cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accelerating numerical calculation on the Cray XMT

The Cray XMT provides hardware support for parallel algorithms that would be communication- or memory-bound on other machines. Unfortunately, even if an algorithm meets these criteria, performance suffers if the algorithm is too numerically intensive. We present a lookup-based approach that achieves a significant performance advantage over explicit calculation. We describe an approach to balancing memory bandwidth against on-chip floating point capabilities, leading to further speedup. Finally, we provide table lookup algorithms for a number of common functions.
Thickness Dependence of Vortex Pinning in Epitaxial Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O Thin Films

The critical current density inferred from magnetization hysteresis for epitaxial Tl{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Ba{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10} films on LaAlO{sub 3} exhibits a pronounced increase with film thickness in the high-field, high-current regime. This thickness dependence does not extend to comparatively ``thick`` single crystals, however, suggesting that the grain boundaries play a major role in collective vortex pinning for Tl-based superconducting thin films.
Fault analysis on distribution feeders with distributed generators

This paper shows that the current an inverter interfaced distributed generator (IIDG) contributes to a fault varies considerably, due mainly to fast response of its controller. This paper proposes a method to extend the conventional fault analysis methods so that IIDG contribution can be estimated in the fault analysis. The proposed method gives rms profiles of the fault currents of interest (IIDG contribution and the fault currents the protective device will see). Test results, based on a prototype feeder, show that the proposed approach can estimate the fault current's contributions under both balanced and unbalanced fault conditions.
The impact of neighbors who use section 8 certificates on property values

This article statistically examines the sale prices of single‐family homes surrounding Section 8 sites first occupied between 1991 and 1995 in Baltimore County. If only a few Section 8 sites were l...
Student Legitimation of Campus Activism: Some Survey Findings.

Employing an attitude scale designed to measure students' dispositions to legitimate activism, cross-sectional surveys were conducted at a major university of the Southwest which identified some salient characteristics of legitimators. In line with others' findings pertaining to activists, legitimation of activism was found to be associated with (1) location in academic rather than vocational curricula, (2) being highly secular or non-religious, (3) educational goals not oriented to income or status, (4) reference group salience of peers over parents. Other variables were found to be related to activism legitimation depending upon sex-role factors. Unlike findings pertaining to activists, legitimation was found to be unrelated to social class background and sex. Female legitimation seemed especially associated with the weakness of traditional sex-role attitudes and institutional controls.
Using Most-to-Least Prompting and Contingent Consequences to Teach Numeracy in Inclusive Early Childhood Classrooms.

Mathematics and numeracy are valuable cognitive learning areas that need to be addressed during the early childhood years. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an intervention strategy comprised of creating opportunities, prompting, providing consequences, and prompt fading when teaching preschool children with disabilities numeracy/math skills in the context of identified classroom activities. A single subject multiple-baseline probe design within participants, replicated across three participants, was used to explore the effects of the intervention. The results of this study support the use of the strategy within inclusive preschool settings.
Targeting the apoptotic machinery in pancreatic cancers using small-molecule antagonists of the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein

Resistance to apoptosis is a hallmark of many solid tumors, including pancreatic cancers, and may be the underlying basis for the suboptimal response to chemoradiation therapies. Overexpression of a family of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) is commonly observed in pancreatic malignancies. We determined the therapeutic efficacy of recently described small-molecule antagonists of the X-linked IAP (XIAP) in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. Primary pancreatic cancers were assessed for XIAP expression by immunohistochemistry, using a pancreatic cancer tissue microarray. XIAP small-molecule antagonists ("XAntag"; compounds 1396-11 and 1396-12) and the related compound 1396-28 were tested in vitro in a panel of human pancreatic cancer cell lines (Panc1, Capan1, and BxPC3) and in vivo in s.c. xenograft models for their ability to induce apoptosis and impede neoplastic growth. In addition, pancreatic cancer cell lines were treated with XAntags in conjunction with either tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) or with radiation to determine potential synergy for such dual targeting of the apoptotic machinery. XIAP was overexpressed in 14 of 18 (77%) of primary pancreatic cancers. The XAntags1396-11 and 1396-12, but not the inactive isomer 1396-28, induced profound apoptosis in multiple pancreatic cancer cell lines tested in vitro, with a IC(50) in the range of 2 to 5 mumol/L. Mechanistic specificity of the XAntags for the baculoviral IAP repeat-2 domain of XIAP was shown by preferential activation of downstream "effector" caspases (caspase-3 and caspase-7) versus the upstream "initiator" caspase-9. S.c. BxPC3 xenograft growth in athymic mice was significantly inhibited by monotherapy with XAntags; treated xenografts showed marked apoptosis and increased cleavage of caspase-3. Notably, striking synergy was demonstrable when XAntags were combined with either TRAIL or radiation therapy, as measured by growth inhibition in vitro and reduced colony formation in soft agar of pancreatic cancer cell lines, at dosages where these therapeutic modalities had minimal to modest effects when used alone. Finally, XAntags in combination with the standard-of-care agent for advanced pancreatic cancer, gemcitabine, resulted in significantly greater inhibition of in vitro growth than gemcitabine alone. Our results confirm that pharmacologic inhibition of XIAP is a potent therapeutic modality in pancreatic cancers. These antagonists are independently capable of inducing pancreatic cancer cell death and also show synergy when combined with proapoptotic ligands (TRAIL), with radiation, and with a conventional antimetabolite, gemcitabine. These preclinical results suggest that targeting of the apoptotic machinery in pancreatic cancers with XAntags is a promising therapeutic option that warrants further evaluation.
Expanding the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts for veno-occlusive disease.

