cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spending for Local Public Education: Income Distribution and the Aggregation of Private Demands

Earlier studies of the determination of local public school spending have Abstract conveniently assumed that the typical family's demand is monotonic in income. They have assumed that the voter with the median income is decisive and that community decisrons. therefore, truly represent the preferences of the median-income voter. We present evidence that this assumption is not always tenable and that it can lead to biases in estimation. Our model and evidence suggest that desired local spending is a U-shaped function of income over the observed income range and that it may eventually turn down at very high family incomes.
Studies of the Gyponinae: A New Genus—Chloronana (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)

Thirteen species, occurring from Panama southward to Bolivia, are included in CHLORONANA (type C., rotunda ), from Peru. These include C. olivacea (Spangberg, 1881) ( z=Gypona chiriquensis Fowler, 1903), C. boliviana (Osborn, 1938), both transferred from Gypona and 11 new species. Illustrated are all the male genital characters, as well as the female seventh sterna where these are known.
The Steady Inverse Heat Conduction Problem: A Comparison of Methods With Parameter Selection

In the past we have developed the Generalized Eigensystem (GES L ) techniques for solving inverse boundary value problems in steady heat conduction, and found that these vector expansion methods often give superior results to those obtained with standard Tikhonov regularization methods. However, these earlier comparisons were based on the optimal results for each method, which required that we know the true solution to set the value of the regularization parameter (t) for Tikhonov regularization and the number of mode clusters (N clasters ) for GES L . In this paper we introduce a sensor sensitivity method for estimating appropriate values of N clusters for GES L . We compare those results with Tikhonov regularization using the Combined Residual and Smoothing Operator (CRESO) to estimate the appropriate values of t
Effect of IFN-γ on the immune response in vivo and on gene expression in vitro

T lymphocytes produce a variety of immunoregulatory molecules including gamma interferon (IFN-γ)1–3 and antigen-specific suppressor and enhancer factors4–7. During our studies of active substances obtained from cloned T-cell lines, we observed that certain fractions administered to mice resulted in enhancement of immune responses. Preliminary characterization of the substance suggested that it could be IFN-γ and we therefore undertook a study of the action of IFN-γ produced by recombinant DNA methodology on immune responses. We found that for several antigens, administration of IFN-γ to mice leads to two- to five-fold enhancement of antibody formation provided that the IFN-γ and antigen are administered together. The effect was dose dependent, giving a maximal response at 500–600 anti-viral units per mouse. Preliminary studies suggest that the macrophage may be the target of IFN-γ action. Addition of IFN-γ to cultures of a macrophage cell line leads to a greater than 10-fold increase in the level of RNA coding for I-region-encoded cell surface molecules.
Integral-skin foam. A mechanism for skin formation

Quantitative data were taken on the effect of the process variables on the skin-forming process. Analysis of these data indicates that the skin-forming process is controlled by the interaction of heat losses to the mold and increased condensation temperature of the blowing agent due to mold pressure.
Find yourself a mentor

One of the first things you will learn as you begin your new career is that your experience base is typically sadly lacking fundamental knowledge for successful completion of some assignments. The lack of experience will come into play for a number of projects and assignments until you find you have spent three to ten years in the development of your career. Suddenly, you find yourself one of those experienced engineers that others look to for advice and counsel. The length of time will vary based on the type of engineer, the projects assigned, and the ability of the engineer to absorb the requisite knowledge. Could there be a better way than to slowly slog your way, project by project, adding to your experience base bit by bit? One approach may be through association with a mentor (or mentors). In the classical sense, a mentor is assigned to assist more junior members of the organization with learning what is necessary to move quickly to become a productive member of the group. The mentor may provide technical assistance or procedural assistance as the situation dictates.
A Rapid Sensitive Assay for the Quantitation of Elastin

A rapid, sensitive and direct assay was developed for the quantitation of elastin using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The method is based on the separation of the alkaline hydrolysis-resistant dipeptide valyl-proline, a dipeptide found in high concentrations in elastin. The methodology is applicable to unlabelled elastin samples in the range of 10-100 μg utilizing fluorescamine detection and to hot alkali insoluble as well as soluble forms of elastin. Increased sensitivity was achieved by the use of in vitro radiolabelling of elastin with [3H]proline. This was useful for following synthesis of elastin in cultured cells. Since this technique is not dependent on detection of the elastin-specific crosslink groups, desmosine and isodesmosine, precursor forms of elastin can be measured as well as other forms of elastin deficient in cross-linking.The same chromatographic procedure however, is able to detect these desmosine and isodesmosine crosslinks. Therefore, in cell cultures under th...
RAD50 protein of S.cerevisiae exhibits ATP-dependent DNA binding

