cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved cache performance in Monte Carlo transport calculations using energy banding

Abstract We present an energy banding algorithm for Monte Carlo (MC) neutral particle transport simulations which depend on large cross section lookup tables. In MC codes, read-only cross section data tables are accessed frequently, exhibit poor locality, and are typically too much large to fit in fast memory. Thus, performance is often limited by long latencies to RAM, or by off-node communication latencies when the data footprint is very large and must be decomposed on a distributed memory machine. The proposed energy banding algorithm allows maximal temporal reuse of data in band sizes that can flexibly accommodate different architectural features. The energy banding algorithm is general and has a number of benefits compared to the traditional approach. In the present analysis we explore its potential to achieve improvements in time-to-solution on modern cache-based architectures.
Low-Power Design of a Self-powered Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting System With Maximum Power Point Tracking

A low-power energy harvesting system targeting to harvest several milliwatts from vibration is presented in this paper. Several low-power design schemes to reduce power dissipation of the proposed system are described, and sources of power loss are analyzed to improve the power efficiency. A discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) flyback converter with the constant on-time modulation is adopted for our system. The DCM operation of a flyback converter is chosen as for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to be implemented with a single current sensor. The constant on-time modulation lowers the clock frequency of the controller by more than an order of magnitude for our system, which reduces the dynamic power dissipation of the controller. MPPT, executed by a microcontroller unit (MCU), is achieved through dynamic resistive matching, and the MPPT is executed at intermittent time intervals due to a relatively slow change of the operating condition. When MPPT is not active, the MCU operates at a lower clock frequency to save power. Experimental results indicate that the proposed system harvests up to 8.4 mW power under 0.5-g base acceleration with four parallel piezoelectric cantilevers and achieves 72% power efficiency around the resonant frequency of 47 Hz.
Structural Properties of Water at Interfaces

The properties of water molecules at the interface of lipid bilayers are different compared to the properties of bulk water. For example, in bulk water each molecule is hydrogen bonded with four neighboring water molecules on average, whereas this number is changed at the interface. The structure of water next to lipids was studied previously using IR spectroscopy. It was proposed that a mixture model of water (in which lower density domains of water molecules form an ordered hydrogen bonding network and higher density domains of water form a less ordered network) can explain the observed behavior of the IR spectrum. Since water hydrogen-bonded network can be described by tetrahedral geometry, it can be measured by its tetrahedricity. To study the tetrahedricity of water, we outline the procedure for calculating a code in C programming language. We plan to study the tetrahedricity of bulk water and at the interface of a model graphene/water surface to understand the influence of interface on the water hydrogen bonding network.
Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine: A Quantitative Systematic Review

Initial studies indicate an increased prevalence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in migraineurs with aura, and an increased prevalence of migraine and migraine with aura in persons with PFO. Retrospective analyses of PFO closure suggest clinically significant improvements in migraine patterns. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of migraine in patients with PFO, the prevalence of PFO in migraineurs, and the effect of PFO closure on migraine. We conducted a quantitative systematic review of articles on migraine and PFO that met inclusion criteria, then reviewed, appraised, and subjected them to data extraction. Of 134 articles identified, 18 met a priori selection criteria. The estimated strength of association between PFO and migraine, reflected by summary odds ratios (ORs), was 5.13 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.67, 5.59], and between PFO and migraine with aura the OR was 3.21 (95% CI 2.38, 4.17). The grade of evidence was low. The association between migraine and PFO was OR 2.54 (95% CI 2.01, 3.08). The grade of evidence was low to moderate. Six studies of PFO closure suggested improvement in migraine, but had a very low grade of evidence. The low-to-moderate grade of evidence from observational studies supports an apparent association between PFO and migraine. Although PFO closure seemed to affect migraine patterns favourably, the very low grade of available evidence to support this association precludes definitive conclusions.
Zinc finger protein-dependent and -independent contributions to the in vivo off-target activity of zinc finger nucleases

Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) facilitate tailor-made genomic modifications in vivo through the creation of targeted double-stranded breaks. They have been employed to modify the genomes of plants and animals, and cell-based therapies utilizing ZFNs are undergoing clinical trials. However, many ZFNs display dose-dependent toxicity presumably due to the generation of undesired double-stranded breaks at off-target sites. To evaluate the parameters influencing the functional specificity of ZFNs, we compared the in vivo activity of ZFN variants targeting the zebrafish kdrl locus, which display both high on-target activity and dose-dependent toxicity. We evaluated their functional specificity by assessing lesion frequency at 141 potential off-target sites using Illumina sequencing. Only a minority of these off-target sites accumulated lesions, where the thermodynamics of zinc finger-DNA recognition appear to be a defining feature of active sites. Surprisingly, we observed that both the specificity of the incorporated zinc fingers and the choice of the engineered nuclease domain could independently influence the fidelity of these ZFNs. The results of this study have implications for the assessment of likely off-target sites within a genome and point to both zinc finger-dependent and -independent characteristics that can be tailored to create ZFNs with greater precision.
Race and Home Ownership from the End of the Civil War to the Present

