cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Boundary layer length scales in thermal turbulence

We present measurements of local temperature fluctuations from a convection cell of aspect ratio 1, using gas at room temperature, for Rayleigh numbers (Ra) ranging from 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{5}$ to 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{11}$. The thermal boundary layer thickness is measured; its scaling is close to ${\mathrm{Ra}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2/7}$ for Ra\ensuremath{\ge}2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{7}$. A second length scale is measured through the cutoff frequency of the power spectrum, which we relate to the velocity of the large scale circulation. The Rayleigh number dependence of this length changes at Ra=2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{9}$.
Character education in three schools: Catholic, Quaker and public

Character education has always played a role in the purpose of schools. Most US states have a statement about character education as a part of the mission of the schools. This research studied how character education was perceived by participants in regards to school mission statements/philosophies, school atmosphere and curriculum in a Catholic school, a Quaker school and a public school. Using interviews and observations, the public school and two private schools approaches to character education were explored. Character education explicitly connected and applied from the mission statement manifested more fully in the school culture.
Evaluation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and dna-repair genes as potential biomarkers for ethanol-induced cns alterations

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) lead to alterations in central nervous system (CNS) architecture along with impaired learning and memory. Previous work from our group and that of others suggests that one mechanism underlying these changes is alteration of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA-repair in neural stem cells (NSCs) produced as a consequence of ethanol-induced effects on the expression of genes related to p53-signaling. This study tests the hypothesis that changes in the expression of p53-signaling genes represent biomarkers of ethanol abuse which can be identified in the peripheral blood of rat drinking models and human AUD subjects and posits that specific changes may be correlated with differences in neuropsychological measures and CNS structure. Remarkably, microarray analysis of 350 genes related to p53-signaling in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) of binge-drinking rats revealed 190 genes that were significantly altered after correcting for multiple testing. Moreover, 40 of these genes overlapped with those that we had previously observed to be changed in ethanol-exposed mouse NSCs. Expression changes in nine of these genes were tested for independent confirmation by a custom QuantiGene Plex (QGP) assay for a subset of p53-signaling genes, where a consistent trend for decreased expression of mitosis-related genes was observed. One mitosis-related gene (Pttg1) was also changed in human lymphoblasts cultured with ethanol. In PBLs of human AUD subjects seven p53-signaling genes were changed compared with non-drinking controls. Correlation and principal components analysis were then used to identify significant relationships between the expression of these seven genes and a set of medical, demographic, neuropsychological and neuroimaging measures that distinguished AUD and control subjects. Two genes (Ercc1 and Mcm5) showed a highly significant correlation with AUD-induced decreases in the volume of the left parietal supramarginal gyrus and neuropsychological measures. These results demonstrate that alcohol-induced changes in genes related to proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA-repair are observable in the peripheral blood and may serve as a useful biomarker for CNS structural damage and functional performance deficits in human AUD subjects.
Determination of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in restaurant and tavern workers in one US city.

Approximately 173 subjects employed as waiters, waitresses, or bartenders in the Knoxville, TN, Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area collected a sample of air from their breathing zone while at their workplace for one shift. In addition, area samples were placed near the work spaces of many of the subjects. Collected samples were analyzed for respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM), ultraviolet-absorbing and fluorescing particulate matter, solanesol, 3-ethenyl pyridine (3-EP), and nicotine. Saliva samples were collected from the subjects prior to and within 24 h following their work shift, to confirm their non-smoking status. The range of concentrations of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) constituents encountered was considerable, e.g., for nicotine, from undetectable to more than 100 microg/m3. However, the highest RSP levels observed were considerably lower than OSHA workplace standards. Distributions of ETS concentrations suggest that there are two "ETS exposure" types of bartenders: those that work in single room bars and those that work in larger, multiroom restaurant/bars. Personal exposure to ETS of the former group was ca. 10x greater than those of the latter group, who were exposed to ETS levels more comparable to those encountered by wait staff. Exposure (concentration x duration) differences between wait staff and workers in other types of unrestricted smoking environments reported in other studies suggest that exposures in the restaurant environment may be more difficult to assess than originally considered. Salivary cotinine levels indicated that for those subjects living in smoking homes, ETS exposures outside the workplace are at least as important as those in the workplace.
Mid-infrared (λ = 8.4–9.9 μm) light scattering from porcine tissue

Back-scattering of mid-infrared light from porcine skin is studied versus wavelength and angle for a Quantum Cascade laser and a broadband infrared light source. Scattering is detected over 30° away from the specular angle for both sources, and modulation patterns with angle are seen when using the laser. A nonlinear increase in scattered light intensity versus input power indicates that directional scattering from within the skin is dominant. Collagen fibers in the dermis layer, over 200 μm deep into the skin, are conducive to such scattering. We conclude that mid-infrared light penetrates deep enough for potential glucose detection in dermal interstitial fluid.
Habituation and within-session changes in motivated responding for food in children

