cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relative Position Estimation Using Fokker-Planck and Bayes' Formula

The nonlinear filtering theory using the Fokker-Planck equation and Bayes’ rule has been around since 1970s. Theoretically, this type of estimation method outperforms the widely used Extended Kalman filters because the method does not require linearized dynamics and measurement models, and also the assumption of the Gaussian process is not necessary. However, it is extremely difficult to obtain an analytical solution of the FokkerPlanck equation with the exception of a few special cases, and they usually have to be evaluated by numerical methods. In this paper the Fokker-Planck equation and Bayes’ rule based estimation method is investigated and applied to a relative orbital position estimation problem. The time evolution of the state probability density function between measurements is obtained by solving the Fokker-Planck equation numerically using the conventional finite difference method. The Bayes’ rule is also numerically evaluated to update the state probability density function obtained from the Fokker-Planck equation according to measurements. So far this estimation method has not been employed much in practice because of the high computational cost needed in solving the Fokker-Planck equation numerically. To decrease computational cost the moving domain concept is employed to reduce the domain of integration while solving the Fokker-Planck equation. Simulation results show that the accuracy of the estimation is improved as compared with the Extended Kalman filter and the computational cost is significantly lower with the propose moving grid scheme than without it.
Demonstration of the Relationship between Crystal Orientation and Octahedral Traces

A model used for the demonstration consists of an octahedron mounted in such a way that its vertical or Z axis can be tilted through a known angle ω in a vertical plane which makes an angle φ with the plane containing the X and Z axes. Starting with the Z axis in a vertical position (zero tilt) it can then be placed in the position corresponding to any given orientation by tilting in the appropriate vertical plane with the help of two graduated quadrants incorporated in the model. The octahedral traces corresponding to this orientation can be obtained by proceeding as follows: A sheet of white paper is placed on the table or other horizontal surface under the model and lines are drawn where the faces of the octahedron would intersect the paper if extended. These intersection lines and the angles between them correspond to octahedral traces and trace angles, respectively, for the given orientation.
Cocaine use and splenic rupture: a rare yet serious association

Cocaine abuse is frequent in patients visiting the emergency department. The knowledge of the cardiovascular complications of cocaine is excellent among physicians. However the awareness regarding its abdominal complications, the most important of which include gastroduodenal perforation, bowel ischemia and splenic rupture is less adequate. We report a 58-year-old with cocaine use who presents with upper abdominal pain and a rapidly worsening clinical status. He was found to have atraumatic splenic rupture causing a hemoperitoneum that was managed by intervention radiology guided splenic artery embolization. Splenic hemorrhage and rupture need timely recognition, as they are difficult to diagnose clinically and can be potentially fatal. In the encounter of patients with cocaine use who present with chest or upper abdominal pain, clinicians should consider imaging to look for splenic rupture as it is often masked or overlooked due to the complicated clinical picture.
A Study of Early Learning Services in Museums and Libraries.

Museums and libraries can play a role in providing opportunities for early learning, and there is clear momentum and infrastructure already in place to help make this happen. Researchers conducted a mixed-methods descriptive study to generate new evidence about the availability of services for young children in museums and libraries, and the factors that influence families’ participation. The study used interviews, focus groups, secondary data analysis, and a new survey to gather data from museum and library administrators, as well as families. Through this study we find a range of diverse early learning programs in museums and libraries. We also find that even where museums and libraries exist, local community members don’t always take advantage of these resources. Families that participated in focus groups expressed a desire to be able to do more hands-on activities with their young children, but face many barriers in being able to access museums and libraries. Although there are efforts to increase the availability and quality of early childhood services in museums and libraries, capacity and expertise to effectively implement and sustain efforts are limiting. To increase the availability, access and benefit of early learning programs in museums and libraries, city and state leaders can facilitate partnerships among museums, libraries, and early learning programs.
Leibniz’ Ontology of Space: Whither Relationism?

One of the nagging puzzles that besets both the spacetime and Early Modern communities is the problematic fit between Leibniz’ conception of space and relationism. C. D. Broad long ago hinted at the unsuitability of a spatial relationist interpretation of Leibniz (1981, 171–173), but the treatment of his spatial hypotheses in many of the canonical texts in the philosophy of space and time has continued to portray Leibniz as having sanctioned a straightforwardly contemporary version of relationism (see, e.g., Sklar 1974, 169, and, Friedman 1983, 219, all nicely recounted in Auyang 1995, 247). Sophisticated (or modal) relationism—that space is a mere relation among bodies, but that these relations may include within their scope possibilia or non-actual bodies—is still often defended (e.g., Khamara 1993, 478; Belot 2011, 184), while others promote the super-eliminative variety that insists that all spatial relations can be eliminated in favor of material relationships, so that a vacuum is impossible (see, e.g., Futch 2008, 48; and, for relationism in general, Hooker 1971, 111). Yet, in this chapter, not only will the majority of these relationist interpretations of Leibniz’ theory be revealed as inadequate to the task, but the viability of any relationist interpretation of Leibnizian space will itself be called into question. As will be demonstrated, the underlying metaphysics of Leibniz’ theory requires a different set of conceptual resources, despite the obvious fact that the aftermath of his rejection of the absolutism of his day, especially in the correspondence with Clarke, set in stone an idea of Leibnizian space that continues to mislead historians and philosophers of science. While the conclusions of this chapter may strike the reader as rather controversial, the preponderance of the evidence that will be presented has played a major role in the metaphysical investigations of Leibniz for the past several decades. Unfortunately, the lessons to be gathered from this research have not been sufficiently assimilated by spacetime philosophers in their analysis of the foundations of Leibnizian space, but neither have the subtleties of Leibniz’ concepts been properly factored into various metaphysical and historical appraisals. Part of the goal of this chapter, in short, is to remedy this unfortunate oversight.
Racialism and Representation in the Rainbow Nation

