cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resonant Nanoelectromechanical Systems (NEMS): Progress and Emerging Frontiers

Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), marked by genuinely nanoscale feature sizes, represent new possibilities for devices and systems in the regime of salient size reduction beyond the established mainstream microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Amongst the families of NEMS being actively engineered for various applications, resonant NEMS that operate in their engineerable vibrational modes, are the workhorses for delivering some of the most compelling progress and applications of NEMS today, and serve as a backbone for framing the future horizons of NEMS, in both fundamental scientific explorations and technological adventures. In this paper, we present a brief overview of the development of resonant NEMS, describe some of the recent advances enabled by engineering low-dimensional nanostructures of new crystalline materials into functional devices and by exploring NEMS-centric device physics in such platforms, and discuss on emerging frontiers and challenges that continue to inspire advances in NEMS.
The Stress-Immune Response in Acute Hyperglycemic Stroke

Diabetic and hyperglycemic stroke patients have worse clinical outcome, higher mortality rates, larger infarcts, and more severe neurological disability than euglycemic individuals. The reasons for the worse outcome in diabetes are poorly understood, but may not be fully explained by hyperglycemia alone. The objective of this prospective clinical study was to explore whether there is an association between the stress-immune response and clinical outcomes in the hyperglycemic state. Circulating immune cells including neutrophils, monocytes, B-cells and subpopulations of T-lymphocytes were measured over 96 hours post stroke in both hyperglycemic and euglycemic patients. Cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured daily over 4 days in the acute post-stroke phase. Short- and long-term neurological outcomes were assessed by the NIH stroke scale, modified Ranking scale and discharge disposition. Discharge dispositions were captured at discharge and 90 days post stroke. Data on infection rates and all course mortality were collected during the hospital stay and at 3 months follow up. Hyperglycemic stroke patients had worse clinical outcomes, more in-hospital infections, less favorable discharge dispositions and higher mortality rates. Hyperglycemic individuals had higher cortisol and CRP levels, higher peripheral neutrophil concentrations and suppressed lymphocyte levels compared to their euglycemic counterparts. Our data suggests an altered stress-immune response in the hyperglycemic state following acute ischemic stroke which could contribute to the poor clinical outcome in this high risk group. Key words Key words: Diabetes, hyperglycemia, ischemic stroke, lymphocytes, neutrophils
Survey of Thysanoptera Using Colored Sticky Card Traps in Florida, USA, Olive Groves

Olives are a potential emerging crop for the state of Florida, USA, and the pest arthropods in commercial groves in the state are under-studied. Thrips (order Thysanoptera) are an almost ubiquitous concern among specialty crop growers in Florida. Yellow and blue sticky card traps were used to survey the canopies of trees in 4 North Central Florida olive groves to determine thrips abundance and distribution over 2 growing seasons. Of the 16 species of thrips identified, most were Frankliniella spp., with Florida flower thrips, Frankliniella bispinosa (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), being the most abundant species for both yr. Yellow traps were more effective for most species of thrips, although several species were more abundant on blue traps. No consistent differences between yr existed. Although overall abundance of flower feeding thrips species coincided with flowering events in the olive orchards, there was insufficient flowering to make statistical correlations between the peak of thrips abundance and flowering events in the olive groves. The results of this study will be useful in informing future economic threshold analyses of Thysanoptera in Florida olive groves. Resumen Las aceitunas son un cultivo potencial emergente para el Estado de la Florida, EE. UU., y los artropodos plagas en los bosques comerciales del estado estan poco estudiados. Los trips (orden Thysanoptera) son una preocupacion casi omnipresente entre los productores de cultivos especializados en la Florida. Se usaron trampas adhesivas amarillas y azules para examinar las copas de los arboles en 4 olivares del norte central de la Florida para determinar la abundancia y distribucion de trips durante 2 temporadas de crecimiento. De las 16 especies de trips identificadas, la mayoria fueron Frankliniella spp., con el trips de flores de la Florida, Frankliniella bispinosa (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), siendo la especie mas abundante para ambos anos. Las trampas amarillas fueron mas efectivas para la mayoria de las especies de trips, aunque varias especies fueron mas abundantes en las trampas azules. No existieron diferencias consistentes entre los anos. Aunque la abundancia general de especies de trips que se alimentan de las flores coincidio con los eventos de floracion en los huertos de olivos, no hubo suficiente floracion para hacer correlaciones estadisticas entre el pico de abundancia de trips y los eventos de floracion en los olivares. Los resultados de este estudio seran utiles para informar futuros analisis de umbral economico de los Thysanoptera en los olivares de la Florida. Key Words: thrips; flower pest; Frankliniella bispinosa; Homalodisca vitripennis; olives; Olea europaea View this article in BioOne
Fausto Coppola, escritor del "Pierre Menard"

