cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Educational reform and the self-efficacy beliefs of teachers implementing nongraded primary school programs

Abstract Primary school teachers were surveyed to determine their sense of efficacy about implementing nongraded primary school programs. The survey assessed attitudes and beliefs of teachers ( N = 133) representing 18 school systems undergoing state mandated educational reforms. The survey focused on three areas: (1) educational background and teaching experience; (2) attitudes toward nongraded primary school reforms; and (3) perceived self-efficacy ratings on 21 specific program attributes of the proposed nongraded primary. The influence of experience on attitudes and self-efficacy was also explored. Implications are discussed for preventively addressing teacher needs through teacher education and continuing education programs based on a self-efficacy enhancement model. Suggestions for future research are offered.
Training Signal Design and Tradeoffs for Spectrally-Efficient Multi-User MIMO-OFDM Systems

In this paper, we design MMSE-optimal training sequences for multi-user MIMO-OFDM systems with an arbitrary number of transmit antennas and an arbitrary number of training symbols. It addresses spectrally-efficient uplink transmission scenarios where the users overlap in time and frequency and are separated using spatial processing at the base station. The robustness of the proposed training sequences to residual carrier frequency offset and phase noise is evaluated. This analysis reveals an interesting design tradeoff between the peak-to-average power ratio of a training sequence and the increase in channel estimation mean squared error over the ideal case when these two impairments are not present.
Unofficial Third‐Party Intervention in International Conflict: Between Legitimacy and Disarray

The proliferation of unofficial third-party interventions in ethnic conflict is not, to date, based on the demonstrated and enduring value of their achievements. The growing interest in unofficial intervention is not based on clear goals and well-formulated underlying philosophies of the various methods, but more on general assumptions sometimes guided by goodwill and activism. It is quite likely that unofficial intervention in international conflict contributes in various ways toward the resolution of conflict, but, thus far, there is noempirical evidence that the field has contributed or can contribute to the resolution of ethnic conflict.
Digital Elevation Accuracy and Grid Cell Size: Effects on Estimated Terrain Attributes

Terrain attributes are commonly used to explain the spatial variability of agronomic, pedologic, and hydrologic variables. The terrain attributes studied here (elevation, slope, aspect, and curvature) are estimated readily from digital elevation models (DEMs), but questions remain about how the accuracy and sample spacing of the elevation data affect the estimated attributes. The main objective of this study was to quantify differences in each terrain attribute due to factors affecting DEM accuracy and grid cell size. Three data sources were compared: (i) real-time kinematic global positioning system (RTKGPS); (ii) satellite-differentially corrected global positioning system (DGPS); and (iii) U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 30-m DEMs. The GPS data from three undulating agricultural fields in northeastern Colorado were interpolated onto 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-m grid DEMs. The DGPS and USGS DEMs produced similar elevation differences relative to RTKGPS DEMs, but elevation differences in USGS DEMs were more spatially correlated. Estimates of curvature were highly sensitive to DEM differences and the sensitivity of slope, aspect, and curvature estimates decreased as grid cell size increased. The impacts of DEM accuracy and grid cell size were investigated using correlations between wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yields and estimated terrain attributes. The highest correlation coefficients were obtained using RTKGPS data, and decreasing the sample spacing or grid cell size below 30 m did not consistently improve the correlations. These analyses on agricultural lands indicate the importance of accurate elevation data for detailed terrain analyses on grid cell sizes of 30 m or less.
Monitoring Therapeutic Response in Skeletal Metastases Using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry: A Prospective Feasibility Study in Breast Cancer Patients

Response to systemic therapy in breast cancer patients with lytic skeletal metastases manifests as a shift from increased bone resorption to new bone formation. We hypothesized that dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) could be used to prospectively quantitate changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in metastatic skeletal lesions in breast cancer patients receiving systemic therapy. Nine metastatic breast cancer patients with one or more assessable lytic skeletal metastases receiving systemic therapy were prospectively evaluated with DXA, skeletal radiographs, computed tomography (CT), and radionuclide bone scans at baseline (t = 0 months, 2 months, and 6 months). The median (range) percentage change in BMD in skeletal lesions among patients responding to systemic therapy was 10.7% (0.1-21.85), 5.0% (-1.3-23.8), and 16.7% (-2.0-50.8) at 0-2, 2-6, and 0-6 months, respectively. Changes in BMD between 0-2, and 0-6 months were significant (Wilcoxin signed rank test; p = 0.013 and p = 0.017, respectively). The percentage change in BMD skeletal lesions between 0-2 and 2-6 months correlated with the changes imaged on skeletal x-rays (Spearman rank order correlation coefficient [Rs] = 0.511, p = 0.011) and CTs (Rs = 0.416, p = 0.046) but less so with bone scans (Rs = 0.293, p = 0.189). It is technically feasible to use DXA to prospectively monitor changes in lytic skeletal metastases in breast cancer patients receiving systemic therapy. The BMD of skeletal metastases increases in patients responding to treatment and was significantly correlated with the changes imaged on skeletal x-rays and CTs. Additional studies of DXA to evaluate response in skeletal metastasis are warranted.
Current Trends in Plant and Animal Population Monitoring

