cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Raman scattering studies of chemical-vapor-deposited cubic SiC films of (100) Si

Raman scattering studies for a series of CVD-grown cubic SiC single-crystal films with film thickness from 600 A to 17 microns are discussed. The results suggest that the crystalline orientations of the Si substrate and the 3C-SiC film are the same. It is found that the Si 522/cm phonon from a Si wafer is enhanced in intensity by a factor of 2-3 due to a CVD overlayer of cubic SiC, and that the 3C-SiC longitudinal optical phonon at the Gamma point from SiC/Si samples is enhanced by a factor of two or three following the removal of the Si substrate. The variation of the Raman spectrum with incident power is investigated, and a method for determining the Raman cross section for 3 C-SiC is proposed.
Overexpression of 20-Oxidase Confers a Gibberellin-Overproduction Phenotype in Arabidopsis

In the gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis pathway, 20-oxidase catalyzes the oxidation and elimination of carbon-20 to give rise to C 19 -GAs. All bioactive GAs are C 19 -GAs. We have overexpressed a cDNA encoding 20-oxidase isolated from Arabidopsis seedlings in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. These transgenic plants display a phenotype that may be attributed to the overproduction of GA. The phenotype includes a longer hypocotyl, lighter-green leaves, increased stem elongation, earlier flowering, and decreased seed dormancy. However, the fertility of the transgenic plants is not affected. Increased levels of endogenous GA 1 , GA 9 , and GA 20 were detected in seedlings of the transgenic line examined. GA 4 , which is thought to be the predominantly active GA in Arabidopsis, was not present at increased levels in this line. These results suggest that the overexpression of this 20-oxidase increases the levels of some endogenous GAs in transgenic seedlings, which causes the GA-overproduction phenotype.
Implications of an ionic model of SiO2

Abstract As a test of an ionic model of SiO 2 , we have computed the silicon Kβ and L 2,3 X-ray emission bands using ionic wave functions for idealized β -cristobalite and results from an earlier tight-binding fit to the valence bands. Good agreement with experiment is obtained except for a high energy feature in the L 2,3 spectrum. It is noted that the “ionic” O 2− wave functions are very diffuse and have considerable amplitude on neighboring sites. Orthogonalization to silicon s and p cores leads to 3 s and 3 p -like behavior about the silicons; however, there is no d core to orthogonalize to, so the d -like behavior about the silicons is not properly described. Some explict 3 d admixture appears necessary to describe the upper L 2,3 feature. The Compton scattering results of Rosenberg et al. are discussed in the context of our results.
Comments on "On the design of pole-zero approximations using a logarithmic error measure"

The present paper comments on a paper by Blommer and Wakefield (IEEE Trans. Signal Processing, vol.42, no.11, p.3245-8, 1994 Nov.). The present author shows that the log spectral matching technique described in Blommer and Wakefield is equivalent to least-squares cepstral matching, whose application to the construction of pole-zero approximations was reported in an earlier publication. We review several key characteristics of the cepstral matching procedure and indicate that it is computationally much simpler than the log spectral matching technique.
Large-scale lateral heat and fluid transport in the seafloor: revisiting the well-mixed aquifer model

Abstract Large-scale, lateral fluid flow through oceanic crust provides an explanation for regionally low heat flow in several seafloor settings. A well-mixed aquifer (WMA) model provides a quantitative and conceptual tool for explaining anomalously low heat flow based on an analytical representation of fluid and heat flow, assuming lateral fluid flow in basement in a layer directly below the ocean sediments. We present an extended well-mixed aquifer (EWMA) model that allows fluid flow at greater depths within the oceanic crust. Flow through a deeper permeable layer extracts more heat than equivalent flow through a shallower layer of equal thickness, and may help to reconcile global heat flow and seafloor permeability data, since deeper flow does not require velocities as great as shallow flow to account for the same heat loss, and thus permeability can be lower. Numerical simulations that test the hydrodynamic validity of the WMA and EWMA equations indicate that the analytical models provide reasonable approximations of large-scale, lateral heat transport when lateral fluid flow in the crust is confined to thin layers. The efficiency of lateral heat transport is reduced as vertical mixing within the lateral flow layer increases.
Life-change events as related to self-reported academic and job performance.