El narrador cuenta la historia de su amigo Fausto Coppola, un ingeniero ajeno a la literatura. Fausto llega a leer el Quijote pero revela ciertos aspectos extranos. Su amigo, el narrador, intenta ayudarle en su dilema quijotesco y nos damos cuenta como Fausto empieza a sospechar de elementos literarios y de la escritura no solo en la literatura, sino en la filosofia tambien. Con estas revelaciones, Fausto Coppola intenta salvar lo que es el Quijote.
Developing Kabuli Chickpea (Cicier arietinum L.) Genotypes for Drought Prone Environment and Utilization and Nutritional Assessment in the Eastern Amahara

Eight promising chickpea genotypes advanced from preliminary yield trial to multi environments trial were evaluated for their yield performance to the moisture stress areas and their utilization from 2009/10 and 2012/13 cropping season. The experiment was conducted at three locations viz, Sirinka, Chefa and Kobo using randomized complete block design with three replications. The additive multiplicative interaction model was used to analyze the data. The combined analysis of variance over years and locations revealed that there were highly significant differences among chickpea genotypes in yield and yield component traits. Based on the analysis of genotype ICC-14808 were better performing in all agronomic and yield parameter. The candidate genotypes were evaluated, validated and verified for release by the National Variety Releasing Committee. The yield potential of the genotype was 3.7 tons ha-1 at research station. ICC-14808 genotypes have a 45% of yield advantage over the standard check (Shasho). The candidate genotype has 35gm of 100 seed weight that fulfilled the required standard for export, and it was a drought tolerant that grows in area where all other cool season pulse crops couldn’t grow very well. Based on the evaluation and assessment, genotype ICC-14808 was released for farmers in the Eastern Amhara. The breeder designates the variety to be called now and then Yelbe. The utilization and quality assessments of the farmers were explained in the papers.
Lack of Physical Activity Associated with Higher Rates of Severe COVID-19 Outcomes

Background: Of the studies examining risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes, none have examined inadequate physical activity (PA). We compared hospitalization rates, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and mortality for COVID-19 patients who were inactive, inconsistently active, or regularly physically active. Methods: This retrospective observational study was done at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. We identified 48,440 adult patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis from January 1, 2020 to October 21, 2020, with at least two Exercise Vital Sign (EVS) measurements from March 19, 2018 to March 18, 2020. We linked each patient’s self-reported PA category (consistently inactive = 0-10 min/week, inconsistently active = 11-149 min/week, consistently active = 150+ min/week) to risk of hospitalization, ICU admission and death after COVID-19 diagnosis. We conducted multivariate logistic regression controlling for known risk factors to assess whether regular PA was associated with COIVD -19 outcomes. Findings: COVID-19 patients who were consistently inactive were more likely to be hospitalized (OR 2.26; 95% CI: 1.81, 2.83), admitted to the ICU (OR= 1.73; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.55) and die (OR 2.49; 95% CI: 1.33, 4.67) than patients who were consistently active. Patients who were inconsistently active were more likely to be hospitalized (OR 1.89; 95% CI: 1.53, 2.33), admitted to the ICU (OR 1.58; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.27) and die (OR 1.88; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.47) compared to those who were consistently active. Patients who were consistently inactive had a greater risk of being hospitalized (OR= 1.20; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.32), admitted to the ICU (OR 1.10; 95% CI: 0.93, 1.29) and death (OR 1.32; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.60) than patients who were inconsistently active. Interpretations: Regular PA is a strong, modifiable independent risk factor for protecting against severe COVID-19 outcomes. Pandemic control measures should prioritize supporting regular PA to lessen COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Funding Statement: This study was in part supported through funding from the Kaiser Permanente Community Benefits Funds. Declaration of Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest except Dr. Tartof reports grants from Roche/Genentech, Inc., during the conduct of the study. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the KPSC Institutional Review Board.
Right-wing populism, the reasonable, and the limits of ideal theory: A reply to Gila Stopler

This article replies to Gila Stopler’s critique of John Rawls’s Political Liberalism. It argues that there are two strands in Stopler’s arguments. The first is Stopler’s critique of Political Liberalism for its accommodation of “right-wing populism.” This article argues that “right-wing populism” is not a “reasonable comprehensive view” under Rawls’s theory. Thus, Political Liberalism does not accommodate this view; it excludes it from the possibility of a reasonable overlapping consensus. The second strand in Stopler’s article can be interpreted as an invitation to think about the value of idealization in political theory. More concretely, this article argues that Stopler’s claims can be read as suggesting that political liberalism’s flaw is not that it tolerates illiberal views, but that it tells us little about how to achieve and maintain an overlapping consensus about justice in the kind of societies we actually inhabit. This article briefly argues that this critique deserves attention, especially given the circumstances of today’s societies, where extreme views are not uncommon and the effects of climate change threaten the very possibility of justice.
High-entropy materials for catalysis: A new frontier

