cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assay of nicotinamide deamidase. Determination of ammonia by the indophenol reaction.

Abstract The indophenol reaction for the determination of ammonia has been adopted for the assay of nicotinamide deamidase. Nicotinamide interferes with the development of the blue color characteristic of indophenol by competing with ammonia for the assay reagents. This difficulty is circumvented by varying the concentration of nitroprusside used in the determination of ammonia with the nicotinamide contents of individual samples. It is not possible to adopt a unique concentration of nitroprusside for all nicotinamide concentrations because both insufficient and excessive amounts of the reagent lead to low color yields. The method permits the determination of 0.02–1.4 μmoles ammonia and as little as 1 μg rabbit liver nicotinamide deamidase. The reduction of the scale of the procedure to one-tenth is possible and would permit a ten-fold increase in sensitivity. The inhibition of the indophenol reaction by amino acids has also been found to be reversed by increased nitroprusside levels in assay mixtures. Since a number of substances can interfere with the indophenol method, attention must be given to the control of their effects on the color reaction. Ammonia and other nitrogenous compounds may have to be removed if their concentrations in assay samples are high. The effects of low levels of such compounds ordinarily can be controlled through the appropriate use of reagent blanks, internal standards, and adjustment of the nitroprusside concentration employed in the ammonia assay mixtures.
Choline deficiency induces apoptosis in SV40-immortalized CWSV-1 rat hepatocytes in culture.

Immortalized CWSV-1 rat hepatocytes, in which p53 protein is inactivated by SV40 large T antigen, had increased numbers of cells with strand breaks in genomic DNA (terminal dUTP end labeling) when grown in 0 Micron choline (67-73% of cells) than when grown in 70 Micron choline (2-3% of cells). Internucleosomal fragmentation of DNA (DNA ladders) was detected in cells grown with 5 Micron and 0 Micron choline for 72h. Cells treated with 0 or 5 Micron choline for 72h detached from the substrate in high numbers (58% of choline deficient cells vs. 1.4% of choline sufficient cells detached) exhibited a high incidence of apoptosis (apoptotic bodies were seen in 55-75% of cells; 67-73% had DNA strand breaks), and an absence of mitosis and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. Cells undergoing DNA fragmentation had functioning mitochondria. At 24h, cells grown in 0 or 5 Micron choline synthesize DNA more rapidly than those grown in 70 Micron choline. By 72h, the cells grown in 0 or 5 Micron choline ...
Identification and characterization of the bovine immunodeficiency-like virus tat gene.

Abstract A cDNA clone of the bovine immunodeficiency-like virus (BIV) trans-activator gene (tat) was identified and characterized. The tat cDNA clone was generated by splicing, and on the basis of sequence analysis, the Tat protein was found to be encoded entirely by the first exon. It is 103 amino acids in size and shares sequence homology with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Tat. The BIV tat clone can trans activate the BIV promoter effectively, as measured by the expression of the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene, when transfected into bovine cells. Besides activating the BIV promoter, the BIV Tat can also trans activate the HIV promoter effectively. It is possible that BIV Tat and HIV Tat employ similar mechanisms in trans activation of the viral long terminal repeat-directed gene expression.
Three Concepts of the Independent Director

Despite the surprisingly shaky support in empirical research for the value of independent directors, their desirability seems to be taken for granted in policy-making circles. Yet important elements of the concept of and rationale for independent directors remain curiously obscure and unexamined. As a result, the empirical findings we do have may be misapplied, and judicial gap-filling may be harder than imagined when legislative intent cannot be divined or is contradictory. This article attempts to unpack the concept broadly understood by the term independent director and to distinguish among its various concrete manifestations. In particular, I discuss the critical differences between independent, outside, and disinterested directors, arguing that these manifestations serve different purposes and should not be confused with each other. This discussion is illustrated with examples from United States state and federal laws as well as stock exchange regulations, and supplemented with comparative reference to the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan, with a brief mention of Chinese practice as well. I also argue that the whole purpose of having independent directors is surprisingly undertheorized, leading to inconsistent rules, in particular regarding the effect of director shareholding, both across countries and within the United States.
Molecular and cellular biophysics

Preface Acknowledgements 1. Global transitions in proteins 2. Molecular forces in biological structures 3. Conformations of macromolecules 4. Molecular associations 5. Allosteric interactions 6. Diffusion and Brownian motion 7. Fundamental rate processes 8. Association kinetics 9. Multi-state kinetics 10. Enzyme catalysis 11. Ions and counter-ions 12. Fluctuations 13. Ion permeation and membrane potential 14. Ion permeation and channel structure 15. Cable theory 16. Action potentials References Appendix 1. Expansions and series Appendix 2. Matrix algebra Appendix 3. Fourier analysis Appendix 4. Gaussian integrals Appendix 5. Hyperbolic functions Appendix 6. Polar and spherical coordinates.
Dystroglycan promotes filopodial formation and process branching in differentiating oligodendroglia

