cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurements of Hard-Scattering by PHENIX at RHIC

Hard-scattering in p-p collisions was discovered in 1972 at the CERN-ISR, the first hadron collider. Techniques were developed and several hard-processes were discovered which form the basis for many of the measurements made in p-p and Au+Au collisions at RHIC. Recent measurements of hard-scattering and related reactions by the PHENIX experiment at RHIC are presented in this context.
Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of 2-acetylpyridine 4 N-(2-methylpyridinyl)-, 4 N-(2-ethylpyridinyl)- and 4 N-methyl(2-ethylpyridinyl) thiosemicarbazones

NiII and CuII complexes of 2-acetylpyridine 4N-(2-methylpyridinyl)-, 4N-(2-ethylpyridinyl)- and 4N-methyl(2-ethylpyridinyl) thiosemicarbazones (HL4pam, HL4pae, and HL4Mpae, respectively) of general formula [M(HL)X2] have been isolated from boiling EtOH and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. The growth inhibition activities of the thiosemicarbazones and their complexes were measured against Aspergillus nicer and Paecilomyces variotii.
Trans-equatorial connections between biotas in the temperate eastern Atlantic

Several marine genera and species occur in the shallow-water temperate biotas of Europe and southern Africa, but not in tropical West Africa. Studies of the fossil record show that these trans-equatorial distributions were achieved before the Late Pliocene rather than during glacial episodes of the Pleistocene. Species of North Pacific origin entered the northeastern Atlantic at the beginning of Middle Pliocene time, and many penetrated to warm-temperate coasts of the Mediterranean and northwestern Africa. The fact that no Pacific-derived shallow-water molluscs and only one Pacific-derived algal genus (Laminaria) reached southern Africa without human agency suggests that trans-equatorial interchange was infrequent after the opening of Bering Strait during the Middle Pliocene, about 3.5 million years ago. The West African tropical zone must have remained wide enough or warm enough from the Late Pliocene onward to have acted as an effective barrier in which temperate species were unable to survive even during glacial times.
Clinical Management of Filovirus-Infected Patients

Filovirus infection presents many unique challenges to patient management. Currently no approved treatments are available, and the recommendations for supportive care are not evidence based. The austere clinical settings in which patients often present and the sporadic and at times explosive nature of filovirus outbreaks have effectively limited the information available to evaluate potential management strategies. This review will summarize the management approaches used in filovirus outbreaks and provide recommendations for collecting the information necessary for evaluating and potentially improving patient outcomes in the future.
MACHIAVELLIANISM AND DATING: DECEPTION AND INTIMACY

We explored the relationship between Machiavellian personality, mate attraction strategies, and intimacy. Participants filled out the Mach IV and self-report questionnaires about the use of deceptive tactics in attracting potential dating partners, level of intimacy, and previous dating history. Higher scores on Machiavellianism were associated with greater likelihood of using deceptive tactics and lower levels of relationship intimacy. However, for women the relationship between Machiavellianism and deceptive strategies was moderated by the history of intimate behaviors. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Symptomatic spondylolysis: diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of reviewApproximately 35% of adolescents experience back pain. In athletic adolescents, spondylolysis is the most common offending cause. With growing numbers of adolescents participating in sports with higher levels of intensity, spondylolysis is becoming an increasingly common clinical pr
High-resolution pattern replication using soft X rays

A soft X ray lithographic technique capable of contactless replication of submicrometre linewidth planar-device patterns is described. Special soft X ray exposure masks have been developed for the 4-14 A wavelength region. Elastic-surface-wave-transducer patterns with 1.3 µm electrode spacings were fabricated onto such masks using electron-beam techniques, and were successfully replicated.
Underpricing and aftermarket performance of American depositary receipts (ADR) IPOs

Abstract American depositary receipts (ADRs) are negotiable instruments representing foreign company shares traded in US dollars in the US capital market. We present comparative analyses of the pricing and aftermarket performance of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) by ADRs and a matching sample of US firms over the 1990–2001 period. Offered by large, well-known multinationals, ADR IPOs go through a detailed scrutiny, and incur significant costs, during the pre-IPO period to recast financial statements in conformity with SEC rules and the US GAAP. This mitigates the information asymmetry between the IPO firm and investors. We categorize the ADR issuing country as developed or emerging, and our sample includes several cases of privatization of state owned corporations. The analyses indicate that (1) ADR IPOs are significantly less underpriced than comparable US IPOs; (2) IPOs from developed countries are more underpriced; and (3) Privatization IPOs are less underpriced than non-privatizations. The lower underpricing of ADR IPOs persists even after differential IPO attributes, the traditional proxies for information asymmetry and, the unique characteristics associated with ADR IPOs, are accounted for. We conclude that extant literature offers only partial explanation for this puzzling phenomenon.
Experimental determination of pure rotary stability derivatives using curved and rolling flow wind tunnel

