cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Renal Ultrasonography in Newborns With Prenatally Detected Hydronephrosis: Why Wait?

ABSTRACTPurpose: Published reports suggest the need to delay renal ultrasound for at least 1 week after birth to avoid a false-negative study due to oliguria. This recommendation has become standard. Considering the recent shift toward expectant management of prenatal hydronephrosis, there may be no advantage to the increased sensitivity of a delayed study.Materials and Methods: Radiology records were reviewed for a 5-year period to identify renal ultrasound studies performed within 48 hours of birth.Results: Of 101 neonates known to have hydronephrosis on prenatal ultrasound who underwent sonography within 48 hours of birth 33 had a normal study (including mild hydronephrosis) and documented followup studies. None of these patients had a significant obstructive renal lesion within the first year of life. One child had an obstructive pattern on diuretic renography at age 18 months after previous studies were unremarkable. Cystography in 26 patients demonstrated vesicoureteral reflux in 4 (14.3%).Conclusio...
Extension of a Three-Helix Bundle Domain of Myosin VI and Key Role of Calmodulins

The molecular motor protein myosin VI moves toward the minus-end of actin filaments with a step size of 30–36 nm. Such large step size either drastically limits the degree of complex formation between dimer subunits to leave enough length for the lever arms, or requires an extension of the lever arms' crystallographically observed structure. Recent experimental work proposed that myosin VI dimerization triggers the unfolding of the protein's proximal tail domain which could drive the needed lever-arm extension. Here, we demonstrate through steered molecular dynamics simulation the feasibility of sufficient extension arising from turning a three-helix bundle into a long α-helix. A key role is played by the known calmodulin binding that facilitates the extension by altering the strain path in myosin VI. Sequence analysis of the proximal tail domain suggests that further calmodulin binding sites open up when the domain's three-helix bundle is unfolded and that subsequent calmodulin binding stabilizes the extended lever arms.
Discordant expression of the sterol pathway in lens underlies simvastatin-induced cataracts in Chbb Thom rats

Simvastatin rapidly induced cataracts in young Chbb:Thom (27) but not Sprague Dawley (SD) or Hilltop Wistar (HW) rats. Oral treatment for 14 but not 7 days committed CT rat lenses to cataract formation. The cholesterol to phospholipid molar ratio in lenses of treated CT rats was unchanged. Differences between strains in serum and ocular humor levels of simvastatin acid poorly correlated with susceptibility to cataracts. No significant differences were found between rat strains in the capacity of simvastatin acid to inhibit lens-basal sterol synthesis. Prolonged treatment with simvastatin comparably elevated HMG-CoA reductase protein and enzyme activity in lenses of both cataract resistant and sensitive strains. However, in contrast to SD and HW rats, where sterol synthesis was markedly increased, sterol synthesis in CT rat lenses remained at baseline. Discordant expression of sterol synthesis in CT rats may be due to inadequate upregulation of lens HMG-CoA synthase. HMG-CoA synthase protein levels, and to a much lesser extent mRNA levels, increased in lens cortex of SD but not CT rats. Because upregulation of the sterol pathway may result in increased formation of isoprene-derived anti-inflammatory substances, failure to upregulate the pathway in CT rat lenses may reflect an attenuated compensatory response to injury that resulted in cataracts.
Plk3 Functions as an Essential Component of the Hypoxia Regulatory Pathway by Direct Phosphorylation of HIF-1α

Polo-like kinase 3 (Plk3) plays an important role in the regulation of cell cycle progression and stress responses. Plk3 also has a tumor-suppressing activity as aging PLK3-null mice develop tumors in multiple organs. The growth of highly vascularized tumors in PLK3-null mice suggests a role for Plk3 in angiogenesis and cellular responses to hypoxia. By studying primary isogenic murine embryonic fibroblasts, we tested the hypothesis that Plk3 functions as a component in the hypoxia signaling pathway. PLK3−/− murine embryonic fibroblasts contained an enhanced level of HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions. Immunoprecipitation and pulldown analyses revealed that Plk3 physically interacted with HIF-1α under hypoxia. Purified recombinant Plk3, but not a kinase-defective mutant, phosphorylated HIF-1α in vitro, resulting in a major mobility shift. Mass spectrometry identified two unique serine residues that were phosphorylated by Plk3. Moreover, ectopic expression followed by cycloheximide or pulse-chase treatment demonstrated that phospho-mutants exhibited a much longer half-life than the wild-type counterpart, strongly suggesting that Plk3 directly regulates HIF-1α stability in vivo. Combined, our study identifies Plk3 as a new and essential player in the regulation of the hypoxia signaling pathway.
Parallel 3D Image Segmentation of Large Data Sets on a GPU Cluster

