cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of N-Doped Graphene and Carbon Black As Conductive Additives on Sulfur Cathodes in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries hold great promise to meet the pursuit on transportation electrification, given their theoretic energy density of 2600 Wh/kg, low cost, and S abundance[1, 2]. However, Li-S batteries are currently being retarded from commercialization due to several severe issues. On the S cathode side, S is highly insulating electrically and ionically. In addition, intermediate products of lithium polysulfides are prone to dissolve in liquid electrolytes and shuttle between the S cathode and Li anode. In this case, conductive materials are essential to maintain S cathodes accessible to electrons and ions. Carbon black is the most widely used conductive materials in various battery systems. In addition, other carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes and graphene have also been used as alternatives in previous studies. However, there lacks a comparative study on identifying their effects. Thus, we recently conducted a systematic study on the effects of a carbon black (Super P) and a nitrogen-doped graphene nanosheets (NGS) on S cathodes. Experimental results showed that the S cathode with Super P (see Figure 1a) achieves higher initial capacity but fade rapidly. In contrast, the S cathode with NGS (see Figure 1b) exhibits more stable cycling performance. In addition, there also are some differences in their discharge/charge profiles of the two S cathodes, indicating different effects of Super P and NGS on S cathodes. Based on the experimental results and other characterizations, fundamental mechanisms as well as the prospects of these two conductive materials are discussed. Manthiram, A., et al., Rechargeable lithium–sulfur batteries. Chemical Reviews, 2014: p. 11751-11787. Sun, Q., et al., Atomic and Molecular Layer Deposition for Superior Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: Strategies, Performance, and Mechanisms. Batteries & Supercaps, 2018. 1(2): p. 41-68. Figure 1
Homology of En ring spectra and iterated THH

We describe an iterable construction of THH for an En ring spectrum. The reduced version is an iterable bar construction and its n-th iterate gives a model for the shifted cotangent complex at the augmentation, representing reduced topological Quillen homology of an augmented En algebra.
Strict Liability and Tax Penalties

Taxpayers who fail to pay their fair share cause each honest taxpayer to pay over $2,000 extra in federal income taxes every year. This Article asserts that the current monetary penalty system fails to curb tax dodging because it is a fault-based, negligence style system, and any fault-based system would fail because of systemic features of our federal income tax. This Article proposes a new strict liability style penalty system, tempered by a graduated penalty rate and an exception for any nonfrivolous tax position conspicuoulsy disclosed.
Should Business Training be a Required Element of Pharmacy Training

Objective. Since pharmacists cannot be reimbursed for their clinical services as well as current providers listed under the Social Security Act, it is more difficult finding ways to financially support their services so these services may be more accessible to patients. Business training in pharmacy school may provide a foundation for pharmacists to create financially viable practice models and allow for better communication with administrative decision makers. Discussion. Supporting pharmacist accessibility to deliver patient clinical services has been challenging because pharmacists are not listed as providers under Medicare via the Social Security Act. Because in many cases there is not sufficient financial support through reimbursement to cover pharmacist labor costs, pharmacists must show they save more in labor costs through cost-avoidance to be accessible to patients in a particular health care setting. Conclusion. The provision of formal business training in pharmacy schools could more effectively assist graduate pharmacists in creating financially viable models of practice to increase pharmacist clinical service accessibility.
Modeling CRISPR-Cas13d on-target and off-target effects using machine learning approaches

Abstract A major challenge in the application of the CRISPR-Cas13d (RfxCas13d, or CasRx) RNA editing system is to accurately predict its guide RNA (gRNA) dependent on-target and off-target effect. Here, we performed CRISPR-Cas13d proliferation screens that target protein-coding genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), followed by a systematic modeling of Cas13d on-target efficiency and off-target viability effect. We first designed a deep learning model, named DeepCas13, to predict the on-target activity of a gRNA with high accuracy from its sequence and secondary structure. DeepCas13 outperforms existing methods and accurately predicts the efficiency of guides targeting both protein-coding and non-coding RNAs (e.g., circRNAs and lncRNAs). Next, we systematically studied guides targeting non-essential genes, and found that the off-target viability effect, defined as the unintended effect of guides on cell viability, is closely related to their on-target RNA cleavage efficiency. This finding suggests that these gRNAs should be used as negative controls in proliferation screens to reduce false positives, possibly coming from the unwanted off-target viability effect of efficient guides. Finally, we applied these models to our screens that included guides targeting 234 lncRNAs, and identified lncRNAs that affect cell viability and proliferation in multiple cell lines. DeepCas13 is freely accessible via http://deepcas13.weililab.org.
Is Secularization an Age-Related Process?

Secularization has been studied for decades by sociologists of religion. Long-running surveys in the United States and Europe show steady generational decline in religious affiliation and participa...
Mixed Blessings: Understanding the Experience of LGBTQIA+ Educators in Catholic Schools.

