cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induced coherence and indistinguishability in optical interference.

Second-order interference is observed in the superposition of signal photons from two coherently pumped parametric down-converters, when the paths of the idler photons are aligned. The interference exhibits certain nonclassical features; it disappears when the idlers are misaligned or separated by a beam stop. The interpretation of this effect is discussed in terms of the intrinsic indistinguishability of the photon paths.
Effects of acute and chronic administration of DDT upon pituitary melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) activity.

Abstract 1. 1. Technical 2,2-bis ( p -chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane(DDT) was administered to rats either in corn oil as a single oral dose (100 mg. per kg.) or through chronic feeding (500 p.p.m. in ground food). 2. 2. Assay of pituitary melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) 4, 12, 24, 72, and 96 hours after single-dose administration revealed a significant reduction in pituitary MSH activity at 4 hours followed by gradually increasing pituitary levels of this hormone until, after 72 and 96 hours, the hormone had increased significantly above the level of the control animals. 3. 3. Rats fed a diet containing DDT showed a significantly increased pituitary MSH activity after 1 month with no significant difference in this hormone after 2 months of administration. 4. 4. These effects are proposed to result from a DDT interference with the normal hypothalamic control of pituitary MSH secretion.
Variation Analysis of a Two Link Planar Manipulator Using Polynomial Chaos Theory

Understanding how manufacturing variation affects manipulator fit and function is of the utmost importance. There are currently many techniques to determine these effects. Many of them for robotic manipulators only apply to the static analysis, but there is a need to determine the dynamic effects. This paper outlines how polynomial chaos theory (PCT) can be utilized to solve both the static (aka tolerance stack-up) and dynamic analyses. To show the power of the procedure, it is applied to a simple planar two link manipulator with geometric variation of the link lengths.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Use of BSCS Laboratory Blocks with College Introductory Biology

In a letter to the Editor of BioScience, the author questioned the validity of premises used by Dr. James T. Rozolis for his conclusions of a study reported in the May issue of BioScience and entitled "A Comparison of Traditional High School Biology Courses and the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study Program of Courses." In particular, the author expressed a contrary view toward Dr. Rozolis' results for the percentage of laboratory-inductive method of instruction in both traditional and BSCS biology courses. The opinions of the author are based on experience with teaching both traditional and BSCS biology to high school students and on more recent experience with biology teacher-training
In Vitro Activity of Rosamicin, Josamycin, Erythromycin, and Clindamycin Against β-Lactamase-Negative and β-Lactamase-Positive Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Randomly selected strains of β-lactamase-negative and β-lactamase-positive Neisseria gonorrhoeae were tested by an agar dilution method for susceptibility to rosamicin, josamycin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and penicillin G. Rosamicin was more active than erythromycin, which was more active than josamycin or clindamycin; the latter two were similar in their activity. The susceptibility to the macrolide antibiotics and clindamycin was independent of β-lactamase production, but the penicillin minimal inhibitory concentrations were higher in the β-lactamase-positive group because of the enzyme.
Synapse-Specific, Long-Term Facilitation of Aplysia Sensory to Motor Synapses: A Function for Local Protein Synthesis in Memory Storage

Abstract The requirement for transcription during long-lasting synaptic plasticity has raised the question of whether the cellular unit of synaptic plasticity is the soma and its nucleus or the synapse. To address this question, we cultured a single bifurcated Apylsia sensory neuron making synapses with two spatially separated motor neurons. By perfusing serotonin onto the synapses made onto one motor neuron, we found that a single axonal branch can undergo long-term branch-specific facilitation. This branch-specific facilitation depends on CREB-mediated transcription and involves the growth of new synaptic connections exclusively at the treated branch. Branch-specific long-term facilitation requires local protein synthesis in the presynaptic but not the postsynaptic cell. In fact, presynaptic sensory neuron axons deprived of their cell bodies are capable of protein synthesis, and this protein synthesis is stimulated 3-fold by exposure to serotonin.
Age and smoking-adjusted lung cancer incidence in a Utah county with a steel mill

Abstract In a recent study of urban air pollution, a Utah county with a steel mill was compared with a county without a steel mill. The result was that 38% of respiratory cancer deaths could be attributed to the air pollution emanating from the mill. Rates for smoking in this previous study were not adjusted, but assumed rates were similar in both counties. We used smoking information obtained from an ongoing radon and lung cancer case-control study to adjust for smoking, and no difference was found in incidence rates of respiratory cancer in the county with the steel mill, compared with the other urban counties and the rural counties among male and female nonsmokers and male smokers. There was a slight excess of lung cancer among female smokers in the county with the steel mill when compared with the other urban counties (rate ratio [RR] = 1.3, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.0–1.6), but there was no effect in nonsmoking women. We conclude that the findings of the previous study can be explained by ...
Surgical Technique: Computer-generated Custom Jigs Improve Accuracy of Wide Resection of Bone Tumors

