cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On Optimizing Bin Picking and Insertion Plans for Assembly Robots

Abstract In robotic assembly stations robots pick a series of component parts from bins and then insert and assemble them. Several approaches are described and formulated for optimizing bin organization, picking, and insertion sequence and route. Solution procedures are developed for several modes of assembly tasks. The Simple Assembly Plan problem (SAP) is defined and solved. Extensions to this problem are heuristically solved by separating the SAP problem into the Bin Assignment Problem (BAP) and the Pick-Insert Sequencing (PIS) problem. We then define and formulate a new version of the assignment problem which is termed the Minimax Assignment Problem (MAP). An algorithm for the solution of this problem is developed and tested.
Extension of short cycles in postpartum beef cows by intrauterine treatment with catecholestradiol.

Eight multiparous beef cows were used to examine the effects of intrauterine infusion of catecholestradiol (4-hydroxylated estradiol) on development and function of the first corpus luteum after parturition. Calves were weaned on day 1 (day 0 = parturition) to initiate formation of a corpus luteum (CL) by approximately day 10 or 11. Before CL formation, on days 5 to 9, cows received twice daily infusions of catecholestradiol (4 micrograms; n = 4) or vehicle (n = 4) into the uterine horn opposite the previous pregnancy. Plasma progesterone during the first estrous cycle was elevated longer (P less than .001) and reached a higher (P less than .001) concentration in cows treated with catecholestradiol. The decline in progesterone was associated with an increase in plasma 13,14-dihydro, 15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM) in all cows infused with catecholestradiol. In contrast, a rise in PGFM at the end of the first short cycle was detected in only one of four cows treated with vehicle. Furthermore, PGFM concentrations were linearly related (R2 = .870; P less than .001) to concentrations of progesterone. Estradiol-17 beta concentrations were not different during the infusion period, but after formation of the first CL, estradiol remained elevated (P less than .01) in cows that received vehicle. Results of this experiment suggest that exposure of postpartum beef cows to catecholestradiol extended luteal function in association with enhanced PGFM release.
Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic malignancies using ultrasonically activated shears: Analysis of first 100 cases

Abstract Objective. To evaluate the feasibility, safety and utility of the ultrasonic shears for laparoscopic pelvic and para-aortic lymph node retrieval in the treatment of gynecologic cancers. Methods. Data on laparoscopic lymphadenectomy performed for gynecologic malignancies using ultrasonic shears over a 5-year period were collected and analyzed prospectively. Results. Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy using ultrasonic shears was performed on 100 patients with a median age of 58 (17–87) years. The types of malignancies included cervical ( n = 29), endometrial ( n = 48), ovarian ( n = 15), fallopian tube ( n = 2), malignant mixed mesodermal tumor ( n = 2), vaginal ( n = 2) and synchronous ovarian and endometrial cancers ( n = 2). Sites of lymphadenectomy included pelvic ( n = 49), para-aortic ( n = 30) or both pelvic and para-aortic ( n = 21). The median nodal yield was 22 (0–87). 66/100 were complete lymphadenectomies with a median nodal yield of 28 (2–71). The median length of hospital stay was 2 (1–13) days and the average blood loss was 148 (0–500) ml. Overall complication rate was 13%. There were 3 intra-operative complications, which were all managed laparoscopically. There were no unplanned conversions to laparotomy. There were 10 post-operative complications including port-site metastasis in a patient with positive nodes ( n = 1), trocar-site hernia requiring a second laparoscopy ( n = 1), deep leg vein thrombosis ( n = 1), and a small bowel obstruction ( n = 1). Conclusions. This is the largest series to date demonstrating the safety and efficacy of ultrasonic shears in laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic malignancies. In addition to the potential for lowering the risk for tissue damage, ultrasonic shears offer multifunctionality which allows for a simpler technique with the use of fewer instruments.
An Intense, Quasi-Steady Thunderstorm over Mountainous Terrain. Part I: Evolution of the Storm-Initiating Mesoscale Circulation

The evolution of mesoscale systems that eventually lead to the formation of large quasi-steady storm systems is investigated. The morphological and turbulent structure of the quasi-steady storm is described. Data obtained during the South Park Area Cumulus Experiment from surface meteorological stations, rawinsondes and tethered balloons, conventional and Doppler radars, powered aircraft, and satellites, indicate that on July 19, 1977, a north-south oriented line of intense convective cells formed and remained within South Park. Elevated surface heating created a region of low-level convergence, importing Pacific moisture from west of the Rockies. The mesoscale thunderstorm line formed over this convergence zone, and a single large convective cell was observed to grow on the southern end of the mesoscale line, exhibiting supercell characteristics and substantial modifications of the environmental flow.
Amyloid precursor protein increases cortical neuron size in transgenic mice