LGBTQIA+ educators are a gift to Catholic schools. In this article, two researchers affiliated with the University of San Francisco conducted a national survey of LGBTQIA+ educators in Catholic sch...
A 256-Element Dual-Beam Dual-Polarization Ku-Band Phased-Array with 5 dB/K G/T for Simultaneous Multi-Satellite Reception

This paper presents a scalable, dual-polarized, 256-element Ku-band (10.7-12.7 GHz) SATCOM phased-array receiver (RX) capable of simultaneous reception of multiple data streams. In this design, 16-channel silicon beamformer chips with dual-beam capabilities are used for every 2×2 antenna quad. A dual-channel external LNA is placed at each antenna port for lowest noise and best G/T. Also, two 64:1 Wilkinson combiner networks are implemented on the printed circuit board (PCB) to generate the two simultaneous beams. The dual-beam array results in two separate beams each of which can be independently steered to anywhere in the ±70° cone, and each with a G/T of 5 dB/K at 11.7 GHz (equivalent to a G/T of 11 dB/K for a 1024-element array). Application areas are for Ku-band SATCOM arrays requiring two beams, one for TV reception and the other for connectivity, or used for make-before-brake connection to satellite systems.
Some assembly required: evolutionary and systems perspectives on the mammalian reproductive system

In this review, we discuss the way that insights from evolutionary theory and systems biology shed light on form and function in mammalian reproductive systems. In the first part of the review, we contrast the rapid evolution seen in some reproductive genes with the generally conservative nature of development. We discuss directional selection and coevolution as potential drivers of rapid evolution in sperm and egg proteins. Such rapid change is very different from the highly conservative nature of later embryo development. However, it is not unique, as some regions of the sex chromosomes also show elevated rates of evolutionary change. To explain these contradictory trends, we argue that it is not reproductive functions per se that induce rapid evolution. Rather, it is the fact that biotic interactions, such as speciation events and sexual conflict, have no evolutionary endpoint and hence can drive continuous evolutionary changes. Returning to the question of sex chromosome evolution, we discuss the way that recent advances in evolutionary genomics and systems biology and, in particular, the development of a theory of gene balance provide a better understanding of the evolutionary patterns seen on these chromosomes. We end the review with a discussion of a surprising and incompletely understood phenomenon observed in early embryos: namely the Warburg effect, whereby glucose is fermented to lactate and alanine rather than respired to carbon dioxide. We argue that evolutionary insights, from both yeasts and tumor cells, help to explain the Warburg effect, and that new metabolic modeling approaches are useful in assessing the potential sources of the effect.
IC/microfluidic hybrid system for biology: review

This paper reviews our recent development of an integrated circuit (IC)/microfluidic hybrid system. The hybrid system consists of an IC chip and a microfluidic channel fabricated on top. Biological cells attached to magnetic beads are suspended inside the microfluidic system that maintains biocompatibility. A microcoil array in the IC produces programmable, spatially-patterned magnetic fields to simultaneously manipulate multiple individual bead-bound cells with precise position control. Two prototypes validate the proposed approach.
At-Speed Path Delay Test

This research describes an approach to test metastability of flip-flops with help of multiple at speed capture cycles during path delay test. K longest paths starting from a flip-flop are generated, such that a long path on one clock cycle feeds a long path on the next clock cycle, and so on. This permits the testing of flip-flop metastability and time-borrowing latches, that cannot be tested by any other structural test technique. The path generation algorithm uses the circuit structure, and then the paths are sequentially justified using Boolean Satisfiability algorithms.
Heat Release Analysis of Engine Pressure Data

In analyzing the processes inside the cylinder of an internal combustion engine, the principal diagnostic at the experimenter's disposal is a measured time history of the cylinder pressure. This paper develops, tests, and applies a heat release analysis procedure that maintains simplicity while including the effects of heat transfer, crevice flows and fuel injection. The heat release model uses a one zone description of the cylinder contents with thermodynamic properties represented by a linear approximation. Applications of the analysis to a single-cylinder spark-ignition engine, a special square cross-section visualization spark-ignition engine, and a direct-injection stratified charge engine are presented.
Minimization of sonic boom on supersonic aircraft using an evolutionary algorithm

The aerospace community has an increasing interest in developing super sonic transport class vehicles for civil aviation. One of the concerns in such a project is to minimize the sonic boom produced by the aircraft as demonstrated by its ground signature. One approach being considered is to attach a spike/keel on the front of the aircraft to attenuate the magnitude of an aircraft's ground signature. This paper describes an effort to develop an automatic method for designing the spike/keel area distribution that satisfies constraints on the ground signature of a specified aircraft. In this work a genetic algorithm is used to perform the design optimization. A modified version of Whitham's theory is used to generate the near field pressure signature. The ground signature is computed with the NFBOOM atmospheric propagation code. Results indicate that genetic algorithms are effective tools for solving the design problem presented.
Canonical Quantum Gravity and Effective Theory