The Schedule of Recent Experiences Questionnaire, providing a quantification of individual life changes, and a list of 16 academic and job-related performance criteria were administered to 105 graduate and undergraduate student volunteers. Of 624 Pearsonian correlations, 42 were significant (p ≤ .02). A weighted total life-change score was significantly related to 4 of the 16 performance criteria, including personal injury or illness, number of jobs previously held, number of promotions received and number of raises received.
Tcf7l1 prepares epiblast cells in the gastrulating mouse embryo for lineage specification

The core gene regulatory network (GRN) in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) integrates activities of the pro-self-renewal factors Oct4 (Pou5f1), Sox2 and Nanog with that of an inhibitor of self-renewal, Tcf7l1 (Tcf3). The inhibitor function of Tcf7l1 causes dependence on extracellular Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity, making its embryonic role within the ESC GRN unclear. By analyzing intact mouse embryos, we demonstrate that the function of Tcf7l1 is necessary for specification of cell lineages to occur concomitantly with the elaboration of a three-dimensional body plan during gastrulation. In Tcf7l1-/- embryos, specification of mesoderm is delayed, effectively uncoupling it from the induction of the primitive streak. Tcf7l1 repressor activity is necessary for a rapid switch in the response of pluripotent cells to Wnt/β-catenin stimulation, from one of self-renewal to a mesoderm specification response. These results identify Tcf7l1 as a unique factor that is necessary in pluripotent cells to prepare them for lineage specification. We suggest that the role of Tcf7l1 in mammals is to inhibit the GRN to ensure the coordination of lineage specification with the dynamic cellular events occurring during gastrulation.
NEUTRON DIFFRACTION STUDY OF THE 'ELONGATED' MOLECULAR DIHYDROGEN COMPLEX (C5ME5)OS(H2)H2(PPH3)+

Protonation of the osmium(IV) hydrides (C 5 Me 5 )OsH 3 (L) with HBF 4 in diethyl ether afforded the cationic dihydrogen complexes [(C 5 Me 5 )Os(H 2 )H 2 (L)][BF 4 ], where L is PPh 3 1 or AsPh 3 2; a single-crystal neutron diffraction study of 1 reveals that the H–H distance is 1.014(11) A.
The mosque and black Islam Towards an ethnographic study of Islam in the inner city

■ This ethnographic study of a predominantly African American, Sunni Muslim mosque and the surrounding African American Muslim community explores the role that Islam plays in an inner-city neighborhood in the northeastern US. It seeks to understand the culture of the African American mosque, to shed light on why great numbers of African Americans are turning to Islam, and to determine what effects Islam has on contemporary black communities. This article draws on six months of fieldwork centered on the mosque, immersion in the mosque’s community, conversations with the mosque’s male and female leadership, and African American members’ accounts of how they were drawn to Islam. The larger study seeks to identify ongoing social, political, and economic problems faced by the black community in the inner city and to illuminate how religion in general and Islam in particular succeed or fail in creating community solidarity, stimulating community mobilization, and serving as a driving force for social change.
Numerical Method to Elucidate Likely Target Positions of Chlorine Removal in Anaerobic Sediments Undergoing Polychlorinated Biphenyl Dechlorination

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in the United States is predominately from commercially manufactured Aroclor mixtures. These mixtures consist of approximately 150 congeners and are characterized by chlorination level and congener distribution profile, with some congeners maintaining a constant relative abundance across the chlorination levels. Once introduced into the environment, changes in congener profiles occur, in some cases altering the relative abundance of congeners correlated in the commercial Aroclors. The shifts in the relationships of the correlated congener pairs (trackers) are used to quantify the likelihood of natural remediation processes occurring in the anaerobic sediment and to identify positions where chlorine removal is likely. A numerical model for elucidating the most likely chlorine positions was developed, implemented, and tested on Hudson River sediment data. The model results show that flanked chlorines were most likely to have been removed, followed by meta chlorines. These results are consistent with those reported by laboratory investigation of Hudson River sediments. The findings suggest that the model can successfully determine the most likely positions of chlorine removal, even in the absence of a priori knowledge of the sediment contamination (source Aroclors) or the dechlorinating organisms. Thus the model can be applied, even where limited knowledge exists regarding the contamination source and the nature of the biogeochemical reactions affecting the fate of PCBs in a particular sediment system.
Worst case response time for real-time software transactional memory

Software transactional memory (STM) is used to control access to shared resources. The worst case response time (WCRT) estimation is different from the classical preemptive or nonpreemptive model due to its abort-restart nature. In this paper, we derive a WCRT for a STM system using lazy conflict detection. A WCRT example is also given.
Second-generation extensively porous-coated THA stems at minimum 10-year followup.

The relatively high prevalence of thigh pain and stress shielding associated with the AML porous-coated cementless femoral component led to the development of the Prodigy®, a femoral component with more extensive porous-coating and a distal polished bullet tip with medial diaphyseal relief to potentially decrease the flexural rigidity. We prospectively evaluated a cohort of 100 consecutive cementless total hip arthroplasties performed using this device. The minimum followup was 10 years (mean, 11.4 years; range, 10–12 years). At 10-year followup, 69 of the 86 patients (82 hips) were living, 14 patients with 15 hips were deceased, and three patients with three hips were lost to followup. No hips required a stem revision. Two patients (two hips) complained of thigh pain. All hips were bone ingrown. Distal tip radiolucencies and osteolysis occurred in 13 hips (17%) and none, respectively. Twenty-one hips (28%) demonstrated moderate or severe stress shielding. Only further followup will determine if this could be a clinical problem or one with revision surgery. These results encourage the authors to continue using second-generation extensively coated stems in their primary total hip arthroplasty constructs.
Missing Faith in Batson: Continued Discrimination Against African Americans Through Religion-Based Peremptory Challenges