Manual techniques of reproducing a preoperative plan for primary bone tumor resection using rudimentary devices and imprecise localization techniques can result in compromised margins or unnecessary removal of unaffected tissue. We examined whether a novel technique using computer-generated custom jigs more accurately reproduces a preoperative resection plan than a standard manual technique. Using CT images and advanced imaging, reverse engineering, and computer-assisted design software, custom jigs were designed to precisely conform to a specific location on the surface of partially skeletonized cadaveric femurs. The jigs were used to perform a hemimetaphyseal resection. We performed CT scans on six matched pairs of cadaveric femurs. Based on a primary bone sarcoma model, a joint-sparing, hemimetaphyseal wide resection was precisely outlined on each femur. For each pair, the resection was performed using the standard manual technique on one specimen and the custom jig-assisted technique on the other. Superimposition of preoperative and postresection images enabled quantitative analysis of resection accuracy. The mean maximum deviation from the preoperative plan was 9.0 mm for the manual group and 2.0 mm for the custom-jig group. The percentages of times the maximum deviation was greater than 3 mm and greater than 4 mm was 100% and 72% for the manual group and 5.6% and 0.0% for the custom-jig group, respectively. Our findings suggest that custom-jig technology substantially improves the accuracy of primary bone tumor resection, enabling a surgeon to reproduce a given preoperative plan reliably and consistently.
Effects of achievement motivation and skill training on the entrepreneurial behavior of black businessmen

Abstract An 18-mo study was made of a training program designed to increase entrepreneurial activities among blacks. The program consisted of two parts: achievement motivation and management development training. Posttraining measures indicated that motivation trained participants increased their TAT achievement motivation scores and became less “external” on the locus of reinforcement control scale. Subsequently, a group which received both achievement motivation training and management development training became significantly more active (hours worked, new investments, employees hired, etc.) than a group receiving only management development training or control group. Finally, subjects with an “internal” perception of reinforcement control were significantly more active than “externals.” The data suggested that an “internal” perception might be a prior condition to increased business activity.
Impedance Measurement by Means of a Broadband Circular-Polarization Coupler

This paper describes a waveguide component particularly useful as a broadband impedance-measurement instrument. The component consists of a length of circular waveguide at right angles to the broad wall of a rectangular waveguide, and coupled to it by three apertures. A probe rotated one turn in the circular waveguide will sample a field variation exactly equivalent to that in one guide wavelength of the rectangular waveguide. This condition may be maintained with high accuracy over approximately a 20-per cent bandwidth. The principle of operation of the device is discussed in the paper and design equations given. Several possible applications are described.
A Measuring System for Studying the Time-Resolution Capabilities of Fast Photomultipliers

A measuring system has been developed for studying and optimizing the time-resolution capabilities of fast photoelectric devices, such as standard and microchannel type photomultipliers. The system incorporates a subnanosecond light-pulse generator capable of operating at repetition frequencies up to 3 MHz with output light pulses having a full width at half-maximum of less than 200 psec, and a zero-crossing discriminator which has a time walk of ±40 psec over a 170 mV to 8 V input-pulse amplitude variation. Averaging the data from several successive measurements, the measuring system time resolution is 20 psec.
Effects of site-directed mutagenesis on the serine residues of human lecithin: Cholesterol acyltransferase

Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) is a serine protease-type enzyme that esterifies cholesterol in human plasma and is activated by apolipoprotein A-I in high-density lipoproteins. LCAT contains 22 serine residues, including Ser 181, which is thought to be part of the catalytic site. In order to determine the importance of these serine residues in LCAT, we prepared six LCAT mutants: LCAT (Ser19→Ala), LCAT (Ser181→Gly), LCAT (Ser208→Ala), LCAT (Ser216→Ala), LCAT (Ser225→Ala) and LCAT (Ser383→Ala). We also replaced the adjacent asparagine residues in two additional mutants, LCAT (Ser19→Ala, Asn20→Thr) and LCAT (Ser383→Ala, Asn384→Thr), in order to ascertain the effect of the serines onN-glycosylation. The mutant complementary DNA (cDNA) were subcloned into a eukaryotic expression vector (pSG5) and expressed in COS-6 cells. By polymerase chain reaction analysis, LCAT-specific messenger RNA (mRNA) was found in all mutant and wild-type transfectants. Western blot analysis revealed LCAT-specific bands in media and lysates of the transfected cells. With two exceptions, the amounts of LCAT mass secreted by the transfectants were similar to that of the wild type (mean, 90% mass of wild type; range, 34–138%). Except for LCAT (Ser181→Gly), which was inactive, the specific activities of the remainder of the mutant enzymes were also similar (mean, 95% activity of wild type; range, 65–169%). These results indicate that Ser181 is part of the catalytic site and that stereoconservative substitutions for serines have minor effects on the synthesis, secretion and specific activities of human LCAT.
Proline enhances mutagen formation in ground beef during frying

