cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Building the Right Tool for the Job: Value of Stakeholder Involvement When Developing Decision-Support Technologies for Emergency Management

AbstractComputer-aided simulation and decision-support tools have a recognized role in planning for, and responding to, extreme hazard events. Multi-network interdependent critical infrastructure program for the analysis of lifelines (MUNICIPAL) is a multipurpose computer-simulation and decision-support tool that was developed to simulate the damage to interdependent critical infrastructure systems during extreme weather events and to guide their restoration following such events. This paper describes the interactive stakeholder-involvement process that was used during the development of MUNICIPAL to increase the likelihood that it would become a useful aid to planners and policymakers, emergency managers, and infrastructure service providers. It demonstrates that a structured process for obtaining input from the user community throughout the process can increase the likelihood that tools such as MUNICIPAL will be adopted for training, awareness raising, and team building among the diverse public and priv...
Power-controlled packet relays in wireless data networks

We investigate the problem of packet relaying in power-controlled wireless data networks. For reasons of limited range or energy efficiency, packets are not transmitted from the source to the destination nodes directly, but in two hops via an intermediary relay node. The nodes are equipped with buffers to store the incoming packets while they take turns to transmit. The communication takes place over wireless links whose quality fluctuates due to fading and interference from other users. At each point in time, the system has to decide (i) which transmitter takes possession of the channel, and (ii) the power level at the transmitter. On adverse channel conditions, the system can even decide to refrain from all transmissions (back-off), waiting for the links to improve before resuming transmissions. Clearly, this dilemma induces the fundamental trade-off between packet delay and transmission power. In a delay-sensitive configuration, the transmitters prefer to remain always active so as to keep the packet backlogs at the queues low. On the contrary, a power-sensitive configuration favors the use of back-off, resulting in low transmission power levels at the cost of increased packet delay and high packet backlogs. Overall, the decision is taken based on (i) the state of the wireless links, and (ii) the backlog size of the queues. Toward designing efficient transmission schemes, we model the system as a controlled Markov chain and formulate the optimization problem in the context of dynamic programming. We construct a set of transmission schemes by analyzing the system dynamics, which are evaluated over standard approaches and shown to achieve significant performance gains.
The role of antibodies to Bacillus anthracis and anthrax toxin components in inhibiting the early stages of infection by anthrax spores

Vaccines which are efficacious against anthrax, such as the human vaccine, Anthrax Vaccine Absorbed (AVA), contain the protective antigen (PA) component of the anthrax toxins as the major protective immunogen. Although AVA protects against inhalational anthrax, the immune responses to and role in protection of PA and possibly other antigens have yet to be fully elucidated. Sera from animals immunized with a toxin-producing, unencapsulated live vaccine strain of Bacillus anthracis have been reported to have anti-spore activities associated with the antitoxin humoral response. The authors performed studies to determine whether anti-PA antibody (Ab)-containing preparations stimulated spore uptake by phagocytes and suppressed the germination of spores in vitro. AVA- and PA-immune sera from several species enhanced the phagocytosis by murine peritoneal macrophages of spores of the virulent Ames and the Sterne vaccine strains. Antitoxin Abs appeared to contribute significantly, although not solely, to the enhanced uptake. Rabbit antisera to PA purified from either Sterne or a PA-producing pX01-cured recombinant, affinity-purified anti-PA IgG, and monkey antisera to AVA were used to assess the role of anti-PA Abs. Rabbit anti-PA Abs promoted the uptake of spores of the PA-producing strains Sterne, Ames and RP42, a mutant of Sterne producing only PA, but not of the pX01-ΔSterne-1 strain, ΔAmes strain, or RP4, a mutant of Sterne with deletions in the loci encoding PA and the oedema factor (EF) toxin component and producing only the lethal factor toxin component. Rabbit anti-PA and monkey anti-AVA Abs also significantly inhibited spore germination in vitro compared to preimmune serum or medium. Spore-associated proteins recognized by anti-PA Abs were detected by electron microscopy and confirmed by immunoblotting of spore coat extracts. Thus, the anti-PA Ab-specific immunity induced by AVA has anti-spore activity and might have a role in impeding the early stages of infection with B. anthracis spores.
Networks, Norms, and Trust: The Social Psychology of Social Capital∗ 2004 Cooley Mead Award Address

Networks of trust relations often emerge under conditions of uncertainty or risk to facilitate social exchange. Under some conditions, such networks represent a form of social capital that can be mobilized in support of general social cooperation in the society. Under other conditions, however, such networks may have negative effects on the degree of social cooperation in the society. To examine these conditions I draw on experimental work on cooperation and trust, as well as recent work on social exchange under conditions of uncertainty and risk. After an introduction, in which I acknowledge those who have been influential in my career, I comment on the implications of this work for recent research on social capital.
Performance of alcohol and safer sex change rulers compared with readiness to change questionnaires.

