cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Capability Effectiveness Testing for Architectural Resiliency in Financial Systems

Increasing interconnectivity in financial institutions and markets along with complex, interdependent architectures present unique enterprise risks. While technological advances continuously improve the reliability and trustworthiness of individual technological system components, the complex, collaborative architectures relied on by most financial organizations present substantial challenges that span technology, personnel, and process dimensions. As systems and threat environments grow in sophistication, approaches to security testing and evaluation must evolve as well. Traditional approaches to cyber security testing may still be useful to evaluate basic architectural components, however new techniques are needed to enable the enterprise to construct simulation exercises that model real-world threat conditions and test the resiliency of all architectural components, including personnel and process dimensions. Organizations must not only establish capabilities to recognize breach attempts, but take decisive response action under conditions of uncertainty and stress. Techniques to evaluate resilient enterprise architectures sometimes underemphasize the threats surrounding human dimensions. This paper examines emerging risk considerations presented by increased connectivity among financial services enterprises. It explores new requirements for testing and evaluation of enterprise resiliency as well as organizational detection and response capabilities. The paper considers industry and other external environmental factors driving the need to develop comprehensive evaluation approaches to evaluate the effectiveness of enterprise capabilities in order to embed capability effectiveness assessments within enterprise risk management practices. Limitations of current cyber testing approaches in simulating the emerging cyber threat environment are identified, and the value of realistic, time-bound drills and tests that mimic the stress of real-world cyber events are explored.
The Costs of Entering through Tying: Experimental Evidence

In recent years, Google has entered into a growing set of markets that are adjacent to its general search engine, launching new products such as Google Flights, Google Shopping, and Google Local. To leverage its dominance in general search, Google has often tied these products to its general search page, excluding competitor content. In this paper, we explore the strategic tradeoffs platforms face when pursuing a tying strategy to enter complementary markets, empirically investigating Google's decision to tie Google Local (its reviews product) to its search engine. We experimentally vary the content displayed on top of organic search results (called the "Onebox"), to show either exclusively Google reviews (the status quo), or reviews from multiple platforms that are determined to be the best-performing by Google's own organic search algorithm. We find that users prefer the OneBox and are more likely to engage with it when it includes competitor content. This suggests that Google's strategy of excluding competitor content leaves customers with a lower quality product. However, the number of reviews contained in Google Local has increased rapidly in recent years, suggesting that there may be a benefit of excluding competitors as well. Overall, these results shed light on a strategic tradeoff for companies that enter a complementary market using a tying strategy: while companies have successfully used this strategy, it can also come at a cost to consumers in the form of a lower-quality product.
Moisture in Composites: Sorption and Damage

Abstract This article summarizes research on the transport processes of water vapor in polymeric composites, with emphasis on graphite-epoxies. In addition, results are presented on moisture induced damage with suggestions for the modeling of this phenomenon. It appears that moisture transport and damage are intricately coupled phenomena, which may reinforce each other to the detriment of the composite's durability.
Keratoconus: overview and update on treatment.

Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory, progressive thinning process of the cornea. It is a relatively common disorder of unknown etiology that can involve each layer of the cornea and often leads to high myopia and astigmatism. Computer-assisted corneal topography devices are valuable diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of subclinical keratoconus and for tracking the progression of the disease. The traditional conservative management of keratoconus begins with spectacle correction and contact lenses. Several newer, more invasive, treatments are currently available, especially for contact lens-intolerant patients. Intrastromal corneal ring segments can be used to reshape the abnormal cornea to improve the topographic abnormalities and visual acuity. Phakic intraocular lenses such as iris-fixated, angle-supported, posterior chamber implantable collamer and toric lenses are additional valuable options for the correction of refractive error. Corneal cross-linking is a relatively new method of stiffening the cornea to halt the progression of the disease. The future management of keratoconus will most likely incorporate multiple treatment modalities, both simultaneous and sequential, for the prevention and treatment of this disease.
Prevention of bacterial endocarditis

Objective To update recommendations issued by the American Heart Association last published in 1990 for the prevention of bacterial endocarditis in individuals at risk for this disease. Participant...
Models of Timed Systems

This paper analyzes the use of models for timed systems, particularly cyber-physical systems, which mix timed behavior of physical subsystems with largely untimed behavior of software. It examines how models are used in engineering and science, showing that two complementary styles for using models lead to differing conclusions about how to approach the problem of modeling timed systems. The paper argues for an increased use of an engineering style of modeling, where models are more like specifications of desired behavior and less like descriptions of some preexisting system. Finally, it argues that in the engineering style of modeling, determinism is an extremely valuable property.
The Romanians Are Coming (2015): Immigrant bodies through the British gaze:

