cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Added Value Does a 1:1 Student to Laptop Ratio Bring to Technology-Supported Teaching and Learning?

The purpose of this study was to document typical use and configuration of 1:1 computing in twoschoolsfocusingontheaddedvalueanduniquechallengestheseusespresent.Aqualitative casestudydesignwasusedintwomiddleschools(sixth,seventhandeighthgrade)inthesoutheastern United States purposefully selected for their 1:1 computing programmes. Data were collected through formal and informal interviews, direct observations and site documents. Results indicated that online research, productivity tools, drill and practice, and eCommunications were the most frequent uses of computers in the 1:1 classroom. Moreover, the 1:1 classroom provided potentially transformative added value to these uses while simultaneously presenting unique management challenges to the teacher. In addition, the presence of 1:1 laptops did not automatically add value and their high financial costs underscore the need to provide teachers with high-quality professional development to ensure effective teaching. In order to create effective learning environments, teachers need opportunities to learn what instruction and assessment practices, curricular resources and classroom management skills work best in a 1:1 student to networked laptop classroom setting. Finally, researchers documentedwidevariationinfidelityto1:1computing,whichsuggeststheneedforfurtherresearch exploring the conditions under which this variation exists.
Improvement in inductance and Q-factor by laser microstructuring of ferromagnetic on-chip thin film inductors

In this work, we examine the potential improvement in inductance (L) and quality factor (Q) of on-chip ferromagnetic thin film inductors through the formation of conical microstructures by localized ultraviolet laser irradiation on ferromagnetic thin film. Parameters affecting L and Q, and arising from the surface modification upon laser irradiation include thickness of the film, size, and density of the structures. The thickness of the film is optimized to 0.2 μm, and at least 18% increase in inductance and 25% increase in Q-factor for NiFe thin film in comparison to the conventional spiral inductor is expected. L and Q values of NiFe films with and without microstructuring are compared, and a 7% increase is predicted for the microstrucired film. The proposed fabrication process, including the laser microstructuring technique, is likely to provide a significant flexibility, cost effectiveness and even better parameters, if other material systems are considered.
An Experiment in Using the Internet in Teaching and Learning Mathematics

This article describes how the world-wide web is currently used by a mathematics educator. The author describes a multi-phase teaching experiment designed to address three questions: (1) Can the world-wide web provide students a viable way to access course materials, information, and activities? (2) What investments of time and expertise are required to deliver web-based course materials? (3) What potential is there for the Internet to positively impact upon the teaching and learning of mathematics? Illustrations of various uses of the world-wide web are provided as are comments that respond to the teaching-experiment questions.
Circulatory and metabolic responses of young women at HR = 180 and HR = max.

Abstract This study investigated whether the commonly used 180 heart rate termination criterion during progressive treadmill testing is valid for estimating absolute aerobic power in young healthy females. V02 was determined for 15 university physical education majors during a progressive treadmill test at 2 exercise heart rates: 182 and maximum (x = 193). V02 (liters/min and mil kg'min), VE, R, 02 pulse, and test duration were all significantly lower (p = .05) at HR = 182 than at HR = 193. The difference in max V02 was about 15%. Intercorrelations of time to HR 180 and V02 at HR 180 with max V02 showed only a moderate relationship (r = .634 to .772). Estimates of Q, SV, and Δ a – v O2 showed significantly greater values at HR = 193 than at HR = 182 (p = .05). Most of the 15% greater max VOs at HR = 193 could be accounted for by an 8.2% larger Q and a 6.7% larger Δ a — v 02.
On some physical aspects of Planck scale relativity: A Simplified approach

The kinematics of the two-scale relativity theory (new relativity) is revisited using a simplified approach. This approach allows us not only to derive the dispersion equation introduced earlier by Kowalski-Glikman, but to find an additional dispersion relation, and, even more important, to provide a physical basis for such relations. They are explained by the fact that in the observer invariant two-scale relativity (new relativity) the Planck constant does nor remain constant anymore, but depends on the universal length scale. This leads to the correct relation between energy and frequency at any scale.
Exclusive versus inclusive semileptonic {anti B} decays in the quark model

Some emerging difficulties in the theoretical description of exclusive semileptonic {anti B} decays are discussed in the context of the quark model. While there are no unambiguous problems at this time, the author discusses physics beyond the valence quark model which should eventually be probed by precision measurements of B semileptonic decays.
Using STIL to describe embedded core test requirements

STIL was developed primarily to facilitate the exchange of test patterns from the source of the patterns to automatic test equipment (ATE) that will apply the patterns to the circuit. It seems a natural extension to allow preexisting tests for an embedded core to be provided in STIL format. Additional information is considered essential to allow the re-use of such test patterns. The IEEE P1500 Core Test Language task force has chosen to extend STIL so that a description of an embedded core's test requirements can be supplied in STIL syntax-possibly along with the actual test patterns for the embedded core.
Striving for Perfection

