cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis and modeling of optical crosstalk in InP-based Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode FPAs

Optical crosstalk is a major factor limiting the performance of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode (GmAPD) focal plane arrays (FPAs). This is especially true for arrays with increased pixel density and broader spectral operation. We have performed extensive experimental and theoretical investigations on the crosstalk effects in InP-based GmAPD FPAs for both 1.06-μm and 1.55-μm applications. Mechanisms responsible for intrinsic dark counts are Poisson processes, and their inter-arrival time distribution is an exponential function. In FPAs, intrinsic dark counts and cross talk events coexist, and the inter-arrival time distribution deviates from purely exponential behavior. From both experimental data and computer simulations, we show the dependence of this deviation on the crosstalk probability. The spatial characteristics of crosstalk are also demonstrated. From the temporal and spatial distribution of crosstalk, an efficient algorithm to identify and quantify crosstalk is introduced.
Effects of different hormone pretreatments on the germination of Mentha arvensis (Peppermint) seeds.

[Objective] To study the effects of different hormone pretreatments on the germination of Mentha arvensis (peppermint) seeds. [Method] Effects of different hormones on the germination of peppermint seeds were studied, including GA3, ethephon, NAA, and 2, 4-D. [Result] The germination rate and germination potential of peppermint seeds were gradually increased with GA3 concentration increasing from 40 to 160 mg/ml, but from then on, they began to decline apparently. And its optimum concentration was between 160 and 200 mg/ml. Ethephon could effectively promote the germination of peppermint seeds and improve the germination rate when being used in concentrations between 40 and 100 mg/ml, but that used in concentrations above 100 mg/ml evidently inhibit germination. When the NAA concentration was increased from 0.08 to 0.1 mg/ml, the germination rate and germination potential were gradually increased, that is to say, NAA in appropriate concentrations could significantly promote the germination of peppermint seeds and improve the germination rate. If NAA concentration continued to rise, there would be a significant reduction in germination rate and germination potential (P0.05), confirming the presence of inhibitory effects for NAA in higher concentration above 0.5 mg/ml. Similarly, 2, 4-D used in concentrations between 10 and 30 mg/ml could promote the seeds germination and improve the germination rate, while that in higher concentration above 50 mg/ml inhibited germination. The germination rate and germination potential were gradually increased with 2, 4-D concentration increasing from 10 to 30 mg/ml, but they began to significantly decline if concentration continued to rise (P0.05). [Conclusion] GA3, ethephon, NAA, and 2,4-D have different effects on the germination of peppermint seeds.
Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Dispersion Parameters in the Development of a New DPI Actuated with Low Air Volumes

To determine the predictive power of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based dispersion parameters in the development of a new inline DPI that is actuated with low volumes of air. Four new versions of a dose aerosolization and containment (DAC)-unit DPI were created with varying inlet and outlet orifice sizes and analyzed with results from five previous designs. A concurrent in vitro and CFD analysis was conducted to predict the emitted dose (ED; as a % of loaded dose) and aerosol mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) produced by each device when actuated with 10 ml air bursts. CFD simulations of device operation were used to predict flow field and particle-based dispersion parameters. Comparisons of experimental and CFD results indicated that multiple flow field and particle-based dispersion parameters could be used to predict ED (minimum RMS Error = 4.9%) and MMAD (minimum RMS Error = 0.04 μm) to a high degree of accuracy. Based on experiments, the best overall device produced mean (standard deviation; SD) ED = 82.9(4.3)% and mean MMAD (SD) = 1.73(0.07)μm, which were in close agreement with the CFD predictions. A unique relationship was identified in the DAC-unit DPI in which reducing turbulence also reduced the MMAD.
The Identification of Reading Disabilities

The criteria for identification of a specific learning disability (SLD) as outlined by a consensus group convened by the Office of Special Education Programs in the US Department of Education are discussed. Next, a hybrid approach to assessment is explained that puts a focus on assessments that inform instruction within a multi-tiered system of support. Measurement issues and challenges are described, as are methods for identifying SLD which, despite their common use in practice, lack validity. Finally, a set of operating principles designed to improve the reliability of diagnostic decisions are recommended.
Engineered metal oxide nanomaterials inhibit corneal epithelial wound healing in vitro and in vivo

