cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Obama states obligation to act on climate change

Obama states obligation to act on climate change Noting increased global temperatures, Arctic ice melt, and severe weather events, President Barack Obama said that climate change is real and called for a conversation across the country to determine what can be done about it.
Dislocation reduction in AlGaN/GaN heterostructures on 4H-SiC by molecular beam epitaxy in the thermal decomposition regime

We report improvements in the growth characteristics of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures on 4H-SiC substrates using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Employing recently established N-rich growth conditions at temperatures in the thermal decomposition regime of homoepitaxial (0001) GaN, this method proved successful for the reduction of threading dislocations in heteroepitaxial growth on SiC by simultaneously preserving good surface morphology free of excess Ga. This self-recovery of surface morphology at high growth temperatures overcomes the restrictions of using two-step GaN buffers as common under Ga-rich conditions. Initial results from unoptimized high electron mobility transistor structures grown under this approach exhibit decent mobilities, output powers and associated power added efficiencies larger than 1330 cm2/(V s), 7 W/mm, and 50% at 48-V drain bias, respectively.
A comparison of several techniques for designing controllers of uncertain dynamic systems

In recent years, a number of techniques have been developed for the design of linear, constant gain feedback controllers for systems with imprecisely Known parameters. In this paper, several of these techniques are compared in the context of the design of a lateral autopilot for a rudderless remotely piloted vehicle with uncertain aerodynamic coefficients. Properties of the design techniques on which the comparison is based include closed-loop system performance at nominal and off-nominal parameter values, computational cost and complexity, ease of implementation in a real system, and generality of the parameter uncertainty which can be dealt With.
Victory and defeat at Heraclea – Treating hepatitis C infection following liver transplantation with telaprevir and boceprevir

See Article, pages 78–86 HCV associated liver disease continues to be the most common indication for liver transplantation in the West. Although the impact of HCV infection varies substantially between recipients, allograft failure secondary to recurrence of HCV infection is the most frequent cause of death and graft failure in HCV infected recipients. Attenuating the impact of HCV on posttransplant patient and graft survival has been a critical priority for transplant physicians and their patients. In this edition of the Journal of Hepatology Duclos-Vallee et al., report the results of a multicenter study of 37 liver transplant recipients (male: 92%, age 57 ± 11 years), who were treated with PEG interferon, ribavirin and boceprevir (n = 18) or telaprevir (n = 19) for recurrence of HCV infection following liver transplantation. The indication for therapy was progressive HCV recurrence (fibrosis stage PF2 (83%) or fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (16%)). Eighteen patients were treatment-naive, five were relapsers and 14 were nonresponders to prior dual therapy after LT. The patient population was, by and large, typical of recipients with post-LT HCV infection
Psychiatry Residents’ Perception of Public/Community Psychiatry Fellowship Training

In order to improve recruitment into public/community psychiatry fellowships, a survey was administered to understand psychiatry residents’ perception of benefits and obstacles to fellowship training. Using standard statistical methods, the responses of those residents who indicated interest in public/community psychiatry training were compared to those who were not. Residents who were interested in public/community psychiatry fellowships were earlier in their training. These same residents gave higher endorsements to items related to quality, location and flexibility of training program, recommendation of colleagues, opportunities for health policy training and networking as compared to residents who were not interested in pursuing a public/community. Those results attained statistical significance while philosophical approaches including emphasis on recovery and tailoring specific training experiences approached significance. Psychiatric residents appear to start residency training with some interest in public/community psychiatry and this interest can be nurtured if public/community psychiatry is emphasized during training.
Compensation for loss: Ethics and practice in the conservation of two Schiaparelli evening coats and the replication of missing ornamental elements

Abstract The article documents the collaborative effort of textile and objects conservators working to conserve the Philadelphia Museum of Art's, Philadelphia, PA, USA, collection of Elsa Schiaparelli's fashion. Known for her avant‐garde designs, Schiaparelli was the premiere arbiter of style during the 1930s. Many of the collection's objects required conservation for a major travelling retrospective show. From the outset curatorial direction mandated the designer's original intent be adhered to as closely as possible. The re‐presentation of many of the outfits’ original and presumed original appearance was considered paramount. Whereas her contemporaries used ornament to enhance a dress, Schiaparelli designed garments to enhance the ornament. She covered her designs with multicoloured stones, metal plates and sequins. In several cases many of these decorative elements were missing prior to treatment. Conservation work carried out to replicate missing ornaments is discussed; examples include buttons cast ...
Polyquinolines: A class of rigid‐chain polymers

The reaction product of m-cresol and phosphorus pentoxide has been shown by 31P-nmr to consist of an equimolar mixture of mono- and di-m-cresyl phosphate. A mixture of pure di-m-cresyl phosphate and m-cresol is an excellent polymerization medium for the preparation of polyquinolines via the Friedlander reaction, giving higher-molecular-weight polymers than can be obtained from the crude reaction of m-cresol and phosphorus pentoxide. Spin-lattice relaxation times T1 have been used to relate the chain mobility of the polymers in solution to the glass transition temperature (Tg) in the solid.
On Fixed Modes in Singular Systems

