cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lateral Spread of Three Warm-season Turfgrass Species as Affected by Prior Summer Water Stress at Two Root Zone Depths

As aresult of increasing demandfor potable water, local and national initiatives to conserve municipal water supplies have been implemented. Many of these initiatives focus on reducing irrigation of turfgrass in urban landscapes and may totally ban irrigation during periods of severe water shortage. Proper selection of adapted turfgrass species and cultivars is vital to long-term water conservation initiatives. Turfgrasses that can survive and recover from extended hot and dry periods under limited to no irrigation would best meet water conservation objectives. The present study was conducted to evaluatetherecuperativepotentialoftransplantedplugsof24commonlygrowncultivars of three warm-season turfgrass species after incremental increases in water stress imposed by withholding all water for up to 60 days. A 2-year field study was conducted consisting of eight blocks containing 25 plots each. Each block was planted with one plot each of eight cultivars of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon sp.), seven cultivars of st. augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum sp.), and nine cultivars of zoysiagrass (five of Zoysia japonica sp. and four of Zoysia matrella sp.). Four blocks were planted on native soil with no restriction to rooting, whereas the other four had an effective root zone of only 10 cm of soil. Cup cutter plugs were collected at predetermined intervals, transported to College Station, TX, replanted, and grown under well-watered conditions. Measurements of the lateral spread of the plugs were taken every 10 to 14 days for the first 60 to 70 days after planting (DAP). The lateral spread of plugs collected after 0 days of summer dry-down (DSD) was greatest for bermudagrass, intermediate for st. augustinegrass, and lowest for zoysiagrass. In most cases there were no consistent differences between cultivars within a species. All species grown on the 10-cm deep root zone were unable to survive the 60-day period without water and died within the first 40 days. For each species, lateral spread was increasingly delayed or reduced with increasing DSD. Although all three species grown on native soil were able to survive and recover from a 60-day period without water, the bermudagrass cultivars had the most rapid recovery rates measured as lateral spread of transplanted plugs.
Year One as an Education Activist

How can teacher education faculty members sit back and watch in theoretical detatchment the potential privatization of public schools in the United States? This is a central question in this essay, which profiles the author's preliminary transition from meek educator to a more radical stance. Social media and blogging have both been essential to this transformation as the author reflects on the responsiblity of all faculty members, teacher educators especially, to defend what is right and just within our society. In this case in particular, it is the preservation of a free and open system of public education.
Reduction of multipath-induced bias of GPS time-of-arrival

We investigate a blind method for cancelling the multipath effects, in order to improve the time-of-arrival estimate. Our approach uses early-late gate processing on an objective function derived from an adaptive FIR filter that attempts to match the crosscorrelation of the received signal with a multipath-free replica of the desired crosscorrelation. This method performs reasonably well, and decreases the bias by approximately a factor of 2, even in very stressing multipath environments.
An Efficient Compiler Technique for Code Size Reduction Using Reduced Bit-Width ISAs

For many embedded applications, program code size is a critical design factor. One promising approach for reducing code size is to employ a "dual instruction set", where processor architectures support a normal (usually 32 bit) Instruction Set, and a narrow, space-efficient (usually 16 bit) Instruction Set with a limited set of opcodes and access to a limited set of registers. This future, however, requires compilers that can reduce code size by compiling for both Instruction Sets. Existing compiler techniques operate at the function-level granularity and are unable to make the trade-off between increased register pressure (resulting in more spills) and decreased code size. We present a profitability based compiler heuristic that operates at the instruction-level granularity and is able to effectively take advantage: of both Instruction Sets. We also demonstrate improved code size reduction, for the MIPS 32/16 bit ISA, using our technique. Our approach more than doubles the code size reduction achieved by existing compilers.
Magnetic Properties of Ferrous Chloride Complexes with Two-Dimensional Structures

The quadrupole and magnetic interactions in compounds of the type ${(R\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{H}}_{3})}_{2}\mathrm{Fe}{\mathrm{Cl}}_{4}$, where $R=\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{H}}_{3},{\mathrm{C}}_{2}{\mathrm{H}}_{5},{\mathrm{C}}_{3}{\mathrm{H}}_{7}$, and ${\mathrm{C}}_{6}$${\mathrm{H}}_{5}$C${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ have been studied. The M\"ossbauer spectra obtained at room temperature showed a quadrupole doublet with $\ensuremath{\Delta}{E}_{Q}=2.1\ensuremath{-}2.3$ mm/sec for all four compounds and an isomer shift I. S. =1.2-1.25 mm/sec referred to stainless steel. The electronic ground state is $^{5}B_{2g}$. The liquid-nitrogen-temperature results showed a magnetic hyperfine splitting for all compounds except the benzyl compound. The internal magnetic field varies from 220 KOe in propyl to 240 KOe in methyl with axis of magnetization in the plane of the sheet. Magnetic-susceptibility measurements for methyl, propyl, and benzyl compounds showed the transition temperatures to be 96, 90, and 72\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, respectively. They also indicated that significant amounts of short-range order above the transition temperature are absent, and the compounds are antiferromagnetic. Finally, ESR calculations gave a $g$ in the range of 2.01-2.015 and a value of $J=8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}$ erg.
Robust stabilization: some extensions of the gain margin maximization problem

