cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
National Electoral Thresholds and Disproportionality

We model the conditional distribution of seats given vote shares induced by national electoral systems using a stochastic threshold of representation and a disproportionality parameter that regulates allocation for parties above the threshold. We establish conditions for the parameters of this model to be identified from observed seats/votes data, and develop a Maximum a Posteriori Expectation-Maximization (MAP-EM) algorithm to estimate them. We apply the procedure to 116 electoral systems used in 417 elections to the lower house across 36 European countries since WWII. We reject a test of model fit in only 5 of those systems, while a simpler model without thresholds is rejected in favor of our estimated model in 49 electoral systems. We find that the two modal electoral system configurations involve higher thresholds with seat allocation for parties exceeding thresholds that does not statistically differ from perfectly proportional allocation (32.76% of all systems); and systems for which we cannot reject the absence of a national threshold but exhibit disproportional seat allocation for parties eligible for seats (38.79% of all systems). We also develop procedures to test for significant changes in electoral institutions and/or the distribution of seats.
Alternative Lifeworlds on the Internet: Habermas and Democratic Distance Education.

Current distance education practices can be susceptible to the types of content-heavy, top-down instruction often seen in physical classrooms. These practices are similar to the activities of corpo...
Palladium bis-pincer complexes with controlled rigidity and inter-metal distance

We report a series of redox-active bis(pincer) Pd(II) complexes in which the redox active units are based on either a diarylamido or a carbazolide framework. Compounds 1 and 2 contain two full diarylamido/bis(pincer) PNP units connected either via an Ar–O–Ar linker (1) or an Ar–Ar bond (2). Compound 3 is a fused bis(pincer) where the two PNP units share an aromatic ring. Compound 4 is built around an indolo[3,2-b]carbazole core in which two NNN pincers share an aromatic ring similarly to 3. These metal complexes all display two reversible oxidation waves with the ΔE values increasing in the order of 1 < 2 < 4 < 3. The same trend in increasing electronic coupling emerges from the analysis of the IV-CT bands in the NIR portion of the optical spectra. The analysis of these compounds was further advanced by data from EPR spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and DFT calculations. It is concluded that the monooxidized cations 2+–4+ belong to Class III on the Robin-Day classification of mixed-valence compounds. Compound 4 possesses enforced near-planarity that enables delocalization of the unpaired electron in 4+ across a broader conjugated system compared to 3+.
Hierarchy among the crystal lattice, charge density wave, and superconducting orders in transition metal dichalcogenides

Using high-energy x-ray scattering and large-scale three-dimensional (3D) structure modeling, we investigate the relationship between the crystal lattice, charge density wave (CDW), and superconducting (SC) orders in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). In particular, we systematically substitute Te for Se in Ta-Se-Te solid solutions, determine changes in their crystal lattice, and relate them to changes in the CDW transition temperature, ${T}_{\mathrm{CDW}}$, and SC critical temperature, ${T}_{\mathrm{c}}$. We find that strong lattice distortions such as buckling of Ta layers are detrimental to the CDW and SC orders. The presence of a perfect lattice order in two dimensions is a prerequisite to the emergence of CDWs but insufficient to achieve a SC ordered state. For the SC order to emerge, the Ta sublattice should also appear periodic in 3D. Local chemical disorder may promote the SC order, and the perfectness of Ta coordination polyhedra is a factor contributing to its strength. A hierarchical relationship among the crystal lattice, CDW, and SC orders thus appears to exist in TMDs in a sense that different degrees of crystal lattice order-disorder promote and maintain the CDW and SC orders to a different extent, offering an opportunity to control the latter through modifying the former by rational design. Our findings are a step towards a better understanding of the correlation between lattice and electronic degrees of freedom in TMDs. We also demonstrate an efficient experimental approach to study them in fine detail.
Muslim American City: Gender and Religion in Metro Detroit: by Alisa Perkins, New York, New York University Press, 2020, 260 pp., $30.00 (paperback), ISBN 9781479892013

The ways in which American Muslims create spaces of belonging and navigate questions of citizenship, pluralism and identity negotiation are increasingly important lines of inquiry. Contributing to ...
On the Feasibility of a Bi-National Bond Financing Mechanism for Strategic Border Infrastructure: Reviewing the U.S. and Mexican Legal Frameworks

There is a growing gap between infrastructure needs and available funding along the U.S.-Mexico border. A recent proposal to address the situation calls for the creation of a bi-national mechanism of bond financing to enable sub-national governments from both countries to issue bonds jointly. Creating the legal infrastructure to attain this goal requires an evaluation of key aspects of existing regulations. It also calls for a discussion of the feasibility of regulatory harmonization. This article compares bond issuance rules and investor protection mechanisms in both countries and discusses how these differences may affect the viability of a bi-national bond mechanism.
Development of 3D Stereoscopic of the Cerebellum Model for Anatomic Virtual Learning

