cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coal liquefaction yields in tetralin — their prediction from heat measurements of coal hydrogenation in H2 by DSC

Abstract Given et al.1, in this laboratory, measured the liquefaction behaviour of coals at 673 K in the presence of tetralin but with no added catalyst or molecular hydrogen. Use of a stepwise multiple regression analysis led to a number of linear equations relating liquefaction conversion simultaneously to various coal characteristics. It was concluded that liquefaction yields can only be adequately accounted for by consideration of at least three coal properties. Properties found to be most important were total sulphur, total reactive macerais, and total carbon from ultimate analysis. Concurrently with liquefaction studies, we were measuring in this laboratory exothermic heats involved during hydrogenation of coals in H2 using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)2. This communication examines the possibility of using d.s.c. to predict coal liquefaction behaviour.
Enhanced electrical conductivity of poly(ethylene terephthalate) implanted with fluorine ions

Effet de l'implantation d'ions 50 et 75 keV dans le PET sur ses proprietes electriques. Augmentations de la conductivite jusqu'a 10 ordres de grandeur en fonction de plusieurs facteurs tels que, la fluence, l'energie d'implantation et le type d'ions
Rotating-Disk-Sample Electrode Method

Sample rotation during excitation in metal emission spectroscopy is quite common. Rotating sample holders are available commercially. The advantages of sample rotation during excitation are: 1) More representative sampling is achieved as more of the sample surface is exposed to electrical discharge; 2) Improved spectral intensity, because a larger area of sample is exposed during emission; and 3) Minimum matrix effect, because the rotating sample can avoid local heating. Results with techniques using rotating samples have been reported by Wang (1) and Wang, et al., (2) who used briquetted soil samples, which had been fused and mixed with graphite, by Mitchell and Scott (3), who used plant-ash briquets, and also by Gillete et al., (4) who analyzed cements and nickel ores.
Soil pH, rainfall and death rates for oesophageal cancer in Chileans

Summary An investigation on soil pH and oesophageal cancer mortality rates in Chile was made. Also the association between soil pH and rainfall in the different Chilean Provinces was studied. It was found that alkaline soils were associated with geographical areas having the highest age-adjusted death rates from oesophageal cancer. Rainfall was negatively associated with soil pH, that is to say, areas with the lowest rainfall had the highest pH values (alkaline soils). These studies confirm the investigations carried out in the northern coast of Iran.
Experiments on natural convection heat transfer on the fins of a finned horizontal tube

Abstract Experiments were performed to determine the natural convection heat flux distribution on the faces of isothermal circumferential fins affixed to a horizontal heated (or cooled) tube. The naphthalene sublimation technique was used in the execution of the experiments, and the mass-transfer results were transformed to heat-transfer results by using the analogy between the two processes. At each of several interim spacings, the tube diameter was increased systematically while the fin dimensions were kept fixed, thereby resulting in a systematic decrease in the fin heat-transfer surface area. At small interfin spacings, the fin heat-transfer rate was unchanged as the transfer surface area was decreased by the increase of the tube diameter. For the larger spacings, there was a modest decrease of the fin heat-transfer rate, but much less than the reduction in surface area. These findings suggest that the highest heat-transfer coefficients occur adjacent to the periphery of the fin while the lowest coefficients are at the inner portion of the fin, adjacent to the tube. This outcome stands in contrast to the conventional model which assumes that the heat-transfer coefficient is uniform across the face of the fin.
Bombesin-like peptides stimulate phosphatidylinositol turnover in rat brain slices☆

Abstract The ability of bombesin (BN)-like peptides to stimulate phosphatidylinositol turnover in rat brain slices was investigated. BN (1 μM) significantly stimulated inositol-1-phosphate (IP 1 ) but not inositol-4,5-biphosphate (IP 2 ) or inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3 ) production using frontal cortex slices in the presence of LiCl (7.5 mM); BN had no effect on cAMP or cGMP levels. BN and the structurally-related gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) elevated IP 1 levels in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, nanomolar concentrations of the GRP fragment (Ac-GRP 20–27 ) significantly elevated IP 1 levels, whereas micromolar concentrations of the inactive GRP 1–16 did not. BN significantly elevated IP 1 levels in those brain regions enriched in BN receptors such as the olfactory bulb, hippocampus, striatum, thalamus and frontal cortex, whereas IP 1 levels were not significantly increased in areas which have a low density of BN receptors such as the cerebellum, medulla/pons and midbrain. These data suggest that CNS BN receptors may utilize phosphatidylinositol as a second messenger.
USE OF GENETIC ALGORITHMS IN THERMAL PROPERTY ESTIMATION: PART I - EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN OPTIMIZATION

