cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-throughput RNA sequencing of a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded autopsy lung tissue sample from the 1918 influenza pandemic

Most biopsy and autopsy tissues are formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE), but this process leads to RNA degradation that limits gene expression analysis. The RNA genome of the 1918 pandemic influenza virus was previously determined in a 9-year effort by overlapping RT-PCR from post-mortem samples. Here, the full genome of the 1918 virus at 3000× coverage was determined in one high-throughput sequencing run of a library derived from total RNA of a 1918 FFPE sample after duplex-specific nuclease treatments. Bacterial sequences associated with secondary bacterial pneumonias were also detected. Host transcripts were well represented in the library. Compared to a 2009 pandemic influenza virus FFPE post-mortem library, the 1918 sample showed significant enrichment for host defence and cell death response genes, concordant with prior animal studies. This methodological approach should assist in the analysis of FFPE tissue samples isolated over the past century from a variety of diseases.
Tribals of India: Through the Lens of Sunil Janah

Tribals of India: Through the Lens of Sunil Janah. Sunil Janah Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1993,144pp.
Mortgage data mining

The paper reports a preliminary investigation of the use of of modern data mining tools for mortgage scoring. Using IBM's Intelligent Miner (a data mining toolbox), the authors built a model of serious delinquency on a sample of data from Mortgage Information Corporation's Loan Performance System, which contains over 20 million loans with a volume of over $1.6 trillion. Currently, two technologies prevail in mortgage scoring: logistic regression, a very old and very simple method, and neural networks, newer and more complex types of models that can be extremely difficult to interpret. The radial basis function (RBF) algorithm in Intelligent Miner combines the mathematical complexity and generality of neural networks with a comprehensible visualization that explains the RBF model. Due to the performance and understandability of the RBF model, as well as other unique technologies not described, the Intelligent Miner should be a useful tool for mortgage bankers, facilitating development of customized systems for mortgage scoring and other mortgage banking applications.
Total factor productivity in postwar Soviet industry and its branches

Abstract The Cobb-Douglas production function with a declining rate of technical change or of total factor productivity growth (TFP) emerges as the dominant model for explaining the output-growth retardation in postwar Soviet industry when two sets of output data, from Soviet sources and from the CIA, are used for estimating Cobb-Douglas and CES specifications. Rates of output growth and TFP, though low, are higher with Soviet than with CIA data. However, their relative divergence is smaller in those industrial branches where Soviet output data are not exaggerated and where the CIA sample is representative of the branch output. J. Comp. Econ. , March 1985, 9(1), pp. 1–23. Columbia University, New York, New York 10027.
Effect of pressure on the polymorphism of melt crystallized polybutene-1

Abstract The melting, crystallization, and Form II to Form I transformation of isotactic polybutene-1 were studied under hydrostatic pressures up to 5000 atm. The melting behavior of Form I was similar to that of other polymers, showing an increase in melting temperature and decrease in the volume of melting with pressure. Crystallization of the melt under pressure resulted in the formation of negatively birefringent spherulites. At pressures below 1000 atm, the melt crystallized initially in Form II, which rapidly transformed to Form I. Above 1000 atm, the melt crystallized directly in Form I′, which shows the same X-ray diffraction pattern as Form I but has a lower melting temperature (96 vs. 130†C), the resulting melt recrystallizing in Form II. Upon annealing, Form I′ showed an increase in the long period measured by small-angle X-rays and an increase in melting point to 102† C but did not convert to any other structure. This behavior suggests the possible existence of differences in chain conformatio...
Carotid artery patch angioplasty: impact and outcome.

Our study objective was to determine if patch angioplasty after carotid endarterectomy decreases the incidence of post-reconstruction technical defects and recurrent stenosis. This was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database from February 1980 to February 2000. Main outcome measures included incidence of intraoperative technical defects, residual disease within 3 months of endarterectomy, and early/late carotid restenosis >50%. During the study period, 71% (1053) of patients had primary closure and 29% (435) had patch closure. Immediate post-reconstruction intraoperative imaging with angiography or duplex ultrasound was accomplished in all cases. Technical defects prompted the reopening of 136 (13%) carotid arteries closed primarily but only 9 (2%) of those that were patched (p
New developments in dental adhesion.

