cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Eurasian Snow Cover versus Indian Monsoon Rainfall—An Extension of the Hahn-Shukla Results

Abstract The apparent inverse relationship between Eurasian mean winter snow cover extent and the following warm season Indian monsoon rainfall, described by Hahn and Shukla for the 1967–75 period, is substantiated by the addition of five subsequent years of data if known deficiencies in satellite snow observations are accommodated. In this respect, elimination of a bias due to under-observation of snow cover in the Himalayan region during 1967–74 was crucial for the attainment of statistically significant correlations. Nonsignificant correlations for a shorter period (1971–80) suggest that Eurasian and Himalayan region winter snow cover extent, as well as that of Eurasia less the Himalayan region, are all about equally well related to the subsequent Indian monsoon rainfall. Furthermore, Eurasian and Himalayan snow cover extent derived from satellite observations are found to be highly correlated.
Basal Laminas and Epithelia

This chapter describes the organization of the major proteins that form a basal lamina which connects an epithelium to its underlying stroma (Sect. 1). The organization and major protein composition of oral and gingival epithelium and the junctional epithelial dental attachment at the base of a gingival sulcus are described (Sect. 2).
Creating the Virtual Team

The increased reliance on patient self-generated data has had a major impact on the development of the virtual team in the management of diabetes mellitus. Only recently has the concept of the virtual team been taken seriously in the management of the individual with diabetes, in part due to the availability of large amounts of patient self-generated data. Team development, especially for a virtual team, is a careful process, in which self-assessment, team building, and identification of roles and responsibilities take place before the team performs. This process has been termed ‘forming, storming, norming, and performing’ in recognition of the stages of team development and the importance of passing through each stage before initiating the next. Research has identified four additional factors that need to be addressed for the virtual team to complete its development and to assure improved clinical outcomes: organizational support, a common approach to diabetes care based on specific clinical protocols, ongoing measurement, and incentives. The creation, organization, and implementation of virtual teams depend upon several inter-related factors. The ideal model permits synchronized communications between team members so that timely decisions can be made in a transparent manner, enabling the person with diabetes to fully participate. From a structural perspective, the team needs organizational support, common care protocols, a means of measuring performance (including, but not limited to, outcomes), and incentives for all participants.
Identification and quantification of anthocyanins in transgenic purple tomato.

Abstract Anthocyanins are natural pigments derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway. Most tomatoes produce little anthocyanins, but the transgenic purple tomato biosynthesizes a high level of anthocyanins due to expression of two transcription factors (Del and Ros1). This study was to identify and quantify anthocyanins in this transgenic tomato line. Seven anthocyanins, including two new anthocyanins [malvidin-3-(p-coumaroyl)-rutinoside-5-glucoside and malvidin-3-(feruloyl)-rutinoside-5-glucoside], were identified by LC-MS/MS. Petunidin-3-(trans-coumaroyl)-rutinoside-5-glucoside and delphinidin-3-(trans-coumaroyl)-rutinoside-5-glucoside were the most abundant anthocyanins, making up 86% of the total anthocyanins. Compared to undetectable anthocyanins in the wild type, the contents of anthocyanins in the whole fruit, peel, and flesh of the Del/Ros1-transgenic tomato were 5.2 ± 0.5, 5.1 ± 0.5, and 5.8 ± 0.3 g/kg dry matter, respectively. Anthocyanins were undetectable in the seeds of both wide-type and transgenic tomato lines. Such novel and high levels of anthocyanins obtained in this transgenic tomato may provide unique functional products with potential health benefits.
On the Identity of the Spotted Alfalfa Aphid in North America

The spotted alfalfa aphid should be known by the name Therioaphis maculata (Buckton), cotypes of which arc well within the range of normal geographical variation of this Medicago -inhabiting species. There is considerable variation in the species as it occurs in the Old World, but very little in North America, where it seems identical with population samples received from Israel, Cyprus, and Morocco. Two characters, the proportion of the third antennal segment covered by sensoria and the size of the ventral sclerotized abdominal dashes, were found of particular value in characterizing local populations and in distinguishing populations and specimens of T. maculata from those of the yellow clover aphid. T. trifolii (Monell). Both these species of Therioaphis belong in the subgenus Pterocallidium.
RESOURCE USE ONE YEAR FOLLOWING HOSPITALIZATION FOR ACUTE HEART FAILURE: A COMPARISON OF PATIENTS WITH PRESERVED VERSUS REDUCED EJECTION FRACTION

Patients who survive an acute heart failure (AHF) hospitalization subsequently use considerable medical care resources for ongoing chronic care. Whether resource use differs between patients with preserved (HFpEF) vs. reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction is not known. We identified members of Kaiser
Relating Catalytic Activity of d0 Semiconducting Metal Oxides to the Fermi Level Position