This two-part study is on the use of genetic algorithms (GAs) to design experiments and develop estimation methodologies for the determination of thermal properties; Part I is focused on the development of an improved GA and the implementation of this algorithm to optimize experimental designs for the estimation of thermal properties, while Part II is directed toward the use of this algorithm in the estimation of thermal properties. In Part I the methodology used in the improved GA, called the extended elitist genetic algorithm (EEGA), is presented, and results from two optimization test problems are compared with those obtained previously from a basic elitist genetic algorithm (BEGA) and a parametric study. GAs are based on the genetic and selection mechanisms of nature, and the EEGA improves on the BEGA by enhancing the Darwinian principle of the “survival of the fittest. ” In the test problems, several key parameters in two experimental designs used for the simultaneous estimation of thermal properties...
Tokamak-like equilibria at beta close to unity

This paper describes a computer study of tokamak equilibria, which resulted in configurations at β-values close to one. The cross-section that was studied most intensely was a vertical racetrack with an elongation of two to one. A circular cross-section and a D-shaped vessel did not allow equilibria at as high a β as the racetrack. The safety factor q was kept greater than one everywhere, and the q-profile was kept flat. The corresponding broad current profile has been observed in pinches, where it has a very favourable influence on equilibrium and stability. This favourable influence also displays itself in the equilibria computed; even at a peak β of 82%, the magnetic axis shifts over only 37% of the half-width of the cross-section. The outer boundary of the cross-section was assumed to be a flux surface (e.g. a metal shell). Stability of localized modes was studied by means of the Mercier criterion; it was possible to satisfy this criterion, except in the vicinity of the magnetic axis. Calculations with narrow pressure profiles showed that the plasma did not contract to a round shape; the broad current profile apparently helps to maintain the elongated shape of the plasma. The very high β-values reported here are of interest for extrapolations of fast pulsed tokamaks. It is also important to note that even a modest broadening of the current profile in a conventional tokamak would improve the stability and reduce the shift at moderate β.
The Decentralization of High-Technology Manufacturing to Nonmetropolitan Areas

Historically, employment in high-technology manufacturing industries has been concentrated in metropolitan areas. The product life cycle theory of industrial location suggests, however, that employment in this sector will decentralize as these industries mature and production processes are standardized. This study utilized shift-share analysis and Enhanced County Business Pattern data to determine the extent to which a metropolitan-to-nonmetroplitan employment shift occurred from 1975 to 1982. Employment shifts for nonmetropolitan counties of different sizes, adjacency status, and cenus regions were estimated. Also, the specific high-technology manufacturers (four-digit SIC) participating in the decentralization process were identified. The findings of this study indicate that nonmetropolitan employment in the high-tech sector increased by more than 13,000 as a result of decentralization. Small- and medium-sized nonmetropolitan counties and nonmetropolitan areas in New England, the South, and the West experienced the greatest gains in high-technology employment. Urban-to-rural employment shifts in innovative high-technology industries was restricted to primarily counties adjacent to metropolitan areas and nonmetropolitan counties in the New England and Pacific regions.
A pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry study of the actinomycete Streptomyces longisporoflavus

Pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry studies of the whole lyophilized microorganism Streptomyces longisporoflavus, an actinomycete, are reported. Identification of the pyrolysis products indicate that the vast majority arise from protein and carbohydrate origin. There is a paucity of lipid fragments evident. Some of the details of its biochemical composition evident in these results are compared with our previous similar studies on the bacteria Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis var. niger and suggest this actinomycete lies in biochemical complexity somewhere between the latter two organisms. Although the pyrolysis patterns of these three organisms possess considerable similarities, they are drastically different to that from the fungus Aspergillus niger.
Helminth infection suppresses T-cell immune response to HIV-DNA-based vaccine in mice.

A number of HIV-1 vaccines are in various phases of clinical trials and many more are in the developmental pipeline. Vaccines are especially needed for developing countries where morbidity and mortality due to HIV/AIDS is most severe, the prevalence of HIV infection is highest, and its incidence is often still rising dramatically. Individuals living in these regions are often infected with one or more helminth parasites which systemically bias the immune system towards Th2-type as well as drive immune anergy. The goal of this study was to develop a multi-T-cell epitope DNA-based vaccine for HIV-1 subtype C and to determine the impact of helminth infection on the immune response to this vaccine. We found that vaccination of naive mice with the multi-epitope vaccine, designated TD158, induced a strong HIV-1C-specific T-cell immune response, and that the addition of the Igkappa leader sequence to the TD158 vaccine construct significantly increased the frequencies of IFN-gamma secreting CD8+ T cells. However, the TD158 vaccine specific response of mice infected with the human helminth Schistosoma mansoni was significantly suppressed. The impact of schistosome infection on suppressing the virus-specific immune response was the same whether mice were vaccinated with the TD158 vaccine or with the Igkappa enhanced TD158. The results of this study suggest that helminth infection may pose a serious problem for vaccination with the DNA-based HIV-1 vaccine in developing country populations, and that the prevalence of helminth infections in the vaccine cohorts should be taken into account for HIV-1 vaccine trial design.
Observer agreement: cumulative effects of repeated ratings of the same samples and of knowledge of group results.