Within-session decreases in instrumental responding to obtain food, consistent with habituation, have been reliably demonstrated in adults and children. This study tested the hypothesis that within-session decreases in instrumental responding for food are due to habituation rather than satiation. Thirty-eight 8-12-year-old children performed a computer-based operant task to earn points toward access to potato chips for 20 min, and for chocolate candies for the final 6 min of the session. Portion size of the food reinforcer (75 kcal vs 225 kcal) and food consumption (consumption/no consumption). There was no difference in the rate of response decrease between the two portion size conditions. Both the consumption and non-consumption groups showed response decelerations during the first 20 min, with responses in the consumption group decreasing at a faster rate. When the novel food was presented, participants in all conditions recovered responding. Although satiation may contribute to reductions in motivated responding for food when food is consumed, habituation provides a more complete explanation for the results observed in this study.
Nitrogen uptake and assimilation in Enteromorpha intestinalis (L.) Link (Chlorophyta): using 15N to determine preference during simultaneous pulses of nitrate and ammonium

We investigated the ability of Enteromorpha intestinalis (L.) Link to take up pulses of different species of nitrogen simultaneously, as this would be an important mechanism to enhance bloom ability in estuaries. Uptake rates and preference for NH4+ or NO3− following 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 or 24 h of exposure to either 15NH4NO3 or NH415NO3 were determined by disappearance of N from the medium. Differences in assimilation rates for NH4+ or NO3− were quantified by the accumulation of NH4+, NO3−, and atom % 15N in the algal tissue. NH4+ concentration was reduced more quickly than water NO3− concentration. Water column NH4+ concentration after the longest time interval was reduced from 300 to 50 μM. Water NO3− was reduced from 300 to 150 μM. The presence of 15N or 14N had no effect on uptake of either NH4+ or NO3−. 15N was removed from the water at an almost identical rate and magnitude as 14N. Differences in accumulation of 15NH4+ and 15NO3− in the tissue reflected disappearance from the water; 15N from NH4+ accumulated faster and reached an atom % twice that of 15N from NO3−. This outcome suggested that when NH4+ and NO3− were supplied in equal concentrations, more NH4+ was taken up and assimilated. The ability to take up high concentrations of NH4+, and NO3− simultaneously is important for bloom-forming species of estuarine macroalgae subject to multiple nutrient species from various sources.
Calcium phosphate cements prepared by acid-base reaction

We investigated the characteristics of calcium phosphate cements (CPC) prepared by an exothermic acid–base reaction between NH4H2PO4-based fertilizer (Poly-N) and calcium aluminate compounds (CAC), such as 3CaO · Al2O3 (C3A), CaO · Al2O3 (CA), and CaO · 2Al2O3 (CA2), in a series of integrated studies of reaction kinetics, interfacial reactions, in-situ phase transformations, and microstructure development. Two groups were compared: untreated and hydrothermally treated CPC specimens. The extent of reactivity of CAC with Poly-N at 25°C was in the following order: CA > C3A ≫ CA2. The formation of a NH4CaPO4·xH2O salt during this reaction was responsible for the development of strength in the CPC specimens. The in-situ phase transformation of amorphous NH4CaPO4·xH2O into crystalline Ca5(PO4)3(OH) and the conversion of hydrous Al2O3 gel →γ-AIOOH occur in cement bodies during exposure in an autoclave to temperatures up to 300°C. This phase transformation significantly improved mechanical strength.
STIMULATION BY 1ALPHA ,25(OH)2-VITAMIN D3 OF WHOLE CELL CHLORIDE CURRENTS IN OSTEOBLASTIC ROS 17/2.8 CELLS : A STRUCTURE-FUNCTION STUDY

Abstract 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3(1α,25(OH)2D3) can generate biological responses via genomic and nongenomic mechanisms. This article reports for the first time the effects of 1α,25(OH)2D3 and structurally related analogs on whole cell chloride currents in osteoblastic cells. 1α,25(OH)2D3 promoted the rapid enhancement of outwardly rectifying Cl− currents in 93% of the osteoblasts in a concentration-dependent manner, with a maximal increase of about 4-fold between 0.5 and 5 nm. This effect of 1α,25(OH)2D3 was blocked by 1 nm stereoisomer 1β,25(OH)2D3when added to the bath before 1α,25(OH)2D3. On the other hand, 1 nm of the 6-s-cis locked analog 1α,25(OH)2-lumisterol3 significantly increased by about 2.2-fold outward Cl− currents in the ROS 17/2.8 cells, whereas the increase promoted by same concentration of the 6-s-trans locked analog 1α,25(OH)2-tachysterol (0.8-fold) was significantly lower, suggesting that the 6-s-cis locked or steroid-like form was preferred over the extended 6-s-trans conformer to promote these rapid effects of the hormone. We conclude that the agonist effects of 1α,25(OH)2D3 in osteoblasts at the cellular membrane level seem to be determined by some structural features of the molecule which may be crucial for its interaction with a putative membrane receptor in the cell surface.
Macrognosographics: A reason to keep flowcharting

