cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Open-Circuit Voltage Improvement in Hybrid ZnO–Polymer Photovoltaic Devices With Oxide Engineering

We present strategies to improve low open-circuit voltage (Voc) for ZnO-poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) photovoltaic devices, which are typically ≤0.4 V, but vary among different reports. One factor affecting Voc variability is the ZnO bandgap (Eg), which depends on detailed processing conditions. By decreasing the pyrolysis temperature of sol-gel ZnO films, we increased the ZnO Eg by 0.14 eV and Voc of corresponding bilayer devices by 0.1 V. This is understood as increased donor-acceptor energy-level offset. Next, we demonstrate significant enhancement in Voc by depositing conformal amorphous TiOx films at the surface of planar ZnO films and ZnO nanorod arrays using a spin-coating method. The TiOx coatings monotonically increased Voc from 0.4 to 0.8 V for devices with increasing TiOx thicknesses from 0 to ≥50 Å. Dark current-voltage measurement reveals that the TiOx coating significantly decreases the reverse-bias current density, leading to an improvement in Voc, in excellent agreement with predictions from the modified ideal diode equation. This is consistent with passivation of ZnO surface defects by TiOx. In short, by varying the solution processing conditions, we modify the bulk and interfacial properties of the metal oxide acceptor, thus leading to systematic improvement in open-circuit voltage.
Catholicism and Children’s Literature in France: the comtesse de Ségur (1799–1874)SOPHIE HEYWOOD

‘I will speak, I want to speak.’ Sophie Rostopchine de Segur—exile, countess, widow, grandmother, and author—wrote these words to the famed Catholic journalist Louis Veuillot in 1856. The words res...
Hilbert–Huang Transform Approach to Lorenz Signal Separation

This study uses the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT), a signal analysis method for nonlinear and non-stationary processes, to separate signals of varying frequencies in a nonlinear system governed by the Lorenz equations. Similar to the Fourier series expansion, HHT decomposes a data time series into a sum of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) using empirical mode decomposition (EMD). Unlike an infinite number of Fourier series terms, the EMD always yields a finite number of IMFs, whose sum is equal to the original time series exactly. Using the HHT approach, the properties of the Lorenz attractor are interpreted in a time–frequency frame. This frame shows that: (i) the attractor is symmetric for z (i.e. invariant for z), even though the signs on x and y are changed; (ii) the attractor is sensitive to initial conditions even by a small perturbation, measured by the divergence of the trajectories over time; (iii) the Lorenz system goes through “windows” of chaos and periodicity; and (iv) at times, a system can b...
Characterization of asymmetric ultracapacitors as hybrid pulse power devices for efficient energy storage and power delivery applications

Abstract The cost of Ni–MH and Li-ion battery packs is cut considerably for applications in HEV and pHEV onboard energy storage. The operational lifetime of these battery packs is still a cost concern for end users and limits long distance applications. The battery storage devices currently dominate onboard energy storage fields via slow electrochemical reactions. The battery pack experiences an extra burden when absorbing bursts of energy or releasing the required energy to facilitate quick acceleration. The dynamic operation under thermal and mechanical stresses especially during severe weather conditions has adverse effects on the battery operating life due to chemical compounds and electrode materials degradation. To overcome these limitations, an ultracapacitor can quickly polarize electrolyte solutions and accumulate energy via rapid electrostatic charges at the electrode–electrolyte interface. The ultracapacitor combines advantages including long cycle life and high power density of a conventional capacitor with enhanced energy storage capability due to high electrode surface area and low internal resistance. A hybrid ultracapacitor can be designed by using both a double-layer capacitor electrode and a battery electrode. This hybrid structure increases energy conservation and capacitance. It is also recognized as an asymmetric ultracapacitor. A power module consisting of 10 asymmetric ultracapacitors with 300 F at an operating window from 4.0 V to 14.5 V was tested for studying of these unique features. These 10 electrochemical capacitors were connected in series and performed electrical characterizations including Ragone plots, self-discharge, features at high current loads, working voltage, and related energy storage performance. The ultracapacitor module was then operated together with a Pb–acid battery as a hybrid power device. Performance of the hybrid power system was characterized by using an adjusted cold cranking and a modified hybrid pulse power profile. The irreplaceable structures on energy storage and power delivery serve as a potential to further reduce the cyclic burden and thermal stress in advanced battery packs for onboard energy storage applications.
Abstract PL02-01: A systems biology approach to integrative cancer genomics

