cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive bio-inspired wireless network routing for planetary surface exploration

Wireless mobile networks suffer connectivity loss when used in a terrain that has hills and valleys when line of sight is interrupted or range is exceeded. To resolve this problem and achieve acceptable network performance, we have designed an adaptive, configurable, hybrid system to automatically route network packets along the best path between multiple geographically dispersed modules. This is very useful in planetary surface exploration, especially for ad-hoc mobile networks, where computational devices take an active part in creating a network infrastructure, and can actually be used to route data dynamically and even store data for later transmission between networks. Using inspiration from biological systems, this research proposes to use ant trail algorithms with multi-layered information maps (topographic maps, RF coverage maps) to determine the best route through ad-hoc networks at real time. The determination of best route is a complex one, and requires research into the appropriate metrics, best method to identify the best path, optimizing traffic capacity, network performance, reliability, processing capabilities and cost. Real ants are capable of finding the shortest path from their nest to a food source without visual sensing through the use of pheromones. They are also able to adapt to changes in the environment using subtle clues. To use ant trail algorithms, we need to define the probability function. The artificial ant is, in this case, a software agent that moves from node to node on a network graph. The function to calculate the fitness (evaluate the better path) includes: length of the network edge, the coverage index, topology graph index, and pheromone trail left behind by other ant agents. Each agent modifies the environment in two different ways: In addition the agents are provided with some capabilities not present in real ants, but likely to help solving the problem at hand. For example each ant is able to determine how far away nodes are, what the RF coverage index is, topology favorable index and they all have a memory of which nodes they have already visited. Furthermore, we add the estimated values for next node by tracking the speed of current mobile units. The simulation shows that the method is feasible and more reliable. It is a feasible way to avoid node congestion and network interruptions without much decrease of network performance
An evaluation of lattice Boltzmann schemes for porous medium flow simulation

Abstract We quantitatively evaluate the capability and accuracy of the lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) for modeling flow through porous media. In particular, we conduct a comparative study of the LBE models with the multiple-relaxation-time (MRT) and the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook (BGK) single-relaxation-time (SRT) collision operators. We also investigate several fluid–solid boundary conditions including: (1) the standard bounce-back (SBB) scheme, (2) the linearly interpolated bounce-back (LIBB) scheme, (3) the quadratically interpolated bounce-back (QIBB) scheme, and (4) the multi-reflection (MR) scheme. Three-dimensional flow through two porous media—a body-centered cubic (BCC) array of spheres and a random-sized sphere-pack—are examined in this study. For flow past a BCC array of spheres, we validate the linear LBE model by comparing its results with the nonlinear LBE model. We investigate systematically the viscosity-dependence of the computed permeability, the discretization error, and effects due to the choice of relaxation parameters with the MRT and BGK schemes. Our results show unequivocally that the MRT–LBE model is superior to the BGK–LBE model, and interpolation significantly improves the accuracy of the fluid–solid boundary conditions.
Variational approach for competitive systems with obstacles

We prove existence and uniqueness results for competitive systems consisting of two parabolic equations supplemented with positivity constraints. The coupling terms include local and nonlocal interaction terms. Monotone iteration schemes are used to obtain solutions in a variational approach. The solutions of the system are compared with the solution of a simplified ordinary differential system.
Efficient surface functionalization of zeolites via esterification

A new class of hybrid organic/inorganic materials was obtained via esterification of surface hydroxyl groups of various zeolites of Y and ZSM-5 types. For comparison, amorphous silica gel was used. The objective of this study was the development of a new method for the surface functionalization of zeolites, i.e., materials that have two distinct surface types (internal and external). The coexistence of functionalized external catalytic sites and unmodified internal acidic sites allows for the possibility of bifunctional catalysis, e.g., hydrogenation at the external sites and isomerization or alkylation at the internal sites. Furthermore, the relatively low concentration of the surface hydroxyl groups compared to other materials may be ideal for the heterogenization of organometallic complexes, since steric hindrance of the heterogenized complexes is not affecting the catalytic activity. Some complexes are sensitive towards hydroxyl groups at the surface and thus, using zeolites may increase their expected catalytic activity. In this work phenylbutanol was chosen as a test substrate, since it resembles in bulk various homogeneous organometallic complexes that are used as catalysts (e.g., Pd(II) complexes possessing catalytic activity in cross-coupling reactions). The presented method is intended to be a general approach for the functionalization of zeolites. The main result of our study is that ZSM-5 has the highest potential for surface functionalization.
Integrity and Its Role in Professionalism