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 928–947. Abstract During central nervous system (CNS) development, individual oligodendrocytes myelinate multiple axons, thus requiring the outgrowth and extensive branching of oligodendroglial processes. Laminin (Lm)-deficient mice have a lower percentage of myelinated axons, which may indicate a defect in the ability to properly extend and branch processes. It remains unclear, however, to what extent extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors contribute to oligodendroglial process remodeling itself. In the current study, we report that the ECM receptor dystroglycan is necessary for Lm enhancement of filopodial formation, process outgrowth, and process branching in differentiating oligodendroglia. During early oligodendroglial differentiation, the disruption of dystroglycan–Lm interactions, via blocking antibodies or dystroglycan small interfering RNA (siRNA), resulted in decreased filopodial number and length, decreased process length, and decreased numbers of primary and secondary processes. Later in oligodendrocyte differentiation, dystroglycan-deficient cells developed fewer branches, thus producing less complex networks of processes as determined by Sholl analysis. In newly differentiating oligodendroglia, dystroglycan was localized in filopodial tips, whereas, in more mature oligodendrocytes, dystroglycan was enriched in focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-positive focal adhesion structures. These results suggest that dystroglycan–Lm interactions influence oligodendroglial process dynamics and therefore may regulate the myelination capacity of individual oligodendroglia.
Epidemiologic, Virologic, and Host Genetic Factors of Norovirus Outbreaks in Long-term Care Facilities

Background. In the Unites States, long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are the most common setting for norovirus outbreaks. These outbreaks provide a unique opportunity to better characterize the viral and host characteristics of norovirus disease. Methods. We enrolled 43 LTCFs prospectively to study the epidemiology, virology, and genetic host factors of naturally occurring norovirus outbreaks. Acute and convalescent stool, serum, and saliva samples from cases, exposed and nonexposed controls were collected. Norovirus infection was confirmed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing of stool samples or 4-fold increase in serum antibody titers. The presence of histo-blood group antigens (secretor, ABO, and Lewis type) was determined in saliva. Results. Sixty-two cases, 34 exposed controls, and 18 nonexposed controls from 10 norovirus outbreaks were enrolled. Forty-six percent of acute, 27% of convalescent case, and 11% of control stool samples tested norovirus positive. Outbreak genotypes were GII. 4 (Den Haag, n = 3; New Orleans, n = 4; and Sydney, n = 2) and GI. 1 (n = 1). Viral load in GII. 4 Sydney outbreaks was significantly higher than in outbreaks caused by other genotypes; cases and controls shed similar amounts of virus. Forty-seven percent of cases shed virus for = 21 days. Symptomatic infections with GII. 4 Den Haag and GII. 4 New Orleans were detected among nonsecretor individuals. Conclusions. Almost half of all symptomatic individuals shed virus for at least 21 days. Viral load was highest in GII. 4 viruses that most recently emerged; these viruses also infect the nonsecretor population. These findings will help to guide development of targeted prevention and control measures in the elderly.
The β-hairpin of 40S exit channel protein Rps5/uS7 promotes efficient and accurate translation initiation in vivo

The eukaryotic 43S pre-initiation complex bearing tRNAi(Met) scans the mRNA leader for an AUG start codon in favorable context. Structural analyses revealed that the β-hairpin of 40S protein Rps5/uS7 protrudes into the 40S mRNA exit-channel, contacting the eIF2∙GTP∙Met-tRNAi ternary complex (TC) and mRNA context nucleotides; but its importance in AUG selection was unknown. We identified substitutions in β-strand-1 and C-terminal residues of yeast Rps5 that reduced bulk initiation, conferred 'leaky-scanning' of AUGs; and lowered initiation fidelity by exacerbating the effect of poor context of the eIF1 AUG codon to reduce eIF1 abundance. Consistently, the β-strand-1 substitution greatly destabilized the 'PIN' conformation of TC binding to reconstituted 43S·mRNA complexes in vitro. Other substitutions in β-hairpin loop residues increased initiation fidelity and destabilized PIN at UUG, but not AUG start codons. We conclude that the Rps5 β-hairpin is as crucial as soluble initiation factors for efficient and accurate start codon recognition.
Prospective Study of Intentional Weight Loss and Mortality in Never-Smoking Overweight US White Women Aged 40–64 Years