We present new estimates of home ownership for black and white households from 1870 to 2007. Black ownership increased by 46 percentage points, whereas white ownership increased by 20 points. Remarkably, 25 of the 26 point narrowing occurred between 1870 and 1910. Part of this early convergence is accounted for by falling white ownership due to movement out of agriculture, but most is accounted for by post-emancipation gains among blacks. After 1910, white and black households increased ownership, but the racial gap barely changed. We discuss the influence of residential segregation, public policy, and permanent income on the ownership gap.
Market realities meet balanced government: another look at Columbia/HCA.

Proponents of “market-based” reform of the health care system, in their enthusiasm for that approach, often ignore (willfully, one sometimes suspects) some of the more widely recognized characteristics of markets that tend to make people in health care uncomfortable. Real markets, by definition, will undersupply public goods, such as professional education and clinical research. More importantly, real markets allocate resources to consumers with the most purchasing power when, perhaps unfortunately, those with the greatest need for health services almost invariably have the least. Real markets also tend to underserve those potential customers for whom economies of scale in production are not available, such as residents of rural areas. Most relevantly, at least for purposes of considering J.D. Kleinke’s argument, in real markets, absent countervailing public mechanisms, people cheat. This problem particularly preoccupied Adam Smith, although in more recent times it has not received nearly enough attention from those who would describe themselves as his disciples. Nonetheless, both the antitrust laws (which are supported more enthusiastically, it must be acknowledged, by academics than by entrepreneurs) and the extensive regulation of capital markets thus are generally viewed not as contradictions to this nation’s commitment to a free-market economy but as necessary underpinnings of it. Whatever Kleinke may claim, Columbia/ HCA is being investigated for cheating by violating both criminal and civil laws. Moreover, despite his claims and insinuations, the investigation was not initiated by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA). Indeed, it wasn’t initiated by the government at all, but instead by whistle-blowers within Columbia/HCA itself. Other than that, all I know about the current investigation is what I have read in the press, which I assume is all Kleinke knows, too. Putting aside Kleinke’s scurrilous claim that the government was somehow “out to get” Columbia/HCA for showing up the shortcomings of government policies, one can address his underlying argument, which is that true market-driven reform of the sort he claims Columbia/HCA was promoting is a good thing. If the only criteria by which we sought to judge the health care system were cost and the profitability of publicly traded corporations that participate in the system, then it would be hard to argue with him. However, I don’t think even he can claim that those are the only aspects of the system we should care about.
Seascape Genetics: A Coupled Oceanographic-Genetic Model Predicts Population Structure of Caribbean Corals

Summary Population genetics is a powerful tool for measuring important larval connections between marine populations [1–4]. Similarly, oceanographic models based on environmental data can simulate particle movements in ocean currents and make quantitative estimates of larval connections between populations possible [5–9]. However, these two powerful approaches have remained disconnected because no general models currently provide a means of directly comparing dispersal predictions with empirical genetic data (except, see [10]). In addition, previous genetic models have considered relatively simple dispersal scenarios that are often unrealistic for marine larvae [11–15], and recent landscape genetic models have yet to be applied in a marine context [16–20]. We have developed a genetic model that uses connectivity estimates from oceanographic models to predict genetic patterns resulting from larval dispersal in a Caribbean coral. We then compare the predictions to empirical data for threatened staghorn corals. Our coupled oceanographic-genetic model predicts many of the patterns observed in this and other empirical datasets; such patterns include the isolation of the Bahamas and an east-west divergence near Puerto Rico [3, 21–23]. This new approach provides both a valuable tool for predicting genetic structure in marine populations and a means of explicitly testing these predictions with empirical data (Figure 1).
Speciation of uranium after microbial action by XANES and XPS

The speciation of radionuclides and toxic metals in wastes subjected to microbial action is important in determining the extent of stabilization in a disposal environment. As part of an ongoing study, we investigated the reduction of uranium by a Clostridium sp. using X-ray absorption neat edge spectroscopy (XANES) at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS analysis of uranyl acetate containing hexavalent uranium exhibited a binding energy of 382.0eV at the U 4f{sub 7/2} peak. The sample incubated in the presence of bacteria was shifted to lower binding energy (380.6eV), confirming the reduction of U{sup 6+} to U{sub 4+} at the bacterial surface. XANES analysis, using an electron yield detector, was performed at the M{sub v} absorption edge (3d-->5f). The absorption peak energy of the sample exhibited a shift from 3551.1eV to 3550.1eV which is higher than uranium metal (3549.6eV ) but lower than U{sup 4+} (3550.4eV). This indicates the presence of U{sup 3+} which is probably located beneath the surface within the biomass. Anaerobic bacterial treatment of wastes containing uranyl ion can result in the stabilization of uranium.
CSF CRH in abstinent cocaine-dependent patients.