AJR:199, September 2012 define. One of the foundational concepts of professionalism is integrity [2]. What is integrity? Why is it important? What can we do to promote it in ourselves and others? The word integrity comes from the Latin word “integer.” This is the same word we use to denote whole numbers, which have no fractional or decimal component. Not surprisingly, integer means whole or complete. Integer, in turn, is derived from Indo-European roots meaning untouched, from “in-” for “not” and “-tag” for “touch,” as in “integument,” which means to cover or prevent from being touched. Hence, integrity generally refers to wholeness or completeness, particularly in terms of character. People who sully their integrity—for example, by betraying their core principles—fail to be true to themselves, and, as a result, their lives become less complete and coherent [3]. Radiologists are engaged in many different sorts of professional activities, including image interpretation, performing procedures, interacting with patients, consulting with other health professionals, educating learners, and advancing knowledge in the field. In addition, radiologists have personal lives that may involve marriage, parenthood, friendship, and citizenship. In part, to work and live with integrity is to combine these diverse spheres of activity into a harmonious whole, remaining true to the same principles and exhibiting the same traits of character in each situation [4]. A good and admirable person is good and admirable in all contexts of life. To the extent that we cut our principles to suit the fashion of the moment, adopting whatever course of action seems most expedient at the time, our lives are fragmented and we are engaging in a kind of hypocrisy. A moral chameleon is a corrupted human being. To achieve the highest degree of harmony between our Integrity and Its Role in Professionalism
On a method for determining the neutretto mass

The proposal to obtain a limit on the neutretto mass from an observation of the high-energy end of the spectrum of one particle in a three-body decay of the type A→B + C+v is re-examined and an expression contained in the literature is corrected. Energy spectra for radiative pion decay are given as an illustration. Numerical results are presented for the decays π+→-μ++v+γ, Λ→p + μ-+v and K+→→0 + μ++v.
Adults Versus Children in Second‐Language Learning: Psychological Considerations

T HE great popularity of audio-lingual methods in second-language teaching today is more than just an over-reaction to previous pedagogic techniques that concentrated almost exclusively on reading, translation, and composition skills, and neglected oral comprehension and speaking ability. In large part, it is also a reflection of the widespread cultural belief that children learn languages much more readily than adults' do. Hence, the argument runs, if children achieve such spectacular success by means of an audio-lingual approach, it must obviously be the most effective way of learning foreign languages, and adults should follow their example. This line of argument, in my opinion, is vulnerable on two counts. In the first place, on either research or theoretical grounds, it is difficult to substantiate the thesis that children are in fact superior to adults in learning languages. Second, even if this were the case, there would still be no good reason for believing that methods which yield satisfactory results with children must necessarily be appropriate for adults. These latter methods are used, after all, not because they are demonstrably more efficacious under all conditions, but because children's cognitive immaturity and lack of certain intellectual skills preclude many approaches that are feasible for older age groups. Naturalness is a slippery argument because what is natural for one age group is not necessarily natural for another.
An Investigation of the Oral Narratives of Normal and Language-Learning Disabled Children

The purpose of this study was to assess the developmental levels of the stories of normal and language-learning disabled children. Findings revealed that the normal subjects told more complex stories. The results are discussed relative to the assessment and treatment of school-age children with language-learning deficits.
The effects of pair-programming on performance in an introductory programming course

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pair-programming on student performance in an introductory programming class. Data was collected from approximately 600 students who either completed programming assignments with a partner or programmed independently. Students who programmed in pairs produced better programs, completed the course at higher rates, and performed about as well on the final exam as students who programmed independently. Our findings suggest that collaboration is an effective pedagogical tool for teaching introductory programming.
Pentachaeta aurea Subsp. Allenii (Asteraceae), a New Subspecies from Orange County, California

Pentachaeta aurea Nutt. subsp. allenii Keil is described as new. It is apparently endemic to southwestern Orange Co., California. Lamina tips of ray corollas of living specimens of the plants are pale yellow in early morning but turn brilliant white after 1–2 hr in sunshine; laminae of subsp. aurea are solid yellow.
A fatal case of bupropion (Zyban) hepatotoxicity with autoimmune features: Case report

Bupropion is approved for the treatment of mood disorders and as an adjuvant medication for smoking cessation. Bupropion is generally well tolerated and considered safe. Two randomized controlled trials of bupropion therapy for smoking cessation did not report any hepatic adverse events. However, there are three reports of severe but non-fatal bupropion hepatotoxicity published in the literature. We present the case of a 55-year old man who presented with jaundice and severe hepatic injury approximately 6 months after starting bupropion for smoking cessation. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated a mixed picture of hepatocellular injury and cholestasis. Liver biopsy demonstrated findings consistent with severe hepatotoxic injury due to drug induced liver injury. Laboratory testing was also notable for positive autoimmune markers. The patient initially had clinical improvement with steroid therapy but eventually died of infectious complications. This report represents the first fatal report of bupropion related hepatotoxicity and the second case of bupropion related liver injury demonstrating autoimmune features. The common use of this medication for multiple indications makes it important for physicians to consider this medication as an etiologic agent in patients with otherwise unexplained hepatocellular jaundice.
Sub-ten-nanometer heterogeneity of solid supported lipid membranes determined by solution atomic force microscopy