Ocular exposure to metal oxide engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is common as exemplified by zinc oxide (ZnO), a major constituent of sunscreens and cosmetics. The ocular surface that includes the transparent cornea and its protective tear film are common sites of exposure for metal ENMs. Despite the frequency of exposure of the ocular surface, there is a knowledge gap regarding the effects of metal oxide ENMs on the cornea in health and disease. Therefore, we studied the effects of metal oxide ENMs on the cornea in the presence or absence of injury. Cell viability of immortalized human corneal epithelial (hTCEpi) cells was assessed following treatment with 11 metal oxide ENMs with a concentration ranging from 0.5 to 250 μg/mL for 24 hours. An epithelial wound healing assay with a monolayer of hTCEpi cells was then performed using 11 metal oxide ENMs at select concentrations based on data from the viability assays. Subsequently, based on the in vitro results, in vivo testing of precorneal tear film (PTF) quantity and stability as well as a corneal epithelial wound healing were tested in the presence or absence ZnO or vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. We found that WO3, ZnO, V2O5 and CuO ENMs significantly reduced hTCEpi cell viability in comparison to vehicle control or the other metal oxide ENMs tested. Furthermore, ZnO and V2O5 ENMs also significantly decreased hTCEpi cell migration. Although ZnO and V2O5 did not alter PTF parameters of rabbits in vivo, corneal epithelial wound healing was significantly delayed by topical ZnO while V2O5 did not alter wound healing. Finally, hyperspectral images confirmed penetration of ZnO and V2O5 through all corneal layers and into the iris stroma. Considering the marked epithelial toxicity and corneal penetration of ZnO, further investigations on the impact of this ENM on the eye are warranted.
Test Review: Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS)

ABSTRACTThis article presents a critical review of the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS), a large scale standardized English language proficiency (ELP) assessment develo...
Tailored Lignocellulose-Based Biodegradable Matrices with Effective Cargo Delivery for Crop Protection

Controlled release and targeted delivery of agrochemicals are crucial for achieving effective crop protection with minimal damage to the environment. This work presents an innovative and cost-effec...
Leveraging interest-driven embodied practices to build quantitative literacies: A case study using motion and audio capture from dance

We report on an exploratory effort to design an interest-based learning experience for high school (step) dancers to engage with concepts in mathematics and data science. We hypothesized that generating and analyzing data from their own dance movement, through motion and audio capture, would (a) enable learners to form analogies between off-line embodied experiences and new abstract concepts and (b) support motivation to learn due to perceived relevance and usefulness of data science to dance practice. Based on initial interviews to understand the specific needs and interests of the steppers, we developed some early prototypes for visual and acoustic analysis, concentrating on pose precision, tempo, and spectral characteristics (timbre) for. Teacher and student reactions to the tools demonstrated support for our hypotheses that off-line embodied cognition would help with new knowledge acquisition and that the perceived usefulness of data science would motivate learning. Several promising future directions remain to develop an interest-based and embodied data science curriculum.
Barriers and opportunities for beneficial reuse of sediment to support coastal resilience

Abstract As urbanization and climate change alter sediment fluxes, relative sea level, and coastal erosion around the world, management of sediment as a resource is increasingly important. Sediment is needed to enhance marsh accretion rates, raise the grade elevation of development, and build up beaches and dunes. Beneficial reuse of sediment refers to the repurposing of local sources of sediment for these applications, material typically available from dredging or sediment capture infrastructure, and represents a more sustainable approach compared to the status-quo involving transport to and from distant locations. However, in many locations, beneficial reuse remains a concept or is constrained to small-scale applications. In this paper, we draw on interviews with coastal sediment managers and regulators in Southern California to identify barriers to beneficial reuse and opportunities to overcome them. Interviewees reported numerous regulatory, technical, psychological, financial, and interorganizational barriers in their watersheds and regions. By highlighting these barriers, we aim to identify systemic changes that would make beneficial reuse a realistic and accessible option for Southern California and elsewhere. Most prominently, a more flexible regulatory framework that allows sediment management practices to adapt over time, pilot studies to understand how beneficial reuse works in various settings, and educational programs for regulators and the public could make beneficial reuse a more widespread approach.
Nitrate and nitrite fertilizer production from air and water by continuous flow liquid-phase plasma discharge