The technique of using a curved and rolling flow wind tunnel to extract pure rotary stability derivatives is presented. Descriptions of the curved flow and the rolling flow test sections of the Virginia Tech Stability Wind Tunnel are given including methods for obtaining the proper velocity profiles and correcting the data acquired. Results of testing current fighter configurations in this facility are presented with particular attention given to comparing pure rotary derivatives with combined rotary and unsteady derivatives obtained by standard oscillation tests. Also the effect of curved and rolling flow on lateral static stability derivatives is examined.
The Illites from Some Northern Ohio Shales

The Middle Paleozoic shales of northern Ohio contain a well-crystallized variety of illite as their main constituent. Powder diagrams relate the illite to the two-layer monoclinic muscovite crystallization. The low asymmetry of the 10 A reflection indicates that inter-layering of non-mica or hydrated-mica units is small. The relative intensities of the basal reflections show that the illites approach the ideal muscovite composition but have about one-fourth the octahedral aluminum replaced by iron and are deficient about one-half or less the interlayer potassium. The interlayer positions are essentially anhydrous. One-dimensional Fourier syntheses made before and after thermal treatment of the illites indicate that intensity changes of the basal reflections due to thermal treatment are related to electron density changes confined to the octahedral layer. Dehydroxylization begins at moderately low temperatures and continues until an anhydride structure is formed.
Justifying Sociological Knowledge: From Realism to Interpretation

In the context of calls for “postpositivist” sociology, realism has emerged as a powerful and compelling epistemology for social science. In transferring and transforming scientific realism—a philosophy of natural science—into a justificatory discourse for social science, realism splits into two parts: a strict, highly naturalistic realism and a reflexive, more mediated, and critical realism. Both forms of realism, however, suffer from conceptual ambiguities, omissions, and elisions that make them an inappropriate epistemology for social science. Examination of these problems in detail reveals how a different perspective—centered on the interpretation of meaning—could provide a better justification for social inquiry, and in particular a better understanding of sociological theory and the construction of sociological explanations.
Tumor-derived exosomes in oncogenic reprogramming and cancer progression

In multicellular organisms, effective communication between cells is a crucial part of cellular and tissue homeostasis. This communication mainly involves direct cell–cell contact as well as the secretion of molecules that bind to receptors at the recipient cells. However, a more recently characterized mode of intercellular communication—the release of membrane vesicles known as exosomes—has been the subject of increasing interest and intensive research over the past decade. Following the discovery of the exosome-mediated immune activation, the pathophysiological roles of exosomes have been recognized in different diseases, including cancer. In this review, we describe the biogenesis and main physical characteristics that define exosomes as a specific population of secreted vesicles, with a special focus on their role in oncogenic transformation and cancer progression.
Calcination kinetics and surface area of dispersed limestone particles

The rates of calcination of two types of limestones, ranging in particle size from 1 to 90 μm, were measured over the temperature range 516 to 1,000°C. A kinetic model based on the B.E.T. (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method) surface area of the CaCO3 correlates the results over 5 orders of magnitude in reaction rate. The B.E.T. surface area of CaO formed by rapid calcination in dispersed-particle systems is 50 to 90 m2/g.
Elk Creek, Nebraska, carbonatite: strontium geochemistry

Abstract Subsurface carbonatite at Elk Creek, Nebraska has been recognized in drill core taken from a depth interval of 630 to at least 950 ft. The core in this interval consists of carbonated breccia and phlogopite-bearing carbonate rock. Total REE, P 2 O 5 and Nb 2 O 5 data are consistent with “average” values for carbonatite. 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios from the carbonate fraction range from 0.7030 to 0.7055 for fifteen of eighteen samples (total Sr varies from 300 to 3500 ppm; X= 1800ppm ); the remaining three samples have 87 Sr/ 86 Sr and total Sr values of 0.7085 : 40 ppm; 0.7064 : 92 ppm; 0.7067 : 252 ppm; these samples may be mixed with sedimentary carbonate and/or contaminated by other non-carbonatite material. The Elk Creek carbonatite is of special interest because of its position with respect to tectonic elements in basement rocks. It occurs in the center of gravity and magnetic anomalies over the approximate axis of the Nemaha anticline and is apparently aligned with the Riley County, Kansas, carbonatite-bearing kimberlites. It is far removed from the E-W-trending “38th parallel” lineament along which occur numerous kimberlites and carbonatites.
Temporal geographic information system and its application to transportation

