cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Function, Coping, and Depressive Symptoms in Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease.

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the association between cognitive functioning, coping, and depressive symptoms in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD). Method Forty-four children (M age = 9.30, SD = 3.08; 56.8% male) with SCD completed cognitive assessments measuring working memory (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition) and verbal comprehension (Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence-Second Edition). Participants' primary caregivers completed questionnaires assessing their child's coping and depressive symptoms. Results Verbal comprehension was significantly positively associated with secondary control coping (cognitive reappraisal, acceptance, distraction), and both working memory and secondary control coping were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. In partial support of the primary study hypothesis, verbal comprehension had an indirect association with depressive symptoms through secondary control coping, whereas working memory had a direct association with depressive symptoms. Conclusions The results provide new evidence for the associations between cognitive function and coping, and the association of both of these processes with depressive symptoms in children with SCD. Findings provide potential implications for clinical practice, including interventions to improve children's cognitive functioning to attenuate depressive symptoms.
PTSD and dissociation symptoms as mediators of the relationship between polyvictimization and psychosocial and behavioral problems among justice-involved adolescents.

Polyvictimization (PV) has been shown to be associated with psychosocial and behavioral impairment in community and high risk populations, including youth involved in juvenile justice. However, the...
Large SOD1 aggregates, unlike trimeric SOD1, do not impact cell viability in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Aberrant accumulation of misfolded Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is a hallmark of SOD1-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an invariably fatal neurodegenerative disease. While recent discovery of nonnative trimeric SOD1-associated neurotoxicity has suggested a potential pathway for motor neuron impairment, it is yet unknown whether large, insoluble aggregates are cytotoxic. Here we designed SOD1 mutations that specifically stabilize either the fibrillar form or the trimeric state of SOD1. The designed mutants display elevated populations of fibrils or trimers correspondingly, as demonstrated by gel filtration chromatography and electron microscopy. The trimer-stabilizing mutant, G147P, promoted cell death, even more potently in comparison with the aggressive ALS-associated mutants A4V and G93A. In contrast, the fibril-stabilizing mutants, N53I and D101I, positively impacted the survival of motor neuron-like cells. Hence, we conclude the SOD1 oligomer and not the mature form of aggregated fibril is critical for the neurotoxic effects in the model of ALS. The formation of large aggregates is in competition with trimer formation, suggesting that aggregation may be a protective mechanism against formation of toxic oligomeric intermediates.
Electric Field Enhancement by Two-scale Structure

We propose a novel multi-length-scale architecture for giant electric field enhancement. We investigate the capability of our structure to boost the electric field analytically and using full-wave simulations and verify our results with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy experiment.
Refocusing the Debate: Assessing the Purposes and Tools of Teacher Evaluation

In this article, John Papay argues that teacher evaluation tools should be assessed not only on their ability to measure teacher performance accurately, but also on how well they inform and support ongoing teacher development. He looks at two major approaches to teacher evaluation reform: value-added measures and standards-based evaluations. Papay analyzes these two approaches both as measurement tools and as professional development tools, illuminating the advantages, drawbacks, and untapped potential of each. In the process, attention is refocused towards a broader conception of the purpose of teacher evaluation.
The Historical Development of Phase Transformations Understanding in Ferrous Alloys

Abstract: This chapter reviews the historical evolution of phase transformations understanding as it was developed in steels and other ferrous alloys. The focus is on the discoveries, dead ends, confusions, controversies, and achievements in the 1880–1925 period when the age-old ‘hardening problem’ in steel was pursued using metallography, thermal analysis, and the Gibbs phase rule. The shift in paradigm regarding metal structure and phase transformations was completed in the following period, 1925–1970, when breakthroughs afforded by X-ray diffraction and other techniques shed new light on all transformations. The evolving interactions of physical metallurgy with chemistry, physics, and other fields will be highlighted.
Empirical Bayes Estimation of Mean Lifetime for an Exponential Distribution: Unequal Sample Sizes Case

In this chapter, we study the empirical Bayes estimation of the mean lifetime θ in an exponential distribution with unequal sample sizes. It is assumed that θ is in the interval [a,b] where 0 < a < b < ∞. We investigate a method for constructing an empirical Bayes estimator ϕ*n+1,n under unequal sample sizes situation. The asymptotic optimality of ϕ*n+1,n is studied. We have proved that ϕ*n+1,n is asymptotically optimal, and its regret converges to zero at a rate O ((ln n)3M−1 /n) when both a and b are known, or at a rate O ((ln n)3M−1 (ln ln n)2/n) when both a and b are unknown, where M is an upper bound of sample sizes.
Biotribology and Human Tribology

