cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teacher Evaluation Through the Eyes of the Principal: How Individual and School Contexts Shape Perceptions of Practice

ABSTRACTThe current study explores how principals (n = 568) experience a new teacher evaluation model under Race to the Top. Findings suggest that principals felt the least confident in their abili...
Teaching Circuits with an Electromechanical Adder

Topics like series and parallel circuits are typically introduced to beginning students through entirely abstract problems, such as finding the equivalent resistance of a combination of resistors. ...
On volt–ampere characteristic of symmetric CCP

The dynamic and static volt/ampere characteristics I(V) are fundamental parameters of rf discharges. The discharge volt/ampere characteristics or impedance and their scaling laws are important for verification of discharge models and in the design of rf matching-tuning networks that couple plasma with an RF power source. It is pointed out that experiments with symmetrical capacitively coupled plasmas performed in a wide range of driving frequencies, gas types and pressures, and discharge voltages demonstrate a linear static volt–ampere characteristic. Such a behavior contradicts the widely accepted rf sheath models found in textbooks. The disagreement was shown to be due to the violation of the rf sheath charge conservation and, possibly, the neglect of ionization caused by oscillating electrons in the rf sheath models.
An incomplete equilibrium with a stochastic annuity

We prove the global existence of an incomplete, continuous-time finite-agent Radner equilibrium in which exponential agents optimise their expected utility over both running consumption and terminal wealth. The market consists of a traded annuity, and along with unspanned income, the market is incomplete. Set in a Brownian framework, the income is driven by a multidimensional diffusion and in particular includes mean-reverting dynamics. The equilibrium is characterised by a system of fully coupled quadratic backward stochastic differential equations, a solution to which is proved to exist under Markovian assumptions. We also show that the equilibrium allocations lead to Pareto-optimal allocations only in exceptional situations.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Receiving Concomitant Vancomycin and Continuous-Infusion Piperacillin/Tazobactam: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: During a recent shortage of small-volume parenteral solutions, some hospitals administered piperacillin/tazobactam via continuous infusion to utilize larger fluid volumes. Although the ...
Reformulación pragmática de la filosofía del Derecho. Características de una teoría realista del Derecho

Hace un siglo, los pragmatistas promovieron una reformulacion de la filosofia. La filosofia del momento estaba centrada en el analisis conceptual, las abstracciones, el analisis a priori y la busqueda de verdades necesarias y universales. Los pragmatistas arguian que, por el contrario, la filosofia deberia centrarse en los problemas del momento, lo que requiere que los teoricos presten atencion a la complejidad social, la variacion, el cambio, el poder, las consecuencias y otros aspectos concretos de la vida social. Los paralelismos entre la filosofia de entonces y la filosofia del Derecho de hoy son sorprendentes y, como sostengo, requieren una teoria del Derecho de inspiracion pragmatista en la filosofia del Derecho contemporanea. La teoria realista expuesta en este ensayo se centra en lo que es el Derecho, para que se utiliza el Derecho, que piensa la gente sobre el Derecho, como actuan en relacion con el Derecho y cuales son las consecuencias sociales del Derecho. Esta retrata al Derecho como un complejo de instituciones que evoluciona a lo largo del tiempo en conexion con los factores sociales, culturales, economicos, politicos, tecnologicos y ecologicos circundantes. Valiendose del pragmatismo, este ensayo adelanta los aspectos epistemologicos, ontologicos y metodologicos de la teoria realista del Derecho junto a un muestreo de las nuevas percepciones que lo distinguen o que desafian posiciones ampliamente mantenidas en la filosofia del Derecho. Los temas tratados son, en orden, el pragmatismo, la reformulacion de filosofia del Derecho, el naturalismo, el historicismo y el holismo, la construccion social del Derecho y el instrumentalismo, el poder y los ideales.
Implicit and Explicit Attitudes Toward Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys

Research consistently finds that jurors bring preexisting attitudes and opinions, which can influence trial outcomes, into the courtroom. This research seeks to understand if juror decision-making ...
A review on alpha case formation and modeling of mass transfer during investment casting of titanium alloys

Abstract Titanium alloys have excellent corrosion resistance, high temperature strength, low density, and biocompatibility. Therefore, they are increasingly used for aerospace, biomedical, and chemical applications. Investment casting is a well-established process for manufacturing near-net-shape intricate parts for such applications. However, mass transfer arising from metal-mold reactions is still a major problem that drastically impairs the surface and properties of the castings. Although there have been astounding developments over the past 20 years, they remain scattered in various research papers and conference proceedings. This review summarizes the current status of the field, gaps in the scientific understanding, and the research needs for the expansion of efficient casting of titanium alloys. The uniqueness of this paper includes a comprehensive analysis of the interfacial reactions and mass transfer problems. Additionally, momentum and heat transfer are presented where applicable, to offer a holistic understanding of the transport phenomena involved in investment casting. Solutions based on modeling and experimental validation are discussed, highlighting ceramic oxide refractories like zirconia, yttria, calcia, alumina, and novel refractories namely, calcium zirconate and barium zirconate. It was found that while mold material selection is vital, alloy composition should also be carefully considered in mitigating metal-mold reactions and mass transfer.
The α isoform of cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1 (PKG1α) is expressed and functionally important in intrinsic primary afferent neurons of the guinea pig enteric nervous system