The catalytic activity of semiconducting transition metal oxides varies with the addition of dopants. To deconvolute the chemical and electronic effects of dopants and to control the electronic effects with precision, models are needed that relate the Fermi level position to reaction rate. The present work develops such a model for oxides of transition metals in groups IV, V, and VI of the periodic table whose cations have a d0 configuration. The model employs a series of semiempirical relations that connect the surface Fermi level of the solid to its activity through the point of zero charge and overall Hammett acidity. The effects of successful p-doping on reaction rate are predicted to be quite large, especially for reactions exhibiting strong ionicity.
Sequential measurement of somatosensory evoked potentials in a canine model of hemispheric ischaemia.

We have previously shown that occlusion of 6 canine intracranial vessels produces profound hemispheric ischaemia and abolishes the ipsilateral SSEP. In the present study, this work was extended to ascertain the differential contributions of 6 intracranial vessels to SSEP function. Five dogs underwent craniotomy, brain retractions, and ipsilateral arterial microdissection, and were prepared for SSEP recordings. Stimulation-recording sequences were performed firstly prior to craniotomy, secondly following craniotomy and microdissection and thirdly following sequential occlusion of each of 6 vessels: (a) anterior cerebral (A2), (b) ethmoidal, (c) ophthalmic, (d) middle cerebral (MCA), (e) posterior communicating (PCoA), and (f) posterior cerebral artery. Individual SSEP amplitudes and latencies were measured and averaged and values for each wave were compared statistically to baseline values and to the immediately preceding value. Two thalamocortical potential components were identified: an early wave (6-10 ...
pH-Responsive nanodrug encapsulated by tannic acid complex for controlled drug delivery

A facile method for encapsulation of insoluble drugs has been developed based on the metal ion/polyphenol complexation and aerosol spraying process. The encapsulated paclitaxel nanodrug (PTX-C) is well-controlled in morphology and pH-responsive. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated the enhanced anti-tumour activity of PTX-C. This study may pave the way for the fabrication of low cost, high efficiency drug delivery systems for cancer therapies.
Critical Evaluation of FRET-Based Biosensor Performance: Implications for Measuring Ion Concentrations

Fluorescent sensors are widely used to visualize, quantify, and reveal the dynamics of small molecules, secondary metabolites, metals, and ions. One of the great promises of such sensors is the ability to quantify cellular signals in precise locations with high temporal resolution, enabling the creation of real-time dynamic maps of cellular signals. Yet this is coupled with the challenge of how to ensure that sensors are measuring what we think they are measuring, developing robust approaches for quantification, and assessing whether sensors are perturbing the underlying biology. This talk will highlight our efforts to develop genetically encoded FRET-based sensors for quantitative mapping of zinc ions in cells. I will discuss approaches for defining whether sensors perturb cellular ions, the importance of carefully defining dynamic range, strategies to compare sensor functionality in vitro, in cells, and in organelles, and the specific challenges associated with quantifying ions in cellular organelles.
Ex situ genetic conservation potential of seeds of two high elevation white pines

Genetic variation in a plant species is a key to its ability to survive and evolve in the face of changing environmental pressures. Due to insect and disease impacts, changes in fire regimes, and a changing climate, many populations of high elevation white pine species continue to experience high mortality levels and potentially worrisome decreases in genetic variation. In recent years, some trees rated highly for resistance to the non-native white pine blister rust have been killed by fire or mountain pine beetle. Ex situ genetic conservation offers the possibility to conserve the genetic variation within a species before much of it is lost. For many conifer species, freezer storage of seed offers a relatively inexpensive, long-term method of storing germplasm for future use. However, there is uncertainty concerning how long seed of some conifers can be stored and retain viability. We report here on results of germination testing of the oldest known seedlots of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) and foxtail pine (P. balfouriana Grev. & Balf.), some of which had been in storage for several decades. The 52 whitebark pine seedlots averaged 47.7% germination (average seed age of 19.2 years), while the four foxtail pine seedlots had an average germination of 71.3% (average seed age of 15.3 years). Some seedlots of both species had greater than 90% germination. Refinements to the stratification procedure have since been developed which should enhance germination further. A follow-up study examining seedling vigor of long-stored whitebark pine seed is planned.
Sacred shock: Student actors on anti-bullying improvisation and impact of self-rehearsal

