cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Electoral Count Mess: The Electoral Count Act of 1887 Is Unconstitutional, and Other Fun Facts (Plus a Few Random Academic Speculations) about Counting Electoral Votes

In this essay, and in light of the controversy that arose in the wake of the 2020 presidential election, we explain the constitutional process for counting electoral votes. In short, every four years, the Twelfth Amendment requires the President of the Senate (usually the Vice President of the United States) to open certificates provided by state presidential electors and count the votes contained therein. The Constitution allows no role for Congress in this process, and thus, the provisions of the Electoral Count Act purporting to grant Congress the power, by concurrent resolution, to reject a state’s electoral votes, is unconstitutional. Further, the objections raised to two states’ electoral votes on January 6, 2021, were not proper within the terms of the Act, and therefore, even if Congress has the power specified in the Act, congressional action rejecting states’ electoral votes would have been contrary to law. While state executive or state judicially-ordered departures from the requirements of state election laws in presidential elections might violate the federal Constitution’s requirement that electors be chosen as specified by state legislatures, determining whether this has taken place is much more complicated than simply examining the language of state election statutes. We suggest that making this determination requires a careful examination of state interpretation traditions that we decline to undertake in this brief essay on the constitutional process for counting electoral votes.
Polyphasic Taxonomy of the Genus Vibrio: Polynucleotide Sequence Relationships Among Selected Vibrio Species

Polynucleotide relationships among selected Vibrio species were examined by means of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) reassociation reactions and chromatography on hydroxyapatite. Relative levels of intraspecific DNA duplex formation (V. cholerae-V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus-V. parahaemolyticus) were found to be high at 60 C (>80%), and only minimally reduced at 75 C. Interspecific DNA duplexes between V. cholerae DNA and that of the non-cholera vibrios also exhibited high relative levels of formation at 60 C (>80%) and, with one exception, were only slightly reduced at 75 C. The thermal stability of these duplexes formed at 60 or 75 C was virtually identical to that of homologous V. cholerae DNA duplexes. The degree of reassociation and the thermal stability of V. cholerae-non-cholera vibrio DNA duplexes suggests relatively little evolutionary divergence in these organisms. In all other interspecific DNA reassociation reactions, only low levels of DNA duplex formation were noted at 60 C ( 50%) at 75 C. The degree of nucleotide sequence divergence indicated by these reactions suggests that these Vibrio species are not significantly related to V. cholerae or V. parahaemolyticus. Reassociation reactions between V. cholerae DNA and the DNA of V. parahaemolyticus indicated these species were not significantly related to each other.
Causal and noncausal propagation of both tardyon and tachyon wave functions

Both causally and noncausally propagating wave functions for tardyons and tachyons are constructed. Causally propagating tachyon wave functions may be obtained, but they are localizable in space. They are analogous to tardyon waves that are localizable in time, that is created with zero lifetime. We conclude that, if tachyons are localizable, if they can be emitted or absorbed locally, then they propagate causally. If they are not localizable, then they must be created and absorbed in a nonlocal or co-operative process and cannot be «sent» from one particular point in space-time to another. No causality violation should result.
Effects of nicotinic antagonists on ocular growth and experimental myopia.

Purpose To learn whether nicotinic cholinergic receptors modulate postnatal eye growth and influence the course of form-deprivation myopia. Methods One-week-old White Leghorn chicks wore a unilateral goggle to induce form-deprivation myopia. Other chicks were never goggled. Nicotinic antagonist drugs were administered by intravitreal injection, usually daily or every other day to the goggled eye or to one eye of never-goggled chicks. After 1 week, the eyes were studied by refractometry, A-scan ultrasonography, and caliper measurements. Results The relatively non-subtype-specific channel-blocking nicotinic antagonists chlorisondamine and mecamylamine each inhibited the development of form-deprivation myopia but with complex multiphasic dose responses. Chlorisondamine was the most effective. Mecamylamine, at the lowest tested doses, tended to stimulate the growth response and myopic refractive shift of goggle wearing. Methyllycaconitine competitively inhibits nicotinic receptors containing the alpha7 and alpha8 subunits, which are highly expressed in chick retina. It showed a less dramatic but still significant inhibitory effect on myopia. The effects of dihydro-beta-erythroidine, a competitive antagonist relatively selective for nicotinic receptors with alpha3 or alpha4 subunits and particularly for alpha3beta2-containing receptors, were the weakest and inhibited primarily axial elongation. Chlorisondamine but not mecamylamine also affected nongoggled eyes, inhibiting growth and shifting refraction toward hyperopia, but chlorisondamine also induced degenerative changes to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Conclusions Nicotinic receptors are involved in eye growth control. Nicotinic antagonists affect the development of form-deprivation myopia and perhaps the growth of nongoggled eyes. The differences in drug activity and multiphasic dose-response curves may reflect the complexity of nicotinic receptor subtypes associated with the eye and/or pharmacokinetic differences between the individual drugs. Although another tissue(s) cannot be completely excluded by these data, the site of action of these agents may be neural retina or RPE.
A conceptual model for video games and interactive media

