cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Online Curriculum Modules for Preparing Teachers to Teach Statistics: Design, Implementation, and Results

The Enhancing Statistics Teacher Education through E-Modules (ESTEEM) project created online curriculum materials to support preservice secondary mathematics teachers who are learning to teach statistics. The materials are based on key design principles drawn from literature in online learning, statistics education, and mathematics teacher education. The materials include many opportunities to engage in data investigations using the Common Online Data Analysis Platform (CODAP). The modules were innovatively designed to provide flexibility for use in a variety of course contexts within different learning management systems (LMSs), and mathematics teacher educators (MTEs) can adapt materials to meet the needs of their students. The ESTEEM modules were implemented at 27 unique institutions across the United States, and data was collected from MTEs and their students, primarily preservice teachers. The MTEs and teachers reported materials were easy to access and navigate online, the materials helped prepare them to teach statistics, and the videos in the materials helped to understand issues that arise in the teaching of statistics. MTEs reported that the ESTEEM modules provided a critical emphasis on key ideas in teaching statistics and contributed to their own professional growth. Teachers reported they improved their confidence in teaching statistics, learned how to utilize technology when teaching statistics, engage in the statistical investigation cycle, understand students’ statistical thinking, and value a framework to support students’ approaches to statistical investigations. Although our materials were designed for online asynchronous instruction, MTEs implemented them in face-to-face settings, synchronous online sessions, and asynchronously. One of the major impacts of our project is the MTEs’ appreciation for the embedded nature of materials within their LMSs and how easily they could adapt and supplement the materials to meet their course needs. However, the paper also provides lessons learned and implications for providing materials through LMS integration and modularized materials for preparing teachers for teaching statistics.
Why the Third Circuit Pro-Cooperative Federalism Preemption Holding in Bell Should Ultimately Be Adopted by the Supreme Court

In Bell v. Cheswick Generating Station, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit reversed a decision by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, holding that state common law tort actions were not preempted by the federal Clean Air Act (“CAA”). The Third Circuit found that the savings clause of the CAA was nearly identical to that of the Clean Water Act (“CWA”), which had already been found to not preempt state common law tort actions by the U.S. Supreme Court. This Comment argues that the Third Circuit correctly compared the savings clauses of the CAA and the CWA. Further, it argues that the Supreme Court, with its history of allowing states to add to baseline federal safety legislation, would permit this action to stand. It then suggests that the Supreme Court should address the circuit split between the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Third and Fourth Circuits on this issue, and predicts that the Court would come down on the side of the Third Circuit’s permis-
Working with SAS Data

This chapter introduces the core concepts of SAS programming. We learn how to use SAS “libraries” to locate, refer to and save data files. How to crate data files by inputting data directly into the Editor. How to read in existing data files by specifying data sources and the kinds of data they contain. And, how to decipher error messages and debug some common problems. The chapter ends with some notes on a few tricks for getting data into SAS, and the SAS utilities available for reading in MS Excel files.
The Motivation for Self-Injury: Looking Backward to Move Forward

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is among the most disturbing, destructive, and costly behavior disorders among people with developmental, psychiatric, and neurological disorders. In people with intellectual or developmental disorders (I/DD), there are numerous forms including self-hitting, pinching, scratching, and biting (Schroeder et al., 2001). In almost all cases of SIB, the etiology of the behavior disorder is unknown, and any underlying pathogenesis and pathophysiology is only partly understood. The field of behavior analysis has made enormous progress in understanding and treating SIB among individuals with I/DD population since the 1970s, but there is still much to do. This chapter will provide a selective review of clinical research findings and a synthesis of the underlying behavioral approach that has led to a better understanding of SIB, its forms, functions, and effective intervention. It is important to note that the review is focused almost exclusively on maintaining factors related to SIB. Discussion of the etiology of SIB is beyond the scope of the chapter. Clinical examples of SIB are used to illustrate practical applications of functional assessment technology and illustrate basic principles of behavior in relation to behavioral mechanisms (e.g., positive, negative) as well as the intersection of behavior and biology.
Study of host-microbe interactions in zebrafish.

All animals are ecosystems, home to diverse microbial populations. Animal-associated microbes play important roles in the normal development and physiology of their hosts, but can also be agents of infectious disease. Traditionally, mice have been used to study pathogenic and beneficial associations between microbes and vertebrate animals. The zebrafish is emerging as a valuable new model system for host-microbe interaction studies, affording researchers with the opportunity to survey large populations of hosts and to visualize microbe-host associations at a cellular level in living animals. This chapter provides detailed protocols for the analysis of zebrafish-associated microbial communities, the derivation and husbandry of germ-free zebrafish, and the modeling of infectious disease in different stages of zebrafish development via different routes of inoculation. These protocols offer a starting point for researchers to address a multitude of questions about animals’ coexistence with microorganisms.
A subband based acoustic echo canceler for a hands-free telephone

