cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mapping and quantifying Sargassum distribution and coverage in the Central West Atlantic using MODIS observations

Abstract Sargassum washing ashore on the beaches of the Caribbean Islands since 2011 has caused problems for the local environments, tourism, and economies. Although preliminary results of Sargassum distributions in the nearby oceans have been obtained using measurements from the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS), MERIS stopped functioning in 2012, and detecting and quantifying Sargassum distributions still face technical challenges due to ambiguous pixels from clouds, cloud shadows, cloud adjacency effect, and large-scale image gradient. In this paper, a novel approach is developed to detect Sargassum presence and to quantify Sargassum coverage using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) alternative floating algae index (AFAI), which examines the red-edge reflectance of floating vegetation. This approach includes three basic steps: 1) classification of Sargassum-containing pixels through correction of large-scale gradient, masking clouds and cloud shadows, and removal of ambiguous pixels; 2) linear unmixing of Sargassum-containing pixels; and, 3) statistics of Sargassum area coverage in pre-defined grids at monthly, seasonal, and annual intervals. In the absence of direct field measurements to validate the results, limited observations from the Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO) measurements and numerous local reports support the conclusion that the elevated AFAI signals are due to the presence of Sargassum instead of other floating materials, and various sensitivity analyses are used to quantify the uncertainties in the derived Sargassum area coverage. The approach was applied to MODIS observations between 2000 and 2015 over the Central West Atlantic (CWA) region (0–22°N, 63–38°W) to derive the spatial and temporal distribution patterns as well as the total area coverage of Sargassum. Results indicate that the first widespread Sargassum distribution event occurred in 2011, consistent with previous MERIS findings. Since 2011, only 2013 showed a minimal Sargassum coverage similar to the period of 2000 to 2010; all other years showed significantly more coverage. More alarmingly, the summer months of 2015 showed mean coverage of > 2000 km2, or about 4 times of the summer 2011 coverage and 20 times of the summer 2000 to 2010 coverage. Analysis of several environmental variables provided some hints on the reasons causing the inter-annual changes after 2010, yet further multi-disciplinary research (including in situ measurements) is required to understand such changes and long-term trends in Sargassum coverage.
Implementing the component-based software engineering in embedded systems

It is thought that the component-based software engineering can not be used in the embedded systems. This thought is the result of the features of embedded systems. Embedded systems have some unique concerns such as resource constraints, real-time or dependability requirements. These issues make using the component-based software engineering into the embedded systems field more difficult. The aim of this work is to show that it possible to make use of component-based concept in the embedded systems. This paper considers the basic overview of component-based model and general issues about embedded systems. The core issue is providing an example showing that how useful to implement an embedded system using the component-based software engineering.
Variability in Foot and Ankle Case Volume in Orthopaedic Residency Training

Surgical case volume during orthopaedic surgical residency is a concern among trainees and program directors alike. With an ongoing trend toward further subspecialization and the rapid development ...
The crystal structures of yavapaiite, KFe(SO4)2, and goldichite, KFe(SO4)2.4H2O

Yavapaiite [KFe(SO+):l crystallizes in space group C2/m with two formula weights in a unit cell of dimensions a:8.152, b:5.153, c:7.877 A, B:O+.Of . The structure was solved by a three-dimensional Patterson synthesis and refined by the frill-matrix leastsquares method to R:3.27o. Goldichite [KFe(SOr)z.4HzO] in space group P21f c contains foui formrila weights in a unit cell with a:10.387,b:10.486, c:9.086 A,0:101.68". The structure was solved by hand application of the s;'rnbolic addition procedure for phase determination and refined by least squares to R:3.37o. In yavapaiite, ferric sulfate sheets of composition zlFe(Sor)glare linked to coplanar potassium ions; this arrangement accounts for the perfect [001] cleavage. Coordination polyhedra of iron and sulfur are distorted. In goldichite, corrugated sheets of composition n[Fe(SOr)z.2HzOlare linked to potassium and water molecules; this spatial arrangement of the distorted coordination polyhedra accounts for the excellent { 100} cleavage. Details of the observed polyhedral distortions are explained by the extended electrostatic valence rule. A plausible hydrogen bonding scheme is presented for goldichite and krausite
The Utility of the Reflux Symptom Index for Diagnosis of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in an Allergy Patient Population