Visually detecting nanoscopic structures in lipid membranes is important for elucidating lipid-lipid interactions, which are suggested to play a role in mediating membrane rafts. We use solution atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study lateral and normal organization in multicomponent lipid membranes supported by mica substrate. Nanoscopic heterogeneity is observed in a three-component system composed of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC)/brain-sphingomyelin (bSM)/cholesterol (Chol). We find sub-ten-nanometer correlation lengths that are used to describe membrane lateral organization. In addition, we find that the correlation length is independent on cholesterol concentration, while the height fluctuation (variation) is not. To explore the mechanism that controls the size of membrane heterogeneity, we extend our study to a four-component system composed of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC)/POPC/bSM/Chol. By systematically adjusting the relative amount of DOPC and POPC, we obtain macroscopic-to-nanoscopic size transition of membrane heterogeneity. In contrast to the results from vesicle based fluorescence microscopy, we find that the structural transition is continuous both in the lateral and normal directions. We compare our nanoscopic structures to two theoretical models, and find that both the critical fluctuations and the nanodomain models are not sufficient to account for our solution AFM data. Finally, we propose a nanoheterogeneity model that could serve as the organization principle of the observed nanoscopic structures in multicomponent lipid membranes.
Bazedoxifene: A Third-Generation Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator for Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Objective:To review clinical studies and other available literature regarding the development, pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, adverse effects, and place in therapy of bazedoxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.Data Sources:A literature search was performed of PubMed (1966–February 2007). International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–February 2007), Web of Science (1975–February 2007), Biological Abstracts (1926–2007), and Google Scholar (2001–February 2007) databases, using the search terms bazedoxifene, TSE-424, Indole-33, WAY-140424, selective estrogen receptor modulator, and SERM. In addition, product information was requested from the manufacturer, and www.clinicaltrials.gov was searched for unpublished Phase III clinical trials in progress.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Articles on Phase I and II trials were selected for review, as well as article...
INNOVATIVE PROCUREMENT METHODS IN RAIL TRANSIT PROJECTS: BALTIMORE'S TURNKEY EXPERIENCE

The Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Turnkey Demonstration Program, as mandated by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, is required to select a number of prototype projects for comparison of turnkey to traditional procurement methods. The Baltimore Central Light Rail Line (CLRL) Phase 2 Extensions project is one of four prototype projects currently selected for comparison. In 1992, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) started service on Phase 1 of the CLRL project—a 36.2-km-long system with 25 station stops, procured under the traditional method (that is, design/bid/build). The CLRL Phase 2 Extensions project, procured under the turnkey method, completed the 48.3-km plan with three extensions to the original 36.2 km. FTA has requested an evaluation of the effectiveness of the turnkey procurement method in advancing the design, construction, testing, start-up, and initial operation of the CLRL Phase 2 Extensions project. This evaluation effort focuses on the procurement ...
Mass Spectrometry at 100 Parts Per Trillion

Using a Penning trap single ion mass spectrometer, we have measured the atomic masses of 13 isotopes, many important for fundamental metrology and fundamental constants [9, 16, 3]. The fractional accuracy of the measurements, ≈ 10−10, is typically two orders of magnitude better than previously accepted values. This paper provides an overview of the MIT Penning trap measurements with special emphasis on the new techniques which we have developed for making measurements with accuracy 10−10. We go on to discuss some current work and proposals for improving the accuracy by another order of magnitude. We conclude with a discussion of the scientific payoff already realized, and the future scientific applications of precision mass spectrometry.
Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a group of heterogeneous tumors arising from the epithelium of the renal tubules, accounts for greater than 90 % of all malignancies in the adult kidney. There are many subtypes of RCC with unique clinical and pathological features. Cytogenetic and molecular studies have also demonstrated that each histological subtype has specific genetic changes. Genetic and epigenetic markers have been used in RCC subtyping. In view of specific genomic and epigenetic alterations associated with a specific RCC subtype, implementation of genetic and epigenetic markers in the management of RCC might become helpful in the future.
Optical and electrical properties of Al1−xInxN films grown by plasma source molecular-beam epitaxy

Epitaxial Al1−xInxN thin films with 0⩽x⩽1 have been grown by plasma source molecular beam epitaxy on sapphire (0001) substrates at a low temperature of 375 °C. Both reflection high-energy electron diffraction and x-ray diffraction measurements confirm the c-plane growth with the following epitaxial relations: nitride [0001] ∥ sapphire [0001] and nitride 〈0110〉 ∥ sapphire 〈2110〉. However, the degree of crystalline mosaicity and the compositional fluctuation increase with increasing x. The observed direct energy band gap, determined using optical transmission and reflection measurements show relatively less bowing compared to some earlier studies. Electrical resistivity and Hall effect measurements show n-type electrical conductivity in these alloys with carrier concentrations n⩾1019 cm−3 for In-rich alloys and n⩽1010 cm−3 for Al-rich alloys.
Credit Developments in France and Systemic Linkages of the French Financial Sector