In this paper, we propose an inherent parallel scheme for 3D image segmentation of large volume data on a GPU cluster. This method originates from an extended Lattice Boltzmann Model (LBM), and provides a new numerical solution for solving the level set equation. As a local, explicit and parallel scheme, our method lends itself to several favorable features: (1) Very easy to implement with the core program only requiring a few lines of code; (2) Implicit computation of curvatures; (3) Flexible control of generating smooth segmentation results; (4) Strong amenability to parallel computing, especially on low-cost, powerful graphics hardware (GPU). The parallel computational scheme is well suited for cluster computing, leading to a good solution for segmenting very large data sets.
Constructing protocol converters with guaranteed service

The authors consider the conformity property, i.e. that the protocol converters providing communication between different networks meets the service specified by the designer, in constructing protocol converters. Using the top-down approach, an algorithm consisting of the following five steps is proposed to construct a protocol converter: (1) construction of a system graph from the given input; (2) removal of states and transitions that violate the synchronization requirements from the system graph constructed previously; (3) enforcement of liveness requirement on the system graph; (4) verification of the system graph against the service specification; and (5) derivation of a protocol converter from the system graph. The protocol converter so constructed is guaranteed not only to satisfy the conformity property, but also to be free from both deadlock and livelock. >
The robustness of separable queueing network models

Discrete event simulation is used to explore the robustness of queuing network models, a set of powerful analytical techniques for evaluating computer system performance. These techniques are shown to give good results even when some of the basic assumptions used to derive them are violated. It is also shown that simulation provides additional insights into computer system performance which are not available when using the mean value analysis characteristic of separable queuing network approaches. >
Stable and efficient pricing for inter-domain traffic forwarding

We address the question of strategic pricing of inter-domain traffic forwarding services provided by ISPs, which is also closely coupled with the question of how ISPs route their traffic towards their neighboring ISPs. Posing this question as a non-cooperative game between neighboring ISPs, we study the properties of this pricing game in terms of the existence and efficiency of the equilibrium. We observe that for "well-provisioned" ISPs, Nash equilibrium prices exist and they result in flows that maximize the overall network utility (generalized end-to-end throughput). For general ISP topologies, equilibrium prices may not exist; however, simulations on a large number of realistic topologies show that best-response based simple price update solutions converge to stable and efficient prices and flows for most topologies.
Modeling and implementation of on-chip millimeter-wave compact branch line couplers in a BiCMOS technology

In this paper, the modeling, design, and measurement of on-chip compact millimeter-wave branch line couplers are discussed. These couplers are realized with the Back End of Line (BEOL) wiring and enabled as a library device of a 0.13 micron SiGe BiCMOS process design kit. Like other library devices, this coupler device has a scalable layout pattern and a schematic symbol, which allows users to have couplers at different frequencies by inputting the dimensions. An accurate model for these branch line couplers is developed, which shows a good match with the measurements of the couplers designed for 60 GHz, 77 GHz and 94 GHz. Better than 19 dB return loss, better than 1.5 dB insertion loss and better than 21dB isolation have been observed. The side dimensions of these compact on-chip couplers are ranging from 440 microns to 530 microns.
Rituximab for remission induction in elderly patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis

Objectives Advancing age is a risk factor for treatment-related side effects and mortality in AAV patients treated with cyclophosphamide (CYC) and glucocorticoids (GC) for remission induction. The efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) in elderly AAV patients has not been well described.
Generalizing ecological, water and carbon footprint methods and their worldview assumptions using Embedded Resource Accounting

Embedded Resource Accounting (ERA) generalizes footprint methods by accounting for the net direct and indirect impacts of processes on arbitrarily defined resource stocks. Equivalency may or may not exist between these stocks from the perspective of a specifi co bserver and depending on the system boundaries. The assumptions made in the derivation of ecological, water, and carbon footprint methodologies from the ERA framework are explained, and the implications of variations on these assumptions discussed. The paper then discusses how the role and worldview of a resource manager determines the appropriate assumptions that should be made in the calculation of resource footprints. When its foundational assumptions are made explicit, ERA and related footprint methods can help explicate the impact of roles and worldviews in resource management in a complex systems context. This discussion directly informs the creation of appropriate footprint standards that function as sustainability metrics and provide the information needed for specific resource management applications. We conclude that different types of policymakers and resource managers need to make different assumptions to obtain the information necessary for their unique decision-making perspectives and roles.
Cycle-slip-detector-aided iterative timing recovery

The latest developments in low-density parity-check codes have shown performances very close to the channel capacity. However, in order to use these capacity-approaching codes in the magnetic recording channel, the cycle-slip problem in the synchronizer has to be solved. In this paper, we develop a cycle-slip detector (CSD) for the binary intersymbol interference channel that uses the channel soft-output information as its input. This CSD is then used in an iterative timing recovery scheme to eliminate cycle slips. Our simulation results show that utilizing the CSD improves the convergence speed of iterative timing recovery.
Correlations between fractional flow reserve and intravascular ultrasound in patients with an ambiguous left main coronary artery stenosis.

