cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Charge-exchange excitation and recombination of oxygen in the ISX-B tokamak

Several spectral lines produced by charge transfer of neutral-beam hydrogen atoms with completely ionized oxygen have been detected in the impurity studies experiment $B$ ($\mathrm{I}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{X}\ensuremath{-}B$) tokamak, and have been used to compute the absolute concentrations of ${\mathrm{O}}^{8+}$. charge-exchange recombination is found to have a minor effect on the total radiative losses, but enhanced transport during neutral-beam injection appears to raise the oxygen radiation from the interior of the discharges by factors of 3 to 5. This result may reflect an increase of anomalous transport rates that could account for the density "clamping" often observed with injection.
Carbon Nanotube Interfaces for Magneto Thermoelectric Actuation

Magneto thermoelectric generator cell technology uses the ferromagnetic phase transition of gadolinium to drive the movement of a diaphragm ‘shuttle’ whose mechanical energy can be converted to electrical form and which enhances heat transfer through both conduction and convection. This paper describes the thermal behavior of gadolinium foils used in magneto thermoelectric generator cells that, in conjunction with a planar array of similar devices, would form a thermal backplane to a solar photovoltaic panel. In this scenario, the backplane operates as a self-powered cooling device that can simultaneously convert thermal energy to electrical energy as well as improve photovoltaic efficiency through active cooling. This form of energy harvesting and enhancement shows the potential of increasing the energy density of silicon photovoltaic panels. The synthesis and characterization of thermal interfaces applied to the gadolinium shuttles and hot/cold substrates are described. Carbon nanotube arrays are implemented as the thermal interfaces, and their performance under static conditions is assessed. Optimization of the carbon nanotube interfaces on the gadolinium shuttles is achieved using photoacoustic experiments for measuring the thermal interface resistances above and below the gadolinium foil. Carbon nanotube growth studies on gadolinium demonstrated a reduction in thermal interface resistances from 28.8 ± 2.1 mm2 K/W to as low as 17.9 ± 0.8 mm2 K/W. Initial design, fabrication, and experimental techniques and results are presented in this paper.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
PHASE FOCUSING FOR ISOCHRONOUS CYCLOTRONS

Abstract The effect upon the phase of ions in a cyclotron of time and space dependent radial forces produced by non-radial accelerating gaps is examined. This topic is relevant to the design of large isochronous cyclotrons. It is shown that with differential vibration of gap voltage with radius in adjacent gaps it is possible to exercise controll over the phases of ions in a desirable way. Deliberate exploitation of this principle by use of special electrodes is examined and indicates the feasibility of varying the distribution in phase of ions in a cyclic machine.
Advances in reproduction in dairy cattle.

In 1956, Willett (185) reviewed developments in reproductive physiology and artificial insemination. His review dealt principally with dairy cattle, but it also encompassed relevant work with other species and summarized the state of the art at that time. Since 1956, many advances have occurred in our understanding of physiological processes that control reproduction. The purpose of this paper is to review those advances and to suggest new developments that may occur in the near future. In the early 1950's, two discoveries provided a basis for much of the research in the past 25 yr. In 1951, researchers at the University of Wisconsin demonstrated that exogenous progesterone could be used to manipulate the estrous cycle in cattle (176). At about the same time, procedures were developed for freezing and long storage of spermatozoa (131). Thus, research emphasis in the 1960's was directed toward understanding both reproductive processes in the cow and factors affecting quanti ty and quality of sperm production by bulls. During the 1960's and early 70's, radioimmunoassay procedures were developed for measuring concentrations of hormones in blood and tissue. This single development launched a broad effort toward characterizing endocrine relationships in both the male and female. In the 1970's, two discoveries provided additional impetus for research in reproduction. First, discovery of the structure of two hypothalamic hormones (thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) set the stage of major studies of the brain as an endocrine organ. Second, research in reproduction led to the discovery of the role of prostaglandins in luteolysis. The mid 1970's saw an upswing-in research on the early embryo, with particular emphasis on embryo transfer, culture, and storage and embryouterine relationships in maternal recognition of pregnancy. Technological advances during the past 25 yr provided tools that allowed research in reproductive physiology to move forward rapidly. Procedures for transmission and scanning electron microscopy provided for new insights into ultrastructural relationships within and between cells. Development of procedures for preparing radioactive compounds with high specific activity, coupled with developments in immunology and cytology, provided methods for measuring extremely small quantities of hormones, hormone receptors, and biological messengers in blood, tissues, and individual ceils. Techniques for in vitro culture of living cells provided systems for precisely controlling various factors that influence development and function of ova, embryos, and hormonesecreting cells. Furthermore, new techmques for separation and purification of products produced by cells allowed for identification of hormones and biological messengers that were not known in the early 1950's. Finally, advances in technology of computers made data storage, retrieval, and handling a simpler task than in the early 1950's when nearly all data were handled manually.
The relation between total and free plasma concentrations of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in HIV‐infected children