ABSTRACTThis article describes responses of a group of adolescent student actors and actor alumni involved in anti-bullying skits arising from a critical case study of the Tolerance Troupe from a small rural and suburban borough in Pennsylvania. Seventeen active members and 19 actor alumni participated in semi-structured interviews focusing on what the student actors and actor alumni had to say about imagination, improvisation, and shock as pedagogy—recalling prior experiences with bullying that played roles in the construction of their view of themselves. Following Turner (1982), I address “sacred shock” as shock experienced during enactments in liminal time during ritual performances designated to awaken participants from both bias and peer social aggression and from the hidden curriculum of school conformity and control. Sacred shock calls out alternative views of students' lived experience as the actors “play” with the elements of the familiar and defamiliarize them—shocking both audience and actors t...
Methods in Characterizing the SrTiO3/GaAs Interface

Characterizing the interface that occurs between a thin-film deposition of SrTiO 3 on a GaAs substrate is of significant interest in order to determine the electrical capabilities that may be possible with this type of system. Imaging the interface by using transmission electron microscopy as well as determining important chemical and electrical information by using Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) are critical in determining if the system is actually appropriate for the desired applications. In addition to these experimental calculations, however, it may be useful to determine theoretical calculations in order to confirm and interpret the results. In particular, these may be determined for EELS by using a simulation program called FEFF9, which employs use of full multiple scattering calculations in order to produce these theoretical results.
Sticks & Stones May Break My Bones...But Symbols Hurt, Too: Government Speech & the First Amendment

This Article highlights a novel Mississippi case, Moore v. Bryant, where a Mississippi citizen filed suit against Mississippi’s Governor, Phil Bryant, alleging that the state’s flag that preserves the Confederate emblem caused him hypertension, irregular EKG reports, and insomnia. Moreover, this Article explores the Government Speech Doctrine and emphasizes the tension between rights of speech accorded to citizens and those delineated to the government. My argument expands upon Justice Stevens’ concurrence in Pleasant Grove City, Utah v. Summum, where he explained that the government did not have free license to communicate offensive or partisan messages. Moreover, the Court’s majority opinion emphasized that states must be cautious in selecting its symbols because state symbols are readily associated with its citizens, and states must be careful not to compel citizens to express views with which the citizens disagree. Currently, Mississippi is the only state in the country that preserves the Confederate emblem in its state flag. However, recent events have caused every public institution of higher learning in Mississippi to remove the state’s flag from its campuses. Because the legislature has refused to discontinue flying or remove the Confederate emblem from Mississippi’s state flag, this Article utilizes recent United States Supreme Court precedent to argue that the Confederate emblem is offensive and oppressive, and this Article presents a viable, first amendment argument government promotion of offensive symbols is a first amendment violation. Although Moore v. Bryant, was dismissed for lack of standing for failing to demonstrate a cognizable legal right to be free from government imposed stress that manifested hypertension, irregular EKG reports and insomnia, it inspired me to develop a novel first amendment argument that is legally cognizable because states cannot compel citizens to adopt offensive speech or any speech for that matter. This Article has the potential to permanently retire the Confederate emblem from government property and placed into a museum where it belongs.
Bounded-voltage Power Flow Control for Grid-tied PV Systems

Abstract An uncertainty and disturbance estimator (UDE)-based robust power flow control for grid-tied DC/AC converters was reported in the literature to achieve accurate power delivery in the presence of various types of model uncertainties and external disturbances. In this paper, a bounded-voltage power flow control is proposed for grid-tied PV systems with the improvement of the existing UDE-based robust power flow control to provide AC voltage protection. With the bounded-voltage design, the output voltage of the DC/AC converter always stays within the given range, which avoids the integrator windup caused by the saturation unit with the inappropriate setting of reactive power reference. Both simulation and experimental results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness the proposed strategies.
In vitro activity of tedizolid and comparator agents against clinical Gram-positive isolates recovered from patients with cancer.

Abstract A total of 248 Gram-positive isolates from cancer patients were tested for in-vitro susceptibility to tedizolid and 3 comparator agents using CLSI broth microdilution methodology. Tedizolid inhibited 97% of isolates at ≤0.5 μg/ml. It was active against all Gram-positive species and consistently had 8 fold lower MICs than linezolid, although based on % susceptibility using CLSI breakpoints, most isolates were also susceptible to the comparators. Tedizolid was active against MRSA isolates with vancomycin MICs of ≥1.0 μg/ml.
Queues with hysteretic control by vacation and post-vacation periods

The paper investigates the queueing process in stochastic systems with bulk input, batch state dependent service, server vacations, and three post-vacation disciplines. The policy of leaving and entering busy periods is hysteretic, meaning that, initially, the server leaves the system on multiple vacation trips whenever the queue falls below r (\geq1), and resumes service when during his absence the system replenishes to N or more customers upon one of his returns. During his vacation trips, the server can be called off on emergency, limiting his trips by a specified random variable (thereby encompassing several classes of vacation queues, such as ones with multiple and single vacations). If by then the queue has not reached another fixed treshold M (\leq N), the server enters a so-called “post-vacation period” characterized by three different disciplines: waiting, or leaving on multiple vacation trips with or without emergency. For all three disciplines, the probability generating functions of the discrete and continuous time parameter queueing processes in the steady state are obtained in a closed analytic form. The author uses a semi-regenerative approach and enhances fluctuation techniques (from his previous studies) preceding the analysis of queueing systems. Various examples demonstrate and discuss the results obtained.
Using Information Invariants to Compare Swarm Algorithms and General Multi-Robot Algorithms