The Channel 4 documentary series The Romanians Are Coming generated strong protests within the Romanian community, stressing the unfair depiction of the Romanian immigrants through its disproportio...
REPEATED REGENERATION OF CRINOID SPINES IN THE UPPER PENNSYLVANIAN OF EASTERN OHIO: EVIDENCE OF ELEVATED PREDATION INTENSITY AND SIGNIFICANCE FOR PREDATOR-DRIVEN EVOLUTION OF CRINOID MORPHOLOGY

Regeneration of portions of the crinoid endoskeleton following loss to predation attempts or autotomy is a well-known phenomenon. To date, however, most effort has focused on patterns, frequencies, and evidence of regeneration of arms and portions of the calyx, with few reports of unusual or significant regeneration-related features preserved in isolated ossicles. Here we describe brachial spines belonging to undetermined pirasocrinid (cladid) crinoids from the Upper Pennsylvanian Ames Member of the Glenshaw Formation of east-central Ohio that display evidence for multiple episodes of breakage and regeneration. As evidenced by major size discontinuities along the length of single spines, some specimens regenerated at least two times during the lifespan of the individual; such a pattern of repeated regeneration of a single skeletal element has not previously been documented. Given the position of these spines on the elevated crown of a moderately long-stemmed crinoid, frequent snipping by predatory fishes seems the most likely interpretation for the observed pattern. The repeatedly regenerated specimens occur in an assemblage displaying an unusually high regeneration frequency among pirasocrinid brachial spines, with over 30% of spines displaying at least one plane of regeneration. Paradoxically, pirasocrinids are unfavorable as prey items relative to other organisms and co-occurring crinoids; hence, it is most likely that associated biota (e.g., commensals, parasites) were the true targets of predators. This assemblage supports the interpretation that the development of extreme spinosity in pirasocrinids was largely driven by predation. However, this morphological pattern may largely represent an evolutionary strategy rooted in minimizing collateral damage incurred by predation on other organisms rather than direct predation on the crinoids themselves.
Effect of contaminant mixtures in air on proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance

Abstract The effects of single, binary and ternary contaminant mixtures containing propene (C3H6), acetonitrile (CH3CN), and bromomethane (CH3Br) on proton exchange membrane fuel cells have been studied. Changes in polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy spectra, electrochemical catalyst surface areas by cyclic voltammetry, and hydrogen crossover through the membrane by chronoamperometry are used to define the extent of recovery and irrecoverable losses after the contamination period and to understand the contaminant interactions. CH3CN in the contaminant mixture mitigates the decrease in oxygen reduction reaction kinetics and the increase in oxygen and water mass transport resistance, while C3H6 speeds up the above situations. The hydrolysis of CH3CN results in the formation of ammonium ions, which exchange with membrane protons, leading to an increase in the membrane resistance. CH3Br increases the decomposition of the Nafion® ionomer. Bromide accumulation on the catalyst surface leads to large catalyst area losses for the mixtures containing CH3Br. Competitive adsorption on Pt active sites exists between CH3CN and CH3Br. However, there is noncompetitive adsorption between C3H6 and CH3Br or CH3CN.
Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement and Labral Injuries in Tennis Players

Tennis participation continues to grow and has quickly become one of the most popular sports in the world with over 75 million players globally [1]. The unique functional demands of the sport require multidirectional movements, repetitive loading, and rapid torsional forces across the lower extremity for on-court performance. Importantly, the ability to generate energy from the lower extremity and trunk muscle groups can translate to greater force applied to the eventual racquet strike via the kinetic chain. However, these same gameplay characteristics can also lead to an increased risk for lower extremity injury in tennis players [2]. Anecdotally, we have seen an increase in the diagnosis and treatment of hip-related pain in these athletes. While traditionally hip injuries have been thought of being muscular in origin (hip flexor and adductor), intra-articular sources of hip pain have become more commonplace. Furthermore, professional tennis players are undergoing hip arthroscopy more frequently for related injuries. While early experiences with hip arthroscopy showed more modest results, recent reports demonstrate the growing success with this modality of treatment. Nonetheless, hip injuries in this population can be particularly difficult to manage, often due to the high-demand activity and the innate desire for earlier return to play.
Administrative decision-making amid competing public sector values: Confederate statue removal in Baltimore, Maryland

Confederate monuments conjure competing public sector values. Like many cities in the USA, Baltimore, Maryland had monuments honoring the “Lost Cause of the Confederacy”. Such monuments, usually co...
“The ugliness of my surroundings”: Tip Marugg’s Ecogothic Poetics of Isolation

