cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accommodating data heterogeneity in ULS systems

Ultra-Large Scale (ULS) systems comprise numerous software elements designed and implemented by independent stakeholders whose requirements may vary widely. Consequently, elements in a ULS system may use different data formats, which complicates integration of elements. Writing code to robustly convert data from one format to another requires time and skills that some programmers may lack. Worse, the stakeholders who control a software element may change the element's data format at any point in the future without warning, causing format incompatibility not foreseen during the ULS system's construction.To address heterogeneity of data formats, we present a new abstraction called "topes". Each tope describes one kind of data, including known formats of that data and rules for transforming values among formats. Labeling the inputs and outputs of software elements with topes raises the level of abstraction so that elements produce and consume certain kinds of data, rather than particular formats.
Effect of Inhibition of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme and/or Neutral Endopeptidase on Neuropathy in High-Fat-Fed C57Bl/6J Mice

We have demonstrated that treating diet-induced obese (DIO) mice with the vasopeptidase inhibitor ilepatril improved neural function. Vasopeptidase inhibitors block angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) activity. We propose that increased activity of ACE and NEP contributes to pathophysiology of DIO. To address this issue C57Bl/6J mice or mice deficient in NEP were fed a high-fat diet and treated with ilepatril, enalapril, ACE inhibitor, or candoxatril, NEP inhibitor, using both prevention and intervention protocols. Endpoints included glucose utilization and neural function determination. In the prevention study glucose tolerance was impaired in DIO C57Bl/6J mice and improved with ilepatril or enalapril. Sensory nerve conduction velocity, thermal nociception, and intraepidermal nerve fiber density were impaired in DIO C57Bl/6J mice and improved with ilepatril or candoxatril. In the intervention study only enalapril improved glucose tolerance. Sensory nerve conduction velocity and intraepidermal nerve fiber density were improved by all three treatments, whereas thermal nociception was improved by ilepatril or candoxatril. In NEP-deficient mice DIO impaired glucose utilization and this was improved with enalapril. Nerve function was not impaired by DIO in NEP-deficient mice. These studies suggest that ACE and NEP play a role in pathophysiology associated with DIO.
Elevated-Temperature R-Curve Behavior of a Polycrystalline Alumina

The fracture behavior of a polycrystalline alumina was examined at temperatures ranging from ambient through 1400°C, using three-point bend bar test specimens. R-curves were determined at all temperatures studied, and when accompanied by renotching procedures, a wake removal technique, conclusive evidence was provided to support the existence of a following wake region in this monolithic ceramic material. The crack closure stresses identified in this region are responsible for all toughening with crack extension observed in this study. Room-temperature “KIC” fracture toughness values of 4.5 MPa · m1/2 for the chevron-notch specimen and 3.9 MPa · m1/2 for the straight-notch configuration were obtained. The critical stress intensity factor of the renotched chevron-notch specimen compared very closely with that of the straight-notch specimen. These findings further confirm the toughening role of the microstructural features found in the following wake region. This paper considers, in detail, these observations in terms of the microstructure and its role in the toughening mechanism.
Transitioning Students With Disabilities: Community College Policies and Practices

The purpose of this article is to propose an expanded conceptual model, Transition to Community College (TtCC). Based on a review of the literature, the proposed model extends the work of Garrison-Wade and Lehmann as a revised transition framework to be used to guide the development and evaluation of disability policies, practices, and programs. Exemplary changes in the laws, policies, practices, and responsibilities from the secondary to the postsecondary setting are presented. Recommendations for secondary and postsecondary leaders and researchers are offered.
Structural analysis of metalloform-selective inhibition of methionine aminopeptidase.

One of the challenges in the development of methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) inhibitors as antibacterial and anticancer agents is to define the metal ion actually used by MetAP in vivo and to discover MetAP inhibitors that can inhibit the metalloform that is relevant in vivo. Two distinct classes of novel nonpeptidic MetAP inhibitors that are not only potent but also highly selective for either the MnII or CoII form have been identified. Three crystal structures of Escherichia coli MetAP complexed with the metalloform-selective inhibitors 5-(2,5-dichlorophenyl)furan-2-carboxylic acid (2), 5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]furan-2-carboxylic acid (3) and N-cyclopentyl-N-(thiazol-2-yl)oxalamide (4) have been solved and analysis of these structures has revealed the structural basis for their metalloform-selective inhibition. The MnII-form selective inhibitors (2) and (3) both use their carboxylate group to coordinate with the two MnII ions at the dinuclear metal site and both adopt a non-coplanar conformation for the two aromatic rings. The unique coordination geometry of these inhibitors may determine their MnII-form selectivity. In contrast, the CoII-form selective inhibitor (4) recruits an unexpected third metal ion, forming a trimetallic enzyme–metal–inhibitor complex. Thus, an important factor in the selectivity of (4) for the CoII form may be a consequence of a greater preference for a softer N,O-donor ligand for the softer CoII.
The Minus End-Directed Motor Kar3 Is Required for Coupling Dynamic Microtubule Plus Ends to the Cortical Shmoo Tip in Budding Yeast