Abstract The current nitrogen production technology requires a large amount of fossil fuel based H2, which is unsustainable and results in profound environmental consequences. In this study, a novel, continuous flow liquid-phase plasma discharge (CFLPPD) reactor was investigated to produce nitrate and nitrite in liquid as nitrogen fertilizer. Three CFLPPD operating parameters were examined including air flow rate, power applied, and treatment time, all at three levels (0.5, 1.25, 2.0 L/min for air flow rate; 100, 200, and 300 W for power applied; and 20, 40, and 60 min for treatment time) using a 3 × 3 × 3 factorial design. The results showed that the production of NO3 and NO2 (NOx) increased linearly with increasing power usage under all tested air flow rates. The highest yields of NOx under three treatment times were associated with an air flow rate of 2.0 L/min and power usage of 300 W, which were 73.0, 110.8, and 136.2 mg/L, respectively. The best energy efficiency of 1.108 g-NOx/kWh was obtained corresponding to the operating condition of 2.0 L/min in air flow rate, 300 W in power usage, and 40 min in treatment time. The concentration of H2O2 was linearly correlated with the NOx concentration in the CFLPPD treated liquid (R = 0.9747). The liquid pH rose slightly ranging from 7.79 to 8.79, which was not detrimental to the nutrients uptake by the crops receiving the NOx fertilizer produced in this study. The work presented a green technique to manufacture nitrogen fertilizer for sustainable crop production.
Karyotype is associated with timing of ovarian failure in women with Turner syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the age of ovarian failure in Turner Syndrome (TS) patients by karyotype. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of individuals with TS at an academic university hospital. Subjects were seen in TS Clinic at UNC Hospital between 2014 and 2018. Individuals were analyzed by karyotype category (45X, 45X/46XX mosaicism, miscellaneous) and percentage of 45X cells. Age at follicle-stimulating hormone> 30 was defined as the age at loss of ovarian function. RESULTS A total of 79 patients were identified after excluding individuals with unknown ovarian function and those with Y chromosome material. Thirty-eight percent were 45X monosomic, 62% were 45X/46XX mosaic or miscellaneous karyotypes. Fifty-five of 79 (70%) patients had evidence of ovarian failure, median age of failure 11 years (IQR: 4,12). Ovarian failure was more prevalent among individuals with 45X karyotype (100%). The median age of ovarian failure for 45X patients (n=30) was 10 years old, which is significantly younger than other karyotypes (n=49), with a median of 15 years, p<0.01. Linear regression analysis found that 1 percentage point increase in 45X cells in the peripheral karyotype is associated with a 0.09 year decrease in age of ovarian failure (p value=0.01). Only 9% of individuals were referred for fertility counseling. CONCLUSIONS There is a lower prevalence of ovarian failure among individuals with mosaic TS karyotypes, and referral rate for fertility counseling of patients with TS is low. These findings are in line with published literature. The finding that percentage of 45X cells in peripheral karyotype is associated with earlier age of ovarian failure is novel and warrants further investigation in a larger prospective cohort.
Effects of Mowing, Seeding Rate, and Foliar Fungicide on Soybean Sclerotinia Stem Rot and Yield

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR or white mold), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) DeBary, is an economically important fungal disease of soybean. SSR routinely causes yield loss in the upper Corn...
Teacher education and students with disabilities in art class: a program evaluation

The practice of including students with disabilities in art education has existed longer than efforts to increase access to general academic instruction. However, most teacher education programs do...
Role of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Activation in Mitochondrial Respiration in Mouse Liver and Heart

Ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury results in activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in cardiomyocytes, which contributes to tissue loss. Inhibiting TLR4 upon I/R results in improved recovery, as...
Service innovations in the Elderly Nutrition Program: two decades of accomplishments.

Abstract The aging of the U.S. population has brought national attention to programs and services that enhance the health and quality of life of older Americans. Established in 1972, the Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) provides congregate and home delivered meals to people 60 years and older, particularly low-income elders. This paper summarizes the results of two national studies on service innovations in the ENP. Evidence demonstrates continuing breadth, variety, and innovation in services provided to elderly clients. Programs provide a variety of services beyond the provision of congregate and home meals to their clients. Given that there will be an estimated 70 million people over 65 by 2020, coupled with increasing racial diversity, and social, health, and nutritional needs for the elderly, the ENP is both beneficial and essential for this population.
Corporate Distributions from Earnings and Beyond

Low capital gains tax rates for shareholders reduce the effect of double taxation of corporate income. Distributions by a corporation that have not been subject to corporate tax, however, should be taxed as ordinary income because the bracket system best adjusts the tax rate to the standard of living the distributions are used for when there has been no previous corporate tax. This proposal would let shareholders report capital gains on all distributions without regard to prior corporate tax, but then would impose a proxy tax on the corporation to bring the tax burden up to shareholders’ ordinary rates. Earnings and profits would be abandoned as a way to distinguish gain from recovery of basis, but a new rule would treat distributions that both reduce contributed capital and reduce value below basis as a recovery of basis.
Glucosylceramide and Galactosylceramide Synthase

Most mammalian glycosphingolipid formation begins with the synthesis of cerebrosides, glucosylceramide and galactosylceramide. The synthases catalyzing the formations of glucosylceramide (GlcCer) and galactosylceramide (GalCer) have been characterized at the gene and protein levels. This characterization provides a more detailed understanding of the biochemistry and cellular biology of GlcCer and GalCer as well as their downstream products. Generating mice with targeted deletions of these synthases also led to new insights into the biological importance of glycosphingolipids in general, and cerebrosides in particular. Finally, GlcCer synthase is the target of small molecule inhibitors designed to treat glycolipid storage diseases and proliferative disorders such as cancer.
Materials of Instruction

Aids to mathematics learning range from the esoteric to the "gut level," as this article points out.
Dual Pump Femtosecond Laser Induced Plasma

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) can provide a noncontact way of inspecting a specimen including distinct signature of atomic composition of the sample. Ultra-short pulse laser enables characterization of any materials by utilizing the multiphoton process, which is a dominant carrier generation mechanism for dielectric materials. Additionally, femtosecond LIBS yields low background and better defined atomic lines than the nanosecond LIBS. We have performed a time-resolved emission intensity measurement for an iron oxide (Fe3O4, magnetite). The emission intensity has the peak value at 100 ps time delay, signifying that the succeeding pump beam is interacting with the plasma generated in the vicinity of the sample by the preceding beam. The dual pulses significantly enhance the atomic emission as compared to single pulse excitation and enables ultrafast time-resolved spectroscopy.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Electron scattering in dense He-Ar gas mixtures: A pressure shift study.

