cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling Solid-Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) Fracture: Coupled Mechanical/Chemical Degradation of the Lithium Ion Battery

In lithium ion batteries, intercalation and deintercalation of lithium may result in volume changes that induce stresses in the lithium-host electrode-material particles. At relatively high rates of charging or discharging, the host electrode particles may see large lithium concentration gradients which may result in fracture and pulverization due to large diffusion-induced stresses. Conversely, during low-rate charge/discharge operations, the lithium concentration gradients in the particle are minimal; in turn, the internal stresses to which the electrode particles are subjected are low. The electrode particle-cracking models fail to explain why cells exhibit higher coulombic capacity loss during low-rate cycling than during storage. The primary reason being that most of these models focus on understanding the host particle pulverization but fall short of recognizing the importance of possible mechanical degradation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. In this article, we develop a mathematical model to study stresses experienced by the SEI and demonstrate that stresses of large magnitude are exerted on the SEI layer during the expansion/contraction of an electrode particle which may fracture the SEI layer. With these stress calculations we also show that the larger the state-of-lithiation (SOL) change (or 'swing') during a lithiation event, the larger the possibility of SEI fracture. We propose that at lower discharge/charge rates of battery operation the SEI cracking and reforming, rather than the host particle fatigue, is a dominant mechanism of cell capacity loss. The capacity loss due to SEI cracking is shown to be proportional to the square of the SOL swing of the electrode particle during lithiation. An equation is derived to estimate battery capacity fade with SEI fracture and reformation as the main capacity-loss mechanism. The equation is used to estimate capacity fade during actual cell cycling experiments with satisfactory agreement between estimated and observed capacity fade with only one adjustable parameter.
A study on motion mode identification for cyborg roaches

This paper demonstrates the ability to accurately detect the movement state of Madagascar hissing cockroaches equipped with a custom board containing a five degree of freedom inertial measurement unit. The cockroach moves freely through an unobstructed arena while wirelessly transmitting its accelerometer and gyroscope data. Multiple window sizes, features, and classifiers are assessed. An in-depth analysis of the classification results is performed to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the classifier and feature set. The conclusions of this study show promise for future work on cockroach motion mode identification and localization.
Hepatic NK, NKT and T cells

The liver’s unique location between the gastrointestinal tract and peripheral lymphoid organs and its fenestrated endothelium allow contact with many antigenic substances. These consist of dietary proteins transported from the gut via the portal vein, products of intrahepatic metabolism, and bacterial and viral liver pathogens. According to the different origin of these antigens, the liver has the unique ability to induce either tolerance or inflammatory reactions (1,2) (Table 1). Furthermore, the liver can actively modulate ongoing immune reactions: the intrahepatic inflammatory infiltrate can be increased by chemotactic attraction and activation of leukocytes (3) and decreased by induction of apoptosis of activated intra-hepatic lymphocytes (4). These dual and apparently oppos-4 ing functions are important to understand the mechanisms of tolerance to oral and allograft antigens and the pathogenesis of liver diseases caused by parasitic and viral pathogens. This chapter addresses the unique role of intrahepatic natural killer (NK), natural killer T (NKT), and T cells during this process.
Analytical sizing methods for behind-the-meter battery storage

Abstract In behind-the-meter application, battery storage system (BSS) is used to reduce a commercial or industrial customer's payment for electricity use, including energy and demand charges. The potential value of BSS in payment reduction and the optimal size can be determined by formulating and solving standard mathematical programming problems. In such mathematical programming methods, users input system information such as load profiles, energy/demand charge rates, and battery characteristics to construct a standard programming problem, which typically involves a large number of constraints and decision variables. The problems are then solved by optimization solvers to obtain numerical solutions. Such kind of methods cannot directly link the obtained optimal battery sizes to input parameters and requires case-by-case analysis. In this paper, we present an objective quantitative analysis of costs and benefits for customer-side BSS, and thereby identify key factors that affect optimal sizing. We then develop simple but effective guidelines for determining the most cost-effective battery size. The proposed analytical sizing methods are innovative, and provide engineering insights on how the optimal battery size varies with system characteristics. We illustrate the proposed methods using practical building load profile and utility rate. The obtained results are compared with the ones using mathematical programming based methods for validation.
Market Cycle Turning Point Forecasts by a Two-Parameter Learning Algorithm as a Trading Tool for S&P Futures

Among the long-term stationary (although complex) behavior characteristics of futures markets is a set of identifiable intermediate-length (2–21.5 days) price cycles. Using a two-parameter extrapolation technique, time and price objectives of these cycles are determined. The valley-to-valley time differences (wave-lengths) are more regular than those for top-to-top, with standard deviations of the former about 50% smaller than those of the latter. The substantial profitability in S&P futures trading based on these parameters can be further increased by including additional features.
Enabling microsatellite maneuverability: A survey of microsatellite propulsion technologies

