cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Child Adolescent Bullying Scale (CABS): Psychometric evaluation of a new measure.

While youth bullying is a significant public health problem, healthcare providers have been limited in their ability to identify bullied youths due to the lack of a reliable, and valid instrument appropriate for use in clinical settings. We conducted a multisite study to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new 22-item instrument for assessing youths' experiences of being bullied, the Child Adolescent Bullying Scale (CABS). The 20 items summed to produce the measure's score were evaluated here. Diagnostic performance was assessed through evaluation of sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. A sample of 352 youths from diverse racial, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds (188 female, 159 male, 5 transgender, sample mean age 13.5 years) were recruited from two clinical sites. Participants completed the CABS and existing youth bullying measures. Analyses grounded in classical test theory, including assessments of reliability and validity, item analyses, and principal components analysis, were conducted. The diagnostic performance and test characteristics of the CABS were also evaluated. The CABS is comprised of one component, accounting for 67% of observed variance. Analyses established evidence of internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.97), construct and convergent validity. Sensitivity was 84%, specificity was 65%, and the AUROC curve was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.69-0.80). Findings suggest that the CABS holds promise as a reliable, valid tool for healthcare provider use in screening for bullying exposure in the clinical setting.
Quantifying coal power plant responses to tighter SO2 emissions standards in China.

We evaluate the impact of China’s new air pollution standards on sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) emissions by comparing newly available data from Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) at coal power plants with satellite measures. First, we show that following the July 2014 deadline for implementing tighter emissions standards, stack concentrations of SO 2 reported by CEMS declined by 13.9%. Second, on average the ratios of the declines of SO 2 measures in the satellite data and the CEMS data are about 0.5. However, the degree of correspondence between the two data sources varies by policy stringency, with weak correspondence found in key regions facing the toughest new limits. Third, large plants achieved compliance earlier than small (typically) power and heat cogeneration plants. To achieve continued air quality improvement, our results suggest a need for increased scrutiny of emissions data quality and monitoring practices and clear long-term targets.
Identification and Characterization of Treponema pallidum Antigens by Monoclonal Antibodies

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses treponemal infections in humans, which are complex, chronic, systemic diseases with protean clinical manifestations and the risk of serious late sequelae. It reviews the current knowledge of treponemal biology and antigenic structure. Monoclonal antibodies of T. pallidum Nichols strain have been produced and characterized in terms of their reactivity with various pathogenic and nonpathogenic treponemes and related spirochetes. These antibodies have defined immunodominant surface molecule of 45–48 kDa that contains both common treponemal and pathogen-specific determinants. Complement-dependent immobilization of T. pallidum is mediated by monoclonal antibodies with specificity for the 45–48, 44, and 33 kDa surface antigens, and the 15.5kDa molecules. Diagnostic applications of monoclonal antibodies have been explored, and clinical studies reveal high sensitivity and specificity of direct immunofluorescence staining for identification of T. pallidum in lesion material.
Attrition of HIV-exposed infants from early infant diagnosis services in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction Identification and retention of HIV-exposed infants in early infant diagnosis (EID) services helps to ensure optimal health outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the magnitude of attrition from EID services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods We performed a comprehensive database search through April 2016. We included original studies reporting retention/attrition data for HIV-exposed infants in LMICs. Outcomes included loss to follow-up (LTFU), death and overall attrition (LTFU + death) at time points along the continuum of EID services. At least two authors determined study eligibility, performed data extraction and made quality assessments. We used random-effects meta-analytic methods to aggregate effect sizes and perform meta-regression analyses. This study adhered to PRISMA reporting guidelines. Results We identified 3040 unique studies, of which 92 met eligibility criteria and were included in the quantitative synthesis. The included studies represent data from 110,805 HIV-exposed infants, the majority of whom were from Africa (77%). LTFU definitions varied widely, and there was significant variability in outcomes across studies. The bulk of attrition occurred in the first six months of follow-up, with additional losses over time. Overall, 39% of HIV-exposed infants were no longer in care at 18 months. When restricted to non-intervention studies, 43% were not retained at 18 months. Conclusions These findings underscore the high attrition of HIV-exposed infants from EID services in LMICs and the urgent need for implementation research and resources to improve retention among this vulnerable population.
Leading the Pack: Developing Empowering Responsible Use Policies

School leaders around the world navigate a learning environment where most students have (or soon will have) ubiquitous access to an Internet-connected device. As a result, districts have implement...
Engineered living conductive biofilms as functional materials

