cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of annealing on Fermi level pinning of low-temperature molecular-beam epitaxial GaAs

The Fermi level position in low temperature (LT) GaAs is studied by photoreflectance (PR). The experiments show that the Fermi level in both the as-grown and the annealed LT-GaAs is firmly pinned, however, the pinning position occurs at different energies: 0.47 eV below the conduction band edge for the as-grown samples and 0.65 eV below the conduction band edge for the annealed samples. The pinning in the as-grown LT-GaAs is the result of a high degree of charge compensation of deep levels, while the pinning in the annealed LT-GaAs is due to the depletion of carriers by the Schottky barrier at the metallic As precipitates. From the measured Fermi level and ionization ratio of As antisites, the (0/+) donor level of the As antisite is found to be at E c - 0.57 eV.
A framework for double patterning-enabled design

While the next generation of lithography systems is still under development, extending optical lithography using double patterning (DP) is the only solution to continue technology scaling. The biggest technical challenge of DP is the presence of mask-assignment conflicts in dense layers. In this paper, we propose a framework for DP conflict removal for standard cells. First, we offer an O(n) algorithm for mask assignment (up to 200× faster than the ILP-based approach) that guarantees a conflict-free solution if one exists. We then formulate the problem of conflict removal as a linear program (LP), which permits an extremely fast run-time (less than 10 seconds in real time for typical cells). The framework removes DP conflicts and legalizes the layout across all layers simultaneously while minimizing layout perturbation. For cells from a commercial 22nm library designed without any DP awareness, our method usually removes all DP conflicts without any area increase; for some complex cells, the method still removes all conflicts with a modest 6.7% average increase in area. The method is more general, however, and can also be applied for macro layouts and the interconnect layers in complete designs as we demonstrate in the paper.
Nanotextured Material for Applications in CSF Sample Screening and Characterization

Neurodegenerative disease is primarily characterized by protein misfolding and the resultant protein aggregation. Presence of soluble oligomeric aggregates of proteins including various Aβ and α-syn aggregate species can be correlated to the onset and progression of many neurodegenerative diseases. The ability to detect protein misfolding requires the design of a diagnostics assay the will enable molecular level probing. The use of nanoporous ceramic templates enables size based immobilization of the target proteins and by leveraging the principle of “macromolecular crowding” protein association can be mapped with a high degree of resolution. By tailoring the surface functionalization within nanoporous ceramic templates, macromolecular immobilization can be selectively controlled, which in turn significantly enhances the perturbation to the electrical double layer/. The changes to the electrical double layer are measured with a high degree of sensitivity through impedance spectroscopy. Pre symptomatic diagnosis and distinction between Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases can be achieved by the specific detection and quantification of levels of each of these different toxic protein species in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Detection using highly selective morphology specific reagents in conjunction with the ultrasensitive nanoporous electronic biosensor showed the presence of different protein morphologies in human CSF samples. Detection is primarily achieved by identifying the specific association of the protein with its receptor using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Furthermore, we show that these morphology specific reagents can readily classify between post-mortem CSF samples from AD, PD and cognitively normal sources. These studies suggest that detection of specific oligomeric aggregate species holds great promise as sensitive biomarkers for neurodegenerative disease.
Family Burden After Traumatic Brain Injury in Children

OBJECTIVE. Traumatic brain injury has a substantial impact on caregivers. This study describes the burden experienced by caregivers of children with traumatic brain injury and examines the relationship between child functioning and family burden during the first year after injury. PATIENTS AND METHODS. Children aged 5 to 15 years hospitalized for traumatic brain injury at 4 participating trauma centers were eligible. Caregivers completed baseline and 3- and 12-month telephone interviews measuring the child's health-related quality of life using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. The emotional impact scale of the Child Health Questionnaire was used to identify caregivers with substantial distress, including general worry or interference with family routine. Caregiver perceptions of whether health care needs were met or unmet and days missed from work were also measured. RESULTS. A total of 330 subjects enrolled; follow-up was conducted with 312 at 3 months and 288 at 12 months. Most subjects were white (68%) and male (69%). Abnormal Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory subscores were related to substantial caregiver burden (either general worry or interference in routine). These abnormalities were reported by>75% of patients at 3 months and persisted to 1 year in some patients. Parental perception of unmet health care needs was strongly related to family burden outcomes, with up to 69% of this subset of parents reporting substantial worry, and nearly one quarter reporting interference with daily routine/concentration 1 year after injury. Child dysfunction predicted parental burden at 3 and 12 months. Burden was greater when health care need was unmet. Abnormalities on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory predicted the amount of work missed by parents, especially in the presence of unmet needs. CONCLUSIONS. Caregivers are more likely to report family burden problems when child functioning is poorer and health care needs are unmet. Improved identification and provision of services is a potentially modifiable factor that may decrease family burden after pediatric traumatic brain injury. Language: en
Beyond Rational Autonomy: Levinas and the Incomparable Worth of the Student as Singular Other

