cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utilization of the microcomputer in the mathematics classroom

Abstract This study investigated the utilization of microcomputers in the secondary mathematics curriculum. A sample of 128 mathematics teachers completed a survey describing their use of the microcomputer for instruction. Results from the study suggested the microcomputer was not utilized as often as expected. Findings that describe the computer-using and non-computer-using teachers, the ways computers are used in the mathematics classroom, and the instructional environment where computers are used are reported. Suggestions are provided for improving the integration of the microcomputer into the mathematics classroom.
SOME PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF THE ROD-SHAPED COLIPHAGE M13.

Abstract The bacteriophage M13 differs widely from most other phages of Escherichia coli in its structure and method of release from infected cells. The phage is a slender flexible rod about 8000 A in length, containing single-stranded DNA with the base composition of thymine = 36%, adenine = 23%, cytosine = 20%, and guanine = 21%. The DNA sediments with an S value of 24 at 20° in 0.15 M NaCl + 0.015 M sodium citrate. The phage bands in a CsCl gradient at the very low density of 1.29. The phage structure is such that M13 is highly resistant to heating and stable to a variety of mechanical stresses. It is not affected by trypsin or DNase, but is inactivated by the proteolytic enzyme Nagarse. Cells infected with either the wild-type M13 phage or clear or turbid plaque types mutants do not lyse but release progeny phage while continuing to grow and divide. The growth rates of uninfected cultures and those infected with the three types of phage are in the order: uninfected > turbid > wild type > clear. These differences in growth rate probably account for the differences in turbidity between wild type and mutant plaques. The growth rates of infected cultures are negatively correlated with the numbers of phage produced per cell per generation. M13 resembles the E. coli phages fl and fd in all physical-chemical and biological characteistics for which information is available. By serological tests, the three phages are very closely related but are definitely not identical.
Astroglial Glutamate Transporter GLT-1 is Reduced in Parietal Neocortex Following Hypoxia-Ischemia in Newborn Piglets: A Possible Molecular Mechanism for Subsequent Seizures and Neocortical Neurodegeneration • 1879

Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is a risk factor for neurological disabilities such as cerebral palsy and seizures and threatens the life and future development of newborn infants. The excitatory amino acid glutamate plays an important role in the pathophysiology of HI brain damage. Uptake of extracellular glutamate by transporter proteins such as the astroglial GLT-1 is essential to avoid excessive accumulation of synaptic glutamate which can cause seizures and excitotoxic neuronal death. In a newborn piglet model of HI that causes damage to the basal ganglia and delayed seizures, we tested the hypothesis that defects in glutamate transporters occur in the neocortex at a time prior to the evolution of neocortical neuropathology. Newborn piglets(≈1 week old, n=7) were subjected to 30 minutes of hypoxia (FiO2 10%) followed by 7 minutes of airway occlusion resulting in cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation. At 24 hours recovery, we evaluated neurological deficits, the levels of GLT-1 protein in the parietal and occipital cortex as well as neuronal damage in the parietal cortex (layers II/III) and the striatum. The mean neurological deficit score was 22 on a scale of 0 (normal) to 150 (comatose). By immunoblotting, GLT-1 levels in the parietal cortex(expressed as the ratio of GLT-1 and β-tubulin to correct for protein loading) were 70% of control (n=4 control piglets). GLT-1 expression in parietal cortex was 32% of occipital cortex levels in HI piglets. Neuronal injury at 24 hours recovery in the parietal cortex layers II/III was minimal(mean = 1.3% neuronal damage); however, all piglets received an effective ischemic insult because the striatum was damaged, consistent with previously established patterns. HI piglets with the greatest injury in the putamen at 24 hours had the lowest GLT-1 levels in the parietal cortex. We conclude that the loss of GLT-1 in parietal cortex correlates with the severity of degeneration in the striatum (a relationship that is possibly dictated by corticostriatal connectivity) and is a possible mechanism for the induction of delayed seizure activity and neocortical neurodegeneration following HI in newborns.
Paramagnetic Curie Temperatures of the Rare-Earth Monophosphides

We show how it is possible to understand the sign change of the paramagnetic Curie temperatures in going from the light to heavy rare-earth monophosphides.
Nature of the enhancement of hepatic uridine diphosphate glucuronyltransferase activity by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in rats

Abstract After single low-level oral doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) to rats, hepatic microsomal p -nitrophenol (PNP) glucuronyltransferase activity was elevated approximately 6-fold, whereas the hepatic glucuronyltransferase conjugating testosterone or estrone was unaffected. Solubilized and purified PNP glucuronyltransferase and steroid glucuronyltransferases from control and TCDD-treated rats exhibited the same relative activities (TCDD:control) as when the enzymes were bound to the endoplasmic reticulum. Elevation of PNP glucuronyltransferase was still evident 73 days after a single oral dose of 25 μg TCDD/kg. Female rats were more susceptible to TCDD actions on liver microsomal PNP glucuronyltransferase than males. The effects of TCDD treatment on PNP glucuronyltransferase appeared to be related to increased amounts of liver enzyme for the following reasons: (1) K m values for PNP and UDPGA were unchanged by TCDD treatments; (2) the magnitude of the TCDD-induced increase of PNP glucuronyltransferase activity was the same whether enzyme activity was measured in the presence or absence of Mg 2+ or Triton X-100; (3) TCDD, when added in in vitro , had no detectable effect on enzyme activity; (4) TCDD treatment of rats did not change total hepatic microsomal phospholipid or cholesterol contents: (5) pH optima were unaffected by TCDD treatment; (6) solubilization of enzyme was not accompanied by a change in the TCDD induction effect: and (7) actinomycin D appeared to block the initial phase of induction.
Dynamics of plance stellar systems