Numerous simplified adhesives have been introduced to the dental market within the last few years, sometimes without comprehensive testing to validate the performance claimed by the respective manufacturers. Mild self-etch adhesives are unable to etch enamel to provide adequate retention for bonded restorations. Although high early resin–dentin bond strength values can be achieved with some self-etch adhesives, their resistance to thermal and mechanical stresses over time is disappointing. In light of the current drawbacks attributed to all-in-one self-etch adhesives, etch-and-rinse adhesives are still the benchmark for dental adhesion in routine clinical use. This article summarizes current issues and factors related to the performance of adhesives.
Health Related Quality of Life in a Rural Area with Low Racial/Ethnic Density

The purpose of this study was to compare the self-reported quality of life of racial/ethnic minorities and Caucasians living in a rural, northern New York county, where 94% of the population is Caucasian. Participants completed a 79-item survey online and in-person assessing health status, health-related quality of life, perceptions of health information, and health care access/use. Frequencies, Chi-Square, and ANOVA were used to analyze the results. A total of 1,039 surveys were completed. Racial/ethnic minorities earned significantly less income, F (1, 1031) = 29.306, P = .000, relied more on public health insurance, X 2 (7, 1033) = 47.827, P = .000, were significantly less likely to see a doctor because of the cost, F(1,990) = 17.042, P = .000, and reported using health-related services significantly less often when compared to Caucasians, F(1, 1032) = 17.051, P = .000. In terms of quality of life, while there were no significant differences in self-reported physical health, racial/ethnic minorities were more likely to feel sad/blue/depressed, F(1, 1031) = 7.193, P = .011 and worried/tense/anxious, F(1, 1031) = 5.550, P = .040. Findings from this study offer some initial evidence that, while perceived health status is generally good, rural racial/ethnic minorities residing in predominantly Caucasian rural areas may experience more mental health problems that are risk factors for chronic diseases. This coupled with lower use of health care services increases the need for culturally competent health programs and services for this population.
Block Cycle Fatigue Life Simulation and Correlation With Test for an Automotive Hood Latch-Supporting Component

This paper describes the durability analysis procedure and fatigue life simulation of an automotive hood latch-supporting component under block cycle loads. The first step is to apply linear stress analysis to identify the regions with high possibility of failure. The bent cove section of the latch support and the upper bolt-edge on a tie bar connecting to the latch support are determined as the critical regions. The strain-life/signed von Mises stress approach is then used to perform the fatigue analysis at these critical regions. The predicted fatigue life is about 3 times of the experimental one. However, the experiment shows that a crack appears exactly at the bent cove section of the latch support as simulation predicted. This project also serves as a case study to the students in predicting fatigue failure of a real industrial part.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Vibrational frequencies and structural determination of hafnium tetrahydroborate.

Abstract The normal mode frequencies and corresponding vibrational assignments of of hafnium tetrahydroborate in T symmetry are examined theoretically using the Gaussian 98 set of quantum chemistry codes. All normal modes were successfully assigned to one of to one of six types of motion (B–H stretch, Hf–B stretch, B–Hf–B bend, H–B–H bend, BH 4 wag, and BH 4 twist) predicted by a group theoretical analysis. By comparing the vibrational frequencies with IR and Raman spectra available in the literature, a set of scaling factors is derived. Theoretical IR and Raman intensities are reported. Quantum chemical calculations predict that the molecule does not possess strict T d symmetry. The T d structure possesses one negative eigenvalue. The minimum energy structure possesses T symmetry.
Investigation of K-π- and K-p interactions☆

The reaction K/sup -/n yields K/sup -/ pi /sup -/p was studied for an incident K/sup -/ momentum of 1.51 Bev/c. The possibility of K pi resonance in T =3/2 was investigated using a pure isotopic spin channel free from obscuring effects of K/sup */ (888 Mev). which dominates the T = 1/2K pi interaction in this mass region. (R.E.U.)
A microprocessor-based biofeedback cane system

A system has been developed to measure vertical forces between a cane and ground while walking. An audio alarm sounds when applied forces are not within pre-determined limits. The system employs two types of sensors attached to the cane, a force sensing resistor (FSR, Interlink, Santa Barbara, CA.) and a strain gage bridge (Mlcromeasurements Group, Rallegh, NC.). The sensors provide input to the portable data acquisition circuit which is designed to perform analog to digital conversion and store the force data using a calibrated look-up table. The alarm is controlled on the basis of look-up table values. Thresholds for the alarm are set as a ratio of subject weight which is input to the system prior to use. High-speed CMOS technology and the Motorola 68HC11 microcontroller were used in the design to limit power consumption.
Materials science: reflections on ionic liquids.

Ionic liquids are generally regarded as solvents, but these modular, tunable compounds have far greater technological potential. With a coat of silver, they become ideal materials for the liquid mirror of a space telescope.
Structural-acoustic control for quieter aircraft interior-Smart Trim Technology☆

Abstract Suppressing interior sound radiation in helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and land vehicles is a very important problem. The Smart Trim Technology Laboratory at the University of Delaware has developed an acoustic boundary control concept for active control of these sound fields. ‘Smart Trim’ refers to aircraft trim panel which has been modified to act as a secondary source for acoustic boundary control. This paper presents a summary of current research activities in the Smart Trim Technology Laboratory. Three related research topics are presented herein. The first is a study of actuator placement and grouping issues for acoustic boundary control. Second is a mathematical model of interaction between curved composite trim panels and piezolectric patch control actuators. The combination of these studies represents a practical and effective implementation of active noise control in fixed-wing aircraft. Finally, a preliminary study of the impedance properties of an active noise control system in a three-dimensional enclosure is presented. The goal of this study is to investigate semi-active sound absorption strategies and possibly extend the frequency upper bound at which active control strategies can be implemented.
The stuttering moment: A plethysmographic study