The budding yeast shmoo tip is a model system for analyzing mechanisms coupling force production to microtubule plus-end polymerization/depolymerization. Dynamic plus ends of astral microtubules interact with the shmoo tip in mating yeast cells, positioning nuclei for karyogamy. We have used live-cell imaging of GFP fusions to identify proteins that couple dynamic microtubule plus ends to the shmoo tip. We find that Kar3p, a minus end-directed kinesin motor protein, is required, whereas the other cytoplasmic motors, dynein and the kinesins Kip2p and Kip3p, are not. In the absence of Kar3p, attached microtubule plus ends released from the shmoo tip when they switched to depolymerization. Furthermore, microtubules in cells expressing kar3-1, a mutant that results in rigor binding to microtubules [2], were stabilized specifically at shmoo tips. Imaging of Kar3p-GFP during mating revealed that fluorescence at the shmoo tip increased during periods of microtubule depolymerization. These data are the first to localize the activity of a minus end-directed kinesin at the plus ends of microtubules. We propose a model in which Kar3p couples depolymerizing microtubule plus ends to the cell cortex and the Bim1p-Kar9p protein complex maintains attachment during microtubule polymerization. In support of this model, analysis of Bim1p-GFP at the shmoo tip results in a localization pattern complementary to that of Kar3p-GFP.
Dimetrodon: processor-level preventive thermal management via idle cycle injection

Processor-level dynamic thermal management techniques have long targeted worst-case thermal margins. We examine the thermal-performance trade-offs in average-case, preventive thermal management by actively degrading application performance to achieve long-term thermal control. We propose Dimetrodon, the use of idle cycle injection, a flexible, per-thread technique, as a preventive thermal management mechanism and demonstrate its efficiency compared to hardware techniques in a commodity operating system on real hardware under throughput and latency-sensitive real-world workloads. Compared to inflexible hardware techniques, Dimet-rodon achieves favorable trade-offs for temperature reductions up to 30% due to rapid heat dissipation during short idle intervals.
Beyond Lipids : The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Fish Oil in the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease

Omega-3 fatty acid therapy shows great promise in the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease. A meta-analysis of recent omega-3 trials shows reductions of coronary heart disease mortality of 36% (95% CI, 20%-50%; P<0.001) and total mortality of 17% (95% CI, 0%-32%; P=0.046). Some of the potential mechanisms for cardiovascular protection include a reduction in cardiac arrhythmias and plaque stabilization. Since the publication of the landmark GISSI-Prevenzione trial, there have been three major intermediate cardiovascular endpoint studies in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and one large trial, the Japan EPA Lipid Interventional Study (JELIS) trial, which involved 18,645 Japanese patients in primary and secondary prevention. The three studies with ICD patients have been mixed, with favorable trends toward reduction in the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in some but not all of the studies. Results of the recent JELIS trial in a Japanese population already consuming a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids showed a 19% risk reduction in major coronary events. Most of the reductions were in unstable angina and nonfatal coronary events, but not in sudden death and cardiovascular mortality. The totality of evidence suggests greater benefits with omega-3 fatty acids in secondary prevention than primary prevention and in populations consuming low amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
Synthesis of [14CO]ellagic acid

[14CO]Ellagic acid with a chemical purity of 98.9% and radiochemical purity of 99.9% was synthesized with an overall yield of 16% (both chemically and radiochemically). Reaction of 14CO2 with lithiated 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzene and demethylation of the resulting 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid was followed by esterification and coupling of methyl gallate into ellagic acid. Two efficient coupling methods were employed: direct aeration and aeration of methyl gallate in the presence of the phenolic oxidase, tyrosinase. The latter method produced the highest yield and purity. This preparation produced [14CO]ellagic acid with a specific activity of 20 mCi/mmol. The yields of labeled 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid and ellagic acid based on Ba14CO3 were 65% and 16%, respectively.
Bayesian forecasting and portfolio decisions using dynamic dependent sparse factor models