Several rationales for flowcharting computer programs are discussed along with weaknesses, strengths, and current trends. One often over-looked motivation is the use of “macro-flowcharts” to compare, for pedagogical reasons, the gross features of various classes of processes involved in applied programs. The techniques and virtues of this approach are the focus of the paper.
Early effect of external beam radiation therapy on the anal sphincter: a study using anal manometry and transrectal ultrasound

The early effect of pelvic irradiation on the anal sphincter has not been previously investigated. This study prospectively evaluated the acute effect of preoperative radiation on anal function. Twenty patients with rectal carcinoma received 4,500 cGy of preoperative external beam radiation. The field of radiation included the sphincter in 10 patients and was delivered above the anorectal ring in 10 patients. Anal manometry and transrectal ultrasound were performed before and four weeks after radiotherapy. No significant difference in mean maximal squeeze or resting pressure was found after radiation therapy. An increase in mean minimal sensory threshold was significant. Histologic examination revealed minimal radiation changes at the distal margin in 8 of 10 patients who underwent low anterior resection and in 1 of 3 patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection. We conclude that preoperative radiation therapy has minimal immediate effect on the anal sphincter and is not a major contributing factor to postoperative incontinence in patients after sphincter-saving operations for rectal cancer.
Agroforestry Systems and Podocarpus National Park, Ecuador: Current Status and Recommendations for Future Work

The goal of enhancing human well-being and dignity for the communities surrounding Podocarpus National Park (PNP) is inexorably connected to the goal of protecting ecosystem health and integrity in the southern Andes. While these goals are often viewed as conflicting, one area where they clearly overlap is in agroforestry practices. Agroforestry has the potential to improve food security and economic production while also enhancing forest cover, soil conservation, watershed protection, and habitat quality. A variety of traditional, indigenous, and modern agroforestry practices are available as a foundation for effective sustainability and conservation efforts around PNP. However, the trend of land-use extensification—with large areas dedicated to marginal production of beef and dairy cattle, as well as corn and coffee—continues to lead to new deforestation. Reversing the trend of extensification will require improved technical and resource capacity for agroforestry and reforestation in the region, which c...
A first course in computer programming for mechanical engineers

The first course in computer programming for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers at San Jose State University is undergoing substantial renovation to better serve the educational needs of the students in the program. The renovated course emphasizes development of algorithmic problem solving skills and familiarity with the C programming language, Excel, and Matlab. Extensive use is made of Ch, a C interpreter, for learning the C language. A major innovation in the course is the use of a microcontroller with a custom-designed sensor/IO board as an experimental platform that the students use for several laboratory experiments. Student feedback regarding the renovations after the first two course offerings during the 2009–10 academic year has been positive. Further enhancements of the microcontroller-based experiments are expected through the use of a second generation sensor/IO board currently under development.
Anatomic and Biomechanical Properties of Human Lumbar Dura Mater

Determinants of dural defects subsequent to deliberate or accidental dural puncture include the equipment, techniques, and the inherent anatomic and biomechanical properties of dura mater. These properties were studied in specimens of human and canine lumbar dura mater in an attempt to delineate the structure of the tissue and to characterize its behavior in biomechanical terms. Human dura had a longitudinal orientation on gross appearance, and was confirmed microscopically to be composed of longitudinal lamella of collagen and elastin fibers. Longitudinal tensile strength and stiffness were greater than transverse tensile strength and stiffness, which is consistent with the dura's apparent anatomic structure and functional requirements. Additional biomechanical testing of the dura demonstrated the property of relaxation which is a characteristic of a viscoelastic material. Significant differences were observed between human and canine dural properties, suggesting limited value of this animal model. Integration of these observed anatomic and biomechanical properties of the lumbar dura provides a greater understanding of dural puncture and may explain previous and often confusing clinical and experimental findings.
Model estimates of net primary productivity, evapotranspiration, and water use efficiency in the terrestrial ecosystems of the southern United States during 1895–2007

Abstract The effects of global change on ecosystem productivity and water resources in the southern United States (SUS), a traditionally ‘water-rich’ region and the ‘timber basket’ of the country, are not well quantified. We carried out several simulation experiments to quantify ecosystem net primary productivity (NPP), evapotranspiration (ET) and water use efficiency (WUE) (i.e., NPP/ET) in the SUS by employing an integrated process-based ecosystem model (Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model, DLEM). The results indicated that the average ET in the SUS was 710 mm during 1895–2007. As a whole, the annual ET increased and decreased slightly during the first and second half of the study period, respectively. The mean regional total NPP was 1.18 Pg C/yr (525.2 g C/m2/yr) during 1895–2007. NPP increased consistently from 1895 to 2007 with a rate of 2.5 Tg C/yr or 1.10 g C/m2/yr, representing a 27% increase. The average WUE was about 0.71 g C/kg H2O and increased about 25% from 1895 to 2007. The rather stable ET might explain the resulting increase in WUE. The average WUE of different biomes followed an order of: forest (0.93 g C/kg H2O) > wetland (0.75 g C/kg H2O) > grassland (0.58 g C/kg H2O) > cropland (0.54 g C/kg H2O) > shrubland (0.45 g C/kg H2O). WUE of cropland increased the fastest (by 30%), followed by shrubland (17%) and grassland (9%), while WUE of forest and wetland changed little from the period of 1895–1950 to the period of 1951–2007. NPP, ET and WUE showed substantial inter-annual and spatial variability, which was induced by the non-uniform distribution patterns and change rates of environmental factors across the SUS. We concluded that an accurate projection of the regional impact of climate change on carbon and water resources must consider the spatial variability of ecosystem water use efficiency across biomes as well as the interactions among all stresses, especially land-use and land-cover change and climate.
A linear approximation of Brody's equation to predict oxygen consumption in adult humans

