cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a curricular and professional development intervention at improving elementary teachers' science content knowledge and student achievement outcomes: Year 1 results

Teacher knowledge of science content is an important but under-studied construct. A curricular and professional development intervention consisting of a fifth grade science curriculum, teacher workshops, and school site support was studied to determine its effect on teachers' science content knowledge as measured by a science knowledge test, a questionnaire, and classroom observations. These three measures, along with college science courses taken, were then used to examine the effect of teachers' science content knowledge on student achievement outcomes. The intervention had a significant effect on the treatment group teachers' science knowledge test scores and questionnaire responses compared to the control group, but not on the classroom observation ratings. Teachers' scores on the science knowledge test were found to be the largest significant teacher-level predictor of student achievement outcomes regardless of participation in the intervention. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 51: 635–658, 2014
Consequences of Notch-mediated induction of Jagged1

Notch signaling is initiated upon contact of cells expressing Notch receptors with those expressing ligands. While examining the dynamic response of NIH 3T3 cells to cells expressing the Notch ligand Jagged1, we found that Notch signaling resulted in increased levels of the ligand Jagged1. Induction of Jagged1 was delayed relative to the generation of active Notch and dependent on the transcription factor p63. The induced Jagged1 had no apparent autocrine effects on Notch signaling but could promote signaling in naive cells. These results describe a mechanism through which Notch signaling can be relayed from cell to cell.
The ziwi promoter drives germline‐specific gene expression in zebrafish

We describe here the characterization of the promoter activity of a 4.8-kb sequence isolated from the 5' end of the zebrafish germ cell-specific ziwi gene. We show that this fragment is sufficient to drive heterologous gene expression specifically in germ cell starting as early as 7 days post-fertilization, a time point when only mitotic germ cells are present in the gonad. In adult animals, we find that this fragment is sufficient to drive gene expression in all germ cells with stage-specific differences in expression levels. In females, EGFP expression is highest in stage IB oocytes, but appreciable expression is detected in both pre-meiotic germ cells, as well stage II-IV oocytes and mature eggs. In males, EGFP expression is highest in spermatogonial stem cells, but low levels are detected in all stages, including spermatozoa.
Extraction of Lipids from Oxidizing Mulleta

SUMMARY Total lipids, lipid phosphorus, and total polyenes extracted from mullet tissues with chloroform-methanol show a progressive decrease in oxidizing mullet tissue. Thiobarbituric acid values from chloroform-methanol extracts of oxidized tissues are approx 30–50% of those obtained from the unextracted tissue. Much of the TBA-reactive material becomes concentrated in the inter-facial fluff during the washing of such extracts. Chloroform alone extracts only about 10% of the TBA-reactive material.
Microstructure of magnetron sputtered PLZT thin films on sapphire

Abstract The microstructural development and crystal structures of sputtered PLZT 9/65/35 films on r-plane sapphire with respect to deposition/annealing conditions were studied. The films were deposited at substrate temperatures below 500°C and annealed in the range 700° to 730°C for 1 min to 20 min for complete perovskite formation either by rapid thermal annealing (RTA) or furnace annealing (FA). The optical transparency was excellent with smooth surfaces in the stoichiometric films but reduced in the Pb-deficient films. The grain sizes in the films varied from 0.1 μm to 0.8 μm and 0.2 μm to 1.2 μm after RTA and FA respectively.
Intermixture of positive and negative trials in instrumental discrimination

The incompleteness of conventional discrimination theories is indicated by the finding that, under some conditions, rats do not develop an instrumental discrimination when normally-sufficient numbers of positive and negative trials are given in unmixed fashion (60 S+ trials followed by 60 S− trials) instead of the customary random intermixture of S+ and S− trials.
Pore structure and network analysis of filter cake

Abstract Filtration is an important solid–liquid separation technology employed widely in the mineral processing industries. The effectiveness of the filtration operation can be influenced by numerous variables, related to the particulate phase, the slurry rheology and the equipment. Continuous filtration of fine particles involves filter cake formation and removal of surface moisture by drawing air through the pore structure network. In order to gain a better understanding of the complex transport phenomena that occur in the filter cake, analysis of the effect of the three-dimensional pore geometry on the effective transport properties of the filter cake is necessary. In this regard, analysis of the pore connectivity in a packed bed of particles should allow for a detailed description of fluid flow and transport in the filter cake structure. Two interrelated approaches, namely computer simulation and experimental measurement, can be used to gain knowledge of pore microstructure and its correlation to macroscopic cake properties. In this regard, a three-dimensional Monte Carlo method was used in this work to simulate cake structure. As the resolution and the techniques for three-dimensional geometric analysis have advanced in the last decade, experimental measurements are now possible to specify in detail the pore structure in three-dimensional digital space using high-resolution X-ray microtomography. Thus in addition to computer simulation, this paper presents preliminary experimental findings of pore structure in three-dimensional using X-ray microtomographic techniques. These experimental results are contrasted to results from computer simulation.
Assessing Educational Measurement: Ovations, Omissions, Opportunities