In this article, we describe a conceptual model for video games and interactive media. Existing conceptual models such as the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records FRBR are not adequate to represent the unique descriptive attributes, levels of variance, and relationships among video games. Previous video game-specific models tend to focus on the development of video games and their technical aspects. Our model instead attempts to reflect how users such as game players, collectors, and scholars understand video games and the relationships among them. We specifically consider use cases of gamers, with future intentions of using this conceptual model as a foundation for developing a union catalog for various libraries and museums. In the process of developing the model, we encountered many challenges, including conceptual overlap with and divergence from FRBR, entity scoping, complex relationships among entities, and the question of how to model additional content for game expansion. Future work will focus on making this model interoperable with existing ontologies as well as further understanding and description of content and relationships.
Bacillus endospore resistance to gas dynamic heating

Aim: To develop a novel laboratory procedure for the study of shock wave-induced damage to Bacillus endospores. Methods and Results: Bacillus atrophaeus endospores are nebulized into an aerosol, loaded into the stanford aerosol shock tube and subjected to shock waves of controlled strength. Endospores experience uniform test temperatures between 500 and 1000 K and pressures ranging from 2 to 7 atm, for a relatively short time (2–3 ms). During this process, the bioaerosol is observed using in situ laser absorption and scattering diagnostics. Additionally, shock-treated samples are extracted for ex situ analysis including viability plating, flow cytometry and SEM imaging. Measurements indicate that endospores lose the ability to form colonies when heated to test temperatures above 500 K while significant breakdown in morphology is observed at test temperatures above 750 K. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the disruption of essential biochemical pathways or biomolecules prior to the onset of significant endospore morphological deterioration. Significance and Impact of the Study: This novel laboratory approach to study the interaction of endospores with shock waves provides an experimental means to investigate the mechanisms of endospore resistance to rapid heating. In addition, this methodology allows for the direct simulation of a blast wave–bioaerosol interaction in an atmospheric environment.
Lanthanide compounds with fluorinated aryloxide ligands: near-infrared emission from Nd, Tm, and Er.

Ln(OC6F5)3 form stable, isolable compounds with 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME). Monomeric (DME)2Ln(OC6F5)3 (Ln = Nd, Er, Tm) adopt seven coordinate structures with two chelating DME and three terminal phenoxide ligands. Both (py)4Er(OC6F5)3 and (THF)3Yb(OC6F5)3 were also prepared and structurally characterized, with the latter being a mer-octahedral compound with bond lengths that are geometry dependent. Emission experiments on crystalline powders of the Nd(III), Tm(III), and Er(III) DME derivatives show that these compounds are highly emissive near-infrared sources.
A sequence of extremal problems for trigonometric polynomials

The sequence of extremal problems In = sup{(2π)−1 ∝02π¦p(θ)¦2 dθ¦pϵ Pn}, where Pn denotes the set of nonnegative trigonometric polynomials of degree ⩽n having constant term 1, is studied. It is shown that (n + 1) C1 ⩽ In < 1 + (n + 1) C1, where C1 = 0.686981293….
Creep cavitation in metals

Abstract This review concisely describes the state-of-the-art of the understanding of cavity, or r-type void, formation during stages I and II (primary and secondary) creep in polycrystalline metals and alloys, particularly at elevated temperatures. These cavities can directly lead to Stage III, or tertiary, creep and the eventual failure of metals. There have been, in the past, a variety of creep fracture reviews that omitted important developments relevant to creep cavitation or are less than balanced in their discussions of conflicting ideas or theories regarding various aspects of cavity nucleation and growth. This concise, comprehensive, review discusses all of the important developments over the past several decades relating to both the nucleation and growth of cavities. The nucleation section discusses the details and limitations of the approaches based on “classic” nucleation theory, slip-induced nucleation as well as grain boundary sliding effects. Growth is discussed starting from the Hull–Rimmer diffusion controlled cavity growth (DCCG) model. This will be followed by refinements to DCCG by others. Next, there will be a discussion of plastic cavity growth and diffusion-plasticity coupling theories. This will be followed by the particularly important development of constrained cavity growth, initially proposed by Dyson, and probably under-appreciated. Other growth effects by grain boundary sliding will also be discussed. All of these mechanisms will be compared with their predictions in terms of creep fracture phenomenology such as the Monkman–Grant relationship. Finally, there will be a discussion of creep crack propagation by cavitation ahead of the crack tip.
Plasticity of Leukocytic Exudates in Resolving Acute Inflammation Is Regulated by MicroRNA and Proresolving Mediators