Considers robust stabilization for SISO systems with linear dependence on a real uncertain parameter which may occur either in the numerator or denominator of the plant transfer function. The authors show necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of robust controllers. Their structure and parameterization can be obtained from the corresponding Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problems. This work extends the previously known case of an uncertain gain parameter. >
Pollution control in a simplified general-equilibrium model with production externalities☆

Abstract Pollution externalities of the producer-producer type are considered in a positive two-sector model with stationary capital and labor. By assumption, output from the polluting sector can be diverted to pollution abatement. Environmental authorities attempt to control the level of pollution to some minimum “acceptable” standard by requiring polluters to depollute through the mechanism of a uniform tax on production. Following discussion of short-run considerations, the stability of the tax-adjustment scheme is examined and the dynamic nature of growth paths in the economy is explored.
Role of professional associations in preparing, recruiting, and retaining computing professionals

The purpose of this preliminary study is to investigate an under-explored topic, specifically, the role of professional associations in preparing, recruiting, and retaining computing professionals. Drawing on relevant literature, we identified a comprehensive list of services that should be provided by professional associations in order to prepare, recruit, and retain professionals. Then we assessed several computing professional associations to determine whether they offer those identified services. Our findings show that ACM has better coverage of services, followed by IEEE-CS, AITP, and AIS. This study indicates that computing professional associations have considerable influences on higher educational institutes by establishing curriculum guidelines to prepare professionals, on organizations by organizing career fairs and placement websites to recruit professionals, and on retention by providing professional development opportunities. We propose that more research is needed to gain an in-depth understanding of the role of computing professional associations and to identify unique ways they can influence preparation, recruitment, and retention of computing professionals.
Mast cell dependent vascular changes associated with an acute response to cold immersion in primary contact urticaria.

Background While a number of the consequences of mast cell degranulation within tissues have been documented including tissue-specific changes such as bronchospasm and the subsequent cellular infiltrate, there is little known about the immediate effects of mast cell degranulation on the associated vasculature, critical to understanding the evolution of mast cell dependent inflammation. Objective To characterize the microcirculatory events that follow mast cell degranulation. Methodology/principal findings Perturbations in dermal blood flow, temperature and skin color were analyzed using laser-speckle contrast imaging, infrared and polarized-light colorimetry following cold-hand immersion (CHI) challenge in patients with cold-induced urticaria compared to the response in healthy controls. Evidence for mast cell degranulation was established by documentation of serum histamine levels and the localized release of tryptase in post-challenge urticarial biopsies. Laser-speckle contrast imaging quantified the attenuated response to cold challenge in patients on cetirizine. We found that the histamine-associated vascular response accompanying mast cell degranulation is rapid and extensive. At the tissue level, it is characterized by a uniform pattern of increased blood flow, thermal warming, vasodilation, and recruitment of collateral circulation. These vascular responses are modified by the administration of an antihistamine. Conclusions/significance Monitoring the hemodynamic responses within tissues that are associated with mast cell degranulation provides additional insight into the evolution of the acute inflammatory response and offers a unique approach to assess the effectiveness of treatment intervention.
Establishing a Family Literacy Program with a Focus on Interactive Reading: The Role of Research and Accountability

Family literacy programs abound today, and many try to be all things to all participating families. Funding has eroded for programs of long length and shorter length programs need a specific focus to aim for a modicum of success. This article provides an overview of the importance of interactive reading for children’s future success in school, providing clear reasons for having it as a program focus. Specific research-based interactive reading behaviors which act as program objectives and a linked interactive reading assessment for accountability purposes are described. Methods of serving and recruiting diverse families are also explored. An example of a program is provided to demonstrate how to design a family literacy program of manageable length that leads to measurable gains in joint reading behaviors.
Major and minor injuries at work: Are the circumstances similar or different?