Severe veno-occlusive disease (VOD) of the liver is a leading cause of mortality after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Vascular and parenchymal injuries account for acute portal hypertension and liver failure is frequently present. We describe the results of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for the management of VOD after BMT. TIPS was performed in 10 patients with histologically proven severe VOD. Portal hypertension was controlled by TIPS in all patients (mean hepatic venous pressure gradient before, 20 ± 11 vs 6 ± 5 mm Hg after TIPS, P < 0.01) without technical complications. Five patients with rapidly worsening VOD died within 10 days of TIPS without any improvement. The five remaining patients with less advanced disease showed improvement in various clinical and biological parameters. Four patients subsequently died. The lone survivor continues to do well with resolution of VOD 6 months after TIPS. TIPS can be performed safely and controls portal hypertension in VOD after BMT. Arguments from the present series and from eight previously reported cases favour earlier application of TIPS to obtain improved overall survival.
The Answer Key as a Source of Error in Examinations for Professionals

There has been a growing emphasis on written examinations that assess the ability of physicians and teachers to make decisions in the absence of protocols for action—a crucial aspect of professional competence. A characteristic of such tests is controversy, even among experts, about what constitutes the correct response to some of the items. This paper studied the impact of variability in answer keys, constructed using the aggregate method, on total errors of measurement. Results indicated that several scorers made a sizable contribution to reduction in measurement error and that scorers or groups of scorers who each developed the answer key for a subset of items produced better results than a single group that developed the answer key for all items. Implications of judgment tests scored using the aggregate method are described for teacher and physician certification.
MAGNITUDE ESTIMATION OF HEAVINESS AND LOUDNESS BY INDIVIDUAL SUBJECTS: A TEST OF A PROBABILISTIC RESPONSE THEORY1

One hundred magnitude estimates of heaviness were obtained for each of 18 weights from each of six Ss and of loudness for each of 20 intensities from another six Ss. The stimuli were spaced at approximately equal logarithmic intervals. The mean magnitude functions of individual Ss appear, in general, to deviate systematically from power functions. The distributions of responses, normalized by the mean response, appear to be skewed, highly peaked, and to have high tails. For at least half of the Ss, this response variability is no more than is needed to account for the errors in a simple two-stimulus two-response recognition experiment run under the same conditions. The data are examined in terms of a probabilistic response theory. Although the theory is clearly wrong in some of its details, certain of its qualitative features appear to be sustained.
What do Doctoral Students Value in their Ideal Mentor

The purpose of this study was to contribute to the construct validity of the scores from Rose's (2003) 34-item Ideal Mentor Scale (IMS) and to examine whether male and female doctoral students value different attributes in their ideal mentor. Two hundred and twenty-four doctoral students from colleges (Education, Public Health, Nursing, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Business) throughout a large state research university participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis of the IMS revealed that the fit of the three-factor model (Integrity, Guidance, and Relationship) was not satisfactory. A major source of misfit involved covariances between errors of similarly worded items. Gender comparisons of the three subscales and individual items on the IMS indicated that male and female doctoral students were more alike than different regarding qualities they desire in their ideal mentor. The largest difference was observed on the item Believe in me (Integrity subscale) with female doctoral students rating this as more important than male students. The potential of the Ideal Mentor Scale for stimulating conversations about mentoring and clarifying expectations of students and faculty is discussed.
Texture estimation in SAR images of forests

Texture information plays an important role in interpreting remote sensing images, especially high spatial resolution images. Image texture measures the relationships between pixels and their neighbors. For SAR images, it is apparent that there are fluctuations in addition to speckle. Physically, these appear to be caused by variations in the scene structure. Texture reveals the intrinsic spatial variability of natural scenes and is a valuable feature to discriminate different land types. Many methods and models to describe and estimate texture have been developed. A major problem with texture models is the efficiency and computational complexity. We are faced with a compromise between choosing some simple parameters that fail to reproduce the observed image characteristics accurately and more sophisticated models (with many degrees of freedom) that better fit the observation but are slow to compute. In this paper, we investigate two texture models based on the two types of measurements: correlation length and Gaussian Markov random field(GMRF). The particular application of this study is to use the texture from JERS and RADARSAT data from the Amazon to better distinguish different classes within the forest. The texture information can be used by the classification and segmentation processes to improve the accuracy of the results. The estimated texture helps improve the estimation accuracy of forest parameters such as biomass and tree height.
Endometrial prostaglandins and phospholipase activity related to implantation in rabbits: effects of dexamethasone.