Abstract Of 20 common amino acids added individually to ground beef patties prior to frying at 191°C for 4 min, only proline enhanced the formation of mutagenic activity. Proline cognates, except for esters, were inactive as was hydroxyproline. Mutagenic activity from untreated and proline-treated fried ground beef exhibited similar chromatographic behavior.
Development of laser micropyrolysis of coal macerals

The use of the focused output of a laser to pyrolyse coal selectively on a microscopic scale enables the in-situ study of individual macerals. Laser heating coupled with mass spectrometric detection of the pyrolysis products has indicated that the composition of the pyrolysis products consists mostly of alkyl substituted one and two ring species with unsaturated aliphatic fragments resulting from the breakdown of hydroaromatic structures in the coal.
Urate Is a Ligand for the Transcriptional Regulator PecS

PecS is a member of the MarR (multiple antibiotic resistance regulator) family, which has been shown in Erwinia to regulate the expression of virulence genes. MarR homologs typically bind a small molecule ligand, resulting in attenuated DNA binding. For PecS, the natural ligand has not been identified. We have previously shown that urate is a ligand for the Deinococcus radiodurans-encoded MarR homolog HucR (hypothetical uricase regulator) and identified residues responsible for ligand binding. We show here that all four residues involved in urate binding and propagation of conformational changes to DNA recognition helices are conserved in PecS homologs, suggesting that urate is the ligand for PecS. Consistent with this prediction, Agrobacterium tumefaciens PecS specifically binds urate, and urate attenuates DNA binding in vitro. PecS binds two operator sites in the intergenic region between the divergent pecS gene and pecM genes, one of which features two partially overlapping repeats to which PecS binds as a dimer on opposite faces of the duplex. Notably, urate dissociates PecS from cognate DNA, allowing transcription of both genes in vivo. Taken together, our data show that urate is a ligand for PecS and suggest that urate serves a novel function in signaling the colonization of a host plant.
Exploring multidimensionality and mediation in the roles of lexical knowledge in reading comprehension for spanish-speaking language minority learners

Abstract The present study explored whether lexical skills implicated in vocabulary growth for Spanish-speaking Language Minority (LM) learners—morphological awareness and cognate knowledge—represent distinct dimensions of lexical knowledge, and whether these dimensions have direct and/or indirect effects via general vocabulary knowledge on reading comprehension. Using confirmatory factor analyses with a sample of 249 Spanish-speaking LM students in grades 6, 7, and 8, we found that general vocabulary knowledge, morphological awareness and cognate knowledge were highly correlated, but separable dimensions of lexical knowledge. Unexpectedly, the latent correlation between cognate knowledge and morphological awareness was weaker than that between each skill and general vocabulary knowledge. Structural equation models indicated that the effects of these lexical skills on reading comprehension were fully mediated by English general vocabulary knowledge.
In situ pore formation in a polymer matrix by differential polymer degradation.

A new approach for the in situ formation of porosity in a matrix based on differential polymer degradation has been studied. This approach exploits the differences in polymer properties such as molecular weight, hydrophilicity (hydrophobicity), and degradation to induce preferential degradation of one phase in a biphasic polymer system. Biphasic polymer systems polymers derived from α-hydroxy acids and poly(anhydrides), which vary in their erosion characteristics (surface vs. bulk) and hydrophobicities were studied. In addition to examining the generality of the approach, potential advantages of such systems in the context of tissue engineering and drug delivery are briefly discussed.
Language Proficiency and Academic Success: Relationships Between Proficiency in Two Langauges and Achievement Among Mexican American Students

Abstract While considerable research has focused on second language development and academic success, the debate continues on how the development of the first language benefits the acquisition of the second. The intent of the present study was to examine the strength of the relation among proficiency in English and Spanish and academic success. Relations among oral language, literacy, and academic achievement were examined. A significant connection was found between proficiency in English and standardized achievement scores, as well as grade point averages. Similarly, the results reveal significant correlations between reading and writing in Spanish and achievement scores, as well as grade point average. The strongest relations were found between Written Language and academic success.
Modeling of mineral dust in the atmosphere: Sources, transport, and optical thickness