The recent onslaught of molecular data across multiple human malignancies is producing an unprecedented repertoire of genetic and epigenetic alterations contributing to tumorigenesis and progression. Yet, the direct impact of this knowledge on tumor treatment and prevention is still largely unproven. Loss of tumor suppressor function is difficult to target pharmacologically and, with a handful of exceptions, alterations providing potential drug targets are relatively infrequent in cancer patients and are thus unlikely to support clinical development. By reconstructing and interrogating the regulatory logic of the cancer cell, which is responsible for integrating multiple aberrant signals in vivo, systems biology is starting to elucidate broad addiction mechanisms, both oncogene and non-oncogene based that are exquisitely specific to the cancer subtype. In this presentation, we will discuss recent result in the discovery of synergistic, non-oncogene addiction mechanisms in high-grade glioma, of the upstream genetic alterations causally related to their functional activation, and of candidate targets for combination therapy. This approach has been generalized to a number of additional tumor subtypes and provides a novel framework for cancer target discovery and development in patient-centric fashion. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr PL02-01. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-PL02-01
The disappearing thrombus: An uncommon cause of ischemic stroke

A 46-year-old woman presented with 2 episodes of transient left-sided paresis and hypoesthesia lasting 30 minutes. The emergency department initiated a stroke code due to reoccurrence of symptoms. Workup revealed a platelet count of 1,141,000, and CT angiography showed a large pedunculated thrombus within the right internal carotid artery (figure 1). She underwent emergent plateletpheresis without an anticoagulant (unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin). This was not started at the time of initial presentation because of increased bleeding risk in patients with either reactive or essential thrombocythemia.1 Eighteen hours after initial presentation, repeat imagining showed resolution of the thrombus with small areas of acute ischemic infarcts (figure 2). It was thought that this was due to artery-to-artery emboli from the thrombus. Given that there was no hemorrhage on the imaging, she was started on 325 mg aspirin daily. Three days after presentation, she was discharged from the hospital without neurologic deficits. At last follow-up, 13 months poststroke, she does not have any neurologic deficits.
An Energy Boundary Element Formulation for Predicting the Acoustic Field Around a Vehicle at High Frequencies Due to Airborne Noise Sources

An Energy Boundary Element Analysis (EBEA) formulation is presented for calculating sound radiation from a source with arbitrary shape at high frequency. The basic integral equation for the EBEA is derived including a half-space boundary condition. The time and frequency averaged acoustic energy density and acoustic intensity constitutes the primary variables of the new formulation, and the corresponding Green’s functions are derived. The governing equations for the EBEA are established and the numerical formulae for the coefficients of the system matrix, the acoustic energy density, and the acoustic intensity are derived using a Gaussian quadrature. The EBEA formulation and the corresponding numerical implementation are validated by comparing EBEA results to test data for the acoustic field around a vehicle that originates from an airborne noise source. Good correlation is demonstrated between numerical predictions and test data.© 2003 ASME
Concentration of azoproteins in yolk sac placenta of the rat.

SummaryBovine serum albumin and rat serum albumin were coupled to an azo dye, echt saure blau B to form colored azoproteins. Female rats at various stages of gestation were exposed 24 hours to these compounds and to control solutions. Both azoprotein molecules could be found within the kidney tubules, lymph nodes, maternal serum, and in all stages of the developing yolk sac placenta. No evidence of the dye in either case could be found in the embryonic tissues proper or within any of the other extraembryonic membranes at any stage of gestation studied. The significance of this apparrent impermeability of the rat placenta to these azoproteins is discussed.
Electrical stratigraphy of the WAIS Divide ice core: Identification of centimeter‐scale irregular layering

Multi-track electrical conductivity measurements (ECM) imaged a continuous record of the two-dimensional electrical stratigraphy for the deepest 40% of the WAIS Divide ice core (1956 m to 3405 m, 11.5 to 68 ka). The electrical stratigraphy showed clear banding driven primarily by annual variations. Centimeter-scale pinched layers and other irregularities were concentrated between 2700 m and 2900 m (27 ka to 33 ka); below 2900 m, decreasing amplitude of conductance variations likely due to diffusion prevented confident interpretation of both annual and irregular layering. The effective diffusivity at -30 °C is 2.2 × 10-8 m2 yr-1, approximately 5 times greater than for self-diffusion of water molecules, implying diffusion at grain boundaries. The irregular layering indicates that the cm-scale layering was disturbed in sections even though other records, such as atmospheric methane, indicate meter and larger layering is not compromised. Preservation of irregular layering at deposition is unlikely to be the cause of the identified irregular layering; instead, the irregular layering likely arises from variations in the deformation of ice.
Nonlinear Programming with Pyomo

The modeling components that are described earlier in the book can be used within nonlinear models. This chapter describes the nonlinear programming capabilities of Pyomo. It presents all the nonlinear expressions and functions that are supported, and it provides some tips for formulating and solving nonlinear programming problems. Pyomo makes use of the interface provided by the AMPL Solver Library to provide efficient expression evaluation and automatic differentiation. Use of the AMPL Solver Library means that any AMPL-enabled solver should be usable as a solver within the Pyomo framework. This chapter also provides several real-world examples to illustrate formulating and solving nonlinear programming problems.
Rapid Enumeration of Psychrotrophic Bacteria in Raw Milk by the Microscopic Colony Count1