As part of a larger intervention study, the authors hypothesized that change rulers created for alcohol and safer sex would be equivalent to longer questionnaires. Ninety-six male college students completed rulers and questionnaires for assessing behavior change readiness. Participants' scores on the rulers significantly correlated with their scores on the questionnaires (r = .77 for alcohol; r = .77 for safer sex). In both domains, the rulers outperformed the questionnaires in predicting behavioral intentions, suggesting that the rulers had at least comparable concurrent criterion validity. This finding is the first of its kind in the safe sex literature and suggests that quick assessments of readiness to change are possible. Because the rulers are a continuous measure, the results are consistent with the idea that the change process is continuous rather than a series of discrete stages.
Nursing home practice among recent family medicine residency graduates.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES As the US population ages, nursing homes need more care providers. However, family physicians are narrowing their scope of practice. Characterizing family medicine practice patterns is essential for educational and workforce planning related to nursing home practice. METHODS We analyzed a survey of 1,506 family medicine residency graduates from the Pacific Northwest between 1997 and 2009, examining whether they practiced in nursing homes and felt prepared for this practice. RESULTS Nursing home practice among recent family medicine residency graduates declined from 61.4% in 1997 to 25.9% in 2009, despite no change in perceived level of preparedness for this practice. CONCLUSIONS The Pacific Northwest has experienced a significant decline in nursing home practice among recent family medicine residency graduates. Further research is needed to elucidate the reasons for this workforce change and to plan for the increased need in nursing home providers.
Strength of Rivets and Bolts in Tension

Study made to determine fastener behavior in tension type structural connection assembled with either ASTM A-325 high strength bolts or rivets of A-141 material; tee-sections for test specimens were ASTM A-7 structural steel.
Fifty Years of Constitutional Evolution in France: The 2008 Amendments and Beyond

The Constitution of France’s Fifth Republic, adopted in 1958, has proved remarkable in its ability to adapt to changing political, social, economic, and demographic conditions and values. This is quite a departure from most of post-revolutionary French history, which had witnessed extreme constitutional instability for more than 175 years, France having had 15 different constitutions during that period. The 1958 Constitution has evolved through amendments enacted by Parliament or referendum, decisions of the Constitutional Council interpreting and applying the Constitution, and the practice of governmental institutions. This mix of mechanisms (political, judicial, and customary practice) for legitimating change has resulted in a Constitution which now plays an increasingly important role in advancing the rule of law and symbolizing and promoting social and political integration. The extensive constitutional amendments of July 2008 continue the “constitutionalization” of French law and politics. Rejecting calls for a more radical restructuring, the French Parliament pursued a cautious, evolutionary route to reform. Following for the most part the recommendations of a commission established by President Sarkozy (the Balladur Commission), Parliament amended the Constitution to better define the powers of the president of the Republic, to better balance the relationship between the Government (the executive branch) and Parliament, and to better protect the rights of citizens. In some areas change is modest (like better defining the powers of the president and his relationship to the prime minister); in some areas change may be significant or not, depending on the ability and willingness of institutions to use their new competences and resources (like the relationship between Parliament and the Government); and in some areas change is substantial (like allowing individual litigants to have the question of the constitutionality of a law already in force decided by the Constitutional Council during litigation in ordinary or administrative courts). Constitutional developments in France since 1958 provide an excellent example of the progressive entrenchment of constitutionalism in a nation that had long been hostile to the “government of judges” by a combination of political and judicial techniques that assure continuity and legitimacy to fundamental changes in political and legal structures and values.
NAFTA and the WTO

Regional free trade zones have been unexpectedly successful in the last decade. Since 1980 the European Community enlarged significantly its membership and its scope. It now includes southern European countries, and market-integrating features allowing goods, people, services and capital to flow freely around an area accounting for about one fourth of world economic output.
Genus Pediculochelus (Acarina: Pediculochelidae), with Notes on P. raulti and Descriptions of Two New Species

The relationship between Pediculochelus Lavoipierre, 1946, and Paralycus Womersley, 1944, is discussed, but a decision regarding possible synonymy is deferred until Paralycus pyrigerus (Berlese), 1905, is redescribed. Characteristics of the family Pediculochelidae are presented. Inclusion of this unusual group of mites in the Endeostigmata is considered expedient until more information is available. Two paratype specimens of Pediculochelus raulti Lavoipierre are illustrated. A comparison suggests they represent distinct species. Two new species, P. lavoipierrei and P. parvulus, from grassland soil in California are described and illustrated. Characteristics useful for species discrimination are discussed.
Some Effects of Gypsy Moth Density on Rate of Development, Pupation Time, and Fecundity