Microsatellites, commonly defined as having a mass of less than 100fcg, are being developed and launched with increasing frequency over the past decade. While this interest has led to rapid development of miniaturized electronics, communications and sensing components, microsatellites still lack significant maneuvering capability. Maneuverable microsatellites have the potential to allow for cost-effective satellite constellations, and disaggregated systems needing long-duration formation flying. This paper surveys and provides a performance comparison for some promising microsatellite propulsion technologies. Two recently developed propulsion technologies, green monopropel-lants and ion electrospray, show great promise for increasing the maneuverability of severely volume and power constrained microsatellites.
Concurrent built in test and tuning of beamforming MIMO systems using learning assisted performance optimization

Future 5G wireless systems will deploy massive MIMO systems with large numbers of transmit and receive antennas and novel RF transceiver architectures that admit RF beamforming. Such systems will need to be designed with built-in test and post-manufacture self-tuning capability for yield enhancement and in-field tuning. A key issue is the lack of observability into internal circuit nodes due to the convergence of multiple RF beamforming chains into a combined baseband signal and the need to decouple individual RF chain behaviors from combined baseband signals. A second problem is that of testing and tuning as many RF chains in parallel as possible across a diverse range of specifications and modes of operation (beam steering angles) using optimized test stimulus. The interdependence between phase shift and gain of phase-shifter/amplifier configurations complicates the latter. Also, in relation to SISO/MIMO omnidirectional systems, large numbers of tuning knobs are involved. To solve the above, we propose novel algorithms for parallel testing and tuning of massive MIMO beamforming systems. Machine learning assisted coarse tuning is first performed followed by a fine-tuning procedure utilizing gradient descent. Tuning for EVM and signal-to-interference ratio is performed under power constraints. Simulation results prove the viability of the proposed techniques.
Methods for Studying Oxidative Regulation of Protein Kinase C

Abstract The protein kinase C (PKC) family of isoenzymes may be a crucial player in transducing H2O2-induced signaling in a wide variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes. PKCs contain unique structural features that make them highly susceptible to oxidative modification. Depending on the site of oxidation and the extent to which it is modified, PKC can be either activated or inactivated by H2O2. The N-terminal regulatory domain contains zinc-binding, cysteine-rich motifs that are readily oxidized by H2O2. When oxidized, the autoinhibitory function of the regulatory domain is compromised, and as a result, PKC is activated in a lipid cofactor-independent manner. The C-terminal catalytic domain contains several reactive cysteine residues, which when oxidized with a higher concentration of H2O2 leads to an inactivation of PKC. Here, we describe the methods used to induce oxidative modification of purified PKC isoenzymes by H2O2 and the methods to assess the extent of this modification. Protocols are given for isolating oxidatively activated PKC isoenzymes from cells treated with H2O2. Furthermore, we describe the methods used to assess indirect regulation of PKC isoenzymes by determining their cytosol to membrane or mitochondrial translocation and tyrosine phosphorylation of PKCδ in response to sublethal levels of H2O2. Finally, as an example, we describe the methods used to demonstrate the role of H2O2-mediated cell signaling of PKCɛ in green tea polyphenol-induced preconditioning against neuronal cell death caused by oxygen–glucose deprivation and reoxygenation, an in vitro model for cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury.
Outpatient Percutaneous Nephrostolithotomy

Technical advances and operator experience have resulted in a rapid and marked streamlining of the percutaneous approach to renal calculi. The development of nephrostomy tract balloon dilators, improved grasping instruments and the use of assisted local anesthesia have been integral in reducing the morbidity and cost of the procedure. We report our initial favorable experience in the use of percutaneous stone removal on an outpatient basis. All 5 patients underwent an uncomplicated 1-stage stone removal. Cost for outpatient percutaneous stone removal was substantially less than for surgery or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.
Identifying Vascular Targets to Treat Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke is a devastating type of stroke that affects 20% of all stroke patients. In spite of the severity of morbidity and the high rate of mortality associated with hemorrhagic stroke, current treatment methods are quite insufficient to reduce long-term morbidity and high mortality rate, up to 50%, associated with bleeding into critical brain structures, the ventricles, and the subarachnoid space. Preclinical and translational research programs have led to significant advances in the understanding of important mechanisms that contribute to cell death and clinical deficits. The most important findings revolve around a key set of basic mechanisms intimately involved in brain bleeding, including activation of matrix membrane metalloproteinases (MMP), specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, enhanced free radical production and oxidative stress, and both altered inflammatory and coagulation pathways. It is now becoming apparent and accepted that brain bleeding may result in the activation of a “hemorrhagic stroke cascade” in many cell types including neurons, glia, and vasculature. Moreover, in hemorrhage there is also activation of many components of the “ischemic stroke cascade.” The activation of multiple hemorrhage and ischemia pathways is a two-edged sword: it results in the activation of series of detrimental pathways, some of which are duplicated in each cascade, but they may allow for useful pharmacological intervention.
Villain, Victim or Visionary?: The Insights and Flaws in F. W. Taylor’s Ideas