A novel subband-based acoustic echo canceller (AEC) for a handset-free cellular phone is proposed. The proposed scheme consists of critically down-sampled 16 DFT filter bank nonoverlapping main subbands and 32 DFT filter bank auxiliary subbands. The auxiliary subbands provide spectral coverage in the nonoverlapped regions. Four different adaptation schemes are considered: (i) the NLMS algorithm; (ii) predictive NLMS (PNLMS) algorithm; (iii) gradient lattice algorithm; and (iv) the thin gradient lattice algorithm. The performance of these algorithms are compared both by simulation and real-time experimentation. The results provided show that the proposed subband AEC with a thin lattice algorithm exhibits the fastest convergence speed as well as the highest reduction in the acoustic echo level in comparison to the NLMS, PNLMS, and the conventional gradient lattice algorithms.
Automatic Mineral Map Generation Procedure From Imaging Spectrometer Data

An airborne imaging spectrometer collected data for 128 wave length channels covering from near to short wavelength infrared across a 320 m swath, to help obtain a mineral map of an area based on reflectance spectral signatures of the area. Minerals have distinctive crystal structures and chemical contents which can be identified by their light absorption characteristics, and an optimized automatic mineral map generation procedure for imaging spectrometer data was developed. The procedure generates two types of mineral maps, a mineral distribution map showing spatial layout of various minerals and a mineral composition map showing the percentage composition of a selected mineral.
Osteopontin is required for full expression of the transformed phenotype by the ras oncogene

The secreted phosphoprotein osteopontin (OPN) is strongly associated with the process of neoplastic transformation, based both on its pattern of expression in vivo and in vitro and on functional analyses. We have used 3T3 cells derived from wildtype and OPN-deficient mice and transformed by transfection with oncogenic ras to assess the role of OPN in transformation in vitro and in tumorigenesis in vivo. There was no effect of an absence of OPN on the ability of the cells to undergo immortalization or to form morphologically transformed foci following ras transfection. Wildtype and OPN-deficient cell lines were established from such foci, and lines with similar ras mRNA levels selected for further analysis. Ras -transformed cell lines from both wildtype and OPN-deficient mice could form colonies in soft agar indicating that this process can occur in the absence of OPN. However, the ability of the OPN-deficient cell lines to form colonies was reduced as compared to wildtype cell lines. Tumorigenesis in syngeneic and nude mice was assessed for a subset of cell lines that formed colonies efficiently in soft agar. Cell lines unable to make OPN formed tumors in these mice much more slowly than wildtype cells, despite similar growth of the cells on plastic and in soft agar. Taken together, these results indicate that maximal transformation by ras requires OPN expression, and implicate increased OPN expression as an important effector of the transforming activity of the ras oncogene. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign
Evaluation of the potential interaction between tofacitinib and drugs that undergo renal tubular secretion using metformin, an in vivo marker of renal organic cation transporter 2.

Tofacitinib is a novel, oral Janus kinase inhibitor. The potential for drug-drug interactions (DDIs) between tofacitinib and drugs that undergo renal tubular secretion was evaluated using metformin as a probe transporter substrate, and genotyping for organic cation transporter (OCT) 1, OCT2 and multidrug and toxin extrusion 1 polymorphisms. Twenty-four healthy male subjects completed this open-label, fixed-sequence study. Subjects were administered a single oral metformin 500 mg dose on Days 1 and 4, and multiple oral tofacitinib 30 mg twice daily doses on Days 2, 3, and 4. Subjects underwent serial blood and urine samplings (Days 1 and 4) to estimate metformin pharmacokinetics. A single blood sample for tofacitinib was collected 2 hours after the morning dose (Day 4). The 90% confidence intervals for the ratios of maximum plasma concentration, area under the curve and renal clearance of metformin, with and without tofacitinib, were contained within the 80-125% acceptance range commonly used to establish a lack of DDI. No deaths, serious adverse events (AEs), severe AEs or discontinuations due to AEs were reported. The study confirms tofacitinib is unlikely to impact the pharmacokinetics of drugs that undergo renal tubular secretion, and concurs with its weak in vitro OCT2 inhibitory profile.
Thyroid hormones and metabolic rate in burros, Equus asinus, and llamas, Lama glama: Effects of environmental temperature☆

Abstract 1. 1. Rate of oxygen consumption, V 02 , and thyroid hormones secretion rate were measured in burros, Equus asinus and llamas. Lama glama . exposed to heat, cold and dehydration. 2. 2. The llama had a lower V 02 than the burro. Exposure to heat for 3–4 days and to dehydration decreased V 02 in both species. 3. 3. Plasma levels of T 4 and T 3 were higher in the llama than in the burro. However, secretion rates of T 4 and T 3 were similar in both species. The discrepancy between thyroid hormonal plasma levels and secretion rates in llamas and burros were due to differences in the disappearance rate (K) of these hormones. 4. 4. The difference in V O 2 between the two species does not seem to be related to thyroid function.
Concatenated Block Codes for Unequal Error Protection of Embedded Bit Streams

