at least a factor of 4 complexity reduction over the best baseline design from 1020 multipliers with 6.375 GOPS to 232 multipliers with 1.45 GOPS
Second Hippocampal Zinc-rich Synaptic System

AMONG ‘peculiarities of uncal hippocampus’ revealed by silver-sulphide impregnation I have elsewhere1 reported the presence of zinc-rich synaptic bags, of a smaller order of magnitude than in the main hippocampus, extending from CA4 into the inner molecular stratum of the fascia dentata and within the ‘tail’ of the end-bulb of the mossy fibre system in the guinea pig. There is one further hippocampal region, remote from the uncus and from the mossy fibre system, that exhibits similar smaller-order zinc-rich synaptic bags. It extends as a narrow zone, readily seen in well-impregnated transverse sections under medium magnifications (Fig. 1), from the apex of the subiculum along the junction of alveus and stratum oriens over the whole length and breadth of CA1. Higher magnifications show that, whereas in subiculum proper lighter brown synaptic entities outline alveo-perpendicular apical dendrites, in the alveo-oriens zone darker-impregnating entities outline dendritic processes that are multipolar and weave a loose alveo-parallel network. The somata of origin of these skeining dendrites can be ascertained by counterstaining, rather indefinitely in most normal preparations, but confidently in certain pathological circumstances (to be described elsewhere). They lie within the network, leaving little doubt that they are the somata of the ‘horizontal neurones’ displayed in this zone by Golgi methods. Golgi preparations reveal no conspicuous axonal swellings or dendritic spines in this neighbourhood and show most of the horizontal dendrites to lie distal to the terminal bushwork of the basal dendrites of the CA1 pyramidal cells. Hence, the zinc-rich entities here would seem to be most probably axo-dendritic synapses with ‘axon terminals’ of the intermediate type defined electronmicroscopically by Blackstad2, the axons concerned being presumably CA1 pyramidal ones before they are myelinated, or collaterals thereof, since the synaptic entities are shrunken here after ‘selective ablation’ of CA1 pyramidal cell somata by hypoglycaemic seizures, much as in the end-bulb3. Further electron-microscope, as well as enzyme, investigations are obviously needed in this realm.
Fabrication of large secondary mirrors for astronomical telescopes

A new class of telescope is being built with primary mirrors as large as 8.4 meters in diameter and as fast as f/1. Fabricating the secondary mirrors for these telescopes has presented tough challenges because of their large sizes, up to 1.7 meter diameter; their aspheric departure of more than 300 microns; the required figure accuracy of a few tens of nanometers; and the fact that they are typically convex and difficult to measure. We have developed tools and techniques to meet these demands to produce secondary mirrors efficiently and accurately. A dedicated facility was constructed in the mirror lab that integrates a 1.8-m stressed-lap polishing machine with interferometric and mechanical measuring systems. This paper presents data from a 1.15-m secondary that was finished in our shop, and from two other large mirrors that are currently being fabricated.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On implementing addition in VLSI technology

Abstract In this paper we discuss the rules for evaluation of arithmetic algorithms based on the speed of their VLSI implementations. We present the rules which are simple enough to be useful for quick estimates, but yet reflect basic dependencies. By applying these rules we derived a simple scheme for VLSI implementation of addition (ALU), with a near minimal number of gates and small and regular area. Despite its simplicity, this scheme outperforms carry-lookahead and recurrence solver schemes as demonstrated by simulation of the actual implementation of examples. This is because the properties of the scheme are based on the dependencies and assumptions reflecting the real conditions existing in VLSI-CMOS technology. We discuss these results and demonstrate by actual implementation of examples that the measures based on the number of logic levels are not applicable to the new VLSI technologies.
Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal function in the extremely low birth weight infant.

Extremely premature infants manifest clinical features suggestive of adrenal insufficiency. Yet, serum cortisol levels are similar in ill and well preterm infants in a setting where one would expect high stress levels in the ill infants. We investigated the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in 17 extremely low birth weight stressed premature infants, mean birth weight 739 g, gestational age, 26.1 weeks, using ovine CRH (oCRH) and ACTH stimulation. oCRH (1 microgram/kg) was administered at 2-7 days of life (mean = 4.1). ACTH rose from a basal value 6.0 +/- 0.8 pmol/L (mean +/- SEM) to 9.6 +/- 1.8 pmol/L (P < 0.01) at 15 min and 9.5 +/- 1.7 pmol/L (P < 0.01) at 60 min. Basal cortisol rose from 349.3 +/- 58.1 nmol/L to 422.3 +/- 57.9 nmol/L (P < 0.01) at 15 min and 568.7 +/- 60.2 nmol/L (P < 0.01) at 60 min. Cortisol values remained significantly (P < 0.05) elevated 24 h after oCRH. An ACTH stimulation test performed 24 h after the oCRH test demonstrated a significant cortisol rise from 603.5 +/- 130.5 nmo...
Interfacial Phenomena in Change-of-Phase Heat Transfer: Low Concentration Polymer Solutions