The anti-inflammatory steroid, dexamethasone, was demonstrated to have an antifertility effect in rabbits when administered systemically on Days 5-7 of pregnancy. The effects of this agent on prostaglandin (PG) concentrations and phospholipase activity in endometrium were determined. Using a highly specific and sensitive gas chromatography-mass spectometry (GC-MS) method, it was established that PGF2 alpha, PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha concentrations are all significantly elevated in implant site endometrium relative to nonimplant regions on Day 7 postcoitus (p.c.). Although these levels were strikingly lowered in indomethacin-treated females, the administration of dexamethasone altered the balance between the various PGs but did not reduce tissue levels greatly. Determinations of PG levels in uterine venous plasma likewise demonstrated that neither synthesis nor release of PGs had been drastically curtailed by dexamethasone treatment. Endometrial phospholipase activity was determined on Days 6, 7 and 8 of pregnancy. Enzyme activity was elevated on Day 7 relative to the other days and implant site activity was significantly greater than nonimplant region activity on both Days 6 and 7. Treatment with either dexamethasone or indomethacin reduced the Day 7 activity to baseline levels and obliterated the differential between implant and nonimplant regions. The dexamethasone effect appears to be mediated by induction of a transferable inhibitory factor. Thus, while indomethacin and dexamethasone have similar effects on pregnancy when present during the implantation period, their respective mechanisms of action may be different. Even though dexamethasone inhibits endometrial phospholipase activity, this is not attended by inhibition of PG generation.
Phase-matched third harmonic generation in a plasma

Relativistic third-harmonic generation in a plasma is investigated. The growth of a third-harmonic wave is limited by the difference between the phase velocity of the pump and driven waves. This phase velocity mismatch results in a third-harmonic amplitude saturation and oscillation. In order to overcome this saturation, a phase-matching scheme based on a resonant density modulation is described. The limitations of this scheme are analyzed. >
Trends in Substance Use among 6th-to 10th-Grade Students from 1998 to 2010: Findings from a National Probability Study.

Of the handful of national studies tracking trends in adolescent substance use in the United States, only the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) study collects data from 6th through 10th graders. The purpose of this study was to examine trends from 1998 to 2010 (four time points) in the prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use among 6th through 10th graders. Differences in trends by grade, gender, and race/ethnicity were examined for each substance use behavior, with a primary focus on trends for sixth and seventh graders. Overall, there were significant declines in tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use from 1998 to 2010. The declines were largest for the younger grades, which suggest promise for future declines among high school students as these cohorts age into high school.
Seismic and Wind Load Considerations for Temporary Structures

Temporary structures such as scaffolds, shelters, tents, and facilities used during the reconstruction or repair of buildings and bridges, etc., are usually constructed for a limited-time use. Although the design of such structures to dead and live loads usually does not impose any particular challenge, their design for potential seismic or wind load requires more careful investigation. This is due to the fact that the service life of a temporary structure is much shorter than a "permanent structure," and as such, the probability of load exposure to the temporary structure is substantially less. Designing a temporary structure for the same level of seismic load exposure probability than that required for a permanent structure will not be economically viable. Seemingly, it will make sense to use a reduced design load—a level proportional to the intended service life of the structure. Using a reduced load may be a reasonable assumption for a structure that is used once. However, if the decision is to reuse the structure and to keep it for a longer time than was originally intended, a question arises as to whether, with the extended usage, the safety of the structure will be compromised. This paper provides a review of available studies on seismic and wind loads for temporary structures. Further, the use of a modified risk level, estimated based on the performance record of the structure in its initial usage cycle, is suggested. This modified risk can then be employed in making a decision on whether to allow the structure to be used longer. A simple illustrative example and several conclusions are then presented in an effort to open discussions among the structural engineering community to further elaborate on the issue of design loads for temporary structures.
Reduced Endogenous Estrogen and Hemicastration Interact Synergistically to Increase Porcine Sertoli Cell Proliferation