A state-of-the-art progressive source encoder is combined with a concatenated block coding mechanism to produce a robust source transmission system for embedded bit streams. The proposed scheme efficiently trades off the available total bit budget between information bits and parity bits through efficient information block size adjustment, concatenated block coding, and random block interleavers. The objective is to create embedded codewords such that, for a particular information block, the necessary protection is obtained via multiple channel encodings, contrary to the conventional methods that use a single code rate per information block. This way, a more flexible protection scheme is obtained. The information block size and concatenated coding rates are judiciously chosen to maximize system performance, subject to a total bit budget. The set of codes is usually created by puncturing a low-rate mother code so that a single encoder-decoder pair is used. The proposed scheme is shown to effectively enlarge this code set by providing more protection levels than is possible using the code rate set directly. At the expense of complexity, average system performance is shown to be significantly better than that of several known comparison systems, particularly at higher channel bit error rates.
How Much Pharyngeal Exposure Is “Normal”? Normative Data for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Events Using Hypopharyngeal Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance (HMII)

Background Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) can cause atypical symptoms, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis. The aim of this study was to establish the normative data for LPR using hypopharyngeal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (HMII).
Effects of rearing conditions on the developmental physiology of smolting coho salmon

Abstract We determined the effects of rearing conditions on the physiological development of coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch during smoltification. Combinations of various levels of both rearing density and water inflow rate were used in this study. The experiments were performed at a production hatchery and at our laboratory. High rearing density resulted in reduced levels of plasma thyroid hormones in the fish, but no effect of water inflow rate on these hormones was recognized. Although rearing density and water inflow rate affected plasma cortisol and gill Na,K-ATPase activity, their effects on these physiological variables seemed to vary through time producing different developmental patterns of physiology during smoltification. Measurements of plasma corticosteroid clearance and in vitro activity of interrenal cells suggested that rearing density affected plasma cortisol levels primarily by altering the submaximal activity of the interrenal cells. Lowering the rearing density of fish from high to l...
Racial Equality in America

This is a forceful meditation on the persistent disparity between the goal of racial equality in America and the facts of discrimination. Presented as the prestigious Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities, "Racial Equality in America" traces America's history of racial inequality. In a strong critique of Thomas Jefferson, Franklin shows that this spokesman for democracy did not include African Americans among those "created equal". Franklin chronicles the events of the 19th century that solidified inequality in America and shows how emancipation dealt only with slavery, not with inequality. In the 20th century, America finally confronted the fact that equality is indivisible: that it must not be divided so that it is extended to some at the expense of others. Once this indivisibility is accepted, Franklin charges, America faces the monumental task of overcoming its long heritage of inequality. Nearly 20 years after this book was first published, that task has fallen to yet another generation. "Racial Inequality in America" offers a powerful reminder that our history is more than a record of idealised democratic traditions and institutions. It is a message to Americans, calling upon them to know their history and themselves.
Postcard from the Steppes: a snapshot of public relations and culture in Kazakhstan

Abstract This article offers one look at the current state of public relations in Kazakhstan. No studies have yet examined public relations practice in Kazakhstan or in Central Asia. The model used as the analytical framework for the study is borrowed from British cultural studies and called “the circuit of culture.” This model advances our understanding of the relationship among culture and meaning, culture and communication, and of course, culture and public relations. More specifically, this analysis illustrates how public relations produces, negotiates and even manages cultural meaning, as exemplified in Kazakhstan. The study finds that the language of money is the primary symbolic representation of public relations in Kazakhstan.
Fractal dimensions of aggregates formed in different fluid mechanical environments

The fractal properties of aggregates formed under two different fluid mechanical environments, a paddle mixer and a rolling cylinder, were measured using three different techniques: a non-steady state method requiring both volume and length size distributions, a steady state size distribution method, and an aggregate property scaling method. Based on cumulative size distributions and the non-steady state method, aggregates produced in the rolling cylinder had a fractal dimension of D3(l,v) = 1.59 ± 0.16, while aggregates produced in the paddle mixer had a higher fractal dimension of D3(l,v) = 1.92 ± 0.04. Fractal dimensions calculated assuming steady state size distributions based on aggregate volume were substantially different than those based on aggregate length indicating that size distributions in both devices were not at steady state during the experiment. Although fractal dimension based on cumulative size distributions were similar in magnitude to those calculated using discrete and data-averaged size distributions, the cumulative size distributions produced fractal dimensions with the lowest errors. When D3 < 2, three dimensional and two dimensional fractal dimensions should be equal. Power law equations for two dimensional fractal dimensions based on aggregate properties (length and area) were in good agreement with three dimensional fractal dimensions. Rolling cylinder and paddle mixer aggregates had two dimensional fractal dimensions of D2 = 1.68 ± 0.02 and D2 = 1.89 ± 0.02. These experiments demonstrate that aggregate properties are a function of the fluid mechanical environment used to coagulate particles.
Regional anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery is associated with significantly more peri-operative complications compared with general anaesthesia