Taylor’s theory of organization has never been properly delineated even though it has given rise to much passion, both supportive and critical. Some would argue that Taylor had no clear idea of the organization, working only at the level of the individual workers. But this is to forget Taylor’s considerable experience and success as a senior executive and investor, and as a leading management consultant. Taylor could not have had these successes without a powerful set of ideas about how successful firms should work. His concept of functional foremen and his disputes with Henri Fayol, the French industrialist and organizational theorist with whom he is often compared, and with Edwin Gay, the first Dean of the Harvard Business School, also suggest that Taylor had a distinctive theory in mind.
An Extrachromosomal Suppressor of Male Crossing-Over in Drosophila ananassae

In Drosophila ananassae, crossing-over in males produces populations of strands having properties comparable to those recovered from females: complementary classes are recovered equally, recombination frequencies are additive, and chromosome interference is positive or absent. On the other hand, the frequency of exchanges in males is generally much lower than in females, and the distribution of exchanges also differs between the sexes (Table 1). The occurrence of crossing-over’ in males is dependent upon a dominant allele located 8 map units to the right of ru, a recessive allele mapped 5 units to the left of ru, and another recessive located in the left arm of chromosome 2. Miscellaneous observations indicate the existence of still undefined loci that regulate the frequency and regional distribution of exchanges in males (Hinton, 1970 and unpublished).
Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) derived from gastrointestinal organs comprise a biologically and clinically diverse group of cancers. Though considered “rare,” their incidence is increasing due in large part to the increase in use of cross-sectional imaging and endoscopies. With longer survival times compared with adenocarcinomas, the prevalence of NETs in the United States is greater than that of gastric, esophageal, and pancreas cancers combined. The vast majority of NETs express somatostatin receptors, which can be targets for therapy with somatostatin analogs. When linked to radionuclides, somatostatin analogs can also be used for molecular imaging and radiation therapy. Other targeted therapies, such as inhibitors of angiogenesis and mTOR, also play a role in the management of advanced NETs. Cytotoxic chemotherapy can be effective particularly in pancreatic NETs. Treatment decisions hinge on the tissue of origin, grade, and differentiation of the tumor, the stage and site(s) of involvement, and whether the patient is asymptomatic or has symptoms associated with tumor mass effect or syndromes associated with the release of bioactive amines secreted by the tumor cells. Multidisciplinary input is essential in optimal management of this heterogeneous NET patient population.
Modeling the Edge-Plasma Interface for Liquid-Lithium Walls in FNSF

AbstractThe viability of using liquid-lithium walls for the divertor and main chamber surfaces for a Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) is analyzed from the point of view of the edge-plasma reg...
Optimal Series Resistors for On-Wafer Calibrations

The series resistor (SR) is a common on-wafer device typically used in the series-resistor (SR) calibration and for estimating the capacitance per unit length of coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission lines. While much work has been done using SRs, this article addresses the design of the resistor itself, considering both its dc resistance value and geometry, and evaluates which resistor is the best resistor. We fabricated 48 different SRs with dc resistances ranging from approximately 1 $\Omega $ to over 6 $\text{k}\Omega $ and tested their utility in the SR calibration and in extracting the capacitance per unit length of CPW transmission lines. We found that a dc resistance near 100 $\Omega $ produces the best SR calibration when compared to multiline thru-reflect-line. For extracting the capacitance per unit length, resistors with a dc resistance near 150 $\Omega $ and shorter than 20 $\mu \text{m}$ long gave the capacitance values with the lowest uncertainty. In addition, we provide some guidance on choosing frequency bounds for the capacitance estimation. These results are of interest to anyone who performs on-wafer calibrations.
New Postcolonial Dialectics: An Intercultural Comparison of Indian and Nigerian English Plays

Sarbani Sen Vengadasalam’s book proposes an original comparative exploration of selected plays of India’s Rabindranath Tagore, and Nigeria’s Wole Soyinka through the lens of “intercultural dialecti...
Chapter 16 – The Zon Laboratory Guide to Positional Cloning in Zebrafish

Zebrafish genome sequencing project has improved efficiency of positional cloning in zebrafish and traditional chromosome walking by isolating large insert genomic libraries has become a past. However, the genetic principles underlying the positional cloning still form the foundation for current chromosome walking using the genome sequence assemblies and related genomic sequence and clone information. This guide intends to summarize our accumulated experience in positional cloning using the current genomic resources and tools, and provide a practical guide to positional and/or candidate cloning of mutants of interest.
Novel fusion protein of mouse UL16-binding protein-like transcript 1 (MULT1) and Fas induces apoptosis and tumor rejection