Robotic swarms are decentralized multi-robot systems whose members use local information from proximal neighbors to execute simple reactive control laws that result in emergent collective behaviors. In contrast, members of a general multi-robot system may have access to global information, all-to-all communication or sophisticated deliberative collaboration. Some algorithms in the literature are applicable to robotic swarms. Others require the extra complexity of general multi-robot systems. Given an application domain, a system designer or supervisory operator must choose an appropriate system or algorithm respectively that will enable them to achieve their goals while satisfying mission constraints (e.g, bandwidth, energy, time limits). In this paper, we compare representative swarm and general multi-robot algorithms in two application domains - navigation and dynamic area coverage - with respect to several metrics (e.g, completion time, distance travelled). Our objective is to characterize each class of algorithms to inform offline system design decisions by engineers or online algorithm selection decisions by supervisory operators. Our contributions are (a) an empirical performance comparison of representative swarm and general multi-robot algorithms in two application domains, (b) a comparative analysis of the algorithms based on the theory of information invariants, which provides a theoretical characterization supported by our emnirical results.
The Political and the Theoretic Life – The Challenge of Socrates

Nietzsche famously derided Socrates with being the epitome of “theoretical man.” Nietzsche was correct if we understand by this that Socrates was the lived embodiment of a capacious philosophical or theoretic life. Nietzsche erred however in associating the Socratic “theoretical man” with the modern scientific spirit. On the contrary, where scientific modernity has turned man’s toward the physical world, the significance of Socrates was to reorient philosophy toward the problem of the good life and the excellence of the soul. Insofar as Socrates understands the problem of the good life as a problem for the community and not only the individual, it is with politics and not the natural sciences which is his domain of contention. This concern with the problem of the good leads him to become the spokesman for philosophy in its contention with rhetoric to define the nature of the human good. On this contention rested the right understanding of education, culture, and politics. In making excellence of the soul rather than power as the chief political good, Socrates is led into a clash with the polis which ends in his death. Socrates enigmatic life and tragic vindicated the idea of the philosopher rather than the rhetor as embodying the true “political life.” But establishing the philosophic or theoretic life as an ideal independent of politics was the specific work of his successor Aristotle.
Should Governments Tax the Rich and Subsidize the Poor? An Empirical Study of Opinion in 59 Countries

The present study reports the findings of a survey conducted by the World Values Survey scientists in 59 countries on the question of whether governments should tax the rich and subsidize the poor. A 10-point Likert Scale was used to determine the extent of agreement or disagreement with the question. Results varied widely, depending on country.
45. “INTERN CHECK-IN TOOL” TO IMPROVE EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF STRUGGLING INTERNS AND FACILITATE FEEDBACK

Background Our current system for evaluation relies on faculty and peer evaluation of intern performance relating to general ACGME milestones. However, a program may have insufficient data to accurately identify a struggling intern until several months into the academic year. Objective To develop a brief, objective, resident-based evaluation tool to facilitate earlier identification of struggling interns in pediatric and internal medicine programs. Methods The intern check-in tool (ICT) consists of 18 items with a variety of observable key skills expected for interns (refer to attached form). It is scored on a 22-point scale of objective behaviors. Chief residents meet half way through each rotation and review the tool with senior residents supervising each intern. Results We implemented the use of the ICT at the beginning of the academic year in July 2018. Mid-year data are still being analyzed. In January 2019, after completion of the clinical competency committee (CCC) meetings, we will perform statistical analysis to measure correlations between the ICT scores and the overall intern performance as assessed by the CCC. We will also calculate the sensitivity and specificity for a range of ICT scores and measure correlations between the ICT scores and the demographic data, including medical school quartile and USMLE scores, for each intern. The ICT allowed us to identify a struggling intern early on who had multiple high scores. Following focused feedback and mentoring from senior residents, the intern's performance improved significantly prior to the CCC. The use of the tool has also identified interns struggling with wellness, who we have been able to integrate into a counseling program. Conclusions The pilot of the ICT may supplement more general milestone evaluations. Our data are preliminary but promising. This tool might be of benefit to other programs aiming to assess intern performance. It provides a forum for residents to learn the art of giving feedback and seek strategies to help their interns improve in real time.
Atomic layer deposition of tungsten nitride films as protective barriers to hydrogen