Alterations in stress responsivity may be important in the vulnerability to become cocaine dependent. Thus, an index of hypothalamic–pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function was examined in abstinent cocaine-dependent patients. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of corticotropin releasing factor (CRH) were determined in 29 abstinent cocaine-dependent patients and 66 normal controls. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the abstinent cocaine-dependent patients and normal controls for CSF CRH. Also, CSF CRH concentrations were not related to cocaine-craving scores in a cue-elicited cocaine-craving procedure. Thus, these data suggest that after protracted abstinence from cocaine there is no marked dysregulation of CRH systems as measured by CSF CRH concentrations.
Aspects of Modeling the Tropospheric Hydroxyl Radical Concentration

The global abundance of the hydroxyl radical, OH, is a principal determinant of the amount of acid deposition and the lifetime of literally hundreds of atmospheric trace gases. Local (“in situ” or point) measurements of OH have been made in a number of environments, and technical challenges in this area are being met over time. Typical concentrations near the surface range from (0.5 to 10) × 106 molecules cm−3. These measurements test photochemical theory. Discrepancies between models and measurements are sometimes larger than the apparent uncertainty in either one. There is no way to measure tropospheric OH directly on a global scale. Instead, measurement of species that react with OH are used with models to derive an estimate for the global burden. Through this route it appears that global OH has not significantly increased or decreased over the past decade. The complexities of OH interaction with O3, carbon monoxide, methane, nitrogen oxides, and nonmethane hydrocarbons and uncertainties in models make it difficult to interpret or predict global OH behavior.
New insights into the dynamic stability of wholesale electricity markets

We summarize some recent results on the dynamic stability of wholesale electricity markets. We discuss how to construct control-theoretic market analysis frameworks using concepts of market efficiency, Lyapunov stability, and predictive control. Such frameworks can be used to design, analyze, and monitor the stability and robustness properties of different market designs. In particular, we discuss how short forecast horizons, incomplete gaming, and physical ramping constraints can give rise to stability issues.
Rapid multiperiodic variability in a Small Magellanic Cloud high-mass X-ray binary

The positions of high-mass X-ray binaries are often known precisely enough to identify the optical component unambiguously, and a number of those stars are or have been monitored by the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) and MACHO collaborations. The light curves of two such candidates are examined for evidence of Be-star behaviour and for periodicity. These stars are likely companions to long-period X-ray pulsars in the Small Magellanic Cloud. One of the stars exhibits two periods of 6.832 and 15.587 h, much shorter and more stable than periods of Be/X-ray binaries that are attributed to the disc of the Be star, but consistent with short-term Be variability attributed to pulsations. The multiperiodicity is quantified with Fourier techniques and examined for phase stability. The phase of both variations has wandered by more than a cycle during the 11 years of optical monitoring. Stellar pulsation is the most likely physical mechanism.
The Effect of Topical Anesthesia on Vocal Fold Motion

Summary The objective of this study was to determine if topical anesthesia to the larynx and pharynx affects vocal fold motion during dynamic voice evaluation with transnasal flexible endoscopy. Transnasal dynamic laryngeal examinations of 10 patients with no voice complaints were evaluated by five blinded fellowship-trained laryngologists. Each patient was examined before and after application of topical anesthetic. Reviewers rated briskness of right and left vocal fold movement and longitudinal tension on a visual analogue scale. Statistical comparisons were made between individual subject scores before and after anesthetic application. Inter-rater reliability was also assessed. No statistical difference was observed between subject scores before and after anesthetic application. Average intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.643 and 0.591 for pre- and postanesthesia scores, respectively. Application of topical anesthesia to the larynx and pharynx does not affect vocal fold motion.
BB0238, a Presumed Tetratricopeptide Repeat-Containing Protein, Is Required during Borrelia burgdorferi Mammalian Infection

The Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, occupies both a tick vector and mammalian host in nature. Considering the unique enzootic life cycle of B. burgdorferi, it is not surprising that a large proportion of its genome is composed of hypothetical proteins not found in other bacterial pathogens. bb0238 encodes a conserved hypothetical protein of unknown function that is predicted to contain a tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain, a structural motif responsible for mediating protein-protein interactions. To evaluate the role of bb0238 during mammalian infection, a bb0238-deficient mutant was constructed. The bb0238 mutant was attenuated in mice infected via needle inoculation, and complementation of bb0238 expression restored infectivity to wild-type levels. bb0238 expression does not change in response to varying culture conditions, and thus, it appears to be constitutively expressed under in vitro conditions. bb0238 is expressed in murine tissues during infection, though there was no significant change in expression levels among different tissue types. Localization studies indicate that BB0238 is associated with the inner membrane of the spirochete and is therefore unlikely to promote interaction with host ligands during infection. B. burgdorferi clones containing point mutations in conserved residues of the putative TPR motif of BB0238 demonstrated attenuation in mice that was comparable to that in the bb0238 deletion mutant, suggesting that BB0238 may contain a functional TPR domain.
Knowledge Management for Healthcare Organizations: Comparing Strategies with Technical Support