Despite a commitment to non-racialism in the South African Constitution and anthropology’s steadfast position that race is a social construction, race is still a highly valued ideology with real-li...
Sexually violent women: The PID-5, everyday sadism, and adversarial sexual attitudes predict female sexual aggression and coercion against male victims

Abstract Sexual violence research tends to focus on male aggressors and coercers, but females also commit sexual assault. This research tested whether female sexual violence perpetrated against men was predicted by maladaptive personality traits and adversarial sexual attitudes in a university (n = 439) and national (n = 592) sample. Overall, 10% of women reported sexual violence perpetration, but the national sample rates (13%) were more than twice as high as student rates (6%). This pattern was mirrored in all forms of sexual violence, and national women reported completed rape four times more often than did students. The rate spike in the older, more diverse population may be due to limited prevention efforts, and it emphasizes the importance of collecting data in multiple populations. A structural equation model predicting sexual violence was also constructed with the university sample. Maladaptive personality traits predicted adversarial sexual attitudes. Adversarial sexual attitudes mediated the relationship between the personality traits and sexual violence. The model was replicated in the national sample. The profile from this model is that of a hostile, eccentric, and grandiose woman prone to abnormal beliefs. These women may enjoy controlling men, and they appear to view sex as a competition rather than an expression of affection.
Do the Rich Pay Their Fair Share of Taxes? An Empirical Study of United States Data

This paper examines Internal Revenue Service data and applies philosophical and ethical concepts in an attempt to determine whether the rich pay their fair share of income taxes. Also included is a bibliography containing links to more than 80 studies on tax evasion and public finance.
Solutions in the large for certain nonlinear parabolic systems

Abstract We prove the global existence of smooth solutions for certain systems of the form ut + f(u)x = Duxx. Here u and f are vectors and D is a constant, positive matrix. We assume that the Cauchy data u0 satisfies ‖ u 0 − u ¯ ‖ L ∞ ( ℝ ) r , where ū is a fixed vector and f is defined in an r-ball about ū, and that ‖ u 0 − u ¯ ‖ L 2 ( ℝ ) is sufficiently small. We show how our results apply to the equations of (nonisentropic) gas dynamics, and we include a result which shows that for the Navier-Stokes equations of compressible flow, smoothing of initial discontinuities must occur for the velocity and energy, but cannot occur for the density.
The importance of the neighborhood in the 2014 Ebola outbreak in the United States: Distress, worry, and functioning.

Author(s): Jose, Rupa; Holman, E Alison; Silver, Roxane Cohen | Abstract: ObjectiveEbola media coverage directed public attention to potential disease carriers: residents or travelers from West Africa. We investigated the role of neighborhood population factors (i.e., the concentration of West African foreigners, non-West African foreigners, non-Hispanic Blacks) on individual responses to the Ebola outbreak in the United States. The role of these community-level factors in emotional responses to this public health crisis is poorly understood.MethodDemographic factors, mental health, and stressful event history, collected as part of an ongoing longitudinal study of residents from 2 metropolitan communities (New York City and Boston, total N = 1,346), were combined with neighborhood data from the U.S. Census. Multilevel models estimated the effects of individual and neighborhood factors on individual psychological distress, functional impairment, and Ebola-related worry.ResultsIndividuals living in neighborhoods with more West African-born foreigners or non-West African foreigners reported more somatization and anxiety symptoms, functioning difficulties, and/or Ebola-related worry than individuals living in neighborhoods with fewer foreign residents (p l .05). Individuals residing in neighborhoods with more non-Hispanic Blacks also reported more somatization symptoms than their residential counterparts (p l .05).ConclusionNeighborhood demography is important to study during a public health outbreak like Ebola in which media and policy target specific people or regions. Findings suggest research and policies should not only assist at-risk individuals but also at-risk neighborhoods during and after an infectious disease crisis. (PsycINFO Database Record
Malignant skin tumors: Kids are not just little people