While geographic information systems (GIS) have proven to be powerful tools that are capable of storing, displaying, and analyzing spatially distributed information, current GIS lack adequate capabilities for handling temporal information. As a result, analyses are mostly performed assuming a fixed time point. Longitudinal analyses that take time into consideration cannot be easily accomplished. For many applications, information constantly changes in both space and time. A temporal GIS, one that is capable of handling temporal as well as spatial information, will greatly expand the current GIS applications and allow new information to be obtained. Some preliminary results are presented of an ongoing study of a temporal GIS. To explore the problems and potential benefits of a temporal GIS, a simple method has been developed to record the changes in spatial objects for time using personal computer ARC/INFO relational databases as well as a set of commands to query the spatiotemporal data. The use of this t...
Optical Implementations In Boltzmann Machines

Boltzmann machines can be used to obtain solutions to problems for which direct mathematical calculation of a solution is not possible or would take too long. The range of problems for which such a machine might be useful is very broad, and inversion of a linear equation is described as one example. A method is described that allows time-intensive operations on a computer to be replaced with a highly parallel optical system that can be incorporated in such a way as to let the computer take full advantage of the speed of the optics without sacrificing the precision possible in the computer. A tie is made between Boltzmann machines and neural networks, and it is shown how a Boltzmann machine may perform functions demonstrated by other neural network architectures.
Disease-Associated Extracellular Matrix Suppresses Osteoblastic Differentiation of Human Periodontal Ligament Cells Via MMP-1

Fibronectin (FN) fragments found in chronic inflammatory diseases, including periodontal disease and arthritis, may contribute to tissue destruction in part via induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We previously showed that the 120-kDa FN fragment containing the central cell binding domain (120FN) dose dependently induces MMP-1 (collagenase-1) in human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells, whereas intact FN did not elicit this response. Recently, we found that an increase in MMP-1 expression is accompanied by a decreased osteoblastic phenotype in PDL cells. We hypothesized that 120FN inhibits osteoblastic differentiation of PDL cells by inducing MMP-1. Effects of increasing concentrations of 120FN on MMP-1 expression and on osteoblastic markers were assessed in cultured PDL cells using Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and collagen degradation and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity assays. The 120FN dose dependently increased MMP-1 expression and activity, concomitant with a decrease in AP activity. The increase in collagenase activity was largely attributed to increased MMP-1 expression. Concurrent with the decrease in AP activity, the 120FN reduced baseline and dexamethasone-induced gene expression of specific osteoblastic markers, Runx2 and osteonectin, and diminished mineralized nodule formation. Finally, siRNA inhibition of 120FN-induced MMP-1 reduced collagenase expression and rescued the AP phenotype to baseline levels. These findings suggest that disease-associated 120FN, in addition to having direct effects on tissue destruction by upregulating MMPs, could contribute to disease progression by impeding osteoblastic differentiation of osteogenic PDL cells and, consequently, diminish bone regeneration.
Archaeological choreographic practices: Foucault and Forsythe

Although Michel Foucault never wrote of dance as an example of a bodily discipline in the classical age, he did affect the art of contemporary ballet through his influence on the work of William Forsythe. This article interprets Foucault’s influence on Forsythe up until the early 1990s and also examines how Forsythe’s choreography ‘responded’ to issues of agency, inscription and discipline that characterize Foucault’s thought on corporeality. Ultimately, it asks whether Forsythe’s use of Foucauldian theory leads to a reinterpretation of inscription in Foucault.
Phospholipase C β3 deficiency leads to macrophage hypersensitivity to apoptotic induction and reduction of atherosclerosis in mice

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease that is associated with monocyte recruitment and subsequent differentiation into lipid-laden macrophages at sites of arterial lesions, leading to the development of atherosclerotic plaques. PLC is a key member of signaling pathways initiated by G protein-coupled ligands in macrophages. However, the role of this enzyme in the regulation of macrophage function is not known. Here, we studied macrophages from mice lacking PLC beta2, PLC beta3, or both PLC isoforms and found that PLC beta3 is the major functional PLC beta isoform in murine macrophages. Although PLC beta3 deficiency did not affect macrophage migration, adhesion, or phagocytosis, it resulted in macrophage hypersensitivity to multiple inducers of apoptosis. PLC beta3 appeared to regulate this sensitivity via PKC-dependent upregulation of Bcl-XL. The significance of PLC beta signaling in vivo was examined using the apoE-deficient mouse model of atherosclerosis. Mice lacking both PLC beta3 and apoE exhibited fewer total macrophages and increased macrophage apoptosis in atherosclerotic lesions, as well as reduced atherosclerotic lesion size when compared with mice lacking only apoE. These results demonstrate what we believe to be a novel role for PLC activity in promoting macrophage survival in atherosclerotic plaques and identify PLC beta3 as a potential target for treatment of atherosclerosis.
Mental retardation is dead: long live mental retardation !