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is the source of beta-amyloid, a pivotal peptide in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study examines the possible effect of APP transgene expression on neuronal size by measuring the volumes of cortical neurons (microm(3)) in transgenic mouse models with familial AD Swedish mutation (APPswe), with or without mutated presenilin1 (PS1dE9), as well as in mice carrying wild-type APP (APPwt). Overexpression of APPswe and APPwt protein, but not of PS1dE9 alone, resulted in a greater percentage of medium-sized neurons and a proportionate decrease in the percentage of small-sized neurons. Our observations indicate that the overexpression of mutant (APPswe) or wild-type APP in transgenic mice is necessary and sufficient for hypertrophy of cortical neurons. This is highly suggestive of a neurotrophic effect and also raises the possibility that the lack of neuronal loss in transgenic mouse models of AD may be attributed to overexpression of APP.
Apolipoprotein A-IV acts centrally in the brain to reduce the severity of gastric ulceration in the rat

Abstract We have recently reportd that apolipoprotein A-IV (apo A-IV), a protein associated with lipoproteins, acts in the brain to inhibit gastric acid secretion. In the present study, we determined whether or not apo A-IV has an anti-ulcer action via the central nervous system using Sprague-Dawley rats. Intracisternal injection of apo A-IV dose-dependently (2.0–4.0 μg/rat) reduced the severity of gastric mucosal lesions induced by intravenous injection of 2-deoxy- d -glucose or subcutaneous administration of indomethacine. A higher dose (15 μg) of apo A-IV injected intraperitoneally failed to inhibit the development of gastric mucosal damage evoked by these ulcerogenic agents. These results suggest for the first time that apo A-IV has an anti-ulcer action through a central mechanism.
Polypentapeptide of elastin: damping of internal chain dynamics on extension

Molecular dynamics simulations out to 100 ps have been carried out at 300 K in vacuo on the repeating pentapeptide, (VPGVG), of the elastin fiber. The structure employed in the simulation is a β-spiral (helical structure) with 2.7 pentamers per turn and with a 9.45 A rise per turn and 21.6 A rise per turn in the relaxed and extended states, respectively. Large amplitude backbone torsion angle fluctuations are observed in the relaxed state, and significant damping is observed upon extension, particularly in the suspended segments of the β-spiral structure. Accordingly the entropy change an extension was computed and found to be a substantial −1.1 entropy units per residue. The various energy components are compared for relaxed and extended states and the relevance of the results to the molecular mechanism of entropic elasticity is discussed.
Hybrid Endovascular Treatment of an Anomalous Right Subclavian Artery Dissection in a Patient With Marfan Syndrome

We report the case of a 26-year-old female patient with Marfan syndrome and an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) with associated Kommerell diverticulum. The patient presented with spontaneous acute dissection of the ARSA that showed fusiform dilation to 4 cm in diameter. Definitive treatment was performed using a two-stage hybrid endovascular technique, including extrathoracic bilateral upper extremity bypass and thoracic endovascular aortic repair with debranching of the right and left subclavian arteries. This was followed by coil and plug embolization to exclude the dissection and prevent subsequent endoleak.
Wave mechanics of breakdown

Kinematic wave theory is used to determine under what conditions breakdown of a steady or unsteady laminar flow into high frequency oscillations should occur. The analysis of a small-scale secondary wave riding on a large-scale inhomogeneity, such as that produced by a finite amplitude primary instability wave, reveals that the breakdown mechanism has three basic ingredients: (i) a self-excited secondary wave with a group velocity near the propagation velocity (phase velocity) of the primary wave, (ii) space-time focusing of the secondary wave train on the primary wave crest and (iii) a nonlinear filtering mechanism leading to rectification of the secondary wave.The theory is applied to a laminar shear flow. Good quantitative agreement with the experiments on boundary-layer transition by Klebanoff, Tidstrom & Sargent (1962) is found for the critical condition leading to breakdown. Also, the theory is able to explain all the main qualitative breakdown features observed by Klebanoff et al. and others, such as the rapid localized onset, and the formation of a hairpin vortex lifting up from the surface downstream of the primary wave crest.
Non-molecular identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria in the clinical microbiology laboratory: What's the real deal?