The unprecedented global financial crisis and “great recession” raise concerns about a potential credit crunch and risk spillovers arising from systemic linkages in advanced European economies on the road to recovery. This paper conducts a case study of France. Specifically, using the bank lending survey, surveys of access to finance by small and medium-sized enterprises, and relative prices of loan and bond markets, the paper examines whether the drop in credit growth is driven by demand or supply factors. In addition, the paper analyzes the quantitative importance of financial links by taking into account nonlinearities of risk dependence. The case study shows that the still low credit growth is more likely to be demand-driven. The analysis of the CDS spreads of French banks under extreme stress using quantile regressions shows that their systemic linkages with 41 large and complex financial institutions in 16 advanced countries could lead to a pronounced increase, on average, in their riskiness. The wide risk distribution seems to reflect the dependence of risk dynamics on the strength of the linkages and sources of stress, which may have a feedback effect on credit.
Polyacetylene p–n Junctions with Varying Dopant Density by Polyelectrolyte-Mediated Electrochemistry

Polyelectrolyte-mediated electrochemistry is demonstrated as a three-electrode technique to fabricate polyacetylene-based p–n junctions where the dopant density of the n-type layer is systematically varied. The approach utilizes a bilayer structure consisting of anionically and cationically functionalized polyacetylenes and a polyelectrolyte-based supporting electrolyte to control the ions available to support electrochemistry in the selective formation of n- and p-doped regions. Through control over the cationic functional group density and electrode potential, the dopant density of the n-type region is varied from 1019 to 1020 cm–3. Due in part to low carrier mobility and the presence of ionic functional groups, the properties of the junctions are distinct from classic inorganic p–n junctions in that they exhibit neither the voltage-dependent capacitance of a semiconductor depletion layer nor the classic Shockley, diffusion-based current–voltage behavior. Variation of the ionic functional group and dopa...
Suppression of Tubular Secretion of Urate by Pyrazinamide in the Dog.

SummaryPyrazinamide depresses Curate/GFR in the Dalmatian and non-Dalmatian dog. Stop-flow studies revealed unequivocal suppression of tubular secretion of urate in the Dalmatian and gave no indication of enhancement of tubular reabsorption of urate in the non-Dalmatian.
High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy Study of Se + Implanted and Annealed GaAs

High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) has been applied to the study of amorphization and recrystallization mechanisms in Se + implanted (100) GaAs. An Se + dose of 1 × 10 14 cm −2 at 450 keV (projected range 1550A) produced an amorphous band in the depth range 250 to 2150A below the surface. Annealing at 400°C resulted in the epitaxial regrowth of the upper and lower transition region (0–250A and 2150 – 2500A, respectively). Regrowth of the amorphous layer was found to proceed by the nucleation and propagation of the dense network of stacking faults bundles. These bundles disappeared on higher ≥600°C) temperature annealing. Amorphization and recrystallization mechanisms in Se + implanted GaAs are discussed in light of these HRTEM results.
Reasons for Journal Rejection: An Analysis of 600 Manuscripts *

The rejection of manuscripts by journals is clearly the norm in the social sciences. For example, in 1976 about 700 manuscripts were submitted to the American Economic Review and more than 500 were rejected; the American Sociological Review rejected more than 500 of about 600 submitted; and of the 525 manuscripts reviewed by the American Political Science Review , almost 500 were rejected. To be sure, these are the top journals in their disciplines; but other respectable journals display the same pattern for that year: the Southern Economic Journal turned down well over 400 of the 500 manuscripts received; the Social Science Quarterly rejected about 425 of the almost 500 received; and the American Journal of Political Science received about 320 and rejected 270. That a perusal of the editorial reports of other journals would yield comparable findings is documented by a survey of 72 economics journals which collectively reported a rejection rate of 77 percent.
Coexistent Phonemic Systems in Telugu: A Socio-Cultural Perspective

(1962). Coexistent Phonemic Systems in Telugu: A Socio-Cultural Perspective. WORD: Vol. 18, No. 1-3, pp. 269-279.
Approach to Construction of Digital Library in Electric Power Enterprise

In view of the actualities of digital library construction in electric power enterprises,the key construction projects and existing problems of digital library are analyzed.On this basis,its running environment,structure and the functional orientation of system are discussed,so as to construct high-quality digital library and improve the sci-tech information service level of power enterprise.
Toward a comprehensive ‘quality-of-life’ index