The dependence of the energies of high-n Rydberg states of ${\mathrm{CH}}_{3}$I on the molar composition of helium-argon mixtures (in the number density range 1.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{20--}$5.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{20}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$) is reported. The energy shifts, when normalized to a given density value, are found to vary linearly with the mole fraction of either component of the binary, rare-gas mixture. The observed change in sign of the energy shift is attributable to the different signs of the electron scattering lengths for the two rare-gas components. As a result, there exists a mixture composition, at a mole ratio [He]/[Ar]=2.0, at which the shift is null. The experimental results for the gas mixture agree with the Fermi formula, as modified to include the Alekseev-Sobel'man polarization term. Effective electron scattering lengths and cross sections, polarizabilities, and thermal velocities are used to characterize the effects of the binary gas perturber system.
Determination of melengestrol acetate in bovine tissues by automated coupled-column normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract A method has been developed for the determination of melengestrol acetate in bovine tissues at lower levels than previously reported. Liquid-liquid extraction of tissue homogenates provided crude clean-up while final isolation, screening, and quantification was done on-line with an automated, normal-phase, coupled-column high-performance liquid chromatographic system. The chromatographic system included phenyl and silica analytical columns for the purposes of isolation and final separation, respectively. These columns provided a large difference in selectivity when operated under normal-phase conditions which allowed for the efficient isolation of melengestrol acetate from the complex tissue extracts. Mobile phases were composed of hexane and dichloromethane modified with methanol and water. Transfer and enrichment of the analyte from the primary phenyl column to the silica column was via a short (12 mm × 4 mm I.D.) silica column. Regeneration and equilibration of the phenyl column was performed after the injection of each tissue extract and was accomplished simultaneously while analytical separation occurred on the final silica column. Routing of the mobile phases and regeneration solvent was performed with automated switching valves. The total time required for each analysis was 12 min. Quantification is demonstrated using external standards with UV detection at 287 nm. The overall recovery of the method was 86% with a coefficient of variation of 9.84% at the 10 ppb [the American billion (10 9 ) is used in this article] level in bovine liver extracts.
Effect of Slag on Inclusions During Electroslag Remelting Process of Die Steel

Many factors influence the non-metallic inclusions in electroslag steel including furnace atmosphere and inclusions’ content in the consumable electrode, slag amount and its composition, power input, melting rate, filling ratio, and so on. Fluoride containing slag, which influences the non-metallic inclusions to a great extent, has been widely used for the electroslag remelting process. The current paper focuses on the effect of fluoride containing slag on the inclusions in electroslag ingots based on the interaction of the slag-metal interface and electroslag remelting process. In this work, die steel of CR-5A and several slags have been employed for investigating the effect of slag on inclusions in an electrical resistance furnace under argon atmosphere in order to eliminate the effect of ambient oxygen. Specimens were taken at different times for analyzing the content, dimensions, and type of non-metallic inclusions. Results of quantitative metallographic analysis indicate that a multi-component slag has better capacity for controlling the amount of inclusions; especially protective gas atmosphere has also been adopted. The findings of inclusions in electroslag steel by SEM–EDS analysis reveal that most non-metallic inclusions in electroslag steel are MgO-Al2O3 inclusions for multi-component slags, but it is Al2O3 inclusions when remelting using conventional 70 wt pct CaF2-30 wt pct Al2O3 slag. The maximal inclusions’ size using multi-component slags is less than that using conventional binary slag. Small filling ratio as well as protective gas atmosphere is favorable for controlling the non-metallic inclusions in electroslag steel. All the results obtained will be compared to the original state inclusions in steel, which contribute to choice of slag for electroslag remelting.
Inversion formulas for diffusion imaging

We consider the problem of imaging the optical absorption of a highly-scattering medium probed by diffusing waves. We present a path integral formulation of this inverse scattering problem that is used to obtain explicit inversion formulas for diffusion imaging.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Numerical classification applied to certain Jamaican eocene nummulitids