Although 40% of US women indicate they are currently trying to lose weight, the association between intentional weight loss and longevity is unknown. The authors analyzed prospective data from 43,457 overweight, never-smoking US white women aged 40-64 years who in 1959-1960 completed a questionnaire that included questions on weight change direction, amount, time interval, and intentionality. Vital status was determined in 1972. Proportional hazards regression was used to estimate mortality rate ratios for women who intentionally lost weight compared with women who had no change in weight. Women who died within the first 3 years of follow-up were excluded. Analyses were stratified by preexisting illness and adjusted for age, beginning body mass index, alcohol intake, education, physical activity, and health conditions. In women with obesity-related health conditions (n = 15,069), intentional weight loss of any amount was associated with a 20% reduction in all-cause mortality, primarily due to a 40-50% reduction in mortality from obesity-related cancers; diabetes-associated mortality was also reduced by 30-40% in those who intentionally lost weight. In women with no preexisting illness (n = 28,388), intentional weight loss of > or = 20 lb (> or = 9.1 kg) that occurred within the previous year was associated with about a 25% reduction in all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality; however, loss of or = 1 year was generally associated with small to modest increases in mortality. The association between intentional weight loss and longevity in middle-aged overweight women appears to depend on their health status. Intentional weight loss among women with obesity-related conditions is generally associated with decreased premature mortality, whereas among women with no preexisting illness, the association is equivocal.
Phonological Awareness and Written Word Decoding

Research has shown that explicit awareness of the speech sound structure of language—that is, phonological awareness—is related to early reading development. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of four measures of phonological awareness in predicting first grade decoding ability. Measures of phonological awareness at the beginning of first grade were found to be correlated with measures of decoding ability at the end of first grade. Correlations between decoding and phonological awareness were generally much higher than those obtained for measures of decoding and verbal and nonverbal intelligence. Discriminant analyses procedures indicated that several tasks identified good and poor decoders, with approximately 80% to 90% accuracy. The clinical implications of these data for the speech-language pathologist are discussed.
Pharmacy Review: Promoting Physical Activity in Youth: A Pharmacist's Reflections

Pharmacists have the unique opportunity to promote physical activity as an obesity prevention lifestyle measure while providing medication counseling. Common childhood disorders treated with medica...
A General Theory of Climate Denial

The question at hand is, “Why is there a social counter-movement that rejects climate change?” This article begins by first naming this counter-movement “climate denial” and working through the various apparent options by specifically looking at the scholarship on Holocaust denial for insight. Through this insight, we can understand the counter-movement as a reactionary force working to sow confusion for ideological reasons that promote a specific privilege. At the same time, privilege is also protected by the presentation of climate change science as a binary position of “acknowledgement or rejection” that itself promotes privilege and dysfunction across the intersection of science and society. In the end, at least one answer to the question “why denial?” appears to be “because it is serious and threatening” and this, at least partially, explains the existence of this counter-movement.
Steady-state temperature distribution in a finite spherical cone

A Naylor transform is employed to determine the axisymmetric steady-state temperature distributions in finite spherical cones where the boundary conditions include a variety of conditions at the spherical surface (insulation or heat loss in accordance with Newton's law) and an assigned temperature variation on the conical surface (in particular,f(r)=rm,m≧0). Solutions are obtained in terms of inversion integrals and in Fourier-Legendre expansions. Computations based on the inversion integrals are carried out for cones of half-angles, α=π/6 and π/2, and with several combinations of parameters relating to the boundary conditions.
Non-motor microtubule-associated proteins

Cloning of primary sequences has generated information on the structures of the non-motor microtubule-associated proteins and their relationship to one another. Questions about how classes of microtubule-associated proteins interact are starting to be addressed in vitro and, in vivo, tests of function are being pursued using a variety of cellular and molecular biological strategies.
The Neglected Human Factor

AT THE RISK of being overly dramatic, I would like to observe that we are in the middle of a twenty-year period which future historians will look back on as a, if not the, major decision period in the life of the agricultural economics profession. The past 10 years have been the Decade of Awakening. What we do during the next 10 years may very well decide whether the agricultural economics profession fulfills its historical reputation of an institution useful to society in solving its problems or the profession becomes a socially irrelevant institution unworthy of society's support. I draw this conclusion, not on the basis of what I observe, but on the basis of what the leaders of our profession have been telling us. The message is loud and clear, and we have heard it time and again over the past 10 years. In the first half of this century, when the farm population was relatively large, when farms were small and principally owner operated, when the primary function of rural communities was to serve the farm industry, and when food made up a sizeable part of the consumer's budget, agricultural economists joined other scientists in solving a major problem of our society, namely how to produce, process, and market food and fiber efficiently at low cost and in sufficient quantity to feed and clothe a rapidly expanding population. But, times change, and so do the major problems of society. Farms are now larger and few in number, farmers earn more from wages than they do from farming, and rural communities are becoming increasingly linked to urban areas. In short we can no longer equate the welfare of farms with the welfare of farmers and the welfare of farmers with the welfare of the rural community [2]. Previously unrecognized or ignored problems have been "discovered" and new problems have emerged. Moreover, with food now representing a small part of the consumer's budget, the relatively affluent urban population is concerned with much more than low-cost food and clothing. This is a part of the message we have been hearing. The other part is that the focus and scope of agricultural economics must change if we are to contribute to the solutions of the major social issues of our time. In his 1967 presidential address to the AAEA, Bishop observed that "To continue on the road we have
Ultrasound in twin gestation