Purpose A significant relationship between the intracellular concentrations (ICC) of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) metabolites and outcome parameters in HIV infection exists. Variability in free plasma concentrations of NRTIs may contribute to the variability in ICC of their triphosphate metabolites. To date no studies have investigated the relation between total and free plasma concentration of NRTIs. Our purpose was to determine the total and free concentrations of lamivudine (3TC), stavudine (d4T) and zidovudine (AZT) in plasma in HIV-infected children. Methods 22 pediatric patients (median age 8.9 years) were enrolled in the study. Unbound 3Tc, d4T, and AZT were separated by ultrafiltration. The drug plasma concentrations were determined by tandem-MS using Sciex APT-2000. Routine statistical methods were used. Results There was a highly significant relation between total and free plasma concentrations for all three NRTIs with a r-value of 0.995 for 3TC (3TCfreepl=0.95×3TCtotalpl-36.51, p<0.0001), a r-value of 0.924 for d4T (d4Tfreepl= 0.65×d4Ttotalpl-3.61, p<0.0001), and a r- value of 0.907 for AZT (AZTfreepl= 0.14×AZTtotalpl+27.3, p<0.002). Conclusion This pilot study showed a significant linear correlation between total and free plasma concentration of 3TC, d4T and AZT in pediatric HIV-infected children. Future studies need to investigate the relation between free plasma concentrations of NRTIs and ICC of their active metabolites. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P72–P72; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.273
Characterization of ν3 Vibrational Levels in S0 Formyl Fluoride Using Dispersed Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Abstract The harmonic frequency and anharmonic constants of the CH bend (ν 3 ) of formyl fluoride (HFCO) have been determined using the technique of dispersed fluorescence spectroscopy. Sample molecules were cooled in a supersonic expansion and excited to low J ′, K a ′=0 rotational states in the 3 1 vibrational level of S 1 HFCO. The resulting fluorescence to the ground electronic state was dispersed and a 23 000 cm −1 pure vibrational spectrum was recorded. A total of 142 new vibrational assignments were made, which extends the total number of vibrational assignments for S 0 HFCO to 382. Of these assignments, 109 involve ν 3 with v 3 =1–2. The data were analyzed using a multiresonant Hamiltonian model, which accounts for resonant interactions among nearly degenerate states, with a standard deviation of 4.5 cm −1 .
USA Dobson spectrophotometer total ozone measurements program: 1962-1992

A historical overview is presented of Dobson spectrophotometer total ozone observations made by the U.S.A.'s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) since the early 1960s. NOAA's contributions in upgrading the quality of total ozone measurements in the global Dobson instrument network, and in providing `ground truth' to satellite ozone observations, are also briefly described. Because ozone trend estimates to within +/- 1% per decade require highest quality data, a program was initiated in 1992 to reprocess the NOAA data with application to the data of final corrections. Trend results for a number of stations are presented and compared with trends derived from satellite instrument ozone measurements. Ozone variations and the downward trend in global ozone of recent years, including the accelerated ozone decrease that began in 1992 and has continued into 1993, are discussed in light of photochemical and dynamical processes that are potentially capable of altering global ozone abundance. Although the Mount Pinatubo eruption of 1991 is suspected of contributing to the most recent decrease in ozone, the mechanisms responsible for the ozone changes observed more than a year after the eruption remain under investigation.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Retail competition along intersecting roadways

Abstract This paper examines spatial retail competition along intersecting roadways, with variable prices. In a two stage game with locations chosen in the first stage and prices chosen in the second stage, a subgame perfect equilibrium does not exist.
On Smoothed Finite Element Methods

The paper presents an overview of the smoothed finite element methods (S-FEM) which are formulated by combining the existing standard FEM with the strain smoothing techniques used in the meshfree methods. The S-FEM family includes five models: CS-FEM, NS-FEM, ES-FEM, FS-FEM and α-FEM (a combination of NS-FEM and FEM). It was originally formulated for problems of linear elastic solid mechanics and found to have five major properties: (1) S-FEM models are always “softer” than the standard FEM, offering possibilities to overcome the so-called overly-stiff phenomenon encountered in the standard the FEM models; (2) S-FEM models give more freedom and convenience in constructing shape functions for special purposes or enrichments (e.g, various degree of singular field near the crack-tip, highly oscillating fields, etc.); (3) S-FEM models allow the use of distorted elements and general n-sided polygonal elements; (4) NS-FEM offers a simpler tool to estimate the bounds of solutions for many types of problems; (5) the αFEM can offer solutions of very high accuracy. With these properties, the S-FEM has rapidly attracted interests of many. Studies have been published on theoretical aspects of S-FEMs or modified S-FEMs or the related numerical methods. In addition, the applications of the S-FEM have been also extended to many different areas such as analyses of plate and shell structures, analyses of structures using new materials (piezo, composite, FGM), limit and shakedown analyses, geometrical nonlinear and material nonlinear analyses, acoustic analyses, analyses of singular problems (crack, fracture), and analyses of fluid-structure interaction problems.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Determinants of Influenza Vaccination Among Young Children in an Inner-City Community

