cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parent Perceptions in the Screening of Performance in Foreign Language Courses

Parents' perceptions are not commonly used to assist educators in understanding students' foreign language learning problems. Here, a questionnaire designed to measure parents' perceptions of their child's developmental and academic histories, classroom learning characteristics, and previous foreign language learning was administered to 79 parents of children enrolled in first-year high school foreign language courses. Students were differentiated into low risk, average risk, and high risk groups based on questionnaire results and were administered a battery of native language tests and a foreign language aptitude measure. Final foreign language course grades were also obtained. Results showed overall group differences favoring the low and average risk groups over the high risk group on most items on the questionnaire on all but one of the native language, foreign language aptitude, and cognitive measures, and foreign language grades. Results suggest that parents' perceptions of their children's developmental and academic learning histories may provide helpful screening information to foreign language teachers.
Dose‐dependent plasma clearance of MK‐826, a carbapenem antibiotic, arising from concentration‐dependent plasma protein binding in rats and monkeys

After intravenous administration of MK-826, a new carbapenem antibiotic, the compound exhibited nonlinear pharmacokinetics in rats and monkeys. In both species, time-averaged plasma clearance (based on total concentrations) increased about 5-fold over the 10- to 180-mg/kg dose range. MK-826 was extensively plasma protein bound in rat and monkey plasma, and the extent of binding was concentration dependent at plasma concentrations achieved after administration of these doses. Rosenthal analysis of the plasma protein binding indicated that there were two classes of binding sites. The binding capacity of the primary site was comparable to the plasma albumin concentration, which suggested that this primary site consisted of a single site on albumin. The extent of binding of MK-826 to rat albumin was similar to that in whole plasma. Clearance values based on unbound concentrations appeared independent of dose from 10 to 180 mg/kg, which is consistent with saturation of protein binding as the primary cause of the nonlinear pharmacokinetic behavior.
Selecting Vocabulary Words to Teach

Although speech-language pathologists may understand the importance of vocabulary for oral language, listening, and reading comprehension and the need for vocabulary instruction, they may not have ...
Specific Mutations in the β-Catenin Gene (CTNNB1) Correlate with Local Recurrence in Sporadic Desmoid Tumors

Desmoid fibromatosis is a rare, nonmetastatic neoplasm marked by local invasiveness and relentless recurrence. Molecular determinants of desmoid recurrence remain obscure. β-Catenin deregulation has been commonly identified in sporadic desmoids although the incidence of CTNNB1 (the gene encoding β-catenin) mutations is uncertain. Consequently, we evaluated the prevalence of CTNNB1 mutations in a large cohort of sporadic desmoids and examined whether mutation type was relevant to desmoid outcome. Desmoid specimens (195 tumors from 160 patients, 1985 to 2005) and control dermal scars were assembled into a clinical data-linked tissue microarray. CTNNB1 genotyping was performed on a 138-sporadic desmoid subset. Immunohistochemical scoring was performed per standard criteria and data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and other indicated methods. CTNNB1 mutations were observed in 117 of 138 (85%) of desmoids. Three discrete mutations in two codons of CTNNB1 exon 3 were identified: 41A (59%), 45F (33%), and 45P (8%, excluded from further analysis because of rarity). Five-year recurrence-free survival was significantly poorer in 45F-mutated desmoids (23%, P < 0.0001) versus either 41A (57%) or nonmutated tumors (65%). Nuclear β-catenin expression was observed in 98% of specimens and intensity was inversely correlated with incidence of desmoid recurrence (P < 0.01). In conclusion, CTNNB1 mutations are highly common in desmoid tumors. Furthermore, patients harboring CTNNB1 (45F) mutations are at particular risk for recurrence and therefore may especially benefit from adjuvant therapeutic approaches.
Peripheral ameloblastoma: an ultrastructural analysis.

Ultrastructural observations were compared for three different zones in a case of peripheral ameloblastoma, namely: the deep tumor islands, the “altered” surface epithelium overlying the tumor, and the transitional area between “normal” and “altered” covering epithelium. The possible origins and the behavior of this condition are discussed.
Analysis of Flow of Viscous Fluids by the Finite-Element Method

General tinite-element models of compre ol>e local approximations of the 'elocit~· field, the density. and the tempemture for compressible fluids and the ,'e1ocity. temperature. and prl'S'i,re ror incompressihlc tluids. Thcuries or local solenoidal approximl.tions and mixed tiniteclement models ror coml,n'ssihle film lIn' lIerh·ed. A numhl'r or cumpulallonal s..ht'mes are lIe"elopt'll ror Ihe uumerical solulion or hoth lransient and stl':IlI~'nOllllniformtlow prohlems illml\'illg illcol1lpressihlelIuids. Numericlll resulls ohtllinro rrom seH~rallest problel1lsllre gh'el1. It is Shllllil Ihat Ihe finile elel1lenl ml,thod ha" grelll llolenlial for U'ie ill tlo" prohll'I1I".and represenls II p,,"erful new 1001 for Ihe llllalysis of I'iwous flows. ..
A note on the conservation law for queues with batch arrivals