Virtual learning has become the popular and adopted form of teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including learning the parts of the human body. As we move through this pandemic and look into the future of medical education, anatomic virtual models have the potential to be a key educational tool in learning the unique engineering of the human body. In this project, we look into the making of an anatomical structure, the cerebellum, which is located at the base of the skull in the posterior cranial fossa. The cerebellum largely controls the coordination of voluntary movement sequences of the body. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) data and surface and volume rendering technology found in the Amira 5.6 software was used in the creation of a three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic virtual model of the cerebellum. An outlining process was used for each CTA image that comprised the cerebellum;a total of 73 slices of CTA data were outlined. Each outline was made using the paintbrush, blow, and lasso tools found in Amira 5.6. To refine the selected areas, the paintbrush tool along with the coronal and sagittal views were employed. Each segmented slice was then stacked to create the surface of the cerebellum, generating the 3D stereoscopic model. A smoothing filter was also applied to correct human error. End results show a 3D stereoscopic cerebellum model that can be integrated at various angles and magnifications with orthoslice CTA data and project as a 3D stereoscopic presentation in a virtual environment with a dim light background. We find that the cerebellum stereoscopic model can serve as a virtual learning tool in a classroom setting and allow students to view the cerebellum in a 3D stereoscopic presentation in order to better grasp the spatial relationship of the cerebellum with other structures in the cranial vault. Three-dimensional stereoscopic presentations along with video clips created within Amira 5.6 can be used for online anatomical learning, which allows for different visual perspectives than the traditional two-dimensional presentations.
Unpacking the Logic of Compliance in Special Education: Contextual Influences on Discipline Racial Disparities in Suburban Schools:

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ([IDEA] 2004; IDEA Amendments 1997) is a civil rights–based law designed to protect the rights of students with disabilities in U.S. schools. However...
Perioperative Outcomes Following Opportunistic Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy at the Time of Sacrocolpopexy

Study Objective Surgeons commonly opt to perform an opportunistic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) for peri- and postmenopausal women who undergo pelvic reconstructive surgery (PRS) in order to prevent future development of malignancy. The prevalence of underlying gynecologic malignancy amongst this population is not well defined in medical literature. There is also limited information on the impact of an opportunistic BSO on perioperative outcomes. This study aims to investigate the oncologic incidence and perioperative outcomes for those undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (RA-SCP) for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with and without a concomitant BSO. Design Retrospective descriptive analysis. Setting University-affiliated community hospital. Patients or Participants Cases of patients who underwent a RA-SCP without hysterectomy (n=283) by one surgeon between March 2017 and March 2020. Interventions RA-SCP with concomitant BSO (n=150) versus without BSO (n=133). Measurements and Main Results A total of 2 patients (0.7%) were found to have malignant adnexal pathology: 2 high grade serous cancers of the fallopian tube with no ovarian cancers detected. Cases with concomitant BSO required statistically significant longer operative times (215 vs 197 mins, p Conclusion Performing opportunistic BSOs at the time of PRS with a RA-SCP is a well-tolerated procedure. A small subset of patients were found to have gynecologic cancer. Surgeons should counsel patients regarding the safety profile of opportunistic BSO and the potential to detect cancer in patients with POP who otherwise have no suspicion for adnexal malignancy.
Daily Predictors of ART Adherence Among Young Men Living with HIV Who Have Sex with Men: A Longitudinal Daily Diary Study

Improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential for limiting HIV disease progression among young sexual minority men living with HIV. Daily diaries allow for a detailed examination of how fluctuations in psychosocial factors are associated with adherence over time. Across three cities in the United States, this study collected 60 days of quantitative data from 44 young men (between 16 and 24 years of age) living with HIV who have sex with men. Lagged transition models explored the associations of mood, stress, social support, substance use, and condomless intercourse with daily ART adherence. Baseline levels of illicit substance use and condomless intercourse, and a higher proportion of days with stress or marijuana use, were associated with lower ART adherence. Lapses in adherence predicted non-adherence the following day. Findings suggest prospective data collection may identify different predictors of adherence compared to retrospective recall. Lapse-management strategies are needed to improve adherence following a missed dose.
Resilience of community-dwelling older persons.