A database containing accident records from a large petrochemical refining complex was employed to test the hypothesis that similar circumstances are associated with incidents that result in major and minor injuries. Results indicated a great deal of similarity for both major and minor accidents and across jobs. Several dimensions or characteristics of the accidents were examined including the kinds of activities employees were engaged in prior to the accident, the sequence of events preceding the injury, the nature of the injury sustained and the parts of the body that were injured. In addition to providing support for the notion that the conditions giving rise to major- and minor-injury accidents are similar, these findings extend previous work by demonstrating that such similarities hold across jobs.
The orbital description of the potential energy curves and properties of the lower excited states of the BH molecule

Abstract The electronic wavefunctions for the ground (X1 Σ+) and the low-lying excited states (a3Π, A1Π, 3Σ+) of the BH molecule have been calculated as a function of internuclear distance using the ab initio generalized valence bond method (GVB) with optimization of spin coupling (SOGI). The potential curve of the A1Π state in the zero rotational level is found to have a hump of 0.150 eV at R = 3.89 ao (experimentally a hump of unknown size is found at 3.9 ± 0.4 a0); a smaller hump at larger R (0.02 eV at R = 4.92 a0) is also found for the calculated a3Π state. The presence of such humps is found to result from the recoupling of orbitals that must occur as R is decreased from ∞ to Re and is comparable in origin to the activation barrier in a radical exchange reaction (e.g., H2 + D ⇌ HD + H). The calculated binding energies of the BH states are 3.272 eV (X1 Σ+), 2.216 eV (a3 Π), and 0.502 eV (A1 Π). The 3Σ+ state is unbound although it does exhibit a small unbound minimum. The dipole moment, quadrupole moment, and electric field gradient are calculated as a funtion of R. The shapes of the potential curves and the properties are interpreted in terms of simple qualitative considerations of the GVB orbitals.
Adaptive control for the space station

This paper describes an adaptive control algorithm along with the proposed inner-loop plant augmentation for controlling the space station under severe conditions of shuttle docking, mass and inertia change, and model truncation. Simulation results with a simplified model show that the controller is robust and the plant dynamics closely follows that of the reference model. Reasonable results have been observed even with saturation constraints on the control hardware.
Relationship between craniomandibular dysfunction and oral parafunctions in Caucasian children with and without unpleasant life events

An epidemiological study was conducted to investigate the relationship between craniomandibular dysfunction and oral parafunctions in 386 children aged 6-10 years with and without unpleasant life events. The results showed statistically significant correlations between grinding, clenching, lip/cheek biting and muscle tenderness or pain, and clicking in subjects without unpleasant life events. Also, significant correlations were found in the same group between these parafunctions and difficulties in opening wide and pain on movements. When the definitional symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction were aggregated, the chi-square test revealed significant correlations between them and the same oral parafunctions. The correlations in subjects with unpleasant life events between grinding, clenching, lip/cheek biting and each sign and symptom of craniomandibular dysfunction were close to the significance level. No significant correlations were detected between the definitional symptoms and these parafunctions in this group. The present study suggests that in patients without unpleasant life events grinding, clenching, and lip/cheek biting cannot be considered 'necessary' but can be 'sufficient' cause for the development of craniomandibular dysfunction. In subjects with unpleasant life events the origin of signs/symptoms of the dysfunction can be attributed to muscle tension or to another unknown aetiological factor.
Redefining treatment: how biological mothers manage their children's treatment for perinatally acquired HIV

Current medical thinking supports early initiation of aggressive approaches to the management of perinatally acquired HIV infection. Biological mothers, however, may not endorse this way of managing their child's condition. For this study, grounded theory methods were used to conduct secondary analysis of eight semi-structured in-depth interviews with parents of children with perinatally acquired HIV. Biological mothers' perspectives on their children's treatment for perinatally acquired HIV infection, the strategies they used to manage their children's treatment and sociocultural influences on mothers' beliefs and actions are explored and described. Creation of a framework that may be useful for future research and recommendations for clinical practice are offered.
Mutual Fund Governance and Fund Performance

Conflicts of interest among mutual fund managers, fund sponsors, and fund shareholders have attracted attention recently in the popular press and from academics, politicians, and legal experts. However, little is known empirically about the relation between mutual fund returns and mutual fund governance. Our objective is to determine whether better governance leads to improved performance. The authors investigate this relation using Morningstar criteria that measure the effectiveness of governance, traditional portfolio performance measures, and the M2 performance measure. They find that, in general, mutual funds that have better governance grades also have better risk-adjusted returns.
Calcitonin has direct effects on 3[H]-thymidine incorporation and alkaline phosphatase activity in human osteoblast-line cells.

Calcitonin had direct and dose-dependent actions on human osteoblast-line cells (in serum-free monolayer culture) to increase cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity/mg cell protein. Salmon calcitonin increased (human osteosarcoma) SaOS-2 cell proliferation, as evidenced by dose-dependent increases in3[H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA (e.g., 153% of control after 20 h exposure at 0.1 nM,P<0.01), and MTT (thyzolyl blue) reduction/deposition (e.g., 161% of control after 72 h exposure at 0.03 nM). Continuous exposure was not required to elicit these proliferative responses. These effects were not unique to salmon calcitonin or to SaOS-2 cells. Similar effects were seen with human calcitonin (but not heat-inactivated human calcitonin) and with (human osteosarcoma) TE-85 cells and human osteoblast-line cells prepared from femoral heads. In addition to effects on cell proliferation, calcitonin also increased alkaline phosphatase-specific activity in SaOS-2 cells (e.g., 180% of control after 72 h of exposure to 0.1 nM salmon calcitonin,P<.005).
Comparison of Freeze-Dried and Extruded Spirulina platensis as Yolk Pigmenting Agents