The identification of mycobacteria, other than the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, is a challenge for most routine clinical microbiology laboratories. Laboratories may use nucleic acid probe identification of Mycobacterium avium-M. intracellulare, Mycobacterium gordonae, and Mycobacterium kansasii, if financial resources are available. Currently, 109 species of mycobacteria have been described using nucleic acid sequencing. Phenotypic characters are generally incomplete in the literature, and for this reason, it is recommended that routine clinical microbiology laboratories refer cultures to state health laboratories or other reference laboratories for identification.
Characterization of selenocysteine methyltransferases from Astragalus species with contrasting selenium accumulation capacity

A group of selenium (Se)-hyperaccumulating species belonging to the genus Astragalus are known for their capacity to accumulate up to 0.6% of their foliar dry weight as Se, with most of this Se being in the form of Se-methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys). Here, we report the isolation and molecular characterization of the gene that encodes a putative selenocysteine methyltransferase (SMT) enzyme from the non-accumulator Astragalus drummondii and biochemically compare it with an authentic SMT enzyme from the Se-hyperaccumulator Astragalus bisulcatus, a related species that lives within the same native habitat. The non-accumulator enzyme (AdSMT) shows a high degree of homology with the accumulator enzyme (AbSMT) but lacks the selenocysteine methyltransferase activity in vitro, explaining why little or no detectable levels of MeSeCys accumulation are observed in the non-accumulator plant. The insertion of mutations on the coding region of the non-accumulator AdSMT enzyme to better resemble enzymes that originate from Se accumulator species results in increased selenocysteine methyltransferase activity, but these mutations were not sufficient to fully gain the activity observed in the AbSMT accumulator enzyme. We demonstrate that SMT is localized predominantly within the chloroplast in Astragalus, the principal site of Se assimilation in plants. By using a site-directed mutagenesis approach, we show that an Ala to Thr amino acid mutation at the predicted active site of AbSMT results in a new enzymatic capacity to methylate homocysteine. The mutated AbSMT enzyme exhibited a sixfold higher capacity to methylate selenocysteine, thereby establishing the evolutionary relationship of SMT and homocysteine methyltransferase enzymes in plants.
Leaf Whorl Inoculation Method for Screening Sugarcane Rust Resistance

Sood, S. G., Comstock, J. C., and Glynn, N. C. 2009. Leaf whorl inoculation method for screening sugarcane rust resistance. Plant Dis. 93:1335-1340. Brown rust, caused by Puccinia melanocephala, and orange rust, caused by P. kuehnii, are agronomically important diseases of sugarcane in Florida. Cultivar resistance is the best means of controlling these diseases. Natural infection has been the primary means of assessing resistance in sugarcane cultivars against rusts; unfortunately, natural infection is not always efficient in identifying resistant cultivars due to variable environmental conditions. Therefore, a more reliable screening method is needed to effectively select resistant genotypes. An inoculation technique was evaluated for identification of brown and orange rust resistance in sugarcane cultivars. Inoculations were performed in the field by placing a 0.5-ml urediniospore suspension in the leaf whorl of three individual sugarcane stalks per plant using a pipette. Symptoms developed on leaves of all the susceptible cultivars after 4 weeks, and appeared as a band of pustules. Plants were rated for their reaction to rust 4 weeks after inoculation. The optimum concentrations of inoculum for expression of brown and orange rust symptoms were determined. The most severe brown rust and orange rust symptoms were observed using inoculum containing 10 5 and 104 urediniospores/ml, respectively. Clones in several stages of the Canal Point breeding program were screened for their rust reaction by leaf whorl inoculation. The technique enabled rapid screening of a large number of cultivars in field plantings using a small amount of inoculum and limited man hours.
Formation of chromium carbene ions by reaction of electronically excited chromium ions with methane in the gas phase

Cr/sup +/ ions formed by electron impact from Cr(CO)/sub 6/ reacts with methane to produce CrCH/sub 2//sup +/ in abundance, and the cross section-energy relation is exothermic. Lesser amounts of CrCH/sub 3//sup +/ and CrH/sup +/ are also formed. Experiments confirm that an electronically excited state of Cr/sup +7/ is involved. (DLC)
Chemical diversity and origin of Precambrian charnockitic rocks of the central Pedlar massif, Grenvillian Blue Ridge Terrane, Virginia