In biotribology and human tribology, tribological theories are applied to biological systems and human interactions, respectively. This chapter focuses on the human tribology fields, slip and fall accidents and hand-object interaction, and the biotribology fields, ocular and oral tribology. Slip and fall accidents are caused by low friction between the shoe and floor surface, frequently due to a fluid contaminant. Experimental methods of evaluating shoe-floor friction are most relevant to human slips when mimicking the dynamics of human stepping and the environmental conditions (using common shoes, floors, and/or contaminants). The tribological mechanisms affecting shoe-floor friction are adhesion, hysteresis, boundary lubrication, and hydrodynamic lubrication. Modeling efforts have shown that certain floor roughness parameters correlate well with shoe-floor friction, that adhesion and hysteresis can be simulated with finite element analysis, and that models using Reynolds equation can simulate the hydrodynamic effects. Skin friction is essential for everyday activities such as gripping and manipulating objects. The friction of the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, is modulated by hydration allowing the body to optimize skin friction through perspiration. Increasing skin friction leads to improved performance by increasing grip strength and fine motor speed. The tribological interaction in the eye, with or without a contact lens, contributes significantly to comfort. Eye discomfort and the disorder dry eye syndrome occur when abnormalities occur to any of the three tear film layers that protect and lubricate the eye. Low friction is essential to the comfort of contact lens. Experiments and models have implicated that adhesion, hysteresis, boundary lubrication, and elastohydrodynamic lubrication may all contribute to eye lens friction. Tooth wear due to abrasion and corrosion is a major threat to healthy teeth and dental restorative surfaces. Tribological principles such as two-body wear, three-body wear, and corrosion along with innovative modeling and experimental techniques have revealed personal risk factors and the effects of behavior on dental wear. Another application of oral tribology is creaminess perception in the mouth. Creaminess of a food is largely dependent on its ability to lubricate the mouth surfaces. Replication of this sensation using low-fat alternatives to traditional high-fat creamy foods has the potential to achieve reductions in obesity. This chapter demonstrates the applications of tribology to biological systems.
No Cilia Left Behind: Analyzing the Privacy Rights in Routinely Shed DNA Found at Crime Scenes

As science advances, researchers are learning more about the meaning of information that is contained in the human genome. Because we routinely shed DNA in public, this has significant implications for an individual’s ability to keep genetic information private. If routinely shed DNA is found at a crime scene, there is a significant governmental interest to sequence the DNA in order to uncover suspects or potential witnesses. This Note analyzes the implications of advancing technology on an individual’s right to privacy in one’s own genetic information, and it argues that informational privacy should be protected for non-phenotypic information in routinely shed DNA at crime scenes.
The Power of Performance-Based Assessment: Languages As a Model for the Liberal Arts Enterprise

The ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines and the World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning have had an enormous impact on the design and delivery of instruction in the second language and foreign language fields in the United States; this, in turn, has had an impact on the nature of learning outcomes in second and foreign language education, as demonstrated in the essays in this volume. With these performance metrics and curricular foci in mind, experts in the second and foreign language fields have engaged in the purposeful design and delivery of curricula and the assessment of learning outcomes that meet the aspirations of the Association of American Colleges and University’s Liberal Education and America’s Promise program (LEAP) as well as the expectations of the regional accrediting agencies for higher education in the United States (Higher Learning Commission, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England Association Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission). In this context, the second and foreign language fields can serve as a model for many other liberal arts disciplines in the development and use of their own discipline-specific performance benchmarks and the development and implementation of curricula that foster the attainment of measurable student learning outcomes.
When Deployable Spacecraft Antennas Don't

The objective of this paper is to explore possibilities for continued use of certain deployable spacecraft antennas when full deployment fails. Four (4) deployables are used as examples, including 1) a reflectarray, 2) a parabolic reflector, 3) a loop, and 4) a set of 4 monopoles. The measure of “continued usability” in each case is relative antenna gain as a function of partial deployment. Note, types (and levels) of partial deployment presented here are strictly hypothetical. Also, discussions of actual deployment mechanisms are considered outside the scope of this paper.
Methylene blue photodynamic therapy for treatment of deep tissue abscess cavities (Conference Presentation)