We extend the recently introduced latent threshold dynamic models to include dependencies among the dynamic latent factors which underlie multivariate volatility. With an ability to induce time-varying sparsity in factor loadings, these models now also allow time-varying correlations among factors, which may be exploited in order to improve volatility forecasts. We couple multi-period, out-of-sample forecasting with portfolio analysis using standard and novel benchmark neutral portfolios. Detailed studies of stock index and FX time series include: multi-period, out-of-sample forecasting, statistical model comparisons, and portfolio performance testing using raw returns, risk-adjusted returns and portfolio volatility. We find uniform improvements on all measures relative to standard dynamic factor models. This is due to the parsimony of latent threshold models and their ability to exploit between-factor correlations so as to improve the characterization and prediction of volatility. These advances will be of interest to financial analysts, investors and practitioners, as well as to modeling researchers.
Application of high hydrostatic pressure to decontaminate green onions from Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Abstract Consumption of fecally contaminated green onions has been implicated in several major outbreaks of foodborne illness. The objectives of this study were to investigate the survival and growth of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in green onions during storage and to assess the application of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) to decontaminate green onions from both pathogens. Bacterial strains resistant to nalidixic acid and streptomycin were used to inoculate green onions at low (∼1 log cfu/g) and high (∼2 log cfu/g) inoculum levels which were then kept at 4 or 22 °C for up to 14 days. Both pathogens grew to an average of 5–6 log cfu/g during storage at 22 °C and the bacterial populations were fairly stable during storage at 4 °C. High-pressure processing of inoculated green onions in the un-wetted, wetted (briefly dipped in water) or soaked (immersed in water for 30 min) conditions at 250–500 MPa for 2 min at 20 °C reduced the population of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 by 0.6 to >5 log cfu/g, depending on the pressure level and sample wetness state. The extent of pressure inactivation increased in the order of soaked > wetted > un-wetted state. The pressure sensitivity of the pathogens was also higher at elevated treatment temperatures. Overall, after pressure treatment at 400–450 MPa (soaked) or 450–500 MPa (wetted) for a retention time of 2 min at 20–40 °C, wild-type and antibiotic-resistant mutant strains of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 inoculated on green onions were undetectable immediately after treatment and throughout the 15-day storage at 4 °C. The pressure treatments also had minimal adverse impact on most sensorial characteristics as well as on the instrumental color of chopped green onions. This study highlights the promising applications of HHP to minimally process green onions in order to alleviate the risks of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 infections associated with the consumption of this commodity.
Photophysiology in two major Southern Ocean phytoplankton taxa: Photoprotection in Phaeocystis antarctica and Fragilariopsis cylindrus

Phytoplankton communities in the Ross Sea, Antarctica, are characterized by the haptophyte Phaeocystis antarctica Karsten, which dominates deep mixed layers, and diatoms, including Fragilariopsis cylindrus Grunow, that thrive in shallower mixed layers. To investigate whether differences in photoprotective strategies explain these distributions, photosynthetic parameters, pigments, and fluorescence properties were measured in cultures grown under several irradiance regimes and during acclimation to increased irradiance. In P. antarctica, cellular concentrations of all pigments declined with increasing growth irradiance under continuous light, but xanthophyll cycle pigment concentrations increased with increasing irradiance under dynamic conditions without changes in chlorophyll. In contrast, F. cylindrus exhibited declines in chlorophyll cell−1 with increasing irradiance under both continuous and dynamic conditions, but xanthophyll cycle cell21 pigments increased under continuous irradiance and declined under dynamic irradiance. P. antarctica did not exhibit non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) unless exposed to irradiance in excess of the mean growth irradiance. F. cylindrus exhibited NPQ in response to lower irradiances but displayed less photoinhibitory quenching than P. antarctica after exposure to very high irradiance. Inhibitor experiments suggest that both taxa rely upon xanthophyll cycle photoprotection to maintain photosynthetic performance but only P. antarctica relies heavily upon protein synthesis, presumably for D1 protein repair. F. cylindrus can thrive in shallow mixed layers because its high capacity for heat dissipation minimizes photoinhibition. P. antarctica utilizes xanthophyll cycle photoprotection to a lesser degree, but is able to dominate deeper mixed layers by effectively repairing the photodamage incurred when it is mixed to the surface.
Molecular analysis of infectious bursal disease virus from bursal tissues collected on FTA filter paper.

Abstract We investigated the feasibility of using FTA® filter cards for the storage of bursas of Fabricius containing infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and for IBDV detection by reverse transcriptase (RT)–polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and characterization by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) or nucleotide sequencing. The FTA® card is a cotton-based cellulose membrane containing lyophilized chemicals that lyses many types of bacteria and viruses. IBDV was inactivated upon contact with the FTA® as shown by the inability of the virus to be propagated in embryonating chicken eggs. Viral RNA in minced bursas or stamped bursas could be amplified by RT-PCR (VP2 gene fragment, 248 base pairs) after storage on FTA® for at least 15 days at room temperature or 8 mo at −20 C. Analytical sensitivity of the test was between 0.5–5 ng of RNA template or 5 × 101 mean tissue culture infective dose (TCID50)/FTA® spot. Detection rate of IBDV in domestic clinical samples collected on FTA® or collected by...
Incorporation of a High Performance, Four-Cylinder, Four-Stroke Motorcycle Engine into a Snowmobile Application

