cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Promoting Freedom, Responsibility, and Learning in the Classroom: The Learning Covenant a Decade Later.

This essay discusses an approach to teaching religious studies in a general education or core curricu- lum that I have experimented with for the last decade, which I call the "Learning Covenant." The Learning Covenant brings together various pedagogical theories, including transformational, experiential, contract, and cooperative learning, in an attempt to address diverse learning styles, multiple intelligences, and student learn- ing assessment. It has advantages over more traditional teacher-directed approaches to teaching, including meeting student resistance to "required" courses head-on by inviting them to identify learning needs regardless of chosen vocation and meeting them in the context of a religious studies course, recognizing the multiple ways in which students learn and providing a variety of opportunities for students to express their learning, and allowing students opportunity to take increased responsibility for their own learning. The essay will focus on the Learning Covenant's develop- ment, components, strengths, and drawbacks.
Fast wavelength-parallel polarization sensor for multi-wavelength optical networks

A wavelength-parallel polarization sensor has been developed for measuring the complete state of polarization of over 100 wavelengths in parallel within 1 millisecond.
Genistein Inhibits Pressure-Induced Expression of c-fos in Isolated Mesenteric Arteries

Abstract—We have previously demonstrated that elevating intraluminal pressure from 90 to 140 mm Hg in isolated mesenteric arteries increases the expression of proto-oncogenes. These proto-oncogenes...
Fracture strength and damage progression of the fiber/matrix interfaces in titanium-based MMCs with different interfacial layers

Abstract In this paper, a concerted utilization of finite element analysis and an ultrasonic characterization technique is described to assess the interfacial fracture strength and to monitor the progression of damage at the interfacial region in titanium-based metal-matrix composites. The finite element model developed here encompasses an interfacial element with a finite thickness to simulate the interfacial region of the coating or reaction products. The finite element model has been used in conjunction with the ultrasonic evaluation technique to assess the in situ interfacial fracture strength. The different responses of the ultrasonic amplitudes for Ti-6A1-4V/SCS-0 SiC and Ti-6A1-4V/ SCS-6 SiC interfaces have been explained in terms of the reflection of ultrasonic waves from the fiber/matrix interface. It is established that the non-monotonic stress dependence of the ultrasonic reflection amplitude for both the SCS-0 and SCS-6 interfaces is related to the debonding between the fiber and matrix. The results indicate that the SCS-0 interface has a much higher fracture strength than the SCS-6 interface although both these interfaces exhibit similar apparent debonding stresses.
Effect of adrenalectomy on wound healing in normal and in stressed rats.

Summary1. The bursting pressures of healing laparotomy wounds, made 15 days after bilateral adrenalectomy were equal to or superior to those of normal control rats. 2. In adrenalectomized rats, maintained on a small fixed dosage of aqueous adrenal cortex extract, skin-excision-stress did not result in depression of the bursting pressure of 5th day laparotomy wounds, as is the case with non-adrenalectomized rats subjected to the same stress.
Electrical conduction and hydrogen permeation investigation on iron-doped barium zirconate membrane

Abstract Mixed conducting 10% Fe-doped BaZrO3 (BZF10) membrane was investigated for electrical conduction and hydrogen permeation properties in the temperature range of 600–900 °C. A hydrogen permeation flux ( J H 2 ) as high as 0.75 mL/(min cm2) was achieved at 900 °C using a 1.15 mm thick BZF10 membrane when 20% H2/inert and Ar were flowed in the feed and sweep, respectively. J H 2 increases monotonically with the reciprocal of the membrane thickness, indicating bulk diffusion is the rate-limiting step in the examined thickness range (0.97–1.40 mm). At constant temperature, J H 2 increases with the feed side hydrogen partial pressure. In the range of 600–700 °C, hydrogen permeation is limited by the electronic transport with high activation energy 72–94 kJ/mol. While in the higher temperature range of 700–900 °C, hydrogen permeation is limited by the mixed protonic-electronic transport with low activation energy 18–23 kJ/mol. The addition of moisture did not influence J H 2 when the steam level was below 0.1 atm. While when the steam level reached 0.3 atm, hydrogen permeation process was promoted by the formation of extra protons. BZF10 membrane is found to be mechanically and chemically stable over dry and humidified hydrogen containing gas environments.
USE OF THE INTERNAL-EXTERNAL CONTROL SCALE TO PREDICT PREFERENCES FOR PRODUCTS

15 male and 15 female undergraduates completed a locus of control survey and a product-preference questionnaire for internally oriented consumer products. The total internal score on the locus of control survey was correlated with the average rating of intent to purchase the internally oriented products. A significant positive correlation indicated that the locus of control scale may be used to predict consumers' behavior when certain products are involved.
Analysis of Car Drivers' Preference for Traffic Information Based on Structural Equation Modeling

Advanced Traveler Information Systems(ATIS) is a major component of Intelligent Transportation Systems(ITS),which requires an understanding of drivers' preferences for traffic information.By means of a questionnaire survey conducted in Shenzhen city,car drivers were asked about their preferences concerning the content of traffic information and the way to obtain the information.A total of 216 responses have been obtained in the survey and used as a database. The paper presents a structural equation model to analyses the influence of driver's characteristics and travel activity on driver's traffic information preferences,which uses the path analysis and is flexible enough to model and test the process of traffic information use.The model building,solution method and its application are discussed.Findings indicate that ATIS should be adaptive to the driver characteristics and to the travel activity.
Clinical analysis on Kawasaki disease non-responsive to IVIG