In this paper I argue that Curacaoan author Tip Marugg’s use of ecogothic articulates a postcolonial sense of insular alienation for his white protagonists in Weekend Pilgrimage (1957) and The Roar of Morning (1988). His depiction of the Dutch Caribbean environment as decadent and hostile facilitates an atmosphere in which his characters become untethered from the structures that empowered them. Marugg’s narrative techniques regarding the gothic rely on postcolonial critiques of the island of Curacao’s racial hierarchy, the oil industry as a product of sustained colonization for the sake of globalization, and tourism as a product of neocolonialism. The environment’s opposition abounds through images of haunting winds, suicidal birds, sea monsters, and widespread destruction that serve to criticise societal changes that isolate the protagonists. Because I suggest that Marugg’s ecocriticism is implicated within a larger question of belonging as it pertains to race and class in Curacao, I will conclude by considering how his contemporary Frank Martinus Arion employs nature in Double Play (1998). That is to say, whereas Marugg’s white protagonists are often the target of the island’s ecosystem, Arion’s interaction with the natural environment espouses a sentiment of belonging for his Afro-Curacaoan protagonist that ultimately positions Afro-Curacaoans as stewards of the island’s future.
Rethinking restoration targets for American chestnut using species distribution modeling

Given the scale and speed of contemporary environmental changes, intensive conservation interventions are increasingly being proposed that would assist the evolution of adaptive traits in threatened species. The ambition of these projects is tempered by a number of concerns, including the potential maladaptation of manipulated organisms for contemporary and future climatic conditions in their historical ranges. Following the guidelines of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, we use a species distribution model (SDM) to consider the potential impact of climate change on the distribution and quantity of suitable habitat for American chestnut (Castanea dentata), a functionally extinct forest species that has been the focus of various restoration efforts for over 100 years. Consistent with other SDMs for North American trees, our model shows contraction of climatically suitable habitat for American chestnut within the species’ historical range and the expansion of climatically suitable habitat in regions to the north of it by 2080. These broad changes have significant implications for restoration practice. In particular, they highlight the importance of germplasm conservation, local adaptation, and addressing knowledge gaps about the interspecific interactions of American chestnut. More generally, this model demonstrates that the goals of assisted evolution projects, which often aim to maintain species in their native ranges, need to account for the uncertainty and novelty of future environmental conditions.
Risque de syndrome de Gougerot-Sjögren chez les personnes âgées souffrant de goutte : étude basée sur le système de sécurité sociale Medicare

Resume Objectifs En l’absence d’etudes existantes, notre objectif etait d’evaluer si la goutte est associee a une augmentation ou une reduction du risque de syndrome de Gougerot-Sjogren (SGS) chez les adultes de 65 ans et plus. Methodes Nous avons utilise les demandes de remboursement d’un echantillon de 5 % de beneficiaires de Medicare entre 2006 et 2012. L’association de la goutte avec un SGS incident a ete evaluee a l’aide d’un modele de regression multivarie de Cox ajuste selon l’âge, le sexe, la race, l’indice de comorbidite de Charlson-Romano et la prise de traitements pour des maladies cardiovasculaires (statines, betabloquants, diuretiques, inhibiteurs de l’ECA) et pour la goutte (allopurinol, febuxostat). Les Hazard Ratios (HR) et les intervalles de confiance (IC) a 95 % ont ete calcules. Resultats 3186 nouveaux cas de SGS ont ete observes dans la population de l’etude, avec des taux d’incidence bruts de 30/100 000 personnes-annee chez les patients non goutteux et de 49/100 000 personnes-annee chez les patients goutteux. Les analyses ajustees multivariees ont revele une association independante de la goutte avec un Hazard Ratio du SGS plus eleve, de 1,73 (IC 95 % 1,45–2,06). Les analyses de sensibilite effectuees en remplacant le score continu de comorbidite de Charlson-Romano par un score categorise (modele 2) ou par les comorbidites individuelles combinees avec trois maladies cardiovasculaires courantes (hypertension, hyperlipidemie et coronaropathie ; modele 3) ont confirme la principale conclusion de l’etude et montre une attenuation minimale du Hazard Ratio de 1,70 (IC 95 % 1,43–2,02) et 1,48 (IC 95 % 1,25–1,77) respectivement. Un âge plus jeune, le sexe feminin, la race blanche et un score de comorbidite eleve ont ete associes a un risque de SGS plus important. Conclusions La goutte a ete associee a un risque plus de 1,7 fois plus important de SGS incident chez les adultes de 65 ans et plus. Ce resultat doit etre confirme et des etudes complementaires sont necessaires pour elucider les mecanismes de cette association.
The effect of race in head and neck cancer: A meta-analysis controlling for socioeconomic status

Abstract Purpose To investigate the association between race and ethnicity and prognosis in head and neck cancers (HNC), while controlling for socioeconomic status (SES). Materials and methods Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were used to identify studies for inclusion, from database inception till March 5th 2019. Studies that analyzed the role of race and ethnicity in overall survival (OS) for malignancies of the head and neck were included in this study. For inclusion, the study needed to report a multivariate analysis controlling for some proxy of SES (for example household income or employment status). Pooled estimates were generated using a random effects model. Subgroup analysis by tumor sub-site, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were also performed. RevMan 5.3, Meta Essentials, and OpenMeta[Analyst] were used for statistical analysis. Results Ten studies from 2004 to 2019 with a total of 108,990 patients were included for analysis in this study. After controlling for SES, tumor stage, and treatment variables, blacks were found to have a poorer survival compared to whites (HR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.18–1.36, p Conclusions In HNC, blacks have poorer OS compared to whites even after controlling for socioeconomic factors.
Developmental–behavioral profiles in children with autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring gastrointestinal symptoms