Among the powerful barriers to making progress in patient safety is an attitude of complacency induced by the rarity of serious events and the general human bias toward assuming that things will work as they are supposed to. Although the overall incidence figures for accidental injuries and deaths in healthcare are horrendous—more than 1 million preventable injuries and 44 000–98 000 preventable deaths annually (1)—because they occur in >30 million patients and are spread out over the year, significant complications in medical diagnosis and treatment are not part of the everyday experience of doctors or nurses. They are even less likely to be so among laboratory personnel. Most of the time, the system works just fine. However, even small errors can have devastating effects, and for the victim the fact that it may happen to only 1 patient in 1000 is of little solace. Two reports in this issue of Clinical Chemistry (2)(3) supply important evidence and insights on the contribution of defects in laboratory analyses that, although rare, can have serious effects. Ismail et al. (2) found only 28 false results for immunoassays performed on 5310 patients, an error rate of 0.5%. Clinicians and laboratory physicians thus rarely see an incorrect test result. However, …
Economics of the lemon industry

Contrary to most articles in this periodical, this one is not a study in economic botany but in agricultural economics. As such, it is concerned primarily with business factors and only incidentally with lemon products.
Preliminary studies to develop a ubiquitous computing and health-monitoring system for wheelchair users

Both the percentage and raw number of people in need of wheelchairs are increasing every year. Unfortunately, wheelchair users are much more limited in access to conventional IT resources such as home computers and Internet, than their non-disabled counterparts. Moreover, no computer systems specifically designed and optimized for wheelchair users exist today that match the powerful desktop PC systems. In this research, we envision a wheelchair-worn computing system that is as effectively usable by wheelchair users as other conventional high-performance PC systemsfor general users. We call the system Ubiquitous Computing and Health-monitoring System for Wheelchair Users (u-CHS). As a preliminary study for the development of the u-CHS, we surveyed the needs and usages of the computing and health-monitoring system for wheelchair users in order to fully identify and understand the design requirements for the u-CHS. We received 97 enthusiastic responses from wheelchair users via a voluntary online survey and developed some key design concepts about the input/output, CPU, and health-monitoring modules.
Footwear recommendations and patterns among orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons: a survey.

Background. Foot and ankle surgeons are in a unique position to educate patients about the importance of proper footwear. Neither their recommendations regarding shoe selection nor their own footwear patterns have previously been reported. Methods. A total of 866 members of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) were asked to complete a survey via the Internet. Topics included specific shoe brands recommended to patients, how attributes of footwear are communicated, and respondents’ footwear habits. Results. In all, 276 (32%) surgeons responded, and 64% recommended New Balance athletic shoes to patients; 26% did not recommend specific brands. It was found that 50% wear New Balance athletic shoes; 25% wear Nike. Rockport (27%) and SAS (27%) were the most recommended dress shoes. In all, 76% are familiar with AOFAS guidelines for proper shoe fit, but only 56% educated their patients about the guidelines; 43% do not consider what patients might think of their shoes when selecting what to wear ...
Inhibition of Myogenic bHLH and MEF2 Transcription Factors by the bHLH Protein Twist

The myogenic basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) and MEF2 transcription factors are expressed in the myotome of developing somites and cooperatively activate skeletal muscle gene expression. The bHLH protein Twist is expressed throughout the epithelial somite and is subsequently excluded from the myotome. Ectopically expressed mouse Twist (Mtwist) was shown to inhibit myogenesis by blocking DNA binding by MyoD, by titrating E proteins, and by inhibiting trans-activation by MEF2. For inhibition of MEF2, Mtwist required heterodimerization with E proteins and an intact basic domain and carboxyl-terminus. Thus, Mtwist inhibits both families of myogenic regulators and may regulate myotome formation temporally or spatially.
Political development and economic development: A regional assessment of contemporary theories

This paper has been devoted to an assessment of contemporary theories of political and economic development. Specifically, it operationalized and evaluated the hypotheses of the most influential current approach referred to as developmental theory. A comparative study of four regional areas in Latin America concluded that this theory was conceptually and empirically inadequate to the task of explaining the results. Although the theory of structured underdevelopment was not specifically addressed by the research design, it did conform better to the results and suggested an alternative theoretical statement. The hypothesis put forward for subsequent evaluation stresses structural factors related to comprehensive and coordinated organizational forms which, in turn, are explicitly related to varieties of economic development.
The effect of spatial resolution on the simulation of upper-tropospheric frontogenesis using a sigma-coordinate primitive equation model