Abstract Experiment 1 was an 8-wk study with Japanese quail fed 0, .5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0% of freeze-dried spirulina or the dry equivalent of fresh spirulina extruded with corn. Experiment 2 was a 16-wk repeat of Experiment 1 using levels of 0, .25, .5, 1.0, and 2.0% spirulina. In the third experiment, corn, barley, and cassava were extruded with fresh spirulina equal to 1% of the dried product, and each feedstuff fed with 1% freeze-dried spirulina. Four replicates of five quail were assigned to each treatment. Yolk color increased with increasing dietary levels of spirulina in Experiment 1. There also was a consistent increase in yolk color with freeze-dried spirulina compared with the extruded spirulina. This pattern was also seen in Experiment 2. In addition, eggs from quail fed the extruded corn control diet had markedly lower yolk scores than those from quail fed the untreated corn control diet. The mean Roche yolk color score of eggs from quail fed corn, barley, or cassava extruded with spirulina was 5.91, 3.55, and 6.70, respectively. These values were respectively 1.41, 1.89, and 4.06 units greater than the corresponding control values.
Template for Reporting Results of Biomarker Testing of Specimens From Patients With Tumors of the Central Nervous System

The College of American Pathologists offers these templates to assist pathologists in providing clinically useful and relevant information when reporting results of biomarker testing. The College regards the reporting elements in the templates as important elements of the biomarker test report, but the manner in which these elements are reported is at the discretion of each specific pathologist, taking into account clinician preferences, institutional policies, and individual practice. The College developed these templates as educational tools to assist pathologists in the useful reporting of relevant information. It did not issue them for use in litigation, reimbursement, or other contexts. Nevertheless, the College recognizes that the templates might be used by hospitals, attorneys, payers, and others. The College cautions that use of the templates other than for their intended educational purpose may involve additional considerations that are beyond the scope of this document.
Hot working of commercial Ti–6Al–4V with an equiaxed α–β microstructure: materials modeling considerations

Abstract The hot deformation behavior of Ti–6Al–4V with an equiaxed α–β preform microstructure is modeled in the temperature range 750–1100°C and strain rate range 0.0003–100 s−1, for obtaining processing windows and achieving microstructural control during hot working. For this purpose, a processing map has been developed on the basis of flow stress data as a function of temperature, strain rate and strain. The map exhibited two domains: (i) the domain in the α–β phase field is identified to represent fine-grained superplasticity and the peak efficiency of power dissipation occurred at about 825°C/0.0003 s−1. At this temperature, the hot ductility exhibited a sharp peak indicating that the superplasticity process is very sensitive to temperature. The α grain size increased exponentially with increase in temperature in this domain and the variation is similar to the increase in the β volume fraction in this alloy. At the temperature of peak ductility, the volume fraction of β is about 20%, suggesting that sliding of α–α interfaces is primarily responsible for superplasticity while the β phase present at the grain boundary triple junctions restricts grain growth. The apparent activation energy estimated in the α–β superplasticity domain is about 330 kJ mol−1, which is much higher than that for self diffusion in α-titanium. (ii) In the β phase field, the alloy exhibits dynamic recrystallization and the variation of grain size with temperature and strain rate could be correlated with the Zener–Hollomon parameter. The apparent activation energy in this domain is estimated to be 210 kJ mol−1, which is close to that for self diffusion in β. At temperatures around the transus, a ductility peak with unusually high ductility has been observed, which has been attributed to the occurrence of transient superplasticity of β in view of its fine grain size. The material exhibited flow instabilities at strain rates higher than about 1 s−1 and these are manifested as adiabatic shear bands in the α–β regime.
Mediating multicultural conflict by separating behaviors from expectations in a cultural grid

Abstract Culturally different approaches to mediation are presented and compared within the context of an inclusive definition of culture. An Intrapersonal Grid is presented to identify how an accurate assessment of behaviors depends on identification of matching expectations and values which are learned in a sociocultural context. The danger of misattribution in identifying expectations accurately is discussed in relation to an Interpersonal Grid that separates behaviors from expectations. Multicultural mediation can best be accomplished by identifying “common ground” of shared positive expectations and not being distracted by “undesirable” behaviors. Case illustrations are provided.
Grade II oligodendroglioma localized to the corpus callosum