A global three-dimensional model of the atmospheric mineral dust cycle is developed for the study of its impact on the radiative balance of the atmosphere. The model includes four size classes of minearl dust, whose source distributions are based on the distributions of vegetation, soil texture and soil moisture. Uplift and deposition are parameterized using analyzed winds and rainfall statistics that resolve high-frequency events. Dust transport in the atmosphere is simulated with the tracer transport model of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies. The simulated seasonal variations of dust concentrations show general reasonable agreement with the observed distributions, as do the size distributions at several observing sites. The discrepancies between the simulated and the observed dust concentrations point to regions of significant land surface modification. Monthly distribution of aerosol optical depths are calculated from the distribution of dust particle sizes. The maximum optical depth due to dust is 0.4-0.5 in the seasonal mean. The main uncertainties, about a factor of 3-5, in calculating optical thicknesses arise from the crude resolution of soil particle sizes, from insufficient constraint by the total dust loading in the atmosphere, and from our ignorance about adhesion, agglomeration, uplift, and size distributions of fine dust particles (less than 1 micrometer).
Flocculation and flotation of coal by adhesion of hydrophobic Mycobacterium phlei

Abstract Separation of fine coal particles from the associated mineral matter is achieved either by flotation or flocculation. Such a separation process relies on the surface modification of the components involved. Flotation is mainly accomplished with the addition of a suitable collector molecule to the coal slurry and flocculation makes use of synthetic flocculants such as polyacrylamide and polyethylene oxides. In the latter case, the interaction between coal particles and the polymer flocculant is considered to be non-specific and often results in inefficient flocculation. In the present study a microorganism, Mycobacterium phlei , has been used as a bioflocculant in the separation of combustibles from Illinois #6 and Kentucky #9 coals. This bacterium was reported to be negatively charged and highly hydrophobic. The flocculation phenomenon was explained based on the interactions between the coal particles and the bacteria. The results suggested that the hydrophobic interactions play a dominant role. The aggregated coal flocs were found to contain some pyrite and mineral matter due to similar settling velocities. However, improved separation of combustibles was accomplished by column flotation using a frother and nitrogen gas.
Soil: the environmental source of Escherichia coli and Enterococci in Guam's streams

We have previously documented that faecal indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli, faecal coliform, enterococci) recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to establish recreational water quality standards are naturally found in high concentrations in the surface and subsurface of soils in Hawaii. Rain, the source of all streams in Hawaii, washes the soil sources of faecal bacteria into all the streams of Hawaii, at concentrations which consistently exceed the USEPA recreational water quality standards. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that faecal bacteria are able to establish themselves in the soil environments of tropical islands by conducting the same study in Guam, a tropical pacific island with warmer temperatures and higher humidity than Hawaii. The same methods and study design used in Hawaii was used in Guam. The results of the study conducted in Guam revealed that all streams contain consistently high concentrations of faecal coliform, E. coli, and enterocci which exceeded the old USEPA recreational water quality standard of 200 faecal coliform/100 ml as well as the new water quality standards of 126 E. coli/100 ml or 33 enterococci/100 ml. These same faecal indicator bacteria were recovered in high concentrations in surface and subsurface (18-36 cm depth) soil samples in Guam. Limited coastal water analysis showed that most coastal marine waters contain low concentrations of faecal bacteria but coastal waters impacted by stream run-off showed elevated levels of faecal bacteria. The results of this study support the hypothesis that environmental conditions in the tropical areas of the world can support the growth and establishment of populations of faecal bacteria in the soil. Thus, soil becomes an environmental, non-faecal source of faecal indicator bacteria. These results indicate that USEPA water quality standards may not be directly applicable to tropical island environments.
Surface figure and roughness tolerances for NIF optics and the interpretation of the gradient, P-V wavefront, and RMS specifications

In a high energy laser system such as the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the ability to focus light into as small a spot as possible at the highest possible fluence is highly dependent on the quality of the optics used in the system. Typically, surface form errors and transmitted and reflected wavefront errors are specified in terms of a peak-to-valley wavefront error (P-V), or occasionally in terms of an RMS wavefront error (RMS). It has been shown, however, that the parameter that most closely correlates with beam focusability is neither of these, but the RMS of the gradients of the wavefront error (RMS Gradient). Further, the spatial frequency of the wavefront error plays a significant role in the way that a given error effects the performance of the laser system, so careful attention must be paid to how the spatial filtering is both specified an accomplished. Since ISO 10110 has no specific provisions for a gradient specification, LLNL has developed its own notation and procedures for these critical specifications. In evaluating surface figure errors as specified by the NIF drawings, modern phase modulating interferometers (PMI) will be used. In addition to performing QA testing of the optics, LLNL intends to utilize the software capabilities of the instruments to obtain the information to model the wavefront of the 131 passes through various optical elements comprising the NIF 'front end.' A typical transmitted wavefront error call-out for an optic in the front end is: (lambda) /8 P-V, (lambda) /40 RMS, (lambda) /30/ cm RMS gradient, with these values evaluated for spatial periods greater than 2 mm only. Test will be performed and documented after coating and as installed in the specified mechanical mounts. This paper describes the evaluation of the wavefront error for NIF small optics including specifications over a given spatial period call-out, the proper low pass filtering of the data and the allowable filtering and settings that can be applied to obtain proper wavefront data. This paper also describes the origin and evolution of other NIF wavefront and roughness specifications, and gives examples. Since the wavefront requirements and hence the specifications vary for the different systems in the NIF, we will focus on one system, the injection laser system (ILS) or 'front end.' Also discussed will be the metrology and data manipulation requirements for the large aperture optics. Finally, clarification will be given to the differences between various versions of the RMS wavefront and roughness specifications allowed in ISO 10110, and how they contrast to the RMS roughness specifications used in ANSI-Y14.5.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Functional annotation of native enhancers with a Cas9–histone demethylase fusion