Deep tissue abscesses remain a significant cause of morbidity, mortality, and hospital stay despite improved surgical techniques and use of perioperative antibiotics. Long-term antibiotics increase risk of acquired resistance and polymicrobial infection, limiting future treatment options. We have therefore undertaken a Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate safety and feasibility of methylene blue mediated photodynamic therapy (MB-PDT) at the time of drainage to treat deep tissue abscesses. This trial uses a fixed photosensitizer dose (1 mg/mL) delivered directly to the abscess cavity, and escalates light dose using a 3+3 design. Three patients were treated at the lowest light dose (20 mW/cm2, 6 J/cm2), with no study-related adverse events. Based on the technical success of this group, recruitment will continue for higher light dose groups with relaxed inclusion criteria. This trial restricts potential subjects to those with single abscesses less than 8 cm in diameter. To investigate MB-PDT feasibility in a wider population, we extracted CT images for patients receiving abscess drainage locally. Images were segmented and imported into a custom Monte Carlo simulation framework. Simulations were performed to determine whether 20 mW/cm2 could be delivered to 95% of the abscess wall, given the available 2 W of optical power at the treatment fiber output. Preliminary results show that this is achievable in 80% of abscesses examined, with volumes ranging from 30-250 mL. Optical power required ranged from 50-950 mW. Based on these initial results, it appears that a large number of abscesses drained may be candidates for MB-PDT.
Youth Learning Machine Learning through Building Models of Athletic Moves

Machine Learning-based (ML) technologies impact many facets of our lives. Given ML's ubiquity, and the ways it offers creative computational possibilities distinct from programming, we believe it could be a powerful tool for youth to leverage in making, creativity, and play. We investigate how youth with no programming experience can incorporate ML classifiers into athletic practice by building models of their own physical activity. In this paper, we describe a design experiment exploring how to introduce youth to making ML models within the context of their athletic interests. We present AlpacaML, an iOS application that connects to wearable sensors and allows young people to model physical movement using an ML classifier, and detail its use in a three-hour workshop with middle- and high-school athletes. We found the youth were able to collect data, build models, test and evaluate models, and quickly iterate on this process. We finish with a discussion of why this is a promising direction for the incorporation of Machine Learning into novice youth making, exploration, and play.
Preoperative Diastolic Dysfunction and Postoperative Outcomes after Noncardiac Surgery

Objective To determine if diastolic dysfunction is independently associated with increased mortality, acute kidney injury, and hospital length of stay after noncardiac surgery. Design Retrospective observational cohort. Setting Academic referral center. Participants All patients undergoing noncardiac and nonliver-transplant surgeries at University of California - Los Angeles between April 2013 and October 2017, who also had transthoracic echocardiograms performed within 6 months preceding their procedures. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Patients’ demographic, comorbidity, echocardiographic, and perioperative data were queried from the electronic health record. Diastolic dysfunction was graded by automated application of 2016 American Society of Echocardiography guidelines to queried echocardiographic measurements. During the study period, 12,871 eligible records were identified, of which 7,312 represented unique procedures with complete information. Twenty-three percent of patients had echocardiographic evidence of diastolic dysfunction (7.0% grade 1, 8.1% grade 2, 0.6% grade 3, and 7.5% nonspecific). Patients with diastolic dysfunction tended to be older and have higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores with more comorbidities. Overall, 166 patients (2.3%) experienced an in-hospital death. After adjustment for potentially confounding variables, diastolic dysfunction was not significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality, acute kidney injury, or hospital length of stay. Conclusions Diastolic dysfunction does not appear to be associated with increased in-hospital mortality, acute kidney injury, or hospital length of stay in a cohort of noncardiac surgical patients at an academic medical center. These results highlight uncertainties in perioperative risk determination.
Repair of a large primary subtemporal encephalocele in a 3-year-old child: case report

Primary encephaloceles (PEs) present only rarely in the temporal region; in the rare instance that they project through the floor of the middle fossa they are secondary. In this case report the authors report on the management of a giant PE extending through the floor of the middle fossa.An 8-month-old boy presented to the authors' service with a large PE projecting into his neck through a missing left middle fossa floor; the lesion was causing significant meta-, dys-, and hypoplasia of the structures of the anterolateral neck on that side. Surgical goals for this patient included the following: 1) removal of potentially epileptogenic and dysfunctional tissue; 2) preservation of cranial nerves; 3) prevention of cognitive decline or iatrogenic deficit; 4) prevention of CSF leak; 5) reconstruction of skull base; 6) prevention of airway and swallowing compromise; and 7) cosmesis. After a multidisciplinary evaluation with ENT, plastic surgery, and neurology, an operation was performed using a preauricular infratemporal approach when the patient was 3 years old. Gliotic tissue was resected and amygdala, hippocampus, and middle cerebral artery were preserved.The immediate results of the operation showed good immediate outcome. Seizure freedom and neurodevelopment outcomes remain to be seen at follow-up.
Fungal infection in premature

