cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do Pull-In Programs Foster Teacher Collaboration?

This investigation examined classroom teachers' perceptions of collaborative planning meetings that they engaged in with remedial reading or resource room teachers. A particular focus was whether collaborative planning was perceived differently by teachers whose students were served in pull-out programs, as compared to teachers whose students received "pull-in" reading instruction, whereby the specialist teacher taught in the general classroom. Structured interviews were conducted with 12 classroom teachers participating in the pull-in condition and 11 classroom teachers participating in the pull-out arrangement. Relative to the teachers involved in pull-out programs, the teachers engaged in the pull-in condition reported (1) more frequent collaborative meetings, (2) a greater focus on specific instructional issues rather than on student progress and adjustment, and (3) greater learning of specific instructional techniques. The implications of these findings for the successful implementation of teacher co...
Ethics, Online Learning and Stakeholder Responsibility for a Code of Conduct in Higher Education

The purpose of this paper is to discuss issues related to the code of ethics in online learning, and responsibilities of students, faculty, and administrators. Students must recognize the ethical imperatives of online learning, and faculty and administrators should enforce the code of ethics requirements consistently, and effectively. How does a professor know that the student who enrolled in the course is the same as the one doing the work online from a distant location? Does the administration explain the mechanisms for dealing with infringements such as plagiarism, and the consequences? Should Professors teach about ethical behavior regardless of the discipline? Do professors teaching online classes use state of the art software to detect ethical misdemeanors in students’ work? Should professors who suspect student dishonesty confront and report those students. The questions are simple, and the reader would assume that institutions of higher education have addressed them all. However, have these institutions addressed these issues as effectively as they should? Students cheat in assignments and examinations, and faculty and administrators are too busy to enforce consequences in codes of ethics. There is a need to discuss these issues from time to time to safeguard the integrity of online teaching and learning. The discussion is organized in the following order – introduction, student responsibilities for ethical behavior in online learning, assessing student work, student discussions, responsibilities of faculty and administrators, disciplinary action committees, and conclusion.
Multiclass ROC Analysis

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves have become a common analysis tool for evaluating forecast discrimination: the ability of a forecast system to distinguish between events and nonevents. As is implicit in that statement, application of the ROC curve is limited to forecasts involving only two possible outcomes, such as rain and no rain. However, many forecast scenarios exist for which there are multiple possible outcomes, such as rain, snow, and freezing rain. An extension of the ROC curve to multiclass forecast problems is explored. The full extension involves high-dimensional hypersurfaces that cannot be visualized and that present other problems. Therefore, several different approximations to the full extension are introduced using both artificial and actual forecast datasets. These approximations range from sets of simple two-class ROC curves to sets of three-dimensional ROC surfaces. No single approximation is superior for all forecast problems; thus, the specific aims in evaluating the forecast must be considered.
The Numerical Solution of Certain Integral Equations with Non-Integrable Kernels Arising in the Theory of Crack Propagation and Elastic Wave Diffraction

An infinite elastic medium is initially at rest in a prestressed state of plane- or anti-plane strain. At time t = 0 a plane crack comes into existence which occupies a strip parallel to the y axis and whose width varies in time. Assuming that the components of the traction are known on the crack surface it is possible to set up an integral equation on the area of the crack for the relative displacement across the crack. Although the kernel of this integral equation is non-integrable a method is found for discretizing it and a numerical method of solution is carried out. The results, which in some cases are the solutions of diffraction problems, are presented graphically.
Markov-chain modeling for multicast signaling delay analysis

Feedback signaling plays a key role in flow control because the traffic source relies on the signaling information to make correct and timely flow-control decisions. However, it is difficult to design an efficient signaling algorithm since a signaling message can tolerate neither error nor latency. Multicast flow-control signaling imposes two additional challenges: scalability and feedback synchronization. Previous research on multicast signaling has mainly focused on the development of algorithms without analyzing their delay performance. To remedy this deficiency, we have previously developed a binary-tree model and an independent-marking statistical model for multicast-signaling delay analysis. This paper considers a general scenario where the congestion markings at different links are dependent - a more accurate but complex case. Specifically, we develop a Markov-chain model defined by the link-marking state on each path in the multicast tree. The Markov chain can not only capture link-marking dependencies, but also yield a tractable analytical model. We also develop a Markov-chain dependency-degree model to evaluate all possible Markov-chain dependency degrees without any prior knowledge of them. Using the above two models, we derive the general probability distributions of each path becoming the multicast-tree bottleneck. Also derived are the first and second moments of multicast signaling delays. The proposed Markov chain is also shown to asymptotically reach an equilibrium, and its limiting distribution converges to the marginal link-marking probabilities when the Markov chain is irreducible. Applying the two models, we analyze and contrast the delay scalability of two representative multicast signaling protocols: Soft-Synchronization Protocol (SSP) and Hop-By-Hop (HBH) algorithms.
Effects of Body Size and Slope on Acceleration of a Lizard (Stellio Stellio)

