cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Work in progress: Development of a metacognition scaffold in STEM/P-6 engineering context: MCinEDP

A new model of metacognition scaffolding, Metacognition in the Engineering Design Process (MCinEDP), which parallels instruction in engineering design processes (EDP), has been designed for use in pre-college, particularly 2–6, engineering classrooms. MCinEDP utilizes engineering as the context for implementation of metacognitive activities that are designed to aid students in building mastery of metacognition and to improve specific abilities in engineering design. This paper outlines the design process in order to reveal the intersection of instructional design theory, instructional design models, cognitive theory and learning theory that supported this project.
Applicability of Goldman's constant field assumption to biological systems

The applicability of Goldman's constant field assumption is examined by constructing an asymptotic solution of the Nernst-Planck-Poisson equations, valid as a certain dimensionless parameter α −2 approaches zero. ( α −2 is proportional to the concentration of the fixed charge within the membrane, the square of the width of the membrane, and inversely proportional to the dielectric constant.) Goldman's solution is the zeroth-order term in this expansion. By examining the first-order terms, we are able to estimate the range of values for α −2 for which the constant field assumption is appropriate. For α −2 as large as two, we find that the first-order term is less than 20% of the zero-order term. For such values of α −2 , the magnitude of the membrane thickness, and/or the fixed charge concentration is so small that it is possible that agreement between the theory and experiment is fortuitous. On the other hand, the agreement may enable us to estimate the thickness of the diffusion barrier and the concentration of the fixed charge.
Multimodality treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma: case series and literature review of 1024 cases.

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an unusual and potentially aggressive cancer of the skin. There is no consensus regarding the optimal therapeutic approach, and the relative roles of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy still are controversial The aim of this study is to analyze the roles of these therapeutic options.
CORR Insights®: Validity and reliability of the Paprosky acetabular defect classification.

In the article, “Validity and Reliability of the Paprosky Acetabular Defect Classification,” Yu et al. determined the validity, teachability and reliability of a classification system we described for categorizing acetabular defects in revision THA. When we first presented this classification system in the early 1990s, few classified and standardized the reporting on acetabular defects in the literature. Due to limited advancements in imaging at the time, we attempted to create a classification system based on an AP radiograph for wide use by the orthopaedic community. Our classification system was broadly adopted due to the paucity of other classification systems and the ease of using a simple AP radiograph. Although our classification system is still taught in the classroom, it has yet to be validated in the literature. The purpose of the study by Yu et al. was to establish whether the preoperative Paprosky classification, determined by the blinded observers, correlated with intraoperative findings; and whether the reliability of the classification system improved with formal teaching. As observed when we described the classification system in 1994, the severity of the defect as graded radiographically correlates with intraoperative findings. In particular, we emphasized that our classification system was useful in predicting the integrity of major anatomic landmarks, including the teardrop, ischial bone loss, the ilioischial line (Kohler’s line), and the degree of superior migration of the cup. The authors properly presented the key components of our classification system in Table 2. The observers in this article accurately determined the integrity of these major structures using an AP pelvis radiograph, with more severe disruption of the teardrop, the ilioischial line, and superior bone loss correlating with more severe intraoperative bone loss (p < 0.05). The observers in group 1 who underwent formal teaching sessions each 2 week period prior to grading the radiographs, significantly improved their reliability between the first and third grading sessions. The interobserver reliability increased from moderate to good between session 1 and 3. Similarly, the observers who underwent one teaching session improved their reliability from moderate to good. These results suggest that our system is teachable. One criticism is that the intraoperative findings could have been skewed based on the degree of iatrogenic bone loss that occurred during cup removal. Even if this occurred, the classification system was found to be reliable, valid, and teachable, just as we had hoped when we created it nearly 20 years ago. We appreciate the work of Yu et al. in validating our classification system and we hope it has, and will continue helping orthopaedic surgeons accurately report and manage acetabular defects in revision THA.
Fostering resiliency in children : Lessons learned in transcending adversity

Summary The centerpiece of this presentation is the Differential Resiliency Model [DRM], an original conceptual framework developed by the author to promote understanding of the process of “survival” and the development of resilience over time. Drawing on the DRM, practitioners and other helping advocates may more adequately and timely identify and intervene with appropriate resources. Approaching children in poverty and adversity with a new appreciation for their capacity and strengths may also enhance their growth to a level of thriving. It is not enough to settle for “survival” or a “good enough” quality of life. The ultimate test is enabling children and their families to thrive and flourish. It is the only acceptable standard of professional and social response.
Cloning, Expression, and Characterization of (+)-δ-Cadinene Synthase: A Catalyst for Cotton Phytoalexin Biosynthesis