Background Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is associated with asthma, vocal cord dysfunction, cough, postnasal drainage, and throat irritation. The Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) is a clinical tool to predict the presence of LPR, but a threshold RSI score has never been validated for the diagnosis of LPR in an allergic patient population. Objective To identify the optimal threshold RSI score predictive of LPR in an allergy clinic population. Methods The 9-question RSI questionnaire was administered to 84 patients in the Kaiser Permanente San Diego Allergy Department. The patient's allergist (who was blinded to the patient's RSI responses) was asked to determine whether the patient had symptoms consistent with LPR. Each subject's RSI score was then compared with a corresponding physician-based diagnosis. After determining the correlation between the subject's RSI score and physician-diagnosed LPR/supraesophageal reflux, a cutoff level above which LPR/supraesophageal reflux would be highly suspected was calculated on the basis of most optimal balance of sensitivity and specificity determined via a receiver-operating curve analysis. Results Thirty of the 84 patients (36%) were diagnosed with LPR. The mean RSI score for the group without LPR was 18.3 ± 9.8 (out of 45 possible), while the LPR group's mean was 25.0 ± 8.3 ( P Conclusions An RSI score of 19 appears to represent the best threshold for predicting LPR in an allergy clinic patient population.
TRENDS OF ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN HUMAN TISSUE

ABSTRACT Residues of organochlorine pesticides and their metabolites in various human tissues and fluids are Indicative of the total body burden of these chemicals and reflect past and present exposure to them. A national monitoring survey of human adipose tissue collected from the general population has been conducted annually by the EPA National Human Monitoring Program since 1969. Using gas-liquid chromatography, chemical analyses performed on over 9,000 samples of human adipose tissue demonstrated that quantifiable residues of DDT DDE (a DDT analog), beta -benzene hexachloride, heptachlor epoxide, oxychlordane trans -nonachlor, dieldrin, and hexachlorobenzene were contained in most specimens. Lindane (g amm a-benzene hexachloride), alpha -benzene hexachloride, and mirex residues were detected at low frequencies. Residues of delta-benzene hexachloride, heptachlor, endrin, aldrin, and certain DDT analogs were not found at limits of detectability of 10 to 20 ppb. Additional analytical procedures were employed to confirm the presence of specific residues.
Advancing research opportunities and promoting pathways in graduate education: a systemic approach to BUILD training at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).

First-generation college graduates, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are gravely underrepresented in the health research workforce representing behavioral health sciences and biomedical sciences and engineering (BHS/BSE). Furthermore, relative to their peers, very few students from these underrepresented groups (URGs) earn scientific bachelor’s degrees with even fewer earning doctorate degrees. Therefore, programs that engage and retain URGs in health-related research careers early on in their career path are imperative to promote the diversity of well-trained research scientists who have the ability to address the nation’s complex health challenges in an interdisciplinary way. The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenges, lessons learned, and sustainability of implementing a large-scale, multidisciplinary research infrastructure at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) – a minority-serving institution – through federal funding received by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) Initiative. The CSULB BUILD initiative consists of developing a research infrastructure designed to engage and retain URGs on the research career path by providing them with the research training and skills needed to make them highly competitive for doctoral programs and entry into the research workforce. This initiative unites many research disciplines using basic, applied, and translational approaches to offer insights and develop technologies addressing prominent community and national health issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. Additionally, this initiative brings together local (e.g., high school, community college, doctoral research institutions) and national (e.g., National Research Mentoring Network) collaborative partners to alter how we identify, develop, and implement resources to enhance student and faculty research. Finally, this initiative establishes a student research training program that engages URGs earlier in their academic development, is larger and multidisciplinary in scope, and is responsive to the life contexts and promotes the cultural capital that URGs bring to their career path. Although there have been many challenges to planning for and developing CSULB BUILD’s large-scale, multidisciplinary research infrastructure, there have been many lessons learned in the process that could aid other campuses in the development and sustainability of similar research programs.
Preparing Future Mainstream Teachers to Teach English Language Learners: A Review of the Empirical Literature

AbstractThis article systematically reviews and critically appraises the research published since 2000 on preparing preservice teachers for English language learners (ELLs). Employing Feiman-Nemser’s framework for teacher learning, the authors address what the research suggests about the nature and outcomes of preservice learning opportunities offered to mainstream teachers for teaching ELLs. The review sheds light on how preservice teachers learn to teach ELLs and the learning opportunities they are offered to support this process.
Observations from Student Exercises to Collect Human Behavior and Movement Data

Experiments and field observations have been the main source for data used to develop empirical models and inputs for evacuation computer software. Although researchers have been highlighting the need to gather additional data from various building and occupancy types, across a broader spectrum of occupant demographics, data remain scarce. There have been some attempts to develop a general framework for data collection especially during fire drills. However, specifics about the architectural settings and conditions under which data are collected are often not addressed.
Expression of Adhesive Pili and the Collagen-Binding Adhesin Ace Is Activated by ArgR Family Transcription Factors in Enterococcus faecalis.