Any attempt to construct an overall measure of the quality-of-life (“QOL”) of a community, population group, or larger society must inevitably confront the critical obstacle posed by the absence of a common numeraire. The diverse elements that significantly affect the “QOL” of individuals and social groups are each subject, at least in principle, to some form of measurement, but no satisfactory method has yet been devised whereby these different measurements could be reduced to a single metric.
Selective Targeting of Lipid Droplets by Proteins

Lipid droplets (LDs) are organelles that store neutral lipids in cells. LDs have a core of neutral lipids, including triacylglycerols and sterol esters, surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer. LDs can grow dramatically to store neutral lipids in its core, which requires a commensurate increase in the size of the LD membrane. CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT) plays a key role in regulating the size of LDs, as it the rate-limiting enzyme in phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis, which is a major component of the LD outer coat. CCT has been shown to have a binding preference for LD as opposed to bilayer membranes, although the cause of this preference is not known. Previous studies have shown that large hydrophobic packing defects are key for the binding of amphipathic helices (AH) to membranes. We have studied LDs and bilayer membranes by extensive long time scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In our results, we observe differing properties between LD membranes and bilayer membranes, including an increase in the frequency of large defects in LD membranes. We also find, using μs-long MD simulations, that an increase in the size of hydrophobic lipid packing defects in LDs compared to bilayer membranes plays a large role in the specificity of CCT AH initial binding to membranes as compared to bilayer membranes. Moreover, we frequently observe detachment of CCT from bilayer membranes, suggesting the lack of large hydrophobic defects destabilizes this interaction sufficiently to make binding to bilayers thermodynamically less favorable.
Biochemical and Molecular Studies of Native and Synthetic B-Amyloid Protein in Alzheimer’s Disease

In contrast to many brain degenerative diseases, in which neuronal loss is unaccompanied by characteristic structural lesions in adjacent neurons that have not yet died, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is marked by striking morphological changes in many remaining cells and their surrounding milieu. Despite doubts expressed over the years about the utility of analyzing the fibrous deposits in AD brain, it is increasingly apparent that molecular studies of these lesions can provide important insights into the pathogenesis of cortical degeneration in AD. Neuritic plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid angiopathy are the principal alterations that accompany AD. Although the term amyloid has often been used to refer to the fibrous deposits in all three of these lesions, the intraneuronal paired helical filaments (PHF) and antigenically related straight filaments found in neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and in dystrophic neurites within senile plaques are structurally distinct from all other amyloid fibrils. This fact as well as the substantial available evidence that PHF and amyloid filaments In AD brain have different antigenic compositions makes it preferable not to apply the term amyloid to the intraneuronal fibers pending their full elucidation.
Development of a fuzzy inference and Markovian system for the local registration of satellite and cartographic images

We present in this article two complete procedures to solve some problems of the road networks. First, we must start with a process of road networks extraction based on the fuzzy clustering unsupervised approaches, and then we apply another approach for the local registration and deformation of a cartographic and a satellite road networks. For this aim, the idea is to segment first the sensed data and to recognize the basic urban classes (vegetation, roads, and other sectors). Then, starting from these classes, we extract the structures and the infrastructures interest by applying two algorithms of road network extraction (The Connectivity Weighted Hough Transform (CWHT), and the Regularised Shortest-Path Extraction (RSPE)), their different capabilities are applied for the characterization of streets with different width and shape. Finally, the proposed local registration method consists in translating the cartographic data into a graph model, and then defining Markov random fields (MRF) to fit the graph and the satellite image.
Multimode characterization of parallel plate waveguide

Characterization of parallel plate waveguide multimode propagation is investigated for use in sensing and material parameter extraction applications. Broadband and narrowband measurements are presented and compared to finite difference time domain simulations and analytic solutions which use a Fourier transform mode-matching technique. Agreement is observed between simulation and measurement of field patterns, but analytic solutions require estimates of individual mode contributions. Higher order modes contribute both a greater conductive attenuation and higher coupling loss seen in the larger side lobes of the field pattern.
Squaring the wave function

In his review of The Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics by Roland Omnes (February p54), Alistair Rae states that "the key problem in the interpretation of quantum physics" for many people is the necessity of adding "by hand" our "interpretation of the squared modulus of the wave function as a probability distribution". As he goes on to explain, the problem is not simply that this step – asserting the equivalence of a squared modulus to a "classical probability distribution" – must be added from outside the theory proper; the real challenge is that the question of when it is appropriate to take the step seems to have no universally valid answer. Rae poses as "a real question to be...hopefully answered one day" the following: "under what circumstances does the squared wavefunction collapse into one of the alternative possibilities?"
Doing homework together: The relation between parenting strategies, child engagement, and achievement