The evolution of initially balanced rotating disks of stars is investigated with a computer model for isolated disks of stars. An isolated, initially cold balanced disk is found to be violently unstable. Adding a sufficient amount of velocity dispersion will stabilize all small-scale disturbances. However, the disks are still unstable against slowly growing long wave-length modes and after about two rotations most disks tend to assume a bar-shaped structure. It is found that the final mass distribution over most of the disk can be closely approximated by an exponential variation, irrespective of the initial mass distribution. The gravitational two-stream instability is investigated by means of a modified computer model for infinite doubly periodic stellar systems.
Holocene environmental and parasequence development of the St. Jones Estuary, Delaware (USA): Foraminiferal proxies of natural climatic and anthropogenic change

Abstract The benthic foraminiferal record of marshes located along western Delaware Bay (St. Jones Estuary, USA) reflects the response of estuaries to sea-level and paleoclimate change during the Holocene. System tracts are recognized and within them parasequences based on sedimentological and foraminiferal assemblages identification. The parasequences defined by foraminiferal assemblages appear correlative with rapid Holocene climate changes that are of worldwide significance: 6000–5000, 4200–3800, 3500–2500, 1200–1000, and 600 cal years BP. Following postglacial sea-level rise, modern subestuaries and marshes in the region began to develop between 6000 and 4000 years BP, depending on their proximity to the mouth of Delaware Bay and coastal geomorphology. Initial sediments were fluvial in origin, with freshwater marshes established around 4000 years BP. The subsequent sea-level transgression occurred sufficiently slowly that freshwater marshes alternated with salt marshes at the same sites to around 3000 years BP. Locally another two transgressions are identified at 1800 and 1000 years BP respectively. Marine influence increased in the estuaries until 600 years BP (Little Ice Age), when regression occurred. Sea-level began to rise again during the mid-19th Century at the end of the Little Ice Age, when marshes became established. The presence of a sand lens in the upper and middle estuary and the reduction in the number of tests in the top samples in cores from the same area also suggest an anthropogenic influence. The estuary infill resulted in a sharp transgressive sequence, represented by salt marsh foraminiferal assemblages in the upper part of the cores. The increase in marsh foraminifera in both areas suggests an increase in marine influence that might be due to the transgression beginning at the end of the Little Ice Age about 150–180 years ago coupled with anthropogenic straightening of the channel in 1913.
Reducing necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants using quality-improvement methods

Reducing necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants using quality-improvement methods
National Tuberculosis Genotyping and Surveillance Network: Analysis of the Genotype Database

As part of the National Tuberculosis and Genotyping Surveillance Network, isolates obtained from all new cases of tuberculosis occurring in seven geographically separate surveillance sites from 1996 through 2000 were genotyped. A total of 10,883 isolates were fingerprinted by the IS6110-restriction fragment length polymorphism method, yielding 6,128 distinct patterns. Low-copy isolates (those with six or fewer bands) were also spoligotyped. The distribution of specific genotype clusters was examined. Databases were also examined for families of related genotypes. Analysis of IS6110 patterns showed 497 patterns related to the W-Beijing family; these pattens represent 946 (9%) of all isolates in the study. Six new sets of related fingerprint patterns were also proposed for isolates containing 6–15 copies of IS6110. These fingerprint sets contain up to 251 patterns and 414 isolates; together, they contain 21% of isolates in this copy number range. These sets of fingerprints may represent endemic strains distributed across the United States.
The Extent and Nature of Scholarly Activities Among Community College Faculty

This study used the National Study of Postsecondary Faculty data from1993 and 2004 to examine the work roles of community college faculty. Results indicated that the average reported work week (i.e., time spent on instructional activities and on scholarly activities) of faculty in 2004 was significantly longer than that of faculty in 1993.
The effects of Second Life on the motivation of undergraduate students learning a foreign language

Virtual worlds are an emerging technology in computer-assisted learning. Due to the novelty of these new learning spaces, little research has been done on the use or the effects on students learning foreign languages. This research looks at how the use of the virtual world Second Life affects the motivation of students in an undergraduate Spanish course. Comparisons were made on responses to an attitude/motivation test battery completed by students enrolled in two sections of a beginning level undergraduate Spanish course. One section utilized Second Life as part of its instruction while the other section participated in traditional curriculum. Results demonstrate that virtual worlds could be a valuable resource to lower student anxiety and increase their motivation to learn a foreign language.
New Immigrants in Minnesota: The Somali Immigration and Assimilation

