cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alternativas à teoria da ação estatal na era da privatização, arbitragem compulsória e a internet: direcionando o direito para servir às necessidades humanas | Alternatives to the State Action Doctrine in the Era of Privatization, Mandatory Arbitration, and the Internet: Directing Law to Serve Human Needs

No direito constitucional norte-americano, a teoria da acao estatal – anexando as protecoes dos direitos individuais a acao do governo – e notoriamente confusa, se nao incoerente. Embora a doutrina ja seja conhecida por sua “falta de clareza” [1] , comentaristas competem em floreios retoricos, descrevendo a doutrina como "uma colecao de regras arbitrarias" [2] , “uma area de desastre conceitual” [3] e, pessoalmente sendo a minha expressao favorita, “uma busca por uma saida de uma caverna ecoante e umida” [4] . No entanto, satisfazer o requisito de “acao estatal” e uma pre-condicao para a aplicacao judicial de direitos individuais. Este fato e, infelizmente, uma das principais razoes para a incoerencia da doutrina. E a questao do limite – a porta – para a sala dos direitos; todas as pressoes e desejos de aplicar e resistir aos direitos destroem-no a partir de suas dobradicas. Assim, embora a investigacao basica sobre se a acao contestada ocorreu sob os auspicios do governo pareca intuitiva, a jurisprudencia ao longo do tempo criou uma colcha de retalhos de testes e precedentes que definem quem conta como ator do governo, quando atores nao governamentais podem ser tratados como agentes revestidos de autoridade governamental, e quando uma determinada acao envolve indicacoes suficientes de autoridade governamental para dar origem as limitacoes constitucionais que asseguram a responsabilizacao pelos valores publicos [1] CHIANG, Emily. No State Actor Left Behind: Rethinking Section 1983 Liability in the Context of Disciplinary Alternative Schools and Beyond. Buffalo Law Review , v. 60, p. 615, 643, 2012. [2] HUHN, Wilson R. The State Action Doctrine and the Principle of Democratic Choice. Hofstra Law Review , v. 34, p. 1379, 1380, 2006., [3] BLACK JR, Charles. L. Foreword: “State Action,” Equal Protection, and California’s Proposition 14, 81. Harvard Law Review , v. 69, p. 95, 1967. [4] BLACK JR, Charles. L. Foreword: “State Action,” Equal Protection, and California’s Proposition 14, 81. Harvard Law Review , v. 69, p. 95, 1967.
Limiting strain for auxeticity under large compressive Deformation: Chiral vs. re-entrant cellular solids

Abstract Under compression, auxetic open cell cellular solids may lose auxeticity due to instability and/or self-contact between the ribs. This study explores the limiting strains for preserving auxetic effects for auxetic open cell materials of two different cellular structures: re-entrant honeycomb and the ‘missing-rib’ type chiral cellular solids. Experiments of the 3D printed specimens, periodicity analysis, and ellipticity analysis showed that, under compressive loads, the auxetic effects and the limiting compressive strain for auxeticity are mutually exclusive. In other words, the limiting compressive strain has to be reduced if larger auxetic effect is desired, vice versa. It was found that compared with re-entrant honeycombs, due to chirality-induced rotation, the chiral cellular solids can preserve auxetic effects under much larger compressive strain (>−10–30%).
Summarizing Network Processes with Network-Constrained Boolean Matrix Factorization

Understanding and modeling complex network processes is an important task in many real-world applications. The first challenge is to discover patterns in such complex data. In this work, our goal is to summarize different processes in a network by a small yet interpretable set of network patterns, each of which represents a local community of connected nodes frequently participating in the same network processes. We formulate this problem as a Boolean Matrix Factorization with a network constraint, which we prove to be NP-hard. We then propose an efficient algorithm that incrementally adds the best patterns and achieve scalability with two further improvements. First, to decide which network processes contain which network patterns, we introduce two mapping algorithms with linear costs. Second, to systematically mine the exponential subgraph search space for good patterns, we devise two sampling algorithms based on Monte Carlo Markov Chain. Experimental results on both synthetic and real-world datasets show that our solutions are scalable and find network patterns that effectively summarize network processes.
Post Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) Engraftment Syndrome: Improved Treatment and Outcomes