Mental r. We don’t like those words. They were misused and misinterpreted by a lot of people. Especially children on the streets. Those words were also used to dehumanize people and to hurt them . . . . People with disabilities can not and never will be comfortable when they hear those words . . . . They will always be associated with the horrible things they remember in their past . . . . It is like a cloth with a bad stain. No matter how many times you wash it, the stain will never come out. We have to modify the language to refer to the same disability (Harvey Pacht, representing the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, 1999).
The Effect of Health and Poverty on Early Childhood Cognitive Development

Although evidence of a link between socioeconomic status and child health has been researched extensively, much less attention has been devoted to studying the link between child health and cognitive development. This paper seeks to determine whether early childhood illnesses and poverty significantly impede cognitive development. The empirical model attempts to control for observed and unobserved heterogeneity through the use of panel data models. Results indicate that a child’s cognitive development is not directly related to health problems acquired after birth or socioeconomic standing. Rather, cognitive development is primarily influenced by unobserved child- and family-specific factors that happen to be correlated with health and socioeconomic status. On the other hand, birth weight appears to affect cognitive performance later in childhood, even after taking unobserved heterogeneity into account.
Ribonucleotide reductase as a chemotherapeutic target.

Abstract Ribonucleotide reductase, because of the critical role that it plays in DNA replication and the specific properties of the protein subunits, provides a unique metabolic target for chemotherapeutic approaches to cancer treatment. Combinations of ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors resulted in synergistic inhibition of cell growth with concurrent cytotoxicity. The drugs in this combination were targeted at the individual subunits (non-heme iron and effector-binding) of ribonucleotide reductase and at the differential sensitivities of the substate reductions to these agents. The reduction of the intracellular pools of all four dNTPs through the direct inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase has the effect of reducing DNA polymerase activity in a sigmoidal manner rather than in a hyperbolic fashion due to the requirement of DNA polymerase for all four substates. As a result relatively small decreases in the intracellular concentrations of the dNTPs cause remarkably large decreases in DNA synthesis and hence cell replication. It appears that there may be a relationship between the capability of the cell to synthesize DNA at a minimal absolute rate and cell viability. That is, if DNA synthesis is decreased to or below a specific level, then the processes leading to cell death takes precedence over the tendency of the cell to complete DNA replication leading to cell division.
Resistance to soybean cyst nematode and molecular polymorphism in various sources of Peking soybean

Cultivar Peking has been extensively used as a source of resistance to Race 3 and Race 5 of soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines I., and Peking genes for resistance are present in a wide range of resistant soybean cultivars. Peking is also used as a host differential in the soybean cyst nematode race classification system. Thirteen Peking lines maintained in the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection and in several breeding programs were surveyed using RFLP and RAPD markers for genetic characterization. Based on the molecular diversity combined with reaction to soybean cyst nematode, Peking genotypes from a common original source were identified. Peking lines PI 297543 (introduction from Hungary), and PI 438496A, PI 438496B and PI 438496C (introductions from Russia) represented unrelated germplasms. Identified molecular polymorphism can be used to validate the genetic purity of Peking lines used as host differentials for soybean cyst nematode classification system as well as utilization of an individual germplasm line in genetic-breeding programs.
Incidence of Helminth and External Parasites in Georgia Broilers

ABSTRACT LIMITED information is available on incidence and thus the economic importance of helminth and external parasites in the broiler industry. Broiler production, which in Georgia totaled over 222,000,000 in 1956, has become a highly concentrated poultry enterprise. With this rapid development have come specialized methods of poultry management which include confinement rearing, large flocks of 2,000 to 20,000 birds, population concentration to less than one square foot per bird, excellent feeds, improvement of breeds and hybrid stock, and continual shortening of the growing period (currently 9 weeks) for a three pound broiler. All of these practices have affected the parasite load so that published data in surveys of birds raised in pens or on range have little bearing on broiler parasite problems. Ackert (1927) and Todd (1946 and Todd (1950) in the more extensive published surveys examined 1,000 or more birds, mostly adults, from Kansas and Tennessee. Todd included 124 birds 8 . . .
Characteristic phenotype in congenital nephrotic syndrome.

We present three children with congenital nephrotic syndrome and previously undescribed facial features. These include: (1) small mouth (intercommissural distance mouth (intercommissural distance <3rd percentile); (2) tented upper lip; (3) small nose (interalar distance −2 SD below mean); (4) fullness of cheeks giving a ‘jowly’ appearance; (5) overhanging outer thirds of upper eyelids. These features may reflect prolonged tissue oedema and protein malnutrition in utero and early life. Characteristic facial features in congenital nephrotic syndrome may reflect intra-uterine malnutrition.
On Numerical Ranges of Rank-Two Operators

Possible shapes of numerical ranges of rank-two operators are studied. In particular it is proved that for 4-by-4 unitarily irreducible matrices with an eigenvalue of geometric multiplicity two, the numerical ranges have at most one flat portion on the boundary and there are no multiply generated round boundary points.
Leonard Dupee White and public administration

Provides an historical study of the intellectual thought of Leonard Dupee White. Contends that L.D. White is one of the major theorists and practitioners in public administration and is generally ignored. White taught, researched, studied and discovered theoretical concepts and practical methods that are still useful today. Examines the major themes found in White’s writings by chronologically progressing through his works and the major activities of his life. Brings to the forefront a portion of public administrations’ neglected intellectual heritage and makes it useful for the present.
Oxidation of sulfhydryl groups to disulfides by sulfoxides.