Abstract Digital blood volume or vasoconstriction was investigated at the moment of stuttering by means of a plethysmograph, a device which may be used to measure vasoconstriction resulting from autonomic nervous system functioning. Ten adult stutters and ten matched controls were used. The subjects viewed one of 50 words for 30 sec (approach period), then spoke the word, then rested for 30 sec (recovery period) before the next word was presented. The approach and recovery periods were further divided into three 10-sec periods each. Data were plotted from the means of 10 words spoken by the control group. 10 fluent words spoken by the stuttering group, and 10 stuttered words spoken by the stuttering group. The data illustrate a statistically significant periodic decrease of blood volume as stutterers approached words on which they stuttered and a statistically significant increase of blood volume following the speaking of the words. On approach to fluent words, stutterers did not show a statistically significant difference from the pattern of response of the control subjects.
DIFFERING LEVELS OF AMONG-POPULATION DIVERGENCE IN THE MITOCHONDRIAL DNA OF PERIODICAL CICADAS RELATED TO HISTORICAL BIOGEOGRAPHY.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes were determined for 118 individuals of 13-and 17-year periodical cicadas (genus Magicicada) collected from 16 localities throughout the Midwest and eastern United States. Two distinct mtDNA lineages, identified as A and B, differ by 2.5% based on analysis of fragment patterns and restriction maps. Observed levels of mtDNA diversity within each lineage are low compared to estimates for other taxa. The two lineages are regionally segregated, with the boundary line occurring at a latitude of approximately 33° North. The levels of mtDNA diversity and population genetic structure differ within the two lineages. There is a remarkably low level of mean mtDNA divergence and no genetic structure in lineage A, whereas lineage B exhibits an order of magnitude higher level of mtDNA diversity and significant genetic structure among sampled populations. The low level of mtDNA diversity in cicadas may be attributed to (1) a population bottleneck that most likely occurred during the Pleistocene, (2) recent colonization following the retreat of the glaciers and the expansion of deciduous forests, and/or (3) high among-family reproductive variance (as a consequence of large population size, high fecundity, aggregative behavior of adults, and clumping of eggs). The difference in mtDNA diversity and population genetic structure between the lineages suggests that they experienced different biogeographic histories; we relate this to Pleistocene changes.
Relative populations of excited levels within the ground configuration of Si-like Cu, Zn, Ge and Se ions

Populations of 3p2 1D2, 3P1, 3P2 levels in Si-like Cu, Zn, Ge, and Se ions have been deduced from the measurements of absolute intensities of magnetic dipole transitions within the 3s2 3p2 ground configuration. The measured population ratios are compared with theoretical calculations based on the distorted-wave approximation for the electron collisions and a semiclassical approximation for the proton collisions. The observed deviation from the statistical distribution for the excited-level populations within the ground configuration along the silicon isoelectronic sequence is in agreement with theoretical prediction.
Upper bounds on the length of the shortest closed geodesic on simply connected manifolds

The subject of this paper is upper bounds on the length of the shortest closed geodesic on simply connected manifolds with non-trivial second homology group. We will give three estimates. The first estimate will explicitly depend on volume and the upper bound for the sectional curvature; the second estimate will depend on diameter, a positive lower bound for the volume, and on the (possibly negative) lower bound on sectional curvature; the third estimate will depend on diameter, on a (possibly negative) lower bound for the sectional curvature and on a lower bound for the simply-connectedness radius. The technique that we develop in order to obtain the last result will also enable us to estimate the homotopy distance between any two closed curves on compact simply connected manifolds of sectional curvature bounded from below and diameter bounded from above. More precisely, let c be a constant such that any metric ball of radius $\leq c$ is simply connected. There exists a homotopy connecting any two closed curves such that the length of the trajectory of the points during this homotopy has an upper bound in terms of the lower bound of the curvature, the upper bound of diameter and c.
Formation of a Silafluorene from an Intramolecular Ring-Closure Reaction

Trichloro- and trifluoro-2,4,6-triphenylphenylsilanes, 3a and 3b, yield the highly crystalline 1,3-diphenyl-9,9-bis(trimethylsilyl)-9-silafluorene, 7, when treated with lithium metal and chlorotrimethylsilane in THF. The X-ray structure of the silafluorene is reported along with 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR data.
Cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses of unrestrained rats exposed to filtered or unfiltered diesel exhaust