SUMMARY 1. The agamid lizard Stellio ( = Agama) stellio L. accelerated quickly on a level track. Lizards reached 95 % of maximum speed in an average of only 0-31 m and 0-19s. 2. Large lizards had higher initial accelerations (~M 1 ' 3 ) and accelerated over longer distances and times than did small lizards. As a result, larger lizards achieved higher maximum speeds. Lizards of a given size that accelerated quickly also achieved high maximum speeds. 3. Acceleration was also measured on slopes ranging from —15° to +60°. Steep inclines did not differentially reduce the initial acceleration of large versus small lizards, a result which contrasts with a previous demonstration that such inclines significantly reduce the maximum speed of only large lizards. 4. Simulations of simple predatory-prey chases suggest that large lizards will be more successful if they attack distant prey on level or downhill slopes and that small lizards will be more likely to escape larger quadrupedal predators by fleeing uphill, unless the predators are near.
The Telemetric and Holter ECG Warehouse (THEW): The first three years of development and research☆

The Telemetric and Holter ECG Warehouse (THEW) hosts more than 3700 digital 24-Holter ECG recordings from 13 independent studies. In addition to the ECGs, the repository includes patient information in separate clinical database with content varying according to the study focus. In its third year of activities, the THEW database has been accessed by researchers from 37 universities and 16 corporations located in 16 countries worldwide. Twenty publications were released primarily focusing on the development and validation of ECG-based technologies. This communication describes the content of the databases of the repository with brief summary of the research and development projects completed using these data.
Expanding the Topography of Social Anxiety An Experience-Sampling Assessment of Positive Emotions, Positive Events, and Emotion Suppression

The relation between social anxiety and hedonic activity remains poorly understood. From a self-regulatory perspective, we hypothesized that socially anxious individuals experience diminished positive experiences and events on days when they are unable to manage socially anxious feelings adequately. In this 21-day experience-sampling study, we constructed daily measures of social anxiety and emotion regulation. Greater dispositional social anxiety was associated with less positive affect and fewer positive events in everyday life. Among individuals defined as socially anxious from their scores on a global self-report measure of social anxiety, the number of positive events was lowest on days when they both were more socially anxious and tended to suppress emotions and highest on days when they were less socially anxious and more accepting of emotional experiences. Irrespective of dispositional social anxiety, participants reported the most intense positive emotions on the days when they were both least socially anxious and most accepting of emotional experiences. Possible clinical implications are discussed.
Comparison of hydrogen production and electrical power generation for energy capture in closed-loop ammonium bicarbonate reverse electrodialysis systems

Currently, there is an enormous amount of energy available from salinity gradients, which could be used for clean hydrogen production. Through the use of a favorable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) cathode, the projected electrical energy generated by a single pass ammonium bicarbonate reverse electrodialysis (RED) system approached 78 W h m−3. However, if RED is operated with the less favorable (higher overpotential) hydrogen evolution electrode and hydrogen gas is harvested, the energy recovered increases by as much ∼1.5× to 118 W h m−3. Indirect hydrogen production through coupling an RED stack with an external electrolysis system was only projected to achieve 35 W h m−3 or ∼1/3 of that produced through direct hydrogen generation.
Goal-oriented behavior in autonomous systems

A discussion is given on how situation-driven autonomous systems can look ahead to resolve goal interactions and conflicts and to find a better way to achieve goals. Several lookahead schemes are examined implicitly in current autonomous systems. A rational reconstruction of a novel scheme in action selection dynamics is outlined for a better run-time planner to obtain goal-oriented behavior. It is shown that this reconstruction results in an action arbitration scheme having a more informative run-time lookahead for resolving goal interactions and conflicts without loss of its continual 'replanning' capability. >
Glossopharyngeal Nerve Regeneration Is Essential for the Complete Recovery of Quinine-Stimulated Oromotor Rejection Behaviors and Central Patterns of Neuronal Activity in the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract in the Rat

The peripheral, central, and behavioral consequences of glossopharyngeal nerve transection (GLX), regeneration, and the prevention of regeneration on the quinine-elicited responses of adult rats were concurrently examined. Oromotor taste reactivity (TR) was videotaped during intraoral infusion of 7 ml of either quinine (3 mm) or distilled water at 17, 52, or 94 d after surgery. We confirmed previous findings by showing that 17 d after neurotomy, (1) the number of circumvallate (CV) and foliate taste buds, (2) gapes (a characteristic aversive TR response), and (3) the number of Fos-like immunoreactive (FLI) neurons in the gustatory NST (gNST), particularly in the medial portion (subfield 5) of the rostral central subdivision (RC), were all severely attenuated in GLX rats. We extended these findings by showing that these lesion-induced effects were enduring when the GL did not regenerate (up to 94 d). In contrast, when the GL regenerated, as few as 52 d were sufficient to re-establish quinine-elicited TR, especially gaping, and FLI expression in RC, particularly within subfield 5, to values comparable with quinine-stimulated sham-operated rats. Evidently, the gNST maintains its potential to restore accurately the organization of neural activity that is disrupted by nerve injury, as assessed by FLI, ultimately leading to the return of normal protective oromotor responses, provided the nerve regenerates. This recovery was complete despite the reappearance of a reduced population of CV taste buds (∼75% control values) and may relate to peripheral and/or central changes that occur in tandem with regeneration of the GL.
Re: Iodine-125 Seed Implantation and Deferred Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for Patients With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Localized Prostate Cancer