Few studies have examined potential factors that contribute to low influenza vaccination rates among minority children. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of early childhood influenza vaccination among young black and Latino children, living in inner-city neighborhoods, and examine the effects of child, caregiver and health system factors. Secondary data analysis was performed using a survey about medical home experiences conducted from May 2007-June 2008. The study sample was limited to children ≥6 months in any influenza season prior to the 2006-2007 influenza season. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression tested associations between influenza vaccination receipt and socio-demographic and health system characteristics. One-third of children received an influenza vaccination by the end of 2006-2007 season, while only 11% received a vaccination within their first season of eligibility. Black children were more likely than Latino children to have been vaccinated (50% vs. 31%, P<0.01) during their first few eligible seasons. Children whose mothers were older, proficient in English, and frequent users of healthcare were more likely to obtain vaccination. Child attendance at healthcare settings with immunization reminder systems was also positively correlated with influenza vaccination. Our findings suggest that initial vaccination receipt among minority children from inner-city communities might be improved by expanded influenza promotion activities targeting younger mothers or those with limited English proficiency. Strategies to increase the frequency of child's actual contact with the medical home, such as reminder systems, may be useful in improving uptake of influenza vaccination among inner-city, minority children.
A specification test of the determinants of male-female occupational differences

Abstract This paper investigates by means of a simple specification test whether gender differences in occupational distributions arise from gender differences in preferences or from gender differences in hiring. Results obtained from estimating a bivariate choice model on NLSY data indicate that neither hypothesis can be rejected
The process of infection with bacteriophage φX174: XVI. Synthesis of the replicative form and its relationship to viral single-stranded DNA synthesis

The incorporation of ^3H-labeled thymine or thymidine into the DNA of mitomycin C-pretreated bacteria was studied at various times during their infection with bacteriophage φX174am3 (a lysis-defective mutant). Experiments in which the labeled DNA precursor was present from the onset of infection showed that net synthesis of the replicative form of φX DNA ceases between 15 and 20 minutes after infection. However, administration of the labeled DNA precursor in short pulses at times later than 20 minutes of infection (30oC), demonstrated incorporation of label into RF-DNA§ (RFI and RFII), as well as into SS-DNA. Upon use of even shorter pulses (30 to 60 seconds), the label was incorporated almost exclusively into RFII. Since these pulses were administered at times of maximum SS-DNA synthesis, it would follow from these and other results that the synthesis of RF-DNA, in particular RFII, is an intermediate step in the synthesis of SS-DNA. Since there appears to be no net synthesis of RF after 15 to 20 minutes of infection, there must be a turnover of RF-DNA accompanying SS-DNA synthesis. To test directly whether RFII serves as a precursor for SS-DNA, a pulse and chase experiment was performed. The result showed that label present in RFII before the chase appeared as SS-DNA after the chase. A similar experiment showed that early RF-DNA (mostly RFI) labeled between zero and seven minutes of infection also serves as precursor for SS-DNA. However, the rate of conversion of early RF-DNA appears to be lower than the rate of conversion of late RFII. These results suggest that RFII is the direct precursor of viral SS-DNA.
Variations in electrophysiological properties of hippocampal neurons in different subfields

Intracellular recordings were made from hippocampal pyramidal cells (HPCs) in subregions CA1a, b, c, CA2 and CA3a, b of the guinea pig hippocampal slice. There were significant differences in the mode of spike discharge at various sites. Most neurons in CA1b and CA3b fired single spikes spontaneously, or during intracellular depolarizing current pulses. HPCs in the CA1a and c, as well as CA2 and CA3a subregions usually had a burst mode of discharge under the same conditions. Basic differences in neuronal properties presumably underlie these varieties of behavior between or within various regions. Specification of the site or subregion of recording is important especially in those experiments where the mode of spike discharge or membrane events in HPCs are important variables.
A study of the amine-induced disproportionations of various methylchlorodisilanes

Abstract The trimethylamine-induced disproportionation of methylpentachlorodisilane yields methyltrichlorosilane, silicon tetrachloride, a new crystalline methylchloropolysilane (methylundecachloro-neo-pentasilane) and a bright yellow crystalline solid. In a similar reaction, 1,2-dimethyltetrachlorodisilane disproportionates into methyltrichlorosilane, another new methylchloropolysilane (tris(methyldichlorosilyl)methylsilane) and a waxy solid. Under the same conditions, 1,2-dichlorotetramethyldisilane did not react. from these results, a modified mechanism and the products for other disilane disproportionations are proposed.
Convention as correlated equilibrium