Abstract Skin tumors are a clinically heterogeneous group of dermatologic conditions that affect both children and adults. Although similar types of skin tumors can affect both children and adults, the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of these skin neoplasms can vary drastically in children compared with adults. Despite the clear need for literature elucidating the differences of skin tumors in children compared with adults, there is a serious dearth of scientific contributions addressing this area. This contribution highlights the types of differences that can occur between adults and children with skin neoplasms, as well as the special considerations that need to be recognized when managing skin tumors in children by providing a comparative analysis of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and Kaposi sarcoma occurring in adults with these same tumors occurring in children. Specifically, we examine the aforementioned tumors with a focus on (1) epidemiology, (2) etiology, (3) clinical presentation, (4) workup, and (5) treatment.
Introduction: Developing Trauma Sensitive Child Welfare Systems

Trauma theory offers a conceptual framework to guide a process for more effective infusion of knowledge about trauma, its impact, and empirically supported interventions in child welfare agency practice with children and families. This chapter describes the impact of trauma on children and agency culture and provides an introduction to the conceptual framework of phase-oriented trauma treatment, discussing how the three phases of stabilization, integration and consolidation can be aligned with the child welfare goals of safety, permanency, and well-being. Safety is achieved through stabilization, permanency through integration, and well-being through consolidation of the traumatic experiences. The focus of chapters in the remainder of the book are then summarized.
Carbon Footprint Planning: Quantifying Local and State Mitigation Opportunities for 700 California Cities

Consumption-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories have emerged to describe full life cycle contributions of households to climate change at country, state and increasingly city scales. Using this approach, how much carbon footprint abatement potential is within the control of local governments, and which policies hold the most potential to reduce emissions? This study quantifies the potential of local policies and programs to meet aggressive GHG reduction targets using a consumption-based, high geospatial resolution planning model for the state of California. We find that roughly 35% of all carbon footprint abatement potential statewide is from activities at least partially within the control of local governments. The study shows large variation in the size and composition of carbon footprints and abatement opportunities by ~23,000 Census block groups (i.e., neighborhood-scale within cities), 717 cities and 58 counties across the state. These data and companion online tools can help cities better understand priorities to reduce GHGs from a comprehensive, consumption-based perspective, with potential application to the full United States and internationally.
Theodore Keeler’s impact on transportation economics and policy

Abstract As the title of this book (Transportation Policy and Economic Regulation: Essays in Honor of Theodore Keeler) suggests, Theodore Keeler has had a tremendous impact on the field of transportation economics, in assessing the impacts and appropriateness of various policies and in helping to shape regulatory policies concerning the transportation industries. Moreover, in addition to his own work, he has trained many of the most prominent economists in the field of transportation economics. This book is a tribute to Professor Keeler, and the impact he has had and continues to have on transportation policy.
The Health of Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers

The agricultural industry is among the most vital and strategic industries in the United States. Net farm income in 1998 was estimated at $48 billion and agriculture remains at the economic and cultural foundation of most rural communities (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1999). It is a critical component of the U.S. economy and helps support and sustain the American lifestyle. Our highly productive system for growing, processing, and distributing agricultural products allows Americans to enjoy a consistent supply of fruits and vegetables that are readily available in our grocery stores and markets. The foundation of the agricultural industry and of many rural communities is the farmworker.
IVIg and FcγRIIb in kids with ITP: individualizing therapy

In this issue of Blood, Heitink-Polle et al present the long-awaited results of a very important recent study, the TIKI (treatment with or without IV immunoglobulin [IVIg] for kids with immune thrombocytopenia [ITP]) trial: a randomized, controlled trial comparing IVIg to observation in children with ITP at diagnosis, with the primary end point of evaluating the rate of chronic ITP in treated and untreated children.1
Cortiva Versus AlloDerm Ready-to-use in Prepectoral and Submuscular Breast Reconstruction: Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Study Design and Early Findings.

Background Several acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) can be used to provide soft-tissue support for post- and prepectoral prosthetic breast reconstructions. Yet, several recent meta-analysis suggest that due to a lack of rigorous evaluation in the setting of head-to-head prospective randomized control trials, few reliable conclusions regarding performance outcomes can be drawn. We compare Cortiva 1 mm to AlloDerm RTU in the setting of submuscular reconstruction in one study, and prepectoral in the second. Moreover, we present the findings from the interim analysis in our submuscular study. Methods Using a single-blinded prospective randomized control trial design, we compare outcomes in 180 patients undergoing submuscular breast reconstruction with 16 × 8 cm ADM support (either Cortiva 1 mm or AlloDerm RTU). A parallel study evaluates 16 × 20 cm sheets of these ADMs in 180 patients undergoing prepectoral reconstructions. Time to drain removal, complications, fill volumes, patient-reported outcomes, and narcotic consumption are prospectively evaluated. Results Interim analysis of 59 breasts in the submuscular study arm (Cortiva n = 31; AlloDerm n = 28) revealed no statistically significant differences with respect to outcome. At the time of interim analysis, the AlloDerm RTU group contained a higher proportion of never-smokers (P = 0.009), while patients implanted with Cortiva 1 mm received a larger tissue expander (P = 0.02). Conclusion We present a protocol for a robust randomized control trial to evaluate outcomes in both submuscular and prepectoral prosthetic breast reconstruction assisted by 2 distinct types of ADM. Our interim analysis reveals no evidence of inferiority of outcomes in a comparison of AlloDerm to Cortiva.
Cytotoxic and Mutagenic Properties of C1′ and C3′-Epimeric Lesions of 2′-Deoxyribonucleosides in Human Cells