Effective actions provide a powerful way to understand low-energy, semiclassical or other regimes of quantum field theories. Although canonical quantum gravity theories, such as loop quantum gravity, are not directly accessible to the usual techniques of computing effective actions, equivalent methods to derive an effective Hamiltonian and effective equations have recently been developed. This provides means to study the semiclassical limit of loop quantum gravity, demonstrating the correct approach to classical behavior and including quantum correction terms. Salient features of loop quantum gravity, its effective equations and applications in cosmological regimes are discussed.
Release of Peptide Cotransmitters in Aplysia: Regulation and Functional Implications

To gain insights into the physiological role of cotransmission, we measured peptide release from cell B15, a motorneuron that utilizes ACh as its primary transmitter but also contains putative peptide cotransmitters, the small cardioactive peptides (SCPs) and the buccalins (BUCs). All stimulation parameters used were in the range in which B15 fires in freely moving animals. We stimulated neuron B15 in bursts and systematically varied the interburst interval, the intraburst frequency, and burst duration. Both peptides were preferentially released when B15 was stimulated at higher intra- or interburst frequencies or with longer burst durations. Across stimulation patterns, the amount of peptide released depended on the mean frequency of stimulation and was independent of the specific pattern of stimulation. The parameters of stimulation that produce a larger release of peptides correspond to those that evoke larger contractions. Large and frequent contractions are likely to fuse or summate, thus disrupting the rhythmic behavior mediated by the muscle innervated by motorneuron B15. Because the combined effect of the SCPs and BUCs is to accelerate the relaxation and shorten the duration of muscle contractions, these peptides reduce the probability of the disruptive fusion or summation of muscle contractions. Because these cotransmitters regulate an aspect of muscle contractions that is not controlled by acetylcholine (ACh), the primary transmitter of B15, we suggest that peptides and ACh form parallel but functionally distinct lines of transmission at the neuromuscular junction. Both types of transmission may be necessary to ensure that behavior remains efficient over a wide range of conditions.
A Third Principle of Justice

In this paper I argue that in order to secure the commitment of believers in reasonable comprehensive doctrines to political liberalism a third principle of justice needs to be adopted in the Original Position. Rawls acknowledges that “neutral” legislation by the liberal state may negatively affect some reasonable comprehensive doctrines, and I offer a third principle of justice to help alleviate this problem. This principle, which I believe is in keeping with the United States constitutional history especially where church-state relations are concerned, maintains that a constitutional regime should, insofar as possible, avoid adopting rules with harmful effects upon those comprehensive doctrines which satisfy the conditions of reasonable pluralism.
Fairness and nanotechnology concern.

Research suggests that fairness perceptions matter to people who are asked to evaluate the acceptability of risks or risk management. Two separate national random surveys (n = 305 and n = 529) addressed Americans' concerns about and acceptance of nanotechnology risk management in the context of the degree to which they view scientists and risk managers as fair. The first survey investigated general views about scientists across four proposed dimensions of fairness (distributional, procedural, interpersonal, and informational). The results show that respondents who believe that the outcomes of scientific research tend to result in unequal benefits (distributional fairness) and that the procedures meant to protect the public from scientific research are biased (procedural fairness) were more concerned about nanotechnology. Believing scientists would treat them with respect (interpersonal fairness) and ensure access to information (informational fairness) were not significant predictors of concern. The second study also looked at these four dimensions of fairness but focused on perceptions of risk managers working for government, universities, and major companies. In addition to concern, it also examined acceptance of nanotechnology risk management. Study 2 results were similar to those of study 1 for concern; however, only perceived informational fairness consistently predicted acceptance of nanotechnology risk management. Overall, the study points to the value of considering fairness perceptions in the study of public perceptions of nanotechnology.
An evaluation of alternative Do Not Enter signs: failures of attention

Drivers who make wrong-way entries onto highway exit ramps or restricted roads are at serious risk of injuring themselves or others. One cause of these wrong-way entries may be the actual signage itself. A good sign in this context should draw attention to itself and then convey its message as quickly and clearly as possible. However, the existence of wrong-way entries suggests that this is not always happening with the recommended two-dimensional Do Not Enter plus One-Way sign that is currently posted at most exit ramp terminals. Several alternative Do Not Enter signs were evaluated on the University of Massachusetts driving simulator, signs which based on a preliminary evaluation should better draw attention to themselves and more quickly convey their message. The alternative signs included both a three-dimensional Do Not Enter sign and a combined One-Way plus No Right Turn sign (without the usual symbology). Participants noticed more wrong-way entries when exit ramp terminals were posted with the combined One-Way plus No Right Turn sign than when they were posted with all other alternatives, though this difference was only marginally significant when compared with the standard two-dimensional Do Not Enter plus One-Way sign. These results were consistent with multiple resource theory, which assumes different resource pools are used to process verbal and spatial information.
Effect of Gi protein ADP-ribosylation induced by pertussis toxin on dopamine-mediated behaviors.