Entropy plays a pivotal role in catalysis, and extensive research efforts have been directed to understanding the enthalpy-entropy relationship that defines the reaction pathways of molecular species. On the other side, surface of the catalysts, entropic effects have been rarely investigated because of the difficulty in deciphering the increased complexities in multicomponent systems. Recent advances in high-entropy materials (HEMs) have triggered broad interests in exploring entropy-stabilized systems for catalysis, where the enhanced configurational entropy affords a virtually unlimited scope for tailoring the structures and properties of HEMs. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the discovery and design of HEMs for catalysis. The correlation between compositional and structural engineering and optimization of the catalytic behaviors is highlighted for high-entropy alloys, oxides, and beyond. Tuning composition and configuration of HEMs introduces untapped opportunities for accessing better catalysts and resolving issues that are considered challenging in conventional, simple systems.
Balancing LGBTQIA Rights and Religious Liberties – Commentary on the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Lecture

On February 1, 2019, Professors Jocelyn Samuels, Alan Brownstein, and Maimon Schwarzschild commented on the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Lecture delivered by former EEOC Commissioner Chai Feldblum, Religious Liberty and LGBTQIA Rights: Finding the Right Balance. Among the topics addressed were whether there are common principles that support protecting both religious liberty and LGBTQ+ rights; whether religious exemption claims relating to the LGBTQ+ community should be treated the same as racial discrimination and exemptions to laws prohibiting racial discrimination; what criteria should influence whether a religious exemption is appropriate; and whether an entity receiving federal funding should be able to raise religious exemptions relating to the LGBTQ+ community.
Social norm interventions as a tool for pro-climate change.

Abstract Social norms interventions (SNIs) are a robust and widely used tool for addressing climate change. SNIs targeting second-order climate beliefs can be used to correct normative misperceptions, close the partisan gap, and increase support for climate policy. They can also be harnessed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by targeting behaviors such as home energy conservation. A large body of current research supports the effectiveness of the SNI and provides guidance for how to optimize outreach and promote climate-relevant behaviors that are currently performed by only a minority of people.
Clinical trial data and emerging immunotherapeutic strategies: hormone receptor-positive, HER2- negative breast cancer

While checkpoint inhibitors have been approved in patients with newly metastatic PDL1-positive triple negative breast cancer, similar clinical benefit with immunotherapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy has not been observed in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2− negative breast cancer in the metastatic setting. However, in the ISPY2 trial, an increase in pathologic response has been observed with the addition of immunotherapy (± PARP inhibition) to chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone in patients with high-risk hormone receptor-positive, HER2− breast cancer. We review strategies to enhance the immunotherapeutic activity in this subtype of breast cancer, including combinations of checkpoint inhibition with chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, PARP inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors, CDK4/6 inhibitors, and radiotherapy. Combinations with agents targeting novel immunotherapeutic targets are also discussed. Though there remains an unmet need for immunotherapy approaches in patients with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer, there are a number of approaches that may lead to increased anti-tumor activity with immunotherapy in this tumor subtype.
Audit Fees and Auditor Dismissals in the Sarbanes‐Oxley Era

The accounting scandals and Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002 resulted in large increases in required audit work, and corresponding increases in audit fees for public companies. This study provides early evidence regarding the relationship between higher audit fees, both levels and changes, and auditor dismissals in the period immediately subsequent to the passage of SOX. We find that clients paying higher fees are more likely to dismiss their auditors. We also find that dismissals are associated with smaller companies, companies with going‐concern reports, and companies that later reported material weaknesses in their internal controls. Among dismissing clients, smaller Big 4 clients, paying higher fees, tend to hire non‐Big 4 successor auditors. This result holds when auditors are divided into Big 4, national, and local tiers. We also find evidence that dismissing clients, in particular clients hiring new non‐Big 4 auditors, experience smaller fee increases than nonswitching clients in the following year...
Lack of Premeditation Predicts Aberrant Behaviors Related to Prescription Opioids in Patients with Chronic Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective In light of the opioid epidemic, there is a need to identify factors that predict aberrant opioid behaviors including misuse and abuse. Impulsivity has been extensively studied in addiction literature, but not in the context of opioid misuse. Hence, this study aimed to identify which of the impulsivity facets (negative urgency, positive urgency, sensation seeking, lack of perseverance, and lack of premeditation) would predict current aberrant opioid-related behaviors in patients with chronic pain. Methods Data were collected through an online survey from patients with chronic pain who visited a tertiary pain clinic. Patients were predominately female (74%), middle aged (M = 55 years), and White/Caucasian (84%). Upon consent, they completed a series of surveys including UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale, the Current Opioid misuse Measure, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, PROMIS-anxiety, depression, and physical function, and a 0-10 numerical pain rating scale. Ordinal regression analyses were conducted to test study hypotheses. Results Contrary to expectations, only lack of premeditation predicted higher odds of aberrant opioid-related behaviors in the past 30 days, after controlling for known covariates, and explained 26% of variance. Interestingly, lack of premeditation together with pain catastrophizing as a covariate explained 56% of the variance in aberrant opioid-related behaviors. Discussion The current study is the first to identify a potential role of lack of premeditation as an impulsivity facet predicting aberrant opioid-related behaviors among patients with chronic pain.
In creatinine kinetics, the glomerular filtration rate always moves the serum creatinine in the opposite direction.