African Americans continue to be routinely and disproportionately excluded from juries over a quarter of a century after the United States Supreme Court, in Batson v. Kentucky, set forth a framework for flushing out racial discrimination in the exercise of peremptory challenges. Since that decision, the weaknesses of the Batson framework and its application have been revealed, including routine judicial acceptance of peremptory challenge explanations without sufficient inquiry into whether they are pretexts for racial discrimination. Because the Supreme Court has not yet held religion-based strikes unconstitutional, one common pretextual reason includes the religious affiliation or activity of the prospective black juror. This article explores the intersection of race and religion in the exercise of peremptory challenges against Protestant African Americans and argues that permitting peremptory challenges based on religious affiliation or activity only serves to further weaken Batson’s protections against racial discrimination. This article argues against such religion-based strikes because they disproportionately affect African Americans, are more easily employed as a racial pretext against African Americans, undermine the integrity of the judicial system, and “denigrate[] the dignity” of the religious black prospective juror.
Polarization exchange in colliding photon beams in an atomic gas medium

Photon-photon interactions mediated by an atomic gas can effect efficient polarization exchanges between two beams, leaving the medium exactly in its initial state. In, e.g., hydrogen, the distance required for macroscopic exchange is of the order of one-tenth the distance in which the ordinary nonlinear index of refraction would induce a phase change of $\ensuremath{\pi}$. Several examples are worked out that show the variety of behaviors that can result, depending on the initial respective polarizations stated and the angle between the beams. Of particular interest are initial conditions in which there is no exchange at a mean-field level, conventionally believed to apply when the number of photons N is large. Then the full theory leads both to large exchange and to large entanglement between the beams. Our most solid results indicate that one would have to wait a time proportional to log[N] to see this effect, but there are some indications that this behavior can be circumvented.
Ultrafast hole tunneling in GaInAs/AlInAs asymmetric double quantum wells

Absorption and refractive index nonlinearities in semiconductor heterostructures due to real carrier generation are large, but the relatively long recovery time (~1ns) represents a major problem for fast device applications. There have been many attempts to reduce the recovery time by optimizing the design of heterostructures. For example, in structures such as asymmetric double quantum wells (ADCWs) which consist of different size quantum wells coupled by a thin barrier, the recovery time of the narrow well excitonic absorption is controlled by carrier tunneling from the narrow well to the wide well. It was demonstrated that tunneling of electrons indeed results in fast absorption recovery, however slow heavy hole tunneling makes it incomplete [1]. Fast electron tunneling is controlled by longitudinal optical (LO) phonon scattering when the energy separation between the lowest electronic subbands in the narrow and wide well is larger than the LO phonon energy. Hole tunneling is slow because the separation between the hole subbands is usually smaller than the LO phonon energy and the heavy hole wavefunctions are more localized due to their larger effective mass. However, resonances between hole subbands efficiently accelerate hole tunneling [2].
The Use of Mössbauer Spectroscopy on the Lanthanide Elements and Their Compounds

Useful Mossbauer spectroscopy has been developed in all the lanthanides from samarium to ytterbium except for holmium. Small quadrupole coupling and the complicated fine structure have hampered investigation of many of these elements, but the case of observing magnetic hyperfine splitting has made the investigation of a variety of magnetic phenomena quite feasible. Ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, and paramagnetic phenomena have been studied in dysprosium and samarium. Paramagnetic relaxation has been studied in DyFeO3 and Dy2O3. A magnetic structure was found in thulium metal incommensurate with the crystal structure. A “pseudoquadrupole shift” due to small separation of the lowest electronic states is found in thulium compounds. The effects of high pressure and the nature of chelates on both absorption efficiency and isomer shift has been studied in europium compounds. The problem of line broadening observed in most work with the lanthanides has been studied in the author’s laboratory. Progress toward more nearly monochromatic sources will be discussed.
Research Advances and Resource Constraints