In this paper, some necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of fixed modes in singular systems are formulated, which are generalizations of the results obtained in nonsingular systems. At first, the systems consisting only of scalar subsystems are considered and then the results are extended to general decentralized control systems.
Grid generation for brain visualization at the cellular and tissue level

Numerical grid generation is used to provide a framework for brain and neuron visualization. Smoothing spline surfaces are fit to contour data to generate 3D solid model reconstruction of brain tissue. Finite element methods are then used to subdivide the solid models into biologically-consistent finite elements. Numerical grid generation is employed to provide a curvilinear coordinate system within the finite elements. Synthetic and manually traced neurons are mapped into the gridded solid model using the curvilinear coordinate system. To this end grid generation tools, neuron mapping tools, and visualization tools have been implemented.
Michael Graves’s Portland Building

Singled out as a landmark in architectural history even before it was built, Michael Graves’s Portland Building, known only through drawings, was considered an icon of postmodernism and immediately became a fixture in architectural history texts. Since it exploded onto the scene in the early 1980s, it has been heralded as one of the most controversial, published buildings in architectural history. But little has been written about the building itself, how it came to be, how well it functions, and how it has stood the test of time over the past thirty years. In Michael Graves’s Portland Building: Power, Politics, and Postmodernism, Meredith L. Clausen argues that despite the voluminous critical literature of theorists and critics focusing on its meaning, symbolism, associations, and reinterpretation of classicism, a decidedly different picture of the building emerges when viewed through the lens of historical documents. The focus here is on the dynamics of the competition, the conflicting civic priorities, the powerful role of the media, and politics both local and in architecture.
Nonverbal Behavior in a Global Context Dialogue Questions and Responses

Q1: Dr. Patterson, your research finds cultural differences in civil (in)attention in one particular context. What does this suggest about the need to consider the role of varied contexts in studying nonverbal behavior within a global context? The long history of research in social psychology clearly emphasizes the importance of situations or contexts in determining social behavior and social judgments. In fact, people from Asian and more collectivistic cultures seem to have a clearer appreciation of the role of situations in shaping behavior, compared to people from Western and more individualistic cultures. This is specifically reflected in Asians showing less of the correspondence bias in making attributions about the behavior of others. That is, Asians are typically less likely to make the automatic dispositional inference (internal attribution) for another person’s behavior and are more likely to make a situational inference (external attribution) than are Westerners. We did not specifically examine different types of contexts, such as the home or work, in studying the subtle behaviors of Japanese and American pedestrians. Thus, we do not have data on cultural differences across contexts. Nevertheless, the minimal responsiveness of Japanese pedestrians as they walked past our confederates was consistent with other research pointing to norms of reserve, caution, and saving face in relating to outgroup individuals. In contrast, this kind of behavioral or expressive restraint may be unnecessary, and even inappropriate, in interactions with other members of one’s own ingroup. Although we do not have direct evidence, it seems likely that comparable contrasting contexts would not have as large an effect on Americans. On a more general level, this suggests that the effects of culture on social behavior may well be qualified by context, that is, culture x context (situation) interactions might be common. Thus, we might find cultural differences in one kind of context, but not in another. As a result we should be cautious in assuming broad cultural differences on the basis of results from a single specific context.
Surgeon-performed ultrasound predictors of malignancy in patients with Hürthle cell neoplasms of the thyroid.

Abstract Background Fine-needle aspiration cannot reliably determine malignancy in patients with Hurthle cell neoplasms (HCNs) of the thyroid. Thyroid nodule size and characteristics determined by surgeon-performed ultrasound (SUS) may be useful for predicting malignancy in HCN preoperatively. This study examined whether tumor size and features by SUS can reliably predict malignancy in patients with HCN. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective review of 84 patients with HCN by fine-needle aspiration, who underwent SUS and thyroidectomy from 2002 to 2010. All patients underwent thyroid lobectomy with isthmusectomy unless there was a history of radiation exposure, familial thyroid cancer, obstructive symptoms, bilateral nodules, and/or patient preference, in which case total thyroidectomy was performed. Tumor size and malignant features by SUS were correlated with final histopathology using multivariate regression analysis. Results On final histopathology, 29 patients had malignant thyroid nodules and 55 patients had benign ones. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of age, race, ethnicity, or gender between HCN patients who revealed malignant or benign nodules on final pathology. Tumor size ≥ 4 cm measured by SUS did not predict malignancy in HCN. Hypoechogenicity and hyperechogenicity were significantly associated with malignancy, whereas isoechogenicity was predictive of benignity (P = 0.044). No other ultrasonographic features were predictive for thyroid carcinoma by multivariate analysis. Conclusions Tumor size and features determined by SUS do not reliably predict malignancy in patients with HCN. Such patients at risk for malignancy should initially undergo thyroid lobectomy for definitive diagnosis.
Steam-Water Capillary Pressure