Dear Sir, Several recent studies have challenged the view that patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are poor candidates for prostate brachytherapy because of the risk of postoperative urinary morbidity. Liu et al reported their experience in which 38 men with localized PCa and preexisting LUTS underwent iodine-125 seed implantation followed by delayed (6 months) limited transurethral resection of the prostate (LTURP). They report statistically significant reductions in mean International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at 5 to 7 days and 1 year after LTURP, and no patients with persistent retention, urinary incontinence, or urethral necrosis. Unfortunately, this approach requires that men endure moderate to severe (mean IPSS of 15.42) LUTS, and for some, daily catheterizations for persistent retention, for 6 months before receiving effective surgical therapy. Our approach, published in Brachytherapy in 2012, is to perform LTURP and/or transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) 4 to 7 months before planned brachytherapy in men with LUTS and localized PCa. We reported similar significant reductions in IPSS, peak flow rate, and post-void residual, and no patients developed persistent retention, urinary necrosis, or urinary incontinence. Most importantly, our two-step approach provided timely relief of symptoms for our patients without comprising the management of their PCa. Liu et al suggest that our approach might lead to unnecessary surgery in patients who are “high-risk” for obstruction but might not necessarily need a transurethral resection of the prostate, thus resulting in potentially avoidable complications. First, we used
The relationship of marihuana usage to personality and motivational factors.

Summary The 16 Personality Factors Questionnaire (16 PF), Motivation Analysis Test (MAT), and a marihuana usage questionnaire were administered anonymously to 104 undergraduate students. Raw scores were converted to sten scores to eliminate sex and age differences. Product-moment correlations were computed on data from the questionnaires. An iterative principal axis solution was applied to the correlation matrix followed by Kaiser Varimax orthogonal rotation and graphical oblique rotations. The most significant finding was that marihuana users were not a homogeneous group in terms of personality and motivational structure. Four identifiable personality and motivational patterns were found to be related to such use: (a) an antisocial norm group; (b) a frustrated upper-middle class group; (c) a hostile rebel group; (d) a follower group. None of these indicate pathological patterns.
Compositional effects of corn distillers dried grains with solubles with variable oil content on digestible, metabolizable, and net energy values in growing pigs1

ABSTRACT Two experiments were conducted in growing-finishing pigs to determine the DE and ME (Exp. 1, 96.3 kg of BW) and NE (Exp. 2, 45.4 kg of BW) content of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (C-DDGS), and to refine or develop DE, ME, and NE prediction equations based on chemical composition of C-DDGS. Composition of the 6 C-DDGS sources varied (ash, 4.71 to 5.63%; CP, 29.65 to 32.21%; ether extract, 6.99 to 13.34%; NDF, 38.27 to 39.58%; total dietary fiber, 31.12 to 32.81%; DM basis), with the determined DE ranging from 3,836 to 4,038 kcal/kg of DM, ME from 3,716 to 3,893 kcal/kg of DM, and NE from 2,107 to 2,310 kcal/kg of DM. Regardless of the range in C-DDGS composition and the resulting DE, ME, or NE value, no chemical parameter measured (GE, CP, starch, total dietary fiber, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, ether extract, or ash) was significant at P ≤ 0.15 to be retained in the regression model to predict DE, ME, or NE content in the C-DDGS sources evaluated. Apparent total-tract digestibilities of several nutritional components were also measured for comparative purposes but were not included in the prediction model. On average, the C-DDGS used in these studies contained 3,931, 3,793, and 2,207 kcal of DE, ME, and NE per kilogram of DM, respectively. These results suggest that C-DDGS composition and subsequent DE, ME, and NE can be highly variable and that a wider range in ingredient chemical composition and DE, ME, and NE values, as well as more C-DDGS sources, appear to be necessary to generate energy-prediction equations than used in the current experiments.
MiR-33a Decreases High-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Radiation Sensitivity in Breast Cancer.