Abstract Public investment in health research is concentrated disproportionately in a limited number of United States medical schools: about 75 per cent of federal health-research expenditures occu...
Unprovoked vestibular burning in late estrogen-deprived menopause: a case series.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to document cases of severe menopausal vulvar burning localized to the vestibule. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven postmenopausal women presented to a vulvar clinic between 2007 and 2011 complaining of debilitating constant vulvar burning pain. They were treated according to the vulvar findings. Statistical tools were descriptive. RESULTS The women's ages ranged from 56 to 79 years (mean age = 67 years). Pain had begun 1 to 4 years before presentation (mean = 1.8 years) and was vestibular. Five had contraindications to estrogen supplements. Only 1 patient was using estrogen; the mean number of years from menopause to onset of burning was 16 years (range = 4-27 years). Three patients developed pain during or after aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer. Pelvic floor myalgia was present in 3 patients. Of the patients, 3 improved on systemic estrogen, 3 improved using topical vestibular estrogen therapy, and 1 was managed with reassurance alone. Vestibulodynia regressed in those using estrogen supplementation. One patient noted resolution after localized removal of vestibular mucosa. CONCLUSIONS Severe unprovoked vestibulodynia can present as unprovoked generalized pain in late menopause, and topical lidocaine can aid the diagnosis. Constant pain can arise after years of only provoked pain or in association with further lowering of estrogen from antiestrogen therapy for breast cancer. Therapy to the vestibule can provide relief. Lidocaine and local application of estrogen cream to the vestibule are effective therapies, and physical therapy can be important. With encouragement to avoid estrogen during menopause and with the increasing use of aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer, menopausal unprovoked vestibulodynia may be increasing and can be challenging to diagnose and treat.
Model of Fast Pyrolysis of a Small Volume-Fraction of Biomass Within an Gas of Transient Temperature and Pressure

A simple model and results for the decomposition of pulverized cellulosic biomass within a non-oxidizing gas of transient temperature and pressure is presented. This model is used to predict the performance of a novel thermo-chemical biomass conversion scheme termed the reciprocating biomass conversion reactor (RBCR). Calculations indicate that complete thermo-chemical conversion can be completed within the compression and expansion strokes of a repurposed 4-stroke motor. Approximately 70% (by weight) of the bio-products are in the form of bio-oil. The performance of the RBCR is predicted to be favorable when compared to the state of the art, which is considered to be the fluidizied bed reactor (FBR). The biomass feedrate is increased by ≈ 100%, and the energy required for conversion to bio-oil is reduced by ≈ 50%.
Detecting Silica-Coated Gold Nanostars within Surface-Enhanced Resonance Raman Spectroscopy Mapping via Semi-Supervised Framework Combining Feature Selection and Classification

Raman Spectroscopy provides a non-invasive approach to study cells and tissues, and its ability to provide biochemical composition information of samples shows great importance for the research, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. However, conventional Raman Spectroscopy suffers from weak signal strength observed in many biological samples. Surface-Enhanced Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (SERRS) can overcome this disadvantage with the presence of roughened nano-dimensional noble-metal surfaces. In order to study the role of integrins in breast cancer invasiveness, gold nanostars were conjugated with cyclo-RGDf/k peptide for targeting integrins on breast cancer cells and high-speed Raman mapping was employed to assess the samples. Due to the high dimensionality of the datasets collected through SERRS, we have proposed a semi-supervised framework combining feature selection and classification techniques for nanostars detection and tested our method on a breast cancer cells. The results show the advantage of our framework over other data mining technique and potentially provide a new method for evaluating the role of integrins in tumor development. Also, the features selected can possibly be used for further studies on compositional changes observed during the process of breast cancer progression and metastasis.
283 INCREASING RATE OF INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN NONRESPONDERS AMONG CHILDREN WITH ACUTE KAWASAKI SYNDROME IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

Purpose To determine annual response rates to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) among Kawasaki syndrome (KS) patients and to compare characteristics of IVIG responder and nonresponder patients. Methods All patients met the AHA 2004 diagnostic criteria for KS and were first treated within 10 days of illness onset. Nonresponse to IVIG was defined as a rectal or oral temperature ≥ 100.4°F at 36 hours to 7 days following the end of IVIG infusion. Coronary artery dilatation was defined as Z-score for the left anterior descending or right coronary artery ≥ 2.5. We determined annual response rates from 1998 to 2006 and compared IVIG brands and lots used to treat nonresponder and responder patients in 2006. We compared demographic and laboratory data and clinical signs between responder and nonresponder patient groups treated in 2006. Continuous variables were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum test and categorical variables by Fisher9s exact and chi-square as appropriate. Results The IVIG nonresponse rate was significantly higher in 2006 than in all previous years (p The percentage of patients with each of the KS clinical signs was similar between 2005 and 2006. Nonresponders in 2006 were more likely than responders to have been diagnosed earlier (median day 5 vs day 6, p = .02), have a higher percentage of neutrophils and bands (p = .04 and .01, respectively), and have a higher ALT (median 117 vs 51 IU/L, p = .03). The distribution of IVIG brands and lots was not different between nonresponder and responder groups. Conclusion The increase in IVIG nonresponders in 2006 was not due to a specific lot or brand of IVIG, nor were the patients clinically different from patients in 2005. The emergence of a high rate of IVIG nonresponse may suggest a change in the causative agent(s) of KS.
FASCINATE: Fast Cross-Layer Dependency Inference on Multi-layered Networks