The magnitude and duration of acute inflammation are controlled by active resolution programs involving specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs; resolvins and maresins) and microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, we report that miR-466l was temporally regulated in murine exudate-infiltrating leukocytes. Neutrophil miR-466l overexpression in vivo promoted initiation of inflammation that anteceded macrophage expression of this miRNA, which accelerated resolution when overexpressed. In macrophages, miR-466l overexpression increased prostanoids and SPMs (e.g., resolvin D1 [RvD1] and RvD5), which enhanced resolution. RvD1, RvD2, maresin 1 (MaR1), and apoptotic neutrophils reduced miR-466l expression within human macrophages, a feedback regulation that most likely prepares for homeostasis. miR-466l was upregulated in peripheral blood of sepsis patients, and its increase correlated with nonsurvival from sepsis. SPMs and miR-466l regulated transcription factors activator protein 1 and nuclear factor κB1 in miRNA biogenesis. These results demonstrate pivotal roles for SPMs and miR-466l in dynamic leukocyte plasticity during resolution of acute inflammatory responses.
Delayed Toxicity of Benzalkonium Chloride and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Evaluated in Primary Cultures of Rabbit Corneal Epithelial Cells

This investigation used primary cultures of rabbit corneal epithelial cells as an experimental model to evaluate the delayed ocular toxicity of benzalkonium chloride (B2Cl) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Initial cytotoxicity was determined after a 1-h treatment, and delayed toxicity was evaluated 2,4, and 24 h after removal of the compounds using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage into the medium and propidium iodide (PI) staining of the nucleus of the cells as markers of cellular membrane integrity. Both LDH leakage and PI staining indicated that BzCl produced minimal damage after the initial treatment but showed delayed toxicity up to 2 h after removal of the compound. There was little damage observed during the time interval of 2–24 h postexposure. In contrast, SDS caused extensive damage during initial exposure, but produced minimal increases of LDH leakage or PI staining during the postexposure periods. Reduction of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) by mitochondr...
Estimating Demands with a Markov Chain Monte Carlo Approach

Abstract The use of drinking water distribution system models has been around for decades, and demand estimation has been a key component in the model development process. Existing techniques utilized by consultants/utilities have been capable of representing the general hydraulics for assessing typical objectives such as maintaining adequate pressure. However, these models are generally not appropriate, or simply do not work, when attempting to recreate the observed hydraulics and operational conditions associated with a specific time horizon. In general, these limitations in recreating demands have become even more important when attempting to assess the ability of models to represent complex water quality dynamics. In this paper, a Bayesian demand estimation algorithm is presented, and estimated water demand multipliers are compared with synthetically generated “observed” demand multipliers in a water distribution system network. Using two different data scenarios − an “ideal” case assuming all flow and pressure data are available for the estimation process and a more realistic “limited” case using only flow rates at the sources and tank levels − the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method demonstrated an increase in demand estimate uncertainty for the “limited” data scenario. Using the “limited” data set only resulted in a moderate increase in the underlying flow rate uncertainty. These results demonstrate the potential feasibility of the MCMC algorithm for recreating adequate demand estimates that will provide an improved approach for evaluating water quality models.
Predicting communications activity in the radio spectrum

This work develops a method for predicting the activity of incumbent users of the radio spectrum so that an opportunistic user can schedule communications during anticipated periods of inactivity. The method uses a high-dimensional hidden Markov model with multivariate Gaussian observations to capture the rich temporal covariance of communication activity among multiple incumbent users. Care is taken to constrain the dimensionality of the model so that it uses only the significant states of the possible state space. Prediction performance on simulated and recorded traffic is seen to be significantly improved over that of previously explored occupancy prediction models. The method not only predicts channel occupancy but also predicts which of multiple transmitters will be active and the power level they will be observed at. The relationship between prediction error rate and the entropy rate of the incumbent users' protocol is explored and the useable prediction horizon is characterized in terms of the model's mixing time.
Effect of breastfeeding on weight retention from one pregnancy to the next: Results from the North Carolina WIC program