Eighty-eight specimens of Eocene nummulitids from the Yellow Limestone Formation of northwestern Jamaica are classified according to quantitative measurements of morphologic parameters that are generally considered to be taxonomically useful. The specimens are grouped into homogeneous classes by the computer screening of differently oriented data projections. By this method, the use of similarity coefficients and the question of a priori weighting of characters, for which numerical taxonomy has been heavily criticized, are both avoided. The stability of the classes thus obtained is validated by discriminant analysis. These techniques provide an objective view of phenetic differences among specimens and show how the measured characters produce those differences. Tightness of coiling and total number of whorls, prove to be the most useful features in discriminating between groups but seem to have taxonomic value only at the specific and not at the generic level. This suggests that the generaOperculinoides andNummulites are synonymous.
Development and validation of a low-cost electrical resistivity tomographer for soil process monitoring

This paper presents the development and validation of a low-cost electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) system for the monitoring of process in soils. The ERT technique is capable of evaluating th...
General guidelines for a low‐fat diet effective in the management and prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer

A dietary intervention trial has shown a significant reduction in occurrence of actinic keratosis and nonmelanoma skin cancer in skin cancer patients who adopt diets in which the percentage of calories from fat is markedly lowered. The purpose of this study was to examine the dietary parameters of a low-fat diet found to be effective in reducing occurrence of skin cancer. Skin cancer patients were taught fat reduction strategies to complement their individual food preferences and life-styles. Diet composition was calculated using standard dietary assessment and nutrient analysis techniques. The dietary intervention was effective in reducing the percentage of calories from fat to 21% by Month 4 and maintaining that level for the remainder of the two-year study. Practical dietary advice with respect to reduction of percentage of calories from fat, along with an increase in the intake of grains, fruits, and vegetables, could make an important contribution to the management and prevention of skin cancer.
Action of Trypsin and Detergents on Tyrosinase of Normal and Malignant Melanocytes

SummaryThe T1 variety of tyrosinase is present in both particulate and soluble or readily solubilized forms in the pigmented hypodermis (hair bulbs) of C57BL mice and Harding-Passey mouse melanoma. Trypsin treatment of 35,000g supernatants containing the microsomal (small granule) fraction of gentle homogenates of hair bulbs and melanoma results in significantly increased T1 activity within polyacrylamide gels. Similar treatment of 100,000g supernatants results in a slight increase in T1 activity. Addition of Triton-X or DOC to 35,000g supernatants of hair bulb and melanoma homogenates followed by centrifugation at 100,000g results in a marked enhancement of T1 when the latter supernatants are treated with trypsin. In the absence of trypsin treatment, T1 activity is comparable to nondetergent-treated controls. A slow-moving dopa-reactive band (Ts) is found in electropherograms of the nontrypsinized 100,000g supernatants of detergent-treated 35,000g supernatants. It is absent in those treated with trypsin....
Reply to Reshef et al.: Falsifiability or bust.

The term “equitability” was introduced by Reshef et al. in ref. 1 to describe measures of statistical dependence that “give similar scores to equally noisy relationships of different types.” Their paper also introduced a new statistic, the “maximal information coefficient” (MIC), that was said to satisfy this equitability criterion. There has since been much interest in MIC, due primarily to its claimed equitability (2, 3). However, neither the original paper (1) nor follow-up work (4) provided an unambiguous mathematical definition of equitability. In particular, the types of noise permissible in the noisy relationships used to define equitability were not described.
Connected-kernel multifermion Bethe-Salpeter equations

Classes of connected-kernel Bethe-Salpeter integral equations for multifermion Green's functions are developed using the combinatorial techniques of many-particle scattering theory. The kernels and inhomogeneous terms of these equations consist of various subsystem Green's functions, and appropriate well-defined integral equations are found for these auxiliary quantities as well.
Transforming growth factor-β receptor profiles of human and murine embryonic palate mesenchymal cells

Abstract Cell signalling in the developing mammalian palate appears to involve various growth factors and hormones. An important developmental role for the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) class of growth factors is suggested by the immunolocalization of TGF-β1 in the palate during its ontogeny. This study examined the effects of TGF-β stimulation of, as well as TGF-β receptor profiles in, murine embryonic palate mesenchymal (MEPM) and human embryonic palate mesenchymal (HEPM) cells. Results showed that TGF-β1 (1 ng/ml) stimulated proliferation of HEPM cells and inhibited proliferation of MEPM cells in a dose-dependent manner. The time course of 125I-TGF-β1 binding to specific receptors was determined by incubating cells in the presence of 170 pM 125I-TGF-β1 for up to 4 h. In both cell types, at 37 °C, the binding of 125I-TGF-β decreased linearly over 4 h, while at 4 °C, binding increased with time of incubation. Incubation of both cell types at 4 °C for 4 h, with increasing concentrations of 125I-TGF-β1, resulted in binding which demonstrated saturation kinetics. Scatchard analyses revealed one class of receptors for HEPM (K 32.3 pM) and MEPM (K 26.3 pM). However, SDS-PAGE analyses of 125I-TGF-β chemically crosslinked to specific receptor sites revealed that both cell types contained the types I (65,000 Mr) and III (230,000 Mr) TGF-β receptors while MEPM also contained the type II (86,000 Mr) receptor. Binding studies further demonstrated the ability of platelet-derived growth factor to transmodulate TGF-β binding. These results indicate that the HEPM cell line and primary cultures of MEPM cells, although obtained from palates at similar developmental stages, are dramatically different in their responsiveness to TGF-β and have disparate TGF-β receptor profiles.
Consumers' selection of textile products made from recycled fibres