Aconvention is a state in which agents coordinate their activity, not as the result of an explicit agreement, but because their expectations are aligned so that each individual believes that all will act so as to achieve coordination for mutual benefit. Since agents are said to follow a convention if they coordinate without explicit agreement, the notion raises fundamental questions: (1) Why do certain conventions remain stable over time?, and (2) How does a convention emerge in the first place? In a pioneering study, Lewis (1969) addresses these questions by applyingnoncooperative game theory. Lewis defines a convention as aNash coordination equilibrium of a noncooperative game that issalient, that is, it is somehow conspicuous to the agents so that all expect one another to conform with the equilibrium. This paper presents a new game theoretic definition of conventions, which formalizes the notion of salience and which also generalizes the class of conventions Lewis discusses in his work. I define a convention as acorrelated equilibrium (Aumann 1974, 1987) satisfying apublic intentions criterion: Every agent wants his intended action to becommon knowledge. I argue that many conventions correspond to correlated equilibria that are not Nash equilibria, and that this is consistent with Lewis' general viewpoint. Finally, I argue that game theoretic characterizations of convention, such as Lewis' and my own, help to explain a convention's stability, but that a fully satisfactory account of the emergence of convention requires a theory of equilibrium selection beyond the scope of Lewis' work.
An update on the use of mycophenolate mofetil in lupus nephritis and other primary glomerular diseases

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been used successfully as an immunosuppressive medication in transplantation for over a decade. Owing to its efficacy and relatively benign adverse effect profile, its use has been investigated in the treatment of several glomerular diseases, as we describe in this Review. Of these, MMF has most extensively been studied in lupus nephritis. Randomized controlled trials have documented the value of MMF in both induction and maintenance therapy for severe lupus nephritis in several different geographic and ethnic populations, and have defined its potential toxicity. In minimal-change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and membranous nephropathy, promising but limited data on MMF treatment exist from small retrospective and prospective studies. Ongoing, larger, prospective trials, such as the NIH trial in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, might clarify the value of MMF in the treatment of this disease. The efficacy of MMF in IgA nephropathy remains unclear, despite several small, controlled trials. Conflicting results might reflect differences in the disease process, differences in MMF metabolism, or varying responses to the immunosuppressive agent in different populations. Only through large, collaborative, controlled trials will the true role of MMF be defined for each glomerular disease.
Turf Response to Superferrite Fertilizer in Contrasting Soil Types

Abstract Superferrite is marketed as a turf fertilizer in the United States, but there is limited information on its effectiveness or potential risks due to high zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) contents. A greenhouse study was conducted where hybrid bermudagrass and tall fescue, growing in a calcareous clay or acid sandy soil, and creeping bentgrass, growing in a putting green root zone mix, were fertilized with 0, 50, 100, and 150% the recommended rate of Superferrite fertilizer (73.4 g m−2). Bermudagrass and tall fescue clipping weights increased with Superferrite rate but root mass was not affected. Tissue iron (Fe) concentrations were mostly unaffected by Superferrite, but total Fe uptake, tissue Zn, and total Zn uptake increased with Superferrite rate. Increased yields were probably due to increasing nitrogen (N) applications rather than Fe or Zn. Small increases in Pb uptake with Superferrite applications suggest that Superferrite Pb had low bioavailability to turf.
Unraveling the functions of glycosyltransferase family 47 in plants.

Abstract The function of glycosyltransferases (GTs) from family GT47 was first identified in animal exostosins as β-glucuronyltransferase involved in the synthesis of heparan sulfate. Two recent papers report the functions of two plant members in this family as a pectin β-glucuronyltransferase and a xyloglucan β-galactosyltransferase. These findings greatly extend our understanding of the biological functions of family GT47 and also represent an important leap toward the molecular dissection of cell wall biosynthesis.
Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis in Mice and Chickens

Summary and ConclusionsThe sensitivity of the PC A test with different anti-BSA sera was tested in mice. Sensitivity is greatest with isologous or homologous antisera; i.e., as little as 7 × 10−3 μg AbN produced a positive reaction. In contrast, 62 and 250 × 10-3 μg AbN were necessary when rat and rabbit antisera were used, respectively; when chicken anti-BSA was used, the test was negative with as high as 2 μg AbN. The sensitivity of the PCA reaction in mice with isologous and homologous antiserum suggests that it could be a useful tool in screening for circulating antibodies against transplantation antigens. PCA in chickens is described for the first time. Although the sensitivity of this reaction relative to that in mammals is low, it can be elicited with a distantly related antiserum, such as mouse anti-BSA. RPCA in mice was found to depend on the antiserum-recipient relationship when either BSA or rat whole serum was used as antigen.
PLA-Based Curriculum: Humanistic Model of Higher Education