For the 2003 and 2004 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenges, the successful implementation of a clean, quiet, high-performance four-stroke motorcycle engine into an existing snowmobile chassis was achieved. For the 2005 Challenge, a new motor and chassis were selected to continue the development of a four cylinder, four stroke powered snowmobile. The snowmobile is as powerful as today’s production performance models, as nimble as production touring sleds, easy to start, and environmentally friendly. This report describes the conversion process in detail with actual dynamometer, emissions, noise, and field test data, and also provides analysis of the development processes and data. The vehicle meets the proposed 2012 EPA snowmobile emissions regulations and is significantly quieter than a stock snowmobile.
Sarbanes-Oxley and the Culmination of Internal Control Development: A Study of Reactive Evolution

In an effort to mute criticisms over the lack of oversight by the government, the Congress passed a sweeping regulatory reform act that became known as Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. It was hoped that such an act would also calm the fears of investors in a run-away bear-market and bring confidence back to corporate financial reporting. The results of the act will be studied for many years, but it is fairly clear that it may well be the culmination of a century of development of internal control definitions, applications and procedures by both private and public governmental entities. For example, the American Institute of CPAs, between 1947 and 2001, issued no less than a dozen audit standards on the issues related to internal controls, fraud recognition and prevention. Sarbanes-Oxley caps this process of internal control development through its requirement that internal controls must be reviewed and reported on in the annual report. Finally, as Sarbanes-Oxley itself shows, this evolution of the internal control process has been reactive in nature and did not develop in a proactive way to stem corporate reporting problems.
Vocal displays under water by the gray seal, the harbor seal,. and the stellar sea lion

Study was made of the vocal repertoires of three species of seals and sea lions which, until now, have been reported as not being very vocal under water. Sonograms of underwater vocalizations are presented for the gray seal and the harbor seal for the first time. In all cases, underwater vocalization occurred within a social context, and it was noted that many of the vocalizations emitted under water may also be emitted in air.
The Archaeology of Pineland: A Coastal Southwest Florida Site Complex, A.D. 50–1710

The Archaeology of Pineland: A Coastal Southwest Florida Site Complex, A.D. 50–1710. Edited by William H. Marquardt and Karen J. Walker. Institute of Archaeology and Paleoenvironmental Studies, Mon...
Feeding, Mating, and Oviposition Studies of the Horse Flies Tabanus lineola and T. fuscicostatus (Diptera: Tabanidae)

Laboratory studies of field-collected adults of T. lineola F. and T. fuscicostatus Hine indicated that females of these species consume a multiple number of complete blood meals. A blood meal is required for each oviposition by both species, although T. fuscicostatus may deposit several small egg masses rather than a single large mass. Females of both species may oviposit more than 1 complete mass, and mating occurs prior to feeding on blood. Females of each species will survive only 4–5 days under laboratory conditions when denied carbohydrates, even though offered blood daily.
A Notation for Infinite Manifolds

I wish to introduce a notation for the content of a manifold of geometric objects depending on arbitrary functions. Our symbolism has been found useful in problems of geometry and physics, especially those depending on systems of partial differential equations. The notation was first mentioned in my review of Riquier's treatise on differential systems. (See Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society, 1912.) The content of a set of geometric objects, each uniquely determined by n arbitrary constants, is denoted by the familiar notation oon. Thus the number of points in ordinary space is oo 3, and the totality of events in Einstein space is oo 4. There are oo 4straight lines in space. The conics of the plane are oo I in number, whereas the number in space is 00 8. There are oo I quadric surfaces in space. The number of orbits of conceivable planets in the solar system obeying Kepler's laws is oo 5. A rigid body moving freely in space has 6 degrees of freedom. The number of possible positions is 0 6. Although the preceding sets are quite large in content, we soon meet manifolds which are very much more extensive. For example, consider the totality of curves in space; this depends on two arbitrary functions of a single variable, that is, y and z are arbitrary functions of x. This set would be of the type oo X since the number of arbitrary constants is endless. But this vague symbol would represent also the number of surfaces in space, which depends on one arbitrary function of two variables, that is, z is an arbitrary function of x and y. Therefore to distinguish between these two obviously distinct manifolds, we suggest that the number of curves in space be denoted by the symbol oo 2 f (1) and the number of surfaces by the symbol oo 1 f (2). As another example, the number of cylinders in space is oo 2+1 f(1), because a cylinder is determined by selecting an arbitrary curve in a fixed plane as base and an arbitrary direction in space for the generators. The 2 denotes two arbitrary constants and may be denoted by 2 f(0). Hence the totality of cylinders in space is oo 2 f(O)+1 f(l). Similarly, we find that the total set of cones in space is o3f (0)+1f(1)* Of course usually we may omitf(0) without ambiguity. We make the following definition: Let a manifold M depend on ro constants, r1functions of 1 variable, r2 functions of 2 variables, * * * , rkfunctions of k variables. Then the content of M is expressed by the symbol
Personnel allocation of school doctors and health teachers in primary and middle schools and their working status in Donghai County of Jiangsu