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are frequently reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We evaluated the frequency and severity of GI symptoms in preschool-aged children with ASD compared to participants with typical development (TD). Our goal was to ascertain whether GI symptoms are associated with differences in sex or developmental and behavioral measures. Participants were between 2 and 3.5 years of age and included 255 children with ASD (184 males/71 females) and 129 age-matched TD controls (75 males/54 females). A parent interview was used to assess GI symptoms (abdominal pain, gaseousness/bloating, diarrhea, constipation, pain on stooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, blood in stool or in vomit). Children with GI symptoms in each diagnostic group were compared to children without GI symptoms on measures of developmental, behavioral, and adaptive functioning. GI symptoms were reported more frequently in children with ASD compared to the TD group (47.8% vs. 17.8%, respectively). Children with ASD were also more likely to experience multiple GI symptoms (30.6% vs. 5.4%). GI symptoms were equally common in males and females across both diagnostic groups. There were no statistically significant differences in developmental or adaptive measures based on presence of GI symptoms in either ASD or TD children. Co-occurring GI symptoms were, however, associated with increased self-injurious behaviors, restricted stereotyped behaviors, aggressive behaviors, sleep problems and attention problems in both ASD and TD children. In children with ASD, a higher number of GI symptoms was associated with an increase in self-injurious behaviors, somatic complaints, reduced sleep duration, and increased parasomnias. LAY SUMMARY: ASD is characterized by challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviors. But, people with autism have many other difficulties including gastrointestinal problems. Children with ASD were three times more likely to experience GI symptoms than typically developing peers. Increased GI symptoms are associated with increased problem behaviors such as sleep problems, self-injury, and body aches. Since GI symptoms are often treatable, it is important to recognize them as soon as possible. Both clinicians and parents should become more aware of the high occurrence of GI problems in autistic people. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1778-1789. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
School Nutrition Director Perceptions of Flexible Regulations for School Nutrition Programs in One Southeastern State.

BACKGROUND Schools are a promising site for influencing the dietary intake of children and adolescents. The US Department of Agriculture recently released flexibilities to requirements for whole-grains, sodium, and low-fat milk in schools who demonstrated difficulty meeting nutrition standards for school meal programs. The support of School Nutrition Directors (SNDs) is vital to the success of school food environment changes; however, few studies have explored SNDs perceptions to changes in nutrition standards. METHODS Experiences and perspectives toward nutrition standards of 10 SNDs, and their satisfaction with flexibilities for whole-grains, sodium, and low-fat milk were explored using a semi-structured interview. Responses were analyzed using an inductive approach with thematic analysis. RESULTS Three broad categories emerged challenges with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, food preferences and acceptability, and support and representation. A greater need for internal and external support, assistance in equipment and staff, procurement of foods compliant with regulations and acceptable to students, and more input on federal decisions and policies were perceived as important. CONCLUSIONS Results provide critical insight into the implementation of nutrition standards. Future research and changes to school nutrition programs should consider these challenges as they strive to meet the needs of this important population.
VCL-ALK renal cell carcinoma in adult patient without sickle cell trait

Abstract Anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement-associated renal cell carcinoma (ALK-RCC) is a provisional renal cell carcinoma subtype with a growing list of published fusion partners. VCL-ALK gene fusion represents an uncommon fusion partner (only 6 reported cases), almost always associated with sickle cell trait and typically in a pediatric population. Herein, we report only the second case of VCL-ALK gene fusion ALK-RCC from a 31-year-old female without associated sickle cell trait, and also only the third reported case occurring in an adult patient. The tumor (measuring 8.5 cm and confined to the kidney) demonstrated mostly solid growth, pleomorphic nuclei, variably rhabdoid to vacuolated cytoplasm, and showed diffuse strong immunoreactivity for both PAX8 and ALK stains. Gene panel sequencing confirmed VCL-ALK gene fusion in the tumor. This study expands the clinical framework for diagnostic consideration of this rare tumor with potential targeted pharmacotherapy.
Image-based assessment of sarcopenic obesity predicts mortality in major trauma.