Objectives: To assess resilience of community-dwelling older persons using a new scale based on response to a stressful life event and to identify the demographic, clinical, functional, and psychosocial factors associated with high resilience. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Community. Participants: Five hundred forty-six nondisabled persons aged 70 and older who had experienced a stressful life event. Measurements: Resilience (as assessed using a simple six-item scale), demographic factors, chronic conditions, medications, cognitive status, grip strength, functional status, physical activity, self-efficacy, depressive symptoms, self-rated health, and social support. Results: Participants showed a wide range of resilience in response to a stressful event, with a mean score±standard deviation of 8.9±4.0 on an 18-point scale. In bivariate analyses, male sex, living with others, high grip strength, independence in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), having few depressive symptoms, and having good to excellent self-rated health were associated with high resilience, defined as a score in the best tertile (>10). Independence in IADLs (relative risk (RR)=1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.05–1.69), having few depressive symptoms (RR=1.59, 95% CI=1.13–2.11), and good to excellent self-rated health (RR=1.38, 95% CI=1.01–1.79) remained independently associated with high resilience in multivariate analysis. Depressive symptoms and self-rated health remained associated with high resilience after controlling for the perceived stressfulness of the event. Conclusion: Functional and psychosocial factors are associated with high resilience. Further research is needed to determine the relationship between resilience and future well-being.
Public Education in the Twentieth Century and Beyond: High Hopes, Broken Promises, and an Uncertain Future

Public education and democracy have been firmly linked in the popular imagination since at least 1848, when Horace Mann, in his twelfth annual report to the Massachusetts State Board of Education, declared, “Education then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is a great equalizer of the conditions of men” (1868, p. 669). Half a century later, and just a few short years before the Harvard Educational Review published its inaugural issue, John Dewey’s (1916) progressive notions about education cemented the link between education and democracy. According to Dewey, schools could serve not only to level the playing field, but also as an apprenticeship for civic life. Current proclamations about public education seem strangely at odds with these sentiments. Now the talk is more about testing and rubrics than about democracy and equality, making it clear that we have strayed far afield from the ideals articulated by Mann and Dewey. In commemorating the Harvard Educational Review’s 75th anniversary, it is useful to reflect on how and why the goals of public education have seemingly shifted in such a dramatic way. In this article, I argue that the quintessential questions of public schooling over the past seventy-five years, and the answers to them, have emerged primarily from the changing demographics in our nation and schools. That is, changes in population in terms of race, ethnicity, social class, and other differences have helped to shape the educational experience of all students in our schools. I also suggest that the history of the past seventy-five years will influence how, as a nation, we view, design, and implement public education in the coming century.
Sit-to-stand test: Performance and determinants across the age-span

Although the validity of the sit-to-stand (STS) test as a measure of lower limb strength has been questioned, it is widely used as such among older adults. The purposes of this study were: 1) to describe five-repetition STS test (FRSTST) performance (time) by adolescents and adults and 2) to determine the relationship of isometric knee extension strength (force and torque), age, gender, weight, and stature with that performance. Participants were 111 female and 70 male (14-85 years) community-dwelling enrollees in the NIH Toolbox Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function. The FRSTST was conducted using a standard armless chair. Knee extension force was measured using a belt-stabilized hand-held dynamometer; knee extension torque was measured using a Biodex dynamometer. The mean times for the FRSTST ranged from 6.0 sec (20-29 years) to 10.8 sec (80-85 years). For both the entire sample and a sub-sample of participants 50-85 years, knee extension strength (r = -0.388 to -0.634), age (r = 0.561 and 0.466), and gender (r = 0.182 and 0.276) were correlated significantly with FRSTST times. In all multiple regression models, knee extension strength provided the best explanation of FRSTST performance, but age contributed as well. Bodyweight and stature were less consistent in explaining FRSTST performance. Gender did not add to the explanation of FRSTST performance. Our findings suggest, therefore, that FRSTST time reflects lower limb strength, but that performance should be interpreted in light of age and other factors.
Generalized Clustering for Problem Localization

The general procedure of conventional clustering is modified for various applications involving problem localization. This modification introduces the concept of clustering criteria which are used for partitioning a training set, and depend upon certain a priori information with regards to the training set. Also, the need of a structure or a mathematical form for the partition boundaries arises naturally from the need to process unknown samples. The general procedure is discussed in detail for applications of piecewise linear classifier design and piecewise linear density estimation. Experimental results are presented for both applications.
Minimally Invasive Thoracic Microendoscopic Discectomy

Thoracic disc herniations present the spine surgeon with a distinctive set of challenges with regard to patient selection, surgical anatomy, and potential complications. The reported incidences of thoracic disc herniations range from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,000,0001–3 and are decreased in comparison with those of their cervical and lumbar counterparts; this is likely a result of the increased rigidity of the thoracic cage, which results in a reduction in the flexion, extension, and rotation of the thoracic spine.4,5 Notwithstanding this decreased incidence and the even smaller number of patients who ultimately require surgical intervention, patients with thoracic disc herniations may present with a wide variety of symptoms. Furthermore, a multitude of surgical approaches have been developed to treat these patients, including posterior (laminectomy), posterolateral (costotransversectomy, transfacet pedicles-sparing discectomy, transpedicular discectomy, and transversoartropediculectomy), lateral (extracavitary, rachiotomy), transthoracic (transpleural, extrapleural, and transsternal), and thoracoscopic approaches. This wide spectrum of therapeutic options, coupled with the relatively low incidence of operable pathologies, is a testament to the difficulty a spine surgeon faces when attempting to treat patients with thoracic disc herniations.
THE UTILITY OF MAZE ACCURATE RESPONSE RATE IN ASSESSING READING COMPREHENSION IN UPPER ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