Background— Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is being used to assess the significance of a left main coronary artery stenosis (LMCS). However, the cutoff values of IVUS parameters at which to predict a fractional flow reserve (FFR) of 0.75 are unknown. Methods and Results— In 55 patients with an angiographically ambiguous LMCS, a pressure guidewire was used to calculate FFR, and IVUS parameters were calculated after automatic pullback. FFR averaged 0.86±0.13 (range, 0.55 to 1.0). IVUS minimum lumen diameter (MLD), minimum lumen area (MLA), cross-sectional narrowing (CSN), and area stenosis (AS) were 3.8±0.61 mm, 7.65±2.9 mm2, 59±13%, and 47±19%, respectively. Regression analysis demonstrated strong correlations between FFR and MLD (r=0.79, P<0.0001) as well as between FFR and MLA (r=0.74, P<0.0001). There were inverse, moderate correlations between FFR and CSN (r=0.69, P<0.0001), followed by those between FFR and AS (r=0.54, P<0.0001). Compared with FFR as the “gold standard,” an MLD of 2.8 mm had the high...
A Comprehensive Analysis of Hybrid Phase-Modulated Converter With Current-Doubler Rectifier and Comparison With Its Center-Tapped Counterpart

A hybrid phase-modulated converter (HPMC) is a recent innovation in the family of soft-switching converters. It is a promising solution to most soft-switching issues. The principal bottleneck in achieving higher efficiency with this topology is the secondary side loss-mainly the losses in the transformer and the rectifier. For low-voltage high-current power supplies, the current-doubler rectification of HPMC addresses both the transformer conduction losses and the rectifier losses. The presence of an additional path for quiescent current in this scheme gives rise to a third mode of operation. There is also the possibility of magnetic integration of all the magnetic components into one, which can cause substantial reduction in magnetic requirements. These facts make the analysis of current doubler important. In this paper, all the operating modes are identified and corresponding equations and equivalent circuits that aid in filter and control design are derived. The zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) characteristics, filter requirement, small-signal transfer characteristics, device ratings, and magnetics size requirement are considered to compare this configuration with its center-tapped counterpart. The current-doubler scheme is found to have superior soft-switching characteristics in that it can achieve ZVS at lighter loads with a much lower peak magnetizing current in the transformer and leakage inductance. Also, a judicious choice of output current ripple can give an overall reduced magnetics requirement. The analyses are verified by simulation and hardware implementation. HPMC is found to be most advantageous for applications with input voltages essentially constant, but the output voltage widely varying, for example in battery chargers and converters with power factor correction front end
Microstructures of SrTiO3 Internal Boundary Layer Capacitors During and After Processing and Resultant Electrical Properties

The microstructure of strontium titanate internal boundary layer capacitors at various stages in their processing was studied by transmission electron microscopy of rapidly quenched and normally cooled samples. Compositions containing excess TiO2, Al2O3, and SiO2 have a completely wetting liquid phase at the sintering temperature; during cooling TinO2n−1, Magneli phases precipitate at multiple grain junctions. Diffused metal oxides and flux (Bi2O3, PbO, CuO, and B2O3) rapidly penetrate as a liquid phase along boundaries in postsintering heat treatment. This liquid phase disappears during slow cooling.
Video Analysis and Compression on the STI Cell Broadband Engine Processor

With increased concern for physical security, video surveillance is becoming an important business area. Similar camera-based system can also be used in such diverse applications as retail-store shopper motion analysis and casino behavioral policy monitoring. There are two aspects of video surveillance that require significant computing power: image analysis for detecting objects, and video compression for digital storage. The new STI CELL Broadband Engine (CBE) processor is an appealing platform for such applications because it incorporates 8 separate high-speed processing cores with an aggregate performance of 256Gflops. Moreover, this chip is the heart of the new Sony Playstation 3 and can be expected to be relatively inexpensive due to the high volume of production. In this paper we show how object detection and compression can be implemented on the CBE, discuss the difficulties encountered in porting the code, and provide performance results demonstrating significant speed-up.
Optically Efficient Nonlinear Signal Processing

Optical signal processing techniques employ a wide range of devices and various nonlinearities to achieve multiple network functionalities. The choice of nonlinearity can also impact the relative efficiency, both in terms of energy and material consumption, of the signal processing function being implemented. Techniques for some of the important functionalities, wavelength multicasting, wavelength-division multiplexing to time-division multiplexing, add-drop multiplexing, and wavelength exchange are compared in terms of the used optical spectrum, number of pumps required, and optical energy consumed. These include varieties of four-wave mixing, cross-phase modulation, Kerr-effect-based polarization rotation in optical fibers, and three-wave mixing in lithium niobate waveguides (WGs). Future possibilities of greener optical signal processing using on-chip WG technologies are discussed within the scope of recent developments in the dispersion tailored, highly nonlinear WGs.
Phonation type as a stylistic variable : The use of falsetto in constructing a persona