Background Intrinsic primary afferent neurons (IPANs) enable the gut to manifest reflexes in the absence of CNS input. PKG1α is selectively expressed in a subset of neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and has been linked to nociception and long-term hyperexcitability. Methods We used immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and in vitro assays of IPAN-dependent enteric functions to test hypotheses that subsets of primary neurons of the ENS and DRG share a reliance on PKG1α expression. Key results PKG1α immunoreactivity was demonstrated in immunoblots from isolated myenteric ganglia. PKG1α, but not PKG1β, immunoreactivity, was coincident with that of neuronal markers (HuC/D; β3-tubulin) in both enteric plexuses. PKG1α immunoreactivity also co-localized with the immunoreactivities of the IPAN markers, calbindin (100%; myenteric plexus) and cytoplasmic NeuN (98 ± 1% submucosal plexus). CGRP-immunoreactive DRG neurons, identified as visceral afferents by retrograde transport, were PKG1α-immunoreactive. We used intraluminal cholera toxin to determine whether PKG1α was necessary to enable stimulation of the mucosa to activate Fos in enteric neurons. Tetrodotoxin (1.0 µM), low Ca2+ /high Mg2+ media, and the PKG inhibitor, N46 (100 µM), all inhibited Fos activation in myenteric neurons. N46 also concentration dependently inhibited peristaltic reflexes in isolated preparations of distal colon (IC50 = 83.3 ± 1.3 µM). Conclusions & inferences These data suggest that PKG1α is present and functionally important in IPANs and visceral afferent nociceptive neurons.
Evaluation of Endotracheal Tube Depth in the Out-of-Hospital Setting.

Introduction Endobronchial intubation is a known complication of endotracheal intubation with significant associated morbidity and a reported incidence of up to 15%. In the out-of-hospital setting, paramedics must rely on bedside techniques to confirm appropriate endotracheal tube (ETT) depth. The present real-world practices of paramedics have not been described in this regard. Methods A multi-point survey was distributed to paramedics within the state of Pennsylvania. Participants were scored on the basis of their use of techniques to confirm ETT depth with the highest sensitivity to exclude endobronchial intubation. Results Four-hundred nine (409) responses from 111 emergency medical services (EMS) agencies were recorded. Participants were found to evaluate endotracheal tube depth via auscultation of bilateral breath sounds (91.7% of participants), visualization of the endotracheal tube as it advances 1-2 cm beyond the vocal cords (82.9%), observation of symmetrical chest rise (80.0%), and by securing the ETT at 21 and 23 cm at the incisors for women and men (18.6%). Experienced paramedics were more likely to use the 21/23 cm rule (p=0.039). Participants did not employ the cumulative use of these techniques (p < 0.001) as per a method that has been previously described to exclude endobronchial intubation with 100% sensitivity. Conclusion These data suggest that paramedics are not presently employing the most sensitive techniques to exclude endobronchial intubation. An educational initiative and protocol update may be beneficial.
Interpersonal clusters in a depressed outpatient sample

Abstract Background Prior research suggests that DSM diagnostic classification alone does not provide a full clinical picture for psychotherapy patients. Interpersonal problems are a promising area of research to aid in understanding patient experience and functioning, as well as build upon our existing understanding of psychotherapy treatment processes and outcomes. Methods 71 outpatients were enrolled in individual psychodynamic psychotherapy and received a DSM-IV diagnosis of a depressive spectrum disorder. Each patient's current major depressive episode symptoms, global assessment of functioning (GAF) score, and interpersonal functioning were assessed pre-treatment. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to investigate whether interpersonal “types” could be identified. Results Hierarchical cluster analysis produced a 3-cluster solution that indicated 3 distinct interpersonal subtypes: 1) Non-assertive; 2) Socially Avoidant; and 3) Overly Nurturant. The subtypes did not significantly differ in terms of depressive diagnosis, global symptomatology, current major depressive episode symptoms, or GAF score. However, the Socially Avoidant cluster demonstrated significantly more male patients than the Non-assertive or Overly Nurturant clusters (p = .014). Limitations The current study utilizes a small sample size (N = 71), which limits statistical power. Findings must be interpreted with caution. Additionally, DSM-IV diagnostic classifications were used. Conclusions This study suggests the existence of three interpersonal profiles in depressive disorders: non-assertive, socially avoidant, and overly nurturant. These presentations, independent of quantitative levels of distress, imply that DSM-V classifications are insufficient to understand a patient's clinical presentation. It may be important to assess a patient's interpersonal functioning early in order to improve psychotherapy process and depression outcomes.
Beach-Slope Dependence of Longshore Currents