Post ASCT engraftment syndrome (ES) is a well-known clinical complication, however many aspects of its etiology, treatment and outcomes remain largely controversial. In this retrospective study, we hypothesized that ES is frequent, and empiric treatment of presumed ES with steroids improves patient outcomes. We reviewed records of 138 ASCTs done over recent 18 months in our institution and identified patients with the diagnosis of ES. ES was defined as fever and/or skin rash and/or diarrhea and/or pulmonary manifestations that started around the engraftment day and in the absence of evidence for infection. Our results show that 39 patients (28.3%) were diagnosed with ES, with incidence of 32.6% in multiple myeloma/amyloidosis versus 23.8% in lymphoma and other diseases. We used SPSS v25 for statistical analysis and present P values for 2-tailed t-test or Fisher's exact test. Compared to patients without ES, patients with ES were significantly more likely to have fever, skin rash, diarrhea, and higher LDH levels on first day of engraftment. Risk factors for ES included shorter time from diagnosis to ASCT (P=0.038), older age (P=0.04), higher CD34+ cell dose (P=0.02) which caused less use of post ASCT G-CSF, and lower absolute lymphocyte count on first engraftment day (P=0.04). All ES patients received treatment with steroids. Initial dose of prednisone/methylprednisolone was 2 mg/kg (n=31), 1 mg/kg (n=5), while 3 patients received 1000 mg as the starting dose. The median length of steroid therapy was 7.5 days (range, 3-19). One ES patient with bad diarrhea died of cardiac arrest who received only 3 days of lower dose steroids, and another ES patient intubated for respiratory failure who had full recovery with delayed start of steroids treatment. Only one ES patient had documented bacteremia with fever spike. In conclusion, our study suggests that fever, even without rash, around the time of engraftment is likely to be ES related and not infection. Overall survival of ES patients has improved with greater awareness of the diagnosis and earlier use of steroids.
Advancing the innovation of family meeting models: The role of teamwork and parent engagement in improving permanency

Abstract In child welfare, family meeting models are an important social innovation designed to develop individualized case plans through a family-centered and collaborative approach. Effective teamwork and parent engagement are key elements of family meetings. Previous studies report mixed results about the practical impacts of family meetings, perhaps due to a failure to elucidate how the key elements of the models are associated with the intended outcomes. This study utilized administrative data that reviewed child welfare cases in a Midwestern state in the U.S. to examine interactions between teamwork and parent engagement associated with the permanency of children in out-of-home care (n = 1450). Results indicate that teamwork is positively associated with permanency. Although both mother engagement and father engagement did not show significant main effects, father engagement significantly strengthened the positive relationship between teamwork and permanency. Additionally, a significant three-way interaction between teamwork, father engagement, and mother engagement was found. This interaction suggests that the strength of the positive relationship between teamwork and permanency was dampened when both mothers and fathers engage highly in family meetings. This paper concludes with implications for informing a clear theory of change to advance and diffuse the social innovation of family meeting models.
The Effects of Attentional Focus Instructions and Task Difficulty in a Paced Fine Motor Skill.

An external focus of attention is considered superior to an internal focus for learning and performance. However, findings specific to changing the task difficulty are inconsistent. The present stu...
Magnetic Field Measurement Using Peak-Locked Zeeman Coherent Population Trapping Resonance in Rubidium Vapor

A sensor for magnetic field measurement is developed using a small (centimeter size) rubidium cell. A high contrast Zeeman coherent population trapping (CPT) resonance is produced by the magnetic dither in the sensor solenoid, and a peak-locked servo is implemented for magnetic field measurement. Sensitivity close to $\text{110 pT}/\sqrt {\text{Hz}} $ has been achieved in axial field measurement. The CPT-based magnetic sensor is capable of measuring sub-nanotesla level magnetic field variations at high (microtesla) field strength. We discussed possible sources of noise and broadening which are affecting the performance of the sensor, and suggest changes that will further improve the performance of the sensor.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Surgical Approach

The laparoscopic approach to hysterectomy has demonstrated benefits of decreased morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and quicker return to normal activities when compared to abdominal hysterectomy, with decreased postoperative pain and shorter length of hospitalization when compared to vaginal hysterectomy. With the careful application of advanced laparoscopic techniques and sufficient surgical experience, laparoscopic hysterectomy can be implemented in a range of clinical scenarios, including complicated cases with distorted pelvic anatomy or large uteri.
Trajectories of child protective services contact among Alaska Native/American Indian and non-Native children.

Abstract Background Contact with child protective services (CPS) functions as an independent marker of child vulnerability. Alaska children are an important population for understanding patterns of CPS contact given high rates of contact overall and among specific demographic groups. Objective We aimed to identify longitudinal trajectory classes of CPS contact among Alaska Native/American Indian (AN/AI) and non-Native children and examine preconception and prenatal risk factors associated with identified classes. Participants and setting We used data from the Alaska Longitudinal Child Abuse and Neglect Linkage (ALCANLink) project, a linkage of 2009–2011 Alaska Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) births with administrative data including CPS records. Methods We conducted growth mixture modeling to identify trajectory classes of CPS contact from birth to age five years. We used Vermunt’s three-step approach to examine associations with preconception and prenatal risk factors. Results Among AN/AI children, we identified three classes: 1) no/low CPS contact (75.4%); 2) continuous CPS contact (19.6%), and 3) early, decreasing CPS contact (5.0%). Among non-Native children, we identified four classes: 1) no CPS contact (81.3%); 2) low, increasing CPS contact (9.5%); 3) early, rapid decline CPS contact (5.8%); and 4) high, decreasing CPS contact (3.3%). Maternal substance use had the largest impact on probabilities of class membership, increasing the probability of membership in classes characterized by CPS contact, among both AN/AI and non-Native children. Conclusions Results reveal heterogeneity in longitudinal patterns CPS contact across early childhood among Alaska children and identify maternal substance use as an important target for primary prevention.
Effect of diazotization and magnetic assembly on CNT dispersion observed with hardness and modulus measurement of their epoxy composite of low CNT volume fraction