Abstract Middle Proterozoic rocks of the Pedlar massif are comprised of varied charnockitic and granulitic lithologies representing ∼ 1150-1000 Ma Grenvillian metamorphic and igneous events in the central Appalachians of Virginia. Chemically and mineralogically diverse units include metaluminous to peraluminous charnockites, enderbites, jotunites and granulite gneisses ranging in SiO2 from 47 to 79 wt.%. Relative to bulk continental crust, typical charnockites are enriched by ∼ 3–6 × in Rb, K, Ba, LREE, Zr and Hf, less enriched in Ta, Sr, P and HREE, and depleted in Cs, Th, Ti and Sc, although low-SiO2 members have relatively high Ti and P and some high-SiO2 units are depleted in K, Rb and Ba. The Pedlar River Charnockite Suite (PRCS), Vesuvius megacrystic charnockite (VMC), Nellysford Granulite Gneiss (NGG) and the Lady Slipper Granulite Gneiss (LSGG) exhibit common chemical signatures and trends, notably evident in uniform LREE-enriched patterns with variable Eu anomalies, which reflect their derivation from a mixed protolith of volcanics and reworked volcaniclastic sediments dated at ∼ 1130–1150 Ma. Pedlar River charnockites represent portions of deep-seated granulite gneisses that were mobilized by granulite facies dehydration melting and emplaced en masse as plutons into overlying and surrounding gneisses during the Grenville episode. Divergent REE patterns in the PRCS are attributed to crystallization of quartz, feldspar ± garnet, or HREE-compatible mafic and accessory phases leading to complementary chemical signatures in mafic and felsic layers. Depletion of Cs throughout the Pedlar massif is attributed to its incompatibility with major mineral phases during either protolith evolution or granulite facies dehydration, while dispersions in K, Rb, Sr, Ba and Eu are due to the relative proportions of the major phases quartz, K-feldspar, plagioclase and biotite. Mobility of insoluble trace elements Zr, Hf, Ta and Th require partial melting and crystallization of accessory mineral phases, whereas Sc, Cr and REE mobility depends on the proportions of pyroxene and garnet. Several leucocharnockites and other felsic rocks of the PRCS show markedly elevated Th values ranging from ∼ 10 to 83 ppm which complement depleted Th in typical PRCS units. These charnockitic rocks represent low-degree partial melts (∼ 1–5%) from normal PRCS or NGG protoliths to produce high-silica magmas which separated from the main charnockitic body.
Isolation and identification of an ice-nucleating bacterium from the gills of the intertidal bivalve mollusc Geukensia demissa.

In the fall, freeze tolerant intertidal invertebrates usually produce ice-nucleating proteins that are secreted into the hemolymph. These proteins help protect against freeze damage by insuring that ice formation is limited to extracellular spaces. Geukensia demissa, a freeze tolerant, salt marsh bivalve mollusc was examined for the presence of ice nucleating proteins. The ice-nucleating temperature (INT) of the hemolymph was not significantly different from artificial seawater of the same salinity indicating the lack of an ice nucleating protein in the hemolymph. The palial fluid did have an elevated INT, indicating the presence of an ice nucleator. The INT of the palial fluid was significantly reduced by boiling and filtration through a 0.45-μm filter. High INT was also observed in the seawater associated with the bivalves, and was demonstrated in water samples collected from salt marshes but not sand and pebble beaches. Moreover, the INT of water samples collected from a salt marsh decreased in the summer. All of these data suggest that the ice-nucleating agents in the hemolymph and the seawater are ice-nucleating bacteria. One species of ice-nucleating bacteria, Pseudomonas fulva was isolated from the gills of Geukensia. These bacteria could perform the same function as hemolymph ice-nucleating proteins by limiting ice formation to extracellular compartments.
Marital Status and Other Correlates of Personal Bankruptcy, 1986–2004

ABSTRACT Relying on National Longitudinal Survey (NLS) data, this retrospective cohort study found that 11.6% (n = 882) of the eligible study sample (N = 7,609) declared personal or nonbusiness, nonentrepreneurial between 1986 and 2004. These debtors had average annual incomes that were about 2.5 times official poverty thresholds. Those who were divorced in 2004 were most likely to have declared bankruptcy (16.4%), followed by separated (13.9%), married with spouses present (11.2%), and never–married (7.0%) persons. Specific correlates of bankruptcy varied by year. Marital status was associated with likelihood of declaring bankruptcy in only 6 of 14 survey years: Never-married persons at the time of declared bankruptcy were less likely than married persons to declare, whereas formerly married persons, whether divorced or separated, were more likely than married persons to do so. Formerly married persons who declared bankruptcy bounced back economically to a lesser degree than did married persons, even tho...
The effect of “skin-core” morphology on the heat-deflection temperature of polypropylene

The relationship between solid-state morphology and heat-deflection temperature (HDT) of nucleated polypropylenes was studied. Using optical microscopy to characterize the morphology and DMTA to determine the temperature dependence of the tensile modulus, a composite model was adapted to estimate the HDT. Both compression-molded films and injection-molded HDT bars were investigated. Compression-molded films were isotropic except for a thin skin, and the temperature dependence of the tensile modulus was very similar for all compression-molded films regardless of the nucleating agent. Results on isotropic specimens could not account for the higher ASTM HDT of nucleated samples. Injection-molded HDT bars exhibited an anisotropic gradient in both the morphology and the temperature-dependent modulus. A composite model was developed to estimate the HDT. The model successfully predicted the ASTM HDT values relatives to the HDT of unnucleated polypropylene. The increase in HDT was caused by the increased retention of melt orientation, due, in turn, to the higher crystallization temperature of the nucleated samples. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Crystallization of the basaltic shergottites: Insights from crystal size distribution (CSD) analysis of pyroxenes