Natural living conductive biofilms transport electrons between electrodes and cells, as well as among cells fixed within the film, catalyzing an array of reactions from acetate oxidation to CO2 reduction. Synthetic biology offers tools to modify or improve electron transport through biofilms, creating a new class of engineered living conductive materials. Engineered living conductive materials could be used in a range of applications for which traditional conducting polymers are not appropriate, including improved catalytic coatings for microbial fuel-cell electrodes, self-powered sensors for austere environments, and next-generation living components of bioelectronic devices that interact with the human microbiome.
The Importance of Enforcing Road Safety Laws to Reduce Road Traffic Collision (RTC) Occurrence and Fatalities in Nigeria

Introduction: Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) are one of the most preventable causes of death worldwide, yet are the number one cause of death in Nigeria. In March 2010, the United Nations General Assembly launched “The Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020)” to “reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2020.” Aim: To analyze trends in RTC and deaths in relation to current road safety laws in Nigeria, and possible future interventions. Methods: Annual reports from 2013-2017 were obtained from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) of Nigeria. These reports were analyzed for trends in RTC, deaths, and reported causes to find areas of possible improvement. Results: The number of RTC and deaths declined yearly from 2013-2017. Crashes decreased from 23.4% in 2013-2014 to 6.2% in 2015, to 0.4% in 2016, and then increased to 3.2% in 2017. Results showed that fatalities from RTC in 2013-2014 decreased by 8.4%, then by 9.3% in 2015, and by 7.1% in 2016, but had a 1.3% increase in fatalities from 2016-2017. Analysis showed that speed violations (SPV) were the top cause of RTC. These had a decrease in the number of crashes from 5,495 (32% of RTC) in 2013, to 3,496 (29%) in 2014, to 3,195 (26.5%) in 2015. They then increased to 3,848 (33.9%) in 2016 and to 4,840 (44.1%) in 2017. There was a decline in reports of RTC caused by driving under the influence (DAD) from 1% in 2013, to 0.8% in 2014, and 0.5% in 2015 and 2016. Discussion: Current road safety laws have been effective in decreasing the total number of RTC and deaths. While certain laws such as those regarding DAD have been effective, other laws such as speed limits have been less successful and may require further changes in legal codes and/or enforcement.
Inhibition of Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic Reactivation by the Atypical Antipsychotic Drug Clozapine.

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), a member of the Herpesviridae family, maintains a lifelong latent infection in human B cells. Switching from the latent to the lytic phase of its lifecycle allows the virus to replicate and spread. The viral lytic cycle is induced in infected cultured cells by drugs such as sodium butyrate and azacytidine. Lytic reactivation can be inhibited by natural products and pharmaceuticals. The anticonvulsant drugs valproic acid and valpromide inhibit EBV in Burkitt lymphoma cells. Therefore, other drugs that treat neurological and psychological disorders were investigated for effects on EBV lytic reactivation. Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, was found to inhibit the reactivation of the EBV lytic cycle. Levels of the viral lytic genes BZLF1, BRLF1, and BMLF1 were decreased by treatment with clozapine in induced Burkitt lymphoma cells. The effects on viral gene expression were dependent on the dose of clozapine, yet cells were viable at an inhibitory concentration of clozapine. One metabolite of clozapine—desmethylclozapine—also inhibited EBV lytic reactivation, while another metabolite—clozapine-N-oxide—had no effect. These drugs may be used to study cellular pathways that control the viral lytic switch in order to develop treatments for diseases caused by EBV.
Population-Based Pragmatic Trial of Advance Care Planning in Primary Care in the University of California Health System

Introduction: Varying intensity of advance care planning (ACP) interventions at the population level has not been compared among seriously ill patients in primary care. This project will implement, test, and disseminate real-world scalable ACP interventions among primary care clinics across three University of California Health systems. The three ACP interventions are (1) distribution of an advance directive (AD) with targeted ACP messaging, (2) the AD, messaging, plus prompting patients to engage with the Prepare For Your Care website (PREPARE), and (3) the AD, messaging, PREPARE, plus Care Coordinator engagement with patients and clinicians. Methods: We will identify a population cohort of seriously ill primary care patients and implement the ACP interventions using electronic health record (EHR) patient portals and postal mailings. Forty-five clinics across the three health systems will be cluster randomized to one of the three ACP interventions. The primary outcome for the population cohort is AD or Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment documentation in the EHR. A subset of the population cohort will be surveyed to assess patient-centered outcomes, including care consistent with goals at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Caregivers will be interviewed if patients are unable to be surveyed or die. ACP documentation, goal concordant care, and among decedents, health care utilization will be compared among intervention arms. Study Implementation: Challenges and Contributions: The project is guided by a Study Advisory Group and Community Advisory Groups at each site to ensure rigorous patient-centered methods and consistency of implementation. Intervention fidelity will be evaluated using the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Challenges to implementation of this three-site health system trial and to intervention fidelity stem from site/clinic/system cultures, increasing attention to end-of-life care from payers and regulators, and growing pressures by health systems to implement ACP interventions. Stakeholder engagement is required to ensure consistent interventions across sites.
Utilizing virtual Linux servers to teach information technology courses