The effects of varying horizontal and vertical grid resolution on the numerical simulation of upper-tropospheric frontal structures are examined using a, two-dimensional, dry, hydrostatic sigma-coordinate primitive equation model. These effects are illustrated with the results of 72 h model integrations in which frontogenesis is forced solely by confluence. Four different horizontal grid spacings, ranging from 100 km to 12.5 km, and four different vertical, grid resolutions, varying from 10 to 70 layers (∼90 mb to 13 mb), are considered. The intensity and integrity of the frontogenesis as a function of grid resolution are diagnosed in terms of time histories and spatial distributions of frontal parameters, such as the speed of the along-front jet, maxima of absolute vorticity and potential temperature gradient, and ageostrophic motions. The time histories show that, provided the vertical resolution is sufficient, increasing horizontal resolution leads to better-defined frontal structure due to the decrease in cross-frontal scale. They also indicate that for a given horizontal resolution there exists an optimal vertical resolution beyond which frontal parameters change only slightly. This optimal vertical resolution increases with increasing horizontal resolution, and apparently is related to the horizontal resolution through the slope of the frontal zone. The time histories for simulations combining low vertical resolution with high horizontal resolution exhibit substantial high-frequency variability. Cross sections show that this temporal variability appears to be manifested spatially in the form of gravity waves characterized by wavelengths on the order of 200 km and periods of 12 h, over the range of horizontal and vertical resolution that is considered. Although the source mechanism for these waves cannot be established definitively, it likely involves a grid-induced ageostrophic component of the along-front wind which disrupts thermal wind balance. This results thus demonstrates the potential risk of flawed frontal simulations, when incompatible combinations of horizontal and vertical resolution are used.
Pore space analysis of NAPL distribution in sand-clay media

Abstract This paper introduces a conceptual model of clays and non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) at the pore scale that has been developed from a mathematical unit cell model, and direct micromodel observation and measurement of clay-containing porous media. The mathematical model uses a unit cell concept with uniform spherical grains for simulating the sand in the sand–clay matrix (∼10% clay). Micromodels made with glass slides and including different clay-containing porous media were used to investigate the two clays (kaolinite and montmorillonite) and NAPL distribution within the pore space. The results were used to understand the distribution of NAPL advancing into initially saturated sand and sand–clay media, and provided a detailed analysis of the pore-scale geometry, pore size distribution, NAPL entry pressures, and the effect of clay on this geometry. Interesting NAPL saturation profiles were observed as a result of the complexity of the pore space geometry with the different packing angles and the presence of clays. The unit cell approach has applications for enhancing the mechanistic understanding and conceptualization, both visually and mathematically, of pore-scale processes such as NAPL and clay distribution.
A priori estimates for truncation error of continued fractionsK(1/bn)

A priori estimates are obtained for the truncation error of continued fractions of the formK(1/b n ), with complex elementsb n . The method employed is based on the calculation of bounds for successive diameters of a sequence of nested disks, where then-th approximant of the continued fraction is contained in then-th disk. Numerical examples are given to illustrate useful procedures and typical error estimates for continued fraction expansions of the complex logarithm and the ratio of consecutive Bessel functions.
Leo Strauss and the Theologico-Political Problem

Leo Strauss and the Theologico-Political Problem , Heinrich Meier, New York: Cambridge University Press, 2006, pp. xxii, 183. One of the debates accompanying the reception of Leo Strauss's lifework as it grows into an inescapable force in political philosophy has been this: Where does Strauss really stand on the relation between reason and revelation? Heinrich Meier's new book ends that debate.
A relative entropy-based approach to image thresholding

Abstract In this paper, we present a new image thresholding technique which uses the relative entropy (also known as the Kullback-Leiber discrimination distance function) as a criterion of thresholding an image. As a result, a gray level minimizing the relative entropy will be the desired threshold. The proposed relative entropy approach is different from two known entropy-based thresholding techniques, the local entropy and joint entropy methods developed by N. R. Pal and S. K. Pal in the sense that the former is focused on the matching between two images while the latter only emphasized the entropy of the co-occurrence matrix of one image. The experimental results show that these three techniques are image dependent and the local entropy and relative entropy seem to perform better than does the joint entropy. In addition, the relative entropy can complement the local entropy and joint entropy in terms of providing different details which the others cannot. As far as computing saving is concerned, the relative entropy approach also provides the least computational complexity.
Static, free vibration and thermal analysis of composite plates and shells using a flat triangular shell element