The validity of measurements derived from the rating by observers of nonmetric multidimensional stimuli—in this study ratings of stuttering severity—is determined by the amount of observer agreemen...
Creating Cultures of Teaching and Learning: Conveying Dance and Somatic Education Pedagogy.

ABSTRACTOften in teaching dance, methods of teaching and learning are silently embedded into dance classroom experiences. Unidentified and undisclosed pedagogic information has impacted the content of dance history; the perpetuation of authoritarian teaching practices within dance technique classes and in some dance classes deemed “somatics”; and the perception of the field of dance as “dance as art” or “dance as education”. This research illuminates a history of dance pedagogy in United States higher education. Dance pedagogy is aligned with current educational theory and practice, which reveals the impact of pedagogic choices on creating student-centered and teacher-centered cultures of teaching and learning. This article calls upon dance educators to be cognizant of the implications of pedagogic choices and to be transparent to students about pedagogy in their classrooms.
Steady and unsteady isochoric simple extensional flows

Abstract The steady tubeless-siphon (Fano) flow of 0.5% Dow Separan AP-30 in glycerine was experimentally studied. It was found that the inertial effects were generally not negligible, resulting in bulging and contraction of the column according to Coleman and Noll's predictions for the extension of a circular cylinder. In an attempt to develop a free-boundary isochoric simple extensional flow which does not have a surface geometry modification as a result of inertial effects, a general unsteady accelerating D'Almbert-type flow is investigated. It is shown that for the Coleman-and-Noll-type extension of a (perpetually) circular cylinder, a specific D'Almbert motion exists which does not have inertial induced surface-geometry changes. However, no D'Almbert-type Fano flow exists which meets this criterion. The interpretation of extensional viscosity is also discussed for these flows.
Identification of LSc2ab Strain of Type 1 Poliovirus by Inhibition With Horse Serum and Dextran Sulfate.

SummaryThe antiviral properties of two substances, dextran sulfate and equine serum, were made use of in combination to distinguish the LSc2ab (Sabin) strain of type 1 poliovirus from other type 1 strains. The combination of inhibitors strongly suppressed plaque formation of LSc2ab virus. In plaque reduction tests with the combined inhibitors 17 or 18 strains of type 1 poliovirus, including attenuated, wild and virulent strains, were unaffected, and these were readily distinguished from the LSc2ab virus.
Equilibrium shapes of droplets across grain boundaries

Abstract The equilibrium shape of a crystal in an infinite or a semi-infinite system has been known for decades. Here, we consider shapes of droplets which straddle two semifinite systems, joint at a planar, common boundary, such as a grain boundary of twinned crystals. For arbitrary anisotropic surface tensions, this problem is solved, in two dimensions. Some examples and special limits are shown.
Assembly system design principles and tradeoffs

This paper develops an analytical model to evaluate serial and parallel designs for an assembly system. The purpose is to identify when each design is cost-effective, using minimal data. The analysis shows that the design alternatives are based on a trade-off between labour and equipment utilization. Equations are derived for a simple system to illustrate this trade-off. Results indicate that the optimal trade-off depends simply on the ratio of labour to equipment costs. The trade-off analysis provides a first step towards establishing basic principles for assembly system design.
Extension of the semiempirical germanium detector response function to low energy gamma rays

Abstract A model for the spectral response function of large volume germanium gamma-ray detectors in the range of incident gamma-ray energies from 60 keV to 6.2 MeV has been developed and applied to a 39% high purity germanium detector. Functional forms for describing the various features of the response function are based either on empirical functions or on analytical expressions of the interaction mechanisms. Improved functions are formulated to give good agreement to the experimental spectra near the Compton edge in the Compton continuum of the primary and annihilation photons. To form the complete detector response function only nine linear and six nonlinear parameters are needed. Validity of the model is demonstrated by comparing the regenerated spectra of 241Am, 51Cr, 137Cs, 54Mn, 28Al, 37S, and 16N and the synthesized spectra of 24Na and 133Ba using the response function to the equivalent experimental spectra.
Regulated phosphorylation and trafficking of antidepressant-sensitive serotonin transporter proteins

Presynaptic serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) transporters (SERTs) mediate antidepressant-sensitive clearance of 5-HT following release. Although we have been aware for decades that SERT-mediated 5-HT clearance can be modulated by exogenous agents including serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors, amphetamines, and cocaine, we have had little reason to speculate that SERT activity was actively controlled through endogenous pathways. Recent studies indicate that SERTs are likely to be trafficked to specific plasma membrane subdomains to achieve localized clearance of 5-HT, and that the number of SERTs resident in the plasma membrane is controlled through kinase- and phosphatase-linked pathways. In particular, roles for protein kinase C and phosphatase 2A become apparent through studies with enzyme activators and inhibitors in SERT-transfected cells, where SERT proteins are rapidly phosphorylated in parallel with transporter redistribution and loss of functional uptake capacity. Based on our findings, and the studies of others in native tissues and transfected cells, we propose a model whereby SERTs are organized in a macromolecular complex in the plasma membrane that may serve to locate reuptake activity near release sites. Although many elements of this model remain hypothetical, our findings suggest a much more dynamic picture of transporter-mediated 5-HT reuptake than typically described and suggest opportunities both for the development of new SERT regulatory agents and for the identification of regulatory pathways that may be compromised in mental illness.
Processing and characterization of polycrystalline YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) core-clad fibers