Targeting a histone demethylase to specific enhancers with Cas9 allows modification of epigenetic marks at the enhancers.
A Simple, High-Resolution Method for Establishing DNA Binding Affinity and Sequence Selectivity

Full details of the development of a simple, nondestructive, and high-throughput method for establishing DNA binding affinity and sequence selectivity are described. The method is based on the loss of fluorescence derived from the displacement of ethidium bromide or thiazole orange from the DNA of interest or, in selected instances, the change in intrinsic fluorescence of a DNA binding agent itself and is applicable for assessing relative or absolute DNA binding affinities. Enlisting a library of hairpin deoxyoligonucleotides containing all five base pair (512 hairpins) or four base pair (136 hairpins) sequences displayed in a 96-well format, a compound's rank order binding to all possible sequences is generated, resulting in a high-resolution definition of its sequence selectivity using this fluorescent intercalator displacement (FID) assay. As such, the technique complements the use of footprinting or affinity cleavage for the establishment of DNA binding selectivity and provides the information at a higher resolution. The merged bar graphs generated by this rank order binding provide a qualitative way to compare, or profile, DNA binding affinity and selectivity. The 96-well format assay (512 hairpins) can be conducted at a minimal cost (presently ca. $100 for hairpin deoxyoligonucleotides/assay with ethiduim bromide or less with thiazole orange), with a rapid readout using a fluorescent plate reader (15 min), and is adaptable to automation (Tecan Genesis Workstation 100 robotic system). Its use in generating a profile of DNA binding selectivity for several agents including distamycin A, netropsin, DAPI, Hoechst 33258, and berenil is described. Techniques for establishing binding constants from quantitative titrations are compared, and recommendations are made for use of a Scatchard or curve fitting analysis of the titration binding curves as a reliable means to quantitate the binding affinity.
The use of touch preparations (tissue imprints) in the rapid intraoperative diagnosis of metastatic lymph node disease in cancer staging procedures.

Three hundred lymph nodes submitted for the intraoperative diagnosis of metastatic disease were studied by use of touch preparations (TP), i.e., tissue imprints, using the modification previously described by the senior author, the conventional frozen section (FS), and permanent sections. There were 215 negative and 85 positive lymph nodes. Compared with permanent sections, TP gave an accuracy of 99% and the FS an accuracy of 98.7%. In view of this reliability and the significant saving of valuable intraoperative time provided by the TP technique, we recommend that TP be used instead of the FS in cancer staging procedures where many lymph nodes are submitted for immediate intraoperative examination for the determination of extent of surgery.
Rhetoric, society, and the critical response

The critic offers, along with a particular judgment, and a way of judging, a definition of being. Setting aside technical language, academic titles, institutional affiliations, and all else that creates the illusion of expertise, we discover that the critic is but one human being trying to communicate with other human beings. Criticism, at its best, is informed talk about matters of importance.
Recurrence after laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication: A comparison of the mechanisms of failure

Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication as treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults has a reported recurrence rate of 2–17%. We investigated the rates and mechanisms of failure after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in children. Methods: All patients who underwent a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for GERD and who subsequently required a redo Nissen were reviewed (n = 15). The control group consisted of the most recent 15 patients who developed recurrent GER after an open Nissen, fundoplication. Results: Between 1994 and 2000, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was performed in 179 patients. Fifteen patients (8.7%) underwent revision. The mechanisms of failure were herniation in four patients, wrap dehiscence in four, a too-short wrap in three, a loosened wrap in two, and other reasons in two. The reoperation was performed laparoscopically in five patients (33%). The failure mechanisms were different in the open patients: eight were due to slipped wraps; three to dehiscences; and two to herniations. Conclusion: The failure rate after laparoscopic Nissen is acceptably low. A redo laparoscopic Nissen can be performed safely after an initial laparoscopic approach.
A framework for verification, validation, and refinement of knowledge bases: the VVR system