Healthcare organizations are increasingly adopting knowledge management systems (KMS) for clinical use, which have been established in technical support organizations for several years. While a technical support organization can utilize its KMS to directly address customer needs using its infrastructure and established processes, the effectiveness and success of KMS in a healthcare organization relies on the collective practice of healthcare professionals. In this research, the knowledge management processes and infrastructure in the two industries is compared. Seven hypotheses are developed and tested using a survey in two organizations, one in each industry to measure the contributions of different components of knowledge management infrastructure and processes towards organizational effectiveness. The results indicate that culture plays a larger role than structure in healthcare. Knowledge acquisition processes are more important in healthcare, compared with conversion and application in technical support. These results have implications for the selection and implementation of KMS in healthcare.
Exploring the neighborhood with dora to expedite software maintenance

Completing software maintenance and evolution tasks for today's large, complex software systems can be difficult, often requiring considerable time to understand the system well enough to make correct changes. Despite evidence that successful programmers use program structure as well as identifier names to explore software, most existing program exploration techniques use either structural or lexical identifier information. By using only one type of information, automated tools ignore valuable clues about a developer's intentions - clues critical to the human program comprehension process. In this paper, we present and evaluate a technique that exploits both program structure and lexical information to help programmers more effectively explore programs. Our approach uses structural information to focus automated program exploration and lexical information to prune irrelevant structure edges from consideration. For the important program exploration step of expanding from a seed, our experimental results demonstrate that an integrated lexical-and structural-based approach is significantly more effective than a state-of-the-art structural program exploration technique
The critical theory of religion: From having to being

In our essay we trace the evolution of the critical theory of religion, or comparative dialectical religiology, out of the critical theory of society of the Institute for Social Research or the Fra...
Quantum Mechanical Theory of Thomson Scattering by a Relativistic Electron

Thomson scattering of a classical electromagnetic wave (or unstimulated bremsstrahlung in a magnetic wiggler) by a relativistic electron traveling in the direction opposite to the propagation direction of the wave (or the electromagnetic wave equivalent to the magnetic wiggler) is studied quantum mechanically. Unlike Klein-Nishina scattering which is the scattering of an incident photon, the incident radiation makes the electron wiggle in the transverse direction through numerous multiphoton processes of various order. The explicit scattering formula is derived when the potential amplitude in electron energy of the incident electromagnetic wave is less than the electron rest energy.
Invariant object tracking using fringe-adjusted joint transform correlator

A novel real-time-invariant target tracking algorithm is proposed for forward-looking IR (FLIR) image sequences based on a modified synthetic discriminant function (SDF)-based fringe-adjusted joint transform correlator (JTC) algorithm. The proposed approach utilizes fringe-adjusted JTC-based tracking, which efficiently compensates camera motion and accommodates 3-D distortions. To further increase the tracking accuracy, the target model is continuously updated using a modified version of the synthetic discriminant function (SDF) algorithm. The proposed technique can track small objects comprising only a few pixels and is capable of compensating the high egomotion of the sensor. We demonstrate the robustness of the proposed technique by computer simulation performed on sequences of real-life FLIR imagery taken from an airborne moving platform.
Validating the theoretical structure of the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ) across three different health behaviors

Nearly 40% of mortality in the United States is linked to social and behavioral factors such as smoking, diet and sedentary lifestyle. Autonomous self-regulation of health-related behaviors is thus an important aspect of human behavior to assess. In 1997, the Behavior Change Consortium (BCC) was formed. Within the BCC, seven health behaviors, 18 theoretical models, five intervention settings and 26 mediating variables were studied across diverse populations. One of the measures included across settings and health behaviors was the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ). The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity of the TSRQ across settings and health behaviors (tobacco, diet and exercise). The TSRQ is composed of subscales assessing different forms of motivation: amotivation, external, introjection, identification and integration. Data were obtained from four different sites and a total of 2731 participants completed the TSRQ. Invariance analyses support the validity of the TSRQ acrossallfoursitesandallthreehealthbehaviors. Overall,theinternalconsistencyofeachsubscale was acceptable (most a values >0.73). The present study provides further evidence of the validity of the TSRQ and its usefulness as an assessment tool across various settings and for different health behaviors.
Filter-Based Classification of Training Image Patterns for Spatial Simulation

Multiple-point simulation, as opposed to simulation one point at a time, operates at the pattern level using a priori structural information. To reduce the dimensionality of the space of patterns we propose a multi-point filtersim algorithm that classifies structural patterns using selected filter statistics. The pattern filter statistics are specific linear combinations of pattern pixel values that represent directional mean, gradient, and curvature properties. Simulation proceeds by sampling from pattern classes selected by conditioning data.
Usefulness of the pediatric electrocardiogram in detecting left ventricular hypertrophy: results from the Prospective Pediatric Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Complications of Vertically Transmitted HIV Infection (P2C2 HIV) multicenter study.