Abstract Objectives Pregnancy-related weight retention can contribute to obesity, and breastfeeding may facilitate postpartum weight loss. We investigated the effect of breastfeeding on long-term postpartum weight retention. Methods Using data from the North Carolina Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC; 1996–2004), weight retention was assessed in women aged 18 years or older who had more than one pregnancy available for analysis (n = 32,920). Using multivariable linear regression, the relationship between duration of breastfeeding after the first pregnancy and change in pre-pregnancy weight from the first pregnancy to the second pregnancy was estimated, controlling for demographic and weight-related covariates. Results Mean time between pregnancies was 2.8 years (standard deviation (SD) 1.5), and mean weight retention from the first to the second pregnancy was 4.9 kg (SD 8.7). In covariate-adjusted analyses, breastfeeding for 20 weeks or more resulted in 0.39 kg (standard error (SE) 0.18) less weight retention at the beginning of the second pregnancy relative to no breastfeeding (p = 0.025). Conclusion In this large, racially diverse sample of low-income women, long-term weight retention was lower among those who breastfed for at least 20 weeks.
The Effect of Serum on Monolayer Cell Culture of Mammalian Articular Chondrocytes

Large variations were found in the ability of six species of sera to support growth of rabbit, human and dog articular chondrocytes in monolayer culture. In most instances the DNA content of the cell pellets increased directly as the serum concentration rose from 10 to 30%. Indications of inhibitory as well as growth-promoting actions were found in some sera. Stimulation of rabbit chondrocyte proliferation by increasing concentrations of serum was accompanied by a reduction of radiosulfate incorporation and cell protein content. There was no consistent relation between the response of chondrocytes from a given species and its homologous serum. However, the growth of human chondrocytes was greatly potentiated by human serum provided that interference with initial attachment of the cells to the culture flask by homologous serum was overcome by priming with fetal calf serum.
High-flow femoro-femoral bypass utilizing small cannulae and a centrifugal pump on the venous side

Femoro-femoral bypass is an established technique in the armamentarium of cardiac surgeons, but poor venous drainage usually restricts the flow rate that can be achieved. We describe a technique whereby full flow (> 2.41 I/min/m2 femoro-femoral bypass) can be achieved with a 17 F arterial and a single 21 F venous cannula placed percutaneously or via a cut-down.Transoesophageal echo is used to position the tip of the venous cannula accurately in the right atrium. The circuit includes a centrifugal pump on the venous side, pumping into a reservoir; a conventional roller pump delivers blood through the arterial cannula. A parallel arrangement allows the centrifugal pump to be excluded from the circuit at any stage. The system allows flow rates over 2.4 l/min/m 2 despite the size of the venous cannula ; without the centrifugal pump working maximal flow rates are under 1.5 l/min/m2. The right side of the heart is totally decompressed and there is no need to add volume or vasopressors to maintain the desired fu...
Competition between counterions and active protein sites to bind bisquaternary ammonium groups. A combined mass spectrometry and quantum chemistry model study

A model study of the interaction between biologically active bisquaternary ammonium salts and their molecular targets in living systems is urgently needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the interactions between these compounds. To address this need a combined experimental-computational study of the interaction of two tetramethylammonium cations (modeling two quaternary groups) with the chlorine anion and with the deprotonated 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (modeling a carboxylic group and an aromatic ring of side radicals of proteins) has been performed. Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry method and DFT/B3LYP/6-31++G** and MP2/6-31++G** calculations have been employed in the study. Stable noncovalent complexes with different ratios of the tetramethylammonium cations and chlorine anions or deprotonated 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid anions were registered in the mass spectra of tetramethylammonium chloride and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid mixture. This finding shows that the organic and inorganic anions compete to bind tetramethylammonium in the studied system. The theoretically determined stabilities of the noncovalent complexes were compared with the relative stabilities evaluated from the mass spectrometric measurements. The results of the study allow us to elucidate the competing interactions that exist between quaternary groups with inorganic counterions or with active groups of molecular protein targets.
Multisited Research on Colonowares and the Paradox of Globalization

ABSTRACT Multisited ethnography was advanced by George Marcus (1995) as a way to address the spatial reach of communities linked by global flows of commodities, peoples, and institutions. Although the approach is usually applied within the context of modern globalization, many of the processes that define globalization accelerated with the onset of European colonization in the 1400s C.E. Multisited research is particularly suited to the analysis of the “paradox of globalization,” the simultaneous unfolding of heterogeneity and homogeneity throughout the world, which became pervasive in the colonial era. An indigenous ceramic type in eastern North America known as colonoware expresses this paradox, where variable European influence in its morphology and surface treatment can be attributed to the intersection of local practices and large-scale population movements. [colonoware, globalization, colonialism]
Proton induced X-ray emission analysis of biological samples: Some approaches and applications