Multi-layered networks have recently emerged as a new network model, which naturally finds itself in many high-impact application domains, ranging from critical inter-dependent infrastructure networks, biological systems, organization-level collaborations, to cross-platform e-commerce, etc. Cross-layer dependency, which describes the dependencies or the associations between nodes across different layers/networks, often plays a central role in many data mining tasks on such multi-layered networks. Yet, it remains a daunting task to accurately know the cross-layer dependency a prior. In this paper, we address the problem of inferring the missing cross-layer dependencies on multi-layered networks. The key idea behind our method is to view it as a collective collaborative filtering problem. By formulating the problem into a regularized optimization model, we propose an effective algorithm to find the local optima with linear complexity. Furthermore, we derive an online algorithm to accommodate newly arrived nodes, whose complexity is just linear wrt the size of the neighborhood of the new node. We perform extensive empirical evaluations to demonstrate the effectiveness and the efficiency of the proposed methods.
Endometrial Biopsy in the Cycle of Conception

The pregnancy outcome of 18 infertile patients inadvertently biopsied during the cycle of conception is reviewed. Fourteen patients delivered term infants, one a premature infant; one patient aborted during the first trimester, and two patients were lost to follow-up. The pregnancy outcome was better than that frequently quoted for infertile patients. A comparison of the present series with those previously reported is made and the author's technique for endometrial biopsy is discussed. The average duration of gestation is calculated using the endometrial biopsy.
Multimodal Imaging in Wagner Syndrome

Wagner syndrome is a rare vitreoretinopathy described in a limited number of families. Here the authors describe four cases of suspected Wagner syndrome. All four cases had depressed rod and cone function on electroretinography, outer retinal disruption on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and constricted central visual fields with smaller isopter testing. Fundus autofluorescence performed in one patient highlighted a perivascular pattern to chorioretinal atrophy. Two patients had a history of uveitis with active cystoid macular edema. The diagnosis of Wagner syndrome was supported in three cases with genetic testing for VCAN mutations, whereas the other case harbored a variation of unknown significance in VCAN that may have been nonpathogenic. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016;47:574-579.].
Input-dependent performance study of a nonlinear piezoelectric energy harvester:

This work reports an input-dependent performance study of a nonlinear piezoelectric energy harvester with introduced magnetic interaction. The performances of the novel harvester with two external magnet arrays (I and II) are compared. Array II that has symmetric magnetic force yields better voltage output under frequency sweep test. As such, the energy harvesting capacity with Array II is performed under two vibration inputs (I and II). Under excitation Input I with periodic varying frequency, experimental results show that the nonlinear piezoelectric harvester outperforms its linear counterpart (no magnetic interaction) at alternating input bandwidths. A 104.5% improvement of root mean square voltage output (318.2% of power output) is obtained under excitation of 0.334g (root mean square) and bandwidth of 7 Hz. No advantage is observed under Input II consisting of one principal and finite non-principal components. However, detailed study indicates that the amplitude of the principal component and the am...
Derivation and Application of Approximate Boundary Conditions

Approximate boundary conditions (or abc’s) can be very helpful in simplifying the analytical or numerical solution of scattering problems involving complex structures, and are becoming more important as we seek to model some of the complicated materials in use today. Some versions have been around for a long time, for example, the classical condition Etan = 0 at the surface of a metal. Although often regarded as exact, it is in fact an approximation for all metals even at microwave frequencies.
Wavelength tuning in cryogenically cooled lasers based on Er-doped orthovanadates.

Continuous tuning between 1590 and 1612 nm has been demonstrated in cryogenically cooled lasers with composite active media consisting of Er:YVO4, Er:LuVO4, and Er:GdVO4 crystals resonantly pumped by a fiber-coupled laser diode emitting at 1529 nm. Wavelength tuning was implemented using an intracavity single-plate birefringent filter.
Social Networking Site Behaviors Across the Relational Lifespan: Measurement and Association With Relationship Escalation and De-escalation:

This study examines (1) the factor structure of social networking site relational behaviors (SNSRB), (2) the association between the behaviors and relational quality and breakup adjustment, and (3)...
Interference of a speB 5' untranslated region partial deletion with mRNA degradation in Streptococcus pyogenes.