Abstract Oxidation rates of SH groups in penicillamine, cysteine, and glutathione to the corresponding SS forms by dimethyl sulfoxide and other sulfoxides as a function of pH of the solvent and structure of reactants were measured by NMR spectroscopy. The observed second-order rate constant showed a biphasic pH dependence. A mechanism which rationalizes this result is proposed. These oxidations are proposed to have synthetic utility with biochemical implications.
An econometric model of potential output, productivity growth, and resource utilization

Abstract This paper specifies a macroeconometric model providing a simultaneous framework for estimating the natural rate of unemployment, the full-employment (FE) labor force and hours of work, the FE productivity growth rate, and the growth path of potential (FE) output during 1960–2000. The estimated output and unemployment gaps are consistent with Okun’s Law. Historical perspective is provided on the expansion of the nineties by comparing it with those of the three previous decades in terms of growth and utilization of potential output. Factors accounting for the growth of potential output, productivity and labor supply are identified and compared.
Developmental neurophysiology of mammalian peripheral nerves and age-related differential sensitivity to local anaesthetic

Using an in vitro nerve preparation, we have studied the relative electrophysiological properties of myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibres in the vagus nerve of 1-, 9- and 36-month-old rabbits and their sensitivity to local anaesthetic. The baseline (values before infusion of local anaesthetic) mean amplitude and conduction velocity (CV) of the compound action potential (APc) were recorded and the nerve was exposed to a range of concentrations (0.5–4.0 mmol litre−1) of lignocaine for periods sufficient to attain equilibrium block. There was an increase in the amplitude of the A fibre elevation from the 1-month to the 9- and 36-month-old rabbits. The CV of the A and B fibres increased significantly with age, while the CV of the C fibres did not change. The ED50 values of lignocaine for reduction of the A fibre elevation in the 1-, 9-and 36-month-old rabbits were 0.66, 0.94 and 0.85 mmol litre−1, respectively. The respective values for the B fibres were 0.74, 1.21 and 0.82 mmol litre−1, while those of the C fibres were 1.50, 2.44 and 2.07 mmol litre−1. In general, nerves from young and old rabbits were more sensitive to local anaesthetic-induced conduction blockade, suggesting that smaller doses of local anaesthetic are required clinically for anaesthesia in paediatric and older age groups.
New Industrial Systems and Cultural Concepts of Poverty

This paper is in part a preliminary report of a study of a National Alliance of Business ( NAB ) training program for hard-core unemployed in the industrial community of West San Diego, California and the ghetto community of Southeast San Diego. The objectives of the study are (1) to determine the effects of stable employment on the lives of the hard-core poor and (2) to ascertain the impact of these people on the industrial organization of which they are becoming members. My interest, however, is not so much in the technical significance of this new experience for industry and formerly unemployed workers as in the philosophical and theoretical issues involved in the undertaking. Industry's perceptions of poverty and of their role in combating it in this program reveal a different and contrasting thesis from that implied (and sometimes stated explicitly) in the "culture of poverty" concept.
Effects of temperature on shortening of isolated Rana pipiens tadpole tail tips

To determine how temperature influences the rate of amphibian metamorphosis when acting directly on peripheral tissues, Rana pipiens tail tips from larval stages II–IV were cultured in the presence of 1 × 10−6M or 1 × 10−7M DL-thyroxine at four different temperatures: 5°C, 10°C, 20°C, and 26°C. Five experiments were performed with variations in temperature, length of exposure to, and concentration of, hormone. Results indicate a positive correlation between temperature and rate of tail shortening in vitro, thus demonstrating that temperature can influence metamorphosis by acting on the periphery directly in addition to its effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. Low temperatures retard or inhibit shortening of isolated tails both by decreasing thyroxine uptake and by influencing its action after it is within the tail. Length of exposure to hormone and concentration also affect the rate of resorption.
VIBRATIONAL DEPHASING OF A POLAR SOLUTE IN A FUSED SALT

We calculate the classical-mechanical vibrational line shape of a polar, harmonic diatomic molecule dissolved in a fused salt. This model system is chosen to allow exploration of the effects of Coulomb interactions on vibrational dynamics. The Coulomb interaction is scaled by an effective dielectric constant, whose magnitude is varied to alter relative contributions of long- and short-ranged forces to the line shape. Calculations are performed with an analytical theory based on the instantaneous normal mode approximation, in which the dynamics of a liquid are mapped onto the motions of a disordered harmonic network. Results are compared to calculations based on molecular dynamics simulations of a fused salt. The vibrational line shape predicted by this approach may be expressed in the form associated with the generalized Langevin equation, allowing the identification of a frequency-dependent bond friction. The contribution to this generalized friction coefficient from long-ranged electrostatic interaction...
Microenvironmental regulation of biomacromolecular therapies.