Verification and validation (V&V) of Knowledge Bases (KBs) are two sides of the same coin: one is intended to assure the structural correctness of the KB, while the other is intended to assure the functional correctness of the domain model embodied in the KB. Knowledge base refinement aims to appropriately revise the KB if a structural or functional error is detected during the V&V process. This paper presents a uniform framework for verification, validation and refinement of KBs represented as sets of production rules, called the VVR system. It incorporates a contradiction-tolerant truth maintenance system (CTMS) for performing both verification and validation analyses, and some simple explanation-based learning techniques for guiding the refinement process. Verification analysis consists of detecting and correcting the main types of structural anomalies: circular rules, redundant rules, inconsistent rules, and inconsistent data, and checks the KB for completeness and violated semantic constraints. In terms of validation, given a set of test cases, the VVR system is capable of detecting and correcting functional errors caused by overgeneralization and/or overspecialization of the KB. If the set of test cases is not available, the VVR system can generate synthetic test cases intended to help the user evaluate KBS performance. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Temperatures in a heated air jet discharged downward

Abstract Measurements of temperature in a heated turbulent air jet discharged downward into an ambient air environment show that centerline temperatures and the penetration depth are predicted adequately by constant property theories for the downward flow alone. The radial temperature profiles and the estimates of the breadth of the downward jet indicate that the upward flow does influence the downward flow and that the satisfactory predictions that are obtained may be a coincidence.
EMINIM: An Adaptive and Memory-Efficient Algorithm for Genotype Imputation

Genome-wide association studies have proven to be a highly successful method for identification of genetic loci for complex phenotypes in both humans and model organisms. These large scale studies rely on the collection of hundreds of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the genome. Standard high-throughput genotyping technologies capture only a fraction of the total genetic variation. Recent efforts have shown that it is possible to "impute" with high accuracy the genotypes of SNPs that are not collected in the study provided that they are present in a reference data set which contains both SNPs collected in the study as well as other SNPs. We here introduce a novel HMM based technique to solve the imputation problem that addresses several shortcomings of existing methods. First, our method is adaptive which lets it estimate population genetic parameters from the data and be applied to model organisms that have very different evolutionary histories. Compared to previous methods, our method is up to ten times more accurate on model organisms such as mouse. Second, our algorithm scales in memory usage in the number of collected markers as opposed to the number of known SNPs. This issue is very relevant due to the size of the reference data sets currently being generated. We compare our method over mouse and human data sets to existing methods, and show that each has either comparable or better performance and much lower memory usage. The method is available for download at http://genetics.cs.ucla.edu/eminim.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) should be considered as a cause of the acute coronary syndrome in young patients with few apparent risk factors for coronary artery disease, in females in the peripartum period, and in patients who are at a higher risk for this condition. SCAD can also present as sudden death and cardiogenic shock. Several mechanisms have been described in the pathophysiology of this condition. Urgent coronary angiography is indicated if SCAD is suspected. Percutaneous coronary artery stenting and coronary artery bypass grafting are the main treatment strategies.
Ultracold collisions of oxygen molecules

Collision cross sections and rate constants between two ground-state oxygen molecules are investigated theoretically at translational energies below $\ensuremath{\sim}1$ K and in zero magnetic field. We present calculations for elastic and spin-changing inelastic collision rates for different isotopic combinations of oxygen atoms as a prelude to understanding their collisional stability in ultracold magnetic traps. A numerical analysis has been made in the framework of a rigid-rotor model that accounts fully for the singlet, triplet, and quintet potential-energy surfaces in this system. The results offer insights into the effectiveness of evaporative cooling and the properties of molecular Bose-Einstein condensates, as well as estimates of collisional lifetimes in magnetic traps. Specifically, ${}^{17}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ looks like a good candidate for ultracold studies, while ${}^{16}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ is unlikely to survive evaporative cooling. Since ${}^{17}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ is representative of a wide class of molecules that are paramagnetic in their ground state we conclude that many molecules can be successfully magnetically trapped at ultralow temperatures.
Field-effect transistors comprising molecular beam deposited α,ω-di-hexyl-hexathienylene and polymeric insulator

Abstract Insulated-gate field-effect transistors (IGFETs) comprising molecular beam deposited α,ω-di-hexyl-hexathienylene (DH6T) as the semiconductor layer and different polymeric gate insulators were fabricated and tested. Field-effect mobility values up to 0.13 cm 2 V −1 s −1 were obtained, which are the highest values obtained from thin-film transistors of DH6T.
Evaluation of Wrought Iron for Continued Service in Historic Bridges