Abstract In cotton, sesquiterpene phytoalexins are elicited in response to bacterial or fungal infection. A Gossypium arboreum cell suspension culture which produces the sesquiterpene phytoalexin gossypol showed a time-dependent 10-fold increase in a 1.9-kb mRNA in response to a challenge by a preparation from Verticillium dahliae. The mRNA prepared from these elicited cultures was used to isolate two cDNA clones that contain open frames coding for proteins of 554 amino acids with M r 64,096 and 64,118. The encoded protein shows a significant degree of sequence identity with the other known plant terpene cyclases. Western blot analyses with a cross-reactive monoclonal antibody from a related sesquiterpene synthase in Nicotiana tabacum showed a time-dependent increase of a 65-kDa protein which reached a maximal level 24 h post elicitor treatment. The encoded protein from the pXC1 cDNA was produced in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity column chromatography. The enzymatic properties of this protein were identified by a radiochemical assay for cyclization of farnesyldiphosphate and a product structure was assigned by GC–MS, chiral phase GC, and NMR analyses as (+)-δ-cadinene. The fungal-elicited production of a (+)-δ-cadinene synthase is consistent with a role for this enzyme as the first committed step in the pathways leading to the related phytoalexins gossypol and lacinilene C in cotton.
Characterization of Phytophthora capsici Isolates from Processing Pumpkin in Illinois

Islam, S. Z., Babadoost, M., Lambert, K. N., Ndeme, A., and Fouly, H. M. 2004. Characterization of Phytophthora capsici isolates from processing pumpkin in Illinois. Plant Dis. 89:191197. This study was conducted to investigate pathogenic, morphologic, and genetic variations among Phytophthora capsici isolates from processing pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) fields in Illinois. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were employed to assess genetic variation among 24 isolates of P. capsici from 10 individual fields at six locations. Unweighted mean pair group analysis clustered isolates into six groups. The genetic distances ranged from 0.03 to 0.45. Inoculation of pumpkin seedlings in the greenhouse revealed that the isolates belonged to six distinct genetic groups differing significantly (P = 0.05) in virulence. Isolates tested exhibited four growth patterns in culture: cottony, rosaceous, petaloid, and stellate. P. capsici isolates, including an ATCC isolate (ATCC-15427), with cottony growth pattern did not grow at 36°C. The mean oospore diameter of A1 mating type isolates was greater than that of A2 mating type isolates. Nine of 24 isolates tested produced chlamydospores in V8-CaCO3 liquid medium.
Hearing loss in Mozambique: current data from Inhambane Province.

Mozambique is a developing African country recuperating from a lengthy civil war. As a result, documenting the incidence of hearing loss has remained a low priority. This paper provides results from work being carried out by the Mozambique Audiology Program (MAP), which is a philanthropic effort established in 1997 to introduce audiology services and identify auditory disorders in the country. Some decades before the MAP, another program reported extremely high incidence rates of otitis media in 1000 primary school students in the capital city of Maputo. This paper presents the MAP results from mass hearing screenings conducted over a two year period on a cohort group of 2685 students ranging in age from 3–18 years at a preschool and primary school in Chicuque and Maxixe, Mozambique. This current study showed a prevalence of 5% of the total 2685 students across ages with varying degrees of hearing loss resulting from multiple etiologies. External auditory canal obstruction was the greatest otoscopic abnor...
Theoretical dielectronic recombination rate coefficients for ground-state hydrogen-like neon

Abstract Dielectronic recombination rate coefficients are calculated and presented for ground-state hydrogen-like neon as a function of electron temperature. Doubly excited nl n′l′ configurations of intermediate resonance states are restricted to n, n′ = 2, 3, and 4 with all allowed values of l and l′. Computations have been performed in intermediate coupling with configuration interaction.
The Elements of Single-Chip Microcomputer Architecture

Unique—and sometimes obscure—characteristics distinguish single-chip microcomputers from conventional architectures. Current examples show that no one section can be optimized at the expense of another.
Nightglow vibrational distributions in the A 3 Σ u + and A' 3 Δ u states of O 2 derived from astronomical sky spectra

Abstract. Astronomical sky spectra from the Keck I telescope on Mauna Kea have been used to obtain vibrational distributions in the O 2 A 3 Σ u + ) and O 2 (A' 3 Δ u ) states from rotationally-resolved Herzberg I and Chamberlain band emissions in the terrestrial nightglow. The A 3 Σ u + distribution is similar to that presented in earlier publications, with the exception that there is significant population in the previously undiscerned v=0 level. The vibrational distributions of the A' 3 Δ u and A 3 Σ u + states are essentially the same when comparison is made in terms of the level energies. The intensity of Chamberlain band emission at the peak of the distribution is about one-fourth that of the Herzberg I emission, as previously shown, and may be related primarily to radiative efficiency. The peaks in both population distributions are about 0.25eV below the O( 3 P)+O( 3 P) dissociation limit. We compare these Herzberg state distributions with that of the O 2 (b 1 Σ g + ) state, concurring with others that the intense nightglow emission associated with b 1 Σ g + (v=0) is a reflection of direct transfer from the Herzberg states. This process takes place following O 2 collisions, with simultaneous production of very high a 1 Δ g and b 1 Σ g + vibrational levels.
Microsatellite loci for the host-generalist “zooxanthella” Symbiodinium trenchi and other Clade D Symbiodinium