Polymer composites with small amount of CNTs (< 5 wt%) have been studied as a light-weight wear-resistant material with low friction, among other applications, but their modulus improvement often plateaus or diminishes with increasing CNT fraction due to agglomeration. Here, polymer nanocomposites were fabricated with randomly oriented or aligned CNTs across their volume (up to 5 mm length) by CNT surface diazotization and by static magnetic field application (400 G for 40 min). With the improved CNT dispersion and thus less agglomeration, the reduced moduli of PNCs stayed improved with addition of up to 1 vol% (or 1.3 wt%) of CNTs. In this work, the PNCs with randomly oriented CNTs exhibited higher stiffness than the PNCs with magnetically aligned and assembled CNTs, indicating again the negative effect of CNT agglomeration on stiffness. In future, other CNT structuring methods with controlled inter-CNT contacts will be conducted to dissociate alignment from local agglomeration of CNTs and thus to simultaneously improve hardness and modulus of PNCs with small CNT addition.
Silence and Absence: Feminist Philosophical Implications of Mormonism’s Heavenly Mother

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) affirms the existence of a divine woman, a Heavenly Mother as a companion to a Heavenly Father. Feminist philosophers of religion have argued for the importance of a divine feminine as a challenge to patriarchal religion, yet the Heavenly Mother tradition has not created an egalitarian religion in Mormonism. Mormon feminists have charged that relative silence about this teaching is a primary cause of this discrepancy. This paper explores the performative dynamics of speech and silence and their relationship to presence and absence in a feminist analysis of power.
Expanding Advocacy to the Grassroots Level: The New York State Model:

New York State has achieved pharmacy practice advancement legislation more slowly than other states. Despite the benefits of pharmacy advocacy in shaping legislation, in New York State advocacy activities have generally been limited to once per year during Lobby Day. Implementation of a grassroots advocacy infrastructure has been able to organize and sustain legislative engagement among members of our professional organization, with more than 100 legislative visits completed since creation of the Grassroots Advocacy Committee. A committee with infrastructure including a buddy system and legislative visit tracking process and educational programs, such as simulation training, have reduced the perceived burdens of participation. Other pharmacy organizations who have identified advocacy as a priority can utilize these tools to organize their members to support legislative goals.
Upstream swimming and Taylor dispersion of active Brownian particles

Locomotion of self-propelled particles such as motile bacteria or phoretic swimmers often takes place in the presence of applied flows and confining boundaries. Interactions of these active swimmers with the flow environment are important for the understanding of many biological processes, including infection by motile bacteria and the formation of biofilms. Recent experimental and theoretical works have shown that active particles in a Poiseuille flow exhibit interesting dynamics including accumulation at the wall and upstream swimming. Compared to the well-studied Taylor dispersion of passive Brownian particles, a theoretical understanding of the transport of active Brownian particles (ABPs) in a pressure-driven flow is relatively less developed. In this paper, employing a small wave-number expansion of the Smoluchowski equation describing the particle distribution, we explicitly derive an effective advection-diffusion equation for the cross-sectional average of the particle number density in Fourier space. We characterize the average drift (specifically upstream swimming) and effective longitudinal dispersion coefficient of active particles in relation to the flow speed, the intrinsic swimming speed of the active particles, their Brownian diffusion, and the degree of confinement. In contrast to passive Brownian particles, both the average drift and the longitudinal dispersivity of ABPs exhibit a nonmonotonic variation as a function of the flow speed. In particular, the dispersion of ABPs includes the classical shear-enhanced (Taylor) dispersion and an active contribution called the swim diffusivity. In the absence of translational diffusion, the classical Taylor dispersion is absent and we observe a giant longitudinal dispersion in the strong flow limit. Our continuum theory is corroborated by a direct Brownian dynamics simulation of the Langevin equations governing the motion of each ABP.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudarthrobacter sp. Strain ATCC 49442 (Formerly Micrococcus luteus), a Pyridine-Degrading Bacterium.

We present here the draft genome sequence of a pyridine-degrading bacterium, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 49442, which was reclassified as Pseudarthrobacter sp. strain ATCC 49442 based on its draft genome sequence. Its genome length is 4.98 Mbp, with 64.81% GC content.
Molecular Pathways Linking Oxylipins to Nociception in Rats.