The conservation law formula for work-conserving queues with batch arrivals is derived for when the arrival instants of customers are assumed to constitute an arrivals see time averages (ASTA) process. The derivation is based on the analysis of the corresponding first-in first-out (FIFO) multiclass queue and its steady state. Hence, the mean work load in the queue at an arbitrary time instant can be equated with the mean time that an arbitrary customer has to wait in the FIFO queue. >
A stochastic control viewpoint on ‘Posterior Matching’-style feedback communication schemes

This paper re-visits Shayevitz & Feder's recent ‘Posterior Matching Scheme’, a deterministic, recursive, capacity-achieving feedback encoding scheme for memoryless channels. We here consider the feedback encoder design problem from a stochastic control perspective. The state of the system is the posterior distribution of the message given current outputs of the channel. The per-trial reward is the average ‘reduction in distance’ of the posterior to the target unit step function. We show that the converse to the channel coding theorem with feedback upper bounds the optimal reward, and that the posterior matching scheme is an optimal policy. We illustrate that this ‘reduction in distance’ symbolism leads to the existence of a Lyapunov function on the Markov chain under this optimal policy, which leads to demonstration of achievability for all rates less than capacity.
Pathophysiology of Cyclooxygenases in Cardiovascular Homeostasis

Cyclooxygenase (COX) catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin H(2) (PGH(2)), which is subsequently converted to the prostanoids PGE(2), PGI(2), PGF(2alpha), and thromboxane A(2). COX has 2 distinct membrane-anchored isoenzymes: COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is constitutively expressed in most normal tissues; COX-2 is highly induced by proinflammatory mediators in the setting of inflammation, injury, and pain. Inhibitors of COX activity include conventional nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as COX-2 inhibitors. The adverse effects of COX inhibitors on the cardiovascular system have been addressed in the last few years. In general, COX inhibitors have many effects, but those most important to the cardiovascular system can be direct (through the effects of prostanoids) and indirect (through alterations in fluid dynamics). Despite reports of detrimental human cardiovascular events associated with COX inhibitors, short, long, and lifetime preclinical toxicology studies in rodents and nonrodents have failed to identify these risks. This article focuses on the expression and function of COX enzymes in normal and pathologic conditions of the cardiovascular system and discusses the cardiovascular pathophysiologic complications associated with COX inhibition.
An Infant With Pulmonary Interstitial Glycogenosis: Clinical Improvement Is Associated With Improvement in the Pulmonary Diffusion Capacity

Pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis (PIG) is an idiopathic interstitial lung disease of infants. The underlying pulmonary pathophysiology of PIG has not been well characterized. Herein we report a term-gestatation infant who presented with persistent tachypnea and hypoxia. A chest CT scan demonstrated a diffuse ground glass appearance and lung biopsy demonstrated increased alveolar septae cellularity with glycogen-containing cells, consistent with a diagnosis of PIG. At 3 months of age, pulmonary function testing included: pre- and post-bronchodilator forced expiratory flows using the raised-volume technique and the ratio of pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide to alveolar volume (DLCO/VA). He was prescribed 5 days of oral prednisolone (2 mg/kg/day) and pulmonary function testing (PFT) was repeated at 5, 13, and 20 months of age. Initial PFTs demonstrated reduced forced vital capacity (FVC: Z-score = −2.36) and an increased ratio of forced expiratory volume in 0.5 sec to FVC (FEV0.5/FVC: Z-score = 1.15) with no significant change following an inhaled bronchodilator. There was also a marked reduction in DLCO/VA (Z-score = −4.74) compared to age-matched controls. Follow-up demonstrated progressive clinical improvement as well as an increase in Z-FVC and normalization of DLCO/VA. Our in vivo physiological findings are consistent with previous reports that symptom resolution correlated with histological thinning of the alveolar septae upon repeat lung biopsy. The restrictive lung disease we observed is consistent with expected reduced compliance of an alveolar interstitial lung process like PIG, whereas the absence of a reduction in FEV0.5/FVC confirms the absence of obstructive airway disease. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:E17–E20. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Comparison of the Web-Nep Test with Other Fiber-Level Procedures for Predicting Nep-Related Dyeability Problems in Cotton

The web-nep test for predicting dye-resistant nep formation in cotton fibers is com pared with other fiber-level evaluation procedures as a means of identifying potential cloth dyeing problems. Correlations of 0.92 were found between undyeable neps seen in the dyed webs and in the dyed cloth made from the same fibers. The web-nep test gave a better indication of the magnitude of cloth neps than did instrumental mea surements of average fiber quality, including micronaire, maturity, and linear density. Modifications in the procedure to increase the efficiency of the web-nep test are dis cussed.
Partial Purification and Properties of a Highly Specific Trehalose Phosphate Phosphatase from Mycobacterium smegmatis