Nine new polymorphic microsatellites were developed for Symbiodinium trenchi (sensu type D1a). These loci were tested on populations of S. trenchi from corals in Palau and 3–19 alleles were observed at each haploid locus with an average of 7 alleles. Many of the primer sets successfully amplified loci within other members of Symbiodinium clade D, demonstrating their utility across the group. Clade D Symbiodinium spp. are generally regarded as thermally tolerant and are common in coral reef habitats with warm, turbid, and/or variable environmental conditions. These population genetic markers are therefore useful for investigating how stress-tolerant symbionts may respond to climate warming through range expansion and/or by developing new associations with various host cnidarians. Additionally, the cross-lineage utility of these markers should help delineate the evolutionary relationships among members of this clade.
Buying Centers and the Role of Supply Chain Orientation on New Information Technology Satisfaction in the Automotive Industry

This research investigates the impact of specific buying center activities on its members' satisfaction with new products. The purpose of the present study is to develop a more thorough understanding of buying center roles on satisfaction with a new information technology, in particular, when an information technology is used for interorganizational communications within managed supply chains. The results suggest that supply chain orientation should have a significant effect on buying center members' new information technology satisfaction. Understanding the importance of supply chain orientation in the buying center context-especially when the technologies being purchased are directly related to logistics functions and performance-suggests that more detailed and wide-ranging supply chain concept training and education of center members needs to be put into place.
Low molecular weight organic acids as inhibitors of kinin-forming activity of a rodent tumor acid protease and human plasma kallikrein.

Abstract Low molecular weight organic acids were studied in vitro against the kinin-forming activity of human plasma kallikrein and an acid protease isolated from the rodent Murphy Sturm lymphosarcoma. Acids studied included β-phenyl-1-lactic, phenyl pyruvic, α-ketoglutaric, hydrocinnamic, α-keto isocaproic, phenyl acetic, 3-indole acetic, 3-indole proprionic, and ϱ-hydroxy phenyl pyruvic. The acids, studied in concentrations ranging from 1×10 −1 M to 15×10 −4 M were incubated for 60 minutes at 37° with human plasma kallikrein plus human kininogen substrate (in 0.4M tris buffer, pH 7.8) and with the tumor acid protease plus tumor kininogen (in 1.0M acetic acid, pH 4.0). Kinin formed was measured at pH 7.8 by bioassay on the perfused isolated rat uterus. Based on estimates of inhibitory dose 50 (ID 50 ), phenyl lactic, phenyl pyruvic, p-hydroxy phenyl pyruvic and α-keto isocaproic acids were most effective at concentrations 7.5×10 −3 M against the tumor acid protease. Acids most effective against human plasma kallikrein in concentrations ranging from 5.0×10 −3 M to 18.5×10 −3 M included 3-indole proprionic, p-hydroxy phenyl pyruvic and phenyl pyruvic.
The putative oligosaccharide translocase SypK connects biofilm formation with quorum signaling in Vibrio fischeri

Quorum signaling (QS) describes how bacteria can use small signaling molecules (autoinducers) to coordinate group-level behaviors. In Vibrio fischeri, QS is achieved through a complex regulatory network that ultimately controls bioluminescence, motility, and host colonization. We conducted a genetic screen focused on qrr1, which encodes a small regulatory RNA that is necessary for the core quorum-signaling cascade to transduce autoinducer information into cellular responses. We isolated unique mutants with a transposon inserted into one of two genes within the syp locus, which is involved in biofilm formation. We found that overexpression of sypK, which encodes a putative oligosaccharide translocase, is sufficient to activate qrr1, and, in addition, this effect appears to depend on the kinase activity of the sensor LuxQ. Consistent with the established model for QS in V. fischeri, enhanced expression of qrr1 by the overexpression of sypK resulted in reduced bioluminescence and increased motility. Finally, we found that induction of the syp locus by overexpression of sypG was sufficient to activate qrr1 levels. Together, our results show how conditions that promote biofilm formation impact the quorum-signaling network in V. fischeri, and further highlight the integrated nature of the regulatory circuits involved in complex bacterial behaviors.
Culturally Competent Approaches for Counseling Urban Appalachian Clients: An Exploratory Case Study

The authors examine the application of a strengths-based empowerment approach to working with an urban Appalachian woman and her family. The purpose of this article is to start the research process by utilizing the lessons learned to assist health and human service practitioners. Key points are identified in developing awareness and intervention skills when working with clients who have an Appalachian cultural heritage. This case study utilizes a culturally competent framework for assessing and intervening with Appalachian clients that emphasizes the strengths and empowerment literature. As the foundation for further research, this case study provides a rationale for starting evidence-based practice incorporating a strengths-based empowerment theme. Case study research is limited by its focus on one individual within a specific span of time and cultural context; findings cannot always be generalized to a similar population. Suggestions for further research in this area are provided.
The Rod-and-Frame Test in Perception

(1972). The Rod-and-Frame Test in Perception. Optica Acta: International Journal of Optics: Vol. 19, No. 5, pp. 389-390.
The lubrication approximation for thin viscous films: Regularity and long-time behavior of weak solutions