This study examined the predictive utility of five formative reading measures: words correct per minute, number of comprehension questions correct, reading comprehension rate, number of maze correct responses, and maze accurate response rate (MARR). Broad Reading cluster scores obtained via the Woodcock–Johnson III (WJ III) Tests of Achievement served as the criterion variable. Examiners administered all reading measures to 98 students enrolled in upper elementary (UES) and middle school (MS) grades (grades 4 through 8). Results indicated significant intercorrelations within all predictor variables for the combined and UES samples; fewer intercorrelations existed at the MS level. MARR exhibited the highest correlation with WJ III Broad Reading across all correlational analyses. Additional regression analyses indicated that the MARR technique best predicted WJ III Broad Reading cluster scores across all groups analyzed. Limitations of the current study and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Structural neuroimaging and mood disorders: Recent findings, implications for classification, and future directions

Neuroimaging is playing an increasing role in research of affective disorders, with investigators examining both volumetric changes of specific brain structures and vascular changes within white and gray matter. Recent studies have attempted to make clinical correlations between neuroimaging changes in unipolar and bipolar mood disorders. In this review, we focus particularly on those changes that are clinically meaningful. We conclude that there is enough evidence to begin to evaluate inclusion of neuroimaging findings in our mood disorder classification system. To this end, we propose two new mood disorder subtypes, vascular depression and vascular mania. Directions for future research in neuroimaging are then discussed.
Intracranial chemical injection and behavior: a critical review.

The focus of this review of intracranial chemical injection (ICI) is on the methods used and how variations in the use of these methods affect the results obtained. A brief historical review indicates that investigators at the turn of the century were concerned with the local nature of ICI. Since this problem remains at this time, the logic of the protocols then used is considered applicable to present problems. After a review of the available methods, a checklist containing a standard set of recommended procedures is provided. These recommendations do not depart from current practices, but serve to identify sources of variability among experiments that could readily be reduced. A consideration of the sphere of influence of ICI focuses on the evaluation of the author's ventricular hypothesis. This hypothesis, as originally formulated, called attention to the potential of spread from sites of ICI to the ventricular system. This would blur the anatomical localization which is one of the major virtues of the ICI method. It is considered necessary to expand the view of spread from the application site to include an important contribution of the vasculature. The failure to find species generality is taken as one indicant that the critical sites of action of cholinergic agents which provoke drinking have not been discovered. Recent evidence indicates that the subfornical organ may be one important site of carbachol-induced drinking. Such evidence does not deny the possibility of a “thirst circuit” but it is clear that such a circuit has not been adequately defined. Discrepancies concerning the alpha- and beta-adrenergic systems involved in feeding and the influence of dopamine applied to the striatum on motor behavior is briefly reviewed in terms of the different methods used.
Generalized tetanus despite prior vaccination and a protective level of anti-tetanus antibodies.

Abstract Because of the success of widespread vaccination, tetanus rarely occurs in developed countries such as the United States. Vaccination, however, is not entirely protective even if patients develop an adequate antibody response. We discuss a case of generalized tetanus in an individual with both a history of prior vaccination and a measurable level of anti-tetanus antibodies at the time of presentation. We speculate that the patient’s preexisting antibodies may have moderated his course of illness.
Aristocratic Eigensinn and the Fight to Save the Ritterakademie am Dom , 1935–1945

In the early morning of May 26, 1935, some residents of the eastern German city of Brandenburg an der Havel awoke to shouts of "We Want Our Kaiser Back" and "We Want Back the Black-White-Red" emanating from the dor mitory of the storied and elite Prussian secondary school, the Ritterakademie am Dom zu Brandenburg.1 A small number of students had thrown an illegal party during which, emboldened by alcohol, at least one student had called for the restoration of the monarchical order, to the audible delight of others present. Informed of the night's events on the following Monday, school authorities quickly investigated the matter and decided that the episode represented neither a genuine act of political subversion nor a reflection of possible "reac tionary" attitudes held by the students. The utterances were instead an act of foolishness (Dummheit) committed by immature pupils, the consequence of the more serious and perennial problem of students' drinking parties, concluded the Ritterakademie administration. In response, school principal Georg Neuen dorf punished several older pupils by removing them from their position atop the student hierarchy and revoking several privileges. He also wrote to all parents of students boarding at the Ritterakademie, asking them no longer to send their sons money, food, and alcohol. Satisfied with his response, the prin cipal ended his report on the incident to his superiors in Berlin, the Oberpr?si dium of Brandenburg Province, by noting optimistically that the episode would be of pedagogical use in the continued "Nazification" of the school.2
Role of Vasomotion in Control of Retina Edema in Diabetic Retinopathy: Quantification of Fluid Transport Through Retinal Capillaries

Diabetic retinopathy refers to diabetes-related complications in the retina, It is a progressive disease and its symptoms in the eyes can vary from non-vision threatening to vision loss, and it can lead to permanent damage to the neuronal retinal tissue. The irreversible nature of the damage suggests that prevention of diabetes by eliminating risk factors and early screening are the cornerstone of relevant treatment to stop or limit visual damage in those patients.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Levels of aspiration of parents for their asthmatic, diabetic, and healthy children.