Ultrasonography is a reliable method for diagnosis of twins. It has advantages over x-ray in that it avoids ionizing radiation, can make the diagnosis before calcification of fetal bone is evident, and can also give an accurate estimation of maturity. The biparietal diameter of each twin is equal regardless of ultimate weight differentials, except for cases with poor prognosis. The biparietal diameter of each twin is usually the same as in a singleton pregnancy of the same gestational maturity, but when sonographic determination of biparietal diameter is underestimated, possible placental deprivation or intrauterine growth retardation may be indicated.
TCP's Retransmission Timer and the Minimum RTO

We study the performance impact of recently recommended TCP retransmission timer settings using a bare PC Web server with no operating system or kernel running in the machine. We first evaluate server performance in a test LAN with various settings of the alpha and beta constants used for computing SRTT and RTTVAR in the presence of varying levels of background traffic generated by conventional systems. We then study performance with different minimum RTO settings, and compare the performance of the bare PC Web server using the recommended timer settings with the performance of the Apache and IIS Web servers running on Linux and Windows respectively. We find that 1) no combinations of alpha and beta, or sampling strategies, perform consistently better than others under the different levels of background traffic; 2) lower minimum RTO settings than the recommended 1- second minimum will work when there is moderate background traffic, but the 1-second minimum is best when there are higher levels of congestion; and 3) using the standard timer settings but not using the TCP SACK option and congestion control mechanisms degrades bare server performance for some levels of background traffic.
Structure and propagation of turbulent premixed flames astabilized in a stagnation flow

Turbulence statistics in premixed methane/air flames stabilized by a stagnation plate have been measured using the two-component laser Doppler velocimetry technique. Experimental conditions cover equivalence ratios of 0.67 to 1.16, incident turbulence intensities of 0.1 to 0.7 m/s, and global stretch rates of 100 to 230 sec−1. Results on turbulence statistics show that in crossing the flame the increase in fluctuation is more pronounced in the normal component while the Reynolds stress remains almost zero, and that the velocity joint probability density function is bimodal for rich flames and mono-modal for lean flames. It is also demonstrated that the present stagnation flame configuration can be usefully applied for the determination, of the turbulent flame speed ST. Values of ST determined as functions of the equivalence ratio and turbulence intensity agree well with those in the literture. It is suggested that the stagnation flame offers potential as a viable configuration for the study of planar, turbulent premixed flames uncomplicated by fluctuations generated by the stabilization regions associated with the conventional conical Bunsen flames and V-flames
Protection and the harmful effects of endogenous capital flows

Abstract Assume a country has in place a binding tariff, and is a price taker on world markets in which capital is internationally mobile and unimpeded. Regardless of trade patterns, possible specificity of capital, or factor intensities, an increase in the tariff harms the country if capital is frozen, and harms the country even more when capital mobility brings rates of return into line among countries.
Notes on the Journey to Empirically Based Classification: Some Details and a Broader Picture

This commentary elaborates on threads picked up by Sheets and Craighead (2007). In moving forward toward an empirically based classification of personality pathology, it will be important to collect data that go beyond either self-report or clinician report and include the multiple perspectives that are necessary to capture an interpersonal phenomenon. Once we have strong data sets, theory-driven statistical models, such as confirmatory factor models, should be considered. Finally, as we consider how to understand personality disorders, we should not forget the mounting evidence that Axis I disorders are strongly related to personality constructs. This latter point seems especially clear when self-regulatory theories are considered. If we keep such issues in mind while traveling, the journey may prove smoother.
Household family structure and children's aggressive behavior: A longitudinal study of urban elementary school children

The relationship between contemporary household family structures at fourth-grade and sixth-grade parent- and teacher-rated aggression was examined in an epidemiologically defined population of urban school children. The relationship between family structure and aggression varied by child gender and by parent and teacher ratings in the home and school, respectively. After taking into account family income, urban area, and fourth-grade aggressive behavior, boys in both mother—father and mother—male partner families were significantly less likely than boys in mother-alone families to be rated as aggressive by teachers. No significant relations between family structure and teacher- or parent-rated aggression were found for girls.
IDENTIFICATION OF ZERO-SPIN STATES BY INELASTIC NEUTRON SCATTERING