In this paper we discuss an innovative approach to offering a major in Information Technology built around the use of "Virtual Linux Environments". A Virtual Linux Environment consists of a collection of virtual Linux servers running on an IBM S390 platform. Each student within the Information Technology major is given their own Virtual Linux Environment in which to do their course projects and assignments. The paper discusses the courses involved, the environment, and the benefits of such an approach.
Effect of Seawater on Carbon Fiber Composite Facings and Sandwich Structures With Polymeric Foam Core

This chapter provides a summary of author’s findings from the research sponsored by the United States navy in the past decade associated with the durability aspect of the sandwich structures with thin face sheets made of carbon fiber vinyl ester composite facings and a thick core section of closed cell polymeric foam core material. Exposure to sea environment and coupled effects with temperature change to ship structures over extended period of time often leads to degradation of its mechanical properties. In this research, vinyl ester based carbon fiber composite facings manufactured using VARTM approach are evaluated for the fiber and resin dominated properties and corresponding degradation in static, fatigue, and fracture behavior. The mechanical response of carbon fiber vinyl ester composites immersed in simulated sea water and coupled degradation effects from simultaneous exposure to low temperature are reported. H100 PVC foam core degradation was evaluated under tension and torsion tests. Interfacial delamination fracture response for the sandwich structures due to combined effects of seawater and low temperature effects are also investigated including the weight gain and associated expansional hygroscopic strains. The effect of confined and one sided sea water exposure on the cyclic fatigue behavior yielded failures under much lower number of cycles of loading when fatigued under immersed conditions surrounded by sea water than in air for tension-tension fatigue. Even with the condition of one sided sample face exposed to sea water, a considerable reduction in the fatigue life, corresponding to approximately 50% was observed. A detailed study on the compression response of these naval composite sandwich structures is ongoing and is also included here.
Classifying Proprietary Firmware on a Solid State Drive Using Idle State Current Draw Measurements

Solid state drives (SSDs) are coming under increased scrutiny as their popularity continues to grow. SSDs differ from their hard disk drive predecessors because they include an onboard layer of firmware to perform required maintenance tasks related to data location mapping, write performance, and drive lifetime management. This firmware layer is transparent to the user and can be difficult to characterize despite its clear potential to impact drive behavior. Flaws and vulnerabilities in this firmware layer have become increasingly common. In this work, we propose and analyze a technique to classify different versions of proprietary firmware on an SSD through the use of current draw measurements. We demonstrate that major groupings of firmware can be classified using current draw measurements not only from explicitly active drive states such as read and write but also from the low power idle state. We achieve pairwise classifications rates near 100% between firmware examples in these different major groupings. Coupling these results with firmware release information, we are able to infer major updates in the firmware timeline for the SSD we examined. We also develop an anomaly detector and achieve detection rates of 100% for samples that reside outside of the reference grouping.
Real-Time Residential Demand Response

This paper presents a real-time demand response (DR) strategy for optimal scheduling of home appliances. The uncertainty of the resident’s behavior, real-time electricity price, and outdoor temperature is considered. An efficient DR scheduling algorithm based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is proposed. Unlike traditional model-based approaches, the proposed approach is model-free and does not need to know the distribution of the uncertainty. Besides, unlike conventional RL-based methods, the proposed approach can handle both discrete and continuous actions to jointly optimize the schedules of different types of appliances. In the proposed approach, an approximate optimal policy based on neural network is designed to learn the optimal DR scheduling strategy. The neural network based policy can directly learn from high-dimensional sensory data of the appliance states, real-time electricity price, and outdoor temperature. A policy search algorithm based upon trust region policy optimization (TRPO) is used to train the neural network. The effectiveness of our proposed approach is validated by simulation studies where the real-world electricity price and outdoor temperature are used.
Iodine nutritional status of residents in coastal areas of Fujian province