Diesel exhaust has been associated with adverse cardiovascular and pulmonary health effects. The relative contributions of the gas phase and particulate components of diesel exhaust are less well understood. We exposed telemetered Wistar–Kyoto rats to air or diesel exhaust that was either filtered (F) or unfiltered [gas-phase plus diesel exhaust particles (DEP)], containing ~1.9 mg/m3 of particulate matter for 5 h/day; 5 days/week for 4 consecutive weeks. Blood pressure (BP), core temperature (Tc), heart rate (HR), and cardiac contractility (CC) estimated by the QA interval were monitored by radiotelemetry during exposure as well as during a 2-week period of recovery. Pulmonary injury and inflammation markers were analysed after 2-day, and 4 weeks of exposure, and 2-week recovery. Exposure to F or DEP was associated with a trend for a reduction in BP during weeks 1, 2 and 4. A reduction in HR in the DEP group was apparent during week 4. Exposure to DEP but not F was associated with significant reduction i...
A 2-year comparison of the production, health and fertility of dairy cows given concentrates either twice daily in the parlour or through out-of-parlour dispensers

Milk production, reproduction, blood composition and health were studied in two groups of British Friesian cows given food either twice daily in the parlour (IPF group) or through automatic out-of- parlour food dispensers (OOPF group) in the first 14 weeks of two consecutive lactations. The numbers of cows in the IPF and OOPF groups were 28 and 29 respectively in year 1 and 40 and 35 in year 2. There were no differences in milk production or reproduction in year 1 but in year 2 the OOPF group had significant proportional increases in the yield of fat (+0·079) and protein (+0·072) and the median time from calving to conception was reduced by 43·5 days. In the IPF group body condition score was lower than in the OOPF group in year 1 (2·27 v . 2·59; P v . 2·57; P v . 77·5 g/l; P v . 75·8 g/l; P v . 2·32 mmol/1; P v . 2·42 mmol/l; P v . 6·07 mmol/l; P v . 11·9 μmol/l; P v . 1·62 log m i.u. per 1; P v . 0·70 log m i.u. per 1; P v . 12 cases). The similarity in concentrate intakes, together with higher concentrations of blood glucose and total protein and better condition score, indicate either a more efficient utilization of energy in the OOPF group or a lower consumption of forage in the IPF group. The increased activities of liver enzymes and the high serum copper coupled with the increased incidence of mastitis and poorer fertility may indicate the release of endotoxin following chronic lactic acidosis in the IPF group.
Implications of alcohol intoxication at the time of burn and smoke inhalation injury: an epidemiologic and clinical analysis.

Up to 50% of burn patient fatalities have a history of alcohol use, and for those surviving to hospitalization, alcohol intoxication may increase the risk of infection and mortality. Yet, the effect of binge drinking on burn patients, specifically those with inhalation injuries, is not well described. We aimed to investigate the epidemiology and outcomes of this select patient population. In a prospective study, 53 patients with an inhalation injury and a documented blood alcohol content (BAC) were grouped as BAC negative (n = 37), BAC = 1 to 79 mg/dl (n = 4), and BAC ≥ 80 mg/dl (n = 12). Those in the last group were designated as binge drinkers according to National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism criteria. Binge drinkers with an inhalation injury had considerably smaller %TBSA burns than did their nondrinking counterparts (mean %TBSA 10.6 vs 24.9; P = .065) and significantly lower revised Baux scores (mean 75.9 vs 94.9; P = .030). Despite binge drinkers having smaller injuries, the groups did not differ in terms of outcomes and resource utilization. Finally, those in the binge-drinking group had considerably higher carboxyhemoglobin levels (median 5.2 vs 23.0; P = .026) than did nondrinkers. Binge drinkers with inhalation injuries surviving to hospitalization had less severe injuries than did nondrinkers, although their outcomes and burden to the healthcare infrastructure were similar to the nondrinking patients. Our findings affirm the effect of alcohol intoxication at the time of burn and smoke inhalation injury, placing renewed emphasis on injury prevention and alcohol abuse education.
Retention and Students with Disabilities

The purpose of this article is to identify the factors affecting retention of college students with disabilities, examine the issues related to transition planning from secondary to postsecondary education, and explore the utility of the universal design concept to the retention of students. Further, promising practices will be shared along with implications for practice.
Statistical hydrodynamics of the thermohaline circulation in a two-dimensional model

We study a simple conceptual model of the climate-mean ocean thermohaline circulation, the two-dimensional Boussinesq model of Thual and McWilliams, generalized to include a random surface salinity flux, representing synoptic variability in freshwater sources. In a small aspect ratio limit previously considered by Cessi and Young for the deterministic model, we show that the dynamics reduces to a stochastically-driven one-dimensional Cahn–Hilliard equation (with non-conserving boundary conditions). If the random force is space–time white noise, a non-linear fluctuation– dissipation relation permits an exact determination of the statistical equilibrium distribution. The effect of the spatial distribution of the systematic (non-random) salinity flux on the stability of multiple equilibria is studied in detail. We determine a flux distribution for which the model caricatures the circulation states in the Atlantic during the last glacial period. For this case, we determine the multimodal equilibrium distributions associated to the multiple states of circulation. We also study the dynamics of random state-transitions by a simulation of the stochastic Cahn–Hilliard equation. Finally, with a weak, periodic modulation in the freshwater forcing of the correct frequency, the model is shown to exhibit stochastic resonance, i.e. the transitions synchronize with the periodic force. The stochastic resonant frequency is calculated analytically in the model by the Langer formula for the mean residence time and compared with numerical solutions.
Difluorodiazirine. II. Difluoromethane derivatives