Abstract RAD50 function of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required during vegetative growth for recombinational repair of DNA double strand breaks, and during meiosis for initiation of meiotic recombination and formation of synaptonemal complex. RAD50 encodes a 153 kDa polypeptide which includes an amino-terminal ATP binding domain essential for function and two long heptad repeat regions. We show below that RAD50 protein purified from yeast exhibits ATP-dependent binding to double stranded DNA. Physical properties of the purified protein are also described. Models for RAD50 function in vivo are discussed.
A Simple Liquid Chromatographic Method for Analysis of Insulin and Its Derivatives

Abstract This communication reports on our recent application of size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography for the rapid analysis of insulin and monitoring the progress of its enzymatic hydrolysis. Insulin, a protein hormone, exhibits a complex association behavior in solution. Consequently, analysis of insulin and its derivatives by conventional methods is difficult. We are able to analyze insulin and some of its derivatives, and also tc study the trypsin-proteolysis of insulin by using size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography under that denaturing condition of 7 M urea. This analytical method is rapid, reproducible, selective and simple.
The Psychological Impact From Hurricane Katrina: Effects of Displacement and Trauma Exposure on University Students

The following study examined the reactions of university students to Hurricane Katrina. A group of 68 New Orleans area students who were displaced from their home universities as a result of the hurricane were matched on race, gender, and age to a sample of 68 students who had been enrolled at Louisiana State University (LSU) prior to the hurricane. All students were enrolled at LSU at the time they participated in an online survey, conducted 3 months following the hurricane. The survey included symptom measures of depression, anxiety, stress, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other variables. Results indicated displaced students experienced more trauma exposure and greater subsequent distress, more symptoms of PTSD, and more symptoms of depression. Moreover, traumatic exposure and distress from the traumatic exposure were found to fully mediate depressive symptoms and posttraumatic symptoms in the displaced students.
Computing radiation from Kerr black holes: Generalization of the Sasaki-Nakamura equation

As shown by Teukolsky, the master equation governing the propagation of weak radiation in a black hole spacetime can be separated into four ordinary differential equations, one for each spacetime coordinate. (``Weak'' means the radiation's amplitude is small enough that its own gravitation may be neglected.) Unfortunately, it is difficult to accurately compute solutions to the separated radial equation (the Teukolsky equation), particularly in a numerical implementation. The fundamental reason for this is that the Teukolsky equation's potentials are long ranged. For nonspinning black holes, one can get around this difficulty by applying transformations which relate the Teukolsky solution to solutions of the Regge-Wheeler equation, which has a short-ranged potential. A particularly attractive generalization of this approach to spinning black holes for gravitational radiation (spin weight $s=\ensuremath{-}2)$ was given by Sasaki and Nakamura. In this paper, I generalize the Sasaki-Nakamura results to encompass radiation fields of arbitrary integer spin weight, and give results directly applicable to scalar $(s=0)$ and electromagnetic $(s=\ensuremath{-}1)$ radiation. These results may be of interest for studies of astrophysical radiation processes near black holes, and of programs to compute radiation reaction forces in curved spacetime.
Vaccination of mice with herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D DNA produces low levels of protection against lethal HSV-1 challenge

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein D (gD) gene was inserted into vectors pSVL or pRc/CMV under control of the SV40 late promoter or the human cytomegalovirus major immediate-early promoter, respectively. Intramuscular injection of mice with these gD-containing plasmids appeared to induce low levels of serum anti-gD antibody, as judged by the appearance of low levels of anti-HSV-1-neutralizing antibody and anti-gD ELISA responses in the serum of gD-DNA-vaccinated mice. As previously reported in other virus systems, vaccination with vector DNA also induced ELISA and neutralizing antibody titers. However, these titers were lower than those induced by the gD-containing plasmids. The ELISA and neutralization titers induced by the vectors appeared to be non-specific rather than directed at specific HSV-1 proteins, since serum from mice vaccinated with plasmid-gD immunoprecipitated significant amounts of gD from extracts of HSV-1-infected cells, while serum from mice vaccinated with vectors was unable to immunoprecipitate gD or any other obvious HSV-1 proteins. Neither pSVL-gD nor pRc/CMV-gD induced detectable lymphocyte proliferative or CTL responses. Vaccination with pSVL-gD provided a significant (P = 0.04, Fisher's exact test), but low level of protection against lethal challenge with HSV-1. Vaccination with pRc/CMV-gD also appeared to provide a low level of protection against challenge, that was statistically significance at the 10% level (P = 0.054, Fisher's exact test). Reports from numerous laboratories (including ours) have shown that vaccination with recombinantly expressed gD can provide very high levels of protection against HSV-1 lethal challenge. Thus, the results reported here suggest that vaccination with HSV-1 gD-DNA is not yet a useful alternative to a gD subunit vaccine.
Is obesity associated with lower body temperatures? Core temperature: a forgotten variable in energy balance

