1,015 research outputs found
Preparation of urban land use inventories by machine processing of ERTS MSS data
Spectral classes of urban phenomena identified from Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS) multispectral scanner data in Milwaukee included suburban inner city, industry, grassy (open area), road, wooded suburb, water cloud, and shadow. The Milwaukee spectral class statistics were used to classify the Chicago area, within the same ERTS frame, and similar results were achieved. In another ERTS frame, Marion County (Indianapolis) data were classified into similar classes. The Marion County ERTS study was supported by a land use classification of an area near downtown Indianapolis that utilized 12-band MSS data collected by aircraft from 3000 feet. The results of the ERTS analyses suggest that satellite data will be a useful tool for the urban planner for monitoring urban land use
Using The-Math-You-Need modules in a general education, oceanography course
The Math You Need (TMYN) is a series of on-line tutorials designed for students to increase their mathematical abilities while taking geology and other science courses. The aim of the program is to increase the quantitative abilities of students while demonstrating mathematical applications in an effort to make students more comfortable with and aware of the utility of mathematics. Over two semesters, we implemented targeted-TMYN modules into a general-education oceanography course that is typically populated by non-science majors with a wide variety of mathematical skills before calculus. Students participate voluntarily in TMYN modules with extra credit given for their successful completion. Every class day in the course involves exercises and/or a laboratory that applies oceanographic concepts into which we frequently weave elementary mathematics; also, quantitative questions appear on course exams. For example, understanding rates is particularly fundamental, so exercises frequently concentrate on rate calculations and re-arrangement of simple rate equations and this in-class instruction is complemented by appropriate TMYN modules. To reinforce the importance and utility of mathematics, the instructor continually makes connections between course material and TMYN tutorials.
Pedagogical results are mostly positive. Because participation in TMYN modules is voluntary, two-thirds of students participate partially or wholly in the modules; the complementary fraction do not access a single module. We use pre- and post-tests to recognize gains in student mathematical competence. About one third of students either have lower or no change in performance whereas the balance exhibit varying gains. Some students’ scores saltate markedly by doubling, whereas other students achieve more modest gains. Not surprisingly, larger gains tend to be seen by students that have completed more modules with better scores, but this tendency is not absolute. TMYN modules are looked upon favorably by students. The preponderance of students think that TMYN modules improved their mathematical abilities and helped with the class. We plan continued use of TMYN modules with the goal of augmenting student participation, in anticipation of associated improvement in quantitative skills
A temporal and spatial study of invertebrate communities associated with hard-bottom habitats in the South Atlantic Bight
Species composition, biomass, density, and diversity of benthic invertebrates from six bard-bottom areas were evaluated. Seasonal collections using a dredge, trawl, and suction and grab samplers yielded 432, 525, and 845 taxa, respectively. Based on collections wltb the different gear types, species composition of invertebrates was found to change bathymetrically. Inner- and mlddle-shelf sites were more similar to each other in terms of invertebrate species composition than they were to outer-shelf sites, regardless of season. Sites on the inner and outer shelf were grouped according to latitude; however, results suggest that depth is apparently a more important determinant of invertebrate species composition than either season or latitude. Sponges generally dominated dredge and trawl collections in terms of biomass. Generally, cnidarians, bryozoans, and sponges
dominated at sites In terms of number of taxa collected.
The most abundant smaller macrofauna collected in suction and grab samples were polychaetes, amphipods, and mollusks. Densities of the numerically dominant species changed botb seasonally and bathymetrically, with very few of these species restricted to a specific bathymetrlc zone.
The high diversity of invertebrates from hard-bottom sites is attributed to the large number of rare species. No consistent seasonal changes in diversity or number of species were noted for individual stations or depth zones. In addition, H and its components showed no definite patterns related to depth or latitude. However, more species were collected at middle-shelf sites than at inner- or outer-shelf sites, which may be related to more
stable bottom temperature or greater habitat complexity in that area. (PDF file contains 110 pages.