This study employed a modified Rotter Level of Aspiration (LOA) task to assess parents' goal setting for their children. The sample of 64 children (ages 6 to 13) and their 128 parents contained 16 triads from each of four groups: Asthmatic, asthma sibling, diabetic, and normal. Parents indicated their own goals for their children and could influence the goals that the children set for themselves. Aspects of general family functioning also were assessed. Mothers of asthmatic children showed no significant goal setting differences from comparison mothers. These mothers were less, rather than more, controlling, and there was no support for the theory that mothers of asthmatic children are narcissistically over controlling. Fathers of asthmatics were more rigid and less accommodating in their goal setting, and fathers of all chronically ill children had higher LOAs than did control fathers.
Contribution of fuel vibrations to ex-core neutron noise during the first and second fuel cycles of the sequoyah-1 pressurized water reactor

Abstract Noise measurements were performed during the first and second fuel cycles of the Sequoyah-1 pressurized water reactor (PWR) to observe long-term changes in the ex-core neutron signatures. Increases in the ex-core neutron noise amplitude were observed throughout the 0.1 −1 to 50.0 − Hz range. In-core noise measurements indicate that fuel assembly vibrations contribute significantly to the ex-core neutron noise at nearly all frequencies in this range, probably due to mechanical or acoustic coupling with other vibrating internal structures. Space-dependent kinetics calculations show that ex-core neutron noise induced by fixed-amplitude fuel assembly vibrations will increase over a fuel cycle because of soluble boron and fuel concentration changes associated with burnup. These reactivity effects can also lead to 180° phase shifts between cross-core detectors. We concluded that it may be difficult to separate the changes in neutron noise due to attenuation (shielding) effects of structural vibrations from changes due to reactivity effects of fuel assembly motion on the basis of neutron noise amplitude or phase information. Amplitudes of core support barrel vibrations inferred from ex-core neutron noise measurements using calculated scale factors are likely to have a high degree of uncertainty, since these scale factors usually do not account for neutron noise generated by fuel assembly vibrations. Modifications in fuel management or design may also lead to altered neutron noise signature behavior over a fuel cycle.
Assessment of mammary lactogenic receptor changes in pregnant rabbits

Lactogenic receptor was purified from rabbit mammary tissue and used to generate an antiserum in goats. The purified lactogenic receptor material bound lactogenic hormones specifically and reversibly. Antiserum generated in a goat bound a labeled human growth hormone/receptor complex; this was displaced by nonlabeled solubilized receptor preparations. This was used as a radioimmunoassay and was able to detect 0.037 fmol of lactogenic receptor. The specificity of the radioimmunoassay for lactogenic receptor was supported by three lines of evidence; first, the ligand used in the radioimmunoassay was an iodine 125-labeled human growth hormone/receptor combination; therefore, only membrane protein with structural homology to the protein which bound 125I-labeled human growth hormone competed for binding to the antiserum; second, depletion of radioreceptor binding sites by affinity chromatography with ovine prolactin as the fixed ligand was detected; third, an increase in breast lactogenic receptor during pregnancy was detected by both radioreceptor assay and the radioimmunoassay. We found a progressive increase in lactogenic receptors by radioimmunoassay which corresponded to parallel increases by radioreceptor assay in rabbit mammary tissue during pregnancy.
Functional consequences of the collagen/elastin switch in vascular remodeling in hyperhomocysteinemic wild-type, eNOS−/−, and iNOS−/− mice

A decrease in vascular elasticity and an increase in pulse wave velocity in hyperhomocysteinemic (HHcy) cystathionine-β-synthase heterozygote knockout (CBS−/+) mice has been observed. Nitric oxide ...
The nucleotide excision repair epistasis group in Neurospora crassa.