Purpose We previously showed that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) radiosensitizes inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) cells in vitro and is associated with better local control after radiation therapy in IBC patients. The microRNA miR-33 family negatively regulates the adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporter subfamily A member 1. We hypothesized that variations in miR-33a expression in IBC cancer cells versus non-IBC cells would correlate with radiation sensitivity following exposure to HDL in vitro. Methods and Materials MiR-33a expression was analyzed by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction in 4 cell lines representing common clinical breast cancer subtypes. Overexpression and knockdown of miR-33a was demonstrated via transfection of an miR-33a mimic or an anti-miR-33a construct in high- and low-expressing miR-33a cell lines. Clonogenic survival in vitro in these cells was quantified at baseline and following HDL treatment. MiR-33a expression on distant relapse-free survival (DRFS) of 210 cases downloaded from the Oxford breast cancer dataset was determined. Results Expression levels of miR-33a were lower in IBC cell lines and IBC tumor samples than in non-IBC cell lines and normal breast tissue. Cholesterol concentrations in the cell membranes were higher in IBC cells than in non-IBC cells. Clonogenic survival following 24 hours of HDL treatment was decreased in response to irradiation in the low-miR-33a–expressing cell lines SUM149 and KPL4, but survival following HDL treatment decreased in the high-miR-33a–expressing cell lines MDA-MB-231 and SUM159. In the high-miR-33a–expressing cell lines, anti-miR-33a transfection decreased radiation resistance in clonogenic assays. Conversely, in the low-miR-33a–expressing cell lines, the miR-33a mimic reversed the HDL-induced radiation sensitization. Breast cancer patients in the top quartile based on miR-33a expression had markedly lower rates of DRFS than the bottom quartile ( P =.0228, log-rank test). For breast cancer patients treated with radiation, high miR-33a expression predicted worse overall survival ( P =.06). Conclusions Our results reveal miR-33a negatively regulates HDL-induced radiation sensitivity in breast cancer.
Open Space at the Rural-Urban Fringe: A Joint Spatial Hedonic Model of Developed and Undeveloped Land Values

We examine the impacts of different open space amenities on sales prices of developed and undeveloped land in two time periods ten years apart in a rapidly urbanizing county in central Ohio. Buffers within 0.25 and 0.5 miles are created that include percentages of agricultural, residential, park and golf course uses around each land sale and are used as explanatory variables. We contribute to the literature by estimating a unified model that accounts for spatial heterogeneity as well as for cross-correlations in developed and undeveloped land sales. Our findings suggest interactions between the land markets examined are complex and dynamic.
Abstract 222: Valsartan at a Sub-therapeutic Dose Ameliorates Myocardial Autophagy Overactivated in Renovascular Hypertension (RVH)

Objective: Excessive autophagy (degradation of intracellular structures) characterizes cardiomyocyte injury in hypertensive heart disease. The effect of Angiotensin II receptor blocker Valsartan on RVH-induced myocardial autophagy remains unexplored. Method: Twenty-one domestic pigs (50-60 Kg) were randomized into 3 groups: RVH, RVH+Valsartan, and Control (n=7 each), and observed for 10 wks. Valsartan (320mg/d PO) was administered for 4 wks starting at 6 wks of RVH. After 10 wks, myocardial fibrosis was examined by trichrome staining, and inflammation by M1 macrophage (M1 O, CD163+/iNOS+) staining and TNF-α expression (immunoblotting). Autophagy was examined for Atg 12-Atg 5, Beclin-1 and its inhibitor mTOR. Result: At 6 wks, MAP was higher in both RVH and RVH+Valsartan compared to Control (147.6 ±14.0 and 139.1±11.2 vs. 105.9±11.4 mmHg, respectively, P Conclusion: Valsartan decreased myocardial autophagy, fibrosis and inflammation in pigs with RVH, independent of effective blood pressure control. Valsartan has novel pleiotropic effects on turnover of cellular structures in RVH-induced myocardial damage.
Responding to refusal of recommended cesarean section: Promoting good parenting

Consideration of what a “good parent” would do in controversial perinatal cases has been largely absent from to ethics literature. This article argues when a cesarean section is required to prevent death or serious disability for a fetus, the pregnant woman has an ethical (although not legal) obligation to undergo that procedure even when she has concerns or conflicting commitments. Further, a clinician may be justified in using persuasive counseling when there is grave harm at stake that the patient has a moral obligation to prevent. This conclusion is tested by exploring its implications in several other analogous controversial contexts.
Applying Qualitative Research Methods to Narrative Knowledge Engineering