Genomic integrity is constantly challenged by exposure to environmental and endogenous genotoxic agents. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) represent one of the most common types of DNA damaging agents. While ROS mainly induce single-nucleobase lesions, epimeric 2-deoxyribose lesions can also be induced upon hydrogen atom abstraction from the C1', C3', or C4' carbon and the subsequent incorrect chemical repair of the resulting carbon-centered radicals. Herein, we investigated the replicative bypass of the C1'- and C3'-epimeric lesions of the four 2'-deoxynucleosides in HEK293T human embryonic kidney epithelial cells. Our results revealed distinct bypass efficiencies and mutagenic properties of these two types of epimeric lesions. Replicative bypasses of all C1'-epimeric lesions except α-dA are mutagenic in HEK293T cells, and their mutagenic properties are further modulated by translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerases. By contrast, none of the four C3'-epimeric lesions are mutagenic, and the replicative bypass of these lesions is not compromised upon depletion of polymerase η, ι, κ, or ζ. Together, our results provide important new knowledge about the cytotoxic and mutagenic properties of C1' and C3' epimeric lesions, and reveal the roles of TLS DNA polymerases in bypassing these lesions in human cells.
Pension Funding Reform: It's Time to Get the Rules Right (Part 1)

In this two-part article, the author explains how and why ERISA's historical pension funding rules - although well-intentioned - nevertheless led employers, such as United Airlines' parent UAL Corp., to have seriously underfunded pension plans, and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. to assume billions of dollars of those unfunded liabilities. Before future pension reform measures should be considered, Kennedy believes that we should learn from the past. Mistakes created through legislative rules should not be repeated, but instead their lessons should help forge effective pension funding reforms. The second part of the article will discuss various legislative proposals pending before Congress and the policy considerations relevant to those proposals, in light of the historical mistakes that should be avoided in impending legislation.
Adjuvant Therapy for Urothelial and Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Adjuvant therapy for urothelial and renal cell carcinoma has progressed steadily over the past 30 yr. Level 1 evidence supports a role for both neoadjuvant and adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy for muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Recent evidence has also confirmed a benefit from adjuvant therapy in high-grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Adjuvant targeted therapy remains controversial and outside the standard of care for renal cell carcinoma, with no proven overall survival benefit. Immune checkpoint blockade is poised to shift the landscape for both urothelial and renal cell carcinoma with the potential for greater efficacy.
Abstract 2807: Coordinated upregulation of peroxiredoxins in breast cancer

Peroxiredoxins (Prdxs) are a group of thiol-specific antioxidant proteins that are involved in many cellular processes, including growth, proliferation, differentiation, and the stress response. The family includes six proteins in humans, which show differences in substrate specificity, tissue expression, and cellar localization and distribution. Cancer cells commonly exhibit aberrantly regulated expression of antioxidants, which can support cancer cell survival in the face of elevated levels of reactive oxygen species. Breast cancers exhibit significantly elevated Prdx levels of Prdx. We previously reported overexpression of many Prdx proteins in the MCF-7 breast cancer line, and further demonstrated their importance in cell survival and doxorubicin-resistance in this line. To further investigate the misregulation of these proteins in human breast cancer, we compared Prdx levels between breast tumor and adjacent normal breast tissue from 20 breast cancer patients. We showed that most patients exhibited elevated levels of several Prdx proteins in the tumor tissue. We have gone on to analyze the promoters of these genes in an effort to identify potential mechanisms of coordinate regulation, as well as downstream targets that may mediate their role in cell survival. Together, we feel that this family of proteins may be useful biomarkers, and also targets, in breast cancer biology. Citation Format: Jillian Muhlbauer, Shelley A. Phelan. Coordinated upregulation of peroxiredoxins in breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2807.
Voltage-controlled morphing of dielectric elastomer circular sheets into conical surfaces