Abstract This study of 61 elementary school children examined how maternal behavior and child engagement in a homework-like task relate to reading achievement, and whether task engagement mediates the relation between parenting and reading achievement. Maternal behaviors and task engagement were examined using videotaped observations of mother-child interaction during a homework-like task. Children participated in reading achievement testing, and schools provided reading/language arts grades. Children who displayed higher task engagement performed better on measures of reading achievement. Maternal support for autonomy predicted reading achievement, even controlling for support for relatedness and competence. In addition, support for autonomy was a significant predictor of child task engagement, controlling for the other parenting variables. Task engagement partially mediated the relation between support for autonomy and reading achievement. This research points to the importance of child engagement as a potential mechanism for academic success, and to the ability of parents to foster engagement and achievement.
The accumulation of nontargeted quantum dots in cultured human embryonic kidney cells

Quantum dots (QDs) could offer significant advantages in clinical settings due to their high photostability and quantum yield. We are investigating the uptake and compartmentalization of QDs by cells because these processes are not fully characterized and there is potential for heavy metal toxicity when semiconductor nanocrystals are sequestered. Here we demonstrate the intracellular accumulation of QDs in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293; ATCC) exposed to nontargeted (Qtracker 565nm; QDot Corp.) or targeted (Qtracker 565 Cell Labeling Kit; QDot Corp.) QDs. As expected, 10 nM targeted QDs (Lagerholm et al., 2004, Nano Letters, 4:2019-2022) accumulated in HEK-293 cells and normal human astrocytes (NHA; Cambrex Biosciences) after 1 hr, while nontargeted QDs (200 nM) could be detected after 24 hr in HEK-293 but not NHA. The uptake of 10 nM targeted QDs was greater than the uptake of 200 nM nontargeted QDs as confirmed by the number and intensity of puncta visible in HEK-293 cells imaged with confocal microscopy. QD uptake was not detected in two Xenopus kidney cell lines (XLK-WG and A6; ATCC) exposed to nontargeted QDs (10-500 nM) for 18 hours. Co-labeling of HEK-293 cultures with CellTracker Red CMTPX (Invitrogen) following QD uptake verified that QD accumulation does not affect cell viability. Differences in QD uptake between cell lines could be species-specific or due to different growth conditions. The unexpected accumulation of nontargeted QDs raises questions about the uptake mechanism and the intracellular location that are being investigated with TEM. Supported by NIH-NIDCD (DC003292) and NMSU-ADVANCE (NSF0123690) to EES.
FLUID DYNAMICS. THE STREETS OF BANGKOK

Por tradicion las inundaciones traen nuevas oportunidades a la poblacion de Tailandia, quienes conocen el modo de tomar ventaja de la situacion; la temporada de fuertes lluvias introduce eventos y actividades paralelas al crecimiento de los cauces de los cuerpos acuiferos. Comercio y suelo re-aparecen de forma similar en la superficie como caminos de agua remplazando los tradicionales senderos. Una vez terminada la temporada de fuertes lluvias todo vuelve a la normalidad. Sin destruccion, desplazamiento o deterioro. Poblacion y naturaleza estan preparadas para ajustarse y adaptarse a estas transformaciones comunes en la ciudad, para lo cual el proyecto propone usar este potencial como punto de inspiracion que direcciona la propuesta.ABSTRACTTraditionally with flooding came a series of opportunities that Thai people knew how to take advantage of; the seasonal monsoons triggered events and activities that cropped upprogressively as the water rose. Shops and ground floor re-appeared in similar ways in the upper floors as waterways replacing the ground roads. Once the monsoon season was over, everything went back to the way it was. No destruction, no displacement, no waste. People and nature were prepared to adjust and adapt with this transformative aspect ofthe city. The project intention is to use this great potential as the inspiration that drives our proposal.
ROS Navigation Tuning Guide

The ROS navigation stack has become a crucial component for mobile robots using the ROS framework. It is powerful, yet requires careful fine tuning of parameters to optimize its performance on a given robot, a task that is not as simple as it looks and potentially time-consuming. This tutorial chapter presents a ROS navigation tuning guide for beginners that aims to serve as a reference for the “how” and “why” when setting the value of key parameters. The guide covers parameter settings for velocity and acceleration, global and local planners, costmaps, and the localization package amcl. It also discusses recovery behaviors as well as the dynamic reconfiguration feature of ROS. We assume that the reader has already set up the navigation stack and ready to optimize it. The material in this chapter originally appeared on ROS Tutorials since 2017 with experiments conducted on ROS indigo. Nevertheless, the ROS navigation stack has been mostly stable since indigo, while the ROS 2 navigation stack shares significant overlap in terms of packages and key parameters, with several innovations. Hence, we present this material in the context of the most recent release (ROS Noetic) at the time of writing. We discuss notable changes made in the ROS 2 navigation stack with respect to ROS Noetic. A video demonstration of the outcome following this guide is available at https://y2u.be/1-7GNtR6gVk.
Removal and evaluation of non-diamond carbon on boron-doped diamond electrodes