Abstract The effect of G i protein modification produced by intrastriatal pertussis toxin injection on dopcmine (DA)-mediated behaviors was studied. Administration of the selective D 2 agonist quinpirole induced ipsilateral rotation but the selective D 1 agonist SKF 38393 did not. However, SKF 38393 was able to increase the rotation induced by quinpirole. The selective D 2 antagonist raclopride and the selective D 1 antagonist SCH 23390 both blocked the effect of quinpirole. Striatal levels of cAMP were measured in both intact and pertussis toxin injected striatum. SKF 38393 induced a significant increase in cAMP, but quinpirole had no effect. When both drugs were administered together, quinpirole attenuated the SKF 38393-induced increase in cAMP levels. Moreover, quinpirole-induced attenuation of SKF 38393 effect was greater in intact striatum. In pertussis toxin-injected striatum, quinpirole only attenuated SKF 38393-induced increase of cAMP to control levels. This imbalance between intact and injected striatum might be the cause of the rotation in pertussis toxin-injected rats suggesting an important role for G proteins in DA receptor interactions.
Synthesis and characterization of phosphated mesoporous zirconium oxide

Abstract The synthesis of zirconium oxide mesoporous molecular sieves (Zr-TMS1) comprising of hexagonally-packed cylindrical pores was investigated. Sol-gel processing of zirconium n-propoxide ligated with dodecylphosphate surfactants was found to produce a mesostructure similar to MCM-41. Surfactant removal without concomitant pore collapse can be accomplished, yielding mesoporous materials with specific surface areas as high as 560 m 2 /g. Zr-TMS1 has been found stable to at least 800 °C, retaining surface areas greater than 200 m 2 /g. Longer-chained alkylphosphates led to larger pore diameters and surface areas. Lewis and Bronsted acidity were found in Zr-TMS1, probably associated with the presence of surface phosphate groups. The extremely high surface area, pore size control, high thermal stability, and surface acidity make this transition metal mesoporous molecular sieve an attractive solid acid catalyst and catalyst support material.
5-Fluorouracil Activation of p53 Involves an MDM2-Ribosomal Protein Interaction

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of a variety of solid tumors. The anti-tumor activity of 5-FU has been attributed in part to its ability to induce p53-dependent cell growth arrest and apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying p53 activation by 5-FU remain largely obscure. Here we report that 5-FU treatment leads to p53 stabilization and activation by blocking MDM2 feedback inhibition through ribosomal proteins. 5-FU treatment increased the fraction of ribosome-free L5, L11, and L23 ribosomal proteins and their interaction with MDM2, leading to p53 activation and G1/S arrest. Conversely, individual knockdown of these ribosomal proteins by small interfering RNA prevented the 5-FU-induced p53 activation and reversed the 5-FU-induced G1/S arrest. These results demonstrate that 5-FU treatment triggers a ribosomal stress response so that ribosomal proteins L5, L11, and L23 are released from ribosome to activate p53 by ablating the MDM2-p53 feedback circuit.
Role of Antibodies in Developing Drugs That Target G‐Protein‐Coupled Receptor Dimers

G-protein-coupled receptors are important molecular targets in drug discovery. These receptors play a pivotal role in physiological signaling pathways and are targeted by nearly 50% of currently available drugs. Mounting evidence suggests that G-protein-coupled receptors form dimers, and various studies have shown that dimerization is necessary for receptor maturation, signaling, and trafficking. However, the physiological implications of dimerization in vivo have not been well explored because detection of GPCR dimers in endogenous systems has been a challenging task. One exciting new approach to this challenge is the generation of antibodies against specific G-protein-coupled receptor dimers. Such antibodies could be used as tools for characterization of heteromer-specific function; as reagents for their purification, tissue localization, and regulation in vivo; and as probes for mapping their functional domains. In addition, such antibodies could serve as alternative ligands for G-protein-coupled receptor heteromers. Thus, heteromer-specific antibodies represent novel tools for the exploration and manipulation of G-protein-coupled receptor-dimer pharmacology. Mt Sinai J Med 77:374–380, 2010. © 2010 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
bYOB [Build Your Own Bag]: a computationally-enhanced modular textile system

We present bYOB (Build Your Own Bag), a flexible, computationally enhanced modular textile system from which to construct smart fabric objects. bYOB was motivated by a desire to transform everyday surfaces into ambient displays for information and to make building with fabric as easy as playing with Lego blocks. In the realm of personal architecture, bYOB is an interactive material that encourages users to explore and experiment by creating new objects to seamlessly integrate into their lives. The physical configuration of the object mediates its computational behavior. Therefore, an object built out of the system of modular elements understands its geometry and responds appropriately without any end-user programming. Our current prototype is a bag built out of the system that understands it is a bag when the handle is attached to the mesh of modules, responds by illuminating its fabric and inner contents when the sun goes down (Fig 1), communicates the presence of objects placed in the bag, and interacts with the user via speech. We describe how bYOB contributes to and differs from existing work in modular based systems and fabric interfaces. We discuss our development process in respect to physical, electronic, and conceptual design. We also describe salient features and future applications enabled by this new construction kit.
Influence of salts and natural organic matter on the stability of bacteriophage MS2.