Although the field of sociolinguistics has witnessed a growing interest in the sociophonetic aspects of segmental and intonational variation, few studies have examined variation in voice quality. This paper addresses the gap by investigating the stylistic use of falsetto phonation. Focusing on the speech of Heath, a speaker exhibiting considerable cross-situational variation, I show that when attending a barbecue with friends, Heath’s falsetto is more frequent, longer, and characterized by higher fundamental frequency (f0) levels and wider f0 ranges. Advancing recent approaches to variation which treat linguistic features as stylistic resources for constructing social meaning, I draw on an analysis of the discourse contexts in which falsetto appears to illustrate that the feature carries expressive connotations. This meaning is employed to construct a ‘diva’ persona and may also participate in building a gay identity.
A dressed TDDFT treatment of the 21Ag states of butadiene and hexatriene

Abstract The nature and energetics of the low-lying singlet states of polyenes have presented significant challenges for electronic structure methods. This is particularly true for conventional implementations of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), which, because of their use of the adiabatic approximation, have difficulty in describing states of `doubly-excited character'. We show that use of our recently developed `Dressed TDDFT' approach provides a compact and accurate method for treating these doubly excited states, by use of a frequency-dependent exchange-correlation kernel. We present results for the vertical absorption energy for the 2 1 A g states of butadiene and hexatriene, and the vertical fluorescence and 0–0 transitions for the 2 1 A g state of butadiene.
Cases For Asset Allocation

Diversification is one of the most important parts of the successful portfolio investment. Within a diversified portfolio an investor should have wide array of assets diversified across multiple classes, including but not limited to stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, real estates, and limited partnerships. There are also numbers of different investment strategies to consider when approaching the management of these assets. Among these management approaches are the techniques of using separately managed accounts, individual securities or brokerage accounts and mutual funds, or a combination of any or all of these. In addition to these management approaches, there are forces in the financial and global economic universes that need to be appropriately addressed to have effective management of these assets. It is also important for investors to have the appropriate diversifications as well as asset allocations across multiple asset classes within any portfolios. “Asset allocation policy explains, on average, 93.6 percent of total variation in quarterly returns; in particular plans, it explains no less than 75.5 and up to 98.6 percent of total return variation” (Jahnke, William W. 1997). The allocation and selection of these assets needs to be weighted and selected carefully.
Public Perception and Response to the Parkfield California Earthquake Prediction

In the spring of 1988 the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services disseminated a brochure announcing the Parkfield Earthquake Prediction to residents of a six-county area expected to be affected by the next Parkfield earthquake. This research employed a quasi-experimental research design for determining the impact of damaging earthquake experience and distance from the predicted earthquake epicenter on public perception and response to the prediction. Preliminary analyses reveal that the Parkfield earthquake prediction was more salient for people with more than one reason to pay attention to it than for anyone else. Respondents residing in the research community characterized as being both close to the epicenter and having damaging earthquake experience were significantly more likely to remember the prediction and remember it accurately than respondents close to the epicenter without experience or respondents far from the epicenter without experience. Nearly all respondents from the three communities who remembered getting the earthquake prediction brochure found it understandable. Furthermore, the prediction induced preparedness activity in approximately one-third and mitigation activity in nearly one-fifth of all respondents. Overall, it appears that public response to the Parkfield Earthquake Prediction was in a productive direction.
Community-Based Research in Generating Usable Knowledge for Public Policy and Administration

Community-based research (CBR) is an approach used by researchers in partnership with practitioners and community members to tackle complex social problems for the betterment of society. Its applic...
Abstract 1538: Role of mitochondrial dysfunction in GPX regulation and glutathione metabolism