The presence of a primary central nervous system (CNS) neoplasm within the corpus callosum generally portends a grave prognosis. Common pathologies encountered include glioblastomas and primary CNS lymphomas. In contrast, World Health Organization grade II oligodendroglial tumors demonstrating loss of heterozygosity at 1p and 19q are generally less aggressive, often responding favorably to chemotherapy. The authors present a case of a primary brain tumor isolated to the corpus callosum diagnosed as a grade II oligodendroglioma. A 52-year-old woman presented with new-onset generalized seizure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a non-contrast-enhancing lesion with associated edema and regional mass effect. The patient underwent a craniotomy and subtotal resection of the lesion using an endoscopic port. Pathological examination revealed a grade II oligodendroglioma. Molecular analysis identified 1p and 19q deletion as well as MGMT promoter methylation. The patient subsequently underwent adjuvant radiation therapy with an excellent response. We present, to our knowledge, the first report of a grade II oligodendroglioma isolated within the corpus callosum with the characteristic molecular features of this tumor type. Histopathologic diagnosis is essential to appropriately guide therapy of callosal tumors.
In-flight oxidation of aluminum in the twin-wire electric arc process

This paper examines the in-flight oxidation of aluminum sprayed in air using the twin-wire electric arc (TWEA) thermal spray process. Aerodynamic shear at the droplet surface increases the amount of in-flight oxidation by promoting entrainment of the surface oxides within the molten droplet and continually exposing fresh fluid available for oxidation. Mathematical predictions herein confirm experimental measurements that reveal an elevated, nearly constant surface temperature (∼2273 K) of the droplets during flight. The calculated oxide volume fraction of a “typical” droplet with internal circulation compares favorably to the experimentally determined oxide content (3.3–12.7%) for a typical TWEA-sprayed aluminum coating sprayed onto a room temperature substrate. It is concluded that internal circulation within the molten aluminum droplet is a significant source of oxidation. This effect produces an oxide content nearly two orders of magnitude larger than that of a droplet without continual oxidation.
On the girth of convex bodies

For a three-dimensional convex body and a given direction the corresponding girth is defined as the perimeter of the orthogonal projection of the body onto a plane orthogonal to the assigned direction. Obvious examples show that there are pairs of convex bodies that have in every direction equal girths but are not translates of each other. Here a modification of the concept of the girth, called semi-girth, is introduced, and it is shown that convex bodies are uniquely determined (up to translations) by their semi-girths. In addition, corresponding stability results are proved and an inequality concerning the central symmetry of convex domains is established.
DOES POPULATION STABILITY EVOLVE

Population stability ultimately depends on the life-history characteristics of individuals; thus, it may be indirectly affected by natural selection acting on various life-history traits. This study investigates the efficacy of natural selection in molding the stability of populations living at an unstable equilibrium. The stability of laboratory populations of Drosophila is affected by the relative amount of food given to larvae and adults. Environments with high larval food levels and low adult food levels (HL environments) tend to have asymptotically stable carrying capacities. Environments with low larval food levels and high adult food levels (LH environments) tend to exhibit unstable dynamics, like population cycles. In this experiment, 20 populations were created from two different types of source populations. Five of the source populations had evolved for 71 generations under crowded larval conditions and uncrowded adult conditions (CU populations), while the other five source populations had evolved for a comparable time in uncrowded larval and uncrowded adult conditions (UU). In this study, five replicate CU and UU populations each were placed in both the HL and LH environments, and total adult population counts and adult biomass were recorded for 45 generations. Every five generations, we also estimated the density-dependent fecundity function in each population, since population stability depends critically on the shape of this function. While we could document phenotypic evolution in these populations for several characters due to density-dependent natural selection, there was no detectable change in the population stability characteristics of the unstable LH populations. This result is consistent with either no evolution of population stability, or very slow change. Thus, while evolution in these populations affects important life-history characteristics, these changes appear to have no detectable effects on population stability.
Assessing hip fracture risk in a population-based health survey: the NHANES III osteoporosis component.

A unique study of osteoporotic hip fracture risk, currently being conducted as part of a national health survey of the United States population, is described. The osteoporosis component of the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) will provide data on multiple risk factors for hip fracture, including bone density of the proximal femur, from a nationally representative sample of adults that includes the very old. The minimum age for inclusion in the component is 20 years, so risk factors can be examined across the adult age range. The component includes men as well as women, and blacks and Mexican Americans as well as non-Hispanic whites. Finally, a longitudinal follow-up of the cohort will allow risk factor data to be related to subsequent hip fracture occurrence. (Aging Clin. Exp. Res. 4: 53–60, 1992)
Reply to "Comment on Acoustic Measurements of Electron Relaxation Times"

Dooley and Tepley have commented that their method of extracting relaxation times from magnetoacoustic data gives satisfactory results when applied to copper data taken by Phua and Peverley. This reply contains a brief discussion of some real-metal effects which give cause to question the applicability of their method.
Effect of Influenza Virus Infection on Phagocytic and Cytopeptic Capacities of Guinea Pig Macrophages