Psychrotrophic bacteria were enumerated in raw milk by the microscopic colony count and counts were compared with those obtained by standard methods. Incubation conditions were 7 C for 10 days for the standard procedure and 7 C for 48 and 72 h or 21 C for 13.5 and 16.5 h for the microscopic colony count. Though each of the microscopic colony counts differed from the standard psychrotroph count (P < 0.01), there was a good general relationship in each instance (correlation coefficients ≥ 0.94). Wide variations in ratios of microscopic colony counts to standard psychrotroph counts made interpretations difficult. Generally, microscopic colony counts after 48 and 72 h at 7 C were less than standard psychrotroph counts. Incubation at 21 C yielded microscopic colony counts that were similar to standard psychrotroph counts for most samples; however, some microscopic colony counts at this temperature were substantially higher than the standard psychrotroph counts.
Structural uncertainty in qualitative models for ecosystem-based management of Georges Bank

Quantitative models for marine ecosystem-based management are often constrained by availability of observations. Uncertainty about the underlying system structure can affect model estimates and con...
A Murine Model of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Bariatric surgery, such as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), is a surgery of the gastrointestinal tract that is performed for the purpose of weight loss. Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective long-term treatment for obesity. In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery produces additional health benefits such as remission of type 2 diabetes, remission of hypertension, and decreased risk of developing certain types of cancer. The mechanisms beyond weight loss for these benefits remain incompletely defined. Therefore, animal models of bariatric surgery are being developed and validated to identify the mechanisms leading to these benefits, with the goal of improving understanding of gastrointestinal physiology and identifying new therapeutic targets. VSG has become the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in the clinic in the United States because it is highly effective at producing weight loss and metabolic improvement, and is simpler to perform than other bariatric procedures. Therefore, we have developed and validated a murine model of VSG. This murine VSG model recapitulates many of the effects of VSG seen in humans, including improved glucose and blood pressure regulation. The method is based on isolation of the stomach, ligation of gastric vessels, and removal of 70% of the stomach by transecting along the greater curvature of the stomach. We have successfully applied this surgical protocol to various genetically modified mouse lines to define the mechanistic contributors to the benefits of VSG. Furthermore, this murine VSG model has been combined with other surgical techniques, to achieve deeper mechanistic insight. Therefore, this is a simple and versatile model for studying gastrointestinal physiology and the health benefits of bariatric surgery.
Fully-automated ventricular ectopic beat classification for use with mobile cardiac telemetry

We have developed a robust fully-automated model for classifying ventricular ectopic beats. The classifier relies on a 12-layer convolutional neural network that was trained using over 5,000 expertly-annotated ECG recordings from the BodyGuardian® Heart (BGH) monitor. The proposed model was evaluated using data from over 950 patients and achieved classification sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 99% when evaluated using real-world ambulatory ECG recordings collected by the BGH monitor. On the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database, the classifier achieved 99% sensitivity and 99% specificity, performing equal to or better than previously published work.
Follicle stimulating hormone receptor protein is expressed in ovine uterus during the estrous cycle and utero-placenta during early pregnancy: An immunohistochemical study

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a well characterized gonadotropin that controls primarily development and functions of ovarian follicles in mammalian species. FSH binds to a specific G protein-coupled receptor (FSHR) belonging to the glycoprotein hormone receptor family that plays an essential role in reproduction. Although the primary location of FSHR is in the gonads (mainly in ovarian follicles), FSHR protein and/or mRNA have also been detected in extragonadal female reproductive tissues including embryo, placenta, endometrium, cervix, ovarian cancer tissues, and/or endometriotic lesions in several species. To determine the pattern of FSHR expression in the uterus and placenta, uterine tissues were collected at the early, mid- and/or late luteal phases of the estrous cycle from non-treated or FSH-treated ewes, and utero-placental tissues were collected during early pregnancy followed by immunohistochemistry and image generation. FSHR was immunolocalized to several uterine and utero-placental compartments including luminal epithelium, endometrial glands and surrounding stroma, myometrium, and endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells in endometrium, myometrium and mesometrium. Intensity of staining and distribution of FSHR in selected compartments differed and seems to depend on the stage of the estrous cycle or pregnancy, and FSH-treatment. These novel data demonstrate differential expression of FSHR protein indicating that FSH plays a specific role in regulation of uterine and utero-placenta functions in sheep.
Childhood Maltreatment and Impulsivity: A Meta-Analysis and Recommendations for Future Study

Both childhood maltreatment and impulsivity have been implicated in a broad array of negative public health outcomes and have been much studied in relation to each other. Characterizing this relationship, and the processes underlying it, are important for informing intervention efforts targeting this association and its psychopathological sequelae. The current review presented a systematic meta-analysis of the empirical literature on childhood maltreatment and impulsivity. In all, 55 eligible studies were identified and included in this review. General support was found for a positive association between childhood maltreatment, including its specific subtypes, and general trait impulsivity, with pooled effect sizes ranging from small in the case of childhood sexual abuse (OR = 1.59 [95% CI = 1.38-1.84]) to medium-to-large in the case of childhood emotional abuse (OR = 3.10 [95% CI = 2.27-4.23]). Support for a relationship between childhood maltreatment and laboratory-based measures of impulsive behavior was generally lacking. The current findings must be interpreted with a degree of caution, given several methodological limitations characterizing much of the empirical literature. Recommendations for addressing these limitations and directions for future research are provided.
Simulation on the development progress of positive glow corona discharge from ground wire of AC/DC transmission lines under thunderstorm condition