The photolysis of difluorodiazirine is a convenient technique for the formation of difluorocarbene. Difluorocarbene, generated in this manner, has been shown to react with chlorine, iodine, dinitrogen tetroxide and nitryl chloride to yield the corresponding difluoromethane derivatives.
Attraction as a Function of Similarity in Attitudes and Personality Characteristics

Summary The law of attraction was applied in estimating the relative weighting power of similarity in attitudes and personality characteristics as a determinant of attraction. Two experiments were run. Experiment I (N = 53) studied the effect of personality similarity on attraction. With a 2 × 2 factorial design based upon two levels of personality similarity (.20 and .80) and two levels of subjects' classification as to sex, it was found that personality similarity influenced attraction (p < .002), and that male and female subjects evaluated a same-sex stranger in precisely the same way (F < 1.00). Experiment II (N = 75) attempted to ascertain the relative importance of attitude similarity and personality similarity as antecedents of attraction. Through a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with two levels of each of the three factors—namely, sequence of information, attitude similarity, and personality similarity—it was observed that attitude similarity (p < .0001) was more important than personality similarity ...
Measurement of macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity against adherent and non-adherent target cells by release of 111indium-oxine

This report describes the utilization of 111 indium-oxine chelate ([111In]Ox) for studies of macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity. [111In]Ox efficiently labeled both non-adherent and adherent tumor targets with no decrease in cell viability. Spontaneous release of intracellularly incorporated [111In]Ox was very slow (0.25-0.50%/h) from most targets, making isotope-release assays of at least 48 h feasible. In addition, released [111In]Ox was not reutilized. In contrast to its low spontaneous release from intact cells, incorporated [111In]Ox was rapidly released from tumor targets after interaction with activated macrophages. Levels of [111In]Ox released in response to cytolytic macrophages correlated well with those observed for the 51Cr and [3H]TdR radiolabels. Therefore, [111In]Ox can be utilized for relatively short-term (less than 20h) assays with lymphoma targets, as well as for longer-term assays with adherent cells. This should facilitate the testing, with the same radioisotope-release assay, of a wide range of tumor targets for susceptibility to macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity.
Identification of polymorphisms by genomic denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis: application to the proximal region of human chromosome 21

Genomic Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (gDGGE) provides an alternative to the standard method of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis for identifying polymorphic sequence variation in genomic DNA. For gDGGE, genomic DNA is cleaved by restriction enzymes, separated in a polyacrylamide gel containing a gradient of DNA denaturants, and then transferred by electroblotting to nylon membranes. Unlike other applications of DGGE, gDGGE is not limited by the size of the probe and does not require probe sequence information. gDGGE can be used in conjunction with any unique DNA probe. Here we use gDGGE with probes from the proximal region of the long arm of human chromosome 21 to identify polymorphic DNA sequence variation in this segment of the chromosome. Our screening panel consisted of DNA from nine individuals, which was cleaved with five restriction enzymes and submitted to electrophoresis in two denaturing gradient conditions. We detected at least one potential polymorphism for nine of eleven probes that were tested. Two polymorphisms, one at D21S4 and one at D21S90, were characterized in detail. Our study demonstrates that gDGGE is a fast and efficient method for identifying polymorphisms that are useful for genetic linkage analysis.
Boost Phase Trajectory Analysis Techniques

Analysis of the boost-phase performance of a rocketboosted missile generally requires the solution of a set of differential equations with variable coefficients. Analytical methods are difficult and time consuming if not impossi­ ble. This paper discusses four numerical approaches to the solution of the equations for a cruciform, uncontrolled missile booster. The first of these, called the "exact" method, will yield results which are as accurate as one cares to make them. The second, referred to as the ""semiexact," assumes that deviations from the flight path are small and oscillatory. With this assumption the solution may be completed in two parts: (a) Computation of the speed-time history and (b) substitution of the speed into the remaining equations. The accuracy for short time oblique launch or for long time vertical launch is as good as the "exact." The third, applicable under the same conditions as the "semi-exact" and referred to as "linear speed-time history," assumes a constant acceleration from launch to the end of boost. The accuracy of this method is very good (on the order of 2 per cent for the terminal speed) provided the thrust-time diagram is nearly trape­ zoidal. The fourth, called "iterative solution for separa­ tion speed," yields an approximate value for the terminal speed with accuracy on the order of 2-4 per cent. The various uses of the different methods are also discussed as well as techniques for including cross winds, estimating separation speeds and tolerances allowed in estimation of step-wise acceleration. Sample calculations for the three approximate methods are given.
Geometric Knowledge of Middle School Students in a Reform‐based Mathematics Curriculum