Background A shortcoming of the pediatric electrocardiogram (ECG) appears to be its inability to accurately detect left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). This study prospectively assesses the usefulness of the pediatric ECG as a screening modality for LVH. Methods Concomitant echocardiograms and ECGs from a large cohort of children who were exposed to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; uninfected) and children who were infected with HIV were compared. By use of the values of Davignon et al, qualitative determination of LVH and quantitative criteria for LVH (RV6, SV1, RV6+SV1, QV6, and QIII >98% for age, R/SV1 <98% for age, and [−]TV6) were compared to body surface area adjusted for left ventricular (LV) mass z score. Results were then stratified according to weight and weight-for-height z scores. New age-adjusted predicted values were then constructed from children of a mixed race who were HIV-uninfected, ≤6 years old, and similarly assessed. Results The sensitivity rate was <20% for detecting increased LV mass, irrespective of HIV status; the specificity rate was 88% to 92%. The sensitivity rate of the individual criteria ranged from 0 to 35%; the specificity rate was 76% to 99%. Test sensitivities remained low when stratified by weight and weight-for-height z scores. Areas under the receiver operator characteristic curves were between 0.59 and 0.70, also suggesting poor accuracy of the ECG criteria. By use of new age-adjusted predicted values, the sensitivity rate decreased to <17%, and the specificity rate increased to 94% to 100%. Conclusion The ECG is a poor screening tool for identifying LVH in children. Sensitivity is not improved with revision of current criteria. (Am Heart J 2003;145:716-23.)
Advanced silicon communications controllers

Communications controllers are increasingly becoming highly sophisticated systems integrated on a single silicon chip. The level of on-chip integration coupled with both creative system support features has provided superb flexibility that allows the transport of multiple distinct protocols and power to connect to and process multiple wide band communication channels emanating from potentially diverse interfaces. Silicon communication controllers have the task to efficiently transfer data to and from memory. However, the selection of a particular communication controller is based upon system architecture considerations. This paper attempts to analyze the main characteristics of representative advanced silicon communications controllers and their suitability in certain system architectures, and hence their impact on system performance. >
Passive reduced order modeling of multiport interconnects via semidefinite programming

In this paper we present a passive reduced order modeling algorithm for linear multiport interconnect structures. The proposed technique uses rational fitting via semidefinite programming to identify a passive transfer matrix from given frequency domain data samples. Numerical results are presented for a power distribution grid and an array of inductors, and the proposed approach is compared to two existing rational fitting techniques.
A paleomagnetic analysis of Cambrian true polar wander

The latest Neoproterozoic through Cambrian is one of the most remarkable intervals in geologic time. Tectonically, the period from 580 to 490 Ma marks a time of rapid plate reorganization following the final stages of supercontinental breakup and Gondwana assembly. The apparent speed at which this reorganization occurred led some to propose a link between tectonic events, biologic changes and climatic changes. One of the more intriguing proposals is that the tectonic changes were triggered by an episode of inertial interchange true polar wander (IITPW) which resulted in a rapid (6o=m.y.) shift of the spin axis relative to the geographic reference frame. IITPW is a special case of true polar wander (TPW) that makes specific demands on the length of apparent polar wander paths (APWPs) recording the motion. Specifically, each path must allow for90o of synchronous motion during the interval from 523 to 508 Ma. A review of paleomagnetic data for Laurentia, Baltica, Siberia and Gondwana indicates that none of the APWPs approaches the necessary length, each path is of a different length and the apparent motions are non-synchronous. Collectively, these observations negate the premise of a Cambrian IITPW event. Since the IITPW hypothesis was proposed as an alternative to rapid plate motion of Laurentia and Gondwana during the Neoproterozoic‐Cambrian interval, any alternative model must account for this rapid motion. I suggest that a reasonable explanation for ‘anomalously’ high rates of plate motion for some continents, possibly on the order of 20‐40 cm yr 1 , is enhanced plate motion driven by lower-mantle thermal anomalies and possibly true polar wander. In fact, the enhanced plate motions driven by these lower-mantle sources may provide a dynamic feedback triggering true polar wander. © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Improving Theories and Practices Through Collaborative Self-studies of Urban Science Teaching and Learning