Objective To stuay the features of fungal infection by analyzing the preterm inpatient in our departrment retrospectively.Methods All preterm(1716 babies)inpatient in our department were ealtrolled between April 2005 to January 2008,and the assessment ofinfection was taken by elinical symptom and laratory examillation.The infected babies were give.flueonazol 6mg/(kg·d)by intravenous drip,and amphoteriein B and ganmla globulin would be used for those babies who were still sick.Results A total of 11 cases were diagnod as fungus infection.and another 26 cases of suspected fungus infecdon for a total of37 cases.accounting forthe total number of premature infants 2.16 percents;the death ofthree cases Qfinfection case-fatality rate was 8.1%.The average gestational age was(30.7±2.3)weeks,and 31 cases were less than 32 weeks,aceoundng or 83.78%.The average age ofinfecdon was(19.21±8.02)days;All babies were given two ormoire anubiodes,and used in part ortotal parenteral nutrition,and the number of babies had been conducted with invasive operation was 29.accounting for 78.38%.Conclusion Applicadon of a wide range of broad-spectnlm antibiotie,combined with a variety of antiNodes,invasive treatment in premature infants are nosoeomial fungal infection of the main faetors,the smaller gestational age,the more possibility fungal infoetion.Fluconazole is effective for fungal infection of newborns,and can be comidered as first.line drug.For premature infants,the longer-term(14 days or above)use of antifungal agents may be more appropriate treatment cycle. Key words: Premature; ungus; nfection
Endangered White-breasted Thrashers (Ramphocinclus brachyurus) reject mimetic Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) eggs

Brood parasitism can decrease the reproductive success of host species and contribute to population declines, especially in small populations with naturally low fecundity. The ability of host species to recognize foreign eggs varies, as do the behavioral responses of hosts to brood parasitism. We experimentally tested the ability of a putative host, the White-breasted Thrasher (Ramphocinclus brachyurus), to recognize and reject the eggs of a recently established generalist brood parasite. The White-breasted Thrasher is an endangered songbird restricted to 2 small Caribbean islands that are not known to ever have supported obligate brood parasites. We experimentally parasitized active nests within the stronghold of the species' distribution in Saint Lucia and found that White-breasted Thrashers rejected 83% of mimetic Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) eggs (i.e., wooden eggs painted to look like Shiny Cowbird eggs) within 5 d of being parasitized. Rejection of mimetic eggs was not associated with nest initiation date, distance to habitat edge or agricultural area, nest-attempt number, or presence of helpers or dependent young. We conclude that White-breasted Thrashers can detect foreign eggs and possess behavioral adaptations to counter brood parasitism, and propose that these anti-parasitism traits are likely retained from ancestors that evolved in the presence of brood parasites. Our results suggest that brood parasitism by Shiny Cowbirds is unlikely to become a major threat to the White-breasted Thrasher in Saint Lucia. However, ongoing anthropogenic land alteration is likely to increase contact between the 2 species, warranting continued monitoring of their nascent relationship.
Surgeon stress negatively affects their non-technical skills in the operating room

Abstract Background Poor surgeons’ non-technical skills (NTS) and excessive stress and workload are known contributors to surgical errors. Our aim was to examine the relationship between surgeons’ stress and workload, and their observed NTS intraoperatively. Methods Surgeon’s NTS were rated in the operating room (OR) by trained observers. Surgeon stress, workload, familiarity with the OR team, prior experience, and case difficulty were captured. Relationships between variables were assessed. Results Fifteen surgeons participated in our study. Agreement among raters was high for NTS observations (ICC range = 0.56–0.96). Stress was negatively correlated with situation awareness, and workload was negatively correlated with decision making. Less familiarity among the team was correlated with higher stress. Conclusions Surgeons’ stress and workload negatively affected their NTS in the OR. Further, unfamiliarity with the surgical team contributed to surgeon’s stress. Methods to reduce surgeons’ stress and workload such as mental skills training should be considered.
Mineralogical applications of electron diffraction: I. theory and techniques

A report about a geometry based on the reciprocal lattice concept and geometrical construction of Ewald needed for the interpretation of transmission electron-diffraction single-crystal patterns.
Dansei Konenki: Narratives of Male Menopause in Contemporary Japan

Previous research has focused on cross-cultural comparisons of illnesses, such as depression and senile dementia, though few have studied the actual processes by which these illness categories become separated from their roots and adopted in a different locale; in anthropological terms, their "indigenization." Through anthropological fieldwork conducted from June to September of 2003, this paper explores how dansei konenki, or male menopause, has found a niche in contemporary Japan, as well as the defining features of the country that may explain this phenomenon. Based on this research, I argue that the indigenization of dansei konenki embodies a particular socio- historical moment in Japan-namely, that of the long-running economic decline in recent years.
Virtual or Crypto Currencies and the Securities Laws