Both reduced endogenous estrogen and hemicastration stimulate proliferation of porcine Sertoli cells. The objective of these experiments was to compare the temporal patterns of response to each stimulus with the response to the combined stimuli as indications of shared or separate mechanisms. Within a replicate, one littermate was treated weekly with canola oil vehicle and remained intact; a second littermate was treated weekly with vehicle, and one testis was removed at Day 8; a third littermate was treated weekly with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole to reduce endogenous estrogens and remained intact; and the fourth littermate was treated weekly with letrozole, and one testis was removed at Day 8. Four replicates were evaluated at 2 wk of age, five replicates evaluated at 6.5 wk of age, and five replicates were evaluated at 11 wk of age, with treatment ceasing at 6 wk of age. Numbers of Sertoli cells were determined following GATA4 labeling using the optical dissector method. Levels of estradiol, estrogen conjugates, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and inhibin were determined by radioimmunoassay. Hemicastration appeared to have a rapid effect on Sertoli cell proliferation, but letrozole treatment had no apparent effect on Sertoli cell numbers at 2 wk of age. Both letrozole treatment and hemicastration had stimulated Sertoli cell proliferation by 6.5 wk of age, although the magnitude of the hemicastration response was much greater. Letrozole appeared to have minimal interaction with hemicastration at this age. Letrozole and hemicastration together increased Sertoli cell numbers at 11 wk of age compared with either treatment alone. Estradiol and estrogen conjugates were dramatically reduced by aromatase inhibition as anticipated; treatment-induced changes in inhibin, LH, or FSH were minimal. Differences in timing of response and positive interaction at 11 wk of age suggest that hemicastration and letrozole stimulate proliferation of Sertoli cells by two initially different pathways.
Rural Alaska Electric Power Quality

Poor quality electric power has traditionally been blamed for electrical and electronic equipment malfunctions and failures in rural Alaskan communities. This paper reports results of a recently completed project in which disturbance analyzers provide the first comprehensive power quality data from Alaskan villages.
Novel Implementation of Fluid-Solid Interaction Analysis in Air Breathing Propulsion Systems

A bird strike event is one of the largest threats to the safety of aircraft, yet, the studies conducted to ensure the integrity of aircraft systems have so far been based mainly on empirical data, rather than a numerical analysis. From a wide spectrum of bird strike scenarios, bird ingestion into an aircraft’s propulsion system is the most hazardous. To ensure passenger safety, engine manufacturers are required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to design engines that can sustain thrust for at least 20 minutes in the event of a catastrophic soft body ingestion incident [1]. To satisfy these regulations, manufactures need to perform a variety of certification tests, but such tests can drastically increase cost, time, and efforts required to develop a final product. To avoid such challenges, a numerical analysis becomes an essential tool.In order to analyze the dynamic damage response of a propulsion system subjected to bird ingestion, Fluid-Solid Interaction (FSI) must be considered. FSI is a very important phenomenon for most of the engineering applications which requires coupling two complicated disciplines. Previously, a preliminary dynamic damage assessment had been performed on the front fan section of a propulsion system in the event of a soft body impact. In this study, a more precise propulsion system is developed and implemented to predict the dynamic damage evolution of the propulsion system which is subject to a soft body impact.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Syphilis of the placenta in the Negro

Abstract Syphilis was demonstrated in 15.4 per cent of the 1000 placentas examined. In 966 women, the Wassermann was positive in 22.5 per cent. In 655 babies, the cord Wassermann was positive in 0.7 per cent. The Wassermann reaction repeated on 396 women agreed in 88 per cent. Syphilitic placentas were found in 40.6 per cent of the positive Wassermann cases, and in 0.3 per cent of the negative Wassermann cases. In 84 premature babies born alive, the placentas were positive in 28.5 per cent. In 84 premature babies born dead, the placentas were positive in 67.8 per cent. Of 219 positive maternal Wassermanns, the cord Wassermann was positive in 14.5 per cent of the cases. Of 747 negative maternal Wassermanns, the cord Wassermann was positive in 0.107 per cent. Of the positive placentas, 75 per cent had positive maternal Wassermanns.
Moniliophthora roreri Genome and Transcriptome

Frosty pod rot disease of cacao is one of the most destructive diseases of cacao and at this time is limited to regions in South America and Central America. Frosty pod rot is caused by a fungal pathogen Moniliophthora roreri, a basidiomycete that is closely related to another cacao pathogen that causes the witches’ broom disease, Moniliophthora perniciosa. Combined these two pathogens are the leading causes of cacao yield losses in the Americas. Both pathogens are unique in that they have long biotrophic phases after infection as the disease progresses. In this chapter, genomic and transcriptomic sequencing will be used to corroborate and hypothesize various mechanisms of the molecular interactions of the host and pathogen during the disease interaction of frosty pod rot. The systematic timing of fungal and plant gene regulation in this pathosystem appears to be a key component of this plant disease resulting in specific molecular and cellular interactions. When this coordinated gene regulation is disrupted, for example, in a resistant plant variety, the disease interaction fails.
Minimally invasive entero-enteral dual-path bypass using self-assembling magnets