— Quantitative petrographic analysis, using the crystal size distribution (CSD) method, provides a novel approach for examining the crystallization histories of basaltic shergottites. Grain number densities at different sizes are plotted against grain size, and the resulting curve relates to the geologic processes involved with the crystallization of the grain population. Most basaltic shergottites are dominated by pigeonite and augite; and because plagioclase is primarily interstitial, and therefore constrained in its growth by the surrounding pyroxenes, we limited our size measurements to the pyroxene phases. The groundmasses of Elephant Moraine (EET) A79001 lithology A and Dar al Gani (DaG) 476 are fine grained with cumulus pyroxene and interstitial plagioclase glass. Their simple linear CSD plots record a single stage of pyroxene crystallization under steady-state conditions of continuous nucleation and growth. The textures of Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 94201 and EETA79001 lithology B are quite different from the other shergottites, with intergrown pyroxene and plagioclase. Likewise, their CSD plots are also distinct, with curved trends that suggest a lack of large grains, most likely because of interference between simultaneously growing silicate phases. However, the CSD plot shapes are smooth, also implying a single stage of growth. Shergotty and Zagami, with coarser cumulus textures, display CSD plots that are generally linear over most grain sizes. This implies that conditions of nucleation and growth were dominant during formation of the pyroxene populations. Both plots, however, also display kinks, implying multiple stages of growth. A similar kink is also visible in a CSD plot of only the Mg-rich cores of Shergotty pyroxenes, which suggests the feature represents changes in conditions during core crystallization, rather than an event coincident with the change in composition to the Fe-rich rims. The plot may be interpreted as representing two stages of core growth with an intervening short hiatus of nucleation, with continued crystallization associated with ascent of the magma. Eruption onto the surface probably triggered the compositional change to Fe-rich rims. The CSD analysis of products from a controlled crystallization study agree with experimental and petrologic estimates that cooling rates for Zagami were on the order of a few tenths of a degree per hour. Growth rates derived from these cooling rates suggest crystallization of Shergotty and Zagami pyroxenes occurred over a period of a few weeks to months.
Using the Coda-wave Interferometry Method And Time-lapse VSP Data to Estimate Velocity Changes From Geological Carbon Sequestration In a Brine Aquifer

Injection and movement/saturation of CO2 in a geological formation can cause changes in seismic velocities and attenuation, resulting in changes in seismic-wave scattering and propagation. Accurately estimating seismic-velocity changes from time-lapse seismograms can provide valuable information about where CO2 moves. We investigate the capability of the coda-wave interferometry method for monitoring geological carbon sequestration using field time-lapse VSP data. The coda-wave interferometry method can estimate relative temporal changes in seismic velocities. Pre-injection and post-injection field VSP data sets were acquired for monitoring of injected CO2 in a brine aquifer. We estimate the temporal velocity changes at the centers of a moving time window using the coda-wave interferometry method, and then obtain the mean velocity change by averaging the temporal velocity changes over time. The time-lapse VSP data along three azimuthal directions with different offset ranges from the observation well are used in this study. Generally, the estimated mean velocity changes from field VSP data from different shots show similar changing pattern with receiver depth. Mid offset shots (shot 5, 6, and 8) give largest estimation, while closest offset shots (shot 1, 2, and 4) give mid estimated changes and shot 9 with offset 1.5km give smallest estimated velocity changes. The estimated velocity changes are as large as 0.5%. This demonstrates that the coda-wave interferometry method can be used for monitoring of CO2 injection using time-lapse VSP data. The different changes along different azimuths may be caused by the local geology heterogeneity.
Tilings of lattice points in Euclidean n-space

It is shown that any set of three lattice points in n-dimensional Euclidean space R^n tiles the lattice Z^n. An example is given of a set of cardinality 4n-2[12n] which does not tile Z^n.
Rotational barriers in azobenzene and azonaphthalene.

Theoretical predictions of rotational barriers for π-conjugated substituents of aromatic rings sometimes significantly overestimate the corresponding experimental values. In this work, the rotational barriers in benzaldehyde, azobenzene, and azonaphthalene are studied by DFT calculations employing a variety of exchange-correlation functionals and basis sets. The results for benzaldehyde and azobenzene agree with previously published theoretical values. For azonaphthalene, 10 unique minima and corresponding rotational barriers have been found. The ability to distinguish minima connected by rotational barriers opens an opportunity for a detailed experimental study of rotational barrier heights in substituted aromatics.
The use of chlorhexidine.