Evidence that supports the predictions of large anisotropy in the angular distribution of a compound-nucleus reaction product is reported. Time-of- flight spectra obtained from the inelastic scattering of 2.5-Mev neutrons by electromagnetically separated Pb/sup 206/ for angles of 90 and 145 deg are presented. The substantial anisotropy associated with the neutron group identified with a --Q value of 1.17 Mev is evident. The anisotropy is determined very strongly by the spin assumed for an excited state. The results suggest that inelastic neutron scattering provides a particularly simple and direct means of locating zero-spin states in nuclei with zero-spin ground states. (C.E.S.)
Placement-aware 3D floorplanning

We present a novel 3D floorplanning algorithm with module splitting (3D-FMS). The proposed methodology allows designers to introduce and evaluate an assignment of vertically-aligned parts of the same module to different device layers. Our experimental results on MCNC and GSRC benchmarks show that 3D-FMS can generate a good floorplanning solution with reduced wirelength inside modules and optimized footprint area while controlling the number of vias. Compared to the existing state-of-the-art 3D floorplanning algorithms, 3D-FMS reduces the system level total wirelength by 7.9%.
Residential development during the Great Recession: a shifting focus in Phoenix, Arizona

Where people choose to live and the type of city their decisions create has formed the basis of decades of scholarly endeavor. While the typical notion of a tradeoff between access and space remains important, residential choice is more than ever shaped by the dynamics of sprawl, polycentricity, land-use institutions (zoning), and the composition of the immediately surrounding area. We analyze these new dynamics with a logistic regression model of the determinants of single-family residential development at the parcel-level in Phoenix, Arizona, during the 2002–2006 real estate boom and the 2006–2012 crash and global recession. Results show a preference for cheaper land and agricultural conversion farther from urban subcenters during the boom, while zoning, though relatively inconsistent with actual land use, is an indicator of future development. Development trajectories change dramatically during the bust, disproportionately impacting agricultural conversions and previously fast-growing areas while highl...
The Relationship between the American Dietetic Association's Position on the Dietitian's Role in Feeding Terminally Ill Patients and Dietitians’ Actual Attitudes and Practices

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify attitudes and practices of dietitians related to the ethics of feeding terminally ill patients The American Dietetic Association's (ADA's) position paper on feeding terminally ill patients, which was published in 1987 and reviewed and updated in 1992, advocates that the dietitian take an active role in developing criteria for feeding the terminally ill adult within the practice setting, participate in making recommendations for each case, and be a part of the hospital ethics committee. According to the position paper, dietitians need to be aware of personal factors that could interfere with the execution of their responsibilities in dealing with the terminally ill. No research was found in the literature indicating whether or not dietitians are actually able to follow the ADA guidelines. In order to determine how dietitians are using these guidelines, a survey was sent to 105 hospital-based dietitians, who had or have had experience with critically ill patients, to determine their attitudes and practices in relation to ethical issues in feeding the terminally ill; 71 surveys were returned. The surveys indicated the majority of dietitians were not following the guidelines at that time. Less than one-third of the facilities had written guidelines for feeding the terminally ill or for withdrawing nutritional support. The medical climate was not felt to be accepting of the dietitian participating in the making of decisions regarding nutrition support for the terminally ill. A majority of the dietitians (80%) felt that more education and training were needed in the area of ethics and feeding the terminally ill patient. This survey demonstrates the need for more education and training of dietitians regarding feeding the terminally ill. Dietitians responses and comments indicated a positive interest in this area of patient care.
Electoral Incentives for Political Corruption under Open-List Proportional Representation

Despite the considerable attention paid to the aggregate-level determinants of political corruption, until recently little empirical work has attempted to understand what systematic factors drive individual politicians to corruption. To reduce this gap, this paper hypothesizes that under open-list proportional representation in which personal votes are expensive yet critical for politicians to win election, politicians' electoral uncertainty regarding their chances of winning election drives them to corruption in order to finance campaigns. The hypothesis, running against the conventional view that suggests an anticorruption effect of electoral uncertainty, receives substantial empirical support by individual-level data from pre-1994 Italy.
The birth and growth of oral pathology

Abstract A review of the events that led to the establishment of oral pathology as a recognized specialty in dentistry and to the organization of the American Academy of Oral Pathology.
A delineated R-tree indexing method for managing moving objects

Recent technological advances in location aware, mobile and wireless devices have promoted the demand for efficient indexing structures for retrieval of information from moving objects databases. However, using existing indexing methods on data that are changing frequently will lead to serious performance overhead due to the fact that the index structure should be updated constantly which is clearly not an appropriate solution. Therefore, new methods must be utilised for moving object databases to address the indexing issue and as a result enhance the retrieval of information from these databases. This paper introduces delineated R-tree (DR-tree) indexing structure which has performance advantages over recent R-tree-based indexing structures for a number of essential operations such as read, write, node-split, and tree adjustment. DR-tree is a balanced tree, and the nodes common property is based on the principle of recursive decomposition of space without any overlap.
The Relationship between Presence and Performance in Virtual Simulation Training