INTRODUCTION When the serum [creatinine] is changing, creatinine kinetics can still gauge the kidney function, and knowing the kinetic glomerular filtration rate (GFR) helps doctors take care of patients with renal failure. We wondered how the serum [creatinine] would respond if the kinetic GFR were tweaked. In every scenario, if the kinetic GFR decreased, the [creatinine] would increase, and vice versa. This opposing relationship was hypothesized to be universal. METHODS Serum [creatinine] and kinetic GFR, along with other parameters, are described by a differential equation. We differentiated [creatinine] with respect to kinetic GFR to test if the two variables would change oppositely of each other, throughout the gamut of all allowable clinical values. To remove the discontinuities in the derivative, limits were solved. RESULTS The derivative and its limits were comprehensively analyzed and proved to have a sign that is always negative, meaning that [creatinine] and kinetic GFR must indeed move in opposite directions. The derivative is bigger in absolute value at the higher end of the [creatinine] scale, where a small drop in the kinetic GFR can cause the [creatinine] to shoot upward, making acute kidney injury similar to chronic kidney disease in that regard. CONCLUSIONS All else being equal, a change in the kinetic GFR obligates the [creatinine] to change in the opposite direction. This does not negate the fact that an increasing [creatinine] can be compatible with a rising kinetic GFR, due to differences in how the time variable is treated.
Cellular Therapies in Nerve Regeneration

Currently, allogenic nerve transplantation is the only feasible treatment option for patients suffering from extensive peripheral nerve defects. However, it requires the use of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent allograft rejection. The most promising approach to obtain satisfactory sensory and functional restoration of large nerve defects is cellular therapy, which due to paracrine properties of cells can facilitate nerve regeneration and prevent nerve allograft rejection. Among cellular therapies that could be successfully applied in peripheral nerve regeneration are Schwann cells and mesenchymal stem cells/stromal cells (MSC), including bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and adipose tissue-derived stem cells. MSC are a great candidate for supportive cellular therapy for nerve allograft transplantation due to their immunomodulatory properties.
On Exceedance Point Processes for Stationary Sequences under Mild Oscillation Restrictions

It is known ([1]) that any point process limit for the (time normalized) exceedances of high levels by a stationary sequence is necessarily Compound Poisson, under general dependence restrictions. This results from the clustering of exceedances where the underlying Poisson points represent cluster positions, and the multiplicities correspond to cluster sizes.
Evidence for a major gene influencing 7-year increases in diastolic blood pressure with age.

The contribution of genetic factors to blood pressure levels is well established. The contribution of genes to the longitudinal change in blood pressure has been less well studied, because of the lack of longitudinal family data. The present study investigated a possible major-gene effect on the observed increase with age in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels. Subjects included 965 unmedicated adults (age {ge}18 years) in 73 pedigrees collected in Utah as part of a longitudinal cardiovascular family study. Segregation analysis of DBP change over 7.2 years of follow-up identified a recessive major-gene effect with a gene frequency of p = .23. There was also a significant age effect on the genotypic means, which decreased expression of the major gene at older ages. For those inferred to have the genotype responsible for large DBP increases, DBP increased 32.3%, compared with a 1.5% increase in the nonsusceptible group (P < .0001). The relative risk of developing hypertension between the susceptible and nonsusceptible groups after 7.2 years was 2.4 (P = .006). Baseline DBP reactivities to mental arithmetic (P < .0001) and isometric hand-grip (P < .0001) stress tests were greatest in those assigned to the susceptible genotype. We conclude that age-related changesmore » in DBP are influenced by a major gene. Characteristics of this major-gene effect for greater age-related blood pressure increases include greater reactivity to mental and physical stressors. The present study thus provides evidence for genetic control of changes in blood pressure, in addition to the previously suggested genetic control of absolute blood pressure level. 28 refs., 6 tabs.« less
Purification of Avian Myeloblastosis Virus DNA Polymerase by Affinity Chromatography on Polycytidylate-Agarose

Abstract Polycytidylic acid [poly(rC)] covalently linked to cyanogen bromide-activated agarose is an effective affinity matrix for the RNA-dependent DNA polymerase from avian myeloblastosis virus. Poly(rC)-agarose is capable of binding large quantities of avian myeloblastosis DNA polymerase, which is then eluted by using a linear KCl gradient of increasing concentration. The DNA polymerase isolated from crude, detergent-disrupted virions by a single pass through columns of poly(rC)-agarose appears nearly homogeneous (approximately 90% pure) as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis. Complete recovery of input enzymatic activity was obtained. Results suggest that polyribonucleotide columns may provide a high-yield, rapid method for the purification of oncornaviral DNA polymerase.
Studies on the electron transport system: XIX. The isolation of coenzyme Q from Azotobacter vinelandii and Torula utilis