Abstract Oxylipins are lipid peroxidation products that participate in nociceptive, inflammatory, and vascular responses to injury. Effects of oxylipins depend on tissue-specific differences in accumulation of precursor polyunsaturated fatty acids and the expression of specific enzymes to transform the precursors. The study of oxylipins in nociception has presented technical challenges leading to critical knowledge gaps in the way these molecules operate in nociception. We applied a systems-based approach to characterize oxylipin precursor fatty acids, and expression of genes coding for proteins involved in biosynthesis, transport, signaling and inactivation of pro- and antinociceptive oxylipins in pain circuit tissues. We further linked these pathways to nociception by demonstrating intraplantar carrageenan injection induced gene expression changes in oxylipin biosynthetic pathways. We determined functional-biochemical relevance of the proposed pathways in rat hind paw and dorsal spinal cord by measuring basal and stimulated levels of oxylipins throughout the time-course of carrageenan-induced inflammation. Finally, when oxylipins were administered by intradermal injection we observed modulation of nociceptive thermal hypersensitivity, providing a functional-behavioral link between oxylipins, their molecular biosynthetic pathways, and involvement in pain and nociception. Together, these findings advance our understanding of molecular lipidomic systems linking oxylipins and their precursors to nociceptive and inflammatory signaling pathways in rats. Perspective We applied a systems approach to characterize molecular pathways linking precursor lipids and oxylipins to nociceptive signaling. This systematic, quantitative evaluation of the molecular pathways linking oxylipins to nociception provides a framework for future basic and clinical research investigating the role of oxylipins in pain.
Evaluating Landfill Diversion Strategies for Municipal Organic Waste Management Using Environmental and Economic Factors

Municipal organic waste (MOW) contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions leading to global climate change. Incentives that encourage consumers to adopt MOW disposal strategies that minimize environmental impacts are needed. Policymakers must ensure that incentive programs align with environmental objectives and are economically competitive. The MOW disposal infrastructure in the city of Milwaukee, WI, was evaluated using a coordinated market model capturing the inherent value of environmental indicators (estimated with partial life cycle assessment methods) in the context of the city’s MOW supply chain. Tax programs are identified that incentivize consumers to reduce emissions through MOW disposal patterns. Results indicate that the existing MOW management infrastructure in Milwaukee incentivizes residents to minimize MOW GHG emissions by sending MOW to composting and digestion sites that have lower tipping fees and are located closer to the city (have lower transport costs). Therefore, limitations associated with MOW collection likely decrease alternative landfill disposal options. GHG reduction policy prioritizes anaerobic digestion systems for MOW disposal, but the outcome can be altered depending upon the tipping fees and transport distances. Composting and digestion hold few opportunities for reducing ammonia emissions from landfills, but there is a need to expand ammonia emissions measurements from landfill systems to improve model predictions as ammonia losses can redeposit, resulting in environmental issues and indirect formation of N₂O.
Dose-independent threshold illumination for non-invasive time-lapse fluorescence imaging of live cells.

Abstract Fluorescent microscopy employs monochromatic light for excitation, which can adversely affect the cells being observed. We reported earlier that fibroblasts relax their contractile force in response to green light of typical intensity. Here we show that such effects are independent of extracellular matrix and cell lines. In addition, we establish a threshold intensity that elicits minimal or no adverse effect on cell contractility even for long-time exposure. This threshold intensity is wavelength dependent. We cultured fibroblasts on soft 2D elastic hydrogels embedded with fluorescent beads to trace substrate deformation and cell forces. The beads move toward cell center when cells contract, but they move away when cells relax. We use relaxation/contraction ratio ( λ r ), in addition to traction force, as measures of cell response to red (wavelength, λ =635-650 nm), green ( λ =545-580 nm) and blue ( λ =455-490 nm) lights with varying intensities. Our results suggest that intensities below 57, 31 and 3.5 W/m2 for red, green and blue lights, respectively, do not perturb force homeostasis. To our knowledge, these intensities are the lowest reported safe thresholds, implying that cell traction is a highly sensitive readout of the effect of light on cells. Most importantly, we find these threshold intensities to be dose-independent; i.e., safe regardless of the energy dosage or time of exposure. Conversely, higher intensities result in widespread force-relaxation in cells with λ r > 1. Furthermore, we present a photo-reaction based model that simulates photo-toxicity and predicts threshold intensity for different wavelengths within the visible spectra. In conclusion, we recommend employing illumination intensities below aforementioned wavelength-specific thresholds for time-lapse imaging of cells and tissues in order to avoid light-induced artifacts in experimental observations.
Stimulus Generalization Using Nonvisual Stimuli with a Student Who Has Autism Spectrum Disorder and Visual Impairment