4885 Tumor cells evade immunosurveillance by elements of the innate immune system, such as NK cells, by down regulating or "shedding" certain cell surface molecules like Mouse UL16-binding protein-like transcript 1 (MULT1) that can activate NK cells through the NK cell receptors such as NKG2D; they also avoid Fas mediated apoptosis by down regulating its expression. In the present study we report designing and evaluating the antitumor activity of a novel fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domain of MULT1 and the transmembrane and intracellular domains of Fas. The fusion construct (MULT1-Fas) was transfected into mouse pulmonary carcinoma cell line TC-1; and stable cell lines expressing the fusion protein were created. Cell growth studies showed that the cells expressing high levels of MULT1-Fas, as indicated by FACS analysis, grew at the same rate as cells not expressing the fusion protein in vitro. In vitro cell culture studies demonstrated that NKG2D/Fc, a recombinant protein of mouse NK cell receptor NKG2D, was able to elicit apoptosis through the Fas transmembrane and intracellular domains of MULT1-Fas in cells expressing the fusion protein as assayed by Annexin V-FITC staining and caspase-3 ELISA. In vivo subcutaneous tumor studies of MULT1-Fas expressing cell lines demonstrated reduced tumor size. Pulmonary metastasis studies showed that most of the mice completely rejected tumor cells expressing MULT1-Fas. This approach may generate a new therapeutic agent for tumor treatment when combined with tumor cell specific gene delivery vehicles such as oncolytic adenovirus vectors.
The effectiveness of an operating room etiquette video on medical student comfort in the gynecologic operating room

Background: Medical students spend a large portion of their obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) rotation in the operating room (OR). We identified a deficit in appropriate OR orientation and created a 10-min video reviewing OR etiquette and fundamental skills. Our primary aim was to investigate the effect of this video on medical students' comfort and self-assessed performance in the gynecologic OR. Our secondary aim was to examine if OR personnel rated students' performance higher 8 months after video introduction. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cohort study of 71 3rd- and 4th-year medical students participating in the core OB/GYN clerkship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). All medical student participants watched the video once during their clerkship orientation and had continuous online access. Participants completed a pre- and posttest survey assessing their comfort with various OR tasks. After each OR day, participants completed a brief self-assessment of their OR performance. OR staff were surveyed on medical student performance before and after video implementation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the signed-rank test, and Fisher's exact test via SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Results: Most students reported improvement on the daily self-assessment. Students without prior surgical experience demonstrated greater improvement in comfort with most OR tasks. OR staff perception of medical students changed favorably after video implementation in several domains. Conclusions: A brief video detailing OR etiquette and fundamental skills is an easily implemented resource to clarify OR tasks that often produce unnecessary anxiety for students. Improved OR staff perception of medical student performance may help streamline OR functioning.
Female with Vaginal Bleeding

Author(s): Quilon, Mark; Glucksman, Alec; Emmanuel, Gregory; Greenstein, Josh; Hahn, Barry | Abstract: Case Presentation: A 24-year-old pregnant female presented to the emergency department with lower abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. A point-of-care ultrasound demonstrated a calcified yolk sac.Discussion: When identified, calcification of the yolk sac in the first trimester is a sign of fetal demise. It is important for an emergency physician to be aware of the various signs and findings on point-of-care ultrasound and be familiar with the management of these pathologies.
Proposing new measures of employment deconcentration and spatial dispersion across metropolitan areas in the US

Author(s): Hipp, JR; Kim, JH; Forthun, B | Abstract: A well-known challenge is measuring employment concentration across metropolitan areas and analysing the evolving spatial structure. We introduce a new approach that avoids identifying “job centres” and conceptualizes the distribution of employment based on two dimensions: (1) employment deconcentration; and (2) spatial dispersion of high employment locations. We apply this framework to study 329 US metropolitan regions based on 1 sq km. grid cells. We find diverse trajectories of metropolitan restructuring between 2000 and 2010, and substantial variation across regions in employment concentration. The new framework enables researchers to compare metropolitan regions to gain insights into the dynamic nature of metropolitan spatial structure.
Roles for α-Synuclein in Gene Expression

α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is a small cytosolic protein associated with a range of cellular compartments, including synaptic vesicles, the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes. In addition to its physiological role in regulating presynaptic function, the protein plays a central role in both sporadic and familial Parkinson's disease (PD) via a gain-of-function mechanism. Because of this, several recent strategies propose to decrease α-Syn levels in PD patients. While these therapies may offer breakthroughs in PD management, the normal functions of α-Syn and potential side effects of its depletion require careful evaluation. Here, we review recent evidence on physiological and pathological roles of α-Syn in regulating activity-dependent signal transduction and gene expression pathways that play fundamental role in synaptic plasticity.
Spinal Vascular Shunts: A Patterned Approach.

