cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vortex-Sheet Representation of Leading-Edge Vortex Shedding from Finite Wings

A characteristic feature of flows past many oscillating airfoils and wings is the leading-edge vortex (LEV). Although considerable progress has been made in the low-order modeling of LEV formation ...
Estimating the volume and surface area of air bubbles entrained by breaking waves from whitecap observations: With implications on the characteristic breaking wave speed and breaking strength parameter

A conceptual model relating the whitecap coverage to the bubble plume buoyancy is developed following the observation that the entrained bubble plume buoyancy constitutes a large portion of the breaking wave energy dissipation. The formulation leads to estimations of an effective or equivalent-buoyancy depth of bubble entrainment as well as the volume and surface area of bubbles entrained by surface wave breaking. The results show that the air-water interface area per unit sea surface area is enhanced dramatically by the entrained bubbles: on the order of 10 m^2 at about 15 m/s wind speed. The effective entrainment depth represents the vertical reach of the bubble plume as if all the bubbles were collected into this depth. Based on empirical observations of whitecaps and breaking wave energy dissipation, it is about 0.11 m and relatively independent on wind speed. The void fraction of the top meter ocean layer is related linearly to the whitecap coverage with a proportionality factor of 0.11. The nearly-constant effective entrainment depth essentially renders the bubble entrainment process during the active wave breaking stage into a lateral 2D problem. Published high speed video recordings of bubble plume evolution appear to support this conclusion. Consistent with the nearly-constant effective entrainment depth, relevant breaking wave speeds are within a narrow range between about 2 and 3.5 m/s and depend on wind speed only weakly. Whitecap observations can also be used to quantify some elusive breaking properties such as the breaking strength parameter b relating the breaking energy dissipation rate and length of breaking front.
The Library and the Writing Centre Build a Workshop: Exploring the Impact of an Asynchronous Online Academic Integrity Course.

This research investigated the impact of implementing an asynchronous online academic integrity workshop at the University of South Alabama. The workshop featured interactive modules designed to te...
The distribution of endpoint chronic values for freshwater rotifers

Several types of toxicity tests have been described using the freshwater rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus. Variation among different endpoints has not been described and compared to variation in toxicant sensitivity among rotifer species. Data is presented demonstrating that endpoint chronic values for pentachlorophenol are log-normally distributed with a mean of 251 μg/1 PCP and a coefficient of variation of 12%. This compares to the distribution of rotifer species sensitivities, which is also log- normally distributed with a mean of 29 μg/1 PCP and a coefficient of variation of 53%. Since the breadth of rotifer species sensitivity distribution is much greater, which endpoint that is measured is less important than making toxicity measurements on several species. This suggests that toxicity should be assessed using the simplest, fastest, and most inexpensive tests available. Toxkits are well designed to meet these needs and should play an expanding role in toxicity assessments in the future.
Stochastic Optimal Control of Financial and Insurance Stochastic Models

The optimal stochastic control of financial and insurance stochastic models such as dynamics of stocks prices and risk processes in semi-Markov random media is investigated The cost functions are introduced and the dynamical programming equations are derived for these systems [137, 143, 151, 133, 131].
Self-consistent GW method: O(N) algorithm for polarizability and self energy

Abstract An efficient implementation of the self-consistent GW method in the FlapwMBPT code https://www.bnl.gov/cmpmsd/flapwmbpt/ is presented. It features the evaluation of polarizability and self-energy which scales linearly with respect to the system size. Altogether the computational time scaling was measured to be between linear and quadratic in the applications to silicon supercells with up to 72 atoms. Application to such materials as paracostibite CoSbS, supercells of La2CuO4 (up to 56 atoms) and SmB6, illustrate the potential of the approach in computational material science.
Literacy, Learning, and Human Capital Development among Rural African American Grandmothers

The focus in this study was to understand the learning experiences of rural grandmothers caring for their grandchildren. Specific attention was given to the informal learning activities in which pr...
Brightness-equalized heavy metal-free quantum dots for biosensing and imaging

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have great potential for multiplexed imaging and biosensing applications. Due to the quantum confinement effect, spectral tuning of the emission color of these nanocrystals is made possible through changing their size. However, QDs of different emission colors are dissimilar in their brightness values, defined as the product of molar extinction coefficient (e) and quantum yield (QY). These differences arise from extinction coefficients which are coupled to the number of atoms and bonds constituting the QD. As a consequence, the relative brightness of QDs can be orders of magnitude higher for larger, red emitting QDs compared to their smaller blue/green emitting counterparts even with comparable QYs. This study addresses this problem by drawing a quantitative comparison of absorption properties of different type-I InP QDs, aiming to make these heterostructures suitable for accurate imaging and sensing applications. Tuning of the absorption cross-section and extinction coefficients, along with brightness tuning of the QDs has been performed through synthesizing a series of QDs with a combination of core sizes, shell thicknesses, and compositions.
Neuropsychology of emotions.