In thunderstorm weather, lightning induction appears on the surface of ground objects, and then the positive glow corona is initiated, which influences the selection of lighting targets by lighting leader. So, it has great research value for lightning protection of AC/DC transmission lines. Here, a two-dimensional model of positive glow corona is established in COMSOL Multiphysics. From the simulation results of its development progress, corona current, ion distribution, and migration are revealed. The positive ions are in a round symmetric distribution at the initial stage of migration, but when the ions move farther away, ions become an elongated oval distribution. Also, most of the ions move to the thundercloud in the end. The positive ions accumulate above the transmission line and form a positive background, which has confinement and attenuation to electronic beam. Therefore, the probability of the electron avalanche converted into flowing is reduced. Meanwhile, the positive background promotes the compound of ions and electrons. As a result, the initiation of upward leader is suppressed and so the selection of lighting targets by lighting leader is influenced.
A Spatial Pattern Analysis of Land Surface Roughness Heterogeneity and its Relationship to the Initiation of Weak Tornadoes

AbstractNorth Alabama is among the most tornado-prone regions in the United States and is composed of more spatially variable terrain and land cover than the frequently studied North American Great...
Comparative Effectiveness of Alternative Dosing Regimens of Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.

Context:Viscosupplementation is widely used for management of knee osteoarthritis. Many formulations of hyaluronic acid (HA) are available, ranging from a single injection to a series of up to 5 in...
Metal-insulator transition (MIT) materials for biomedical applications

Transitional metal oxides get considerable interest in electronics and other engineering applications over few decades These materials show several orders of magnitude metal insulator transition MIT triggered by external stimuli Bio sensing using Vanadium dioxide VO a MIT material is largely unexplored In this short article we investigate the VO based thermal sensor performance for measuring the biomolecule concentration Active sensing layer is chromium and niobium co doped VO as it shows deg C temperature coefficient of resistance TCR with practically no thermal hysteresis Our study demonstrated that VO based microsensors can be used to measure the biomolecule concentrations which produce temperature changes in the mK range For mK change in temperature the maximum detection voltage is near V
A Retrospective Study of Neurological Complications in Pediatric Patients With Moyamoya Disease Undergoing General Anesthesia.

Background Moyamoya disease is a condition with potentially devastating and permanent neurological sequelae. Adequate volume status and blood pressure, tight control of carbon dioxide to achieve normocarbia, and providing postoperative analgesia to prevent hyperventilation are typical goals that are used during anesthetic care in these patients. The purpose of this study was to assess postanesthesia neurological complications in moyamoya patients undergoing general anesthesia for imaging studies and surgical procedures excluding neurosurgical revascularization. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study examining moyamoya patients who received general anesthesia for imaging studies and nonneurosurgical-revascularization procedures between January 1, 2001 and December 1, 2016 at our quaternary care pediatric hospital. A general anesthetic encounter was excluded if it occurred within 30 days after a revascularization surgery. The electronic medical records of study patients were analyzed for perioperative management, and neurological outcomes within 30 days of an anesthetic were assessed. Results A total of 58 patients undergoing 351 anesthesia exposures were included in the study. Three patients experienced neurological complications, which included focal neurological weakness, seizure, and altered mental status. The incidence of complications during anesthesia encounters was 0.85% (3/351) with a 95% confidence interval of 0.28-2.62. Conclusions Over a 16-year period at our hospital, 3 children with moyamoya disease who underwent anesthesia for nonneurosurgical-revascularization purposes demonstrated postanesthesia neurological symptoms. The symptoms were consistent with transient ischemic attacks and all resolved without long-term sequelae.
Minimizing Errors in the Nursing Profession with Technology-Enhanced Education and Training

Our research aims to address two gaps in the current state of the art and practice in nursing education. First, while there are some studies on the association between medical errors and the underlying cognitive mechanisms, the knowledge on the linkage between the cognitive mechanisms and different types of medical errors under various conditions is far from adequate, and even less so on how to reduce medical errors by better equipping future nurses with cognitive capabilities and by using technical interventions when possible. Second, while human patient simulation (HPS) has been widely adopted in nursing programs in the US, its effectiveness is severely handicapped by the lack of reliable and efficient methods to provide objective assessment and feedback to students. To address the first gap, we propose to systematically identify common types of medical errors and discover the underlying cognitive mechanisms based on gaze tracking for patient safety related activities during HPS under a set of carefully crafted conditions. To address the second gap, we propose to develop an automated method to objectively assess the performance of students during HPS using computer vision and to provide realtime and on-demand offline feedback to students based on the data collected during HPS and predefined rules.
Integrating Use of Ground and Surface Water in Wyoming