Interferometry was used to measure in situ the thickness profiles of evaporating thin films as a function of heat flux for low concentration polystyrenel/cyclohexane solutions. Evaporative heat flow rates per unit width of contact line were calculated based on polynomial fits of interference data, combined with a fluid flow model. Temperature profiles obtained from thermocouple measurements were employed in evaluating macroscopic interline region heat sink capacities using a one-dimensional heat conduction model. Reasonable agreement between evaporative heat fluxes derived from both methods was established. Pure solvent integral heat fluxes were not significantly altered through polymer addition. Fluid flow toward the triple interline to replace that which evaporated resulted in an apparent non-equilibrium phase separation of concentrated polymer solution from the bulk phase; the separation increased with increasing polymer molecular weight and concentration. A substantial rise in the reflectivity beyond ...
The ultraviolet spectrophotometric determination of cadmium by the diethyldithiocarbamate method

Abstract An ultraviolet spectrophotometric method for the determination of small amounts of cadmium is proposed. The method is based on measuring the absorbance at 262 mμ of the cadmium diethyldithiocarbamate chelale which has been extracted from basic solution with chloroform. The effect of solution variables and numerous diverse ions has been investigated.
Synthesis and Characterization of Mesoporous Chromium-Containing Silica Tube Molecular Sieves CrMCM-41

A series of mesoporous chromium-containing silica tube molecular sieves (CrMCM-41) with variable Si/Cr ratios have been synthesized and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diffuse reflectance UV−visible spectroscopy (UV−vis), electron spin resonance (ESR), electron spin-echo modulation (ESEM), Raman spectroscopy, 29Si magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR), and N2 adsorption measurements. XRD, EPMA, UV−vis, and ESR show that the as-synthesized CrMCM-41 materials have the MCM-41 structure and contain only atomically dispersed Cr(III). FTIR, UV−vis, and Raman reveal that Cr(VI) monochromate exists in calcined CrMCM-41. 29Si MAS NMR and N2 adsorption show that part of the chromium is incorporated into the MCM-41 structure. ESR shows that Cr(VI)−O2- exists in calcined CrMCM-41 and transforms to Cr(V) after evacuation above 150 °C. The interaction of Cr(V) with O2, CO, C2D4, ND3, CD3OH, and D2O ...
Students' and teachers' conceptions of the nature of science: A review of the research

The development of adequate student conceptions of the nature of science has been a perennial objective of science instruction regardless of the currently advocated pedagogical or curricular emphases. Consequently, it has been an area of prolific research characterized by several parallel, but distinct, lines of investigation. Although research related to students' and teachers' conceptions of the nature of science has been conducted for approximately 40 years, a comprehensive review of the empirical literature (both quantitative and qualitative) has yet to be presented. The overall purpose of this review is to help clarify what has been learned and to elucidate the basic assumptions and logic which have guided earlier research efforts. Ultimately, recommendations related to both methodology and the focus of future research are offered.
SU‐E‐J‐160: Comparing the Setup Accuracy of Non‐Ionizing Patient Localization Systems with CBCT to Reduce Imaging Dose in Prone Breast Treatments

Purpose: CBCT is the current gold standard to verify prone breast patient setup. We investigated in a phantom if non-ionizing localization systems can replace ionizing localization systems for prone breast treatments. Methods: An anthropomorphic phantom was positioned on a prone breast board. Electromagnetic transponders were attached on the left chest surface. The CT images of the phantom were imported to the treatment planning system. The isocenter was set to the center of the transponders. The positions of the isocenter and transponders transferred to the transponder tracking system. The posterior phantom surface was contoured and exported to the optical surface tracking system. A CBCT was taken for the initial setup alignment on the treatment machine. Using the electromagnetic and optical localization systems, the deviation of the phantom setup from the original CT images was measured. This was compared with the difference between the original CT and kV-CBCT images. Results: For the electromagnetic localization system, the phantom position deviated from the original CT in 1.5 mm, 0.0 mm and 0.5 mm in the anterior-posterior (AP), superior-inferior (SI) and left-right (LR) directions. For the optical localization system, the phantom position deviated from the original CT in 2.0 mm, −2.0 mm and 0.1 mm in the AP, SI and LR directions. For the CBCT, the phantom position deviated from the original CT in 4.0 mm, 1.0 mm and −1.0 mm in the AP, SI and LR directions. The measured values from the non-ionizing localization systems differed from those with the CBCT less than 3.0 mm in all directions. Conclusions: This phantom study showed the feasibility of using a combination of non-ionizing localization systems to achieve a similar setup accuracy as CBCT for prone breast patients. This could potentially eliminate imaging dose. As a next step, we are expanding this study to actual patients. This work has been in part supported by Departmental Research Award RODEPT1-JS001, Department of Radiation Oncology, UC Davis Medical Center.
Gas chromatographic determination of 1,1,1-trichloroethane in vinyl chloride polymers and in foods