Objective. The objective of our study was to derive a linear approximation to Brody's equation for oxygen consumption as a simpler alternative for the clinician.Methods. The approximation was derived by using calculus to construct a line tangent to Brody's equation at 81 kg.Results. The linear approximation was derived to be: $$V_{O_2 } = \left( {2.5w + 67.5} \right)ml/\min ,$$ wherew is the subject's weight in kilograms. The error introduced by this linear approximation is 10.9% at 30 kg and 1.35% at 120 kg.Conclusions. This linear equation may have utility for approximating oxygen consumption when an approximation is required, as in closed circuit anesthesia. The utility of this equation is that it is linear and produces a result similar to Brody's equation.
Factors affecting survival in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

ABSTRACT From 1979 to 1988, 82 allogeneic and 2 syngeneic bone marrow transplants (BMT) were performed in 78 patients (age range 13-49 years) with the following diagnoses: acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) (21 patients); acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (15 patients); chronic myelocytic leukemia in chronic, accelerated, or blastic phase (CMLCP, AP or BC) (25 patients); myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) (1 patient); multiple myeloma (MM) (1 patient); Hodgkin's disease (HD) (1 patient); diffuse poorly differentiated lymphoma (DPDL) (1 patient); aplastic anemia (AA) (13 patients). Univariant analyses were carried out to determine factors of importance in predicting outcome. AML patients receiving transplants in remission had 12/19 (63%) survivors. Only one of seven ALL patients receiving transplants in remission survives free of disease, and none of eight patients receiving transplants in relapse survived. Six ALL patients relapsed. In CML, 6 of 16 (40%) patients receiving transplants in CP survive; two of nine patients (22%) in AP or BC survive. Of the 13 aplastic anemias, 8 (62%) survive. Graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) was evaluated in 75 patients, 24 of 33 (73%) who developed GVHD died, compared to 24 of 44 (55%) who did not develop GVHD. Of the 30 patients given the combination of methotrexate (MTX) plus cyclosporine (CSP), only 23% developed GVHD, compared to 58% of those not given the combination. Interstitial pneumonia (IP) occurred in 16 patients and was fatal in 15. The introduction of daily acyclovir and weekly intravenous gamma globulin in 1985 was associated with little reduction in the survival increased from 21% to 47%. Younger patients had significantly better survival than older patients ( 39 years, 14% alive; p
Simulations of sedimentation in globulitic alloy solidification

Numerical simulations of the solidification of a binary metal alloy with a globulitic morphology are reported. The model is based on a previously developed two-phase approach that incorporates descriptions of the heat transfer, solute redistribution, melt convection, and solid transport on the system scale with microscopic models of nucleation, thermal and solutal undercoolings, grain growth and impingement. Results are obtained for solidification of an Al-4%Cu alloy in a rectangular cavity cooled from one side. Three simulations are conducted to investigate the effects of solid transport and nucleation rate on the final macrosegregation pattern and grain size distribution. It is shown that the nucleation rate has a profound influence on the settling behavior of the grains, which in turn leads to strong vertical variations in the composition and grain size.
Selenium Stable Isotope Ratios as Indicators of Sources and Cycling of Selenium: Results from the Northern Reach of San Francisco Bay

Selenium stable isotope ratios can serve as indicators of Se sources and reduction of Se oxyanions, much as sulfur and nitrogen isotope ratios do in sulfur and nitrogen biogeochemical studies. A new analytical method, which allows precise Se isotope ratio measurements on 500 ng of Se, greatly enhances analysis of environmental samples. This paper presents the first environmental study to use Se stable isotopes. 80Se/76Se ratios, relative to a provisional standard, were measured in water, oil refinery wastewater, total sediment digests, and sediment extracts from the Carquinez area in the San Francisco Bay Estuary. Se isotope ratios in total sediment Se and in extracts designed to recover Se0 are slightly (about 2‰) enriched in the lighter isotope relative to local bay water Se. This difference is smaller than the isotopic fractionations expected upon reduction of Se(VI) or Se(IV) to Se(0) and suggests that reduction of soluble selenium from the overlying waters is not the dominant process by which Se is i...
Phytate-calcium interactions with soy protein