Abstract Background Patients with obesity are also at risk for sarcopenia, which is difficult to recognize in this population. Our study examines whether sarcopenic-obesity (SO) is independently associated with mortality in trauma. Methods Using a retrospective database, we performed logistic regression analysis. . Admission CT scans were used to identify SO by calculating the visceral fat to skeletal muscle ratio >3.2. Results Of 883 patients, the prevalence of SO was 38% (333). Patients with SO were more likely to be male (79% versus 43%, p Conclusions Sarcopenic obesity is an independent predictor of mortality in major trauma.
Long-term trends in CPUE and relative weight of six fish species in the Wabash River, USA, prior to and following silver carp invasion

Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) dispersed to the Wabash River, Indiana in the mid-1990s. These fish compete with native, filter-feeding fish species in other central US rivers but relatively little information is available for impacts in the Wabash River. We collected fishes by boat electrofisher on the Wabash River as part of a long-term study. Abundances of six Wabash River species varied temporally, and three had stronger relationships with year than the other species: common carp (Cyprinus carpio) decreased before and after silver carp introduction, freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) increased prior to silver carp introduction, and gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) decreased before silver carp introduction. Silver carp abundance was significantly correlated only with abundance of gizzard shad. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis of long-term Wabash River fish assemblages resulted in distinctive temporal and spatial patterns. Silver carp abundance increased from zero in the early 1990s to 28 individuals/km in recent years. Gizzard shad declined to low abundance simultaneous to silver carp increases, yet we did not detect significant patterns for silver carp with other Wabash River fishes.
Not Exactly Rocket Science: Looking at the Arrows, not the Boxes

This collection of integrated essays trace a number of key concepts: the differentiation of the “complex” from the “merely complicated”, the formation of the “knowledge cycle” from data to information to understanding to knowledge and finally to wisdom and, above all, knowing that asking the right question is as important as finding the answer. It traces a journey in complexity science in the hopes that lessons learned along the way have a universal appeal and utility. This is a work in progress and is not yet finished.
Relational nested optional join for efficient semantic web query processing

Increasing amount of RDF data on the Web drives the need for its efficient and effective management. In this light, numerous researchers have proposed to use RDBMSs to store and query RDF annotations using the SQL and SPARQL query languages. The first few attempts at SPARQL-to-SQL translation revealed non-trivial challenges related to correctness and efficiency of such translation in the presence of nested optional graph patterns. In this paper, we propose to extend relational databases with a novel relational operator, nested optional join (NOJ), that is more efficient than left outer join in processing nested optional graph patterns. We design three efficient algorithms to implement the new operator in relational databases: (1) nested-loops NOJ algorithm, NL-NOJ, (2) sort-merge NOJ algorithm, SM-NOJ, and (3) simple hash NOJ algorithm, SH-NOJ. Based on a real life RDF dataset, we demonstrate the efficiency of our algorithms by comparing them with the corresponding left outer join implementations.
Activation of Yeast Pyruvate Kinase by Natural and Artificial Cryoprotectants

Abstract The inactivation of yeast pyruvate kinase at temperatures near 0° and the stabilization achieved by addition of 50% glycerol or 0.1 m KCl and 24 mm MgCl2 recently documented (Kuczenski, R. T., and Suelter, C. H., Biochemistry, 9, 939, 1970) prompted an examination of the effects of glycerol and other cryoprotectants on the kinetic activity of this enzyme. We now report that addition of glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide, trimethylphosphine oxide, or dextran to an assay mixture containing less than Km levels of substrates activates yeast pyruvate kinase often to the same extent as that observed by addition of the positive modifier, fructose 1,6-diphosphate, in the absence of the cryoprotectant. Maximum effects were observed with 33% glycerol, 20% dimethyl sulfoxide, and 14% trimethylphosphine oxide. The activation by glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide at 30° results from a lowering of the Km for phosphoenolpyruvate from 1.1 mm to 0.3 to 0.4 mm and the Hill slope (nh) from 3.1 to 2.1. Kinetic analysis at 0° in the absence of the cryoprotectant gave a Km of 0.13 mm and nh = 0.94. These changes in the kinetics of yeast pyruvate kinase are discussed in terms of the effect of temperature and solvent on the structure of both water and enzyme.
The Effect of Gender Inequality on Growth: A Cross-Country Empirical Study

Recent ly, a large amount of economic lit erature has focused on the empirical determinants of economic growth, especially the impact of human capital . These stu dies have established that human capital is a very signi ficant determinant of growth. However, relatively few stu dies have examined the effe ct of misalloca tion of human capital on the basis of gender. Furthermore , those that have st udied gender inequality include diff erent measures of inequality and use dif ferent control vari ables. Therefore, thi s study atte mpts to investi gate what measure s of gender inequality are the most signifi cant, using Ordinary Least Squares regressions and more recent data than past studies. The results show that gender inequality in primary education has a significant negative effect on growth, indicating that governments and international organizations should conce ntrate on promoti ng primary education equality for females.
SWIFT ATIS: consumer reactions and marketability