This article explores the question: Why are students of worth? Educationally, an answer often involves a Kantian response: They are of worth because they are always ends and never means. This response is usually connected to a notion of autonomy interpreted as individual, rational self-determination. The article argues for a different answer. The essay begins with a recent educational example of construing worth as rational autonomy. Meira Levinson, in her book The Demands of Liberal Education (1999), argues for a version of rational autonomy which is taken in the essay as a Kantian response to the question. The essay then turns to Kant’s own understanding of intrinsic human worth as ends. Although the essay agrees in general with the notion of end, it criticizes Kant’s version of rational autonomy. Instead, it argues for a notion of worth as irreplaceable singularity. Both the critique of the Kantian answer and theessay’salternative are shaped by the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas. Here technical notions of “the other,” proximity and singularity are brought to bear on the question of human worth. The Levinasian alternative, so the essay argues, better answers the question of student worth by highlighting the incomparability of the student as a singular other.
Combining data from independent chemical analysis methods

Abstract Data from several different chemical analysis methods must often be combined to form an overall mean value and uncertainty. However, the data from these different methods frequently do not “agree” when a statistical comparison is done, so that taking a simple average of all of the individual observations would be inappropriate. Computation of a weighted mean and corresponding uncertainty that take into consideration the random measurement error within each method as well as the disagreement between methods will be described. An example of this approach, applied to the certification of NIST's Standard Reference Materials, will be given.
Attributional training and the generalization of reading strategies with underachieving children

Abstract Underachieving students often display inappropriate affective states, dysfunctional attributional beliefs, and impoverished metacognitive knowledge that combine to handicap their academic achievements. In the present study, 52 underachieving children participated in an intervention program comparing the effects of strategy-plus-attribution training, strategy-only training, and no training conditions on reading comprehension. The addition of attributional components to a comprehension strategy training program produced significant gains in strategy use, recall, reading grades, and attributional beliefs. Reading awareness increased in both strategy-plus-attribution and strategy-only groups, indicating that strategy training influenced selected aspects of metacognition. The addition of attributional components to strategy training improved reading performance by providing the impetus, via modified effort-related attributions, for the generalized use of the trained strategies.
Synthesis of 4‐β‐D‐arabinofuranosyl‐5,6‐dihydro‐2H‐1,2,4‐thiadiazin‐3‐one 1,1‐dioxide and x‐ray diffraction analysis of its 2′,3‐anhydro precursor

Reaction of 2-amino-3′,5′-bis(O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-β-D-arabinofuran[1′,2′:4,5]-2-oxazoline with 2-chloroethylsulfonyl chloride in the presence of sodium bicarbonate followed by removal of the protecting groups gave 2′,3-anhydro-4-β-D-arabinofuranosyl-5,6-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-thiadiazin-3-one 1,1-dioxide (5), which by treatment with ammonia was converted to 4-β-D-arabinofuranosyl-5,6-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-thiadiazin-3-one 1,1-dioxide (6). The structure of compound 5 was unequivocally established by means of an x-ray diffraction analysis. The compound crystallized in the space group P212121 with unit cell dimensions a = 5.883(3), b = 9.352(2), c = 18.769(7) A, Z = 4. Its structure was established by direct multisolution techniques and refined by the full matrix least squares method to a final R value of 0.058 for the 1515 reflections observed.
Excitonic effects in core-excitation spectra of semiconductors

Core-electron excitation spectra are used widely for structural and chemical analysis of materials, but interpretation of the near-edge structure remains unsettled, especially for semiconductors. For the important Si L{sub 2,3} edge, there are two mutually inconsistent interpretations, in terms of effective-mass excitons and in terms of Bloch conduction-band final states. We report ab initio calculations and show that neither interpretation is valid and that the near-edge structure is in fact dominated by short-range electron-hole interactions even though the only bound excitons are effective-mass-like. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Application of discrete choice models to choice-based revenue management problems: A cautionary note

Choice-based revenue management algorithms directly integrate a discrete choice model of customer behavior into the optimization function. In the classic formulation by Talluri and van Ryzin (TvR), the choice set is defined to include a no-purchase alternative, and the utility of this alternative is set to zero ‘without loss of generality’. We show that only a limited number of discrete choice models can be used with the TvR formulation, and that misuse of the TvR formulation can result in significant estimation and forecast errors. Based on the Matching Shares Property of multinomial logit (MNL) models, we show that estimated choice model parameters will match probabilities in the estimation data set for MNL models that include alternative-specific constants (ASCs). MNL models that exclude ASCs may be able to match probabilities, but in this case the analyst cannot blindly set the no-purchase utility to zero. This property holds regardless of which method is used to estimate choice model parameters.
Elastic and Inelastic Analysis of Variable Thickness Plates, Using Equivalent Systems*