Not all readers of Educational Researcher are likely to be familiar with the field of educational measurement. The field is sometimes referred to as psychometrics, but in plain language educational measurement is essentially testing—a specialization concerned with developing and evaluating the procedures used to make inferences about learning, achievement, aptitudes, interests, and other constructs in education. Before jumping directly into a review of the most recent edition of Educational Measurement, edited by Robert L. Brennan (2006a), it seems appropriate to provide some background. Two words—quality control—describe the fundamental interest of measurement specialists. The passion of psychometricians is ensuring that the data that result from the use of tests are of the highest quality possible. Psychometricians seek to ensure that the information generated by testing instruments, observational protocols, and other such procedures provides consistent and accurate portrayals of the students and systems to which those tools are applied. At only modest risk of overstatement, I would assert that the obsession with highquality information should not be the exclusive province of psychometricians but is rightly seen as a primary interest of all social scientists (and a key weakness in graduate student preparation). Along these lines, Cone and Foster (1991) have argued as follows: Scholars commonly acknowledge that developments in all areas of science follow appropriate measurement techniques. . . . One only has to think of the value of the microscope for biology and chemistry, the telescope for astronomy, and magnetic resonance imaging for contemporary medicine to support this point. In psychology, the use of the most sophisticated structural equation modeling, time series analysis, or meta-analytic methodology is only as strong as the data used, and these data depend on the quality of the measures used in their collection. . . . Graduate students learn complex, sophisticated statistical procedures to test data obtained in elegant, internally and externally valid experimental designs. But they are rarely exposed to the training needed to evaluate whether the data they obtain so cleverly and analyze so complexly are any good in the first place. (p. 653)
TQM is suppy chain management

Outlines the principles of total quality management (TQM) and theorizes whether they apply in supply chain management (SCM). Associates SCM with materials management, but observes that SCM, in assocation with other initiatives such as enterprise resource planning and electronic commerce, has been driving towards fully integrated supply chain management across organizational value chains, with cross‐boundary focus on transaction cost reduction. Sees the TQM challenge as getting culturally diverse workforces to collaborate in related continuous improvement. Believes appropriate performance measurements and metrics might assist this, but states firms need to adopt a balanced approach to goals, quality and management methods to maximize relationship capital. Asserts research is needed here, as in the SCM dimensions (partnership, information technology, operational flexibility, performance measurement, management commitment, and demand characterization) in relation to TQM application, and in other TQM/SCM areas (management role, influence of organizational structure, education and training, and cultural and behavioural issues).
Synthesis of Stable Isotope Labeled Analogs of the Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Nucleotide Prodrugs PSI-7977 and PSI-352938

In order to support bioanalytical LC/MS method development and plasma sample analysis in preclinical and clinical studies of the anti-hepatitis C-virus nucleotides, PSI-7977 and PSI-352938, the corresponding stable isotope labeled forms were prepared. These labeled compounds were prepared by addition reaction of the freshly prepared Grignard reagent 13CD3MgI to the corresponding 2 ′-ketone nucleosides followed by fluorination of the resulting carbinol with DAST. As expected, these 2 ′-C-(trideuterated-13C-methyl) nucleotide prodrugs showed similar anti-HCV activity to that of the corresponding unlabeled ones.
Electrosynthesis of Linear and Branched Methylene-Bridged Oligo- and Polycarbosilanes

Electrosynthesis methods have been employed as a mild and facile alternative for the syntheses of polycarbosilanes. Electropolymerization was conducted on chloromethylchlorosilanes, [ClCH2Si(CH3)3-mClm (m = 1, 2)], taking advantage of the fact that these compounds contain two types of functional groups, CH2−Cl and Si−Cl, both of which are electrochemically active with different reduction potentials. Under a constant current, −CH2Cl is preferentially reduced to a carbanion, −SiCH2:-, that can nucleophilically attack a Si−Cl bond to form a CH2−Si linkage; branching should occur when more than one Cl atom resides on the silicon atom since each group is capable of reacting with the nucleophilic carbanion. Thus, the condition for polymerization of highly branched polycarbosilanes is m > 1. Detailed spectroscopic characterizations of the oligomers and polymers with GPC, NMR, IR, and GC-MS are given. The formation of diverse structures, molecular weights, and reaction yields is strongly dependent on the electros...
Cytokine gene profile in gastric mucosa in Helicobacter pylori infection and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Cytokine gene profile in gastric mucosa in Helicobacter pylori infection and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Kinetics of oxidation and chemisorption of oxygen for porous carbons with high surface area

Oxidation and chemisorption rates were measured for several powdered porous carbons with surface areas of 500–2400 m2/g. A thermal balance was used. Activation energies of adsorption and intrinsic adsorption rate constants were obtained from initial adsorption rate data at 300–400°C. The data fitted a second-order Langmuir adsorption isotherm, suggesting that oxygen molecules dissociated on the surface. The data for the oxidation runs indicated a clear transition from a high activation energy regime (at low to moderate temperature) to an adsorption control regime. The activation energy and oxidation rate at high temperature (above 625°C) agreed with an extrapolation of the adsorption data. The reactivity of the carbons correlated with the active surface area from the chemisorption data but not with the total surface area measured by low temperature adsorption of nitrogen.
Working with Error and Uncertainty to Increase Measurement Validity.