DNA repair mutants in eucaryotes are normally assigned to three epistasis groups. Each epistasis group represents a “pathway” for DNA repair. The pathways are commonly designated (1) nucleotide excision repair, (2) recombination repair and (3) mutagenic repair. An excision repair epistasis group has been established in Neurospora and the mutants assigned to this group should be limited in their ability to excise pyrimidine dimers and other bulky lesions from DNA. Using a pyrimidine dimer-specific assay, we have found that all Neurospora crassa mutants assigned to the excision repair epistasis group are capable of removing pyrimidine dimers from the DNA at a rate similar to the wild-type organism.
Optical modeling of stratopheric aerosols: present status

A stratospheric aerosol optical model is developed which is based on a size distribution conforming to direct measurements. Additional constraints are consistent with large data sets of independently measured macroscopic aerosol properties such as mass and backscatter. The period under study covers background as well as highly disturbed volcanic conditions and an altitude interval ranging from the tropopause to approximately 30 km. The predictions of the model are used to form a basis for interpreting and intercomparing several diverse types of stratospheric aerosol measurement.
Fostering a theoretical and practical understanding of teaching as a relational process: a feminist participatory study of mentoring a doctoral student

We were seeking to disrupt the practice of fostering theoretical understandings about teaching and learning in our graduate courses that had little connection to students’ teaching practices. We also desired a mentoring approach for graduate students in education that would foster an understanding and practice of teaching as a relational process. This paper provides a practitioner account of an action research study focused on the development of such an approach. In a semester‐long feminist participatory study, we utilized weekly dialogues, reflective journals, classroom observations and written documents to explore the mentoring experience of one graduate advisor, one graduate teaching assistant, and two critical friends. Through the action research process, a new mentoring approach grounded in the relational process of teaching was realized along with a new understanding of the place of authority and vulnerability in negotiations between mentor and student.
Silicate complexes of sugars in aqueous solution.

Certain sugars react readily with basic silicic acid to form soluble 2/1 (sugar/silicic acid) silicate complexes. Failure of monohydroxy compounds to give soluble products under these conditions indicates that the sugar silicates are chelates: five-membered diolato rings. Only furanose forms react. Pyranose sugars are stable under these conditions. Because all glycosides fail to react with silicic acid under these conditions, reaction appears to involve the anomeric position (C1 in aldoses, C2 in ketoses), which has a more acidic hydroxy group. Reaction is completed only when the anomeric hydroxy group is cis to an adjacent hydroxy group. The appropriate furanose form must have sufficient natural abundance and solubility to provide an observable product, as measured by 29Si and 13C NMR spectroscopy. These structural and practical constraints rationalize the successful reaction of the monosaccharides ribose, xylose, lyxose, talose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, and tagatose and the disaccharides lactulose, ...
Migration and Marriage among Puerto Rican Women.

Research on immigrant women in the last ten years has focused on developing a gendered understanding of the relationships among family, work, and migration. From this emerges a view of women as act...
Characterization of the Murine Macrophage Receptor for Group B Streptococci

The macrophage has been shown to bind potentially pathogenic bacteria in the absence of serum components or opsonins but the mechanism is poorly understood. The rich array of sugars on the surface of group B streptococci plus the presence of membrane-associated lectin receptors on the macrophage suggests that this is a likely means for bacterial recognition by these host defense cells. Inhibition studies with free sugars and neoglycoconjugates of bovine serum albumin, however, failed to confirm this hypothesis. Furthermore, neuraminidase-treatment to expose galactose residues and the use of isogenic bacterial strains having no capsule or no capsular sialic acid yielded no confirmation of lectin-mediated recognition. The trypsin-sensitive receptor exhibited temperature dependence and a requirement for divalent cations distinct from that reported for the lectin-like galactose receptor. The activity of this streptococcal binding receptor was inhibited by 2-deoxy-D-glucose but not by neutrophil elastase. Pre-exposure of macrophages to bound fibronectin and treatment with phorbol ester each enhanced bacterial binding. These data fail to support a role for the galactose lectin and provide preliminary evidence for involvement of the leukocyte integrins in macrophage recognition of group B streptococci.
Genotypic differences in nitrogen uptake, dry matter production, and nitrogen distribution in pumpkins (cucurbita moschata poir.)

Abstract Thirteen inbred and hybrid pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Poir.) genotypes, differing on the basis of harvest maturity, were evaluated for NO3‐uptake from solution, dry matter production, and distribution of absorbed N in plant parts, over the 8‐day time‐course corresponding to the period of the vine initiation stage. The pattern of NO3‐ removal from solution was linear in the early genotypes and curvilinear in late genotypes. Genotypic differences in NO3 ‐ absorption were found in early genotypes but not in late ones. In early genotypes, NO3 ‐ uptake from solution was greater in the Fl hybrid than in the parents, but no apparent relationship was found between parents and Fl progeny in their ability to absorb NO3 ‐ from solution. Genotypic differences in dry weight and total N accumulation in roots, stems, and leaves were larger in early genotypes than in late genotypes. Differences in total N concentrations in plant parts among early and late genotypes were small, and occurred only in leaves. As a ...
Validation of the MODIS snow product and cloud mask using student and NWS cooperative station observations in the Lower Great Lakes Region

