cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Relationship of Servant Leadership in the Classroom and Student Perceptions of University Quality of Instruction

In this study, we examined students' perceptions of certain servant leader behaviors exhibited by faculty and the associated perception of effective university instruction. Five servant leadership dimensions were considered: altruistic calling, emotional healing, wisdom, persuasive mapping, and organizational stewardship. Students in the United States who were in undergraduate or graduate programs or had completed a program within the last month were invited to complete the survey instrument based on the Servant Leadership Questionnaire developed by Barbuto and Wheeler [1] and the University of Winnipeg’s Quality of University Instruction Questionnaire (UW-QUIQ) developed by Clark [4]. We used a structural equation model and found there was a positive relationship with professors exhibiting servant leadership dimensions and quality of instruction. Business professors in this study exhibited lower servant-leadership attributes in some areas and lower levels of effective university instruction than their counterparts, mandating the need for change. We suggest that these results provide insight into improving business school instruction.
Structural power, energy, actuation, and mobility in intelligently directed systems enabled from nanocrystalline metals

Abstract Energy and motility in the context of robotics and intelligent systems is often an afterthought, if not a neglected element, in the overall design and performance of such devices. Yet the critical factor in many demanding applications of robotic and unmanned systems, particularly discrete and remotely deployed systems, is the endurance and operational readiness due to limits inherent in the power and energy resources available to the intelligent system. The current research fundamentally revisits and challenges the notion that energy and power are discrete elements in intelligent systems. What is offered and explored in this research is expanding the potential of truly multifunctional materials to embrace an enabling framework for mass, volume, and energy efficiency in the unique context of intelligent systems—to include robotics, unmanned systems, semi- and fully autonomous intelligent agents. Specifically, the unique properties of a new alloy are exploited and demonstrated to provide both structural and energy elements that can be strategically and simultaneously recruited to provide the robust inputs needed for continuity of intelligent agent performance.
The Choice between Intergovernmentalism and Nongovernmentalism: Projecting Domestic Preferences to Global Governance

This article seeks to explain when governments are more likely to take an intergovernmental approach to resolving global collective problems rather than step back and encourage (or simply allow) nongovernmental actors to become the main global governors. The authors suggest that an important factor driving this choice is the domestic ideological leanings of powerful states toward greater or lesser government activism. Such ideologies connect domestic preferences to international ones. They also lead to the establishment of domestic institutions that, in turn, facilitate the emergence of international organizations. Using these arguments, the authors develop a set of inferences regarding the likelihood that governments will establish and join intergovernmental organizations. The authors test their hypotheses through a study of global governance in the education realm, and also apply a series of statistical analyses covering developments in all issue-areas over the last century and a half.
The dark matter of the brain

The bulk of brain energy expenditure is allocated for maintenance of perpetual intrinsic activity of neurons and neural circuits. Long-term electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies in anesthetized and behaving animals show, however, that the great majority of nerve cells in the intact brain do not fire action potentials, i.e., are permanently silent. Herein, I review emerging data suggesting massive redundancy of nerve cells in mammalian nervous system, maintained in inhibited state at high energetic costs. Acquired in the course of evolution, these collections of dormant neurons and circuits evade routine functional undertakings, and hence, keep out of the reach of natural selection. Under penetrating stress and disease, however, they occasionally switch in active state and drive a variety of neuro-psychiatric symptoms and behavioral abnormalities. The increasing evidence for widespread occurrence of silent neurons warrants careful revision of functional models of the brain and entails unforeseen reserves for rehabilitation and plasticity.
Time in Therapeutic Range Using Bivalirudin for Pediatric Ventricular Assist Devices

Purpose The optimal antithrombosis regime for children on ventricular assist devices (VADs) is controversial and the neurologic event rate remains unacceptably high. Bivalirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI), may confer advantages over unfractionated heparin but has not been well-studied in this population. The primary aim of this study was to describe the percent time in therapeutic range for activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) using bivalirudin in a cohort of children on VADs. Methods All children on VAD support and treated with bivalirudin at a tertiary care children's hospital from January 1, 2016 to September 31, 2018 were retrospectively studied. Demographics, lab, medication data, and PediMACS complications were collected for the first 2 weeks after VAD implantation. Basic statistical analyses were used to describe the cohort. Percent time in therapeutic range was calculated by dividing the time an aPTT was in therapeutic range by the total time the patient received bivalirudin during the study period. Results Among 11 VAD recipients (median age 2.75 years [IQR 0.6 - 6.2], median weight 12 kg [IQR 7.3 - 17.1]), the majority were supported with a Berlin EXCOR (9/11; 82%). 3 patients were on BiVAD support and 2 required dialysis. Goal ranges for aPTT were tailored to each patient. The mean percent time in therapeutic range was 68.7% (range 49.2-87.8%) for the entire cohort. Time in therapeutic range improved during the study period. Stroke occurred in 3/11 patients (28%), with major bleeding in 1/11. There were no mortalities. 7/11 (64%) received solid organ transplant, 1 underwent device explant, and 3 continued on VAD support. Conclusion These findings suggest bivalirudin is a reasonable alternative anticoagulant in this population. Time in therapeutic range at our center was better than published reports using DTIs in adult patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Time in range appears to have improved over the study period, suggesting an era effect as institutional experience was gained.
Diagnostic delay and morbidity of central nervous system tumors in children and young adults: a pediatric hospital experience