Abstract The method of proton particle induced X-ray emission (proton PIXE) has been used by several teams of researchers for minor and trace element analysis of many interesting biological samples. The proton PIXE analysis method is often ideal for such samples because it allows for the simultaneous determination of several elements and requires only a small sample. Difficult problems are often encountered in preparing samples suitable for PIXE analysis and considerable imagination has been used to solve these problems. Samples both thick and thin in comparison to the particle-beam range have been used. Thin samples are usually supported on thin foils. Procedures used in preparing thins samples have included wet ashing, dry ashing, nebulization of a suspension, freeze-drying, sectioning with a microtome, and spiking with noninterfering elements. Each method of sample analysis has advantages which must be understood when choosing a method for a particular problem.
Hydrodefluorination of Perfluoroalkyl Groups Using Silylium-Carborane Catalysts

Carbon-fluorine bonds are among the most unreactive functionalities in chemistry. Interest in their activation arises in part from the high global warming potentials of anthropogenic polyfluoroorganic compounds. Conversion to carbon-hydrogen bonds (hydrodefluorination) is the simplest modification of carbon-fluorine bonds, but efficient catalytic hydrodefluorination of perfluoroalkyl groups has been an unmet challenge. We report a class of carborane-supported, highly electrophilic silylium compounds that act as long-lived catalysts for hydrodefluorination of trifluoromethyl and nonafluorobutyl groups by widely accessible silanes under mild conditions. The reactions are completely selective for aliphatic carbon-fluorine bonds in preference to aromatic carbon-fluorine bonds.
Characteristics of U.S. substance abuse treatment facilities adopting buprenorphine in its initial stage of availability.

Abstract This study examined the adoption of buprenorphine for the treatment of opiate dependence among U.S. substance abuse treatment facilities and their characteristics at the time of the initial availability of the medication. Data come from a 2003 national survey of all substance abuse treatment facilities in the U.S. Out of our sample of 13,060 facilities, 5.5% of facilities reported they offered buprenorphine. Not unexpectedly, the prevalence was higher in certified opioid treatment programs (11.3%) compared to other facilities (4.6%). For opioid treatment programs, offering Naltrexone (OR = 8.34, 95% CI = 5.53, 12.58) and offering medically supervised withdrawal (OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.38, 5.52) were independent and robust predictors of offering buprenorphine. These same variables were independent predictors for the non-opioid treatment programs as well (Naltrexone, OR = 14.32, 95% CI = 7.85, 26.10; and medically supervised withdrawal services, OR = 4.42, 95% CI = 3.01, 6.49). Our results suggest that the adoption of buprenorphine soon after the Food and Drug Administration approved its use for treatment of opioid dependence and the shipping of the medication commenced was associated with facilities already offering pharmacotherapies such as Naltrexone and medically assisted withdrawal. These findings provide baseline data to track the adoption of buprenorphine by substance abuse treatment programs in future years.
The Effect of Postoperative Gastrointestinal Complications in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Background Gastrointestinal (GI) complications after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) are uncommon but associated with a disproportionate share of mortality. We thus identified variables associated with GI complications and analyzed their effect on postoperative mortality in patients undergoing isolated CABG. Methods Information from patients who underwent isolated CABG at our institution during a 12-year period was obtained from the Anesthesiology Institute patient registry. Patients who experienced one or more postoperative GI complication(s) during their initial intensive care unit stay were identified. Multivariable logistic regression with backward variable selection was used to determine variables associated with GI complications and to evaluate their effect on mortality. Results Among 16,043 patients who underwent isolated CABG, 213 (1.43%) had one or more GI complication(s). The main patient variables associated with postoperative GI complications included preoperative (odds ratio, 2.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39 to 4.23; p Conclusions This single-center cohort study indicates that GI complications after isolated CABG remain rare with an incidence 1.43%. However, GI complications portend a significant mortality. The implications of intraoperative administration of fresh-frozen plasma and insertion of an intraaortic balloon pump deserve further investigation as they are associated with GI complications.
FDG PET/CT patterns of treatment failure of malignant pleural mesothelioma: relationship to histologic type, treatment algorithm, and survival

Purpose This study investigated the diagnostic performance and prognostic value of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT in suspected malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) recurrence, in the context of patterns and intensity of FDG uptake, histologic type, and treatment algorithm.
Case report 772

We have reported the case history of a 72-year-old woman who was on hemodialysis for 15 years. Her course was marked by many of the musculoskeletal complications of ESRD including CTS, stromal amyloid deposition of synovium, amyloid cystic degeneration of bone, and inflammation of the synovium due to the deposition of calcium oxalate and calcium pyrophosphate microcrystals. She also had evidence of metabolic bone disease: moderate osteoporosis related to secondary hyperparathyroidism and osteomalacia related to aluminum deposition at the mineralization front. The pathological and radiological findings associated with her bone disease are described.
Cancer stem cells: relevance to clinical transplantation.