SUMMARY: Spinal vascular shunts, including fistulas and malformations, are rare and complex vascular lesions for which multiple classification schemes have been proposed. The most widely adopted scheme consists of 4 types: type I, dural AVFs; type II, intramedullary glomus AVMs; type III, juvenile/metameric AVMs; and type IV, intradural perimedullary AVFs. MR imaging and angiography techniques permit detailed assessment of spinal arteriovenous shunts, though DSA is the criterion standard for delineating vascular anatomy and treatment planning. Diagnosis is almost exclusively based on imaging, and features often mimic more common pathologies. The radiologist’s recognition of spinal vascular shunts may improve outcomes because patients may benefit from early intervention.
Importance of environmental factors on plantings of wild-simulated American Ginseng

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) is an herbaceous perennial plant native to the forests of eastern North America with a long history of use and harvest, and with a significant international market. To supply international demand, the plant is grown in the USA and Canada under artificial shade cloth. However, wild and wild-appearing ginseng roots command prices up to 100 times greater than roots cultivated in a field: $550–2200 (US$ dry kg) vs. $20–70 (US$ dry kg). Growing ginseng in a forested environment using a “wild-simulated” forest farming approach, where growers introduce ginseng into a forested environment and then let it grow with little to no intervention, allows forest farmers to access these higher prices and meet international demand. As climate change shifts growing conditions globally, there will be increasing opportunities for the forest farming of American ginseng internationally. In this study, we examined the main drivers of ginseng growth and development in a wild-simulated ginseng forest farm. We measured the range of environmental conditions and built statistical models to examine which factors were most important for ginseng vigor. We found that the amount of sunlight, even under highly shaded conditions, was the most important driver of ginseng establishment on the landscape, as well as ginseng plant size and development. Prior research indicates that additional factors including soil nutrient levels, moisture, and texture are important for the survival, growth, and development of wild and planted American ginseng, but our study did not show significant patterns of importance at this site. Our findings suggest that integrating silvicultural techniques such as forest thinning may enhance the productivity of wild-simulated ginseng operations while providing additional forest-based income with minimal impact on natural forest ecosystems.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Cutting Setons for the Treatment of Anal Fistulas

Anal fistula is a common disease of the anal region that can be treated using a cutting seton. The objective of this study was to investigate healing and recurrence outcomes of anal fistulas treated via cutting setons performed by a specialist colorectal surgery group at a single academic institution. This retrospective chart review study included 143 patients who underwent a cutting seton procedure at a single academic institution to treat their anal fistula between January 2013 and December 2018. The main outcomes measured in this study were healing rates, recurrences rates, incontinence rates, and infectious complication rates of anal fistulas being treated with a cutting seton. In total, 127 (88.8%) patients’ fistulas healed after treatment with a cutting seton. Fifteen (10.5%) patients had a fistula recurrence after treatment. Fourteen (9.8%) patients experienced an infectious complication after the cutting seton procedure while 8 (5.6%) patients developed some form of incontinence during the fistula healing period. Average healing time for fistulas after cutting seton treatment was 1.9 months (7–8 weeks). This study indicates that the cutting seton procedure is an effective and safe method for treating anal fistulas. Cutting setons lead to low rates of complications (like infections and incontinence) and good long-term outcomes when it comes to maintaining anal sphincter function after presence of a complicated and/or high anal fistula. This study suggests that the cutting seton remains an alternative to other procedures, which maybe more invasive and compromising.
Models of language acquisition

How do we come to believe what we do? This question has for millenia engaged the interest of philosophers inclined to reflect on human nature and has in this century been the primary impetus for much research in psychology. More recently, the attention of philosophers and psychologists alike has focussed not only on belief formation and fixation per se, but also on the acquisition of competences which have been argued to be founded on systems of beliefs apparently inaccessible to conscious survey and control. Formal learning theory attempts to provide a framework within which various precise models of belief formation and fixation can be elaborated. The investigation and comparison of such models can provide insight into some of the questions which philosophers and psychologists have raised about the fixation of belief.
Building Agent-Based Walking Models by Machine-Learning on Diverse Databases of Space-Time Trajectory Samples

We introduce a novel scheme for automatically deriving synthetic walking (locomotion) and movement (steering and avoidance) behavior in simulation from simple trajectory samples. We use a combination of observed and recorded real-world movement trajectory samples in conjunction with synthetic, agent-generated, movement as inputs to a machine-learning scheme. This scheme produces movement behavior for non-sampled scenarios in simulation, for applications that can differ widely from the original collection settings. It does this by benchmarking a simulated pedestrian's relative behavioral geography, local physical environment, and neighboring agent-pedestrians; using spatial analysis, spatial data access, classification, and clustering. The scheme then weights, trains, and tunes likely synthetic movement behavior, per-agent, per-location, per-time-step, and per-scenario. To prove its usefulness, we demonstrate the task of generating synthetic, non-sampled, agent-based pedestrian movement in simulated urban environments, where the scheme proves to be a useful substitute for traditional transition-driven methods for determining agent behavior. The potential broader applications of the scheme are numerous and include the design and delivery of location-based services, evaluation of architectures for mobile communications technologies, what-if experimentation in agent-based models with hypotheses that are informed or translated from data, and the construction of algorithms for extracting and annotating space-time paths in massive data-sets.
Psychosocial Factors Associated With Routine Health Examination Scheduling and Receipt Among African American Men