The Seattle Wide-area Information For Travelers (SWIFT) Project successfully delivered traffic and transit information to 670 test participants in 1997 and 1998. This made SWIFT one of the largest tests of Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) in the United States to date. The usefulness of traveler information and what potential users thought about the delivery systems and devices provide valuable lessons for commercial deployment and insight into desires of the marketplace. The systems developed to obtain and distribute the traveler information remain in place and are being used for services provided by Seiko Communications and others through the Seattle SmartTrek Intelligent Transportation Systems deployment project. An in depth evaluation of the SWIFT project was conducted by SAIC that included components of market studies including consumer acceptance, deployment costs, and details of the system architecture. The findings in this paper came from those studies and the author's personal experience as the SWIFT project manager.
An ANN for recognizing melody preferences

This paper summarizes the development of a fully interconnected backpropagation neural network that analyzes users' musical tastes. This preliminary investigation is intended to discover if this type of network is appropriate for creating a program that will predict which selections a user will enjoy, based on preference observations. Musical selections of 32 notes were chosen and used as inputs to the network. Preferences by tonality (major minor), as well as preferences by musical style (baroque, romantic) were tested. In preference by tonality, the network correctly predicted a user's preference for major music 66% of the time. In the preference by style, the network was not successful predicting correctly only 33% of the time.
A probabilistic derivation of the exponential-like distribution of bed load particle velocities

[1] Particles transported as bed load within a specified streambed area possess a distribution of velocities. This distribution figures prominently in describing the rate of sediment transport and the rate of dispersal of particles during transport. We provide a probabilistic derivation of the distributions of streamwise and cross-stream particle velocities under uniform, quasi-steady transport conditions. The formulation centers on defining the ensemble of microstates of particle momenta (the set of possible ways to partition a fixed number of particles into momentum states) subject to the constraint that the sum of the particle momenta in each microstate is fixed, a constraint that is imposed by conditions of equilibrium transport. From this, we obtain the most probable distribution of momentum states, assuming each microstate within the ensemble is equally probable. The analysis suggests that, for small particle numbers, the distribution of velocities is exponential-like but decays faster than an exponential function. For large particle numbers, the distribution is exponential. These distributions are consistent with experimental results from high-speed imaging of sand particles transported as bed load over a planar bed, which reveal that the probability distributions of streamwise and cross-stream particle velocities are exponential-like. These particle velocity distributions also emerge from numerical analyses involving large eddy simulations of turbulent fluid motions and a discrete element method describing particle motions, wherein the large eddy simulations and discrete element method models are fully coupled in momentum.
Father Marquette´s Place in American history.

To Judge from the numerous monuments erected to honor Father Marquette during the past century; the festive demonstrations held at intervals to pay tribute to his name; the prominence accorded him in textbooks and literary productions as discoverer and explorer; the naming for him of localities, social groups and commercial enterprises—to judge from all this, one must conclude that Marquette deserves to rank among the foremost celebrities in American history. Assuredly, no one would think of depriving him pf this place in our annals if it tallied with the testimony which the available records of the past supply. But does it?
Modulation by Dopamine and Estradiol of the Central Effects of Angiotensin II on Anterior Pituitary Hormone Release

The effects of iv or intraventricular (ivt) angiotensin II (All) administration on plasma levels of PRL, LH, GH, and TSH were studied in conscious ovariectomized (OVX) female rats with (and in some cases without) estradiol benzoate (Eb) priming. Both iv and ivt administration of AII increased LH levels in OVX, Eb-primed rats, but not in OVX, unprimed animals. Central All injection in OVX, Eb-primed rats induced sustained decreases in PRL and GH levels, which were reversed by pretreatment with saralasin, a specific AII receptor blocker. Systemic administration of AII in OVX, Eb-primed rats produced rapid and transient changes in PRL and GH levels. Peripheral dopaminergic receptor blockade with domperidone prevented the ivt AII-induced decline in PRL levels. Plasma levels of GH and LH were depressed after domperidone treatment, but ivt AII still induced a modest but significant decrement in GH levels. Plasma levels of TSH were not affected by either ivt or iv injection of AII Similarly, AII treatment in dom...
The Role Of Causal Attribution Dimensions In Trust Repair

We examine the repair of one party's trust in another via repairing trustworthiness (Mayer, Davis, & Schoorman, 1995). Based on Weiner's (1986) causal attribution theory, we posit that causal attributions (i.e., locus of causality, controllability, and stability) for the cause of a negative outcome in a trusting relationship explain when trustworthiness is in need of repair and how trustworthiness may be repaired by the trustee's efforts. We also discuss the role of specific emotional reactions of the trustor in this process.
Afferent projections related to attack sites in the ventral midbrain tegmentum of the cat