Objective To investigate the iodine nutritional status of residents in coastal areas of Fujian province,and to provide evidence for effective implementation of preventive strategy of scientific supplying of iodine.Methods In 2009,in Fujian province,6 cities were selected,then one area in every city was selected.A District Office was selected in every area,and then 1 Residents Committee in every District Office was selected.Eleven counties were selected,1 township in each county was selected,and then 1 village in each township was selected.Thirty families were selected in each Residents Committee(village),and then iodine content in household drinking water and salt were tested.The per capita salt intake in the households was calculated using 3 days weighing method.Twenty adults aged 18 to 45 were selected to test their urinary iodine; thirty pregnant and lactating women and 50 children aged 8 to 10 in each street(township ) were selected to test their urinary iodine(UI).Results One hundred and fifty three,30,94,183 and 62 families in coastal cities,inland cities,inland rural areas,coastal rural areas,and coastal mountain areas were surveyed,respectively.The median iodine content of salt was 28.4 - 30.8 mg/kg.The coverage rate of iodized salt and the qualified iodized salt consumption rate were all above 90％ in coastal cities,inland cities,inland rural areas and coastal mountain areas.The coverage rate of iodized salt and the qualified iodized salt consumption rate were 86.9％(159/183) and 83.6％(153/183) in coastal rural areas.In coastal cities,coastal rural areas,inland rural areas,inland cities and coastal mountain areas,258,300,110,160 and 101 children aged 8 - 10 were surveyed,respectively,and the median UI were 191.0,165.6,267.7,269.0 and 161.0 μg/L,respectively.One hundred and one,123,118,63 and 41 adults were surveyed,respectively,and the median UI were 197.6,203.4,174.7,302.8 and 154.9 μg/L,respectively.One hundred and fifty one,181,50,101 and 63 pregnant were surveyed,respectively,and the median UI were 156.5,141.7,116.2,163.0 and 126.2 μg/L,respectively.One hundred and fifty four,184,40,111 and 70 lactating women were surveyed,respectively,and the median UI were 130.3,118.8,110.9,154.6 and 175.9 μg/L,respectively.Conclusions The iodine nutritional level of residents in coastal areas is suitable,and iodine excess does not exists.Coastal areas still need to supply iodized salt.We should be highly concerned about the status of iodine nutrition of pregnant women and put this part of population into routine monitoring. Key words: Iodine; Urine; Sodium chloride, dietary ; Nutritional status; Data collection
A Vital Sign-Based Model to Predict Clinical Deterioration in Hospitalized Children.

Objectives Clinical deterioration in hospitalized children is associated with increased risk of mortality and morbidity. A prediction model capable of accurate and early identification of pediatric patients at risk of deterioration can facilitate timely assessment and intervention, potentially improving survival and long-term outcomes. The objective of this study was to develop a model utilizing vital signs from electronic health record data for predicting clinical deterioration in pediatric ward patients. Design Observational cohort study. Setting An urban, tertiary-care medical center. Patients Patients less than 18 years admitted to the general ward during years 2009-2018. Interventions None. Measurements and main results The primary outcome of clinical deterioration was defined as a direct ward-to-ICU transfer. A discrete-time logistic regression model utilizing six vital signs along with patient characteristics was developed to predict ICU transfers several hours in advance. Among 31,899 pediatric admissions, 1,375 (3.7%) experienced the outcome. Data were split into independent derivation (yr 2009-2014) and prospective validation (yr 2015-2018) cohorts. In the prospective validation cohort, the vital sign model significantly outperformed a modified version of the Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System score in predicting ICU transfers 12 hours prior to the event (C-statistic 0.78 vs 0.72; p Conclusions We developed a model utilizing six commonly used vital signs to predict risk of deterioration in hospitalized children. Our model demonstrated greater accuracy in predicting ICU transfers than the modified Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System. Our model may promote opportunities for timelier intervention and risk mitigation, thereby decreasing preventable death and improving long-term health.
Submicrometer periodic poling of lithium niobate thin films with bipolar preconditioning pulses

Periodically poled second-order nonlinear materials with submicrometer periods are important for the development of quasi-phase matched backward-wave nonlinear optical processes. Interactions involving counter-propagating waves exhibit many unique properties and enable devices such as backward second harmonic generators, mirrorless optical parametric oscillators, and narrow-band quantum entangled photon sources. Fabrication of dense ferroelectric domain gratings in lithium niobate remains challenging, however, due to lateral domain spreading and merging. Here, we report submicrometer periodic poling of ion-sliced x-cut magnesium oxide doped lithium niobate thin films. Electric-field poling is performed using multiple bipolar preconditioning pulses that improve the poling yield and domain uniformity. The internal field is found to decrease with each preconditioning poling cycle. The poled domains are characterized by piezoresponse force microscopy. A fundamental period of 747 nm is achieved.
Diagnostic significance of the CT rim sign in cases of gangrenous cholecystitis.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the association between the CT rim sign and gangrenous cholecystitis (GC) and increased surgical difficulty. Method Patients who had a contrast enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis, followed by non-elective cholecystectomy were analyzed. The scans were reviewed for the CT rim sign by radiologists blinded to the pathologic and clinical outcomes. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between patients with and without GC using t-tests or Wilcoxon ranked sum test for continuous variables, and Fishers' exact test for categorical variables, when appropriate. A logistic regression model was fitted with multiple risk factors. Odds ratios as well as 95% confidence intervals were then calculated for the risk factors. A secondary analysis predicting increased surgical difficulty, defined as an operative time of greater than 2 h or increased conversion rate to open surgery, was also examined. Results A total of 100 patients were included; 20 of which had GC. On imaging, patients with GC were more likely to have a CT rim sign (65% vs 32.5%, OR = 3.80, 95% CI: 1.24–12.7, p = 0.011). The presence of the CT rim sign did not reach a statistically significant association with an operative time >2 h or conversion to open case (56.52% vs 33.77%, OR = 2.55, p = 0.056). Conclusion The CT rim sign can be utilized to raise the possibility of GC, however the presence of the CT rim sign does not demonstrate an association with increased surgical difficulty.
The Role of Virtual Reality in Criminal Justice Pedagogy: An Examination of Mental Illness Occurring in Corrections