ABSTRACT It was shown previously that the disruption of the ahrC gene encoding a predicted ArgR family transcription factor results in a severe defect in biofilm formation in vitro, as well as a significant attenuation of virulence of Enterococcus faecalis strain OG1RF in multiple experimental infection models. Using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), we observed ahrC-dependent changes in the expression of more than 20 genes. AhrC-repressed genes included predicted determinants of arginine catabolism and several other metabolic genes and predicted transporters, while AhrC-activated genes included determinants involved in the production of surface protein adhesins. Most notably, the structural and regulatory genes of the ebp locus encoding adhesive pili were positively regulated, as well as the ace gene, encoding a collagen-binding adhesin. Using lacZ transcription reporter fusions, we determined that ahrC and a second argR transcription factor gene, argR2, both function to activate the expression of ebpR, which directly activates the transcription of the pilus structural genes. Our data suggest that in the wild-type E. faecalis, the low levels of EbpR limit the expression of pili and that biofilm biomass is also limited by the amount of pili expressed by the bacteria. The expression of ace is similarly enhanced by AhrC and ArgR2, but ace expression is not dependent on EbpR. Our results demonstrate the existence of novel regulatory cascades controlled by a pair of ArgR family transcription factors that might function as a heteromeric protein complex. IMPORTANCE Cell surface adhesins play critical roles in the formation of biofilms, host colonization, and the pathogenesis of opportunistic infections by Enterococcus faecalis. Here, we present new results showing that the expression of two major enterococcal surface adhesins, ebp pili, and the collagen-binding protein Ace is positively regulated at the transcription level by two argR family transcription factors, AhrC and ArgR2. In the case of pili, the direct target of regulation is the ebpR gene, previously shown to activate the transcription of the pilus structural genes, while the activation of ace transcription appears to be directly impacted by the two ArgR proteins. These transcription factors may represent new targets for blocking enterococcal infections.
Postscript Humanistic Study, Collaboration, and Interdisciplinarity: A Dialogue on the Leuven Research Community

Nick: The Research Community on the Philosophy and History of the Discipline of Education has been organised by Paul Smeyers and Marc Depaepe of the Catholic University of Leuven, since 1999, beginning with generous funding from the Research Foundation Flanders, Belgium (Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek – Vlaanderen; FWO). Since then, a group of international scholars in philosophy and history of education has convened each fall for an annual conference and working paper session – usually in Leuven, occasionally in other European cities. The conference has an annual theme, and participants prepare papers addressing that issue from their respective disciplinary perspectives. The papers are available in advance, so the sessions are organised around summaries of the papers, a brief response, and then an intensive discussion about each project. The papers are revised again after the conference and eventually published in an edited book series from Springer. The sessions are characterised by stimulating discussions, good cheer, and friendships that have grown over 20 years. Here, we reflect on the RC as an academic project, on what it can tell us about issues of collaboration and interdisciplinarity, and along the way offer a few comments about Paul Smeyers’ indispensable role in conceiving and guiding the project.
Longitudinal Learning Plan for Developing Moral Courage

Abstract Nursing curriculums strive to prepare students for their role as a professional nurse. Nursing ethics should continue to play a vital role in educating future nurses. Moral courage is one of many important virtues nurse educators should impart on students prior to entering the profession. By using theoretical frameworks and innovative strategies involving moral dilemmas, nurse educators may be better able to foster this complex characteristic in nursing students.
Molecularly Imprinted Polyacrylamide with Fluorescent Nanodiamond for Creatinine Detection.

Creatinine measurement in blood and urine is an important diagnostic test for assessing kidney health. In this study, a molecularly imprinted polymer was obtained by incorporating fluorescent nanodiamond into a creatinine-imprinted polyacrylamide hydrogel. The quenching of peak nanodiamond fluorescence was significantly higher in the creatinine-imprinted polymer compared to the non-imprinted polymer, indicative of higher creatinine affinity in the imprinted polymer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and microscopic imaging was used to investigate the nature of chemical bonding and distribution of nanodiamonds inside the hydrogel network. Nanodiamonds bind strongly to the hydrogel network, but as aggregates with average particle diameter of 3.4 ± 1.8 µm and 3.1 ± 1.9 µm for the non-imprinted and molecularly imprinted polymer, respectively. Nanodiamond fluorescence from nitrogen-vacancy color centers (NV− and NV0) was also used to detect creatinine based on nanodiamond-creatinine surface charge interaction. Results show a 15% decrease of NV−/NV0 emission ratio for the creatinine-imprinted polymer compared to the non-imprinted polymer, and are explained in terms of changes in the near-surface band structure of diamond with addition of creatinine. With further improvement of sensor design to better disperse nanodiamond within the hydrogel, fluorescent sensing from nitrogen-vacancy centers is expected to yield higher sensitivity with a longer range (Coulombic) interaction to imprinted sites than that for a sensor based on acceptor/donor resonance energy transfer.
A comparison of accumulated and distributed reinforcement periods with children exhibiting escape-maintained problem behavior.