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Many cancer cells exhibit mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction, which is associated with metabolic alterations, change in cellular redox states, and drug resistance. It is also known that elevated glutathione in cancer cells may promote their survival and resistance to anticancer agents. However, the exact relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and alterations in cell redox states and viability remain elusive, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we used a dominant negative form of mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ (POLGdn) expressed in a T-Rex293 tet/on system as a model to induce mitochondrial dysfunction, and showed that suppression of mitochondrial respiration caused a significant increase in ROS generation. Mitochondrial dysfunction also led to a significant increase in glutathione, along with an elevated expression of its rate-limiting enzyme GCLC and the upstream transcription factor Nrf-2. Interestingly, the mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidases GPX1 and GPX4 remain the same, while the GPX proteins and enzyme activity were significantly increased in the mitochondrial defective cells. Since GPX1 and GPX4 are selenium-containing enzymes, they require selenocysteine-tRNA for their protein synthesis. We further demonstrated that selenocysteine-tRNA expression and its transcription factor ZNF143 protein were significantly increased after induction of mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, siRNA knockdown of ZNF143 led to a decrease of GPX activity, an increase in ROS, and a reduction in cell viability in the mitochondrial defective cells. Similarly, a knockdown of GPX1 by shRNA in the mitochondrial defective cells also compromised cell survival. We also observed that ZNF143 protein level was decreased in the GPX1-knockdown cells, suggesting that GPX1 has a positive feedback role in regulating ZNF143 expression. These data suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction led to an activation of glutathione synthesis and an increase in GPX activity through upregulation of the transcription factors Nrf-2 and ZNF143, respectively, and that mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells seems to set a new balance between the increase in ROS generation and the elevation in glutathione antioxidant system to maintain cell survival. As such, targeted inhibition of selenocysteine-tRNA, selenoenzymes, or glutathione synthesis may be potential therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1538.
Electrochemical performance of supercapacitors based on carbon nanofoam composite and microporous poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) thin film asymmetric electrodes

Abstract Electrochemical performance of supercapacitors configured using carbon nanofoam enfolded by conformal thin poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) film in nanofibrous structure and electrodeposited microporous PEDOT film/graphite as two asymmetric electrodes is described. Cyclic voltammetry data at 20 mV s−1 scan rate show specific capacitance of carbon nanofoam-PEDOT composite electrode operating in the −0.8 to +0.2 V, and microporous PEDOT in the 0 to +0.8 V voltage range are 72 and 159 F g−1, respectively. Paired in an asymmetric supercapacitor, in the balanced charge state, highly symmetrical cyclic voltammetry plots at high scan rates of 100 mV s−1 in −0.8 to +1.2 V voltage range testify highly capacitive behavior with high degree of charge reversibility. This is attributed to unimpeded pore-filling and alignment of ionic charges over vast interiors of carbon nanofoam and a highly pervasive access to electrolyte ions within interconnected void network of microporous PEDOT. Linear charge-discharge characteristic of the supercapacitor at 1.0 to 3.5 A g−1 current density show high rate capability and yield energy density of 13.6 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 19.0 kW kg−1. The long term charge-discharge tests at 1 A g−1 show minimal ∼14% loss of specific capacitance of asymmetric supercapacitor for 10,000 cycles.
Effects of apholate on restricted populations of insecticide-resistant house flies, Musca domestica.

Populations of a highly insecticide-resistant strain of house flies, Musca domestica L., were reared continuously for 3 months in large cages. Breeding material was introduced daily and all flies allowed to emerge and reproduce in the cages. Flies were treated with 2% apholate sugar bait, apholate-impregnated cords, or trichlorfon bait in various combinations. For the 12-week test apholate cords resulted in 57% population reduction. Where apholate was introduced after 6 weeks the total population was reduced by 64%. In all other apholate treatments the population was reduced by more than 90%.
Allometry Correction in Taximetrics

Corruccini, R. S. (Dept. of Anthropology, Univ. of California, Berkeley, Calif. 94720) 1972. Allometry Correction in Taximetrics. Syst. Zool. 21:375-383.-The process of allometry often distorts numerical results, causing size-related effects in shape coefficients. The study of allometry has traditionally emphasized only aspects of detection and description, rather than correction, of allometric trends. A method of allometry correction is offered for the specific purpose of adjusting metrical data prior to quantitative taxonomic analysis. [Allometry; taximetrics; hominoids.] Systematists in increasing numbers are uncritically accepting the mathematical models underlying the various methods of numerical taxonomy (Johnson, 1970). In so doing, they overlook the fact that most statistical procedures were developed for certain purposes or types of data. When obviously inaccurate classifications result, or when different techniques produce seriously divergent results using the same data, it is often claimed that this constitutes a practical detraction from the value of numerical taxonomy. However, if the assumptions underlying the techniques (e.g., linear relationship of variables, homogeneity of covariance matrices, normality of distribution, large sample size) are not satisfied, reasonable results cannot be expected. The present paper discusses the analysis of metric characters by Q-mode correlation coefficients. Shortcomings of the technique will be shown to result from failure of the data to meet the conditions necessary to the method's definition, and successful determination, of similarity. In particular. allometric distortion in the data, and the need and practicality of correcting for it, will be discussed. THE EFFECT OF ALLOMETRY ON Q-MODE CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS The debate over selection of similarity coefficients and clustering methods in numerical taxonomy is a long and continuing one. However, when dimensions (measurements) alone are used as descriptive data for organisms, there is general concurrence that "shape" coefficients of affinity are superior to "size" (distance) coefficients: (Huxley, 1932; Rohlf and Sokal, 1965; Boyce, 1964, 1965, 1969; Penrose, 1947, 1954; Burnaby, 1966; Giles, 1956; Sokal and Sneath, 1963; Gould, 1967; Stahl, 1962; Oxnard, 1968, 1969a, 1969b; White and Gould, 1965; Minkoff, 1965; Kowalski, 1972; Blackith, 1965; Mosimann, 1970; Jolicoeur and Mosimann, 1960; Blackith and Reyment, 1971). Rohlf and Sokal (1965) and Boyce (1964, 1969) specifically recommend Q-mode correlation as the best shape co-
Thermal relaxation of molecular oxygen in collisions with nitrogen atoms