Guinea pigs were exposed to influenza Al virus by aerosol. Peritoneal and alveolar macrophages were harvested three days after virus exposure and allowed to attach overnight to Leighton tubes. These macrophages were then challenged with a suspension of Klebsiella pneumoniae for two hours. The macrophages were washed free of extracellular bacteria and antibiotics were added to prevent extracellular multiplication. Plate counts were made at various time intervals on disrupted macrophages to determine the number of viable intracellular bacteria remaining. Alveolar macrophages that had been exposed to virus in vivo ingested the bacteria at a rate significantly greater (p <.05) than that of non-virus exposed control macrophages. However, virus exposed macrophages exhibited significantly reduced intracellular killing (cytopepsis) (p <.01) as compared to controls. In vitro virus exposed macrophages exhibited no significant difference in the rate of phagocytosis or cytopepsis. The data support the hypothesis that...
Scaffolding Critical Reflection in Online Discussions: Helping Prospective Teachers Think Deeply about Field Experiences in Urban Schools

A teacher educator uses the methodology of a design experiment to compare patterns and levels of reflection in two semesters of her students” e-mail discussions about field experiences in urban schools. Analysis of discussion transcripts during the earlier semester revealed that higher levels of reflection were rare. With a number of changes in both the design and level of support for the discussions, students during the second semester were more inclined to write at higher levels of reflection. Important scaffolds for higher levels of reflection seemed to be tailored and general questioning from the instructor and peers, critical readings on problematic issues and inequities in urban schools, and certain online discussion threads where students were jointly analyzing sociopolitical and moral aspects of critical incidents in the field. In light of this study, suggestions are offered for future use of electronic exchanges in teacher education courses and programs.
Preserving amplitude in high-resolution marine geophysical profiles

High-resolution seismic and side-scan sonar images built up by stacking density-modulated line traces can properly represent signal amplitude in terms of image density. Faithful representation is possible only if signal amplitude is maintained at all steps in processing, including compensation for spherical spreading loss and conversion of the amplified signal to image density on the electrically or photographically sensitive paper or film. Copying may degrade the original recordings, especially the dark portions representing high noise level or full-wave-detected strong signal. Microfilm copies from the original can retain amplitude information better than paper copies, and can be reproduced inexpensively by contact printing. Quality control test objects incorporated in any form of copying can be a gauge of quality of intermediate copying as well as of the end product. Original recordings well suited to copying can be made with fiber-optic cathode ray tube (CRT) recorders directly on photographic film. Calibration of amplitude and test patterns could be incorporated in a microfilm image made directly from the CRT. Contact prints of this original would be the cheapest form for disseminating copies of better quality than forms generally used now. Negative microfilm developed for low contrast and exposed for maximum density 2 can be successfully enlarged to make good quality work prints.
The Effect of Probabilistic Information on Threshold Forecasts

Abstract The study reported here asks whether the use of probabilistic information indicating forecast uncertainty improves the quality of deterministic weather decisions. Participants made realistic wind speed forecasts based on historical information in a controlled laboratory setting. They also decided whether it was appropriate to post an advisory for winds greater than 20 kt (10.29 m s−1) during the same time intervals and in the same geographic locations. On half of the forecasts each participant also read a color-coded chart showing the probability of winds greater than 20 kt. Participants had a general tendency to post too many advisories in the low probability situations (0%–10%) and too few advisories in very high probability situations (90%–100%). However, the probability product attenuated these biases. When participants used the probability product, they posted fewer advisories when the probability of high winds was low and they posted more advisories when the probability of high winds was hi...
The Role, Focus, and Funding of Research in a Department of Surgery

The arduous process of selecting a surgical department chairperson focuses exclusively on qualities irrelevant to the job. Having been selected because he or she publishes in the fancy journals, the new chairperson must recruit a stable full of clinically active stallions. An active research program stimulates intellectual excitement, glues the surgical faculty together, and convinces even the most audacious master surgeon that an idea is more exciting than an accessible parking space.
Age-Related Effects of Study Time Allocation on Memory Performance in a Verbal and a Spatial Task.