Over the previous two decades, the era of accountability has amplified efforts to measure educational effectiveness more than Edward Thorndike, the father of educational measurement, likely would have imagined. Expressly, the measurement structure for evaluating educational effectiveness continues to rely increasingly on one sole indicator – performance on state-endorsed, large-scaled tests – and the use of these test scores in isolation of other indicators that also capture what it means to be effective. This manuscript describes unresolved questions in educational measurement and provides recommendations to increase measurement validity along both quantitative and qualitative dimensions to move towards a more holistic and appropriate system of measuring educational effectiveness. As Thorndike would have put it, we shall be aided, not hindered, by these tests.
Policing Shanghai, 1927-1937

Prewar Shanghai: casinos, brothels, Green Gang racketeers, narcotics syndicates, gun-runners, underground Communist assassins, Comitern secret agents. Frederic Wakeman's masterful study of the most colorful and corrupt city in the world at the time provides a panoramic view of the confrontation and collaboration between the Nationalist secret police and the Shanghai underworld. In detailing the life and politics of China's largest urban center during the Guomindang era, Wakeman covers an array of topics: the puritanical social controls implemented by the police; the regional differences that surfaced among Shanghai's Chinese, the influence of imperialism and Western-trained officials. Parts of this book read like a spy novel, with secret police, torture, assassination; and power struggles among the French, International Settlement, and Japanese consular police within Shanghai. Chiang Kai-shek wanted to prove that the Chinese could rule Shanghai and the country by themselves, rather than be exploited and dominated by foreign powers. His efforts to reclaim the crime-ridden city failed, partly because of the outbreak of war with Japan in 1937, but also because the Nationalist police force was itself corrupted by the city. Wakeman's exhaustively researched study is a major contribution to the study of the Nationalist regime and to modern Chinese urban history. It also shows that twentieth-century China has not been characterized by discontinuity, because autocratic government - whether Nationalist or Communist - has prevailed.
Beyond Aristotle and gradience: A reply to Aarts

Aarts (2004) argues that the best way to model grammatical categories is a compromise preserving Aristotelian form classes with sharp boundaries on the one hand, and allowing gradience in terms of the number of syntactic properties that a category member possesses on the other. But the assumption of form classes causes serious theoretical and empirical problems. Constructions differ in their distributional patterns, but no a priori principles exist to decide which constructions should be used to define form classes. Grammatical categories must be defined relative to specific constructions; this is the position advocated in Radical Construction Grammar (Croft 2001). Constructionally defined categories may have sharp boundaries, but they do not divide words into form classes. Nevertheless, the most important traditional intuitions for parts of speech (Aarts’ chief examples) are reinterpretable in terms of crosslinguistic universals that constrain distributional variation but do not impose Aristotelian form classes, gradable or not, on the grammars of particular languages.
Hydrogen ion effects and the vertebrate late receptor potential

Abstract The role of H + effects in the late receptor potential was investigated in the bullfrog ( Rana catesbiana ) retina by isolation of the potential with aspartate and use of selected changes in the chemical environment. The amplitude of the late receptor potential increased with increases in buffer concentration; with substitution of 2 H 2 O for H 2 O; and with increasing pH. Increased buffer concentration also altered the Na + dependence of the late receptor potential. Upon illumination, changes in solution pH were observed indicative of H + uptake by the retina. The H + changes of the retina may be acting to reduce the amplitude of the late receptor potential.
Appearance-based periocular features in the context of face and non-ideal iris recognition

Developing newer approaches to deal with non-ideal scenarios in face and iris biometrics has been a key focus of research in recent years. The same reason motivates the study of the periocular biometrics as its use has a potential of significantly impacting the iris- and face-based recognition. In this paper, we explore the utility of the various appearance features extracted from the periocular region from different perspectives: (i) as an independent biometric modality for human identification, (ii) as a tool that can aid iris recognition in non-ideal situations in the near infra-red (NIR) spectrum, and (iii) as a possible partial face recognition technique in the visible spectrum. We employ a local appearance-based feature representation, where the periocular image is divided into spatially salient patches, appearance features are computed for each patch locally, and the local features are combined to describe the entire image. The images are matched by computing the distance between the corresponding feature representations using various distance metrics. The evaluation of the periocular region-based recognition and comparison to face recognition is performed in the visible spectrum using the FRGC face dataset. For fusion of the periocular and iris modality, we use the MBGC NIR face videos. We demonstrate that in certain non-ideal conditions encountered in our experiments, the periocular biometrics is superior to iris in the NIR spectrum. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that recognition performance of the periocular region images is comparable to that of face in the visible spectrum.
Studying NextGen Concepts with the Multi -Aircraft Control System