Introduction:The main objective of this study was to determine whether stimulus symmetry, or untaught generalized relations among stimuli, could be demonstrated using audio and tactile stimuli (i.e...
Types of surgical patients enrolled in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs in the USA.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs have gained traction across US hospitals in the past two decades. Initially implemented for elective colorectal surgical procedures, ERAS has expanded to a variety of surgical service lines. There is little information regarding the extent to which various surgical service lines use ERAS. A survey was performed to describe the prevalence of ERAS programs across surgical service lines in the USA. The survey had questions regarding the number of ERAS programs, operating rooms (ORs) and presence of anesthesia and/or surgery residency program at an institution. The survey was administered electronically to members of the American Society for Enhanced Recovery (ASER) and manually to participants at the 2018 Perioperative Quality and Enhanced Recovery Conference in San Francisco, CA. Responses were received from 88 unique institutions. The most commonly reported surgical service lines were colorectal (87%), gynecology (51%), orthopedic (49%), surgical oncology (39%), and urology (35%). A significant positive association was observed between the number of ORs and the number ERAS programs (Spearman’s Rho 0.5, p<0.0001). Furthermore, institutions that reported an anesthesia and/or surgery residency program had more ERAS programs (mean 5.0 ± 3.2) compared to those that did not (mean 2.0 ± 2.0) (Wilcoxon rank sum p< 0.001). ERAS has expanded to a large extent outside of the colorectal surgery service line with increases notable in orthopedic surgery, obstetric/gynecology, surgical oncology, and urology procedures. Institutions with a higher number of ORs and the presence of an anesthesia and/or surgery residency program are associated with an increased number of ERAS programs.
Clinical trials optimizing investigator and self‐collection of buccal cells for RNA yield

Author(s): Geiger, Jessica L; Cedars, Elizabeth D; Zang, Yan; Normolle, Daniel P; Li, Hua; Grandis, Jennifer R; Centuori, Sara; Johnson, Daniel E; Bauman, Julie E | Abstract: ObjectiveBuccal cells are an ideal surrogate tissue for studying biologic effects of carcinogens or drugs, however inherent fragility and salivary RNAses limit RNA yield. We conducted healthy volunteer trials to optimize collection conditions.MethodsWe conducted: (a) a single-arm crossover study evaluating four test conditions on RNA yield by buccal cytobrush; (b) a single-arm prospective study evaluating RNA yield by investigator vs self-collection.ResultsAntecedent toothbrushing, time of day, and number of cytobrush strokes did not significantly impact RNA yield. RNA yield was doubled by using 2 vs 1 cytobrush per buccal surface (P = .0054). Self-collection of buccal cells for RNA was feasible; 36 of 50 (72%) samples passed quality control.ConclusionRNA yield was doubled by using two cytobrushes per buccal surface. Healthy volunteers can self-collect sufficient buccal RNA for gene expression studies. Techniques from these pragmatic trials could enhance availability of a limited tissue for serial biomarker measurements.Level of evidence1b-Prognosis Study (Individual prospective cohort study).
Dynamic associations between anxiety, stress, physical activity, and eating regulation over the course of a behavioral weight loss intervention

Abstract Negative emotional experiences are associated with dysregulated eating behaviors that impede weight management. While weight loss interventions promote physical activity and self-regulation of eating, no studies have examined how physical activity may directly influence eating by attenuating associations between negative emotions and eating. Objective : The current study examined how momentary negative emotions (stress and anxiety), moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), and their interactions predict eating dysregulation (i.e., intensity of eating temptations, inability to resist eating tempting foods, overeating), as well as how these associations change during a weight loss intervention. Methods : Women with overweight/obesity (N = 55) completed 14-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) protocols with objective measurement of physical activity (i.e., bout-related MVPA time) before and after a three-month internet-based weight loss program. Results : Three-way interactions emerged predicting overeating and eating tempting foods. When women experienced higher than usual levels of momentary anxiety or stress at end-of-treatment, they were less likely to subsequently overeat or eat tempting foods when they had recently engaged in more MVPA (relative to their usual level). No significant associations were found for ratings of temptation intensity. Conclusions : Findings suggest MVPA may exert direct effects on eating regulation. Specifically, MVPA appears to increasingly buffer the effect of negative emotional states on dysregulated eating behavior over the course of a weight loss intervention. Future work is needed to develop ways of communicating to patients how activity can have both indirect and direct effects on body weight, and examine whether such knowledge improves outcomes.
An Assessment of Shipboard Tank Level Indicating Systems

The objective of this study was to provide an all-inclusive assessment of tank gaging technology. To achieve this objective, the project was divided into five tasks: (1) a comprehensive survey of liquid bulk carrier owners/operators and classification societies to obtain opinions and recommendations relative to tank level indicating equipment; (2) the development of criteria for selecting such equipment; (3) a technical review of commercially available level indicating equipment; (4) laboratory testing of five common types of tank gaging systems; and (5) identification of potential improvements that may be expected in future tank level indicating equipment. Detailed discussions and analysis of findings related to each of these tasks are presented.
Stereo-Enriched Poly-α-Amino Acids: Synthesis Under Postulated Prebiotic Conditions