Animal and plant population monitoring programs are critical for identifying species at risk, evaluating the effects of management or harvest, and tracking invasive and pest species. Nevertheless, monitoring activities are highly decentralized, which makes it difficult for researchers or conservation planners to get a good general picture of what real-world monitoring programs actually entail. We used a Web-based survey to collect information on population monitoring programs. The survey focused on basic questions about each program, including motivations for monitoring, types of data being collected, spatiotemporal design of the program, and reasons for choosing that design. We received responses from 311 people involved in monitoring of various species and used these responses to summarize ongoing monitoring efforts. We also used responses to determine whether monitoring strategies have changed over time and whether they differed among monitoring agencies. Most commonly, monitoring entailed collection of count data at multiple sites with the primary goal of detecting trends. But we also found that goals and strategies for monitoring appeared to be diversifying, that area-occupied and presence-absence approaches appeared to be gaining in popularity, and that several other promising approaches (monitoring to reduce parameter uncertainty, risk-based monitoring, and directly linking monitoring data to management decisions) have yet to become widely established. We suggest that improved communication between researchers studying monitoring designs and those who are charged with putting these designs into practice could further improve monitoring programs and better match sampling designs to the objectives of monitoring programs.
A Novel Route to Silocon Based Ceramic Coatings on Carbon Substrates

Carbon fiber tows have been impregnated by ethanolic solutions of organo-silicon chlorides, and fired at temperatures up to 900°C to form silicon based coatings. Fired tows were subsequently examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy to characterize the coated material. A uniform silicon oxycarbide is formed at temperatures upwards of 400°C, which provides an oxidation barrier in carbon fiber reinforced metals.
Design and Simulation of a Mega-Watt Class Nonrelativistic Magnetron

Numerical simulations of a prototype conventional magnetron capable of an RF output power exceeding 1.0 MW are presented. Magnetron design evaluation is carried out via numerical simulation using the 3-D Improved Concurrent Electromagnetic Particle-in-Cell code. The magnetron was capable of oscillating in the π mode with little mode competition at 655 MHz over a range of magnetic fields extending from B = 0.186 to B = 0.261 T and voltages ranging from 40 to 64 kV. RF Output power ranged from 400 kW to 2.1 MW over these voltages with efficiencies typically at 60%. RF power propagation upstream was identified as a major source of loss in the design.
Forefoot Loading During 3 Athletic Tasks

BackgroundDue to the popularity of soccer and the high incidence of injury among soccer players, it is valuable to know the effects of tasks like side cuts, crossover cuts, and forward acceleration on the foot.PurposeTo determine the differences in forefoot loading during three different athletic tasks.Study DesignDescriptive laboratory study.MethodsThirty-six subjects (17 women and 19 men) were tested. Subjects ran a slalom-style agility course 5 times while plantar pressure data was collected at 100 Hz. Plantar pressure was recorded under both feet; however, a right-foot contact was used in the analysis of the side-cut task, a left-foot plant was used in the analysis of the crossover cut, and an average of the 3 steps of acceleration were used in the analysis. The peak pressure, contact area, and contact time for the entire foot were compared between the 3 tasks. The force and the force-time integral were obtained during 5 trials for each of the 3 tasks. The foot was divided into 8 masked regions, which...
Day-User Beliefs Regarding Leave No Trace in Rocky Mountain National Park

Resource degradation due to depreciative behaviors continues to be of concern for park and protected area managers and many of the visitors that recreate in these pristine areas. Land managers must maintain a delicate balance between use and preservation amidst increasing visitation, particularly in popular frontcountry areas. Visitor education has become a prominent and, often successful, technique used to curb depreciative behaviors (Hammit & Cole, 1998; Hendee & Dawson, 2002; Lucas, 1983; Manning, 1999, 2003, 2007; Marion & Reid, 2001). In most protected areas, education concerning Leave No Trace (LNT) practices is the most prevalent form of minimum-impact messaging applied to encourage correct behavior and discourage depreciative behavior (Harmon, 1997; Marion & Reid, 2001; Vagias, 2009). Despite improved efficacy and practice concerning LNT, depreciative behaviors causing resource impacts still occur. Theory suggests that attitudes lead to specific behaviors (Ajzen, 1991; Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980; Fishbein & Manfredo, 1992; Ham & Krumpe, 1996; Vagias, 2009), and by gaining deeper understanding about specific attitudes, we can discover why visitors of protected areas maintain particular beliefs, norms, and ultimately, behaviors. Therefore, this study evaluated frontcountry-day-user attitudes pertaining to LNT minimum impact behaviors. Results provide insight concerning visitor attitudes and the level of knowledge respondents had about LNT practices. These findings offer greater understanding concerning those LNT Principles that may be confusing or misinterpreted by visitors, thus enabling land managers and outdoor recreation educators to enhance educational strategies.
Neural basis of developing salt taste sensation: Response changes in fetal, postnatal, and adult sheep