For children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors, survival rates remain significantly lower than other childhood malignancies with a substantial increase in disability of survivors. Given this, it is imperative that these children are identified at the earliest sign of symptom onset. Our institution aimed to identify diagnostic delays, morbidity and mortality, and specific barriers that may exist within our specific healthcare system that result in diagnostic delay. A retrospective chart review was performed of newly diagnosed CNS tumors between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2017. 235 patient cases were reviewed, 34 (14.5%) of which had an associated tumor predisposition syndrome. Median age at the time of diagnosis was 9 years (range 1 day to 25 years), with median number of days from symptom onset to definitive diagnosis of 42 days (interquartile range 14–120 days). Delays longer than 60 days occurred in 95 (47.5%) patients. The 10 year relative survival rate for all tumors was 86.8%. Our institution had a shorter interval from symptom onset to diagnosis than currently reported in the literature, as well as a decrease in associated morbidity. In addition, for those with longer delays, we were able to characterize the etiology and barriers leading to these delays. With these identified, we are able to utilize this knowledge to further improve education and awareness in community members and healthcare professionals to continue to improve the time to diagnosis in the future.
Abstract 5031: Regulatory T cell ablation accelerates early stage breast cancer progression

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Early detection of pre-invasive breast tumor has dramatically improved due to the routine screening for women. Ductal carcinoma in situ is a non-obligate precursor of breast cancer, and it only progresses to invasive breast cancer in about 40% of patients. We have previously shown that transient ablation of regulatory T (Treg) cells in established breast tumors results in significant reduction of primary and lung metastatic tumor growth. In this study, we aim to investigate the specific role of Treg cells at the pre-malignant stages. Using a spontaneous, stage-wise MMTV-driven polyoma middle T (PyMT) model of murine mammary carcinogenesis, crossed to Foxp3DTR knock-in mice where injection of diphtheria toxin leads to a complete ablation of Treg cells for around 7 days, we found that ablation of Treg cells at the pre-invasive tumor stage resulted in a significant increase in the number of mammary glands developing tumors, as well as tumor growth compared to control mice. Histological examination of tissues revealed that the area of the incipient tumors was larger in Treg cell-ablated mice, and presented a more advanced tumor stage. In addition, Treg cell ablation resulted in a pronounced mammary inflammatory infiltrate, including an increase in tumor-associated macrophages and a soluble cytokine network conducive to tumor progression. Interestingly, Treg cell ablation increased the percentage of cancer stem/progenitor cells in the mammary compartment. Overall, our study demonstrates that unlike their role in established cancers, Treg cells ablation promotes breast cancer progression at early stages. Citation Format: Wei Du, Leandro Martinez, Valentina Robila, Nicholas Clark, Michael Idowu, Paula Bos, Paula Bos. Regulatory T cell ablation accelerates early stage breast cancer progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5031.
Recombinant Oncolytic Poliovirus for Glioblastoma: A Current Review of PVS(RIPO)

While the prognosis for glioblastoma multiforme remains grim with a median survival of 12-15 months, PVS(RIPO), a recombinant oncolytic poliovirus, is emerging as a novel immunotherapeutic approach to treat malignancy. PVS(RIPO) is a genetically recombinant poliovirus-rhinovirus chimera that demonstrates antitumor efficacy via two main mechanisms: cytotoxicity and its subsequent immunogenenic response. Here, I review the rationale for oncolytic viruses in the treatment of glioblastoma, the development of PVS(RIPO), the underlying mechanisms of action of PVS(RIPO), the critical preclinical trial that demonstrated its safety and efficacy, the ongoing clinical trials that have shown promising preliminary data, and limitations of PVS(RIPO) as an oncolytic virus for glioblastoma therapy.
Congenital pulmonary airway malformation associated with mosaic Klinefelter syndrome.

A 26-year-old female, G4 P2012 presented for an anatomy scan at 18 weeks. Multiple macrocysts were seen in the left fetal lung, which lead to a diagnosis of congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) type II. A fetal MRI examination performed at 24 weeks of gestation confirmed the diagnosis of CPAM type II. A genetic amniocentesis was done to rule out a fetal chromosomal abnormality and the fetus was found to have mosaic Klinefelter syndrome. Fetal CPAM is not usually associated with chromosomal abnormalities unless there are other fetal malformations present. This is the first known case where a fetus with CPAM and no other malformation was found to have mosaic Klinefelter syndrome. Therefore, we believe it is prudent to offer prenatal diagnostic testing whenever a fetus with CPAM is identified with ultrasound.
A Political Perspective and Global Education

Because schools and education systems affect many different stakeholders, it is to be expected that the interests of those stakeholders should be crucial to the fate of any efforts of educational change.
Arabidopsis Lectin Receptor Kinase P2K2 Is a Second Plant Receptor for Extracellular ATP and Contributes to Innate Immunity.