National and international studies have found U.S. elementary students to be weak in their understandings and applications of geometric concepts. The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project's (UCMSP) Everyday Mathematics Program is one of the current reform-based elementary curricula incorporating geometry throughout the K-6 curriculum, with an emphasis on hands-on and problem-solving activities. In this study, the geometric knowledge of fifth and sixth graders using the UCSMP curriculum is compared to the knowledge of students using more traditional curricula. Because UCSMP students had been in the program since kindergarten, this research attempts to measure the longitudinal effects of such an approach. Along with an overall score, a subset of test items was used to assign each student a van Hiele level for geometric thinking, as well as a reasoning score. On all measures, UCSMP students substantially outperformed their counterparts, and nearly all differences were significant. Aspects of the UCSMP curriculum and the van Hiele model for learning geometry are discussed relative to these results.
Radar sensitivity, receiver calibration, and sky noise

Sky noise is highly anisotropic and well documented with maps available on-line. This sky noise can significantly affect radar sensitivity for radars with sensitive receivers. For ALTAIR at Kwajalein, the expected effect is as much as 8 dB. Documented changes of as much as 4 dB have been observed. The anisotropy of the sky noise can be used to calibrate receiver system noise.
Anxious Enactments: Postcolonial Anxieties and the Performance of Territorialization

This paper examines the specific configurations that territorialization took in the colonial and post-colonial Malaysian state within the context of the crisis of authority that accompanies violent conflicts. I trace the post-colonial Malaysian state's attempt to legitimate itself when its elites supported the British in the counterinsurgency campaign, known as the Emergency, against the forest-based Malayan Communist Party who fought for independence after WWII. Territorializing Malaysia required both physical reconfiguration and imaginative recuperation of the landscape. The success of the counterinsurgency rested on two ambitious spatial policies: the New Villages and the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) agricultural scheme. I explore how the two policies constructed moral “citizenscapes” for the performance of national identity. The New Villages comprised a punitive landscape designed to contain 20% of the population through curfews and a geometric architecture rendering them visible to, and...
Differentiation of normal human bone cells by transforming growth factor-β and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3

To investigate the role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF beta) in bone metabolism, the effects of this agent on the differentiation characteristics of human bone cells were studied in vitro. Human bone cells were isolated from femoral head samples by collagenase digestion. Differentiation characteristics included alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin production, and mRNA levels for alkaline phosphatase, type I alpha 2-procollagen, and osteocalcin. The effect of TGF beta on alkaline phosphatase was not constant, but varied with the incubation conditions. At high cell density and in the presence of serum, TGF beta decreased alkaline phosphatase activity. However, at low cell density and under serum-free conditions, TGF beta stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity. The addition of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 also stimulated alkaline phosphatase. The combination of the two agents gave a greater increase in activity than the sum of the activities when the two agents were given alone. The percentage of cells that stain positively for alkaline phosphatase changed in parallel with the change in specific activity. The percentage of positive cells increased from 17% to 64%, while the specific activity increased from 22 to 169 mU/mg protein. To investigate the mechanism of this stimulation, mRNA levels were measured at 24 hours. Individually, TGF beta and 1,25(OH)2D3 increased message levels for alkaline phosphatase and type I procollagen, but the greatest effect was produced by the combination of the two factors. 1,25(OH)2D3 increased osteocalcin mRNA levels, but TGF beta markedly inhibited this stimulation. TGF beta also inhibited production of osteocalcin by the human bone cells. TGF beta appears to modulate differentiation of human bone cells in combination with 1,25(OH)2D3 and other factors.
Effects of copper on precipitation and quench sensitivity of AlZnMg alloys

Etude experimentale de quatre alliages contenant 5,1 a 6,0% poids Zn, 2,5 a 4,0% poids Mg et 0 a 0,6% poids Cu. L'etude par calorimetrie montre que le cuivre change de maniere significative la phase precipitee intermediaire et montre aussi l'efficacite d'une faible addition de cuivre pour reduire la sensibilite des alliages a d'importantes variations des vitesses de refroidissement
Time and frequency activities at NRC

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is currently involved in a number of research projects aimed at improving time and frequency realization based on the accurate and precise stabilization of microwave and optical sources on atomic and molecular transitions. Projects described in this summary will focus on the development of a primary standard for the realization of the SI second based on a cesium atomic fountain and a next generation standard based on an optical transition in a single trapped and laser cooled ion of strontium. The cesium fountain is undergoing evaluations of its systematic shifts for an eventual contribution to TAI and for a re-measurement of the absolute frequency of the strontium ion clock transition at the 10-15 level. The main contribution to the uncertainty budget of the fountain is thought to be caused by the inhomogeneity in the magnitude of the magnetic field in the drift region. The latest measurements of this field are presented. A new strontium ion trap of the endcap design was completed last year. This new system has compensation electrodes and access ports in three orthogonal directions to control the ion position and minimize micromotion. We report preliminary results indicating improved performance of this trap over our previous rf Paul trap. As part of an effort to reduce the systematics shifts to a minimum, the heights of the atomic standards above the geoid were measured with an accuracy of 5 cm, corresponding to a fractional frequency uncertainty of 5 × 10-18 for the gravitational redshift.
Analysis and characterization of P-N junction diode switching