Purpose of Review—Despite blood or marrow transplantation (BMT) being arguably the most active modality against hematologic malignancies, relapses remain the major reason for failure. Many cancers have now been shown to harbor cells that are phenotypically and biologically similar to normal cells with self-renewal capacity; these so-called cancer stem cells (CSCs) typically constitute only a small fraction of the total tumor burden, but are hypothesized to be responsible for relapse after conventional-dose therapy. Here, we review whether CSCs may have relevance to BMT. Recent Findings—CSCs appear to be relatively resistant to standard anticancer therapies in vitro. The often dramatic responses induced by chemotherapy in most hematologic malignancies are likely a consequence of their impressive activity against the bulk tumor cells. Although the clinical importance of CSCs remains unproven, new evidence suggests that the limited durability of many of these responses reflect resistant CSCs. It is possible that CSCs are also relatively resistant to both high-dose myeloablative conditioning and allogeneic graft-versus-tumor effects. Data on the ability of most hematologic CSCs to circulate even early in the natural history of a malignancy, also raises concerns about contamination of autografts contributing to relapse. Summary—Emerging data for the first time suggest CSCs may be responsible for relapse, even after BMT. However, BMT may be a particularly compelling setting to test CSC-targeting strategies, because it provides the most effective clinical debulking of hematologic malignancies and because CSC-targeting strategies may also enhance allogeneic antitumor immunity.
On the effect of porosity on the kinetics of densification during pressure sintering

Abstract : The purpose of this communication is to suggest an alternative approach to the role of pores in the kinetics of densification during pressure sintering. This approach is based on the concepts that a porous compact represents a special case of a composite material, and that the viscoelastic behaviour of such composites can be obtained from the expressions for the elastic behaviour, by the substitution of the appropriate viscosities for the elastic modulus of the individual phases (10-13). In the special case of a porous compact, the pore phase has zero elastic moduli and viscosity. In this manner, the enhancement of the creep rate (i.e. densification rate during pressure sintering), is derived without the explicit introduction of a factor which relates the stress in the material to the externally applied pressure. Throughout the discussion it will be assumed that the creep deformation and resulting densification occurs by a shear process. Originator furnished key words include: Porosity, and Hot-pressing.
Mediated Semantic-Phonological Priming: Calling Distant Relatives

Abstract Many interactive activation theories state that activation of words entails concomitant activation of semantically related lexical items and thus indirectly of phonological relatives of the semantic relatives. That is, some degree of mediated semantic-phonological activation should occur. In contrast, discrete-stage accounts of lexical activation predict no activation as a result of semantic-phonological mediation. In addition to providing a test of a key differentiator of these theories, semantic-phonological mediation provides a cleaner definition of mediation than the more frequently studied semantic-semantic case. It also presents a methodological challenge because semantic facilitation and phonological inhibition could work against one another. In six priming experiments, we show (a) one-step semantic (pen-ink) facilitation and phonological or form-related (ink-inch) inhibition, (b) evidence that the form-related effect is underlyingly facilitatory, and (c) evidence of a small facilitatory effect of semantic-phonological mediation (pen-inch). Although it appears to be near the limit of the sensitivity of the naming task, the effect provides important support for interactive activation theories.
Applying machine learning to automated information graphics generation

Information graphics, which include graphs, charts, and diagrams, are visual illustrations that facilitate human comprehension of information. In this paper, we present our work on applying machine learning to the automated generation of information graphics. Our approach is embodied in a hybrid graphics generation system, IMPROVISE*, which uses both rule-based and example-based generation engines. We discuss the use of machine learning to support such systems from three aspects. First, we introduce an object-oriented, integrated hierarchical feature representation for annotating information graphics. Second, we describe how to use decision-tree learning to automatically extract design rules from a set of annotated graphic examples. Our results demonstrate that we can acquire, with quantitative confidence, concise rules that are difficult to obtain in handcrafted rules. Third, we present a casebased learning method to retrieve matched graphic examples based on user requests. Specifically, we use a semantics-based, quantitative visual similarity measuring algorithm to retrieve the top-k matched examples from a visual database. To help users browse a graphics database and understand the inherent relations among different examples, we combine our similarity measuring model with a hierarchical clustering algorithm to dynamically organize our graphic examples based on user interests.
Thermal abuse performance of high-power 18650 Li-ion cells