This paper examines the beach-slope dependence of longshore currents generated by waves breaking obliquely to the shoreline. Such a beach-slope dependence is suggested by the formula presented in the Coastal Engineering Research Center.s Shore Protection Manual .
Options for the introduction of methanol as a transportation fuel

It is generally recognized that methanol is the best candidate for long-term replacement of petroleum-based fuels at some time in the future. The transition from an established fuel to a new fuel, and vehicles that can use the new fuel, is difficult, however. This paper discusses two independent investigations of possible transition uses of methanol, which, when combined, may provide an option for introduction of methanol that takes advantage of the existing industrial base, and provides economic incentives to the consumer. The concept combines the intermediate blends of methanol and gasoline (50%-70% methanol) with the Flexible Fuel Vehicle. In addition to a possible maximum cost effectiveness, these fuel ease vehicle range restriction due to refueling logistics, and mitigate cold starting problems, while at the same time providing most of the performance of the higher concentration blends.
'Victory is Certain': Angolan Political Ballads in the MPLAs Ideological Discourse

The euphoria felt in 1975, when Angola declared its independence, was dampened by an immediate armed conflict involving the three nationalist movements (the MPLA, UNITA, and the FNLA), each hoping to gain control of the country. Known as the Second War of Liberation, this conflict involved both internal and external players. Fidel Castros army arrived, with the financial support of the Soviet Union, to ensure the success of the MPLAs plan to unilaterally declare independence in 1975. The South Africans, backed by American interests, responded by providing UNITA with military support, while Zaire bankrolled the FNLA army. In the aftermath of the conflict, the MPLA, who was able to seize power due to Cubas tremendous support, understood the need to engage in a significant political and cultural project to build a discourse of a united nation, in hopes of giving its government the necessary legitimacy to remain in power. Music and literature became important media for the inculcation of the MPLAs ideological vision for the country. The album Victory is Certain, recorded at the National Radio Station in Luanda, in 1978, is a compilation of twelve songs, whose lyrics convey a specific message of struggle, victory, and political re-construction, from within the MPLA discourse. Sung in Portuguese and in two local languages, Kimbundu and Umbundu, these songs, always in the present tense, clearly illustrate who and what the MPLA wishes define as truly Angolan.
An 18-GHz continuous-time /spl Sigma/-/spl Delta/ analog-digital converter implemented in InP-transferred substrate HBT technology

We report an 18-GHz clock-rate second-order continuous-time /spl Sigma/-/spl Delta/ analog-digital converter (ADC) implemented using InP-transferred substrate HBTs. Under two-tone test conditions, the ADC achieved 43 dB and 33 dB SNR at signal frequencies of 500 MHz and 990 MHz, respectively. The IC occupied 1.95 mm/sup 2/ die area and dissipated /spl sim/1.5 W.
Download Alleviation on a V-22 Model Having a Simple Flap Used in Conjunction With Periodic Excitation, Suction and Blowing

Download measurements were carried out on a V-22 airfoil whose Fowler flap and the associated flap follower were replaced by a simple flap. Steady and periodic suction and blowing as well as purely periodic excitation were applied to the flap in order to alleviate the download. The dependence of the download alleviation on flap's slot location, the method of actuation, the level of momentum input and the frequency of the periodic actuation were investigated. Steady blowing at low momentum coefficients proved to be ineffective. The possible ramifications of adding a flat Kruger flap were also considered. Based on this data the download alleviation was measured on a three-dimensional, 1/10 th scale model of the airplane whereupon the parametric studies carried out in two dimensions were confirmed. The use of suction in conjunction with a Kruger flap reduced the download on the model by 38% while weak periodic excitation in the absence of a Kruger flap reduced it by 16%.
Mental health facilities: A model for physical planning☆

Abstract Considerable emphasis has been placed recently on the importance of social planning in mental health. In this article, in order to complete the planning gestalt, we will discuss the major features of physical planning.
Executive Compensation and Financial Performance in the Real Estate Industry

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between financial performance, firm size and executive compensation among firms in the real estate industry. Previous analyses of compensat...
Groups for Older Persons and Their Caregivers: A Review of the Literature.

The authors review the results of group interventions with groups for older persons and their caregivers. Implications for counselors and suggestions for further research are provided.
Retropubic versus transobturator slings--are the outcomes changing with time?