An investigation was carried out on the therapeutic value of chlorhexidine (I.C.I.). We are of the opinion that this substance, which has very few toxic side-effects, may prove to be of great importance as a general disinfectant in surgical practice, of prophylactic value in paediatrics, in urogical practice, in the treatment of burns, and generally to prevent cross infection. Further, it was established that chlorhexidine possesses fungistatic and fungicidal action.
Support-Coated Open Tubular Columns, V. Columns with Various Liquid-Phase Loadings

Abstract Support-coated open tubular columns of a wide range of phase ratio (β) are considered. Efficiency, comparison with maximum theoretical efficiency, and length and temperature of analysis are discussed for various liquid loadings. Comparison with classical open tubular columns and packed columns is made.
Outcomes and Metrics for Antimicrobial Stewardship: Survey of Physicians and Pharmacists

We conducted a survey to compare antimicrobial stewardship outcomes considered to be most important with those used in practice as metrics. Respondent opinion of important outcomes compared with those collected as metrics were antimicrobial use (15% vs 73%), antimicrobial cost (10% vs 73%), appropriateness of antimicrobial use (56% vs 51%), infection-related mortality rate (34% vs 7%), and antibiotic-associated length of stay (22% vs 12%). Patient outcomes are important to many practitioners but are rarely used as metrics.
Additional measurements of pre-main-sequence stellar rotation

New rotational-velocity measurements for pre-main-sequence stars in the Taurus-Auriga molecular cloud are reported. Rotational velocities or upper limits of 10 km/s are now available for 90 percent of the T Tauri stars with V less than 14.7 in the catalog of Cohen and Kuhi. Measurements of 'continuum emission' stars, thought to be accreting high-angular-momentum material from a circumstellar disk, show that these objects are not especially rapid rotators. The results confirm earlier findings that angular-momentum loss proceeds very efficiently in the earliest stages of star formation, and suggest that stars older than about one million yr contract to the main sequence at nearly constant angular momentum. The slow rotation of T Tauri stars probably requires substantial angular-momentum loss via a magnetically coupled wind.
Raising Expectations Indirectly

Previous experiments have demonstrated that it is possible to raise children's expectations for their own performance at tasks resembling classroom tasks. Experiments reported here show that children will generalize such raised expectations from one task to a second dissimilar task; if children's performance at one task (involving planning a meal) are positively evaluated, they will raise their expectations for their own performance at another task (story telling) where the two tasks require different skills and different knowledge. Results of the present experiments on raising expectations are consistent with previous experiments in that the generalization effect, while significant, is smaller in magnitude than the direct effect. The classroom offers a continuous series of tasks, many unfamiliar, to each child. At particular times, for instance, children must learn graphemephoneme correspondences, cursive handwriting, or the multiplication tables. They must learn how to find their way about the school and learn to ask to get a drink of water. How well children expect to do at each new task, and how well others expect them to do, affect their performance, their self-confidence, their interaction patterns with teachers, their interaction with other students, and often their level of learning (e.g., Brophy and Good; Entwisle and Webster, d; Rosenthal and Jacobson). Some research, in fact, indicates that students' conception of their own ability explains more of the variance in school performance than actual ability (Brookover et al.). The sources of expectations teachers hold have been dramatically highlighted in recent studies. For instance, teachers hold expectations for first-graders they do not even know based on their prior experience with older siblings of the first graders. These hand-me-down expectations affect teacher-pupil interaction (Seaver). Teachers also have expectations based on children's membership in ethnic and/or minority groups. Bikson showed that teachers "hear" sentences of the same length spoken by black, Chicano, and white children when the actual sentences spoken by the minorify*This research was supported by a grant from the Office of Education (OEG-3-71-0122). We thank Frank Tondrick and Charlotte Harper, principals of the schools involved in the experiments, and students and staff in these schools for their help with the research.
Mental Health Checkups for Children and Adolescents: A Means to Identify, Prevent, and Minimize Suffering Associated With Anxiety and Mood Disorders

Early identification of disease and intervention when necessary are a cornerstone of contemporary medical practice. This approach has been successful in reducing suffering associated with the progression of unchecked medical problems to full-blown disease. Many healthcare systems, in turn, support this approach via routine checkups. The same cannot be said for mental health care. This article evaluates a school-based mental health checkup approach in the context of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. We outline how checkups can identify children with emotional disorders, along with risk factors that, if left unchecked, may contribute to eventual onset. We conclude by discussing the benefits and limitations of this approach.
EBSD-Based Dislocation Microscopy

Recent advances in high-resolution electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)-based microscopy are applied to the characterization of incompatibility structures near the grain boundaries (GBs) in polycrystals. The principal interest described here is recovery of geometrically-necessary dislocation (density) tensors, of the 2- and 3-D type, described by Nye and Kroner. These developments are presented in the context of the continuum dislocation theory. High resolution data obtained near a single grain boundary in well-annealed, low content steel suggests that it may be possible to measure the intrinsic elastic properties of GBs.
Analysis of a loop transmission system with round-robin scheduling of services

A finite population. multi-queue model is developed for a loop transmission system. Approximate expressions for the state transition matrix and other systemv ariables are derived in recursive forms. It is also shown that a number of useful system parameters, such as average message response time. average cycle time, and average response time conditioned on message length, can be obtained. The analytical results have been validated by simulation.
Subtidal advective water flux as a potentially important nutrient input to southeastern U.S.A. Saltmarsh estuaries