Procedures are described for the isolation of 3 crystalline compounds of the coenzyme Q family. One of these compounds was isolated from the nonsaponifiable fraction of cells of Azotobacter vinelandii. Two distinct compounds were isolated from Torula utilis by direct solvent extraction with or without saponification. Chromatographic procedures followed by crystallization techniques are used for the final purification of these three compounds.
Knowledge Based PPS Applications in PROTOS-L

The basic concepts of the logic programming language PROTOS-L extending ordinary logic programming are briefly described, focussing on types, modules, and database access. Two of the knowledge based PPS applications that have been realized in PROTOS-L are presented. One deals with single step fiber production, and the other one supports distributed planning in a three-level PPS model of global, distributed, and local planning.
In-plane upper critical field anisotropy in Sr 2 RuO 4 and CeIrIn 5

Experiments on tetragonal Sr2RuO4 and CeIrIn5 indicate the presence of superconductivity with a multi-component superconducting order parameter. Such an order parameter should exhibit an in-plane anisotropy in the upper critical field near the superconducting transition temperature that does not occur for single-component superconductors. Here, this anisotropy is determined from microscopic calculations for arbitrary gap functions. It is shown that this anisotropy is generally not small and, in some cases, independent of impurity scattering. Furthermore, this anisotropy is calculated for many detailed microscopic models of Sr2RuO4. For these models this anisotropy is found to be large, which is in sharp contrast to the small anisotropy observed experimentally. However, an accidental cancellation of the anisotropy for gaps on different Fermi surface sheets can lead to a result that is consistent with experiment.
A quadrupole-based mass spectrometric system for the determination of noble gas abundances in fluids

[1] We present details of the operation and performance of a quadrupole mass spectrometer-based system developed for the extraction, separation, and high-precision measurement of noble gases dissolved in fluid samples. The relatively inexpensive quadrupole mass spectrometer system, employed with the isotope dilution technique, achieves a precision for He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe abundances of ±0.4%, ±0.7%, ±0.1%, ±0.8%, and ±0.9% respectively, as determined from analyses of mixed spike-air aliquots. The system has an overall accuracy of ±0.6°C on the noble gas temperature of a water sample, as determined by analyses of water samples air-equilibrated under controlled conditions. We describe improvements in calibration procedures and sample processing protocols that have led to these high-quality measurements.
Enteric Bacteria Cross-Reactive with Neisseria meningitidis Groups A and C and Diplococcus pneumoniae Types I and III

Abstract Enteric bacteria of 1,335 individual strains were studied for serological cross-reactions with Neisseria meningitidis groups A and C and Diplococcus pneumoniae types I and III. Enterobacterial antigens cross-reactive with the capsular polysaccharides of these four bacteria were found. Bacteria cross-reactive with noncapsular antigens of meningococci and pneumococci were also observed. Since some enteric bacteria possess antigens with serological specificities similar to those of meningococci, the possibility that enteric bacteria cross-reactive with meningococcal antigens provide an antigenic stimulus for the observed age-related “natural” immunity to this pathogen is discussed.
Phylogenetically vetted and stratigraphically constrained fossil calibrations within Aves

Understanding the timing of the crown radiation of birds is a major goal of avian molecular systematists and paleontologists. Despite the availability of ever-larger molecular datasets and increasingly sophisticated methods for phylogeny reconstruction and divergence time estimation, relatively little attention has been paid to outlining and applying fossil calibrations. As the avian fossil record has become better sampled, and more extinct taxa have been incorporated into a phylogenetic framework, the potential for this record to serve as a powerful source of temporal data for divergence dating analyses has increased. Nonetheless, the desire for abundant calibrations must be balanced by careful vetting of candidate fossils, especially given the prevalence of inaccurate fossil calibrations in the recent past. In this contribution, we provide seven phylogenetically vetted fossil calibrations for major divergences within crown Aves representing the splits between (1) Anatoidea, (2) Sphenisciformes, (3) Coracioidea, (4) Apodidae, (5) Coliiformes, (6) Psittaciformes, and (7) Upupiformes, and the respective extant sister taxon for each of these clades. Each calibration is based an individual specimen, which maintains the clearest possible chain of inference for converting the relevant stratigraphic horizon to a numerical date. Minimum ages for each fossil are tightly constrained and incorporate associated dating errors, and the distributions of younger fossils from the clades of interest are summarized to provide a starting point for workers interested in estimating confidence intervals or outlining prior age distribution curves. Daniel Ksepka. National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27706, USA. ksepka@nescent.org Current address: Bruce Museum, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830, USA Julia Clarke. Department of Geological Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78713, USA. julia_clarke@jsg.utexas.edu
Moral Development and Democratic Schooling.