A new charge control model of a p-n junction diode is introduced in which the reverse current i R as well as the forward current I F are related to the charge Q stored in the base region by time constants τ R and τ F , respectively. The reverse switching transient is analyzed for normal switching operation where a constant current phase (storage phase) and a decaying current phase exist, and for overdriven switching operation where no constant current phase exists. New switching time equations are derived. The equations are expressed in terms of measurable device parameters τ F , τ R , and C j external circuit variables I F and I R and an external circuit parameter R. The proposed model is applicable to p-n junction diodes of any type. Experimental results using various types of diodes are also reported. It is shown that the experimental results are in very good agreement with the theory.
Angiotensin II blockade of long-term potentiation at the perforant path-granule cell synapse in vitro

Field recordings of evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials (pEPSPs) were carried out in the granule cell stratum moleculare following stimulation of the perforant path in rat hippocampal slices. Under control conditions tetanic stimulation produced long-term potentiation (LTP) as measured by an increase in the initial slope of the pEPSPs that lasted for at least 1 h. LTP experiments were repeated with 0.5, 5.0, 50, or 500 nM angiotensin II (AII) present in the bath at the time of tetanization. Induction of LTP was blocked by 50 nM AII; however, normal baseline responses were not affected. At the highest dose tested, 500 nM, a decrease in the amplitude and slope of baseline pEPSPs was observed. When the AII AT1 receptor antagonist losartan was present in the bath AII inhibition of LTP was blocked. The application of losartan alone had no effect on LTP expression. These findings support previous results from in vivo studies demonstrating that activation of AT1 receptors in the dentate gyrus blocks the induction of LTP at the perforant path-granule cell synapse.
NFkappaB selectivity of estrogen receptor ligands revealed by comparative crystallographic analyses

Our understanding of how steroid hormones regulate physiological functions has been significantly advanced by structural biology approaches. However, progress has been hampered by misfolding of the ligand binding domains in heterologous expression systems and by conformational flexibility that interferes with crystallization. Here, we show that protein folding problems that are common to steroid hormone receptors are circumvented by mutations that stabilize well-characterized conformations of the receptor. We use this approach to present the structure of an apo steroid receptor that reveals a ligand-accessible channel allowing soaking of preformed crystals. Furthermore, crystallization of different pharmacological classes of compounds allowed us to define the structural basis of NFkappaB-selective signaling through the estrogen receptor, thus revealing a unique conformation of the receptor that allows selective suppression of inflammatory gene expression. The ability to crystallize many receptor-ligand complexes with distinct pharmacophores allows one to define structural features of signaling specificity that would not be apparent in a single structure.
Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials in Grasshopper Muscle

Hyperpolarizing inhibitory postsynaptic potentials have been discovered in fibers of the "jumping" muscle of the grasshopper. These potentials attenuate the depolarizing excitatory postsynaptic responses. They are enhanced during depolarization of the muscle fiber with applied current and are diminished and then reversed during hyperpolarization. The electrogenesisappears to be caused by chloride-activation. Gamma-aminobutyric acid activates the inhibitorysynaptic membrane and picrotoxin is an inactivator agent.
Hard rain gonna fall: Strategies for sustainable urban drainage in informal settlements

Inadequate drainage of stormwater, greywater and sewage plagues informal settlement ‘slum’ dwellers throughout the developing world. Residents, local governments and others find drainage solutions hard to come by due both to physical challenges – densely packed shack homes and few roads or open spaces – and social challenges associated with the often contentious, turbulent and legally uncertain nature of informal settlements. While concepts of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) and integrated water resource management (IWRM) hold promise for informal settlements, we find little practical guidance available for their application in these contexts. To begin filling this gap, we propose a simple model for understanding various informal settlement contexts and ‘upgrading’ strategies that affect drainage development strategies. We then use this model to report on a series of small projects in South Africa that illustrate social and structural dynamics and practical techniques relevant to implementing co...
Status and Context: Sri Lankan Potter Women Reconsidered After Field Work in India

In many ways the Indian and Sri Lankan potters turned out to be similar. They both produced a mix of utilitarian and ritual pottery. The Sri Lankans, whose mainstay was a wide range of kitchen vessels, also made pots for use in temple and household rituals. The Indian potters, catering to an urban population that preferred metal vessels for cooking, concentrated on flower pots and water storage jars supplemented by moulded images of the deity, Ganapati, and tiny ritual urns. Both groups depended on pottery manufacture for a livelihood which, although poor, was reliable and afforded them basic neces
The role of hydraulic fracture geometry and conductivity profile, unpropped zone conductivity and fracturing fluid flowback on production performance of shale oil wells