Differential reinforcement is a common treatment for escape-maintained problem behavior in which compliance is reinforced on a fixed-ratio (FR) 1 schedule with brief access to positive and/or negative reinforcement. Recent research suggests some individuals prefer to complete longer work requirements culminating in prolonged (i.e. accumulated) reinforcement periods relative to brief (i.e. distributed) periods, but prolonged work exposure may evoke problem behavior and prevent compliance from contacting reinforcement when treating escape-maintained problem behavior. We exposed 3 children with escape-maintained problem behavior to both distributed (FR 1 resulting in 30 s of reinforcement) and accumulated (FR 15 resulting in 7.5 min of reinforcement) arrangements to compare their efficacy in maintaining low levels of problem behavior. We then assessed participants' preferences for these conditions in a concurrent-chains arrangement. Accumulated-reinforcement arrangements did not occasion additional problem behavior, but rather resulted in consistently lower levels of problem behavior for 2 of 3 participants. Participants demonstrated idiosyncratic preferences.
Cohesiveness of Group Identity and Characterizations of the Out-Group among Atheist and Christian Student Clubs

Do social groups that have a strong ideological basis tend to form a cohesive group identity among group members? This paper investigates how negatively defining an out-group is important, if not integral, for creating a shared identity among members of ideologically based social groups. To explore this connection, I interviewed undergraduate student members of a Christian club and an atheist club at a Midwestern research university. I examined the strength of group identification, how members revealed shared identity, and patterns regarding how participants characterize out-group members. My findings suggest that atheists characterized Christians as less rational and in need of external comfort more than themselves, whereas Christians described atheists as disturbed by suffering and the behavior of some self-identified Christians. Defining one’s in-group and reaffirming the correctness and inherent social benefit of the in-group’s views were essential components of out-group characterizations.
The Purple Flask: A Novel Reformulation of the Blue Bottle Reaction

Herein we describe The Purple Flask, a novel color-changing redox reaction that uses ascorbic acid as an electron donor, atmospheric oxygen as an electron acceptor, a copper–iron mixture as a redox catalyst, and the purple phenothiazine dye thionine as redox indicator. This formulation has several advantages over other versions of the classic “blue bottle” reaction for classroom demonstrations: (i) It uses noncaustic chemicals and proceeds at mildly acidic pH 4.2. (ii) The purple color generated by the oxidation reaction is intense, but fades rapidly. (iii) The reduction reaction rate is very temperature sensitive, which enables exploration of the impact of temperature on reaction kinetics. The Purple Flask is a vivid classroom demonstration that quickly captures student attention and can be used to illustrate the principles of redox chemistry in settings ranging from middle school through high school advanced placement chemistry and introductory college chemistry.
Beta-catenin Is Essential for Survival of Leukemia Stem Cells Insensitive to Kinase Inhibition in Mice with BCR-ABL Induced Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) induced by the BCR-ABL oncogene is believed to be developed from leukemic stem cells (LSCs), and we have previously shown in mice that LSCs for CML express the same cell surface markers that are also expressed on normal hematopoietic stem cells. Although the inhibition of BCR-ABL kinase activity by imatinib is highly effective in treating human Ph+ CML in chronic phase, it is difficult to achieve molecular remission of the disease, suggesting that LSCs remain in patients. In this study, we find that following imatinib treatment, LSCs not only remained but also accumulated increasingly in bone marrow of CML mice. This insensitivity of LSCs to imatinib was not due to the lack of BCR-ABL kinase inhibition by imatinib, and proliferating leukemic cells derived from LSCs were still sensitive to growth inhibition by imatinib. These results identify a LSC survival pathway that is not inhibited by imatinib. Furthermore, we show that b-catenin in the Wnt signaling pathway is essential for survival and self-renewal of LSCs, providing a new strategy for targeting these cells.
Resource Utilization and Billing in a Resident-Managed Inpatient Consult Service.