Objective: To explore the clinical features,treatment methods of Kawasaki disease( KD) non- responsive to intravenous injection of gamma globulin( IVIG) and the high risk factors,prognosis of coronary artery lesions( CAL). Methods: The clinical data of 195 cases with KD treated in the hospital from June 2008 to November 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. Those cases were divided into sensitive group and non- responsive group according to the response to the first high- dose treatment with IVIG. Results: There were 149 cases in sensitive group and 46 cases in non- responsive group among 195 cases with KD. In the whole cases,46 cases were found with CAL,including 15 cases( 10. 07%) in sensitive group and 31 cases( 67. 39%) in non- responsive group,and the latter ratio was statistically significantly higher than the former ones( P 0. 05). Hemoglobin level in non- responsive group was statistically significantly lower than that in sensitive group( P 0. 05); while platelet count,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,and alanine aminotransferase level in non- responsive group were statistically significantly higher than those in sensitive group( P 0. 05). Those children with KD non- responsive to IVIG were treated by additional IVIG 1g / kg,2g / kg or glucocorticoid,all of them brought down the fever. After followed- up for 2 years,among 46 cases with CAL,45 cases returned to normal and 1 patient with giant coronary aneurysm was significantly improved,there was no statistically significant difference between sensitive group and non- responsive group. Conclusion: KD non- responsive to IVIG has the higher incidence rate of CAL compared with KD sensitive to IVIG. Higher platelet count,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,alanine aminotransferase level and lower hemoglobin level are risk factors of KD non- responsive to IVIG. After treated with additional IVIG( 1g / kg or 2g / kg) or glucocorticoid,the incidence rate of CAL in non- response group to IVIG has no statistically significant differences and the prognosis is favorable.
Air Violin: A Body-centric Style Musical Instrument.

We show how body-centric sensing can be integrated in musical interface to enable more flexible gestural control. We present a barehanded body-centric interaction paradigm where users are able to interact in a spontaneous way through performing gestures. The paradigm employs a wearable camera and see-through display to enable flexible interaction in the 3D space. We designed and implemented a prototype called Air Violin, a virtual musical instrument using depth camera, to demonstrate the proposed interaction paradigm. We described the design and implementation details.
Adherence to the cardiac diet: attitudes of patients after myocardial infarction.

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting heart disease patients' adherence to the cardiac (low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-sodium) diet. Using the innovation-decision model as a theoretical base, we focused on attitudes toward four factors that may affect compliance: relative advantage of the cardiac diet compared with the previous diet, compatibility of the prescribed diet with values and perceived needs, perceived complexity of the diet, and ability of the diet to produce changes that can be observed
The role of valve replacement in the treatment of fungal endocarditis.

The role of valve replacement in the treatment of fungal endocarditis has not been defined. The diagnosis of fungal endocarditis was made in 11 patients, 8 before death and 3 at autopsy. Nine patients were infected with Candida species, one with Torulopsis glabrada and one with Aspergillus. None of the 8 patients whose disease was diagnosed during life was cured despite up to 160 days of amphotericin B therapy. All required valve replacement for heart failure (1 patient), emboli (1 patient), or both (6 patients). We recommend early valve replacement for fungal endocarditis before the onset of heart failure and emboli.
SOME APPLICATIONS OF THE “CHERNOFF FACES”: A TECHNIQUE FOR GRAPHICALLY REPRESENTING MULTIVARIATE DATA

This paper presents a brief description and several applications of a relatively new method of graphical representation of multivariate data. The technique has been developed by H. Chernoff, and consists of mapping a vector-valued data point (presently limited to 18 or less components) into a geometrically constructed face. To provide an example of this technique the data analyzed in a recent mortality and pollution study have been mapped into faces. Each of the sixty faces represents a portrait of a particular Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA). These faces are then employed to initialize a cluster analysis algorithm, and to examine certain trends in least squares residuals.
The ML scale in central California

Nine hundred fifty-seven maximum zero-to-peak Wood-Anderson amplitudes A (synthesized or recorded) from 40 horizontal-component seismographs (20 sites) with 0 ≲ Δ ≲ 400 km for 106 earthquakes with 18 ≦ log M ≦ 22.3 in central California have been fit in a least-squares sense using the parametric form log A ij = − n log R ij − K R ij − ∑ l = 1 40 S l δ ij + ∑ k = 1 106 C k δ ik where Aij = A (mm) for earthquake i on seismograph component j , δ ik = Kronecker delta, R = hypocentral distance, and n, K, Sl , and Ck are variables determined by regression analysis. The Ck are a magnitude measure, and the Sl are station corrections constrained to have zero average. We find n = 1.018 ± 0.107 and K = 0.00291 ± 0.00070 km−1. Setting n = 1, appropriate for body-wave propagation in homogeneous media, yields K = 0.00301 ± 0.00036 km−1. Following Richter's definition of an ML = 3 earthquake as one for which A = 1 mm at Δ = 100 km and S 1 = 0, we express the local magnitude ML as ML = log A − log A , where -log A = n log ( R /100) + K ( R − 100) + 3. For 30 ≲ Δ ≲ 475 km, the -log A values using n = 1 and K = 0.00301 km−1 are within 0.15 of Richter's values for southern California. For Δ ≲ 30 km, Richter's values are significantly smaller than those obtained here, a result consistent with recent studies of −log A for southern California. Our results suggest that the ML scale as commonly used underestimates the sizes of small shocks that are predominantly recorded at Δ ≲ 30 km.
Developing a Policy Brief