The 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of an mRNA molecule embeds important determinants that modify its stability and translation efficiency. In Streptococcus pyogenes, a strict human pathogen, a gene encoding a secreted protease (speB) has a large 5' UTR with unknown functions. Here we describe that a partial deletion of the speB 5' UTR caused a general accumulation of mRNA in the stationary phase, and that the mRNA accumulation was due to retarded mRNA degradation. The phenotype was observed in several M serotypes harboring the partial deletion of the speB 5' UTR. The phenotype was triggered by the production of the truncated speB 5' UTR, but not by the disruption of the intact speB 5' UTR. RNase Y, a major endoribonuclease, was previously shown to play a central role in bulk mRNA turnover in stationary phase. However, in contrast to our expectations, we observed a weaker interaction between the truncated speB 5' UTR and RNase Y compared with the wild-type, which suggests that other unidentified RNA degrading components are required for the pleiotropic effects observed from the speB UTR truncation. Our study demonstrates how S. pyogenes uses distinct mRNA degradation schemes in exponential and stationary growth phases.
Composition Engineering in Doctor-Blading of Perovskite Solar Cells

Organic-inorganic halide perovskite (OIHP) solar cells with efficiency over 18% power conversion efficiency (PCE) have been widely achieved with lab scale spin-coating method which is however not scalable for the fabrication of large area solar panels. The PCEs of OIHP solar cells made by scalable deposition methods, such as doctor-blading or slot-die coating, have been lagging far behind than spin-coated devices. In this study the authors report composition engineering in doctor-bladed OIHP solar cells with p-i-n planar hetero-junction structure to enhance their efficiency. Phase purer OIHP thin films are obtained by incorporating a small amount of cesium (Cs+) and bromine (Br-) ions into perovskite precursor solution, which also reduces the required film formation temperature. Pinhole free OIHP thin films with micrometer-sized grains have been obtained assisted by a secondary grain growth with added methylammonium chloride into the precursor solution. The OIHP solar cells using these bladed thin films achieved PCEs over 19.0%, with the best stabilized PCE reaching 19.3%. This represents a significant step toward scalable manufacture of OIHP solar cells.
Discriminating between Long Memory and Volatility Shifts

We develop a practical implementation of the test proposed in Berkes, Horv´ath, Kokoszka, and Shao (2006) designed to distinguish between a change-point model and a long memory model. Our implementation is calibrated to distinguish between a shift in volatility of returns and long memory in squared returns. It uses a kernel estimator of the long-run variance of squared returns with the maximal lag selected by a data driven procedure which depends on the sample size, the location of the estimated change point and the direction of the apparent volatility shift (increase versus decrease). In a simulations study, we also consider other long-run variance estimators, including the VARHAC estimator, but we find that they lead to tests with inferior performance. Applied to returns on indexes and individual stocks, our test indicates that even for the same asset, a change-point model may be preferable for a certain period of time, whereas there is evidence of long memory in another period of time. Generally there is stronger evidence for long memory in the eight years ending June 2006 than in the eight years starting January 1992. This pattern is most pronounced for US stock indexes and shares in the US financial sector.
Editor’s Highlight: Screening ToxCast Prioritized Chemicals for PPARG Function in a Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Model of Adipogenesis

The developmental origins of obesity hypothesis posits a multifaceted contribution of factors to the fetal origins of obesity and metabolic disease. Adipocyte hyperplasia in gestation and early childhood may result in predisposition for obesity later in life. Rodent in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that some chemicals may directly affect adipose progenitor cell differentiation, but the human relevance of these findings is unclear. The nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) is the master regulator of adipogenesis. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC) isolated from adipose tissue express endogenous isoforms of PPARG and represent a biologically relevant cell-type for evaluating activity of PPARG ligands. Here, a multi-endpoint approach based on a phenotypic adipogenesis assay was applied to screen a set of 60 chemical compounds identified in ToxCast Phase I as PPARG active (49) or inactive (11). Chemicals showing activity in the adipogenesis screen were further evaluated in a series of 4 orthogonal assays representing 7 different key events in PPARG-dependent adipogenesis, including gene transcription, protein expression, and adipokine secretion. An siRNA screen was also used to evaluate PPARG-dependence of the adipogenesis phenotype. A universal concentration-response design enabled inter-assay comparability and implementation of a weight-of-evidence approach for bioactivity classification. Collectively, a total of 14/49 (29%) prioritized chemicals were identified with moderate-to-strong activity for human adipogenesis. These results provide the first integrated screening approach of prioritized ToxCast chemicals in a human stem cell model of adipogenesis and provide insight into the capacity of PPARG-activating chemicals to modulate early life programming of adipose tissue.
Homeschooling in the United States: Examining the Rationales for Individualizing Education

This article provides an exploratory overview of the history of homeschooling in the United States in addition to examining some of the claims made by advocacy organizations. There are two broad categories of rationales for homeschooling: (1) empirical — claims of greater efficiency, effectiveness, or pedagogical appropriateness; and (2) ideological – often informed by a religious or political disposition. A detailed discussion of both rationales is provided. First examined are claims made by homeschooling advocates related to effectiveness and efficiency, finding that this rationale does not have the same validity that ideological rationales like religion and safety may have. Finally, these rationales are cast against the backdrop of the aims of education as a mechanism for the collective good or for the individual good.
Using cumulative potential recharge for selection of GCM projections to force regional groundwater models: A Nebraska Sand Hills example