This paper describes new functionality recently added to the Multi Aircraft Control System (MACS) software. MACS is a comprehensive research platfo rm used in the Airspace Operations Laboratory (AOL) at NASA Ames Research Center that has been developed to increase the overall realism and flexibility of controller - and pilot -in -the loop air traffic simulations. The research focus in the AOL is on exam ining distributed air traffic operations in complex air/ground environments. MACS was originally developed to rapidly prototype new interfaces, displays, tools and operational concepts for managing air traffic and evaluating them from different perspectiv es. New capabilities have been added to MACS to better investigate NextGen concepts, including the capability to simulate airspaces that span multiple Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) , and powerful tools for creating and editing custom traffic a nd weather scenarios.
Industry characteristics influencing the technical output: A case of small and medium size firms in the US

Using the small and medium size firms in the US as a sample, this paper reports on interrelationship among patents, publications and new products. Correlates of R&D expenditure, patents and papers and new products are presented. Relationships between firm size and R&D output and productivity are also investigated. Since the study is based on correlational analysis, causal inferences are not drawn. The data indicates that the three indicators are related, but their strength of relationship varies with industries. Growth of sales is related with new products, but not with patents or papers. Although the data point to the fact that small firms are more productive than their larger counterparts, there are many reasons to come to such a sweeping generalisation. Reporting of RD opportunities for patents or new products also change accordingly. These make it difficult to accurately measure and compare the R&D efficiency across firms of different sizes.
VOR and Fos response during acute vestibular compensation in the Mongolian gerbil in darkness and in light

We measured binocular horizontal eye movements in the gerbil following unilateral labyrinthectomy during the acute phase (1-24 h) of vestibular compensation. Regardless of whether the animals compensated in the light or the dark, VOR gain progressively reduced following the lesion, and normal oculomotor symmetry was disrupted. Initially, the VOR was comparable at 1 h post-lesion for both visual conditions. However, by 3 h post-lesion the VOR response for head turns away from the lesion continued to drop in animals compensating in the dark. By 24 h, both groups displayed reduced VOR gains, but animals compensating in the light had improved frequency response characteristics. Optokinetic responses became unstable but were generally elevated compared to pre-lesion levels. Animals with vision had reduced optokinetic gains by 24 h, while the OKR response for animals in the dark remained elevated. Brainstem Fos labeling generally increased from 1 to 3 h, then decreased by 24 h. However, at 1 h, Fos labeling in the inferior olivary dorsal cap and prepositus contralateral to the lesion was significantly increased in animals compensating in the light. In both visual conditions, flocculus and paraflocculus Purkinje cell labeling was also observed, and some of the Fos-labeled cells in the medial vestibular nucleus were commissural. Fos in the dorsal cap and prepositus could be attributed to the presence of visual input. While the visually related prepositus Fos labeling preceded improved VOR performance, the dorsal cap appeared to be involved in resolving visual and motor deficits from spontaneous nystagmus.
Rate of the reaction I2 + F2 → products

Abstract The rate coefficient, k 1 , for the reaction I 2 +F 2 k 1 → products has been measured at room temperature to be k 1 = (1.9 = 0.4) × 10 −15 cm 3 /molecule s. The macroscopic rate is compared to microscopic cross-section data obtained from molecular beam experiments and is found to be consistent with the bimolecular reaction I 2 + F 2 → I 2 F + F.DG|National Research Council/Resident Research Associate.
The place of inpatient care in the treatment of anorexia nervosa: questions to be answered.

Background The chance that an anorexia nervosa patient will be hospitalized depends more on circumstantial rather than on scientifically based factors. Although there is a lot of information on the treatment of anorexia nervosa patients in a residential setting, answers to questions relating to the “when,” “where,” and “how” of treatment are subjective. There is no clinical consensus and the paucity of controlled research is hampering the development of an evidence-based practice. Results Increasing economic restraints through managed care policies limit the length of inpatient treatment, which leads to early discharge at a lower body weight, which leads to a higher likelihood of readmissions, which leads to increasing costs. Discussion We will highlight important issues in the ongoing debate between economic demands and clinical challenges. Our goal is to stimulate critical reflections and systematic research. © 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 34: 409–422, 2003.
The development of an instrument to measure classroom apprehension