In the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), subpopulations studied in an overall outbreak area near Glenville, N. Y., the rate of larval development and the time of pupation were directly related to larval density at the start of stadium IV. Avg pupation time differed by as much as 3 wk. Most of the variation in avg egg mass size was also associated with variation in larval density. Possible adaptations by this insect to a numerically bimodal way of life include reductions in the duration of the larval stage as density increases, which result in earlier pupation; reductions in fecundity as larval density increases; the abrupt behavioral shift during instar III, which occurs most dramatically in sparse populations and virtually disappears during outbreaks; and an expanded variety of acceptable host plants as the larvae mature. Results disagree with certain theoretical expectations on relationships between population density and the duration of the 1st instar. The possible confounding influence of density on the timing of monitoring or control work should be considered when such operations are planned.
Computational adaptive optics of the human retina

It is well known that patient-specific ocular aberrations limit imaging resolution in the human retina. Previously, hardware adaptive optics (HAO) has been employed to measure and correct these aberrations to acquire high-resolution images of various retinal structures. While the resulting aberration-corrected images are of great clinical importance, clinical use of HAO has not been widespread due to the cost and complexity of these systems. We present a technique termed computational adaptive optics (CAO) for aberration correction in the living human retina without the use of hardware adaptive optics components. In CAO, complex interferometric data acquired using optical coherence tomography (OCT) is manipulated in post-processing to adjust the phase of the optical wavefront. In this way, the aberrated wavefront can be corrected. We summarize recent results in this technology for retinal imaging, including aberration-corrected imaging in multiple retinal layers and practical considerations such as phase stability and image optimization.
Antigen nature and complexity influence human antibody light chain usage and specificity

Human antibodies consist of a heavy chain and one of two possible light chains, kappa (κ) or lambda (λ). Here we tested how these two possible light chains influence the overall antibody response to polysaccharide and protein antigens by measuring light chain usage in human monoclonal antibodies from antibody secreting cells obtained following vaccination with Pneumovax23. Remarkably, we found that individuals displayed restricted light chain usage to certain serotypes and that lambda antibodies have different specificities and modes of cross-reactivity than kappa antibodies. Thus, at both the monoclonal (7 kappa, no lambda) and serum levels (145μg/mL kappa, 2.82μg/mL lambda), antibodies to cell wall polysaccharide were nearly always kappa. The pneumococcal reference serum 007sp was analyzed for light chain usage to 12 pneumococcal serotypes for which it is well characterized. Similar to results at the monoclonal level, certain serotypes tended to favor one of the light chains (14 and 19A, lambda; 6A and 23F, kappa). We also explored differences in light chain usage at the serum level to a variety of antigens. We examined serum antibodies to diphtheria toxin mutant CRM197 and Epstein-Barr virus protein EBNA-1. These responses tended to be kappa dominant (average kappa-to-lambda ratios of 4.52 and 9.72 respectively). Responses to the influenza vaccine were more balanced with kappa-to-lambda ratio averages having slight strain variations: seasonal H1N1, 1.1; H3N2, 0.96; B, 0.91. We conclude that antigens with limited epitopes tend to produce antibodies with restricted light chain usage and that in most individuals, antibodies with lambda light chains have specificities different and complementary to kappa-containing antibodies.
Bracing vs tape.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) published the latest results from the spring 2001 sports season with injuries to the ankle being in the top three most prevalent in softball, spring football, and men’s and women’s lacrosse. However, injuries to the ankle are no fault of the sport, but rather due to the structural properties of the ankle mortise, which make it more susceptible to injury.
MURMoT. Design and Application of Microbial Uranium Reduction Monitoring Tools

Uranium (U) contamination in the subsurface is a major remediation challenge at many DOE sites. Traditional site remedies present enormous costs to DOE; hence, enhanced bioremediation technologies (i.e., biostimulation and bioaugmentation) combined with monitoring efforts are being considered as cost-effective corrective actions to address subsurface contamination. This research effort improved understanding of the microbial U reduction process and developed new tools for monitoring microbial activities. Application of these tools will promote science-based site management decisions that achieve contaminant detoxification, plume control, and long-term stewardship in the most efficient manner. The overarching hypothesis was that the design, validation and application of a suite of new molecular and biogeochemical tools advance process understanding, and improve environmental monitoring regimes to assess and predict in situ U immobilization. Accomplishments: This project (i) advanced nucleic acid-based approaches to elucidate the presence, abundance, dynamics, spatial distribution, and activity of metal- and radionuclide-detoxifying bacteria; (ii) developed proteomics workflows for detection of metal reduction biomarker proteins in laboratory cultures and contaminated site groundwater; (iii) developed and demonstrated the utility of U isotopic fractionation using high precision mass spectrometry to quantify U(VI) reduction for a range of reduction mechanisms and environmental conditions; and (iv) validated the new tools usingmore » field samples from U-contaminated IFRC sites, and demonstrated their prognostic and diagnostic capabilities in guiding decision making for environmental remediation and long-term site stewardship.« less
Imaging of Resected Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas: The Cost of Surveillance.