Boron-doped diamond electrodes possess many qualities that make them promising candidates for chronic in vivo neurochemical sensors. The fabrication process for boron-doped diamond films produces additional forms of non-diamond carbon that can confound electrochemical performance and neurochemical detection. Various removal treatments have been implemented for other applications of boron-doped diamond, but they have not been very well evaluated or compared. In this work, we present the use of electrode double-layer capacitance and quinone surface coverage to evaluate the effectiveness of three different non-diamond carbon removal treatments on boron-doped diamond microelectrodes designed for neurochemical detection. The results indicate that sulfuric acid cycling post-deposition and incorporation of an atomic hydrogen cool-down step into the deposition process reduce the amount of surface non-diamond carbon contaminating boron-doped diamond electrodes.
202 PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME AND NEGATIVE MOODS IN COLLEGE-AGED WOMEN.

Purpose Studies have demonstrated that over 80% of women have premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and that PMS is associated with numerous physical and mood changes. Irritability appears to be the most prevalent negative mood associated with PMS in women aged 28 to 45 years old. However, little is known about prevalent negative moods associated with PMS in college-aged women. Methods Eight undergraduate students from the University of California at Berkeley aged between 18 and 22 years old were given a diary and calendar to rate their daily moods on a numerical scale of 1 to 7 (1 for lowest mood, 4 for baseline of normal mood for each participant, and 7 for highest mood) over three menstrual cycles. Participants were required to (1) rate their moods, (2) indicate their top three negative moods selected from a compiled list of commonly reported PMS-associated negative moods, and (3) record their number of hours of sleep on a daily basis. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 11.0 statistical software package. Results The lowest moods were reported during the premenstrual phases (92%), whereas higher moods were apparent during the postmenstrual phases. Counter to previous studies, the most prevalent negative moods during the premenstrual phases were “sadness” and “feelings of worthlessness” (reported by 5 of 8 participants) rather than “irritability.” The number of hours of sleep was weakly correlated with mood during the premenstrual phases (r = .23, p = .032) but not during the postmenstrual phases. Conclusion PMS-related mood symptoms may be different in college-aged women than in older women. Given that “sadness” and “feelings of worthlessness” are clinically related to depression and/or suicidal ideation, measures to prevent and/or better control these PMS-related mood changes among affected college-aged populations should be explored.
Short-term dietary methionine supplementation affects one-carbon metabolism and DNA methylation in the mouse gut and leads to altered microbiome profiles, barrier function, gene expression and histomorphology

Methionine, a central molecule in one-carbon metabolism, is an essential amino acid required for normal growth and development. Despite its importance to biological systems, methionine is toxic when administered at supra-physiological levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term methionine dietary modulation on the proximal jejunum, the section of the gut specifically responsible for amino acid absorption, in a mouse model. Eight-week-old CBA/J male mice were fed methionine-adequate (MAD; 6.5 g/kg) or methionine-supplemented (MSD; 19.5 g/kg) diets for 3.5 or 6 days (average food intake 100 g/kg body weight). The study design was developed in order to address the short-term effects of the methionine supplementation that corresponds to methionine dietary intake in Western populations. Biochemical indices in the blood as well as metabolic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, metagenomic, and histomorphological parameters in the gut were evaluated. By day 6, feeding mice with MSD (protein intake <10% different from MAD) resulted in increased plasma (2.3-fold; p < 0.054), but decreased proximal jejunum methionine concentrations (2.2-fold; p < 0.05) independently of the expression of neutral amino acid transporters. MSD has also caused small bowel bacteria colonization, increased the abundance of pathogenic bacterial species Burkholderiales and decreased the gene expression of the intestinal transmembrane proteins—Cldn8 (0.18-fold, p < 0.05), Cldn9 (0.24-fold, p < 0.01) and Cldn10 (0.05-fold, p < 0.05). Feeding MSD led to substantial histomorphological alterations in the proximal jejunum exhibited as a trend towards decreased plasma citrulline concentrations (1.8-fold, p < 0.07), as well as loss of crypt depth (by 28%, p < 0.05) and mucosal surface (by 20%, p < 0.001). Together, these changes indicate that short-term feeding of MSD substantially alters the normal gut physiology. These effects may contribute to the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammatory diseases and/or sensitize the gut to exposure to other stressors.
How to Think about “Medicare for All”

U.S. “Medicare for All” is an idea for the long run. Its prospects of eventual enactment will be determined by our shifting views on a right to health care, likely cost savings, economic inequality, and the role of government in the lives of Americans.
Diallel analysis of grain filling rate and grain filling period in tropical maize (Zea mays L.)