Solubilities of mixtures of soy protein isolate, calcium and phytate were determined as a function of pH and molar ratio of the components. Below the isoelectric point, phytate and protein solubility profiles paralleled each other, indicating some type of protein-phytate interaction. Addition of phytate shifted the isoelectric point and the minimum solubility to lower values. Between the isoelectric point and pH 6.5, the complex apparently dissociates; addition of phytate results in an increase in the maximum solubility of the phosphorus and the protein, as well as a shift in their solubility profiles. Calcium has no apparent effect on protein solubility in this pH region. Higher pH (>6.5) results in the formation of ternary protein-calcium-phytate complexes and a significant drop in calcium and phosphorus solubility, probably due to formation of insoluble calcium phytate salts.
Social Media Go to College

Technology's march into the college classroom continues. Generations of college and university faculty have both embraced and resisted instructional technologies such as the book, the mimeograph, t...
TOLERANCE OF ANDROPOGON SCOPARIUS TO COPPER AND ZINC

Summary The glass, Andropogon scoparius, from two sites in northwestern Indiana was tested hydro-ponically for tolerance to zinc and copper. Plants from both sites showed a continuum of response to zinc, spanning the range of inhibition to enhancement of root growth. The urban plants were unaffected by 0.025 p.p.m. copper, whereas the rural plants were adversely affected at this level. The rural plants exhibited greater root growth than the urban plants at 0.1 p.p.m. copper. At 0.025 and 0.05 p.p.m. copper, the urban plants exhibited the greater root growth. At 0.075 and 0.l p.p.m. copper, the plants from both sites exhibited the same root growth. It was concluded that the urban site plants possess tolerance to low (0.025 p.p.m.) copper levels.
Evaluation of Work Positions used by Continuous Miner Operators in Underground Coal Mines

Operation of underground coal mine mobile equipment is usually done in a restricted workspace with reduced visibility. This work environment puts machine operators in awkward postures for tasks that require awareness of their surroundings and fast reactions to avoid hazardous situations. Using experienced equipment operators as a source, researchers conducted an investigation that developed a method to gather data on the needs and practices of machine operators while controlling the machine and the reasons for needing particular operational cues. The method used was an interview technique including a survey questionnaire and visual aids. The data gathered defined operator cues and work positions for the cutting and tramming phases of remote controlled continuous mining machines used in underground coal mines. Analysis techniques to determine which cues an operator sees from a variety of positions utilizing a computer simulation is shown to be potentially useful to the mining industry for design of work pr...
The Principles and Construction of Linear Colliders

The linear collider in its simplest form consists of two linear accelerators aimed at one another so that their beams collide in the space between them, the interaction region, as shown schematically in Fig. 1. Their beam energies, or more properly their mean beam energies, since each beam has some energy spread, are the same so that the centers-of-mass of the particle-particle collisions are stationary on the average. One of the linacs (linear accelerators) is equipped with a positron source so that the colliding system is an electron and a positron, a more fruitful system to study than two electrons. In order to develop high enough luminosities for high-energy particle physics, the linacs must be far more sophisticated than linacs of the past, and they must have ancillary damping rings to condense their beams to tiny lateral dimensions. We shall discuss the problems posed to the designers and builders of high-energy linear colliders in the following sections, but first a little history will explain why we are studying these new machines.
Prevention of venous ulceration by use of compression after deep vein thrombosis

Venous ulcers may result from damage to the lining of the veins after an occurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). As the pressure in the damaged venous system remains pathologically high, a result of DVT, swelling develops, hemosiderin staining develops around the ankle area, and varicosities often develop. These symptoms are part of the postphlebitic syndrome and are a precursor to formation of the chronic venous ulcer. The mainstay of treatment or prevention for venous ulcers remains compression therapy. In spite of the evidence that compression is necessary to reduce edema and allow the ulcer to heal, many patients still are not using compression after DVT to prevent ulcer formation. This article describes the prevalence, cost, etiology, and pathophysiology of postphlebitic syndrome and presents the nursing intervention of compression therapy as an ulcer prevention strategy for the patient with DVT. A variety of compression strategies are discussed. A case study of a patient in need of compression therapy is presented.
Circular dichroism of valine and formylmethionine transfer RNA from Escherichia coli: effect of aminoacylation.