A policy brief is a document that provides a succinct explanation and analysis of a policy issue or problem, together with policy options and recommendations for addressing that issue or problem. This article provides an explanation of what a policy brief is, how it is used, and how it is developed.
Theory of electromagnetic insertion devices and the corresponding synchrotron radiation

Permanent magnet insertion devices (IDs), which are the main radiation generating devices in synchrotron light sources and free-electron lasers, use a time-invariant but space-periodic magnetic field to wiggle relativistic electrons for short-wavelength radiation generation. Recently, a high power microwave based undulator has also been successfully demonstrated at SLAC which promises the advantage of dynamic tunability of radiation spectrum and polarization. Such IDs employ transverse elecromagnetic fields which are periodic in both space and time to undulate the electrons. In this paper we develop a detailed theory of the principle of electromagnetic IDs from first principles for both linear and circular polarization modes. The electromagnetic equivalent definitions of undulator period (${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{u}$) and undulator deflection parameter ($K$) are derived. In the inertial frame where the average momentum of the electron is zero, we obtain the figure-8-like trajectory for the linear polarization mode and the circular trajectory for the circular polarization mode. The corresponding radiation spectra and the intensity of harmonics is also calculated.
The top quark: an unbiased tale

In the world of high-energy physics, experimental teams publishing the results of a search for some new phenomenon – let's call it a snark – usually telegraph the results via a code word in the title of the paper. If the statistical significance for the snark is weak or non-existent, the title of the paper will contain the words "Search for the snark..."or "Limits on snark properties...". If, however, the statistical significance is beyond reproach, the paper might be called "Observation of the snark..."or, more dramatically, "Discovery of the snark...".
2016 Post-Election Commentary: Winter is Coming!

And now it's winterWinter in AmericaAnd all of the healers done been killed or sent awayYeah, and the people know, people knowIt's winterWinter in AmericaAnd ain't nobody fightingCause nobody knows...
Subcontract B613202# - Flang Error Handling

A Report that summarizes the potential for evolution of the PGI Fortran front-end source code into a form that offers error/warning messages similar in scope and quality to those provided by CLANG.
Artifact-Free and Detection-Profile-Independent Higher-Order Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy for Microsecond-Resolved Kinetics. 1. Multidetector and Sub-Binning Approach.

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a powerful tool in the time-resolved analysis of nonreacting or reacting molecules in solution, based on fluorescence intensity fluctuations. However, conventional (second-order) FCS alone is insufficient to measure all parameters needed to describe a reaction or mixture, including concentrations, fluorescence brightnesses, and forward and reverse rate constants. For this purpose, correlations of higher powers of fluorescence intensity fluctuations can be calculated to yield additional information from the single-photon data stream collected in an FCS experiment. To describe systems of diffusing and reacting molecules, considering cumulants of fluorescence intensity results in simple expressions in which the reaction and diffusion parts factorize. The computation of higher-order correlations in experiments is hindered by shot-noise and common detector artifacts, the effects of which become worse with increasing order. In this article, we introduce a technique...
Ultrafast optical nonlinearities of plasmons in single gold nanorods

Excitation of plasmons in a metal nanoparticle leads to localization of electromagnetic fields within the particle, which is expected to result in strong optical nonlinearities. We study ultrafast nonlinearities in optical scattering from single gold nanorods under resonant excitation at the plasmon frequency, and observe changes of as much as 20% in the scattering cross section over the 20-fs laser pulse duration. Unexpectedly, the magnitude of the ultrafast nonlinearity is the same as that due to heating of conduction electrons in the metal.
THE INTERNATIONAL LOAD LINE CONVENTION: CROSSROAD TO THE FUTURE

The 1966 Load Line Convention (ICLL 66) is the most widely ratified instrument of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and is, along with the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the primary document setting forth internationally agreed ship safety standards. ICLL 66 set freeboard requirements based on experience gained from the first Load Line Convention in 1930 and on contemporary developments in ship design. Re-examination of ICLL 66 is indicated by the proliferation of novel ship designs for which it lacks adequate regulations and by significant advancements in analytical seakeeping and deck wetness prediction techniques now available to the designer. In this paper, the Freeboard Advisory Group reviews these issues against the changing climate of the marine industry and maritime administrations, discusses the state of the art in analytical seakeeping programs, and outlines a series of recommendations for the establishment of a new international load line convention for the next century. The steps needed for an international program at IMO are discussed and a new convention is proposed.
A link between students’ discernment of variation in unidirectional change and their use of quantitative variational reasoning