The global increase in obesity, along with the associated adverse health consequences, has heightened interest in the fundamental causes of excessive weight gain. Attributing obesity to "gluttony and sloth", blaming the obese for overeating and limiting physical activity, oversimplifies a complex problem, since substantial differences in metabolic efficiency between lean and obese have been decisively demonstrated. The underlying physiological basis for these differences have remained poorly understood. The energetic requirements of homeothermy, the maintenance of a constant core temperature in the face of widely divergent external temperatures, accounts for a major portion of daily energy expenditure. Changes in body temperature are associated with significant changes in metabolic rate. These facts raise the interesting possibility that differences in core temperature may play a role in the pathophysiology of obesity. This review explores the hypothesis that lower body temperatures contribute to the enhanced metabolic efficiency of the obese state.
Toward a hybrid snake robot for single-port surgery

We propose a new snake-like robot for use in single-port minimally invasive surgery. The snake robot is made of a concentric tube robot and a highly articulated robotic probe. The probe operates as a stiff shield for the concentric tube robot. Consequently, the snake robot provides simultaneously high tip stiffness and dexterity that cannot be obtained by the single use of any of two robots. A critical design challenge is achieving a small radius of curvature for the hybrid snake. A mechanic model is presented for computing the minimum achievable radius of curvature for the hybrid snake. Experiments validate the mechanic model.
Hydrogenase Mediated Nitrite Reduction in Chlorella

The assay of the hydrogenase of glucose-grown cells of Chlorella pyrenoidosa, strain 7-11-05 by means of nitrite reduction with molecular hydrogen is described. The hydrogenase of Chlorella shows maximum activity immediately after equilibration in the hydrogen atmosphere. The hydrogenase mediated reduction of nitrite to ammonia requires the presence of CO(2). However, at pH 6.4. when the reaction proceeds optimally, there is apparently sufficient retention of metabolic CO(2) to support the reaction, which goes to completion, at near maximum rates.Reduction of nitrite in the hydrogenase system when CO(2) is present results in the uptake of 3 moles of H(2) per mole of nitrite and ammonia is the product. When CO(2) is absent or limiting, ammonia is also formed from nitrite but with the uptake of less than the stoichiometric amount of H(2). It is concluded that CO(2) is essential for the uptake of H(2), and that in the absence of CO(2) internal hydrogen donors support nitrite reduction.The possibility that CO(2) exerts a catalytic effect in all reductions mediated by hydrogenase in algae is considered, and a further hypothesis, that hydrogenase arises from that portion of the photosynthetic machinery which also shows a catalytic requirement for CO(2), is proposed.
Relation between photosynthetically available radiation and total insolation at the ocean surface under clear skies1

A radiative transfer model is used to investigate the relationship between photosynthetically available radiation, Epar(0+) and total incoming solar radiation, Etot(0+) at the ocean surface. The ratio of Epar(0+) to Etot(0+) lies between 0.42 and 0.50 for most clear sky conditions. The simulations indicate that the parameters governing the variability of Epar(0+): Etot(0+) are the solar zenith angle, the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, and the aerosol optical thickness. The influence of ozone and other gaseous constituents is insignificant. Comparisons between model results and field data show close agreement. Given the solar zenith angle and an estimate of both the total water vapor amount and the aerosol optical thickness, Epar(0+) can be accurately predicted from Etot(0+) for studies of aquatic photosynthesis.
Heterogeneous parallel processor for a model-based vision system

ABSTRACT Real time image processing/computer vision systems require highperformance parallel architectures in order to achieve required data processing speeds. In this paper, a real-time architecture is proposed for aspecific class of model-based vision algorithms that recognize objects in radarimages [Morgan 89]. The architecture is simulated and the results of thesimulations are related to currently available parallel processors in order to estimate the performance on these systems. Not only does this architecturesolve the radar object recognition problem, it can also be generalized forsimilar image processing/computer vision algorithms. to INTRODUCFION The rapid automatic recognition of objects from single and multi-sensordata is a complex and difficult task for both industrial and military systems.This is due to the variability of the observing conditions (such as weather) andambiguities that arise from complex scenes (such as occlusion and camouflage). These complexities result in sophisticated and computationally
Putting Critical Pedagogy in Its Place: A Personal Account.

Thorne, S. (1999a, March). An activity theory analysis of foreign language electronic discourse. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Applied Linguistics, Stamford, CT. Thorne, S. (1999b). The sociocultural organization offoreign language electronic discourse. Doctoral dissertation in progress, University of California, Berkeley. Valdman, A. (1992). Authenticity, variation, and communication in the foreign language classroom. In C. Kramsch & S. McConnell-Ginet (Eds.), Text and context: Cross-disciplinary perspectives on language study (pp. 79-97). Lexington, MA: D. C. Heath.
Robust linear time-varying control for trajectory tracking: computation and an experimental application

This paper provides computational and experimental verification of the use of recently developed linear time-varying (LTV) robust control synthesis methods for controlling systems along prespecified trajectories. The linearization of system dynamics along trajectories yield LTV systems, and we compute and design robust controllers with respect to such linearizations. The techniques employed require the computation of potentially large linear matrix inequalities and complexity reduction using new model reduction for LTV systems is also demonstrated.
Global attractivity in a rational delay difference equation with quadratic terms