A specific trehalose phosphate phosphatase was purified approximately 50-fold from Mycobacterium smegmatis. The enzyme had a pH optimum of about 7.0 and was stimulated by Mg2+. The optimum concentration of Mg2+ was about 1.5 × 10−3m. Of other divalent cations tested, only Co2+ showed some activity. The Km for trehalose phosphate was found to be about 1.5 × 10−3m. The enzyme showed slight activity toward mannose-6-P and fructose-6-P but was inactive on a large number of other phosphorylated compounds. Citrate was a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme both with respect to trehalose phosphate concentration and Mg2+ concentration. This inhibition appears to be due to chelation of Mg2+ by this compound. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and NaF were also inhibitors of the enzyme, but these inhibitions were noncompetitive.
Building in reliability during ESD design layout

Building in reliability during ESD design layout is key to the success of product design and development. Due to the limitations of automated layout checkers for ESD, knowledge of fundamental device physics, ESD and stress environments are essential.
A Look at Hopes and Worries About Marriage: The Views of Adolescents Following a Parental Divorce

Abstract The present study examined hopes and worries about marriage, following a parental divorce, among a sample of 238 adolescents (age 11-17). The current study improves upon existing research by obtaining a more representative sample of adolescents who had experienced a parental divorce within the past two years, utilizing open-ended questions, and focusing on adolescents' attitudes about their own future marriages (rather than marriage in general). Findings partially support past research indicating that children of divorce may be anxious about their own marital future-but also indicate that there are many hopes for marriage, and that there may be considerable diversity within this population.
Dynamic signaling and market breakdown

We consider the effects a public revelation of information (e.g. rating, grade) has on trading in a dynamic signaling model. Competing buyers offer prices to a privately informed seller who can reject them and delay trade. Delay is costly and the seller has no commitment to its duration. The external public information allows for signaling in equilibrium. More interestingly, we characterize the dynamics of trade and prices. If signals are noisy, no trade takes place just before the revelation of external information. If signals are fully revealing, then trade occurs even close to revelation, however, transaction prices are discontinuous.
Why Psychiatric Conditions Are Special: An Evolutionary and Cross-Cultural Perspective

In non-Western and premodern societies, approaches to sickness involved moral considerations laden with existential and spiritual implications. Healers and physicians had access to this aspect of their patient's lives, were expected to use it constructively, and often did so. The contemporary biomedical theory of disease no longer assigns to illness such metaphysical connotations. While general physicians are permitted—perhaps even advised—to avoid involvement in morally laden dialogues tied to illness and the self, such dilemmas are more prominent and qualitatively differ- ent in psychiatry, as psychiatric conditions often entail changes in self-conception, psy- chological disaffection, unacceptable behavior, and untoward personal reactions to social circumstances. Manifestations of psychiatric conditions can overwhelm an indi- vidual's control in areas of cognition, emotion, autonomy, social responsibility, behav- ior, and body functions—exactly those matters that "modern" individualistic minds are supposed to master. Consequently, psychiatric conditions challenge basic presupposi- tions of the modern, secular credo about personhood, disease, and behavior.They com- prise a species of human problems ontologically distinct from the conditions handled by other medical disciplines.
Synergistic Attraction of Aedes aegypti (L.) to Binary Blends of L-Lactic Acid and Acetone, Dichloromethane, or Dimethyl Disulfide

Kairomones produced by humans provide female anthropophilic mosquitoes with vital cues used in host-seeking for a blood meal. These chemicals are emanated primarily by the skin and provide the mosquitoes a means to orient themselves to humans at a relatively close range. Chemical studies of these emanations have provided new ideas for the formulation of attractant blends. We report mosquito attraction responses for three binary blends and their separate components. The blends are comprised of L-lactic acid plus either acetone, dichloromethane, or dimethyl disulfide. At the emission rates used in our bioassays, these blends synergistically attract laboratory-reared female Aedes aegypti. Carbon dioxide is not a necessary component to yield high levels of attraction with these blends. It is postulated that at least one of these synergistic blends (L-lactic acid and acetone) produces mosquito attraction behavior similar to L-lactic acid and CO2.
Common Genetic Variations in the Vitamin D Pathway in Relation to Blood Pressure