In this design experiment study, we investigated the problem: What conditions might foster students’ discernment of a critical aspect—variation in unidirectional change (e.g., discerning a “decreasing” increase)? At a public middle school in a large US city, we led a sequence of three days of whole class lessons, followed by task-based, clinical interviews with 14 seventh grade students (~ 13 years old). Students interacted with researcher-developed dynamic computer environments, which linked filling polygon animations with dynamic graphs. We report results to demonstrate a range of students’ work along with detailed analyses of student interview episodes. We found connections between students’ predictions of graph type (linear, “mostly” linear, nonlinear), students’ conceptions of attributes represented by a graph, and students’ discernment of variation in unidirectional change. Students who discerned variation in unidirectional change also engaged in quantitative variational reasoning. To foster students’ discernment of variation in unidirectional change, task designers should provide opportunities for students to conceive of attributes as capable of varying and possible to measure.
Utilizing in vitro transporter data in IVIVE-PBPK: an overview

In vitro-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) integrated in physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models have been increasingly used during drug discovery and development processes to predict human pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters. Drug transporters can influence drug pharmacokinetics and are key aspects contributing to the development of a successful drug. This review provides a snapshot of challenges or shortcomings of in vitro and in vivo techniques for understanding the contribution of drug transporters to a drug’s pharmacokinetics. The paper also describes the potential of IVIVE-PBPK models as prospective approaches to predict the role of drug transporters in drug discovery and development.
Glutamate, beta-amyloid precursor proteins, and calcium mediated neurofibrillary degeneration

In this article we present evidence supporting the interaction between excitotoxicity, βAPP mismetabolism, metabolic compromise and intracellular calcium destabilization in the process of neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is characterized by the presence of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid-containing plaques in specific regions of the brain. There appear to be several processes which contribute to the neurodegeneration associated with AD. Although AD has been linked to genetic mutations on chromosomes 21, 19 and 14, there are sporadic forms of AD that have no known genetic mutation involved. Aging is the major risk factor for AD. During the course of normal aging several metabolic compromises may occur in the brain. Both decreased glucose transport and utilization, and increased glucocorticoid levels are known to occur with aging and may lead to decreased energy supplies, ATP depletion, failure of Ca2+ buffering systems, excess glutamate release and activation of glutamate receptors. In addition, a reduction in antioxidant enzymes and consequently an increase in free radicals has also been associated with aging. Each of the preceeding alterations would lead to an increase in neuronal [Ca2+]i. Elevated calcium could then activate calcium-dependent proteases which degrade particular cytoskeletal proteins, and lipases which generate free radicals resulting in membrane damage and possible cell death. In this article we provide evidence that amyloid β-peptide (Aβ), the substance which accumulates in AD plaques, exacerbates excitotoxic and metabolic compromises to neurons resulting in changes in the cytoskeleton which resemble those seen in the neurofibrillary tangles of AD. We also provide evidence that secreted forms of β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP) are neuroprotective against excitotoxic insults. Recent findings concerning the normal function of βAPP and the mechanism of Aβ toxicity place βAPP at the center of changes leading to neuronal degeneration in AD.
Effects of Hypophosphatemia on Pulmonary Muscle Performance

Hypophosphatemia is a disorder often characterized by muscle weakness (1). In studies of cardiac performance in hypophos-phatemic patients, O’Connor (2) found that muscle contractility could be increased by phosphate repletion. Similar results were obtained by Fuller (3) in dogs fed a phosphorus deficient diet. Studies in adult patients (4,5,6) have shown that pulmonary muscle weakness may also be associated with hypophosphatemia, although the decrease in muscle force has not been measured. We therefore investigated the effects of a dietary — induced phosphorus depletion on pulmonary muscle force in dogs.
Using Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve operational performance in foundries

Metal casting, one of the oldest manufacturing processes, is the introduction of a molten metal into a mould where after solidification, the metal takes on the shape of the moulded cavity. The metal casting industry is a competitive, always evolving industry. While practices typically remain the same, the market fluctuates year to year. This forces companies and foundries to consistently adapt to an ever changing demand and improve their processes. To do so, foundries need to eliminate wastes in their process and ensure they produce highest quality castings. In this paper, we discuss an initiative for Lean Six Sigma process improvement in casting industry. A framework for selecting the proper problem solving methodology is presented. Several process improvement projects were identified and five projects were selected. Lean and Six Sigma problem solving methods were used.
Model-evidence link diagrams: a scaffold for model-based reasoning

This poster explores the ways in which students participating in a scientific modeling curriculum engaged with a specific scaffold, the 'Model-Evidence Link' (MEL) diagram, designed to reduce cognitive load and facilitate modeling literacy. Completed MEL diagrams, along with the small-group argumentation sessions they supported, represent rich sources of data on students' norms for model-evidence coordination, both before and after the scaffold's introduction. We consider various approaches to coding these data and present preliminary results.
Comparative Economics: Using Experimental Economic Paradigms to Understand Primate Social Decision-Making

