Duality between Multidimensional Convolutional Codes and Systems

Multidimensional convolutional codes generalize (one dimensional) convolutional codes and they correspond under a natural duality to multidimensional systems widely studied in the systems literature.Comment: 16 pages LaTe

Deposition and stratification of oblique dunes, South Padre Island, Texas

textOblique dunes have orientations that are intermediate between those of transverse and longitudinal dunes. The oblique dunes studied are reversing dunes which undergo no net annual migration when associated with normal meteorological patterns. From April 1980 through September 1980, the dunes migrated up to 65 feet (19.8 m) northwestward under the influence of prevailing onshore winds. High velocity northerly winds (November 1980 through February 1981), associated with the passage of winter frontal systems, caused the dunes to rapidly migrate 65 feet (19.8 m) southward. Volumes of sand transported by these strong winds were commonly reduced by accompanying rainfall. In October 1980 and March 1981 neither wind direction was dominant, and frequent changes in wind direction caused many of the dunes to become flattened. Hurricanes, which strike the area in late summer, have had no lasting effects on the dunes. Three major stratification types were observed in trenches and on etched surfaces. Translatent strata were deposited by wind ripples; grainfall deposits accumulated when saltating grains settled on leeward slopes of the dunes, and grainflow cross-strata were developed by avalanching on leeward slopes. Preservation of these stratification types occurred in zones of net deposition, predominantly leeward of the dune crests. Strata deposited during the summer wind regime dip northeast, whereas the winter strata dip in a southerly direction. The winter deposits are best preserved in the central cores of the dunes. This suggests that either the high velocity winds of the initial winter frontal systems destroy large volumes of the summer deposits, or that the dunes migrate southward, under the influence of dry northerly winds, during droughts. Oblique dune deposits should be difficult to discern in the rock record, because they may contain aspects of either transverse or longitudinal dunes. It is likely that some ancient oblique dunes have been mistakenly described as other dune types in the literature.Geological Science

Developing a Practical Framework for Information Literacy Program Evaluation

This paper was presented at the Library Assessment Conference held in Arlington, VA October 31–November 2, 2016. Purpose. The Purdue University Libraries, like many academic libraries, face increased expectations for demonstrating their value and impact. This has not only led to an expectation of the increased use of metrics to demonstrate impact, but also a more fundamental imperative that libraries more clearly articulate their contributions to educational and research outcomes of their campus communities (value). At Purdue, the Provost implemented a new program review process in July 2015, while the Libraries were simultaneously going through the process of developing a new mission statement for its information literacy program. This statement was developed through a broad collaborative process within the libraries and with external campus stakeholders. These two developments led the Libraries to launch a project to advance an outcomes-based, mission-centric framework for evaluating its information literacy programing that can be sustained over time. The project to develop this framework was predicated on being able to answer the following question, derived from the program mission statement: “Does the Purdue University Libraries’ information literacy programming empower diverse learners to use information to learn in transformative ways; lead to the discovery of new knowledge; and foster academic, personal and professional success?” This question not only needs to be answered, but needs to be answered on an ongoing basis to communicate the programming impact to external stakeholders. To be effective, sustainable, and practical, it also needs to be uncomplicated and integrated into regular workflows. Methods. The methods for developing this framework consists of four steps: 1) focus groups with librarians to collaborate on gaining a more comprehensive understanding of existing assessment practices, as well as their perceptions of challenges and opportunities in assessing information literacy programs, 2) analysis of focus group findings, characterizing current assessment practices and identifying where outcomes-based assessment is already occurring, 3) a gap analysis, comparing focus group findings to the information literacy mission statement, and 4) development of recommendations with measures/indicators to address gaps and develop a comprehensive framework for program evaluation. This paper reports on the first three steps, concluding with suggestions for further development of the evolving framework. Findings. The assessment practices identified in the analysis of the focus group discussions suggested that librarians assessed how students critically used information to learn more than the other dimensions of the Purdue Libraries’ information literacy mission statement: research-based programming, empowerment of diverse learners, enabling the creation of new knowledge, and fostering academic, personal, and professional success. The findings suggest next steps in the development of the framework, including: 1) developing guidelines for collecting assessment data gathered by librarians for use in programmatic assessment, 2) determining assessment strategies for the Libraries and allocate resources, and 3) providing professional development and incentives for librarians to create assessment strategies related to all aspects the mission statement. Practical Implications/Value. We expect that the results of this project will contribute to the body of knowledge in library assessment by presenting a framework for the outcomes-based evaluation of information literacy program evaluation that is based on a strategic perspective on the program, but that also builds upon existing practices and capacity within the organization

Cerebral Amyloid and Hypertension are Independently Associated with White Matter Lesions in Elderly.

In cognitively normal (CN) elderly individuals, white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are commonly viewed as a marker of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). SVD is due to exposure to systemic vascular injury processes associated with highly prevalent vascular risk factors (VRFs) such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. However, cerebral amyloid accumulation is also prevalent in this population and is associated with WMH accrual. Therefore, we examined the independent associations of amyloid burden and VRFs with WMH burden in CN elderly individuals with low to moderate vascular risk. Participants (n = 150) in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) received fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI at study entry. Total WMH volume was calculated from FLAIR images co-registered with structural MRI. Amyloid burden was determined by cerebrospinal fluid Aβ1-42 levels. Clinical histories of VRFs, as well as current measurements of vascular status, were recorded during a baseline clinical evaluation. We tested ridge regression models for independent associations and interactions of elevated blood pressure (BP) and amyloid to total WMH volume. We found that greater amyloid burden and a clinical history of hypertension were independently associated with greater WMH volume. In addition, elevated BP modified the association between amyloid and WMH, such that those with either current or past evidence of elevated BP had greater WMH volumes at a given burden of amyloid. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that cerebral amyloid accumulation and VRFs are independently associated with clinically latent white matter damage represented by WMHs. The potential contribution of amyloid to WMHs should be further explored, even among elderly individuals without cognitive impairment and with limited VRF exposure

2005-2006 Nothing but Klezmer

Concert Dates: Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 7:30 pm Friday, November 18, 2005 at 7:30 pmhttps://spiral.lynn.edu/conservatory_otherseasonalconcerts/1040/thumbnail.jp

2008-2009 Nothing but Klezmer

Concert Dates: Friday, December 12, 2008 at 7:30 pm Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 4:00 pm Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 7:30 pmhttps://spiral.lynn.edu/conservatory_otherseasonalconcerts/1032/thumbnail.jp

2010-2010 Nothing but Klezmer

https://spiral.lynn.edu/conservatory_otherseasonalconcerts/1024/thumbnail.jp

2011-2012 Nothing but Klezmer

https://spiral.lynn.edu/conservatory_otherseasonalconcerts/1023/thumbnail.jp

2004-2005 Nothing but Klezmer: Swingin\u27 Jazz and Klezmer Band

Concert Dates: Wednesday, December 1, 2004 at 7:30 pm Thursday, December 2, 2004 at 7:30 pmhttps://spiral.lynn.edu/conservatory_otherseasonalconcerts/1051/thumbnail.jp