Although several studies have advocated the use of regional versus general anaesthesia as a means of reducing peri-operative complications from hip fracture surgery, the ideal method of anaesthesia remains controversial. Our purpose was to investigate the association between anaesthesia type and peri-operative complications in hip fracture surgery. From the 2005–2011 ACS-NSQIP database, all patients with operatively treated hip fractures were identified using CPT codes, and fifteen peri-operative complications were recorded and categorized as either minor or major. Rates of minor, major, and total complications by anaesthesia type were compared using chi-square and Fischer’s exact tests. A multivariate model was used to determine odds of minor, major, and total complications between anaesthesia types. Multivariate analysis was then repeated after combining patients who received regional nerve blocks or spinal anaesthesia. A total of 7,764 hip fracture patients were included in our analysis. Spinal anaesthesia had the highest total complication rate (19.6 %), followed by general (17.9 %) and regional nerve blocks (12.6 %). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that spinal anaesthesia was associated with significantly greater odds of minor complications and total complications compared with general anaesthesia. After combining the regional nerve block and spinal anaesthesia groups, multivariate analysis again showed significantly greater odds of minor and total complications with regional versus general anaesthesia. Using a large multi-centre database, we demonstrate that regional anaesthesia was associated with significantly greater odds of minor and total peri-operative complications compared with general anaesthesia. Our results challenge the notion that regional anaesthesia is the preferred method of anaesthesia for hip fractures in the elderly.
31P NMR chemical shifts of phosphate covalently bound to proteins.

Abstract 1. 1. 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for characterizing the nature of covalently bound phosphate in proteins is relatively unexploited by the biochemist. 2. 2. 31 P NMR chemical shifts of phosphate covalently bound to naturally occurring phosphoproteins, phosphorylated enzyme intermediates and chemically phosphorylated proteins have been compiled in this review. 3. 3. The chemical shifts ( 31 P NMR) of selected reference compounds are reported to assist in the assignment of 31 P resonances of phosphate covalently attached to proteins. 4. 4. 31 P NMR chemical shifts of phosphate and phospho compounds non-covalently bound to selected proteins as well as the pH dependence of 31 P NMR resonance have also been compiled.
Formation of artificially-layered thin-film compounds using pulsed-laser deposition

Superlattice structures, consisting of SrCuO{sub 2}, (Sr,Ca)CuO{sub 2}, and BaCuO{sub 2} layers in the tetragonal, ``infinite layer`` crystal structure, have been grown by pulsed-laser deposition (PLD). Superlattice chemical modulation is observed for structures with component layers as thin as a single unit cell ({approximately}3.4 {angstrom}), indicating that unit-cell control of (Sr,Ca)CuO{sub 2} growth is possible using conventional pulsed-laser deposition over a wide oxygen pressure regime. X-ray diffraction intensity oscillations, due to the finite thickness of the film, indicate that these films are extremely flat with a thickness variation of only {approximately}20 {angstrom} over a length scale of several thousand angstroms. Using the constraint of epitaxy to grow metastable cuprates in the infinite layer structure, novel high-temperature superconducting structural families have been formed. In particular, epitaxially-stabilized SrCuO{sub 2}/BaCuO{sub 2} superlattices, grown by sequentially depositing on lattice-matched (100) SrTiO{sub 3} from BaCuO{sub 2} and SrCuO{sub 2} ablation targets in a PLD system, show metallic conductivity and superconductivity at {Tc}(onset) {approximately}70 K. These results show that pulsed-laser deposition and epitaxial stabilization have been used to effectively ``engineer`` artificially-layered thin-film materials.
SU‐E‐T‐247: Multi‐Leaf Collimator Model Adjustments Improve Small Field Dosimetry in VMAT Plans

Purpose: The Elekta beam modulator linac employs a 4-mm micro multileaf collimator (MLC) backed by a fixed jaw. Out-of-field dose discrepancies between treatment planning system (TPS) calculations and output water phantom measurements are caused by the 1-mm leaf gap required for all moving MLCs in a VMAT arc. In this study, MLC parameters are optimized to improve TPS out-of-field dose approximations. Methods: Static 2.4 cm square fields were created with a 1-mm leaf gap for MLCs that would normally park behind the jaw. Doses in the open field and leaf gap were measured with an A16 micro ion chamber and EDR2 film for comparison with corresponding point doses in the Pinnacle TPS. The MLC offset table and tip radius were adjusted until TPS point doses agreed with photon measurements. Improvements to the beam models were tested using static arcs consisting of square fields ranging from 1.6 to 14.0 cm, with 45° collimator rotation, and 1-mm leaf gap to replicate VMAT conditions. Gamma values for the 3-mm distance, 3% dose difference criteria were evaluated using standard QA procedures with a cylindrical detector array. Results: The best agreement in point doses within the leaf gap and open field was achieved by offsetting the default rounded leaf end table by 0.1 cm and adjusting the leaf tip radius to 13 cm. Improvements in TPS models for 6 and 10 MV photon beams were more significant for smaller field sizes 3.6 cm or less where the initial gamma factors progressively increased as field size decreased, i.e. for a 1.6cm field size, the Gamma increased from 56.1% to 98.8%. Conclusion: The MLC optimization techniques developed will achieve greater dosimetric accuracy in small field VMAT treatment plans for fixed jaw linear accelerators. Accurate predictions of dose to organs at risk may reduce adverse effects of radiotherapy.
Non-Newtonian flow at lowest order, the role of the Reiner-Rivlin stress