Steam-water capillary pressure is of central importance in geothermal reservoir engineering, however it is still poorly known due to the difficulty making direct measurements. To this end, we have conducted experimental and theoretical studies over the past five years and have made significant progress in understanding fundamental steamwater flow. In this paper, we summarize and discuss the results. Methods to measure steam-water and air-water capillary pressures were developed using an X-ray CT scanner. Both steam-water and air-water capillary pressures were measured and compared. It was found that there are significant differences between steam-water and air-water capillary pressures. So we may not substitute air-water capillary pressure data in steam-water flow calculations. Using data measured from steady-state steam-water flow, an empirical model was developed to calculate steam-water capillary pressure directly. The only required reservoir parameters are porosity, permeability, and temperature. Also developed was a generalized capillary pressure model from fractal modeling of a porous medium. The model encompasses the frequently used Brooks-Corey model and the Li-Horne model. This also demonstrates that the two models, both of which have been considered as empirical, have a solid theoretical basis. We also showed that steamwater relative permeability could be calculated from capillary pressure based on a generalized relative permeability model, which is derived from the generalized capillary pressure model.
Morphology of the foramen magnum in syndromic and non-syndromic brachycephaly.

The shape and size of the foramen magnum (FM) can be altered in craniosynostoses. However, few studies have investigated these changes. In this paper, we investigate the morphology of the foramen magnum in syndromic and non-syndromic brachycephaly. Surface area, anteroposterior (AP) diameter, and transverse diameters of the FM were measured on high-resolution CT scans in children with Crouzon (25), Pfeiffer (21), Apert (26), Saethre–Chotzen (7) syndromes, and isolated bicoronal synostosis (9) and compared to an age-matched control group (30). A significantly smaller FM surface area was observed in Crouzon (6.3 ± 1.7 cm2) and Pfeiffer (6.4 ± 2.3 cm2) syndromes as compared to the control group (7.4 ± 1.3 cm2, p = 0.006 and p = .017, respectively). In comparison to the control group, no statistically significant alteration in FM surface area was noted in patients with Apert, Saethre–Chotzen, or isolated bicoronal synostosis (p = 0.37, p = 0.71, p = 0.40 respectively). The transverse diameter of FM was significantly smaller in Crouzon, Pfeiffer, and Apert syndromes compared to the control group (p = 0.005, p = 0.002, p = 0.03 respectively). In Saethre–Chotzen and isolated bicoronal synostosis, no difference in transverse diameter was demonstrated. Among all groups, only Crouzon syndrome showed reduced anteroposterior diameter as compared to controls (p = 0.005). In Pfeiffer and Apert syndromes, there was elongation of the shape of the FM with a relatively narrowed width as demonstrated in a significantly increased AP to transverse diameter ratio (p = 0.002 and p = 0.019, respectively). The FM shape and area is significantly altered in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-related brachycephaly syndromes (Crouzon, Pfeiffer, and Apert), whereas in patients with Saethre–Chotzen syndrome (TWIST-1 mutation) and isolated non-syndromic bicoronal synostosis, the shape and mean FM area was not statistically different from that of normals. This study brings to light the important role of FGFRs on FM growth and shape. TWIST-1 mutation (Saethre–Chotzen syndrome) does not appear to have an important effect in shaping the FM.
Evaluation of pesticides which pose carcinogenicity potential in animal testing. II. Consideration of human exposure conditions for regulatory decision making.

Abstract In reaching a regulatory decision on the use of pesticides with carcinogenic potential, it is of great importance to investigate the extent of dermal exposure and absorption of a pesticide to users and field workers. By applying this information, along with the appropriate carcinogenicity categorization of a pesticide, a reasonably sound regulatory decision can be derived. Seven pesticides were selected, based on adequacy of tumor data, and were taken through the tumor evaluation system as reported in Part I 1984, Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 4, 355–360). A step-by-step analysis on how a regulatory decision is reached on each pesticide by the EPA and CDFA was discussed.
Activation analysis of the PULSAR-II fusion power reactor

PULSAR-I is a 1000 MWe pulsed inductively-driven tokamak design. The reactor uses a helium-cooled SiC composite as a structural material and Li/sub 2/O as a breeder. At shutdown, the blanket and shield activities are 693 and 77.9 MCi, respectively. The blanket activity drops by more than two orders of magnitude during the first hour following its replacement. The shield activity drops more slowly than the blanket's. One year after shutdown, the shield activity drops to the same level as the blanket activity. The decay heat generated in the blanket drops from 17.3 MW at shutdown to only 1.14/spl times/10/sup -3/ MW within a week following shutdown. The total of 1.135 MW of decay heat is generated in the shield at shutdown. The shield's decay heat drops by three orders of magnitude during the first day after shutdown. The biological hazard potentials produced in the blanket and shield at shutdown are 33.8/spl times/10/sup 9/ and 4.3/spl times/10/sup 9/ m/sup 3/ air, respectively. The radwaste classification of the reactor structure is evaluated according to both the NRC 10CFR61 and Fetter waste disposal concentration limits. If the first wall and blanket are disposed of together, the waste package will qualify for Class C Low Level Waste (LLW) disposal. After 30 years of operation, the shield will qualify for disposal as Class A LLW. Assuming a 25 /spl mu/Sv/h limit for hands-on maintenance, only remote maintenance will be allowed at any location inside the containment.
Molecular determinants of Pichinde virus infection of guinea pigs--a small animal model system for arenaviral hemorrhagic fevers.