Abstract Nanoscale films of tungsten nitride (WN) were deposited as environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) by particle atomic layer deposition (ALD) on zirconia nanoparticles and yttria stabilized zirconia micropowders. Hydrogen diffusion in tungsten (W) was investigated computationally using density functional theory and experimentally using differential thermal analysis of the ALD samples in hydrogen at temperatures > 1000 °C. Reaction of hydrogen with the underlying material was delayed but not eliminated by the ALD film, consistent with the low computationally predicted hydrogen diffusion barrier in bulk W of 0.19 eV. This is the first study of WN ALD films as EBCs for hydrogen above 1000 °C.
Examining pre-service elementary mathematics teacher perceptions of parent engagement through a funds of knowledge lens

Abstract Missing from the research focusing on preparation of culturally responsive elementary mathematics teachers is an explicit explanation of pre-service teachers’ (PSTs) conceptions of parent engagement. Several authors attest to the importance of teacher preparation programs facilitating change in preconceptions about families and communities in order to build positive relationships. This study uses concept mapping to measure if a one-semester course taught through a funds of knowledge perspective will help pre-service teachers to shift conceptions of parent engagement to reflect a more asset-based orientation towards families. Funds of knowledge is used as both a theoretical and methodological lens for this study.
Identifying the guilty word: Simultaneous versus sequential lineups for DRM word lists

Recent research in the eyewitness identification literature has investigated whether simultaneous or sequential lineups yield better discriminability. In standard eyewitness identification experiments, subjects view a mock-crime video and then are tested only once, requiring large samples for adequate power. However, there is no reason why theories of simultaneous versus sequential lineup performance cannot be tested using more traditional recognition memory tasks. In two experiments, subjects studied DRM (Deese-Roediger-McDermott) word lists (e.g., bed, rest, tired, ...) and were tested using “lineups” in which six words were presented either simultaneously or sequentially. A studied word (e.g., tired) served as the guilty suspect in target-present lineups, unstudied related words (e.g., nap) served as fillers in target-present and target-absent lineups, and critical lures (e.g., sleep) were included in some target-present and target-absent lineups as well, to serve as attractive alternatives to the target word (or suspect). ROC analyses showed that the simultaneous test format generally yielded superior discriminability performance compared to the sequential test format, whether or not the critical lure was present in the lineup.
"My Parent's Body Is Sacred": Perspectives From Adult Latino Children About Brain Donation for Alzheimer Disease Research.

INTRODUCTION Brain donation is a critical part of advancing research addressing Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD). Studies on ADRD with an option for brain donation are reliant on family members to fulfill the research participant's plan for brain donation. Thus, family members play a pivotal role in increasing brain donation rates, particularly among under-represented groups. METHODS This study examines knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about brain donation for research among Latinos. Latino men (N=4) and Latina women (N=11) 18 years of age or older with a parental figure age 65 years and over were invited to participate in a focus group. RESULTS Data analyses revealed 3 themes. Two themes focused on factors influencing a family's willingness to support brain donation: (a) social and cultural contexts, and (b) lack of knowledge and information about the brain donation process. The last theme provided recommendations for engaging older Latino adults in ADRD research and brain donation. DISCUSSION Results suggest being inclusive of family members during all stages of the research process, from recruitment to dissemination. In addition, addressing information gaps among Latinos about the process and benefits of brain donation may help mitigate mistrust and misperceptions and increase participation rates in brain donation.
Glass Panel Packaging, as the Most Leading-Edge Packaging: Technologies and Applications

The semiconductor and systems landscape are changing dramatically. As Moore's law begins to come to an end for many reasons that include minimal increase in transistor performance and in computer performance from node to node but at higher power, the industry has begun to shift to interconnections, referred to as Moore's law for Packaging. This focus addresses both the need for homogeneous and heterogeneous integrations by interconnecting smaller chips and smaller components with higher performance at lower cost and interconnecting them as multichip in 2.5 and 3D architectures. This is also called extending Moore's law, not in a single chip but with multiple chips interconnected horizontally and vertically. This strategy is very consistent with the dramatic and emerging changes in electronic systems such as in HPC, AI and a new era of self-driving and electric cars that potentially think and drive better than humans. This requires device, packaging, and computing architecture paradigms with an entirely different vision and strategy than transistor scaling alone. Packaging, which can be viewed broadly as system scaling, is now viewed as replacing Moore's law for enabling better devices and better systems, unlike in the past. Glass packaging is being developed by Georgia Tech and its industry partners, as the most leading-edge packaging, consistent with the above systems needs in cost, performance, functionality, reliability, and miniaturization. This paper describes the critical glass packaging technologies, their R&D and commercialization status as well as all the current and future applications. It compares and contrasts glass packaging against other leading-edge technologies such as Si and embedded packaging.
Real-time single fiber based multispectral monitoring of cardiac ablation therapy

A combined multispectral single fiber-radiofrequency ablation (RFA) catheter is developed to assess irrigated endocardial lesion formation. Validation is performed ex vivo on swine experimental models.
Implementing a high-risk medication education introductory pharmacy practice experience.