In animals, extracellular ATP is a well-studied signaling molecule that is recognized by plasma membrane-localized P2-type purinergic receptors. However, in contrast, much less is known about purinergic signaling in plants. P2 receptors play critical roles in a variety of animal biological processes, including immune system regulation. The first plant purinergic receptor, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) P2K1 (L-type lectin receptor kinase-I.9), was shown to contribute to plant defense against bacterial, oomycete, and fungal pathogens. Here, we demonstrate the isolation of a second purinergic receptor, P2K2, by complementation of an Arabidopsis p2k1 mutant. P2K2 (LecRK-I.5) has 74% amino acid similarity to P2K1. The P2K2 extracellular lectin domain binds to ATP with higher affinity than P2K1 (dissociation constant [Kd] = 44.47 ± 15.73 nm). Interestingly, p2k2 and p2k1 p2k2 mutant plants showed increased susceptibility to the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, with the double mutant showing a stronger phenotype. In vitro and in planta studies demonstrate that P2K2 and P2K1 interact and cross-phosphorylate upon extracellular ATP treatment. Thus, similar to animals, plants possess multiple purinergic receptors.
Gene therapy for cystic fibrosis

Recent studies have identified the underlying molecular defect in cystic fibrosis (CF). Reduced or absent cAMP-mediated chloride transport in epithelial-lined organs characterizes this disease. With the identification of the CF gene, gene therapy has become a potential novel form of treatment for this disease. This article reviews the rapid progress in CF research from the understanding of the bioelectric defect to the recently begun human gene therapy trials.
Stress Measured by Allostatic Load Varies by Reason for Immigration, Age at Immigration, and Number of Children: The Africans in America Study.

Stress leads to physiologic dysfunction and cardiometabolic disease. Allostatic load score (ALS) measures stress-induced cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory biomarkers. We estimated the odds of high ALS by reason for and age at immigration, duration of American residence, number of children, and socioeconomic status in 193 African immigrants (male: 65%, age 41 ± 10 y (mean ± Standard Deviation (SD)), range 22–65 y). ALS was calculated with High-ALS defined as ALS ≥ 3.0 and Low-ALS defined as ALS < 3.0. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed, the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk estimated, and TNF-α, an inflammatory cytokine, measured. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds of High-ALS. In the High- and Low-ALS groups, ALS were 4.0 ± 1.2 vs. 1.3 ± 0.7, diabetes prevalence: 14% vs. 4%, CVD risk: 23% vs. 8%, TNF-α levels: 15 ± 9 vs. 11 ± 6 pg/mL, respectively (all p ≤ 0.01). Immigrants were more likely to be in the High-ALS group if their reason for immigration was work or asylum/refugee (OR 2.18, p = 0.013), their age at immigration was ≥30 y (OR 3.28, p < 0.001), their duration of residence in United States was ≥10 y (OR 3.16, p = 0.001), or their number of children was ≥3 (OR 2.67, p = 0.019). Education, income, health insurance, marital status, and gender did not affect High-ALS odds. Factors adversely influencing allostatic load and cardiometabolic health in African immigrants were age at and reason for immigration, duration of residence in America, and number of children.
SDC Resilient Error-bounded Lossy Compressor.

Lossy compression is one of the most important strategies to resolve the big science data issue, however, little work was done to make it resilient against silent data corruptions (SDC). In fact, SDC is becoming non-negligible because of exa-scale computing demand on complex scientific simulations with vast volume of data being produced or in some particular instruments/devices (such as interplanetary space probe) that need to transfer large amount of data in an error-prone environment. In this paper, we propose an SDC resilient error-bounded lossy compressor upon the SZ compression framework. Specifically, we adopt a new independent-block-wise model that decomposes the entire dataset into many independent sub-blocks to compress. Then, we design and implement a series of error detection/correction strategies based on SZ. We are the first to extend algorithm-based fault tolerance (ABFT) to lossy compression. Our proposed solution incurs negligible execution overhead without soft errors. It keeps the correctness of decompressed data still bounded within user's requirement with a very limited degradation of compression ratios upon soft errors.
Risk Management Solutions for Climate Change–Induced Disasters

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Risk Analysis, this article suggests ways of linking risk assessment and risk perception in developing risk management strategies that have a good chance of being implemented, focusing on the problem of reducing losses from natural hazards in the face of climate change. Following a checklist for developing an implementable risk management strategy, Section 2 highlights the impact that exponential growth of CO2 emissions is likely to have on future disaster losses as assessed by climate and social scientists. Section 3 then discusses how people perceive the risks of low-probability adverse events and the cognitive biases that lead them to underprepare for future losses. Based on this empirical evidence, Section 4 proposes a risk management strategy for reducing future losses using the principles of choice architecture to communicate the likelihood and consequences of disasters, coupled with economic incentives and well-enforced regulations.
The index fund rationality paradox