Over the years, a wide variety of nontraditional investments from orange groves to earthworms and scotch whiskey have been held to be securities. The securities laws’ definition is expansive because of its inclusion of “investment contract” in the statutory definition and the courts’ interpretation of that phrase. This article concludes that under most, if not all, circumstances, virtual or crypto currencies are likely to be securities. The article also explains the consequences under the securities laws of classifying a virtual or crypto currency as a security.
Assimilation of DAWN Doppler wind lidar data during the 2017 Convective Processes Experiment (CPEX): impact on precipitation and flow structure

Abstract. An improved representation of 3-D air motion and precipitation structure through forecast models and assimilation of observations is vital for improvements in weather forecasting capabilities. However, there are few independent data to properly validate a model forecast of precipitation structure when the underlying dynamics are evolving on short convective timescales. Using data from the JPL Ku/Ka-band Airborne Precipitation Radar (APR-2) and the 2 µ m Doppler Aerosol Wind (DAWN) lidar collected during the 2017 Convective Processes Experiment (CPEX), the NASA Unified Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Ensemble Data Assimilation System (EDAS) modeling system was used to quantify the impact of high-resolution sparsely sampled DAWN measurements on the analyzed variables and on the forecast when the DAWN winds were assimilated. Overall, the assimilation of the DAWN wind profiles had a discernible impact on the wind field as well as the evolution and timing of the 3-D precipitation structure. Analysis of individual variables revealed that the assimilation of the DAWN winds resulted in important and coherent modifications of the environment. It led to an increase in the near-surface convergence, temperature, and water vapor, creating more favorable conditions for the development of convection exactly where it was observed (but not present in the control run). Comparison to APR-2 and observations by the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite shows a much-improved forecast after the assimilation of the DAWN winds – development of precipitation where there was none, more organized precipitation where there was some, and a much more intense and organized cold pool, similar to the analysis of the dropsonde data. The onset of the vertical evolution of the precipitation showed similar radar-derived cloud-top heights, but delayed in time. While this investigation was limited to a single CPEX flight date, the investigation design is appropriate for further investigation of the impact of airborne Doppler wind lidar observations upon short-term convective precipitation forecasts.
The nexus of climate change and urbanization

Abstract This chapter discusses the nexus of climate change and urbanization in three parts. Part one explains how urbanization can affect climate change. The contributing factors discussed are transportation and buildings’ energy demand. Part two discusses the consequences of climate change on urban life and explaines how climate change and global warming, increase buildings’ energy demand for cooling, aggravate air pollution, reduce water quality, affect humans’ health and productivity, contribute to acid rains, damage the economy, increase the chance and intensity of wildfires, decrease the quality of life, and are detrimental to buildings’ structure. Part three provides climate change mitigation strategies in cities in two sections of corrective and preventive measures. Corrective measures focus on controlling the factors that directly lead to emissions such as transportation, and burning fossil fuels for heating, as well as controlling indirect causes of emissions or energy and material consumption. Preventive measures provided by the chapter are: (1) emission control through transportation management, (2) preservation and restoration of green space and open space in cities, (3) smart growth and compact development, (4) building and neighborhood renovations, (5) maximized collaboration and holistic approaches, and (6) worldwide commitment to sustainable development in action.
The use of near infrared spectroscopy to predict foliar nutrient levels of hydroponically grown teak seedlings

Due to a combination of durability, strength, and aesthetically pleasing color, teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) is globally regarded as a premier timber species. High value, in combination with compreh...
Treatment of Delirium and Confusional States in Oncology and Palliative Care Settings

Delirium is one of the most common neuropsychiatric complications seen in cancer patients, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Delirium is frequently under recognized, misdiagnosed, and undertreated among cancer patients and in palliative care settings. Psycho-oncologists should be familiar with early recognition, accurate assessment, and proper management of delirium to prevent adverse outcomes of delirium. There have been a growing number of studies in management and prevention of delirium published over the last decade. Antipsychotics, cholinesterase inhibitors, melatonin, and alpha-2 agonists are the pharmacological management options studied in randomized controlled trials in a variety of patient populations, not all in cancer patients or in the terminally ill. In oncology and palliative care settings, the evidence is most clearly supportive of short-term, low-dose use of antipsychotics for the control of the symptoms of delirium, with close monitoring for possible side effects especially in older patients and patients with multiple medical comorbidities. This chapter presents an overview of the pharmacological management options for delirium in cancer patients and in palliative care settings.
The proteins of plasma lipoproteins: properties and significance.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the several polypeptides that have been isolated from circulating lipoproteins. The most commonly adopted system of nomenclature for plasma lipoproteins is based on the ultracentrifugal methods. Chromatographic procedures are applied increasingly in the fractionation and purification of plasma lipoproteins (B11, L3, W2). The methods for assessing the purity of plasma lipoproteins are summarized in a tabulated form. All the lipids are bound to the protein by noncovalent linkages, which permit their ready extraction by organic solvents or displacement by detergents. The physical properties of lipoprotein lipids have been studied by using X-ray techniques, electron microscopy, and spectroscopic methods (fluorescence, electron, and nuclear-magnetic resonance). Plasma lipoproteins are referred to as classes either in ultracentrifugal or electrophoretic terms. Because of the four major lipoprotein particles—chylomicrons, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (or pre-β), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (or β–), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (or α–), the hyperlipemic states are classified in terms of the elevation of one or more of these lipoprotein classes.
Phase Matching and Quasi-Phase Matching of Extreme High-Order Harmonic Generation