Arenaviruses are enveloped single-strand RNA viruses that mostly have natural hosts in rodents. Upon infection of humans, several arenaviruses can cause severe hemorrhagic fever diseases, including Lassa fever that is endemic in West Africa. The virulence mechanism of these deadly arenaviruses can be studied in a safe and economical small animal model - guinea pigs infected by a non-pathogenic arenavirus Pichinde virus (PICV), a virulent strain of which can cause similar disease syndromes in guinea pigs as arenaviral hemorrhagic fevers in humans. We have recently developed molecular clones for both the virulent and avirulent strains of PICV. Using the available reverse genetics tools, we are characterizing the molecular determinants of virulent arenavirus infections in vivo.
Does target viewing time influence perceived reachability

This study examined the influence of target viewing time on perceived (estimates of) reachability. Right-handed participants were asked to judge the simulated reachability of midline targets using their dominant limb in viewing conditions of 150 ms, 500 ms, 1 s and 2 s. Responses were compared to actual maximum reach. In reference to percent error, interestingly, the 150 ms condition revealed the leasterroratperipersonaltargetsandthemostinaccuracywithdistal(extrapersonal) targets. This condition was also distinct with a significant overestimation bias—a common observation in earlier studies. However, with increasing viewing time this biaswasreduced.Thesedataprovideevidencethat150msiseffectiveforestimating reach within one’s general peripersonal workspace. However, with judgments distal from that point, more time enhanced accuracy, with 500 ms and 1 s being optimal. Overall results are discussed relative to perceptual effectiveness in programming reaching movements.
Underpowered Aircraft -- Performance and Operational Possibilities

A unique configuration, known as an Underpowered Aircraft, allows for the modification of gliding flight vehicles for increased range and lower cost when compared with fully powered flight vehicles. Intentionally under-sizing the powerplant for a flight vehicle allows the designer to choose a powerplant that will not only perform the mission requirements, but will also provide the customer with the most cost effective solution, as some missions may not require fully powered flight. Specifically, the underpowered aircraft concept studied in this paper is a gliding flight aircraft that does not have enough power for climbing or level flight, but does have enough power to overcome some of the drag forces associated with flight, in turn increasing the effective range of the vehicle. In this paper, the underpowered aircraft concept was analyzed and its feasibility was determined. Analysis done using equations of motion, followed by a more accurate numerical integration including a thrust lapse, determined that the underpowered aircraft concept provides a unique method for a cost effective range extension technology for gliding flight vehicles. Finally, the technology and methods of this paper were applied to the AGM-154 JSOW and JSOW-ER glide munitions and it was determined that JSOW-ER is representative of an underpowered aircraft with our analysis. This paper represents a “back-of-the-envelope” investigation into the underpowered aircraft concept.
Production of a novel recombinant cell line for use as a bioassay system for detection of 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐P‐dioxin‐like chemicals

Exposure to specific halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAHs), such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), can produce a wide variety of species- and tissue-specific toxic and biological effects. The presence of HAHs in environmental samples as complex mixtures has made it difficult to predict the biological and toxic potency of these chemicals. The authors have used aspects of the molecular mechanism of action of these chemicals to develop a species-specific bioassay system for detection of bioactive HAHs in complex mixtures. Here they describe construction and utilization of a recombinant expression vector that responds to these HAHs with the induction of an easily measurable gene product, heat-stable human placental alkaline phosphatase (PAP). This vector contains the PAP gene under TCDD-inducible control of four dioxin-responsive DNA enhancer elements. HAH-inducible expression of PAP from the recombinant vector occurs in a dose- and Ah-receptor- (AhR-) dependent manner. Stable transfection of this vector into mouse hepatoma cells has produced a novel cell line in which AhR-dependent induction of gene expression can easily be measured. This transfected cell line can readily be used for detection and relative quantitation of AhR agonists in complex mixtures of environmental and biological samples and for identification and characterization of novel AhR agonists.
Sucrose monolaurate improves the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite against Escherichia coli O157:H7 on spinach.

