Evolution and turnover in scaling systems

Scaling has been discovered in the long tails of size distributions characterizing a variety of diverse systems, many of which evolve in terms of the size of their components through competition. Such time-invariant macro distributions, however, often obscure the micro-dynamics of change, such as continual turnover in the rank order of the constituents. Here we show how a model drawn from evolutionary theory can explain this change, such that the time spent in the top ranked constituents is finite and also characterized by longtailed distributions. To show the broad applicability of this model, we compare typical model runs to real-world examples including US boys’ names, UK Number One for pop albums, journal article keywords, and city sizes

Meteorology and Cimatology: On-Line Weather Studies

Through the Virginia Earth Science Collaborative (VESC), a partnership of nine institutes of higher education, non-profit organizations, and eighty-three school divisions, a 3-credit, graduate-level meteorology course was offered six times between Spring 2006 and Fall 2007. The course, entitled Meteorology, was offered at three locations (Richmond, Abingdon, and Harrisonburg), and a local instructor facilitated each section. Funding for the course development, instructor stipends, and participant expenses (including travel, meals, and tuition) was provided through a competitive Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) grant funded through the federal No Child Left Behind legislation of 2001. The framework of the course was the American Meteorological Society\u27s Online Weather Studies program, which provides meteorological content and laboratory investigations, and relies heavily on the use of Internet-accessed, real-time weather data to teach meteorological topics in a distance learning format. The 115 teacher participants were required to complete text readings and written assignments, conduct laboratory investigations, design projects using real—time meteorological data, complete exams, and attend three face-to-face meetings. For the purpose of the VESC grant evaluation, pre-test and post-test data were collected on 110 of the participants which indicated an average 14.7% increase in participants‘ content knowledge and use of real-time meteorological products (weather maps, satellite images, station models, etc.) in their instructional delivery

Isospin-breaking interactions studied through mirror energy differences

Background: Information on charge-dependent (i.e., isospin-non-conserving) interactions is extracted from excited states of mirror nuclei. Purpose: Specifically, the purpose of the study is to extract effective isovector (Vpp 12Vnn) interactions which, in general, can either be of Coulomb or nuclear origin. Methods: A comprehensive shell-model description of isospin-breaking effects is used to fit data on mirror energy differences in the A = 42\u201354 region. The angular-momentum dependence of isospin-breaking interactions was determined from a systematic study of mirror energy differences. Results: The results reveal a significant isovector term, with a very strong spin dependence, beyond that expected of a two-body Coulomb interaction. Conclusions: The isospin-breaking terms that are extracted have a J dependence that is not consistent with the known CSB properties of the bare nucleon-nucleon interaction

Battery health determination by subspace parameter estimation and sliding mode control for an all-electric Personal Rapid Transit vehicle — the ULTra

The paper describes a real-time adaptive battery modelling methodology for use in an all electric personal rapid transit (PRT) vehicle. Through use of a sliding-mode observer and online subspace parameter estimation, the voltages associated with monitoring the state of charge (SoC) of the battery system are shown to be accurately estimated, even with erroneous initial conditions in both the model and parameters. In this way, problems such as self- discharge during storage of the cells and SoC drift (as usually incurred by coulomb-counting methods due to overcharging or ambient temperature fluctuations) are overcome. Moreover, through online monitoring of the degradation of the estimated parameters, battery ageing (State of Health) can be monitored and, in the case of safety- critical systems, cell failure may be predicted in time to avoid inconvenience to passenger networks. Due to the adaptive nature of the proposed methodology, this system can be implemented over a wide range of operating environments, applications and battery topologies, by adjustment of the underlying state-space model

Sensitivity studies for r-process nucleosynthesis in three astrophysical scenarios

In rapid neutron capture, or r-process, nucleosynthesis, heavy elements are built up via a sequence of neutron captures and beta decays that involves thousands of nuclei far from stability. Though we understand the basics of how the r-process proceeds, its astrophysical site is still not conclusively known. The nuclear network simulations we use to test potential astrophysical scenarios require nuclear physics data (masses, beta decay lifetimes, neutron capture rates, fission probabilities) for all of the nuclei on the neutron-rich side of the nuclear chart, from the valley of stability to the neutron drip line. Here we discuss recent sensitivity studies that aim to determine which individual pieces of nuclear data are the most crucial for r-process calculations. We consider three types of astrophysical scenarios: a traditional hot r-process, a cold r-process in which the temperature and density drop rapidly, and a neutron star merger trajectory.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures, submitted to the Proceedings of the International Nuclear Physics Conference (INPC) 201

An integrated approach for analysing and assessing the performance of virtual learning groups

Collaborative distance learning involves a variety of elements and factors that have to be considered and measured in order to analyse and assess group and individual performance more effectively and objectively. This paper presents an approach that integrates qualitative, social network analysis (SNA) and quantitative techniques for evaluating online collaborative learning interactions. Integration of various different data sources, tools and techniques provides a more complete and robust framework for group modelling and guarantees a more efficient evaluation of group effectiveness and individual competence. Our research relies on the analysis of a real, long-term, complex collaborative experience, which is initially evaluated in terms of principled criteria and a basic qualitative process. At the end of the experience, the coded student interactions are further analysed through the SNA technique to assess participatory aspects, identify the most effective groups and the most prominent actors. Finally, the approach is contrasted and completed through a statistical technique which sheds more light on the results obtained that far. The proposal draws a well-founded line toward the development of a principled framework for the monitoring and analysis of group interaction and group scaffolding which can be considered a major issue towards the actual application of the CSCL proposals to real classrooms.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Advances in nickel hydrogen technology at Yardney Battery Division