A minimally invasive method of entero-enteral bypass may be desirable for treatment of obstruction, obesity, or metabolic syndrome. We have developed a technology based on miniature self-assembling magnets which create large-caliber anastomoses (incisionless anastomosis system or IAS). The aim of this study was to assess (a) procedural characteristics of IAS deployment and (b) long-term integrity and patency of the resulting jejuno-ileal dual-path bypass. Endoscopic jejuno-ileal bypass creation using IAS magnets was performed in 8 Yorkshire pigs survived 3 months. Procedure: The jejunal magnet was endoscopically deployed. However, the ileal magnet required surgical delivery given restraints of porcine anatomy. A 5-mm enterotomy was created through which the ileal magnet was inserted using a modified laparoscopic delivery tool. Magnets were manually coupled. Pigs underwent serial endoscopies for anastomosis assessment. Three-month necropsies were performed, followed by pressure testing of anastomoses and histological analysis. Jejuno-ileal bypass creation using self-assembling IAS magnets was successful in all 8 pigs (100 %). Patent, leak-free bypasses formed in all animals by day 10. All IAS magnets were expelled by day 12. Anastomoses were widely patent at 3 months, with mean maximal diameter of 30 mm. At necropsy, adhesions were minimal. Pressure testing confirmed superior integrity of anastomotic tissue. Histology showed full epithelialization across the anastomosis with no evidence of submucosal fibrosis or inflammation. Entero-enteral bypass using self-assembling IAS magnets is safe and technically feasible in the porcine model. IAS magnets can be rapidly delivered endoscopically or through a modified laparoscopic device. Expulsion of fused magnets avoids retention of prosthetic material. Anastomoses are widely patent and fully re-epithelialized. Three-month pressure testing reveals anastomotic tissue to be as robust as native tissue, while necropsy and histology suggests minimal/absent tissue inflammation. In human anatomy, a fully endoscopic jejuno-ileal bypass using IAS magnets may be feasible.
Margarite-corundum phyllites from the Appalachian orogen of South Carolina: Mineralogy and metamorphic history

Phyllites from the Charlotte belt (Central Piedmont) of South Carolina contain porphyroblasts of black corundum in a matrix of margarite and minor muscovite. The margarite-corundum phyllites formed during Ordovician (?) amphibolite facies metamorphism of an aluminous protolith with a probable mineralogy of pyrophyllite, diaspore, and calcite through reactions such as 6Dia + Prl + 2Cal = 2Mrg + 2CO 2 + 2H 2 O and 2Dia = Crn + H 2 O. The protolith was probably a hydrothermally altered felsic tuff of Late Proterozoic to Cambrian age. Based on a whole-rock chemical analysis of margarite-corundum phyllite, the protolith is believed to have consisted of about 7 mol% calcite, 23 mol% pyrophyllite, and 70 mol% diaspore. A T-X CO 2 plot of pertinent reactions in the system CaO-Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 -H 2 O-CO 2 shows that in the presence of an H 2 O-rich fluid ( X CO 2 ~0.08) margarite began forming by the reaction 6Dia + Prl + 2Cal = 2Mrg + 2CO 2 + 2H 2 O at about 350 °C at 5 kbar. This reaction continued along a univariant path until pyrophyllite and calcite were consumed. The remaining diaspore was converted to corundum by the reaction 2Dia = Crn + H 2 O at about 430 °C for this H 2 O-rich fluid at 5 kbar. The upper temperature limit of this assemblage is constrained by the reaction Mrg = Crn + An + H 2 O, which should occur at about 575 °C under this pressure. The absence of plagioclase in these rocks suggests that the conditions of this reaction were never achieved. Fluids associated with subsequent Alleghanian greenschist facies metamorphism reacted with co-rundum to form fine-grained margarite at corundum margins.
Experimental and CFD modeling of a vortex flow restrictor

Flow restrictors or rain blockers are devices installed at inlets or manholes to limit storm runoff entering a Combined Sewer System (CSS). One type of these structures is the vortex flow restrictor (VFR). Although a large number of this type of restrictor have been installed in CSSs in urban areas, the authors are not aware of any systematic study on the performance of the VFR in limiting peak flows. Herein the results of an experimental and numerical study of a VFR are presented. For the numerical study, a state-of-the-art three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model was used. The numerical results for the discharge coefficient and rating curves show good agreement with the experimental observations. The results show that the flow discharge passing through a VFR can be reduced substantially compared to the case where no flow restrictor is in place. The results also show that the flow discharge depends strongly on the way the VFR is installed.
Aerodynamic Design of a Winglet for the Dassault Falcon 10