The duality of prescriptive/descriptive approaches in curriculum practices has been frequently addressed as a core question for defining the philosophy of educational practices. Fraser and Bosanque...
Theory of resonant tunneling through the insulator conduction band of a thin film metal-insulator-metal (MIM) heterojunction☆

Abstract An “atomic” model of an insulating barrier between two free-electron model metals is used to investigate resonant tunneling across the insulator in the presence of a medium to large, externally applied electric field (bias). The exact numerically calculated tunneling current exhibits a pronounced oscillatory bias dependence superposed on the dominant roughly exponential tunneling characteristic. The interpretation of these results in terms of an internal field emission or Fowler-Nordheim type tunneling subject to “periodic deviations” (or interferences) seems plausible and was suggested by Maserjian. To test this conjecture, a trapezoidal barrier model of our “atomic” model analyzed numerically. As expected, the trapezoidal barrier model could only qualitatively reproduce the oscillatory bias dependence of the barrier transmissivity and of the current. Furthermore this limited agreement depends on allowing the effective mass in the barrier to become a strictly adjustable parameter. This failure of the conventional model of the junction can be interpreted as follows: (i) For moderate external (bias) fields the trapezoidal barrier fails to account for the correct position dependence of the Blochwave vector in the insulator's conduction band, hence the correct interference conditions cannot be reproduced. (ii) For large external fields the band model itself begins to fail. An explanation of oscillatory bias dependence at the tunneling current in terms of splitting of the insulator's conduction band into a set of discrete Stark levels is suggested. It is demonstrated that a fit of the oscillatory tunneling characteristics in the “Fowler-Nordheim regime” is not a reliable technique to determine the effective mass in the thin insulating film of tunneling junctions over the energy interval containing the forbidden gap and the adjoining conduction-band.
Brand positioning in the medical tourism industry: a brand personality perspective

This research extends the conceptualisation and measurement of brand personality to the medical tourism industry. It is the first study to apply Aaker's (1997) brand personality dimensions to analyse the brand positioning strategies being used in medical tourism advertisements. A content analysis is presented of business-to-consumer advertisements that appeared in Medical Tourism Magazine between 2007 and 2009. The results show that medical tourism providers are communicating clear and distinct brand personalities in their ads, with competence and sincerity being portrayed most frequently. The study establishes a foundation for future research on brand personality in the medical tourism industry. Suggestions for future research are offered.
Recherches sur la biosynthèse des caroténoïdes chez un bacille paratuberculeux. V. Influence de la température sur la composition du mélange pigmentaire

Temperature induces quantitative changes in the pigmentation of Mycobacterium phlei grown 6 days on glycerol broth.
Regionalization in the mammalian telencephalon

Regionalization in the telencephalon results in the formation of functionally and anatomically distinct territories. Cell fate analysis and gene expression studies suggest these subdivisions arise relatively late in development compared with the spinal cord or hindbrain. The mechanisms underlying the commitment of telencephalic cells to specific regional identities have been examined through recent transplantation experiments.
Concerns regarding 24-h sampling for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH)-coated solid sorbents

Abstract There is high demand for accurate and reliable airborne carbonyl measurement methods due to the human and environmental health impacts of carbonyls and their effects on atmospheric chemistry. Standardized 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH)-based sampling methods are frequently applied for measuring gaseous carbonyls in the atmospheric environment. However, there are multiple short-comings associated with these methods that detract from an accurate understanding of carbonyl-related exposure, health effects, and atmospheric chemistry. The purpose of this brief technical communication is to highlight these method challenges and their influence on national ambient monitoring networks, and to provide a logical path forward for accurate carbonyl measurement. This manuscript focuses on three specific carbonyl compounds of high toxicological interest—formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. Further method testing and development, the revision of standardized methods, and the plausibility of introducing novel technology for these carbonyls are considered elements of the path forward. The consolidation of this information is important because it seems clear that carbonyl data produced utilizing DNPH-based methods are being reported without acknowledgment of the method short-comings or how to best address them.
Incentive contrats and strictly proper scoring rules

When a decision maker (DM) contracts with an expert to provide information, the nature of the contract can, create incentives for the expert, and it is up to the DM to ensure that the contract provides incentives that align the expert’s and DM’s interests. In this paper, scoring rules (and related functions) are viewed as such contracts and are reinterpreted in terms of agency theory and the theory of revelation games from economics. Although scoring rules have typically been discussed in the literature as devices for eliciting and evaluating subjective probabilities, this study relies on the fact that strictly proper scoring rules reward greater expertise as well as honest revelation. We describe conditions under which a DM can use a strictly proper scoring rule as a contract to give an expert an incentive to gather an amount of information that is optimal from the DM’s perspective. The conditions we consider focus on the expert’s cost structure, and we find that the DM must have substantial knowledge of that cost structure in order to design a specific contract that provides the correct incentives. The model and analysis suggest arguments for hiring and maintaining experts in-house rather than using outside consultants.
Immunologic characterization of the recombinant fire ant venom allergen Sol i 3