Abstract It is well-recognized that chlorine has limited efficacy when applied to inactivate pathogens on fresh produce. One of the many factors limiting efficacy is the high interfacial tension of chlorine-based sanitizers that limits the access of chlorine to the microorganisms. In this work, we investigated the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite (200 ppm, pH 6.0) at 4 and 20 °C against Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated on baby spinach leaves as affected by the surfactant sucrose monolaurate (SML) at below (100 ppm), above (250 ppm), and well above (10,000 ppm) the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of ~ 200 ppm at 20 °C. The surfactant-containing chlorine treatments were compared to those with buffer only, surfactant only, and chlorine only. Significantly improved inactivation, as evidenced by survival of E. coli O157:H7 was achieved when 250 or 10,000 ppm SML was added with chlorine. This is attributed to the reduction of interfacial tension between the sanitizing solutions and spinach surface. Treatments at 20 °C resulted in greater mean inactivation than those at 4 °C but the difference was not significant. Comparisons of SML concentrations in treatment solutions before and after sanitization showed that SML decreased more at a lower temperature and when chlorine was present, resulting from adsorption of SML onto spinach matrix. Our work illustrates the importance of using surfactants at concentrations above the CMC to enhance the efficacy of chlorine sanitization.
A flux-limited numerical method for solving the MHD equations to simulate propulsive plasma flows

For numerical simulations to be effective tools in plasma propulsion research, a high-order accurate solver that captures MHD shocks monotonically and works reliably for strong magnetic fields is needed. For this purpose, a characteristics-based scheme for the MHD equations, with flux limiters to improve spatial accuracy, has been developed. In this method, the symmetric form of the MHD equations, accounting for waves propagating in all directions, are solved. The required eigensystem of axisymmetric MHD equations, with appropriate normalization, is presented. This scheme was validated with unsteady (Riemann problem) and force-free equilibrium (Taylor state) test cases, as well as with measured current density patterns in a magnetoplasmadynamic thruster. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive robotic tracking system using optical flow

A robotic system that can visually track and intercept an arbitrary object which is traveling at an unknown velocity on a conveyor has been presented. A fiber-optic eye-in-hand vision system developed at NCSU is used as an integral part of the entire tracking system. The eye-in-hand system is used to characterize the object trajectory in real time, using a modified optical flow approach. A control strategy has been developed which utilizes the kinematic data that are extracted by the tracking algorithm to intercept the moving object. An overall system configuration and its basic principles are described. The demonstration of the initial results is presented. >
A model for the hydrologic and climatic behavior of water on Mars

An analysis is carried out of the hydrologic response of a water-rich Mars to climate change and to the physical and thermal evolution of its crust, with particular attention given to the potential role of the subsurface transport, assuming that the current models of insolation-driven change describe reasonably the atmospheric leg of the planet's long-term hydrologic cycle. Among the items considered are the thermal and hydrologic properties of the crust, the potential distribution of ground ice and ground water, the stability and replenishment of equatorial ground ice, basal melting and the polar mass balance, the thermal evolution of the early cryosphere, the recharge of the valley networks and outflow, and several processes that are likely to drive the large-scale vertical and horizontal transport of H2O within the crust. The results lead to the conclusion that subsurface transport has likely played an important role in the geomorphic evolution of the Martian surface and the long-term cycling of H2O between the atmosphere, polar caps, and near-surface crust.
Undergraduate Student Motivation in a Self-Paced Developmental Mathematics Course

This study used the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire in a self-paced developmental mathematics course (N=86), and linear multiple regression was completed to investigate five categories of student motivation that predicted academic success and course completion. The Task Value motivation category was significant in predicting student progress in the course.
Sutureless onlay hernia repair: a review of 97 patients.

Repair of large ventral/incisional (V/I) hernias is a common problem. Outside of recurrence, other factors such as wound complications and mesh infection can create significant morbidity. Chevrel described the premuscular repair and later modified it by using glue over the midline closure. We previously described our onlay technique using fibrin glue alone in a small case series. The aim of this study is to review the largest case series of sutureless onlay V/I hernia repair whereby mesh is fixated with fibrin glue alone for complex ventral hernias, and how the technique has evolved. All patients who underwent onlay V/I hernia repair over a 3-year period were reviewed. Patient demographics, operative details, complications, and follow-up were reviewed. In total, 97 patients were included. 54.6 % were female, with a mean age of 57.3 years. Mean BMI was 32.2. 23(23.7 %) patients had diabetes. 90 (92.8 %) of the operations were for incisional hernias, 3 (3.1 %) primary ventral hernias, 2 (2.1 %) flank hernias, and 2 (2 %) complex abdominal wall reconstruction. 88 (90.7 %) of the cases were performed on an elective basis. 77 (77.3 %) cases were classified as clean, 21 (21.6 %) clean-contaminated, and 1 (1.0 %) contaminated. The mean defect size was 150 cm2. Mean follow-up was 386 days, and maximum was 3.1 years. There were 21 (21.6 %) seromas, 4 (4.1 %) wound infections, 7 (7.4 %) had skin necrosis, and 9 (9.3 %) required re-operation due to a complication. At 3 years, there have been no recurrences or mesh explants. The sutureless onlay V/I hernia repair with fibrin glue fixation has proven to be durable with a comparable complication profile to other techniques. The most common sequela, seroma, is easily managed in the outpatient setting. This sutureless technique is an effective option for onlay hernia repair that may provide several advantages over traditional suture techniques.
High-Stakes Uses of Performance-Based Assessments