Objectives To determine the cost of annual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) surveillance after resection of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) and its effectiveness in reducing visual compromise due to tumor recurrence. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Vanderbilt University Medical Center (2003–2011). Participants A total of 120 patients underwent primary transsphenoidal resection and surveillance of NFPAs between 2003 and 2011. Main Outcome Measures Time from initial surgery to most recent imaging or progression. Surveillance MRI costs according to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid database and visual field deficits. Results Patients received 382 surveillance scans at a total cost of $218,477.30. The median follow-up was 47 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 26–76), and the median interval between scans was 357 days (IQR: 225–434). Overall, 50 scans (13%) revealed tumor growth. The cost per scan revealing growth was $4,369.55. The cost to identify 19 patients (16%) with clinically significant growth was $11,498.80 per patient. A total of 5 of 19 patients (26%) experienced new visual deficits prior to intervention. Patients with visual decline tended to have longer scan intervals than those with preserved vision (mean: 239 versus 794 days; p = 0.0584). No patient with annual surveillance imaging experienced visual decline. Conclusions Annual MRI scans are a sensitive and cost-conscious method to identify NFPA recurrence prior to visual decline.
A three-mode expressive feature model of action effort

We present an expressive feature model for recognizing the performance effort of human actions. A set of low and high effort examples for an action are initially factored into its three-mode principal components, followed by a learning phase to compute the expressive features required to bring the model estimation of effort into agreement with perceptual judgements. The approach is demonstrated using real and illusory movements.
Evaluating unintended outcomes of regional smart-growth strategies: Environmental justice and public health concerns

Abstract Many urban areas are perusing infill, transit oriented, and other “smart-growth” strategies to address a range of important regional goals. Denser and more mixed use urban development may increase sustainability and improve public health by reducing vehicle travel and increasing the share of trips made by transit, walking and bicycling. Fewer vehicle trips results in fewer greenhouse gas and toxic vehicle emissions, and more trips made by walking and bicycle increases physical activity. Prior research has largely focused on modeling and estimating the potential size of these and other smart-growth strategy benefits. A largely overlooked area is the potential for unexpected public health costs and environmental justice concerns that may result from increasing density. We evaluate regional land-use and transportation planning scenarios developed for the year 2040 by a metropolitan planning organization with a newly developed regional air quality modeling framework. Our results find that a set of regional plans designed by the MPO to promote smart-growth that are estimated to result in less vehicle use and fewer vehicle emissions than a more typical set of plans results in higher population exposure to toxic vehicle emissions. The smart-growth plans also result in greater income-exposure inequality, raising environmental justice concerns. We conclude that a more spatially detailed regional scale air quality analysis can inform the creation of smarter smart-growth plans.
West Virginia’s Response to the Rotten Truth about Oral Health

West Virginia University Extension Service has taken steps to increase the awareness and practices of good oral health. Significant barriers exist for optimal dental health and preventive care for youth in West Virginia. The 4-H Health Initiative strengthens community 4-H clubs through joint commitment to improve the Health “H,” club reliance on youth leadership, responsiveness to youth voices, and involvement of community health resources. These efforts bring oral health education and services to school-age youth. Evaluation data suggest that the model may impact oral health behaviors.
Barley 4H QTL confers NFNB resistance to a global set of P. teres f. teres isolates

Net form net blotch (NFNB), caused by Pyrenophora teres f. teres Drechs., is prevalent in barley-growing regions worldwide. A population of 132 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from a cross of the barley varieties ‘Falcon’ and ‘Azhul’ were used to evaluate resistance to NFNB due to their differential reactions to isolates of P. teres f. teres from Australia, Canada, Japan, and the USA. Falcon is a six-rowed, hulless feed barley harboring resistance to NFNB, while Azhul is a six-rowed, hulless food barley with high levels of susceptibility to many P. teres f. teres isolates. Seedling disease resistance data were collected on seedlings of parents, RILs, and checks in a growth chamber. The population was genotyped using Illumina’s GoldenGate assay, and quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected on chromosomes 2H, 3H, 4H, and 6H. We identified a single genetic region on barley chromosome 4H that provided varying levels of resistance to all P. teres f. teres isolates evaluated.
Analysis of microsatellites from the transcriptome of downy mildew pathogens and their application for characterization of Pseudoperonospora populations