The stability of functionalized nanoparticles generally results from both steric and electrostatic interactions. Viruses like bacteriophage MS2 have adopted similar strategies for stability against aggregation, including a net negative charge under natural water conditions and using polypeptides that form loops extending from the surface of the protein capsid for stabilization. In natural systems, dissolved organic matter can adsorb to and effectively functionalize nanoparticle surfaces, affecting the fate and transport of these nanoparticles. We used time-resolved dynamic light scattering to measure the aggregation kinetics of a model virus, bacteriophage MS2, across a range of solution chemistries to determine what factors might destabilize viruses in aquatic systems. In monovalent electrolytes (LiCl, NaCl, and KCl), aggregation of MS2 could not be induced within a reasonable kinetic time frame, and MS2 was stable even at salt concentrations greater than 1.0 M. Aggregation of MS2 could be induced in div...
Fractures of the rib head in abused infants

Fractures of the posterior ribs are well-recognized sequelae of infant abuse. Previous reports have indicated a predilection for fracture near the costotransverse process. This study expands the spectrum to include fractures involving the rib head. The radiologic and histologic features are described, and the mechanism of injury of this lesion is examined. In situ and specimen radiography, followed by histopathologic examination, was performed in 78 ribs removed from seven abused infants who died with posterior rib fractures. Computed tomography of the intact posterior thorax was performed in two of these infants. Fifty posterior rib fractures were identified; 29 involved the rib head. Frontal radiography was insensitive in identifying these fractures, clearly revealing injury only when periosteal reaction was present (four of 29 cases). Axial specimen radiography delineated the fractures in all cases. In the two infants studied, CT depicted five of 19 fractures visible only with axial specimen radiography. The morphologic features of these fractures further support the concept that most fractures in abused infants occur by means of indirect forces and are consistent with anteroposterior manual thoracic compression during assaults.
Effects of oral contraceptive steroids on acetaminophen metabolism and elimination

Plasma acetaminophen elimination was examined in women taking low-dose estrogen oral contraceptive (OC) steroids and in age-matched control women. Fractional rates of elimination and fractional clearances were calculated for each of the metabolic pathways, including oxidation, sulfation, and glucuronidation. The cysteine adduct and mercapturic acid derivative of acetaminophen were used as an index of oxidative biotransformation, a potentially toxic route of metabolism for acetaminophen. Plasma acetaminophen clearance rose from 287 +/- 13 ml/min to 470 +/- 51 ml/min in women taking OC steroids, whereas elimination t1/2 decreased from 2.40 +/- 0.14 hr to 1.67 +/- 0.16 hr. The fractional clearance and rate of elimination of acetaminophen by glucuronidation increased in women taking OC steroids, whereas the clearance and elimination by sulfation did not differ significantly from values in control subjects. Fractional clearance of the cysteine adduct also increased significantly, but clearance of acetaminophen mercapturic acid did not change. These data suggest that the increased clearance of acetaminophen from plasma in women taking OC steroids results from increased glucuronidation of the drug, although the mechanism is not known.
Alzheimer's Disease: an annotated bibliography of recent literature.

In recent years, Alzheimer's disease has become well known both to the medical profession and to laymen as an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. As interest in the disease has grown, so has the scientific literature. In the past four years, over 400 journal articles in the English language alone have been published on various aspects of Alzheimer's disease. Those participating in the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program at the Gainesville VA Medical Center have compiled an annotated list of 92 important references on Alzheimer's disease. These are classified into six major groups: General Review, Etiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Epidemiology. It is important for the practicing physician to be able to quickly find references to recent studies on various aspects of Alzheimer's disease, especially those related to treatment possibilities. Family members of Alzheimer's patients are particularly well informed about this disease and are anxious to learn about the latest research advances from their physicians.
Crystal and molecular structure of bis(2,2′-biquinolyl)di-µ-chlorodimanganese(II), an intramolecular antiferromagnet

The crystal structure of the 2,2′-biquinolyl (biq) complex of manganese(II) chloride, an intramolecular ferromagnet, provides empirical data on the relation between structure and magnetic exchange. The complex is binuclear, with a pair of chlorine atoms bridging the metal atoms in a central Mn2Cl2 plane. The bridging Mn–Cl bonds are slightly elongated and three stronger bonds hold the bidentate biq ligands and the remaining chlorine to each metal atom. Crystals are triclinic, space group P, with Z= 1, in a unit cell of dimensions: a= 11.275(3), b= 10.115(6), c= 14.681(8)A, α= 95.71(7), β= 133.49(4), γ= 118.50(4)°, U= 791 A3. The structure was determined from diffractometer data by the heavy-atom method and refined by least-squares to R 2.7% for 1 288 reflections.
Particle dark energy