We propose a methodology for knowledge engineering for narrative intelligence systems, based on techniques used to elicit themes in qualitative methods research. Our methodology uses coding techniques to identify actions in natural language corpora, and uses these actions to create planning operators and procedural knowledge, such as scripts. In an iterative process, coders create a taxonomy of codes relevant to the corpus, and apply those codes to each element of that corpus. These codes can then be combined into operators or other narrative knowledge structures. We also describe the use of this methodology in the context of Dramatis, a narrative intelligence system that required STRIPS operators and scripts in order to calculate human suspense responses to stories.
Case studies: evaluation of cut-resistant sleeves and possible fiberglass fiber shedding at a steel mill.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from employees and union representatives at a steel mill. They were concerned with skin and upper respiratory irritation, and safety and hygiene issues regarding the required use of cut-resistant protective sleeves. The manufacturer of the cut-resistant sleeves reported that the sleeves were made of a blended weave of para-aramid (Kevlar), cellulose, and E-glass fibers. New sleeves were shown to emit very few fibers into the air under controlled use conditions.(1) However, employees were concerned that the sleeves could shed respirable fiberglass fibers, that this shedding could increase after repeated launderings, and that this exposure could cause skin irritation, respiratory irritation, or chronic respiratory disease. During our evaluation, we met with union representatives and company health and safety managers, toured the facility, and confidentially interviewed employees. We collected surface samples using either Stick-to-it lift tape (SKC Inc., Eighty Four, Pa.) or vacuuming with a polycarbonate filter from work surfaces, workers’ skin, and workers’ clothing, including the surface of new and laundered protective sleeves. We also collected bulk samples of new and laundered protective sleeves and other potential sources of fibers at the steel mill (i.e., insulation materials). These samples were analyzed by stereomicroscope and polarized light microscopy for identification of fiberglass, Kevlar, and cellulose fibers, as well as for fiber morphology and size. This case study focuses on the industrial hygiene sampling component of our evaluation. Information regarding the medical interviews, and safety and hygiene issues related to the use of the sleeves can be found in the NIOSH HHE report. (2)
Design of Cellulosic Ethanol Supply Chains with Regional Depots

The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to fuels has the potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. To ensure biomass supply meets biofuel demand, it is necessary to have an effective biomass supply network. Toward this end, the concept of regional biomass processing depot, where biomass is pretreated and/or densified to a higher density intermediate, has been introduced to improve the performance of supply network in terms of costs and emissions. In this article, we develop a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model for the capacity and inventory planning problem of biofuels supply chain including depots. Importantly, the proposed model accounts for variable locations of depots, which is a subject that has not been studied in the literature. In addition, our models account for biomass selection and allocation, technology selection and capacity planning at depots and biorefineries, and biomass seasonality.
Coherent Control of Light Transmission and Absorption in Random Scattering Media

We used wavefront shaping to enhance/suppress the transmission of coherent light through open highly scattering media. We further controlled the short-circuit current of a dye-sensitized solar cell by shaping the wavefront of a laser beam.
Pituitary prolactin content and mammary development after chronic administration of prolactin.

SummaryDaily injection of 1 or 10 mg of prolactin for 10 days or transplantation of anterior pituitaries (AP) to the kidney capsule for 14 days markedly decreased pituitary weight and prolactin content of mature virgin rats. Ovariectomy reduced prolactin content of pituitaries relative to intact controls, but ovariectomy plus transplantation of AP's reduced prolactin content even further. These results indicated that function of the auto-feedback control of prolactin can occur without the ovary. Prolactin injections and AP transplants increased total mammary DNA and RNA, but these increases were somewhat reduced in ovariectomized rats compared with intact rats. Exogenous prolactin reduced uterine and adrenal weights, stimulated body weight increases but had no significant effects on ovarian weights.
55 ENOXAPARIN PREVENTS PROGRESSION OF STAGE I-II OSTEONECROSIS OF THE HIP ASSOCIATED WITH THROMBOPHILIA-HYPOFIBRINOLYSIS: A MEDICAL APPROACH TO FEMORAL HEAD PRESERVATION

The ultimate goal of treatment of osteonecrosis (ON) of the hip is preservation of the femoral head and avoidance of total hip replacement. Given limitations in the currently available armamentarium for treatment of ON, in a prospective pilot study our hypothesis was that enoxaparin (60 mg/day, 12 weeks) would prevent progression of stage I-II hip ON associated with thrombophilia-hypofibrinolysis over ≥ 108 weeks follow-up versus untreated historical controls, with different treatment responses in primary versus corticosteroid-associated secondary ON. Patients were selected by ≥ 1 thrombophilia-hypofibrinolysis and Ficat stages I-II ON of ≥ 1 hip(s). A blinded committee interpreted AP and frog-leg lateral x-rays at entry and every 36 weeks to ≥ 108 weeks. Stage I-II maintenance versus progression to stages III-IV-total hip replacement was the major outcome. Sixteen patients had primary ON (25 hips; 13 stage I, 12 stage II), 12 secondary ON (15 hips; 5 stage I, 10 stage II). With no enoxaparin-related complications, 19/20 hips (95%) in primary ON were unchanged from stages I-II at ≥ 108 weeks; 12 of 15 hips (80%) progressed to stages III-IV in secondary ON. In primary ON at ≥ 108 weeks, survival of 95% hips, or 76% (19/25 hips, based on intent to treat), compares favorably with untreated historical controls (˜ 20% 2 year survival), comparable to 20% hip survival in secondary hip ON. Enoxaparin may prevent progression of primary hip ON, preserving the head of the femur, thus reducing the need for total hip replacement.
Comparative Study of Fuel Consumption Estimations for Car-following Models Based on VSP Distributions