Downy mildew pathogens affect several economically important crops worldwide but, due to their obligate nature, few genetic resources are available for genomic and population analyses. Draft genomes for emergent downy mildew pathogens such as the oomycete Pseudoperonospora cubensis, causal agent of cucurbit downy mildew, have been published and can be used to perform comparative genomic analysis and develop tools such as microsatellites to characterize pathogen population structure. We used bioinformatics to identify 2,738 microsatellites in the P. cubensis predicted transcriptome and evaluate them for transferability to the hop downy mildew pathogen, Pseudoperonospora humuli, since no draft genome is available for this species. We also compared the microsatellite repertoire of P. cubensis to that of the model organism Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis, which causes downy mildew in Arabidopsis. Although trends in frequency of motif-type were similar, the percentage of SSRs identified from P. cubensis transcripts differed significantly from H. arabidopsidis. The majority of a subset of microsatellites selected for laboratory validation (92%) produced a product in P. cubensis isolates, and 83 microsatellites demonstrated transferability to P. humuli. Eleven microsatellites were found to be polymorphic and consistently amplified in P. cubensis isolates. Analysis of Pseudoperonospora isolates from diverse hosts and locations revealed higher diversity in P. cubensis compared to P. humuli isolates. These microsatellites will be useful in efforts to better understand relationships within Pseudoperonospora species and P. cubensis on a population level.
Arctic shelves as platforms for biogeochemical activity: Nitrogen and carbon transformations in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska

Abstract Continental shelves comprise 50% of marine denitrification. The Hanna Shoal region, part of the continental shelf system in the northeast Chukchi Sea, Alaska, is recognized for its high biodiversity and productivity. We investigated the role of sediments in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling at five stations on the shallow Hanna Shoal. In particular, we asked (1) how much sediment organic matter is remineralized in the Chukchi Sea, and what factors drive this degradation, (2) do sediments function as a net source for fixed nitrogen (thus fueling primary production in the overlying water), or as a net sink for fixed nitrogen (thereby removing it from the system), and (3) what is the balance between sediment NH4+ uptake and regeneration, and what factors drive NH4+ cycling? We conducted dark sediment core incubations to measure sediment O2 consumption, net N2 and nutrient (NH4+, NO3-, NO2-, PO43-) fluxes, and rates of sediment NH4+ cycling, including uptake and regeneration. Rates of sediment O2 consumption and NH4+ and PO43- efflux suggest that high organic matter remineralization rates occurred in these cold (−2 °C) sediments. We estimated that total organic carbon remineralization accounted for 20–57% of summer export production measured on the Chukchi Shelf. Net N2 release was the dominant nitrogen flux, indicating that sediments acted as a net sink for bioavailable nitrogen via denitrification. Organic carbon remineralization via denitrification accounted for 6–12% of summer export production, which made up ~25% of the total organic carbon oxidized in Hanna Shoal sediments. These shallow, productive Arctic shelves are “hotspots” for organic matter remineralization.
The impact of hypsarrhythmia on infantile spasms treatment response: Observational cohort study from the National Infantile Spasms Consortium

SummaryObjective The multicenter National Infantile Spasms Consortium prospective cohort was used to compare outcomes and phenotypic features of patients with infantile spasms with and without hypsarrhythmia. Methods Patients aged 2 months to 2 years were enrolled prospectively with new-onset infantile spasms. Treatment choice and categorization of hypsarrhythmia were determined clinically at each site. Response to therapy was defined as resolution of clinical spasms (and hypsarrhythmia if present) without relapse 3 months after initiation. Results Eighty-two percent of patients had hypsarrhythmia, but this was not associated with gender, mean age, preexisting developmental delay or epilepsy, etiology, or response to first-line therapy. Infants with hypsarrhythmia were more likely to receive standard treatment (adrenocorticotropic hormone, prednisolone, or vigabatrin [odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–4.7] and preexisting epilepsy reduced the likelihood of standard treatment (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.9–5.4). Hypsarrhythmia was not a determinant of response to treatment. A logistic regression model demonstrated that later age of onset (OR 1.09 per month, 95% CI 1.03–1.15) and absence of preexisting epilepsy (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.06–2.81) had a small impact on the likelihood of responding to the first-line treatment. However, receiving standard first-line treatment increased the likelihood of responding dramatically: vigabatrin (OR 5.2 ,95% CI 2–13.7), prednisolone (OR 8, 95% CI 3.1–20.6), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; OR 10.2, 95% CI 4.1–25.8) . Significance First-line treatment with standard therapy was by far the most important variable in determining likelihood of response to treatment of infantile spasms with or without hypsarrhythmia.
Mechanisms Underlying Extracellular Calcium Homeostasis