One of the goals of studying primate social cognition is to better understand how decision-making is similar or different across primate species, including humans. Recently, researchers have begun to use paradigms from experimental economics that allow for direct comparisons across species using identical or highly similar experimental approaches. In many cases, paradigms used extensively in humans, such as the Assurance Game, Matching Pennies Game, and Prisoner’s Dilemma, have been adapted for other species in order to understand how different payoff structures influence decision-making. This approach has been utilized to explore not only individual differences and the influence of the social environment on behavior, but also the ecological relevance of such paradigms to the species in question. This comprehensive exploration allows for the most robust understanding of the evolution and development of social decision-making.
Transsphenoidal Approach for Pituitary Adenomas in Elderly Patients

Introduction With a rapidly expanding elderly population in the United States, the incidence of pituitary adenomas in elderly will continue to rise. In this study, we aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transsphenoidal endoscopic endonasal resection for pituitary adenomas in the elderly population. Methods A retrospective review of 131 consecutive patients who underwent transsphenoidal endoscopic endonasal resection for pituitary adenomas at the University of Miami Hospital between 2012 and 2016 was performed. Preoperative, intraoperative, and surgical outcomes were analyzed in elderly (>70 years) versus nonelderly ( Results Of the 131 patients, 23 of them were >70 years (18%), of which 14 were septuagenarians and 9 were octogenarians. Elderly patients were more likely to present with vision loss (80.8% vs. 56.6%; P = 0.013) and larger tumors on imaging (2.7 ± 1.0 cm vs. 2.4 ± 1.3 cm; P = 0.042). Overall surgical and endocrinologic outcomes between the 2 groups were similar. However, patients Conclusion The transsphenoidal endoscopic endonasal approach can be a safe and effective technique for resection of pituitary adenomas in patients >70 years old with appropriate patient selection.
Factors associated with self-reported falls, balance or walking difficulty in older survivors of breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer: Results from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare Health Outcomes Survey linkage

Background Cancer and its treatment affect body systems that are important in preventing falls and controlling balance/walking. This study examined factors associated with self-reported falls and balance/walking difficulty in the past 12 months in older survivors of four major cancers.
The Development of Severe Vortices within Simulated High-Shear, Low-CAPE Convection

AbstractEnvironments characterized by large values of vertical wind shear and modest convective available potential energy (CAPE) are colloquially referred to as high-shear, low-CAPE (HSLC) environ...
Progesterone and estrogen regulate NALCN expression in human myometrial smooth muscle cells.

During pregnancy, the uterus transitions from a quiescent state to an excitable, highly contractile state to deliver the fetus. Two important contributors essential for this transition are hormones...
Caffeine and heat have additive but not interactive effects on physiologic strain: A factorial experiment.

Abstract This study tested the interactive effects of heat and caffeine on exercise-induced physiological strain by using a 2x2 within-subjects factorial design. Thirty-five physically fit Caucasians underwent a bout of exercise under four conditions wherein ambient conditions (heat vs no heat) and caffeine (placebo vs caffeine; double-blinded) were manipulated. Exercise consisted of a 60-min walk and 5-min step/squat test while wearing weighted backpack. Primary outcomes include measures of physiologic strain (Core temperature [Tr] and heart rate [HR]). Secondary measures included blood pressure, markers of sweat loss, and creatine kinase (CK). Repeated measures models were created to evaluate the individual and combined effects of heat and caffeine. Key results indicated that heat and caffeine significantly increased Tr and HR after walking and stair-stepping. No significant heat by caffeine interactions were detected, and caffeine's main effects were relatively low (≤0.17 °C for Tr and ≤6.6 bpm for HR). Of note, heat and caffeine exhibited opposite effects on blood pressure: caffeine increased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (by 6–7 mmHg) and heat decreased them (by 4–6 mm Hg; ps
Automatic generation of truck configurations for bridge load ratings in the state of North Carolina

Abstract This paper describes a methodology to automatically generate truck configurations based on state statutes that regulate axle weights of legal vehicles. Axle weights of legal vehicles are generally used to load rate bridge structures. The particular methodology described in this paper is based on the North Carolina General Statute. The paper also describes the functionality of the computer program that generates truck configurations based on the statute. The computer program constituted a deliverable to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) under grant FHWA/NC/2017–07.
Energy policy for energy sovereignty: Can policy tools enhance energy sovereignty?

Abstract The concept of energy sovereignty redefines the priorities for decision making regarding energy systems while encouraging increased reliance on renewable energy technologies like solar. Energy sovereignty involves centering the inherent right of humans and communities to make decisions about the energy systems they use, including decisions about the sources, scales, and forms of ownership that structure energy access. Current U.S energy policy does not center concerns of energy sovereignty, and in many cases may work against it. Policies to enhance energy sovereignty can accelerate electricity decarbonization while also empowering community scale decision making and offering communities control to reduce the myriad externalities associated with the fossil-fuel energy system.
States of Contemporary Dance

This chapter takes a prismatic look at the field of contemporary dance to outline some of the primary challenges that South-South artists must contend with as they enter it and stake a claim for visibility and survival in their own terms. Beginning with an examination of the inherited opposition of conceptual versus representational art in the history of Western avant-garde performance, it traces some of the irreducible differences that emerge when racial and cultural differences are placed at the center. It looks at the ways in which difference is strapped by mainstream management strategies of exceptionalism, individualism, multiculturalist performances of Tradition and Heritage, and the rhetoric of translation. Working through some of the significant debates in contemporary performance and art roughly through the last decade, it looks at the evolution of contemporary dance as “white dance” and the complex network of centrifugal and centripetal forces that undergird this field.
Congenital urethrocele in children. A case report.