ABSTRACT This paper develops a closed-form solution that can be used for both elastic and inelastic analysis of thin rectangular and circular plates with variable thickness in one dimension. The solution is given in the form of an equivalent system of flat plates that replaces the original variable thickness plate. At a given point, the sum of the deflections, rotations, bending moments, or bending stresses of the flat plates is equal to that of the corresponding elements of the original variable thickness plate. A simplified equivalent system of constant rigidity is also obtained, in order to reduce the mathematical complexity of the variable thickness problem. It should also be noted that any known method of analysis, closed-form or numerical, may be used to solve the equivalent system of flat plates. The method is general, and it can be applied equally well for both elastic and inelastic analysis. Various cases of loading and thickness variation are solved using both exact and simplified equivalent sys...
iFlow: an approach for fast and reliable Internet-scale stream processing utilizing detouring and replication

We propose to demonstrate iFlow, our replication-based system that supports both fast and reliable processing of data streams over the Internet. iFlow uses a low degree of replication in conjunction with detouring techniques to overcome network outages. iFlow also deploys replicas in a manner that improves performance and availability at the same time, and can cope with varying system conditions by continually migrating replicas.Based on a live network monitoring application, our demonstration will substantiate the strengths of iFlow. During the demonstration, various visual tools will provide graphical evidence of improvements with regards to availability, performance, and resource usage. To show iFlow's adaptivity, these tools will also allow us to control the demonstration situation including injecting different types of failures.
Vibrational dynamics of isolated hydrogen in germanium

Absorption line shapes associated with the stretch mode of bond-center hydrogen (H ( + ) B C at 1794 cm - 1 and the twofold degenerate mode of hydrogen near the tetrahedral site (H ( - ) ) at 745 cm - 1 in germanium are measured with infrared-absorption spectroscopy. The H ( + ) B C line shape measured at 10 K for the case of low hydrogen concentrations gives a lifetime between 15 and 23 ps. Similar in magnitude to the 7.8′0.2 ps observed for the same defect in silicon [M. Budde et al, Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, 1452 (2000)]. this observation indicates that the lifetime of the bond-centered mode is largely insensitive to the phonon frequency distributions of the host material. Pure dephasing dynamics of hydrogen in germanium are studied by measuring the shape of the 1794- and 745-cm - 1 lines as a function of temperature. These measurements are analyzed using a recently formulated exchange model for vibrational dephasing. The temperature dependence of the 1794-cm - 1 line shape is attributed to thermal fluctuations in the occupation number of a pseudolocalized mode at 75′2 cm - 1 .
Grid Validations for Downburst Simulations

Downbursts, which resulted from the flow downdraft in thunderstorms, have become one of the most destructive disasters to buildings including transmission towers, etc. This disaster has drawn researchers’ interests and progresses have been continuously made by employing test and numerical tools. Accounting for the grid validations in the numerical simulation of downbursts, eight grids with different grid point distributions are generated, and then their corresponding flow fields are calculated by solving Navier-Stokes equations. The numerical results are compared with test results to investigate the influence of grid distributions onto numerical results. The results indicate that, numerical fidelity could be improved by refining grids in the zone with strong horizontal wind; while local grid refinement at inlet boundary could deteriorate numerical accuracy when the grid point number is kept constant, hence uniform grid distribution is recommended at inlet boundary without any grid refinement.
Dietary Fiber Binding of Bile Acid through Mineral Supplementation

Iron and/or calcium were added to psyllium, guar gum, locust bean gum, citrus rag, high methoxy pectin, and low methoxy pectin. This mixture was then incubated with either cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid, or taurocholic acid to evaluate the effect of minerals on fiber-bile acid binding. The addition of iron with or without calcium increased the binding of deoxycholic acid to all fibers (p≤0.01 and p≤0.025) except low methoxy pectin. Iron and calcium caused increased binding of high methoxy pectin to all bile acids (p≤0.01 and p≤0.025). Dietary fiber's ability to bind certain bile acids may be maximized through mineral supplementation.
Formation and characterization of mixed micelles of the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 with egg, dipalmitoyl, and dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholines.