The ultraviolet circular dichroism spectra of two specific tRNA's, valine and formylmethionine-1, from Escherichia coli have been examined under various conditions. No significant changes were observed upon aminoacylation of either tRNA. Limits were placed upon possible differences in conformation (at most two base-pair hydrogen bonds and less than ten percent change in base stacking interactions) between the acylated and deacylated molecules. Differences are reported between valine and formylmethionine tRNA's. The circular dichroism of each tRNA species changes as a function of pH.
A redetermination of the luminosity, distance, and reddening of Beta Lyrae

The most likely distance to the Beta Lyrae system is redetermined to lie at 370 pc, corresponding to a distance modulus of 7.8 mag, while the correct modulus value probably lies in the 7.7-8.0 mag range, corresponding to a distance range between 345 and 400 pc. On the basis of Wilson's (1974) model, the phase-averaged absolute visual magnitude of the primary component is -4.1 mag; this star is therefore a very luminous giant, classifiable as B8.5 or B9, with a luminosity class of II-Ib. The present data are based on optical and IUE scans of the brightest visual companion to Beta Lyrae, HD 174664, together with an analysis of the H line profiles in its spectrum.
An Improved Theory of the Receiving Antenna

The theory of the center-loaded receiving antenna is improved by introducing the expansion parameter of King and Middleton, and generalized to take account of a load consisting of a two-wire line with finite spacing. First-order formulas for the distribution of current are obtained, together with approximate second-order formulas for the complex effective length of the antenna. Theoretical results are compared with experiment.
Metal release from dolomites at high partial-pressures of CO2

Abstract The potential for metal release associated with CO 2 leakage from underground storage formations into shallow aquifers is an important consideration in assessment of risk associated with CO 2 sequestration. Metal release can be driven by acidification of groundwaters caused by dissolution of CO 2 and subsequent dissociation of carbonic acid. Thus, acidity is considered one of the main drivers for water quality degradation when evaluating potential impacts of CO 2 leakage. Dissolution of carbonate minerals buffers the increased acidity. Thus, it is generally thought that carbonate aquifers will be less impacted by CO 2 leakage than non-carbonate aquifers due to their high buffering potential. However, dissolution of carbonate minerals can also release trace metals, often present as impurities in the carbonate crystal structure, into solution. The impact of the release of trace metals through this mechanism on water quality remains relatively unknown. In a previous study we demonstrated that calcite dissolution contributed more metal release into solution than sulfide dissolution or desorption when limestone samples were dissolved in elevated CO 2 conditions. The study presented in this paper expanded our work to dolomite formations and details a thorough investigation on the role of mineral composition and mechanisms on trace element release in the presence of CO 2 . Detailed characterization of samples from dolomite formations demonstrated stronger associations of metal releases with dissolution of carbonate mineral phases relative to sulfide minerals or surface sorption sites. Aqueous concentrations of Sr 2+ , CO 2+ , Mn 2+ , Ni 2+ , Tl + , and Zn 2+ increased when these dolomite rocks were exposed to elevated concentrations of CO 2 . The aqueous concentrations of these metals correlate to aqueous concentrations of Ca 2+ throughout the experiments. All of the experimental evidence points to carbonate minerals as the dominant source of metals from these dolomite rocks to solution under experimental CO 2 leakage conditions. Aqueous concentrations of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ predicted from numerical simulation of kinetic dolomite dissolution match those observed in the experiments when the surface area is three to five orders of magnitude lower than the surface area of the samples measured by gas adsorption.
Quantitative study of tissue collagen metabolism

Abstract A procedure for the quantification of various parameters of metabolism of collagen in fibrotic mouse liver has been developed. The method involves derivatization of hydroxyproline, a marker of collagen, with dansyl chloride, high-performance liquid chromatography of the derivative on an octadecyl C-18 column, and its detection by fluorescence. This assay improves upon existing procedures in several respects: (1) It extends the analysis so that not only the collagen content of the tissue but also the metabolism of collagen is determined at levels found intracellularly. (2) It is sensitive enough to quantify 0.1–10 nmol of hydroxyproline, and it includes three major amino acids (hydroxyproline, glycine, and proline) of collagen and two assay controls; it generates information on both the purity and quantity of collagen in each assay. (3) The determination of specific activity of intracellular free [14C]proline, which is the precursor of protein-bound hydroxyproline, defines the specific activity of [14C]hydroxyproline of collagen converted from precursor residues of [14C]proline by the action of prolyl hydroxylase. The specific activity of [14C]hydroxyproline can be used for the evaluation of collagen synthesis and secretion and intracellular and extracellular degradation of the newly synthesized and secreted collagen in the tissue. (4) The determination of specific activities of [14C]hydroxyproline and [14C]proline and of the ratio of [14C]hydroxyproline to [14C]proline of newly secreted collagen provides information concerning the extent of hydroxylation of [14C]proline residues of newly synthesized collagen.
Vowel Classification Based on Fundamental Frequency and Formant Frequencies

A quadratic discriminant classification technique was used to classify spectral measurements from vowels spoken by men, women, and children. The parameters used to train the discriminant classifier...
Wide and multiple apex seals for the rotary engine

Abstract Conventional rotary engines are based on a trochoidal-type housing bore profile and its inside envelope is the basis of the rotor profile. To seal the chambers, spring-loaded apex seals are used in place of the designed rotor apexes. The conventional design method is limited to an epitrochoidal-based housing and does not consider the apex seal profile. Previously the authors presented the complete theory and algorithm of the deviation-function (DF) method of rotary engine design based on the apex seal profile. By using the DF method, the apex seal and engine housing bore are conjugate kinematic pairs, which enable the design of a variety of apex seals that conform to the bore, including wider apex seals and multiple seals at each rotor apex. The wide apex seal design has better rotor-to-housing conformity and therefore improves sealing. The multi-apex-seal grid assembly improves sealing capability and also reduces the forces on the apex seals. The incorporation of apex seal profiles into the rotary engine design process also makes possible a larger variety of new rotary engine profiles.
Expression of the soluble adenylyl cyclase during rat spermatogenesis: evidence for cytoplasmic sites of cAMP production in germ cells