The purpose of this review is to review the most current patient reported (subjective) and physician reported (objective) outcomes and adverse events associated with retropubic (RMUS) and transobturator (TMUS) mid-urethral slings. Since the two landmark meta-analyses published in 2010, four new RCT have been published and five have reported long-term outcomes comparing RMUS versus TMUS. Both RMUS and TMUS are safe and have efficacious longer-term outcomes. There is no difference between these slings’ subjective outcomes. There is still debate regarding whether RMUS is slightly superior when assessing objective outcomes. Although three trials showed no difference in objective outcomes, results from the largest trial show that RMUS is superior. Further analysis suggests that women with poor urethral function have less favorable outcomes with TMUS and may do better with RMUS. Adverse events are common, and they differ depending on the surgical approach. These new trials confirm previous reported adverse events.
Eye Movements During Simulated Radar Search

The electrical method of eye-movement recording (the electro-oculogram, or EOG) was utilized to study visual search behavior while subjects monitored simulated radar displays. Information was obtained regarding the pattern of search employed, and the spatial distribution and duration of fixations. These factors are discussed in regard to their effect on the detection of targets in displays of this kind.
THE MERE EXPOSURE EFFECT FOR STIMULI PRESENTED BELOW RECOGNITION THRESHOLD: A FAILURE TO REPLICATE '

Repeated exposure to a stimulus increases one's affect toward that stimulus. This finding, termed the mere exposure effect, has been obtained even when the exposure durations are below the threshold of recognition. Reported are three experiments designed to assess whether the mere exposure effect for stimuli presented below the threshold of recognition could be obtained for meaningful stimuli. Analysis showed that meaningfulness of the stimuli had no effect on ratings of affect; however, we did not replicate previous findings of a mere exposure effect for stimuli that were not recognized. The robustness of the mere exposure effect for stimuli presented below the threshold of awareness was questioned.
Slow Cycle Fatigue Creep Performance of Pb-Free (LF) Solders

Electronics industry is successfully transitioning into lead-free (LF) solders to comply with government regulations. There are many challenges associated with reliability life prediction for LF solders such as the selection of temperature cycle test methods, material compatibility issues, and reliability models. This paper focuses on investigating the effect of extended dwell time on LF reliability under thermal cycling for both flip chip BGA packages and sockets. Extensive experimental temperature cycle results for different pitch FC BGAs, and sockets have shown that LF (Sn-4.0Ag-0.5Cu) solder has a better fatigue performance than Sn/Pb over a wide range of extended dwell times. Long-dwell time temperature cycle results revealed that LF will not cross over Sn/Pb performance in the extended dwell time testing up to 8-hour cycle time for the temperature range between -25 and +100deg C. It is also noted that the margin in fatigue life between LF and Sn/Pb becomes smaller with the increased dwell time. This is consistent with the creep properties of LF solder. Finite element modeling results corroborated the experimental data. Detailed failure analysis for both socket and flip chip BGA units demonstrated that LF has much less crack propagation rate than Sn/Pb even with very long dwell time showing better fatigue performance compared to Sn/Pb.
Implantation of Artificial Urinary Sphincter in Patients With Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence, and Preoperative Overactive Bladder and Mixed Symptoms

Purpose: We assessed the impact of preoperative overactive bladder on the continence results of artificial urinary sphincter implantation, and describe the rates and risk factors associated with the development of de novo and persistent overactive bladder after artificial urinary sphincter surgery.Materials and Methods: A total of 129 consecutive patients treated with radical prostatectomy who had preoperative videourodynamics and virgin artificial urinary sphincter implantation were included in the study. During preoperative and postoperative visits patients were specifically queried about overactive bladder symptoms, anticholinergic medication use and continence status.Results: The presence of concomitant overactive bladder symptoms before artificial urinary sphincter surgery did not negatively impact the overall continence results of the artificial urinary sphincter. De novo overactive bladder developed after artificial urinary sphincter surgery in up to a fourth (23%) of patients with pure stress inco...
Generalized langevin theory for gas-solid processes: Inelastic scattering studies

Abstract The generalized Langevin equations for describing gas solid processes are recast as coupled first order differential equations, which are soluble by standard classical trajectory techniques. Energy transfer in rare gas/metal collisions is studied for three computationally simple models: the heatbath Brownian oscillator (hBo) model which includes the effects of the lattice, the Einstein or uncoupled oscillator model and the friction model. The hBo model correctly gives the qualitative behavior of the energy transfer for all collision times; the Einstein model is correct for short collision times but not long ones; and the friction model is unreliable.
The Role of Chemical Complexing in the Formation and Stability of Colloidal Dispersions

The role of chemical complexing in the preparation of monodispersed metal hydrous oxides of iron, aluminum, and titanium is discussed. Specifically, the effect of anions on the size, shape, and composition of the colloidal particles is emphasized. A reaction mechanism is offered which explains the nucleation and growth process involved in the formation of uniform spherical particles of titanium dioxide in acidic solutions containing sulfate ions. To illustrate the influence of chemical complexing in the solution and at the interface on the stability of colloidal dispersions, the interactions of hydrolyzed metal ions and of chelates with latexes and silver halide sols are described. Finally, new data on the adhesion of monodispersed chromium hydroxide particles on glass are given.
Fractionalization patterns in strongly correlated electron systems: Spin-charge separation and beyond

We discuss possible patterns of electron fractionalization in strongly interacting electron systems. A popular possibility is one in which the charge of the electron has been liberated from its Fermi statistics. Such a fractionalized phase contains in it the seed of superconductivity. Another possibility occurs when the spin of the electron, rather than its charge, is liberated from its Fermi statistics. Such a phase contains in it the seed of magnetism, rather than superconductivity. We consider models in which both of these phases occur and study possible phase transitions between them. We describe other fractionalized phases, distinct from these, in which fractions of the electron themselves fractionalize, and discuss the topological characterization of such phases. These ideas are illustrated with specific models of p-wave superconductors, Kondo lattices, and coexistence between d-wave superconductivity and antiferromagnetism.
The vertebrate segmentation clock: the tip of the iceberg.