The study was designed to test an instrument to measure classroom apprehension. Results showed that the 20‐item Classroom Apprehension Participation Scale (CAPS) provided a highly reliable measure of class apprehension. The scale also provides additional information about behaviors of potential difficulty as well as several evaluative attitudes impacting upon participation apprehension. Since the CAPS was consistently as accurate as the PRCA in predicting the incidence of apprehension in the classroom, it was concluded that the instrument may be used in identifying apprehension because its items provided information about the nature of class apprehension not provided by the PRCA.
Widely tunable Vernier ring laser on hybrid silicon

A hybrid silicon tunable Vernier ring laser is designed and fabricated by integration of two intra-cavity ring resonators, hybrid III-V-on-silicon gain elements, and resistive heaters for thermal tuning. Thermal tuning of more than 40 nm is demonstrated with side mode suppression ratio greater than 35 dB and linewidth of 338 kHz.
Practicing Humanistic Geography

Abstract Humanistic geography is often criticized for its weak methodology. I shall argue that pragmatism, a neglected humanistic philosophy, can provide a sound epistemological framework in which to organize and strengthen this methodology. Pragmatism influenced Robert Park, an important figure in the history of urban social geography, whose tentative methodological beginnings can be traced to their more logical exposition in British social anthropology. The development of pragmatic method also proves significant for four related concerns central to human geography. They are the structure-agency debate and the notion of structuration, the ethics of inquiry, the relationship between experience and action, and the tenuous link between intellect and the world of common sense.
Trigonometric mapping for the electric field strength in molecular optimal control theory

Abstract In molecular optimal control theory a laser pulse is designed to drive a molecular system to a target value of an observable. To be feasible in the laboratory, the optimal electric field must have a finite amplitude. Current algorithms limit the maximum amplitude indirectly by constraining the field’s energy. We introduce a trigonometric mapping for the field amplitude to limit the maximum amplitude explicitly. In a calculation with hydrogen fluoride we show that an explicit amplitude constraint is particularly important when we account for the electric field’s effect on the electronic structure.
Mass/heat transfer in a ribbed passage with cylindrical vortex generators : The effect of generator-rib spacing

The effect of vortex generators on the heat transfer from internally ribbed passages is studied experimentally using a mass transfer technique. Cylindrical vortex generators placed directly above the ribs have been used in this study. Results are reported on the effect of the spacing between the vortex generator and the ribs. Detailed distributions of the Sherwood number contours and the centerline Sherwood number distributions are presented. Reynolds number values of 5000, 10,000. and 30,000 are studied and three generator-rib-spacing/rib-height (s/e) values of 0.55, 1, and 1.5 are considered. At small generator-rib spacings (s/e=0.55), the two act as a single element, and lead to a retardation of the shear layer development past the reattachment point. This is generally associated with lower heat transfer. At a larger generator-rib spacing (s/e =1.5), the generator wake and the rib shear layer interact with each other to promote mixing and heat transfer
Silver ion inhibition of serine proteases: crystallographic study of silver-trypsin.

Summary Silver ion is a potent inhibitor of trypsin and chymotrypsin, with K I 's of 4 × 10 −5 M. and 3 × 10 −5 , respectively. A crystallographic study shows that the primary silver ion binding site on trypsin is at the active center between the carboxyl group of Asp 102 and the δ-nitrogen of His 57. This result is correlated with the fact that Ag + interferes primarily with the acylation rate constant, k 2 , and does not significantly affect the binding constant, K s . The location of this site explains the potent inhibitory effect of silver (I) ions on trypsin activity: The imidazole ring of His 57 is repositioned 1.8 A further out into the solvent to accommodate the silver ion, preventing its normal interaction with the hydroxyl group of Ser 195. Consequently, His 57 cannot directly assist the proton transfer in the catalyzed reaction. Since silver ion binds to the catalytic site in this highly specific manner, silver may be used as a specific probe of the active site of serine proteases.
Average-case performance analysis of an approximation algorithm for maximum subset sum using recurrence relations

Given a positive integer M, and a set S = {x1, x2, …, xn} of positive integers, the maximum subset sum problem is to find a subset S′ of S such that ∑x∈S′ x is maximized under the constraint that the summation is no larger than M. In addition, the cardinality of S′ is also a maximum among all subsets of S which achieve the maximum subset sum. This problem is known to be NP-hard. We analyze the average-case performance of a simple on-line approximation algorithm assuming that all integers in S are independent and have the same probability distribution. We develop a general methodology, i.e., using recurrence relations, to evaluate the expected values of the content and the cardinality of S′ for any distribution. The maximum subset sum problem has important applications, especially in static job scheduling in multiprogrammed parallel systems. The algorithm studied can also be easily adapted for dynamic job scheduling in such systems.
‘Hello, Mrs. Sarah Jones! We recommend this product!’ Consumers' perceptions about personalized advertising: comparisons across advertisements delivered via three different types of media