Abstract Introduction Congenital urethrocele is a rare disease in children. The diagnosis is often easy but the management remain difficult due to the risk of urethral stenosis form. Case presentation We report a case of a 19-month-old child presenting with a penoscrotal mass. Cystourethroscopy confirmed the diagnosis of an urethrocele of the anterior urethra. Urethrocele repair was performed with good results. We propose to discuss clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic characteristics of congenital urethrocele in children. Conclusion An early, precise diagnosis and awareness of the anterior urethral diverticulum in boys with obstructive symptoms can reduce incidence of advanced uropathies.
Chapter 15 – A framework for accelerating bottlenecks in GPU execution with assist warps

Modern graphics processing units (GPUs) are well provisioned to support the concurrent execution of thousands of threads. Unfortunately, different bottlenecks during execution and heterogeneous application requirements create imbalances in utilization of resources in the cores. For example, when a GPU is bottlenecked by the available off-chip memory bandwidth, its computational resources are often overwhelmingly idle, waiting for data from memory to arrive. This chapter describes the Core-Assisted Bottleneck Acceleration (CABA) framework that employs idle on-chip resources to alleviate different bottlenecks in GPU execution. CABA provides flexible mechanisms to automatically generate “assist warps” that execute on GPU cores to perform specific tasks that can improve GPU performance and efficiency. CABA enables the use of idle computational units and pipelines to alleviate the memory bandwidth bottleneck, for example, by using assist warps to perform data compression to transfer less data from memory. Conversely, the same framework can be employed to handle cases where the GPU is bottlenecked by the available computational units, in which case, the memory pipelines are idle and can be used by CABA to speed up computation, for example, by performing memoization using assist warps. We provide a comprehensive design and evaluation of CABA to perform effective and flexible data compression in the GPU memory hierarchy to alleviate the memory bandwidth bottleneck. Our extensive evaluations show that CABA, when used to implement data compression, provides on average a performance improvement of 41.7% (as high as 2.6×) across a variety of memory-bandwidth-sensitive general-purpose GPU applications. We believe that CABA is a flexible framework that enables the use of idle resources to improve application performance with different optimizations and to perform other useful tasks. We discuss how CABA can be used, for example, for memoization, prefetching, handling interrupts, profiling, redundant multithreading, and speculative precomputation.
Sodium addition increases leaf herbivory and fungal damage across four grasslands

Sodium (Na) is an essential element for all animals, but not for plants. Soil Na supplies vary geographically. Animals that primarily consume plants thus have the potential to be Na limited and plants that uptake Na may be subject to higher rates of herbivory, but their high Na content also may attract beneficial partners such as pollinators and seed dispersers. To test for the effects of Na biogeochemistry on herbivory, we conducted distributed Na press experiments (monthly Na application across the growing season) in four North American grasslands. Na addition increased soil and plant Na concentrations at all sites. Grasses in Na addition plots had significantly higher herbivore damage by leaf miners and fungal pathogens than those in control plots. Forbs with higher foliar Na concentrations had significantly more chewing insect herbivore and fungal damage. While no pattern was evident across all species, several forb species had higher Na concentrations in inflorescences compared to leaves, suggesting they may allocate Na to attract beneficial partners. The uptake of Na by plants, and animal responses, has implications for the salinification in the Anthropocene. Increased use of road salt, irrigation with saline groundwater, rising sea levels and increasing temperatures and evapotranspiration rates with climate change can all increase inputs of Na into terrestrial ecosystems. Our results suggest increasing terrestrial Na availability will benefit insect herbivores and plant fungal pathogens. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Maternal Primary Carnitine Deficiency and a Novel Solute Carrier Family 22 Member 5 (SLC22A5) Mutation.

Primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by loss of function mutations in the solute carrier family 22 member 5 (SLC22A5) gene that encodes a high-affinity s...
A Theatre Production by Acid Attack Survivors: A Report and Reflection

"From believing in yourself to performance" by three acid attack survivors, Mohsen Mortazavi, Maryam Zamani, and Elham Soltani. with the honorary presence of the professional actress, Shima Khosh Akhlagh directed by Javad Rahimi executive producer: Payam Ahmadi
Research on operation state detection technology of fault location device of transmission line based on multi measuring point information

In order to ensure the operation safety of transmission line, the operation state detection technology of fault location device of transmission line based on the information of multiple measuring points is proposed. Based on the principle of feature acquisition, the real-time operation information of the fault location device of transmission line is collected, and the collected information is denoised. On this basis, the standard information of transmission line location detection is used as reference value to schedule and analyze the information of multiple measurement points, so as to achieve the research goal of accurate detection of device operation state. Finally, experiments show that the accuracy of this method is higher for the fault location device of transmission line, which fully meets the research requirements.
Multichannel analysis of surface-waves and integration of downhole acoustic televiewer imaging, ultrasonic Vs and Vp, and vertical seismic profiling in an NEHRP-standard classification, South of Concordia, Kansas, USA