There is an absence of empirical studies that document the efficacy of interactive technology within a criminal justice pedagogy. The current study examines qualitative responses from a general cri...
Endogenous Factors Affecting the Cost of Large-Scale Geo-Stationary Satellite Systems

This work proposes the use of model-based sensitivity analysis to determine important internal factors that affect the cost of a large-scale complex engineered systems (LSCES), such as geo-stationary communication satellites. A physics-based satellite simulation model and a parametric cost model are combined to model a real-world satellite program whose data is extracted from selected acquisitions reports. A variance-based global sensitivity analysis using Sobol’ indices computationally aids in establishing internal factors. The internal factors in this work are associated with requirements of the program, operations and support, launch, ground equipment, personnel required to support and maintain the program. The results show that internal factors such as the system based requirements affect the cost of the program significantly. These important internal factors will be utilized to create a simulation-based framework that will aid in the design and development of future LSCES.
Ask and you shall receive? Linking leader development proactivity to developmental opportunities

The leader development literature has long implied that the source of leader development lies either with the employee or organization. Challenging this implicit dichotomy, we propose that leader d...
Multilevel weather detection based on images: a machine learning approach with histogram of oriented gradient and local binary pattern-based features

The primary objective of this study was to develop a trajectory-level weather detection system capable of providing real-time weather information at the road surface level using only a single video...
The Biased Coin Flip Process for Nonparametric Topic Modeling.

The Dirichlet and hierarchical Dirichlet processes are two important techniques for nonparametric Bayesian learning. These learning techniques allow unsupervised learning without specifying traditionally used input parameters. In topic modeling, this can be applied to discovering topics without specifying the number beforehand. Existing methods, such as those applied to topic modeling, usually take on a complex sampling calculation for inference. These techniques for inference of the Dirichlet and hierarchal Dirichlet processes are often based on Markov processes that can deviate from parametric topic modeling. This deviation may not be the best approach in the context of nonparametric topic modeling. Additionally, since they often rely on approximations they can negatively affect the predictive power of such models. In this paper we introduce a new interpretation of nonparametric Bayesian learning called the biased coin flip process—contrived for use in the context of Bayesian topic modeling. We prove mathematically the equivalence of the biased coin flip process to the Dirichlet process with an additional parameter representing the number of trials. A major benefit of the biased coin flip process is the similarity of the inference calculation to that of previous established parametric topic models—which we hope will lead to a more widespread adoption of hierarchical Dirichlet process based topic modeling. Additionally, as we show empirically the biased coin flip process leads to a nonparametric topic model with improved predictive performance.
The peroxisomal exportomer directly inhibits phosphoactivation of the pexophagy receptor Atg36 to suppress pexophagy in yeast

Autophagy receptor (or adaptor) proteins facilitate lysosomal destruction of various organelles in response to cellular stress, including nutrient deprivation. To what extent membrane-resident autophagy receptors also respond to organelle-restricted cues to induce selective autophagy remains poorly understood. We find that latent activation of the yeast pexophagy receptor Atg36 by the casein kinase Hrr25 in rich media is repressed by the ATPase activity of Pex1/6, the catalytic subunits of the exportomer AAA+ transmembrane complex enabling protein import into peroxisomes. Quantitative proteomics of purified Pex3, an obligate Atg36 co-receptor, support a model in which exportomer represses Atg36 without assistance from additional membrane factors. Indeed, we reconstitute inhibition of Atg36 phosphorylation in vitro using soluble Pex1/6 and define an N-terminal unstructured region of Atg36 that enables regulation by binding to Pex1. Our findings uncover a mechanism by which a compartment-specific AAA+ complex mediating organelle biogenesis and protein quality control staves off induction of selective autophagy.
The Southern Oscillation in a coupled GCM : implications for climate sensitivity and climate change

Abstract Results are presented from a global coupled ocean-atmosphere general circulation climate model developed at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The atmospheric part of the coupled model is a global spectral (R15, 4.5° latitude by 7.5° longitude, 9 layers in the vertical) general circulation model. The ocean is a coarse-grid (5° latitude by 5° longitude, 4 layers in the vertical) global general circulation model. The coupled model includes a simple thermodynamic sea-ice model. Due mainly to inherent limitations in the ocean model, the coupled model simulates sea surface temperatures that are too low in the tropics and too high in the extratropics in the mean. In spite of these limitations, the coupled model simulates active interannual variability of the global climate system involving signals in the tropical Pacific that resemble, in some respects, the observed Southern Oscillation. These signals in the tropics are associated with teleconnections to the extratropics of both hemispheres. The implications of this model-simulated interannual variability of the coupled system relating to climate sensitivity and climate change due to an increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide are discussed.
The Baseball Glove