We explore the physics of a gas of particles interacting with a condensate that spontaneously breaks Lorentz invariance. The equation of state of this gas varies from $1/3$ to less than $\ensuremath{-}1$ and can lead to the observed cosmic acceleration without requiring a vacuum energy. The particles are always stable. In our particular class of models these particles are fermions with a chiral coupling to the condensate. They may behave as relativistic matter at early times, produce a brief period where they dominate the expansion with $wl0$ today, and behave as matter at late time. There are no small parameters in our models, which generically lead to dark energy clustering and, depending on the choice of parameters, smoothing of small scale power.
Developing Legal Information Literate Law Students: “That Dog Will Hunt”

The legal profession has been adamant about the need for law schools to more adequately prepare law students for legal practice. Criticisms concerning a student's practical legal skills, such as the ability to conduct legal research, are prevalent. As the legal profession continues to transform, the need for law students and new attorneys to be “legal information literate” prior to being hired is quite evident. In order to instill competent legal research skills, legal research instruction must focus both on incorporating legal information literacy skills and on understanding how students learn. For this reason, teachers of legal research should rethink teaching strategies and explore different teaching methodologies.
Ubx Regulates Differential Enlargement and Diversification of Insect Hind Legs

Differential enlargement of hind (T3) legs represents one of the hallmarks of insect evolution. However, the actual mechanism(s) responsible are yet to be determined. To address this issue, we have now studied the molecular basis of T3 leg enlargement in Oncopeltus fasciatus (milkweed bug) and Acheta domesticus (house cricket). In Oncopeltus, the T3 tibia displays a moderate increase in size, whereas in Acheta, the T3 femur, tibia, and tarsus are all greatly enlarged. Here, we show that the hox gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx) is expressed in the enlarged segments of hind legs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that depletion of Ubx during embryogenesis has a primary effect in T3 legs and causes shortening of leg segments that are enlarged in a wild type. This result shows that Ubx is regulating the differential growth and enlargement of T3 legs in both Oncopeltus and Acheta. The emerging view suggests that Ubx was co-opted for a novel role in regulating leg growth and that the transcriptional modification of its expression may be a universal mechanism for the evolutionary diversification of insect hind legs.
Octupole deformation in the odd-odd nucleus 154Eu☆

Abstract Octupole deformation has been observed for the first time in the detailed spectroscopy of an odd-odd nucleus in 154Eu. 15 parity doublet bands or band heads are observed including most of the known levels below 600 keV. El transition probabilities are enhanced by ≈ 102 compared to the normal transitions in 154Eu.
A multi-objective two-stage approach to the design of communication networks subject to production constraints for computerized manufacturing systems

SUMMARY A two stage model for joint optimization of production volume and communication system cost for a multi-product manufacturing system has been developed. Stage I minimizes penalty cost, which includes costs due to under-achievement of production targets and over-fulfilment of production capacities, and determines the optimal production volumes in order to achieve the desired production plan with the available physical capacities at various stations. Stage II determines optimal design parameters for communication systems while minimizing the total penalty cost and achieving the near-optimal production volumes of stage I. A case example is discussed thereafter which illustrates the importance of joint optimization of resources as against independent optimization.
Optic nerve blood flow in glaucoma: effect of systemic hypertension

Abstract PURPOSE: To investigate optic nerve head blood flow in patients with glaucoma and to assess the effect of systemic hypertension. METHODS: This study included 24 eyes of 24 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Eleven of these patients had a history of systemic hypertension. Results in patients with glaucoma were compared with those of 13 eyes of 13 age-matched normal controls. Determinations of relative optic nerve head blood velocity, volume, and flow were obtained with laser Doppler flowmetry in the superotemporal and inferotemporal neuroretinal rim and also in the cup. Means of the velocity, volume, and flow of these three measurement sites were calculated for each subject. RESULTS: Mean overall optic nerve head blood flow was 29% lower in glaucoma patients than in normal controls ( t test, P P P = .05). A significant direct correlation was observed between mean flow and mean blood pressure (R = 0.51, P CONCLUSIONS: Optic nerve blood flow is reduced in glaucoma patients. Glaucoma patients without systemic hypertension have lower optic nerve blood flow than those with hypertension. Our results raise concerns that treatment of systemic hypertension may further decrease optic nerve blood flow in glaucoma patients.
A Computer Code For Modeling Optical Properties Of Window Materials

The optical properties of dielectric window materials are represented by the complex index of refraction, n(v,T), as a function of wavenumber and temperature. Recent experimental and theoretical efforts at JHU/APL have resulted in the development of models of intrinsic n(v,T) over a wide range of wavenumbers (from microwaves to the ultraviolet) and temperatures (from absolute zero to the melting temperature), on the basis of experimental data for a variety of materials. These efforts are now represented by a computer code that calculates the complex index of refraction for 19 optical materials. This capability represents a significant improvement over conventional handbook tables and figures. Because of the theoretical basis of the models, extrapolation and interpolation of experimental data are valid. The code greatly extends the current representation of optical materials and provides information not previously available.
Evaluation of Turbidimetric Determination of Polyethylene Glycol