The cellular microenvironment plays a critical role in cellular responses to therapy. A greater understanding of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and ECM–cell interactions could facilitate the design of novel drug delivery systems for biomacromolecular therapies, and interventions to manipulate the microenvironment may further improve the efficiency of such therapies.
The Liberty Elementary Story: Confronting the Challenge of Falling Student Achievement, Low Teacher Morale, and Community Disengagement.

Principals play a major role in uniting faculties into collective action to improve teaching and learning. Researchers have found that schools that function as teaching and learning communities are successful in raising student academic achievement. To create a learning community, principals must transform their school cultures from places of isolation to sites for collaboration so that teachers work interdependently to learn with and from each other to help all children succeed in schools. In this case, principal preparation students are challenged to devise a 5-year leadership strategy and a 5-year school improvement plan that a new principal might use to improve student learning.
Der Industrieroboter als sechsachsiger Scanner – Remote-Schweißen mit Lasern hoher Strahlqualität

Der Laserschweisprozess gewinnt aufgrund der hohen Bearbeitungsgeschwindigkeiten immer mehr an Bedeutung. Die inzwischen durch moderne Laserstrahlquellen erreichten hohen Strahlqualitaten ermoglichen auch bei Lasern der oberen Leistungsklasse lange Brennweiten. Um schnelle Bewegungen in der Fertigung umzusetzen, sind Scannersysteme im Einsatz, die teilweise auch von Robotern bewegt werden.
Electrical, mechanical and metal contact properties of polycrystalline 3C-SiC films for MEMS in harsh environments

Abstract Polycrystalline 3C-SiC (poly-SiC) is a promising structural material for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) used in harsh environments. In order to realize poly-SiC based MEMS devices, the electrical, mechanical and metal contact properties of poly-SiC have to be optimized. The poly-SiC films, reviewed here, are deposited by low pressure chemical vapor deposition using 1,3-disilabutane (DSB) as the single precursor, and are in-situ doped using NH3 (n-type) and trimethylaluminum (p-type). The effects of doping on film structure, resistivity, residual stress and strain gradient have been examined. A bi-layer deposition scheme is developed to minimize the strain gradient without compromising the electrical resistivity of film. The temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) is also characterized and is found to be negative over 304–638 K. Ohmic nickel and platinum contacts to n-type doped poly-SiC are obtained and characterized. A stable metal contact up to 300 °C in air is demonstrated.
No Child Left Behind and Outreach to Families and Communities: The Perspectives of Exemplary African-American Science Teachers.

This qualitative study examines the perspectives of eight exemplary African-American science teachers toward No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act and their outreach to families and communities in the context of the USA. Data revealed that whereas these exemplary teachers applauded the general intent of NCLB, they were concerned with its overemphasis on testing and the limited resources provided to support quality science instruction. To address these challenges, these teachers looked for ways to reach out to families and communities, with particular emphasis on working with communities. Data further revealed that their outreach efforts to families and communities corresponded with three dimensions in Boykin’s Afrocultural Ethos (harmony, communalism and orality), thereby suggesting that there is a need to reexamine school–family–community partnerships when working with students and families from diverse backgrounds, and particular with predominately African-American communities.
Self port scanning tool: providing a more secure computing environment through the use of proactive port scanning

Secure computing is a necessity in the hostile environment that the Internet has become. Protection from nefarious individuals and organizations requires a solution that is more a methodology than a one time fix. One aspect of this methodology is having the knowledge of which network ports a computer has open to the world. These network ports are essentially the doorways from the Internet into the computer. An assessment method which uses the nmap software to scan ports has been developed to aid system administrators (SAs) with analysis of open ports on their system(s). Additionally, baselines for several operating systems have been developed so that SAs can compare their open ports to a baseline for a given operating system. Further, the tool is deployed on a Web site where SAs and users can request a port scan of their computer. The results are then emailed to the requester. This tool aids users, SAs, and security professionals by providing an overall picture of what services are running, what ports are open, potential trojan programs or back doors, and what ports can be closed.
Towards organo-click chemistry: Development of organocatalytic multicomponent reactions through combinations of Aldol, Wittig, Knoevenagel, Michael, Diels-Alder and Huisgen cycloaddition reactions