We consider the fourth-order degenerate diffusion equation, in one space dimension. This equation, derived from a lubrication approximation, models the surface-tension-dominated motion of thin viscous films and spreading droplets [15]. The equation with f(h) = |h| also models a thin neck of fluid in the Hele-Shaw cell [10], [11], [23]. In such problems h(x,t) is the local thickness of the the film or neck. This paper considers the properties of weak solutions that are more relevant to the droplet problem than to Hele-Shaw. For simplicity we consider periodic boundary conditions with the interpretation of modeling a periodic array of droplets. We consider two problems: The first has initial data h0 ≥ 0 and f(h) = |h|n, 0 < n < 3. We show that there exists a weak nonnegative solution for all time. Also, we show that this solution becomes a strong positive solution after some finite time T*, and asymptotically approaches its means as t ∞. The weak solution is in the classical sense of distributions for 3/8 < n < 3 and in a weaker sense introduced in [1] for the remaining 0 < n ≤ 3/8. Furthermore, the solutions have high enough regularity to just include the unique source-type solutions [2] with zero slope at the edge of the support. They do not include any of the less regular solutions with positive slope at the edge of the support. Second, we consider strictly positive initial data h0 ≥ m > 0 and f(h) = |h|n, 0 < n < ∞. For this problem we show that even if a finite-time singularity of the form h 0 does occur, there exists a weak nonnegative solution for all time t. This weak solution becomes strong and positive again after some critical time T*. As in the first problem, we show that the solution approaches its mean as t ∞. The main technical idea is to introduce new classes of dissipative entropies to prove existence and higher regularity. We show that these entropies are related to norms of the difference between the solution and its mean to prove the relaxation result. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Plasminogen polymorphism in swine.

1. 1. Plasminogen polymorphism in swine (Sus scrofa) plasma was demonstrated by immunoblotting. 2. 2. Eleven plasminogen phenotypic patterns, including a null pattern, were detected. 3. 3. The null pattern was associated with extremely low plasma triglyceride and increased unesterified cholesterol levels. 4. 4. Changes in plasminogen polymorphic patterns from the fetal to neonate status were observed after nursing commenced.
Connecting play: understanding multimodal participation in virtual worlds

In this paper we propose a multimodal approach to log file data analysis to develop a better understanding of player participation and practices in virtual worlds. To deal with the massive amounts of data collected via log files researchers traditionally have employed quantitative reduction techniques for revealing trends and patterns. We contend that certain qualitative analysis techniques can reveal particular play practices across online and offline spaces and aspects of individual players' participation invisible through other methods. We present examples from our research in the tween virtual world Whyville.net that illustrate the uses of these new techniques. In the discussion we address the benefits and limitations of our approach.
Paucity of sulfide in a large slab of Esquel: New perspectives on pallasite formation

— The 0.7 ton Esquel meteorite, found in Patagonia before 1951, is a typical main-group pallasite in most respects. We examined petrographically a slab ∼1 m long having an area of 3000 cm2 that shows the typical pallasitic texture with fragmental olivine. Phase abundances (in vol%) are olivine (66%), metal (32%), schreibersite (0.76%), troilite (0.46%) and chromite (0.31%). Esquel can be divided into four lithologies: (1) “pallasitic” matrix consisting of olivine fragments embedded in metal (81%); (2) large (>5 cm) olivine nodules having low metal contents (18%); (3) massive metal (0.3%); and (4) zones dominated by FeS and fine olivine (0.7%). Main-group pallasites appear to have formed by the intrusion of a highly evolved (low Ir, high Ni, Au and S) metallic magma into fragmented olivine. This model implies that FeS should be abundant in main-group pallasites, and we had speculated that examination of an exceptionally large slab might reveal a high troilite content. We found instead an exceptionally low FeS content. New compositional data confirm that Esquel has a lower Au content than other main-group pallasites having similar Ir contents. Literature data (based, however, on relatively small sections) suggest that high-Au pallasites have higher S contents than Esquel but have lower S contents than expected from a trapped-melt model. We conclude that a relatively complex model is required to explain the origin of main-group pallasites. After intrusion, the degree of crystallization of the metallic magma varied from location to location but, in almost all cases, an FeS-rich liquid either escaped or formed FeS-rich pallasitic rocks that are underrepresented in the meteorite inventory.
AMPLITUDE DISTRIBUTIONS OF SOLAR PHOTOSPHERIC FLUCTUATIONS

Amplitude distributions, which are nearly Gaussian, have been calculated for radial velocity, continuum brightness, spectral line equivalent width and spectral line central residual intensity fluctuations measured from high-dispersion high-resolution spectrograms taken at the center of the solar disk. The RMS and skewness S for each distribution have been calculated in a manner which allows testing of the homogeneity of the granulation pattern (i.e. variations in its statistics across the solar disk and with time). Pattern inhomogeneity across the disk is strongly indicated, and further evidence suggesting appreciable pattern persistence over time intervals ≳ 15 minutes is presented. The possibilities for investigations of S and its associated bi-spectrum are discussed. The qualitative values of S obtained are shown not to be due to unusually bright, rising granules (though a statistical tendency towards such granules is possible). An attempt to explain S for continuum brightness fluctuations in terms of the nonlinear effects of Planckian emission and opacity fluctuations in a stratified photosphere, leads to contradiction with the measured amplitude distributions, a contradiction which is probably due to an oversimplified treatment of radiative transfer in an inhomogeneous photosphere.
The New “Media Affect” and the Crisis of Representation for Political Communication