The vertebrate segmentation clock was identified 10 years ago as a molecular oscillator associated with the rhythmic production of embryonic somites. Since then, three major signaling pathways − Notch, FGF, and Wnt − have been shown to be activated periodically during segmentation and proposed to constitute the clockwork of the system. However, recent results from zebrafish embryonic studies demonstrate that Notch signaling is involved in the coupling of oscillations among cells rather than in the pacemaker of the oscillator. Furthermore, genetic analyses in mouse indicate that Wnt and FGF play only a permissive role in the control of the oscillations. Therefore, the nature of the segmentation clock pacemaker still remains elusive.
Stimulation of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation of phosphorylase kinase by micromolar concentrations of spermine.

Abstract The phosphorylation of phosphorylase kinase by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase) is stimulated approximately 2-fold by spermine and spermidine. Half maximal effects were observed at 10 μM and 150 μM of spermine and spermidine, respectively. The phosphorylations of other substrates of A-kinase such as glycogen synthase, histone, and casein are not stimulated by these two polyamines. The rates, but not the final extents, of phosphorylation of both the α and β subunits of phosphorylase kinase by A-kinase are stimulated by spermine. The results indicate that spermine and spermidine may play an important role in the activation of glycogenolysis in skeletal muscle.
CUBIC: filters and the space environment

CUBIC, the Cosmic Unresolved x-ray Background Instrument using CCDs, is instrumented to make non-dispersive spectral observations, with moderate energy resolution over the energy range 200 eV - 10 keV. The CUBIC filter set is designed to attenuate optical and UV photons, with special emphasis on blocking geocoronal lines. To still allow useful soft x-ray transmission, a single thin (1200 angstroms) Al/Ti filter has been designed as the Optical/UV blocking filter. Since the detectors are mechanically collimated, the CUBIC filters are susceptible to pin hole punctures from micrometeoroids. We review some of the LDEF micrometeoroid measurements, and find that while there is good probability that micrometeoroids will transit our filter, the holes will be small enough and few enough in number to have no significant impact on our stray light counting rate.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Blue or Green Glowing Crystals of the Cation [Au{C(NHMe)2}2]+. Structural Effects of Anions, Hydrogen Bonding, and Solvate Molecules on the Luminescence of a Two-Coordinate Gold(I) Carbene Complex

Depending upon the crystallization conditions, [Au{C(NHMe)2}2](AsF6) forms colorless crystals that display a blue or green luminescence. The difference involves the type of solvate molecule that is incorporated into the crystal and the structure of the chains of cations that are formed upon crystallization. The crystallographically determined structures of blue-glowing [Au{C(NHMe)2}2](AsF6) · 0.5(benzene), blue-glowing [Au{C(NHMe)2}2](AsF6) · 0.5(acetone), green-glowing [Au{C(NHMe)2}2](AsF6) · 0.5(chlorobenzene), and blue-glowing, solvate-free [Au{C(NHMe)2}2](EF6), E ) P, As, Sb are reported. All pack with the cations forming extended columns, which may be linear or bent, but all show significant aurophilic interactions. The blue-glowing crystals have ordered stacks of cations with some variation in structural arrangement whereas the green-glowing crystals have disorder in their stacking pattern. Although there is extensive hydrogen bonding between the cations and anions in all structures, in the solvated crystals, the solvate molecules occupy channels but make no hydrogen-bonded contacts. The emission spectra of these new salts taken at 298 and 77 K are reported.
Design and application of finite impulse response digital filters

The finite impulse response (FIR) digital filter is a spatial domain filter with a frequency domain representation. The theory of the FIR filter is presented and techniques are described for designing FIR filters with known frequency response characteristics. Rational design principles are emphasized based on characterization of the imaging system using the modulation transfer function and physical properties of the imaged objects. Bandpass, Wiener, and low-pass filters were designed and applied to 201T1 myocardial images. The bandpass filter eliminates low-frequency image components that represent background activity and high-frequency components due to noise. The Wiener, or minimum mean square error filter ‘sharpens’ the image while also reducing noise. The Wiener filter illustrates the power of the FIR technique to design filters with any desired frequency reponse. The lowpass filter, while of relative limited use, is presented to compare it with a popular elementary ‘smoothing’ filter.
Can we maintain biological and ecological integrity