For the following rational difference equation with arbitrary delay and quadratic terms: we determine sufficient conditions on the parameter values which guarantee that the unique non-negative fixed point attracts all positive solutions. When the fixed point is the origin (F = 0), we show that it attracts all non-negative solutions of the more general equation where . We also show that altering some of the above conditions on parameters causes the origin to not be globally attracting.
Hydrodynamic response of subduction zones to seismic activity: A case study for the Costa Rica margin

Abstract Thermal anomalies in tectonically active areas are often attributed to sub-seafloor fluid circulation and faulting mechanisms, particularly in subduction zones where the largest thrust earthquakes occur. Postseismic fluid flow is enabled by the poroelastic response of the fault system to the earthquake's strain field, as well as by the rupturing of permeability barriers in the vicinity of the fault zone. We investigated the relative importance of these mechanisms on postseismic pore-pressure diffusion and advective heat transport in the subduction zone setting. A two-dimensional numerical fluid flow and heat transport model was developed for the Costa Rica subduction zone offshore of the Nicoya Peninsula. The flow and transport model was coupled with an earthquake strain model to quantify the effects of coseismic strain and permeability enhancement on fluid pressures and temperatures within the Costa Rica margin. Coseismic changes in pore pressure and postseismic pore-pressure diffusion were found to be sensitive to the compressibility of the porous medium, and patterns of pore-pressure recovery were more complex than that predicted by theoretical faulting models. Coseismic contraction and extension of the crust produced high fluid pressures close to the fault, while the inflow of fluid from depth increased fluid pressures several years following the simulated fault slip. Crustal deformation alone was not observed to perturb the temperature field. Laterally extensive permeability increases of two orders of magnitude along the decollement were required to produce small changes in heat flow. Local permeability changes in the upper slope region of least five orders of magnitude were necessary to noticeably affect heat flow. The results of the numerical simulations may help to refine conceptual faulting models and provide guidance for locating long-term hydrologic monitoring sites at Costa Rica and other subduction zones.
Elasticity of ion stuffing in chemically strengthened glass

Abstract The chemical strengthening of glass involves the stuffing of large ions into network sites previously occupied by smaller ions. Typically this involves an exchange of Li+ or Na+ ions in the glass for larger K+ ions from a molten salt bath. This swapping of ions creates compressive stress in the surface of the glass, significantly increasing the strength of the final glass product. The magnitude of this compressive stress is governed by the linear network dilation coefficient (LNDC), which defines the amount of linear strain per unit of ion substitution. However, the amount of strain attainable through ion exchange is much smaller compared to what is expected from as-melted versions of the same final glass composition. This effect, which we have termed the “network dilation anomaly,” is a result of the different local environment around the invading ion species in as-melted versus ion-exchanged glasses. A remaining question concerns the nature of the network strain due to ion stuffing. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the strain induced by ion stuffing is entirely elastic. In other words, when a reverse ion exchange is performed to swap the original ions back into the glass, the initial volume of the as-melted glasses is entirely recovered. Moreover, we show that the local structural environment around the alkali ions is restored to the as-melted conditions. The elastic nature of ion stuffing demonstrates that the network dilation anomaly is not a result of plasticity, but rather a failure to achieve the full amount of expected elastic strain during ion exchange. The elasticity itself consists of both instantaneous and delayed contributions.
Recurrent thoracic outlet syndrome

In the author's experience, the rate of recurrence is lower (5%-10%) when a combined procedure (transaxillary first rib resection followed by immediate transcervical anterior and middle scalenectomy) is performed as the primary operation. The author strongly believes this combined procedure accomplishes an excellent decompression of the thoracic outlet area and decreases the rate of recurrence and reoperation. In addition, spontaneous recurrence most likely is caused when scar tissue gradually builds up in the surgical area. For this reason, as mentioned previously, the author instructs and encourages patients to start postoperative exercises the day after surgery and to continue these exercises for at least 6 months and preferably 1 year to improve brachial plexus and subclavian vessel gliding and to minimize the harmful effects of scar tissue.
Local Sarcomere Contraction in Fast Muscle Fibres

IT has been reported1 that if a small (about 5–40µ in diameter) locally isolated region of the surface membrane of an intact fast muscle fibre of the frog (Rana pipiens) is sufficiently excited, local intracellular contraction occurs involving the entire diameter of only those Z disks or I bands immediately beneath the region of membrane excited. Strickholm found no sarcomere contraction outside the locally excited region. The initiation of this local contraction had a depolarization threshold. Depolarization alone wras often insufficient to initiate contraction, however, and subsequent analysis indicated that the density of the inward membrane current during excitation was a more important determining factor. The local contraction was relaxed and resembled a twitch, although membrane depolarization was maintained. The surface membrane had to be repolarized before another local contraction could be elicited.
Intracardiac Phonocardiography in Mitral and Aortic Valve Lesions