[Objective] To understand the personnel allocation,specialty structure of school doctors(health teachers) in primary and middle schools in Donghai County of Jiangsu,put forward corresponding countermeasures,so as to improve the health care in schools.[Methods] The field investigation was conducted by professionals who had been trained,the self-made questionnaire for school infirmary(health office) was adopted,and the combination of consulting data,field investigation and interview was applied on survey.[Results] 62.7% of schools had full-time school doctors,but only 54.8% of school doctors were enrolled staff member of schools,and 40.5% of school doctors had practitioner qualification certificate.The average ratio of students to school doctors was 2 110∶ 1.71.1% of full-time school doctors and health teachers were under 40 years old,93.4% had college degree,88.8% had primary professional title or no professional title,and 86.7% had received health training at county-level or above.[Conclusion] The schools in Donghai County face a serious shortage of school doctors(health teachers),their education ground is not good,and professionals are insufficient.In order to solve the problems of lack of school doctors and health teachers,the health care of schools can be managed by township hospital,and it is necessary to carry out the integrated service of diagnosis and treatment,health care,prevention and control of infectious diseases and common diseases,as well as health education.
On the use of Nafion® in electrochemical studies of carbon supported oxygen reduction catalysts in aqueous media

Abstract The paper presents the results of a voltammetric and rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) study of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyzed by Fe and Co porphyrins and phthalocyanines adsorbed on a high surface area carbon (Vulcan XC72) and by carbon supported Pt catalysts in presence of various quantities of Nafion®. The results demonstrate that the hydrophobic backbone of Nafion® self assembles on nanoparticles of common carbon supports of ORR catalysts. The phenomenon is promoted by the attractive interactions of the backbone with the graphitic surfaces of carbon particles. It leads to a significant ORR inhibition as a result of the spillover of the hydrophobic Nafion® component onto the catalyst particles. The extent of the inhibition depends on the type and the amount of the catalyst on the carbon surface and the degree of carbon surface graphitization. The activity of the transition metal macrocycles is suppressed by up to two orders of magnitude, whereas that of low Pt loading (4.8%) catalysts by less than one order of magnitude. The results demonstrate a great risk of incorrect catalyst activity determinations when using even very small Nafion® quantities as the catalyst ink dispersing agent.
Melts, mush, and more: Evidence for the state of intermediate-to-silicic arc magmatic systems

Understanding the physical state of intermediate-to-silicic arc magmatic systems is necessary for our petrologic models of these systems. Researchers have generated a plethora of data—geophysical, geochronological, petrological, theoretical—over the past few decades. These data have changed how we view arc magmatic systems, leading to a model of crystal mush that is rejuvenated repeatedly over the lifespan of the magmatic system. However, much data are either circumstantial or incomplete. Paterson et al. (2016; October issue) use a combined set of textural, geochemical, and temporal data to demonstrate the changing physical state of the Tuolumne Intrusive Complex in California over its ~10 million year history. They offer evidence for magmatic erosion and recycling, along with the potential for a “surge growth” of the batholith that allows for significant volumes of magma to exist ephemerally under arc volcanoes. Most intermediate-to-silicic arc magmas (henceforth “arc magma”) are stored ≥3 km depth, so direct observation is impossible. Instead this question has been approached in four main ways: (1) geophysical inspections of active arcs; (2) mineral geochronology; (3) field observations of plutons and; (4) thermal and physical modeling of magmatic systems. Each of these four avenues has their own strengths and shortcomings. Many times the interpretation of these data appears to be at odds. Some overarching observations can be made about what we know of the state of active intermediate-to-silicic arc magmatic systems: Geophysical observations (such as seismic tomography) have yielded little evidence for large bodies of fully molten magma persistently underneath arc volcanoes. If anything, only small lenses of partial melt are observed at …
Tributes to the Late Harold Isaacs, ATWS Founder and JTWS Editor: Reflections on His Life and Legacy

The following thirteen papers were delivered on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at the Thirty-Third Annual Conference of ATWS in Quito, Ecuador. Each was read either by the author, or by a substitute ATWS member in cases where the author could not be present (in my case, for example). They reflect in small measure the profound sense of loss and gratitude felt by everyone who knew Harold Isaacs. Following these papers is a summary of tributes offered by association members who have formed the African Social Research Forum, smartly and beautifully expressed by Dr. Abdul Karim Bangura. Finally, readers will find assorted tributes and reflections sent in by friends and colleagues of Dr. Isaacs. In sum, this collection represents a fraction of the heartfelt outpouring of those who loved, admired, and benefitted from our late founder and editor. It is now up to those of us who cherish his memory and his legacy, the ATWS and the JTWS, to find a path forward and ensure the continued vitality and relevance of this association (akin to a large family without any distinctions of race, religion, socio-economic status, or culture – but with a common mission and benevolent spirit) and its journal. We live in a troubled and complex world, but our strong bond is a shared desire to promote greater understanding between peoples, more peace, richer lives, and social justice globally. This was Dr. Isaacs’ lifelong quest, and I am confident that we, the members of ATWS, will keep the dream alive. If you did not know Dr. Isaacs personally, it is even more important that you read the following pages in order to gain insights into his remarkable life. Hopefully, you will be inspired to join ATWS (if you have not done so yet) or to dedicate more time and energy to the association (if you are already a member). The path forward may be daunting, but it is unthinkable to abandon our dream when the world is most in need of it.
Creating a Team Tutor Using GIFT