The role of vitamin D in the etiology of hypertension and cardiovascular disease has been increasingly recognized. Experimental studies have suggested multiple mechanisms through which vitamin D may lower blood pressure (BP).1–5 Prospective observational studies showed inverse association between circulating biomarker of vitamin D status and longitudinal change of BP6 or risk of developing hypertension.7 Small, short-term intervention studies reported that vitamin D supplements lowered BP in selected patients,8,9 although the largest trial of vitamin D, the Women’s Health Initiative, found no effect of randomized calcium (1,000mg/day) plus vitamin D (400 IU/day) supplement on BP change and incident hypertension among 36,282 postmenopausal women over 7 years of treatment.10 Genetic variations may modify the effect of vitamin D on BP. Genes responsible for vitamin D synthesis and degradation may determine circulating vitamin D metabolites concentration.11 Genes coding for vitamin D binding protein, which binds to vitamin D metabolites and facilitates their transport,12 might affect vitamin D availability. Genes coding for vitamin D receptor (VDR), a nuclear receptor responsive to 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D,13 along with its coactivators and corepressors, could influence the ligand/receptor complex and subsequent target tissue responses. Of note, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the VDR gene, including rs154441014–16 and rs10735810,16 have been shown to associate with BP level or risk of hypertension in prior studies. Recently, a cluster of genes involved in vitamin D metabolism, transport, and function has been investigated for development of cancer17,18 and autoimmune disease;19,20 associations were found in genes other than VDR, supporting the hypothesis that genetic variants in vitamin D pathway beyond VDR may modify the effect of vitamin D. A comparable study for hypertension has not been reported. To further address the role of vitamin D in BP regulation and hypertension development, we conducted a comprehensive association study to investigate genetic variants in an expanded vitamin D pathway, including a total of 24 genes, in relation to BP. We conducted parallel analyses to maximize use of data in two independent study samples: the Women’s Genome Health Study (WGHS), which includes a homogeneous sample of 23,294 women of European ancestry with genome-wide genotyped data,20,21 and the International Consortium for Blood Pressure (ICBP) genome-wide association studies (GWASs), which includes 69,395 men and women of European ancestry from 29 studies for a genome-wide meta-analysis on approximately 2.6 million HapMap SNPs in association with BP.22
Preliminary Results of M-VAC (Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin and Cisplatin) for Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urothelium

AbstractThe M-VAC (methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin) regimen was used to treat 25 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelial tract. Treatment consisted of monthly cycles of 30mg. per m.2 methotrexate, followed 24 hours later by 3mg. per m.2 vinblastine, 30mg. per m.2 doxorubicin and 70mg. per m.2 cisplatin, and concluded with repeat vinblastine and methotrexate on days 15 and 22.Significant tumor regression was noted in 71 per cent of the patients. Complete clinical remission was observed in 12 of 24 patients (50 per cent, 95 per cent confidence limits 30 to 70 per cent) with bidimensionally measurable indicator lesions, 6 of whom had pathological confirmation. After surgical exploration 4 patients required downstaging to a partial remission. The median duration of response has not yet been reached at 9.5 plus months, range 4.5 plus to 16 plus. Five patients (21 per cent) had a partial clinical remission for 4 to 8 plus months, 1 had a minor response for 4 months and 1...
The Labor Force Participation Rate: An Examination Of The Determinants Of Its Recent Precipitous Decline

The Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is defined as those Americans in the labor force, i.e. above the age of sixteen, below retirement age, who are either actively employed or actively seeking employment. From 1950 until 1998 it rose from 59.2% to 67.2%. Given the near doubling of the U.S. population, its impact on our economy was enormous. However, since 1998 the LFPR has declined steadily to 63.3%. Parallel to this decline, we have seen a polarization of both wealth and income in the U.S. Many economists have examined both trends – the decline of LFPR and inequality – and have put forth a variety of determinants. These include technology and globalization – a decline or “hollowing out” of the middle class, if you will. Also included are the demographics of an ageing society, and the increased racial and gender participation, but also a workforce that has become only marginally prepared by today’s educational institutions. Another class of determinants is the welfare “safety net” at both the Federal and state levels, including extended unemployment benefits, disability payments and other subsidies. The authors examine each class of determinants, including whether their aspects are cyclical, structural or even part of an ominous trend for our economy.
Seasonal variation of semen quality and fertility

At many locations in the northern hemisphere human sperm counts are reduced during the summer. Experiments with rhesus monkeys suggest that such seasonal variation may be induced by an endogenous biological clock reset annually by changes in the length of daylight. Little is known about seasonal variation in human female reproductive function, although fecundity may be lower during the summer, as it is for men. Variation in fecundity could help explain seasonal patterns of birth in countries such as the United States, where there is a deficit of spring births. But the relationship to patterns of birth in Canada and Europe, where the birth rate is highest during late winter and spring, is unclear.
Partners or Partners in Crime? The Relationship Between Criminal Associates and Criminogenic Thinking

Meta-analyses examining the risk factors for recidivism have identified the importance of ties with criminal associates as well as thoughts and attitudes conducive to the continuance of criminal behavior (e.g., criminogenic thinking). Criminologists have theorized that a direct relationship exists between the association with criminal peers and the development of criminogenic thinking. The present study empirically explored the relationship between criminal associates and criminogenic thinking in 595 adult male inmates in the United States. It was hypothesized that the proportion of free time spent with and number of criminal associates would be associated with criminogenic thinking, as measured by two self-report instruments, the Measure of Offender Thinking Styles–Revised (MOTS-R) and the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS). Hierarchal linear regression analyses demonstrated that the proportion of free time spent with criminal associates statistically predicted criminogenic think...
Abstract 188: Correlation of Angiographic Capillary Index Score (CIS) with Diffusion and Perfusion MR Imaging in the DEFUSE 2 Trial