Here we report on our studies on combinations of amino acids and copper(I) for catalyzing multicomponent reactions (MCRs). We aimed to prepare both diene and dienophiles simultaneously, under very mild and environmentally friendly conditions, thus giving the constituents for a stereocontrolled Diels–Alder reaction, which in turn yields compounds 4 to 8. A diversity-oriented synthesis of polysubstituted spirotriones 4 to 6 were assembled from simple substrates like 1-(triphenylphosphanylidene)-propan-2-one, two aldehydes, and cyclic-1,3-diketones through Wittig/Knoevenagel/Diels–Alder and aldol/Knoevenagel/Diels–Alder reaction sequences in one pot under stereospecific organocatalysis. Chemical diversity libraries of polysubstituted spirotrione-1,2,3-traizoles 8 were assembled from simple substrates by means of Wittig/Knoevenagel/Diels–Alder/Huisgen cycloaddition reaction sequences in one pot under stereospecific organo/CuI catalysis. Functionalized dispirolactones such as 6 are biologically active antioxidants and radical scavengers, and spirotrione-1,2,3-traizoles 8 have found wide applications in chemistry, biology, and materials science. Experimentally simple and environmentally friendly, organocatalytic, asymmetric four-component Diels–Alder (AFCDA) reactions of 1-(triphenylphosphanylidene)- propan-2-one, two different aldehydes, and cyclic-1,3-diketones produced diastereospecific and highly enantioselective substituted spirotriones 4 by means of a Wittig/Knoevenagel/Diels–Alder reaction sequence in one pot. Additionally we have developed an organocatalytic, asymmetric three-component Michael (ATCM) reaction of 1-(triphenylphosphanylidene)-propan-2-one, aldehyde, and cyclic-1,3-diketones that produced Michael adducts 15, 16 through a Wittig/Michael reaction sequence in a highly enantioselective one-pot process.
An evaluation of Bayesian regression for estimating cerebral oxygen utilization with oxygen-15 and dynamic PET

The use of Bayesian regression for improving the estimation of cerebral oxygen utilization rate (CMRO) was investigated. Based on plasma time-activity curves of /sup 15/O oxygen and /sup 15/O water that were obtained previously in a normal subject, realistic tissue time-activity curves of /sup 15/O radioactivity in gray and white matter as obtained in dynamic PET (positron emission tomography) /sup 15/O oxygen studies were computer-simulated for various noise conditions and blood flow variations. Bayesian regression and regular least-square regressions were applied to estimate CMRO from the kinetics. The accuracy and precision of the estimates were evaluated. The improvement in precision was as high as 50% for gray matter of 1 cm/sup 3/ size in a study of 0.5 million counts/slice over 3 min. Similar improvement was achieved for white matter in 1-million-count studies. The amount of improvement is larger for higher noise cases. >
A Rapid-Learning Health System

Private- and public-sector initiatives, using electronic health record (EHR) databases from millions of people, could rapidly advance the U.S. evidence base for clinical care. Rapid learning could fill major knowledge gaps about health care costs, the benefits and risks of drugs and procedures, geographic variations, environmental health influences, the health of special populations, and personalized medicine. Policymakers could use rapid learning to revitalize value-based competition, redesign Medicare’s payments, advance Medicaid into national health care leadership, foster national collaborative research initiatives, and design a national technology assessment system.
An adaptive array detector with mismatched signal rejection

An adaptive detection algorithm with a sensibility parameter for rejecting unwanted signals is presented. This algorithm is a simple modification of the generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) detector (or test) for detecting a signal in zero mean Gaussian noise with unknown correlation matrix. Specifically, the adaptive detection algorithm is obtained by introducing an arbitrary positive scalar, which is called the sensitivity parameter, into the GLR detector as a multiplier of an already existing quadratic term. The GLR detector then becomes a special case of this detector for the unity sensitivity parameter. It is shown that the sensitivity parameter controls the degree to which unwanted signals are rejected. From numerical examples, it is demonstrated how the sensitivity parameter can be chosen such that unwanted signals, can be rejected while maintaining acceptable detection loss for slightly mismatched signals. Further insight into previous work on adaptive detection is also given. >
Direct and Indirect Effects of Climate Change on Amphibian Populations

As part of an overall decline in biodiversity, populations of many organisms are declining and species are being lost at unprecedented rates around the world. This includes many populations and species of amphibians. Although numerous factors are affecting amphibian populations, we show potential direct and indirect effects of climate change on amphibians at the individual, population and community level. Shifts in amphibian ranges are predicted. Changes in climate may affect survival, growth, reproduction and dispersal capabilities. Moreover, climate change can alter amphibian habitats including vegetation, soil, and hydrology. Climate change can influence food availability, predator-prey relationships and competitive interactions which can alter community structure. Climate change can also alter pathogen-host dynamics and greatly influence how diseases are manifested. Changes in climate can interact with other stressors such as UV-B radiation and contaminants. The interactions among all these factors are complex and are probably driving some amphibian population declines and extinctions.
Mazer action. A new kind of induced emission