With the movement in education towards collaborative learning, it is becoming more important that learners be able to work together in groups and teams. Intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) have been used successfully to teach individuals, but so far only a few ITSs have been used for the purpose of training teams. This is due to the difficulty of creating such systems. An ITS for teams must be able to assess complex interactions between team members (team skills) as well as the way they interact with the system itself (task skills). Assessing team skills can be difficult because they contain social components such as communication and coordination that are not readily quantifiable. This article addresses these difficulties by developing a framework to guide the authoring process for team tutors. The framework is demonstrated using a case study about a particular team tutor that was developed using a military surveillance scenario for teams of two. The Generalized Intelligent Framework for Tutoring (GIFT) software provided the team tutoring infrastructure for this task. A new software architecture required to support the team tutor is described. This theoretical framework and the lessons learned from its implementation offer conceptual scaffolding for future authors of ITSs.
Consistently achieving lowest losses with dual-loop finite-settling-step DC-to-DC converter control by using real-time parameter estimation

The fast command tracking provided by the dual-loop fast finite-settling-step (FSS) control for a DC-to-DC converter has been shown to have more energy saving capability than using the conventional PID controller. FSS control is developed based on the accurate nonlinear converter modeling. Thus, circuit parameter mismatch can affect the performance of FSS control so that the loss minimization capability degrades. A model reference adaptive system (MRAS) is developed in this paper to provide real-time estimation of series inductance and output capacitance. The estimated parameters are updated for the dual-loop FSS control system in every switching period. This paper develops the theory and evaluates the loss minimization consistency achieved on an automotive traction drive DC-to-DC converter.
Pacifists and Revenge-Seekers in Response to Unambiguous Peer Provocation

In order to better understand why some children retaliate when they feel provoked and others do not, the present study identified “pacifistically-oriented” children who made negative interpretations in response to unambiguous provocations, yet did not endorse revenge goals, and compared them to “revenge-seeking” children who also made negative interpretations but did endorse revenge goals. Groups were identified based on seventh graders’ (N = 367; 54.77% male; 22.89% racial/ethnic minority) responses to hypothetical situations in which a peer excluded and insulted them. Comparing these groups revealed that Pacifists endorsed relationship-maintaining goals and emotion regulation goals more highly than Revenge-Seekers. Revenge-Seekers reported more anger and endorsed beliefs about negative reciprocity and aggression being legitimate more highly than Pacifists. Additionally, Revenge-Seekers were more disrespect sensitive than were Pacifists, based on a measure of vigilance for signs of disrespect and expectations that others would disrespect them. Together these findings point to social-cognitive and emotion-related processes that may inhibit revenge-seeking in unambiguous provocation situations, even when children interpret the peer’s behavior quite negatively.
Use of microelectrode near-field signals to determine catheter contact.

Background The utility of standard distal bipolar electrograms (sEGMs) for assessing catheter-tissue contact may be obscured by the presence of far-field signals. Microelectrode electrograms (mEGMs) may overcome this limitation. Methods We compared 5 mEGM characteristics (amplitude, frequency content, temporal signal variability, presence of injury current, and amplitude differential between bipoles) with the sEGM for determining tissue contact in 20 patients undergoing ablation of typical atrial flutter. Visualization of catheter-tissue contact by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) served as the gold standard for assessing contact. Correlation between electrograms and ICE-verified contact level was reported as percent concordance. Results Three of 5 mEGM characteristics demonstrated significantly better concordance with ICE-verified contact level than the sEGM (52% concordance with ICE): mEGM frequency content (59% concordance with ICE, P < .001 for comparison with sEGM); mEGM amplitude (concordance 59%, P < .001); and mEGM presence of injury current (56% concordance, P = .001). Concordance of amplitude differential between mEGM bipoles with ICE (49%) was not significantly different than the sEGM (P = .638) whereas mEGM temporal variability (39%) was significantly worse than the sEGM. Using a median of all 5 mEGM characteristics provided additive information (concordance with ICE 64%) and was significantly better than all of the individual mEGM characteristics except frequency content (P = .976). Conclusion Microelectrode EGMs (in particular frequency content, amplitude, and presence of injury current) can improve real-time assessment of catheter contact compared to the use of standard bipolar EGMs. Broader use of mEGMs may enhance ablation efficacy.
Comparing Governance and Local Engagement in the St. Marys River Area of Concern

Under the 1987 revisions to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between Canada and the United States, Areas of Concern (AOC) were designated around the Great Lakes to target the remediation of ...
Functional Linguistic Strategies of Blind Children

The conversational language strategies of six totally blind children were compared to those of a similarly aged group of six sighted children to determine if blindness strongly influences the use o...
Audio Information Retrieval (AIR) Tools.