Clinical and neuropathological data suggest that of the various categories of patients subjected to neuropsychological examination, the ones with closed head injuries show the most direct relationship between anatomical site of the lesion and emergence of emotional and behavioural disorders. The meaning of the emotional changes observed in patients affected by cerebral lesions is not as clear as the meaning of cognitive deficits that can be observed in the same patients. The prevalence of post-stroke depression in patients with left anterior lesions could be due to the fact that the deficits resulting from this lesion are acutely present in the patient’s awareness, provoking feelings of depression and anguish. The major consequence of the patients’ dependent and egocentric attitude, reduced work capacity, and reduced interest in social or leisure activities is their progressive isolation together with that of the family.
Destigmatizing Disability in the Law of Immigration Admissions

In U.S. immigration law, disability has historically been associated with deviance, and has served as the basis for legal barriers to entry and eventual citizenship. For example, immigrants with actual and perceived physical and intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and other health conditions have been deemed “inadmissible” to the United States based on the belief that they are likely to become dependent on the government for support. Although the law has evolved to accommodate immigrants with disabilities in some ways, significant legal barriers still exist on account of the widespread, persistent characterization of disability as a “bad difference” from the norm. This chapter contributes to the scholarly literature on disability rights and immigration by examining the strengths and limitations of adopting a destigmatizing account of disablement in the context of immigration admissions. Such an approach, which characterizes disablement as a “mere difference” as opposed to a “bad difference,” would build on the momentum that has liberalized disability-related immigration exclusions over the years. Framing disability as a valued form of diversity, while acknowledging its inherent costs, would be a promising first step toward characterizing immigrants with disabilities as valuable and contributing members of society, and supporting a more just societal allocation of the economic costs of disability.
Marijuana use and pregnancy outcomes among women with hypertension in pregnancy.

Background: Marijuana has vasoconstrictive properties and its use has been associated with increased blood pressure in the general population. Yet, there are limited data on marijuana use and adver...
A Contemporary Model for Undergraduate Nursing Education: A Grounded Theory Study.

Background Health care trends including advanced technology, higher patient acuity, and shorter employment orientation have impacted the environment in which new-graduate nurses are entering the workforce. These issues are contributing to new nurses leaving the workforce prematurely. Theoretical foundations for nursing education need to be updated to better prepare graduates for entry into this burdened environment. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore, from the student perspective, the process of educational development into professional licensure-ready graduates. Method Grounded theory was used to explore the developmental process of undergraduate nursing education. Results Two simultaneous developmental processes emerged: decision-making and self-doubt/self-efficacy. Early in the nursing program, students made very few patient care decisions and were plagued with self-doubt. As knowledge and experience were gained, decisions became based on patient conditions, self-doubt decreased, self-efficacy emerged, and students relayed increased comfort, confidence, and competence. Conclusion A contemporary nursing education framework has been developed for testing.
A Preliminary Comparison Between Compressive Sampling and Anisotropic Mesh-Based Image Representation

Compressed sensing (CS) has become a popular field in the last two decades to represent and reconstruct a sparse signal with much fewer samples than the signal itself. Although regular images are not sparse on their own, many can be sparsely represented in wavelet transform domain. Therefore, CS has also been widely applied to represent digital images. However, an alternative approach, adaptive sampling such as mesh-based image representation (MbIR), has not attracted as much attention. MbIR works directly on image pixels and represents the image with fewer points using a triangular mesh. In this paper, we perform a preliminary comparison between the CS and a recently developed MbIR method, AMA representation. The results demonstrate that at the same sample density, AMA representation can provide better reconstruction quality than CS based on the tested algorithms. Further investigation with recent algorithms is needed to perform a thorough comparison.
Does twinkle artifact truly represent a kidney stone on renal ultrasound

Summary Introduction Nephrolithiasis is detected on ultrasound by the presence of an echogenic focus, posterior acoustic shadowing and/or twinkle artifact (TA). TA has been shown to be highly predictive of nephrolithiasis in adults with renal colic and ureteral stones. We sought to evaluate if TA is reliable for diagnosing nephrolithiasis in the pediatric population. Methods We reviewed renal ultrasound reports indicating presence or absence of TA associated with a single echogenic focus in the kidney or ureter. Exclusion criteria were age >18, multiple echogenic foci or medullary calcinosis, no follow-up, or TA located outside the kidney or ureter. Stone was confirmed either by CT within 3 months of color Doppler ultrasound, visualization on ureteroscopy, or patient report of passing the stone. Results Five hundred and ninety-nine ultrasound reports were reviewed and 293 met inclusion criteria. Sixty-nine had diffuse twinkle without echogenic focus and 224 showed TA with single echogenic focus. 135 patients had confirmatory information available (Summary Table). Nephrolithiasis was diagnosed using TA and confirmed on confirmatory studies for 49 ultrasounds. The majority of confirmed stones were in the kidney (n = 40; 82%) and mean size of confirmed stones on ultrasound was 5 mm (range 1.5–10). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of TA for detecting nephrolithiasis were 83%, 78%, 74% and 86% respectively. Conclusions Compared to the adult literature, TA in children has lower sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value, but similar negative predictive value for diagnosing nephrolithiasis. This may be related to renal location and smaller stone size. The presence of TA should be weighed in the setting of other clinical and radiographic evidence of nephrolithiasis.
Chapter 3 Participation of sterol carrier proteins in cholesterol biosynthesis, utilization and intracellular transfer