This paper examines Wyoming law governing conflicts between uses of ground and surface water.
Motor Protein MYO1C is Critical for Photoreceptor Opsin Trafficking and Vision

Unconventional myosins linked to deafness are also proposed to play a role in retinal physiology. However, their direct role in photoreceptor structure and function remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that systemic loss of the unconventional myosin MYO1C in mice affected opsin trafficking and photoreceptor survival, leading to vision loss. Electroretinogram analysis of Myo1c knockout (Myo1c-KO) mice showed a progressive loss of rod and cone function. Immunohistochemistry and binding assays demonstrated MYO1C localization to photoreceptor inner and outer segments (OS) and identified a direct interaction of rhodopsin with the MYO1C cargo domain. In Myo1c-KO retinas, rhodopsin mislocalized to rod inner segments and the cell bodies, while cone opsins in OS showed punctate staining. In aged mice, the histological and ultrastructural examination of Myo1c-KO retinas showed a progressively degenerating photoreceptor OS phenotype. These results demonstrate that MYO1C is critical for opsin trafficking to the photoreceptor OS and normal visual function.
Research viewpoint modernizing the outer space treaty for national appropriation

Article II of the Outer Space Treaty requires a re-examination for applicability to the modern operating environment of space. This paper conducts this examination and analyzes multiple strategic v...
Bias Correction for Replacement Samples in Longitudinal Research.

Missing data are commonly encountered problem in longitudinal research. One way researchers handle missing data is through the use of supplemental samples (i.e., the addition of new participants to...
FDG PET/CT assessment to validate and determine prognostic value of new FIGO staging system 2018 in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

351 Objectives: To validate and assess the prognostic value of the revised 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system for cervical cancer by PET/CT disease assessment. Methods: IRB approved and HIPPA compliant retrospective study of 116 patients with biopsy proven squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix with a FDG PET/CT for initial staging. Clinical staging based on FIGO staging system 2009 at the time of diagnosis was recorded. FDG PET/CT studies were reviewed and reclassified based on the revised FIGO staging system 2018. PET/CT of patients with FIGO 2018 stage IIIC1 and IIIC2 were reviewed for the total number of abdominopelvic positive lymph nodes. Median follow up was 44.7 months. Cox proportional regression models were used to calculate the hazard ratio for FIGO 2009 and FIGO 2018 staging systems for both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). One sided permutation tests were used to test the model fit with FIGO 2009 versus FIGO 2018. Log likelihood was used as the fit criterion. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to assess the correlation of the number of positive lymph nodes in patients with stage IIIC with OS and PFS. Results: The patients’ mean age was 54.2 ± 13.1 years; based on the FIGO staging 2009, 21 patients had stage I, 56 had stage II, 24 had stage III and 15 had stage IV disease. Reclassification based on FIGO staging 2018 had 12 patients with stage I, 14 patients with stage II, 7 patients with stage III (A+B) and 68 with stage IIIC and 15 with stage IV. Eighty-eight patients had a change in stage using the FIGO 2018 staging system and were included in the analysis. 19 patients had disease related death and 28 patients had recurrence. Correlation of FIGO 2009 stage and PFS and OS was not significant, with hazard ratio (HR) of 1.06 (CI:0.85-1.32), p = 0.63 for PFS and HR of 1.12 (CI: 0.86-1.46), p = 0.40 for OS. Significant correlation was seen with FIGO 2018 stage and PFS and OS, with HR of 1.53 (CI:1.04-2.27), p = 0.03 and HR of 2.79 (CI: 1.43-5.46), p = 0.003), respectively. Permutation tests showed that FIGO 2018 staging system fit the data significantly better than FIGO 2009 staging system for both PFS (p = 0.041) and overall survival (p = 0.01). For patients with stage IIIC based on FIGO 2018 staging system, significant correlation was noted between the number of positive lymph nodes on PET/CT and worse OS was noted, with HR for incremental number of positive lymph nodes of 2.058 (CI: 1.133 - 3.739), p = 0.017. Conclusions: FIGO staging system 2018 determined by PET/CT is significantly better than prior staging system 2009 to predict PFS and OS in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Higher number of positive lymph nodes on PET/CT was significantly associated with worse overall survival.
Differences in Mortality Rates of Gunshot Victims: The Influence of Neighborhood Social Processes

Firearm violence is considered a public health crisis in the United States. Firearm violence spatially concentrates within neighborhoods and is associated with community factors; however, little is...
Approximating polyhedra with sparse inequalities