The use of virtual simulation-based training continues to expand, as organizations explore alternative methods to reduce the cost of training. While virtual simulation has been empirically validated to be effective in the transfer of skills to the live environment, what is still unknown is what effect, if any, that an individual’s sense of presence in the simulation has on their performance. In this paper, we examine the relationship between presence and performance while performing a psychomotor task in a virtual environment. The independent variables were visual display and expertise level. The dependent variables were presence and performance. We found evidence of a moderate relationship between the degree of presence experienced in the simulation and an individual’s performance over three training trials. Results of this study may inspire future research to investigate whether higher presence in virtual simulation results in higher performance.
Simplified technique for improving exposure of the apical prostate during radical retropubic prostatectomy

Abstract We describe a rapid and easily learned technique that greatly assists in exposure of the apical prostate during radical retropubic prostatectomy. The technique is a modification of the previously reported “bunching” maneuver. A curved Kocher clamp is used to compress the dorsal vein complex and surrounding fascia into a tight midline bundle. Once transected, dissection of the prostatomembranous urethra, neurovascular bundles, and apical prostate is markedly facilitated.
The Effectiveness and Distribution of Male Primary Teachers: Evidence from Two Mexican States.

Abstract Although the results of quantitative studies often indicate that students of male teachers perform worse on achievement tests than those of female teachers, it is not clear that men are less effective teachers. Instead, male teachers may work in more difficult environments. This study uses longitudinal data from Mexico's national teacher incentive program to examine the effectiveness and distribution of male teachers in two Mexican states. While we find some evidence that the students of male teachers score lower than those of female teachers, we also find that male teachers are disproportionately concentrated in lower-achieving and rural schools, and in higher-poverty municipalities.
Enhancing the famous people ontology by mining a social network

The search terms that a user passes to a search engine are often ambiguous, referring to homonyms. The results in these cases are a mixture of links to documents that contain different meanings of the search terms. To improve the search for homonyms, we previously designed an Ontology-Supported Web Search System (OSWS) for "famous people." To serve this system, we built an ontology of famous people based on mining the suggested completions of a search engine and on data from DBpedia. In this paper, we present an approach to improve the OSWS ontology by mining data from Facebook "people public pages." Facebook attributes are cleaned up and mapped to the OSWS ontology.
Characterizing reactive oxygen generation and bacterial inactivation by a zerovalent iron-fullerene nano-composite device at neutral pH under UV-A illumination

A nano-composite device composed of nano-scale zerovalent iron (ZVI) and C60 fullerene aggregates (ZVI/nC60) was produced via a rapid nucleation method. The device was conceived to deliver reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by photosensitization and/or electron transfer to targeted contaminants, including waterborne pathogens under neutral pH conditions. Certain variations of the nano-composite were fabricated differing in the amounts of (1) ZVI (0.1mM and 2mM) but not nC60 (2.5mg-C/L), and (2) nC60 (0-25mg-C/L) but not ZVI (0.1mM). The generation of ROS by the ZVI/nC60 nano-composites and ZVI nanoparticles was quantified using organic probe compounds. 0.1mM ZVI/2.5mg-C/L C60 generated 3.74-fold higher O2(-) concentration and also resulted in an additional 2-log inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa when compared to 0.1mM ZVI (3-log inactivation). 2mM ZVI/2.5mg-C/L nC60 showed negligible improvement over 2mM ZVI in terms of O2(-) generation or inactivation. Further, incremental amounts of nC60 in the range of 0-25mg-C/L in 0.1mM ZVI/nC60 led to increased O2(-) concentration, independent of UV-A. This study demonstrates that ZVI/nC60 device delivers (1) enhanced O2(-) with nC60 as a mediator for electron transfer, and (2) (1)O2 (only under UV-A illumination) at neutral pH conditions.
Expression of Constitutively Active Akt/Protein Kinase B Signals GLUT4 Translocation in the Absence of an Intact Actin Cytoskeleton

Abstract The actin cytoskeleton has been shown to be required for insulin-dependent GLUT4 translocation; however, the role that the actin network plays is unknown. Actin may play a role in formation of an active signaling complex, or actin may be required for movement of vesicles to the plasma membrane surface. To distinguish between these possibilities, we examined the ability of myr-Akt, a constitutively active form of Akt that signals GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane in the absence of insulin, to signal translocation of an HA-GLUT4-GFP reporter protein in the presence or absence of an intact cytoskeleton in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Expression of myr-Akt signaled the redistribution of the GLUT4 reporter protein to the cell surface in the absence or presence of 10 μm latrunculin B, a concentration sufficient to completely inhibit insulin-dependent redistribution of the GLUT4 reporter to the cell surface. These data suggest that the actin network plays a primary role in organization of the insulin-signaling complex. To further support this conclusion, we measured the activation of known signaling proteins using a saturating concentration of insulin in cells pretreated without or with 10 μm latrunculin B. We found that latrunculin treatment did not affect insulin-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor β-subunit and IRS-1 but completely inhibited activation of Akt/PKB enzymatic activity. Phosphorylation of Akt/PKB at Ser-473 and Thr-308 was inhibited by latrunculin B treatment, indicating that the defect in signaling lies prior to Akt/PKB activation. In summary, our data support the hypothesis that the actin network plays a role in organization of the insulin-signaling complex but is not required for vesicle trafficking and/or fusion.
Contingency Contracting with Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in a Public School Setting