Abstract Intracardiac phonocardiograms were studied during left heart catheterization in two normal subjects and 15 patients with mitral or aortic valve lesions. Data pertaining to normal intracardiac, left atrial and left ventricular sounds are discussed. Data obtained in mitral stenosis, mitral insufficiency, aortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency are reported. The murmurs were best recorded in those chambers which received the blood flow (normal or pathologic) during the production of each murmur. Observations dealing with the third or fourth heart sound and with the mitral opening snap are reported.
Identification and partial characterization of an Actinomyces pyogenes hemolysin

Twenty-two Actinomyces pyogenes isolates were recovered from hepatic abscesses in cattle and evaluated for hemolysin production. Hemolysin was collected from supernatant of cultures grown in 6% CO2 in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth. The effect of oxidizing and reducing agents, enzymes, temperatures and pH on hemolytic activity were studied using sheep erythrocytes as the target cells. Our study showed that A. pyogenes hemolysin is oxygen stable; sensitive to treatment by protease, trypsin, and amylase; and destroyed by treatment at extreme temperatures (56 and 100 degrees C) and pH (pH 3 and 11). Production of hemolysin was studied in BHI, RPMI-1640, and a defined serum-free A. pyogenes medium under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Maximum hemolysin was produced in BHI incubated aerobically in 6% CO2 and to a lesser degree anaerobically in RPMI-1640. No hemolysin was produced in the defined A. pyogenes medium. Differential filtration, isoelectric focusing and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis identified two hemolysin proteins with pI values of 3.40 and 9.45 and estimated molecular masses of 62 and 58 kDa, respectively. Cell-free supernatant samples positive for hemolysin activity also were screened for leukotoxin activity. Significant levels of leukotoxin were detected in all samples screened.
Magnetometer-enhanced personal locator for tunnels and GPS-denied outdoor environments

This paper describes recent advances with our earlier developed Personal Dead-reckoning (PDR) system for GPS-denied environments. The PDR system uses a foot-mounted Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that also houses a three axismagnetometer. In earlier work we developed methods for correcting the drift errors in the accelerometers, thereby allowing very accurate measurements of distance traveled. In addition, we developed a powerful heuristic method for correcting heading errors caused by gyro drift. The heuristics exploit the rectilinear features found in almost all manmade structures and therefore limit this technology to indoor use only. Most recently we integrated a three-axis magnetometer with the IMU, using a Kalman Filter. While it is well known that the ubiquitous magnetic disturbances found in most modern buildings render magnetometers almost completely useless indoors, these sensors are nonetheless very effective in pristine outdoor environments as well as in some tunnels and caves. The present paper describes the integrated magnetometer/IMU system and presents detailed experimental results. Specifically, the paper reports results of an objective test conducted by Firefighters of California's CAL-FIRE. In this particular test, two firefighters in full operational gear and one civilian hiked up a two-mile long mountain trail over rocky, sometimes steeply inclined terrain, each wearing one of our magnetometer-enhanced PDR systems but not using any GPS. During the hour-long hike the average position error was about 20 meters and the maximum error was less than 45 meters, which is about 1.4% of distance traveled for all three PDR systems.
Centroid-shift measurement of the mean lifetimes of the 316 and 612 keV states of 192Pt

Abstract The mean lifetimes of the 316 and 612 keV levels in 192Pt were measured by means of a new variation of the centroid-shift method. The technique uses a triple coincidence among a β-particle and two γ-rays. Values obtained for the lifetimes are τ(316) = 61.7 ± 2.1 and τ(612) = 38.2 ± 2.2psec. The effect of these results on the analysis of the g-factors for these two states is discussed.
Modernizing Science: Comments on Nosek and Bar-Anan (2012)

Technology and science have long been the reciprocal beneficiaries of one another. Science advances technology and in turn technology advances science. The benefits of science for technology are cl...
Automatic detection of sub-km craters in high resolution planetary images

Abstract Impact craters are among the most studied geomorphic planetary features because they yield information about the past geological processes and provide a tool for measuring relative ages of observed geologic formations. Surveying impact craters is an important task which traditionally has been achieved by means of visual inspection of images. The shear number of smaller craters present in high resolution images makes visual counting of such craters impractical. In this paper we present a method that brings together a novel, efficient crater identification algorithm with a data processing pipeline; together they enable a fully automatic detection of sub-km craters in large panchromatic images. The technical details of the method are described and its performance is evaluated using a large, 12.5 m/pixel image centered on the Nanedi Valles on Mars. The detection percentage of the method is ∼ 70 % . The system detects over 35,000 craters in this image; average crater density is 0.5 craters / km 2 , but localized spots of much higher crater density are present. The method is designed to produce “million craters” global catalogs of sub-km craters on Mars and other planets wherever high resolution images are available. Such catalogs could be utilized for deriving high spatial resolution and high temporal precision stratigraphy on regional or even planetary scale.
Modeling The Images Of Alignment Marks Under Photoresist

A method for computing the images of contoured layered media is presented. The wave equation is solved in the layers by invoking the Rayleigh hypothesis, and the solution is cast in the form of a scattering matrix which relates the Fourier components of the incoming field to those of the outgoing field. Images of layered structures produced by a given optical system can be calculated by combining the scattering matrix representing the object with matrices representing the illumination and imaging optics which include the effects of apertures and aberrations. Results from the application of this technique to the problem of imaging alignment marks under photoresist will be presented and compared with experiment.
ION PAIRING OF Am(III) WITH PERCHLORATE.