In this paper, we study how well one can approximate arbitrary polytopes using sparse inequalities. Our motivation comes from the use of sparse cutting-planes in mixed-integer programing (MIP) solvers, since they help in solving the linear programs encountered during branch-&-bound more efficiently. However, how well can we approximate the integer hull by just using sparse cutting-planes? In order to understand this question better, given a polyope $$P$$P (e.g. the integer hull of a MIP), let $$P^k$$Pk be its best approximation using cuts with at most k non-zero coefficients. We consider $${\text {d}}(P, P^k) = \max _{x \in P^k} \left( \min _{y \in P} \Vert x - y\Vert \right) $$d(P,Pk)=maxx?Pkminy?P?x-y? as a measure of the quality of sparse cuts.In our first result, we present general upper bounds on $${\text {d}}(P, P^k)$$d(P,Pk) which depend on the number of vertices in the polytope. Our bounds imply that if $$P$$P has polynomially many vertices, using half sparsity already approximates it very well. Second, we present a lower bound on $${\text {d}}(P, P^k)$$d(P,Pk) for random polytopes that show that the upper bounds are quite tight. Third, we show that for a class of hard packing IPs, sparse cutting-planes do not approximate the integer hull well, that is $$d(P, P^k)$$d(P,Pk) is large for such instances unless k is very close to n. Finally, we show that using sparse cutting-planes in extended formulations is at least as good as using them in the original polyhedron, and give an example where the former is actually much better.
Postcooking temperature changes in beef patties.

Beef patties (86 and 143 g) formed from high-fat (20 to 29%) and low-fat (6 to 10%) ground beef obtained in eight different selections for both high and low fat content were cooked by either a gas grill or an electric griddle. Patties were cooked to either 66.1 or 68.3°C as determined in the thickest section, and internal temperatures were recorded after cooking at 1-s intervals for 180 s in both thick and thin sections of patties. Time-temperature curves (after cooking) were evaluated for compliance with regulatory requirements for classifying patties as fully cooked. For patties cooked to 66.1°C. the maximum highest temperature in the thickest patty section often did not reach 71.1°C (recommended for cooking of beef patties by consumers). Although thin sections of patties had higher temperatures than thick sections at the termination of cooking, temperature variability was greater and declines in temperature occurred sooner in thin patty sections. Failure to meet fully cooked, time-temperature requirements was greater in thin than thick sections. Thicker (143-g) patties possessed longer postcooking times before declining in temperature than thinner (86-g) patties. Although many beef patties cooked in this study achieved regulatory time requirements for maintaining 66.1 or 68.3°C (as well as attaining 71.1°C), some patties did not meet these requirements. Because of the considerable temperature variability that can exist within patties at the conclusion of cooking, use of end point temperatures of less than 71.1°C is not recommended for consumers. Consumers should allow several minutes of holding following cooking before consumption to maximize the increases in postcooking temperature. Further research is required to establish cooking procedures that will improve temperature uniformity and eliminate cold spots during cooking of beef patties. Des boulettes de boeuf cuites a moins de 71°C peuvent etre considerees comme completement cuites et bonnes pour la consommation si elles maintiennent une certaine temperature pendant un temps suffisant. Par exemple, si elle cuite a 66,1°C, la temperature de la boulette doit etre maintenue pendant 41s, ou a 68,3°c pendant 16s. Dans cette etude, des changements de temperatures apres cuisson sont evalues dans des boulettes de boeuf cuites a 66,1 et 68,3°C en relation avec le taux de matieres grasses (6, 10, 20, 29%), la taille des boulettes et la methode de cuisson (un gril au gaz ou une grille electrique). A cause de la variabilite importante de temperature dans les boulettes a la fin de la cuisson, l'utilisation de temperatures inferieures a 71°C n'est pas recommandee pour le consommateur.
Observation of the S01→P03 clock transition in Al+27

We report, for the first time, laser spectroscopy of the {sup 1}S{sub 0}{yields}{sup 3}P{sub 0} clock transition in {sup 27}Al{sup +}. A single aluminum ion and a single beryllium ion are simultaneously confined in a linear Paul trap, coupled by their mutual Coulomb repulsion. This coupling allows the beryllium ion to sympathetically cool the aluminum ion and also enables transfer of the aluminum's electronic state to the beryllium's hyperfine state, which can be measured with high fidelity. These techniques are applied to measure the clock transition frequency {nu}=1 121 015 393 207 851(6) Hz. They are also used to measure the lifetime of the metastable clock state {tau}=20.6{+-}1.4 s, the ground state {sup 1}S{sub 0} g factor g{sub S}=-0.000 792 48(14), and the excited state {sup 3}P{sub 0} g factor g{sub P}=-0.001 976 86(21), in units of the Bohr magneton.
Deconstructing C. elegans Sensory Mechanotransduction

Much important information reaches us through the sense of touch, yet little is known about the protein machinery that converts mechanical energy into electrical responses at neurons. In her prize-winning essay, [Miriam Goodman][1] describes work aimed at understanding mechanotransduction in C. elegans. She describes characterization of an ion channel complex that is likely at the core of the transduction complex and gated by mechanical energy. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/306/5695/427
Raman amplification in broadband WDM systems

After comparing Raman and erbium amplification, this talk focuses on why distributed Raman amplification has become a catalyzing technology to ultra-long 10 Gb/s and future 40 Gb/s transmission. A review of how Raman systems work and recent transmission results underscore's it's potential.
Code/space: software and everyday life, by Rob Kitchen and Martin Dodge