Community-level conservation has become more difficult lately, not only because natural areas are more difficult to find, but because the question of what a community is has become more complicated. A community used to be considered a collection of species that one could reliably associate with a given climate and habitat type. Of course, H. A. Gleason and other individualistic ecologists challenged this organismic view long ago (e.g., Gleason 1926). But that didn't stop conservationists, who proceeded to target for preservation a broad spectrum of natural areas, based on their communitylevel characteristics. Much of the early effort in the Americas was coordinated by the Committee on the Preservation of Natural Conditions of the Ecological Society of America (ESA). In 1926, the Committee published the Naturalist's Guide to the Americas (Shelford 1926). In 1946, the Committee split from the ESA to form the Ecologists' Union, which was reorganized as The Nature Conservancy in 1950. A major concern of these ecologist-conservationists was to preserve examples of the native biological communities of America. The community-level conservation strategy has been an important complement to species-level conservation. One rationale for community-level conservation has been made explicit by The Nature Conservancy: a "fine filter" of species-level protection is likely to miss some species that need help. A "coarse filter" designed to protect representatives of all native communities can capture perhaps 90 percent of species without having to
Theoretical and experimental investigation of a technique for obtaining continuous cardiac volumes using thermal dilution.

The results of a study using thermal dilution to determine continuous left ventricular volume versus time curves are presented. Data from three sources are analysed: theoretical data from a computer model of the left ventricular thermal response during infusion; experimental data from a chamber which simulated the left ventricle; and experimental data from dogs. The fundamental limitations of the technique are discussed in relationship to the mixing processes occurring in the ventricle. These limitations seem to preclude the use of this technique for determining any accurate cardiac volumes.
Predictors of Employee Resistance to Supervisors' Requests

Abstract There have been few studies of either noncompliance with, or complaints about, supervisory requests. Consequently, little is known about the personality and attitude variables related to complying or complaining. The authors examined this issue among 306 part-time employees from a wide variety of organizations in the United States. They completed Hong's Psychological Reactance Scale (S.-M. Hong, 1992, 1994; S.-M. Hong & S. Page, 1989), Personnel Decisions, Inc. (PDI) Employment Inventory (1986, 1993), J. R. Hackman and G. R. Oldham's (1980) Job Satisfaction Questionnaire, and a questionnaire developed for this study to measure compliance and complaint. Scale scores for PDI performance, gender, scale scores for satisfaction with coworkers, and scale scores for satisfaction with supervisors were the best predictors of self-reports of compliance with supervisory requests. The score for trait reactance was the best predictor of self-reports of complaints about supervisory requests. Job satisfaction w...
Reverse zoonosis of influenza to swine: new perspectives on the human-animal interface.

The origins of the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in swine are unknown, highlighting gaps in our understanding of influenza A virus (IAV) ecology and evolution. We review how recently strengthened influenza virus surveillance in pigs has revealed that influenza virus transmission from humans to swine is far more frequent than swine-to-human zoonosis, and is central in seeding swine globally with new viral diversity. The scale of global human-to-swine transmission represents the largest ‘reverse zoonosis' of a pathogen documented to date. Overcoming the bias towards perceiving swine as sources of human viruses, rather than recipients, is key to understanding how the bidirectional nature of the human–animal interface produces influenza threats to both hosts. Video Abstract
Migration of late Cenozoic volcanism in the South Island of New Zealand and the Campbell Plateau

In late Cenozoic volcanics of eastern Australia, Wellman and McDougall1 have shown a remarkable southward migration pattern of major shield volcanoes of alkaline olivine basalt association which they relate to movement of the continental crust over a fixed mantle hot-spot. Contemporaneous tholeiite lava field provinces do not show a similar pattern. Following their general selection criteria1, I believe a similar situation emerges for New Zealand examples. In the South Island of New Zealand and the adjacent Campbell Plateau and Chatham Rise are several late Cenozoic volcanic centres that rest on a peneplain in Mesozoic and Palaeozoic granites and metamorphic rocks2,3, which is partly mantled by late Cretaceous to mid-Tertiary shallow marine sediments4,5. These major centres of late Cenozoic alkalic volcanism show an eastward decrease in age from ∼28 Myr to ∼0.5 Myr, presumably reflecting movement of a linear mantle source with respect to the Pacific Plate.
Wall states in a bubble moving in a rotating field gradient

In the rotating gradient experiment, a magnetic bubble is in steady-state circular motion. This experiment is reviewed as a method for determining the dynamical wall structure of a magnetic bubble. New data obtained by this technique on a low damping, unimplanted sample are presented. The bubble is brought to a critical velocity where one or two Bloch curves punch through and form vertical Bloch line pairs of opposite twist. A 0.15 Oe, 5.5 MHz ac tickle field was superposed on the dc bias to make possible domain motion. The experimentally determined values of Bloch curve nucleation and punch-through velocities were 2 and 4 m/s, respectively.
Inflation, financial intermediation and growth: the case of Egypt