To gain insight into the mechanisms of cAMP signaling in germ cells, the expression and subcellular localization of the full-length form of the soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) was investigated during rat spermatogenesis and in spermatozoa. A full-length sAC-specific antibody was generated by using a glutathione S-transferase (GST)-sAC carboxyl-terminal region (1399aa–1608aa) fusion protein as the antigen. The selectivity of the purified antibody was confirmed by immunoblotting with lysates from HEK293 cells overexpressing full-length sAC or truncated sAC. Western blot analysis demonstrated that full-length sAC protein appeared on day 25 during testis development. The expression levels increased progressively on days 30 and 35 and remained elevated in adult testis. Full-length sAC protein is retained in spermatozoa from the cauda epididymis. Consistent with the timing of the appearance of the Western blot signal, immunohistochemistry with testis sections at different stages of development detected sAC in late pachytene spermatocytes as well as round and elongating spermatids. Further experiments on the subcellular localization of native or recombinant enzymes revealed that full-length sAC is not only recovered in soluble fractions but also in particulate fractions of testis extracts. Immunofluorescence detection showed localization of the protein in the cytoplasm as well as in organelles of pachytene spermatocytes and spermatids. These findings indicate that cAMP production in spermatids and spermatozoa may occur at sites other than the plasma membrane and suggest that full-length sAC may play a role during spermatid differentiation.
Simplification of the Stratton-Chu Vector Diffraction Integrals and Application to Light Propagation through Curved Surfaces

The Stratton-Chu vector diffraction integrals are expressed in dimensionless forms and then numerically evaluated to describe light propagation originating from a plane and a curved surface without invoking paraxial approximations.
ON THE MATTER OF ESSENTIAL RICHNESS

Alfred Tarski (1944) wrote that “the condition of the ‘essential richness’ of the metalanguage proves to be, not only necessary, but also sufficient for the construction of a satisfactory definition of truth.” But it has remained unclear what Tarski meant by an ‘essentially richer’ metalanguage. Moreover, DeVidi and Solomon (1999) have argued in this Journal that there is nothing that Tarski could have meant by that phrase which would make his pronouncement true.
Apoptosis and plastic surgery.

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a phenomenon that is integral to development and cellular homeostasis. In the last decade, many of the essential molecules and pathways that control this phenomenon have been elucidated. Because apoptosis is involved in almost all physiologic and pathologic processes, the understanding of its regulation has significant clinical ramifications. This article reviews the basic understanding of programmed cell death in terms of the effector molecules and pathways. Areas of interest to plastic surgeons are reviewed as they pertain to apoptosis. These areas include allotransplantation, craniofacial and limb development, flap survival, wound healing, stem cell science, and physiologic aging. These topics have not yet been studied extensively in the context of cell death. In this review article, other related and more comprehensively studied scientific areas are used to extrapolate their relevance to apoptosis. Apoptosis is an increasingly better understood process. With the knowledge of how programmed cell death is controlled, combined with the improved ability to effectively perform genetic manipulation and to design specific chemical approaches, apoptosis is gaining clinical relevancc. In the next few years, practical clinical breakthroughs will help the medical community to understand the phenomenon of apoptosis and how it relates to the needs of patients.
Optical Trapping of Titania/Silica Core-Shell Colloidal Particles.

Manipulation of colloidal systems via optical trapping techniques requires a refractive index mismatch between particles and solvent which leads to strong interparticle van der Waals interactions. Investigation of the behavior of systems without such strong attractive interactions, however, requires the uncoupling of particle refractive index and particle-particle interactions. To accomplish this, the synthesis of core-shell titania/silica particles has been performed. By index matching a silica shell on a titania core using a mixture of toluene and propanol, the van der Waals interactions between particles can be minimized. Due to the mismatch of the refractive index between the solvent and titania core, however, a strong trapping force can be generated, making optical manipulation feasible. In order to confirm that the silica shell was indeed matched, pure silica particles were synthesized by the method of Stober (1968) and added to the core-shell system. In these mixed systems of core-shell and pure silica particles in silica-index-matching solvents, only the core-shell particles were trappable. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.
Language abilities in children who stutter: toward improved research and clinical applications.

The nature of the association between language and stuttering in young children has been the focus of debate for many years. One aspect of this ongoing discussion is the status of language abilitie...
Advances in the integrated approach to structural synthesis.