INTRODUCTION: African American men often fail to obtain routine health examinations, which increases the probability of disease detection, yet little is known about psychosocial factors that motivate scheduling and receipt among this group. METHODS: We used the Andersen model and theory of reasoned action as frameworks to evaluate the relative contribution of psychosocial factors to self-reported routine health examination scheduling and receipt in a cross-sectional sample of African American men (N = 386) recruited from barbershops (65.3%) and academic institutions/events (34.7%) in Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina between 2003-2004 and 2007-2009. Participants completed measures assessing demographic factors, physical/mental health status, traditional male role norms, health-promoting male subjective norms, health value, and medical mistrust. Pearson's chi(2), analysis of variance, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate associations between these study factors and routine health examination scheduling and receipt in the past year. RESULTS: After final adjustment, the odds of scheduling a routine health examination were increased for men with a usual source of care (OR, 5.48; 95% CI, 3.06-9.78) and more health-promoting male subjective norms exposure (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.02-2.04). Higher medical mistrust (OR, 0.26;; 95% CI, 0.09-0.76) and traditional male role norms (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52-0.98) reduced the odds of routine health examination receipt. The odds of routine health examination receipt were increased among men who were older (OR=1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.10), had a usual source of care (OR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.54-5.51) and reported more male subjective norms exposure (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.02-2.22). CONCLUSIONS: Improving African American men's uptake of routine health examinations will require addressing medical mistrust, mitigating traditional masculine concerns about disclosing vulnerability, and leveraging male social networks.
Intrapsychic predictors of professional quality of life: Mindfulness, empathy, and emotional separation

Research examining stress disorders provides important information about professional and workplace variables with the potential to influence practitioners’ risk for compassion fatigue and burnout. However, little attention is given to intrapersonal skills or abilities that might function to reduce risk by increasing resilience and improving work satisfaction, but without jeopardizing practitioners’ empathic engagement and effective treatment relationships with clients. This study uses a random sample of licensed clinical social workers (N= 171) to examine relationships of mindfulness, empathy, and emotional separation to several aspects of professional quality of life, including compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction. Data are analyzed using ordinary least squares linear regression. Findings show mindfulness and emotional separation are significantly associated with compassion satisfaction and burnout, and emotional separation is significantly associated with compassion fatigue. These r...
Foxp3-mediated inhibition of Akt inhibits Glut1 expression in human T regulatory cells (BA14P.203)

Thymic-derived CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) have a diminished capacity to activate the PI3K/Akt pathway. Although blunted Akt activity is necessary to maintain Treg suppressive function, other consequences of decreased Akt signaling are unclear. Glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) is a cell surface receptor responsible for facilitating glucose transport across plasma membranes and expression of Glut1 is tightly coupled to co-stimulatory signals and Akt phosphorylation. Freshly isolated human Tregs were unable to up-regulate Glut1 in response to TCR and co-stimulatory signals when compared to similarly activated effector T cells. Furthermore, stimulated Tregs utilized less glucose than stimulated effector T cells in ex vivo cultures. Introduction of Foxp3 into effector T cells by lentiviral-mediated transduction inhibited not only Akt activation, but also Glut1 expression, indicating that Foxp3 can regulate Glut1. Together, these results illustrate the molecular basis underlying differential glucose metabolism between human Tregs and effector T cells as well as revealing potential pathways for immune modulation.
Water supply and treatment

Human activities and freshwater pollution have impaired the supply of good quality water to majority of the world's population. It is anticipated that there will be a global water crisis by 2030 if definite measures are not taken to curtail the current trends. High population growth rate, increasing urban drift, economic growth, and climate changes are the key factors contributing to the water crisis. The development of sustainable water treatment systems with innovative approaches to planning, design, operation, and maintenance of water infrastructure is imperative, while an integrated management of water and energy can be a new paradigm shift toward sustainability. Going beyond removal of conventional contaminants using coagulation–flocculation–sedimentation–filtration processes, advanced treatment technologies including advanced oxidation, membrane separation, and activated carbon adsorption processes have been adopted to address emerging issues associated with the presence of toxic chemicals in water as well as aesthetic aspects (odor, color, and taste) of water quality. Recently, nanotechnological approaches have emerged as breakthrough technologies for improving water quality with less effort and materials. Meanwhile, more basic approaches employing the concept of water conservation, reclamation, recycle, and reuse might be a better solution to the ever increasing scarcity of good quality drinking water. Keywords: water treatment; water reclamation; water reuse; water supply; environmental sustainability; water-energy nexus; advanced oxidation; membrane separation; activated carbon adsorption; nanotechnology
The Effect of Electoral Competitiveness on Ideological Voting Patterns in the U.S. House, 2002-10