ONE SUMMER MY BROTHER LEONARDO, or "Nardo," as we used to call him, flipped through more jobs than a thumb through a deck of cards. First he was a busboy, then a dishwasher, then a parking atten dant, and finally a patty turner for a guy who never seemed to be in his hamburger stand more than ten minutes at a time (my mom believed he sold marijuana, or did some other illegal shamelessness). Nardo lost the first job for not showing up regularly enough, the other for showing up too regularly (the boss didn't like him); and the last job lost him when the owner of the hamburger stand packed up unexpectedly and left for Canada with a whole month of his wages. The job he misses most, though, was when he worked as a busboy for the Palm Lakes Golf and Catering Service. He says it was the only time he ever got to elbow with the rich people. The parties they catered served free daiquiris, cold beer, and hard drinks; and in some, like the one he got fired from, they passed out tickets for juicy prizes like motorcycles, TV sets, stereos and skis. This particular party had a six-piece band that once opened for Jimmy Durante, and a great huge dance floor so the "old fogies" (as my brother called them) could get drunk and make fools out of themselves. The way he tells it, you would think he was doing that man a favor working for him. It turns out he and a guy named Randy took off their busboy jackets and began daring each other to get a ticket and ask a girl to dance. Hell, Nardo said, the guy bet he wouldn't, and he bet would, and after a two dollar pledge he steered for the ticket lady. "I could've hashed it around a bit, you know, Richard," he told me, "I could've double and triple-dared the guy a couple of times over, then come up with a good excuse. But that ain't my style." Instead he tapped the guy's fingers real smooth and walked up to the ticket lady. She looked out from behind the large butcher-paper-covered table at the blotches of pasta sauce on his black uniform pants and white shirt, which were supposed to go smartly with the catering service's light orange busboy jacket, but didn't, and said, "Ah, what the hell," and tore him out a tag. Then, before the little voice nagging inside him could talk some sense,
Masculinities and language

Language can be connected to masculinity through the language used by men, and through language ideologically connected to stereotypical traits of men in a particular culture. The study of language and masculinity is fairly recent, and has focused on the different ways that power and hegemonic masculinity motivate men to use particular linguistic forms. Several examples from English, the language in which most of the work has be carried out, are discussed. Keywords: language and gender; masculinity; sociolingusitics; variation
Lazy annotation for program testing and verification

We describe an interpolant-based approach to test generation and model checking for sequential programs The method generates Floyd/Hoare style annotations of the program on demand, as a result of failure to achieve goals, in a manner analogous to conflict clause learning in a DPLL style SAT solver.
The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics in Physics

Following a suggestion of Wigner, we look for a deep connection between mathematics and physics. Accordingly, a mathematical foundation is proposed which leads to a field theory. In this theory, fields are constructed solely from biunique eigenfunction pieces, each piece obtained from the same general variational expression akin to least action. We show that this piecewise construction does indeed produce a finite unit of action and quantum statistics. The fundamental concept of “definability” of fields is introduced. A definable field is free of paradoxes.
Piecewise-linear modeling of analog circuits using trained feed-forward neural networks and adaptive clustering of hidden neurons

This paper presents a new technique for automatically creating analog circuit models. The method extracts piecewise linear models from trained neural networks. A model is a set of linear dependencies between circuit performances and design parameters. The paper illustrates the technique for an OTA circuit - an amplifier circuit widely used in filters and A/D converters for which models for gain and bandwidth were automatically generated. As experiments show, the obtained models have simple form that accurately fits the sampled points and the behavior of the trained neural networks. These models are useful for fast simulation of systems with non-linear behavior and performances.
Simulation of PHENIX muon cathode strip chambers

The performance of the cathode strip chambers that will be used for the PHENIX muon tracking system has been simulated. The dependence of the chamber resolution on various chamber characteristics and incident particles will be presented along with our choice of chamber parameters. The expected resolution over the full volume will be shown to be on the order of 85 /spl mu/m.
Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness of Asphalt Pavement Pothole Patching Methods