The purpose of this study was to evaluate consumers' selection patterns of textile products made from recycled fibres. A quasi-experimental design was used. The 125 undergraduate students who participated in the study evaluated six identical sweatshirts and six identical carpet samples that were labelled with two manipulated information cues, price and fibre content. Chi-square tests of independence were calculated to determine if there was a significant relationship between wearing apparel choice and home textile product choice when both price and fibre content were manipulated and when price was controlled and fibre content manipulated. The data indicated that when both price and fibre content were manipulated, over half of the subjects selected the lower priced sweatshirt and lower priced carpet regardless of fibre content. If a consumer selected a lower priced wearing apparel product s/he also selected a lower priced home textile product. When the price and fibre content were controlled, 66% of the respondents selected the sweatshirt labelled recycled polyester and 62% selected the recycled carpet. In addition, a consumer who selected a recycled wearing apparel product also selected a recycled home textile product. Results suggest that apparel and home textile products made from recycled fibres will be sellable if priced competitively with products made from virgin fibres.
Correlation of echoencephalographic findings and neurodevelopmental outcome: intracranial hemorrhage and ventriculomegaly in infants of birth weight 1,000 grams or less.

Echoencephalograms were obtained for 118 of 121 successive infants who were admitted to the Stanford intensive care nursery, weighed 1,000 g or less at birth, and survived long enough for at least one study to be performed. Eightyeight of these infants survived and were followed up for 1 to 3 years; psychometric testing (Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, or both) was performed on 81% of these infants. Subependymal-intraventricular hemorrhages or intraparenchymal hemorrhages were associated with impaired development, but ventriculomegaly was not. The absence of echoencephalographic abnormalities did not exclude the possibility of impaired development in many infants. Periventricular leukomalacia was not observed. These data support independent scoring of subependymal intraventricular hemorrhages, intraparenchymal hemorrhages, and ventriculomegaly, rather than use of combined scales for prognostic purposes.
Effects of nymph-overwintering grasshopper density on Ageneotettix deorum survival in a northern mixed grassland

Although most pest grasshopper species in North America overwinter as eggs and hatch in late spring or early summer, some species hatch in late summer, overwinter as nymphs, and become adults in late spring. It is not well understood how nymph-overwintering species impact densities of later-developing pest grasshopper species. In an earlier study examining temporally separated competition, nymphal survival of an egg-overwintering species Ageneotettix deorum, was reduced when high densities of adult nymph-overwintering grasshoppers strongly reduced grass biomass. However, in nature, early instar A. deorum nymphs overlap in time with declining densities of nymph-overwintering grasshoppers, and thus may experience direct competition from them. A field experiment was conducted to examine competitive effects from nymph-overwintering grasshoppers on the survival of A. deorum when phenologies overlapped. Precipitation and grass production during the experiment were well above the long term average. Although the maximum density of nymph-overwintering and egg-overwintering grasshoppers was 100 per m2, interspecific exploitative competition was weak. This study suggests that in years with above-average precipitation, competition between nymph-overwintering adult grasshoppers and later-developing nymphal grasshoppers is likely to be weak, even when densities are high.
Orthogonal polynomials-Constructive theory and applications *

We consider polynomials orthogonal with respect to some measure on the real line. A basic problem in the constructive theory of such polynomials is the determination of their three-term recurrence relation, given the measure in question. Depending on what is known about this measure, there are different ways to proceed. If, as is typical in applications in the physical sciences, one knows the measure only through moment information, the appropriate procedure is an algorithm that goes back to Chebyshev. The algorithm in effect implements the nonlinear map from the given moments (or modified moments) to the desired recursion coefficients. The numerical effectiveness of this procedure is determined in an essential way by the numerical condition of this map. It is known that the map is ill-conditioned in the case of ordinary moments. For modified moments, it may or may not be well-conditioned, the matter depending on certain properties of the given measure and the additional measure defining modified moments. A theorem to this effect will be given and illustrated on some typical examples. If more is known about the given measure, for example, if it is absolutely continuous and can be evaluated pointwise, then a procedure can be employed which is based on an observation of Stieltjes. Stieltjes remarked that the desired recursion coefficients can be successively built up by alternating between known inner product formulae for these coefficients and the initial sections of the recurrence relation already obtained. An effective implementation of this idea requires a suitable discretization of the inner product. This requirement, while possibly a weakness of the method, also accounts for its beauty, since it leaves room for imagination and ingenuity. Used skillfully, the discretized Stieltjes procedure is among the most widely applicable and effective methods for generating orthogonal polynomials. Some examples will be given to illustrate its use. Finally, we show how our newly acquired capability of generating nonstandard orthogonal polynomials can be used to solve some special problems in approximation theory and in the summation of slowly convergent series. A novel set of polynomials orthogonal on the semicircle will also be mentioned briefly in connection with Cauchy principal value integrals.
Being and becoming a mentor: school-based teacher educators and teacher educator identity