Abstract Dielectric elastomers provide large, fast, and reversible deformations which can be harnessed to provide predefined sophisticated actuation deformations. This paper describes a method, fabrication technique and analysis tools for morphing flat sheets of dielectric elastomers into conical shapes upon applying a voltage, using a set of concentric, stiff rings that are 3D-printed onto a multilayer elastomer sheet. A finite elements user-subroutine and a simple analytical model are developed to predict the actuation profile, both showing excellent agreement with the experimental measurements. The actuation force of the dielectric elastomer actuator is measured as a function of the applied voltage and displacement and estimated using the analytical and numerical models. Finally, a few examples of dielectric elastomers with other designs of the 3D-printed stiffening elements and their actuation shapes are demonstrated.
Genetics and Other Omics in Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease with high mortality despite therapeutic advances. Clinical management of children with PAH is particularly challenging because of increased complexity of disease etiology and clinical presentation, and the lack of data from pediatric-specific clinical trials. In children, PAH often develops in association with congenital heart disease and other developmental disorders. Emerging data from genetic studies of pediatric-onset PAH indicate that the genetic basis is different than that of adults. There is a greater genetic burden in children, with rare genetic factors contributing to at least 35% of pediatric-onset idiopathic PAH (IPAH) compared with approximately 11% of adult-onset IPAH. De novo variants are the most frequent monogenetic cause of PAH in children, likely contributing to approximately 15% of all cases. Rare deleterious variants in BMPR2 contribute to pediatric-onset IPAH and familial PAH with similar frequency as adult-onset disease but rarely explain cases of PAH associated with other diseases. Rare deleterious variants in developmental genes—including TBX4, SOX17, and other genes requiring confirmation in larger cohorts—are emerging as important contributors to pediatric-onset disease. Because each causal gene contributes to only a small number of cases, large cohorts of pediatric-onset PAH are needed to further identify the unique etiologic differences of PAH in children. We propose a genetics-first approach followed by focused phenotyping of pediatric patients grouped by genetic diagnosis to define endophenotypes that can be used to improve risk stratification and treatment.
Predictors of outcome following local excision for T1 rectal adenocarcinoma: A contemporary analysis.

35Background: Local excision (LE) alone is a standard treatment option for appropriately selected early stage rectal adenocarcinoma patients. Guidelines for this therapeutic approach are based upon...
McCulloch v. Maryland and the Incoherence of Enumerationism

The theory and jurisprudence of American federalism remains a muddle. The Supreme Court has never managed to settle three intertwined jurisprudential questions of federalism. (1) Can an effectual national government with implied powers be meaningfully limited to a set of enumerated powers? (2) Can the Tenth Amendment's concept of reserved state powers be presumptive, or meaningfully specified under a system of implied national powers? (3) Can the federal and state governments meaningfully be called "sovereign" in either of the two distinct senses usually meant? The ideology of "enumerationism" - that the Constitution creates a national government of limited enumerated powers - answers these questions yes. But McCulloch v. Maryland answered these questions no, and is therefore at odds with enumerationism. A limiting enumeration is incompatible with McCulloch's conception of a grant of implied powers compatible with an effective national government that can address national problems without reliance on the states. McCulloch clearly rejected the various versions of implied powers that were aimed at preserving a limiting enumeration. Moreover, as McCulloch makes clear, a system of implied national powers cannot be reconciled with "reserved" state powers having any definable content. Implied powers can grow and change with new circumstances and new legislative ideas, and therefore cannot be specified in advance, making it impossible to specify a "reserve" of state powers that excludes federal regulation. Finally, McCulloch recognized that federal supremacy necessarily makes the makes the states "subordinate governments" that lack power to block prima facie federal powers, whether express or implied. McCulloch thereby rejected the idea that state sovereignty is either a power to resist federal implied powers or a mirror image of a limiting enumeration of federal power.
Parents' experiences using medical cannabis for their child.

Abstract Background Parents across the United States use medical cannabis for their children, often without professional guidance. These parents have become more expert on medical cannabis than most health professionals. Purpose Using a case-study design, this study was conducted to describe the experience of parents using medical cannabis for relief of seizures in their child or dependent. Methods Data were subjected to qualitative content analysis for the identification of patterns and themes. Findings Analysis of all data revealed seven themes including “Discovery of Cannabis as a Medication,” “Guidance on Dosing,” “Costs and Benefits of Cannabis,” “Distrust of the Pharmaceutical Industry,” “Federal Interference,” “God and Cannabis,” and “Changing Societal Perceptions about Medical Cannabis.” Discussion Themes revealed a complex, multifaceted experience. Many parents report benefit from medical cannabis, and are not hindered by the financial costs or uncertainties. Political and social influences have significant impact on the stigmatization and normalization of cannabis.
Nanoarray-Based Monolithic Adsorbers for SO 2 Removal