Abstract Mutual funds that track the S&P 500 are popular because they have significantly lower costs than the average, actively managed equity fund. However, a measurable number of investors select index funds with excessive fees and uncompetitive returns. We call this observation the Index Fund Rationality Paradox because it conflicts with the belief that index fund investors are making a rational, low-cost choice in their ‘type of fund’ decision. In our analysis of this paradox, we find that both retail and institutional index investors tended to make better choices in recent years, but the cost of poor choices among both groups continues to be significant. In fact, we are able to identify an arguably naive group of retail investors that seem to be unduly influenced by brokers and financial advisors. These investors are largely responsible for the remaining paradox.
The Goldilocks Principle: A Unifying Perspective on Biochemical Adaptation to Abiotic Stressors in the Sea.

The ability of marine organisms to thrive over wide ranges of environmental stressors that perturb structures of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids illustrates the effectiveness of adaptation at t...
All-intracavity fourth harmonic generation in a passively mode locked VECSEL for ultrafast UV emission

Abstract We demonstrate all-intracavity fourth harmonic generation in an ultrafast passively mode locked vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL). This novel laser cavity design utilizes a high Q Z-cavity resonator to buildup the circulating power of the second harmonic for frequency quadrupling the fundamental 1060 nm to 265 nm. The demonstrated UV output has an average power of 525 μ W, pulse width of 3 ps, and a repetition rate of 510 MHz. This results in a peak pulse power of 250–300 mW over a 30 min duration without active stabilization equipment.
Concurrent interference cancellation: decoding multi-packet collisions in LoRa

LoRa has seen widespread adoption as a long range IoT technology. As the number of LoRa deployments grow, packet collisions undermine its overall network throughput. In this paper, we propose a novel interference cancellation technique -- Concurrent Interference Cancellation (CIC), that enables concurrent decoding of multiple collided LoRa packets. CIC fundamentally differs from existing approaches as it demodulates symbols by canceling out all other interfering symbols. It achieves this cancellation by carefully selecting a set of sub-symbols -- pieces of the original symbol such that no interfering symbol is common across all sub-symbols in this set. Thus, after demodulating each sub-symbol, an intersection across their spectra cancels out all the interfering symbols. Through LoRa deployments using COTS devices, we demonstrate that CIC can increase the network capacity of standard LoRa by up to 10x and up to 4x over the state-of-the-art research. While beneficial across all scenarios, CIC has even more significant benefits under low SNR conditions that are common to LoRa deployments, in which prior approaches appear to perform quite poorly.
Coming Out of the Shadows: The Non-Western Critique of Dignity

In legal and philosophical literature, dignity is often praised as the great equalizer, providing a conceptual framework for the moral advancement from hierarchical to egalitarian societies. The past few decades have witnessed the consolidation of dignity, both in U.S. constitutional law and around the world, within the transnational grammar of “global constitutionalism.” This Article challenges this portrayal of dignity, uncovering the potential for cultural and racial bias rooted in its mainstream conceptualization. Specifically, this Article argues that the construction of dignity as the antithesis of honor is rooted in Enlightenment-era binaries of East versus West, binaries which construct dignity around exclusionary and elitist values. This claim is examined herein via the case study of Israel. The Israeli case study offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the cultural wars at the core of dignity. By applying close reading and critical race methodologies to the analysis of various Israeli legal cases, this Article illustrates judicial mechanisms that join in the racialization of dignity. This non-Western critique of dignity highlights possible blind spots in American legal critiques of its constitutional applications, thus offering a cautionary tale for its potential perils.
Development of an academic RVU (aRVU) system to promote pediatric surgical academic productivity.

Abstract Background/Purpose Improvements in patient care are directly affected by scientific discovery, and surgeons have historically played a vital role in this process. However, increasing clinical demands and incentivization for pure clinical productivity present challenges for promoting academic productivity. The objective of this work was to analyze the effects of adding an academic relative value unit (aRVU) scoring system to an existing work RVU (wRVU)-based incentivization plan on academic productivity in a Department of Pediatric Surgery. Methods Prior to 2012, incentive bonuses in our Department were mainly based on clinical wRVU activities. A weighted scoring system for 30 specific aRVUs was established in 2012. Incentivization for wRVUs vs. aRVUs was based on the clinical full-time equivalent (cFTE) of each faculty member. Academic activities incentivized included grant submissions/funding, peer reviewed publications, national presentations, Study Section participation, education and mentoring activities, receipt of research or teaching awards, initiation of Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols, new academic society committee memberships/chairpersons, and patents. Academic progress was analyzed from 2012 to 2020. Results During the study period, annual external federal funding increased from $750,168 to $5,768,243 (7.7-fold increase); annual peer-reviewed publications increased from 24 to 140 (5.8-fold increase); annual national presentations accepted for oral/poster presentations nearly doubled; and faculty members and their trainees received 41 competitive research awards including 8 American Pediatric Surgical Association Awards, 9 American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Surgery Awards, and 3 American College of Surgeons Awards. During the same study period, wRVUs increased by 8%. Conclusions Incentivization based on the addition of an aRVU system to a pre-existing wRVU system was associated with a significant increase in academic productivity, while still maintaining clinical productivity. Implementing an aRVU program is an important means of increasing academic productivity in Pediatric and other Surgery Departments.
Metal-Free Photoredox Phosphonation of C–N and C–X Bonds in Aqueous Solvent Mixtures