Mixed micelles of the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 and egg phosphatidylcholine were isolated by column chromatography on 6% agarose and by centrifugation at 35,000g. It was found that egg phosphatidylcholine bilayers are able to incorporate Triton X-100 at molar ratios of Triton to phospholipid below about 1:1, whereas above a molar ratio of about 2:1 Triton/phospholipid all of the phospholipid is converted into mixed micelles. Mixed micelles at a molar ratio of about 10:1 Triton/phospholipid were found to be in the same size range as pure micelles of Triton X-100. The formation of mixed micelles with dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine at room temperature, when the phospholipid is below its thermotropic phase transition, is shown to require relatively high concentrations of Triton X-100. The point at which dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine bilayers are converted to mixed micelles was found to be less clear cut than with egg phosphatidylcholine, but above a molar ratio of about 2:1 Triton/phospholipid, all of this phospholipid is also in mixed micelles. The relevance of these results to the solubilization of membrane-bound proteins with Triton X-100 and the action of phospholipase A2, which hydrolyzes phosphatidylcholine when it is in mixed micelles with Triton X-100, is discussed.
EFFECTIVE AND SCALABLE TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A REPORT OF THE FORMATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

This study is a qualitative analysis of data collected during a yearlong series of teacher learning community meetings and classroom observations. The participants are middle and high school mathematics teachers from 2 school districts. Teachers were introduced to the research behind formative assessment and how to apply that research to their teaching during a 3-day summer workshop. Teachers then met monthly in small school-based groups to deepen their understanding of formative assessment and to talk about their own classroom experiences. The analyses focused on how teachers' understanding changed over time, how the teacher learning communities supported the teachers, how learning translated into classroom practice, and the factors that supported or hindered the development of teachers' understanding and practice. Lessons learned during the study itself and from subsequent analyses of the data had a significant impact on the development of ETS's Keeping Learning on Track® program.
Learning to play like a human : Case injected genetic algorithms for strategic computer gaming

We use case injected genetic algorithms to learn how to competently play computer strategy games that involve long range planning across complex dynamics. Imperfect knowledge presented to players requires them adapt their strategies in order to anticipate opponent moves. We focus on the problem of acquiring knowledge learned from human players, in particular we learn general routing information from a human player in the context of a strike force planning game. By incorporating case injection into a genetic algorithm, we show methods for incorporating general knowledge elicited from human players into future plans. In effect allowing the GA to take important strategic elements from human play and merging those elements into its own strategic thinking. Results show that with an appropriate representation, case injection is effective at biasing the genetic algorithm toward producing plans that contain important strategic elements used by human players.
The analgesic tropane analogue (±)-SM 21 has a high affinity for σ2 receptors

The analgesic properties of the tropane analogue (+/-)-SM 21 have been attributed to the antagonism of presynaptic m2 receptors resulting in a potentiation of acetylcholine release. However, drugs targeting a number of other neurotransmitter receptors have been shown to enhance acetylcholine release. In the current study, in vitro studies were conducted in order to determine the affinity of (+/-)-SM 21 for serotonin 5-HT3, 5-HT4, and sigma receptors. Our results indicate that (+/-)-SM 21, and its structural congeners, have a relatively high affinity for sigma2 receptors relative to their reported affinity for muscarinic receptors. The higher affinity for sigma2 versus sigma1 receptors indicates that (+/-)-SM 21 may be a suitable lead compound for developing sigma2-selective ligands.
Comparative studies of the physical state of the lipid phase of normal and hypercholesterolemic very low density lipoprotein

Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) were prepared from the serum of rabbits at various stages of hypercholesterolemia (95--1665 mg cholesterol/100 ml of serum). The most notable chemical change in hypercholesterolemic (hc) VLDL was the greatly increased content of cholesteryl esters and the greatly decreased content of triglycerides, compared to normal (n) VLDL. Structurally, the lipid region of n VLDL possessed a much lower microviscosity than did hc VLDL, when analyzed by fluorescence polarization and pyrene eximer methods. The microviscosity of the redispersed n VLDL lipid extract was considerably greater than the observed in n VLDL; but less than that of hc VLDL. Incorporation of pyrene into the lipid region of n VLDL and hc VLDL allowed assessment of various properties of the surface and hydrocarbon regions of these lipoproteins. Only slight differences were found in the pyrene monomer 3 : 1 fluorescence emission peak ratios, and in the rate constant for quenching of pyrene by O2. However, the quenching rate constant of pyrene by I- and iodoheptane were different for each lipoprotein.
Group Work as an Antidote to the Isolation of Bearing an Invisible Stigma

ABSTRACT This article examines the experience of social stigma, both visible and invisible, faced by many of the clients seen in social work groups. The author uses the work of Goffman (1963) as a theoretical base for a discussion of the dilemmas of coping with stigma, especially when it is invisible to others. After reviewing related literature, the author reflects on common themes in group work with incest survivors and the infertile. Emphasis is placed on the immediate benefits of seeing and hearing others who live with the same stigma. Implications for practice are presented.
Osteogenic protein-1 promotes the synthesis and retention of extracellular matrix within bovine articular cartilage and chondrocyte cultures.