Nanoarray-based monolithic catalysts have been developed for various applications, including CO oxidation, hydrocarbon combustion, lean NOx trapping, and low-pressure CO2 hydrogenation. In this work, SO2 adsorption properties have been explored and evaluated on the cordierite honeycomb monoliths grown with zinc oxide nanoarray (ZnO), zinc oxide nanoarray washcoated by BaCO3 nanoparticles (ZnO/BaCO3), and manganese oxide nanowire array with cryptomelane structure (MnOx) at a temperature range from 50 to 425 °C. All samples show temperature-dependent SO2 adsorption behaviors. The adsorption results reveal the performance order: MnOx > ZnO/BaCO3 > ZnO, with ~ 90% SO2 adsorbed in MnOx at 425 °C. Washcoated BaCO3 contributes to the improvement of SO2 adsorption in ZnO nanoarray, and the best performance displayed in MnOx may be attributed to their high specific surface area. After regeneration, nanoarrays all exhibit good thermal stability during test-regeneration cycles. No additional phase is formed in regenerated ZnO nanoarrays (ZnO-R), while BaCO3 is converted to BaSO4 in the regenerated ZnO/BaCO3 nanoarrays (ZnO/BaCO3-R), and the sulfur species (possibly MnSO4) and Mn2O3 are found in regenerated MnOx nanoarrays (MnOx-R). It is noted that a small amount of sulfur species (possibly MnSO4) may promote the SO2 adsorption of MnOx-R at a lower temperature, while the formed Mn2O3 contributes to the deactivation of MnOx-R.
Final Paper as Portfolio: An Academic Writing Assessment for Incipient College Student Writers from Large Classes

Writing is the core competency in overall EAP assessment. Chinese private college undergraduates lack incentives and involvement in academic writing tasks. One cause of their anxiety is the dual challenge of learning the language and its academic writing conventions. There is a need for an integrated writing assessment that facilitates the abundant language practice and practice of writing conventions. The application of portfolio assessment in academic writing has been proved as an impetus to writing practice. However, there are gaps between the gaining popularity of portfolio assessment and its lesser-researched application to incipient academic writing learners, and its feasibility in large classes. This chapter describes a complete process of writing assessment in the portfolio-based classroom that supports the use of students’ final academic paper as their writing portfolio. It presents how the writing assessment is modified to facilitate both language practice and writing activities that are intended to help improve class involvement and confidence in writing. Results show the feasibility of the portfolio assessment and indicate the improvement in confidence, involvement, self-assessment awareness, and overall learner identity formation. The findings have pedagogical implications that portfolio-based classroom is successful as the driving force of learning and in addressing the private college students’ learning difficulties vis-a-vis EAP writing task.
Streamlining Data-Intensive Biology With Workflow Systems

As the scale of biological data generation has increased, the bottleneck of research has shifted from data generation to analysis. Researchers commonly need to build computational workflows that include multiple analytic tools and require incremental development as experimental insights demand tool and parameter modifications. These workflows can produce hundreds to thousands of intermediate files and results that must be integrated for biological insight. Data-centric workflow systems that internally manage computational resources, software, and conditional execution of analysis steps are reshaping the landscape of biological data analysis, and empowering researchers to conduct reproducible analyses at scale. Adoption of these tools can facilitate and expedite robust data analysis, but knowledge of these techniques is still lacking. Here, we provide a series of practices and strategies for leveraging workflow systems with structured project, data, and resource management to streamline large-scale biological analysis. We present these strategies in the context of high-throughput sequencing data analysis, but the principles are broadly applicable to biologists working beyond this field.
Pb Sorption at the Barite (001)-Water Interface

Sorption of ions at the mineral-water interface is an important factor that determines the fate of toxic metals in the environment. Here we use barite as a model substrate to understand the interac...
Intravenous Anesthesia for Oral and Maxillofacial Office Practice

Summary Intravenous anesthesia has evolved over the past decade. Primary in that evolution has been the introduction of midazolam and propofol. Factors such as the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of each drug as well as the pharmacoeconomics have further influenced the use of each of the drugs in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This article discusses different anesthetic drugs and techniques that have applicability to oral and maxillofacial surgery. It appears that intravenous anesthesia will remain the foundation of office-based anesthesia. This article attempted to review some of the basic concepts and introduce the reader to some of the new concepts that may influence the intravenous anesthetic techniques of the future.
In 0.69 Al 0.31 As 0.41 Sb 0.59 /In 0.27 Ga 0.73 Sb double-heterojunction bipolar transistors with InAs 0.66 Sb 0.34 contact layers

Presented are the first DC and RF results for a double heterojunction bipolar transistor, at a 6.2 A lattice constant, incorporating InAs 0.66 Sb 0.34 . These devices show excellent performance with a high collector current density of 1.9 × 10 5 A/cm 2 , high breakdown voltage over 2.5 V, high short-circuit current gain cutoff frequency of 59 GHz, and maximum frequency of oscillation of 34 GHz.
Mobile Route Recommendations for Intelligent Transportation Services