This research examines the 2002-10 U.S. House elections, using cross-sectional time series analysis to test the relationship between the closeness of elections, district partisanship, and the subsequent ideological stances of winning candidates in Congress. Using the Poole and Rosenthal DW-nominate scores, the Cook Partisan Voter Index, and the election results, we find evidence that the more competitive the race, the more moderate is the voting record of the winning candidate in the next session of Congress. We also find the same effect with regard to the heterogeneity of the partisan balance in the district. Este articulo examina las elecciones de la Casa de Representantes estadounidense del periodo 2002-10, utilizando analisis de series de tiempo trans-seccional para probar la relacion entre la proximidad temporal de elecciones de distrito y las posiciones ideologicas subsiguientes de los candidatos ganadores. Utilizando las tablas DW-nominate de Poole y Rosenthal, el indice de Electores Partidistas de Cook, y los resultados electorales, presentamos evidencia de que entre mas competitiva la eleccion, mas moderado es el registro de votos en la proxima sesion del Congreso, del candidato ganador. Tambien encontramos el mismo efecto en relacion a la heterogenedad del equilibrio partidista en el distrito.
The Drama of Survival: Staging Post-traumatic Memory in Plays by Lebanese-Québécois Dramatists

Quebec theatre has frequently been a site for dramatizing trauma–whether we mean the collective historical trauma of the Conquest or the more personal traumas related to dysfunctional families or violent acts. In a group of recent plays by Lebanese immigrant playwrights we see a different kind of trauma being staged–the overwhelming historical trauma of the Lebanese civil war as performed in plays by Abla Farhoud, Bernard Antoun, and Wajdi Mouawad. This different kind of "theâtre engage" bears witness to the national tragedy of Lebanon, works through the trauma it caused, and offers hope to the survivors. Instead of inspiring dread, fear, horror, and pity leading to catharsis, these plays re-enact violence, memorialize the victims, and perform mourning work in order to renew our shattered faith in humanity. Le theâtre quebecois a souvent ete un site pour la mise en scene des evenements traumatisants-qu'on parle du traumatisme collectif et historique de la Conquete ou des traumatismes intimes lies aux familles dysfonctionnelles ou aux actes violents. Dans des pieces recentes ecrites par des dramaturges d'origine libanaise on voit une differente sorte de traumatisme mise en scene-la catastrophe historique de la guerre civile du Liban comme elle est representee dans les pieces d'Abla Farhoud, Bernard Antoun, et Wajdi Mouawad. Ce "theâtre engage" different temoigne de la tragedie nationale pour assumer le choc qu'elle a cause et donner de l'espoir aux rescapes. Au lieu d'inspirer l'epouvante, la peur, et l'horreur qui menent au catharsis, ces pieces recreent la violence, memorialisent les victimes, et accomplissent le travail du deuil afin de renouveler notre foi perdue dans l'humanite.
Cell-cycle-specific F plasmid replication: regulation by cell size control of initiation.

F plasmid replication during the Escherichia coli division cycle was investigated by using the membrane-elution technique to produce cells labeled at different times during the division cycle and scintillation counting for quantitative analysis of radioactive plasmid DNA. The F plasmid replicated, like the minichromosome, during a restricted portion of the bacterial division cycle; i.e., F plasmid replication is cell-cycle specific. The F plasmid replicated at a different time during the division cycle than a minichromosome present in the same cell. F plasmid replication coincided with doubling in the rate of enzyme synthesis from a plasmid-encoded gene. When the cell cycle age of replication of the F plasmid was determined over a range of growth rates, the cell size at which the F plasmid replicated followed the same rules as did replication of the bacterial chromosome--initiation occurred when a constant mass per origin was achieved--except that the initiation mass per origin for the F plasmid was different from that for the chromosome origin. In contrast, the high-copy mini-R6K plasmid replicated throughout the division cycle.
(Fine-Pixel) imaging CdZnTe arrays for space applications

The compound Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CdZnTe) offers great promise for astrophysics. As crystal quality improves, the challenge for imaging array development is to derive electrode geometries and readout electronics to satisfy particular applications and to understand how the material will perform in the space environment. An overview of the requirements for CdZnTe imaging detectors at the focus of hard-x-ray grazing-incidence telescopes will be given together with the status of current array developments.
Low-abundance plasma protein differences between African-American and Caucasian early pubertal females following supplementation with 9 mg Zn (1043.10)