There is now a consensus in the theoretical and the empirical literature that a nonlinear relationship exists between the rate of inflation and the rate of economic growth. Using a threshold regression technique, this paper re-examines this relationship and the critical role that financial intermediation plays in it. Data to examine our hypothesis are from Egypt. We find that inflation contributes positively to economic growth until it reaches a threshold rate of about 12%, after which it becomes detrimental to growth. We then show that such a nonlinear relation is connected to whether or not financial deepening has crossed a certain threshold level. Given these thresholds, a coordination of policies (especially monetary) and financial reform is needed to achieve success in economic growth.
Tectonic lineaments on the Cocos Plate

Mapping of the Siqueiros Fracture Zone shows that it extends at least 850 km east of the crest of the East Pacific Ridge with an overall azimuth of 082°. The bearing of its younger portion is 084°. The relatively constant trend of the fracture zone indicates a constant direction of motion at that plate boundary location for the past 20 my. However, comparison of the observed trend of the fracture zone with a synthetic trend generated from the Cocos-Pacific pole of rotation at 40°N, 110°W shows that the pole has remained in this location for only the past 5–7 my. Prior to that time, the pole must have been close to the Pacific-Farallon pole of rotation at 78°N, 136°W. One minor change in the bearing and character of the Siqueiros Fracture Zone may be interpreted in terms of plate reorganization in the central eastern Pacific, favoring a date of 10 mybp for this episode. A band of east-west oriented fracture zone topography in the Guatemala Basin is interpreted to be the Clipperton Fracture Zone. The change in plate geometry at 10 mybp eliminated this fracture zone offset of the ridge crest. The Tehuantepec Ridge is not the continuation of the Siqueiros Fracture Zone. Instead, the Tehuantepec Ridge may be a hinge fault produced by the Cocos plate underthrusting the North American plate on the northwest and the Caribbean plate on the southeast.
Spray Characteristics of Spill-Return Atomizers

The spray characteristics of three spill-return atomizers are studied by inserting each nozzle into a cylindrical vessel which is pressurized to the desired level using gaseous nitrogen supplied from a large liquid nitrogen storage/evaporation system. The nozzle under test is located centrally at the top of the cylinder and sprays downward into the vessel. Two diametrically opposite windows are fitted to the cylinder which allow mean drop sizes in the spray to be measured using a light-scattering technique. The apparatus is used to study the effects of spill fuel fraction, fuel-injection pressure, ambient gas pressure, and nozzle flow number on mean drop size. The results show that the influence of spill fuel fraction on spray quality is small. They also indicate that spray quality may improve or decline with increases in ambient gas pressure depending on the initial spray angle. If this is larger than around 75 deg, spray quality improves with increases in gas pressure. For initial spray angles smaller than around 65 deg spray quality declines with increase in gas pressure. The extent to which a change in fuel injection pressure affects mean drop size is also found to depend on initial spray angle. An explanation for these phenomena is provided. Measurements to determine the influence of nozzle flow number (FN) on mean drop size (SMD) show that SMD oc FN 025.
Bioindicators of contaminant exposure and sublethal effects in benthic fish from Puget Sound, WA, USA

Abstract A suite of chemical and biochemical parameters was measured in three species of benthic flatfish (English sole, Parophrys vetulus; rock sole, Lepidopsetta bilineata; and starry flounder, Platichthys stellatus) sampled from up to five sites in Puget Sound, WA, USA, to assess the sensitivity of the parameters to differences in levels of contaminant exposure and the relative merit of the use of a suite of indices for assessing exposure and sublethal effects. The indices examined were hepatic levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and biliary fluorescent aromatic-compound concentrations, hepatic activities of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, and levels of total hepatic GSH and hydrophobic DNA-xenobiotic adducts; the last-mentioned were determined by using the 32P-postlabeling assay. The results showed that the indices examined could discriminate among sites exhibiting different degrees of chemical contamination; however, species differences in the range of response of some indices were observed. Additionally, the use of multiple indices appeared to enhance the assessment of contaminant exposure and sublethal effects.
The 'red ear syndrome' revisited: two cases and a review of literature.

The first description of what subsequently came to be known as the red ear syndrome (RES) was by Lance in 1994 (1) (Table 1, cases 2-4). Subsequently he reported a total of 12 patients with what he called the red ear syndrome (2) (Table 1). The syndrome was characterized by attacks of unilateral ear discomfort or burning during which the ear became red. The discomfort often extended beyond the ear. He reported an association with upper cervical disorders, glossopharyngeal and trigeminal neuralgia, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and a thalamic syndrome. In two of the 12 cases (Table 1, cases 11 and 12) no cause was apparent. In some cases the episodes were spontaneous and in others they were precipitated by touch, exertion, heat or cold, neck movements, stress, cleaning the ear, washing hair or brushing it the wrong way, and eating or drinking. While some of their patients had a history of headaches (including migraines), a consistent relationship to migraine headaches was not identified.
Observation of an ordered surface structure on the edge surface of graphite by LEED