Aryl phosphonate esters are valuable moieties for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Accessing such compounds from affordable and abundant phosphite reagents and a wide range of aromatic building blocks under metal-free, visible light-induced reaction conditions would represent a desirable technology. Herein, we present an efficient and mild methodology for the synthesis of aromatic phosphonate esters in good to excellent yields using DBU and phenothiazine as a photoredox catalyst. The reaction exhibits wide functional group compatibility enabling the transformation in presence of ketone, amide, ester, amine, and alcohol moieties. Importantly, the reaction proceeds using a green solvent mixture primarily composed of water, thus lowering the environmental footprint of this transformation compared to current methods.
Current Relative Value Unit Scale Does Not Appropriately Compensate for Longer Orthopedic Sports Surgeries

Purpose To assess whether reimbursement for orthopaedic sports procedures adequately compensates for operative time and surgical complexity. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for all orthopedic sports medicine procedures performed greater than 150 times from 2016 to 2018 with regard to operative time, preoperative risk factors, morbidity, and mortality data. Physician work relative value units (wRVU) data were obtained from the 2020 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) fee schedule. The primary outcome was wRVU per minute operative time (wRVU/min). Linear regressions were used to assess wRVU, operative time, and wRVU/min. Results A total of 42 CPT codes, including 84,966 cases, were stratified into the top and bottom 50%, according to mean operative time, complications, mortality, reoperations, and readmissions. Mean wRVU/min was significantly lower for longer procedures (.153 vs .187; P = .02), and comparable with regard to ASA score, complications, mortality, readmissions, and reoperations. Arthroscopy reimbursed more (.187 vs .148 wRVU/min; P = .008), with lower complications (1.5 vs 2.6%; P = .115) and operative time (56.1 vs 82.8 min; P = .001) compared to open. Multivariate linear regression revealed that after adjusting for complication rate, there was a decrease of .054 wRVU/h (P = .026) and $116.90/hour less for every additional hour of operative time. Conclusion The current 2020 RVU scale does not fairly compensate sports procedures with longer operative times. When examining the hourly reimbursement rates for the most commonly performed sports procedures, there is a significant trend toward lower reimbursement for longer procedures even after accounting for complication rates. Furthermore, procedures of the knee reimbursed at higher rates relative to the general pool of sports procedures and open procedures are compensated at a lower rate compared to arthroscopic procedures.
Chapter 3 Fuzzy Memory and Mathematics in The Classroom

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an intuitionist account of mathematical problem solving, and some of its implications for learning and teaching. The study is based primarily on research concerning the relationship between memory and reasoning, in particular, between memory for specific problem facts and gist based reasoning—for example, Reyna, in press-b. The chapter reviews that research, including the nature of representations adults and children use to solve problems, some counterintuitive findings about factors that facilitate learning, and the implications of distinguishing between competence versus bringing that competence to bear in actual situations. The chapter focuses on computational skills (e.g., mental arithmetic) and quantitative reasoning about probability and expected value (e.g., compensation), the numerosity of sets (e.g., class-inclusion reasoning), relative magnitude (e.g., transitive inference), and weights and measures (e.g., conservation). Although many factors undoubtedly contribute to the problem of underachievement in mathematics (including low expectations) observers generally agree that, beyond basic arithmetic, mathematics is not intuitive for most learners. Recent research suggests that successful mathematical reasoners call on an intuitive appreciation of the fuzzy, qualitative relationships in problem information. Thus, by emphasizing a kind of cognitive approach that seems antithetical to mathematics, one may achieve greater success in instruction. The origins of this new approach can be traced to the foundations of mathematics itself, to Brouwer and Heyting, who argued that intuition-fluid thinking that operates on the barest senses of ideas—underlies the insights of mathematicians.
σ-π Rearrangements of Organotransition Metal Compounds

Publisher Summary The chapter focuses on the understanding of the σ–π interconversions by observing the factors that influence the static modes, i.e., the σ- and the π-complex, and also, those factors that allow the static mode to become dynamic, causing a rearrangement to occur. Also, various catalytic processes are studied in an effort to gain insight into the possible role of the σ–π rearrangement in catalysis. These rearrangements are of both theoretical and practical interest, because they appear to be very important in homogeneous catalytic processes; therefore, knowledge of the physical and chemical factors that govern this phenomenon is essential. It appears that σ–π rearrangements are basic to the chemistry of organometallic compounds. The chapter presents some of the factors believed to influence these rearrangements. Although many parallels have been drawn between the σ–π rearrangement and catalytic activity, the exact nature of this relationship is still unclear. The catalytic systems that are surveyed have the possibility of two common mechanistic steps: catalyst interactions with the π-system of the substrate and reaction on the coordinated substrate that removes the unsaturation, causing rearrangement. Academic studies on this chemical phenomenon may lead to discoveries that will have great industrial impact.
Phase transitions and structure changes in poly[bis(phenoxy)‐λ5‐phosphazene]