Abstract In 1963 Giesekus [H. Giesekus, Die simultane Translations- und Rotationsbewegung einer Kugel in einer elastikoviskosen Flussigkeit, Rheol. Acta 3 (1962) 59–71] showed that a Stokes velocity field also satisfies the equilibrium equation for the flow of a restricted form of the second order fluid. The same result was found by Tanner [R.I. Tanner, Plane creeping flows of incompressible second order fluids, Phys. Fluids 9 (1966) 1246–1247] in 1966 in the context of plane flow for which the restrictions on the second order fluid are not relevant. Tanner [R.I. Tanner, Some extended Giesekus-type theorems for non-Newtonian fluids, Rheol. Acta 28 (1989) 449–452] later showed that the velocity field for the inertialess, plane flow of the generalized Newtonian fluid is also the velocity field for the flow of a special form of the Criminale–Ericksen–Filbey (CEF) stress system [W.O. Criminale Jr., J.L. Ericksen, G.L. Filbey Jr., Steady flow of non-Newtonian fluids, Arch. Rat. Mech. 1 (1958) 410–417]. In this paper it will be shown that the results of Giesekus and Tanner are special cases of a more general theorem in which the velocity field, in any dimension, of the equilibrium Reiner–Rivlin problem also satisfies the corresponding problem for the materially steady stress system (a generalization of the CEF system) provided the coefficients of the Reiner–Rivlin stress [M. Reiner, A mathematical theory of dilatancy, Am. J. Math. 67 (1945) 350–362; R.S. Rivlin, The hydrodynamics of non-Newtonian fluids, Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 193 (1948) 260–281] are derivable from a strain-rate potential. As with the Giesekus–Tanner theorems the new theorem holds generally for velocity boundary conditions, but in some cases, such as the free jet, stress boundary conditions can be imposed.
Long-Term Clinical Outcomes 15 Years After Aortic Valve Replacement With the Freestyle Stentless Aortic Bioprosthesis

Background The Freestyle stentless aortic root bioprosthesis has excellent hemodynamics and durability through 10 years. The purpose of this report is to present clinical outcomes in a large multicenter cohort through 15 years. Methods The multicenter evaluation of the Freestyle valve began in 1992 at 21 centers in North America and Europe. In 1997, a long-term study continued, including 725 patients from 8 of the original centers; clinical outcomes data after 10 years have continued to be collected at 6 of 8 centers. Results Patient age was 71.7 ± 7.9 years. There were 402 (55.4%) men and 323 (44.6%) women. Total follow-up was 5,491.2 patient-years. There were 52 late reoperations, with explant of the bioprosthesis in 47 cases. Respective 10- and 15-year survival was 46.2% ± 2.3% and 25.9% ± 3.2%; freedom from valve-related death was 94.9% ± 1.5% and 92.7% ± 3.5%; freedom from reoperation was 92.3% ± 1.8% and 80.7% ± 5.0%; and freedom from explant owing to structural valve deterioration was 96.5% ± 1.3% and 83.3% ± 4.8%. Increased age was associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality and valve-related mortality and lower risks of reoperation and explant caused by structural valve deterioration. Conclusions In this long-term, multicenter, observational study, the Freestyle stentless aortic root bioprosthesis offered good clinical outcomes in terms of survival, freedom from valve-related mortality, freedom from reoperation, and freedom from structural valve deterioration. The Freestyle valve is a viable option for use in patients undergoing bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement and for anticipated desire for long-term durability.
Seismic image of the basal portion of the Bjerkreim-Sokndal layered intrusion

A high-resolution seismic profile over the Layered Series of the Bjerkreim-Sokndal layered intrusion provides a high-quality seismic image of one of the rock types frequently cited as a source of dense lower crustal reflectivity. The data interpretation is controlled by a detailed comparison with exposed geology directly up-plunge and has implications for reaching a better understanding of deep crustal reflectivity. Reflections are produced by boundaries between major (≥100 m) lithologic units of moderately differing average composition, and small-scale modal layering (centimeters to several meters) contributes in a minor way. The seismic image provides a standard useful for identifying layered mafic intrusions within the upper and middle crust and for understanding their internal structure. The Bjerkreim data also imply that areas of highly reflective lower crust where underplating is believed to have occurred can result from internal lithologic layering resulting from fractionation and repeated influxes of magma to a closed system. The data show that highly developed modal layering can appear seismically transparent due to destructive interference.
Influence of electrical stimulus parameters on afterdischarge thresholds in the rat hippocampus.