Objective: The CIS has been shown to be a predictor of good clinical outcome following endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke. We undertook this study to determine the relationship between CIS and baseline diffusion-perfusion imaging as well as angiographic collaterals in DEFUSE 2 study patients. Methods: Patients undergoing endovascular therapy within 12 hours of stroke onset were prospectively enrolled. Only patients with an ICA/M1 occlusion and adequate demonstration of the anterior and posterior circulations at baseline angiography were included in this analysis. Blinded reading of the CIS was made using a 4 point scale from 0 (no capillary blush in ischemic territory) to 3 (blush throughout). Analysis was dichotomized to poor CIS (0-1) versus good (2-3). CIS was correlated with baseline DWI volume, PWI volume (Tmax > 6, Tmax>10), an angiographic collateral score (using a previously described 5 point scale) and subsequent infarct growth. Results: Forty-eight patients had ICA/M1 occlusions and adequate angiographic images to evaluate CIS. Baseline DWI lesion volume correlated with CIS (p=0.001). Median DWI volume for patients with poor CIS (0-1) was 28 (IQR, 11-54) versus 13 (3-27) for those with good CIS (2-3), p=0.011. Baseline T max > 6 volume correlated with CIS (p=0.004). Median volume of tissue at risk (T max > 6 sec) in those with poor CIS was 108 ml (IQR, 74-138) versus 69(43-108) with good CIS, p=0.009. Severe T max delay (> 10 sec) also correlated with CIS (p=0.001). CIS was also found to correlate with angiographic collaterals (p=0.006). On follow-up MRI CIS correlated with subsequent lesion growth (p=0.043). Conclusions: CIS provides a rapid angiographic assessment of capillary blush from collateral flow into the ischemic territory and correlates with angiographic collateral scores. In DEFUSE 2 the CIS score was strongly associated with baseline DWI and PWI lesion volumes and subsequent lesion growth.
Christian Universalism and U.S. Multiculturalism: An "Asian American" Campus Church

In this paper, we observe a burgeoning Asian American campus Christian church (AAC), which until recently was almost exclusively Korean American. In the name of Christian universalism, the AAC is critically transforming itself into an Asian American-led, multicultural church. In spite of its changing composition, some congregants remain unconvinced that the church is really so transformed; in fact, some members continue to think of the church as a "Korean American" institution. We examine the relationship between the AAC's two largest ethnic groups, Korean Americans and Chinese/Taiwanese Americans. We are interested in how these two church populations navigate the AAC's changing self-identity. We argue that the AAC's commitment to Christian universalism echoes the central tenets of U.S. multiculturalism: race neutrality and the doctrine of universal humanity.
Growth of Aedes stimulans and A. vexans (Diptera: Culicidae) in Saline Solutions

Aedes stimulans (Walker) and A. vexans (Meigen), 2 floodwater mosquitoes usually found in waters low in salts, respond differently when reared in a graded series of saline solutions. The former normally occurs in spring melt-waters of Nearctica north of 40° north latitude which are low in salts. The latter ranges widely in Holarctica and occurs in waters that vary in salinity (Richards 1938). Since the 2 species often coexist in Illinois, comparisons between them as to tolerances for such variables as densities of certain solutes were made. This note deals with the differences in tolerances to dilutions of sodium chloride when each species was reared under otherwise favorable laboratory conditions.
The Effect of Anaphylactic Shock on the Cellular Reaction of the Peritoneum of the Guinea-Pig

The work here reported had to do with the investigation of changes in the cell content of the peritoneum of the guinea-pig (as shown by serial differential counts of the peritoneal fluid made at varying intervals after the intraperitoneal injection of horse serum into guinea-pigs sensitized to horse serum), and of the reaction of the cells to determine whether this reaction differed from that obtained in the normal animal
Exact Analytical Solutions of Nonlinear Coupled Scalar Field Equations

Some explicit analytical solutions of nonlinear coupled scalar field equations are presented by means of direct method and hypothesis method. To the soliton solutions of the equations in some literatures, a more general form is given and the span of their parameters is extended. The results in this paper are the extension and improvement of the known results.
Retention of Text Material under Cued and Uncued Recall and Open and Closed Book Conditions

Evidence supports the benefits of effortful processing in strengthening retention of newly learned material. The present study compared two forms of effortful processing, uncued (free) recall and cued recall, under both open and closed book conditions, on both immediate and delayed (one-week) test performance. Participants read a section of a child psychology text and then completed either an uncued recall task in which they typed as much information as they could recall, or a cued recall task, in which they typed answers to study questions. Recall was conducted under open versus closed book conditions. No differences between cued and uncued conditions were obtained, but participants performed better on immediate test performance in the open book condition. No significant effects were found at delayed assessment. The results point to a short-term advantage of effortful review of text materials performed with access to study materials.
Chapter 2 – Analytical Methods for Total DOM Pools