Abstract Quiet attack was elicited by electrical stimulation of the ventrolateral midbrain tegmentum of the cat. The paw was not used other than to position or hold the rat during the bite. Bites were directed toward the head and neck region and were not accompanied by autonomic responses other than pupillary dilation and sometimes slight piloerection on the back. Horseradish peroxidase was deposited at the attack sites. Cells labeled with the peroxidase reaction product were located in gyrus proreus, gyrus genualis, nucleus accumbens, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, bed nucleus of the anterior commissure, nucleus of the diagonal band, substantia innominata, anterior amygdaloid area, ventromedial hypothalamic area, paraventricular nucleus, perifornical hypothalamic area, lateral hypothalamic area, dorsal hypothalamic area, fields of Forel, midbrain reticular formation, superior colliculus, ventral central grey, lateral central gray, locus coeruleus, parabrachial nuclei, nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, oral pontine reticular nucleus, and the dorsal raphe. Other regions were less prominently labeled. Previous studies have shown most of these sites to have some involvement in attack.
Corrigendum to: “Present and potential future contributions of sulfate, black and organic carbon aerosols from China to global air quality, premature mortality and radiative forcing” [Atmos. Environ. 43 (2009) 2814–2822]

Corrigendum to: “Present and potential future contributions of sulfate, black and organic carbon aerosols from China to global air quality, premature mortality and radiative forcing” [Atmos. Environ. 43 (2009) 2814e2822] Eri Saikawa , Vaishali Naik , Larry W. Horowitz , Junfeng Liu , Denise L. Mauzerall a,* Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
Regulation of phospholipase Cδ activity by sphingomyelin and sphingosine

Abstract Phospholipase Cδ (PLCδ) is strongly inhibited by sphingomyelin (SM). The inhibition occurs in both the presence and the absence of spermine, an activator of PLCδ. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), and phosphatidylinositol (PI) also inhibit PLCδ in the presence of spermine but are much less effective than SM. PE and PC activate and PS and PI inhibit PLCδ in the absence of spermine. Again, the inhibition by PS and PI is much weaker than the inhibition observed with SM. Similar or identical effects are observed in detergent micelle and liposome assays. Comparisons of physiological concentrations of SM with concentrations yielding 50% inhibition of PLCδ in vitro indicate that SM is likely to be a major factor in regulating the activity of PLCδ by inhibition. It is proposed that, in vivo , sphingomyelin acts as an inhibitor of PLCδ, which enables the enzyme to be regulated by activation. In certain circumstances, there is a substantial decline in SM and this may lead to a partial relief of the inhibition. PLCδ is activated by sphingosine in the absence of spermine. However, this activation occurs at unphysiologically high concentrations of sphingosine. The effects of SM and sphingosine on PLCδ are in marked contrast to those observed with protein kinase C, which is unaffected by sphingomyelin and inhibited by sphingosine (Hannun, Y. A. and Bell, R. M., 1989, Science 243, 500–507).
The new pillars of agency-based evaluation

Abstract New kinds of human service technologies are emerging to satisfy policy expectations and consumer demands for high performance, effectiveness, and innovation. This has had profound consequences for how human service agencies and the services they provide are evaluated. In the past, evaluation often was seen as an end in itself, or it was undertaken only because the agency was required to do so. Today, human service organizations are beginning to see knowledge derived from evaluation as key to their survival and growth, and they are developing internal capabilities for using evaluation to improve operations. Agencies, seeking to make better use of indigenous, practice-oriented knowledge to improve services and increase benefits for clients, are beginning to support evaluation as an integral part of their operations. An increasing number of these agencies are making evaluation part of a comprehensive cycle of knowledge-building for the advancement of agency practice.
A conceptual framework for studying complex decision processes

Decision making stituations, particularly those involving societal issues, can pose very complex problems for practitioners and investigators from a broad spectrum of disciplines. In this paper, we present theoretical constructs and an organized general framework for studying such complex decision processes. The postulated facets are used in the construction of several hypotheses. Empirical evidence is presented which supports the hypotheses and argues for the viability of the proposed conceptual framework.
Comets, meteors, and eclipses: Art and science in early Renaissance Italy

We discuss eight trecento (fourteenth century) paintings containing depictions of astronomical events to reveal the revolutionary advances made in both astronomy and naturalistic painting in early Renaissance Italy, noting that an artistic interest in naturalism predisposed these pioneering painters to make their scientific observations. In turn, the convincing representations of their observations of astronomical phenomena in works of art rendered their paintings more believable, convincing. Padua was already a renowned center for mathematics and nascent astronomy (which was separating from astrology) when Enrico Scrovegni commissioned the famous Florentine artist Giotto di Bondone to decorate his lavish family chapel (circa 1301-1303). Giotto painted a flaming comet in lieu of the traditional Star of Bethlehem in the Adoration of the Magi scene. Moreover, he painted a historical apparition that he recently had observed with a great accuracy even by modern standards. Halley's Comet of 1301 (Olson, 1979). While we do not know the identity of the artist's theological advisor, we discuss the possibility that Pietro d'Abano, the Paduan medical doctor and "astronomer" who wrote on comets, might have been influential. We also compare Giotto's blazing comet with two others painted by the artist's shop in San Francesco at Assisi (before 1316) and account for the differences. In addition, we discuss Giotto's pupil, Taddeo Gaddi, reputed to have been partially blinded by a solar eclipse, whose calamity may find expression in his frescoes in Santa Croce, Florence (1328-30; 1338?). Giotto also influenced the Sienese painter Pietro Lorenzetti, two of whose Passion cycle frescoes at Assisi (1316-20) contain dazzling meteor showers that reveal the artist's observed astronomical phenomena, such as the "radiant" effect of meteor showers, first recorded by Alexander von Humboldt in 1799 and only accepted in the nineteenth century. Lorenzetti also painted sporadic, independent meteors, which do not emanate from the radiant. It is also significant that these artists observed differences between comets and meteors, facts that were not absolutely established until the eighteenth century. In addition we demonstrate that artistic and scientific visual acuity were part of the burgeoning empiricism of the fourteenth century, which eventually yielded modern observational astronomy.
A concise synthesis of the Lycopodium alkaloid cermizine D