The paper examines immigration and assimilation processes of Somalis in Minnesota. Does America have an assimilation problem? There are two competing answers to the preceding question: Barone (2001) says “no” because immigrants have always blended. By contrast, Fonte’s (2001) answer is “yes” because today’s assimilating forces are much different than those that prevailed in the early twentieth century. Drawing on African American experiences, Somalis face several challenges: cultural differences, English Language, racism, social and economic inequalities. Additionally, African immigrants, generally, have difficulty grasping the concept of race in America because everyone is identified by the skin-color rather than by their nationality. Therefore, racial and cultural backgrounds can complicate the process of assimilation for Somalis. Arguably, there is a relationship between immigration and assimilation.
Finite difference computation of the dynamic motion of cylindrical shells including the effect of rotatory inertia and transverse shear

The accuracy of finite difference computations for the dynamic motion of cylindrical shells, including transverse shear and rotatory inertia, has been assessed by comparison with Fourier series solutions. The finite difference models were based upon either the differential equations or upon control volume concepts, with the results of the latter being less sensitive to mesh size and in better agreement with the Fourier series results. A frequency analysis of all of the finite difference algorithms and the Fourier series demonstrated that for shells with clamped ends the finite difference spectra had a very considerable gap which closed slowly as the mesh size decreased, with the spectra being most complete for the best algorithm. A new algorithm was based upon these spectra and is shown to yield good results while permitting increases in the computational speed by the factor of mesh size/shell thickness.
Study of the strategy for secondary voltage control in power system

The principle and strategy of secondary voltage control system (SVCS) is described in this paper based on the relationship between shifting external characteristics of generator groups and power system balance states of voltage and reactive power. This paper advances also a new design of SVCS.
Prolonged QT interval diagnosis suppression by a widely used computerized ECG analysis system.

Background— Clinicians commonly rely on automated diagnostic interpretations for initial, point-of-care identification of ECG abnormalities. Our study goal was to investigate how one widely used computerized ECG analysis system performs in labeling prolongation of heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc), an arrhythmia risk marker. Methods and Results— ECGs acquired in 2009–2010 from patients ≥18 years old within the University of Michigan Health System, analyzed by the Marquette 12SL ECG Analysis Program (GE Healthcare), and exhibiting sinus rhythms with heart rate 60 years old, and ≥460 ms in other sex/age groups) was displayed in 16 235 (16.7%). Nonetheless, for only 7709 (47.5%) of these ECGs with prolonged QTc did the automated interpretation include an accompanying “Prolonged QT” diagnostic statement. Such prolonged QT under-reporting was manifest across all patient environments and reflected algorithmic suppression of the diagnosis, attributable to ECG waveform-based criteria, in 8526 (52.5%) ECGs with prolonged QTc. Of the latter ECGs with prolonged QT diagnosis suppression, the computer declared 3588 (42.1%) “Normal” despite QTc prolongation. Conclusions— In evaluating an adult patient whose 12SL-interpreted ECG lacks a prolonged QT diagnostic statement (assuming sinus rhythm <100 beats per minute and QRS duration <120 ms), physicians should examine the actual QTc value displayed on the report before concluding that this parameter is normal. Assessment of the clinical impact of prolonged QT diagnosis suppression by ECG waveform-based criteria is warranted.
Genetic algorithm applications in the Juno radiometer antenna arrays

We have discussed the use of genetic algorithms in direct pattern synthesis with specified constraints on the dynamic range of excitations. GA has also been used as a powerful technique to improve the return loss characteristics over the desired bandwidth by introducing matching irises. These techniques are applicable to other array antenna designs.
Episodic Breathing in Frogs: Converging Hypotheses on Neural Control of Respiration in Air Breathing Vertebrates'

SYNOPSIS. The episodic, or intermittent, breathing of frogs and many ectothermic vertebrates results in important fluctuations of arterial blood gases. This pattern of breathing differs from the rhythmic and continuous alternation of inspiration observed in most homeotherms, which maintain O2 and CO2 levels within narrow ranges. These differences in pattern of breathing indicate that the respiratory control systems of ectotherms and homeotherms differ substantially. The results of recent studies using in vitro brainstemspinal cord preparations of adult frogs and premetamorphic tadpoles {Rana catesbeiana and Rana pipiens) demonstrate, however, that the mechanisms for rhythm generation and pattern formation described previously for mammals are also key features of the respiratory control system of frogs. These findings therefore support the hypothesis that the respiratory control system is highly conserved amongst air breathing vertebrates, whether they breathe continuously or episodically.
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in sickle cell hemoglobinopathies.

Abstract Because of the impression obtained from our population with sickle cell anemia that there were no cases of diabetics, a study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in: 1) 186 cases of pregnant black patients with sickle cell disease (HbS-S, S-C, or S-Thal) or HgA-S with random and 2-h postprandial blood glucose (compared to 2263 matched control patients); 2) a study of the hemoglobin pattern in 280 consecutive cases of nonpregnant black patients with confirmed diabetes mellitus in our outpatient clinic; and 3) a review of the records of 711 patients with sickle cell disease in our Sickle Cell Center with performance of a 100-g oral glucose tolerance test on 5 patients with random plasma glucose greater than 120 mg/dl. These studies showed: 1) there were no diabetics in pregnant black patients as compared to a 4% incidence of abnormal glucose tolerance in a control, matched population; 2) there were no cases of sickle cell disease in the diabetic population; and 3) there...
The National Science Foundation: Funding Opportunities for Social Workers.