To learn whether salt taste responses change during mammalian development, we recorded from multifiber preparations of the chorda tympani while stimulating the anterior tongue in sheep fetuses, lambs, and adults. Stimuli were 0.5 M NH4C1, KCl, NaCl, and LiCl, and 0.05-0.75 M concentration series of the first three salts. Ultrastructural studies were made of taste buds at different ages to determine whether morphological elements such as microvilli and tight junctions are present in young fetuses. Substantial changes occur in relative salt taste responses, throughout development. In fetuses that are beginning the last third of gestation, NaCl and LiCl elicit much smaller response magnitudes than NH,Cl and KC1. Throughout the rest of gestation and postnatally, the NaCl and LiCl responses gradually increase in magnitude relative to NH,Cl and KC1. In adults, NaC1, LiC1, and NH,Cl all elicit similar response magnitudes and KC1 is less effective as a taste stimulus. At ages when response ratios for the 0.5 M salts are changing, there are no changes in shapes of the responselconcentration functions for individual salts. Furthermore, microvilli are present on taste bud cell apices and tight junctions are found between cells in the youngest fetuses studied. Therefore, initial stimulus-receptor membrane contacts are probably similar to those in adults. Our data suggest that different membrane components interact with the various monochloride salts and that taste receptors contain different proportions of these various membrane components at different developmental stages. Therefore young taste bud cells do not have the same salt response characteristics as mature cells, and a changing neural substrate underlies development of salt taste function, both pre- and postnatally. We have observed a sequential appearance of specific response properties when recording from single taste neurons in the brainstem of sheep fetuses, lambs, and adults (Bradley and Mistretta, '80; Mistretta and Bradley, '77, '78). In young fetuses (< 114 days of gestation; term = 147 days) responses were obtained during stimulation of the anterior tongue with two acids, citric and hydrochloric, and two salts, NHsCl and KC1. Two other monochloride salts, NaCl and LiC1, were effective as stimuli only in older fetuses, lambs, and adults. We hypothesized that the emerging ability of the central taste system to respond to NaCl and LiCl was related to taste receptor maturation at cellular and/or molecular levels (Bradley and Mistretta, '80; Mistretta and Bradley, '78).
Linking Media to Prototype Activation and Subsequent Celebrity Attraction:: An Application of Self-Categorization Theory

The present study addresses the role of the media in the self-categorization-based process of depersonalized attraction. Results provide tentative support for the proposition that prototype embodiment impacts subsequent judgments of celebrity social attractiveness. Specifically, social attraction was most effectively predicted by ingroup prototype embodiment along the dimension of intelligence addressed in the induction, influencing liking of both ingroup (White) and outgroup (Black) target celebrities.
Time-domain optical sampling of nonlinear microwave amplifiers

Time domain measurements of the output waveforms of two 8-GHz high-efficiency power amplifiers are presented. A new photoconductive probe has enabled nonintrusive absolute voltage measurements which confirm switched-mode class-E and F operation. In order to analyze nonlinear amplifiers designed to deliver a sinusoidal wave to the load, voltages at characteristic points inside the circuit need to be known. The high-impedance probe used here is an optoelectronic sampler which can sense the charge on an exposed interconnect or the field associated with a buried interconnect. This field data is then converted into voltage.
Seller’s Information Sharing Strategy to Counter a Bid from a Rival Supplier: A Study of Negotiations in Two Cultures

The experimental study tests hypotheses regarding the effect of a combination of a buyer’s bargaining advantage and an information-sharing tactic by a seller on outcomes of a price negotiation. The buyer wields another supplier’s bid price (threat). The seller shares private information about its own valuation of potential outcomes. We find a positive effect of information sharing on outcomes—but only when the seller is facing a threat. We replicate the study in China and find no effect of information sharing on negotiated outcomes. However, in both cultures, the effects of information sharing on perceived fairness and seller influence are similar.
Variations in sleep hygiene practices of women with and without insomnia