Abstract The influence of electrical stimulus parameters on focal seizure production was studied. Stimulations and recordings were carried out with bipolar electrodes stereotactically positioned in the ventral hippocampus of kindled rats. Afterdischarge thresholds were determined for stimulus trains with different combinations of train durations (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 s), intratrain frequencies (10, 20, 50, 60, 100 Hz), and pulse widths (0.5 and 1.0 ms). For a given combination of pulse width and intratrain frequency, thresholds decreased as train duration increased; the effect was profound with shorter durations but markedly attenuated with train durations ⩾ 5 s. For a particular train duration and pulse width, thresholds varied inversely with intratrain frequency; the degree of variation in the thresholds with frequency was greater the shorter the train. For the train durations studied, thresholds were lower with 1.0-ms pulses for intratrain frequencies ⩾ 20 Hz. However, for 10 Hz, the 0.5-ms pulses were more effective for 2-, 5- and 10-s trains. Afterdischarge thresholds were found to also vary with the number of pulses in the stimulus trains. For stimuli with fewer pulses, thresholds were higher and showed marked variation with train duration, intratrain frequency, and pulse width. For stimuli with more pulses, thresholds fell to a lower limit and the influence of train duration was substantially lessened. This study provides a systematic examination of the influence of stimulus parameters on generation of focal seizures and should prove useful in designing and interpreting future experiments studying the neurobiology of seizures in the hippocampus and related structures and helpful in antiepileptic drug testing.
DESIGN, CALIBRATION, AND INITIAL RESULTS ON A COLOR/TEMPERATURE-MAPPING GOLD-FILM HEATER

The goal of this article is to present a new heater design which combines a thin-film resistometry technique with a double-incident liquid-crystal film in the form of a coated (printed) sheet to provide both a spatial mean surface temperature and a color/ temperature map. The heater is demonstrated to yield spatial temperature results consistent with those of other boiling studies in the literature while providing the additional functionality of a mean temperature measurement. The heater design and calibration are outlined and four boiling tests are presented to show the applicability of such a neater for fundamental boiling research, including some information in the conduction and convection regimes, electric-field-enhanced boiling research, and microgravity boiling research.
Stimulating a normal adjustment : Misbehavior, amphetamines, and the electroencephalogram at the bradley home for children

This article uses an historical case study to describe the influence of social and contextual factors on the adoption of somatic approaches to children's misbehavior. The child guidance movement and the emergence of medicalized residential treatment facilities for children influenced the theoretical orientations of physicians treating children's behavior disorders in the United States in the 1930s. Charles Bradley and his colleagues at the Bradley Home in Rhode Island defined behavior disorders in social terms but investigated and treated misbehavior with somatic tools. The use of amphetamines and the electroencephalogram reorganized concepts of maladjustment along neurological lines, even as the research relied on the Home's social priorities. Electroencephalographic investigations especially shaped an organic concept of misbehavior. Ultimately, the somatic orientation obscured the central role of local context in Bradley Home physicians' research.
MICROSITE CONTROLS ON TREE SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT IN CONIFER FOREST CANOPY GAPS

Tree seedling establishment and growth were studied in experimental canopy gaps to assess the effect of heterogeneity of regeneration microsites within and among gaps in mature conifer forests. Seedlings were studied for two years in closed-canopy areas and in recently created gaps ranging in size from 40 to 2000 m2 in four stands of mature (90–140 yr) and old-growth (>400 yr) Douglas-fir forest in the western Cascade Range of central Oregon and southern Washington, USA. We examined the relative importance of substrate type, shade from logs and shade cloth, density of understory vegetation, gap size, and forest age on the success of Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). Seedlings originating from seed sown on experimental microsites were compared with seedlings regenerating naturally on a range of microsites. Seedling establishment was greater on decayed wood than on forest floor or mineral soil in closed-canopy areas, particula...
Reference materials and environmental analysis

Abstract Accurate measurements are an important consideration in environmental analysis. The Natioanl Bureau of Standards (NBS) provides several types of services to aid analysts in obtaining accurate measurements and in validating the accuracy of measurement methods and measurement systems. The most well known of these services is Standard Reference Materials (SRMs). In general, SRMs are well-characterized homogeneous materials or simple artifacts with specific chemical or physical properties certified by NBS. This paper discusses various possible roles for the use of SRMs, together with a description of currently available SRMs. In addition, a brief discussion of the technology of certification has been included as well as some discussion of future activities.
Conservative management of necrotizing fasciitis of the eyelids.

Abstract Objective To describe the management of patients with necrotizing fasciitis of the eyelids. Design Retrospective, noncomparative interventional case series. Participants Seven patients with necrotizing fasciitis limited to the eyelids. Methods Retrospective review of the charts and photographs of seven patients with necrotizing fasciitis limited to the eyelids. Main outcome measures Eyelid function and appearance, mortality, and morbidity. Results Seven of seven patients had good eyelid function and adequate appearance without reconstruction after healing. No deaths occurred. Conclusions Eyelid necrosis due to necrotizing fasciitis can be a devastating condition. The morbidity and mortality of selected cases are reduced with prompt and appropriate antimicrobial therapy and nonaggressive debridement of necrotic tissue after autodemarcation of the necrotic zone.
Anticonvulsant Properties of 3-Oxo- and 3-Imino-4-Substituted 1,2,5-Thiadiazolidine 1,1-Dioxides