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a highly specific system present within the cell, that is, sterol carrier proteins, which is capable of binding sterols (or squalene) and transporting them to specific enzyme sites involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and utilization. Sterol carrier protein 1 (SCP 1 ) participates in the microsomal conversion of squalene to lanosterol, while sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP 2 ) participates in the microsomal conversion of lanosterol to cholesterol. In addition, SCP 2 also participates in key steps in the utilization of cholesterol, as well as in the intracellular transfer of cholesterol between cellular organelles. SCP 2 significantly enhances 7 α -hydroxycholesterol formation by rat liver microsomes, utilizing either endogenous microsomal membrane cholesterol as substrate, or exogenously supplied cholesterol. The chapter discusses the purification and characterization of SCP 1 and SCP 2. A similar kinetic approach has been used to measure the specific activity of rat liver cytosol or of protein fractions obtained during the purification. The chapter discusses the participation of sterol carrier proteins in intracellular cholesterol metabolism.
Permeability and diffusion in vitreous humor: implications for drug delivery.

Purpose. Previous experimental work suggests that convection maybe important in determining the biodistribution of drugs implanted orinjected in the vitreous humor. To develop accurate biodistributionmodels, the relative importance of diffusion and convection inintravitreal transport must be assessed. This requires knowledge of both thediffusivity of candidate drugs and the hydraulic conductivity of thevitreous humor.
Are State Renewable Portfolio Standards Contagious

This study examines whether the target levels of a state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) are influenced by target levels in neighboring states, controlling for state-specific characteristics. Contrary to previous studies, target levels in neighboring states have a positive and statistically significant impact. In addition, the renewable energy potential and transmission capacity within a state, as well as in neighboring states, all have a positive and statistically significant impact. Both a state's unemployment rate and its educational attainment have a positive impact. Furthermore, states with Democratic governors have higher RPS target levels. The results also indicate significant regional variation in RPS target levels.
Multimedia PArtitioning of Dioxin

Because of their extreme toxicity, much concern and debate has arisen about the nature and extent of human exposure to dioxins. Since municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerators are known to emit polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) (Rappe et al., 1987a), many people who live near MSW incinerators feel that they will be exposed to high levels of dioxin and subsequently develop cancer. What is often overlooked in this debate, however, is the fact that the general population is continuously being exposed to trace amounts of dioxin as exemplified by the fact that virtually all human adipose tissue samples contain dioxin levels of three parts per trillion (ppt) or greater (Patterson et al., 1986 and Ryan et al., 1983). The purpose of this study is to investigate how 2,3,7,8,-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is partitioned in the environment and to identify the major pathways of human exposure.
Multi-scenario, multi-objective optimization using evolutionary algorithms: Initial results

Most designs in practice go through a number of different loading or operating conditions. Therefore, a meaningful and resilient design must be such that it performs well under all such scenarios. Despite its practical importance, multi-scenario consideration has not been paid much attention in multi-objective optimization literature. In this paper, we address this challenging issue by suggesting an aggregate based handling of multiple scenarios and contrasts the proposed approach against a recently suggested approach which involves running multi-objective optimization multiple times and a rigid decision-making method. The proposed method is applied to two numerical test problems and two engineering design problems. This first evolutionary based multi-scenario, multi-objective optimization study should spur further interests among EMO researchers.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection, Adrenal, Mouse

Gross changes are usually absent, but mice may have splenomegaly, pale liver, and pleural exudate. Adrenal glands are unremarkable (Lillie and Armstrong 1945; Maurer 1964).
Towards efficient computation of solutions to hybrid systems

We present our algorithm for computing reachable sets for hybrid systems, which is based on solving a pair of coupled Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equations. The algorithm allows for complex nonlinear continuous dynamics, yet the numerical difficulty in computing solutions increases greatly with the order and complexity of these dynamics. We review a level set technique by Osher and Sethian (1988) for numerically solving Hamilton-Jacobi equations, and discuss its adaptation to performing reachability analysis of hybrid systems.
Wind loading on solar concentrators: some general considerations