We present new schemes for phase matching and quasi-phase matching extreme high-order harmonic generation. Using longer wavelength driving light at 1.3 im, we extend full phase matching of high harmonic generation in argon and neon to 100 and 200 eV respectively, well beyond the phase-matching limit for 0.8 im. Also, we show that multiple weak quasi-CW waves can induce phase modulated structures in the high-harmonic generation process that can be used for highly efficient quasi-phase matching.
Speaker tracking in seminars by human body detection

This paper presents evaluation results of a method for tracking speakers in seminars from multiple cameras. First, 2D human tracking and detection is done for each view. Then, 2D locations are converted to 3D based on the calibration parameters. Finally, cues from multiple cameras are integrated in a incremental way to refine the trajectories. We have developed two multi-view integration methods, which are evaluated and compared on the CHIL speaker tracking test set.
The New Distance Learners: Providing Customized Online Research Assistance to Urban Students on the Go

This article provides an overview of the pedagogical theories surrounding distance learning while discussing the learning styles and characteristics of distance learners. The author describes how the use of social media and learning objects supports the pedagogical theory of connectivism. The author discusses how a mid-sized, urban university library uses social media tools, including YouTube and Twitter, to offer distance learning students the same level of research support as those studying on campus while examining other libraries that do the same. This method provides students with the opportunity to pick and choose online research support that is customized to their specific needs and timetable while still allowing for collaboration among peer learners.
Modeling and analysis of the Unix communication subsystems

The performance of host communication subsystems is an important research topic in computer networks. Performance metrics such as throughput, delay, and packet loss are important indices to observe the system behavior. Most research in this area is conducted by experimental measurement; far less attention is paid to the analytic modeling approach. The well-known complexity and dynamic nature of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) make the performance modeling of communication subsystems extremely difficult. The purpose of this study is to analyze and model the overhead in Unix communication subsystems. The overhead is caused by protocol processing as well as kernel functions for fair allocation of system resources. Our approach is to build analytic models of communication overhead for sending and receiving a message. The analytic models can be applied to analyze the communication overhead for Internet information systems, such as the Internet web servers, or software servers built above midwares, such as the Distributed Computing Environment/Remote Procedure Call (DCE/RPC) servers, that require intensive network I/O.
Proposed method for tunneling spectroscopy with ohmic dissipation using resistive electrodes: a possible Majorana filter.

We propose a scheme to distinguish zero-energy peaks due to Majorana from those due to other effects at finite temperature by simply replacing the normal metallic lead with a resistive lead (large $R\ensuremath{\sim}k\ensuremath{\Omega}$) in the tunneling spectroscopy. The dissipation effects due to the large resistance change the tunneling conductance significantly in different ways. The Majorana peak remains increase as temperature decreases $G\ensuremath{\sim}{T}^{2r\ensuremath{-}1}$ for $r={e}^{2}R/hl1/2$. The zero-energy peak due to other effects splits into two peaks at finite temperature and the conductance at zero voltage bias varies with temperature by a power law. The dissipative tunneling with a Majorana mode belongs to the same universal class as the unstable critical point of the case with a non-Majorana mode.
Ligand binding promotes prion protein aggregation--role of the octapeptide repeats.

Aggregation of the normal cellular prion protein, PrP, is important in the pathogenesis of prion disease. PrP binds glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and divalent cations, such as Cu2+ and Zn2+. Here, we report our findings that GAG and Cu2+ promote the aggregation of recombinant human PrP (rPrP). The normal cellular prion protein has five octapeptide repeats. In the presence of either GAG or Cu2+, mutant rPrPs with eight or ten octapeptide repeats are more aggregation prone, exhibit faster kinetics and form larger aggregates than wild-type PrP. When the GAG-binding motif, KKRPK, is deleted the effect of GAG but not that of Cu2+ is abolished. By contrast, when the Cu2+-binding motif, the octapeptide-repeat region, is deleted, neither GAG nor Cu2+ is able to promote aggregation. Therefore, the octapeptide-repeat region is critical in the aggregation of rPrP, irrespective of the promoting ligand. Furthermore, aggregation of rPrP in the presence of GAG is blocked with anti-PrP mAbs, whereas none of the tested anti-PrP mAbs block Cu2+-promoted aggregation. However, a mAb that is specific for an epitope at the N-terminus enhances aggregation in the presence of either GAG or Cu2+. Therefore, although binding of either GAG or Cu2+ promotes the aggregation of rPrP, their aggregation processes are different, suggesting multiple pathways of rPrP aggregation.
Codeassessor: an interactive, web-based tool for introductory programming