Grain yields of maize in the lowland tropics are generally limited by short days and high temperatures that minimize durations of incident light. Little has been published on the effects of this limiting environment on the genetics of grain filling rate (GFR), and grain filling period (GFP) in tropical maize germplasm. This study sought to address these limitations. A set of 8 elite maize inbreds of tropical origin and their 28 diallel hybrids were grown in three seasons at Waimanalo, Hawaii, USA. Seasonal differences included > 100% differences in values of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) during grain formation. Information was sought on the performance variations and the genotype by season interactions for GFR, GFP, days to mid-silk (DTS), kernel weight, with estimates of general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) and their interactions with seasons. Significant differences occurred for inbreds, hybrids, and genotype by season interactions, GCA and SCA effects and their interactions with seasons, which could be attributed primarily to the differences in PAR values among seasons in Hawaii during grain filling. Additive genetic effects predominated for GFR and GFP. Breeding approaches that take advantage of additive gene effects including hybrid breeding with evaluations in multiple Hawaii seasons may be used to alter GFR and GFP.
Authoritarian Politics: Trends and Debates

In the past two decades, the field of authoritarian politics has grown substantially. This commentary surveys the major findings in the field, how it is has evolved, and key debates that have emerged in response.
Physician Engagement With Metrics in Lean Primary Care Transformation.

Objective:Data and metrics play important roles in quality and process improvement efforts. For one specific process improvement method, Lean or Lean health care, data and metrics are central components, allowing users to identify areas that need improvement and to assess the degree to which improve
Novel single stage power factor corrected LED driver topology for space constrained applications of aircraft exterior lighting system

This paper proposes a novel converter topology based on a single stage LED driver with Power Factor Correction (PFC) which is optimized for weight, volume and cost, for space constrained environments such as Aerospace exterior lighting product. The proposed topology utilizes a single switch to harmonize the input current as well as control the intensity of lighting system. A typical Power Factor Pre-regulator (PFP) uses a bulk energy storage capacitor, which is subjected to wear out at higher altitudes due to low pressure conditions and freezes at negative temperatures, resulting in poor reliability converter for Aerospace applications. Unlike a regular Power Factor Pre-regulator (PFP), the proposed topology avoids the use of bulk energy storage capacitor which results in a fast transient response with enhanced reliability, reduced board real estate and weight. The proposed LED driver topology can control the LED current with both Buck and Boost mode of control, making it a good choice for applications with wide input voltage variation. A 110 W prototype based on proposed converter was built to verify the operation of proposed topology. The experimental results are in line with the predicted performance. The proposed converter is able to achieve a power factor of 0.988 with an input current THD of < 10%.
Structural unit charge density and molecular cation templating effects on orientational geometric isomerism and interlayer spacing in 2-D uranyl sulfates

Abstract The new uranyl aqua sulfate compound [({CH3}3N2C3H3{CH2COOH})(H3O)] [(UO2)2(SO4)3(H2O)]·1.5H2O was synthesized and the crystal structure determined. The two-dimensional uranyl-aqua sulfate compound exhibits a previously reported anionic structural unit topology, but features an interstitial complex incorporating hydronium in the form of a disorder Zundel cation and the cation moiety from the ionic liquid 1-carboxymethyl 3-methylimidazolium bistriflimide [HBetMIm][Tf2N], which forms hydrogen bonding dimer pairs. An analysis of similar uranyl sulfate complexes from the literature is conducted to explore the relative importance and role of structure directing factors in alkylammonium charge-balanced two-dimensional uranyl sulfates. A correlation is observed between structural unit charge density and interlayer spacing, with a concomitant direction of structural and orientational geometric isomerism of the anionic structural unit. We discuss the role of synthetic conditions and molecular cation properties in directing structural unit formation through charge density matching and hydrogen bonding.
Phenomenal Dogmatism, Seeming Evidentialism and Inferential Justification

Let ‘strong normative evidentialism’ be the view that a belief is doxastically justified just when (i) the belief is (properly) based on evidence in the agent’s possession, and (ii) the evidence constitutes a good reason for the belief. Strong normative evidentialism faces two challenges. One is that of explaining which kinds of evidence can serve as a good reason for belief. The other is to explain how inferential justification is possible. If a belief p is based on a belief q that justifies p, then it would seem that the subject would need to be justified in believing that q makes p likely. The problem for the evidentialist is to explain what justifies this belief about likelihood. I will argue that the evidentialist can respond to both worries by construing basic evidence as seemings and then adopt a version of phenomenal dogmatism – the view that seemings can confer immediate and full justification upon belief – that takes seemings to be good reasons when they are evidence-insensitive in virtue of their phenomenology. This view meets the first challenge by explaining what kinds of evidence constitute a good reason. It meets the second challenge by taking beliefs that one phenomenon makes another phenomenon more likely to be immediately and fully justified by memory seemings.