Abstract Groundwater recharge (GR) controls vegetation, geomorphology, groundwater, wetlands and surface flow, and ultimately, the ecology and economics of semi-arid regions. Therefore, it is critical to assess hydroclimate model scenarios and the uncertainty in future GR to force regional groundwater models. We use basic statistics of downscaled Global Circulation Model (GCM)-projected cumulative potential GR (GRp) for selecting representative projections. Cumulative GRp is the net recharge (difference between precipitation (P) and evapotranspiration (ET) rates) over the projection period. The approach is illustrated with an example in the Nebraska Sand Hills (NSH), the largest dune region in the Western Hemisphere, where sandy soils are not conducive to overland flow. Changes in decadal-average GRp at 1/8° (∼12-km) scale were estimated from spatially downscaled, bias-corrected temperature and P output from 16 commonly used GCMs for years 2010 to 2099. These changes accounted for three greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, and projections were subsequently used as input to the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) land surface hydrology model. For each of the 48 GCM/VIC hydroclimate projections, cumulative GRp was calculated and averaged over the study area. Three projections (those with cumulative average GRp nearest the median and ±1 standard deviation) were selected as representing Median, Wet and Dry conditions. These projections allow for rapid screening of the sensitivity of regional groundwater models, using readily available downscaled GCM-projected climate changes, thereby optimizing modeling efforts. Future GRp was calculated for the NSH using the selected GR projections by adjusting the 2000–2009 baseline GRp estimates at 1-km scale. The latter was inferred from a previously calibrated groundwater model, with ET based on remote sensing (MODIS) temperature data, and matching regional baseflows. In the NSH by 2099, the Median projection indicates an increase in GRp of 3 mm/yr (+5%) relative to the 2000–2009 baseline of 52.6 mm/yr. The Wet projection has an average increase of 22 mm/yr (+42%), and the Dry projection shows an average decrease of 15 mm/yr (−29%), relative to the baseline. Effects of projection period duration and time-step averaging on selection of GR projections with this approach are discussed. The new detailed GRp projections clarify varying trends of past large-scale analyses of the Northern High Plains region and indicate the possibility for substantial future changes in the NSH hydrologic system. This approach can be extended to other arid-to-humid regions with available GCM hydroclimate projections.
RECENT STUDIES ON THE PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF CONJUGATED TRIENES AND HIGHER POLYENES

The photochemical isomerization reactions of s-ionone derivatives and alloocimene are described. These two groups of compounds structurally resemble two parts of vitamin-A. Results of the photoisomerization reaction of these compounds are therefore suggestive of the properties of vitamin-A. It is found that under photosensitized irradiation conditions the 7- trans -s-ionone and ionylidene derivatives can be quantitatively converted to the corresponding 7- cis -isomers, which are potential starting material for the preparation of the hitherto unknown 7- cis -vitamin-A isomers. The photochemistry of the triplet and excited singlets of alloocimene are different, even evident in the geometric isomerization process. Isomerization only takes place one double bond at a time in the excited singlet state while simultaneous isomerization around two double bonds is possible in the triplet state. The photosensitized stationary compositions are shown to depend on the triene concentrations, azulene (quencher) concentrations, and some low energy sensitizer concentrations. A reaction scheme is postulated which quantitatively accounts for all the existing data. The triplet lifetime of alloocimene can be extrapolated: 2.9 × 10 −7 sec., which is in good agreement with the value for hexatriene triplets, (8.9 × 10 −7 sec) obtained from a kinetic study of the photosensitized dimerization reaction.
Analysis and Presentation of Results for Mobile Local Search.

Aggregation of long lists of concepts is important to avoid overwhelming a small display. Focusing on the domain of mobile local search, this paper presents the development of an application to perform filtering and aggregation of results obtained through the Yahoo! Local web service. First, we performed an analysis of the data available through Yahoo! Local by crawling its database with over 170 thousand local listings located in Chicago. Then, we compiled resources and developed algorithms to filter and aggregate local search results. The methods developed exploit Yahoo!s listings categorization to reduce the result space and pinpoint the category containing the most relevant results. Finally, we evaluated a prototype through a user study, which pitted our system against Yahoo! Local and against a plain list of search results. The results obtained from the study show that our aggregation methods are quite effective, cutting down the number of entries returned to the user by 43% on average, but leaving search efficiency and user satisfaction unaffected.
One-way sound propagation via spatio-temporal modulation of magnetorheological fluid

This manuscript details the possibility of achieving one-way sound propagation using a smart fluid such as magnetorheological fluid (MRF) by subjecting it to a spatio-temporally varying magnetic field. The local speed of sound in MRF is dependent on applied magnetic field as demonstrated in several experimental works and this property of MRF has been leveraged, in this work, to induce one-way bandgaps. Initially, a general wave equation pertaining to fluid with space-and-time-varying material properties was derived. Assuming plane wave propagation in one dimension, an approximate Floquet solution was imposed and the dispersion relationship was obtained. A comprehensive finite element analysis was conducted and good agreement was noted between the numerical and theoretical dispersion relations. It was concluded that space-time periodic modulation of fluid density and local sound speed is necessary to induce asymmetry in the band diagram around the ω axis. The feasibility of real-world implementation using MRF has been discussed. A parametric study detailing the effect of viscosity on the one-way bandgaps has been undertaken. It was found that one-way bandgaps formed at relatively lower frequencies are more robust to viscous corruption. A real-world implementation may be feasible if the viscosity of MRF is less than 3000 Pa-s.
Climate-based seed transfer of a widespread shrub: population shifts, restoration strategies, and the trailing edge.