An initial study was conducted to assess the importance of the advective movement of interstitial water from subtidal creek sediments in enriching the overlying creek water of the estuary. The process of advection was measured in two creeks of a South Carolina estuarine saltmarsh and results indicated that significant amounts of inorganic nutrients (NH4+ and PO4−3) were added to the overlying creek water by this process. The nutrient concentrations in the advected water were as much as an order of magnitude higher than in the overlying water column. A comparison of runoff from the marsh surface during low tide to advection from subtidal creek bottoms indicated the importance of the latter in contributing NH4+ and PO4−3 to the estuarine water column. Data indicated, however, that runoff from the marsh surface appeared to be a greater source of NO3− + NO2− to the tidal creek waters. Mean (n = 5 sites) advective flux across one of the creeks was 3·1 mg NH4+−N m−2 tide−1, 0·02 mg NO3−+NO2−−N m−2 tide−1 and 0·31 mg PO4−3−P m−2 tide−1 which was 6 times and 2·5 times higher for NH4+ and PO4−3, respectively, than surface runoff (a process known to export nutrients to tidal creek water) from the nearby vegetated marsh. When normalized over the areal extent of subtidal creek bottom in the estuary, subtidal advection is estimated to contribute approximately 3 times as much NH4+ and 1·3 times as much PO4−3 to the estuarine water column than low tide runoff from the vegetated marsh surface.
Gay-Spencer-Richardson Oil and Gas Trend in West Virginia: ABSTRACT

An outstanding example of the control of oil and gas production by sand distribution is provided by the Berea sand trend extending from Gay in Jackson County, northeastward through Spencer, Roane County, and Richardson, Calhoun County. With the exception of a few undeveloped edge areas, the producing area closely follows the extent of the sand. The producing area varies in width from less than one mile to about three miles. Cross sections show that the sand pinches out in both directions at right angles to the trend and the linear shape strongly suggests a buried beach. Although only the southwestern part of the trend is considered in the paper, the trend is known to continue northeastward to Fink Creek, Lewis County. A total length of over 55 miles. Within the sand body the adjustment of oil and gas to structure is very good, with oil in the synclines and gas on the intervening anticlines. No areas containing only water in the Berea sand are known along the trend. Secondary recovery of oil by means of gas drive is being tried near Spencer, on an experimental basis, with encouraging results. End_of_Article - Last_Page 942------------
Effect of batch factor on a binary ion exchange equilibrium.

The relation between the distribution coefficient of Cs+ on Mn+ form exchanger and the ratio of the solution volume to the exchanger weight (batch factor) at a constant loading of Cs+ has been investigated while taking the activity coefficients of ionic species into consideration when the initial concentration of Cs+ is changed.
The Effect of Selected Demographic Factors on Prediction of GPA by Male Freshman Students

AbstractStudent ability to predict first semester grade-point averages (GPA’s) was examined in a study of 1,025 male college freshmen in the fall of 1968 at The University of Texas, El Paso. A questionnaire was designed to yield socioeconomic data, ethnic information, information on educational background, and choice of college major. Data were subjected to a factorial analysis of variance and all hypotheses were tested for significance at the .05 level. The results of this analysis indicate that three main effects and two interaction effects were significant. More specifically, it can be seen that choice of college major, socioeconomic level, and the factor of average high school grade were found to have a significant effect upon prediction of GPA by male freshman students. The interaction effect of the factors of ethnic background and average high school grade were significant in the prediction of GPA by the Ss. A final interaction which had a significant effect on predicted GPA was that of the four mai...
Nonlinear parameter estimation for sediment cores

Abstract Nonlinear parameter estimation techniques are applied to three distinctly different sediment cores, for which concentrations of tracers with steady and time-dependent flux inputs are available. The mathematical model employed consists of a diffusive upper layer of finite depth underlain by a semi-infinite nondiffusive medium. Confidence regions and intervals are reported for sedimentation rate, diffusion coefficient, and mixed-layer depth, based on ordinary least-squares criteria for each tracer. Conflicting estimates are resolved using a weighted least-squares procedure which combines observations of the individual tracers and exploits their strengths and weaknesses.
Cystoid macular edema associated with cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Purpose To describe the clinical and fluorescein angiographic appearance of cystoid macular edema associated with cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Methods We retrospectively examined the clinical and photographic records of four patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus retinitis who developed cystoid macular edema. Results Seven eyes of four patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus retinitis experienced decreased vision associated with cystoid macular edema. Vitreous inflammation was mild in each patient. In all eyes, the retinitis involved zone 1, and in all but one eye, the cytomegalovirus retinitis was inactive. In one eye, the cystoid macular edema was worsened by formation of a dense juxtafoveal epiretinal membrane. Conclusions Although infrequently recognized, cystoid macular edema can cause visual loss in patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus retinitis. Fluorescein angiography should be considered in any patient with cytomegalovirus retinitis and unexplained visual loss.
Thomas Eisner (1929–2011)