Abstract Objective We have used recombinant osteogenic protein-1 to investigate our hypothesis that proper repair and maintenance of cartilage requires not only enhanced biosynthesis and replenishment of the extracellular matrix but also the enhancement of components necessary for matrix retention. Design The effects of osteogenic protein-1 were examined on bovine articular cartilage slices as well as isolated chondrocytes grown in alginate beads. Cartilage slices were examined for accumulation of proteoglycan by incorporation of 35 S-sulfate and staining using Safranin O or, a biotinylated probe specific for hyaluronan. Bovine chondrocytes were characterized by use of a particle exclusion assay, in-situ hybridization, quantitative-competitive RT-PCR and a hyaluronan-binding assay. Results Osteogenic protein-1 treatment substantially enhanced the accumulation of hyaluronan and proteoglycan within cartilage tissue slices. As with the tissue, osteogenic protein-1 enhanced the size of cell-associated matrices assembled and retained by chondrocytes in vitro . This enhanced matrix assembly was paralleled by an increased expression of mRNA for aggrecan, hyaluronan synthase-2 and CD44. Of the two hyaluronan synthase genes expressed by chondrocytes, only hyaluronan synthase-2 was upregulated by osteogenic protein-1. Coupled with the increase in the CD44 mRNA was an increase in functional hyaluronan binding activity present at the chondrocyte cell surface. Conclusions These results demonstrate that osteogenic protein-1 stimulates not only the synthesis of the major cartilage extracellular matrix component aggrecan, but also two associated molecules necessary for the retention of aggrecan, namely hyaluronan and CD44.
Ideals of closed categories

A complete closed poset can be viewed as a commutative monoid in the closed category SI of complete lattices and sup-preserving maps. A lax adjunction between closed posets and the 2-category CSI of symmetric, monoidal closed categories over sup-lattices is described. This makes use of categories of ‘modules’ over a closed poset. If V is a suitably complete and cocomplete symmetric monoidal closed category, it is shown that the subobjects of the unit for ⊗ in V form a closed poset. The functoriality of this ideal construction is investigated; it is functorial in two different ways depending upon the type of morphism we consider for our closed categories. It alternately provides a right lax or right colax adjoint to the inclusion of closed posets into the 2-category of closed categories under consideration.
Outcome after colectomy for Clostridium difficile colitis.

Clostridium difficile colitis is a relatively common entity, yet large series of patients with fulminant C. difficile colitis are infrequently reported. This study was designed to identify risk factors, clinical characteristics, and outcome of patients who required colectomy for fulminant C. difficile colitis. A population-based study on all patients in 159 hospitals of the Department of Veterans Affairs from 1997 to 2001 was performed. Data were compiled from several national computerized Department of Veterans Affairs data sets. Supplementary information including demographic information, discharge summaries, operative reports, and pathology reports were obtained from local medical records. Patient variables were entered into a computerized database and analyzed using the Pearson chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests. Statistical significance was designated as P < 0.05. Sixty-seven patients (mean age, 69 (range, 40–86) years; 99 percent males) were identified. All 67 patients had C. difficile verified in the colectomy specimens. Thirty-six of 67 patients (54 percent) developed C. difficile colitis during a hospitalization for an unrelated illness, and 30 of 36 patients (87 percent) after a surgical procedure. Thirty-one of 67 (46 percent) developed C. difficile colitis at home. There was no history of diarrhea in 25 of 67 patients (37 percent). Thirty of 67 patients (45 percent) presented in shock (blood pressure, <90 mmHg). Forty-three of 67 patients (64 percent) presented with an acute surgical abdomen. Mean white blood cell count was 27.2; mean percent bands was 12. Twelve of 67 patients (18 percent) had a negative C. difficile colitis stool assay. Abdominal computed tomography correctly diagnosed 45 of 46 patients (98 percent) who were imaged. Twenty-six of 67 patients (39 percent) underwent colonoscopy; all 26 were found to have severe inflammation or pseudomembranes. Fifty-three of 67 patients (80 percent) underwent total colectomy; 14 of 67 underwent segmental colonic resection. Perforation and infarction were found in 59 of 67 patients (58 percent) at surgery. Overall mortality was 48 percent (32/67). Mean hospitalization was 36 (range, 2–297) days. Patients with fulminant C. difficile colitis often present with an unexplained abdominal illness with a marked leukocytosis that rapidly progresses to shock and peritonitis. Although frequently developed during a hospitalization and often after a surgical procedure, it may develop outside of a hospital setting. Diarrhea may be absent and stool cytology may be negative for C. difficile toxin. Perforation and infarction are frequently found at surgery. In those patients who survive, a prolonged hospitalization is common. Mortality from fulminant C. difficile colitis remains high despite surgical intervention.
Bayesian identification of nonlinear systems