This paper describes CodeAssessor, a web-based assessment tool for CS1 courses that is meant to both assess student's code and to provide immediate feedback to students. The tool provides a web-based form that allows an instructor to enter a program and designate parts of the program as code blocks that are to be completed by the student. For each code block the instructor provides a set of instructions, solution code, and a scoring rubric. The instructor also provides a set of test cases for the entire program. Students complete the problem by writing a block at a time and testing their code using their own test cases. Any empty blocks are compiled using the instructor-provided code. Students may submit code blocks at any time for automatic grading by CodeAssessor. If the student's code does not compile, or the student's output does not match the instructor's output, the student is given appropriate feedback and is allowed to try again. The student is shown the instructor's code either upon correct completion of the code block, when the points available for the code block become 0, or the student gives up. This tool can be used for homework assignments, for exam problems, or for in-class assignments. Although the current language is C++, a one-line change to a couple PhP scripts is all that is required to change the compiler and execution environment to another language, such as Java. By providing the student with portions of the program, and by displaying the instructor's model solution code, we hope to help students move through a problem more expeditiously and with greater understanding.
Roc the Mic Right: The Language of Hip Hop Culture

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: H. Samy Alim Year: 2006 Pages: 192 Publisher: Routledge ISBN: 0415358787 (soft cover). Prices: $35.95 USD(soft cover).
Inclusion, School Restructuring, and the Remaking of American Society

In this article, Dorothy Kerzner Lipsky and Alan Gartner discuss recent developments in special education and measure them against their inclusionary model. This article expands and updates their 1987 HER article, "Beyond Special Education: Toward a Quality System for All Students," a review of the implementation of PL 94-142, which, though the basis for placement in the least restrictive environment, in fact provided legal support for the development of separate educational systems for students with special needs. Here, Lipsky and Gartner continue their argument that the special education model must not separate those with special needs. They argue that inclusion provides all students with a quality education that is both individual and integrated, citing recent court cases that support their contention that all students can and should be educated in the same classroom. Lipsky and Gartner conclude by showing how their inclusionary model adds to the school restructuring debate, which until now has exclude...
A semiparametric technique for the multi-response optimization problem

Multi-response optimization (MRO) in response surface methodology is quite common in applications. Before the optimization phase, appropriate fitted models for each response are required. A common problem is model misspecification and occurs when any of the models built for the responses are misspecified resulting in an erroneous optimal solution. The model robust regression (MRR) technique, a semiparametric method, has been shown to be more robust to misspecification than either parametric or nonparametric methods. In this study, we propose the use of MRR to improve the quality of model estimation and adapt its fits of each response to the desirability function approach, one of the most popular MRO techniques. A case study and simulation studies are presented to illustrate the procedure and to compare the semiparametric method with the parametric and nonparametric methods. The results show that MRR performs much better than the other two methods in terms of model comparison criteria in most situations during the modeling stage. In addition, the simulated optimization results for MRR are more reliable during the optimization stage. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of Strong Hurricane Winds to Florida Cities

Abstract A statistical procedure for estimating the risk of strong winds from hurricanes is demonstrated and applied to several major cities in Florida. The procedure, called the hurricane risk calculator, provides an estimate of wind risk over different length periods and can be applied to any location experiencing this hazard. Results show that the city of Miami can expect to see hurricane winds blowing at 50 m s−1 [45.5–54.5 m s−1 is the 90% confidence interval (CI)] or stronger, on average, once every 12 yr. In comparison, the city of Pensacola can expect to see hurricane winds of 50 m s−1 (46.9–53.1 m s−1, 90% CI) or stronger once every 24 yr. A quantile regression is applied to hurricane wind speeds in the vicinity of Florida. Results show that the strongest hurricanes are getting stronger as a consequence of higher offshore intensification rates.
A dignified success: Knopf’s translation and promotion ofThe Second Sex

When Alfred A. Knopf published the U.S. edition of Simone de Beauvoir'sLe Deuxieme Sexe asThe Second Sex in 1953, their marketing deemphasized the book's existentialism and feminism. Rather they promoted it with comparisons to the Kinsey report and stressed its scientific merit. The translator's preface, his condensations, and prepublication promotion avoided overt sensationalism and invested it with scientific and intellectual cachet. This promotional strategy, though a somewhat inaccurate portrayal of the work, set the tone for its critical and popular reception and contributed to both its initial sales and its longevity.
Image processing technique for thermal analyses of target and background infrared scenes