Integrated approach to structural synthesis of three-dimensional truss with arbitrary number of nodes, members and topology, noting two programs of synthesis
Principals’ efficacy beliefs about teacher evaluation

School principals have been criticized for their inaction in dealing with incompetent or low‐performing teachers. Bandura’s self‐efficacy theory suggests that principals’ beliefs in their own efficacy regarding the tasks of the evaluation may affect their motivation to perform the tasks of supervision. This survey of elementary and middle school principals suggests that principals place high value on the task of evaluating low‐performing teachers and believe that they are well equipped to do so. The data also suggest that the principals believe that they are adequately addressing the problems of poor performance, suggesting a need for research to determine why principals do not share perceptions of unapprised incompetence.
Estimating incremental cost and schedule growth for systems engineering and project management

This paper1,2 discusses an analysis of data collected by The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) from its recent missions, the NASA Cost Analysis Data Requirement mission, and the NASA Instrument Cost Model instrument databases to identify trends in PM and SE effort. As the systems engineering (SE) and project management (PM) disciplines have evolved in recent years, they have generated a more robust set of processes, activities, and expectations about mission success. These changes are particularly evident in the robotic aerospace mission environment. Recent APL projects have shown clear increases in both the estimated and realized costs for SE and PM activities but no definitive rationale to explain the upward trend. Analysis of other data has not been as definitive. At the same time, cost estimating relationships of the most widely used mission and instrument cost models provide little acknowledgement that PM/SE costs are driven by anything other than hardware (and software) costs nor how management and engineering initiatives, policy changes, or risk considerations are driving PM/SE cost growth. The reasons, we believe, are an absence of data from recent missions subject to the effects of NASA NPR 7120.5D and other policies, earned value and other initiatives, unreliable and inconsistent cost PM/SE data, and perhaps most critically a perceived lack of interest until recently in understanding PM/SE costs. Initial results indicate that future mission cost estimates will use a combination of project participant interviews, characterization of PM/SE initiatives, and better collection and analysis of PM/SE cost data to define models that predict future PM/SE cost increases, enabling more accurate future estimates. Understanding how much PM/SE effort is needed as well as more recent trends and cost estimating relationships (CERs) will ultimately allow more robust and accurate mission planning and tracking of cost and schedule.
H-V Intervals in Left Bundle-Branch Block Clinical and Electrocardiographic Correlations

H-V interval in left bundle-branch block (LBBB) reflects conduction time in the His bundle and right bundle branch. H-V intervals were measured in 57 patients with LBBB, allowing definition of three groups of patients. Group A consisted of 14 patients with normal H-V (less than 50 msec), group B consisted of 21 patients with intermediate H-V (50-60 msec), and group C consisted of 22 patients with prolonged H-V (greater than 60 msec). Arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD) was most frequent in group A (P < 0.02), while hypertension was most frequent in group C (P < 0.15). Mean P-R interval ± sem was 0.172 ± 0.013 sec in group A, 0.185 ± 0.007 sec in group B, and 0.225 ± 0.014 sec in group C (P < 0.05). Mean QRS duration was 0.138 ± 0.004 sec in group A, 0.144 ± 0.004 sec in group B, and 0.157 ± 0.003 sec in group C (P < 0.01). Mean frontal axis was –8° ± 12° in group A, –16° ± 12° in group B, and –28° ± 8° in group C (ns). The frequent association of LBBB, normal H-V, and ASHD suggested the presence of isol...
Spatial-resolution, lumped-capacitance thermal model for cylindrical Li-ion batteries under high Biot number conditions

Abstract The time-efficient yet accurate thermal modeling of the battery cells for electric and hybrid electric vehicles is essential improving the performance, safety, and lifetime of the battery system. This paper presents a spatial-resolution, lumped-capacitance (LC) thermal model for cylindrical battery cells under high Biot number (Bi ⩾ 1) conditions where the classical LC thermal model is generally inapplicable because of a significant temperature variation in the cell volume. The spatial-resolution LC model was formulated using zero- and first-order Hermite integral approximations. For model validation, a one-dimensional, transient analytical (exact) solution using Green functions was obtained for a cylindrical Li-ion battery cell with uniform volumetric battery heat generation of Joule and entropic heating under convective cooling boundary conditions. It was found from the comparison of the results that the spatial-resolution LC thermal model can accurately and quickly predicts the cell temperatures (core, skin and area-averaged) under various dynamic battery duty cycles even for high Biot numbers due to highly convective conditions such as liquid cooling.
Reactively sputtered ternary films of the type TM–Si–N and their properties (TM=early transition metal)

After a brief historical introduction, the two main techniques used so far to synthesize TM–Si–N films are mentioned. Although principally developed and investigated for application to semiconductor devices, unanticipated alternative uses of TM–Si–N films have arisen. The most fully investigated alloy of the group is Ti–Si–N. Its known properties are reviewed. General trends are outlined that apply generally to all TM–Si–N alloys, with variations peculiar to each transition metal case. Other reactively sputtered ternary nitrogen compounds with related characteristics are also mentioned briefly, as well as the possibility to envisage analogous ternary alloys based on combinations of different elements.