In this study, a contingency contract procedure was implemented to promote adherence to rules of conduct in an elementary school setting by 2 male participants, one 10-year-old with a diagnosis of Autistic Disorder and one 9-year-old with ADHD and probable Asperger’s Disorder. Prior to intervention, both participants engaged in frequent challenging behaviors, including tantrums, antisocial vocalizations, and physical aggression. Written contracts were developed in collaboration with participants and revised several times during the study as participants progressed; in the final stages, a self-monitoring requirement was included. A changing criterion design was used to evaluate the effects of contracts on participants’ adherence to rules of conduct. Results suggest that contracts were effective for both participants. Thus, contingency contract procedures may be useful for some individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Thermal neutron cross sections and resonance integrals for 244Cm through 248Cm

Abstract Thermal neutron corss sections and resonance integrals have been deduced for 244 Cm, 245 Cm, 246 Cm, 247 Cm, and 248 Cm from the analysis of experimental irradiations of the individual isotopes, with and without cadmium covers. These values have been adjusted by fitting to obtain a self-consistent set of cross sections.
Passive microwave remote sensing of soil moisture from an aircraft platform

A series of experiments were conducted over several years using an aircraft platform to study the relationship between passive microwave data and surface soil moisture. Sensor systems included thermal infrared and multifrequency passive microwave instruments. Aircraft measurements were obtained concurrently with ground observations of soil moisture and land cover. Test sites included areas in both humid and semiarid regions of the United States that were typical of these regions. Data analyses indicated that the basic cause and effect relationships between the sensor measurements and soil moisture can be extrapolated from theory and small scale tests to larger resolution elements observed by the aircraft. Pastures in different climatic regions showed similar responses. Vegetation canopy attenuation was verified. Based on these studies the optimal surface soil moisture sensor using passive techniques was a 21-cm wavelength radiometer.
Density of activated sludge solids

Abstract A technique for measuring the density of activated sludge solids is reported in this paper. Along with particle size and shape, solids density is a factor in the removal efficiency of secondary clarifiers. Density gradient centrifugation, a technique widely used in the biological sciences, was adapted to measure the density of activated sludge solids. Density gradient centrifugation consists of allowing the solid particles to settle in a fluid of continuously increasing density until the particles become stationary. At this point, particle and the fluid densities are equal. This technique was used to measure the density of activated sludge solids at several treatment plants in the Sacramento area. The density of activated sludge solids at a given treatment plant over a period of time was relatively constant. However, at different treatment plants densities ranged from a low of 1.02 to a high of 1.06 g/ml, indicating that plant operations may influence solids density. Using the measured density of secondary solids, variation in settling velocities was estimated using the following assumptions, (1) discrete particle settling; (2) an average particle diameter of 100 μm; and (3) laminar flow conditions. The corresponding settling velocities for particles with densities of 1.02 and 1.06 g/ml are 16.9–26.8 m/day.
The Effect of Water Content on Light Weight Deflectometer Measurements

The application of modulus-based in-situ testing methods has been widely increasing for control of the compaction quality of earthwork construction in recent years. Since their introduction to the QA/QC process, it has been observed that there are several factors that influence the measured modulus of the soil, such as moisture content, influence depth, and temperature. To achieve more reliable test results, these factors should be accounted for in interpretation of the data. As noted by previous researchers, water content is one of the most important properties that affects the modulus measurements of compacted soil. To explore the sensitivity of measured modulus-based in-situ test results to the effect of compaction water content, a field study was performed in the State of Delaware in the summer of 2008. Two Light Weight Deflectometers (LWDs) were used in the study to measure compacted soil modulus values, one with a 300 mm contact plate diameter and one with a 200 mm plate diameter. The fill material tested during this study was a poorly graded sand with silt (SP-SM). The purpose of the current paper is to demonstrate the sensitivity of the measured soil modulus values to fluctuation in soil moisture content in the field, and to discuss possible approaches for interpreting this type of variable LWD data.
Palladium/Proazaphosphatrane-Catalyzed Amination of Aryl Halides Possessing a Phenol, Alcohol, Acetanilide, Amide or an Enolizable Ketone Functional Group: Efficacy of Lithium Bis(trimethylsilyl)amide as the Base