Sleep hygiene education is a basic component of behavioral treatment for chronic insomnia, yet the actual sleep hygiene practices of people with insomnia have not been well documented. In this descriptive secondary analysis, midlife women ages 41–55 years with either chronic insomnia (n = 92) or good sleep (n = 29) kept diaries of sleep perceptions and sleep hygiene practices during 6 nights of somnographic monitoring at home. In both groups few reported smoking cigarettes ( 80%), and many averaged 30 min of exercise per day (∼50%). Very few in either group (<10%) had regular (<30 min variation) bedtimes or getting-up times. Compared to women with good sleep, those with insomnia reported drinking less caffeine per day, being more abstinent from alcohol, and having smaller variations in day-to-day alcohol intake and bedtimes. Although some women with insomnia limit or refrain from caffeine and alcohol intake, many have not optimized behaviors believed to help prevent or modulate insomnia. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 27:225–236, 2004
Population-based analysis of Alzheimer’s disease risk alleles implicates genetic interactions

Background Reported odds ratios and population attributable fractions (PAF) for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) risk loci (BIN1, ABCA7, CR1, MS4A4E, CD2AP, PICALM, MS4A6A, CD33, and CLU) come from clinically ascertained samples. Little is known about the combined PAF for these LOAD risk alleles and the utility of these combined markers for case–control prediction. Here we evaluate these loci in a large population-based sample to estimate PAF and explore the effects of additive and nonadditive interactions on LOAD status prediction performance. Methods 2419 samples from the Cache County Memory Study were genotyped for APOE and nine LOAD risk loci from AlzGene.org. We used logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic analysis to assess the LOAD status prediction performance of these loci using additive and nonadditive models and compared odds ratios and PAFs between AlzGene.org and Cache County. Results Odds ratios were comparable between Cache County and AlzGene.org when identical single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped. PAFs from AlzGene.org ranged from 2.25% to 37%; those from Cache County ranged from .05% to 20%. Including non-APOE alleles significantly improved LOAD status prediction performance (area under the curve = .80) over APOE alone (area under the curve = .78) when not constrained to an additive relationship (p Conclusions Although nonadditive interactions between loci significantly improve diagnostic ability, the improvement does not reach the desired sensitivity or specificity for clinical use. Nevertheless, these results suggest that understanding gene–gene interactions may be important in resolving Alzheimer’s disease etiology.
A design approach for inset-fed rectangular microstrip antennas

The goal of this paper is to study the dependence of resonant input resistance of the inset-fed patch on the notch and feed-line geometry. Different geometries, substrate materials, and feed lines were considered. A simple CAD formula for the input resistance is obtained. The effect of the notch on the radiation pattern is also studied to see how it influences cross polarization.
The keystone triad

Summary For purposes of convenience, we have used the term keystone triad in referring to the chin or symphysis, the lower alveolar process or point B, and the lower incisor. In order to understand the chin, the clinician should know the biologic forces that produce the growth and make the chin of man what it basically is—functioning bone serving many purposes. It is important to conceive of the trigonum mentale in order to understand the difference between mental tubercles and the mental protuberance for the purpose of identification and tracing for serial comparison. In addition, the function of the heavy bone on the lingual side must be recognized as supporting bone for the lower incisor. Muscles are important in the production of an esthetically effective chin. The immediate facial muscles are important, but of greatest importance are those of the tongue and of mastication. The external pterygoid has been considered a very important single muscle. Authors differ with respect to nomenclature and planes of reference for the study of morphology and growth of the chin. Recent implant studies have shed much light on the true nature of proper references for study, but investigations are still under way. Anthropologic, osteologic, myologic, and cephalometric principles have been related to the “keystone triad” located at the keystone of the dental arch and the arc of the mandible. I have found the A-pogonion plane most useful as a plane of reference for the lower incisor. However, growth and treatment behavior of this will be discussed later. Clinical interpretation and use will be described in Part II of this study.
Erratum to: Beyond Acclamations and Excuses: Environmental Performance, Voluntary Environmental Disclosure and the Role of Visibility

Some researchers have argued that firms with favorable environmental performance are more likely to provide voluntary environmental disclosure, while others have argued that firms with poor environmental performance are most likely to disclose. The authors propose a curvilinear relation between environmental performance and environmental disclosure that is moderated by visibility. Data were obtained from S&P 500 firms queried by Ceres’ Climate Disclosure Project. Results show a U-shaped environmental performance–environmental disclosure relation and a main effect for visibility but no moderating effect for visibility on the U-shaped environmental performance–environmental disclosure relation. The authors discussed the implications of these results for future research and practice.
When cash is king: funding conditions and the value of cash holdings

Holding cash is important for firms. Faulkender and Wang (2006) show that the value of cash is higher for financially constrained firms. Denis and Sibilkov (2010) show that these advantages arise from financially constrained firms being able to make value-enhancing investments that would not be possible without cash. We extend this literature by introducing time-varying aggregate financial constraints and showing that cash is most important when the supply of funding is likely to be low. Specifically, using changes in the Federal Reserve discount rate as an indicator of future funding availability, we find that the positive link between cash holdings and firm value is only evident in constrained funding environments. In unconstrained periods, there is little to no value (and sometimes evidence of value destruction) in holding high levels of cash. These results are robust to alternative funding supply measures. The high returns to high cash firms in constrained funding periods are driven by firms with higher growth opportunities and R&D expenditures, consistent with investors reevaluating the importance of cash balances in supporting future potential investment opportunities when external sources of capital are reduced.
Use of an EIR Process in Controlling Urban Sprawl

The Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCO) were created by the California Legislature to provide a badly needed regional perspective to land-use decision making in order to control urban sprawl. To carry out its functions, the Santa Clara County LAFCO has developed a county-wide approach to staged urban development known as the urban service area approach. Using this approach, the County LAFCO evaluates city annexation proposals on the basis of whether the land areas involved are inside the urban service areas and whether plans for municipal services are included in the relevant staged development plans. In addition, as a result of recent court actions relevant to all LAFCO, the Santa Clara County LAFCO has adopted a master environmental impact reporting (EIR) process to integrate its responsibilities under the California Environmental Quality Act with its urban service area approach. Limited experience suggests that the process has greatly expanded the information that is available to the public.
The Mastercard IPO: Protecting the Priceless Brand

This is a case study of the MasterCard IPO. The deal design undertakes two tasks related to the MasterCard brand: (1) managing regulatory costs (in particular, reducing its antitrust exposure) and (2) enhancing the company's image as a safe, secure brand that facilitates a middle-class consumer lifestyle. These tasks are unusual for an IPO, a transaction which is normally thought of as an exercise in managing transaction costs. Here, the legal structure of the deal not only affects brand image in the usual sense (how consumers view the Priceless brand). It also affects brand image in the sense that it affects how regulators, judges, and juries, standing in the shoes of consumers, view the firm. There is a potential positive feedback effect: increased transparency and independence from the member banks reduces antitrust exposure, which in turn protects the image of the firm as consumer-friendly, which in turn reduces the likelihood of hostile action by antitrust regulators. I focus on two unusual structural elements: a dual-class voting structure, and the creation of a charitable foundation. The dual-class voting structure is unusual because the insiders (the member banks) retain more economics than votes, flipping the usual dual-class voting structure upside-down. The member banks retain effective control of the company, and they retain much of the economics of the firm. But they give away enough formal voting power to reduce their antitrust liability going forward. The charitable foundation is an example of both regulatory cost engineering and branding. The foundation will hold a large block of MasterCard stock. Elements of the foundation's structure - its function as a corporate governance and anti-takeover device, and the limits on its ability to sell MasterCard stock or engage in charitable giving for several years - suggest that genuine altruism is an ancillary goal. The foundation may also enhance the brand image of the company. But there is a disconnect between the MasterCard foundation's purported philanthropic goals and its low levels of anticipated charitable giving. In sum, the utility of the charitable foundation as a regulatory arbitrage tool is clear; its ability to improve the welfare of anyone other than the member banks is unproven.
The Chechen Terror: The Play within the Play

Possessing superior weapons and the will to kill, successive Russian regimes of the Czars, Stalin, Yeltsin, and Putin have tried hard to put down the Muslim rebellion (dream for independence) in this physically rugged, psychologically stubborn, and spiritually indomitable region.
Lessons from Labcorp v. Metabolite

This article provides reflections on the scope of patentable subject matter, using the Supreme Court's recent consideration of Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings v. Metabolite Laboratories, Inc. as a springboard for discussion. A brief introduction to the case and the current standard of patentable subject matter are provided as a backdrop for discussion of the role of patentable subject matter in the overall scheme of patentability and patent enforcement. In addition, this article addresses potential repercussions of the case within the judicial and legislative arenas. This article concludes by offering some broad-based issues for consideration, including both domestic and international implications.
Dual-energy CT Aortography with 50% Reduced Iodine Dose Versus Single-energy CT Aortography with Standard Iodine Dose

Rationale and Objectives Because many patients with aortic pathology also have compromised renal function, we wished to investigate dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) aortography with 50% reduced iodine dose compared to single-energy computed tomography (SECT) aortography with standard iodine dose. Materials and Methods Fifty patients had DECT aortography with 50% reduced iodine dose. Thirty-four of these patients had prior SECT aortography with standard iodine dose. DECT images were reconstructed at both 50 and 77 keV and were compared to SECT 120 kVp images. Reviewers measured aortic attenuation, image noise, and scored vascular enhancement. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were calculated. Volume CT dose index was recorded. Results Mean iodine dose was 47 g for SECT and 24 g for DECT. Aortic attenuation was highest at reduced iodine dose DECT 50 keV (570 ± 105 Hounsfield units [HU]) compared to 77 keV (239 ± 40 HU) or to standard iodine dose SECT 120 kVp (356 ± 69 HU) (P 0.05). SNR and CNR were the same at 50 keV and 120 kVp (P > 0.05). Mean vascular enhancement scores were all above 3.0 (good, typical enhancement). Volume CT dose index was 11.7 mGy for DECT and 11.8 mGy for SECT (P = 0.37). Conclusions DECT aortography with 50% reduced iodine reconstructed at 50 keV resulted in significantly greater aortic attenuation, good subjective vascular enhancement, and comparable SNR and CNR compared to standard iodine dose SECT. DECT image noise at 77 keV was similar to SECT at 120 kVp.
Acoustics from a rectangular supersonic nozzle exhausting over a flat surface.