The design of a winglet for the Dassault Falcon 10 business jet is presented. The configuration showing the best compromise between induced drag reduction, parasite drag and structural weight increase was selected, where the design variables were winglet span and cant angle. For the determination of the best configuration, the change in drag was calculated using a vortex lattice method model of the aircraft, calibrated with respect to wind tunnel data and the weight penalty was estimated using empirical methods. For that winglet geometry, a RANS model was created and used to generate the aircraft drag polars. Also, a finite element model of the wing box, validated with respect to stress data, was used to estimate the structural reinforcement that the new winglet loads would require and, hence, their weight penalty. Using the new drag polars and structural weights, the aircraft range and fuel burn were calculated and compared to the baseline aircraft. At typical cruise lift coefficients, the net drag reduction was 4.8% at Mach 0.7 and 2.5% at Mach 0.8. For typical operation conditions, the range was increased by 66 NM (4.3%) and for a 1,200 NM mission, fuel burn is reduced by 3.9%. The maximum range increase and fuel savings were 3.3% and 3.8%, respectively.
The university of pittsburgh digital library: A case study in inter-library cooperation

Abstract The benefits and frustrations of library cooperation are highlighted through the development of a collection of electronic databases by several libraries belonging to one parent institution. Governance issues and their political ramifications are examined within the context of this working relationship.
A Taxonomy of Intelligent Systems

Intelligent Systems (IS) have evolved in recent decades to allow various important capabilities, including automation, autonomy, health monitoring, etc. Yet, despite these significant breakthroughs we lack a way of assessing various IS and understanding whether new ones represent any advancement relative to older IS. The purpose of this document is to define a possible taxonomy of IS and to propose ways to measure the various properties that an IS possesses. It is envisioned that this taxonomy will help scientists and engineers that develop IS and their customers to better define their requirements from IS and to evaluate the outcome of IS.
Metal-Free Low-Temperature Water–Gas Shift Catalysis over Small, Hydroxylated Ceria Nanoparticles

The water–gas shift (WGS) reaction is an important process for the production of H2 either for industrial use as, e.g., an ammonia precursor or to produce low-CO concentration H2 gas streams for use in fuel cells. Hybrid metal/metal oxide catalysts have permitted low-temperature WGS reaction by promoting associative reaction mechanisms in which -OH groups adsorbed at the metal oxide surface combine with reactant CO to form metastable intermediates. Here we show that sufficiently small, hydroxylated ceria nanoparticles (CNPs) can directly catalyze the WGS reaction without requiring the presence of a metal cocatalyst. Hydroxyl groups intrinsically present at the surfaces of such CNPs allow associative mechanisms with activation barriers on the order of 0.5 eV, low enough to allow metal-free low-temperature catalysis of the WGS reaction.
Conditional Cash Transfer Programs and Electoral Accountability: Evidence from Latin America

Do conditional cash transfer programs reduce voters' incentives to hold their government accountable for its performance? Studies show that these programs generate considerable electoral returns for the governments responsible for them. One important and unexplored question is whether these popular programs have also changed the landscape of accountability in Latin America. Survey data from 16 Latin American countries that have adopted CCT programs do not offer support for the claim that such programs have a detrimental effect on electoral accountability for corruption and for the economy. Only in countries where CCT programs do not follow strict rules do beneficiaries attribute relatively less weight to the government's economic performance, but this effect is marginal. These findings fill an important gap in the literature and offer reassuring evidence that cash transfers can alleviate poverty while preserving voters' incentives to exercise electoral accountability in crucial areas of government performance.
400 EFFECTS OF HEALTH INSURANCE ON AFRICAN AMERICAN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Health care disparities have a direct impact on the health of patients. We hypothesize that health insurance has a significant effect on African American patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To test the hypothesis, the following data from 393 patients with MDRD-estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR, mL/min/1.73 m2) of > 7 but
Evolution and Agriculture II. Evolutionary Applications to Breeding

Animal and plant breeding continues to have great importance for agriculture. Ever since Darwin, a mutualistic exchange of ideas, methods, and tools has advanced both the basic science of evolution and the applied science of breeding. This article begins with a historical account of that relationship, focusing on how the ideas of Darwin, Galton, Fisher, and Wright informed concepts and tools used in breeding including the breeders’ equation and breeding value. This is followed by a discussion of marker-based selection, including genome-wide association mapping (GWAS) and genome selection. Other topics discussed include long-term selection, the incorporation of social interactions into breeding programs, and the use of evolutionary genomics to detect genes that were under selection in selection experiments.
Management of cerebral aneurysms. How can current management be improved

Future clinical or scientific innovations may bring about improvements in the management of intracranial aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, there are several potential avenues for improvement in the care of, and present management of, patients with cerebral aneurysms. These opportunities for improvement exist in areas of prevention, systems approach and organization of cerebrovascular centers, physician and patient education, screening and treatment of unruptured aneurysms, and advances in surgical and endovascular therapy. All such advances, however, will depend on rigorous academic evaluation.
Quantification of Arctic soil and permafrost properties using ground penetrating radar