Self-study of teaching and learning in urban high school classrooms is presented as an activity that has the potential to catalyze the transformation of science curricula in ways that take account of teachers’ and students’ voices. In this autobiographical chapter, Ken Tobin describes what he learned from undertaking research on his own teaching in urban high school science—especially how he learned from urban youth whom he was teaching. Important features are learning from difference, use of an array of theoretical frameworks to support research, willingness to acknowledge when learning environments are dysfunctional, and the need to consider the potential of others’ expertise. Dr. Tobin describes how cogenerative dialogue emerged from a program of research in urban schools and evolved to serve as a methodology for self-study research, a bridge between theory and practice, and a means of learning to teach by researching teaching and learning. Uses of self-study research and cogenerative dialogue can infuse the voices of teachers and learners into enacted curricula that are adaptive to local contexts and continuously transform to be relevant to a changing world in which sustainability is a priority and to support a literate citizenry that sustains individual and collective wellness and well-being.
The Franchisor/Franchisee Relationship: How can this Relationship be Strengthened from the Franchisees’ Perspective?

Franchising plays a major role in the U.S. economy by providing growth and jobs. The International Franchise Association reported in 2009, the franchising sector was accountable for 9.5 million jobs and provided nearly $845 billion of economic output to the U.S. economy. Furthermore, for every new franchise business an estimated 20.6 either direct or indirect jobs are created and an additional $2.2 million output is achieved (Chabowski, Hult, and Mena 2011). The International Franchise Association also reported that there has been a 15 percent increase of franchising establishments in a 9 year period (2001 – 2009) from 767,483 to 883,292. Given these financial indicators, franchising has a major impact on the U.S. economy.
Afghanistan Water and Climate Change

The situation and state of water in Afghanistan in the face of obvious climate change is exceedingly serious. Afghanistan’s old and out-of-date water treaties with surrounding governments that no longer exist are very important because they are so antiquated, misleading in terms of modern understandings, and in need of strong new negotiations to reflect changing international water law, as well as to establish scientific understandings within the neighboring governments in light of the climate change that is shifting water availabilities. Changes in transboundary water management and transparency in all dealings are essential to avoid predictable coming conflicts or new water wars.
Raman spectra and vibrational analysis of the trioctahedral mica phlogopite

Raman spectra were measured and normal mode calculations were performed for phlogopite. Calculated fundamental mode frequencies were fit to observed frequencies assigned to features in the two polarized Raman spectra collected, so that unambiguous assignment of eigenmodes could be made to nearly all Raman spectral features. Average force constant values determined for Si-O and O-Si-O environments as well as for the non-silicate environments in cyclosilicates and gillespite provided an excellent starting point for the phlogopite calculations that quickly converged to a best fit of theoretical mode frequencies to the observed Raman fundamental mode frequencies. Final values of the force constants for T-O stretch and O-T-O bend are within the range of force constant values determined for Si-O and O-Si-O environments in cyclosilicates and gillespite. The force constant similarities extend to the K-O, M(1,2)-O bond stretch and M(1,2)-O-T bond bend environments. Raman-active modes at frequencies greater than 850 cm ‐1 are localized intra-sheet modes dominated by T-O stretch and O-T-O bend motions. Raman-active modes between 350 and 850 cm ‐1 are dominated by mixtures of internal sheet modes with displacements from the M2 sites. Ramanactive lattice modes are calculated at frequencies less than 350 cm ‐1 . Calculated frequencies for the IR-active Au and Bu, modes generally fall within the frequency ranges of broad bands in the IR spectra for phlogopite presented elsewhere. Eigenmodes calculated for phlogopite are generally unique to that mica structure and differ from those determined for the cyclosilicates and gillespite. The few eigenmodes calculated for phlogopite that resemble those calculated for the cyclosilicates are the most localized T-O stretch motions and are assigned to the highest frequency modes.
Aerosolized Antifungal Prophylaxis: The Winds of Change?

As it tackles the control of life-threatening diseases, the medical community continues to be faced with severely immunosuppressed individuals and the complicating features of managing invasive fungal infections. Fortunately, through the efforts of the pharmaceutical industry and clinical investigators during the past decade, 3 classes of antifungal agents (polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins) have been improved, expanded, and created, respectively. We are truly fortunate to have these excellent drugs available to treat our seriously ill patients. Although it will be extremely helpful to have new and/or improved antifungals in the future, a present focus of our clinical investigations needs to be the evaluation of strategies to optimally use the antifungal drugs we currently possess. For example, how do we use risk factors or fungal biomarkers to rapidly and consistently deliver prophylactic, empirical, preemptive, or therapeutic drugs? In this respect, the article by Rijnders et al. [1], published in this issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, is right on target. The study by Rijnders and colleagues applies the use of available antifungal a ents to a high-risk population of patients with prolonged neutropenia in a controlled, randomized, and placebodriven manner to determine a new strat-
The Notch-Pronotum, Shriveled-Wing, and Cubitus Interruptus Mutants of the German Cockroach1,2