Peter Scharf University of California Program in Social Ecology Irvine, California D emocratic participation in schooling is a rather recent phenomenon. Early American educators clearly did not intend nor believe that students should have a voice in their own education. The colonial school (Bailyn, 1966) was authoritarian, teacher-directed, and often punitive. The meaning of "democratic education," until the twentieth century, implied the problem of entrance (i.e., that all children be able to enter the "common school") and not the problem of substance (i.e., that education should be structured democratically). Only in the early twentieth century did "progressive" educators raise the possibility of democratizing the classroom itself. John Dewey, of course, was both the foremost initiator as well as narrator of this movement to democratize the school. In his view schooling in a democratic society requires democratic rhetoric. The structure of the school must reflect its stated democratic aims. He implies that if the ends of education are the creation of a democratic citizen and society, this purpose must be reflected in the "democratic organization" of the school itself. A principal who justifies using authoritarian means with a"democratic" ideology would find these ends soon obviated. Consistent with his views of education as "reflective experience," Dewey saw the school providing a natural "laboratory for democratic learning." This assumes, of course, a curriculum "which added upon and enlightened natural democratic experiences." In his Schools of To-Morrow (1906), Dewey sought to exemplify his beliefs by analyzing the most promising experiments of his day including the revolutionary Gary, Indiana, public schools (Gary Plan). Here, the students were not only involved in school-rule creation but in the democratic maintenance of the school's physical plant:
Electrostatically induced voltages about high voltage lines

Abstract Procedures by means of which the magnitudes of voltages induced on objects beneath or adjacent to high voltage transmission lines can be evaluated are discussed. These procedures are applied to a variety of practical situations which might represent a hazard to the safety of humans or animals.
Final hydrate stability conditions of a methane and propane mixture in the presence of pure water and aqueous solutions of methanol and ethylene glycol

Abstract Final hydrate stability conditions have been measured for an 88-13 mol.% methane, balance propane mixture. The aqueous phase ranged for pure water, used as the reference solution, to 1.5, 8.82, 16.20 and 22.47 mol.% ethylene glycol (corresponding to 5.00, 25.00, 40.00 and 50.00 wt.% ethylene glycol respectively) and 4.06, 9.02, and 23.22 mol.% methanol (corresponding to 7.00, 15.00, and 35.00 wt.% methanol respectively). The gas-aqueous glycol studies were conducted from 0.69 MPa (100 psia) to 17.24 MPa (2500 psia) and the aqueous methanol-gas studies ranged from 0.83 MPa (120 psia) to 17.93 MPa (2600 psia). Both solutions exhibited minima in the hydrate depression curves at high inhibitor concentrations, but not at low inhibitor concentrations. The latter behavior at low inhibitor concentrations differs both qualitatively and quantitatively from the figures of Makogon and coworkers. Since the empirical Hammerschmidt equation for the prediction of hydrate inhibition shows no pressure dependence, it was found to be inapplicable at high inhibitor concentration and high pressures. The serious discrepancies point to the need for the development of an activity-coefficient model for the prediction of hydrate inhibition. Hydrate stability conditions of a similar mixture which have been reported by Deaton and Frost show serious discrepancies at low pressure, but agree well at moderate and higher pressures.
Antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of isoprenylated coumarin mammea A/AA isolated from Mammea africana.

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance The stem bark of Mammea africana is widely distributed in tropical Africa and commonly used in traditional medicine. This study aims to identify the active compound in Mammea africana and to evaluate its antimicrobial and antiproliferative activity. Materials and methods Methanol extract from the bark of the Mammea africana was separated by liquid–liquid extraction, followed by open column chromatography. A principal antimicrobial compound was purified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and its structure was elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). The antibacterial activity of the purified compound was determined using the broth microdilution method against 7 common pathogenic bacteria. The compound was also evaluated for cytotoxicity by cell proliferation assay (MTS) using the mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line NIH 3T3 and the non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549. Results The purified active compound was determined to be mammea A/AA and was found to be highly active against Campylobacter jejuni (MIC=0.5 μg/ml), Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC=0.25 μg/ml), and Clostridium difficile (MIC=0.25 μg/ml). The compound exhibited significant antiproliferative activities against both NIH 3T3 and A549 cell lines. Conclusion Mammea A/AA isolated from Mammea africana exerts specific inhibitory activity against Campylobacter jejuni , Streptococcus pneumoniae , and Campylobacter difficile . Mammea A/AA was also found to exhibit significant cytotoxicity against both cancer and normal cell lines.
The dance of disulfide formation

Ero1p is the primary source of disulfide bonds in eukaryotes. Its crystal structure now gives us a glimpse into the elegant dance moves that accompany the formation of disulfides.
Angular Momentum Transport in Magnetized Stellar Radiative Zones. III. The Solar Light-Element Abundances