Abstract From solvent extraction data, it is shown that the order of interaction with Am(III) is pTS− > ClO4− > BF4−. Corrections of the calculated stability constants for changes in the ionic media indicate that the uncorrected constants are understimates. These data provide evidence for the formation of AmClO4− and AmpTS+2 as weak ion-pairs.
The implications of the differences between design research and instructional systems design for educational technology researchers and practitioners

Design research (DR) has been an emerging research paradigm in the field of educational technology as well as in education generally for two decades. Educational design research integrates design and research into a socially responsible approach to inquiry related to learning and teaching. Given its still relative novelty, design research requires further discussion regarding what it is and how it can be effectively executed. Instructional Systems Design (ISD) is one of the major activities carried out by educational technologists. Both ISD and design research deal with the enactment of design to improve educational practice. This paper describes the differences and similarities between these two activities and addresses the implications of these differences and similarities for educational technology researchers and practitioners.
Long-term keratocyte deficits in the corneal stroma after LASIK☆☆☆

Abstract Purpose To determine changes in keratocyte density up to 3 years after LASIK. Design Prospective, nonrandomized, comparative trial. Participants Seventeen eyes of 11 patients received LASIK with a planned 180-μm flap to correct refractive errors between −2.0 diopters (D) and –11.0 D (mean, −6.56±2.44). Methods Corneas were examined by using confocal microscopy before LASIK and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after LASIK. Bright objects that resembled keratocyte nuclei were manually counted by a masked observer. Cell densities were determined in anterior and posterior halves of the stromal flap, anterior and posterior halves of the 100-μm-thick layer immediately behind the ablation (retroablation layer), and the posterior third of the stroma. The region of stroma that was ablated (as measured 1 month after LASIK) was omitted from preoperative analysis. Cell densities after LASIK were compared (using1-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance) with densities in the corresponding layer of the normal preoperative stroma (which served as its own control). Main outcome measure Corneal keratocyte density. Results Before LASIK, keratocyte densities in the anterior and posterior stromal flap and the anterior retroablation layer were 34 818±5108 cells/mm 3 (mean ± SD), 25 390±4045 cells/mm 3 , and 21 328±2980 cells/mm 3 , respectively, and densities in these layers decreased 14% to 20% at 1 month after LASIK ( P P Conclusion Keratocyte densities in the stromal flap and in the anterior retroablation layer decrease during the first 6 months after LASIK and then decrease further during the next 2.5 years. Further studies on these patients and others are warranted to confirm these findings and learn their significance.
Pain dominates measurements of elbow function and health status.

Background: Elbow function can be quantified with use of physician-based elbow-rating systems and health status questionnaires. Our hypothesis was that pain has a strong influence on these scores, which overwhelms the influence of objective factors such as motion. Methods: One hundred and four patients were evaluated, at a minimum of six months (average, forty-six months) after the latest surgery for an intra-articular fracture of the elbow, with use of three physician-based evaluation instruments (Mayo Elbow Performance Index [MEPI], Broberg and Morrey rating system, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Elbow Evaluation Instrument [ASES]), an upper-extremity-specific health status questionnaire (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH]), and a general health status questionnaire (Short Form-36 [SF-36]). Multivariate analysis of variance and regression modeling were used to identify the factors that account for the variability in scores derived with these measures—in other words, which factors have the strongest influence on the final score. Results: Pain alone accounted for 66% of the variability in the MEPI scores, 59% of the variability in the Broberg and Morrey scores, and 57% of the variability in the ASES scores. Models that included other factors accounted for only slightly more variability (73%, 79%, and 79%, respectively), and those that did not include pain accounted for only 22%, 41%, and 41% of the variability. Thirty-six percent of the variability in the DASH scores could be accounted for by pain alone, and 45% could be accounted for by pain and range of motion. Models not including pain accounted for only 17% of the variability in the DASH scores. Conclusions: Pain has a very strong influence on both physician-rated and patient-rated quantitative measures of elbow function. Consequently, these measures may be strongly influenced by the psychosocial aspects of illness that have a strong relationship with pain, and objective measures of elbow function such as mobility may be undervalued. It may be advisable to evaluate pain separately from objective measures of elbow function in physician-based elbow ratings.
Lupus nephritis: MAINTAINing perspective in lupus nephritis trials