This chapter discusses several analytical methods for total dissolving organic matter (DOM) pools. The main reason for measuring DOC has been to quantify the total DOM. The measurement focuses on “dissolved” organic matter with the assumption that particles can be removed by filtration through a micro-porous filter. Such filtration—essential in near shore waters—is often omitted in oceanic waters where the total organic matter is almost all “dissolved.” For over a century, there has been an interest in quantifying the pool of DOM in the sea and in other aquatic environments. Some of the early efforts included attempts to quantify “humic substances” and to measure colored material. Specific organic compounds have been measured and attempts have been made to understand origins and fates of these compounds for decades. While that type of research is possibly more interesting and fruitful—depending upon the questions asked—more energy has been expended overall to quantify the gross amount of DOM.
The road to quantum mechanics

The theory of relativity is essentially the culmination of classical physics. Although revisions in our concepts of space and time are necessitated by both the special and general theories of relativity, the notion of causality, in which a cause precedes its effect, remains intact in the relativistic formulations of electrodynamics and mechanics and of gravitation. An upper limit is set on the speed of bodies, and of the propagation of energy, and physical quantities are often defined operationally, but once we adjust ourselves to these new rules, our representations of physical processes proceed pretty much as they did in classical physics. On the other hand, quantum theory seems to require a much more profound philosophical revision of our thought patterns. Even the viability of the usual meaning of a causal connection between one event and another is there called into question. SOME HISTORICAL BACKGROUND We begin with a brief and highly selective review of the experimental and theoretical problems that formed the conceptual backdrop to the emergence of quantum theory. We focus attention first on an important phenomenon – blackbody radiation – that was instrumental for the formulation of quantum mechanics. A blackbody is defined as a surface that absorbs all of the electromagnetic radiation that falls onto it. It is picturesquely so named since any light incident on such a body would be absorbed, making it appear black (at least at typical temperatures in our environment). A blackbody also emits radiation.
A graph based multimodal geospatial interpolation framework

Recent multimedia research has increasingly focused on large scale multimodal data from disparate geospatial sensors. In addition to the volume of the data, the diversity and granularity of the data poses a major challenge in extracting meaningful and actionable information. To address this, we present a novel spatial interpolation framework, capable of incorporating multimodal data sources and modeling the spatial processes comprehensively at multiple resolutions. The framework transforms the spatial interpolation problem into a graph structure learning problem, based on the latent structure of the data. This enables more efficient and accurate predictions at unobserved locations. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach by testing it on air pollution interpolation.
3 Neutrino mass experiments fit a strange 3 + 3 model, but will KATRIN reveal the model’s unique 3-part signature?

Abstract Evidence is presented in support of an unconventional 3 + 3 model of the neutrino mass eigenstates with specific m2 > 0 and m2 0 masses of the model were originally suggested based on a SN 1987A analysis, and they were further supported by several dark matter fits. The new evidence for one of the m2 > 0 mass values comes from an analysis of published data from the three most precise tritium β − decay experiments. The KATRIN experiment by virtue of a unique 3-part signature should either confirm or reject the model in its entirety.
Use of a Modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure for Assistive Technology Outcomes in Postsecondary Education

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) has been used to assess the effectiveness of assistive technology (AT). We explored whether a modified COPM was sensitive to change in perceived performance and satisfaction, and whether frequency of AT use resulted in greater change in the domains measured (reading, writing, note-taking, test-taking, and study skills). Significant interactions were found between time and use frequency with greater change in perceived performance in the daily-use group in several domains. In addition, the intra-class correlation showed moderate to strong equivalent forms reliability between two assessment formats. Based on these preliminary results, the ATRC-mCOPM was found to be a sensitive measure of perceived performance and satisfaction utilizing AT services in a postsecondary education setting.
Results of a phase I-II study of adjuvant concurrent carboplatin and accelerated radiotherapy for triple negative breast cancer.

ABSTRACTPurpose: To determine feasibility and explore the clinical efficacy of concurrent radiotherapy and carboplatin as adjuvant treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).Patients and Methods: Women with Stage I-II TNBC were treated after surgery in a phase I–II prospective trial [NCT01289353]. Weekly carboplatin (AUC = 2.0) was delivered for 6 weeks. Concurrent radiotherapy was delivered in the prone position during weeks 2–4, for a total dose of 40.5 Gy in 15 fractions to the breast, and 46.5 Gy in 17 fractions to the tumor bed. Adverse events (AE) were assessed weekly during treatment, once at 45–60 d, and every 6 mo thereafter, using the Common Terminology Criteria for AE (CTCAE) v3.0.Results: A total of 39 patients accrued and 36 received treatment. Eight patients (22%, exact 95% CI: 10%, 39%) developed grade 2 or greater acute radiation dermatitis. Overall, grade 2 AE were seen in nine and grade 3 in two patients. Twenty-three patients (64%) received additional adjuvant chemotherapy. With ...
A Learner-Centered Grading Method Focused on Reaching Proficiency with Course Learning Outcomes