Calcium (Ca2+) is indispensable for all living things. In complex, multicellular organisms, calcium serves key roles in both the intra- and extracellular spaces [1]. In humans and other mammals, for example, notable extracellular roles of calcium ions include promoting plasma membrane integrity and serving as an important cofactor in proteins, such as adhesion molecules, clotting factors, and secreted enzymes (i.e., trypsin) [1]. It is also an essential component, along with phosphate ions, of the mineral phase of bone [2, 3]. The combination of a collagenous matrix and its associated insoluble mineral phase confers upon bone both hardness and strength, thereby enabling the skeleton to protect vital internal structures (i.e., the brain and heart) and to facilitate ambulation and other directed movements [2]. Intracellular Ca2+ likewise serves numerous critical roles [4], including activating exocytosis (the so-called stimulus-secretion coupling) and muscle contraction (“stimulus-contraction coupling”) and participating in the propagation of action potentials in some nerve cells. Ca2+ serves more generally as a key intracellular second messenger [3, 5], regulating a host of cellular processes (mitosis, energy metabolism, gene expression, cell death, etc.) through its interaction with intracellular Ca2+ sensors, such as calmodulin [6].
Practical Dialogue Refinement

Researchers have suggested viewing interactive system design as the refinement of an abstract user-task model into an object-oriented interaction model[1, 17]. Inherent in this view is a shift in the nature of the behavior being modeled. We explore the manifestations of such a shift by critically analyzing properties of the forms used to represent task and interaction models. The analysis enabled us to uncover four obstacles to dialogue refinement. We believe that if designers cannot systematically address these obstacles, then the task-model refinement process of development will not be practical on any large scale. We then suggest a refinement framework that systematically deals with these obstacles and demonstrate it on a small, but significant example.
Implementing Harmonic Balance

This chapter describes practical algorithms for implementing harmonic balance. Most of these algorithms have been implemented and tested in Spectre, a simulation program suitable for analog and microwave circuits. There are two fundamental ideas presented in this chapter. The first is that it is possible to use the DFT with harmonic balance, even when the signals present are not periodic. The benefit of the DFT is the very regular manner in which aliasing occurs, which can be exploited to accelerate the construction and factorization of the conversion matrices. The first portion of this chapter is dedicated to explaining how the DFT can be used in quasiperiodic harmonic balance, and rederiving harmonic Newton with the DFT.
A Perspective on Tomorrow’s Families

The purpose of this chapter is to examine ideas about families in the future, from the viewpoint both of what is likely and of what may be possible. Usually considerable energy is expended in defining the family as a term in theoretical discussions of the family. However, in this essay, six approaches to the family as a concept are summarized: the family as used in ideological abstraction, as a romantic image, as a unit of treatment, as a last resort, as a process, and as a network. Although these topics do not exhaust the question of definition, they are suggestive of the range of ideas available. The difficulties of assessing the potential for change are discussed. The future itself, as an environmental setting for families, is examined to the limits of our imagination, invention, and innovation.
Support Measures for Sustainable Building

The trend towards environmental protection is gaining momentum. Social and political forces are increasing the pressure for more environmentally-sound technological decisions. Companies also recognize that initiatives such as adoption of proper materials and waste management, efficient process and product design, energy efficiency, and recycling can be both profitable and environmentally preferable. New standards and mandates are encouraging companies to better manage their environmental costs and considerations; international standards1 are now requiring companies to develop environmental management systems.
The trend of courtship and mating behavior of Drosophila melanogaster fitT15 mutants based on caloric restriction

The nutrients gleaned from an organism's diet provide the metabolic energy necessary for normal physiological function. If an organism is unable to consume the required nutrients, then its normal behavior and metabolic activity will be impaired. This study employs Drosophila melanogaster as a model to study the effect of diet restriction on courtship and mating behaviors. To investigate the proposed link between diet and reproduction, samples of male and female fitT15 (female-specific independent of transformer) Drosophila were subjected to two diets: a 100% Standard diet and a 50% Standard diet containing indigestible cellulose. Previous work has shown that these null fit mutants have inappropriate male courtship behavior; however, effects of the mutation for female Drosophila are not currently known. Mutant males and females fed one diet were paired with Canton-S flies fed the 100% Standard diet. Reproductive capabilities were assayed in terms of courtship latency, courtship index, and mating latency. Theoretically, flies on the restricted diet were expected to exhibit higher courtship and mating latencies and lower courtship indices. As of yet, significant differences between these times for the diets have not been demonstrated; however, experimental female flies on the 50% diet have exhibited a trend toward higher courtship and mating latencies when compared to the 100% control specimens. In general, it is possible that diet restriction may have a physiological effect on reproduction.
How frequently should listed companies report results