This article introduces the National Science Foundation as a potential funding source for social work researchers and describes the experience of one faculty member in seeking funding from this sou...
Stator flux orientation control of induction machines in the field weakening region

The behavior of a director stator-flux-oriented (SFO) system in the field weakening region is studied and compared with that of a direct rotor-flux-oriented (RFO) system. The steady-state analysis shows that the SFO system always retains maximum torque capability, not matter how large the error in the parameters. In contrast, RFO is sensitive to variations in leakage and magnetizing inductances. When detuned, RFO yields reduced torque capability and poorer torque/ampere ratio, or even static instability. Digital simulation also shows that SFO can have dynamic response comparable to tuned RFO. >
Interface Structure and Energy Calculations for Carbide Precipitates in γ-TiAl

Ternary carbide precipitates improve the high-temperature creep strength of 2-phase TiAl alloys. The perovskite (P-type) Ti 3 AlC nucleates at relatively low temperatures (750 deg. C), whereas hexagonal (H-type) Ti 2 AlC precipitates occur at somewhat higher temperatures. Calculations are performed, based on first- principles-local-density-functional theory, of the interface structure and energy of these two carbides with a 7-TiAl matrix. Calculations are first done on coherent interfaces, and approximate corrections are then made for the effect of misfit. The perovskite is known to form needle-shaped precipitates oriented along the c-axis of the host. Our calculations yield a relatively low energy for the (100) perovskite-host interface, which is a favorable orientation owing to its low misfit, and because the terminating carbide layer for the coherent interface is pseudomorphic with the host. Predictions are given for the critical thickness for coherence and the critical nucleation size for a P-type precipitate. Calculations for interfaces of H-type platelets with the host show a much larger interface energy than that for the P-type precipitate.
Third Ventricular Tumors and Sudden Deterioration: Is Coronary Vasospasm a Missing Link? (P4.027)

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of a third ventricular/hypothalamic lesion presenting with repeated episodes of pre-syncope and syncope, two remote cardiac arrests, and found to have severe coronary vasospasm on angiography with no evidence of heart or vascular disease. BACKGROUND: Sudden deterioration, syncope, and death are widely recognized complications in patients with benign tumors of the third ventricle area. While hydrocephalus is one known cause of deterioration, it is not universally present on imaging or autopsy, and in many cases there is no evidence of herniation. Therefore, it is hypothesized that reflex disturbance of hypothalamus-mediated cardiovascular control may also be important; this is supported by the frequent finding of cardiac contraction band necrosis on autopsy. Additionally, uncomplicated surgical resection of third ventricle lesions leads to complete resolution of syncopal symptoms. On review of the literature, there have been no reports of cardiac angiogram findings at the time of deterioration. DESIGN/METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: 62-year-old female non-smoker who presents with 10 years of progressive pre-syncope, syncope, behavior change, and memory loss, and was found to have a 2x2cm cavernoma at the third ventricle, hypothalamus, adjacent to the septum pellucidum. 15 years prior to presentation, patient suffered two cardiac arrests; the second complicated by NSTEMI status post 2 cardiac stents for “severe coronary vasospasm” seen on angiogram. Cardiac workup was normal. She continued to have variant angina with no evidence of CAD on multiple subsequent angiograms. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of symptomatic coronary vasospasm seen on angiogram that is associated with a third ventricle/hypothalamic lesion. This may represent a pathophysiological cardiac response to stimulation from third ventricular lesions that accounts for some of the sudden deterioration, syncope and death seen this population. It supports the theory of hypothalamus-mediated cardiovascular influence of third ventricular tumors. Disclosure: Dr. Kellogg has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hinson has received research support from the American Brain Foundation.
Evolutionary divergence and functions of the human interleukin (IL) gene family.

Cytokines play a very important role in nearly all aspects of inflammation and immunity. The term 'interleukin' (IL) has been used to describe a group of cytokines with complex immunomodulatory functions -- including cell proliferation, maturation, migration and adhesion. These cytokines also play an important role in immune cell differentiation and activation. Determining the exact function of a particular cytokine is complicated by the influence of the producing cell type, the responding cell type and the phase of the immune response. ILs can also have pro- and anti-inflammatory effects, further complicating their characterisation. These molecules are under constant pressure to evolve due to continual competition between the host's immune system and infecting organisms; as such, ILs have undergone significant evolution. This has resulted in little amino acid conservation between orthologous proteins, which further complicates the gene family organisation. Within the literature there are a number of overlapping nomenclature and classification systems derived from biological function, receptor-binding properties and originating cell type. Determining evolutionary relationships between ILs therefore can be confusing. More recently, crystallographic data and the identification of common structural motifs have led to a more accurate classification system. To date, the known ILs can be divided into four major groups based on distinguishing structural features. These groups include the genes encoding the IL1-like cytokines, the class I helical cytokines (IL4-like, γ-chain and IL6/12-like), the class II helical cytokines (IL10-like and IL28-like) and the IL17-like cytokines. In addition, there are a number of ILs that do not fit into any of the above groups, due either to their unique structural features or lack of structural information. This suggests that the gene family organisation may be subject to further change in the near future.
Metyrapone Blocks Maternal Food Restriction-Induced Changes in Female Rat Offspring Lung Development:

Maternal food restriction (MFR) during pregnancy affects pulmonary surfactant production in the intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) offspring through unknown mechanisms. Since pulmonary surfactant production is regulated by maternal and fetal corticosteroid levels, both known to be increased in IUGR pregnancies, we hypothesized that metyrapone (MTP), a glucocorticoid synthesis inhibitor, would block the effects of MFR on surfactant production in the offspring. Three groups of pregnant rat dams were used (1) control dams fed ad libitum; (2) MFR (50% reduction in calories) from days 10 to 22 of gestation; and (3) MFR + MTP in drinking water (0.5 mg/mL), days 11 to 22 of gestation. At 5 months, the MFR offspring weighed significantly more, had reduced alveolar number, increased septal thickness, and decreased surfactant protein and phospholipid synthesis. These MFR-induced effects were normalized by the antiglucocorticoid MTP, suggesting that the stress of MFR causes hypercorticoidism, altering lung structure and function in adulthood.
Evanescent Coupling Between Dielectric and Plasmonic Waveguides for HAMR Applications

Heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) is a possible solution to further increase hard drive recording density. In a HAMR system, an external light source is employed to locally heat up magnetic media. To achieve a realistic HAMR system, a near-field transducer (NFT) is necessary to focus optical fields down to 10-20 nm in size. Different approaches to excite NFTs have been investigated, including focusing of external light sources and coupling from dielectric waveguides. Here we demonstrate evanescent coupling between a series of single mode dielectric waveguides and adjacent plasmonic waveguides with relatively large cross section (200 nm×300 nm). We envision for these large plasmonic guides could then be used, in turn, to efficiently drive NFT's with smaller cross sectional area. A series of samples with various overlap length of the dielectric c and plasmonic waveguides demonstrates that coupling in these waveguides can be designed and understood using mode indices calculated from the eigenmodes of the waveguide cross sections. Coupling strength which oscillates with the length of the overlap section of the waveguides is shown according to standard coupled mode theory.
Related to Ubiquitin 1 and 2 Are Redundant and Essential and Regulate Vegetative Growth, Auxin Signaling, and Ethylene Production in Arabidopsis

Related to Ubiquitin (RUB)/Nedd8 is a ubiquitin-like protein that covalently attaches to cullins, a subunit of the SCF (for Skp, Cdc53p/Cul1, and F-box protein) complex, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, and has been shown to be required for robust function of the complex. The effects of reducing protein levels for two Rub proteins, RUB1 and RUB2, were characterized in Arabidopsis thaliana. T-DNA insertional null lines homozygous at a single RUB-encoding locus were analyzed and found to have a wild-type phenotype. A double mutant was never recovered. More than one-quarter of the progeny from the self-fertilization of plants with a single functional RUB-encoding gene died as embryos at the two-cell stage. Outcrosses demonstrated reduced inheritance of the null allele from both the male and female parent. Hemigglutinin-tagged forms of RUB1 and RUB2 conjugate to the same cullin protein, CUL1, and produce the same conjugation pattern. To further understand the function of the RUB proteins, a construct designed to produce a double-stranded RUB1 mRNA was introduced into plants, and three lines with reduced levels of RUB1- and RUB2-encoding mRNA and RUB1/2 protein content were analyzed in detail. Mature plants were severely dwarfed, seedlings were insensitive to auxin in root assays, and dark-grown seedlings had a partial triple-response phenotype that was suppressed when seedlings were grown on ethylene perception or synthesis inhibitors. The dsrub lines produced threefold to fivefold more ethylene than the wild type. This study illustrates that RUB1 and RUB2 are genetically and biochemically redundant and demonstrates that RUB1/2 proteins are essential for early embryonic cell divisions and that they regulate diverse processes.
Revisiting a magneto-elastic strange attractor

Abstract We revisit an early example of a nonlinear oscillator that exhibits chaotic motions when subjected to periodic excitation: the magneto-elastically buckled beam. In the paper of Moons and Holmes (1980) [1] magnetic field calculations were outlined but not carried through; instead the nonlinear forces responsible for creation of a two-well potential and buckling were fitted to a polynomial function after reduction to a single mode model. In the present paper we compute the full magnetic field and use it to approximate the forces acting on the beam, also using a single mode reduction. This provides a complete model that accurately predicts equilibria, bifurcations, and free oscillation frequencies of an experimental device. We also compare some periodic, transient and chaotic motions with those obtained by numerical simulations of the single mode model, further illustrating the rich dynamical behavior of this simple electromechanical system.
Laser-cooled microgravity clocks