Abstract We searched for optimum combinations of wavelength and time between addition of trichloroacetic acid and turbidity measurement of polyethylene glycol. All combinations of five wavelengths (360, 420, 480, 540, and 600nm) and 12 intervals (5 to 60min at 5-min increments) were evaluated. Quadratic response for all combinations, was significant but for some combinations, a log 10 transform of polyethylene glycol concentrations gave a linear response. Maximum resolution was achieved at 360nm with a 40-min interval. The 95% confidence interval is reasonable for a chemical method. We conclude that turbidimetric determination of polyethylene glycol is a valid technique.
Evolution of QWIP focal plane development at the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

The development of GaAs quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center began in the late 1980s and has continued ever since. Initial developments produced single element detectors and shortly thereafter in 1990 a 128× 128 element array was developed in collaboration with AT&T Bell Labs and Rockwell Science Center. Since that time we have developed numerous generations of QWIP arrays most recently resulting in the multi-QWIP focal plane for the next NASA-US Geological Survey Landsat mission to be launched in December of 2012. This paper will describe the technological evolutionary process from concept to a space-flight qualified infrared detector system. Many developments have been accomplished in the ensuing two decades as well as numerous experiments, both ground-based and airborne en route to qualifying for a NASA space flight mission. Some of these experiments will also be described as well as our current development for the next generation of QWIP focal planes for potential earth observing missions.
Brief treatment of sensory ganglion neurons with GM1 ganglioside enhances the efficacy of opioid excitatory effects on the action potential

In previous studies, we showed that low (nM) concentrations of opioid prolong the action potential duration (APD) of many mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons via Gs-linked excitatory opioid receptors, whereas micromolar opioid levels shorten the APD via Gi/Go-linked inhibitory receptors. In addition, cholera toxin-B subunit (CTX-B) selectively blocks opioid- but not forskolin-induced prolongation of the APD in DRG neurons. Since CTX-B binds with selective high affinity to GM1 ganglioside located on the cell surface, the results suggest that GM1 plays an essential role in regulating excitatory opioid receptor functions. This hypothesis was tested by treating DRG neurons in mouse DRG-cord explants with exogenous gangliosides and determining whether the efficacy of opioid agonists in prolonging the APD is enhanced. The threshold concentration of the opioids, dynorphin(1-13) and morphine required to prolong the APD in many DRG neurons was markedly decreased from nM to fM levels after bath exposure to 10 nM to 1 microM GM1 ganglioside for less than 5 min. In contrast, GM2 and GM3 gangliosides and asialo-GM1 ganglioside were ineffective, even when DRG neurons were exposed to high concentrations (1-10 microM) for periods greater than 1 h. Although GD1a, GD1b and GQ1b gangliosides appeared to be as effective as GM1 when tested at microM concentrations for 15 min, tests at lower concentrations, shorter periods, and/or at lower temperature (24 degrees vs 34 degrees C), showed that they were significantly less effective than GM1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Gaussian elimination with pivoting is P-complete

Gaussian elimination with partial pivoting is the standard numerical algorithm for solving unstructured linear systems. Here it is shown that Gaussian elimination with partial pivoting or complete pivoting is log-space complete for P. This provides theoretical evidence that these algorithms cannot be efficiently implemented on a highly parallel computer with a large number of processors. Since other algorithms for linear systems that are efficient on parallel computers are already known, this suggests that elimination-based approaches should not be pursued in a parallel environment with many processors.
Gyromagnetic Imaging: Dynamic Optical Contrast Using Gold Nanostars with Magnetic Cores

Plasmon-resonant nanoparticles with optical scattering in the near-infrared (NIR) are valuable contrast agents for biophotonic imaging and may be detected at the single-particle limit against a dark background, but their contrast is often limited in environments with high noise. Here we consider gyromagnetic imaging as a dynamic mode of optical contrast, using gold nanostars with superparamagnetic cores. The nanostars exhibit polarization-sensitive NIR scattering and can produce a frequency-modulated signal in response to a rotating magnetic field gradient. This periodic "twinkling" can be converted into Fourier-domain images with a dramatic reduction in background. We demonstrate gyromagnetic imaging of nanostars inside of tumor cells, using broadband excitation: while their time-domain signals are obscured by incoherent scattering, their Fourier-domain signals can be clearly resolved in less than a second. The gyromagnetically active nanostars do not cause a loss in viability, and can even have a mild stimulatory effect on cell growth.
Generating a PRSA with triangular symmetry