Abstract Seismic site characteristics, as pertaining to earthquake hazard reduction, are a function of the subsurface elastic moduli and the geologic structures. This study explores how multiscale (surface, downhole, and laboratory) datasets can be utilized to improve “constrained” average V s30 (shear-wave velocity to a 30-meter depth). We integrate borehole, surface and laboratory measurements for a seismic site classification based on the standards of the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP). The seismic shear-wave velocity (V s30 ) was derived from a geophysical inversion workflow that utilized multichannel analysis of surface-waves (MASW) and downhole acoustic televiewer imaging (DATI). P-wave and S-wave velocities, based on laboratory measurements of arrival times of ultrasonic-frequency signals, supported the workflow by enabling us to calculate Poisson's ratio, which was incorporated in building an initial model for the geophysical inversion of MASW. Extraction of core samples from two boreholes provided lithology and thickness calibration of the amplitudes of the acoustic televiewer imaging for each layer. The MASW inversion, for calculating Vs sections, was constrained with both ultrasonic laboratory measurements (from first arrivals of Vs and Vp waveforms at simulated in situ overburden stress conditions) and the downhole acoustic televiewer (DATV) amplitude logs. The V s30 calculations enabled categorizing the studied site as NEHRP-class “C” — very dense soil and soft rock. Unlike shallow fractured carbonates in the studied area, S-wave and P-wave velocities at ultrasonic frequency for the deeper intact shale core-samples from two boreholes were in better agreement with the corresponding velocities from both a zero-offset vertical seismic profiling (VSP) and inversion of Rayleigh-wave velocity dispersion curves.
Failure characteristics of graphite-epoxy structural components loaded in compression

Failure characteristics of compressively loaded graphite-epoxy components are described. Experimental results for both strength-critical laminates and structural components with postbuckling strength are presented. Effects of low speed impact damage and circular holes on compressive strength are discussed. Delamination and shear crippling failure mechanisms that limit the performance of strength-critical laminates are described. Transverse shear and skin-stiffener separation failure mechanisms that limit the performance of components with postbuckling strength are also described. The influence of matrix properties on compressive strength improvements for impact damaged laminates is discussed. Experimental data and results from a failure analysis for strength-critical laminates with cutouts are discussed and compared with impact damage results. Typical postbuckling test results are compared with analytical predictions.
Status of Experimental Searches for Parity Violation in Atoms

In this lecture we review the experiments being carried out to observe parity violation in atoms. Since Professor Bouchiat has discussed theoretical aspects of this subject, we shall summarize only briefly the few formulae we need. Parity violation in atoms arises from the weak neutral coupling of atomic electron and nucleus. Since the electronic and hadronic weak neutral currents each possess vector and axial-vector components: $$\left. \matrix{ {{\rm{J}}_{\rm{e}}} = {{\rm{V}}_{\rm{e}}} + {{\rm{A}}_{\rm{e}}} \hfill \cr {{\rm{J}}_{\rm{N}}} = {{\rm{V}}_{\rm{N}}} + {{\rm{A}}_{\rm{N}}} \hfill \cr} \right\}$$ (1.) The weak neutral Hamiltonian H’ possesses both scalar and pseudoscalar portions: $${\rm{H'}} = {{\rm{H}}_{\rm{s}}} + {{\rm{H}}_{\rm{p}}}$$ (2.) and it is the pseudoscalar portion Hp, of course, that interests us here. Ignoring momentum-transfer dependent terms, it can be written: $${{\rm{H}}_{\rm{p}}} = {\rm{H}}_{\rm{p}}^{\left( 1 \right)} + {\rm{H}}_{\rm{p}}^{\left( 2 \right)}$$ (3.) where $${\rm{H}}_{\rm{p}}^{\left( 1 \right)} = {{\rm{G}} \over {\sqrt 2 }}\sum\limits_{\rm{i}} {{{{\rm{\bar \psi }}}_{\rm{e}}}} {\rm{ }}{{\rm{\gamma }}_{\rm{\lambda }}}{\rm{ }}{{\rm{\gamma }}_{\rm{5}}}{\rm{ }}{{\rm{\psi }}_{\rm{e}}}\left[ {{{\rm{C}}_{1{\rm{p }}}}{{{\rm{\bar \psi }}}_{{\rm{pi}}}}{\rm{ }}{{\rm{\gamma }}^{\rm{\lambda }}}{\rm{ }}{{\rm{\psi }}_{{\rm{pi}}}} + {{\rm{C}}_{1{\rm{n }}}}{{{\rm{\bar \psi }}}_{{\rm{ni}}}}{\rm{ }}{{\rm{\gamma }}^{\rm{\lambda }}}{\rm{ }}{{\rm{\psi }}_{{\rm{ni}}}}} \right]$$ (4.) $${\rm{H}}_{\rm{p}}^{\left( 2 \right)} = {{\rm{G}} \over {\sqrt 2 }}\sum\limits_{\rm{i}} {{{{\rm{\bar \psi }}}_{\rm{e}}}} {\rm{ }}{{\rm{\gamma }}_{\rm{\lambda }}}{\rm{ }}{{\rm{\psi }}_{\rm{e}}}\left[ {{{\rm{C}}_{2{\rm{p }}}}{{{\rm{\bar \psi }}}_{{\rm{pi}}}}{\rm{ }}{{\rm{\gamma }}^{\rm{\lambda }}}{\rm{ }}{{\rm{\gamma }}_5}{\rm{ }}{{\rm{\psi }}_{{\rm{pi}}}} + {{\rm{C}}_{2{\rm{n }}}}{{{\rm{\bar \psi }}}_{{\rm{ni}}}}{\rm{ }}{{\rm{\gamma }}^{\rm{\lambda }}}{\rm{ }}{{\rm{\gamma }}_5}{\rm{ }}{{\rm{\psi }}_{{\rm{ni}}}}} \right]$$ (5.) and in each case the sum is taken over all protons (p) and neutrons (n) in the nucleus. The coefficients C1p, C1n, C2p, C2n are model-dependent and it is the goal of the various experiments to determine them. In the standard (“Weinberg-Salam”) model, one predicts: $$\left. \matrix{ {{\rm{C}}_{1{\rm{p}}}} = {1 \over 2}\left( {1 - 4{\rm{ si}}{{\rm{n}}^2}{\rm{ \theta }}} \right) \hfill \cr {{\rm{C}}_{1{\rm{n}}}} = - {1 \over 2} \hfill \cr {{\rm{C}}_{2{\rm{p}}}} = {{\rm{g}}_{{\rm{A/2}}}}\left( {1 - 4{\rm{ si}}{{\rm{n}}^2}{\rm{ \theta }}} \right) \hfill \cr {{\rm{C}}_{2{\rm{n}}}} = - {{\rm{g}}_{{\rm{A/2}}}}\left( {1 - 4{\rm{ si}}{{\rm{n}}^2}{\rm{ \theta }}} \right) \hfill \cr} \right\}$$ (5.) where gA = 1.25 is the axial vector coupling constant of beta decay, and θ is the Weinberg angle. Diverse results from high energy physics yield sin2 θ = 0.23, leading to the predictions: $$\matrix{ {{{\rm{C}}_{1{\rm{p}}}} = .04;} & {{{\rm{C}}_{1{\rm{n}}}} = - .50;} & {{{\rm{C}}_{2{\rm{p}}}} = .05;} & {{{\rm{C}}_{2{\rm{n}}}} = - .05} \cr } $$ (6.)
Growth phase of Jovian substorms