ObjectivePatient care delivered by residents is an educational opportunity to foster autonomy. These services, however, may not be billed without direct faculty supervision. This quality improvemen...
Mobile Health and Mobile Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities: Current State, Challenges and Opportunities

Over the past decade, technologies have transformed society, education, entertainment, business and now healthcare. Today, digital health technologies are reaching a level of maturity that supports the robust and broad scope of healthcare. It has only been recently that mobile devices, wearables and connected virtual assistants are common in every aspect of healthcare. However, solutions for people with disabilities are just emerging. This Special Thematic Session will address mHealth/mRehab advances, challenges and opportunities for people with disability from several disease, disorder and technology perspectives.
Time-domain coupled dynamic simulation for SFT-mooring-train interaction in waves and earthquakes

Abstract In this study, Submerged Floating Tunnel (SFT)-mooring-train coupled dynamics is solved in the time domain to investigate their dynamic and hydro-elastic interactions under wave and earthquake excitations. The SFT is modeled by the rod-FE (finite element) theory, and it is connected to mooring lines through dummy-connection-mass and linear and rotational springs. A 3D rigid-multi-body dynamic model is developed for train dynamics that consists of seven rigid bodies. The tunnel-train interaction is taken into consideration based on the wheel-rail correspondence assumption and the simplified Kalker linear creep theory. The developed computer simulation program is validated through comparisons with commercial programs and published results when possible. In the case of earthquake-induced dynamics of the coupled system, the effects of soil conditions, tunnel length, mooring interval, seismic-wave propagation, and seaquake are investigated. The magnitudes of the SFT downward motions induced by the moving train are small compared with the motions induced by earthquakes. The earthquake causes transient SFT responses especially at their lowest wet natural frequencies while high-frequency motions are induced by seaquake effect. Structural damping and seismic propagation play an important role in dynamic responses. The interaction of the tunnel and moving train is also evaluated for various train speeds in terms of the derailment and offload factors and riding-comfort criterion. For the given SFT and train designs, the offload factor and riding-comfort criterion can slightly exceed their limits at certain earthquake conditions with the speed as high as 70 m/s, which can be adjusted by reducing train speed.
CEO Postings: Leveraging the Internet's Communications Potential While Managing the Message to Maintain Corporate Governance Interests in Information Security, Reputation and Compliance

For approximately eight years, Whole Foods Market, Inc. [Whole Foods] CEO John Mackey posted messages to Yahoo! Financial online message board for Whole Foods. Rather than using his real name, Mr. Mackey like many posters to chat rooms, created an online alter ego and posted his comments under a pseudonym. As Rahodeb Mr. Mackey promoted his Whole Foods chain, boasted about personal stock gains in Whole Foods stock, company plans and performance records, as well he criticized competitors. His actions raise profoundly important corporate governance questions and potentially implicate a range of legal challenges including securities, defamation, privacy, trade libel, copyright and trade secret laws. Perhaps tempted by the perception (or, is it more an illusion) of anonymity on the internet where posters perceive they are at once protected and liberated from further inquiry, Mr. Mackey's actions raise novel questions especially in the area of securities regulation because of his position as an executive engaged in public communications about a publicly traded company. While there is extensive literature addressing issues raised by anonymous communications by employees, this present article focuses on anonymous communications by executives, thus triggering other legal and regulatory concerns. The specific legal issues are part of a broader set of concerns as executives messages are now communicated in an era with unlimited distribution potential. This reach and scope of executive communications impact company security, reputation and compliance. The author sets out recommendations on best practices for managing officer communications, clearly an issue of growing concern due to the increased modes and opportunities for communication.
Self-catalyzing photoredox polymerization for recyclable polymer catalysts

We describe a self-catalyzing photoredox polymerization system for the modular generation of macromolecular photocatalysts. Specifically, we designed a photoactive eosin Y-derived monomer that can induce photoelectron/energy transfer, while simultaneously partaking in reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization as a monomer, affording polymer catalysts with tunable eosin Y incorporations.
Relative entropy of machine-learning for long-range sound propagation

Machine-learning algorithms can provide fast surrogate models when trained on sampled predictions from physics-based numerical models. However, it is unknown whether surrogate data generated from propagation through single realizations of atmospheric turbulence, or from an ensemble of multiple realizations of turbulence, is most suitable for machine-learning models. This study examines the use of a Crank-Nicholson parabolic equation (CNPE) for generating surrogate data, and Latin hypercube sampling for the CNPE input. Two separate datasets are generated for 5000 samples of governing parameters. In the first dataset, each transmission loss field is computed for a single realization of turbulence, whereas the second uses transmission loss from an ensemble of 64 realizations. Errors for various machine learning approaches are evaluated against experimental observations of long-range (out to 8 km) sound propagation. Between experimental and surrogate differences in transmission loss at four ranges, the average deviation from zero relative entropy was quantified. As a measure of dissimilarity between two distributions it is 0.17 for single realizations of turbulence, and 0.29 for 64 realizations of turbulence. Surrogate data generated from single realizations of turbulence agree better with experimental data.
Chronic Generalized Harassment During College: Influences on Alcohol and Drug Use.