The current major activites in nickel hydrogen technology being addressed at Yardney Battery Division are outlined. Five basic topics are covered: an update on life cycle testing of ManTech 50 AH NiH2 cells in the LEO regime; an overview of the Air Force/industry briefing; nickel electrode process upgrading; 4.5 inch cell development; and bipolar NiH2 battery development

The footprint of cometary dust analogs: I. Laboratory experiments of low-velocity impacts and comparison with Rosetta data

Cometary dust provides a unique window on dust growth mechanisms during the onset of planet formation. Measurements by the Rosetta spacecraft show that the dust in the coma of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko has a granular structure at size scales from sub-um up to several hundreds of um, indicating hierarchical growth took place across these size scales. However, these dust particles may have been modified during their collection by the spacecraft instruments. Here we present the results of laboratory experiments that simulate the impact of dust on the collection surfaces of COSIMA and MIDAS, instruments onboard the Rosetta spacecraft. We map the size and structure of the footprints left by the dust particles as a function of their initial size (up to several hundred um) and velocity (up to 6 m/s). We find that in most collisions, only part of the dust particle is left on the target; velocity is the main driver of the appearance of these deposits. A boundary between sticking/bouncing and fragmentation as an outcome of the particle-target collision is found at v ~ 2 m/s. For velocities below this value, particles either stick and leave a single deposit on the target plate, or bounce, leaving a shallow footprint of monomers. At velocities > 2 m/s and sizes > 80 um, particles fragment upon collision, transferring up to 50 per cent of their mass in a rubble-pile-like deposit on the target plate. The amount of mass transferred increases with the impact velocity. The morphologies of the deposits are qualitatively similar to those found by the COSIMA instrument.Comment: 14 pages, 12 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

Factors determining clinical outcomes in intussusception in the developing world: Experience from Johannesburg, South Africa

Background. Rates of open reduction of intussusception were noted to be unacceptably high during an institutional internal audit.Objectives. To determine the impact of revised protocols to better select patients for pneumatic reduction (PR), and document associated morbidity and mortality, and the factors that affect the above.Methods. Medical records of patients between 3 months and 3 years of age presenting to the Department of Paediatric Surgery at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa, from 2007 to 2010 were reviewed. Determining factors, including duration of symptoms, admission C reactive protein (CRP) level and weight, were analysed against clinical outcomes, notably PR, bowel resection, relook laparotomy and death.Results. A total of 97 cases were suitable for inclusion. In 62 of these (63.9%), PR was attempted; this was successful in 32 cases (51.6%), giving an overall successful PR rate of 33.0%. In 7 of the 62 patients, a pneumoperitoneum was documented during the reduction attempt. Of the 65 patients who underwent surgery, 53 required intestinal resection and 12 had spontaneous or manual reduction. Ileostomy was necessary in 9 patients, and 7 required relook laparotomy. The overall mortality rate was 9.1%. Averages of ‘determining factors’ assessed against clinical outcome were as follows: mean weight (standard deviation (SD)) 7.4 (4.3) kg, mean duration of symptoms (DOS) 3.0 (SD 2.2) days, and admission CRP level 50.9 mg/L (range 1 - 249.3). Prolonged DOS and a raised CRP level predicted a poor outcome.Conclusions. Despite marked improvements in management and PR outcomes, intussusception remains associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Prolonged DOS and an elevated CRP predict worse outcomes. The use of these markers in association with clinical factors may assist management decisions, specifically with regard to operative or non-operative management. Awareness and education are key to prompt presentation and early diagnosis. Well-defined protocols introduced at all points of contact ensure early recognition and resuscitation as well as prompt referral for definitive management

Peripheral and central mechanisms involved in hormonal control of male and female reproduction

Reproduction involves the integration of hormonal signals acting across multiple systems togenerate a synchronized physiological output. A critical component of reproduction is the luteinizinghormone (LH) surge, which is mediated by estradiol (E2) and neuroprogesterone interacting tostimulate kisspeptin release in the rostral periventricular nucleus of the third ventricle in rats. Recentevidence has shown that both classical and membrane E2 and progesterone signaling is involved inthis pathway. A metabolite of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), GnRH-(1-5), has been shownto stimulate GnRH expression, secretion, and has a role in the regulation of lordosis. Additionally,gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) projects to and influences the activity of GnRH neurons inbirds. Stress-induced changes in GnIH have been shown to alter breeding behaviors in birds,demonstrating another molecular control of reproduction. Peripherally, paracrine and autocrineactions within the gonad have been suggested as therapeutic targets for infertility in both males andfemales. Dysfunction of testicular prostaglandin synthesis is a possible cause of idiopathic maleinfertility. Indeed, local production of melatonin and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) couldinfluence spermatogenesis via immune pathways in the gonad. In females, vascular endothelialgrowth factor A (VEGF-A) has been implicated in an angiogenic process that mediates developmentof the corpus luteum and thus fertility via the Notch signaling pathway. Age-induced decreases infertility involve ovarian kisspeptin and its regulation of ovarian sympathetic innervation. Finally,morphological changes in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus influence female sexualreceptivity in rats. The processes mediating these morphological changes have been shown toinvolve rapid effects of E2 controlling synaptogenesis in this hypothalamic nucleus. Together, thisreview highlights new research in these areas, focusing on recent findings in the molecularmechanisms of central and peripheral hormonal control of reproduction.Fil: Rudolph, L. M.. University of California at Los Angeles; Estados UnidosFil: Bentley, G. E.. University of California Berkeley; Estados UnidosFil: Calandra, Ricardo Saul. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Paredes, A. H.. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Tesone, Marta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Wu, T. J.. Uniformed Services University; Estados UnidosFil: Micevych, P. E.. University of California at Los Angeles; Estados Unido