The accumulated large amount of mobility data and the ability to track moving people or objects have enabled us to develop advanced mobile recommendations, which are essentially to recommend a sequence of locations to an individual user on the move. In this paper, we study a particular case of mobile recommendations, mobile route recommendation (MRR), by utilizing GPS data. The goal of MRR is to recommend a sequence of locations to a driver based on his current location in order to maximize his business success. To make our recommendation practical and scalable for real practice, we need to produce the recommendation results in a timely fashion once a request emerges. Therefore, we propose two smart algorithms to efficiently generate recommendations. Furthermore, we identify and address the cold start challenge of MRR (CS- MRR). Without solving the CS-MRR problem, MRR alone does not work well in practice because drivers may encounter the cold start issues on a daily basis. We develop a dedicated and efficient algorithm for the CS-MRR problem. The package of solutions for both MRR and CS-MRR problems provides a complete approach for route recommendations to drivers. We evaluate our methods using both real-world GPS data and synthetic data, and demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of proposed methods with different validation metrics and the improved business performance by our recommendations.
A Review of Convolutional Neural Networks and Gabor Filters in Object Recognition

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have become a classic approach to solving challenging computer vision problems. Much of its success is due to its ability to discover optimal filters that capture non-trivial spatial relationships in data. Other vital components include advances in optimization, regularization, and overfitting prevention strategies. However, recently, researchers have observed closely the connections between what CNNs learn in the layers that capture low-level features and filter-banks such as Gabor filters. Gabor filters have been used in computer vision tasks long before CNNs were popularized with good performance. This paper presents a review of the literature concerning approaches that involve both Gabor filters and CNNs. We pay close attention to successes and opportunities for future research in the intersection of these two computer vision tools.
Supporting the College and Career Needs of Gifted and Talented Learners in Rural Elementary Schools: Strategies for School Counselors

Rural school communities face an array of systemic barriers that often impact students’ college and career readiness (CCR). These barriers often extend to students identified as gifted and talented...
Dansylamide derivatives of 1,8-anthraquinone-18-crown-5: synthesis, characterization and selective detection of Pb(II)

Dansylamide derivatives of an 1,8-anthraquinone-18-crown-5 anthracenone macrocycle have been synthesized by acid catalyzed nucleophilic substitution followed by reduction with sodium borohydride to yield new fluorosensors, 2 and 3, as characterized by elemental analyses, 1H and 13C NMR, ESI–MS, and X-ray crystallography. The optical properties of 2 and 3 were investigated with various metal cations and found to be selective for Pb(II) ion. Substantial ON-OFF quenching of the dansylamide fluorescence was observed after addition of Pb(II). Competition studies with other metal ions were conducted with Pb(II) and ESI–MS, UV/Vis and NMR titrations were carried out to determine a 1:1 binding stoichiometry and association constants with Pb(II) (7.5 × 103 M−1) and compared to fluorescence quenching of the free dansylamide fluorophore (80 M−1). While Pb(II) binding is reversible, as determined by addition of EDTA in an aqueous solution, cations with higher oxidation potentials quench fluorescence via a different mechanism involving oxidation of the macrocycle in a chemodosimeter type response.
Air-propelled abrasive grits reduce weed abundance and increase yields in organic vegetable production

Abstract Abrasive-weeding is a novel weed management tactic with potential to reduce tillage and hand-weeding in organic agriculture. However, abrasive-weeding has not been tested in vegetable cropping systems and growers are interested in the potential for using organic fertilizers as abrasive grits to control weeds and supplement crop nutrition in one field pass. A two-year field study was conducted at the University of Illinois Sustainable Student Farm to determine the effect of air-propelled abrasive grit type, including organic fertilizers, and application frequency on weed density and biomass and crop yield and marketability in organic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cropping systems. Abrasive-grits, including granulated walnuts shells and maize cobs, greensand fertilizer, and soybean meal, were applied via compressed air between one and four times within planting holes of plastic mulch. Weed density was quantified 25 or 37 days after the first application and weed biomass was harvested at the end of the growing season. Tomatoes and peppers were harvested ripe and graded for marketability. Two applications of abrasive grits, regardless of grit type, reduced weed density by 63% and 80% in tomato and pepper, respectively. Broadleaf weeds were more susceptible to abrasive-weeding than grass weeds. Abrasive-weeding reduced final weed biomass by 69–97% compared with the weedy control, regardless of grit type or application frequency. Total tomato yield was up to 44% greater in treated plots compared with the weedy control, whereas total yield gains in pepper (up to 33%) were only approaching significance (p = 0.09). Yield and the marketability of fruit was not negatively affected by grit application, despite minor stem and leaf tissue damage after applications. Organic fertilizers used as abrasive grits in this study could contribute between 35 and 105 kg N ha−1, which may improve the functionality and economic feasibility of abrasive-weeding.
Revocation for delegatable anonymous credentials