Finite element static, free vibration and thermal analysis of thin laminated plates and shells using a three noded triangular flat shell element is presented. The flat shell element is a combination of the Discrete Kirchhoff Theory (DKT) plate bending element and a membrane element derived from the Linear Strain Triangular (LST) element with a total of 18 degrees of freedom (3 translations and 3 rotations per node). Explicit formulations are used for the membrane, bending and membrane-bending coupling stiffness matrices and the thermal load vector. Due to a strong analogy between the induced strain caused by the thermal field and the strain induced in a structure due to an electric field the present formulation is readily applicable for the analysis of structures excited by surface bonded or embedded piezoelectric actuators. The results are presented for (i) static analysis of (a) simply supported square plates under doubly sinusoidal load and uniformly distributed load (b) simply supported spherical shells under a uniformly distributed load, (ii) free vibration analysis of (a) square cantilever plates, (b) skew cantilever plates and (c) simply supported spherical shells; (iii) Thermal deformation analysis of (a) simply supported square plates, (b) simply supported-clamped square plate and (c) simply supported spherical shells. A numerical example is also presented demonstrating the application of the present formulation to analyse a symmetrically laminated graphite/epoxy laminate excited by a layer of piezoelectric polyvinylidene flouride (PVDF). The results presented are in good agreement with those available in the literature.
Evaluation of thiabendazole and pentachloronitrobenzene for control of the Rhizoctonia disease complex on white potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Thiabendazole (TBZ) and pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) alone and in combination were laboratory, greenhouse, and field tested during a five-year period (1977-1982) for their effectiveness in reducing incidence and severity of damage caused byRhizoctonia solani to white potato (Solarium tuberosum). Growth ofR. solani on amended potato dextrose agar was prevented at 7 ppm TBZ and 80,000 ppm PCNB. Tuber-borne sclerotial germination and hyphal growth were prevented following seed treatment with 6,000 ppm TBZ, and severely inhibited by combination treatments of 12,500 or 50,000 ppm PCNB and 1,500 ppm TBZ. Seed treatments which provided the most effective field control ofR. solani were combinations of PCNB (50,000, 25,000 ppm) and TBZ (1,500 ppm), followed by TBZ alone (6,000 ppm) and PCNB alone at rates of 50,000 ppm or above.
Surgical management of enterocutaneous fistulas of the small intestine and colon

Enterocutaneous fistulas present a difficult, but not insurmountable, surgical problem. Frequently, aggressive surgical management is rewarding in terms of patient salvage and lessened morbidity. Welch has written, “Procrastination leads to slow death, and in many instances it is necessary to take what seem to be almost superhuman risks to rescue him.”6 We agree with this philosophy.
Brief Bipolar Markers for the Five Factor Model of Personality

The initial development of a brief 30-item bipolar rating scale designed to measure the Five Factor Model of personality is presented. This scale assesses Factor V as a variant of Openness rather t...
Steroid hormone-producing tumors in man.

TUMORS derived from steroid hormone-producing cells of the adrenal, ovary, and testes are rare. The tumors are, however, important both as causes of disease entities and as useful model systems for the study of steroidogenesis. Certain features of steroidogenic tumors complicate the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Steroidogenic tumors frequently are neither suspected nor detected until they are very large or metastatic. This sometimes occurs because the tumor does not produce a recognizable endocrine syndrome. Even when the tumor produces a distinct syndrome, the anatomical location of the tumor may not be inferred from steroid hormone secretory patterns or trophic hormone responsiveness. Furthermore, tumors of the adrenal (1–9) or testes (10) may cause Cushing's Syndrome, and virilization or feminization syndromes may be caused by adrenal (11, 12), testicular (13–19), or ovarian tumors (20–36). Some of these tumors respond to trophic hormone stimulation, either to the appropriate trophic hormone for...
Architectural adaptation in MORPH

We present methods for architectural adaptation that use application-specific hardware assists and policies toprovide substantial improvements in performance on a per application basis. We have used architectural cus-tomization to improve performance of the memory hierarchy and utilize network bisection for the multiprocessorarchitectures. We demonstrate the utility of architectural customization in efficient memory hierarchy manage-ment and memory bandwidth requirements using an application in sparse matrix manipulations. The experimentalwork is presented in the context of the MORPH machine that is currently being designed to provide high systemperformance by directly addressing memory system limitations in the current machines.Based on our preliminary results, we propose that an application-driven machine customization provides acost effective way to achieve high performance and combat performance fragility while maintaining applicationretargetability across architectures.
New approaches to drug delivery through the blood-brain barrier

The development of recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, or antisense oligonucleotides as pharmaceuticals for the brain will require the parallel development of practical strategies for delivery of these pharmaceuticals in vivo through the endothelial wall of capillaries in the brain, the blood-brain barrier. The brain and spinal cord constitute the only organ to be perfused by capillaries having such a barrier, which excludes the uptake into the brain of circulating molecules that do not have access to several specialized transport systems within the barrier. The current challenge for biotechnology is to develop effective drug-delivery strategies to the brain in parallel with the ongoing drug-discovery programs for this organ.
Lyotropic liquid crystalline self-assembly in dispersions of silver nanowires and nanoparticles.