Individuals sensitized to fire ant stings show immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibodies against the venom protein Sol i 3. We determined the full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence of this protein and expressed recombinant Sol i 3 in immunogenic form. The complete cDNA of Sol i 3 was obtained by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and PCR + 1 reactions using gene-specific oligonucleotides, and oligonucleotides designed from the amino acid sequence of this protein. The encoding cDNA is 705 bp in length corresponding to 235 amino acids. The first 22 amino acids are a leader sequence. The protein with an added C-terminal hexahistidine tag was expressed in insect cells using a baculovirus system. The recombinant protein was secreted into the supernatant and affinity purified with a cobalt chelating resin. The recombinant fire ant venom allergen Sol i 3 showed similar IgE binding activity to the native protein in radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and RAST inhibition assays. It was produced in both a glycosylated and an unglycosylated form. A three-dimensional reconstruction of Sol i 3 was compared with the experimentally determined structure of the related allergen Ves v 5. This model is supported by results of circular dichroism spectroscopy.
Error Ratio Analysis: Alternate Mathematics Assessment for General and Special Educators.

Special and general educators have frequently felt either untrained or bound by time constraints in using existing techniques of informal assessment. We present a description and demonstration of t...
Diamond-graphite hybrids

Abstract The possibility of a general multifold class of novel allotropic forms of carbon is suggested. They consist of cubic or hexagonal diamond blocks or layers interconnected by blocks or layers of “graphitic” strips. Some simple consequences are noted with special attention to the possibility of electrical conduction along with the “graphitic” strips.
Schur products of operators and the essential numerical range

Let E = (en}00 I be an orthonormal basis for a Hilbert space 9C. For operators A and B having matrices (a,),X, and (b.)XO., their Schur product is defined to be (aijbU), _. This gives f (9C) a new Banach algebra structure, denoted '13&. For any operator T it is shown that T is in the kernel (hull(compact operators)) in some '13& iff 0 is in the essential numerical range of T. These conditions are also equivalent to the property that there is a basis such that Schur multiplication by T is a compact operator mapping Schatten classes into smaller Schatten classes. Thus we provide new results linking f (9C), '%& and 1%(f (9C)). Let 'C be a separable infinite-dimensional Hilbert space, and A, B be bounded operators on 'K. For an orthonormal basis & = {en: 1 < n < oo) of JC, A and B have matrix representations (aij),j=1 and (b),..= . In 1911 Schur [15, p. 8] proved that the termwise product (a.b&),j 1, denoted A * B, is itself a bounded operator with norm satisfying IA * B ISI < I A B . This multiplication will herein be called Schur multiplication, as opposed to the more common, but falsely crediting, "Hadamard multiplication". Schur's result shows that once a basis & is selected, then * defines a commutative Banach algebra, denoted by ?5g. While there is a surge of interest in applications of Schur multiplication (see, for example, Bennett [3], Johnson and Williams [6], Pommerenke [11], or Styan [18]), litle is known about the structure of "I;F In particular, few connections between the structure of B (S) and ,I; have been explored, though Varopoulos [20] has asked whether the linear structure of I (SC) forces ',; to be a Q-algebra. Except for Bennett [4] and Ruckle [13], the systematic study of Schur multiplication as a means of obtaining unusual operators in 1 ( 13(J)) is a relatively untouched concept, even though several interesting operators are Schur multipliers, e.g., Kwapien and Pelczynski [8]. It is important to keep in mind that A * B depends upon a choice of basis. The symbol As will be used to denote the element of I (@ (Xo)) defined by A (B) = A * B, where * is with respect to the basis 6. It will be shown that the following conditions (and several others) are equivalent for any operator T. (i) 0 is in the essential numerical range of T. (ii) There exists a basis & such that T is in kernel(hull(fC;)), where '3C; is the ideal of compact operators in 613,;. Received by the editors October 19, 1979 and, in revised form, March 3, 1980. 1980 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 47A12, 47D99; Secondary 46J99.
Superplumes or supercontinents?: Comment and Reply

A map of past subduction locations cannot constrain the depth distribution of slabs and does not imply a continuous curtain of slab. Slabs settle quickly to the base of the system (Ray and Anderson, 1994).
Tetrahedral interpolation technique for color space conversion