Throw-and-roll and semipermanent patches are frequently used pothole patching techniques for asphalt pavement. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the two patching techniques with different combinations of materials and procedures, a 14-month survey was conducted to investigate field performance of patches installed on road sections with varying weather and traffic conditions. The performance of a patch was rated according to its overall distress conditions. With failed patches rated as 0, the service time was considered in the performance index. The multiple linear regression method was used to analyze the influence of patching methods, materials, geometric features, climatic condition, and traffic factors on the performance of patches. The field survey found that the throw-and-roll patches installed in winter deteriorated very fast, mainly because of severe freezing environment and insufficient compaction and curing. The 70% throw-and-roll patches lasted less than 14 months. Patches that survived thro...
RQoSR: a Robust Quality of Service Routing Algorithm for Wireless Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Wireless mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are of a self-organizing nature. This nature must be supported by an appropriate routing protocol. Unlike conventional wireless networks, MANETs have no physical backbone infrastructure and no administrative support. The Quality of Service (QoS) aspect in general, and QoS routing in particular, in MANETs, need more attention as a result of the rising popularity and necessity of real-time multimedia applications. Currently, no robust QoS routing protocol can serve MANETs' dynamic environs. This paper presents a novel proactive/reactive bandwidth-based and stability-aware robust QoS routing (RQoSR) algorithm for MANETs. The description of RQoSR, its performance analysis, and representative simulation results are presented.
A Foreign Subsidiary’s Identity Typology: Enabling Cooperation in Emerging-Market Multinationals

To address the unique challenge facing emerging-market multinationals in managing their foreign subsidiaries, we propose a typology of a foreign subsidiary’s identity derived from the competing dem...
50 THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF NEAR-MISS SIDS

Research has demonstrated that Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is emotionally devastating to families. An episode of apnea occurring at home requiring resuscitation is commonly referred to as near-miss SIDS. The relationship between nearmiss SIDS and SIDS is unclear, and the effect upon the family has been less well defined. 40 families who had experienced a near-miss SIDS episode responded to a questionnaire, 25 in writing and 15 by telephone. The questionnaire was completed 1 to 38 months after the episode. 37 of the respondents were present when the apnea occurred. 33% of the caretakers checked the baby as part of their routine activity, and 18% had a premonition that something was wrong and went to check the baby. 63% described it as “one of the hardest things in my life.” 10% described the experience as similar to a death in the family. Only 5% believed that their baby would have survived without resuscitation and 63% believed that their baby would die without intervention. As a result of this episode 20% decided not to have any more children, but half of these later reconsidered this decision. The average duration of time before things returned to normal was 3.7 (S.D. ± 3.8) months. These findings suggest that there is a significant psychological impact as a result of a near-miss SIDS episode, consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder, and that support services should be available to the family.
Locating the K/T boundary impact crater(s)

Stratigraphic, mineralogical, chemical and isotopic evidence have led to the large (˜10-km) asteroid or comet impact theory as the cause of the Cretaceous period coming to an end. However, a suitable crater has not yet been found. Although the crater may have been destroyed because half of what was then the ocean floor has since been subducted, researchers are still hot on the trail of the impact site(s). A. R. Hildebrand and W. V. Boynton, Department of Planetary Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, believe that locating the original crater(s) would resolve the volcanism versus impact debate over what ended the Cretaceous period. Based on a large concentration of shocked mineral grains and the largest grains occurring in North America, and impact-wave deposits at the K/T boundary only from the Caribbean and southern North America, they suggest that the K/T boundary impact occurred between North and South America. They suggest the 300-km-diameter buried basement structure in the Columbia Basin as a possible K/T impact crater. The location of impact-wave deposits and possibly seismically triggered slumps also helped the two decide that impact(s) musthave occurred in the Caribbean region.
Estrogen-Induced Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species as Signal-Transducing Messengers†

We report here evidence in support of the role of 17beta-estradiol- (E2-) induced mitochondrial (mt) reactive oxygen species (ROS) as signal-transducing messengers. On the basis of monitoring the oxidation of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin by spectrofluorometry, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy, we have identified that exposure of E2 triggers the immediate rapid production of intracellular ROS ranging from a 1- to severalfold increase in a variety of cells. E2-stimulated ROS production does not correlate with the activity of the estrogen receptor (ER) in the cells. The ROS is most likely hydrogen peroxide based on its inhibition by antioxidants and catalase and lack of any effects of E2 on O(2)(*)(-) or NO(*) formation. Confocal microscopy showed that ROS is localized in the perinuclear mitochondria. E2 through anchorage- and integrin-dependent signaling to mitochondria increased ROS generation. Increased intracellular ROS formation identified here for the first time may explain the mechanism of previously reported oxidative damage and subsequent genetic alterations including mutations produced by elevated concentrations of estrogens. The functional consequences of E2-induced ROS formation included the enhanced cell motility as shown by the increase in cdc42 and activation of Pyk2 and the increased phosphorylation of signaling proteins c-jun and CREB. E2-induced ROS activated the binding of three oxidant-sensitive transcription factors: AP-1, CREB, and nuclear respiratory factor 1. In addition to ERs as signaling molecules, our findings further revealed that E2-induced mt ROS also act as signal transducing messengers and suggest new targets for the development of antioxidant-based drugs or antioxidant gene therapy for the prevention and treatment of estrogen-dependent cancer.
Coordination and control of forces during multifingered grasping in Parkinson's disease.