An image processing technique to ascertain target-to-background temperature differences of emissive sources of infrared (IR) radiation is discussed in this paper. After the processing system description, a discussion follows on the image (scene) acquisition process proceeded by an explanation of the image calibration procedure. An example image statistical analysis is presented to illustrate this technique. In particular, a temperature difference is derived for a U.S. M60 tank exercised in a desert background.
Nonhuman Primates Are Protected from Smallpox Virus or Monkeypox Virus Challenges by the Antiviral Drug ST-246

ST-246, a potent orthopoxvirus egress inhibitor, is safe and effective at preventing disease and death in studies of small-animal models involving challenge by several different pathogenic poxviruses. In this report, the antiviral efficacy of ST-246 in treatment of nonhuman primates infected with variola virus or monkeypox virus was assessed. The data indicate that oral dosing once per day with ST-246 protects animals from poxvirus disease, as measured by reductions in viral load and numbers of lesions and enhancement of survival.
The effect of cane use on the compensatory step following posterior perturbations.

Abstract Objective. The compensatory step is a critical component of the balance response and is impaired in older fallers. The purpose of this research was to examine whether utilization of a cane modified the compensatory step response following external posterior perturbations. Design. Single subject withdrawal design was employed. Single subject statistical analysis––the standard deviation bandwidth-method––supplemented visual analysis of the data. Methods. Four older adults (range: 73–83 years) with balance impairment who habitually use a cane completed this study. Subjects received a series of sudden backward pulls that were large enough to elicit compensatory stepping. We examined the following variables both with and without cane use: timing of cane loading relative to step initiation and center of mass acceleration, stability margin, center of mass excursion and velocity, step length and width. Results. No participant loaded the cane prior to initiation of the first compensatory step. There was no effect of cane use on the stability margin, nor was there an effect of cane use on center of mass excursion or velocity, or step length or width. Conclusions. These data suggest that cane use does not necessarily improve balance recovery following an external posterior perturbation when the individual is forced to rely on compensatory stepping. Instead these data suggest that the strongest factor in modifying step characteristics is experience with the perturbation. Relevance Health professionals frequently prescribe canes for individuals with balance impairments. The results of this study suggest that a cane does not solve all of their balance problems.
The Role of Protein Kinases A and C Pathways in the Regulation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activation in Response to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Activation

There is convincing evidence that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation is coupled to both receptor tyrosine kinase and G protein-coupled receptors. The presence of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and the GnRH receptor on the surface of GGH31′ cells makes this cell line a good model for the assessment of MAPK activation by receptor tyrosine kinases and G protein-coupled receptors. In this study, to assess the activated and total (i.e. activated plus inactivated) MAPK, the phosphorylation state of p44 and p42 MAPKs was examined using antisera that distinguish phospho-p44/42 MAPK (Thr202/Tyr204) from p44/42 MAPK (phosphorylation state independent). The data show that both EGF (200 ng/ml) and Buserelin (a GnRH agonist; 10 ng/ml) provoke rapid activation of MAPK (within 5 and 15 min, respectively) after binding to their receptors. The role of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) signal transduction pathways in mediating MAPK activation was also assessed. Both phorbol ester...
Variations in ADHD Treatment Among Special Education Students

ABSTRACT Objective To examine variation in patient characteristics (case-mix) and treatment patterns for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by provider type. Method By means of a two-stage study design, 102 children were identified as receiving treatment for ADHD in the past year, among a school district-wide sample of second- through fourth-grade special education students. Parent and child interviews were conducted using standardized measures of need for treatment, service use, and process of care. Result Nearly three fourths of the children received treatment for ADHD by a primary care provider, and of these, 68% did not have any contact with a mental health specialist. Children treated only by a primary care provider had fewer comorbid conditions, less impairment, and lower levels of family burden than children treated only by a mental health specialist. Treatment of ADHD solely by primary care providers was characterized by fewer sessions, less time with the patient, and less use of multimodal therapies. Conclusion Future studies examining clinical outcomes for ADHD treatment should take into account variation in case-mix and treatment patterns by provider type.
"A journey around the world": Parent narratives of the journey to pediatric resective epilepsy surgery and beyond.

OBJECTIVE Although shorter time to pediatric resective epilepsy surgery is strongly associated with greater disease severity, other non-clinical diagnostic and sociodemographic factors also play a role. We aimed to examine parent-reported barriers to timely receipt of pediatric epilepsy surgery.