Three-dimensional interpolation is often employed to minimize calculations when approximating mathematically defined complex functions or producing intermediate results from sparse empirical data. Both situations occur when converting images from one device- independent color space to another, or converting information between device-dependent and device-independent color spaces; this makes three-dimensional interpolation an appropriate solution to many kinds of color space transformations. Interpolation algorithms can be analyzed by considering them as consisting of three parts: packing, in which the domain of interest of the input space is populated with sample points; extraction, which consists of selecting the sample points necessary to approximate the function for a particular input value; and calculation, which accepts the input point and the extracted points and carries out calculations to approximate the function. Those algorithms that extract four points and perform tetrahedral interpolation yield the fewest calculations. The paper presents a test for interpolation algorithm accuracy, and provides a normalization which allows various packing and extraction schemes to be compared. When subjected to the normalized accuracy test, different packing and extraction schemes yield different accuracies. The paper describes a packing and an extraction algorithm that yields accurate results for many conversions. The performance of this scheme is compared to that of several well-known packing and extraction algorithms.
A New Enantiornithine from the Yixian Formation with the First Recognized Avian Enamel Specialization

ABSTRACT We report on a new enantiornithine bird, Sulcavis geeorum, gen. et sp. nov., from the Jehol Group of northeastern China. The fossil preserves robust teeth with longitudinal grooves radiating from the occlusal tip preserved in the enamel on the lingual surface. This is the first known occurrence of specialized tooth enamel within Aves. Compared with other Mesozoic groups, stomach contents are hardly ever preserved within enantiornithine specimens; therefore, this new tooth morphology reveals new evidence regarding the diversity of trophic niches occupied by the clade. SUPPLEMENTAL DATA—Supplemental materials are available for this article for free at www.tandfonline.com/UJVP
Double couponing: Pricing and consumer perspectives

Many supermarkets double manufacturer coupens. Are consumers' grocery bills lowered as a result? Our study of two double coupon supermarkets shows that for every ten cents of double-coupon value redeemed, the corresponding shelf price at a double coupon supermarket is higher by an estimated 3.5 cents compared to the price at other supermarkets. Given the higher shelf prices, the data also suggest that the majority of customers do not save money at double coupon stores, and adjust their shopping to account for the retail promotion.
Performance Impacts of Medication Management Systems: Process Matters

This study examined two issues related to the medication management process, which includes prescribing, dispensing and administration. First, what is the effect of the extent of automation within the process on costs, revenues and quality? Second, does integration of systems as modeled by the business process also have an effect on costs, revenues and quality? Our dataset included more than 4,000 U.S. hospitals. We found that the level of automation of the medication processes had a positive relationship with revenues and quality. We also found that integration of systems had a negative relationship with pharmacy labor costs. This study provides a foundation for future research in strategies of process automation as well as evidence for healthcare decision makers and policy makers on the business value of health IT.
Teacher Interventions in Cooperative-Learning Mathematics Classes

The authors examined the extent to which teacher interventions focused on students' mathematical thinking in naturalistic cooperative-learning mathematics classroom settings. The authors also observed 6 videotapes about the same teaching content using similar curriculum from 2 states. They created 2 instruments for coding the quality of teacher intervention length, choice and frequency, and intervention. The results show the differences of teacher interventions to improve students' cognitive performance. The authors explained how to balance peer resource and students' independent thinking and how to use peer resource to improve students' thinking. Finally, the authors suggest detailed techniques to address students' thinking, such as identify, diversify, and deepen their thinking.
Studies of the Structure and Reactivity of Soot

Vibrational spectroscopy, supplemented with other techniques, is providing a comprehensive picture of the structure and reactivity of soot. Reactions such as soot-NO2/N2O4, soot-O3, and soot-SO2, at atmospheric and subatmospheric pressures and at different temperatures, have been studied. Determination of the kinetics and mechanisms of the formation of CO and CO2 during the soot-O3 reaction, and the effect of temperatures and the concentrations of soot and ozone on this reaction, have led to further insights about the soot structure. Examination of the identity and role of linkages bonding carbon layers together is underway. Application of the Elovich equation to determine initial rates for the formation of surface species in these reactions indicates that the soot-O3 reaction is faster than the rapid soot-NO2/ N2O4 reaction which, in turn, is faster than that of soot-SO2. Oxidation of SO2 to ionic sulfate, confirmed by isotopic substitution, occurs in the presence of soot, water vapor, and oxygen. The pr...
Profitability of Cropping Systems Featuring Tillage and Compost

Productivity rather than profitability is often used to compare agronomic systems. The objective of this study was to compare profitability of moldboard plow, chisel plow, and no-tillage with or without composted animal manure in a corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/clover (Trifolium spp.) rotation during three rotation cycles. Corn and soybean grain and seed yield exhibited a tillage x compost amendment interaction. Yield in moldboard and chisel plow with or without compost was similar, but yield in no-tillage with compost was 8 and 5% greater than without compost for corn and soybean. Wheat yielded 5% higher in moldboard and chisel plow than no-tillage and 4% higher in compost than no-compost amendment. Wheat returns were similar among tillage and 7% higher when compost was amended. Corn production with or without compost amendment had similar returns in moldboard plow. Corn in chisel plow with compost had 8% greater returns than the no-compost treatment. Corn in no-tillage with compost had 15% greater returns with compost amendment than without. Similar corn returns were generated for all tillage systems if compost was applied. Soybean production using no-tillage had 9% greater returns than without compost and greater returns than moldboard and chisel plow with or without compost. Summing returns across the three-crop rotation indicated cycling nutrients through compost application exhibits a functional synergy in no-tillage and chisel plow but not moldboard plow for these crops, which enhances their profitability.
A note on chain-binomial models of epidemic spread: What is wrong with the Reed-Frost formulation?