A survey was completed to examine the problems and complications arising from wind loading on solar concentrators. Wind loading is site specific and has an important bearing on the design, cost, performance, operation and maintenance, safety, survival, and replacement of solar collecting systems. Emphasis herein is on paraboloidal, two-axis tracking systems. Thermal receiver problems also are discussed. Wind characteristics are discussed from a general point of view. Current methods for determining design wind speed are reviewed. Aerodynamic coefficients are defined and illustrative examples are presented. Wind tunnel testing is discussed, and environmental wind tunnels are reviewed. Recent results on heliostat arrays are reviewed as well. Aeroelasticity in relation to structural design is discussed briefly.
The Evolution of Cyberinsurance

Cyberinsurance is a powerful tool to align market incentives toward improving Internet security. We trace the evolution of cyberinsurance from traditional insurance policies to early cyber-risk insurance policies to current comprehensive cyberinsurance products. We find that increasing Internet security risk in combination with the need for compliance with recent corporate legislation has contributed significantly to the demand for cyberinsurance. Cyberinsurance policies have become more comprehensive as insurers better understand the risk landscape and specific business needs. More specifically, cyberinsurers are addressing what used to be considered insurmountable problems (e.g., adverse selection/asymmetric information, moral hazard, etc.) that could lead to a failure of this market solution. Although some implementation issues remain, we suggest the future development of cyberinsurance will resolve these issues as evidenced by insurance solutions in other risk domains.
Fountain flow cytometry.

Fountain Flow Cytometry (FFC) is a simple and inexpensive technology that is adaptable to situations requiring detection and enumeration of cells/organisms at low concentrations, but is limited to particles of relatively high fluorescence intensity. This work presents the basic physics behind the novel scheme Fountain Flow Cytometry employs for the detection of target particles, a hybrid of conventional flow cytometry and video epifluorescence microscopy. The method is based on LED-induced fluorescence of labeled particles and requires no filtration step. Unlike conventional flow cytometry, the resulting fluorescence is measured with a digital camera as the measured sample flows toward the camera along the optical axis. An automated target particle recognition and enumeration computer program, Biocount, is used to count particles. FFC allows for detection of target particles in transparent and translucent fluids, such as environmental water, blood, and beverages. In addition, FFC can be used for detection of target particles in the presence of high photometric background, including unbound fluorescent dye. This facilitates use of the technique in situations where cells are unwashed. Current applications extend, but are not limited to, particles from µm-size bacteria to multi-millimeter-sized multicellular organisms. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 60:1.26.1-1.26.14. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: Fountain Flow Cytometry; flow cytometry; Biocount
Inhibition of gastric acid secretion in rat stomach by PACAP is mediated by secretin, somatostatin, and PGE2

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), existing in two variants, PACAP-27 and PACAP-38, is found in the enteric nervous system and regulates function of the digestive system. H...
Shear-driven high-temperature fatigue crack growth in polycrystalline alumina

Abstract High-temperature crack growth behavior of a polycrystalline alumina was examined under Mode-I tension-tension cyclic loading. Locally at the crack tip, the fatigue crack was found to advance is shear by fractional sliding of grains on alternating sets of planes of the maximum shear. Evidence of a shear-driven crack growth was given in terms of topological and morphological analyses of the fatigue crack surface, grain sliding, frictional debris, and temperature-dependence of fatigue crack growth kinetics. Based on experimental observations, a new model of fatigue crack growth by alternating shear was proposed.
A Subject-Adaptive Controller for Wrist Robotic Rehabilitation

In order to derive maximum benefit from robot-assisted rehabilitation, it is critical that the implemented control algorithms promote the participant's active engagement in therapy. Assist-as-needed (AAN) controllers address this need by providing only appropriate assistance during movement execution. Often, these controllers depend on the definition of an optimal movement profile, against which the participant's movements are compared. In this paper, we present a novel subject-adaptive controller, consisting of two main components: AAN control algorithm and online trajectory recalculation. First, the AAN control algorithm is based on an adaptive controller and introduces a novel feedback gain modification algorithm. Coupled with the uniformly ultimately bounded stability property of the resulting dynamic system, the developed controller is capable of changing the amount of error allowed during movement execution, while simultaneously estimating the forces provided by the participant that contribute to movement execution. Second, we present a real-time trajectory generation algorithm based on a physiologically optimal and experimentally validated asymmetric wrist movement profile. The feedback gain modification and trajectory generation algorithms are validated with the RiceWrist system in an experimental study involving five healthy subjects, with the modified AAN adaptive controller decreasing its feedback control action when a subject shifts his behavior from passively riding along with the robot during movement to actively engaging and initiating movements to the desired on-screen targets.
Interlingua in machine translation

The concept of interlingua is of seventeenth century provenance, and it gained the attention of computer scientists in the context of MT. The idea was that if there are n source languages (SLs) then n(n-1) algorithms are required to translate each SL to every SL, except itself. Having an interlingua (IL), only 2n algorithms are needed: to translate from SL to IL and from IL to target language (TL). For n3 interlingual approach needs less algorithms. There are two general interlingual approaches: syntactic and semantic; the first tries to pay attention mainly to syntactic aspects of languages, the second is interested in the information their texts convey.
The hunt for genetic risk among Mysore, south India patent ductus arteriosus patients.