Abstract A racemic and asymmetric synthesis of cermizine D (1) was accomplished in six steps from 4-methoxypyridine or 4-methoxy-3-TIPS-pyridine in 12% and 13% overall yield, respectively. A key step is a stereoselective 1,4-addition of a 2-((trimethylsilyl)methyl)pyridine-derived cuprate to a bicyclic 2,3-dihydro-4-pyridone. Racemic and (−)-cermizine D failed to exhibit cytotoxicity against four different cell lines.
Extractive fermentation for enhanced propionic acid production from lactose by Propionibacterium acidipropionici

An extractive fermentation process using an amine extractant and a hollow-fiber membrane extractor to selectively remove propionic acid from the fermentation broth was developed to produce propionate from lactose. Compared to the conventional batch fermentation, the extractive fermentation had a much higher productivity ({approximately}1 g/(L{center_dot}h) or 5-fold increase), higher propionate yield (up to 0.66 g/g or more than 20% increase), higher final product concentration (75 g/L or higher), and higher product purity ({approximately}90%). Meanwhile, acetate and succinate productions in the extractive fermentation were significantly reduced. The improved fermentation performance can be attributed to the reduced product inhibition and a possible metabolic pathway shift to favor more propionic but less acetic and succinic acid production. The process was stable and gave consistent long-term performance over the 1.5-month period studied. The effects of propionate concentration, pH, and amine content in the solvent on the extractive fermentation were also studied and are discussed in this paper.
A Gimbal-Mounted Pressurization Chamber for Macroscopic and Microscopic Assessment of Ocular Tissues

The biomechanical model of glaucoma considers intraocular pressure-related stress and resultant strain on load bearing connective tissues of the optic nerve and surrounding peripapillary sclera as one major causative influence that effects cellular, vascular, and axonal components of the optic nerve. By this reasoning, the quantification of variations in the microstructural architecture and macromechanical response of scleral shells in glaucomatous compared to healthy populations provides an insight into any variations that exist between patient populations. While scleral shells have been tested mechanically in planar and pressure-inflation scenarios the link between the macroscopic biomechanical response and the underlying microstructure has not been determined to date. A potential roadblock to determining how the microstructure changes based on pressure is the ability to mount the spherical scleral shells in a method that does not induce unwanted stresses to the samples (for instance, in the flattening of the spherical specimens), and then capturing macroscopic and microscopic changes under pressure. Often what is done is a macroscopic test followed by sample fixation and then imaging to determine microstructural organization. We introduce a novel device and method, which allows spherical samples to be pressurized and macroscopic and microstructural behavior quantified on fully hydrated ocular specimens. The samples are pressurized and a series of markers on the surface of the sclera imaged from several different perspectives and reconstructed between pressure points to allow for mapping of nonhomogenous strain. Pictures are taken from different perspectives through the use of mounting the pressurization scheme in a gimbal that allows for positioning the sample in several different spherical coordinate system configurations. This ability to move the sclera in space about the center of the globe, coupled with an upright multiphoton microscope, allows for collecting collagen, and elastin signal in a rapid automated fashion so the entire globe can be imaged.
Description of Stages of Homalodisca insolita, a Leafhopper Vector of Phony Peach Virus Disease

Life stages of Homalodisca insolita (Walker), a leafhopper vector of phony peach disease, are described. Illustrations of the different stages and male forewing are furnished.
Subjecting the catalog to tagging

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the implementation of LibraryThing for Libraries (LTFL) in an academic library and analysis of usage of LTFL data and their potential for resource discovery in the catalog.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the literature on social tagging and incorporation of third‐party user‐generated metadata into the library catalog. It provides an assessment based on the analysis of total absolute usage figures and frequency of use of LTFL data.Findings – Based on the data available, usage of LTFL data in the catalog is low, but several possible contributing factors are identified.Originality/value – The paper contributes to the literature on the implementation of LTFL in an academic library and provides usage statistics on LTFL data. It also provides directions for future research about tagging in the catalog.