In 1954, Fox and Middlebrook reported (1) that some amino acids common to protein copolymerize thermally, under simulated prebiotic conditions. Many subsequent studies (reviewed in references 2 and 3) have extended the thermal method to produce oligo- or hetero-tonic (4) polyamino acids [termed proteinoid when some of each of the proteinous (5) amino acids are incorporated]. The thermal polymers exhibit many properties in common with present-day protein, including molecular weight range, catalytic activity, non-randomness, selective associations, and morphogenecity. They are regarded as models for prebiotic protein (2 – 4).
Enamels, Porcelain Or Vitreous

Porcelain enamel is a glassy coating applied to various metal substrates through a high temperature fusion process, usually greater than 425C. Enamel glass formulations are primarily alkali borosilicates. The firing, metal selection and preparation, application processes including electrostatic powder and electrophoretic deposition, and various mechanical, physical, and chemical properties are discussed. Standardized test procedures are listed. Porcelain enamels are used as protective, decorative, and functional coatings on steel, cast iron, aluminum, and other alloys. Products produced using porcelain enamel coatings include domestic appliances such as ranges and dishwasters, hot water tank interiors; industrial devices such as heat exhangers, chemical vessels, cast-iron pipe, and electronic substrates; architectural applications such as interior and exterior panels; and institutional applications such as chalk boards, marker boards, and toilet partitions. Keywords: Enamels; Porcelain; Enameling process; Properties; Coatings; Firing; Metal preparation; Titanium dioxide; Decorating
The Bacterial Origins of the CRISPR Genome-Editing Revolution

Like most of the tools that enable modern life science research, the recent genome-editing revolution has its biological roots in the world of bacteria and archaea. Clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) loci are found in the genomes of many bacteria and most archaea, and underlie an adaptive immune system that protects the host cell against invasive nucleic acids such as viral genomes. In recent years, engineered versions of these systems have enabled efficient DNA targeting in living cells from dozens of species (including humans and other eukaryotes), and the exploitation of the resulting endogenous DNA repair pathways has provided a route to fast, easy, and affordable genome editing. In only three years after RNA-guided DNA cleavage was first harnessed, the ability to edit genomes via simple, user-defined RNA sequences has already revolutionized nearly all areas of biological science. CRISPR-based technologies are now poised to similarly revolutionize many facets of clini...
Multi-scale Performance and Durability of Carbon Nanofiber/Cement Composites

This paper reports on recent work that is directed at understanding the fundamental controlling mechanisms of multi-scale, environmental weathering of nano-structured cement-based materials through an integrated experimental and computational program. The effect of surface treatment and admixture addition on the incorporation of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in cement composites was studied. Silica fume and surface treatment with nitric acid facilitated CNF dispersion. The CNFs were found as individual fibers anchored in the hydration products throughout the cement pastes and as entangled networks in cavities. The presence of the CNFs did not modify the compressive or tensile strength of the composite but did provide it with a fair level of mechanical integrity post testing. Preliminary results on durability indicated a residual effect of the CNFs after decalcification of the composites as manifested by a slow load dissipation after peak load under compression. Molecular dynamics modeling of the reinforcing structure-cement phase interface demonstrated that manipulation of the interface characteristics may provide a method to control the composite properties.
QSO Absorption Lines as a Cosmic Reference Frame

We consider the possibility of measuring the motion of our solar system against a reference frame provided by high redshift objects like quasars and QSO absorption systems.
A VALUE-CHAIN BASED PROCESS MODEL FOR SUPPORTING BUSINESS PROCESS REENGINEERING

Constantly envisioning how the rapid developments in informationtechnology offer new opportunities, and engineering business processesaccordingly will continue to be a difficult problem for senior management.An important observation by Keen (1991) is that over the lastthree decades, effective use of rapidly changing technology has laggedits availability. A central problem is that of justifying the technology,measuring its business value. The value-chain model articulated byPorter (1985) is a natural candidate in providing a basis for this evaluation.It is based on the simple economic theory that a firm remainscompetitive by virtue of being a low cost producer or differentiatingits products/services to the customer, that is, by providing customersatisfaction. It is intuitive to think of "the customer" as the enduser of a product or service. However, projecting this definition intothe organization, where all pieces of work within it have a customerthat needs to be satisfied provides a good basis for work design andits implementation. As technology evolves, forcing the organization toreassess its customers, the work must be redesigned. This is becomingknown increasingly as "process reengineering" .Porter's model has found widespread appeal among practitionersat the strategic level due to its theoretical simplicity and commonsenseappeal. Several methodologies have been designed around thismodel that encourage executives to "think through" and identify technologiesthat could provide competitive advantage. However, thesemethods have some serious limitations due to the lack of a soundconceptual underpinning and their inability to link explicitly, technologyto business value metrics. Based on an analysis of one specificindustry (insurance) we have found that simple process oriented modelssuch as BSP, when extended to deal with value (in terms of costor product/service differentiation to the customer), provide a soundbasis for exploring process reengineering. An implementation of thismethodology should enable management to simulate how a systemwould "react" to various types of inputs in terms of specific metricsof interest.
A simple approach to Jacobi polynomials