As new technologies (e.g. online, mobile and interactive TV) develop worldwide, numerous types of personalized advertising, in which companies use an individual's name and/or other types of personal information, have become more popular in many countries. Using many types of information about specific individuals, personalized advertising is designed to convey a customized message at the right time to the right person using diverse media. However, despite its universally increased use, few academic studies have explored the effectiveness of personalized advertising and consumers' response to it. This exploratory study focused on consumers' perceptions of personalized advertising delivered online (e-mail) and offline (letter and telephone call). The results show that consumers generally have negative perceptions of personalized advertising, regardless of how it is delivered, with the strongest negative reaction to telephone calls.
Integrated process modeling and experimental validation of silicon carbide sublimation growth

A model that integrates heat and mass transfer, growth kinetics, anisotropic thermal stresses is developed to predict the global temperature distribution, growth rate and dislocation distribution. The simulated temperature and growth rate are compared with the experimental measurements. The time-depending growth process, e.g., the variations of the growth rate, the growth interface shape, and the thermal stresses with time in the growing crystal are studied using the integrated model. The resolved shear stress and the von Mises stress are used to predict the dislocation density. The effects of geometric configuration and design parameters on the growth of crystal are also discussed.
Direct determination of selected polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in a coal liquefaction product by synchronous luminescence techniques

Abstract Synchronous fluorescence and the room-temperature phosphorescence methods were used to determine selected polynuclar aromatic hydrocarbons in a coal liquid (solvent-refined coal) product without a preseparation step. The procedure identified and quantified ten polynuclear aromatic compounds including anthracene, 2,3-benzofluorene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[e]pyrene, carbazole, dibenzothiophene, fluoranthene, fluorene, perylene and pyrene. Standard deviations for repeated determinations ranged from 10–30% for concentrations in the range of 0.1–6 mg g -1 . The data obtained by these methods agree with results by other methods within the estimated experimental uncertainty.
An analytical method for predicting cutting forces in orthogonal machining of unidirectional composites

Abstract Since the chip-formation mechanism in orthogonal machining of composites is different from that of metals, the cutting theories developed for metals cannot be directly used for orthogonal machining of composites. The objective of this research was to develop a new analytical method using energy method to predict the machining forces for orthogonal machining of unidirectional polymer–matrix composites (PMCs) for fiber orientations ranging from 90° to 180° Experiments were conducted to verify the validity of the proposed model using tools with rake angles of 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°.
A small Unix-based data acquisition system

The proposed SLAC B Factory detector plans to use Unix-based machines for all aspects of computing, including real-time data acquisition and experimental control. An R&D program has been established to investigate the use of Unix in the various aspects of experimental computation. Earlier R&D work investigated the basic real-time aspects of the IBM RS/6000 workstation running AIX, which claims to be a real-time operating system. The next step in this R&D is the construction of a prototype data acquisition system which attempts to exercise many of the features needed in the final on-line system in a realistic situation. For this project, we have combined efforts with a team studying the use of novel cell designs and gas mixtures in a new prototype drift chamber. >
SU-E-T-480: Classic Kaposiˈs Sarcoma at Lower-Extremity Irradiation with Helical Tomotherapy

Purpose: To spare parts of the lymphatic drainage, muscle and skeleton of the lower extremities, a treatment technique using a helical tomotherapy (HT) for Classic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) was developed and the analysis of surface doses around the lesion was performed. Methods: To achieve a homogenous dose distribution over the surface of the lower extremity, the gaps between the toes of the foot of a patient were packed by a thermal plastic material (poly‐flex II). For more effective immobilization and precise localization, the poly‐flex II‐covering foot mold was enclosed by the water‐ equivalent wax shaped into a brick and marked the localization (wax‐mold). A treatment planningCT of the patient with the custom‐made wax‐poly‐flex II brick was taken. CTV was contoured around the lesion surface with at least 0.5 cm depth. The PTV was created by expanding an isotropic 0.5 cm margin from CTV. A core structure spaced with 0.5 cm from PTV was contoured and assigned as a constraint to achieve steep dose gradient at shallow region. A prescribed dose (Dp) of 37.5 Gy in 15 fractions with a field width of 2.5 cm and a pitch of 0.287 were used for Tomotherapy Hi Art Planning system. MVCT image registration was performed before daily treatment. The surface doses around the lesions were measured by EBT2 films. Results: The 95% of Dp was received by at least 95% of PTV, and the maximum dose was less than 110% of Dp. The dose distribution in the central core fell off steeply with the mean dose of 50% of Dp. The measured doses were 94 to 99% of Dp. Conclusions: Combined with the image‐guided HT and wax‐mold device, an adequate doses to the skin can be achieved and the doses to the normal structures can be reduced significantly for KS at lower‐extremity irradiation.
Contributions of blood and blood components to lipid oxidation in fish muscle