Phase transition behavior in poly[bis(phenoxy)-λ5-phosphazene] (PBPP) was studied by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction techniques and differential scanning calorimetry. Several polymorphic forms were detected. Relative changes in enthalpy associated with the thermotropic transition, T(1), are examined as a function of heat treatment. Correspondingly, structural and morphological changes have been established in line with enthalpy results.
Explosive Pulsed Power: An Enabling Technology

Abstract : The modern army is currently striving to make their weapon systems smaller, lighter, and cheaper and at the same time more powerful. One of the enabling technologies that permit this is Explosive Pulsed Power (EPP). Explosive Pulsed Power consists of those devices that convert the chemical energy in explosives into electrical energy. In 2004, a series of Army Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Programs were initiated to develop several types of very compact EPP Generators. Based on these recent efforts, we now have a better understanding of the weaknesses and strengths of these small generators. As a result, we can now build reliable generators that provide consistent output currents and voltages. In this paper, a brief introduction to these generators will be given along some of the most recent advances in our understanding of them. This paper will only report on advances made by Army and Navy researchers and that of their contractors. A description of an explosive driven high power microwave test bed built at Texas Tech will be presented. A brief description of some applications of EPP will also be presented.
Lessons Learned: Social Interaction in Virtual Environments

With the goal of studying online community, we created two multiuser virtual environment products [1], Microsoft V-Chat [2] in 1996, and the Virtual Worlds Platform [3] in 1998. We analyzed the social interaction that developed in these virtual environments and were particularly interested in better understanding what factors contribute to sustaining online community. Drawing from the design and evolution of physical cities [4] we believed an online community must be able to change over time and evolve the space within a flexible infrastructure. Over the past six years we have learned a number of lessons about the design of community and the effects of design.
Representing fiction in SNePS

This paper discusses issues in the representation of fictional entities and the representation of propositions from fiction, using SNePS. It briefly surveys four philosophical ontological theories of fiction and sketches an epistemological theory of fiction (to be implemented in SNePS) using a story operator and rules for allowing propositions to “migrate” into and out of story “spaces”.
Basis for the potent inhibition of influenza virus infection by equine and guinea pig alpha 2-macroglobulin.

Abstract The unique properties of equine and guinea pig sera which make them potent inhibitors of influenza virus adsorption and infection have been investigated. The inhibitory activities of both sera are found to reside entirely in their respective alpha 2-macroglobulins, high molecular weight glycoproteins which bind to viral hemagglutinins via sialic acids of their N-linked carbohydrate groups. Structure analysis has shown that both proteins contain 4-O-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid (4-O-Ac-NeuAc) (Hanaoka, K., Pritchett, T. J., Takasaki, S., Kochibe, N., Sabesan, S., Paulson, J.C., and Kobata, A. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 9842-9849). These 4-O-acetylated sialic acids have been found in few species, making their coincidence with high inhibitory potency in equine and guinea pig alpha 2-macroglobulin striking. However, 4-O-Ac-NeuAc does not appear to increase the avidity of interaction with influenza virus since isolated oligosaccharides of equine alpha 2-macroglobulin are no more potent inhibitors of adsorption than isolated oligosaccharides of human alpha 2-macroglobulin, which is a relatively poor inhibitor and contains only NeuAc. Since 4-O-Ac-NeuAc is resistant to cleavage by viral sialidase it may serve to protect the inhibitor from inactivation. These and supporting results suggest that the key property of equine and guinea pig alpha 2-macroglobulin which make them high potency inhibitors is a spatial arrangement of sialic acid containing oligosaccharide groups which allows optimal interaction with multiple hemagglutinins. The implications of these results for the design of low molecular weight inhibitors of influenza virus infection are discussed.
On the Half-Life of 44 Ti in Young Supernova Remnants

The electron-capture decay rate of 44Ti strongly depends on the number of atomic electrons that are bound to the nucleus. Recent x-ray observations of the Cas A and RXJ0852.0-4622 supernova remnants suggest that conditions of high temperatures and low densities exist in these objects. Under such conditions, the half-life of 44Ti would be significantly longer than its laboratory value. This effect implies that only an upper limit on the mass of 44Ti ejected by supernovae can be deduced from gamma-ray observations of these two supernova remnants.
Identifying and ranking possible semantic and common usage categories of search engine queries

In this paper, we propose a method for identifying and ranking possible categories of any user query based on the meanings and common usages of the terms and phrases within the query. Our solution utilizes WordNet and Wikipedia to recognize phrases and to determine the basic meanings and usages of each term or phrase in a query. The categories are ranked based on their likelihood in capturing the query's intention. Experimental results show that our method can achieve high accuracy.
The cell cycle-coupled expression of topoisomerase IIalpha during S phase is regulated by mRNA stability and is disrupted by heat shock or ionizing radiation.