Political communication research in the United States, despite two decades of change in how the public receives information, follows theories that rely on definitions of citizenship from a century ago and on metaphors growing out of communication techniques and practices of five decades ago. A review of the state of news media, facing technical, labor, and economic crises, and the state of political science, illustrated through research methods, leads to a reexamination of communication at the intersection of media and politics. Political communication theory has come to rely on functional metaphors, economic background assumptions, an emphasis on method, and a legacy of structuralism. The crisis presents current theories with challenges for the representation of citizens and the press in democracy. Especially as young adults reject older forms of information, political communication can renew itself by deepening existing theory and shifting from old effects rationality to a new “media affect” sensibility.
Effects of intrapleural heparin or urokinase on the extent of tetracycline-induced pleural disease.

Extravascular fibrin deposition is common at sites of pleural injury and has been related to loculation of pleural fluids. Although thrombolytic therapy has been used to treat pleural loculations, it has not been compared with pleural administration of anticoagulant therapy. We therefore tested interventional strategies designed to compare the relative effects of in vivo anticoagulation or supplemented fibrinolysis on pleural injury, and to characterize the local tissue responses to these modalities. Early intrapleural instillation of saline (Group 1), heparin 1,000 IU (Group 2), or urokinase (uPA) 1,500 IU (Group 3) every 12 h for 3 d was used to interrupt pleural adhesion formation and pleural fibrosis induced by tetracycline hydrochloride in rabbits. Procoagulant and fibrinolytic activities were determined in pleural effusion samples obtained serially every 12 h after the last administered intrapleural dose. Pleural fluid procoagulant activity was blocked by intrapleural heparin (p < 0.001), but plasmi...
Home self-dilatation for esophageal strictures

Esophageal strictures secondary to caustic ingestion, head and neck radiation and at the anastomosis post-esophagectomy tend to be refractory to one or several dilatations. One option for these strictures is home self-dilatation. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of home self-dilatation for a refractory esophageal stricture. A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients from 1997 to 2009 that performed home self-dilatation for an esophageal stricture. Patients with proximal strictures without tortuosity or a shelf proximal to the stricture were selected for self-dilatation. The patients were taught self-dilatation by the surgeon and an experienced nurse, and an appropriate sized Maloney dilator was provided to the patient and returned when no longer needed. There were 16 patients (11 male and 5 female) with a median age of 60 years (range 38-78). The stricture was related to the anastomosis after esophagectomy in 12 patients, caustic injury in 3 patients and cervical chemoradiotherapy in 1 patient. Prior to initiation of self-dilatation patients had a median of four endoscopic dilatations. Self-dilatation was done with a Maloney dilator ranging in size from 45 to 60 French. The median duration of self-dilatation was 16 weeks. No patient had a perforation or complication related to self-dilatation. No patient required stenting or repetitive endoscopic dilatations because of failure of self-dilatation. Strictures recurred in two patients after cessation of self-dilatation and both responded to endoscopic dilatation followed by additional self-dilatation. Self-dilatation effectively resolves refractory esophageal strictures. It was well tolerated, and there were no complications in this series. Home self-dilatation should be considered the treatment of choice in appropriate patients with refractory esophageal strictures in the cervical esophagus.
Pressure Losses and Rheological Properties of Flowing Butter

SUMMARY The pressure losses and rheological properties of butter flowing through stainless-steel tubing were investigated. Since viscosity is a measure of internal resistance to flow, an extrusion riscometer was constructed to measure apparent viscosity. The apparent viscosity was calculated from the extrusion viscometer data using the Hagen-Poiseuille equation for flow through tubing. Flow profiles were obtained by alternately forcing butter of different colors through the various lengths of tubing at different temperatures. The velocity gradient was small within the butter except near the wall. A linear relationship was found between the logarithm of apparent viscosity and the logarithm of bulk velocity for a range of 0.001 to 1 ft/sec. The average slope of the regression line was –0.846. As the length of the tubing increased, the average apparent viscosities decreased, though at a decreasing rate. Very small differences were found between the apparent viscosities obtained with 10.5.in. and 14.0.in. lengths of tubing. The influence of temperature on the logarithm of the apparent viscosity was found to be linear, having a slope of -0.059 for the range of 55–75°F. A general empirical equation was determined relating the influence of bulk velocity (v, ft/sec) and temperature (T, °F) to the decrease in apparent viscosity (η, lb/ft see): log η= 4.762 – 0.846 log v– 0.59 T which is considered valid for temperatures between 55 and 75°F.
Replacement of the Green Bank Telescope azimuth track