Doubts about the strength of wrought iron used in historic structures can be resolved with appropriate methods of evaluation. Since wrought iron is a composite material of metal and slag fibers, its performance in structures cannot be adequately evaluated by the techniques routinely used for testing structural steel. Both historic and modern test data show that wrought irons from different sources vary little in strength but greatly in ductility. Since adequate sampling for mechanical ductility tests is often difficult, alternatives based on metallurgical analysis can assist evaluation of the metal in historic structures. Test data show that more than 0.3% phosphorus in solid solution embrittles wrought iron. This level of phosphorus can be detected by optical microscope techniques. Excessive or poorly distributed slag fiber is the other principal source of inadequate ductility, and can be evaluated by metallographic examination either in place or on samples much smaller than those required for mechanical...
Prenatal and early postnatal ontogenesis of the human motor cortex: a golgi study. II. The basket-pyramidal system.

oriented. The existence of functional vertical columns within the cerebral cortex is a relatively recent neurophysiological concept. In 1957, Mountcastle 7 reported, for the first time, that the somatosensory cortex of the cat appears to be subdivided into a system of vertical columns extending from the pial surface to the white matter. Since then analogous functionalvertical systems have been reported in the visual cortices of the cat and monkey2, 3. These reports were based on neurophysiological studies using single-cell recording techniques. The first direct anatomical demonstration of a functional vertical system (eye dependence) has been reported by Hubel and Wiesel 4 in the visual cortex of the monkey. These authors showed that the pattern of degeneration in layer IV of the striate cortex, which resulted from a specific lesion in the lateral geniculate body, was indeed arranged in parallel stripes that alternated with zones of sparing. They demonstrated that the stripes of degeneration were eye-preference columns receiving signals predominantly from one eye while the spare zones received inputs predominantly from the other eye. They postulated that 'The (striate) cortex can therefore be thought of as subdivided into slab-shaped columns with walls perpendicBrain Research, 23 (1970) 185-191
TEACHER POPULARITY AND CONTRAST EFFECTS IN A CLASSROOM TOKEN ECONOMY

Abstract There is a common fear that the use of a token economy in one classroom might harm pupil performance in situations where the contingencies are not in effect. This study investigated potential contrast effects on measures of children's productivity and attitudes toward teachers. Six children with reading deficits participated. A multiple baseline design was used to assess the effects of a token economy which was systematically introduced across three teachers. Dependent measures included two rating forms of teacher popularity and work rate on a programmed reading series. The results indicated that the token system was effective in increasing the children's productivity and that no consistent behavioral contrast effects occurred. Furthermore, children's attitudes toward teachers did not appear to be influenced by the token economy until only one teacher was not delivering tokens. At this point, her popularity declined until she also delivered tokens. The token economy manipulation appeared to have a specific, desirable effect on the targeted behavior (i.e., work rate) and had minimal negative or positive "side effects" on teacher popularity.
Gut microbes contribute to nitrogen provisioning in a wood-feeding cerambycid.

ABSTRACT Xylophagous insects often thrive on nutritionally suboptimal diets through symbiotic associations with microbes that supplement their nutritional requirements, particularly nitrogen. The wood-feeding cerambycid Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) feeds on living, healthy host trees and harbors a diverse gut microbial community. We investigated gut microbial contributions to larval nitrogen requirements through nitrogen fixing and recycling (urea hydrolysis) processes, using a combination of molecular, biochemical, and stable isotope approaches. Genes and transcripts of conserved regions of the urease operon (ureC) and nitrogen fixing (nif) regulon (nifH) were detected in A. glabripennis eggs and larvae from naturally infested logs and from larvae reared on artificial diet. Significant nitrogen fixation and recycling were documented in larvae using 15N2 gas and 15N-urea, respectively. Subsequent 15N-routing of incorporated recycled nitrogen into larval essential and nonessential amino acids was...
Relations among Dimensions of Statistical Knowledge

Ways of knowing statistical concepts are reviewed. A general three-category structure for knowing is proposed: (a) calculations, (b) propositions, and (c) conceptual understandings. Test items were developed that correspond to the first category and to a partitioning of the two latter categories into words and symbols. Thirty-one items covering the five types were administered to 57 graduate students. Correlation of student scores on the 10-item calculations subtest and the 10-item propositions subtest was .61, whereas the other two intercategory correlations were .40 (Calculations vs. Conceptual Understandings) and .37 (Propositions vs. Conceptual Understandings). The results suggest that students should be tested in more than one domain, and that instructors should expect students to develop conceptual understanding in addition to skills in computation.
A methodology for integrated risk management of multidisciplinary program

After studying risk management practices in several programs and analyzing the root causes for their ineffectiveness, it is found that the major problems lie with ad-hoc approaches rather than an integrated approach for risk management especially in the early phases of a multidisciplinary program. Our methodology is based on standard risk model, which is strengthened by use of 6 sigma tools. It integrates the prevention and contingency plans with the program action issues register, schedule and cost. The resultant framework is found to be useful in managing risks.
Simulation-based interprofessional education: Are we hitting the mark?