We report demixed nematic lyotropic liquid crystalline phase formation in dispersions of silver nanowires and spherical nanoparticle aggregates in ethylene glycol and water. This phase is observed in samples in spite of the high density, large aspect ratio, and long relaxation times of the nanowires which have an average length of 6.8 μm. Remarkably, in the biphasic region, the nanowire-rich liquid crystalline phase exhibits a strandlike morphology which has only previously been reported for single-walled carbon nanotube liquid crystals. Shearing predominantly liquid crystalline dispersions results in both significant nanowire alignment and nanowire−aggregate demixing. The results of this research suggest that the nanoparticle contaminants common to many synthesis schemes facilitate liquid crystalline phase formation and that these dispersions can be processed into aligned coatings.
Effect of Reinstitution of Good Glycemic Control on Retinal Oxidative Stress and Nitrative Stress in Diabetic Rats

Clinical and experimental studies have shown that reinstitution of good glycemic control (GC) after a period of poor glycemic control (PC) does not produce immediate benefits on the progression of retinopathy, and hyperglycemia is sufficient to initiate the development of diabetic retinopathy. In this study, the effect of reinstitution of GC on hyperglycemia-induced increased oxidative stress and nitrative stress was evaluated in the retina of rats maintained in PC before initiation of GC. In diabetic rats, 2 or 6 months of PC (GHb >11.0%) was followed by 7 months of GC (GHb 80% compared with normal rats or rats kept in GC for the duration. This suggests that oxidative and nitrative modifications in retina occur early in the course of development of retinopathy in diabetes. These abnormalities are not easily reversed by reinstitution of GC, and the duration of PC before initiation of GC influences the outcome of the reversal. Characterization of the abnormalities responsible for the resistance of retinopathy to arrest after reinstitution of GC will help identify potential future therapies to inhibit progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Researching Race: Identifying a Social Construction through Qualitative Methods and an Interactionist Perspective

Although much of the sociological community now views race as a social construction, empirical research does not always identify it in this way. Many practices of designating a research participant’s race approach this process uncritically, implicitly framing race as uncomplicated. Although this is more common in survey-based work, in this article I explore the tendencies and difficulties of studying race using qualitative methods. I discuss two prevalent but potentially problematic ways of “operationalizing” race in qualitative methodology, and then elaborate on the difficulties of identifying race in practice, using examples from my own ethnographic research. I suggest that symbolic interactionism provides a unique perspective from which to express race as socially situated, as long as this process is approached reflectively. Much of the scientific community now adheres to the notion that race is a social construction. Increasingly, this idea has even crept into the public arena. The New York Times published a series of opinion pieces debating the “nature” and categorization of race as Census 2000 released its results. In 2003, the Public Broadcasting System aired a documentary exhaustively presenting race as socially rather than biologically determined, drawing on the commentaries of biologists, historians, psychologists, anthropologists, and sociologists. In light of our increasing awareness of the social origins of race, it seems strange that many researchers continue to utilize this concept with little hint of reflecting on these origins. Race continues to be studied and used somewhat blithely in much sociological research, where it often appears devoid of social context and reified as a fixed essence. Although, as others have argued (e.g., Zuberi 2001), this practice may be more common in quantitative research, it also exists in qualitative studies. In this article I explore the tendencies
Studies on the mechanism of tolerance to methamphetamine

We have reported that the ability of high doses of methamphetamine to impair dopamine and serotonin synthesis in the rat brain is attenuated when animals are pretreated with gradually increasing doses of methamphetamine. To examine the mechanism of this tolerance phenomenon, the effect of methamphetamine on several neurochemical parameters was determined in naive and methamphetamine-pretreated rats. The elevation of nigral substance P concentrations by methamphetamine was attenuated in pretreated compared to naive rats. The methamphetamine-induced reduction in [3H]sulpiride binding in the rat neostriatum and nucleus accumbens was similarly attenuated in animals pretreated with methamphetamine. Determination of brain concentrations of methamphetamine and amphetamine revealed significantly lower concentrations of both compounds in the brains of pretreated compared to naive animals. The results indicate a reduction in the ability of methamphetamine to increase dopamine transmission in the brains of methamphetamine-pretreated rats. Furthermore, this effect appears to be due, at least in part, to a change in the disposition of methamphetamine in pretreated animals.
Predictably irrational: assaying cognitive inflexibility in mouse models of schizophrenia.