The azimuth track of the Green Bank Telescope did not perform as designed. Relative movement of components was noted during construction; in addition, fretting of the base plate and wear plate faying surfaces, fatigue cracking of the wear plates, fatigue failure of wear plate fasteners, and deterioration of the cementitous grout layer occurred at a rapid pace during the first few years of operation. After extensive failure analysis, a new system of components was designed and fabricated, and installation of the components was performed during 2007 (Symmes, Anderson, and Egan, "Improving the service life of the 100m Green Bank Telescope azimuth track", SPIE 7012-121). The highlights and lessons learned during the fabrication and installation phases are described herein. This information will benefit any organization performing a similar replacement, and may be helpful in new installations as well.
Reverse phase protein microarrays which capture disease progression show activation of pro-survival pathways at the cancer invasion front

Protein arrays are described for screening of molecular markers and pathway targets in patient matched human tissue during disease progression. In contrast to previous protein arrays that immobilize the probe, our reverse phase protein array immobilizes the whole repertoire of patient proteins that represent the state of individual tissue cell populations undergoing disease transitions. A high degree of sensitivity, precision and linearity was achieved, making it possible to quantify the phosphorylated status of signal proteins in human tissue cell subpopulations. Using this novel protein microarray we have longitudinally analysed the state of pro-survival checkpoint proteins at the microscopic transition stage from patient matched histologically normal prostate epithelium to prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and then to invasive prostate cancer. Cancer progression was associated with increased phosphorylation of Akt (P<0.04), suppression of apoptosis pathways (P<0.03), as well as decreased phosphorylation of ERK (P<0.01). At the transition from histologically normal epithelium to PIN we observed a statistically significant surge in phosphorylated Akt (P<0.03) and a concomitant suppression of downstream apoptosis pathways which proceeds the transition into invasive carcinoma.
Distributed optimization in an energy-constrained network using a digital communication scheme

We consider a distributed optimization problem where n nodes, S l , l ∈ {1, …, n}, wish to minimize a common strongly convex function ƒ(x), x = [x 1 , … , x n ]T , and suppose that node S l only has control of variable x l . The nodes locally update their respective variables and periodically exchange their values over noisy channels. Previous studies of this problem have mainly focused on the convergence issue and the analysis of convergence rate. In this work, we focus on the communication energy and study its impact on convergence. In particular, we study the minimum amount of communication energy required for nodes to obtain an ∈-minimizer of ƒ(x) in the mean square sense. In an earlier work, we considered analog communication schemes and proved that the communication energy must grow at the rate of Ω(∈−1) to obtain an ∈-minimizer of a convex quadratic function. In this paper, we consider digital communication schemes and propose a distributed algorithm which only requires communication energy of O ((log ∈−1)3) to obtain an ∈-minimizer of ƒ(x). Furthermore, the algorithm provided herein converges linearly. Thus, distributed optimization with digital communication schemes is significantly more energy efficient than with analog communication schemes.
Effects of Radiation Induced Defects on Laser-Induced Breakdown in SiO 2

The effects of radiation damage on bulk laser-induced breakdown in SiO2 were studied. Samples studied included Spectrasil A, B, and WF (water free). Measurements of laser-induced breakdown were conducted with 532 and 1064 nm laser pulses of approximately 30 nsec duration. Reductions of up to 50% in the laser-induced breakdown threshold were observed at 530 nm for samples exposed to 108 rads of γ-radiation.
Programming Language Design in Cybernetics Applications

The principles of cybernetics have been applied in many fields. With currently renewed and fast growing of interest, it is the time to address the commonly needs for various applications in related to programming language design. The errands of cybernetics application are including the extending of application domain, subdividing the problem, building of reliability features, dealing of parallel and concurrent computation, handling of error states, and creating of precision requirements. This paper studies those programming language features that can accomplish these errands in the commonly existing programming languages for cybernetics application.
The Distribution of Human Genetic Diversity: A Comparison of Mitochondrial, Autosomal, and Y-Chromosome Data

We report a comparison of worldwide genetic variation among 255 individuals by using autosomal, mitochondrial, and Y-chromosome polymorphisms. Variation is assessed by use of 30 autosomal restriction-site polymorphisms (RSPs), 60 autosomal short-tandem-repeat polymorphisms (STRPs), 13 Alu-insertion polymorphisms and one LINE-1 element, 611 bp of mitochondrial control-region sequence, and 10 Y-chromosome polymorphisms. Analysis of these data reveals substantial congruity among this diverse array of genetic systems. With the exception of the autosomal RSPs, in which an ascertainment bias exists, all systems show greater gene diversity in Africans than in either Europeans or Asians. Africans also have the largest total number of alleles, as well as the largest number of unique alleles, for most systems. GST values are 11%–18% for the autosomal systems and are two to three times higher for the mtDNA sequence and Y-chromosome RSPs. This difference is expected because of the lower effective population size of mtDNA and Y chromosomes. A lower value is seen for Y-chromosome STRs, reflecting a relative lack of continental population structure, as a result of rapid mutation and genetic drift. Africa has higher GST values than does either Europe or Asia for all systems except the Y-chromosome STRs and Alus. All systems except the Y-chromosome STRs show less variation between populations within continents than between continents. These results are reassuring in their consistency and offer broad support for an African origin of modern human populations.
Galileo's trajectory with mild resistance

An aspect of Galileo's classical trajectory that persists in a simple resistance model is noted. The resistive model provides a case study for the classroom analysis of limiting behaviour of an implicitly defined function
Real-time PCR to quantify Leishmania donovani in hamsters.