The abrupt change in the atom-field coupling strength which an atom experiences upon passing into and out of a micromaser cavity leads to changes in the atomic center-of-motion. Very slow (laser-cooled) atoms, however, can be reflected from or tunnel through the cavity, and in the process undergo a new kind of induced emission.
Modeling and analysis of URD cable systems

A method for modeling URD cables with explicit grounding representation is presented. The model accurately represents the skin effect in the cable conductor and shield, as well as in the soil and multiple grounds connected to the cable shield. The method is capable of representing insulated cables, semiconducting jackets, or bare concentric neutral cables. The accuracy of the model is validated by comparison with closed-form solutions of simple cable arrangements. The URD cable model has been integrated into EPRI's SMECC program, a program designed to analyze the ground potential rise of grounding structures. The overall model is also useful for analysis of effects due to loss of cable neutral. Typical results illustrate the effectiveness of URD cables in reducing ground potential rise and effects of loss of neutral. >
Modeling gas phase nitric oxide release in lung epithelial cells

Nitric oxide (NO) is present in exhaled breath and is generally considered to be a noninvasive marker of airway inflammation, and is thus of particular relevance to monitoring asthma. NO is produced when l-arginine is converted to l-citrulline by NO synthase (NOS); however, l-arginine is also the substrate for arginase and both enzymes are upregulated in asthma. Recent reports have speculated that enhanced expression of one or both enzymes could lead to a limitation in substrate availability, and hence impact downstream targets or markers such as exhaled NO. The non-linear nature and vastly different kinetics of the enzymes make predictions difficult, particularly over the wide range of enzyme activity between baseline and inflammation. In this study, we developed a steady state model of l-arginine transmembrane transport, NO production, diffusion, and gas phase NO release from lung epithelial cells. We validated our model with experimental results of gas phase NO release and intracellular l-arginine concentration in A549 cells, and then performed a sensitivity analysis to determine relative impact of each enzyme on NO production. Our model predicts intracellular l-arginine and gas phase NO release over a wide range of initial extracellular l-arginine concentrations following stimulation with cytomix (10 ng/ml TNF-α, IL-1β, and INF-γ). Relative sensitivity analysis demonstrates that enhanced arginase activity has little impact on l-arginine bioavailability for NOS. In addition, NOS activity is the dominant parameter which impacts gas phase NO release.
A Longitudinal Study of the Mental and Behavioral Health Effects Expressed in Lower Alabama Areas Affected by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

On April 20th, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. This spill affected approximately 181 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline and impacted the livelihood of residents within Lower Alabama. Previous studies have shown increased behavioral health symptoms following high magnitude natural disasters. Symptom expression typically adheres to one of several trajectories: recovery, evidenced by gradual declines in symptoms over time, or delayed disruptions in functioning, evidenced by gradual increases in symptoms over time. However, very few existing studies have investigated the long term behavioral health effects of a large-scale technological disaster. Surveillance of mental and behavioral health symptoms over time can inform needed resiliency-restoring and recovery-related service provision resources. Using health surveillance methodology, plots were developed to depict the trajectory of behavioral health symptoms expressed by service-seeking Alabama Gulf Coast residents (n = 3,731...
Dynamic Regulation of Copper Uptake and Detoxification Genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The essential yet toxic nature of copper demands tight regulation of the copper homeostatic machinery to ensure that sufficient copper is present in the cell to drive essential biochemical processes yet prevent the accumulation to toxic levels. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nutritional copper sensor Mac1p regulates the copper-dependent expression of the high affinity Cu(I) uptake genes CTR1, CTR3, and FRE1, while the toxic copper sensor Ace1p regulates the transcriptional activation of the detoxification genes CUP1, CRS5, and SOD1 in response to copper. In this study, we characterized the tandem regulation of the copper uptake and detoxification pathways in response to the chronic presence of elevated concentrations of copper ions in the growth medium. Upon addition of CuSO4, mRNA levels of CTR3 were rapidly reduced to eightfold the original basal level whereas the Ace1p-mediated transcriptional activation of CUP1 was rapid and potent but transient. CUP1 expression driven by an Ace1p DNA binding domain-herpes simplex virus VP16 transactivation domain fusion was also transient, demonstrating that this mode of regulation occurs via modulation of the Ace1p copper-activated DNA binding domain. In vivo dimethyl sulfate footprinting analysis of the CUP1 promoter demonstrated transient occupation of the metal response elements by Ace1p which paralleled CUP1 mRNA expression. Analysis of a Mac1p mutant, refractile for copper-dependent repression of the Cu(I) transport genes, showed an aberrant pattern of CUP1 expression and copper sensitivity. These studies (i) demonstrate that the nutritional and toxic copper metalloregulatory transcription factors Mac1p and Ace1p must sense and respond to copper ions in a dynamic fashion to appropriately regulate copper ion homeostasis and (ii) establish the requirement for a wild-type Mac1p for survival in the presence of toxic copper levels.