Abstract Selectively substituted 3‐oxo‐4‐substituted 1, 2, 5‐thiadiazolidine 1, 1‐dioxides ( 2 , four examples), and 3‐imino‐4‐substituted 1, 2, 5‐thiadiazolidine 1, 1‐dioxides ( 3 , eight examples) have been evaluated in the maximal electroshock seizure (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole seizure threshold (scMet), and rotorod (Tox) tests. These compounds can be considered as sulfonyl analogues of hydantoins ( 1 ). In those cases where comparison between 1 and 2 (or 1 and 3 ) was possible, replacement of the central carbonyl group in 1 by a sulfonyl moiety led to a significant reduction or abolition of the anticonvulsant activity.
Computation of circulating fluidized-bed riser flow for the Fluidization VIII benchmark test

Conservation of mass and momentum equations for the solid and for the gas phases was used to compute the hydrodynamics of flow of fluidized catalytic cracking particles in a vertical pipe (riser) for the 1995 benchmark modeling contest. The computer code predicted a new phenomenon: an off-center maximum flux. The computed time-average radial fluxes and particle concentrations agree with PSRI experimental data. The computer code also predicted the observed core-annular flow regime. For the lowest gas velocity and highest solids flux, the code predicted low-frequency, snakelike density oscillations.
A method to identify and characterize Z-DNA binding proteins using a linear oligodeoxynucleotide

An oligodeoxynucleotide that readily flips to the Z-DNA conformation in 10mM MgCl2 was produced by using Klenow enzyme to incorporate 5-bromodeoxycytosine and deoxyguanosine into a (dC-dG)22 template. During synthesis the oligomer can be labeled with 32P to high specific activity. The labeled oligodeoxynucleotide can be used in bandshift experiment to detect proteins that bind Z-DNA. This allows the binding specificity of such proteins to be determined with high reliability using unlabeled linear and supercoiled DNA competitors. In addition, because the radioactive oligodeoxynucleotide contains bromine atoms, DNA-protein complexes can be readily crosslinked using UV light. This allows an estimate to be made of the molecular weight of the proteins that bind to the radioactive probe. Both techniques are demonstrated using a goat polyclonal anti-Z-DNA antiserum.
Novel Adaptive Nonlinear Predistorters Based on the Direct Learning Algorithm

The adaptive nonlinear predistorter is an effective technique to compensate for the nonlinear distortion existing in digital communication and control systems. However, available adaptive nonlinear predistorters using indirect learning are sensitive to measurement noise and do not perform optimally. Other available types are either slow to converge, complicated in structure and computationally expensive, or do not consider the memory effects in nonlinear systems such as a high power amplifier (HPA). In this paper, we first propose several novel adaptive nonlinear predistorters based on direct learning algorithms - the nonlinear filtered-x RLS (NFXRLS) algorithm, the nonlinear adjoint LMS (NALMS) algorithm, and the nonlinear adjoint RLS (NARLS) algorithm. Using these new learning algorithms, we design adaptive nonlinear predistorters for an HPA with memory effects or for an HPA following a linear system. Because of the direct learning algorithm, these novel adaptive predistorters outperform nonlinear predistorters that are based on the indirect learning method in the sense of normalized mean square error (NMSE), bit error rate (BER), and spectral regrowth. Moreover, our developed adaptive nonlinear predistorters are computationally efficient and/or converge rapidly when compared to other adaptive nonlinear predistorters that use direct learning, and furthermore can be easily implemented. We further simplify our proposed algorithms by exploring the robustness of our proposed algorithm as well as by examining the statistical properties of what we call the "instantaneous equivalent linear" (IEL) filter. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of our proposed algorithms
Technical note Observation of internal waves in LANDSAT and SEASAT satellite imagery

Abstract Available LANDSAT and SEASAT images of the North American east and west coasts were analysed for internal wave patterns during the summer months of 1978. These images are from the satellite sensors: (i) multispectral scanner on board the LANDSAT satellite and (ii) synthetic aperture radar on board the SEASAT satellite. The Gulf of California during these months provided an excellent opportunity to compare the detectability of ocean internal wave patterns in these two sensors since the internal waves were tidally generated every 12·45 hours and cloud contamination in the LANDSAT imagery was negligible. Internal wave patterns were frequently visible in SEASAT imagery but only occasionally visible in LANDSAT imagery, a fact which cannot be explained by cloud contamination. Furthermore multiple wave packets with 12·45 hours spacing were observed from SEASAT but not always from LANDSAT. One possible reason for the infrequent detection of internal wave patterns from LANDSAT is that a specialized Earth-...
Neuroecology: Avoiding the Unpleasant Experience of Being the Uninvited Guest

The navigation system of the desert ant Cataglyphis fortis helps it avoid the lethal mistake of entering the wrong nest by suppressing its attraction to nest odors until it is near its home.
Sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A hypothesis of persistent (non‐lytic) enteroviral infection