Getting students to use grading feedback as a tool for learning is a continual challenge for educators. This work proposes a method for evaluating student performance that provides feedback to students based on standards of learning dictated by clearly delineated course learning outcomes. This method combines elements of standards-based grading into a framework that uses Marzano’s Taxonomy of Learning to guide the writing of clearly defined and scaffolded learning outcomes. By means of this methodology, students are equipped with increased levels of information obtained from assessments, both formative and summative. Students and faculty alike can more accurately diagnose strengths and weaknesses in learning down to the level of the concept(s). Early observations from a first-semester general chemistry course suggest that setting transparent standards for grading can serve as a valuable learning tool for students to allow them to focus on content proficiency rather than grades alone.
Dual-task walking over a compliant foam surface: A comparison of people with transfemoral amputation and controls

People with lower limb amputation are unable to reliably sense ground characteristics due to compromised sensory inputs from the missing limb. As a result, they may rely on compensatory strategies, such as use of cognitive resources, when walking over complex surfaces. This study examined interactions between cognition and walking over a compliant surface in 14 people with transfemoral amputation (TFA) and 14 controls using a dual-task paradigm. Walking was assessed with quantitative motion analysis in both single-task (walking alone) and dual-task (walking while performing a cognitive task) conditions over a compliant foam surface. Outcomes were walking speed, step width, step time asymmetry, step time variability, and the speed and accuracy of cognitive task performance. For each outcome, effects of task (single-task, dual-task) and group (TFA, control) were examined with repeated-measures analysis of variance. No significant group-by-task interactions were observed for cognitive task performance. A significant group-by-task interaction for step time asymmetry indicated that participants with TFA increased temporal asymmetry in dual-task relative to single-task conditions, while control participants maintained symmetrical gait. The addition of a concurrent cognitive task did not differentially affect other aspects of gait between groups. Significant main effects of group for all walking outcomes indicated that participants with TFA walked slower, with wider, more asymmetric, and more variable steps than controls. Results suggest that gait quality degrades in challenging dual-task conditions for people with TFA, but not controls, consistent with the idea that people with TFA may use increased cognitive resources to control walking in complex environments.
GPUDrano: Detecting Uncoalesced Accesses in GPU Programs

Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) have become widespread and popular over the past decade. Fully utilizing the parallel compute and memory resources that GPUs present remains a significant challenge, however. In this paper, we describe GPUDrano: a scalable static analysis that detects uncoalesced global memory accesses in CUDA programs. Uncoalesced global memory accesses arise when a GPU program accesses DRAM in an ill-structured way, increasing latency and energy consumption. We formalize the GPUDrano static analysis and compare it empirically against a dynamic analysis to demonstrate that false positives are rare for most programs. We implement GPUDrano in LLVM and show that it can run on GPU programs of over a thousand lines of code. GPUDrano finds 133 of the 143 uncoalesced static memory accesses in the popular Rodinia GPU benchmark suite, demonstrating the precision of our implementation. Fixing these bugs leads to real performance improvements of up to 25%.
Exposure to rising inequality shapes Americans’ opportunity beliefs and policy support

Economic inequality has been on the rise in the United States since the 1980s and by some measures stands at levels not seen since before the Great Depression. Although the strikingly high and rising level of economic inequality in the nation has alarmed scholars, pundits, and elected officials alike, research across the social sciences repeatedly concludes that Americans are largely unconcerned about it. Considerable research has documented, for instance, the important role of psychological processes, such as system justification and American Dream ideology, in engendering Americans' relative insensitivity to economic inequality. The present work offers, and reports experimental tests of, a different perspective-the opportunity model of beliefs about economic inequality. Specifically, two convenience samples (study 1, n = 480; and study 2, n = 1,305) and one representative sample (study 3, n = 1,501) of American adults were exposed to information about rising economic inequality in the United States (or control information) and then asked about their beliefs regarding the roles of structural (e.g., being born wealthy) and individual (e.g., hard work) factors in getting ahead in society (i.e., opportunity beliefs). They then responded to policy questions regarding the roles of business and government actors in reducing economic inequality. Rather than revealing insensitivity to rising inequality, the results suggest that rising economic inequality in contemporary society can spark skepticism about the existence of economic opportunity in society that, in turn, may motivate support for policies designed to redress economic inequality.
Outcomes of Treatment of Severe Spinal Deformity Using Spinal Osteotomy

Although there is no uniform criterion for “severe” spinal deformity, it would probably include a significant curvature typically featured with high coronal or sagittal angles (e.g., 100° or more) and rigid coronal or sagittal imbalance, whereby patients typically have symptoms of back pain, cosmetic concerns, neurological deficits, or psychological problems. [1] Typically, these are curves that cannot be satisfactorily corrected by simple posterior release and instrumented fusion. In order to gain the overall curve correction on spinal alignment, pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) and vertebral column resection (VCR) are most frequently used in this field [2]. These technically demanding procedures are associated with long operation times, substantial blood loss, and relatively high risks of complications, yet have the potential to produce remarkable deformity correction.
A Monte Carlo approach for investigating the fabrications imperfections for high-efficiency metasurface solar concentrators