This paper introduces and formalizes homomorphic proofs that allow 'adding' proofs and proof statements to get a new proof of the 'sum' statement. Additionally, we introduce a construction of homomorphic proofs, and show an accumulator scheme with delegatable non-membership proofs (ADNMP) as one of its applications with provable security. Finally, the proposed accumulator method extends the BC-CKLS scheme [1] to create a new provably secure revocable delegatable anonymous credential (RDAC) system. Intuitively, the new accumulator's delegatable non-membership (NM) proofs enable user A, without revealing her identity, to delegate to user B the ability to prove that A's identity is not included in a blacklist that can later be updated. The delegation is redelegatable, unlinkable, and verifiable.
Spectroscopy at the high-energy electron beam ion trap (Super EBIT)

The following progress report presents some of the x-ray measurements performed during the last year on the Livermore SuperEBIT facility. The measurements include: direct observation of the spontaneous emission of the hyperfine transition in ground state hydrogenlike holmium, {sup 165}Ho{sup 66{plus}}; measurements of the n {equals} 2 {r_arrow} 2 transition energies in neonlike thorium, Th{sup 80{plus}}, through lithiumlike thorium, Th{sup 87{plus}}, testing the predictions of quantum electrodynamical contributions in high-Z ions up to the 0.4{percent} level; measurements of the isotope shift of the n= 2 {r_arrow} 2 transition energies between lithiumlike through carbonize uranium, {sup 233}U{sup 89{plus}...86{plus}} and {sup 238}U{sup 89{plus}...86{plus}}, inferring the variation of the mean- square nuclear charge radius; and high-resolution measurements of the K{alpha} radiation of heliumlike xenon, Xe{sup 52 {plus}}, using a transmission-type crystal spectrometer, resolving for the first time the ls2p{sup 3}P{sub 1} {r_arrow} 1S{sup 2} {sup 1}S{sub 0} and ls2s{sup 3}S{sub 1} {r_arrow} 1S{sup 2} {sup 1}S{sub 0} transitions individually. 41 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.
Prenatal Origins of Undernutrition

Undernutrition continues to be high in many regions of the developing world. Birthweight, a common proxy measure of intrauterine growth, is influenced by nutritional, environmental and lifestyle factors during pregnancy and, in turn, affects immediate survival and function, and is a determinant of later life risk of chronic diseases. Maternal pre-pregnancy weight and height are independently associated with birthweight and also modify the effects of pregnancy weight gain and interventions during pregnancy on birthweight and perinatal mortality. Other prenatal factors commonly known to impact birthweight include maternal age, parity, sex, and birth interval, whereas lifestyle factors such as physical activity and maternal stress, as well as environmental toxicants have variable influences. Tobacco and other substance use and infections, specifically ascending reproductive tract infections, malaria, and HIV, can cause intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Few studies have examined the contribution of prenatal factors including low birthweight to childhood wasting and stunting. Studies that have examined this, with adequate adjustment for confounders, have generally found odds ratios associated with low birthweight ranging between 2 and 5. Even fewer studies have examined birth length or maternal nutritional status as risk factors. More research is needed to determine the proportion of childhood under-nutrition attributable to IUGR so that interventions can be targeted to the appropriate life stages.
EFFECT OF SUGARS AND OTHER CARBON COMPOUNDS ON GERMINATION AND POSTGERMINATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF BACILLUS MEGATERIUM SPORES.

Hyatt, Mildred T. (Pioneering Research Division. U.S. Army Natick Laboratories, Natick, Mass.), and Hillel S. Levinson. Effect of sugars and other carbon compounds on germination and postgerminative development of Bacillus megaterium spores. J. Bacteriol. 88:1403-1415. 1964.-A total of 77 carbon-containing compounds were tested for their ability to support germination and postgerminative development of Bacillus megaterium spores. The only effective germination agents were certain of the hexose sugars and their derivatives. With unheated spores, only d-glucose, d-mannose, 2-deoxy-d-glucose, d-glucosamine, and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (all at 25 mm) supported appreciable germination (ca. 25%). Heat-shock at 60 C for 10 min increased germination and decreased the concentration of sugar required for germination, so that these compounds, at 2.5 mm, supported 40 to 60% germination. Higher concentrations (25 mm) of other compounds, d-fructose, l-sorbose, d-allose, d-altrose, 2-hydroxyethyl-d-glucose, and beta-methyl-d-glucoside, were required for appreciable germination of heated spores. Glucose or mannose contamination accounted for the germination apparently induced by certain other sugars. Ionic contamination did not appear to contribute to the germination induced by d-glucose, d-fructose, 2-deoxy-d-glucose, or l-sorbose. There was no clear-cut evidence for a multiplicity of metabolic pathways in the triggering of B. megaterium spore germination by various sugars. Postgerminative development of germinated spores was supported by a wider variety of carbon compounds, including some pentoses and hexoses, many oligosaccharides, sugar derivatives, some alcohols, and some of the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. Compounds effective for germination were not necessarily utilizable for growth, and vice versa. Oxygen consumption rates reflected the progress and extent of postgerminative development on the various carbon compounds. Utilization of glucose during postgerminative development was followed, and the concentration requirements were determined.