Three mutants of Blattella germanica (L.) (Orthoptera: Blattellidae), cubitus interruptus (ci) , notch-pronotum ( np ) and shriveled-wing (sh) , are described. Cubitus interruptus is an autosomal recessive of variable expressivity. It shows independence of linkage groups III, VII, VIII, and XII. Notch-pronotum appears to be controlled by 2 distantly linked recessive loci. These are mapped roughly at 15 and 53 map units from Bl in linkage group VI. No clearcut inheritance mechanism is established for sh . The data suggest control by one pair of autosomal recessive alleles and one or more suppressortype modifiers. Test crosses indicate that it is unlikely sh is in groups III, VIII, or XI.
Oxidation of Ferritic Steels Subjected to Simulated SOFC Interconnect Environments

Ferritic stainless steel (FSS) 441 with CoMnO coatings were subjected to solid oxide fuel cell interconnect exposures (800{degree sign}C air and dual atmospheres (air/H2)). Oxidation behavior was observed using complimentary analytical techniques. Significant differences in oxidation behavior were observed in samples exposed to dual atmosphere conditions compared with air-only exposures, indicating rapid transport of hydrogen through FSS 441 and its influence on air side corrosion. Observations and interpretations are presented and discussed in context of developing inexpensive and durable SOFC interconnects.
Secondary health conditions in individuals with multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional web-based survey analysis.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of secondary health conditions in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) with age-matched U.S. general population norms. METHOD This was a cross-sectional study in which data were collected using a Web-based survey from members of the greater Midwest MS society chapter. Questions were modeled from the National Health Interview Survey to assess the presence of six health conditions. Self-reported health conditions among the sample were compared to U.S. general population norms from the National Health Interview Survey. RESULTS Individuals with MS reported higher rates of depression, arthritis, diabetes, coronary artery disease, migraine headaches, and cancer than the normative population. Although the rates of health conditions increased with age in the normative sample, the MS sample showed a curvilinear (bimodal) pattern as a function of age for some secondary health conditions.
Investigation of Rectangular Jet Issuing From a Varying Cross-Section Nozzle

A Large Eddy Simulation based investigation is performed on a rectangular Mach 0.226 jet to examine the effect of differential entrainment along the minor and major axes. The nozzle has a circular cross-section at the inlet and a 2:1 aspect ratio rectangular cross-section (5.3848cm equivalent hydraulic diameter) at the exit. The Reynolds number of the flow is 73,242. The streamwise distribution of both mean and rms axial velocity fluctuations along the jet centerline agree with available experimental data. Q-criterion iso-levels confirm the existence of large hairpin like vortices, which initially are dominant along the major axis but further downstream, appear along the minor axis as well. The integral scales of these structures are investigated through their pressure footprints along the minor axis, major axis and corner. To highlight the influence of different frequency ranges, the velocity field at the core collapse location is first decomposed using Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD). The spectrum in these different ranges is then correlated with observations along representative lip-line at the major and minor axes and the corner. The presence of the large scale structures corresponding to low frequency ranges is predominant along the corner compared to major and minor axes. The correlations provide information on the connections between the structures and local times scales. The major components of low frequency structures in the propagated signal occur between St = 0.05 and St = 0.3
Artificial Student Agents and Course Mastery Tracking

In an effort to meet the changing landscape of education many departments and universities are offering more online courses â a move that is likely to impact every department in some way (Rover et al., 2013). This will require more instructors create online courses, and we describe here how agents and dynamic Bayesian networks can be used to inform this process. Other innovations in instructional strategies are also widely impacting educators (Cutler et al., 2012) including peer instruction, flipped classrooms, problem-based learning, just-in-time teaching, and a variety of active learning strategies. Implementing any of these strategies requires changes to existing courses. We propose ENABLE, a graph-based methodology, to transform a standard linear in-class delivery approach to an on-line, active course delivery system (DuHadway and Henderson, 2015). The overall objectives are: (1) to create a set of methods to analyze the content and structure of existing learning materials that have been used in a synchronous, linearly structured course and provide insight into the nature and relations of the course material and provide alternative ways to organize them, (2) to provide a Bayesian framework to assist in the discovery of causal relations between course learning items and student performance, and (3) to develop some simple artificial student agents and corresponding behavior models to probe the methodsâ efficacy and accuracy. In this paper, we focus on our efforts on the third point.
On the Use of Similarity Search to Detect Fake Scientific Papers