Despite aggressive therapy, lupus nephritis (LN) remains an important predictor of morbidity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Clinical trials of novel drugs have not improved LN outcomes; however, re-analysis of well-characterized cohorts has identified surrogate end points of long-term renal survival, which will facilitate testing and qualification of novel treatments.
Radiation Curable Coatings on Plastics

Variables affecting the properties of electron beam cured acrylic and polyester coatings have been studied. The concentration of double bonds in unsaturated polymer, glass transition temperature of the coating and the choice of vinyl monomers for viscosity adjustment determine the solvent resistance and hardness of the coating. Electron beam cured coatings show excellent adhesion on ABS and untreated polypropylene. That the electron beam curing of paint on automotive plastic components is a suitable industrial process is indicated by recently announced Ford Production facility.
Hypodense eosinophils in allergic rhinitis.

Abstract Based on density, function, and membrane receptors, peripheral blood eosinophils are a heterogeneous population of cells. Importantly, hypodense eosinophils (HE) are metabolically more active and likely to contribute to tissue injury. In the following study, peripheral blood from patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) was evaluated for the presence of HE. To accomplish this, blood was obtained from patients with ragweed AR, granulocytes were isolated and fractionated by continuous density Percoll gradients, and the density distribution of these cells was determined after centrifugation. A significantly higher percentage of peripheral blood eosinophils were hypodense (defined as density p p
DNA-dependent DNA polymerases in differentiating embryonic muscle cells

Abstract Embryonic muscle cells, prior to differentiation, contain two DNA polymerases differing in molecular weight and template preference. The smaller polymerase is found predominantly in the nucleus, and the larger polymerase is found predominantly in the soluble fraction of the cell. The nuclear polymerase is most active with native DNA, losing activity if this template is nicked with pancreatic DNase or denatured; whereas the soluble polymerase is most active with denatured or nicked DNA template.
The Lymphopenic Mouse in Immunology: From Patron to Pariah

A recent surge of interest in the behavior of T and B cells in lymphopenic model systems has resurrected a certain cynicism about the validity of using such models to answer important immunological questions. Here we discuss this skepticism in a broader historical context.
Finding Our Way as “Embedded Librarians”

ABSTRACT Librarians at the University of Central Missouri were invited to provide research assistance for an online history course delivered through the Blackboard course management system. In consultation with the course instructor, it was decided that we would serve as “embedded librarians,” offering online tutorials on library resources and providing research assistance to students as they worked on a short research paper assignment. Our experiences with the course instructor and with students have provided us with some clear insights into the particular challenges that librarians face in an online course environment.
Nonstoichiometry, cation distribution, and electrical properties in Fe3O4‒CoFe2O4 at high temperature

Abstract Cation distributions in the system Fe3O4 CoFe2O4 from 600 to 1300°C were calculated from high-temperature thermopower measurements on oxygen-stoichiometric specimens. Behavior is virtually identical to that in the Fe3O4 MgFe2O4 system. Conductivity inCoxFe3−xO4 (x σ = [ d e / ( d + e ) ] T − 1 exp ⁡ [ 14.3 − 1475 T − 1 ( 1 + 1.189 x 2 ) ] , , whered ande are the octahedral Fe2+ and Fe3+ occupancies, respectively.
Metabolism of [14C] arachidonic acid in the isolated rabbit spleen.

Abstract Infusion of [14C] arachidonic acid (AA) into the isolated, Tyrode perfused rabbit spleen resulted in the release of a substance into the venous effluent with the musculotropic activity and chromatographic properties of prostaglandin (PG)E2. Smaller amounts of radioactive materials with the chromatographic properties of PGF2α, 6-keto-PGF1α, and PGD2 were also released. The radiolabeled material released in largest amounts from the spleen was identified as PGE2 on the basis of: 1) Co-chromatography with PGE2 in three solvent systems, 2) Conversion of the radioactive material and of authentic [3H] PGE2 to similar products by treatment with sodium borohydride and with potassium hydroxide, and 3) Stability of the musculotropic activity in Tyrode solution at 37°C. Release of the major and minor radioactive products was inhibited by pretreatment of the spleen with either indomethacin or 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid.
The reaction of ozone with thiophene in the gas phase

The reaction between ozone and thiophene was studied from 30 to 125°C over a pressure range of 0.005-0.3 torr ozone and 0.1-1 torr thiophene. The most abundant product was O2 with smaller amounts of CO2 and SO2. The mass balance was 100% for oxygen and approached 100% for sulfur at the higher values of [O3]0. The carbon balance, however, was only 25% and no H-containing products were found, suggesting that the missing product is a hydrocarbon which may be a polymer. The rate law found was -d[O3]/dt = k1[Th] [O3] + k2 [Th] [O3]2 where log k1(M−1 · sec−1) = 7.8 ± 0.5 - (8400 ± 700)/2.3RT, and log k2(M−2 · sec−1) = 12.4 ± 0.4 - (4700 ± 400)/2.3RT. Added O2 had no effect on k1 but reduced k2 to a limiting value. It is thus not possible to measure the primary rate constant in this system by measuring the overall rate in the presence of oxygen, and this restriction may also apply to other ozone systems. A mechanism is postulated involving two chain sequences, one of which is inhibited by added O2. A comparison with other ozone systems is made, and the chain lengths are far greater for ozone + thiophene than other systems, under the conditions employed. Possible intermediates in the mechanism are discussed.
Accelerated Human Population Growth at Protected Area Edges