Past studies have suggested that study time allocation partially mediates age relations on memory performance in a verbal task. To identify whether this applied to a different material modality, participants ages 20–87 completed a spatial task in addition to a traditional verbal task. In both the verbal and the spatial task, increased age was associated with poorer utilization of study time, suggesting that age differences in study time allocation are qualitatively similar across material modality. Furthermore, age differences in how individuals allocated their study time partially mediated the age relations on memory performance in both tasks, indicating the importance of effective regulation of study time when learning information. Finally, age differences in study time allocation did not appear to be due to differences in awareness of performance. When a subset of participants was asked about their prior performance, awareness of previous performance was not associated with study time allocation on eit...
Music listening to facilitate relaxation and promote wellness: Integrated aspects of our neurophysiological responses to music

Abstract Wellness as a movement for both healthy persons and those with diagnosed diseases has been growing in both popularity and acceptance by consumers and the health industry. Wellness in part includes an individual's positive attitude towards, and active engagement in the health environment in which they function. A focus of wellness can include techniques and methods that people can use in their lives to combat stress and facilitate relaxation. Music as a sound medium has been used as part of wellness programs in a variety of ways, including as a sonic background for relaxation experiences. In this article, the role of music listening to positively affect neurophysiological and emotional responses related to relaxation is examined. Neurological bases of music listening and sound processing are reviewed, with emphasis on how music is processed by the limbic and related biological systems, including endocrine and hormonal responses. Suggestions for how consumers may use music listening in their own wellness and relaxation regimens are provided, including descriptions of which music to consider, where to obtain it, and how to use it.
Development and test of a space reactor core heat pipe

A heat pipe designed to meet the heat transfer requirements of a 100-kW/sub e/ space nuclear power system has been developed and tested. General design requirements for the device included an operating temperature of 1500/sup 0/K with an evaporator radial flux density of 100 w/cm/sup 2/. The total heat-pipe length of 2 m comprised an evaporator length of 0.3 m, a 1.2-m adiabatic section, and a condenser length of 0.5 m. A four-artery design employing screen arteries and distribution wicks was used with lithium serving as the working fluid. Molybdenum alloys were used for the screen materials and tube shell. Hafnium and zirconium gettering materials were used in connection with a pre-purified distilled lithium charge to ensure internal chemical compatibility. After initial performance verification, the 14.1-mm i.d. heat pipe was operated at 15 kW throughput at 1500/sup 0/K for 100 hours. No performance degradation was observed during the test.
Sleep patterning and behaviour in cats with pontine lesions creating REM without atonia

Lesions of the dorsal pontine tegmentum release muscle tone and motor behaviour, much of it similar to orienting during wakefulness, into rapid eye movement sleep (REM), a state normally characterized by paralysis. Sleep after pontine lesions may be altered, with more REM-A episodes of shorter duration compared to normal REM. We examined behaviour, ponto-geniculo-occipital (PGO) waves (which may be central markers of orienting) and sleep in lesioned cats: (i) to characterize the relationship of PGO waves to behaviour in REM-A; (ii) to determine whether post-lesion changes in the timing and duration of REM-A episodes were due to activity-related awakenings: and (iii) to determine whether alterations in sleep changed the circadian sleep/wake cycle in cats. Behavioural release in REM-A was generally related to episode length, but episode length was not necessarily shorter than normal REM in cats capable of full locomotion in REM-A. PGO wave frequency was reduced overall during REM-A, but was higher during REM-A with behaviour than during quiet REM-A without overt behaviour. Pontine lesions did not significantly alter the circadian sleep/wake cycle: REM-A had approximately the same Light/Dark distribution as normal REM. Differences in the patterning of normal REM and REM-A within sleep involve more than mere movement-induced awakenings. Brainstem lesions that eliminate the atonia of REM may damage neural circuitry involved in REM initiation and maintenance; this circuitry is separate from circadian control mechanisms.
Bcl2 enhances induced hematopoietic differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells

Bcl2 is a potent antiapoptotic gene that can increase resistance of adult bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells to lethal irradiation, and thereby preserve their ability to differentiate. However, the effect of Bcl2 on murine embryonic stem (ES) cells induced to undergo hematopoietic differentiation in the absence of a toxic stress is not known. To test this, murine CCE-ES cells that can be induced to undergo hematopoietic differentiation in a two-step process that results in upregulation of Bcl2 were used. Upregulation of Bcl2 precedes formation of hematopoietic embryoid bodies (EB) and their further differentiation into hematopoietic colony-forming units, when plated as single cells in methylcellulose. ES cells stably expressing a Bcl2 siRNA plasmid to "knock-down" endogenous expression or cells expressing wild-type (WT) Bcl2 or phosphomimetic Bcl2 mutants were examined. ES cells expressing the Bcl2 siRNA or those expressing a dominant-negative, nonphosphorylatable Bcl2 display a strikingly reduced capacity to form hematopoietic EBs and colony-forming units compared to cells expressing WT or phosphomimetic Bcl2 that demonstrate an increased capacity. Bcl2's effect on induced-hematopoietic differentiation of ES cells does not result from either decreased apoptosis or a reduced number of cells. Rather, Bcl2-enhances hematopoietic differentiation of ES cells by upregulating p27, which results in retardation of the cell cycle at G 1 /G 0 . Thus siRNA silencing of p27 reverts Bcl2's enhancement phenotype in a manner similar to that of Bcl2 "silencing" or expression of a nonphosphorylable Bcl2. In addition to Bcl2's well-described antiapoptotic and cell-cycle retardant effect on somatic cells, Bcl2 may also function to enhance induced hematopoietic cell differentiation of murine ES cells. These findings may have potential relevance for expanding hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell numbers from an ES cell source for stem cell transplantation applications.
Identification of multivessel coronary artery disease by exercise echocardiography