Abstract On August 17, 2018, President Trump announced that he had asked the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to study whether U.S. listed companies should file interim financial statements at half-year intervals instead of on a quarterly basis. This essay examines the question underlying the President's concern: how frequently should public companies file interim statements? A review of accounting standards, regulations, and research reveals that there is (i) no agreed-upon best practice for reporting frequency, (ii) compelling evidence that analyst earnings estimates arising from interim reporting give rise to executive angst, and (iii) some evidence that lengthening reporting intervals will harm investors. The short-term implication of this essay is that readers of this journal should participate in SEC deliberation on this issue. The long-term implication is that we need to encourage accounting scholars from various disciplines to try to answer the President's question.
The International Conference on Intelligent Biology and Medicine (ICIBM) 2018: bioinformatics towards translational applications.

The 2018 International Conference on Intelligent Biology and Medicine (ICIBM 2018) was held on June 10–12, 2018, in Los Angeles, California, USA. The conference consisted of a total of eleven scientific sessions, four tutorials, one poster session, four keynote talks and four eminent scholar talks, which covered a wild range of aspects of bioinformatics, medical informatics, systems biology and intelligent computing. Here, we summarize nine research articles selected for publishing in BMC Bioinformatics.
Emerging Military Aviation Trends and Potential US Aerospace Adversaries

This chapter describes and analyzes emerging international military aviation, geopolitical, and security trends which could see the F-35’s operational deployment. Particular emphasis is placed on combat scenarios involving China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia and facilities in these countries which could be targeted by the United States and F-35’s from US allied countries. Coverage is also provided of potential combat scenarios involving aerial operations against transnational terrorist organizations across the globe.
Copyright and Geoblocking: The Consequences of Eliminating Geoblocking

Geoblocking has become a common companion of copyrighted content on the internet; even streaming services can make streamed copyrighted content available or unavailable according to the location of their users. There are various reasons for geographical restrictions on access to content; copyright issues are not the only reasons, but territorial limitations associated with copyright are significant – and sometimes the primary – reasons for implementing geoblocking. This article reviews the current relationship between copyright and geoblocking, particularly the role attributed to geoblocking in copyright law and law of personal jurisdiction in the United States and the European Union; it considers whether geoblocking is an inevitable part of the future of copyrighted content on the internet, particularly in light of recent attempts in the European Union to eliminate geoblocking for copyrighted content; and suggests some possible consequences that might result from eliminating geoblocking within the European Union or on a global or large territorial scale.
Recovering the microseismic response from a geomechanical simulation

ABSTRACTThe analysis of microseismic events is one of a few tools available for characterizing processes that occur within the subsurface. We have developed a method for modeling microseismic activ...
A Novel Stripline Inductive Compensation Technique on High Speed IO Packages

This paper presents a novel approach of inductive compensation technique that is used in High-Speed I/O (HSIO) packaging which helps in meeting the return loss spec at package pins.The standard technique that is being followed in package design to meet return loss spec is the capacitance compensation by removing copper over package ball area on the package. But, excessive removal of copper leads to package reliability issues and package power delivery challenges. With the novel approach of coil compensation near vertical path, inductive effect is added to the transmission line and this helps in meeting the return loss spec.
Reshaping Particle Configurations by Collisions with Rigid Objects

Consider many particles actuated by a uniform global external field (e.g. gravitational or magnetic fields). This paper presents analytical results using workspace obstacles and global inputs to reshape such a group of particles. Shape control of many particles is necessary for conveying information, construction, and navigation. First we show how the particles’ characteristic angle of repose can be used to reshape the particles by controlling angle of attack and the magnitude of the driving force. These can then be used to control the force and torque applied to a rectangular rigid body. Next, we examine the full set of stable, achievable mean and variance configurations for the shape of a particle group in two canonical environments: a square and a circular workspace. Finally, we show how workspaces with linear boundary layers can be used to achieve a more rich set of mean and variance configurations.
Early Termination of Conjugate Gradients for Corotated Finite Elements

Since the introduction of the conjugate gradient method to computer graphics, researchers have largely treated it as a black box. In particular, an arbitrary small value is chosen for the tolerance and the method is run to convergence. In the context of soft body animation, this approach results in significant wasted computation and has led researchers to consider alternative, more complex, and less versatile approaches. In this paper we argue that in the context of corotational finite elements, less than 10 iterations can give a good enough solution and substantial savings of computational cost. We examine the use of different preconditioners for conjugate gradient including the mass and Jacobi matrices, as well as the use of different initial guesses. We show that for our examples an initial guess of the previous velocity and the Jacobi preconditioner works best.
Meeting the Conditions for Diffusion of Teaching Innovations in a University STEM Department