Abstract NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow product (MOD10) creates automated daily, 8-day composite and monthly regional and global snow cover maps. In this study, the MOD10 daily swath imagery (MOD10_L2) and the MODIS cloud mask (MOD35) were validated in the Lower Great Lakes Region, specifically the area to the east of Lake Michigan. Validation of the MOD10_L2 snow product, MOD35 cloud mask and the MOD10_L2 Liberal Cloud Mask was performed using field observations from K-12 student GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) and SATELLITES (Students And Teachers Evaluating Local Landscapes to Interpret The Earth from Space) programs. Student data consisted of field observations of snow depth, snow water equivalency, cloud type, and total cloud cover. In addition, observations from the National Weather Service (NWS) Cooperative Observing Stations were used. Student observations were taken during field campaigns in the winter of 2001–2002, a winter with very little snow in the Great Lakes region, and the winters of 2000–2001 and 2002–2003, which had significant snow cover. Validation of the MOD10_L2 version 4 snow product with student observations produced an accuracy of 92% while comparison with the NWS stations produced an accuracy of 86%. The higher NWS error appears to come from forested areas. Twenty-five and fifty percent of the errors observed by the students and NWS stations, respectively, occurred when there was only a trace of snow. In addition, 82% of the MODIS cloud masked pixels were identified as either overcast or broken by the student observers while 74% of the pixels the MODIS cloud mask identified as cloudless were identified as clear, isolated or scattered cloud cover by the student observers. The experimental Liberal Cloud Mask eliminated some common errors associated with the MOD35 cloud mask, however, it was found to omit significant cloud cover.
Peripheral adrenomedullin inhibits gastric emptying through CGRP8–37-sensitive receptors and prostaglandins pathways in rats

Abstract The effects of intravenous (iv) adrenomedullin (AM) on gastric emptying were investigated in conscious rats. AM induced a maximal 50% inhibition of gastric emptying at a dose of 1.2 nmol/kg. AM was about two-fold less potent than α-calcitonin gene-related peptide (α-CGRP), which induced a similar 50% maximal inhibition of gastric emptying at 0.6 nmol/kg. Delayed gastric emptying induced by i.v. AM and α-CGRP was prevented by peripheral injection of the selective CGRP 1 antagonist, CGRP 8–37 , and by pretreatment with indomethacin, while not altered by blockade of the sympathetic nervous system with propranolol. These data indicate that peripheral AM inhibits gastric emptying through the interaction with CGRP 8–37 -sensitive receptors, likely CGRP 1 receptors, and the recruitment of prostaglandin-dependent mechanisms.
Improvement of human melanoma colony formation in soft agar using boiled instead of autodaved agar

The effect of agar sterilized by either boiling or autoclaving on human melanoma colony formation in soft agar was compared using cells from 17 biopsies of metastatic malignant melanoma. The frequency of colony formation was significantly increased for cells grown in boiled agar in 8 samples (47%), unchanged in 8 samples (47%), and decreased in only one sample (6%). There were increases in both cluster and colony formation for the melanomas which had augmented colony formation when grown in boiled agar. There was also qualitative morphological improvement, including rounder, smoother cells and less extracellular debris surrounding the colonies. These data suggest that melanoma colony formation is enhanced when cells are grown in agar which has been sterilized by boiling rather than autoclaving.
Development of monoclonal antibodies to proteins separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

We have developed techniques for the production of monoclonal antibodies using Coomassie blue-stained protein spots cut from high resolution 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gels. The gel spots were homogenized with Freund's adjuvant and injected sub-cutaneously into a mouse, at several places along the flank. After boosting twice the spleen cells were hybridized by standard methods. Hybrids, clones and ascitic fluids were also screened with antigen prepared from 2-dimensional gel spots. The spots were cut from gels, homogenized in the presence of guanidinium chloride, and extracted by shaking overnight. The acrylamide was removed, the sample dialyzed to remove denaturant and the protein labeled with 125I. An alternative method for the production of screening antigen using column chromatography is described. These techniques allow the production of monoclonal antibodies to specific protein components of complex mixtures, even in the presence of other immunodominant proteins.
Stability of interconnected systems

This is an elementary survey of recent work analyzing the stability of interconnected systems. The points of view used to organize the survey are: computational complexity, methods of analysis, the implication of the analysis for model simplication, and applicability to power systems. A fairly comprehensive bibliography is appended. Some suggestions for research are given.
Wideband direction of arrival estimation using nested arrays

Based on a newly proposed nested array, we consider the problem of direction of arrival estimation for wideband sources. This array provides O(N2) degrees of freedom with O(N) sensors, enabling us to estimate K sources with N<;K sensors. To employ the nested array for wideband source estimation, we propose a novel strategy to apply nested-array processing to each frequency component, and combine all the spectral information of various frequencies to conduct estimation. Similar to the narrowband case, the nested array achieves great performance for wideband scenarios. Numerical simulations demonstrate the advantage of our strategy.
Causal Attributions of Falls in Older Adults