Derivations of the Reed-Frost model are analyzed in terms of the assumptions about the probabilistic process used and in terms of internal consistency. Internally consistent derivations can be exhibited but require assumptions about the basic probabilistic process that are clearly unreasonable. A properly posed, more general model is derivable through the use of En’ko’s model and the generating function for the number of contacts per person
Test of LASL Ion Source with 200-kV Pierce Accrelerating Column

A 200-kV test stand has been constructed for design evaluation of an ion source and accelerating column to operate at 750 kV. Requirements are a 6% to 12% duty factor for a 30-mA. pton pulse current with a normalized emittance (Area s?/?) of < 0.04 cm-mrad. The ion source is a Von Ardenne duoplasmatron with a large expansion cup. Beam extraction is accomplished by an exact Pierce geometry accelerating column. The test stand vacuum system uses a 1000 l/s ion pump capable of handling continuously the 2 atm-cc/min hydrogen throughput of the ion source. Pumping cells of the ion pwsp are expected to have a useful life in excess of 4000 h. The test stand can be completely operated by computer control. The test stand results indicate that the requirements at 750 kV can be realized.
The erase process in direct overwrite magneto-optic recording

The functioning of the erase process is of particular concern in single-layer direct-overwrite magnetooptic recording media. The authors describe the results of three different experiments that studied the dynamics and mechanism of the domain erasure process. Results indicate that the erase process in these direct-overwrite materials is completed about 40-80 ns after it starts. All three experiments show that the erase process in the materials studied is dominated by a simple collapse of the previously written domain, rather than the nucleation of a new domain within the previously written domain. They show that the erase pulse probably has insufficient energy to produce any domain nucleation. >
Generation of the endocochlear potential: a biophysical model.

The generation and maintenance of the endocochlear potential (EP) by the stria vascularis is essential for proper function of the cochlea. We present a mathematical model that captures the critical biophysical interactions between the distinct cellular layers that generate the EP. By describing the relationship between the K+ concentration in the intrastrial space and the intermediate cell transmembrane potential, we rationalize the presence of a large intermediate cell K+ conductance and predict that the intrastrial [K+] is ∼4 mM at steady state. The model also predicts that the stria vascularis is capable of buffering the EP against external perturbations in a manner modulated by changes in intrastrial [K+], thus facilitating hearing sensitivity across the broad dynamic range of the auditory system.
A New Pterosaur Tracksite from the Jurassic Summerville Formation, Near Ferron, Utah

Pterosaur tracks (cf. Pteraichnus) from the Summerville Formation of the Ferron area of central Utah add to the growing record of Pteraichnus tracksites in the Late Jurassic Summerville Formation and time-equivalent, or near time-equivalent, deposits. The site is typical in revealing high pterosaur track densities, but low ichnodiversity suggesting congregations or “flocks” of many individuals. Footprint length varies from 2.0 to 7.0 cms. The ratio of well-preserved pes:manus tracks is about 1:3.4. This reflects a bias in favor of preservation of manus tracks due to the greater weight-bearing role of the front limbs, as noted in other pterosaur track assemblages. The sample also reveals a number of well-preserved trackways including one suggestive of pes-only progression that might be associated with take off or landing, and another that shows pronounced lengthening of stride indicating acceleration. One well-preserved medium-sized theropod trackway (Therangospodus) and other larger theropod track casts (...
The Normative Justification of Traditional Chinese Authoritarianism

Abstract Traditional Chinese authoritarianism can be normatively justified by assessing its capacity to meet three core standards shared by most political traditions: the well‐being of the people as an end of politics; political efficacy; and constraints on political power. This essay offers such an assessment and defends it from various Western liberal criticisms.
Replication kinetics of N- and B-tropic murine leukemia viruses on permissive and nonpermissive cells in vitro.

Abstract The kinetics of infection by a B-tropic, an N-tropic, and an NB-tropic murine leukemia virus (MuLV) have been studied on the cells of several mouse strains of permissive, restrictive, and F 1 hybrid genotype. The titration curves reveal that host cell restriction is measured by two independent parameters: (1) the slope of the curve (“hitness”); and (2) the level of sensitivity at comparable multiplicities of infection. Once established, infection is propagated from cell to cell at similar rates in both permissive and restrictive cell cultures. Anomalous results were obtained with the cells of strain NZB mice. Rat cells propagated these MuLV with 1-hit kinetics at low levels of sensitivity.