Abstract The problem considered is a given plant described by a nonrandom nonlinear vector ordinary differential equation. The observed output consists of a nonlinear function of the state vector plus white noise. The plant contains an unknown constant parameter vector. Observations are made continuously in time, starting at some initial time t 0 . The initial state vector at time t 0 is also unknown. The problem is, at each time t > t 0 , to make an optimal estimate of the initial state and the parameter vector, based on the entire history of observations over the interval [ t 0 , t ]. The estimate is made in real time and continuously updated as additional data are received. A Bayesian approach is adopted. It is assumed that there is given a joint a priori distribution for the initial state and plant parameter vectors. Furthermore, this distribution is assumed to be discrete and concentrated on a finite set of points, or else adequately approximable, by such a distribution. Using the theory of absolutely continuous measures in function space, the joint conditional probability distribution for the initial state and parameter, given the history of the observations, is derived. The optimal estimate adopted is the mean of this distribution. By use of the theory of stochastic differential equations, it is shown how the optimal recursive estimator can be realized as a linear stochastic differential equation of finite dimension, followed by some algebraic operations. The practical problem of mechanizing this estimator is discussed in some detail. It is shown how the real-time computational burden may be minimized by precomputing a certain family of functions. Finally, the relation of this scheme to other comtemporary nonlinear filtering problems is discussed, as well as the implications of the assumptions made concerning the a priori distribution.
Age Discrimination in Layoffs: Factors of Injustice

ABSTRACT. This paper considers two sets ethical obligations owed by a firm and its management to stockholders and employees with respect to layoffs. Literature and research from ethics and agency are used to frame ethical issues that pertain to age discrimination in layoffs. An actual court case provides an example for focus, analysis, and discussion. Points of discussion include management’s obligations to employees and factors of injustice related to prejudice against age.
Spectral dimensionality of random superconducting networks

We compute the spectral dimensionality d\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{} of random superconducting-normal networks by directly examining the low-frequency density of states at the percolation threshold. We find that d\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}=4.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 and 5.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 in two and three dimensions, respectively, which confirms the scaling relation d\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}=2d/(2-s/\ensuremath{\nu}), where s is the superconducting exponent and \ensuremath{\nu} the correlation-length exponent for percolation. We also consider the one-dimensional problem where scaling arguments predict, and our numerical simulations confirm, that d\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}=0. A simple argument provides an expression for the density of states of the localized high-frequency modes in this special case. We comment on the connection between our calculations and the ``termite'' problem of a random walker on a random superconducting-normal network and point out difficulties in inferring d\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{} from simulations of the termite problem.
Coupling reactions of alkynes with half-open titanocenes: Agostic (C–C) → Ti interactions in a tetra(alkyne) coupling product with the Ti(C5H5)(c-C8H11) fragment

The reaction of the half-open titanocene Ti(C 5 H 5 )( c -C 8 H 11 )(PMe 3 ) ( c -C 8 H 11 = cyclooctadienyl) with four equivalents of PhC 2 SiMe 3 has been found to lead to an unusual, very electron deficient coupling product, containing both metallacyclobutane and metallacyclobutene fragments. Structural studies of both complexes have been carried out, and for the latter reveal apparent (C–C) → Ti agostic interactions in both the metallacyclobutane and metallacyclobutene fragments.
Pursuing Political Persuasion: War and Peace Frames in the United States after September 11th

Despite the prominence of framing analysis in social movement research, the ways that power-holders and challengers attempt to persuade the general public remain under-theorized. We develop a multidimensional typology of what content producers frequently anticipate will make their frames potent. Moreover, we argue that several contextual factors influence which of these dimensions are emphasized in frames. To assess these propositions, we conducted an analysis of statements issued by President Bush and 10 US peace movement organizations following the September 11th attacks. Both sides touched upon all dimensions. President Bush's statements took advantage of discursive and emotional opportunities in crafting messages supportive of war and repression. Illustrating their strategic nature, PMO statements either appropriated or rejected dominant discourses for any single dimension. While peace groups took advantage of emotional opportunities, oppositional cultures curtailed their use of discursive opportuniti...
On the origin of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) in the supraoptic crest.

Abstract The level of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) in the supraoptic crest did not change after surgical isolation of the hypothalamus. Thus, axons with their cell bodies in the medial basal hypothalamus do not appear to carry LH-RH to the supraoptic crest.
Telomerization of Amines Mediated by Cationic N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Palladium Complexes

The synthesis and characterization of novel [(NHC)Pd(allyl)]X complexes (where NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene and X is a counteranion) are reported. The complexes with a general formula [(IPr)Pd(allyl)(S)]X (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene, X = BF4 (1) or PF6 (2)) have been structurally characterized by single-crystal diffraction studies and adopt a distorted square-planar geometry and include a coordinated solvent molecule (S). These cationic complexes promote the rapid and selective combination of 1,3-butadiene and amine into telomers. The active complexes are conveniently prepared in situ and display activity even at very low catalyst loadings. Operating temperatures are mild and can be as low as room temperature. Both secondary and primary amines are cleanly converted to the corresponding telomers.
The krull dimension of skew laurent extensions of commutative nofthepian rings