Of the estimated 21 million babies annually born premature or with serious birth defects worldwide, more than 4 million die before the age of 51. Although they constitute a diverse anatomical grouping, cardiac abnormalities taken together constitute the most common congenital malformations with frequencies around 1 per cent. Serious life threatening complications can occur from many cardiac structural defects, particularly those that involve an abnormal mixing of oxygenated with oxygen-depleted blood supplies. One such cardiac malformation is patent ductus arteriosus (PAD), a defect that arises from differences in the routing of foetal blood before and after birth. While still developing in the womb, blood circulation bypasses the foetus’ lungs (which do not have access to their own oxygen supply) by connecting the pulmonary artery (normally supplying blood to the lungs) with the aorta (supplying blood to the body) through a foetal heart structure known as the ductus arteriosus. After birth, this blood vessel is no longer needed and closes off, since the infant's lungs now take on the role of supplying oxygen. Closure of this blood vessel ensures the normal separation of oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood flow after birth. In PAD, the ductus arteriosus fails to close following birth, and the normal segregation of blood flow is disrupted, often with serious consequences.
Nucleophilic aliphatic substitution reactions of propachlor, alachlor, and metolachlor with bisulfide (HS-) and polysulfides (Sn2-).

Reactions of bisulfide and polysulfides with alachlor, propachlor, and metolachlor were examined in aqueous solution to investigate the role reduced sulfur species could play in effecting abiotic transformations of chloroacetanilide herbicides. Experiments at 25 °C demonstrated that reactions were approximately first-order in HS- concentration and revealed that polysulfides are considerably more reactive than HS-. ΔH⧧ values for reactions of the three chloroacetanilides with HS- are statistically indistinguishable at the 95% confidence level, as are ΔS⧧ values, despite significant differences in second-order rate constants (kHS-). Transformation products were characterized by GC/MS (in some cases following methylation) and were found to be consistent with substitution of chlorine by the sulfur nucleophile. Products containing multiple sulfur atoms were observed for the reactions of chloroacetanilides with polysulfides, while products resulting from reaction with HS- only possessed a single sulfur atom. Wh...
Ocean biogeochemistry: Bacterial bloom and crash

Microbes quickly consumed much of the methane released in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Time-series measurements now suggest that, after a steep rise, methane oxidation rates crashed while hydrocarbon discharge was still continuing at the wellhead.
Hindered rotation in trimethylenemethane—Fe(CO)3 complexes

Abstract >13 C NMR spectra have been recorded for trimethylenemethane—Fe(CO) 3 (I) as well as its acetyl (II), 1-hydroxyethyl (III), 1-acetoxyethyl (IV) and ethyl (V) derivatives respectively. Compounds II–IV exhibit 3 distinct 13 CO resonances at room temperature. These signals undergo a reversible broadening and merge into a single sharp signal on warming. δ G G ǂ for Fe(CO) 3 rotation at the coalescence points is 17–18 kcal mol −1 . The rotational barrier is electronic in origin.
Detection of cis-acting regulatory SNPs using allelic expression data

Allelic expression (AE) imbalance between the two alleles of a gene can be used to detect cis-acting regulatory SNPs (rSNPs) in individuals heterozygous for a transcribed SNP (tSNP). In this paper, we propose three tests for AE analysis focusing on phase-unknown data and any degree of linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the rSNP and tSNP: a test based on the minimum P-value of a one-sided F test and a two-sided t test (proposed previously for phase-unknown data), a test the combines the F and t tests, and a mixture-model-based test. We compare these three tests to the F and t tests and an existing regression-based test for phase-known data. We show that the ranking of the tests based on power depends most strongly on the magnitude of the LD between the rSNP and tSNP. For phase-unknown data, we find that under a range of scenarios, our proposed tests have higher power than the F and t tests when LD between the rSNP and tSNP is moderate (∼0.2<<∼0.8). We further demonstrate that the presence of a second ungenotyped rSNP almost never invalidates the proposed tests nor substantially changes their power rankings. For detection of cis-acting regulatory SNPs using phase-unknown AE data, we recommend the F test when the rSNP and tSNP are in or near linkage equilibrium (<0.2); the t test when the two SNPs are in strong LD (<0.7); and the mixture-model-based test for intermediate LD levels (0.2<<0.7). Genet. Epidemiol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. 35: 515-525, 2011
Hospitality Leadership Course Design and Delivery: A Blended‐Experiential Learning Model