The development of sophisticated, translatable mouse-based assays modeling the behavioral manifestations of neuropsychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia has lagged the advances in molecular and genomic techniques. Our laboratory has made efforts to fill this gap by investing in the development of novel assays, including adapting a touchscreen-based method for measuring cognitive and executive functions for use in mice. As part of these efforts, a recent study by Brigman et al. (2009) investigated the effects of subchronic phencyclidine (PCP) treatment on mouse touchscreen-based pairwise visual discrimination and reversal learning. Here, we summarize the results of that study and place them in the larger context of ongoing efforts to develop valid mouse ‘models’ of schizophrenia, with a focus on reversal learning and other measures of cognitive flexibility. Touchscreen-based systems could provide a tractable platform for fully utilizing the mouse to elucidate the pathophysiology of cognitive inflexibility in schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Filter-bank optimization for Frequency Domain Linear Prediction

The sub-band Frequency Domain Linear Prediction (FDLP) technique estimates autoregressive models of Hilbert envelopes of subband signals, from segments of discrete cosine transform (DCT) of a speech signal, using windows. Shapes of the windows and their positions on the cosine transform of the signal determine implied filtering of the signal. Thus, the choices of shape, position and number of these windows can be critical for the performance of the FDLP technique. So far, we have used Gaussian or rectangular windows. In this paper asymmetric cochlear-like filters are being studied. Further, a frequency differentiation operation, that introduces an additional set of parameters describing local spectral slope in each frequency sub-band, is introduced to increase the robustness of sub-band envelopes in noise. The performance gains achieved by these changes are reported in a variety of additive noise conditions, with an average relative improvement of 8.04% in phoneme recognition accuracy.
Leakage of protein in the immature rabbit lung; effect of surfactant replacement.

Immature newborn rabbits, delivered on day 27 of gestations, were ventilated artificially for 60 min, with or without previous treatment with natural surfactant. Insufflation pressure was adjusted to maintain an average tidal volume of about 10 ml/kg. All animals received, before the onset of ventilation, 125I-labeled albumin via the airways and 131I-labeled albumin intravenously. At the end of the experiment 3.1 ± 1.3% (x ± SD) of the 131I-albumin had permeated into the alveolar compartment of control animals; the corresponding figures for surfactant-treated animals were 1.7 +- 0.8% (P < 0.002). In control animals only 18.2 ± 4.4% of the 125I-albumin could be recovered from the airspaces after 60 min, whereas 69.9 ± 14.6% of this label was recovered in surfactant-treated animals (P < 0.002). Alveolar wash samples from control animals also contained significantly increased activity of surfactant inhibitor, as evaluated with pulsating bubble. The bidirectional flux of protein, including surfactant inhibitor, was thus significantly decreased in these immature lungs by surfactant replacement.
Temperature Dependence of the High-Pressure Denatured State of Lambda Repressor

When dropped from 2500 atm to 1 atm in a fast pressure jump experiment, the YG mutant of the five-helix bundle lambda repressor refolds close to the “speed limit”, about 40 times faster than observed in a temperature jump experiment. We carried out molecular dynamics simulations to address the question of why refolding from the pressure denatured state is so much faster than refolding upon temperature jump.The temperature dependence of the high-pressure denatured state of the YG mutant was investigated for this purpose. The high pressure used in the simulation favors denaturation, but also slows down protein dynamics.High temperature was employed to speed up the dynamics. The high-pressure denatured state was identified as a compact structure with the helices I and IV being the most stable elements. Rapid nucleation of helices I and IV may be a major factor in enhancing the refolding rate once the pressure is dropped to 1 atm.
Location errors in wireless embedded sensor networks: sources, models, and effects on applications

Wireless sensor networks monitor the physical world by taking measurements of physical phenomena. Those measurements, and consequently the results computed from the measurements, may be significantly inaccurate. Therefore, in order to properly design and use wireless sensor networks, one must develop methods that take error sources, error propagation through optimization software, and ultimately their impact on applications, into consideration. In this paper, we focus on location discovery induced errors. We have selected location discovery as the object of our case study since essentially all sensor network computation and communication tasks are dependent on geographical node location data. First, we model the error in input parameters of the location discovery process. Then, we study the impact of errors on three selected applications: exposure, best- and worst-case coverage, and shortest path routing. Furthermore, we examine how the choice of a specific objective function optimized during the location discovery process impacts the errors in results of different applications.
Cloud Models: Their Evolution and Future Challenges

A review of convective cloud modeling spanning the period from the days of the NOAA Experimental. Meteorology Laboratory (EML) in the late 1960s to 2000 is presented. The intent is to illustrate the evolution of cloud models from the one-dimensional parcel-type models to the current generation of three-dimensional convective storm models and cloud ensemble models. Moreover, it is shown that Dr. Joanne Simpson played a pivotal role in the evolution of cloud models from the very first models to current generation cloud ensemble models. It is also shown that the first concept of the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) began while Drs. Cotton and Pielke worked under Dr. Simpson’s supervision at EML. It is then illustrated how far cloud modeling has come with recent applications of RAMS to atmospheric research and numerical weather prediction. The chapter concludes with an outline of the major limitations of current generation convective cloud models.
Dynamic behaviours of piston rings and their practical impact. Part 1: Ring flutter and ring collapse and their effects on gas flow and oil transport:

AbstractThis paper describes the physics of two major dynamic behaviours of the piston rings, namely ring flutter and ring collapse, and their effects on gas flow and oil transport. The analysis was conducted by applying a theoretical model in a spark ignition engine and a heavy-duty diesel engine. Parameters that have great influence on these dynamic behaviours are discussed for these two different types of engine and different rings. Specifically, the importance of ring twist, torsional stiffness and ring-groove clearance to ring flutter are discussed in detail. For ring radial collapse, the paper presents a simple formula that determines value of the critical parameters to eliminate ring radial collapse. Emphases are placed on the importance of mechanical designs in changing the performance of the piston ring pack in blowby and oil consumption.
Low prevalence of insulin-like growth factor-I gene mutations in human growth disorders

In an attempt to identify genetic lesions contributing to human growth disorders, we evaluated a prospectively recruited group of children with growth failure for mutations in the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) gene. Two complementary approaches were used: Southern blot analysis to examine the large scale organization of the gene, and a solution hybridization, nuclease protection assay to identify small alterations, such as point mutations. From a total of 61 subjects studied, 52 had no organic basis for their short stature. Analysis of chromosomal DNA from these individuals failed to reveal any variation in the IGF-I gene except for a HindIII site polymorphism which maps near the 3' end of the last IGF-I exon. No single nucleotide substitutions were found within IGF-I-coding regions. Since the frequency of the length polymorphism was the same for both normal-sized and short individuals, it is unlikely to be associated with growth abnormalities. Our results suggest that there is minimal DNA sequence variability in the human IGF-I gene and that mutations in IGF-I exons are infrequent causes of growth failure.
Androgen target cells in the pituitary of the chick embryo

Abstract Androgen target cells are demonstrated in anterior pituitary and surrounding mesenchyme of the chick embryo using autoradiography. The proportion of [ 3 H]-dihydrotestosterone labeled cells increases from 30% at day 10 to 35–40% at day 15 of incubation. The results show for the first time a possible effect of androgens on the pituitary before birth which further points to a significant endocrine role during embryonic development.
Acute Toxicity of 5% Non‐Synergized Emulsifiable Rotenone to White River Crayfish Procambarus acutus acutus and White Perch Morone americana

Annual drawdown of crayfish culture ponds to plant forage crops also serves to eradicate most predaceous finfish. Without annual drawdown predaceous fish populations may reach numbers that can significantly reduce the crayfish crop. Frequent drawdown may not be feasible or desirable in some management schemes. Evidence in the literature suggests that differential toxicity of rotenone would allow removal of fish without harming crayfish in the same pond. In the current study, laboratory and in situ acute toxicity bioassays (96 h) were conducted with 5% non-synergized emulsifiable rotenone to define the maximum non-lethal concentration (LC100) for white river crayfish Procambarus acutus acutus and the minimum lethal concentration (LC100) for white perch Morone americana. Six concentration levels of rotenone formulation were tested in each of six toxicity trials with crayfish using dechlorinated tap water at 21–25 C. LC0 (compensated for control mortality) was determined to be 3.0 mg/L. Significant crayfish mortality began at 4.0 mg/L. Acute toxicity to white perch was anticipated to be within recommended concentration levels on product label for similar fish, and was corroborated by laboratory bioassay (LC100 of 0.15 mg/L). Both species were then tested together in laboratory aquaria utilizing pond water at room temperature. Concentration levels of 0.05–2.5 mg/L killed all white perch with no crayfish mortality. In the final phase of the study a 1.0 mg/L concentration of rotenone was applied to a pond containing both species held in cages. All white perch were dead within 24 h; no crayfish mortality was observed for the 96-h duration of the trial. It may therefore be possible to use this rotenone formulation to control white perch and other finfish in active crayfish culture ponds.
Origin of the giant R wave in acute transmural myocardial infarction in the pig.

An increase in R wave amplitude and a diminution of S wave amplitude, together with ST segment elevation, have been described as very early electrocardiographic changes during clinical and experimental acute myocardial infarction. The genesis of these QRS changes remains unclear. We assessed the quantitative relationship between the local conduction delay and the formation of the giant R wave, using multiple epicardial, intramural unipolar, and bipolar electrodes in 30 open-chest pigs with acute transmural myocardial ischemia. Blood pressure, heart rate, serum electrolytes, hematocrit, and left ventricular size remained constant, or varied insignificantly throughout the experiments. In nonischemic pigs, transmural left ventricular activation occurred nearly simultaneously, and the activation time was not correlated with the net QRS potential. During acute ischemia, a giant R wave developed at all of the electrodes located within the ischemia region; R wave amplitude began to increase 1min after coronary artery ligation (p<0.05), compared to control amplitude and peaked at 8min (p<0.0001). The degree of conduction delay at a given site was correlated linearly with the local R wave amplitude (average of correlation coefficients±SEM at 1min, r=0.64±0.08, and at 8min, r=0.81±0.06). The magnitude of the R wave potential and the conduction delay were greater in regions deep inside the ischemic zone than in the border and normal areas (p<0.0001), and were greater in subepicardial than in subendocardial areas (p<0.05). In summary, during transmural ischemia, conduction is markedly slowed, and an orderly and discrete wavefront advances toward the center of the ischemic zone from lateral and subendocardial areas. When depolarization is complete in the rest of the heart, this slow activation front becomes temporally isolated and its progression gives rise to a giant R wave, which appears in recordings from overlying electrodes.
Tissue interactions promoting osteogenesis in chorioallantoic-grown explants of secondary palatal shelves of the embryonic chick