The principle advantage of microgravity for atomic clocks is interrogation times longer than 1 s. With a 10 s interrogation time, a clock has a 50 mHz linewidth suggesting that accuracies may potentially exceed 10/sup -16/. However, to achieve greater accuracy within the same averaging time, greater stability is needed. Achieving greater stability in a microgravity clock constrains the design differently than for earth based fountains. In this paper, we discuss the design considerations for laser-cooled microgravity clocks highlighting the considerations that differ from those for earth-based fountains. As in earthbased fountains, the frequency shift due to cold collisions plays an important role in the design of the clock. Given our predictions (and measurements) for the shift in laser-cooled Rb clocks, we currently anticipate building a high performance Rb clock and discuss the relative merits of Rb and Cs microgravity clocks. Finally, we present our tentative designs for two microgravity clocks.
Gliding Birds: The Effect of Variable Wing Span

SUMMARY 1. The equilibrium gliding performance of a bird is described by the relationship between sinking speed (VB) and air speed (V). When V3 is plotted against V, the points fall in a 'performance area' because the wing span is changed during gliding. 2. The lowest V, for each V in the performance area defines a 'maximum performance curve'. This curve can be predicted by a mathematical model that changes the wing span, area and profile drag coefficient (Crj,rr) of a hypothetical bird to minimize drag. The model can be evaluated for a particular species given (a) a linear function relating wing area to wing span, and (b) a 'polar curve' that relates C Dp r and the lift coefficient (CL) of the wings. 3. For rigid wings, a single polar curve relates C Dp r to CL values at a given Reynolds number. The position and shape of the polar curve depend on the aerofoil section of the wing and the Reynolds number. In contrast, the adjustable wings of a laggar falcon (Falco jugger) and a black vulture (Coragyps atratus) gliding in a wind tunnel have CL, and CD pr values that fall in a 'polar area' rather than on a curve. The minimum values of CD pr at each CL bound the polar area and define a polar curve that is suitable for evaluating the model. 4. Although the falcon and the vulture have wings that are markedly different in appearance, the data for either bird are enclosed by the same polar area, and fitted by the same polar curve for minimum Co,pr at each CL value. This curve is a composite of the polar curves for rigid wings with aerofoils similar to those found in avian wings. These observations suggest that the polar curves of other gliding birds may be similar to that of the falcon and the vulture. 5. Other polar curves are defined by CL and CD pr values for the falcon and the vulture gliding at a constant speed but at different glide angles. Each speed has a different polar curve; but for a given speed, the same polar curve fits the data for either bird. 6. The falcon and the vulture gliding in the wind tunnel at a given speed were found to increase their drag by decreasing their wing span. This change increases induced drag and probably increases CD pr for the inner parts of the wing because of an unusual property of bird-like aerofoil sections: wings with such sections have minimum values of C Dp r at CL values near 1, while conventional wings have minimum values of CotPr at CL values near 0.
Exact dipole radiation for an oblate spheroidal cavity filled with isorefractive material and aperture-coupled to a half space

An oblate semi-spheroidal cavity flush-mounted under a metal plane and coupled to the half-space above it via its circular interfocal aperture is considered. The cavity is filled with a material isorefractive to the medium that occupies the half-space above it. An exact solution is obtained for the radiation of an electric or magnetic dipole located on the symmetry axis of the structure, either outside or inside the cavity, and axially oriented. Numerical results are provided.
Hypogymnia bryophila, A New Sorediate Lichen Species from Portugal

Hypogymnia bryophila McCune is described as a new species of lichenized fungi from Portugal. Previously included under H. farinacea Zopf (syn. H. bitteriana (Zahlbr.) Ras) or H. austerodes (Nyl.) Ras., it often has terminal soralia similar to H. bitteri (Lynge) Ahti, as well as laminal soralia, but the soralia appear along edges of cracks in the cortex, similar to H. farinacea. Furthermore, the lobes are more lax and imbricate as compared to these other species. Hypogymnia bryophila is the only species of the 85 known in this genus that contains protocetraric acid without physodalic acid. A protocetraric acid-deficient chemotype is also known. So far H. bryophila is known primarily from mossy granitic rock, rarely on Pinus pinaster, in Serra da Estrela and Serra de S. Mamede, Portugal.
Sharp bounds on the size of pairable graphs and pairable bipartite graphs

The k-pairable graphs, introduced by Chen in 2004, constitute a wide class of graphs with a new type of symmetry, which includes many graphs of theoretical and practical importance, such as hypercubes, Hamming graphs of even order, antipodal graphs (also called diametrical graphs, or symmetrically even graphs), S-graphs, etc. Let k be a positive integer. A connected graph G is said to be k-pairable if the automorphism group of G contains an involution φ with the property that the distance between x and φ(x )i s at leastk for any vertex x of G. The pair length of G is k if G is k-pairable but not (k + 1)-pairable. It is known that any graph of pair length k> 0 has even order at least 2k. In this paper, we give sharp bounds for the size of a graph G of order n and pair length k for any integer k> 0 and any even integer n ≥ 2k ,w henG is bipartite and when G is not restricted to be bipartite, respectively.
Case Report: En Bloc Resection of Pancoast Tumor with Adjuvant Aortic Endograft and Chemoradiation