Should you open up Code/space: software and everyday life because you hope it covers software applications from a theoretical perspective and you want a book-length introduction to NP-Completeness ...
Homophobia and Homosociality: An Analysis of Boundary Maintenance

Past research on the subject of homophobia consists of theoretical generalizationl, on its origin or empirical correlations of a multitude of attitudinal and demgraphic variables, with very little synthesis of the two. The present study relates homophobia to the maintenance of powerful sex-segregated institutions. It does so by operationalizing, for the first time, the concept of homosociality, which refers to social preference for members of one's own gender, but does not necessarily imply erotic attraction. This concept is tested for its relationship with homophobia in a survey of a large adult sample. Traditional explanations of homophobia (which center around religious and sex-role conservatism) are similarly explored. All proposed hypotheses find support.
Contribution to the study of the essential leaf oils in Severinia buxifolia (Poir.) tenore

Abstract The individual components of the distilled essential leaf oils of Severinia buxifolia (Poir.) Tenore (Rutaceae) have been separated by gas-liquid chromatography and their retention volume and probable identification determined.
Progress in Infrared Cloud Phase Determination Using AIRS

Recent progress in the determination of cloud phase using infrared AIRS hyperspectral observations is presented. CALIPSO lidar products are used to create a database of manually classified AIRS pixels for algorithm development.
Dimensionality Analysis of Thermal Transport in Multilayer Thin Film Systems

Pump-probe transient thermoreflectance (TTR) techniques are powerful tools for measuring thermophysical properties of thin films, such as thermal conductivity, Λ, or thermal boundary conductance, G. This paper examines the assumption of one-dimensional heating on Λ and G determination in nanostructures using a pump-probe transient thermoreflectance technique. The traditionally used one dimensional and radial (3D) models are reviewed. To test the assumptions of the thermal models, experimental data from Al films on bulk substrates (Si and glass) are taken with the TTR technique. This analysis is extended to thin film multilayer structures. Results show that at 11 MHz modulation frequency, thermal transport is indeed one dimensional. Error among the various models arises due to pulse accumulation and not accounting for residual heating.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The struggle for equal rights for women in the early jewish defense underground: bar giora and ha’shomer, 1907-1918

The Jewish National Movement, emerging from the second half of the nineteenth century, brought many waves of emigration to Palestine. One of those waves, the Second Aliyah, gave birth to new social-national concepts, including the aspirations both to establish underground organizations to defend the Jewish national enterprise in Palestine and to meet the aspirations of women workers struggling to transform the traditional status of women to one of equality. This essay explores the women’s struggle for equal rights within Bar Giora and Ha’shomer between the years 1907-1918.
Racetrack betting and consensus of subjective probabilities

In this paper we consider the dynamic process of race track betting. We show that there is a close connection between the dynamic race track betting process and the pari-mutuel method for constructing consensus of subjective probabilities considered in Eisenberg and Gale. This enables us to show that there exists a unique equilibrium point for the betting process. We further show that the dynamic betting process converges to this equilibrium point almost surely. Therefore the sequential race track betting gives a natural approach to inducing the consensus probabilities in Eisenberg and Gale. These consensus probabilities are different from the average of the subjective probabilities which is used in the conventional way of combining individually held opinions into a collective group statement. We compare these probabilities and this leads to a potential explanation of the favorite-longshot bias consistently observed in the studies of race track betting.
The frequency of KRAS and BRAF mutations in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas and their correlation with clinical outcome

The incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is increasing worldwide. The prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is poor, and a better understanding of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma tumor biology is needed to more accurately predict clinical outcome and to suggest potential targets for more effective therapies. v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) and BRAF are frequently mutated oncogenes that promote carcinogenesis in a variety of tumor types. In this study, we analyze a large set of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma tumors (n = 54) for mutations in these genes and compare the clinical outcomes of wild type versus KRAS and BRAF mutant cases. Of 54 cases, 7.4% were mutant for KRAS, 7.4% were mutant for BRAF, and these were mutually exclusive. These mutant cases were associated with a higher tumor stage at time of resection and a greater likelihood of lymph node involvement. These cases were also associated with a worse long-term overall survival. Therefore, testing for KRAS and BRAF mutations could be a valuable adjunct in improving both prognosis and outcome stratification among patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Tribological Considerations in Primary and Revision Metal-on-metal Arthroplasty