A gas chromatographic method is described for the quantification of levels of 1,1,1-trichloroethane in vinyl chloride polymer resins and in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) bottles used in the packaging of foods. By application of electron-capture detection the method can be extended to foods which have been stored in PVC bottles and 1,1,1-trichloroethane can be estimated with a limit of detection in the foodstuff of between 0.002 and 0.01 ppm depending on the food. The results of a small survey of the amounts of this compound in PVC bottles and foodstuffs purchased from retail outlets are reported.
Temperature dependence of dispersive hopping transport and diffusion in disordered solids

Abstract The time- and temperature-dependent drift mobility μ d for dispersive transients in disordered solids is μ d (T,t) = L Et T in terms of distance L , field E and transit time t T . Since current I ∝ t su−(1−α) for t T and 0 μ d (T) = α[μ d (T,t)] α ( L Eτ ) 1−α where τ≈ 10 −13 s is estimated. Further μ d (T) ∝ exp ( −Δ 0 KT ) and the activation energy Δ 0 is time independent. On this basis Δ for the carbazole polymers is ca . zero, that for a -Se is ca . 0.05 eV, and that for a -As 2 Se 3 is 0.35 eV rather than 0.5, 0.3 and 0.6 eV respectively on a phenomenological basis for μ d ( T , t ). Trap-controlled hopping transport may be excluded. Time-resolved optical studies of excess carrier recombination supplement mobility measurements in a -Si:H and a -As 2 Se 3 as well as other systems. Combined results suggest a dielectric response mechanism in which the time-dependent hopping frequency of localized carriers ν ∝ t α−1 arises from distortion of the medium at localization sites. This is satisfied by Δ( T , t ) = Δ 0 +(1−α) KT T ln( t /τ) where τ is the mean initial localization time of the carrier, 10 −13 −10 −12 s, Δ io is the height of the barrier at T , and 0 0 ( t /τ) α−1 exp(frsol|−Δ 0 / KT ) which applies also to bimolecular recombination.
RFS: efficient and flexible remote file access for MPI-IO

Scientific applications often need to access remote file systems. Because of slow networks and large data size, however, remote I/O can become an even more serious performance bottleneck than local I/O performance. In this work, we present RFS, a high-performance remote I/O facility for ROMIO, which is a well-known MPI-IO implementation. Our simple, portable, and flexible design eliminates the shortcomings of previous remote I/O efforts. In particular, RFS improves the remote I/O performance by adopting active buffering with threads (ABT), which hides I/O cost by aggressively buffering the output data using available memory and performing background I/O using threads while computation is taking place. Our experimental results show that RFS with ABT can significantly reduce the remote I/O visible cost, achieving up to 92% of the theoretical peak throughput. The computation slowdown caused by concurrent I/O activities was 0.2-6.2%, which is dwarfed by the overall performance improvement in application turnaround time.
Age-specific lead distribution in xylem rings of three tree genera in Atlanta, Georgia

Abstract Tree ring analysis was studied as a means of constructing historical environmental pollution records. Lead in xylem from Liriodendron tulipifera, Quercus alba , and Carya spp. trees growing near a road and in a forest was measured by atomic absorption graphite furnace techniques. Lead concentrations in xylem formed before and after 1924 were compared among species, within species, and between sites. Carya had the highest xylem lead and was the only species sensitive to low-level, post-1923 lead exposures. Evidence of lead movement among rings was found in Carya and Liriodendron . The mean rate of xylem lead increase after 1932 in the ring-porous species compared well with traffic growth rate along the road, but the variability of this parameter among trees and its inverse correlation with distance from the road suggests the necessity of many intra-specific replicates to relate temporarily patterned xylem lead concentrations to pollution histories.
Neurokinin B is critical for normal timing of sexual maturation but dispensable for adult reproductive function in female mice.

Humans carrying mutations in neurokinin B (NKB) or the NKB receptor fail to undergo puberty due to decreased secretion of GnRH. Despite this pubertal delay, many of these patients go on to achieve activation of their hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in adulthood, a phenomenon termed reversal, indicating that NKB signaling may play a more critical role for the timing of pubertal development than adult reproductive function. NKB receptor-deficient mice are hypogonadotropic but have no defects in the timing of sexual maturation. The current study has performed the first phenotypic evaluation of mice bearing mutations in Tac2, the gene encoding the NKB ligand, to determine whether they have impaired sexual development similar to their human counterparts. Male Tac2−/− mice showed no difference in the timing of sexual maturation or fertility compared with wild-type littermates and were fertile. In contrast, Tac2−/− females had profound delays in sexual maturation, with time to vaginal opening and first estrus occurring significantly later than controls, and initial abnormalities in estrous cycles. However, cycling recovered in adulthood and Tac2−/− females were fertile, although they produced fewer pups per litter. Thus, female Tac2−/− mice parallel humans harboring NKB pathway mutations, with delayed sexual maturation and activation of the reproductive cascade later in life. Moreover, direct comparison of NKB ligand and receptor-deficient females confirmed that only NKB ligand-deficient animals have delayed sexual maturation, suggesting that in the absence of the NKB receptor, NKB may regulate the timing of sexual maturation through other tachykinin receptors.