“Pancoast” tumors frequently require a multidisciplinary approach to therapy and are still associated with high morbidity and mortality. Due to their sensitive anatomic location, complex resections and chemoradiation regimens are typically required for treatment. Those with signs of aortic invasion pose an even greater challenge, given the added risks of cardiopulmonary bypass for aortic resection and interposition. Placement of an aortic endograft can facilitate resection if the tumor is in close proximity to or is invading the aorta. Prophylactic endografting to prevent radiation-associated aortic rupture has also been described. This case describes a 60-year-old female who presented with a stage IIIa left upper lobe undifferentiated non-small-cell carcinoma encasing the subclavian artery with thoracic aorta and bony invasion. Following carotid-subclavian bypass with Dacron, en bloc resection of the affected lung, ribs, and vertebral bodies was performed. The aorta was prophylactically reinforced with a Gore TAG thoracic endograft prior to adjuvant chemoradiation. The patient remains disease-free at more than 5 years follow-up after completing her treatment course. Endovascular stenting with subsequent chemoradiation may prove to be a viable alternative to palliation or open operative management and prevention of aortic injury during tumor resection and/or adjuvant therapy in select patients with aortic involvement.
Temperature Dependence of Solid-State Electron Exchanges of Mixed-Valent Ferrocenated Au Monolayer-Protected Clusters

Electron transfers (ETs) in mixed-valent ferrocene/ferrocenium materials are ordinarily facile. In contrast, the presence of ∼1:1 mixed-valent ferrocenated thiolates in the organothiolate ligand shells of Au144 > Au25. The MPC ET activation energy barriers are little changed by the presence of ferrocenated ligands and are primarily determined by the Au nanoparticle core size.
“Data” As Vital Illusion:

I produce data. You produce data. She produces data. We produce data. They produce data.Data is being produced. Data produces us.Data. Data. Data. . . . But only illusions of “data.”Copies of “data.” ∞
The Density Problem for Self-Commutators of Unbounded Bergman Operators

We give two sufficient conditions for the self–commutator of an unbounded Bergman operator to be densely defined. In conjunction with known results this leads to a strong Berger–Shaw type theorem for unbounded Bergman operators. Finally we present results regarding the density problem for unbounded sets in the plane of infinite area.
The Factors to Confine the Way of the Economic Increase in Our Country

Pointing to the reality of the slow economic increase in our country, the paper states some factors confining the way of econmic increase at current time.
Antioxidant-Prooxidant Status of Murine Skin During the Ontogeny of Chemically-Induced Skin Cancer

Reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) and the activities of catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and xanthine oxidase (XO) were quantitated in initiated SENCAR mice being promoted with 1 μg of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Within 24 hr of 4 or 10 applications of TPA epidermal SOD, CAT, GPX and XO specific activities were∼56, 39, 76 and 350% of the values measured in solvent-treated mice. SOD, CAT and XO activities in papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) were∼15%, 30% and 175% respectively, of the activities in skins of age-matched, control mice. GPX activities were unaffected in papillomas but reduced 22% in SCC. Total epidermal GSHt (GSH+GSSG) and GSSG contents (nmol/g tissue) were not significantly altered 0.5, 4 or 24 hr after 1 or 4 applications of TPA. These studies suggest (a) that TPA orchestrates changes in enzymes involved in reactive oxygen metabolism to levels characteristic of the skin tumor phenotype; and (b) if TPA induces oxidative stress in vivo in murine epidermis, it cannot be detected by measurements of GSH and GSSG.
Current Experience with a Standardized Method of Human Menopausal Gonadotropin/Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Administration

The purpose of the study is to report on the treatment of 26 infertile women with ovulatory disorders, all of whom previously had been unsuccessfully treated with clomiphene and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), with a standardized human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG)/hCG regimen: three to eight ampules of hMG (Pergonal) on days 1, 3, and 5, and 10,000 IU of hCG on day 8. Serum estrogen levels were measured by radioimmunoassay on days 1,3,5, and 8, and progesterone by radioimmunoassay on day 15. Thirteen cycles were inadequately stimulated (estrogen level below 300 pg/ml). hCG injections were withheld to avoid hyperstimulation syndrome in four treatment cycles (cystic ovarian enlargement and estrogen levels over 2000 pg/ml). Twenty-two cycles in twenty-six patients were judged to be adequately stimulated. Eight pregnancies occurred. All conception cycles were characterized by an estrogen level over 300 pg/ml and a good postcoital test (PCT) on day 8, and by a progesterone level over 20 ng/ml on day 15. Of 18 patients who did not conceive, 10 had poor PCTs and 2 patients had a history of tubal surgery. The mean dose of Pergonal in conception cycles was 14.7 ampules (almost identical dosages were used in under- and overstimulated cycles, illustrating response variability). The described regimen was an effective scheme of inducing ovulation in 96% of patients. A good PCT was a favorable prognostic sign (50% of patients with adequately stimulated ovulation and good postcoital findings conceived).
Cytokines in inflammatory malignant fibrous histiocytoma presenting with leukemoid reaction