Fake scientific papers have recently become of interest within the academic community as a result of the identification of fake papers in the digital libraries of major academic publishers [8]. Detecting and removing these papers is important for many reasons. We describe an investigation into the use of similarity search for detecting fake scientific papers by comparing several methods for signature construction and similarity scoring and describe a pseudo-relevance feedback technique that can be used to improve the effectiveness of these methods. Experiments on a dataset of 40,000 computer science papers show that precision, recall and MAP scores of 0.96, 0.99 and 0.99, respectively, can be achieved, thereby demonstrating the usefulness of similarity search in detecting fake scientific papers and ranking them highly.
A Polymeric Structure Containing Cu2Cl2 Units Bridged by 4,4‘-Bipyridine: (PPh3)2Cu2(μ-Cl)2(μ-4,4‘-bipyridine)

(4,4‘-Bipyridine)(triphenylphosphine)copper(I) chloride crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 9.080(2) A, b = 9.295(2) A, c = 13.086(2) A, α = 105.64(1)°, β = 105.30(1)°, and γ = 94.91(2)°. The structure is build up by dimeric Cu2Cl2 units with bridging Cl anions, which are connected by a 4,4‘-bipyridine to form a chain structure. The triphenylphosphine ligand completes the coordination sphere around the copper atoms.
ANALYSIS OF INVESTMENT AND EXPORT ACTIVITIES OF SERBIA AGRICULTURE

Agriculture in Serbia is confront with many problems, which are result of limitation that was begin in conditions of economic environment and agrar politic that has been leading after World War Second until decay SFRJ, difficulties that become at last fifteen years an difficulties at adapting of market economy. Agriculture in Serbia is load consequences of central mountain economy at part of property and land using. For development is necessary the policy that can influence on increase of producing by restructuring and investments that means clear owner right and making efficient land market, credit and input. Without considering how large is market economy, role of state policy is significant. If economy is more market, than state role is bigger.
Removal of Acid Red G dye from aqueous solutions by adsorption to MCM-41-layered double hydroxides composite

MCM-41 supported layered double hydroxides (LDH) composite materials (ML) were synthesized and studied for removal of Acid Red G (ARG), an anionic dye, with the adsorption method. ML was prepared using in situ synthesis procedure for the low supersaturation coprecipitation method, and ML10 and ML20 presented promising application towards ARG dye adsorption capacity in industrial wastewater. Powder samples were characterized by Xray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. The effects of different reaction time, initial solution pH and temperature on the dye adsorption capacity were investigated. Adsorption process was well described by pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model. The fitting curves showed that ML10 and ML20 had higher adsorption rates and maintained a certain theoretical saturated adsorption capacity (92.19807mg/g and 96.41947mg/g, respectively) compared with LDH.
Utilizing Scalable Video to Optimize Video Playback over Passive Optical Networks

In this paper, we propose using coarse grain scalable (CGS) H.264/AVC to optimize video playback on passive optical networks (PONs) by investigating network performance metrics such as data delay, video delay, and video delay jitter. Video playback is improved by sequentially dropping layers of scalable video. Dropping just a single layer results in improvements of up to 57% for both data and video delay. However, video delay jitter benefits the most with an improvement ranging from 47% up to 87%. Counter-intuitively, dropping subsequent enhancement layers doesn’t significantly improve the PONs performance.
Trouble Waiting to Happen: Malpractice and Ethical Issues in Patent Prosecution

This article addresses conflicts of interest in patent prosecution, including those arising from taking an interest in a patent application. It also addresses client identity in the employed-inventor context.
SYNTHESIS OF CONDUCTING COMPOSITE POLYMER BEADS

Composite conducting polymeric beads were prepared by taking advantage of ionic interaction between anionically charged beads and cationically charged conducting polymer precursors. Monodisperse crosslinked polystyrene (PS) beads in the fractional micron range were sulfonated in the gas phase above fuming sulfuric acid to yield surface activated monodisperse polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA) beads. Three conducting polymers, polyaniline (PA), polyphenylene vinylene (PPV) and poly (2, 5-dimethoxy phenylene vinylene) (PDPV), were then coated on these beads. For PA, one conductive form of the polymer is a cation and was directly mixed with the beads; for PPV and PDPV, soluble cationic precursor polymers were mixed with the beads. Two different PPV precursors, poly (p-xylyidene tetrathiophenium chloride) (I) and poly (p-xylylene-α-dimethylsuphonium chloride) (II) and one PDPV precursor, poly (2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-xylene-α-diemthylsulfonium chloride) (III) were utilized. Chemical doping with ASF5 for PPV and I2 for PDPV, of pellets prepared by pressing the coated beads resulted in conductivities as high as 10-1 S/cm. The emeraldine base form of PA was self doped.
A Scale to Assess Attitudes Toward Aptitude Testing

(1968). A Scale to Assess Attitudes Toward Aptitude Testing. Measurement and Evaluation in Guidance: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 96-102.