Pockels-effect cell for gas-flow simulation

A Pockels effect cell using a 75 cu cm DK*P crystal was developed and used as a gas flow simulator. Index of refraction gradients were produced in the cell by the fringing fields of parallel plate electrodes. Calibration curves for the device were obtained for index of refraction gradients in excess of .00025 m

Students' agentic and efficacious behaviors in the classroom as an indicator of teacher effectiveness in high poverty schools : an explanatory sequential mixed methods study

This concurrent multi-phase mixed methods study investigated whether indicators of Social Cognitive Theory could be observed in Grades 3-5 classrooms and if these indicators could be used to describe teacher effectiveness in high poverty schools. The conceptual framework drew upon Bandura’s (1997) measurement of the individual self-efficacy of students and the collective teacher efficacy of the organization to study the level of agency and self-efficacy cultivated by the teacher and students in the classroom environment. Major findings confirmed a correlation between self-efficacy and student outcomes in ELA and mathematics. Looping, the practice of students being paired with the same teacher for multiple years, was also a significant factor. Agentic and self-efficacious student behaviors were observable in classrooms. An observation tool developed over the course of the study was found to be mostly reliable and had internal consistency with the exception of one subscale in mathematics. Preliminary evidence suggests there are observable cultures of student agency and self-efficacy in classrooms, but the sample group and scope of the study were limited. Further research in this area is warranted.Department of Educational LeadershipThesis (D. Ed.

Long-range quantum gates using dipolar crystals

We propose the use of dipolar spin chains to enable long-range quantum logic between distant qubits. In our approach, an effective interaction between remote qubits is achieved by adiabatically following the ground state of the dipolar chain across the paramagnet to crystal phase transition. We demonstrate that the proposed quantum gate is particularly robust against disorder and derive scaling relations, showing that high-fidelity qubit coupling is possible in the presence of realistic imperfections. Possible experimental implementations in systems ranging from ultracold Rydberg atoms to arrays of Nitrogen-Vacancy defect centers in diamond are discussed.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

Scanning tunneling microscopy investigation of 2H-MoS_2: A layered semiconducting transition‐metal dichalcogenide

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has been enormously successful in solving several important problems in the geometric and electronic structure of homogeneous metallic and semiconducting surfaces. A central question which remains to be answered with respect to the study of compound surfaces, however, is the extent to which the chemical identity of constituent atoms may be established. Recently, progress in this area was made by Feenstra et al. who succeeded in selectively imaging either Ga or As atoms on the GaAs (110) surface. So far this is the only case where such selectivity has been achieved. In an effort to add to our understanding of compound surface imaging we have undertaken a vacuum STM study of 2H-MoS_2, a material which has two structurally and electronically different atomic species at its surface

In situ measurement of the dynamic structure factor in ultracold quantum gases

We propose an experimental setup to efficiently measure the dynamic structure factor of ultracold quantum gases. Our method uses the interaction of the trapped atomic system with two different cavity modes, which are driven by external laser fields. By measuring the output fields of the cavity the dynamic structure factor of the atomic system can be determined. Contrary to previous approaches the atomic system is not destroyed during the measurement process.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

Geologic and mineral and water resources investigations in western Colorado, using Skylab EREP data

The author has identified the following significant results. Skylab photographs are superior to ERTS images for photogeologic interpretation, primarily because of improved resolution. Lithologic contacts can be detected consistently better on Skylab S190A photos than on ERTS images. Color photos are best; red and green band photos are somewhat better than color-infrared photos; infrared band photos are worst. All major geologic structures can be recognized on Skylab imagery. Large folds, even those with very gentle flexures, can be mapped accurately and with confidence. Bedding attitudes of only a few degrees are recognized; vertical exaggeration factor is about 2.5X. Mineral deposits in central Colorado may be indicated on Skylab photos by lineaments and color anomalies, but positive identification of these features is not possible. S190A stereo color photography is adequate for defining drainage divides that in turn define the boundaries and distribution of ground water recharge and discharge areas within a basin

A murine model of variant late infantile ceroid lipofuscinosis recapitulates behavioral and pathological phenotypes of human disease.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs; also known collectively as Batten Disease) are a family of autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorders. Mutations in as many as 13 genes give rise to ∼10 variants of NCL, all with overlapping clinical symptomatology including visual impairment, motor and cognitive dysfunction, seizures, and premature death. Mutations in CLN6 result in both a variant late infantile onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (vLINCL) as well as an adult-onset form of the disease called Type A Kufs. CLN6 is a non-glycosylated membrane protein of unknown function localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this study, we perform a detailed characterization of a naturally occurring Cln6 mutant (Cln6(nclf)) mouse line to validate its utility for translational research. We demonstrate that this Cln6(nclf) mutation leads to deficits in motor coordination, vision, memory, and learning. Pathologically, we demonstrate loss of neurons within specific subregions and lamina of the cortex that correlate to behavioral phenotypes. As in other NCL models, this model displays selective loss of GABAergic interneuron sub-populations in the cortex and the hippocampus with profound, early-onset glial activation. Finally, we demonstrate a novel deficit in memory and learning, including a dramatic reduction in dendritic spine density in the cerebral cortex, which suggests a reduction in synaptic strength following disruption in CLN6. Together, these findings highlight the behavioral and pathological similarities between the Cln6(nclf) mouse model and human NCL patients, validating this model as a reliable format for screening potential therapeutics

Book Review: The Economics Epidemic in an AIDS Perspective

Pleasures, especially sexual ones, impede wise thinking, said Aristotle, for while these last no one can think of anything. \u27 In Sex and Reason, Judge Richard A. Posner invested 442 pages to argue, contra Aristotle, that even during sexual absorption humans behave rationally, choosing sexual strategies that optimally fit their desires and goals. Sex and Reason was vigorously criticized in the law reviews, but even Posner\u27s most severe critics showed little sympathy for Aristotle\u27s viewpoint