Abstract We report the first observation of an ordered LEED pattern from the edge or prism surface of graphite. The surface structure was developed after in-situ gasification and is not equivalent to that resulting from any termination of the low index crystal planes of graphite. The pattern is indexed c(2 × 2 3 ) relative to termination parallel to {1010} and its occurrence can be rationalized.
Proliferative disease and atypia in biopsies performed for nonpalpable lesions detected mammographically

A recent study of risk factors for breast cancer indicated elevated risks of 5.3 and 1.9 times, respectively, for women with biopsy specimens showing atypical hyperplasia (AH) and proliferative disease without atypia. These risks increase to 11 and 3.2 times, respectively, in women who also have a family history of breast cancer. This study reviews lesions detected mammographically in a series of patients with documented risk factors. The pathologic specimens of 100 consecutive localization breast biopsies performed for nonpalpable abnormalities detected mammographically were reviewed and classified according to the criteria of Dupont and Page in order to determine the incidence of AH and proliferative breast disease. The mammographic characteristics and historical risk factors of these women also were correlated. Twenty percent of the biopsy specimens showed carcinomas, 55% of which were noninvasive. AH was found in an additional 10% of the biopsy specimens, whereas proliferative disease without atypia occurred in 21% of the biopsy specimens. Forty-nine percent of the biopsy specimens showed nonproliferative changes. This study demonstrated that mammography, in addition to its ability to detect small nonpalpabie cancers, identifies a high percentage (31% in this series) of women with pathologic lesions known to have an elevated risk for subsequent breast cancer. The current impetus for large-scale mammographic screening of asymptomatic women mandates the development of rational therapeutic protocols to accommodate the widening spectrum of high-risk pathologic lesions found in these selected populations.
Reduction of intermodulation distortion of interferometric optical modulators through incoherent mixing of optical waves

A method to reduce intermodulation distortion by 30 to 40dB in interferometric optical modulators through incoherent mixing of optical waves is proposed and analysed. Parameters for design optimisation and limitations in modulation frequency and transmission distance are given.
Integrating Literacy and Inquiry for English Learners.

Over the course of one year in a first-grade classroom, English learners (ELs) used several literacy practices to construct meaning from expository text. The teacher modeling, guided practice, and independent use of the five most frequent practices are explained in detail, with accompanying photographs of student work. The author describes how students integrated the literacy practices within an inquiry-based classroom learning community.
Permanent pacing of the left atrium for treatment of WPW tachycardia.

A patient with WPW paroxysmal tachycardia was treated with a permanent artificial pacemaker, with the electrodes attached to the left atrium. The pacemaker is turned off at all times except when the patient activates it by holding a magnet over the implanted power unit. Random atrial pacing at a rate of 108/min has always terminated the tachycardia within 1 min, and usually within 10 sec. Left atrial pacing produced WPW type A QRS complexes, whereas regular sinus rhythm and right atrial pacing resulted in more normal QRS complexes. The distinct difference in the QRS complexes suggests preferential conduction through an abnormal pathway during left atrial pacing.
Distinct Sums Modulo n and Tree Embeddings

In this paper we are concerned with the following conjecture.Conjecture. For any positive integers n and k satisfying k < n, and any sequence a1, a2, … ak of not necessarily distinct elements of Zn, there exists a permutation π ∈ Sk such that the elements aπ(i)+i are all distinct modulo n.We prove this conjecture when 2k ≤ n+1. We then apply this result to tree embeddings. Specifically, we show that, if T is a tree with n edges and radius r, then T decomposes Kt for some t ≤ 32(2r+4)n2+1.
Phosphorus Sorption and Potential Phosphorus Storage in Sediments of Lake Istokpoga and the Upper Chain of Lakes, Florida, USA

Phosphorus (P) can be an important nutrient in regulating primary productivity in lakes. The ability of lake sediments to retain P from external sources depends on the physiochemical characteristics of the sediment. To assess the P dynamics in Lake Istokpoga and the upper chain of lakes that drain into Lake Okeechobee, Florida, USA, sorption properties of batch sediment samples for Lakes Tohopekaliga, Cypress, Hatchineha, Kissimmee, and Istokpoga were characterized under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Langmuir model parameters fit the experimental data well (in general, r(2) > 0.70). There were strong correlations between P sorption and total C, total P, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Al (r = 0.83-0.97). Equilibrium P concentration values ranged between 0.001 and 0.192 mg L(-1) for aerobic conditions. A single-point isotherm (initial concentration, 5 mg L(-1)) was found for a wide range of sediment types, which allows estimation of the maximum potential sorption (S(max)) as 1.7 times the sorption (S(max) = 1.7 S(5)). Results suggest that although these sediments have high P sorption capacities, the lake sediments may release P into the water column by desorption under aerobic conditions if water-column P concentrations are low enough (<0.036 mg L(-1) for Lake Tohopekaliga and <0.003-0.027 mg L(-1) for the other four lakes). Current watershed management strategies must balance efforts to reduce P inputs into the lakes from point and nonpoint sources against lowering the water-column P concentration to such a low level that the lake sediments become a source of P to downstream Lake Okeechobee.