(1984). The krull dimension of skew laurent extensions of commutative nofthepian rings. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 12, No. 11, pp. 1301-1310.
Exploration of Hands-On Discovery Pedagogy in Heat Transfer

Recent research in the development of the “Thermal and Transport Concept Inventory” test (TTCI) has shown that, despite completing several related courses, students have significant misconceptions of heat transfer principles such as the differences between heat, energy and temperature. This lack of conceptual understanding limits students’ problem-solving abilities (and thus their transition to expertise) and their ability to transfer knowledge to other courses and contexts. This research demonstrates how this problem can be addressed by integrating hands-on workshops into a traditional heat transfer lecture course. The workshops are designed to actively engage students in exploration and discovery using authentic problems. Using heat flux sensors allows students to physically observe abstract phenomena that cannot be easily observed.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The Role of Victim Beliefs in the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict: Risk or Potential for Peace?

This article discusses the role of victim beliefs in intergroup relations, as well as characteristics of victim beliefs and the processes by which they instigate and sustain violence, focusing on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. This article then argues that victim beliefs do not inevitably contribute to violence. Instead, victim beliefs that recognize similarities of experiences between victim groups may give rise to empathy and prosocial behavior toward outgroups, even toward the other party in the conflict. Finally, this article reviews case studies and interventions that support this view and discusses underlying social psychological processes and conditions that limit or enhance constructive, inclusive victim beliefs and their potential to improve intergroup relations throughout the world.
Data versioning techniques for internet transaction management

An Internet transaction is a transaction that involves communication over the Internet using standard Internet protocols such as HTTPS. Such transactions are widely used in Internet-based applications such as e-commerce. With the growth of the Internet, the volume and complexity of Internet transactions are rapidly increasing. We present data versioning techniques that can reduce the complexity of managing Internet transactions and improve their scalability and reliability. These techniques have been implemented using standard database technology, without any change in database kernel. Our initial empirical results argue for the effectiveness of these techniques in practice.
Design of a process variation tolerant CMOS opamp in 6H-SiC technology for high-temperature operation

A process variation tolerant silicon carbide CMOS operational amplifier intended for high-temperature operation with a tunable phase margin and unity-gain bandwidth is presented. A novel bias circuit is provided such that the voltage gain of the operational amplifier is insensitive to large threshold voltage and mobility variations. An output stage along with an adaptive biasing technique is developed to produce a full rail-to-rail output voltage swing and a low output resistance. To achieve a large phase margin in the presence of large process variations, a compensation structure using a tunable external voltage is also proposed.
Paraprofessionals in Special Education: Issues for Teacher Educators

Paraprofessionals have been employed by school districts to fulfill various roles in the educational process for many years. Currently, there are over 250, 000 paraprofessionals working in special ...
Synthesis and biological evaluation of two agents for imaging estrogen receptor β by positron emission tomography: challenges in PET imaging of a low abundance target

Introduction Independent measurement of the levels of both the estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, in breast cancer could improve prediction of benefit from endocrine therapies. While ERα levels can be measured by positron emission tomography (PET) using 16α-[18F]fluoroestradiol (FES), no effective agent for imaging ERβ by PET has yet been reported.
Humans and technology in the Anthropocene: Six rules

Humans play an essential role in creating the technological systems of the Anthropocene, but, nonetheless, large-scale technology – the ‘technosphere’ – operates according to a quasi-autonomous dyn...
An Interpersonal Analysis of Pathological Personality Traits in DSM-5

The proposed changes to the personality disorder section of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) places an increased focus on interpersonal impairment as one of the d...
Nilpotent Lie Algebras with a Small Second Derived Quotient 1

Here we find the structure of nilpotent Lie algebras L with dim(L′/L″) = 3 and L″ ≠ 0. Following the pattern of results of Csaba Schneider in p-groups, we show that L is the central direct sum of ideals H and U, where U is the direct sum of a generalized Heisenberg Lie algebra and an abelian Lie algebra. We then find over the complex numbers that H falls into one of fourteen isomorphism classes.
Design and analysis of a distributed and fair access (DFA) MAC protocol for multihop wireless networks

The Distributed and Fair Access (DFA) protocol is proposed for multihop wireless networks. The proposed protocol eliminates several problems existed in the original binary countdown (BCD) algorithm, such as lack of fairness, data collision and the inefficiency of channel usage, by introducing hidden station elimination and second chance channel contention that are suitable for multihop networks. Further in this paper, numerical analysis of modeling the behavior of DFA in multihop networks are presented. With low computational complexity, the proposed model estimates the transmission probability and the channel throughput. In our analysis, the data transmission influenced by the remote stations is carefully monitored and analyzed. Our extensive simulation results have verified the proposed model and demonstrated the superior performance of DFA comparing with other existing MAC protocols including the IEEE 802.11 and SYN-MAC. Equipped with many attractive features such as high efficiency, fairness, simplicity and robustness, DFA can be served as a promising alternative MAC protocol for the distributed wireless networks.
Current Therapeutic Approach in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by decreased exercise capacity and fluid retention in the setting of preserved left ventricular systolic function and evidence of abnormal diastolic function. Therapeutic strategies include pharmacologic agents, pacing, baroreflex modification, diet, and exercise. Despite symptomatic and hemodynamic improvements with some therapies, large clinical trials have not demonstrated a clear improvement in clinical outcomes. The current management of patients with HFpEF is directed to symptomatic relief of congestion with diuretics and risk factor modification. In this article, we summarize the available evidence base for potential targets of therapy.
Oral manifestations of leukemia in children