This hospitality education longitudinal pilot study was conducted in order to compare student perceptions of traditional classroom-based course design and delivery with blended-experiential course design and delivery. The research findings suggest that blended-experiential learning course design and delivery was favored by a majority of students over traditional classroom design and delivery. Most notably, students participating in the blended-experiential learning course design indicated a greater acquisition of real-life business context compared to the traditional classroom-based course design and delivery; however, it is important to note that students enrolled in the blended-experiential learning course design reported a lower acquisition of knowledge and skills. Future academic research surrounding the topic of blended-experiential learning in hospitality education should focus on a more in-depth analysis of the efficacy of blended-experiential learning in the context of both educational innovation ...
The Neurospora crassa OS MAPK Pathway-Activated Transcription Factor ASL-1 Contributes to Circadian Rhythms In Pathway Responsive Clock-Controlled Genes

The OS-pathway mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade of Neurospora crassa is responsible for adaptation to osmotic stress. Activation of the MAPK, OS-2, leads to the transcriptional induction of many genes involved in the osmotic stress response. We previously demonstrated that there is a circadian rhythm in the phosphorylation of OS-2 under constant non-stress inducing conditions. Additionally, several osmotic stress-induced genes are known to be regulated by the circadian clock. Therefore, we investigated if rhythms in activation of OS-2 lead to circadian rhythms in other known stress responsive targets. Here we identify three more osmotic stress induced genes as rhythmic: cat-1, gcy-1, and gcy-3. These genes encode a catalase and two predicted glycerol dehydrogenases thought to be involved in the production of glycerol. Rhythms in these genes depend upon the oscillator component FRQ. To investigate how the circadian signal is propagated to these stress induced genes, we examined the role of the OS-responsive transcription factor, ASL-1, in mediating circadian gene expression. We find that while the asl-1 transcript is induced by several stresses including an osmotic shock, asl-1 mRNA accumulation is not rhythmic. However, we show that ASL-1 is required for generating normal circadian rhythms of some OS-pathway responsive transcripts (bli-3, ccg-1, cat-1, gcy-1 and gcy-3) in the absence of an osmotic stress. These data are consistent with the possibility that post-transcriptional regulation of ASL-1 by the rhythmically activated OS-2 MAPK could play a role in generating rhythms in downstream targets.
Multinuclear NMR study of 2,2′-bipyridine complexes with alkali cations in nonaqueous solvents

Abstract Nuclear magnetic resonance of lithium-7, sodium-23, potassium-39, cesium-133 and carbon-13 nuclei was used to study the interactions of the alkali metal ions with 2,2′-bipyridine (BP) in several nonaqueous solvents. The stabilities of the complexes were found to be in the order Li + >Na + >K + . Complex formation was not detected for the Cs + BP system. The stabilities of the complexes are very dependent on the medium and vary inversely with the solvating abilities of the solvents. A Li + ·(BP) 2 complex was identified in nitromethane solutions, but the stoichiometries of other complexes could not be established from the NMR measurements.
Fracture prediction of thin plates under hemi-spherical punch with calibration and experimental verification

Abstract The response of thin clamped plates subjected to static punch indentation is investigated experimentally, analytically and numerically to determine the onset of fracture. The accumulated equivalent plastic strain with stress triaxiality as a weighing function is introduced as ductile fracture criterion in the finite-element simulation and analytical prediction. The fracture criterion was calibrated by finite-element simulations of uniaxial tensile tests. Based on the calibration, and calculated distributions and histories of stress and strain, the critical location, and penetration to fracture were predicted within 5–10% accuracy for three punch radii. The plots of force–penetration and locations of fracture initiation in the static punch indentation tests were compared with finite-element simulations and analytical approximations showing good agreement. The transverse deflection profiles of the plates at the point of fracture obtained numerically were shown to agree well with the closed-form solution derived by taking into account a variable stress ratio and varying stress triaxiality. The strain distribution along the plate radius is influenced by the friction between the interfaces of punch and plate. By changing the friction coefficient, the fracture-forming limit diagram was constructed numerically. The present procedure can replace the time-consuming experimental technique in which the strain path is controlled by changing the radius of a cut off.
"How Should I Know What Scientists Do?—I Am Just a Kid": Fourth-Grade Students' Conceptions of Nature of Science

The purpose of this study is to explore elementary students’ views of (NOS) to see how well they align with national reform recommendations (AAAS, 1993; NRC, 1996). Using an open-ended questionnaire coupled with one-on-one interviews of fourth-grade students conducted at the end of the school year, the researchers explored students’ understandings of the distinction between observation and inference, the creative and imaginative nature of science, and the tentative yet reliable nature of science. Through interpretive analysis of student responses, the researchers describe students’ views of NOS and compare them to reform recommendations for NOS understandings.
On leakage of energy from turbulence to internal waves in the oceanic mixed layer