The purpose of this research was to determine whether supplementation with oral zinc levels near the RDA for 4 wks would affect plasma protein levels in African-American (AA) and Caucasian (C) early pubertal females. The subjects were given either 9 mg elemental zinc (n=75; 40 C, 35 AA) or placebo (n=71; 40 C, 31 AA) to consume for 4 wks. Plasma was collected from subjects at baseline (BL) and 4 wks, and was analyzed for zinc by atomic absorption. Plasma from subjects that were most responsive to zinc supplementation (BL to 4wk; n=5), or exhibited the least difference between BL and 4wk (placebo; n=5) were analyzed. Individual plasma samples were prefractionated on immunoaffinity columns to remove 14 high-abundant plasma proteins. Effluent proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (400 µg; 15% acrylamide 2nd dimension). The gels were stained with Coomassie blue G-250 and analyzed by densitometry. Significant differences were determined by Student’s t-test. Comparisons were made betwee...
Comparison of electromigration reliability of tungsten and aluminum vias under DC and time-varying current stressing

Using Kelvin test structures, the via reliability with respect to electromigration failure of tungsten and aluminum vias under DC, pulse-DC and AC stressing have ben studied. The results indicate that although W-plug vias can eliminate the step coverage problem, this metallization system is not ideal because the Al/W contact presents an undesirable flux divergence location for electromigration. Al vias are more reliable than W-plug vias with respect to electromigration failure. The via lifetimes under bidirectional stressing current were found to be orders of magnitude longer than DC lifetimes under the same stressing current density for both W and al vias. The unidirectional 50% duty-factor pulse-DC lifetime was found to be twice the DC lifetime at the low-frequency region ( 10 kHz), in agreement with the vacancy relaxation model. >
Calculation of Optical Rotation Using Density Functional Theory

We report calculations of the frequency-dependent electric dipole−magnetic dipole polarizability tensor, βαβ(ν), using ab initio density functional theory (DFT). Gauge invariant (including) atomic orbitals (GIAOs) are used to guarantee origin-independent values of β = (1/3)Tr [βαβ]. Calculations of β at the sodium D line frequency, β(D), for 30 rigid chiral molecules are used to predict their specific rotations, [α]D. Calculations have been carried out using the B3LYP functional and the 6-31G*, DZP, 6-311++G(2d,2p), aug-cc-pVDZ, and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets. Comparison to experimental [α]D values for 28 of the 30 molecules yields average absolute deviations of calculated and experimental [α]D values in the range 20−25° for the three large basis sets, all of which include diffuse functions. The accuracies of [α]D values calculated using the 6-31G* and DZP basis sets, which do not include diffuse functions, are significantly lower: average deviations from experiment are 33° and 43°, respectively. Hartree−Foc...
On modeling time series data using spreadsheets

Abstract Linear regression analysis has long been used to estimate the parameters of various types of times series (TS) models. In some cases, the application of traditional regression-based techniques to TS data does not produce the optimal values of the parameters being estimated. The nonlinear optimization tool (known as Solver) built into today’s electronic spreadsheets can alleviate these estimation problems as well as simplify the process of modeling many types of TS problems. This paper presents two examples of TS problems where Solver performs better than regression-based TS techniques. It also encourages educators to reevaluate these and other traditional TS techniques in light of Solver’s capabilities.
Tensor polarization of deuterons from the 9Be(p, d)8Be reaction for Ep = 1.6–3.8 MeV

Abstract The tensor polarization of the deuterons from the 9Be(p, d)8Be reaction was measured for proton energies in the range 1.6–3.8 MeV and for lab emission angles between 10° and 90°. The tensor polarization was measured by observing the deviation from isotropy of the angular distribution of the 3He(d, p)4He reaction, when the deuterons from the 9Be(p, d)8Be reaction were incident on a 3He gas cell with energies below 600 keV. The largest magnitude of polarization observed occured at E p = 2.0 MeV , θ lab = 10° , where t20 was found to be 0.53 ± 0.08. For proton bombarding energies below 2.6 MeV, a pronounced energy dependence of the polarization is present, while in the energy range 2.7–3.8 MeV less variation was observed. Neither a DWBA calculation using spin-orbit potentials nor a plane-wave calculation including deuteron D-state effects has been successful in reproducing the magnitude and angular variation of the tensor polarization data, although the differential cross-section data above Ep = 2.5 MeV strongly suggest that the (p, d) “pick-up” reaction is the predominant reaction mechanism at these bombarding energies.
Influence of Energy-dependent Escape from the Galaxy on Cosmic Electrons

The escape of cosmic rays from the Galaxy may be energy dependent1–4. This conclusion has been obtained from the observed1,2,5 ratio of secondary to primary nuclei in the cosmic rays. (Primary nuclei are directly accelerated in the sources and secondary nuclei are produced by spallation reactions of the primaries with ambient matter.) Secondary nuclei seem to have steeper spectra than their primary progenitors, which suggests that the escape probability of cosmic rays from the Galaxy may increase with increasing energy. Here we point out that the consequence of such a variation for cosmic electrons at high energies is that the effects of synchrotron and Compton losses on the electron spectrum are significantly diminished by comparison with the expected effects for a constant lifetime.