Recommendations to improve university Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education often emphasize the role of classroom assessment in supporting student learning. Despite extensive efforts to support instructors in reforming their practices, many continue to teach didactically with limited classroom assessment. Instructors’ decisions to adopt new practices have previously been characterized with the innovation decision model, and the spread of such practices can be explored through an innovation diffusion lens. Innovation diffusion of high-impact assessment practices requires interaction between experienced assessment users and less-experienced users. Within a university STEM department, instructors’ assessment experiences were documented through the Faculty Self-Reported Assessment Survey (FRAS), and interactions between instructors were characterized with social network analysis. Results show that instructors with higher self-reported assessment experience had more teaching-specific peer interactions within the department, and that instructors of all assessment experience levels interacted more often with more experienced instructors. This study demonstrates and characterizes the conditions for innovation diffusion in a university STEM department and highlights the potential role of peer interactions for supporting the spread of innovative teaching ideas.
Performance of Nondestructive Sonic Echo Testing Method on Partially Dismantled Unknown Wood Bridge Foundations; A Case Study

Sonic Echo (SE) testing method is a well-known, versatile method to gather information pertaining to unknown bridge foundations. Many studies on the applicability and methodology improvement of SE tests to evaluate individual piles and foundations supporting the superstructure have been reported previously. However, there is a rare opportunity for obtaining the performance of SE tests without the bridge deck. In the current study, three piles of a dismantled unknown bridge foundation were tested. Unusual vibrations on velocity signals were found which are independent of the location of the sensors. Such signals do not contain identifiable echoes from the pile toe. Therefore, they cannot be used to determine the depth of the piles. The results and observations of this study show that there is little future application for conducting SE tests on bridges that are out of service.
Assessment of peak power demand reduction available via modulation of building ventilation systems.

Abstract Peak power demand strains electrical grids and increases cost of electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. Many studies have examined ways of reducing peak power demand, including modification of room air temperature setpoints or reduction of lighting levels. However, very few or no studies have examined the peak power reduction resource offered by temporary curtailment of building ventilation systems. For this reason, we conducted a simulation campaign in which we examined the resource offered by temporary ventilation curtailment in commercial buildings of different use types across the United States and in residences in the state of California, with the essential constraint that any changes resulted in air quality acceptable to occupants through additional ventilation to compensate for the curtailment. To do this, we employed previously validated building models implemented in the airflow and contaminant transport tool CONTAM and building thermal and systems modeling tool EnergyPlus, in some cases co-simulated. Results show savings are highly dependent on building type and climate but range from 0–2 W/ft2 and up to 40% of total peak building power demand. Depending on building type, this power shed can be conducted for 1.5–8 h before acute exposure or odor concerns are expected, assuming a safety factor of 2. This reduction is of the same magnitude as that offered by thermal control strategies such as setpoint increase, or from lighting reduction strategies.
An In-Depth Analysis of IoT Security Requirements, Challenges, and Their Countermeasures via Software-Defined Security

Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming everyone’s life by providing features, such as controlling and monitoring of the connected smart objects. IoT applications range over a broad spectrum of services including smart cities, homes, cars, manufacturing, e-healthcare, smart control system, transportation, wearables, farming, and much more. The adoption of these devices is growing exponentially, that has resulted in generation of a substantial amount of data for processing and analyzing. Thus, besides bringing ease to the human lives, these devices are susceptible to different threats and security challenges, which do not only worry the users for adopting it in sensitive environments, such as e-health, smart home, etc., but also pose hazards for the advancement of IoT in coming days. This article thoroughly reviews the threats, security requirements, challenges, and the attack vectors pertinent to IoT networks. Based on the gap analysis, a novel paradigm that combines a network-based deployment of IoT architecture through software-defined networking (SDN) is proposed. This article presents an overview of the SDN along with a thorough discussion on SDN-based IoT deployment models, i.e., centralized and decentralized. We further elaborated SDN-based IoT security solutions to present a comprehensive overview of the software-defined security (SDSec) technology. Furthermore, based on the literature, core issues are highlighted that are the main hurdles in unifying all IoT stakeholders on one platform and few findings that emphases on a network-based security solution for IoT paradigm. Finally, some future research directions of SDN-based IoT security technologies are discussed.
Variation by race and ethnicity in the prevalence and trends of parental opioid misuse in child welfare: findings from the Regional Partnership Grant-1

Given the harmful effects of parental opioid use on child well-being, this study explored the prevalence and trends of opioid misuse among 11,457 child welfare-involved parents participating in sub...