Genetic resources have to be managed appropriately to mitigate the impact of climate change. For many wildland plants, conservation will require knowledge of the climatic factors affecting intraspecific genetic variation to minimize maladaptation. Knowledge of the interaction between traits and climate can focus management resources on vulnerable populations, provide guidance for seed transfer, and enhance fitness and resilience under changing climates. In this study, traits of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) were examined among common gardens located in different climates. We focus on two subspecies, wyomingensis and tridentata, that occupy the most imperiled warm-dry spectrum of the sagebrush biome. Populations collected across the sagebrush biome were recorded for flower phenology and survival. Mixed-effects models examined each trait to evaluate genetic variation, environmental effects, and adaptive breadth of populations. Climate variables derived from population-source locations were significantly associated with these traits (P < 0.0001), explaining 31% and 11% of the flower phenology and survival variation, respectively. To illustrate our model and assess variability in prediction, we examine fixed and focal point seed transfer approaches to map contemporary and climate model ensemble projections in two different regions of the sagebrush biome. A comparison of seed transfer areas predicts that populations from warmer climates become more prevalent, replacing colder-adapted populations by mid-century. However, these warm-adapted populations are often located along the trailing edge, margins of the species range predicted to be lost due to a contraction of the climatic niche. Management efforts should focus on the collection and conservation of vulnerable populations and prudent seed transfer to colder regions where these populations are projected to occur by mid-century. Our models provide the foundation to develop an empirical, climate-based seed transfer system for current and future restoration of big sagebrush.
Rapid Integration of Zika Virus Prevention Within Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Beyond: Programmatic Lessons From Latin America and the Caribbean

The emergence of the Zika virus (ZIKV) in Latin America and the Caribbean during the 2015-2016 outbreak has required local health systems to adapt, suddenly and continuously. This field action report explores the outbreak's sexual and reproductive health (SRH) complexities and the experience of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and 4 of its member associations as part of the United States Agency for International Development's rapid response in the region. It outlines approaches and actions that IPPF and its member associations undertook over 3 broad programmatic phases-developing ZIKV protocols and training personnel; delivering ZIKV-integrated services and information; and providing screening, care, and support for children and families affected by congenital Zika syndrome (CZS)-as the project worked to integrate ZIKV prevention, screening, and response within SRH service delivery models. It also describes the challenges and lessons learned in implementing a ZIKV response program in the region and recommendations from a service delivery perspective that can be useful in informing the responses to future rapid onset epidemics with SRH relevance. Challenges identified include adapting to a rapidly evolving evidence base during the early stages of the epidemic; traditional and restrictive regional social norms around gender, sex, and sexuality; the lack of focus on sexual transmission in national ZIKV public health messaging; and a lack of services, government support, and referral pathways for supporting children and families affected by CZS. Some of the key recommendations include finding ways to share rapidly evolving clinical updates conveniently and frequently, such as through digital technologies and platforms; partnering with multidisciplinary organizations, such as disability rights and services organizations, that can fill gaps in needed services; and leveraging the need for urgent action as a catalyst of change around more inclusive and gender-transformative social norms and services.
Effects of Trait Anger and Negative Attitudes Towards Women on Physical Assault in Dating Relationships

The present study investigated the combined effect of trait anger and negative attitudes towards women (i.e., hostility towards women, calloused sexual beliefs) on frequency of physical aggression in premarital relationships. A total of 263 college-aged men who reported that they were either currently involved in a romantic relationship or had been involved in at least one romantic relationship during the past 12 months were recruited. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires, including the Conflict Tactics Scale-2, Trait Anger Scale, Hostility Towards Women Scale, and Hypermasculinity Inventory. Correlational analyses indicated that trait anger, hostility towards women, and calloused sexual beliefs were positively associated with frequency of physical assault. Further, hierarchical regression analyses indicated that both hostility towards women and calloused sexual beliefs moderated the relationship between trait anger and frequency of physical assault, such that in men who possess more negative attitudes towards women, higher levels of trait anger lead to increased physical assault. Results provide initial support for the role of trait anger in dating violence and suggest the existence of a subgroup among premaritally violent males who possess negative attitudes toward women and also possess a strong tendency to experience intense levels of anger.