Topoisomerase II is a multifunctional protein required during DNA replication, chromosome disjunction at mitosis, and other DNA-related activities by virtue of its ability to alter DNA supercoiling. The enzyme is encoded by two similar but nonidentical genes: the topoisomerase IIaand IIbgenes. In HeLa cells synchronized by mitotic shake-off, topoisomerase IIa mRNA levels were found to vary as a function of cell cycle position, being 15-fold higher in late S phase (14 to 18 h postmitosis) than during G1phase. Also detected was a corresponding increase in topoisomerase IIa protein synthesis at 14 to 18 h postmitosis which resulted in significantly higher accumulation of the protein during S and G2phases. Topoisomerase IIaexpression was not dependent on DNA synthesis during S phase, which could be inhibited without effect on the timing or level of mRNA expression. Mechanistically, topoisomerase IIa expression appears to be coupled to cell cycle positionmainlythroughassociatedchangesinmRNAstability.WhencellsareinSphaseandmRNAlevelsare maximal, a half-life of greater than 4 h was observed. However, during G1 phase, when cellular levels are lowest, the half-life of topoisomerase IIa mRNA was determined to be approximately 30 min. A similar decrease in mRNA stability was also induced by two external factors known to delay cell cycle progression. Treatment of S-phase cells, at the time of maximum topoisomerase IIa mRNA stability, with either ionizing radiation (5 Gy) or heat shock (45&C for 15 min) caused the accumulated topoisomerase IIamRNA to decay. Thisfinding suggests a potential relationship between stress-induced decreases in topoisomerase IIaexpression and cell cycle progression delays in late S/G2.
D.H. Lawrence's Death Eaters in Women in Love

This paper offers a Derridian reading of D.H. Lawrence’s novel Women in Love, with excerpts from the novel’s prequel The Rainbow. Through Derrida’s ideas of difference and the imaginary origin, I explore the relationship between female reproductive potential and representation as means to a female sexual power, which Lawrence’s men attempt to destroy and subvert. By attacking realms of representation, like art, the novel’s male characters seek to dominate female reproductive power to assert patriarchal visions of modernity and modernism. These violent sexual dichotomies are found in the male characters’ relations to modern capitalism/colonialism and the modernist artistic project to “make it new.” Their masculine worldviews are perpetuated by consuming the death of representation, but they can never destroy the feminine cycle of reproductive potential and life.
Indigenous Mexican Languages and the Politics of Language Shift in the United States

Inin amatl kinititia in tlen onikitak kwak onikchih in tekitl ipan 2010. Nikan nikita kenin sekin masewalmeh, akinkeh otlakatkeh Mexico wan axan chantih EEUU, tlahtoah itech iminchantsitsin, tlen ika tlahtol in yehwan monotsah wan motlapwiah. Tikitaskeh tleka tetahwan kinnotsah in piltontsitsin ikan nin noso oksekin tlahtolmeh, katlie tlahtolmeh kinititiah iminpilwan. Namechititilis kenin in tetahwan kinitah in gobierno, in oksekin tlakameh, in tomin, in tlen opanohkeh, okchiwilihkeh ik tlahtoah se masewaltlahtol wan yenonik in yehwan amo noso kema kinekih kinititiskeh iminpilwan. Ipan nin tekitl, sekin tenantsitsin onechnankilihkeh in yehwan amo kinekih kinititiskeh iminmasewaltlahtolwan iminpilwan pampa ompa Mexico wan nikan EEUU in tlakameh amo kwalli kitah in masewaltlahtolmeh.
Myoglobin structure and function: A multiweek biochemistry laboratory project

We have developed a multiweek laboratory project in which students isolate myoglobin and characterize its structure, function, and redox state. The important laboratory techniques covered in this project include size-exclusion chromatography, electrophoresis, spectrophotometric titration, and FTIR spectroscopy. Regarding protein structure, students work with computer modeling and visualization of myoglobin and its homologues, after which they spectroscopically characterize its thermal denaturation. Students also study protein function (ligand binding equilibrium) and are instructed on topics in data analysis (calibration curves, nonlinear vs. linear regression). This upper division biochemistry laboratory project is a challenging and rewarding one that not only exposes students to a wide variety of important biochemical laboratory techniques but also ties those techniques together to work with a single readily available and easily characterized protein, myoglobin.
Computing Requirements: Cognitive Approaches to Distributed Requirements Engineering

We present a study of on the goal-oriented modeling of RE processes executed by a practicing systems development team. The research combines an empirical case study of RE practices with the evaluation and simulation capability of i* modeling. Our analysis focuses on a system implementation project at a mid-size U.S. university and applies the theory of distributed cognition to generate a range of design insights for goal identification and process enhancement.
Homosexuality: The ethical challenge.