Abstract High-power 18650 Li-ion cells have been developed for hybrid electric vehicle applications as part of the DOE Advanced Technology Development (ATD) program. The thermal abuse response of two advanced chemistries (Gen1 and Gen2) were measured and compared with commercial Sony 18650 cells. Gen1 cells consisted of an MCMB graphite based anode and a LiNi0.85Co0.15O2 cathode material while the Gen2 cells consisted of a MAG10 anode graphite and a LiNi0.80Co0.15 Al0.05O2 cathode. Accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to measure the thermal response and properties of the cells and cell materials up to 400 °C. The MCMB graphite was found to result in increased thermal stability of the cells due to more effective solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation. The Al stabilized cathodes were seen to have higher peak reaction temperatures that also gave improved cell thermal response. The effects of accelerated aging on cell properties were also determined. Aging resulted in improved cell thermal stability with the anodes showing a rapid reduction in exothermic reactions while the cathodes only showed reduced reactions after more extended aging.
Efficient routing in MANETs using ordered walks

A new approach for routing protocols operating in MANETs is presented in which flooding is not required to establish paths from sources to destinations on demand in MANETs of moderate size. The concept of ordered walk is introduced as a depth-first search (DFS) that does not rely on geographical or virtual coordinate information and is much more efficient than mere random walks. The benefits of using DFS as the building block of the signaling in MANET routing protocols are exemplified by the introduction of the Ordered Walk Search Algorithm (OSA), which is used as part of the proposed Ordered Walk with Learning (OWL) protocol. OWL integrates OSA with the learning of paths from prior successful and failed attempts, and performs one or multiple concurrent ordered walks to search for destinations. Simulation experiments are used to compare the performance of OWL against that of well-known MANET routing protocols based on BFS (e.g., OLSR and AODV). The results show that OWL can achieve a performance comparable to traditional protocols that rely on some form of flooding of link states or network-wide dissemination of distance information in terms of packet delivery ratios and average end-to-end delays, while incurring up to ten times less overhead than AODV.
Service delivery platforms in practice [IP Multimedia Systems (IMS) Infrastructure and Services]

There is considerable work in defining an architectural framework that supports multimedia service delivery. The IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) is a recent standards initiative that outlines a service delivery platform (SDP) architecture. In practice, however, a number of service delivery platforms already were developed and commercially deployed. The existing implementations focus on the IT systems and domain for service design and delivery and accommodate the existing network implementations in their architectures. Such solutions may be viewed as IT-based designs whereas the newer emerging IMS standards provide greater detail on network element design. We have studied several IT-based service delivery platforms presenting longitudinal results from their deployment, including multimedia service usage, transaction demands, and external applications deployed. These characteristics may be used to further refine IMS based service delivery platforms by accommodating some of the functional characteristics supported in successful IT-based SDP systems. We present a consolidated set of SDP capabilities to meet this objective
Heat and Mass Transport in Metal Hydride Based Hydrogen Storage Systems

Hydrogen storage technologies based on solid-phase materials involve highly coupled transport processes including heat transfer, mass transfer, and chemical kinetics. A full understanding of these processes and their relative impact on system performance is required to enable the design and optimization of efficient systems. This paper examines the coupled transport processes of titanium doped sodium alanates (NaAlH4 , Na3 AlH6 ) enhanced with excess aluminum and expanded natural graphite. Through validated modeling and simulation, we have illuminated transport bottlenecks that arise due to mass transfer limitations in scaled-up systems. Individual heat transport, mass transport, and chemical kinetic processes were isolated and experimentally characterized to generate a robust set of model parameters for all relevant operational states. The individual transport models were then coupled to simulate absorption processes associated with rapid refueling of scaled-up systems. Using experimental data for the absorption performance of a 1.6 kg sodium alanate system, comparisons were made to computed results to identify dominant transport mechanisms. The results indicated that channeling around the compacted porous solid can contribute significantly to the overall transport of hydrogen into and out of the system. The application of these transport models is generally applicable to a variety of condensed-phase hydrogen sorption materials and facilitates the design of optimally performing systems.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
A video steganography attack using multi-dimensional Discrete Spring Transform

Video steganography is fast emerging as a next-generation steganographic medium that offers many advantages over traditional steganographic cover media such as audio and images. Various schemes have recently emerged which take advantage of video specific properties for information hiding, most notably through the use of motion vectors. Although many steganographic schemes have been proposed which exploit several possible steganographic domains within video sequences, few attacks have been proposed to combat such schemes, and no current attacks have been shown to be capable of defeating multiple schemes at once. In this paper, we will further expand upon our proposed Discrete Spring Transform (DST) steganographic attack. We will explore further applications of the transform and how it may be used to defeat multiple steganographic schemes, specifically current video steganography schemes. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm will be shown by attacking a multi-dimensional steganographic algorithm embedded in video sequences, where the scheme operates in two different dimensions of the video. The attack is successful in defeating multiple steganographic schemes verified by determining the BER after DST attack which always remains approximately 0.5. Furthermore, the attack preserves the integrity of the video sequence which is verified by determining the PSNR which always remains approximately above 30dB.
A note on the effect of education on religiosity