Abstract Background and purpose The purpose of this project was to implement a sustainable high-risk medication education (HRME) experience for student pharmacists, assess the impact on institutional metrics, and evaluate student competence. Educational activity and setting Students completed a longitudinal introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) to provide patient education on anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. Data collected included student feedback on the experience, the achievement of applicable pre-advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) core domains, student effect on number of patients counseled, and number of patient interactions per student. Findings Student feedback of the HRME experience indicated that 98% either strongly agreed or agreed to meeting defined parameters. Ninety-seven percent of students completing the experience demonstrated achievement of all applicable domain abilities. Over a three-year period, students educated 1055 patients. Summary The creation of a sustainable HRME experience for student pharmacists allowed for the achievement of applicable pre-APPE core domains. It also enhanced institutional metrics by greatly increasing the number of patient touches and providing students with direct patient care opportunities on a consistent basis.
Learning tractable statistical relational models

Intractable inference has been a major barrier to the wide adoption of statistical relational models. Existing exact methods suffer from a lack of scalability, and approximate methods tend to be unreliable. Sum-product networks (SPNs; Poon and Domingos 2011) are a recently-proposed probabilistic architecture that guarantees tractable exact inference, even on many high-treewidth models. SPNs are a propositional architecture, treating the instances as independent and identically distributed. In this paper, we extend SPNs to the relational setting, resulting in Relational Sum-Product Networks (RSPNs). Previous tractable statistical relational models (Domingos and Webb 2012; Webb and Domingos 2013) defined their models over a pre-determined set of objects, and therefore could not be generalized to new mega-examples. In contrast, RSPNs can be learned and applied to previous unseen examples. We present a learning algorithm for RSPNs; in preliminary experiments, RSPNs outperform Markov Logic Networks (Richardson and Domingos 2006) in both running time and predictive accuracy.
Agrarian research and development in Bulgaria during EU membership

Abstract. Despite the greattheoretical and practical significance, in Bulgaria there are no comprehensiveanalysis of the state and evolution of agrarian research and development (ARD) activities. The goal of this paper is to analyze the state and evolution of ARD in Bulgaria during the period after country’s EU accession in 2007, identify major trends in that area, make a comparison with other EU states, specify main problems, and suggest conclusions for improvement of policies during next programing period. The analysis has found out that in years of EU membership the expenditures for ARD significantly decreased absolutely and relatively as a share in the total expenditures for R&D, which indicates diminishing importance, and deteriorating financial, personnel and material potential of agrarian knowledge and innovation sector. The most important sector for ARD in the country is the government in which more than 80% of overall expenditures for ARD are invested, as distribution of expenditures and organization of R&D in major sectors differ considerably from other EU member states. ARD in the country mainly are funded by the state budget, and the importance of budget financing relatedly increases during the period, unlike trends in other EU countries. Keywords. Research and development, Agriculture, Sectors, Funding, AKIS, Bulgaria. JEL. Q12, Q13, Q15, Q18.
Cellular interactions in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to summarize the complex cellular interactions of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) and how these interactions promote pathogenic mechanisms of AERD. Recent findings In addition to characteristic changes in eicosanoid levels, recent studies have identified increases in alarmin cytokines (IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoietin) as well as activated innate lymphoid and plasma cell populations in samples from AERD patients. Summary Patients with AERD typically demonstrate high levels of proinflammatory eicosanoids including cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and hyporesponsiveness to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). CysLTs are released by mast cells, eosinophils, and adherent platelets and promote epithelial release of IL-33, which activates mast cells and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in concert with CysLTs. TSLP induces PGD2 release from mast cells which activates and recruits eosinophils, basophils, Th2 cells, and ILC2s via CRTH2. In turn, ILC2s and other cell types produce Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 that, along with CysLTs and PGD2, promote bronchoconstriction, eosinophilic tissue inflammation, and mucus production.
The Morning Sun Shines Brightly: Positive Youth Development in a Global Context