The experience of chronic generalized harassment from others can have a deleterious impact on individuals over time. Specifically, coping resources may be taxed, resulting in the use of avoidant coping strategies such as substance use. However, little is known about the experience of chronic generalized harassment (e.g., verbal hostility, manipulation by others, exclusion from important events) and its impact on substance use in collegiate populations. In the current study, we examined the latent growth of generalized harassment across the transition from high school to college, whether this growth was heterogeneous, and the relationships between latent generalized harassment classifications and substance use. Incoming freshmen students (N = 2890; 58 % female; 53 % white) at eight colleges in Illinois completed a web survey at five points: fall 2011 (baseline), spring 2012 (T1), fall 2012 (T2), fall 2013 (T3) and fall 2014 (T4). Students were required to be at least 18 years old at baseline, and were compensated with online gift certificates. Two-part latent class growth analysis was implemented in order to examine heterogeneous growth over time. The results supported a two-class solution (infrequent and chronic classes) for generalized harassment. Growth in harassment was characterized by a decrease from baseline through college entry, with a recovery in rates by T3. Members of the chronically harassed class had greater mean generalized harassment over time, and were less likely to report zero instances of harassment experiences. As hypothesized, membership in the chronic class predicted future binge drinking, drinking to intoxication, problems due to alcohol use, and cigarette use, but not marijuana use. Future interventions should focus on providing college students with resources to help cope with distress stemming from persistent generalized harassment from peers, faculty, and other individuals in higher-education settings.
Trading Infinite Memory for Uniform Randomness in Timed Games

We consider concurrent two-player timed automaton games with i¾?-regular objectives specified as parity conditions. These games offer an appropriate model for the synthesis of real-time controllers. Earlier works on timed games focused on pure strategies for each player. We study, for the first time, the use of randomizedstrategies in such games. While pure (i.e., nonrandomized) strategies in timed games require infinite memory for winning even with respect to reachability objectives, we show that randomized strategies can win with finite memory with respect to all parity objectives. Also, the synthesized randomized real-time controllers are much simpler in structure than the corresponding pure controllers, and therefore easier to implement. For safety objectives we prove the existence of pure finite-memory winning strategies. Finally, while randomization helps in simplifying the strategies required for winning timed parity games, we prove that randomization does not help in winning at more states.
A comparison of bibliographic instruction methods on CD-ROM databases

The purpose of this study was to compare four different methods of bibliographic instruction in order to determine which method would have the most effect on student learning.
Characterization of the catalytic subunit of factor XIII by radioimmunoassay

Plasma factor XIII is composed of two subunits, a and b, whereas platelet and other intracellular zymogens have only a-subunits. The catalytic subunit, a, is the same in all forms. In order to characterize the interactions of 1- with b-chains in the plasma zymogen and a-chains with other molecules and to correlate factor XIII activity with a-protein, a specific, sensitive radioimmunoassay was developed. With the polyclonal antisera used, the assay recognizes all molecular forms of a (zymogens, activation intermediates, enzyme) equally well. The assay can be used to determine a-chain concentration in plasma and serum and in purified test systems. Fibrinogen in high concentrations affects the assay, probably by interfering with the interactions of 125I-a with antibody. However, at the plasma dilutions used in the assay, there is no significant fibrinogen effect. With this assay, the a-chain concentration in normal plasma is approximately 15 micrograms/ml. This compares with 14 micrograms/ml b-chain in plasma and indicates that all of the a- and b-chains in plasma probably circulate in the form of an equimolar zymogen complex. The serum concentration of a-protein is about 6% of the plasma concentration. There is a high correlation between a-protein and factor XIII activity.
In Search of the Creative Personality Among Gifted Groups

The concept of giftedness has been expanded to include not only those individuals with a high intelligence quotient but also those who score high on measures of creativity (Torrance, 1962; Getzels and Jackson, 1962). Gowan (1971) has recently underscored the relationship between creativity and giftedness. Our knowledge however, concerning the differences in creativity among individuals gifted in various academic and artistic areas is limited. It is the purpose of this study to determine if adolescents gifted in the areas of mathematics, science, English, foreign language, social science, drama, music, and art do differ in their creative personalities.
The sins of the father: an historical analysis of race and class equality in educational resource allocation and the implications for future educational technology distribution

This anicle traces the formation of a specific school district profoundly influenced by political, sociological, and economic &ctors in determining its namre. It provides an historical case study that confirms the relationship between economic participation and educational opportunities and makes apparent the causes for the emergence of race and class segregated communities and school districts. The prologue is autobiographical in nature, for the author brings a personal history to this research. An analysis of the racial, political, and economic environments that prevailed in Cincinnati, Ohio fi'om the turn of the century through the 1950s illuminates &aors that played in the formation of a school district serving a predominantly low-income Black community and student body.
Do the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risk of postnatal transmission of HIV via breastmilk