Background: Metal-on-metal hip bearings undergo biphasic wear, starting with a short period of high wear (bedding-in) and followed by low steady-state wear. Bedding-in is the process by which the cup wears locally to conform to the geometry of the head. This process reduces the maximum contact stress and allows for appropriate lubrication. A critical area of conformance and wear is required for the bearing to reach a low steady-wear state. Cups were analyzed in this study after primary and revision wear scenarios to determine this critical area for this specific bearing. Methods: Forty and 56-mm cobalt-chromium resurfacing bearings with 150 and 400-μm clearances were wear tested in a hip simulator for 5 million cycles. The cups underwent an additional 5 million cycles of testing against new heads, simulating a revision scenario. The revision heads were manufactured to cause the highest mismatch with the pre-worn cups, resulting in polar or local annular contact. Cup wear area was determined from weight-loss measurements after each phase of testing. Results: All bearings experienced a biphasic wear performance with a short period of high wear followed by low steadystate wear. A consistent critical area of conformance was reached by all bearings after primary and revision testing conditions, regardless of bearing size, bearing clearance, or contact mode. Conclusions: An area of conformity (wear) reduces contact pressures, is beneficial for lubrication, and is critical to reach a low steady-state wear rate. This study shows that this critical area is consistent regardless of bearing size, clearance, or contact mode. Bearing designs that allow the proper formation of this conformance area should bed-in and reach a low steady-state wear rate. Clinical Relevance: The biphasic wear mode of metal-on-metal bearings has been shown clinically. Due to the unavoidable diametric deviations of femoral head implants, replacement of the femoral head in revision surgery may change the nature of the bearing contact and initiate a new bedding-in phase.
Structure and Apparent Reactivity of the π-Cation Radical Derivatives of Zinc and Copper 5,10,15,20-Tetra(2,6-dichlorophenyl)porphyrinate

The report that the π-cation radical complexes of 5,10,15,20-tetra(2,6-dichlorophenyl)porphyrinates have a near degenerate 2 A1u/2A2u ground state has led us to examine their molecular structures. ...
Interactions stabilizing the structure of the core light-harvesting complex (LH1) of photosynthetic bacteria and its subunit (B820).

Reconstitution experiments with a chemically synthesized core light-harvesting (LH1) β-polypeptide analogue having 3-methylhistidine instead of histidine in the position that normally donates the coordinating ligand to bacteriochlorophyll (Bchl) have provided the experimental data needed to assign to B820 one of the two possible αβ·2Bchl pairs that are observed in the crystal structure of LH2 from Phaeospirillum (formerly Rhodospirillum) molischianum, the one with rings III and V of Bchl overlapping. Consistent with the assigned structure, experimental evidence is provided to show that significant stabilizing interactions for both the subunit complex (B820) and LH1 occur between the N-terminal regions of the α- and β-polypeptides. On the basis of the results with the chemically synthesized polypeptides used in this study, along with earlier results with protease-modified polypeptides, mutants, and chemically synthesized polypeptides, the importance of a stretch of 9−13 amino acids at the N-terminal end of...
Recombination between viral RNA and transgenic plant transcripts

Transformed plants expressing the 39 two-thirds of the cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) capsid gene were inoculated with a CCMV deletion mutant lacking the 39 one-third of the capsid gene. Although the deletion inoculum replicates in inoculated cells, systemic infections occur only if recombination restores a functional capsid gene. Four of 125 inoculated transgenic plants, representing three different transgenic lines, became systemically infected. Analysis of viral RNA confirmed that RNA recombination had united the transgenic messenger RNA and the challenging virus through aberrant homologous recombination.
Hepatic overexpression of abcb11 promotes hypercholesterolemia and obesity in mice.

Background & Aims ABCB11 is a canalicular transport protein that controls the rate-limiting step in hepatic bile acid secretion. Its expression levels vary in humans, and it is not clear how these variations affect lipid metabolism. We investigated whether overexpression of Abcb11 in mice increases lipid absorption in the intestine and affects the development of obesity or hypercholesterolemia. Methods Transgenic mice that overexpress Abcb11 in liver (TTR- Abcb11 ) and FVB/NJ mice (controls) were fed a high-cholesterol or high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Intestinal lipid absorption was measured by the dual fecal isotope method. Energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry. The bile acid pool was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results TTR- Abcb11 mice had a nearly 2-fold increase in intestinal cholesterol absorption compared with controls. TTR- Abcb11 mice fed a high-cholesterol diet had greater increases in plasma and hepatic levels of cholesterol and became more obese than controls; they also had increased intestinal absorption of fatty acids and decreased energy expenditure. In the TTR- Abcb11 mice, the sizes of plasma and total bile acid pools were reduced; the bile acid pool contained more species of hydrophobic bile acids compared with controls. Conclusions Hepatic overexpression of Abcb11 in mice promotes diet-induced obesity and hypercholesterolemia; increased intestinal cholesterol absorption by hydrophobic bile acids might cause these features. Increased absorption of fatty acids in the intestine and reduced expenditure of energy could increase weight gain in TTR- Abcb11 mice. In humans, variations in expression of ABCB11 might confer genetic susceptibility to diet-induced hyperlipidemia and obesity.
A chronic emergency room visitor with chest pain: Successful treatment by stress management training and biofeedback

The successful treatment of a patient with chest pain who at baseline visited the emergency room (ER) up to 20 times monthly is described. Treatment consisted of re-education, stress management training and biofeedback. The importance of conceptualizing multiple ER visitations as an interaction of physiological, psychological, social and iatrogenic factors is discussed, and suggestions are made for recognizing such behavior and effectively referring patients for appropriate treatment.