Massive vehicle activity data under car-following conditions on expressways of Beijing are collected using GPS.Based on the collected GPS data as the driving activity data of the leading cars,the following behaviors of virtual following cars are simulated and output by using different car-following models.Then,successive 60 s instantaneous speeds are aggregated and divided into average speed intervals.In each speed interval,vehicle specific power(VSP) distributions generated by different car-following models are compared with the real VSP distributions.Subsequently,the second-by-second vehicle fuel consumption data is collected by an on-board fuel consumption measurement system.By the VSP distribution-based fuel consumption measurement approach,the average fuel consumption rates and factors of different car-following models are estimated and compared with the real fuel consumption data.It is found that the full speed difference between the leading car and the following car is the critical parameter for car-following model.It can substantially improve the accuracy of VSP distribution of simulated car-following activities,thus is able to generate more accurate estimation of the fuel consumption under car-following conditions.
A bat algorithm based approach of QoS optimization for long term business pattern

Business process automation using software as a service is well accepted software deployment and distribution model that is grown exponentially in the last few years. SaaS can provide solutions that are suitable for both one off as well as long running systems. Multiple component services are combined to formulate a composite solution. This modular nature of the systems allows the flexibility to replace faulty services or introduce better performing components into the initial solution. On the other hand it makes it easier to deal with situations where a long running system may need to deal with a service which is no longer available or has a competitor which offers similar to better service as a much more attractive package. To fully utilize this nature of the software we need to understand the structure of the system. In this paper we present a bat algorithm based solution for different Quality of Service parameters of a component service considering the different invocation patterns of these component services in the system for optimum values of the QoS parameters. We evaluate the efficiency of our proposed technique on WSDream-QoSDataset [20] and show its effectiveness.
Phonon anharmonicity and components of the entropy in palladium and platinum

Inelastic neutron scattering was used to measure the phonon density of states in fcc palladium and platinum metal at temperatures from 7 K to 1576 K. Both phonon-phonon interactions and electron-phonon interactions were calculated by methods based on density functional theory (DFT) and were consistent with the measured shifts and broadenings of phonons with temperature. Unlike the longitudinal modes, the characteristic transverse modes had a nonlinear dependence on temperature owing to the requirement for a population of thermal phonons for upscattering. Kohn anomalies were observed in the measurements at low temperature and were reproduced by calculations based on DFT. Contributions to the entropy from phonons and electrons were assessed and summed to obtain excellent agreement with prior calorimetric data. The entropy from thermal expansion is positive for both phonons and electrons but larger for phonons. The anharmonic phonon entropy is negative in Pt, but in Pd it changes from positive to negative with increasing temperature. Owing to the position of the Fermi level on the electronic DOS, the electronic entropy was sensitive to the adiabatic electron-phonon interaction in both Pd and Pt. The adiabatic EPI depended strongly on thermal atom displacements.
Immunologic characterization of canine factor VIII

Canine factor VIII (FVIII) preparations isolated from cryoprecipitates by gel chromatography were pooled to provide one batch of antigen for simultaneous immunization of two rabbits and a goat. The goat and rabbit antisera had similar FVIII-neutralizing titers, but the latter had seven to ten times more precipitating titer for FVIII-related antigen (FVIII-RA). Absorption with material low in FVIII had little effect on the precipitating titer of the rabbit antibody, but it abolished the precipitating capacity of the goat antibody and caused a 20% reduction in the neutralizing titer of both antisera. Results obtained in the Laurell assay with the two different antisera were similar. This finding was true whether the FVIII-RA levels were reduced, normal, or elevated, as well as for heat-treated and frozen- thawed plasmas. Both antisera were neutralized by the same canine plasma to a similar extent. Analysis of FVIII concentrates by crossed immunoelectrophoresis suggested that canine FVIII-RA was heterogeneous, with slow-and fast-migrating components. The presence of more than one antigenic site on the FVIII complex was also supported by the disparity between the FVIII-neutralizing and -precipitating titers of goat antiserum and by the demonstration that FVIII-RA, FVIII-neutralizing antigen, and procoagulant activity varied independently.
Radiofrequency ablation and stereotactic body radiotherapy as non-surgical options for hepatocellular carcinoma

HCC is the most common primary liver malignancy and carries a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival less than 12%. In the United States, the incidence is increasing at an alarming rate, mostly due to the rise in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection; there has been more than a 3-fold increase in incidence between 1975 to 2007 (1). Globally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second highest cancer-related cause of death, with approximately 600,000 deaths per annum (2).
Uprooting phylogenetic uncertainty in coalescent species delimitation: A meta-analysis of empirical studies