Abstract Intramembranous osteogenesis in the neural crest-derived maxilla and mandible depends upon interactions between the bone-forming mesenchyme and the overlying epithelium. Whether or not an epithelium is required for the formation of the neural crest-derived palatine bone was examined. Palatal shelf mesenchyme, removed from embryonic chicks (5–7 days of incubation) prior to in-vivo palatal osteogenesis (10 days of incubation), was grafted with and without its epithelium to the chorioallantoic membrane of host chick embryos. During early secondary palatal development, removal of the palatal epithelium resulted in the failure of osteogenesis within the palatal mesenchyme. Removal of the palatal epithelium at subsequent developmental stages did not interfere with palatal osteogenesis. Epithelial influences, therefore, are required during early palatal development to promote palatal osteogenesis but cease to be required several days prior to the actual onset of ossification.
RF measurements for UMTS

This paper reviews some aspects of the UMTS/3GPP wide-band CDMA radio access and discusses the associated basic RF and modulation measurements that will be useful to an RF design engineer. We have concentrated on measurements that are particular to CDMA, rather than measurements which are common to all RF communication systems, such as out of band spurious.
Portrayals of the Later Abbasid Caliphate: A Reappraisal of the Buyid-Era Caliphs in Arabic Chronicles, 334/945-447/1055

Like other decline narratives, the alleged decadence of the Abbasid caliphate after its loss of military power in the mid-fourth/tenth century has been seen historically as an index of the “decline” of Islamic civilization generally, and remnants of these images still remain. However, a contextual examination of the key Buyid-era sources, namely Arabic chronicles, reveals little consciousness that the caliphate had lost its meaning. Chroniclers such as Miskawayh (d. 421/1030) provide a Buyid-centric narrative, but sources closer to the caliphate indicate that the power and authority of the caliphate had been re-shaped rather than fatally undermined. A broader conception of power is necessary to understand the transformed position of the caliphs, taking into account “soft” cultural and diplomatic power rather than military force alone, as caliphs continued to lead by managing the religious and legal-judicial spheres.
Attenuation of iNOS mRNA exacerbates hypoperfusion and upregulates endothelin-1 expression in hippocampus and cortex after brain trauma.

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO, a vasodilator) and endothelin-1 (ET-1, a powerful vasoconstrictor) participate in the regulation of brain’s microcirculation influencing each other’s expression and synthesis. Following injury to the brain, NO is derived largely from the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). We used Marmarou’s model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) to study the cerebral blood flow and expression (mRNA) of ET-1 in rats that were pretreated with antisense iNOS oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs). Intracerebroventricular application of iNOS ODNs resulted in reduced synthesis of iNOS as detected by Western blot analysis. The cerebral blood flow (measured by laser Doppler flowmetry), generally decreased after TBI, was further markedly reduced in the treated animals and remained at low levels up to 48 h post-TBI. The expression of ET-1 (detected by in situ hybridization in cortex and hippocampus) was increased 2–3-fold following TBI alone and this increase reached 5–6-fold in animals pretreated with antisense iNOS ODNs. The results indicate that most likely, NO, generated primarily by iNOS, suppresses ET-1 production and that a decrease of NO results in upregulation of ET-1 via transcriptional and translational mechanisms. Increased availability of ET-1 at the vascular bed and the neuropil may contribute to the altered microvascular reactivity and reduced perfusion of the brain following TBI.
Using android as a platform for programming in the IT curriculum

Mobile devices have become fixtures of our everyday lives. As such, it is sensible to deploy them in the IT curriculum where they can help students attain their core competency in programming. Android has been adopted as the platform for an advanced programming course in which students are using Java (Android's native language) and XML to build apps. Many subtle issues and common pitfalls have been encountered when transitioning this programming course to Android apps from traditional Java programs. Gathered from over a year's experience teaching app development, these issues are discussed, and suggestions and tips beneficial to IT instructors and students for working with Android are presented. Overall, the issues dealt with range from setting up devices and emulators to subtleties in linking Java and XML to quirks of the Eclipse IDE. Accessing the Internet is also covered. Some additional benefits of Android development for the undergraduate IT curriculum are discussed.