In this paper, we address the question of energy leakage from turbulence to internal waves (IWs) in the oceanic mixed layer (OML). If this leakage is substantial, then not only does this have profound implications as far as the dynamics of the OML is concerned, but it also means that the equation for the turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) used in OML models must include an appropriate sink term, and traditional models must be modified accordingly. Through comparison with the experimental data on grid-generated turbulence in a stably stratified fluid, we show that a conventional two-equation turbulence model without any IW sink term can explain these observations quite well, provided that the fluctuating motions that persist long after the decay of grid-generated turbulence are interpreted as being due to IW motions generated by the initial passage of the grid through the stably stratified fluid and not during turbulence decay. We conclude that there is no need to postulate an IW sink term in the TKE equation, and conventional models suffice to model mixing in the OML.
LEAP: A Language with Eval And Polymorphism

We describe the core of a new strongly-typed functional programming language called LEAP, a “Language with Eval And Polymorphism.” Pure LEAP is an extension of the ω-order polymorphic λ-calculus (F ω) by global definitions that allows the representation of programs and the definition of versions of reify, reflect, and eval for all of (F ω). Pure LEAP is therefore highly reflexive and strongly typed. We believe that Pure LEAP can be extended to a practical and efficient metalanguage in the ML tradition. At present we are experimenting with a prototype implementation of Pure LEAP.
Comparison of sampling techniques for detection of Arcobacter butzleri from chickens

Arcobacter butzleri is a causative agent of human enteritis that has been recently differentiated from the genus Campylobacter. Previous work suggests that its transmission to humans is likely through a foodborne route with a substantial tendency to be located on poultry carcasses. For reducing the incidence of this pathogen on commercial poultry, improved protocols are needed to sample and identify A. butzleri from infected birds prior to slaughter. The purpose of this study was to compare sampling methods for this emerging pathogen from chickens that were artificially inoculated per os with A. butzleri. We tested three sampling techniques commonly used to determine the microbiological quality of poultry: cloacal swabs, fecal samples, and environmental surface (drag) swabs collected when birds were 3, 5, or 7 wk old. These samples were cultured in Johnson-Murano enrichment broth and analyzed by PCR. Results indicate that environmental surface swabs yielded the highest recovery percentage. A detection rate of 75 to 100% was observed for each sampling period (age of chicken). Additionally, A. butzleri could not be isolated from the intestinal tract (jejunum, ileum, cecum, colorectum) of inoculated birds.
A confederacy of bunches: fundamentals and applications of a self-associating protein.

Synthetic chemists, myself included, are eager to tell anyone who will listen about the virtues of building complex molecules. Truth be told, most molecules themselves are not particularly interesting, save for a precious few that are predisposed to either glow or explode. Rather, the most fascinating aspects of molecules are the myriad ways in which they interact with each other. In a dramatic example of “basic science meets application,” Clackson and colleagues (1) report in this issue of PNAS a point mutant of a known protein that causes this protein to self-associate. This interaction provides the molecular basis for a platform technology to control the secretion of therapeutic proteins from cells by using orally available drugs (2). Along more fundamental lines, the self-associating protein ultimately may teach us more about the forces that govern molecular interactions.
Summer school on methods and applications of neutron spectroscopy held at NIST

Abstract Neutron scatterers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the second time organized a workshop-style school on advanced spectroscopy methods and tools. The school, held from August 9–13, 1999 at the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) in Gaithersburg, Maryland, was attended by more than thirty participantsmostly graduate students and young researchers-from the United States and elsewhere.
Evaluation of a multidimensional measure of dyspepsia-related health for use in a randomized clinical trial

In previous work, we developed a multidimensional measure of dyspepsia-related health. To evaluate the adequacy of this instrument as an outcome measure for a large-scale, multicenter, randomized clinical trial, we used Rasch analysis to address three questions: (1) Are the scales interval-level? (2) Do the scales measure precisely across the entire range of dyspepsia outcomes? (3) Do the scales' items have an optimal number of response categories? We found that the scales were not interval-level and that they did not measure effectively at low or high levels of the dyspepsia-related outcomes. Our results also suggest that patients were capable of discriminating among only four- to seven-item response categories. Further studies are needed to identify items that effectively measure high and low levels of dyspepsia-related outcomes and to validate that decreasing the number of response categories improves the psychometric properties of these scales.
Characterizing noise in the global nuclear weapon monitoring system

Under the auspices of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, a worldwide monitoring system designed to detect the illegal testing of nuclear weaponry has been under construction since 1999. The International Monitoring System is composed of a range of sensors, including detectors for hydroacoustic and seismic signals, and when completed, will include 60 infrasound measurement arrays set to detect low-frequency sound waves produced by an atmospheric nuclear detonation.
Autoxidation of Fish Oils. I. Identification of Volatile Monocarbonyl Compounds from Autoxidized Salmon Oila, b, c