Inflammatory malignant fibrous histiocytomas (IMFH) are rare tumors and are frequently associated with leukocytosis. In rare cases, leukemoid reactions were attributed to tumor production of unidentified hematopoietic factors. In this study, we used immunohistochemical techniques to show cytokine immunoreactivity in the malignant cells of two cases of IMFH presenting with leukemoid reactions and compared them with two malignant fibrous histocytomas, noninflammatory type. All four tumors stained positively for stem cell factor (SCF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-5, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), and insulin-like growth factor-I. Other cytokines detected only in the two IMFH included IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IFN-gamma, and keratinocyte growth factor. Granulocyte-macrophage-CSF, IL-3, and transforming growth factor-beta staining was present in one of the two IMFH tumors and was not present in the noninflammatory tumors. The immunohistochemical staining was localized to the malignant cells, suggesting deregulated cytokine expression consistent with their monocytic/histocytic origin. Expression of certain cytokines in the IMFH may account for the local inflammatory infiltrate, tumor fibrosis, and the aggressive nature of the malignant cells. We also detected elevated serum levels of SCF, G-CSF, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor in one or both of the IMFH patients. These latter observations may explain the bone marrow hypercellularity and other paraneoplastic symptoms, including fever, malaise, and weight loss, observed in both patients. Different cytokines present in the two IMFH tumors appear to be responsible for the eosinophilic leukemoid reaction observed in one case and for the granulocytic leukemoid reaction observed in the other patient. They may also be responsible for expansion of the tumor-cell population, fibroblast proliferation, and enhanced secretion of extracellular collagen.
Coronary artery surgery. A new technique with use of little blood, if any.

A simplified method of performing coronary artery surgery without the use of blood is described. Not only is the use of blood substantially decreased by this method (71 per cent of our patients did not require blood), but the time of cardiopulmonary bypass is decreased since the proximal anastomoses are performed before bypass. This method has allowed us to operate upon critically ill patients in congestive failure, with marked left ventricular impairment and an ejection fraction of 0.10 to 0.20 (normal 0.70). The mortality rate in 33 such patients was 9 per cent (three deaths).
Antithrombotic therapy for prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke.

Atherosclerosis involving the cervical vessels, intracranial vessels, or the aorta is the most common cause of ischemic stroke. Occlusive lesions of small penetrating brain arteries cause small “lacunar” strokes, which account for about 20% of ischemic strokes. Emboli from a variety of cardiac sources, particularly atrial fibrillation, account for about 25%. Efforts to prevent and treat ischemic stroke are complicated by the variety of etiologies underlying it and the selection of antithrombotic or thrombolytic therapy appropriate to the particular etiology.
Note on Discordant Observations

SUMMARY Given a set of observations xl, ..., xn, a Bayes measure of discordance of an observation x is defined to be the distance between the posterior distributions of a parameter, in the presence or absence of x. A measure of dissimilarity between two observations is also proposed. For large numbers of observations, these two measures may be approximated by simple functions of the log likelihood, thereby avoiding dependence on prior distributions. The theory is applied to data in which 13 judges ranked 20 mothers; each judge is supposed to give an independent observation on the mothers, with the analysis showing which judges are discordant from the rest and which judges are similar to each other.
Protocols that stick: Cell-Cell Interactions, 2nd edn

edited by Tom P. Fleming Oxford University Press (2002) 268 pages. 0-19-963863-2 £35 ![Figure][1] Ever since the pioneers of cell biology first used electron microscopy to reveal the structures that hold us together at the cellular level, cell biologists have recognized the
Electronic flavour assessment techniques for Orthosiphon stamineus tea from different manufacturers

The development of electronic nose (e-nose) and electronic tongue (e-tongue) to recognize simple or complex solutions has been a great success to overcome the drawbacks of conventional analytical instrument and human organoleptic profiling panels. The fusion of these sensors is believed to be able to assess flavours. To grab the advantage of the promising achievements and its broad prospect, this research paper focuses on the discrimination of herbal tea flavour. Multiple analyses based on low level data fusion (LLDF) and intermediate level data fusion (ILDF) in assessing herbal drink from different manufacturers were demonstrated in this research. Classification using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) and k-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) analysis were illustrated. Experimental results show better classification was achieved for fusion data using the KNN and LDA with zero error rate. The findings demonstrate that the combination of e-nose and e-tongue with either LDA or KNN as the classification methods are suitable for discrimination of herbal tea flavour.
The Measurement of Monoamine Neurotransmitters in Microdialysis Perfusates Using HPLC-ECD

Microdialysis is a perfusion-based sampling procedure that is now used routinely to study the chemistry of the extracellular environment of a variety of tissues in the living organism (1,2). A microdialysis probe (consisting of an inlet and outlet tube connected by an area of semipermeable membrane) is perfused at a constant flow rate with a medium (artificial cerebrospinal fluid, CSF; aCSF) that is iso-osmotic to and contains ions at the same concentration as the extracellular fluid. Analytes pass through the semipermeable membrane down their concentration gradient and are swept through the probe by the constantly moving perfusion medium. Once collected, samples can then be analyzed by a variety of different analytical procedures.