A jet exhausting over a plate at different distances away from the nozzle was investigated to simulate jets exhausting over airframe surfaces and the jet-ground interaction during take-off and landing operations. A supersonic rectangular nozzle of 2:1 aspect ratio and 1.5 design Mach number was tested with and without the plate. Far-field acoustics from the cold and heated jets at over-expanded, design, and under-expanded conditions were measured at the reflected, sideline, and shielded azimuthal directions. When the plate starts at the nozzle exit, the “scrubbing” and “scattering” noise from the surface-jet interaction was observed at the low-end frequencies of the reflected and shielded measurements and increased as the plate approached the jet. In the sideline, the plate attached to the nozzle exit diminished the broadband shock-associated noise while the shadowgraph results showed a connection to weakening of the shock-cell structures. In the cold jet, screech was mitigated with the plate attached at the nozzle exit. When the plate was moved away from the nozzle, screech tones were intensified at the under-expanded condition. Crackle levels were significantly intensified in the sideline within a range of plate positions. Noise levels in the shielded region were considerably lower due to the shielding effect.
TIMELY USE OF RIGHT HEART CATHETERIZATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH REDUCED IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE: INSIGHT FROM THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL INPATIENT SAMPLE DATABASE

Background: In patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), right heart catheterization (RHC) is recommended in certain situations. However, there remains uncertainty of its impact on mortality and other clinical outcomes. Methods: A secondary analysis of the United States National Inpatient
The Islamic community in post-9/11 America: Which Muslims are likely to report being called offensive names?

ABSTRACTAmerican Muslims are frequently called offensive names. Yet, despite the pernicious effects of such derogatory language, a paucity of research has examined this phenomenon. This study set out to address this gap in the literature by determining which Muslims are most at risk to report being called disparaging names. Using a community sample of Muslims (N = 275), the logistic regression results revealed that Muslims who were younger, single, and spoke primarily English at home were comparatively more likely to report being called offensive names within the past 12 months. Conversely, both Asian and African American Muslims were less likely to report being called offensive names compared to European American Muslims. The article concludes by offering some tentative explanations for the findings and suggesting some implications for practice with, and on behalf, of Muslim clients.
Characterization of a MEMS Electrostatic Microgripper for Micromanipulation and Sensing

Improvements in micromanipulation systems have many applications including medical, optical systems, acoustics, automotive, etc. In this paper, we report characterization of a MEMS microgripper to validate its force sensing for use in haptic micromanipulation. Analytical, computational, and experimental methods are applied to validate results and improve the haptic system. A static model of the MEMS is developed utilizing the mechanics for the electrostatic actuation system (lateral comb drive) and sensing system (transverse comb drive). Theoretical displacement measurements from the static model are compared against experimental gripping forces from the sensor using uncertainty analysis. Finite element models of the MEMS are developed to account for stiffness of the gripper arms. We found the theoretical model and experimental results to fall in range of uncertainty from the optical microscope with micrometer resolution and other unknown material parameters. These results indicate the grippers are suitable for applying microscale forces with high resolution and reliability in micromanipulation systems.
Colorectal cancer stages transcriptome analysis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gene expression differences in different stages of CRC. Gene expression data on 433 CRC patient samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Gene expression differences were evaluated across CRC stages using linear regression. Genes with p≤0.001 in expression differences were evaluated further in principal component analysis and genes with p≤0.0001 were evaluated further in gene set enrichment analysis. A total of 377 patients with gene expression data in 20,532 genes were included in the final analysis. The numbers of patients in stage I through IV were 59, 147, 116 and 55, respectively. NEK4 gene, which encodes for NIMA related kinase 4, was differentially expressed across the four stages of CRC. The stage I patients had the highest expression of NEK4 genes, while the stage IV patients had the lowest expressions (p = 9*10-6). Ten other genes (RNF34, HIST3H2BB, NUDT6, LRCh4, GLB1L, HIST2H4A, TMEM79, AMIGO2, C20orf135 and SPSB3) had p value of 0.0001 in the differential expression analysis. Principal component analysis indicated that the patients from the 4 clinical stages do not appear to have distinct gene expression pattern. Network-based and pathway-based gene set enrichment analyses showed that these 11 genes map to multiple pathways such as meiotic synapsis and packaging of telomere ends, etc. Ten of these 11 genes were linked to Gene Ontology terms such as nucleosome, DNA packaging complex and protein-DNA interactions. The protein complex-based gene set analysis showed that four genes were involved in H2AX complex II. This study identified a small number of genes that might be associated with clinical stages of CRC. Our analysis was not able to find a molecular basis for the current clinical staging for CRC based on the gene expression patterns.
Testing a Framework of Math Progress Indicators for ESSA: How Opportunity to Learn and Instructional Leadership Matter:

Purpose: To advance a framework of indicators that promotes implementation of math standards under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), we tested a conceptual model of the resources and processes within schools that influence the opportunity to learn mathematics (OTL) in the classroom using a recent administration of the 2011 Trends in International Math and Science Study (TIMSS 2011). There is potential benefit to state departments and system-level practitioners from more information about how schools might influence student access to college and career-ready curriculum. Such information has the potential to shape the kinds of indicators stakeholders put in place to target problems and formulate solutions for math learning. Research Design: To test the fit of our hypothesized model of math content and instruction OTL, we applied structural equation modeling techniques to school and classroom data from 425 fourth-grade U.S. math teachers in TIMSS 2011. Findings: We found a direct influence of instructio...
Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of obesity and overweight in a rural and urban community of Delta State, Nigeria

Introduction: Urbanization has been linked to increasing prevalence of obesity. Objective: To determine the rural–urban differences in the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of obesity/overweight. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study of adults in Jesse (rural) and Warri (urban). Weight and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results: A total of 866 respondents, 44.0% (rural) and 56.0% (urban) with a male: female ratio of 1:1 and 1:1.5; mean age (± standard deviation [SD]) was 47.1 (±19.0) years and 38.9 (±12.2) years, and mean BMI (±SD) was 22.64 (±3.52) kg/m2 and 24.89 (±5.14) kg for rural and urban populations, respectively. The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight was 10.9% and 20.9%, respectively, with urban (15.7% and 23.9%) being higher than rural (4.7% and 17.1%).Female respondents in both settings had a higher prevalence rate of overweight of 26.5% versus 19.9% (urban) and 17.3% versus 16.8% (rural) for females and males, respectively. The prevalence of obesity is highest among middle-aged (40–64 years) respondents in both settings. The difference in high BMI (≥25 kg/m2) between urban and rural setting in this age group was statistically significant (Chi-square [χ2] = 22.055, df = 1, P
A New Developmental Foundation for David Shapiro’s Work on Autonomy and Character

My task in this volume is to discuss David Shapiro’s use of developmental theory in his ground breaking work on neurotic styles, as well as his more recent work on the treatment and the dynamics of rigid character. He writes explicitly about development in his two more recent books, Autonomy and Rigid Character (1981) and Dynamics of Character (2000), in which he argues that an abridgement of autonomy is an essential dynamic in all mental illness, and articulates how it manifests itself and functions in a range of diagnostic categories, which helps to clarify underlying dynamic similarities in the diverse symptomatology seen. I find Shapiro’s phenomenological descriptions of the ways in which abridgements of autonomy are manifested in ­different kinds of mental illness and his discussions of these dynamics highly ­illuminating. I also believe that autonomy or agency is an essential factor in organizing the psyche, but that it is only part of what is essential, so I will introduce another basic human bias or priority that when impaired is also operating to constrict personality. I will further argue that both of these essential priorities are present at birth, thus I cannot accept Shapiro’s assumption of the existence of prevolitional modes of functioning, and his further assumption that these modes are reverted to in adulthood when mental illness is manifested. He cites older stage theories of development, namely those of Werner and Piaget, as support for these assumptions, and possibly for notions of regression contained in such theories, although he does not use the term regression. I will also address his primary emphasis on cognition, which seems to leave little room for affects, except for the role of anxiety in evoking defensive organizations, and the presence of interest in expanding or constricting autonomy.
Genetic basis for remating in Drosophila melanogaster. VI. Recombination analysis.

Drosophila melanogaster lines previously selected for fast and slow return of female receptivity were used for two different recombination analyses. Major loci affecting the difference between the fast and the slow remating speed map to the right arm of chromosome II to the right ofwelt (wt).
Analysis of Social and Economic Impacts of a Community Revitalization Program using Renewable Energy