SUMMARY Isolation and identification of a number of volatile monocarbonyls from autoxidized salmon oil were accomplished. The carbonyls, volatile by vacuum steam distillation, were reacted with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. The 2,4-dinitrophenyl-hydrazones were separated by partition and paper chromatograpy. Spectrophotometric analyses and melting-point determinations were made. The data show that, in addition to malonaldehyde previously reported, positive identification was made on 15 monocarbonyls: the C2, C3, C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9 alkanals; the C3, C4, C5, C6, C8, C9, and C10 2-enals; and hept-2,4-dienal. Tentative identification of butanal, dec-2,4-dienal, and undec-2-enal was based upon a comparison of chro-matographic behavior and absorption spectra of the authentic with the unknown. The isolated ketones, tentatively identified as 2-hexanone, 2-octanone, 2-nonanone, and 2-decanone, were characterized by the preceding methods and by their behavior in alcoholic potassium hydroxide. Five additional compounds of unknown identity were isolated; three provided sufficient material for melting-point determinations. Including the forerun, at least 28 carbonyls were found in the volatile portion of rancid salmon oil.
Review of imaging techniques for the diagnosis of breast cancer: a new role of prone scintimammography using technetium-99m sestamibi

Imaging techniques currently used for the diagnosis of breast cancer are reviewed and compared. Besides mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and thallium-201 scintimammography, a new role of technetium-99m sestamibi scintimammography is discussed. It is concluded that while mammography remains the procedure of choice in screening asymptomatic women for breast cancer, other imaging methods play an important role in detecting malignancies in symptomatic patients. 99mTc-sestamibi scintimammography has high sensitivity and improves the specificity of conventional mammography for the detection of breast cancer; with this technique, prone imaging is preferable to supine imaging. 99mTc-sestamibi scintimammography thus deserves further study as a screening technique.
A comparison of photographic and photoelectric measurements of atmospheric attenuation of brightness contrast

A comparison has been made of atmospheric attenuation of brightness contrast data obtained by photographic and by photoelectric processes. The comparison involved the use of a photoelectric telephotometer and a photographic telephotometer of practically the same optical and mechanical design. Atmospheric attenuation of brightness contrast data was obtained for four practically monochromatic regions of the visible spectrum using plane objects subtending the same angle with respect to the point of observation and covering a range of approximately eight miles. The data obtained using the two types of equipment were found to be in close agreement.
Methodology for pollution source reduction assessments of the manufacturing process chemistry in the US EPA's pre-manufacture notice reviews

Abstract The Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated assessments of the pollution potential associated with the chemistry of chemical manufacturing processes in its review of pre-manufacture notices submitted by manufacturers of chemicals not on the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory. The objectives of the assessments are to: (1) achieve pollution prevention by determining whether the process chemistry of a manufacturing process has significant raw material utilization inefficiencies, especially in terms of the generation of toxic substances in the waste streams, prior to the use of any control technology; (2) indicate, where possible, the causes for the inefficiencies and associated waste products; and (3) suggest possible approaches for reducing the use or generation of toxic substances. The rationale for such assessments is based on the idea that, as the use or generation of toxic substances is reduced or eliminated, the potential for exposure and releases, and therefore the risk, is correspondingly reduced. The methodology used in the assessments is described in this paper.
Pharmacokinetics of recombinant methionyl human leptin after subcutaneous administration: variation of concentration-dependent parameters according to assay.

Context: Recombinant human leptin (r-metHuLeptin) has demonstrated efficacy in improving hormonal and metabolic parameters in leptin-deficient states, but pharmacokinetic parameters after sc administration have not yet been published. In addition, the effect of potential variability across different leptin assays on concentration-dependent pharmacokinetic parameters remains unknown. Objective: The objective of the study was to characterize pharmacokinetic parameters after sc r-metHuLeptin administration using three commercially available leptin assays (Linco, Diagnostic Systems Laboratories, and Alpco). Design, Setting, Patients, and Intervention: We analyzed pharmacokinetic profiles in five lean and five obese men after sc administration of physiological (0.01 mg/kg) and pharmacological (0.3 mg/kg) doses of r-metHuLeptin. Main Outcome Measures: Leptin pharmacokinetic parameters were measured. Results: Measurement of leptin produced typical pharmacokinetic profiles in all assays with time to maximal conce...
The absent American Indian treaties: A guide to treaties never referenced at the federal court level

Abstract The treaties signed by the US and the various Indian nations continue to be powerful litigation tools, as demonstrated in the 1999 Supreme Court case Minnesota v. Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa Indians (526 U.S. 172). Over the years, many cases have been heard but it is noteworthy that of the over 370 Indian treaties enumerated by the Department of State, more than 80 have never been cited in the opinion of any trial at the federal court level. This note identifies these absent American Indian treaties.