Improving understanding of Arctic ecosystem functioning and parameterization of models that simulate freeze-thaw dynamics require advances in quantifying soil and snow properties. Due to the significant spatiotemporal variability of soil properties and the limited information provided by point-scale measurements (e.g., cores), geophysical methods hold potential for improving soil and permafrost characterization. In this study, we evaluate the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to estimate thaw layer thickness, snow depth and ice-wedge characteristics in polygonal-shaped tundra in Barrow, AK. To this end, we analyze GPR and point-scale measurements collected along several parallel transects at the end of the growing season and the end of winter. A synthetic study is also performed to understand the GPR signal response to ice-wedge characteristics. Results show that GPR data collected during the growing season provide reliable estimates of thaw depth although strong spatial heterogeneity in soil properties can impair the estimates. While previous studies have documented the value of GPR for providing thaw depth estimates during the growing season, results from this study suggest that GPR methods are also useful for estimating active layer thickness during the frozen season, snow thickness and geometry of permafrost features, such as ice-wedges.
Where is vote buying effective? Evidence from a list experiment in Kenya ☆

Vote buying is common in democracies around the world. Yet relatively little is known about the conditions in which vote buying is an effective campaign strategy, in part because vote buying is challenging to measure. This paper examines the local economic and social conditions in which vote buying influences the behavior of voters in Kenya. I combine data from a nationally representative list experiment conducted after Kenya's 2007 elections with highly disaggegrated census data about local economic and social conditions. While 7 percent report that vote buying influenced their vote when asked directly, the list experiment finds that 23 percent were influenced. I find mixed evidence and statistically weak evidence that vote buying is more effective in the local areas where parties should be best able to monitor voters. Vote buying is, however, most effective where voters lack access to information about politics. I discuss the implications of the results for literature on vote buying, clientelism, and electoral accountability.
Open Donor Nephrectomy

The role of open donor nephrectomy has been diminished in the past 10 yr owing to the development of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Nonetheless, open donor nephrectomy remains the gold standard to which any new procurement technique must be compared. Open donor nephrectomy does not contend with the issues of pneumoperitoneum-induced renal dysfunction, warm ischemia, or shortened renal vessels (particularly right-sided procurements), compared with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.
Xenon Recovery from Molybdenum-99 Production

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) sponsors research and development on the recycle of used commercial nuclear fuel as an option for future nuclear fuel cycles that offers increased use of uranium and thorium resources and a possible reduction in the overall cost of nuclear waste management. The two alternatives, direct disposal of used fuel and fuel recycle, are broadly referred to as open and closed fuel cycles. One requirement of a closed fuel cycle is the safe management of radioactive off-gases, which includes 14C, radioiodine and the noble gases, including radioxenon. The longest lived relevant radioxenon isotope is 127Xe; with a half-life of just 36.35 days it is feasible to trap and hold the radioxenon to allow for decay to safe environmental levels. However, the very weak chemical bonds of noble gases, in this case xenon, make them difficult to trap, which led to an extensive DOE-NE study of noble gas adsorption on various molecular sieves as an alternative to costly cryogenics processes. Preliminary results indicate that xenon adsorption at near room temperature on molecular sieves, both synthetic and natural, may have both cost and efficiency advantages over cryogenic processes. Xenon radioisotopes with short half-lives have value in the detection of underground nuclear explosions. However radioxenon released by medical isotope production facilities produces high backgrounds that complicate its use for nuclear explosion detection. Specifically, recovery of 99Mo for medical applications from short-cooled irradiated 235U targets results in the release of some radioxenon. In March 2015, by a unanimous vote of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, commercial producers of 99Mo were asked to decrease and, if possible, eliminate the emissions of radioactive xenon from their production processes. The use of materials currently being evaluated for Xe and Kr capture for use in UNF processing applications may provide a cost effective mechanism to achieve the United Nations Security Council goal.
Motivational elements of digital instructional games: A study of young L2 learners’ game designs

This article focuses on the design of digital instructional game (DIG) tasks for young second language (L2) learners. The aim of the study is to identify motivational task elements based on what children respond to positively in games and incorporate into their own L2 vocabulary learning game designs. Eighty-two sixth-grade students (ages 11–12 years) in Japan were first asked to identify game elements by examining existing games and then to design games incorporating DIG tasks of their own and peer-evaluate them. Building on previous work (Butler, 2015), the study uses a mixed-methods approach to examine how both task-intrinsic characteristics and implementation conditions were realized in innovative and engaging DIG tasks by children. Although the study focuses on young learners, the findings might be applied to any type of task, including both digital and physical tasks for adults as well as for children. The article concludes with suggestions for how to design instructional materials which allow indiv...
Randomized control trial investigating the efficacy of a computer-based intolerance of uncertainty intervention