With the passing of Thomas Eisner on 25 March 2011, at the age of 81, the world has lost one of its most original and influential scientists. We owe the development of the contemporary discipline of chemical ecology largely to him. Eisner was fascinated by insects throughout his childhood. Wherever he found himself, he would observe in meticulous detail the behaviors of his favorite “bugs,” carefully noticing how these marvelously diverse creatures managed their interactions with one another and with their environment. He maintained a lifelong curiosity and regard for insects and their chemical treasures.
Desensitization of cultured muscle cells to isoproterenol

Abstract We have studied the desensitization of the muscle cell line L6E9 to isoproterenol as a function of cell density in both whole cells and homogenates derived from them. Undifferentiated (low density) and differentiated (high density) cells both respond to isoproterenol initially with a rapid elevation of cellular cyclic AMP. High density cells require 8 h (versus 4 h for low density cells) of continuous exposure to isoproterenol before cyclic AMP levels are reduced to control values. This difference between high and low density cells would appear to be due to greater phosphodiesterase activity in low density cells. When either low or high density cells are continuously exposed to isoproterenol for 2 h, washed and reexposed to fresh isoproterenol, cyclic AMP levels can no longer be increased above corresponding controls. In this respect, desensitization to isoproterenol in low and high density cultures proceeds with a similar time course. However, membranes prepared from intact desensitized low and high density cells show differences from each other both in isoproterenol-dependent adenylate cyclase activity and in β-adrenergic receptors. Desensitized low density cells lose, whereas desensitized high density cells retain, isoproterenol-dependent adenylate activity. On the other hand, the number of β-receptors, as detected by [125I]iodocyanopindolol, is unchanged in low density cells but decreased in high density cells. Furthermore, the affinity of isoproterenol for β-receptors is decreased to a greater extent in high density than in low density cells. The results indicate that desensitization of β-adrenergic catecholamines involves several different loci in the hormonal machinery of the cell and that the importance of these loci varies as a function of cellular differentiation.
Temperature dependence of the absorption coefficient of pure water in the visible portion of the spectrum

ABSTRACT We have studied temperature dependent changes of the absorption coefficient of pure water atseveral wavelength bands in the visible portion of the spectrum. A WET Labs Inc. nine wavelengthabsorption and attenuation meter (AC-9) was used to measure the absorption coefficient. We foundthe largest temperature dependence (0.0034 m'°C1) at the longest wavelength tested (715 nm). Thetemperature dependence at shorter wavelengths was less than a third of that observed at 7 1 5 nm.Because of the experimental arrangement we believe that the figures obtained represent the upperbound of possible values for the temperature dependence of the absorption coefficient. 1. INTRODUCTION Absorption of light by water is a fundamental process of interest to many investigators whostudy light in hydrological environments. The absorption coefficient is the parameter used toprovide a measure of the absorption in a length of water. The total absorption coefficient is the sumof the absorption coefficients of the individual components including the absorption coefficient ofwater. The total absorption coefficient is an input to the radiative transfer equation and is importantfor the study of remote sensing and to many biological studies.There is good reason to suspect that environmental parameters may effect the value of theabsorption coefficient of water at certain wavelengths. As early as 1925 the effect of temperature onthe absorption coefficient in the infrared was studied' . Collins shows that temperature is veryimportant in determining the shape and magnitude of the absorption maxima associated with theovertones of the three 0-H vibration frequencies for water. Since a water is molecule is polar ittends to form loosely bonded clusters of molecules. The energy states of the clusters differ fromthose of individual molecules causing changes in the vibrational energy states and changes in theabsorption coefficient. The bonds within these clusters are weak making the size and number of theclusters dependent on the temperature. Several works show that in the infrared portion of thespectrum the value of the absorption coefficient is highly dependent on temperature1'2'3. Themagnitude of the variation of a() with temperature is shown to decrease at shorter wavelengths.Temperature is not the only environmental parameter that changes the absorption coefficient ofwater in the infrared. Water molecule clusters also form around ions in solution. Variations in theabsorption coefficient with ion type and concentration have been found. The magnitudes of thesevariations are smaller than the variations with temperature4.
Construction of Modules for Lie Superalgebras of Type C

Abstract Let λ be a partition of some nonnegative integer ƒ. Let n be any integer such that n ≥ λ 1 + 1. Then λ labels a weight for the Lie superalgebra C n . Let V (λ) denote the irreducible module for C n with highest weight labelled by λ. We construct V (λ) explicitly as a submodule of ⊗ ƒ V , the ƒ-fold tensor product of the natural representation of C n .