Polycrystalline YAG fiber has recently attracted considerable attention for the role it could play as a fiber-laser gain media. This primarily due to its large surface-to-volume ratio, high stimulated Brillouin scattering threshold, and its high thermal conductivity; all of which are superior to that of silica-glass fibers. As a consequence, techniques which enable the fabrication of poly- and single-crystalline YAG fibers have recently been the focus of a number of efforts. In this work we have endeavored to reduce the scattering loss of polycrystalline-YAG-core fibers while simultaneously demonstrating optical gain by enhancing our processing techniques using feedback from mechanical testing and through the development of a technique to encase doped YAG-core fibers with un-doped YAG claddings. To this end we have recently fabricated fibers with both core and claddings made up of polycrystalline YAG and subsequently confirmed that they indeed guide light. In this paper, the processes leading to the fabrication of these fibers will be discussed along with their characterization.
The critical role Wernicke's area in sentence repetition

The anatomical correlates of persistent deficits in sentence repetition were studied in a group of 32 right-handed patients with fluent aphasia caused by left hemisphere ischemic stroke. Patients whose ability to repeat remained impaired by 6 months after onset almost without exception had damage to Wernicke's area. Furthermore, all patients with damage to Wernicke's area had impaired repetition 6 months after onset. The most consistent lesion correlating with chronic impairment of repetition, therefore, was one destroying parts or all of Wernicke's area. Lesions outside of this area typically resulted in milder impairment of repetition that resolved within a few months. Only 5 patients had no repetition impairment when tested early (1 month after onset). These patients all had lesions anterior to the rolandic fissure, some including Broca's area.
Access for sale: a new class of worm

The damage inflicted by viruses and worms has been limited by the risks that come with the more lucrative payloads. The problem facing authors of self-reproducing malware is that monetizing each intrusion requires the author to risk communication with the infected system. Malware authors looking to minimize risk and maximize loot have been better off carefully targeting trojan horses at a few systems at a time. However, this could change if malware authors could infect a large number of systems using a worm and sell access to infected systems to other black hats. We introduce a new type of worm that enables this division of labor, installing a back door on each infected system that opens only when presented a system-specific ticket generated by the worm's author. The risk to the worm's author is minimized because he need not communicate with the infected systems. This new class of attack could increase the incentives to write malware and create a market for such specialized skills. In addition to describing this new threat, we propose a number of approaches for defending against it.
A model for estimating the incidence of swimming‐related gastrointestinal illness as a function of water quality indicators

Several studies have demonstrated association between illnesses, in particular gastrointestinal illness (GI), in swimmers and sewage pollution as measured by the density of indicator organisms, such as E. coli and enterococci, in recreational waters. These studies generally classify illnesses into two categories according to the subjectivity of the reported symptoms and utilize separate analyses on the incidence of total illness and the incidence of objective symptoms of gastroenteritis. Generally, non-swimmer illness rates are available from these studies as an indicator of the background illness rates, but are not always utilized in the model. Data from two prospective epidemiological studies conducted by the U.S. EPA and evidencing relationships between the incidence of swimming-associated GI and enterococcus or E. coli density in marine and fresh water, respectively, are used as examples. Initially, analysis of these data consisted of the linear regression of log 10 enterococcus density on the difference in illness rates between swimmers and non-swimmers. Subsequent published analysis of the marine study utilized logistic regression, but did not take background illness rates into account. Both analyses produced separate models for rates of 'highly credible' and total GI symptoms. The present analysis demonstrates the advantages of including the background rates and how such rates may be incorporated in a logistic regression.
Gel electrophoresis of reacting macromolecules. Rate-limited self-association

Abstract Prompted by experimental sodium dodecyl sulfate-gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) patterns of an oligomerizing 73-residue peptide, PAGE and gradient PAGE patterns were simulated numerically for two rate-limited, reversible self-associating systems, viz., monomer-dimer and monomer-dimertetramer interactions. A wide range of values for rate constants and other relevant parameters was examined. The cardinal result for interactions with half-times comparable to the time of electrophoresis is that the number of peaks in the pattern can exceed the number of interacting species. Since peaks of intermediate migration velocities are composed of interconverting monomer and oligomers, molecular weights corresponding to individual species cannot be assigned to them.
Sexuality, distribution, and dispersal of Heterobasidion annosum in pine plantations of Vermont