We introduce and evaluate, for metasurfaces, parameters such as the intercept factor usually defined for solar concentrators in the realm of ray-optics. The concept provides a path to design highly efficiency metasurface solar concentrators.
Guatemala: Language Situation

Twenty-three indigenous languages and Spanish are spoken in Guatemala. Twenty-one of the indigenous languages belong to the Mayan language family; the other two languages are Xinka (language isolate) and Garifuna (Arawakan). At least half the population of Guatemala is indigenous. Language shift into Spanish is affecting all the indigenous languages, but in most indigenous groups, the majority of the population are still speakers of the indigenous language. Populations of speakers range from under ten (Xinka) to close to a million (K'iche'). Major grammatical features of Mayan languages and Guatemalan Spanish are summarized.
The intricate workings of a bacterial epigenetic switch.

Bacteria have developed epigenetic mechanisms to control the reversible Off-to-On switching of cell surface structures such as pyelonephritis-associated pili (PAP). The pap pili switch is primarily controlled by the global regulator leucine-responsive regulatory protein (Lrp), the local regulator Papl, and DNA adenine methylase (Dam). There are two sets of binding sites for Lrp in the pap regulatory region: promoter proximal sites 1,2,3 and promoter distal sites 4,5,6. The pilin promoter proximal (GATCprox) and distal (GATCdist) targets for Dam are located within Lrp binding sites 2 and 5, respectively. In the Off state, Lrp binds cooperatively to sites 1,2,3 overlapping the papBA pilin promoter, shutting off pilin transcription, and blocking methylation of GATCprox. Binding of Lrp at sites 1,2,3, together with methylation of GATCdist, reduces the affinity of Lrp for sites 4,5,6, preventing simultaneous binding of Lrp at sites 4,5,6 upstream. Switching to the phase On state requires the environmentally regulated Papl co-regulator, which increases the affinity of Lrp for sites 5 and 2. Papl binds specifically to Lrp-pap DNA complexes via binding with Lrp as well as contact with DNA sequences within pap sites 5 and 2. Directionality in switching from Off to On appears to be due to methylation of GATCprox, which prevents formation of the Papl-Lrp-pap site 2 ternary complex. A switch model is presented in which DNA replication is proposed to play a critical role by generating a hemimethylated GATCdist site and displacing Lrp from sites 1,2,3. This facilitates methylation of GATCprox and binding of Papl-Lrp to sites 4,5,6, with subsequent activation of pap transcription. The first gene product of the pap operon, PapB, positively regulates papl transcription, resulting in a positive feedback loop that helps maintain the On state. The pap switch is environmentally regulated by a number of factors including the CpxAR two-component regulatory system, the Histone-like nucleoid structuring protein H-NS, and cAMP-Catabolite Gene Activator Protein (CAP), which all involve binding of regulatory binding proteins to pap DNA sequences with subsequent alteration of Papl and Lrp binding. The Pap switch mechanism, with interesting variations, is conserved among a number of enteric bacteria, controlling expression of many unrelated pili-adhesin complexes.
Writing for Many: Interdisciplinary Communication, Constructionism, and the Practices of Writing

Though each of us works in different geographical areas (Ghana, the Lower Mississippi Valley, and the Great Lakes), our research is unified by our use of multiple sources to explore the history of colonial encounters and commitment to demonstrate the value of archaeological sources in exploring the materiality of those encounters. Yet, each of us has struggled with writing about these encounters, particularly as we publish in a variety of venues serving multiple audiences of historians, anthropologists, archaeologists, and lay people. We examine the “split literatures” that develop from our efforts to write for a variety of audiences and assess how tensions between scientific discourse and narrative shape these literatures. The interdisciplinary collaboration that is celebrated as part of a rapprochement among history, anthropology, and archaeology requires new approaches to writing, which we explore here.
Cotton Host-Microbe Interactions

Throughout its life the cotton plant is constantly confronted by microorganisms that may be either beneficial, commensal, or pathogenic. Some of these microbes are endophytes that live in all parts of the plant and are carried from one generation to the next in the seed. Other microbes, including many pathogens, are dormant in the soil until cotton or another suitable host stimulates their regrowth. Other bacteria and fungi in soil are active saprophytes that break down organic matter and also use exudates from the cotton root. Finally, there is a constant fall out of microbes from the air onto the plant surface. It is not uncommon to find microbial populations between one million and one trillion per gram of fresh tissue on either the root or the fiber soon after the boll opens. The cotton plant is exposed to enormous numbers of microbes that can influence its growth and usefulness by affecting nutrient availability; producing plant growth regulators; secreting antibiotics, phytotoxins, and mycotoxins; and invading plant tissues to cause disease.
Forensic Analysis of Inventor Qualifications using Social Media Data

This paper describes a method for forensically evaluating the risk of improper inventorship attribution based on the analysis of extrinsic social media data. Application of this forensic method can be done in a relatively low cost manner, by using automated search tools mining information on social networks such as LinkedIn. The gathered data can be used to generate an individual's IQF (Inventorship Quality Factor).