Abstract Drawing on Gee's (Social linguistics and literacies: ideology in discourses, RoutledgeFalmer, New York, 1996) categories of “ways” to view identity, a case study is constructed of a secondary school teacher's struggle to move beyond her identity as a teacher to assume a mentor's identity in her year-long work with two English-teaching interns. Data of various kinds were gathered: from the interns, weekly e-mails and a paired peer interview, and from the teacher, interview, a peer interview, a mentoring log, and transcripts of a mentoring seminar. Based on these data, the author argues for the importance of attending to identity in teacher education and mentoring and describes conditions that would facilitate mentor identity formation.
SnSb?TiC?C nanocomposite alloy anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract SnSb–TiC–C nanocomposite alloy anodes for lithium-ion batteries have been synthesized by a mechanochemical process involving high-energy mechanical milling of Ti–Sn and Ti–Sb precursors with carbon black. Characterization of the formed nanocomposites using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that these alloys are composed of crystalline nanoparticles of SnSb dispersed in a matrix of crystalline TiC and amorphous carbon. The SnSb–TiC–C alloy shows an initial gravimetric capacity of 769 mAh g−1 (1385 mAh cm−3), an initial coulombic efficiency of 84.9%, and a tap density of 1.8 g cm−3. The buffer matrix of TiC and carbon in the nanocomposite alloy anodes accommodates the large volume change occurring during the charge–discharge process and leads to enhanced cyclability compared to pure SnSb anodes as well as previously published SnSb composites.
High-speed data transmission systems

For many years data and messages have been transmitted from point to point over slow speed data communication systems by telegraph. There is a rapidly growing increase in the use of centralized data processing equipment in large corporations however, making increasing demands upon existing data communication systems. Development has been carried out at Stromberg-Carlson during the past few years toward increasing the capabilities of the standard telephone facility for the transmission of data at higher speeds and with greater reliability. It is felt that this equipment will have widespread use in the business data field, the scientific field, the automatic control field, and for military data communication systems. Typical components required for the transmission of data over telephone lines at high speed include input/output equipment, buffer converters, modulator/demodulators, and of course a transmission path. Stromberg-Carlson has developed a modulator/demodulator unit using a unique modulation principle specifically designed for minimizing the effects of the various types of distortion and interference associated with wireline systems. In addition, an installation has been completed for the Convair Division of General Dynamics Corporation which transmits data in the form of punched card information over a telephone line more than 200 miles long, and records the information on magnetic tape in a format compatable with IBM 704 programming.
Effect of low-dose oral contraceptives on natural killer cell activity☆

Several reports indicate an association between oral contraceptives and increased infection rates. One mechanism that could explain this increased infection rate is a decrease in immune function. A study comparing T cell subsets showed no differences in numbers between oral contraceptive users and controls. In this study, natural killer cell activity was compared in women before and 3 and 6 months after oral contraceptive use. There was a statistically significant decrease in NK cell activity after three months. There was no further decrease by six months and the differences were no longer significant due to greater variability. No infections were reported during the study period. Thus, the observed reduction in NK activity was either physiologically insignificant or the previously reported increase in infections may be the result of non-immunological factors.
Phorbol ester effects on coupling mechanisms during cholinergic contraction of swine tracheal smooth muscle.