This chapter summarizes themes woven across the present Handbook. These ideas are not new in and of themselves, but they nevertheless highlight key issues prominent in the literature today. These themes include (a) PYD implies a systems-level perspective; (b) PYD includes both strength promotion and deficit reduction; (c) there is no “best” model of PYD, (d) defining PYD requires specificity; (e) PYD is holistic; (f) specificity applies to all contexts, and (g) we need to integrate etic and emic approaches. Such themes are equally relevant to PYD in WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) contexts, supporting the overall message we derive from the present Handbook that PYD research, policy and practice are becoming well-established across the globe. If the globalization of PYD was ever thought of as a burgeoning topic for tomorrow, that tomorrow is clearly our today.
Extending coronal models to Earth orbit

Solar wind conditions at Earth play a primary role in the initiation of geomagnetic activity. The forecasting of solar wind conditions at Earth based on remote observations of the Sun is thus a key element of space wea.ther prediction. We describe how observations of the photospheric magnetic field can be incorporated into three-dimensional MHD computations of the solar corona and inner heliosphere. We show that the resulting solutions compare favorably with observations and that this same capability can be used to model the initiation of coronal mass ejections and their propagation out into the heliosphere. These encouraging results suggest that an operational computational solar wind model can eventually be developed, suitable for forecasting solar wind properties at Earth.
The Use of Visual Representations in Information Retrieval Applications

Information retrieval (IR) is concerned with the representation, storage, and retrieval of documents or document surrogates. The output of an IR system in response to a user’s request consists of a set of references which are intended to provide the user with information relevant to his or her information needs as expressed by a query.1 Conventional information retrieval systems operate on large-scale computing systems in an environment where direct access to system facilities is generally limited to search intermediaries and to a few researchers who have been trained to use somewhat complex user—system interfaces. However, poor query formulations and inadequate user—system interaction may still occur even with skilled users. For example, Cleverdon1 has noted that “if two (trained) search intermediaries search the same question on the same database on the same host, only 40 percent of the output may be common to both searches.” Since skilled users often find it difficult to formulate effective search requests and to interact usefully with document retrieval systems, less competent users may be faced with insurmountable problems. This situation is especially critical at the present time; a large number of casual users will soon obtain access to very large information resources through the combination of powerful microcomputers and optical storage technology.
Three-Dimensional Mapping of Archaeological and Sedimentary Deposits with Ground-penetrating Radar at Saruq al-Hadid, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A three-dimensional model of aeolian deposits interleaved with layers of cultural materials was created from the results of a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey at Saruq al Hadid, a multiperiod archaeological site located on the eastern fringe of the Rub al-Khali desert in the United Arab Emirates. Results from this survey provide some context for artefacts collected in prior excavations and offer valuable insight into the physical processes that shaped the present manifestation of the site. Concentrations of artefacts within the dune deposits and the possible footprints of architectural installations have been located through the examination of two-dimensional time slices and three-dimensional depictions of isosurfaces. A three-dimensional model of the dune interior, paired with absolute dates from related excavations, illustrates a history of occupation and sediment accumulation recorded at Saruq al-Hadid that is consistent with chronologies of environmental change and settlement proposed elsewhere for the third through first millennia bce. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectrum of qubit oscillations from generalized Bloch equations

We have developed a formalism suitable for calculation of the output spectrum of a detector continuously measuring quantum coherent oscillations in a solid-state qubit, starting from microscopic generalized Bloch equations. The results coincide with those obtained using Bayesian and master equation approaches. The previous results are generalized to the cases of arbitrary detector response and finite detector temperature.
THE INTERACTION OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE WITH AQUEOUS UREA. II. RATE ANALYSIS OF INFLUENCE OF UREA CONCENTRATION, TEMPERATURE AND PH.

Abstract It is proposed that dilute aq. urea interacts with collagen waters of hydration resulting in dehydration of the polypeptide chains. Isometric force is elevated transiently, and the rate-limiting step is believed to be diffusion of urea into the tendon. On this basis, a relationship from cylindrical-diffusion theory was applied to force-time data, and linearity between initial F2 and time was accepted as confirming the hypothesis. Conc. urea caused the force-velocity (ΔF/Δt) of degrading tendons to follow an expression involving the initial force-velocity ((ΔF/Δt)c), the terminal force-velocity ((ΔF/Δt)r), the rate constant (Kcr), and time (t): log· δF δt − δF δt r = log· δF δt c − δF δt r −K ert Lowering the solution temperature to 12° inhibited relaxation, and the F-t curves obeyed a rate law which can be deduced from the above equation by setting (ΔF/Δt)r equal to zero. Reheating to 40° induced relaxation which followed a new equation, I/F(ΔF/Δt) = A + Bt; this could not be deduced from the above rate law. Solution pH had a pronounced influence on relaxation rate. At pH 5.7 the relaxation rate was rapid, but at pH 8.5 it was retarded. Rate of relaxation changed proportionally in between these limits of pH. This rate analysis shows the empirical laws followed by the F-t data of collagen-enriched tissues undergoing chemical degradation. Since conc. aq. urea primarily causes or allows hydrogen-bond rupture to occur, these expressions provide a way to follow this type of bond-scission in collagen.
Revisiting two strong approximation results of Dudley and Philipp

