Testimony issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Since 1998, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) E-rate program has committed more than $13 billion to help schools and libraries acquire Internet and telecommunications services. As steward of the program, FCC must ensure that participants use E-rate funds appropriately and that there is managerial and financial accountability surrounding the funds. This testimony is based on GAO's February 2005 report GAO-05-151, which reviewed (1) the effect of the current structure of the E-rate program on FCC's management of the program, including the applicability of the Antideficiency Act, (2) FCC's development and use of E-rate performance goals and measures, and (3) the effectiveness of FCC's program oversight mechanisms."

This paper examines several multi-model combination techniques: the Simple Multi-model Average (SMA), the Multi-Model Super Ensemble (MMSE), Modified Multi-Model Super Ensemble (M3SE) and the Weighted Average Method (WAM). These model combination techniques were evaluated using the results from the Distributed Model Intercomparison Project (DMIP), an international project sponsored by the National Weather Service (NWS) Office of Hydrologic Development (OHD). All of the multi-model combination results were obtained using uncalibrated DMIP model outputs and were compared against the best uncalibrated as well as the best calibrated individual model results. The purpose of this study is to understand how different combination techniques affect the skill levels of the multi-model predictions. This study revealed that the multi-model predictions obtained from uncalibrated single model predictions are generally better than any single member model predictions, even the best calibrated single model predictions. Furthermore, more sophisticated multi-model combination techniques that incorporated bias correction steps work better than simple multi-model average predictions or multi-model predictions without bias correction.

We review the transition melting studies carried out at Mainz, and describe a recently developed model used to explain that the relatively low melting slopes are due to the partially filled d-bands, and the persistence of the pressure induced s-d transition. The basic tenets of the model have now been reconfirmed by new measurements for Cu and Ni. The measurements show that Cu which has a filled 3d-band, has a melt slope that is about 2.5 greater than its neighbor Ni. In the case of Mo, the apparent discrepancy of DAC melting measurements with shock melting can be explained by accounting for the change in melt slope due to the bcc-cp transition observed in the shock studies. The Fe melt curve is revisited. The possible relevance of the Jahn-Teller effect and recently observed transition metal melts with Icosahedral Short-Range Order (ISRO) is discussed.

Melting curves of Cu and Ni were measured to 97 GPa (3800 K) and 60 GPa (2970 K), respectively, in the laser-heated diamond cell. The measured melting temperatures of Cu are in good agreement with recent theoretical calculations. The melting slope (dT/dP) of Cu, which has a filled d-electron band, is about 2.5 times steeper than for Ni, which with one less electron, has a partially unfilled d-electron band. The relatively low melting slope obtained for Ni, measured using identical experimental methods as for Cu, is consistent with our previous measurements for other transition metals with partially filled d-bands, which are in serious disagreement with theoretical estimates. The present results confirm the key role d-shell electrons play in determining the high pressure melting curves.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate commemorating the dedication of the Camp Fannin Association WWII Memorial on the campus of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate honoring all who have served in the U.S. Marine Corps since September 11, 2001, and especially the members of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate recognizing March 23, 2005, as Marshall Day at the State Capitol.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate honoring the Ennis High School Lions football team for winning the 2004 Class 4A Division I state championship.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate in memory of Dorothy Turner Scharbauer of Midland.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate in memory of Colleen Tough of The Woodlands.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate in memory of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate honoring the medical students, medical schools, residents, and teaching hospitals of Texas for their contributions to the health and well-being of the citizens of Texas and welcoming the medical personnel visiting the State Capitol on April 5, 2005.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate commending Renato Ramirez for his beneficence in behalf of Texas A&M International University.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate in memory of Dr. Carlos Ramon Saca of Edinburg.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate honoring the 56th Brigade Combat Team of the 36th Infantry Division, Texas National Guard, for its courageous service in Iraq.

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Photograph of two boys wearing protective gear in a boxing ring and a coach is shown outside the ring holding a Gatorade bottle.

Photograph of two students in boxing gear practicing inside a ring. Several people are shown outside the ring watching the two students fight each other.

Photograph of a boy wearing red boxing gloves and hitting a yellow punching bag at a gym. A variety of different punching bags are shown in the area along with other individuals at the gym.

Photograph of a boy wearing red boxing gloves with his eyes focused on a punching bag he is preparing to hit. Several other punching bags are shown behind the boy in the photo and a boxing ring.

Photograph of a boy wearing red boxing gloves and hitting a yellow punching bag at a gym. A variety of different punching bags are shown in the area along with other individuals at the gym.

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Photograph of a lady in a red shirt and boxing gloves hitting a blue punching bag with her left hand.