Phylogenetic and phylogeographic studies rely on the accurate quantification of biodiversity. In recent studies of tax- onomically ambiguous groups, species boundaries are often determined based on multi-locus sequence data. Bayesian Phyloge- netics and Phylogeography (BPP) is a coalescent-based method frequently used to delimit species; however, empirical studies suggest that the requirement of a user-specified guide tree biases the range of possible outcomes. We evaluate fifteen multi-locus datasets using the most recent iteration of BPP, which eliminates the need for a user-specified guide tree and reconstructs the species tree in synchrony with species delimitation (= unguided species delimitation). We found that the number of species recovered with guided versus unguided species delimitation was the same except for two cases, and that posterior probabilities were generally lower for the unguided analyses as a result of searching across species trees in addition to species delimitation models. The guide trees used in previous studies were often discordant with the species tree topologies estimated by BPP. We also compared species trees estimated using BPP and *BEAST and found that when the topologies are the same, BPP tends to give higher posterior probabilities (Current Zoology 61 (5): 866-873, 2015).
Survival of the Fittest: Explaining the Success of Ethnic Autonomy Arrangements

The empirical evidence indicates that ethnic autonomy arrangements (EAAs) survive more often than not, but this mixed track record raises an important question. What accounts for the survival of some systems and not others? We theorize that that this differential survival rate is partly a function of variation in their internal structure. EAAs that are structured to create and best sustain an equilibrium in bargaining relations between center d periphery have the highest probability of survival. It follows logically that the more unbalanced the system in favor of either the center or periphery, the less likely to survive. We test the theory using logit analysis on an original data set drawn from the universe of post-1945 EAAs. After controlling for level of democracy and wealth disparity, the key finding is that the internal structure of an EAA matters for its survival. One important implication of these findings is that, for any given level of democracy, ethnofederal systems can be systematically designed to maximize survival prospects
"Padon pa geri maleng" ("Sorry doesn't heal the scars").

Disasters, discord, poverty. What hardened heart doesn't ache for Haiti? Fifty years after Columbus's arrival, Hispaniola's natives were decimated by disease; by the mid-1700s, French overlords were exploiting Haiti's African slaves. Then came revolution, independence, and more upheaval. Finally, in 2004, after its first democratically elected president was ousted by a coup, the United Nations sent an international force to Haiti.
Polymorphic Variants of Human Protein L-Isoaspartyl Methyltransferase Affect Catalytic Activity, Aggregation, and Thermal Stability; Implications for the Etiology of Neurological Disorders and Cognitive Aging.

Protein l-isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PIMT/PCMT1), a product of the human pcmt1 gene, catalyzes repair of abnormal l-isoaspartyl linkages in age-damaged proteins. Pcmt1 knock-out mice exhibit a profound neuropathology and die 30-60 days postnatal from an epileptic seizure. Here we express 15 reported variants of human PIMT and characterize them with regard to their enzymatic activity, thermal stability, and propensity to aggregation. One mutation, R36C, renders PIMT completely inactive, whereas two others, A7P and I58V, exhibit activity that is 80-100% higher than wild type. G175R is highly prone to aggregation and has greatly reduced activity. R17S and R17H show markedly enhanced sensitivity to thermal denaturation. Based on previous studies of moderate PIMT variation in humans and mice, we predict that heterozygosity for R36C, G175R, R17S, and R17H will prove detrimental to cognitive function and successful aging, whereas homozygosity (if it ever occurs) will lead to severe neurological problems in the young.
Accounting Student Academic Dishonesty: What Accounting Faculty and Administrators Believe

The success and welfare of the accounting profession is inextricably dependent upon the ethical behavior of its members. More than ever, the profession demands that accountants adhere to stringent codes of ethical behavior. And since accounting students will become the professionals of tomorrow, it is critical that they assimilate the high standards of ethical behavior that will soon be demanded of them as accounting professionals. Unfortunately, studies indicate a growing trend of academic dishonesty. Furthermore, other studies suggest that a linkage exists between unethical student behavior and subsequent unethical behavior in practice. Given the requirement for highly ethical behavior as practicing professionals, the prospect of dishonest students continuing on to become potentially dishonest professionals is simply unacceptable. Accounting faculty and academic institutions need to proactively investigate academic dishonesty and to develop solutions to counter this trend and develop highly ethical students. However, potential solutions require a better understanding of academic dishonesty, including what motivates and deters such behavior. This study addresses this need by surveying 571 accounting faculty and administrators about their perceptions of the occurrence and trend of academic dishonesty and what motivates, enables, and dissuades such behavior. The results reveal that in spite of the participants’ belief that cheating has increased over time and is expected to worsen in the future, they judge academic dishonesty as only a “moderate” problem. Furthermore, the participants believe that there is only a “moderate” degree of monitoring of academic dishonesty and that punishment for cheating occurs for only about half of all accounting students caught cheating. These results suggest that there may be an acceptance of academic dishonesty that is incongruent with high standards of the profession. The study also offers several actions that institutions and faculty may consider to decrease cheating and better prepare students to meet the high ethical expectations of the profession.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy response and local control rates for hepatic oligometastases.