[1] Strong northward and southward field turnings in the near Jovian magnetotail have been observed by Galileo. These sudden dipolarizations and plasmoid formations have been interpreted as signatures of tail reconnection, similar to those seen in terrestrial substorms. In this paper, we examine the temporal behavior of the magnetic field strength in the lobes of the Jovian tail and find that it increases smoothly prior to reconnection events and decreases after them. The tail field variations are similar to those during the growth phase and expansion phase of terrestrial substorms but last a much longer time, about three days. These lobe field changes appear not to be caused by the solar wind dynamic pressure (Pdyn). Thus substorms in the Jovian tail resemble terrestrial substorms in that they have growth phases with increases of the magnetic field strength in the near-planetary tail field followed by sudden decreases of the field strength when reconnection occurs and plasmoids are released.
Capital Budgeting by the Federal Government

What is a capital budget? Why does the federal government not have one? This paper attempts to address both questions. It explains how capital projects at the federal level are budgeted for on a cash-basis, as is the case for all spending in the unified budget, and why this matters. Specifically, it will consider how well this budgetary treatment leads to an efficient allocation of capital spending, government accountability, and long-term planning. It also examines alternative ways to budget for capital spending that have been proposed, their rationales, and whether they might lead to better outcomes. First, however, this paper turns to define “capital” and how other entities besides the federal government budget for capital projects.
Linkage and Autocorrelation Cause Feature Selection Bias in Relational Learning

Two common characteristics of relational data sets — concentrated linkage and relational autocorrelation — can cause learning algorithms to be strongly biased toward certain features, irrespective of their predictive power. We identify these characteristics, define quantitative measures of their severity, and explain how they produce this bias. We show how linkage and autocorrelation affect a representative algorithm for feature selection by applying the algorithm to synthetic data and to data drawn from the Internet Movie Database.
FOREWORD: Unconventional Oil and Gas Development: Economic, Environmental, and Policy Analysis

Foreword to special issue on economic, environmental, and policy analyses of unconventional oil and gas development in the United States
Outcomes of a multi-faceted educational intervention to increase student scholarship

Objective. To increase the percentage of state, national, or international student presentations and publications. Design. A multi-faceted intervention to increase student scholarly output was developed that included: (1) a 120-minute lecture on publication of quality improvement or independent study research findings; (2) abstract workshops; (3) poster workshops; and (4) a reminder at an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) meeting encouraging students to publish or present posters. The intervention effect was measured as the percent of students who presented at meetings and the number of student projects published. Assessment. A significant increase occurred in the percent of students who presented posters or published manuscripts after the intervention (64% vs 81%). Total student productivity increased from 84 to 147 posters, publications, and presentations. The number of projects presented or published increased from 50 to 77 in one year. Conclusion. This high-impact, low-cost intervention increased scholarly output and may help students stand out in a competitive job market.