Phenotypic Expression in the Paper Wasp \u3ci\u3ePolistes Fuscatus\u3c/i\u3e (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Quantification of color/color pattern in Polistes fuscatus (Fabricius) revealed that these attributes were the interaction of two antagonistic color sequences; their expression being highly correlated with nest microclimate (relative humidity-temperature). Color/ color pattern expressions were modified under experimental conditions to produce forms having natural counterparts in the field. Principal coordinates analyses and trend surface analyses using specimens collected throughout the United States indicated three color pattern trends, representing three distinct geographic areas, and, when objectively defined, without intergradation between and/or among areas. It was concluded that fuscatus should not be considered a widespread, polytypic species; rather, as three discrete species: an eastern, P. fuscatus (Fabricius); a western, P. aurifer Saussure; and an undescribed yellow form from the southwestern United States

The First Lunar Ranging Constraints on Gravity Sector SME Parameters

We present the first constraints on pure-gravity sector Standard-Model Extension (SME) parameters using Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR). LLR measures the round trip travel time of light between the Earth and the Moon. With 34+ years of LLR data, we have constrained six independent linear combinations of SME parameters at the level of $10^{-6}$ to $10^{-11}$. There is no evidence for Lorentz violation in the LLR dataset.Comment: 7 pages, presented at the Fourth Meeting on CPT and Lorentz Symmetry, Bloomington, Indiana, August 200

Design study and evaluation of a hypergolic engine for a space power system, phase 2 Final report, 1 Jul. 1964 - 10 Feb. 1966

Design feasibility of hypergolic engine for space power syste

Shaping Pre-Service Teachers\u27 Attitudes: An Inquiry Approach to Course Reform

The purpose of the study was to investigate the development of pre-service teachers’ attitudes toward teaching science with inquiry methods as the result of their participation in the two-hour elementary science methods class. Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a partner in the Oklahoma Teacher Education Collaborative (OTEC) which is funded by the National Science Foundation’s reform effort, Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation (CETP). The reform effort focuses on the revision of the teacher preparation courses with emphasis on a systemic change in the method in which math, science, and education methods courses are taught across Oklahoma. Nine Oklahoma universities, including the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University, the University of Central Oklahoma, Northeastern Oklahoma State University, Cameron University, Langston University, Tulsa Community College and Southwestern Oklahoma State University, have focused on revising the identified courses with inquiry-based instruction

Solar system constraints on the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati braneworld theory of gravity

A number of proposals have been put forward to account for the observed accelerating expansion of the Universe through modifications of gravity. One specific scenario, Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati (DGP) gravity, gives rise to a potentially observable anomaly in the solar system: all planets would exhibit a common anomalous precession, dw/dt, in excess of the prediction of General Relativity. We have used the Planetary Ephemeris Program (PEP) along with planetary radar and radio tracking data to set a constraint of |dw/dt| < 0.02 arcseconds per century on the presence of any such common precession. This sensitivity falls short of that needed to detect the estimated universal precession of |dw/dt| = 5e-4 arcseconds per century expected in the DGP scenario. We discuss the fact that ranging data between objects that orbit in a common plane cannot constrain the DGP scenario. It is only through the relative inclinations of the planetary orbital planes that solar system ranging data have sensitivity to the DGP-like effect of universal precession. In addition, we illustrate the importance of performing a numerical evaluation of the sensitivity of the data set and model to any perturbative precession.Comment: 9 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Long-distance sound propagation over discontinuous impedances

A calculation method is presented for sound propagation over an impedance discontinuity in flat ground with a homogeneous, still atmosphere. The method is based on an approximate solution to a two dimensional boundary integral equation formulation of the problem, which expresses the wave field as the solution for homogeneous ground plus an integral over half of the boundary. Through recognizing this integral as a generalized Fourier integral, asymptotic methods are applied to evaluate the part of the integral most expensive to compute by numerical quadrature. Single frequency excess attenuation results for propagation from a point source above rigid ground to a receiver above absorbing ground are discussed. The results are applied, with air attenuation and A-weighting, to a notional jet engine noise source. Simple trends are noted

In the Shadow of Best Interest: Negotiating the Facts, Interests, and Interventions in Child Abuse Cases

Most cases of child abuse and neglect are not as extreme or clear-cut as those reported in the media. In routine cases the perpetrator is usually a family member, the evidence of injury is ambiguous and the identity of the perpetrator is uncertain. Prosecution, removal of the child, and therapy for the family are sometimes contradictory mandates which courts and social service agencies must balance. Norm centered negotiation is the decision making process found in this study of child protective work. Child protection workers sometimes negotiate with families in their decisions to confirm abuse, representatives of different agencies negotiate with each other to establish the facts of a case, the best interests of the child, and the service plan. Negotiation is interpreted to be a practical solution to chronic factual uncertainly, contradictory mandates and multi-agency participation in decisions. Recognition and legitimation of negotiation as the actual decision making pro cess in many cases will permit agencies to keep records and data which permit mure adequate monitoring of case processing Legitimation of negotiation will permit explicit training of staff in more effective methods to negotiate in the shadow of the best interests of children