Abstract Bottenberg et al. described their experience with high-fidelity simulation in this Journal. They found that their high-fidelity simulation appeared to represent a practical, meaningful active-learning framework for interprofessional education. In this article, our foremost objective is to confirm that substantial study's major finding, within the context of our interprofessional educational experience. In addition, we provide further considerations for exploration based on our pilot study's findings. Based upon our review of the literature and our own experience, we are convinced that this is an exciting avenue for interprofessional education and collaborative practice.
Multiple diffraction among impedance wedges

A method due to M.I. Herman and I.L. Volakis (IEEE Trans. Ant. and Prop., vol.36, p.664-78, May 1988) is extended to the development of double and triple diffraction coefficients as applied to a pair of impedance wedges. Particular emphasis is given in the evaluation of suitable diffraction coefficients that remain uniform at all reflection and shadow boundaries associated with the multiple wedges. The extended spectral ray method is used along with a more generalized interpretation of the spectral waves. >
Robust control of the Multiple Mirror Telescope adaptive secondary mirror

For force-actuated, thin facesheet mirrors, structural flexibility within the control bandwidth calls for a new approach to adaptive optics. Dynamic influence functions are used to characterize the influence of each actuator on the entire surface of a deformable mirror. A linearized model of atmospheric distortion is combined with these dynamic influ- ence functions to produce a dynamic reconstructor for providing actuator inputs in response to wavefront sensor measurements. This dynamic reconstructor is recognized as an optimal-control problem. A hierarchic control scheme that seeks to emulate the quasistatic control approach that is generally used in adaptive optics is compared with the dynamic reconstruction technique. Although dynamic reconstruction requires somewhat more computational power to implement, it achieves better performance with less power usage, and is less sensitive to errors than the hierarchic technique because it incorporates a dynamic model of the deformable mirror. © 1999 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(99)02108-X)
Long PCR Is a Sensitive Method for Detecting Liberobacter asiaticum in Parasitoids Undergoing Risk Assessment in Quarantine

Abstract The accidental importation of plant pathogens in or on the bodies of parasitoids imported as natural enemies has been raised as a potential risk of classical biological control projects involving insects that serve as vectors of plant diseases. During quarantine evaluation of two parasitoids, Tamarixia radiata Waterston and Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis (Shafee, Alam and Agarwal), imported for classical biological control of Asian citrus psylla Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) in Florida, we were asked to determine whether these parasitoids were free of the causal agent of Asian greening disease, the bacterium Liberobacter asiaticum. Preliminary tests with allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (Standard PCR) suggested that the assays were prone to false negatives. Another PCR protocol, Long PCR, previously was shown to be more reliable than Standard PCR for screening of insects for another bacterium ( Wolbachia ). The sensitivity of Long and Standard PCR protocols was compared by use of plasmid DNA containing two DNA fragments from the greening disease agent or plasmid mixed with DNA extracted from host plants, psyllids, or parasitoids. Results indicated that inhibitors of the PCR were present in both plant and insect DNA, making the Standard PCR relatively insensitive and allowing high levels of false negatives. Long PCR, which incorporates a second DNA polymerase with proof-reading activity, yielded consistent results and was orders of magnitude more sensitive than the Standard PCR. As few as 100 copies of plasmid mixed with either plant or insect DNA consistently could be detected. Long PCR assays conducted on pooled and individual T. radiata and D. aligarhensis, their psyllid hosts, or their host plants over a period of 6 months failed to produce any positives, indicating that release of these two parasitoids should elicit little concern that greening bacteria would be introduced accidentally into Florida through this classical biological control program.
Nonspecific immunity in pregnancy: monocyte surface Fcγ receptor expression and function

Abstract The state of pregnancy is an immunological enigma during which the body must prevent rejection of the antigenically foreign fetus while at the same time maintain sufficient maternal host defense mechanisms to combat infection. Although most studies on the immunology of pregnancy focus on immune suppression, several studies have shown an increase in nonspecific host defense, which is postulated to be a compensatory mechanism for decreased specific immunity during pregnancy. Studies in this laboratory have shown that monocyte surface Fc γ RI (CD64) and Fc γ RII (CD32) expression progressively increase throughout pregnancy, while surface MHC class II expression remains unchanged. Functional studies revealed that the number of phagocytic monocytes which could be isolated from pregnant women was increased. These cells exhibited an increased capacity to ingest IgG-opsonized human erythrocytes. This study shows for the first time that monocyte surface Fc γ R expression and Fc γ R-mediated functions are increased during pregnancy. These results support the hypothesis that nonspecific immunity as represented by Fc γ R expression and function is increased during pregnancy.