Most of the work in music Information Retrieval (MIR) and analysis has been performed using symbolic representation like MIDI. The recent advances in computing power and network connectivity have made large amounts of raw digital audio data available in the form of unstructured monolithic sound files. In this work the focus is on tools that work directly on real world audio data without attempting to transcribe the music. To distinguish from symbolic−based music IR for the remainder of the paper we use the term audio IR (AIR) to refer to techniques that work directly on raw audio signals. Obviously these signals can contain music as well as other types of audio like speech. We describe a series of tools based on current and newly developed techniques for AIR integrated under MARSYAS, our framework for audio analysis. For related work refer to (Foote, 1999). The tools developed are based on Signal Processing, Pattern Recognition and Visualization techniques. Finally, due to the immature state of the available techniques and to the inherent complexity of the task it is important to take advantage of the human user in the system. We have developed two user interfaces to integrate and improve our techniques: an augmented sound editor and TimbreGrams a novel graphical representation for soundfiles. The previously unpublished contributions of this paper are the genre classification method, the segmentation− based retrieval and summarization, and the definition of the TimbreGram. Feature−based audio analysis The developed analysis tools are based on the calculation of short−time feature vectors. The signal is processed in small chunks so that its statistical characteristics are relativily stable. For each chunk some form of spectral analysis is performed and based on that analysis a vector of feature values is calculated. In our system features based on FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analysis, MPEG filterbank analysis, LPC (Linear Predictive Coding) and MFCC (Mel−Frequency cepstrum coefficients) are supported. In addition derivatives and running statistics are used to express temporal changes. The flexible architecture of MARSYAS allows the easy integration and experimentation of new features. Based on the calculated features different types of audio analysis processes can be performed.
Health Planning for a New Technology: Computerized Tomography Planning Issues in 1975 and 1976

Public Law 93–641 divided the United States into just over 200 Health System Agencies (HSA’s) with several important and broad-based charges. Among these are limiting duplication of services, preventing unnecessary proliferation of expensive equipment, and ensuring equal access to necessary health services for the entire population. The responsibility for health planning resides within these HSA’s and is indeed at the local level. Although they are unique, their needs for information relating to emerging new technologies are generically similar.
A male pseudohermaphrodite with a dicentric Y chromosome. Autoradiographic study.

A 13-year-old male pseudohermaphrodite (mixed gonadal dysgenesis, unilateral testicular differentiation) was found to be a chromosomal mosaic of the 45, XO/46, XY type, the Y chromosome being a symmetrical dicentric chromosome. Presumed Y chromosomes similar to this one have been observed before, but their identification was not supported by autoradiographic data. In the present study the identification of the dicentric as a Y chromosome was supported by observing a relatively late DNA replication during the S period. The differentiation of testicular tissue on one side may be related to the presence of short arm material of the Y chromosome in the genome of the XY dic cells.
The Effects of Bystander Programs on the Prevention of Sexual Assault across the College Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Research on sexual assault prevention programs implemented with young people has largely failed to examine program effects between age groups. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes data from 15 high quality studies (N= 6104) examining the effects of sexual assault prevention bystander programs on bystander efficacy, intentions, and intervention across the college years. Findings indicate bystander programs have a significant, desirable effect on all three outcomes. Effects on bystander intentions were significantly stronger among students in their first two years compared to those in their later years of college. There was no evidence of a significant difference in effects on bystander efficacy or intervention between these two groups. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Heat Waves, the New Normal: Summertime Temperature Extremes Will Impact Animals, Ecosystems, and Human Communities

A consequence of climate change is the increased frequency and severity of extreme heat waves. This is occurring now as most of the warmest summers and most intense heat waves ever recorded have been during the past decade. In this review, I describe the ways in which animals and human populations are likely to respond to increased extreme heat, suggest how to study those responses, and reflect on the importance of those studies for countering the devastating impacts of climate change.
Human Cognition, Evolution of

Abstract Investigations from diverse domains of study – from developmental and comparative psychology to developmental biology, evolutionary theory, and paleoarchaeology – have been converging to offer a fresh understanding of the evolution of modern human cognition. This emerging picture suggests that our hominid ancestors engaged in complex forms of cooperative social processes and protocultural practices and that Homo sapiens evolved in relation to the functional opportunities afforded by these background ecological conditions. Particularly significant is the emergence of processes supporting the cross-generational transmission of information during ontogeny and the pedagogical and technical means to preserve the knowledge gains of prior generations.
Material Legacies: Italian modernism and the postwar history of case del fascio