Mating experiments with monosporous isolates of H. annosum from red pine plantations in Vermont demonstrate that the fungus is heterothallic and unifactorial. Clamp connections are present in tissue isolates from basidiocarps and in mycelia formed from compatible matings. The distribution of clamp connections within these mycelia is irregular and the features of this character are described in detail. The incompatibility factor is multiallelic and 40 alleles were identified in our collections from 53 basidiocarps. These alleles were used as naturally-occurring genetic markers to examine the distribution of the fungus within plantations. The distributional data are used to contribute information regarding dispersal. The genetic evidence suggests that centers of infection within a plantation are not due to the extensive vegetative spread of single clones, but that multiple inoculations are common in the development of infection centers. Nevertheless, the vegetative growth of mycelium does occur across the root systems of adjacent trees.
Correlation of image intensity on the Turin Shroud with the 3-D structure of a human body shape

The frontal image on the Shroud of Turin is shown to be consistent with a body shape covered with a naturally draping cloth in the sense that image shading can be derived from a single global mapping function of distance between these two surfaces. The visible image on the Shroud does not appear to be the work of an artist in an eye/brain/hand coordination sense nor does it appear to be the result of direct contact only, diffusion, radiation from a body shape or engraving, dabbing powder on a bas-relief, or electrostatic imaging. The visible image on the Shroud is probably not the result of a hot bas-relief impressed into cloth, but such a mechanism seems capable of accounting for the Shroud image’s distance correlation, resolution, and similar chemical structure. It does not simultaneously account for (1) the 3-D image residing on one side of the Shroud, (2) observed lateral image distortions (consistent with a draping cloth over a body shape), or (3) expected thermal perturbations associated with physically thick superimposed blood images. A complex mechanism involving more than one process may account for some of the Shroud image’s characteristics, but potential inconsistencies in shading continuity, cloth contact, lateral distortions, and pressure independence may exist.
Viability of Trichomonas vaginalis in Urine: Epidemiologic and Clinical Implications

The impact of the viability of Trichomonas vaginalis in urine on wet mount, culture, and PCR methods was assessed. To minimize the chance of false-negative results, urine specimens should be processed within 30 min of specimen collection and maintained at 37°C, since temperature appears to affect the viability of Trichomonas.
20-HETE activates the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in renal epithelial cells through an EGFR- and c-Src-dependent mechanism.

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) has been reported to promote mitogenicity in a variety of cell types, including renal epithelial cells. However, the signal transduction pathways activated...
MEDICARE AND INEQUALITIES IN HEALTH OUTCOMES: THE CASE OF BREAST CANCER

В статье рассматривается вопрос о том, будет ли улучшено здоровье граждан в возрасте от 55 до 64 лет, при расширении программы Medicare на эту категорию граждан. В работе сравнивается положение женщин возрастной группы от 55 до 64 лет и группы старше 65 лет, страдающих раком груди. При этом особое внимание уделяется тем демографическим группам, которые традиционно считаются находящимися в наименее выгодном положении. Используя уникальные данные, предоставленные Национальным институтом рака, авторы приходят к выводу о том, что расширение программы Medicare не повышает вероятности выявления рак груди у чернокожих женщин на ранней стадии. Однако, если болезнь все же была выявлена на ранней стадии, модель показывает, что шансы выжить у пациентки возрастают результате воздействия ценовых эффектов медицинского страхования.
Personality Moderators of Reactions to Interpersonal Rejection: Depression and Trait Self-Esteem

Two experiments were conducted to examine the moderating effects of depression and trait self-esteem on reactions to social exclusion. Participants received information indicating that they had been included in or excluded from a laboratory group and that their inclusion or exclusion was based either on the other group members' preferences or on a random procedure. Participants who scored high in depression (Experiment 1) and low in self-esteem (Experiment 2) responded more strongly (and logically) to the experimental manipulations than participants low in depression and high in self-esteem. The results suggested that depression and low self-esteem place people at risk for dysphoria and self-devaluation following interpersonal rejection.
Characterization of immobilized cell growth rates using autoradiography.

The growth of immobilized Escherichia coli was analyzed by pulse-chase radioisotope labeling of the cell mass with 35SO42− and subsequent liquid emulsion autoradiography of thin cross sections of the cell aggregate. Bacteria were retained in a planar aggregate on a microporous membrane and grown anaerobically on a phosphate-buffered medium with glucose as the sole carbon and energy source. A mathematical model of immobilized cell growth and convection was used to predict the distribution of label in the cell mass and permit information about both the magnitude and variation in the intrinsic growth rate to be extracted. Growing zone dimensions ranging from 4 to 48 μm and growth rates from 0.28 to 0.5 h−1 were found. Data collected at low glucose concentrations were consistent with a zero-order description of intrinsic growth kinetics. At high glucose concentrations, conditions under which the system was subject to significant pH inhibition, the data were best described by the prediction of a first-order kinetic model. When coupled with a suitable analytical framework, the combination of radioisotope labeling and autoradiography provides a general method for characterizing immobilized cell growth rates.
The levels of edit as a management tool