We demonstrate the strength of a coupling derived from a Gaus- sian approximation of Zaitsev (1987a) by revisiting two strong approximation results for the empirical process of Dudley and Philipp (1983), and using the coupling to derive extended and refined versions of them.
OP11.04: Continuing education on NT: an exercise on caliper placement for NT measurement

Objectives: During the first trimester screening, NT measurement is one of the main components in calculating the risk for trisomies. Systematic error is common among accredited sonographers in audit trail. According to the Fetal Medicine Foundation criteria for NT measurement, the calipers should be placed at the thickest area of the subcutaneous translucency with the calipers’ arm flush with the line. The objective of this study is to observe the effectiveness of an alignment exercise in improving the accuracy of individual sonographers in caliper placement. Methods: Twenty mid sagittal pictures suitable for NT measurement were selected. Each picture is duplicated into a set of 4 pictures with different caliper placements. (A total of 20 sets= 80 pictures). Fifteen FMF accredited sonographers from two of the teaching hospitals in Singapore took part in the exercise. Twenty MCQ questions were created with these 20 sets of pictures. One out of each set of 4 pictures has the ideal caliper placement. The results were assessed anonymously using an electronic voting system. The aggregate scores were disclosed after each question. The same procedure was repeated again after a 20 minute short revision lecture on criteria of NT measurement by a FMF accredited trainer. The results were saved and statistically analysed for the individual and group accuracy of measurement before and after the lecture. Results: The results are shown in Table 1. Conclusions: There is a statistically significant improvement in caliper placement for FMF accredited sonographers after a caliper placement exercise and lecture. The improvement happened for the sonographers in both the hospital. Continuing education and refresher courses for caliper placement should be conducted from time to time to standardize the caliper placement for FMF accredited sonographers.
Some effects of the moisture distribution in the subcloud layer on the thermal structure of a mature severe thunderstorm

A four-layer, non-entraining axial-symmetric, steady-state model of a severe thunderstorm with a rotating updraft is used to study some effects of the low-level moisture fields on the thermal and dynamical structure of the storm. This model represents the third in a series of three models which have been produced at Saint Louis University. It differs from the other two which were developed by Lin & Martin (1971, 1972) by the fact that moisture becomes a specified input parameter rather than a deduced one. The three models have been checked to assure their internal consistency so that any one of them can be used to generate a common field of gridded variables depending upon the nature of the observed evidence at hand. The selective mix of observed and generated data within the updraft of the modelled storm, provided by the particular model of this respect, was used to evaluate (1) vertical velocities from the mass continuity equation, (2) moisture distribution in the subcloud layer from the continuity equation for water vapor, (3) the field of pressure based on the radial equation of motion, (4) the temperature field using the thermodynamic energy equation, and (5) moisture fluxes, latent heat releases and static energies utilizing the data obtained from (1) through (4). The results indicate that a substantial percentage of the latent beat releases within a storm must be confined to the lower portion of the atmosphere in order for a warm-core center to be maintained. The low-level relative humidity of the embedding environment was found to be a strong indicator of severe thunderstorm development. The “static energy differentials” between a storm and its environment are compared for a modelled and observed storm to illustrate certain agreements among the modelled and natural physical processes in operation. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1974.tb01632.x
A sample computation of kinematic properties from cloud motion vectors.

Distributions of relative vorticity and balanced height have been computed from the cloud velocities associated with the cloud structure of an extratropical cyclone over the continental United States during a three-day period in March 1970. Cloud motions are assigned either to a 'mid-level,' or to a 'high level.' Derived vorticity and balanced height are compared with concurrent National Meteorological Center (NMC) analyses and also with similar kinematic quantities obtained from rawins at three constant-pressure levels. The computations of relative vorticity using mid-level cloud motion vectors show encouraging results. Patterns of computed cyclonic vorticity are related to the development, location, and movement of the surface cyclone. The analyses suggest that the 'mid-level' corresponds best to the 700-mb level. The vorticity analysis from the 'high-level' motion vectors presented difficulties.
Adenovirus infections in solid organ transplant recipients.

Purpose of reviewAdenoviruses are emerging as important viral pathogens in solid organ transplant recipients, impacting morbidity, graft survival and even mortality. This review will discuss the current understanding of the epidemiology, diagnosis and therapy of adenovirus infection in transplant re
Convincing Students They Can Learn to Read: Crafting Self-Efficacy Prompts.

(2006). Convincing Students They Can Learn to Read: Crafting Self-efficacy Prompts. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 79, No. 6, pp. 252-257.