There was a wide variation in the amounts of hemoglobin extracted from the muscle tissue of bled and unbled fish. Averaged values suggested that the residual blood level in the muscle of bled fish was substantial. Myoglobin content was minimal as compared to hemoglobin content in mackerel light muscle and trout whole muscle. Hemoglobin made up 65 and 56% of the total heme protein by weight in dark muscle from unbled and bled mackerel, respectively. Bleeding significantly reduced rancidity in minced trout whole muscle, minced mackerel light muscle, and intact mackerel dark muscle but not minced mackerel dark muscle stored at 2 degrees C. The reduction was in the number of fish that had a longer shelf life; muscle from certain bled fish had rancidity that was comparable to the rancidity in unbled controls. The soluble contents of erythrocytes accounted for all of the lipid oxidation capacity of whole blood added to washed cod muscle. Limiting lysis of erythrocytes delayed lipid oxidation, which was likely due to keeping hemoglobin inside the erythrocyte. Apparent breakdown of lipid hydroperoxides occurred only when a critical level of hemoglobin was present. Blood plasma was slightly inhibitory to oxidation of washed cod lipids. These studies suggest that blood-mediated lipid oxidation in fish muscle depends on various factors that include hemoglobin concentration, types of hemoglobin, plasma volume, and erythrocyte integrity.
Dynamic origin of spatially discordant alternans in cardiac tissue

Alternans, a condition in which there is a beat-to-beat alternation in the electromechanical response of a periodically stimulated cardiac cell, has been linked to the genesis of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Optical mapping of membrane voltage (Vm) and intracellular calcium (Cai) on the surface of animal hearts reveals complex spatial patterns of alternans. In particular, spatially discordant alternans has been observed in which regions with a large-small-large action potential duration (APD) alternate out-of-phase adjacent to regions of small-large-small APD. However, the underlying mechanisms that lead to the initiation of discordant alternans and govern its spatiotemporal properties are not well understood. Using mathematical modeling, we show that dynamic changes in the spatial distribution of discordant alternans can be used to pinpoint the underlying mechanisms. Optical mapping of Vm and Cai in paced rabbit hearts revealed that spatially discordant alternans induced by rapid pacing exhibits properties consistent with a purely dynamical mechanism as shown in theoretical studies. Our results support the viewpoint that spatially discordant alternans in the heart can be formed via a dynamical pattern formation process which does not require tissue heterogeneity.
Behavioral and physiological mouse assays for anxiety: a survey in nine mouse strains.

In order to find better and new treatments for anxiety in humans, a variety of paradigms are used to study anxiety-related processes in rodents. We studied mice in two different anxiety-related assays: the physiological stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) paradigm and the behavioral light-dark exploration (LD) test. Eight inbred strains (129S6/SvEvTac, 129S1/SvImJ, A/J, BALB/cByJ, C3H/HeJ, C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, and FVB/NJ) and one outbred strain (CD1-ICR) were tested in both assays repeatedly. This study describes the first strain survey for the SIH paradigm. All strains showed an SIH response, but the magnitude of the response varied between lines. The inbred strain distribution pattern for the behavioral responses in the LD assay was not correlated with the SIH response. The lack of a significant correlation suggests that there is no genetic relation between such responses. Mice could be tested repeatedly in both assays without affecting the results. A new paradigm, in which both assays were combined, elucidated that behavioral responses were not altered by segments of the SIH paradigm. In contrast, exposure to the light-dark box instead of the home-cage showed a strain-dependent effect on the physiological response. We conclude that a combination of behavioral and physiological responses might lead to a better understanding in anxiety-related processes.
Preconception Sex Selection: The Perspective of a Person of the Undesired Gender

(2001). Preconception Sex Selection: The Perspective of a Person of the Undesired Gender. The American Journal of Bioethics: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 37-38.
Efficacy of Acupuncture in Prevention of Postoperative Nausea in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Background Coronary artery bypass graft and cardiac valve surgeries are frequently performed in medical facilities in the United States, and postoperative nausea (PON) is a prevalent problem in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single preoperative acupuncture treatment in the prevention of PON in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft or cardiac valve surgery, or both. Methods Ninety participants presenting for coronary artery bypass graft or cardiac valve surgery, or both, were recruited for this study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either one preoperative acupuncture and standard postoperative care (acupuncture group) or solely standard postoperative care (control group). Acupuncture was performed 0.5 to 3 hours before surgery. The PON incidence and severity on postoperative day (POD) 2 and POD 3 were measured with validated nausea tools. Results The acupuncture group had a significantly lower incidence of nausea compared with the control group (POD 2, odds ratio [OR], 0.38; p = 0.05; and POD 3, OR, 0.26; p = 0.01). The acupuncture group also had a significantly lower score of nausea severity than the control group (POD 2, OR, 0.29; p = 0.01; and POD 3, OR, 0.25; p = 0.01). No adverse effects due to acupuncture treatment were reported. Antiemetics, pain medications, and anesthetics administered intraoperatively did not differ between the two groups and did not influence study results. Conclusions A single preoperative acupuncture treatment decreased incidence and severity of PON in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft or cardiac valve surgery, or both, and caused no adverse effects.
Effectiveness of Current Killed Influenza Vaccines against Influenza A/England/42/72