Abstract In this note I present a novel finding on the relationship between education and religion in the US. I estimate the effect of education on religiosity using two alternative data sources and complementary identification strategies. My findings are conclusive. Contrary to the previously established positive correlation between formal education and religiosity, my results suggest that education has a negative effect on individuals’ religiosity.
My Dog's Better Than Your Dog: Publication Counts and Quality of Clinical Psychology PhD Training

As a potential indicator of program quality, publication counts are of interest to colleagues who are invested in this activity, generally, and ultimately of little use in evaluating doctoral training. Quality programs are inherently multidimensional and complex, as is our profession; therefore, determinations of quality must explicitly define the essential elements of doctoral training and improve upon existing evaluation systems.
Expression of nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) interleukin-2 in E. coli

The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is the only immunologically intact animal that regularly develops lepromatous-type leprosy when inoculated with Mycobacterium leprae. However, the ability to exploit this model for understanding the pathogenesis of leprosy has been limited by a lack of suitable immunological reagents. Recently, efforts began to sequence the entire armadillo genome, and this sequence information will help make possible the development of a wide array of new immunological reagents suitable for use with armadillos. Using the available sequence data, a region of high homology to interleukin-2 of other mammals was identified. Primers were designed to amplify the coding region corresponding to the mature peptide and its exact sequence was confirmed. cDNA was made from ConA-stimulated armadillo PBMC. The amplified coding region was sub-cloned into a pET expression vector and transformed into Escherichia coli for over-expression. The subsequent product was characterized by SDS-PAGE and bioassays. Tritiated thymidine incorporation by CTLL-2 and armadillo lymphoblasts confirmed functionality of the recombinant product. The advent of the D. novemcinctus genome sequence and subsequent generation of immunological tools will assist in advancing the armadillo as a translational model for leprosy.
Reducing elasmobranch bycatch: Laboratory investigation of rare earth metal and magnetic deterrents with spiny dogfish and Pacific halibut

Abstract Spiny dogfish ( Squalus acanthius ) comprises a significant unwanted bycatch on demersal longlines set for halibut and cod in shelf waters of the east and west coasts of North America. In this laboratory study, attacks on baits were tested in the presence of two different rare earth materials (neodymium–iron–boride magnets and cerium mischmetal) believed to deter elasmobranch catch. Experiments were made with spiny dogfish and with Pacific halibut ( Hippoglossus stenolepis ) in pairwise tests of the rare earth materials and inert metal controls. Dogfish attacked and consumed baits tested with cerium mischmetal at a lower frequency than controls. Times to attack the baits were significantly higher in the presence of mischmetal, as were numbers of approaches before first attack. The time differential between mischmetal and control treatments and the number of baits consumed converged with increasing food deprivation (1 h, 2 d, and 4 d), but treatment differences were always significant. Cerium mischmetal appeared to be irritating to dogfish and may disrupt their bait detection and orientation abilities. Magnets also appeared to irritate dogfish but provided no protection for baits in feeding trials. Pacific halibut showed no reaction whatsoever to the rare earth magnets or cerium mischmetal. Mischmetal, therefore, may be useful in reducing spiny dogfish bycatch in the halibut fishery. Disadvantages in using mischmetal in commercial operations are expense, hazardous nature, and relatively rapid hydrolysis in seawater.
Range decompositions and generalized square roots of positive semidefinite matrices

Abstract We establish new connections between the range of a positive semidefinite matrix and its expressions as a finite positive linear combination of Hermitian projections. In particular, if Q is a positive semidefinite matrix and P a Hermitian projection onto any subspace of the range of Q, we provide a method for explicitly calculating the maximal r for which Q − rP is positive semidefinite.
Continuous-Phase Equilibrium Problem: Quadrature Compositional Characterization and Asymptotic Convergence

In this paper, the authors examine the fluid-phase and solid−fluid-phase equilibrium problems in order to determine whether there is an inherent resistance to the convergence of quadrature-based co...
Social support and zero sharing risk among hazardously drinking injection drug users.

Abstract We compared the sociodemographic, drug use, and social support characteristics of injection drug users (IDUs) who reported at least 6 months having not "shared needles or works" (zero sharing risk) with those who reported recent equipment sharing. 187 AUDIT_positive (>8), active IDUs were recruited between February 1998 and October 1999 from a needle exchange program in Providence, RI. The sample was 64% male and 87% white, with a mean age of 36 years, and 32% of subjects reported zero sharing risk in the prior 6 months. Variables having significant ( P P