3546 Background: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a non-invasive, effective technique in the treatment of hepatic oligometastases from solid tumors. We present response and local contr...
Four Chromosome-Specific ( Gossypium barbadense Chromosome 5sh) Upland Cotton RILs with Improved Elongation

A chromosome-specific recombinant inbred line (CS-B05shRIL) population was created from a cross of TM-1, the genetic standard line of Gossypium hirsutum L., and CS-B05sh, a previously released interspecific chromosome substitution line in which all of the chromosome pairs are genetically similar to those of TM-1, except for the short arm of chromosome 5, which is substituted from 3-79 (G. barbadense L.). Four of the fifty CS-B05shRILs were selected and released on the basis of their improved elongation ranging from 7.37 to 7.84%. The four selected RILs are identified as CS-B05shRIL-93 (Reg. No. GP-1014, PI 677339), CS-B05shRIL-68 (Reg. No. GP-1013, PI 677337), CS-B05shRIL-66 (Reg. No. GP-1012, PI 677336), and CS-B05shRIL-10 (Reg. No. GP-1011, PI 677334).The fiber properties among the CS-B05ShRILs were compared with those of commercial cultivars DP 393 and PHY 370 WR, which had elongations of 6.86 and 6.25%. Commercial lines performed better for agronomic traits than the released lines. Fiber elongation (the ability to stretch before breaking) is a critical trait in determining yarn quality. The combination of strength and elongation in a fiber determines the energy needed to break either a fiber or a yarn. Due to changes in textile technologies, the global market demands cotton cultivars with improved potential for tensile properties. These germplasm lines are released to incorporate improved elongation genes from only the short arm of chromosome 5 of G. barbadense, thereby reducing genetic drag effect compared with the conventional method of interspecific introgression involving the whole genome.
Architectural design and support for knowledge sharing across heterogeneous MAST systems

23rd IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, (RO-MAN 2014), 25-29 August 2014, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Multimodal analysis and prediction of latent user dimensions

Humans upload over 1.8 billion digital images to the internet each day, yet the relationship between the images that a person shares with others and his/her psychological characteristics remains poorly understood. In the current research, we analyze the relationship between images, captions, and the latent demographic/psychological dimensions of personality and gender. We consider a wide range of automatically extracted visual and textual features of images/captions that are shared by a large sample of individuals (\(N \approx 1,350\)). Using correlational methods, we identify several visual and textual properties that show strong relationships with individual differences between participants. Additionally, we explore the task of predicting user attributes using a multimodal approach that simultaneously leverages images and their captions. Results from these experiments suggest that images alone have significant predictive power and, additionally, multimodal methods outperform both visual features and textual features in isolation when attempting to predict individual differences.
Utilizing multiplets as an independent assessment of relative microseismic location uncertainty

Abstract Location uncertainty is a key factor affecting interpretation of microseismic data associated with multistage hydraulic fracturing. We provide an independent assessment of relative microseismic event location uncertainty using multiplets — microseismic events that occur in essentially the same place with the same source characteristics. We establish a relationship between waveform similarity and hypocentral separation using synthetic events in a representative velocity model, finding an upper bound of 15 m between events in any given multiplet group. This implies that greater separation of locations for events within a multiplet reflects relative location error. We identified hundreds of multiplet groups in a case study in the Barnett with unusually high-quality data. All stages were recorded with two downhole monitoring arrays. Although the events within each multiplet group must be within 15 m of each other to produce nearly identical waveforms on the recording arrays, the scatter in contractor...
An Application Science for Multi-Agent Systems

An Application Science For Multi-Agent Systems addresses the complexity of choosing which multi-agent control technologies are appropriate for a given problem domain or a given application. Without such knowledge, when faced with a new application domain, agent developers must rely on past experience and intuition to determine whether a multi-agent system is the right approach, and if so, how to structure the agents, how to decompose the problem, and how to coordinate the activities of the agents, and so forth. This unique collection of contributions, written by leading international researchers in the agent community, provides valuable insight into the issues of deciding which technique to apply and when it is appropriate to use them. The contributions also discuss potential trade-offs or caveats involved with each decision. An Application Science For Multi-Agent Systems is an excellent reference for anyone involved in developing multi-agent systems.
Inference and Prediction

Abstract This chapter reviews some basic concepts in statistical inference and prediction. Sufficiency and the likelihood principle are backbones of parametric inference. Method of moments and maximum likelihood are among the most popular methods of point estimation. Finite sample properties of estimators are assessed using bias, variance, or mean squared error, while asymptotic properties pertain to the behavior of estimators when the sample size approaches infinity. Confidence intervals and their relationship to hypothesis testing are described. Additional topics include Bayesian statistics, prediction, and model selection.