This volume summarizes recent developments in our understanding of active galactic nuclei, including quasars, seyfert galaxies and radio galaxies. The predominant emphasis is put on observational results with information from essentially all wave bands, but important theoretical results are also presented. Among the contributions are discussions of the different types of active galaxies, the nature of the central engine, the wiggly structure of radio jets, the dynamics of the gas in jets, the study of millimeter and extreme ultraviolet regions, and a discussion of the observed continuum of the entire electromagnetic spectrum. The intended readers are professional astronomers and astrophysicists as well as graduate students in this field of research.

The U. S. is losing its competitive edge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Thomas Friedman warns that America is not producing enough young people in STEM fields that are essential for entrepreneurship and innovation in the 21st century (The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century, 2005). Blue ribbon commissions and influential business and national leaders have issued reports on the seriousness of the situation but little collective effort has been made to advance solutions to the STEM crisis. Increasing the Competitive Edge in Math and Science lays out actions that can be taken by K-12 teachers and administrators, by higher education faculty and administrators, and by policy makers working collaboratively in school through college (K-16) partnerships to prepare American youth for meaningful participation in the twenty-first century science and technologically-based economy. If the steps described in this book are followed in states all across the Country, the resulting actions can help America to regain its competitive edge in science and mathematics.