Abstract Objectives . This study examined the ability of exercise echocardiography to identify multivessel coronary artery disease and ascertain its incremental value when combined with clinical and exercise test variables. Background . Although exercise echocardiography has been shown to be accurate for the detection of coronary artery disease, little is known about its utility for identifying multivessel involvement, and its incremental value when combined with clinical and exercise test variables has not been studied. Methods . One hundred fifty consecutive patients were selected on the basis of having had an exercise echocardiographic and a coronary angiographic study within 6 months without any revascularization procedure. Significant coronary artery disease (≥50% diameter stenosis in any major coronary artery) was present in 117 patients, and multivessel (two- or three-vessel) disease was present in 90 patients. The exercise echocardiographic studies were reviewed by an experienced observer unaware of the results of the coronary angiogram. Results . The overall sensitivity and specificity of exercise echocardiography for the identification of multivessel disease were 73% and 70%, respectively. A stepwise logistic regression analysis identified the number of abnormal regions on the postexercise images as the strongest independent predictor of multivessel disease; also significant were a history of myocardial infarction and ST segment depression of at least 2 mm on the peak exercise electrocardiogram. Conclusions . Exercise echocardiography adds independent and incremental information to clinical and exercise test variables for identifying multivessel coronary artery disease.
Crystallinity, morphology, and conductivity of boron-doped microcrystalline silicon

Boron-doped microcrystalline (..mu..c) silicon films produced by rf glow discharge from dilute (1%) mixtures of SiH/sub 4/ in H/sub 2/ show a critical dependence of conductivity on deposition conditions. The dark conductivity was related to the microscopic features using electron microscopy. The ..mu..c-Si:H films contain clusters of crystallites embedded in an amorphous matrix. The size of the crystalline clusters is typically 0.2 ..mu..m in diameter, and the size of the individual crystallites is about 2.5 nm. Electron micrographs of samples prepared at substrate temperatures T/sub s/=135/sup 0/C, 150/sup 0/C, 165/sup 0/C, and 180/sup 0/C show that the number of crystalline clusters increases with T/sub s/ up to 165/sup 0/C. At T/sub s/=180/sup 0/C, the crystallites completely disappear. When the concentration of SiH/sub 4/ in H/sub 2/ is decreased to 0.25%, the microstructure shows a high density of crystallites with no apparent clustering.
Tropical Upper-Tropospheric Dry Regions from TOVS and Rawinsondes

Abstract Water vapor (WV) radiances from the TIROS-N Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) and rawinsondes during January 1979 are intercompared within the equatorial dry zone (EDZ) southwest of Mexico and the subtropical high (STH) southwest of Hawaii. Discrepancies are found when inferring upper-tropospheric moisture over the EDZ from different instrument platforms. This paper reconciles these discrepancies between radiances and operationally measured moisture profiles, quantifies the impact of trace amounts of upper-tropospheri WV on satellite-measured radiances, and summarizes limitations in the use of WV channel data for integrated precipitable water (PW) estimates. Contradictory upper-tropospheric moisture information is obtained over the EDZ when operational rawinsonde data and outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) are compared to TOVS WV radiances. However, no such contradiction is observed over the STH when all three data sources indicate dry conditions in the upper troposphere. This dryness is depicte...
Acoustic Radiation From Multi-Span Baffled Panels

The objective of this study is to evaluate the acoustic radiation from a multi-span baffled panel having certain types of irregularities, including intermediate torsional springs and/or displaced intermediate supports. These irregularities lead to the confinement of motion to a limited part of the structure, as evident from the mode shapes. The radiation efficiency is calculated for both ordered and disordered panels in order to measure the tendency of the panel to radiate sound. It is found that the modes of disordered panels radiate slightly more than those of the ordered ones.
Six different plasma enzymes in bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and their usefulness in pathological diagnosis

Abstract 1. Activities of creatine phosphokinase, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, fructose diphosphate aldolase and cholinesterase were measured in plasma of bald eagles. 2. There were no sex differences in the plasma enzyme activities. 3. An acute dieldrin dosage (10 mg/kg) of a female bald eagle resulted in 400% increases in activities of plasma creatine phosphokinase and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase and 250% increases in activities of lactate dehydrogenase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase. 4. At 11 days post-dosage all but one of the plasma enzyme activities had returned to normal; glutamic oxalacetic transaminase activity remained 100% above pre-dosage values. 5. Plasma enzyme assays constitute a non-destrcutive procedure that can be used in valuable wildlife species to screen for the presence and prevalence of environmental contaminants.