Attribution theory was used to design an eight-item interview that assessed 25 older adults' perceptions of the cause, stability, and controllability of their falls. In addition to frequency analysis, phi coefficients (r<j), were calculated to determine the nature of the relationship between causal attributes and the perceived benefits of intervention. The results indicated that most subjects believed their falls were related to intrinsic factors such as dizziness, weakness, or poor balance as opposed to extrinsic factors such as poor lighting or loose objects on the floor. The majority perceived their falls to be an occasional (unstable) occurrence resulting from careless behaviors. Likewise, most subjects felt that their falls were controllable (preventable); however, the perceived benefits of a therapeutic exercise program (internal intervention) were greater than the perceived benefits of environmental modifications (external intervention). Therefore, fall prevention programs for older adults may be m...
Piping dynamic reliability and code rule change recommendations

Abstract The conservative nuclear piping design criteria for seismic and dynamic loads have led to piping systems with excessive numbers of snubbers. To improve this undesirable situation, a Piping and Fitting Dynamic Reliability Program was initiated by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in 1985 with cooperation from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The objective of the program is to develop improved, realistic, and defensible ASME design rules by taking advantage of the inherent dynamic margins in the nuclear piping system. The research results have demonstrated that piping systems have large reserve dynamic capacity and the dynamic failure mode is due to fatigue or fatigue-ratcheting rather than plastic collapse. Based on such physical evidence, a set of code rule change recommendations is suggested in its preliminary form.
Destruction of trichina larvae in cooked pork roasts.

SUMMARY –The effect of heat on trichina larvae was studied in pork roasts cut from trichinae infected loins. Roasts were cooked to end-point temperatures of 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150 or 160°F in electric household ranges at oven temperatures of 200, 325 or 350°F. Samples of the cooked roasts were artificially digested; the recovered- larvae were examined for viability. Also samples were fed to rats; 4 weeks later the rats were killed and examined for presence of trichinae by digesting aliquots of ground rat tissue. All larvae were destroyed in roasts cooked to 140° or higher; viable larvae were found in some of the roasts cooked to 135°F and in all of the roasts cooked at 130°F or lower. Thus the thermal death point of trichinae is between 130° and 140°F.
Features of Men with Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Dependence: A Comparison With Nondependent AAS Users and With AAS Nonusers

Background Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) dependence has been a recognized syndrome for some 20 years, but remains poorly understood.
Preparation and Photophysical Characterization of a Y-Zeolite-Entrapped Ru(bpy)2(pypz)2+ Complex

In this work, the generation of a new Y-zeolite-entrapped Ru(bpy)2(pypz)2+ complex is reported, where bpy = 2,2‘-bipyridine and pypz = 2-(2-pyridyl)pyrazine. The integrity of the sample was documented by UV−visible, emission, resonance Raman (RR), and time-resolved resonance Raman (TR3) spectroscopic data, as well as lifetime measurements. The Raman spectrum for the ground-state Z−Ru(bpy)2(pypz)2+ intrazeolitic complex, with laser excitation at λex = 413.1 and 488.0 nm, closely matched that obtained for the free [Ru(byp)2(pypz)]Cl2 complex, with some bands exhibiting slight frequency shifts of 2−5 cm-1. This finding indicates that the structure of the Ru2+ complex does not change substantially upon entrapment in the Y-zeolite supercages. On the other hand, the emission spectroscopic investigation revealed a 16 nm blue shift of the Z−Ru(bpy)2(pypz)2+ phosphorescence, relative to that of the free [Ru(bpy)2(pypz)]Cl2 complex, and the lifetime measurements revealed a 210 ns increase of the triplet excited-sta...
The 19th Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation Scientific Retreat

Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) convened its 19th Annual Scientific Retreat October 25–27, 2012, in Carlsbad, CA. Each year, this event brings together diverse researchers in a collaborative forum to present and discuss new and largely unpublished findings for prostate cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment and defines the challenges to ending this disease as a threat to life and well-being. Several themes resonated at the multidisciplinary meeting, notably (i) the roles of field cancerization, tumor microenvironment, epithelial plasticity, signal transduction pathways in cancer progression, and disease resistance; (ii) intratumoral heterogeneity and consequences for precision medicine; (iii) resistance mechanisms to androgen axis inhibitors; and (iv) advances in molecular imaging and therapeutics for better detection and treatment. Cancer Res; 73(16); 4988–91. ©2013 AACR .
The functions of work

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for discussion and examination of the functions of work. The evolution of work is explored briefly, and the functions of work discussed under five main headings; income, regulating of life activity, identification, association and meaningful life experience. Some of the major literature relating to each area is reviewed in an effort to provide a further understanding of this complex area.