It is suggested that behavior therapists have not attended sufficiently to the factors influencing the desire of some homosexuals to change their sexual orientation. Therapists of all persuasions constantly make decisions for their voluntary clients, encompassing both the goals of therapy and the means to be used to achieve those goals. A perusal of the psychotherapy and behavior therapy literature indicates that therapists generally regard homosexuality as undesirable, if not pathological. Since professionals are unlikely to work on treatment procedures unless they see a problem, it is probable that the very existence of change-of-orientation programs strengthens societal prejudices against homosexuality and contributes to the self-hate and embarrassment that are determinants of the "voluntary" desire by some homosexuals to become heterosexual. It is therefore proposed that we stop offering therapy to help homosexuals change and concentrate instead on improving the quality of their interpersonal relationships. Alternatively, more energy could be devoted to sexual enhancement procedures in general, regardless of the adult gender mix.
Mixed Disulfide with Glutathione as an Intermediate in the Reaction Catalyzed by Glutathione Reductase from Yeast and as a Major Form of the Enzyme in the Cell

Glutathione reductase catalyzes the reduction of glutathione disulfide by NADPH. The FAD of the reductase is reduced by NADPH, and reducing equivalents are passed to a redox-active disulfide to complete the first half-reaction. The nascent dithiol of two-electron reduced enzyme (EH2) interchanges with glutathione disulfide forming two molecules of glutathione in the second half-reaction. It has long been assumed that a mixed disulfide (MDS) between one of the nascent thiols and glutathione is an intermediate in this reaction. In addition to the nascent dithiol composed of Cys45 and Cys50, the enzyme contains an acid catalyst, His456, having a pKa of 9.2 that protonates the first glutathione (residue numbers refer to the yeast enzyme sequence). Reduction of yeast glutathione reductase by glutathione and reoxidation of EH2 by glutathione disulfide indicate that the mixed disulfide accumulates, in particular, at low pH. The reaction of glutathione disulfide with EH2 is stoichiometric in the absence of an exc...
Formation of Polysulfides in Aqueous Solution

Abstract Polysulfides are found to be the reaction intermediates in the oxygenation of aqueous sulfide. The pH dependence of the reaction rates is directly related to the formation of polysulfides. In general, the peak of polysulfide concentrations fall within the range pH 7.0 ± 0.4, and decrease drastically in both acidic and alkaline solutions. Under one atmospheric pressure of oxygen and sulfide concentrations of 10-3 to 10-2M, the corresponding maximum yield of polysulfide conversion varies from 14% to 8%. Usually, for solutions ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, the peak of polysulfide formations comes within half an hour to three hours after the preparation of the reaction mixture. Polysulfides disappear thereafter to form sulfur and sulfur oxyanions. The results confirm a previously proposed reaction mechanism on the oxygenation of sulfide in neutral solution environment involving sulfide, polysulfide, sulfur and sulfur oxyanions.
Measurement, instrumentation, control and analysis (MICA): A modular system of wireless sensors

A modular system of small digital sensors and generators that includes a user interface with a graphical display and auditory feedback is being developed to address the limitations associated with measuring various aspects of human performance using bulky and often incompatible wired sensors and associated instrumentation. The initiative is called MICA (Measurement, Instrumentation, Control and Analysis) has entailed developing a high data rate, low latency wireless protocol. Optimized for real-time measurement and control, the protocol has been developed to link a network of sensors and generators to a central data acquisition system. The goal in designing MICA was simplicity and modularity at minimum cost without sacrificing instrumentation quality. The performance of the MICA sensor system is described in the context of measuring electrophysiological variables from active humans and the motion of objects under human control.
Deep Orographic Storms over the Sierra Nevada. Part I: Thermodynamic and Kinematic Structure

Abstract Two deep, orographic storms were documented over the Sierra Nevada with an instrumented aircraft and with a single Doppler radar. In both storms the geographic winds were normal to the barrier with speeds of 15 to 30 m s−1. Because of blocking the measured wind component normal to the barrier was substantially less than the geostrophic wind component, especially below barrier crest height. In the very stable case, a barrier jet was present below 1 km AGL and had peak winds of 28 m s−1. In the slightly stable case a barrier jet was present at 1 km AGL and had peak winds of 21 m s−1. Other than the speed and altitude of the barrier jet, the other measured characteristics of the airflow and thermal fields were rather similar between these two storms. The forced ascent of stable air plus the diabatic process of melting caused the isotherms to descend near the barrier. The barrier jet can be expressed by the thermal wind relation and is, therefore, a quasi-geostrophic phenomenon. The derived vertical ...
Histochemical activation of rat-liver lysosomes by dimethyl sulfoxide.

The Gomori reaction for acid phosphatase was enhanced by inclusion of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in reaction media for incubation of cryostat sections of unfixed rat-liver tissue. The reaction was also detectably increased by DMSO in formol-calcium fixed tissue. Enhancment of the Gomori reaction for acid phosphatase by DMSO was reversible.