This paper presents a sequence of pseudorandom arrays with triangular symmetry. The sequence of arrays is also pseudorandom in nature, so it can be called a pseudorandom sequence of arrays, or PRSA. A circuit for the PRSA generator is given and some interesting properties of this type of PRSA are discussed. Also, some of the concepts presented in this paper are clarified with an example.
Biokinetics of and discrimination between dietaryRRR- andSRR-α-tocopherols in the male rat

The net rates of uptake of the natural (2R,4'R,8'R) diastereoisomer of alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) and the biodiscrimination relative to its 2S-epimer (2S,4'R,8'R) have been measured, in two experiments, for the blood and 21 tissues of male Sprague-Dawley rats fed over a period of several months diets containing deuterium-substituted forms of the alpha-T acetates. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to measure the amount of deuterated tocopherols taken up relative to the amount of nondeuterated tocopherol remaining. The measurements were performed at different times after the rats, placed for one month on a basal diet containing nondeuterated, natural alpha-T acetate, were switched to a diet containing the same total quantity of deuterated forms of either natural alpha-T acetate or a mixture of the acetates of the 2R- and 2S-epimers (i.e., ambo-alpha-T acetate). In experiment 1 the source of vitamin E in the replacement diet was trideuterio-2R,4'R,8'R-alpha-T acetate. The data obtained provide the first direct measure of the rate at which natural vitamin E is replaced and augmented in the tissues of growing animals under normal laboratory dietary conditions. There are dramatic differences in the tissue kinetics; for example, the apparent half-life of vitamin E, i.e., the time at which the total amount of ingested trideuterio-alpha-T taken up is the same as the amount of nondeuterated alpha-T remaining, varies from ca. 1 wk for the lung to ca. 11 wk for the spinal cord. In experiment 2 the vitamin E in the replacement diet was an equimolar mixture of trideuterio-2S,4'R,8'R- and hexadeuterio-2R,4'R,8'R-alpha-T acetates. The results show that there is a preferential uptake of the natural diastereoisomer of alpha-T by all tissues (except the liver during the first month). Examination of fecal material reveals that the biodiscrimination begins in the gut; the incomplete hydrolysis of the acetates shows clearly that this reaction proceeds to a greater extent with the natural diastereoisomer. The greatest discrimination of all the tissues examined was found to occur in the brain. After five months, the level of the deuterated natural diastereoisomer was more than five times that of the deuterated 2S-epimer. These results have potential implications for human nutrition.
The global burden of migraine

Migraine is a highly prevalent headache disorder that has a substantial impact on the individual and on society. Over the past decade, substantial advances in research have increased understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, epidemiology, and treatment of the disorder. This article reviews the burden of migraine, emphasizing population-based studies that used standardized diagnostic criteria. We highlight descriptive epidemiology, burden of disease, patterns of diagnosis and treatment, as well as approaches to improving health care delivery for migraine.
Quantifying the colony shape of the Montastraea annularis species complex

The reef coral Montastraeaannularis has been used in a wide range of investigations. Recently, it has been recognized as a complex of three species based on field observations of the variation in colony shape. These observations have also been confirmed by molecular methods as well as morphometrics on individual corallites in the colonies. This paper presents a new quantitative method for measuring overall colony shape based on geostatistics. Seventeen colonies collected from San Blas, Panama in 1995 and 1996 were examined using the Polhemus 3SPACE FASTRAK system to construct three-dimensional coordinates of the center of several hundred corallites in each colony. This method measures the larger bumps or “ridges” as well as the smaller bumps or “lumps” of the colonies. Variograms were then calculated for all the specimens and the lag distances and the values of the variogram were used in a multivariate statistical analysis. Overall, this method indicated that M. annularis and Montastaea faveolata overlap in their relative amount of bumpiness in colony shape while Montastraea franksi is distinct from the other two species. This method has implications for both the modern and fossil record of Montastraea as well as other organisms with similar shapes.
Creative action teams: innovative opportunities for team work

DePauw University is a selective, liberal arts institution with 2,350 undergraduate residential students located in Greencastle, Indiana. In the fall of 2004, top managers in the Library and Information Services department came up with the idea of forming Creative Action Teams to address issues and concerns they saw within the department. The Creative Action Team program was to fulfill two major objectives for the department. The first objective was to build continuous communication and collaboration between the individual departments within Library and Information Services. The second objective was to give dynamic teams a chance to create and implement a systematic process in order to reach a desired goal.The following topics will be discussed in this paper: 1. Upper management's development of the process for each Creative Action Team to follow - a process that would be clear enough to guide the teams in the right direction, yet loose enough to encourage the creative energies of the individual team members. 2. The impact participation on the Creative Action Teams has had on staff members from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and responsibilities. 3. Issues team members faced during their participation on the teams. 4. Management's response to the recommendations developed by the teams, including suggestions that have been implemented. 5. Future plans or next steps in the program.Although it is too early to be able to provide a bottom-line evaluation of the program, we will offer formative feedback and convey our thoughts as to whether this first round of the Creative Action Team program is viewed as a success or failure.