Because of recently reported reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction evidence of enterovirus in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS) and because of newly available anti-enteroviral drugs binding enteroviral capsids, it is reasonable to re-formulate an enteroviral hypothesis of SALS using recent advances in molecular virology. Viral persistence is non-lytic and non-cytopathic infection that evades host's immune surveillance. Enteroviruses are known to cause persistent as well as lytic infection both in vitro and in vivo. Both virion as well as host factors modulate between persistent and lytic infection. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a process of active non-necrotic cell death. It has complex interplay with viruses and may be either promoted or opposed by them. Apoptosis is a major factor in motor neuron death in SALS. Viral tropism is the process by which viruses select and propagate to target cells. It is controlled by capsid conformation and surface receptors on host cells. Enteroviruses have a region on their capsids known as the canyon which docks on such receptors. Docking induces conformational changes of the capsid and genome release. Poliovirus, tropic for motor neurons, docks on the poliovirus receptor, about which much is known. The virus penetrates the motor system focally after crossing either the blood-muscle or the blood-brain barriers. It propagates bidirectionally along axons and synapses to contiguous motor neurons, upper as well as lower, which sequester infection and create avenues for spread over long distances. If chronic and persistent rather than acute and lytic, such viruses trafficking in a finite system of non-dividing cells and inducing apoptosis would cause cell death that summates linearly rather than exponentially. Taken together, these explain signature clinical features of SALS - focal onset weakness, contiguous or regional spread of weakness, confinement to upper and lower motor neurons, and linear rates of progression. The hypothesis predicts the following testable investigations: 1) viral detection may be possible by applying amplification technology to optimally acquired nervous tissue processed by laser microdissection; 2) genetic susceptibility factors such as cell surface receptor polymorphisms may combine with sporadic exposure and chance penetration of the motor system in SALS; 3) a transgenic animal model might be created by inserting such genetic factors into an animal host and inoculating intramuscularly rather than intracerebrally biochemical fractions of SALS motor neurons at vulnerable periods in the developmental life cycle of the transgenic host; and 4) continual long-term administration of anti-enteroviral agents called capsid-binding compounds which stabilize capsids and prevent genome release might be efficacious.
Capillary Device Passive Thermal Conditioning

An upgraded Centaur capability was studied by investigating deployment of capillary devices for propellant acquisition. Analytical and experimental investigation of promising capillary pumping concepts for passive cooling of cryogenic capillary acquisition devices resulted in selection, test, and empirical correlation of four wicking configurations. Only plate/screen-screen/plate and plate/screen-plate/screen configurations would function successfully under worst-case Centaur D-1S conditions. Weight estimates were developed for the passively cooled configurations and comparisons were made of passive and actively cooled capillary devices.
Automated sampling and RNA isolation at room temperature for measurements of circadian rhythms in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

The development of techniques allowing the unattended collection of RNA from cell samples at room temperature makes practical accurate and facile monitoring of circadian rhythms in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The utility of these methods was demonstrated by collecting RNA samples for three days from cells maintained in continuous darkness. Every hour, cells were automatically collected and lysed with buffer containing SDS and proteinase K. Samples were maintained at room temperature with little or no evidence of degradation of RNA. Strong, non-damping circadian rhythms of cab mRNA abundance were measured. Free-running rhythms of about 24 h were measured from cultures maintained at 16, 20, 25 and 30 degrees C, thus demonstrating temperature compensation of circadian period. Simultaneous collections from cultures previously entrained to 12 h light/12 h dark cycles of opposite phase displayed circadian rhythms of cab mRNA abundance that were in phase with their previous entraining light cycles. Thus, this result suggests that the measured circadian rhythms of cab mRNA abundance was not an artifact of the collection procedure.
Determinants of operative mortality in octogenarians undergoing coronary bypass.

Background. The elderly segment of the population is increasing rapidly, and surgeons are being asked to consider patients more than 80 years old as candidates for coronary bypass. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors that may adversely affect mortality as well as analyze functional outcomes and survival in octogenarians undergoing coronary bypass. Methods. From July 1989 through February 1994, 300 consecutive patients 80 years of age and older underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. There were 176 men (58.7%) and 124 women (41.3%) with a mean age of 80.9 years (range, 80 to 99 years). Preoperatively, 274 patients (91.3%) had disabling angina, 76 (25.3%) had left main coronary stenosis greater than 50%, and 293 patients (98.3%) were in New York Heart Association class III or IV. Results. The overall hospital mortality was 11.0% (33/300) with an elective mortality of 9.6% (23/240), urgent mortality of 11% (5/45), and emergent mortality of 33.3% (5/15). Significant independent predictors of operative mortality were preoperative renal dysfunction, postoperative pulmonary insufficiency, postoperative renal dysfunction, use of intraaortic balloon pumping, and sternal wound infection. The actuarial survival for patients discharged from the hospital was 74.6% ± 5.6% (standard error of the mean) at 54 months. Conclusions. A favorable outcome may be expected when coronary artery bypass grafting is performed in patients 80 years of age or older with severe angina.