Novel targets of the CbrAB/Crc carbon catabolite control system revealed by transcript abundance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is able to utilize a wide range of carbon and nitrogen compounds, allowing it to grow in vastly different environments. The uptake and catabolism of growth substrates are organized hierarchically by a mechanism termed catabolite repression control (Crc) whereby the Crc protein establishes translational repression of target mRNAs at CA (catabolite activity) motifs present in target mRNAs near ribosome binding sites. Poor carbon sources lead to activation of the CbrAB two-component system, which induces transcription of the small RNA (sRNA) CrcZ. This sRNA relieves Crc-mediated repression of target mRNAs. In this study, we have identified novel targets of the CbrAB/Crc system in P. aeruginosa using transcriptome analysis in combination with a search for CA motifs. We characterized four target genes involved in the uptake and utilization of less preferred carbon sources: estA (secreted esterase), acsA (acetyl-CoA synthetase), bkdR (regulator of branched-chain amino acid catabolism) and aroP2 (aromatic amino acid uptake protein). Evidence for regulation by CbrAB, CrcZ and Crc was obtained in vivo using appropriate reporter fusions, in which mutation of the CA motif resulted in loss of catabolite repression. CbrB and CrcZ were important for growth of P. aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis (CF) sputum medium, suggesting that the CbrAB/Crc system may act as an important regulator during chronic infection of the CF lung
Effectiveness of optical treatment in amblyopia and validation of measuring spectacle compliance with the ODM
Purpose: The improvement in visual acuity (VA) was determined during optical treatment in children with amblyopia before their participation in a randomised clinical trial comparing the effect of dichoptic video gaming using virtual reality goggles with occlusion therapy. Methods: Children aged 4–12 years with an interocular VA difference ≥0.20 logMAR and an amblyogenic factor: strabismus <30Δ, ≥1.00 D anisometropia, astigmatism ≥1.50 D and/or hypermetropia ≥1.50 D were eligible for 16 weeks of optical treatment. Children with previous amblyopia treatment were excluded. Compliance with spectacle wear was measured electronically over 1 week using the occlusion dose monitor (ODM). The reliability of these measurements was verified. The main outcome was an increase in amblyopic eye VA from baseline to 16 weeks. Results: Sixty-five children entered the optical treatment period. Mean age was 6.0 ± 2.2 years (range: 4–12 years; IQR 4.5–6.7 years). Amblyopia was caused by anisometropia in 53 (82%) children, strabismus in 6 (9%) and combined mechanism in 6 (9%). After optical treatment, mean VA improved by 0.20 logMAR (SD 0.28; p < 0.001) and 0.07 in the amblyopic and fellow eye, respectively (SD 0.20; p = 0.03). This resulted in 24 children (37%) with an interocular VA difference <0.20 logMAR and in 17% of children with VA at the start of 0.30 logMAR or worse. Poor VA in the amblyopic eye at baseline (p = 0.001) and high anisometropia (p = 0.001) were associated with VA improvement. On average, spectacles were worn 9.7 ± 2.4 h/day (range: 2.3–13.6 h); mean compliance was 73% ± 18% of estimated wake time. Only ambient temperature ≥ 31°C or when spectacles were worn on top of the head prevented a reliable ODM measurement. Conclusions: VA improved by two lines resulting in more than a third of the children being treated sufficiently with spectacles alone and no longer being classified as amblyopic. The ODM proved to be a reliable method of measuring compliance with spectacle wear.</p
The Ursinus Weekly, April 14, 1952
MSGA plans for evaluation of professors • Alumni to hear Dr. Furbay speak • Language table meets • Sophs, freshmen draw up petitions; Deadline April 16 • Plans made to stop cheating • Library acquires new books • Operetta Sari scheduled for this weekend • Cultural Olympics rate play highly • French Club entertained • Jean Shepherd speaks at annual Weekly banquet: KYW disc jockey presents radio difficulties, problems • Heads named for YMCA • Late permissions discussed in WSGA meeting • Eight members to represent Pi Gamma Mu at Albright • IRC hears Ulbricht • German Club to hold hunt • Editorials: The passive student; Truman\u27s steel seizure wrong • Dean of Men leads busy life • Bruin team drops opener by last inning Ford rally • Ed Dawkins wins in Olympic tryout • Bob Swett elected captain • Former Ursinus star honored • Vermont\u27s new citizenshttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1540/thumbnail.jp
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