Investigation of O2-N collisions is performed by means of the quasi-classical trajectory method on the two lowest ab initio potential energy surfaces at temperatures relevant to hypersonic flows. A complete set of bound-bound and bound-free transition rates is obtained for each precollisional rovibrational state. Special attention is paid to the vibrational and rotational relaxations of oxygen as a result of chemically non-reactive interaction with nitrogen atoms. The vibrational relaxation of oxygen partially occurs via the formation of an intermediate NO2 complex. The efficient energy randomization results in rapid vibrational relaxation at low temperatures, compared to other molecular systems with a purely repulsive potential. The vibrational relaxation time, computed by means of master equation studies, is nearly an order of magnitude lower than the relaxation time in N2-O collisions. The rotational nonequilibrium starts to play a significant effect at translational temperatures above 8000 K. The present work provides convenient relations for the vibrational and rotational relaxation times as well as for the quasi-steady dissociation rate coefficient and thus fills a gap in data due to a lack of experimental measurements for this system.
Suitability Claims under Rule 10b-5: Are Public Entities Sophisticated Enough to Use Derivatives?

On December 6, 1994, Orange County, California became the largest municipal bankruptcy in our nation's history. The bankruptcy was the result of derivative transactions made by the county's investment fund that led to over $2 billion dollars in estimated losses.! A little over a month later, Orange County filed suit against Merrill Lynch & Co., contending that the broker breached its fiduciary duty to the county by encouraging it to invest public funds in speculative investments.2 The lawsuit stated that in addition to acting as a broker and underwriter of many of the derivatives whose decline in value led to the county's bankruptcy, Merrill Lynch also served as a financial advisor.3 Orange County further alleged that the investment firm knew the investment plan it administered was "wholly inappropriate and unsuitable for the County" and that it was aware of "[c]onstitutional and statutory debt and investment limitations applicable to the County."4 Orange County claimed that any liabilities it incurred in violation of these limitations were "ultra vires and therefore void."5
Youth Participation and Community Change

Barry N. Checkoway and Lorraine M. Gutierrez have edited the first systematic study of the phenomenon of youth participation, which they define and describe as follows: Youth participation is a pro...
Simulated annealing approach to temperature–emissivity separation in thermal remote sensing

The method of simulated annealing is adapted to the temperature–emissivity separation problem. A patch of surface at the bottom of the atmosphere is assumed to be a graybody emitter with spectral emissivity e(k) describable by a mixture of spectral endmembers. We prove that a simulated annealing search conducted according to a suitable schedule converges to a solution maximizing the a-posteriori probability that spectral radiance detected at the top of the atmosphere originates from a patch with stipulated T and e(k). Any such solution will be nonunique. The average of a large number of simulated annealing solutions, however, converges almost surely to a unique maximum a-posteriori (MAP) solution for T and e(k).
Durability of solar absorber coatings and their cost-effectiveness

Solar absorber coatings are said to be “cost-effective” when significant efficiency gains are achieved with an acceptable additional cost. Here, an integrated approach to solar power technologies is used for quantifying more rigorously the cost-effectiveness of coatings in the concentrating solar power (CSP) industry. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) metric is used in an original way that attributes a cost-effectiveness value to any high-temperature absorber coating via a figure of merit named the LCOE gain efficiency. The LCOE gain efficiency is demonstrated on three different solar absorber coatings: Pyromark 2500, lanthanum strontium manganite oxide (LSM), and cobalt oxide (Co3O4), that coat a hypothetical 100 MWe central tower receiver. To perform the calculation of the LCOE gain efficiency, accelerated aging tests and cost estimates are performed. Depending on the coating properties, an optimal reapplication interval may be found that minimizes the LCOE of the plant, i.e., maximizes the LCOE gain efficiency. In such optimal conditions—and for this typical power tower—Pyromark 2500 paint enables a higher LCOE gain efficiency (0.182) than both LSM (0.139) and Co3O4 (0.083). The solar absorptance is by far the most influential parameter. The cost-effectiveness of Pyromark could be outperformed by a coating that would have a high initial solar absorptance (>0.95), a low initial degradation rate (<2×10−6 cycle−1), and a low cost (<$500 k per application). Application of the LCOE gain efficiency can provide a consistent and objective method to evaluate a variety of receiver designs and other components.
Correlation of Electrolyte Volume and Electrochemical Performance in Lithium-Ion Pouch Cells with Graphite Anodes and NMC532 Cathodes