Abstract Horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing have made the commercial development of nano-darcy shale resources a success. Low recovery factors in shale reservoirs highlight the importance of accurate modeling of fluid flow and well performance for wells draining such resources. Currently reported simulation studies assume a constant conductivity for the hydraulic fractures. However, in reality fracture conductivity varies greatly depending on the local proppant placement and concentration. An effective simulation model should also consider the presence of fracturing fluid in hydraulic fractures and matrix prior to production. This paper presents a workflow for proper modeling of flow simulation in shale oil wells by incorporating results from the hydraulic fracturing simulator into the reservoir simulator. This approach honors the actual proppant distribution, lateral and vertical variability of the fracture conductivity, and the presence of fracturing fluid in the fractures and surrounding matrix prior to production commencement. It also gives an estimate of the recovered fracturing fluid. It was found that ignoring the presence of fracturing fluid in the simulation model overestimated oil recovery by about 18%. Assuming elliptical and rectangular shape hydraulic fractures with constant conductivity overestimated the oil recovery factor by 27% and 35%, respectively. The conductivity of the unpropped zone affected the predicted recovery factor by as much as 50%. For the case investigated, most of fracturing fluid recovery occurred during the first year and particularly the first 2 months of production.
Two-machine flowshop scheduling problem with transportation and blocking features

We consider a coordinated scheduling problem with transportation and blocking features on two-machine flowshop where the first machine processes jobs in batches (i.e., a single batching machine) while the second machine processes jobs individually. The finished jobs on the batching machine are transported immediately to the second machine when the second machine is available, otherwise the jobs stay there. The objective is to minimize the sum of the makespan and total blocking time. We show that this problem is strongly NP-hard by a reduction from 3-partition problem. We further give a greedy heuristic and analyze its asymptotic worst-case ratio is equal to the capacity of the batching machine. This performance analysis established the maximum deviation from optimality that can occur for a given heuristic.
Seeing and touching aesthetic objects. II: Descriptions

Lindauer, Stergiou, and Penn (1986) found that affective, sensory, and cognitive judgments of aesthetic objects were similar across visual and tactile modes of presentation. The present study (N=60) attempted to specify the possible locus of equivalence. Descriptions were given to aesthetic and quasi-aesthetic objects which were seen, touched, or both seen and touched. The latency, duration, and frequency of the descriptions (representing input, mediation, and output stages, respectively) were recorded. Evidence of equivalence between the senses was again found on all measures and modes of presentation.
Tracking the machine states using a linear phasor estimator assisted dynamic state estimator

This paper is concerned about efficiently performing dynamic state estimation in very large scale power systems. Unlike the commonly used approach of approximating bus loads as constant impedances and using a reduced system model, this paper relies on a phasor based linear state estimator that uses the detailed system model to obtain the bus voltage estimates at a fast rate, thus eliminating the need to model loads. Moreover, the computational effort associated with dynamic state estimation is reduced by strategically dividing the system into small size zones and carrying out the dynamic state estimation independently for each one. As an illustration, dynamic state variables of a two-axis synchronous generator with IEEE-Type1 Exciter are estimated based on the proposed approach. The issue of possible synchronization errors among measurements is also addressed.
A photoaffinity probe covalently modifies the catalytic site of the cGMP-binding cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE-5).

The cGMP-binding cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) contains distinct catalytic and allosteric binding sites, and each is cGMP-specific. Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), are believed to compete with cyclic nucleotides at the catalytic sites of these enzymes, but the portion of PDE-5 that accounts for interaction of either of these inhibitors or the substrates themselves with the catalytic domain of the enzymes has not been identified. IBMX was derivatized to yield the photoaffinity probe 8([3-125I,-4-azido]-benzyl)-IBMX, which is referred to as 8(125IAB)-IBMX. This probe was incubated with partially purified recombinant bovine PDE-5. After UV irradiation and SDS-PAGE, a single radiolabeled band that coincided with the position of PDE-5 was visualized on the gel, and the photoaffinity labeling of PDE-5 was linear with increasing concentration of the 8(125IAB)-IBMX. Prominent Coomassie blue-stained bands other than PDE-5 were not labeled significantly. The photo-affinity labeling was progressively blocked by cGMP at concentrations higher than 10 μM, whereas cAMP or 5′-GMP exhibited only weak inhibitory effects. Other compounds that are believed to interact with the PDE-5 catalytic site, including IBMX, clMP, and β-phenyl-1,N 2-etheno-cGMP (PET-cGMP), also inhibited the photoaffinity labeling in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 of PET-cGMP for inhibition of photoaffinity labeling was 10 μM, which compared favorably with an IC50 of 5 μM for inhibition of PDE-5 catalytic activity by this compound. It is concluded that the interaction of this photoaffinity probe with PDE-5 is highly specific for the catalytic site over the allosteric binding sites of PDE-5 and could prove useful in studies to map the catalytic site of PDE-5.