In the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011 (called 3/11 in Japan), the government of Japan drastically changed its energy policy and the use of renewable energy is an urgent matter in Japan today. Among the variety of renewable energy sources, small hydropower plants are gaining attention because they do not require the construction of a large dam, do not emit greenhouse gases, do not require any raw materials, produce energy continuously, and are suitable for many potential sites in Japan. This study focused on the Futagawa Small Hydropower Plant in the town of Aridagawa, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, and analyzed the impacts of a community revitalization program utilizing revenues from the small hydropower plant. Aridagawa constructed this small hydropower plant to utilize discharge water from Futagawa Dam (0.7 tonnes per second). By utilizing a feed-in-tariff scheme, Aridagawa will sell electricity produced at the hydropower plant to the local utility company (Kansai Electric Power Co.). The town is scheduled to recover the entire construction cost of the plant within seven years, an unusually short amount of time. The town plans to utilize the revenues from the sale of electricity to fund renewable energy education programs for citizens and to develop renewable energy promotion activities.
Viscous compressible laminar flow in slender axisymmetric channels with adiabatic walls

A study is made of the flow of a viscous, compressible, heat conducting, and perfect gas in slender axisymmetric channels under the adiabatic wall condition. Solutions to the equations of motion for such a gas are obtained using the method of similar solutions. This approach reduces the equations of motion to a pair of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations which have relatively simple closed form solutions. It is found that solutions of this type are only possible in channels with divergent walls and a favorable pressure gradient.
Frailty predicts fractures among women with and at-risk for HIV.

Objective:To determine associations between frailty and fracture in women with and without HIV infection.Design:Prospective longitudinal cohort study evaluating associations between baseline frailty status and frailty components, with first and second incident fractures.Methods:We evaluated associat
A Case of Massive Hepatic Infarction in a Patient with HELLP Syndrome

Background Hepatic infarction is an exceedingly rare complication of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome. Few cases have been described in the medical literature and the true incidence remains unknown. It can lead to fulminant liver failure, liver transplant, or death if not promptly addressed. Case Report A 22-year-old primigravida presented with right upper quadrant and epigastric pain at 28 weeks' gestation. She had severely elevated blood pressures requiring intravenous antihypertensives as well as proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, and mild transaminitis. Within 6 hours of admission, her rapidly rising liver function tests (LFTs) necessitated urgent delivery by primary cesarean section. Her liver enzymes continued to rapidly worsen postoperatively and immediate postpartum computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed massive hepatic infarction, 11 × 10 × 15 cm, of the right lobe of the liver. Her transaminases peaked at alanine transferase of 2,863 IU/L and aspartate transferase of 2,732 IU/L. She received supportive multidisciplinary intensive care, and LFTs returned to normal by postoperative day 20. Conclusion Hepatic infarction is an extraordinarily rare complication of pre-eclampsia. Early recognition and prompt multidisciplinary management are vital to prevent catastrophic bleeding, hepatic failure, and death.
Triflic acid-catalyzed Csp3–HCsp3–H functionalization of 2-methyl azaarenes with a α-trifluoromethyl imino ester

A Bronsted acid promoted Csp3–HCsp3–H functionalization of 2-alkyl azaarenes with α-trifluoromethylated imino ester is described. A catalytic amount of triflic acid provided straightforward access to the corresponding trifluoromethylated amino esters via concomitant in situ one step N-alkyl deprotection. On further hydrolysis of ester, synthesis of quinoline derived unnatural trifluoromethylated amino acids has been achieved in a short and efficient manner.
Longevity of Laboratory-Reared Boll Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Offered Honey Bee-Collected Pollen and Plants Unrelated to Cotton

Understanding the ability of the boll weevil to survive on plants other than cotton is important in understanding how to control or eradicate this pest. Laboratory-reared adult boll weevils, Anthon...
Surgical resection for suppurative thrombophlebitis of the great saphenous vein after radiofrequency ablation

Abstract Radiofrequency ablation has become one of the most commonly used interventions in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. It is performed with minimal analgesic use, tolerable postprocedural pain, and prompt return to activities of daily living. Typical complications, though rare, include failure of total venous occlusion, deep venous thrombosis, skin hyperpigmentation, infection, and skin burn. Here, we report the case of a patient who developed suppurative thrombophlebitis with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, requiring surgical resection.
High skilled immigrants’ pathways from risky to secure legality in the United States

Based on 30 semi-structured interviews, I analyse the stories high-skilled immigrants told about their legal trajectories since their arrival in the United States. I explain immigrants' two pathway...
The Stratification of Freedom: An Intersectional Analysis of Activist-Scholars and Academic Freedom at U.S. Public Universities

This study investigates to what extent activist-scholars in U.S. public universities are reassured by the safeguard of academic freedom when considering whether to express their politics publicly. ...
Bell, Watson, Soft Iron, and the Insight That Commercialized the Magneto Telephone

This month’s history article focuses on the story behind the technological breakthrough that led to the world’s first commercial telephones.
Dielectric properties of amorphous Bi–Ti–O thin films

We report the unexpectedly excellent dielectric properties of amorphous thin films with compositions in the Bi–Ti–O system. Films were deposited by RF magnetron reactive co-sputtering. In the compo...