The work herein reports on studies aimed at exploring the correlation between electrolyte volume and electrochemical performance of full cell, pouch-cells consisting of graphite/ Li1.02Ni0.50Mn0.29Co0.19O2 (NMC-532) as the electrodes and 1.2 M LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate:ethylmethyl carbonate (EC:EMC) as the electrolyte. It is demonstrated that a minimum electrolyte volume factor of 1.9 times the total pore volume of cell components (cathode, anode, and separator) is needed for long-term cyclability and low impedance. Less electrolyte results in an increase of the measured ohmic resistances. Increased resistance ratios for charge transfer and passivation layers at cathode, relative to initial values, were 1.5–2.0 after 100 cycles. At the cathode, the resistance from charge transfer was 2–3 times higher than for passivation layers. Differential voltage analysis showed that anodes were less delithiated after discharging as the cells were cycled.
The role of empathy in training social work students in motivational interviewing

AbstractMotivational interviewing (MI), an evidence-based approach with empathy as a key principle, effectively addresses client concerns found in the child welfare population. Training social workers in MI, and to be empathic, would increase the likelihood of better service delivery. Live supervision (LS) is a form of training that provides real-time feedback by clinical supervisors. This randomized comparison trial compared the effectiveness of LS or Teaching as Usual (TAU) on empathy in 54 MSW and BSW social work students. TAU involved students receiving online modules and assigned readings. Data were collected at baseline, after the interventions, and at five months follow-up. Differences in perceived empathy and empathic behaviors were measured by the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) and Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ). The study also assessed whether demographic variables or perceived empathy (TEQ) predicted empathic behaviors (MITI). Results indicate that, while both groups ...
EVALUATION OF FORECASTS

Evaluation of forecasts encompasses the processes of assessing both forecast quality and forecast value. These processes necessarily play key roles in any effort to improve forecasting performance or to enhance the usefulness of forecasts.
Town Square: An innovative pathway to family child care professionalization

Children's earliest years are times of significant development and learning, yet the professionals who provide care for young children often do not receive the economic or professional support they need and deserve. Given the unique situations of child care professionals, especially those running their own family child care businesses, we must find innovative ways to support them as they care for and guide our youngest citizens.
In vitro characteristics of a myxopapillary ependymoma of the filum terminale maintained in tissue and organ culture systems. Light and electron microscopic observations.

Explants of a myxopapillary ependymoma were grown on collagen-coated coverslips and in organ culture systems using gelfoam sponge matrices and Millipore filter platforms. The tumor cultured on collagen-coated coverslips initially exhibited the cytologic features of simple uni- and bipolar glial cells and later developed an epithelial-like pattern. Delicate branching of argyrophilic cell processes was demonstrated in Bodian preparations. In organ cultures, the tumor architecture was well preserved for approximately 4 weeks, and mitotic figures were present. Invasion of the sponge foam matrix was seen. Later cultures demonstrated progressive perivascular sclerosis and hyalinization. By electron microscopy, the tumor cells in organ culture systems retained the major fine structural characteristics of the original neoplasm up to 27 daysin vitro. The most striking feature in the late stages was the extensive increase and reduplication of basement membrane material, which appeared related to the increase of collagen fibrils in the extracellular space.
Zebrafish Models of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Past, Present, and Future

Zebrafish are increasingly being utilized as a model system to investigate the function of the growing list of risk genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. This is due in large part to the unique features of zebrafish that make them an optimal system for this purpose, including rapid, external development of transparent embryos, which enable the direct visualization of the developing nervous system during early stages, large progenies, which provide considerable tractability for performing high-throughput pharmacological screens to identify small molecule suppressors of simple behavioral phenotypes, and ease of genetic manipulation, which has been greatly facilitated by the advent of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technologies. This review article focuses on studies that have harnessed these advantages of the zebrafish system for the functional analysis of genes that are strongly associated with the following neurodevelopmental disorders: autism spectrum disorders (ASD), epilepsy, intellectual disability (ID) and schizophrenia. We focus primarily on studies describing early morphological and behavioral phenotypes during embryonic and larval stages resulting from loss of risk gene function. We highlight insights into basic mechanisms of risk gene function gained from these studies as well as limitations of studies to date. Finally, we discuss advances in in vivo neural circuit imaging in zebrafish, which promise to transform research using the zebrafish model by illuminating novel circuit-level mechanisms with relevance to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Supporting Spanish–English Bilingual Language Development Among Latinx Dual Language Learners in Early Learning Settings