The author defines the levels-of-edit concept. She then discusses applications of this concept in estimating, cost-sharing, scheduling, load-leveling, quality control, training, and, underlying all the others, communication. It is concluded that, besides its usefulness in managing money, time, and quality, the levels-of-edit concept is an obvious training tool, since it provides a mini-textbook-or checklist-for editors to follow. For the same reason, the concept can be used to monitor editorial performance and to spot areas where more training may be needed. >
Learner-centered laboratory activities for an undergraduate electromagnetics course

Informal and formal assessments combined with course evaluations indicated that the learner-centered activities described above met their intended objectives. Collectively, these activities improved students' conceptual understanding, promoted active and cooperative learning, and inspired students to pursue personal interests relating to electromagnetics.
Signal-specific temporal response by the Salmonella PhoP/PhoQ regulatory system

Summary The two-component system PhoP/PhoQ controls a large number of genes responsible for a variety of physiological and virulence functions in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Here we describe a mechanism whereby the transcriptional activator PhoP elicits expression of dissimilar gene sets when its cognate sensor PhoQ is activated by different signals in the periplasm. We determine that full transcription of over half of the genes directly activated by PhoP requires the Mg2+ transporter MgtA when the PhoQ inducing signal is low Mg2+, but not when PhoQ is activated by mildly acidic pH or the antimicrobial peptide C18G. MgtA promotes the active (i.e. phosphorylated) form of PhoP by removing Mg2+ from the periplasm, where it functions as a repressing signal for PhoQ. MgtA-dependent expression enhances resistance to the cationic antibiotic polymyxin B. Production of the MgtA protein requires cytoplasmic Mg2+ levels to drop below a certain threshold, thereby creating a two-tiered temporal response among PhoP-dependent genes.
Community-Based Scaffolding to Promote End-User Learning

End-user programming provides a unique opportunity to study informal computer science education and knowledge acquisition in the real world. We seek to explore the use of community-based scaffolding to deliver computing content knowledge to an audience of graphic design professionals who engage in scripting. We propose an online community that leverages prepared, instructional case studies alongside tools that promote collaborative development and code review activities.
Numerical methods for linear control systems

The design and analysis of linear control systems: $$\dot x(t) = Ax(t) + Bu(t),\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,y = Cx(t)$$ (1.1) and $$x_{k + 1} = Ax_k + Bu_k ,\,\,\,\,\,yk = Cx_k$$ (1.2) give rise to many interesting linear algebra problems. Some of the important ones are: controllability and observability problems, the problem of computing the exponential matrix e At ,the matrix equations problems: (Lyapunov equations, Sylvester equations, the algebraic Riccati equations), the pole-placement problems, stability problems, and frequency response problems. These problems have been very widely studied in the literature. There exists a voluminous work both on theory and computations. Theory is very rich. Unfortunately, the same can not be remarked about computations. Many of the earlier methods were developed before the computer era, and are not based on numerically sound techniques. Fortunately, in the last twenty years or so, numerically effective techniques have been developed for most of these problems, and numerical analysis aspects of these methods (e.g. study of stability by round-off error analysis) and of the problems themselves (e.g. study of sensitivity) have been studied.
Investment and the Term Structure of Stock Returns

In this paper we explore the momentum and reversal regularity in the term structure of stock returns. We show that these patterns in stock returns depend highly on leads and lags in firm investment such that there is no residual momentum or reversal effect in stock returns independent of that associated with firm investment. Our results also provide an explanation for the delay in momentum effects observed by Novy-Marx (2012). We propose new explanations consistent with our findings for the large literature on the momentum and reversals regularities.
Abstract 122: Ceramide Activation of Macrophage RhoA/Rho Kinase/LIM Kinase Signaling Impairs Aggregated LDL Degradation and Foam Cell Formation

Introduction: One of the initiating events in atherogenesis is the deposition of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the arterial wall. This LDL becomes modified, aggregated and retained. Macrophages form a degradative contact (a lysosomal synapse or LS) with the aggregated LDL (agLDL) through local actin polymerization. Degradation of agLDL releases free cholesterol, which is taken up by macrophages and results in foam cell formation. Characterization of proteins regulating actin polymerization that allows LS formation may identify new therapeutic targets to inhibit foam cell formation and halt the progression of atherosclerosis. Hypothesis: Small GTPases of the Rho family such as RhoA are key regulators of actin polymerization. Further, many lipids in the micro-environment of the atherosclerotic plaque, such as ceramide, are known to modulate RhoA activity. Therefore we tested the hypothesis that RhoA is important in actin polymerization and foam cell formation in response to macrophage catabolism of agLD...
Simulation of Coherent Doppler Lidar Performance for Space-Based Platforms