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is an important transdiagnostic variable within various anxiety and mood disorders. Theory suggests that individuals high in IU interpret ambiguous information in a more threatening manner. A parallel line of research has shown that interpretive biases can be modified through cognitive training and previous research aimed at modifying negative interpretations through Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM-I) has yielded promising results. Despite these findings, no research to date has examined the efficacy of an IU-focused CBM-I paradigm. The current study investigated the impact of a brief IU-focused CBM-I on reductions in IU. Participants selected for a high IU interpretation bias (IU-IB) were randomly assigned to an active (IU CBM-I) or control CBM-I condition. Results indicated that our active IU CBM-I was associated with significant changes in IU-IB from pre-to-post intervention as well as with significant reductions in IU at post-intervention and month-one follow-up. Findings also found that the IU CBM-I led to reductions in IU self-report via the hypothesized mechanism. This study is the first to provide evidence that a CBM-I focused on IU is effective in reducing IU-IB and IU across time and suggest that IU CBM-I paradigms may be a novel prevention/intervention treatment for anxiety.
Systematic study of the characteristics of the photonic nanojets formed by dielectric microcylinders

Abstract We studied the characteristics of photonic nanojets formed by dielectric microcylinders over the visible spectrum using FDTD numerical simulations. We varied a wide range of tuning parameters including the refractive indices of the microcylinder and the background medium, size and shape of the microcylinder, and wavelength and state of polarization of the incident light. Our results show how nanojets can be fine-tuned by adjusting these parameters. Our results have implications for high-resolution optical sensors and high-resolution imaging, and will inform on the design of novel microparticle-embedded optical devices.
Biogeography of plant-associated fungal symbionts in mountain ecosystems: A meta-analysis

Aim Predicting the potential for climate change to disrupt host–microbe symbioses requires basic knowledge of the biogeography of these consortia. In plants, fungal symbionts can ameliorate the abiotic stressors that accompany climate warming and thus could influence plants under a changing climate. Forecasting future plant–microbe interactions first requires knowledge of current fungal symbiont distributions, which are poorly resolved relative to the distributions of plants. Location We used meta-analysis to summarize the biogeographic distributions of plant-fungal symbionts in mountain ecosystems worldwide, because these ecosystems are likely to be among the first to experience climate change-induced range shifts. Methods We analysed 374 records from 53 publications to identify general trends, pinpoint areas in need of greater study and develop reporting guidelines to facilitate future syntheses. Results Elevational patterns varied strongly among fungal and plant functional groups. Fungal diversity and abundance increased with altitude for the ectomycorrhizal fungi. However, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and localized foliar endophytes declined in either abundance or diversity with altitude. In shrubs, fungal abundance increased with elevation, but in C3 grasses, fungal abundance declined with elevation. Altitudinal patterns in fungal composition were stronger than gradients in fungal abundance or diversity, suggesting that species turnover contributes more to elevational gradients in fungal symbionts than does variation in abundance or richness. Plant functional groups were overrepresented by C3 grasses and trees, with surprisingly few data on sedges or shrubs, despite their ecological dominance in mountain ecosystems. Similarly, epichloae, ericoid mycorrhizal fungi and root endophytes were understudied relative to other fungal groups. Main Conclusions Meta-analysis revealed broad biogeographic patterns in plant-fungal symbiont abundance, diversity and composition that inform predictions of future distributions.
Coping with sexual orientation microaggressions: Implications for psychological distress and alcohol use

This study examined the impact of sexual orientation microaggressions on psychological distress and alcohol use. Five different coping styles were assessed as mediators of the relationship between ...
The Matthew Effect and the Lucan Lawyer: The Ecological Consequences of Status Shocks:

Who are the neighbors of those who attain high status, and what is their fate in the wake of another actor’s status elevation? In this essay, we consider the consequences of an individual’s change ...
Investigation of photophysical properties of 1,8-naphthalimides with an extended conjugation on naphthalene moiety via Suzuki coupling reaction

Abstract Five 4-substituted 1,8-naphthalimides (1-5), with an extended conjugation on the naphthalene ring, have been synthesized via Suzuki coupling reaction. These derivatives showed a large Stokes shift (up to 200 nm) and longer emission due to the increase of conjugation. Besides strong solvation effect, the low quantum yield were observed in protic solvents compared to in aprotic solvents. The anion forms of 1-5 obtained from reacting with NaH gave a significant red-shift for both absorption and emission spectra. These results provided a new strategy for preparation of fluorescent dyes with a long emission on the basis of 1,8-naphthalimde structure by using Suzuki coupling reaction.
The thalamus and neuropsychiatric illness

Although the cerebral cortex is usually thought of as a likely substrate for psychiatric disease, the close relationship of thalamus to cortex, both structurally and functionally, argues for much closer consideration of this structure in both research and clinical settings. Four thalamic nuclei with widely differing functions are considered in terms of the specific roles they appear to play in central nervous system activity and their possible roles in psychiatric disease. These nuclei include the ventrobasal complex, the nucleus reticularis thalami, the mediodorsal nucleus, and the dorsal thalamic system with special reference to the habenula.