We calculate the depletion of the trace elements lithium and beryllium within a solar-mass star during the course of its evolution from the zero-age main sequence to the age of the present-day Sun. In the radiative layers beneath the convection zone, we assume that these elements are transported by the turbulent fluid motions that result from instability of the shear flow associated with internal differential rotation. This turbulent mixing is modeled as a diffusion process, using a diffusion coefficient that is taken to be proportional to the gradient of the angular velocity distribution inside the star. We study the evolution of the light-element abundances produced by rotational mixing for models in which internal angular momentum redistribution takes place either by hydrodynamic or by hydromagnetic means. Since models based on these alternative mechanisms for angular-momentum transport predict similar surface rotation rates late in the evolution, we explore the extent to which light-element abundances make it possible to distinguish between them. In the case of an internally magnetized star, our computations indicate that both the details of the surface abundance evolution and the magnitude of the depletion at solar age can depend sensitively on the assumed strength and configuration of the poloidal magnetic field inside the star. For a configuration with no direct magnetic coupling between the radiative and convective portions of the stellar interior, the depletion of lithium calibrated to the solar lithium depletion at the solar age is similar at all ages to the lithium depletion of a model in which angular-momentum transport occurs solely by hydrodynamical processes. However, the two models can be distinguished on the basis of their respective beryllium depletions, with the depletion of the magnetic model being significantly smaller than that of the nonmagnetic model.
Lattice Boltzmann method for simulating particle–fluid interactions

Abstract The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) has gained increasing popularity in the last two decades as an alternative numerical approach for solving fluid flow problems. One of the most active research areas in the LBM is its application in particle–fluid systems, where the advantage of the LBM in efficiency and parallel scalability has made it superior to many other direct numerical simulation (DNS) techniques. This article intends to provide a brief review of the application of the LBM in particle–fluid systems. The numerical techniques in the LBM pertaining to simulations of particles are discussed, with emphasis on the advanced treatment for boundary conditions on the particle–fluid interface. Other numerical issues, such as the effect of the internal fluid, are also briefly described. Additionally, recent efforts in using the LBM to obtain closures for particle–fluid drag force are also reviewed.
Entrepreneurial Masculinity, Health, and the State in Post-Socialist China

Drawing on the author’s three years’ ethnographic research of karaoke bar hostesses and male clients in the Chinese urban sex industry, this paper argues that men’s health practices are impacted by the practices of entrepreneurial masculinity and the development of social relationships with the state. In addressing the ways in which men’s health practices are impacted by social factors rather than individual factors, this research has significant implications for HIV intervention programs, which should be devised to alter men’s health practice through breaking the association of condoms with authoritarian, top-down, and coercive family planning programs and changing peer culture, peer behaviors, and peer worldviews in men’s workplaces including companies and government offices in China.
ECG SCREENING DOES NOT CAUSE UNDUE ANXIETY IN ATHLETES UNDERGOING PRE-PARTICIPATION EVALUATION

Excessive anxiety in athletes with false positive (FP) results has been cited as a major concern against electrocardiogram (ECG) screening in competitive athletes. However, this premise has never been formally evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine the psychological impact of young
Interrelationship of Damage and Strain in Particulate Composites

An investigation was conducted to establish a relationship between strain and damage in particulate composites. It was shown that damage calculated based on stiffness-loss due to dilation at particle-matrix interface can be related to strain in the composite. The concept of relating damage to strain has its strength in structural design. It implies that one can infer damage quantitatively by knowing the local strain in the laminate. Since strain can be easily measured in the structure, damage due to microcracking can be assessed by the designer in a fairly simple way.
Staff development for effective secondary schools: A synthesis of research

Abstract While recent work has synthesized some empirically supported characteristics of secondary school effectiveness, the role of staff development in establishing such characteristics has not been examined. Using a framework which categorizes these characteristics within three critical dimensions of staff development, a process of configurative mapping is carried out from the reported outcomes of staff development studies in order to illuminate associations between staff development studies and effective school variables. Two consistent patterns emerge from which broad guidelines for the conduct of staff development are described. Constraints identified by the literature in targeting staff development towards the creation of the characteristics of an effective secondary school are also discussed.
A headspace technique for the determination of volatile compounds in soil

A headspace technique was developed for the determination of volatile compounds (benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, and 1,2-dichlorobenzene) from selected 49 priority pollutants in soil. The headspace sample preparation involved a 20-mL glass vial containing 3 grams soil and 10 mL of pH 13 spiked solution, equilibrated at 30/sup 0/C for one hour before 0.5 mL headspace was analyzed by capillary gas chromatography. A reference system was employed at the same time by using 3 grams sand in 10 mL pH 13 spiked solution for the study of the efficiency of the soil headspace analysis. Once the recovery rate between the soil and the reference system is established, the ratio can be used for the determination of other soil samples from the same region. The relative standard deviation for 3 grams soil sample spiked with 5.1 ppm (51..mu..g / 10 mL) pollutant mixture in a 20 mL vial is less than 3%.
Theatre in Contested Lands: Repatriating Indigenous Remains