Abstract Thirty-four child patients were randomly selected and examined at each visit to Roswell Park Memorial Institute. Their mouths were examined, any gingivitis in the anterior labial portion of the mouth was charted, and this area was photographed. The medications, blood reports, and any other pertinent information were recorded. Four autopsy specimens were procured. The main objective of the study was to determine what oral lesions were present and whether these lesions would lead the dentist to suspect a blood disorder, such as leukemia. The answer, in brief, is that the oral manifestations of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, such as gingivitis and an occasional drug-produced ulcer, are generally not sufficient to cause most dentists to suspect this disease, even though leukemic infiltration is present, as seen in autopsy specimens. If the dentist will examine the head and neck region, even though the child patient is not of “cancer age,” he will find that at least 67.6 per cent of the time cervical lymph nodes are palpable before treatment and diagnosis of leukemia have been established.
The significance of Babinski signs in children with head trauma

A prospective study was undertaken to investigate the significance of Babinski signs in children with head trauma. Thirty-eight children between the ages of 1 and 15 were studied. Twenty-four of the children were admitted to the hospital for observation; 14 were sent home, with 24-hour follow-up in the pediatrics clinic. Of the 24 children admitted, six were believed to have altered CNS status or other focal findings on examination in the emergency department, and 18 were judged by two independent observers to have Babinski signs, either unilateral or bilateral, as their only neurological finding. Twelve hours after admission, all 18 children who had been admitted on the basis of Babinski signs alone had downgoing toes and they continued to have Babinski signs. The isolated presence of Babinski signs in a child with a history of head injury is not indicative of poor neurological outcome. An otherwise asymptomatic child who presents with a history of head injury and a solitary finding of Babinski sign(s) may be observed safely at home rather than being admitted to the hospital for observation.
Observations and other characteristics of thermals

Experiments have been performed to explore the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of thermals which ascend through the fluid environment above a heated horizontal surface. With water as the participating fluid, an electrochemical technique was employed which made the flow field visible and facilitated the direct observation of thermals. Measurements were also made of the fluid temperature above an active site of thermal generation.As seen in flow field photographs, a thermal has a mushroom-like appearance, with a blunted nearly hemispherical cap. At a given heating rate, thermals are generated at fixed sites which are spaced more or less regularly along the span of the heated surface. At these sites, the generation of thermals is periodic in time, thereby validating a prediction of Howard. Both the spatial frequency of the sites and the rate of thermal production increase with increases in heating rate. The break-up Rayleigh number of the conduction layer is shown to be a constant (within the uncertainties of the experiment), which is in accord with Howard's phenomenological model.
FIBRIN GLUE ASSISTED 3-SUTURE VASOVASOSTOMY

Purpose: We report on the early results of fibrin glue assisted, 3-suture microsurgical vasovasostomy (FGV) technique in humans. Materials and Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval, 42 patients were enrolled prospectively from October 2002 to March 2004. Patients underwent microsurgical 3-suture vasovasostomy with completion of the anastomosis with fibrin sealant. Patient and partner age, obstructive interval, female fertility status, gross appearance and presence of sperm on microscopic examination of vasal fluid, operative time, and pregnancy were noted. Semen analysis (SA) was obtained at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively. Results: Of 42 patients 39 had postoperative SA. Mean followup was 6.2 months (range 1.5 to 12). Mean operative time was 79.4 minutes (range 50 to 120). The overall patency rate was 85% (33 of 39). Patency rate according to obstructive interval less than 3 years was 100%, 3 to 8 years 94%, 9 to 14 years 69% and 15 years or more was 67%. Patency rate with sperm on intraoperative SA was 96% (27 of 28) and 55% (6 of 11) with sperm absent. Nine pregnancies have been documented. Conclusions: FGV is potentially less time-consuming than standard microsurgical vasovasostomy, and may be appropriate for patients with sperm on intraoperative SA or a negative intraoperative SA, and an obstructive interval of 10 years or less. Patients without these findings should be considered for vasoepididymostomy. While the early results of FGV are promising, a larger study group with the ability to obtain longer followup is required to definitively establish equivalency to standard microsurgical vasovasostomy.