Abstract The performance of coherent Doppler lidar velocity estimates for a space-based platform are produced using computer simulations of raw data and statistical descriptions of the resulting velocity estimates. The random spatial variability of the wind field and aerosol backscatter is included as well as the improvement using coprocessing of multiple shots for a fixed lidar beam geometry. Performance of velocity estimates is defined as the rms error of the good radial velocity estimates and the fraction of bad estimates in low signal conditions. For a wide range of conditions, performance is effectively described by a few basic parameters that are a function of the atmospheric conditions and the lidar design. The threshold signal level for acceptable velocity measurements scales as N−1/2, where N is the number of coprocessed lidar shots. For a 100-km satellite track and N = 100 lidar shots, the rms error is typically less than 0.4 m s−1 for high signal levels.
Altered Expression of Intermediate Biomarkers for Mammary Preneoplasia: Relevance to Cancer Chemoprevention

Intermediate biomarkers are molecular, metabolic, endocrine, and cellular end points whose expression precedes the detection of cancer. These end points may predict the chemopreventive efficacy of tumor inhibitors. This study was conducted to validate the relevance of selected molecular, endocrine, and cellular biomarkers for efficacy of prototypic tumor suppressing agents. Mouse mammary epithelial cells were initiated for transformation by chemical carcinogen, Ras oncogene and murine mammary tumor virus. The three initiators exhibited at least a two- to five-fold increase in Ras p21-GTP binding (molecular marker), a two- to six-fold increase in C16α/C2 hydroxylation of estradiol (endocrine marker), and a 30- to 50-fold increase in anchorage-independent growth (cellular marker). Treatment of initiated cells with the highest noncytotoxic closes of polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids, retinoid, anti-estrogens, and indole derivatives resulted in downregulation of all the three perturbed biomarkers. Enhanced expression of molecular, endocrine, or cellular markers in initiated, tumorigenic target cells, and their in vitro modulation by prototypic tumor suppressing agents demonstrates that the biomarkers provide specific and sensitive end points for evaluating the efficacy of chemopreventive intervention.
Remonstrance in Eastern Zhou Historiography

Remonstrances (jian 諫) reveal a great deal about the writing of history in China during the Eastern Zhou. As represented in the Zuozhuan and Guoyu, remonstrances, like other speeches, are normally delivered in court and address questions of official policy. They tend to test contemporary phenomena against the lessons of the past, especially as those lessons have been formulated in the Shijing, the Shangshu, aphorisms, and other forms of what I term “inherited speech.” Remonstrances also have the support of the third-person historical narrative which surrounds them; the ruler who ignores a remonstrance always suffers for his obstinacy. After briefly discussing the importance of speeches in the Zuozhuan and Guoyu, I outline the structure of a remonstrance and examine four passages in which critical speech, including remonstrance, is said to have circulated freely in the courts of an idealized early period. Next I show how remonstrances match observed historical particulars with fragments of inherited speech. The famous remonstrance of Gong zhi Qi, an exemplary episode, shows how this application of inherited speech guides rhetorical choices and establishes Traditionalist or Confucian terms as the keys to historical intelligibility. Finally, I examine a set of remonstrances which are exceptional in that they do not include overt citations of inherited speech. Among these, military remonstrances can genuinely eschew explicit citation of lessons of the past, while others borrow the authority of inherited speech without seeming to do so. In one case, a brief remonstrance has apparently acquired the status of an aphorism, so that already when it is first uttered it qualifies as a sort of inherited speech. In another case, a precursor of the indirect remonstrances (fengjian 諷諫) of later periods, remonstrators use a theatrical combination of actions and speech to criticize their superior's departure from correct ways. As texts in which the speakers (and behind them the authors) of the Zuozhuan and Guoyu state explicitly their understanding of historical causation, remonstrances make it possible for us to understand the ideals which operate implicitly throughout the narratives of these works.
Soil–projectile interactions during low velocity penetration

Abstract Results of penetration tests into refractive index-matched granular media are presented in this study. These tests, performed at velocities of approximately 20 m/s, demonstrate the use of transparent soils in visualizing in situ granular kinematics, non-intrusively, during dynamic penetration in granular media. The transparent soil surrogate described herein has macroscopic physical and mechanical properties that mimic the behavior of natural soils. Digital image correlation was used to obtain soil displacements and corresponding granular kinematics from the acquired images. An analysis of measured deformations at the mesoscale is presented to investigate various features of soil–projectile interaction during penetration.
Cushing's syndrome--1988.

Despite major advances in laboratory methods, radiology, and neurosurgery, the evaluation and therapy of Cushing’s syndrome remains a major challenge to clinicians. In a substantial percentage of the patients with Cushing’s syndrome, laboratory and radiologic studies yield data that are confusing or misleading. This paper reviews the various disorders that comprise Cushing’s syndrome and addresses some of the problems in diagnosis and therapy.
SAND CIRCULATION PATTERN AT PRICE INLET, SOUTH CAROLINA