The repatriation of indigenous remains and cultural patrimony can trigger anxiety among the settler majority. Performing as surrogates for the Americas’ un-grieved genocidal past, these remains, and the mourning performances that accompany their sometimes-embattled repatriation, illuminate the continuous violence against indigenous people that infiltrates even settler societies’ most reparative laws.
A point mutation in the A γ -globin gene promoter in Greek hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin

Hereditary persistance of fetal haemoglobin (HPFH) is a benign condition characterized by the production in adulthood of more than 1% fetal haemoglobin (HbF, α2γ2) in the absence of eryth-ropoietic stress1. Several genetic types have been discerned based on the level of HbF produced, the relative contributions of the duplicated fetal (Gγ and Aγ) globin genes, and the presence or absence of deletions involving the β and δ genes in cis to the mutation2,3. Greek HPFH is a non-deletion variety in which heterozygotes produce 10–20% HbF, predominantly due to overproduction of the Aγ chain4–9. We have cloned a 40-kilobase (kb) region of the β-globin cluster from a Greek HPFH allele and report here that a point mutation (G→A) occurs 117 base pairs (bp) 5′ to the cap site of the Aγ-globin gene, just upstream of the distal CCA AT sequence. The corresponding region of the Gγ-globin gene is normal. We discuss the implications of this finding for the developmental regulation of globin gene expression.
Intramolecular diyl trapping reactions. Arrhenius activation parameters for extrusion of nitrogen; Rate acceleration when diyl and diylophile are linked directly to one another

Abstract Arrhenius activation parameters, measured for a series of bicyclic diazenes ( 1b and 5-9 ) of utility in 1, 3-diyl trapping reactions, as well as the nature of the intermediate formed from deazetation of 1b , have been determined.
Characterizing the Coherence of Broadband Sources using Optical Phase Space Contours

Advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT) rely on the availability of broadband light that is spatially coherent. We present a technique to characterize coherence properties of broadband light using optical phase-space contours in transverse momentum and position. We demonstrate that these contour plots can be directly measured by a simple heterodyne imaging scheme possessing high dynamic range (130 dB) and 0.1 fW sensitivity (for mW input beams). These phase space distributions are shown to yield quantitative information on the longitudinal and transverse coherence and the wavefront curvature of the light beam. We apply this technique to characterize the light emitted by a novel high-power extended-bandwidth superluminescent diode (SLD) recently developed at the David Sarnoff Research Center. Its performance is compared to that of standard commercially available SLDs. © 1999 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
A model docking system for understanding radicalization

Modeling behavior related to radicalization and terrorism is extremely complex. Consequently, the development of computational approaches to support an understanding of behavioral underpinnings that lead up to radicalization is a significant undertaking and necessitates either a decomposition of behavioral activity into smaller, more manageable behaviors or generalizing larger, group behavior so that only gross trends may be observed. While these approaches may suffice for particular applications, additional consideration should be given to developing more comprehensive or whole-system modeling approaches so as to inform decision-makers in making complex judgments. Specifically for those seeking to understand and stop terrorism, a number of social, cultural, and behavioral perspectives are being developed by experts worldwide. Our research seeks to develop computational methods to analyze and experiment with differing views, opinions, and perspectives of potential influences on adversarial behavior by providing the capability to `dock' or integrate models. We demonstrate how this ability allows for a multi-scale comprehension of the factors that contribute to radicalization.
Characterization of broad-band transmission for coplanar waveguides on CMOS silicon substrates

This paper presents characteristics of microwave transmission in coplanar waveguides (CPW's) on silicon (Si) substrates fabricated through commercial CMOS foundries. Due to the CMOS fabrication, the metal strips of the CPW are encapsulated in thin films of Si dioxide. Many test sets were fabricated with different line dimensions, all on p-type substrates with resistivities in the range from 0.4 /spl Omega//spl middot/cm to 12.5 /spl Omega//spl middot/cm. Propagation constant and characteristic impedance measurements were performed at frequencies from 0.1 to 40 GHz, using a vector-network analyzer and the through-reflect-line (TRL) deembedding technique. A quasi-TEM equivalent circuit model was developed from the available process parameters, which accounts for the effects of the electromagnetic fields in the CPW structure over a broad frequency range. The analysis was based on the conformal mapping of the CPW multilayer dielectric cross section to obtain accurate circuit representation for the effects of the transverse fields.
Knowledge representation and construction in hypermedia environments

Abstract Hypermedia information systems, because of their inherent qualities of nonlinearity and associative linking, offer the potential of facilitating enhanced knowledge representation and construction for users. These capabilities will be more fully realized if hypermedia information systems are developed and implemented based on constructivist learning theory. This paper examines the qualities of hypermedia systems that enable them to facilitate learning, discusses the background of current learning theories, and provides a brief view of a possible hypermedia system based on constructivist learning principles that could be developed through the use of intelligent autonomous agents.