1. We studied effects of the phorbol ester, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB), on carbachol-induced contractions of swine trachealis muscle. PDB (1-10 microM) markedly inhibited 5.5 microM-carbachol-induced inositol phosphate synthesis allowing us to study (a) whether the membrane potential-independent component of force (pharmacomechanical coupling component) developed in carbachol-stimulated trachealis muscle is dependent on activation of inositol phospholipid metabolism, and (b) whether carbachol-induced membrane depolarization and contraction are altered in muscle where second messenger signals generated by inositol phospholipid metabolism are inhibited and activation of protein kinase C (PKC) is already maximal. 2. Application of PDB (10 microM) to unstimulated trachealis muscle resulted in a small slowly developing contraction associated with a 10 m V membrane depolarization. PDB-evoked contractions were not influenced by Na+ or Cl- ion substitutions, or administration of amiloride, all of which inhibited PDB-evoked membrane depolarization. 3. Pre-treatment with PDB had no effect on [K+]-force, or [K+]-membrane potential relationships, over a range of extracellular [K+] from 40 to 70 mM. Pretreatment with PDB had no effect on extracellular [Ca2+]-force relationships during 40 mM-K+. 4. Carbachol-evoked contractions of muscle treated with PDB became similar to K+ contractions in regard to effects of organic Ca2+ antagonist drugs or decrease in bathing solution [Ca2+]. At low carbachol concentrations, verapamil plus PDB completely inhibited force development. With 5.5 microM-carbachol, over 90% of total carbachol-induced force was inhibited by verapamil, or nifedipine, plus PDB. 5. Control carbachol-evoked contractions were associated with 20-25 mV membrane depolarizations. In PDB-treated muscle, carbachol-evoked contraction occurred with a blunted depolarization, i.e. about 5 mV. 6. Force controlled by pharmacomechanical coupling mechanisms operating during maintained carbachol-evoked contractions was inhibited by treatment with PDB. Carbachol-induced force dependent on pharmacomechanical coupling mechanisms could be explained by signals generated via inositol phospholipid metabolism. 7. Electromechanical coupling mechanisms were augmented during carbachol in PDB-treated muscle. This appears to be due primarily to changes in the properties or number of surface membrane voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. 8. Data suggest an important role of PKC-mediated phosphorylations for control of both pharmacomechanical coupling mechanisms mediated by activation of inositol phospholipid metabolism and electromechanical coupling mechanisms mediated by effects on operation of surface membrane ion channels.
DIPPR® Project 801 evaluated process design data

Since 1980, the Design Institute for Physical Property Data® has sponsored Project 801 to develop, organize and make available to project sponsors a complete, critically evaluated compilation of thermophysical properties of industrial important chemicals. The database currently contains the properties of over 1700 chemicals and is arguably the best process design database in the world. Project 801 will continue to serve the needs of engineers and scientists in the future as new compounds and data are incorporated into the database and as new capabilities and technologies are implemented.
Hydrophobic vs. hydrophilic ionic liquid separations strategies in support of continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing

Taking advantage of the dramatically different solvent properties of hydrophilic ionic liquids (ILs) when dry vs. when wet allows unique separations strategies compared to the use of hydrophobic ionic liquids. This is demonstrated here by comparing the separation of a water insoluble amide intermediate for aliskiren from its reactants, a water insoluble lactone, water soluble 3-amino-2,2-dimethylpropanamide, and the water soluble promoter 2-ethylhexanoic acid, using the hydrophobic ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C2mim][NTf2]) and the hydrophilic ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C2mim][OAc]). Both the water soluble [C2mim][OAc], when dry, and water insoluble [C2mim][NTf2] can dissolve the highly hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds simultaneously, but the two ILs require different strategies to separate the mixtures of these compounds. Using the hydrophobic [C2mim][NTf2], the hydrophobic compounds can be separated from the hydrophilic reactants by extraction and precipitation with water, however, the hydrophobic IL is more difficult to completely remove after the separations. In [C2mim][OAc], the most hydrophobic starting material can be extracted from the IL phase into ethyl acetate, and then water can be added to precipitate the hydrophobic amide product while at the same time removing the IL from the pharmaceuticals.
A marketing category management system: a decision support system using scanner data

Abstract Point-of-sale scanner data provides a unique opportunity for analyzing consumer package goods (CPG) trends and patterns. Decisions of ever-increasing complexity are made possible by the amount of data available. Unfortunately, the analysis of such voluminous data requires complex techniques and processing requirements not available to many marketing decision makers. In this paper, we describe a prototype system which allows users to manage the complex models and scanner data to make forecasts in an interactive fashion. A limited test of the prototype allowed users not familiar with the underlying models to develop product forecasts.
Atonal points the way - Protein-protein interactions and developmental biology

Many cells maintain their state of determination long after the signals that induced it decay. In this issue of Developmental Cell, zur Lage and colleagues describe how certain cells sustain proneural gene expression through direct interactions between transcription factors.
Deciduous leaf drop reduces insect herbivory

Deciduous leaf fall is thought to be an adaptation that allows plants living in seasonal environments to reduce water loss and damage during unfavorable periods while increasing photosynthetic rates during favorable periods. Observations of natural variation in leaf shedding suggest that deciduous leaf fall may also allow plants to reduce herbivory. I tested this hypothesis by experimentally manipulating leaf retention for Quercus lobata and observing natural rates of herbivory. Quercus lobata is primarily deciduous although individuals show considerable natural variation in leaf retention. Oak saplings with no leaves through winter experienced reduced attack by cynipid gall makers the following spring. This pattern was consistent with the positive correlation between natural leaf persistence and gall numbers. These cynipids do not overwinter on the leaves that trees retain through winter, although they appear to use persistent leaves as oviposition cues. If these results are general for woody plants in continental temperate habitats, they suggest that an important and unrecognized consequence of deciduous leaf shedding may be a reduction in herbivore damage, and that this effect should be included in models of deciduous and evergreen behavior.