Starting from the Rodrigues formula polynomials are introduced by carrying out the innermost differentiations. The key is a generating function for them that is simpler than that of Jacobi polynomials leading to short and transparent derivations of recursion relations and addition theorems for Jacobi polynomials.
Speed of Eating as a Determinant of the Bulimic Desire to Vomit

ABSTRACT A single-case controlled study found that a bulimic's desire to vomit was virtually eliminated by slowed eating, but not by rapid eating. The present study attempted to determine whether this same relation was exhibited by a larger number (N = 6) of bulimics who were instructed to eat at a fast or a slow rate in a between-subjects reversal design. For all 6 participants, the urge to vomit was found to be greater during fast versus slow eating after comparable amounts of food intake. Clinically, these results suggest that eating slowly might be incorporated into treatment for bulimic vomiting.
Mating Males: An Evolutionary Perspective on Mammalian Reproduction by Tim Glover

Glover's account is not likely to please those who read it only for what it says about homosexuals and bisexuals. In its final, generally disapproving chapter on the ‘human male,' four pages on sam...
Associative symmetry and dichotic presentation

Dichotic presentation was used to provide a further test of associative symmetry in STM. The two members of each pair were presented simultaneously, one to each ear, and S was required to verbalize each pair so that it could be tagged as “forward” or “backward.” Each list consisted of six pairs; one pair per list was tested, and over the entire 156 lists each serial position was tested equally often. There were 20 Ss, each tested (individually) on two separate sessions. The two tapes were counterbalanced over sessions; speakers and channels were also counterbalanced. In general the results supported associative symmetry; accuracy of recall was equally good in either direction (i.e., left-right and right-left); backward associations were, if anything, slightly stronger than forward associations; and intra-list intrusions were equally likely to come from the same input channel, but significantly more likely to be in the same relative output order as the correct response. A supplementary experiment with different tapes yielded very similar results, and at the same time reinforced the one exceptional finding of the first experiment; namely, for the penultimate pair in the list, forward recall was, in fact, better than backward recall. This study extends previous findings in that it shows associative symmetry to hold under conditions of simultaneous input and sequential processing. The one case of lack of symmetry may be attributable to differences in availability as found in free recall.
Introduction of a new metric for the analysis of ear advantage in a dichotic single-response test.

Abstract A single response dichotic listening test was used to determine ear advantage for 95 left- and right-handed non-clinical subjects. The paradigm is a decision-making task with a two-alternative force choice paradigm. The subject selected the most salient stimulus of each dichotic pair as the response. Ear advantage was measured as the preference for stimuli presented to the right vs the left ear. The most commonly employed index of ear advantage [e= (R−L) (R+L) ] was found to be constrained by the degree of a subject's bias for one stimulus vs the other in each pair. A second index, e∗, which utilizes only responses to the unbiased (not preferred) stimulus of each dichotic pair was employed. This index was found to consider only part of the ear advantage information actually available. Therefore, an ear advantage index, d', based on a signal detection model was developed. This new index successfully separated stimulus bias from ear advantage. The index e could classify only 36% of the sample as having a significant left- or right-ear advantage; e∗ classified 57%; while d' classified 74% of the sample.
Media matrix: self-organizing distributed physical database

We introduce Media Matrix, a system applying distributed, embedded computing techniques to the creation and maintenance of a queriable database of physical objects such as compact discs, video cassettes, books, and component bins. This paper provides theory, design, and implementation details as well as future work and potential applications.
Neutral Glycosphingolipid-dependent Inactivation of Coagulation Factor Va by Activated Protein C and Protein S

To test whether neutral glycosphingolipids can serve as anticoagulant cofactors, the effects of incorporation of neutral glycosphingolipids into phospholipid vesicles on anticoagulant and procoagulant reactions were studied. Glucosylceramide (GlcCer), lactosylceramide (LacCer), and globotriaosylceramide (Gb(3)Cer) in vesicles containing phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) dose dependently enhanced factor Va inactivation by the anticoagulant factors, activated protein C (APC) and protein S. Addition of GlcCer to PC/PS vesicles enhanced protein S-dependent APC cleavage in factor Va at Arg-506 by 13-fold, whereas PC/PS vesicles alone minimally affected protein S enhancement of this reaction. Incorporation into PC/PS vesicles of GlcCer, LacCer, or Gb(3)Cer, but not galactosylceramide or globotetraosylceramide, dose dependently prolonged factor Xa-1-stage clotting times of normal plasma in the presence of added APC without affecting baseline clotting times in the absence of APC, showing that certain neutral glycosphingolipids enhance anticoagulant but not procoagulant reactions in plasma. Thus, certain neutral glycosphingolipids (e.g. GlcCer, LacCer, and Gb(3)Cer) can enhance anticoagulant activity of APC/protein S by mechanisms that are distinctly different from those of phospholipids alone. We speculate that under some circumstances certain neutral glycosphingolipids either in lipoprotein particles or in cell membranes may help form antithrombotic microdomains that might enhance down-regulation of thrombin by APC in vivo.
Color center production and lattice expansion in KBr by x-irradiation near room temperature