In this study, we focused on how subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) grasp and lift with five-digits of the hand. This task provided the opportunity to simultaneously examine (a) the coordination of multiple segments (i.e., digits), (b) the sequencing of multiple tasks (i.e., force development, object lift, and hold), and (c) the control of force output. We found that PD patients coordinated and controlled five-digit forces comparable to that of age-matched controls. Specifically, these groups developed and maintained similar force amplitudes and force sharing patterns across all grasping phases. In addition, PD patients demonstrated similar levels of variability both within and across trials. In the frequency domain, however, some differences were observed across groups, especially in PD patients exhibiting obvious action tremor (AT) at a single modal frequency. In these subjects (four of nine PD patients), there was a systematic disruption, i.e., a phase-shifting away from ∼0°, in-phase force synchronization patterns normally observed between digits. This disruption typically occurred at and around the AT frequency, while at many other frequencies synchronization patterns were maintained. The composite of these findings implies that although global features observed in five-digit grasping in PD patients are preserved, more subtle aspects of the coordination between digits, as revealed by frequency domain analysis, are not. These results are discussed in relation to the neural mechanisms that might underlie physiological synchronization of forces and its pathological disruption.
Reaction of alkyl vinyl ethers with d-galactose diethyl dithioacetal

Abstract d -Galactose diethyl dithioacetal was brought into reaction, under acid catalysis, with each of several alkyl vinyl ethers in equimolar quantities. The major reaction product, 5,6- O -ethylidene- d -galactose diethyl dithioacetal, was isolated and its structure was proved by reductive desulfurization with subsequent periodate oxidation. This structure was confirmed by mass spectral data. When ethyl vinyl ether was used, the minor reaction-product was 6- O -(1-ethoxyethyl)- d -galactose diethyl dithioacetal. A pathway is proposed for this reaction. 5,6- O -Ethylidene- d -galactose diethyl acetal was partially demercaptalated to ethyl 5,6- O -ethylidene-1-thio-α- d -galactofuranoside, whose structure was confirmed through its synthesis by the reaction of isopropyl vinyl ether with ethyl 1-thio-α- d -galatofuranoside under acid catalysis.
Arab External Investments: Relation to National Wealth, Estimation, and Consequences

Abstract The purpose of the paper is to shed some light on the issue of repatriation of Arab external investments. We do that by first relating these investments to the concept of Arab national wealth, and then by providing estimates of their size and analyses of their consequences and factors affecting their home return. The paper puts the total value of capital outflows from the Arab countries during 1975–2000 at between US$212 and 323 billion. The prime factor, that not only could affect the home return of Arab capital but also the attraction of foreign capital, is higher risk-adjusted marginal productivity of capital through improvements in the efficiency of Arab investments. The paper reaffirms that this could come about by diversification of the economic structure, financial development, political liberalization, and a leading role for the private sector.
FORMER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AS OUTSIDE DIRECTORS: THE ROLE OF HUMAN AND SOCIAL CAPITAL

The resources that individual directors bring to corporate boards are largely a function of their human and social capital. Although research has explored the value of having former federal governm...
Cresting the Digital Divide

Catawba Valley Community College has introduced digital storytelling (DS), an innovative instructional method that has produced extraordinary results. Digital storytelling uses affordable software to craft powerful multimedia presentations of student writing. Students create 3-to-4-minute movies with images, voiceovers, and music. This project reinforces critical thinking skills and the importance of purpose, audience, and voice.
Direct Numerical Simulations of Transitional/ Turbulent Wake of a Flat Plate

The near wake of a flat plate with a circular trailing edge is investigated via direct numerical simulations. The boundary layers onboth the upper and lower surfaces toward the endof the plate are turbulent. Earlier experimental investigations have used thin plates with turbulent boundary layers to create the wake. This results in large =D values ( is the momentum thickness toward the end of the plate andD is the diameter of the trailing edge). Here the emphasis is on relatively thick plates with blunt trailing edges, which result in =D values less than unity. Such flows are of considerable engineering interest, particularly in turbomachinery. The computations are performed with a high-order accurate upwind-biased finite-difference scheme that has been successfully used in the past for direct numerical simulations of cylinder wakes and transitional/turbulent flow on flat plates and turbine airfoils. The simulation is modeled after an experiment. Both the Reynolds number based on the boundary-layer thickness at the end of the plate and ReD closely approximate experimental data. The ratio =D is about 0.05. Computed turbulence statistics both in the plate boundary layer and in the wake are compared with experimental data. Contours of the time-averaged and instantaneous velocity and vorticity fields in the wake are also provided and comparedwith those obtained for cylinder wakes.