Student assessment has a central role in many of the educational reform efforts that are being undertaken in the United States and elsewhere. That is hardly new or unique. Within the United States, testing for some time has been a favorite tool of policy makers attempting to reform education. What has changed is the nature of the assessments that are being introduced. There is a movement away form the familiar multiple-choice testing technology toward the use of tasks requiring extended responses, the use of projects, and the evaluation of portfolios of student work accumulated over the course of a school year.
Digital Terrain Model Processing for Integrated Hydraulic Analysis and Floodplain Mapping

An important data requirement for a typical one -dimensional hydraulic flood model is accurate cross section data describing both channel bathymetry and the floodplain at multiple locations along a river reach. Sources of obtaining these data include traditional surveying, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) datasets, and digital elevation models (DEM) produced from remotely sensed elevation datasets. Required cross section data can then be extracted from a digital terrain model (DTM), which is created using data from one or more of these sources. High density datasets can be merged with datasets of a lower reso lution to create a DTM. Sparse data in a DTM may exclude important terrain features such as accurate river bathymetry and levees while data that is too dense may present challenges because of computer processing times. Many rivers have existing levees, e ither built for flood control or formed by structures like roads, which affect water levels during a flood event, but are often not well represented in a DTM. It is possible to manually edit each cross section to represent a levee or another topographic feature, but it would be a tedious task. Faulty or unnecessary data points should be edited or removed from high resolution DTMs in order to obtain optimum input cross section data. Some rivers do not include levees presently, but it is desirable to analy ze and compare the results of flood events with and without proposed levees or roads. Editing terrain data to accurately include river bathymetry, or structures such as levees is a process that will improve the quality of flood event analysis from a digit al terrain model as well as open the door to analyzing multiple scenarios with ease.
Combining spectral domain optical coherence tomography structural parameters for the diagnosis of glaucoma with early visual field loss.

PURPOSE To create a multivariable predictive model for glaucoma with early visual field loss using a combination of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) parameters, and to compare the results with single variable models. METHODS Two hundred fifty-three subjects (149 healthy controls and 104 with early glaucoma) underwent optic disc and macular scanning using SD-OCT in one randomly selected eye per subject. Sixteen parameters (rim area, cup-to-disc area ratio, vertical cup-to-disc diameter ratio, average and quadrant RNFL thicknesses, average, minimum, and sectoral ganglion cell inner-plexiform layer [GCIPL] thicknesses) were collected and submitted to an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) followed by logistic regression with the backward elimination variable selection technique. Area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), sensitivity, specificity, Akaike's information criterion (AIC), predicted probability, prediction interval length (PIL), and classification rates were used to determine the performances of the univariable and multivariable models. RESULTS The multivariable model had an AUC of 0.995 with 98.6% sensitivity, 96.0% specificity, and an AIC value of 43.29. Single variable models yielded AUCs of 0.943 to 0.987, sensitivities of 82.6% to 95.7%, specificities of 88.0% to 94.0%, and AICs of 113.16 to 59.64 (smaller is preferred). The EFA logistic regression model correctly classified 91.67% of cases with a median PIL of 0.050 in the validation set. Univariable models correctly classified 80.62% to 90.48% of cases with median PILs 1.9 to 3.0 times larger. CONCLUSIONS The multivariable model was successful in predicting glaucoma with early visual field loss and outperformed univariable models in terms of AUC, AIC, PILs, and classification rates.
REACTIVITIES OF METALLOCARBOHEDRENES : NB8C12+

A compact supersonic source is employed with a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometer to generate and investigate the metallocarbohedrene, Nb8C12+. Nb8C12+ reacts with water and alcohols via sequential attachments and dehydrogenations leading to the initial truncation products Nb8C12(OR)4+ (R = H, CH3, C2H5, C4H9). Also, Nb8C12+ reacts with NH3 via sequential attachments to produce the initial truncation product Nb8C12(NH3)4+. Nb8C12L5-8+ peaks for ammonia and alcohols are also observed, but they grow in slowly. A measurement of the relative rate constants for the sequential addition reactions of NH3 confirms that addition of the fifth NH3 is at least an order of magnitude slower than the first four attachments. In reactions with acetonitrile and benzene, a maximum of four attachments of these ligands is observed. Sequential halide abstractions with CH3X yield Nb8C12Xn+ truncating at n = 4 for X = Cl and n = 5 for X = Br and I. The “titration” results and the relative rate co...
A Shadowing Approach to Passage Through Resonance

Leading order approximations are given by a patching method for passage through resonance in the case when the resonance zone contains saddle points. The approximations are uniformly valid regardless of the length of time required to pass through the resonance. Accuracy for extended time periods is obtained by asking not for approximate solutions with specified initial values, but for approximate solutions which are «shadowed» by exact solutions in the resonance zone
Prognostic Impact of Deletions of Derivative Chromosome 9 on Patients (PTS) with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) in Chronic Phase Treated with Nilotinib or Dasatinib.