Abstract: Visceral leishmaniasis, a vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum, currently affects 12 million individuals in 88 countries. In the present study, a real-time PCR (rt-PCR) assay has been optimized and validated against 2 other routine methods, i.e., microscopy and limiting dilution culture assay, to estimate parasite load in the liver of infected Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). A set of specific primers amplified a 116-bp target template of the kinetoplastid DNA of L. donovani in a SYBR® Green-based rt-PCR assay. To assess the methods, we tested 2 anti-leishmanial compounds belonging to the class of arylimidamides, DB745 (2,5-bis[2-ethoxy-4-(2-pyridylimino)aminophenyl]furan) and DB766 (2,5-bis[2-(2-propoxy)-4-(2-pyridylimino)aminophenyl]furan) for efficacy in vivo in Syrian hamsters infected with L. donovani promastigotes. Parasite load was quantified in liver by all 3 methods and was found comparable. Of the 3 methods, rt-PCR was the fastest and most ...
Does vitamin A possess vitamin D-sparing properties when fed to growing chicks ?

Abstract THE work described in this paper was stimulated by the work of Massengale and Nussmeier (1930), Hess and Supplee (1920), and Mussehl and Ackerson (1930) who advanced experimental evidence to show that cod liver oil is more effective in preventing nutritional legweakness in chicks than equivalent amounts of activated ergosterol, as measured by the rat method of assay for vitamin D. Since the vitamin A content of the rickets-producing ration is ordinarily dependent on the quality and quantity of yellow corn present, it was thought that the superiority of cod liver oil for growth and ossifying potency might be due, at least in part, to the ample amount of vitamin A, which is characteristic of cod liver oil. As a result, the following experiments were conducted with the view of amplifying the legweakness producing ration with vitamin A to determine whether or not this vitamin possesses vitamin D-sparing properties. E xperimental . . .
The People of the Forest against International Capitalism: Systemic and Anti-Systemic Forces in the Battle for the Preservation of the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest

The paper links the rapid deforestation taking place in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest to the alliance of the Brazilian government with world-systemic or global institutions in developing Amazonia. This alliance accelerated the pace of destruction by extending the capitalist frontier into the region, with devastating consequences for the people of the forest, (i.e*** Indians, rubber tappers, etc.) The paper argues that changes in the ecopolitics of the world-system beginning in the mid-1980's strengthened the cause of the people of the forest against the systemic agents of destruction. They won important allies abroad, while the Brazilian government lost allies. The political leverage gained by the people of the forest allowed them to win a few important victories in attempting to preserve their lands and livelihoods. Pressured by international demand, the Brazilian government agreed to create extractive reserves and to demarcate Indian lands. The paper concludes that a country-by-country approach to the...
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF THE PITCHER‐PLANT MOSQUITO: 1. POPULATION DYNAMICS AND LABORATORY RESPONSES TO FOOD AND POPULATION DENSITY

It is commonplace to emphasize that ecological and evolutionary processes are related and ought to be studied together, but analyses of natural populations which unravel the interrelations of historical evolutionary factors, current population processes, and the prevailing effects of natural selection are not common. This is the direction of our studies of the pitcher-plant mosquito, Wyeomyia smithii. In this paper we present: the natural history and population dynamics of this species in a single bog; an experiment to determine if the larval part of the population saturates its resources at a critical time preceding metamorphosis; and studies of laboratory responses of the species to food and population density. The field data show that larval abundance is more tightly regulated (i.e., steadier) than the abundance of other parts of the life cycle. Our laboratory data show how the components of fitness are influenced by different food levels and larval density. Central in these studies is completion of the life cycle. We are trying to understand the factors which encourage or discourage completion of the life cycle and influence the average fitness of individuals under different ecological circumstances. Study of W. smithii was undertaken for a variety of conceptual and practical reasons. The ecological and evolutionary consequences of a complex life cycle (two or more distinct ecological stages) are of some interest (Istock, 1967, 1970). The species
Evaluation of Aqueous Solution of Neem Seed Extract Against Liriomyza sativae and L. trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