A sand circulation pattern has been determined for Price Inlet, South Carolina, using wave refraction diagrams, littoral process measurements, bedform orientations and inlet hydraulic data. The dominant process acting on the ebb-tidal delta is wave swash which impedes the ebb-tidal currents and augments the flood-tidal currents. This produces a net landward transport of sand on the ebb-tidal delta as evidenced by the landward migrating swash bars. Bedform orientations and velocity measurements taken on the swash bars also support this conclusion. Countering the general landward transport direction is the ebb dominance of the main channel. This dominance can be explained by higher inlet efficiency at low water than at high water. Consequently, bay tide phase lag is larger at high than at low water resulting in a longer flood duration. This causes higher mean ebb-tidal currents and a consequent larger potential net ebb transport of sand. This inlet characteristic explains why little sand is transported inside the inlet, why the throat remains scoured and why sand entering the main channel is carried seaward.
United We Stand? African Americans, Self-Interest, and Immigration Reform:

Alongside the growth of the immigrant population has been a corresponding backlash by citizens who increasingly support restrictive immigration policies aimed at undocumented immigrants. Much of what we know about this backlash is based on data from White Americans. Are African Americans among the growing segment of anti-immigrant supporters? Employing data from the 2006 Pew Center “America’s Immigration Quandary Survey,” I uncover that African Americans support restrictive immigration policies, and that class membership alongside subjective and objective measures of self-interest influence these policy stances. These findings challenge prior assertions that self-interest does little to account for American public opinion, demonstrating that on the issue of immigration reform that self-interest matters for African Americans.
Study on seismic data collection method in carbonate area

The southern area generally exist bare carbonate area.The physical conditions of carbonate rock strict limit the explosive efficient energy generation,transmission and reception,and leading to the bare carbonate area′s seismic data very low in signal-to-noise.In the effect of carbonate outcropped area seismic data quality factors,energy transfer problem is the first problem to solve.Through the study of carbonate rock of the excitation mechanism,in permitting of surface conditions selecting controllable source can obtain relatively high SNR data.Make full use of the successful experience that obtain a higher signal to noise ratio data in the loess plateau area by using the multi-well small explosives excitation,flexible application in carbonate outcropped area,looking for a way to suitable for carbonate outcropped area of excitation.
Introductions on Foreign Ecotypic-Agriculture Main Financing Manners and the Relative Application in Our Country

A detailed introduction on foreign ecotypic-agriculture' main financing manners and their relative adaptation in our country were made from the angles of country's policy support,B.O.T project construction,small loan and so on.
P04.20 Incident sexually transmitted infection and post-infection partner change

Introduction Sex partner change is necessary to maintain STI within a population. However, most people change partners relatively infrequently, and the timing of partner changes relative to incident STI is poorly understood. Methods 272 participants without STI at enrollment (18–29 years of age; 126 (46%) men/146 (54%) women) from a high STI population completed a 12-week study of daily reports of partner-specific sexual behaviours. None reported commercial sex work. Weekly self-obtained vaginal or urine samples were tested (and treated, if positive) at the end of 12-weeks for C trachomatis (CT), N gonorrhoeae (GC), and T vaginalis (TV) using commercially available NAAT. Survival analysis techniques were used to describe time to first partner change following first NAAT+. Results 15, 12, and 23 participants acquired an incident CT+, GC+, or TV+ NAAT. Partner change after the first NAAT+ test was seen for 7 (47%), 6 (50%), and 3 (13%) participants with CT+, GC+, or TV+ NAAT, respectively. Median time to partner change after first NAAT+ 7.6 and 4.6 weeks following CT+ or GC+, respectively. Among 231 participants with no incident NAAT+ during 12 weeks of followup, 89 (39%) changed partners. Conclusion Persons with incident STI have higher rates of partner change than those without incident STI. Rapid partner change is common following a new CT or GC infection, but less common for TV. Interventions focused on short-term partner change could be especially effective approaches to CT and GC control efforts. Disclosure of interest statement This research was funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The authors have no relevant conflict of interest to disclose.
Birthweight Extremes and Neonatal and Childhood Outcomes after Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes.

Objective To determine the association between birthweight extremes and risk of adverse neonatal and childhood outcomes following preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Study Design This is a secondary analysis of data from the Beneficial Effects of Antenatal Magnesium Sulfate Trial. Women with nonanomalous singletons and PPROM delivering ≥24.0 weeks were included. Birthweight was classified as small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA), or large for gestational age (LGA). Composite severe neonatal morbidity and childhood outcomes at age 2, were compared between these groups. Results One thousand five hundred and ninety-eight infants were included (58 SGA, 1,354 AGA, and 186 LGA). There was an inverse relationship between birthweight and rate of composite major neonatal morbidity (55.2% of SGA, 31.5% of AGA, 18.3% of LGA, p p p = 0.001). Conclusion Among infants delivered following PPROM, those who were LGA at delivery had improved composite adverse neonatal outcomes. SGA increases the risk of severe neonatal morbidity, early childhood death, and moderate/severe cerebral palsy at age 2.
Dystonia Due to Perinatal Asphyxia

Delayed onset dystonia associated with perinatal asphyxia in two patients and asphyxia in early childhood in two patients is reported from the Neurological Institute of New York.