Abstract Background: Submicroscopic deletions of the derivative chromosome 9 [Del der(9)] mapping to regions adjacent to the translocation breakpoints occur in 9% to 15% of patients with CML. Del der(9) is a powerful prognostic indicator associated with unfavorable prognosis in patients treated with interferon-alpha (IFN-α)-based therapies. Imatinib is currently the standard treatment for patients with CML and it appears to overcome the adverse prognostic impact imparted by Del der(9). Methods: We investigated the prognostic impact of Del der(9) in 353 patients with CML treated at our institution with the 2nd generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) nilotinib (n=161) or dasatinib (n=192). The presence of Del der(9) prior to 2nd generation TKIs was investigated by FISH analysis using the LSI-BCR/ABL-(ES) probe (Vysis, Downers Grove, IL) in 245 patients. The median age was 53 years (range, 15–83) and the median follow-up was 24 months (range, 1–53). The primary endpoints evaluated were complete hematologic response (CHR), cytogenetic response, and survival. Results: Twenty-eight (11%) patients carried Del der(9) and 217 an intact der(9). Among patients with deletions, 22 were in chronic phase (CP), 4 in accelerated phase (AP), and 2 in blast phase (BP) at the start of nilotinib or dasatinib therapy. In the group of patients without deletions, 122 were in CP, 55 in AP and 40 in BP. Overall, 229 (93%) patients were assessable for response after a median of 25 months (range, 1–53) of therapy. The outcome by CML phase is shown in Table 1. CML phase Deletion der(9) No. CCyR (%) p EFS (12 mo) p OS (12 mo) p No 122 79 0.77 86 0.05 97 0.04 CP Yes 22 75 60 78 Not done 46 No 55 36 1.0 37 0.47 60 0.95 AP Yes 4 25 67 75 Not done 27 No 40 19 1.0 0 0.85 35 0.39 BP Yes 2 0 0 0 Not done 35 There was no difference in response rates among patients in CP, but those without Del der(9) had an improved EFS and OS at 24 months compared with those carrying Del der(9) (EFS: 86% vs 60%, p=0.05; OS: 97% vs 78%; p=0.04). Notably, whereas a trend towards worse EFS (p=0.05) and OS (p=0.12) was observed in patients in CP with Del der(9) treated with nilotinib, these outcomes were not significantly affected by Del der(9) in patients receiving dasatinib (EFS: p=0.47; OS: p=0.76). Conclusion: Our results suggest that, in contrast to what has been reported with imatinib therapy, patients with CML-CP carrying Del der(9) who failed imatinib may have a worse survival than their counterparts without deletions after treatment with 2nd generation TKI. This deleterious effect is more apparent among patients treated with nilotinib than among those receiving dasatinib.
A Novel ENU-Induced Intronic Mutation of Ank1 Causing Quantitative Defect of Ankyrin-1 Models Hemolytic Hereditary Spherocytosis in Mouse

Abstract 989 The ability of red blood cells (RBCs) to maintain the surface area and deformability is vital for their survival. The maintenance of membrane surface is dependent upon the strong cohesion between the lipid bilayer and the skeletal network, achieved by vertical linkages between transmembrane proteins and spectrin tetramers. Mutations causing functional deficiencies in these proteins have been identified in various hemolytic anemias. Here we reported a mild hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and hemolytic anemia phenotype in mouse, named hema6 , induced by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis. Hema6 phenotype is transmitted as a semidominant trait as heterozygous mice are less severely affected than homozygotes. The causal mutation was traced to a single nucleotide transition in the deep intronic region of intron 13 of gene Ank1 , encoding the anchorage protein ankyrin-1 in RBC. In vitro minigene assay revealed two abnormally spliced transcripts in addition to wild-type mRNA. The wild-type Ank1 transcript was detected in the homozygous mutant mouse with 30% reduction in expression level compared to that in wild type mouse. The aberrant transcripts presumably encoded a 509 amino acids protein, which lacks beta-spectrin binding domain and C-terminal regulatory region. The truncated protein was not detected by western blotting using currently available antibodies against full-length ankyrin-1 in homozygous hema6 erythrocyte ghosts, whereas the wild-type Ankyrin-1 are present with reduced quantity. Employing biochemical and cell biology assays, we characterized the mechanism by which Ank1 hema6 mutation causes hemolytic hereditary spherocytosis in mouse. Hema6 strain provides a novel tool to study ankyrin-1 and its pathogenesis role in HS. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Minimum recording times for determining short-term seismicity from microearthquake activity