Currently available influenza vaccines should offer some protection against newer strains of influenza [1]. The newer strains resemble a variant called influenza A/England/42/72. Influenza caused by isolates resembling the newer strains was reported from Colorado in November 1972 [2]. It would appear that influenza in the United States this past winter has been caused by these newer strains. This paper reports responses of antibody to immunization with the current killed influenza vaccine and the potential efficacy of the vaccine against the newer strains.
The clinical and immunological reaction to a flavoured monthly oral heartworm prophylatic in 12 dogs with spontaneous food allergy

There is debate among practicing veterinary dermatologists as to whether flavoured prophylactics should be avoided in the food-allergic dog. At North Carolina State University we have a colony of dogs with spontaneous food allergy. They are maintained on a hypoallergenic diet (Prescription diet d/d Duck and Rice, Hills Pet Nutrition, Topeka, KS). A flavoured chewable tablet containing pork liver, soy and 2.3 mg of milbemycin (Interceptor Flavor Tabs, Novartis Animal Health, Greensboro, NC) was administered under controlled conditions to 12 dogs. Previous exposure to this medication was documented. A physical examination was performed prior to, and on four occasions after, tablet administration. A clinical score (CS) was assigned to determine the severity of skin and otic disease. Serum was collected at 3- to 5-day intervals. Allergen-specific IgE (soy, pork and corn) was measured by ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software (Cary, NC, USA) and a longitudinal mixed model was employed for the evaluation of the clinical response. An increased CS was observed in 10 dogs post-challenge; peak values were measured on day 2 (five dogs) and day 5 (five dogs). When compared with pre-treatment CS this increase was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Significant peaks in serum allergen-specific IgE were measured on days 5 and 20 to soy, pork and corn. The authors conclude that these dogs have a rapid adverse clinical response to this flavoured medication which is accompanied by a significant increase in serum allergen-specific IgE, although this does not necessarily correlate with the orally administered allergen.
Bonneville's conservation policy analysis models

Abstract This paper describes computer simulation models used by the Bonneville Power Administration (Bonneville) to help analyse conservation policies for the Pacific Northwest. We begin with a description of electricity resource planning in the Pacific Northwest in general and conservation planning at Bonneville in particular. We describe the purpose, structure and applications of two models developed for Bonneville's Office of Conservation. Our description emphasizes the special features which make the models useful in resource strategy studies where a wide variety of policies are to be analysed in a short time period. We present results from recent applications including an analysis of conservation programme impacts in the face of a capacity surplus. We also discuss a simple analysis of the relative risk of alternative conservation strategies in the face of long-term uncertainties in loads and resources.
Apophyseal injuries of the lesser tuberosity in adolescents: a series of five cases

An isolated avulsion fracture of the lesser tuberosity is an uncommon injury. We present five cases in adolescent athletes which demonstrate the radiographic, ultrasound, and MR appearances of this injury. Clinically and radiologically, the diagnosis can be difficult. In a setting of trauma, careful review of the imaging studies can lead to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Hash table methods for case statements

The CASE statement evaluates an expression, selects an action according to the value of the expression and then executes the action. The most efficient runtime behavior is exhibited when the action can be selected via a jump table, which provides an entry for every possible value in the range of the expression but has execution time that is constant as the number of cases increases. If the range of the expression is too large then the jump table becomes impractical because of excessive space requirements. Implementations of the CASE statement that limit table size to increase linearly with the number of cases either require linear execution time or capitalize on the subrange structure of the expression to reduce the time requirement. Hash methods also limit space requirements, and in the case of hashing with chaining to resolve collisions can provide log n time performance. Open addressing methods provide constant time performance as the number of cases increases and, since the hash table is static and can be closely packed in an optimal fashion, the execution time can be limited to an average of less than two probes per selection even for closely packed tables. Open addressing in optimally packed tables leads to selection of the default case in fewer than eight probes. One can choose a hash function that facilitates extension of allowed data types from the usual byte and integer types to strings and double precision integers with minimal penalty in execution time.
Using Accelerometer Data to Estimate Surface Incline and Its Walking App Potential

Walking is a fundamental human activity and its diminution a potential morbidity factor. Recent developments in mobile computing have enabled ubiquitous monitoring of walking activity via the smartphone accelerometers. Typically, walking apps map accelerometer values to caloric values through a calibration algorithm. However, these calibration algorithms assume a flat surface, which is not always true and can introduce significant errors. In this paper, we outline a novel calibration method that estimates surface inclination for uphill walking, thus, improving the caloric estimation in mobile walking apps.