Conflicting recommendations have been offered about whether HIV+ mothers should breastfeed. Since there is a strong precedent for US infant feeding practices to be imitated in developing countries, a model was constructed to estimate infant mortality if the CDC admonition for HIV+ mothers not to breastfeed were upheld in less developed settings. Estimates are given for infant mortality in the presence and absence of breastfeeding across several baseline levels of infant mortality and across several theoretical rates of transmission through breastfeeding. The infant mortality associated with HIV infection acquired through breastfeeding is estimated to be lower than the mortality associated with the diseases of infancy that would result if breastmilk were withheld. The difference in these estimates is greater in areas with high baseline levels of infant mortality.
KINETICS OF ULTRASOUND‐ASSISTED OIL EXTRACTION FROM BLACK SEED (NIGELLA SATIVA)

This study investigates the effects of ultrasonication, temperature and solvent to solid ratio on oil yield using response surface analysis and develops a mathematical model to describe the kinetics of oil extraction from black seed (Nigella sativa). The mass transfer coefficients were calculated by fitting a two-exponential model to the experimental data. An ultrasonication time of 30 min, solvent to solid ratio of 20:1 and temperature at 32C provided the maximum oil yield. Increasing the solvent to solid ratio and ultrasonication time improved the oil extraction rates during the diffusion stage while increasing temperature without ultrasonication improved the oil extraction rates during the washing stage. The kinetics of oil extraction with different particle sizes indicated that ultrasonication improved the values of mass transfer coefficients of washing and diffusion compared with the oil extraction process without ultrasonication. A two-exponential equation modeled the kinetics of oil extraction from black seed. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Extraction of oil from oil-bearing seeds and materials is important for both the food and biofuel industry. Solvent extraction is the predominant oil extraction method used by the vegetable oil industry. The vegetable oil companies have been looking for alternative methods to increase the efficiency of the extraction processes to reduce the production costs and minimize the wastes. Technological developments in high-intensity ultrasound generators and transducers increased their use in several industries. The effects of high-intensity ultrasound in addition to temperature, particle size and solvent to solid ratio on oil extraction were investigated using response surface methodology, and mathematical models for the oil extraction from black seed were demonstrated. High-intensity ultrasound, response surface experimental design and kinetic models are useful tools that can be adapted by the food industry to optimize and increase the efficiency of the extraction processes.
Moore's Law and Beyond: Electronic Design Challenges

CMOS integrated circuit technology is expected to scale down for a few more technology nodes, enabling several billion transistors on a single chip. New technologies are now being explored as potential successors to CMOS. This talk will explore the challenges in electronic design, both with the next generations of CMOS technology and with potential new replacements. The challenges include high-level and hierarchical design approaches with abstractions for the building blocks to deal with the increasing complexities and new technologies. Designs need to trade off between performance and power. New techniques need to be developed to deal with the complexity of design verification and the problems of testing for subtle defects after manufacture. Other challenges include the need to deal with analog and RF blocks in a system, as well as the need to potentially include mechanical, chemical and biological elements for sensors. Finally, the question needs to be raised whether we are making the best use of the computational elements we have.
Relevance of mixed layer scaling for daytime dispersion based on raps and other field programs

Abstract A brief review and assessment of field measurement programs that provide data for mixed layer diffusion research is presented. The majority of programs emphasize either the meteorological aspects of the mixed layer or plume characterization. Few programs are available that provide the complimentary blend of plume and appropriate meteorological measurements needed to adequately validate mixed layer diffusion theory. Three major U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) field programs that provide databases for model development and validation of mixed layer diffusion processes are described and discussed in more detail. The Regional Air Pollution Study (RAPS) focused on measurements of surface and mixed layer turbulent transport processes in the urban environment. The Tennessee Plume Study (TPS) obtained a database with coincident measurement of boundary layer turbulent structure and plume dispersion for a large coal-fired power plant in nonuniform terrain over the diurnal cycle. The North East Regional Oxidant Study (NEROS) obtained data on transport and dispersion of regional air mass along with supporting documentation on the spatial variations of mixed layer depths, vertical turbulent transport processes, cloud fluxes, energy budget and synoptic conditions. A design feature common throughout these experimental programs, but primarily in the RAPS and TPS, was the provision to study significant land-use scale variations and processes which influence the diffusion process. Current similarity predictions of the relevant turbulent parameters are assessed in this context. Additionally, the role of convective clouds rooted within the mixed layer in pollution dispersion as a consequence of mixed layer processes is briefly described.
Nitrogen retention and release in Atlantic white cedar wetlands