Abstract The minimum microearthquake recording time needed to determine short-term seismicity (10 years) has been established for regions having the same degree of activity as Socorro (400 shocks with M ≧ 0 each year). An analysis of more than five years of microearthquake data indicates that about six months of recording are required for a reliable estimate of the earthquake-frequency relation from which seismicity is calculated. If the slope b of the earthquake-frequency law is assumed, the short-term seismicity can be determined from four weeks of recording. The danger in the latter method is that a small error in b leads to relatively large errors in seismicity. Long-term seismicity (100 years) predicted from the present level of micro-earthquake activity in Socorro is much lower than the known seismicity of the region. The number of microearthquakes would have to increase by a factor of 20, or the value of b decrease approximately 20 per cent, before prediction would agree with the long-term seismic activity of the region.
SPH MODELING OF VORTICITY GENERATION BY SHORT-CRESTED WAVE BREAKING

This study investigates vorticity generation by short-crested wave breaking by using the mesh-free Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics model, GPUSPH. The short-crested waves are created by generating intersecting wave trains in a numerical wave basin with a beach. The capability of GPUSPH to simulate short-crested waves is first validated by laboratory measurements. Then we examine short-crested wave breaking with two incident wave heights H = 0.2 m and 0.3 m. The larger incident wave breaks at the toe of the planar beach, while the smaller incident wave breaks above the planar beach. The breaking wave profile, current field, nearshore circulation pattern, and vertical vorticity field due to short-crested wave breaking are carefully compared between two incident waves.
An analytical approach to examine the transient impact of distributed energy resources on distribution systems for protection studies

The next generation of electrical distribution systems (EDSs), with increasing penetration of distributed generation resources (DERs), represent complex energy systems with multiple functionalities. One of those functionalities is to improve the resiliency through formation of a microgrid. An ideal microgrid is capable of seamless transition from grid-tied to island state of operation. However, microgrid protection is one of the challenges faced by utilities. Since each EDS may have unique characteristics, overcoming this challenge requires an accurate modeling and simulation tool. In this paper an analytical tool is presented to assist utilities protection engineers in investigating the effectiveness of microgrid protection schemes. The tool uses raw data from utilities' existing database and generate accurate model of the EDS. The model can be used as a plug-and-play platform for different types of protection analysis. Simulation results of a real case study show the accuracy and functionality of the tool.
Scaling Properties of Flood Peaks

The scaling behavior of flood peak distributions is examined using a statistical model of the spatio-temporal distribution of rainfall and a hydrological model that describes the transformation of rainfall to discharge within a drainage network. Of particular interest is the empirical observation made by a number of investigators that the coefficient of variation (CV) of annual flood peaks for a region increases with drainage area up to drainage areas of approximately 100 km2, and decreases with drainage area for larger drainage basins. This observation is neither consistent with simple scaling models, in which the coefficient of variation does not vary with drainage area, nor multiscaling models, in which the coefficient of variation decreases monotonically with drainage area. Model analyses illustrate that knowledge of the spatial and temporal organization of the rainfall, together with the details of the network structure of the drainage basin, is sufficient information with which to explain the observed behavior of sample CV. The interaction between the temporal variability of rainfall, relative to basin size, and the network structure is shown to be of particular importance.
Advanced Regression Models: Least Squares, Nonlinear, Poisson and Binary Logistics Regression Using R

Analysis in data science and digital business requires analysis of the data and in many cases the use of regression techniques.
"Girl, just pray …": Factors That Influence Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Black Women in Rochester, MN.

Abstract Background Black women in Minnesota and beyond have a greater burden of death due to some cancers than their White counterparts. Delayed screening and treatment may explain these disparate statistics. The purpose of this study was to work in collaboration with a local Black faith-based organization to gain an updated understanding of Black women's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to breast and cervical cancer, and determine to what extent known factors persist as barriers to accessing cancer screening among Black women in Rochester, MN. We also sought to identify unique barriers for Black women residing in a particularly health resource rich community. Methods Using a community-based participatory research approach, two academic institutes worked in collaboration with a local Black faith-based organization to conduct focus groups. Focus groups were utilized to identify factors that may limit Black women's access to cancer screening and health care. Results Forty-five eligible participants attended one of eight focus group sessions. All participants self-identified as Black women and most were born in the United States. Content analysis of participant responses suggested that Black women's health-seeking behaviors related to breast and cervical cancer screening continue to be very much influenced by known factors that serve as barriers to screening services. Four primary themes pertaining to these influential factors emerged from participants' focus group discussions: 1) knowledge of cancer, risk factors, and screening options; and 2) socioeconomic factors, 3) psycho-social factors, including lack of trust of doctors specifically involved in clinical research, and 4) cultural factors, including reliance on religious practice in place of medical intervention. Conclusion Black women face real and perceived barriers to cancer screening even where health resources are abundant. Results reiterate an on going need for culturally appropriate interventions to improve Black women's breast and cervical cancer screening participation by minimizing barriers and engaging entire communities – including Black women, religious leaders, and health care providers.