Latinx dual language learners (DLLs) are a large and growing student body that continues to face educational adversities that contribute to the maintenance of a longstanding academic achievement gap. Previous research has documented that preschool attendance and development of home language skills in early childhood support the long-term academic and linguistic growth of DLLs; yet, relatively, little is known about how early childhood educators support bilingual language development in preschool and how such efforts impact bilingual proficiency. These are particularly salient questions, as emerging best practices to support DLLs identified in research may not be reaching educators with sufficient speed. The present mixed methods study examined the role of instructional and contextual factors in promoting English and Spanish language development among (N = 46) Latinx preschoolers. Qualitative phenomenological analyses were conducted to explore the nature of language instruction practices in Central California preschools. Analysis of covariance was used to determine if classroom characteristics, including culturally and linguistically responsive instruction practices and overall classroom quality, predict English and Spanish language proficiency at the end of the preschool year. Results suggest that language instruction practices may tend to be more reactive than systematic, and support findings that high overall instructional quality and application of targeted instructional supports for bilingual acquisition support the development of home language skills throughout the school year. The results reinforce the call for increased attention to bilingual language development in early childhood settings, especially through assessment, instruction models, and multi-tiered systems of support. School psychologists, who are trained on these topics, have a significant opportunity to collaborate with early childhood administrators and teachers to educate themselves further on DLLs’ early language development needs, help improve culturally and linguistically responsive instruction and assessment in early learning settings, and work to bridge the early childhood and K-12 systems to support DLLs’ ongoing development.
Single-Loop Delta-Sigma ADC Using Noise-Coupled VCO Quantizer

A single-loop two-step 3rd order order $\Delta\Sigma$ ADC with voltage-controlled-oscillator (VCO) quantizer employing noise coupling technique is presented. The noise-coupling technique improves the order of noise-shaping by one or more in VCO quantizer, and makes it power efficient. Third-order noise shaping has been achieved with only one active integrator, and the required output swing, gain and bandwidth requirements for the integrator are relaxed. The digital noise-canceling filter is simplified in the proposed architecture, and the specifications of the dynamic element matching are relaxed. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed structure.
Information Dynamics

Though we have access to a wealth of information, the main issue is always how to process the available information. How to make sense of all we observe and know. Just like the English alphabet: we know there are 26 letters but unless we put these letters together in a meaningful way, they convey no information. There are infinitely many ways of putting these letters together. Only a small number of those make sense. Only some of those convey exactly what we wish to convey though the message may be interpreted differently by different individuals. That same issue comes up with information: how can we process the information we have? How can we infer and reason under conditions of incomplete observed information? In his seminal book on the philosophy of information, Floridi (2011a) raises a number of open questions. I discuss here one of these questions. That question is how to process information. To do so, I take the more realistic view that information is always limited, incomplete and possibly noisy. I define types of information, relate it to Floridi's definitions and discuss a basic formulation for processing information under a unified framework. I relate it to some of the basic concepts discussed in the book.
Computing for the Critters: Exploring Computational Thinking of Children in an Informal Learning Setting

This Work-in-Progress study focuses on computational thinking (CT) in children. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are currently underrepresented in STEM education and careers. However, providing appropriate early CT learning opportunities can potentially help learners develop both interest and self-efficacy in computer science and STEM fields.Our research aims to characterize computational thinking and engineering thinking for K-2 aged children. In this paper, we report on our findings of children exploring a recently installed exhibit at a local Midwestern science center. The exhibit was designed to help children learn about engineering careers and CT, and provides different learning activities to elicit CT in children from diverse learning groups. The exhibit provides information about different engineering disciplines/fields, and examples of engineers from diverse groups (i.e. it includes images of people of different races, ethnicities, gender, and ability).In this study, we audio- and video-recorded families while they explored the exhibit. They then participated in interviews and completed surveys. The video data provided evidence that children can engage in a range of CT competencies in the computer-supported coding game. Our findings can help us further consider how families can support children as they learn CT skills in out-of-school environments.
Talking SMAAC: A New Tool to Measure Soil Respiration and Microbial Activity

This work was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant #69-3A75-14-260 and also provided in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Service Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station and the Hatch Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Virtual pet: an exercise in XML & XSLT

EXtensible Markup Language (XML) and eXtensible Stylesheet Language: Transformations (XSLT) are tools for creating and maintaining content-rich applications, such as Web documents. A virtual pet is a computer representation of a [simple] model of pet behavior incorporating mechanisms for owner actions. Starting with a HTML/JavaScript virtual dog script, the author describes the use of eXtended Markup Language (XML) and eXtended Stylesheet Language: Transformations (XSLT) to produce a generalized system for producing simulations. The project has been used in a course on creating user interfaces.