In recent decades, architectural historians, preservationists, and the general public have shown a growing interest in Fascist-era buildings. Many of the most high-profile examples are those associated with the monumental excesses of the regime. However, new attention has also been focused on more modest buildings that are significant examples of interwar Italian modernism or Rationalism, including former party headquarters (case del fascio). Taking as primary examples works by Giuseppe Terragni, the architect most often associated with Rationalism, as well by Luigi Carlo Danieri and Luigi Vietti, whose interwar contributions to Italian modernism have been less often the focus of scholarly attention, this article traces the postwar histories of case del fascio with the aim of better understanding the ways in which architecture and politics intersect and some of the consequences of this for the contemporary Italian architectural landscape.
Evidence for Terahertz Self-Starting Mirrorless Acoustic Phonon Parametric Oscillator with Distributed Feedback

Evidence is presented for a 1.0-THz acoustic phonon parametric oscillator produced by acousto-optic phase-conjugate degenerate four-wave mixing in a THz-laser- pumped silicon doping superlattice. Coherent nanosecond-pulsed THz compressional and shear waves with different pumping thresholds were observed.
Live Discharge From Hospice Due to Acute Hospitalization: The Role of Neighborhood Socioeconomic Characteristics and Race/Ethnicity.

Background Acute hospitalization is a frequent reason for live discharge from hospice. Although risk factors for live discharge among hospice patients have been well documented, prior research has not examined the role of neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics, or how these characteristics relate to racial/ethnic disparities in hospice outcomes. Objective To examine associations between neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics and risk for live discharge from hospice because of acute hospitalization. The authors also explore the moderating role of race/ethnicity in any observed relationship. Research design Retrospective cohort study using electronic medical records of hospice patients (N=17,290) linked with neighborhood-level socioeconomic data (N=55 neighborhoods). Multilevel models were used to identify the independent significance of patient and neighborhood-level characteristics for risk of live discharge because of acute hospitalization. Results Compared with the patients in the most well-educated and affluent sections of New York City [quartile (Q)4], the odds of live discharge from hospice because of acute hospitalization were greater among patients who resided in neighborhoods where lower proportions of residents held college degrees [Q1 adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-1.75; Q2 AOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.07-1.84] and median household incomes were lower (Q1 AOR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.10-1.85; Q2 AOR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.10-1.85; Q3 AOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.07-1.80). However, these observed relationships were not equally distributed by patient race/ethnicity; the association of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and risk for live discharge was significantly lower among Hispanic compared with white patients. Conclusions Findings demonstrate neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage poses a significant risk for live discharge from hospice. Additional research is needed to clarify the social mechanisms underlying this association, including greater attention to the experiences of hospice patients from under-represented racial/ethnic groups.
Smoking and pregnancy: The era of electronic nicotine delivery systems:

Electronic nicotine delivery systems have been commercially available in the United States since 2007. Despite a decrease in combustible cigarette use, electronic nicotine delivery systems use has dramatically increased among both adults and adolescents. These devices have been marketed as smoking cessation aids, although data on their efficacy are scarce. Pregnant women are an especially vulnerable population susceptible to claims of safety and efficacy, and the medical community remains inadequately informed on how to counsel these women. The purpose of this article is to review known literature regarding the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems in pregnancy, to understand the differences between cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems use in pregnancy, and to further guide clinicians on how to advise the pregnant woman on their use.
A study on the image of optical coherence tomography of choroidal neovascularization in pathologic myopia

Objective To investigate on the image futures of OCT of CNV in pathologic myopia, and to analyze that if the ocular axial length and dilopter had any correlation of development of CNV. Methods Thirty-four patients (sixty eyes) were diagnosed as myopia from November 2004 to June 2006 at FUSHUN OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL.All patients were examined under A scan、B scan、diopter、FFA and OCT.CNV was detected by OCT and FFA .Record the pathologic change on the macula. The condition of 50 eyes with oc- ular axial length ≥ 26mm diopter ≥-6.00D (test group) was compared with other 10 eyes with axial 0.1).Conclusion The longer of AL and higher of D , the more dangerous of development of CNV. The AL and D have correlation of development of CNV. OCT and FFA both have higher sensitivity on detecting CNV. OCT have characteristic image of CNV in patho- logic myopia and it can find pathological change of CNV in pathologic myopia early, safely and correctly. The results suggest that OCT is a valuable detection for CNV in pathologic myopia. Key words: Pathologic myopia; CNV(choroidal neovascularization); OCT(optical coherence tomog-raphy); FFA(fundus fluorescein angiography)