The fate of N inputs to freshwater wetlands from enriched runoff, ground water, or atmospheric deposition reflects a variety of processes that determine the net retention of N or its release to downstream ecosystems. The history of N enrichment may affect the relative importance of different pathways. The authors compared the ability of sediments from Atlantic cedar wetlands in suburban and undistributed watersheds to remove added inorganic N in laboratory incubations. Three pulses of NH{sub 4}NL{sub 3}, at 50 mg N L{sup {minus}1} concentration, were added at consecutive 2-wk intervals as an analog of pulsed stormwater inputs. After each incubation, soils were leached with CaCl{sub 2} and inorganic N concentrations in the leachate were analyzed. The peats retained added N during the first incubation, but after the second and third, all soils released more N than had been added. Nitrate concentrations were always lower than ammonium concentration. Soils from hollows and most hummocks retained added nitrate throughout the study, but all soils released ammonium. Soil extractable ammonium increased four to 10 times after the 6-wk incubation, while extractable dissolved organic N (DON) decreased. There also was a net decrease of soil total Kjeldahl N (TKN). The patterns of retention andmore » release of nitrate and ammonium were correlated positively with the N mineralization and nitrification rates of the soils. Their results suggest that wetland peats in suburban drainages may have limited ability to retain frequent, pulsed N inputs from runoff and high intrinsic N mineralization in N-saturated sediments can become a cause of water quality degradation.« less
Framing the Allais paradox as a daily farm decision problem: tests and explanations

The well-known Allais paradox is reformulated as a daily farm decision problem. Only 26% of the farmers exhibit violations of the expected utility hypothesis. Moreover, the tendency for violation decreases with the farm operator's education, experience and family size. No effects of the farm main crop or its scale were detected. Finally, when taking into account the possibility of choice errors, we find that the violation rate is statistically insignificant.
The role of tropomyosin-troponin in the regulation of skeletal muscle contraction.

Steric blocking of actin-myosin interaction by tropomyosin has been a working hypothesis in the study of the regulation of skeletal muscle contraction, yet the simple movement of actin-associated tropomyosin from a myosin-blocking position (relaxation) to a nonblocking position (contraction) cannot adequately account for all of the biophysical and biochemical observations which have been made to date. Ambiguous assignment of tropomyosin positions on actin during contraction, due in part to the limited resolution of reconstruction techniques, may also hint at a real lack of clearcut 'on' and 'off' positioning of tropomyosin and tropomyosin-troponin complex. Recent biochemical evidence suggests processes relatively independent of tropomyosin-troponin may have a governing effect on contraction, involving kinetic constraints on actin-myosin interaction influenced by the binding of ATP and the intermediates of ATP hydrolysis. Based on our current understanding put forth in this review, it is clear that regulatory interactions in muscle contraction do not consist solely of steric effects but involve kinetic factors as well. Where the latter are being defined in systems reconstituted from purified proteins and their fragments, the steric components of regulation are most clearly observed in studies of structurally more intact physiologic systems (e.g. intact or skinned whole muscle fibres). The fine detail of the processes and their interplay remains an intriguing question. Likewise, the precise physical relationship of myosin with actin in the crossbridge cycle continues to elude definition. Refinement of several methodologies (X-ray crystallography, three-dimensional reconstruction, time-resolved X-ray diffraction) will increase the potential for detailing the molecular basis of the regulation of muscle contraction.
Site-directed mutagenesis at the regulatory site of fructose 6-phosphate-1-kinase from Bacillus stearothermophilus

We have mutated Arg-25, Asp-59 and Arg-211 to alanine; and Asp-59 also to methionine, in fructose 6-phosphate-1-kinase from B. stearothermophilus (designated as RA25, DA59, RA211 and DM59 respectively). All four mutants did not change the affinity of the enzyme for ATP. RA25 has half the affinity for fructose 6-phosphate and exhibits sigmoidicity with respect to this substrate (Hill # = 2.0). DA59 has the same affinity for phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) as the wild type whereas DM59 has 3-fold the affinity for this modulator and the inhibition is reversed by GDP. RA25 and RA211 are 100-fold less sensitive to PEP inhibition which is not relieved by GDP. It is concluded that Arg-25 and Arg-211, but not Asp-59, are involved in the direct binding of PEP and GDP.
Nozick on Self-esteem

This paper considers Robert Nozick's account of self-esteem, as presented in Anarchy, State, and Utopia. I criticise three aspects of it. First, the claim that people gain self-esteem only when they believe that they possess greater quantities than others of some valued talent or attribute. Secondly, the view that there will always be a conflict of interests between people over the acquisition of self-esteem. Thirdly, the proposal that the most promising way to improve levels of self-esteem across a society is to educate people so that they value a number of different activities and attributes. I argue against Nozick that there are non-comparative standards of doing something well or successfully that provide a person with a means of self-assessment; there is no necessary conflict of interests over the acquisition of self-esteem; reforming basic social and economic institutions is a promising way for a society to increase levels of self-esteem.