Aqueous solutions of neem seed extract applied on leaves were evaluated for antiovipositional and insecticidal effects against the leafminers Liriomyza sativae Blanchard and L. trifolii (Burgess). All experiments but one were conducted with the primary leaves of Henderson bush lima bean as the host. Significantly fewer eggs were laid by L. trifolii females in neem-treated foliage than in water-treated foliage; such a difference in oviposition was not seen for L. sativae . However, larval mortality of both species shortly after hatch was high (100% for L. trifolii . 98.2% for L. sativae ). Further work indicated that 2-to 6-h-old neem residues on leaves repelled adult L. sativae . thus reducing oviposition, but that 22-h-old residues were not appreciably repellent. Neem applied as a 0.1 % solution on leaves was active against 1- to 3-day-old L. sativae eggs (by killing larvae hatching from those eggs) as well as against all three larval instars. Against L. sativae eggs and larvae, neem was highly effective as 0.1 and 0.05% solutions (91 to 100% mortality) and moderately effective as a 0.025% solution (49 to 92% mortality). Neem applied on leaves was effective for up to 7 days in killing larvae hatching from eggs, but its effectiveness declined steadily from day 0 after application (86% mortality) to day 7 after application (44% mortality). Adults caged for 25 h with foliage freshly dipped in 0.1% neem extract showed no adverse effects. Similarly, neem extract (0.1%) applied on chrysanthemum leaves showed that adult L. trifolii were slightly inhibited from making ovipositor punctures in leaves. Leaf-miners failed to develop, however, and the neem-treated leaves contrasted with the control leaves, which contained numerous mines.
Zwitterionic nanogels crosslinked by fluorescent carbon dots for targeted drug delivery and simultaneous bioimaging

Abstract A zwitterionic multifunctional nanogel drug delivery vehicle was synthesized by copolymerizing ornithine methacrylamide (OrnAA, a newly developed amino acid – derived zwitterionic non-fouling monomer) with fluorescent crosslinkable carbon dots (CCDs). In this construct, the zwitterionic nanogel network served as a functionalizable non-fouling matrix for drug loading, while the introduction of CCDs as crosslinkers enabled the real-time tracking and locating of the nanogel. The nanogels showed exceptional stability when incubated in protein solutions and stable fluorescence similar to that of CCDs. Labeled dextran was encapsulated in nanogels as a model drug, and was released in a controlled manner. Importantly, cellular uptake experiments showed that the folic acid – conjugated nanogels can be specifically internalized by the folate receptor – overexpressed cancer cells, but not in normal tissue cells. This type of multifunctional nanogels holds great potential for targeted delivery and simultaneous imaging in cancer therapy. Statement of Significance In this work, we developed a zwitterionic multifunctional nanogel drug delivery system, by copolymerizing ornithine methacrylamide (OrnAA, a newly developed amino acid – derived zwitterionic non-fouling monomer) with fluorescent crosslinkable carbon dots (CCDs). The non-fouling pOrnAA network provides the nanogels with great stability in biophysical environments and serves as a matrix for drug loading, whereas the fluorescent CCDs not only serve as crosslinkers but also provide stable (i.e., non-photobleaching) fluorescence signals for real-time tracking of the nanogels in the delivery process. A model drug dextran loaded in the nanogels was shown to be released in a controlled manner. Furthermore, the abundant functional groups possessed by pOrnAA can be further conjugated with ligands for specific cell targeting. Our results show that folic acid-modified nanogels were only selectively internalized in folate receptor overexpressed cancer cells, but not in normal tissue cells. Such multifunctional zwitterionic nanogels hold great potential for targeted drug delivery and simultaneous imaging in cancer therapy, due to their great stability, bioimaging capability, excellent biocompatibility, controlled drug release, and selective cell targeting.
Closed-Head Injury in Children: Neuropsychological and Scholastic Outcomes:

Neuropsychological studies of head injury in children have not adequately reported outcomes in terms of specific scholastic deficiencies. Typically, Klonoff, et al. ( 2 ) found that about 2856 of their sample failed a grade, were in remedial classes, or dropped out of school. Chadw~ck and his colleagues ( 1 ) reported achievement test levels for reading and spelling in a group with depressed skull fracture. About 3056 of their sample was "backward at reading," but no corresponding information was prov~ded for spelling nor was arithmetic tested. W e report rhe performance of 15 right-handed children (M age = 9.2 yr.) who sustained severe closed-head injury ( M coma = 9 days) at an early ( 3 to 6 mo. after coma) and late (at least 1 yr. after coma) examination. The table shows the percentage of patients performing deficiently ( % of patients below the tenth percentile) on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised, Wide Range Achievement Test, Purdue Pegboard, Benton Visual Retention Test, and Buschke Selective Reminding at the "late" follow-up. Performance IQ was more depressed initially and recovered more than Verbal IQ ( IQ type x session; Flnr = 8.9, P < .01). Time-in-coma covaried with over-all I Q (P < . 0 5 ) . Arithmetic was poorer than reading or spelling (FWs = 4.3, P < .02), an effect unaltered by introducing IQ or time-in-coma as covariates.
Occupational hazards and its defense measures in operating environment of greenhouse planting

Greenhouse operating environment is similar to the confined space existing many occupational hazards,with discomfort microclimate with high humidity,high temperature and large temperature difference,a wide variety of chemical pesticides,microbial pesticides and ammonia as major,as well as nitrogen oxides,carbon monoxide,sulfur dioxide,ethylene,chlorine,carbon dioxide,phthalate esters(PAEs),formaldehyde,radon,allergens,and fungi,viruses,bacteria,etc.Therefore,it is necessary to focus on the occupational health of planters and to enhance protective countermeasures study.