Protected areas (PAs) have long been criticized as creations of and for an elite few, where associated costs, but few benefits, are borne by marginalized rural communities. Contrary to predictions of this argument, we found that average human population growth rates on the borders of 306 PAs in 45 countries in Africa and Latin America were nearly double average rural growth, suggesting that PAs attract, rather than repel, human settlement. Higher population growth on PA edges is evident across ecoregions, countries, and continents and is correlated positively with international donor investment in national conservation programs and an index of park-related funding. These findings provide insight on the value of PAs for local people, but also highlight a looming threat to PA effectiveness and biodiversity conservation.
Use of a mechanical iris-based fiber optic probe for spatially offset Raman spectroscopy

We demonstrated a mechanical iris-based fiber optic probe with adjustable spatial offsets for spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS). In the fiber probe, the excitation fiber was fixed at the center of the iris, and the collection fibers were movable with blades of the iris. Moreover, we studied the gap effect between the probe and the sample and demonstrated this fiber optic probe can be used as a platform for surface-enhanced SORS applications. This fiber probe design could potentially provide a design-efficient and cost-effective solution for various Raman applications.
A Collaborative Approach to a Course on the Semantic Web

The semantic Web is an area of current research focus in many disciplines including software engineering. However, the breadth of knowledge required to understand development on the semantic Web combined with the rapidly changing state of the field requires that teaching approaches to the semantic Web be flexible. This paper describes a collaborative approach used to teach a course on the semantic Web. Techniques used in the course included positioning the instructor as co-learner, joint decision-making by instructor and class, and the use of a group project. Survey results on student satisfaction with the teaching approach are presented, as well as student and instructor opinion on the approach
Structure, dissociation, and the vibrational signatures of hydrogen clusters in amorphous silicon

We use quantum molecular dynamics to study the structure, dissociation, and vibrational signatures of hydrogen clusters in amorphous silicon. Four structural models of hydrogenated amorphous silicon and two bulk $c$-Si:H structures are used for our study. We compare the properties of hydrogen clusters found in the structural models with other theoretical models and experimental measurements. By examining the energetics of H in these models, we gain insight into the trapping levels for H in $a$-Si:H films. In addition, we examine the geometric and vibrational properties of the hydrogen clusters as they dissociate. Our simulations are used to interpret the results of recent experiments including a low-temperature infrared study of hydrogenated amorphous silicon during light soaking.
Peroxisome proliferation in Foraminifera inhabiting the chemocline: an adaptation to reactive oxygen species exposure?

Certain foraminiferal species are abundant within the chemocline of marine sediments. Ultrastructurally, most of these species possess numerous peroxisomes complexed with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); mitochondria are often interspersed among these complexes. In the Santa Barbara Basin, pore-water bathing Foraminifera and co-occurring sulfur-oxidizing microbial mats had micromolar levels of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), a reactive oxygen species that can be detrimental to biological membranes. Experimental results indicate that adenosine triphosphate concentrations are significantly higher in Foraminifera incubated in 16μM H 2 O 2 than in specimens incubated in the absence of H 2 O 2 . New ultrastructural and experimental observations, together with published results, lead us to propose that foraminiferans can utilize oxygen derived from the breakdown of environmentally and metabolically produced H 2 O 2 . Such a capability could explain foraminiferal adaptation to certain chemically inhospitable environments; it would also force us to reassess the role of protists in biogeochemistry, especially with respect to hydrogen and iron. The ecology of these protists also appears to be tightly linked to the sulfur cycle. Finally, given that some Foraminifera bearing peroxisome-ER complexes belong to evolutionarily basal groups, an early acquisition of the capability to use environmental H 2 O 2 could have facilitated diversification of foraminiferans during the Neoproterozoic.
Techniques for efficiently allocating persistent storage

Efficient disk storage is a crucial component for many applications. The commonly used method of storing data on disk using file systems or databases incurs significant overhead which can be a problem for applications which need to frequently access and update a large number of objects. This paper presents efficient algorithms for managing persistent storage which usually only require a single seek for allocations and deallocations and allow the state of the system to be fully recoverable in the event of a failure. We have developed a portable implementation of our algorithms in Java. Results in this paper demonstrate the superiority of our approach over file systems and databases for Web-related workloads. Our system has been a crucial component for persistently storing data at a number of highly accessed Web sites. We describe our experiences from a large real deployment of our system.