A commercially available catalyst system comprising Pd(OAc)2 or Pd2(dba)3 and the proazaphosphatrane ancillary ligand P(i-BuNCH2CH2)3N (1) for the amination of aryl halides substituted with a phenol, alcohol, acetanilide, amide or ketone group containing an enolizable hydrogen is described. The reaction is performed in the presence of LiN(SiMe3)2 as the base. Other bases tested were either less effective or completely non-functional.
A comparison of neural networks and subspace detectors for the discrimination of low-metal-content landmines

Low-metal content landmines can be particularly difficult to detect and classify. Their responses are often less than that of indigenous clutter and the small amounts of asymmetrically distributed metal results in significant changes in the signature of the mine as the sensor to target orientation varies. A number of algorithms have been previously developed in order to aid in target classification and reduce the false-alarm rate. In our work, multiple data sets were collected for each of five targets, of varying metal content, at several sensor to target heights and horizontal displacements using a prototype frequency-domain EMI sensor, the Geophex GEM-3. The data was then evaluated using one of three classification algorithms including a neural network, a matched filter, and a normalized matched filter. Here, a One Class One Network (OCON) architecture in which only one neural network makes a decision was selected for use. We will discuss the training and testing process for this algorithm. We will also show that the neural network performed much better than the matched filter but slightly worse than the normalized matched filter. In addition, the results demonstrate the necessity of training the algorithms with spatially collected data when precise sensor centering is not possible.
“Mistakes were made”: Organizations, apologia, and crises of social legitimacy

Organizations charged with wrongdoing often face social legitimacy crises and subsequently issue apologiae. Whether the charge is rooted in incompetence, as was Exxon's after the Alaskan oil spill, or a policy choice viewed to be irresponsible, as in the case of Domino's Pizza after a series of fatal automobile accidents, corporate apologists seek to purify their damaged images through a negative strategy of dissociation and a positive strategy of corrective action and reaffirmation of public values. This generic analysis suggests that corporate apologia warrants a distinct line of research due to the significant'differences that distinguish itffbm individualist conceptions of apologia.
Scanning electrochemical microscopy. 47. Imaging electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction in an acidic medium by the tip generation-substrate collection mode.

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic medium was studied on different electrode materials by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) operating in a new variation of the tip generation−substrate collection mode. An ultramicroelectrode tip placed close to the substrate electrode oxidizes water to oxygen at a constant current. The substrate is held at a potential where the tip-generated oxygen is reduced and the resulting substrate current is measured. By changing the substrate potential, it is possible to obtain a polarization (current−potential) curve, which depends on the electrocatalytic activity of the substrate material. The main difference between this mode and the classical feedback SECM mode of operation is that the feedback diffusion process is not required for the measurement, allowing its application for studying the ORR in acidic solutions. Activity-sensitive images of heterogeneous surfaces, e.g., with Pt and Au electrodes, were obtained from the substrate current when the x−y plane ...
Electrically Induced Dielectric Liquid Film Flow Based on Electric Conduction Phenomenon

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pumping is associated with the heterocharge layers of finite thickness in the vicinity of the electrodes, generated by the process of dissociation of the neutral electrolytic species and recombination of the generated ions. The theoretical formulation for EHD conduction pumping of liquid film is presented and fundamentally analyzed with the aid of numerical solutions. This model includes fluid dynamics governing equations under laminar and isothermal conditions which are modified to account for the presence of electric body force. The model also includes charge transport equations which are related to the dissociation/recombination phenomenon along with Maxwell's relations that govern the electric field distribution. This paper determines how liquid film flow is generated based on the electric conduction phenomenon. Specifically, the role of controlling dimensionless parameters on the heterocharge layers and flow structures along with the impact of liquid film velocity on charge distribution are illustrated and fundamentally analyzed. In addition, the contribution of unique electrode designs toward electric body force distribution and flow pattern is investigated followed by the effect of interaction between adjacent electrode pairs in multi-pair configurations on generated flow rate. Further, a brief discussion of the conduction pumping efficiency is presented. Finally, the numerical results are verified against experimental data.
CT colonography: new concepts in image display and analysis.

(2001). CT Colonography: New Concepts in Image Display and Analysis. Critical Reviews in Diagnostic Imaging: Vol. 42, No. 4-5, pp. 217-227.
The evolution of development planning

Abstract This paper reviews the evolution of development planning in the light of the experience of developing countries and the broadening of their social and economic objectives. It starts from the framework of policy analysis proposed by Jan Tinbergen in 1952 and shows the ways in which recent thinking has grown out of his original conception of the role of policy analysis. The topics covered are: The Policy Framework; Closed and Open Models; Multiple Objectives: Equity and Growth; Prices as Planning Tools; and Overview.