Abstract Nominally pure single crystals of KBr were X-irradiated near room temperature and the integrated V band absorption was studied as a function of the integrated F and F-aggregate absorption. For this relationship several stages could be distinguished during the generation of defects suggesting that at least three different kinds of defects or disorders are responsible for the V-type absorption. The relationships of the V to F band absorption during growth and annealing suggest that the V-type centers are the complements of the trapped electron centers at least in the electronic sense. During thermal annealing the lattice expansion produced by irradiation decreases much slower than the optical absorption, and the X-ray diffraction lines broaden. Both of these results suggest a clustering of defects, and it is postulated that the point-like F-type centers are converted into clusters. With further thermal treatment the line broadenings disappear, and other measurements indicate that all detectable disorder is annealed out around 300°C.
Autologous transfusion and directed donations: current controversies and future directions.

HE PRACTICES of autologous transfusion and directed donation have become so com­ monplace in transfusion medicine that a review of these subjects may be most useful in highlighting unresolved issues. Most of these remain points of contention because of a lack of substantial data to address underlying issues. By reconsidering that which is known and that which is yet to be deter­ mined in these rapidly evolving areas of transfu­ sion medicine, a further appreciation of the appro­ priate roles of these two methodologies may be gained. SAFETY IN TRANSFUSION The primary motivation behind the recent up­ surge in interest in autologous transfusion and di­ rected donations is transfusion safety. The defini­ tion of safety has different elements for different participants in the transfusion process. For the pa­ tient, risk-free medical therapy is the goal-albeit unrealistic-and any steps that could be taken to eliminate, reduce, or control risks are sought, sometimes with intense perseverance. For physi­ cians, limitation of risk is also important, although avoidance of litigation may be an important factor as well. For blood collection agencies, these con­ cerns must be melded with the overall mission of its operation, which, until recently, may have been defined primarily in terms of volunteer homolo­ gous blood products. The ancient dictum, primum non nocere, con­ tinues to be of practical utility in transfusion med­ icine. Therapies should be applied in a judicious, circumspect manner so that their expected benefits outweigh their potential risks. The understanding of fa<::tors to be entered into the transfusion equa­ tion of risks and benefits has undergone dramatic changes in the last 5 to 10 years. The messages of transfusion medicine consultations-transfuse
Effect of copper and nickel on the neutron irradiation damage in iron alloys

Iron alloys containing copper and nickel were irradiated at 288°C to a fluence of 4.63 × 1019 neutrons/cm2. Neutron irradiation produced defects which were observable by TEM in all of the iron alloys studied. The TEM analysis of the defects showed them to be interstitial dislocation loops with a and a/2 Burgers vectors. The size, the number density, and the Burgers vector of dislocations were affected by the alloy composition. The addition ofcopper and nickel decreased the dislocation loop size and increased the fraction of a/2 loops. No voids or vacancy loops were observed in the irradiated iron alloys. The results are discussed in terms of dislocation loop nucleation and growth.
Direct Comparison of the Traditional and Reverse Syphilis Screening Algorithms in a Population with a Low Prevalence of Syphilis

We describe the first direct comparison of the reverse and traditional syphilis screening algorithms in a population with a low prevalence of syphilis. Among 1,000 patients tested, the results for 6 patients were falsely reactive by reverse screening, compared to none by traditional testing. However, reverse screening identified 2 patients with possible latent syphilis that were not detected by rapid plasma reagin (RPR).
Characterization of the Neutron Field in the HSSI Reusable Irradiation Facility at the Ford Nuclear Reactor

The characterization of the neutron environment in a reusable facility for irradiation of metallurgical specimens, located at the Ford Nuclear reactor in Michigan, was performed with a combination of transport calculations, extensive dosimeter measurements, and neutron spectrum adjustment. The average difference between the calculated and “measured” reaction rates was ∼7% (the calculations underpredicted the measurements), and the average absolute difference was ∼10%. Therefore, the calculations and measurements agreed very well. The flexible facility performed excellently during several years of operation but was discontinued when the Ford reactor ceased operation. The heavy-section steel irradiation (HSSI) program is taking the initial steps toward selecting a site for a new irradiation facility, similar to the one described here.
Interventions to increase breast screening: Lifespan and ethnicity issues

Background. In spite of the fact that the value of mammography has been demonstrated, it remains underused by those in need, such as older women and minority women. A consideration of lifespan and ethnicity issues may help in designing interventions designed to overcome the barriers women may face at different stages in their lives as well as the barriers that may be most salient for minority women. Methods. There now are reports from a number of published trials indicating the value of different kinds of interventions. Interventions can be characterized as individual-directed, system-directed, social network, or multistrategy