cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and Sentiments of Roe v. Wade in the Wake of Justice Kavanaugh’s Nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court

With Justice Kavanaugh joining the U.S. Supreme Court, there is speculation that Roe v. Wade may be overturned. For decades, public opinion polls have asked people how they feel about overturning Roe v. Wade. However, people may be uninformed about Roe v. Wade and the implications of overturning the decision. To account for this, we examined people’s knowledge of and sentiments toward Roe v. Wade using a tiered survey design. First, we assessed participants’ baseline knowledge. Next, we provided information about Roe v. Wade and implications associated with overturning the decision. Finally, we assessed people’s sentiments toward Roe v. Wade. Using quota-based sampling, data were collected from a national sample of English- and Spanish-speaking US adults (N = 2557). Results suggest people are somewhat knowledgeable—they know Roe v. Wade pertains to abortion and they know abortion is currently legal. However, people were less knowledgeable about implications of overturning the decision. Although the majority of our sample supported upholding Roe v. Wade, support was lower compared with previous research. Perhaps being more informed dissuaded some support. We recommend researchers use comprehensive mechanisms to assess complex issues, like Roe v. Wade. We also recommend policy-makers avoid basing important decisions on data from single, simplistic items.
Against the Alleged Insufficiency of Statistical Evidence

Over almost a half-century, evidence law scholars and philosophers have contended with what have come to be called the “Proof Paradoxes.” In brief, the following sort of paradox arises: Factfinders in criminal and civil trials are charged with reaching a verdict if the evidence presented meets a particular standard of proof—beyond a reasonable doubt, in criminal cases, and preponderance of the evidence, in civil trials. It seems that purely statistical evidence can suffice for just such a level of certainty in a variety of cases where our intuition is that it would nonetheless be wrong to convict the defendant, or find in favor of the plaintiff, on merely statistical evidence. So, we either have to convict with statistical evidence, in spite of an intuition that this is unsettling, or else explain what (dispositive) deficiency statistical evidence has. Most scholars have tried to justify the resistance to relying on merely statistical evidence: by relying on epistemic deficiencies in this kind of evidence; by relying on court practice; and also by reference to the psychological literature. In fact, I argue, the epistemic deficiencies philosophers and legal scholars allege are suspect. And, I argue, while scholars often discuss unfairness to civil defendants, they ignore a long history of relying on statistical evidence in a variety of civil matters, including employment discrimination, toxic torts, and market share liability cases. Were the dominant arguments in the literature to prevail, it would extremely difficult for plaintiffs to recover in a variety of cases. The various considerations I advance lead to the conclusion that when it comes to naked statistical evidence, philosophers and legal scholars who argue for its insufficiency have been caught with their pants down.
Multifidelity Modeling by Polynomial Chaos-Based Cokriging to Enable Efficient Model-Based Reliability Analysis of NDT Systems

This work proposes a novel multifidelity metamodeling approach, the polynomial chaos-based Cokriging (PC-Cokriging). The proposed approach is used for fast uncertainty propagation in a reliability analysis of nondestructive testing systems using model-assisted probability of detection (MAPOD). In particular, PC-Cokriging is a multivariate version of polynomial chaos-based Kriging (PC-Kriging), which aims at combining the advantages of the regression-based polynomial chaos expansions and the interpolation-based Kriging metamodeling methods. Following a similar process as Cokriging, the PC-Cokriging advances PC-Kriging by enabling the incorporation of multifidelity physics information. The proposed PC-Cokriging is demonstrated on two analytical functions and three ultrasonic testing MAPOD cases. The results show that PC-Cokriging outperforms the state-of-the-art metamodeling approaches when providing the same number of training points. Specifically, PC-Cokriging reduces the high-fidelity training sample cost of the Kriging and PCE metamodels by over one order of magnitude, and the PC-Kriging and conventional Cokriging multifidelity metamodeling by up to $$50\%$$ to reach the same accuracy level (defined by the root mean squared error being no greater than $$1\%$$ of the standard deviation of the testing points). The accuracy and robustness of the proposed method of the key MAPOD metrics versus various detection thresholds are investigated and satisfactory results are obtained.
A community-engaged approach to transdisciplinary doctoral training in urban ecosystem services

Community-based projects with inclusive stakeholder engagement are increasingly important to achieve robust outcomes in the science and management of ‘wicked’ urban ecosystem service challenges. We summarize lessons learned from a transdisciplinary, team-based doctoral education program that engaged students in research on such multi-stakeholder, complex problems. The key lessons are (a) problem-based projects foster active student engagement and accelerate transdisciplinary analysis, (b) problems addressing more acute interventions by public or private organizations enable learning by clearly delineating the issues and revealing the goals and perspectives of varied stakeholders, (c) successful projects that address wicked problems require that transdisciplinary teams begin from inception to robustly frame research questions with multiple lenses and choose appropriate theories and methods to implement projects, (d) regular stakeholder engagement leads to mutually meaningful project outcomes that advance scholarly frontiers for university researchers and provide relevant solutions for community partners, and (e) university administrative investment in program faculty, students, and staff and flexibility to reward innovative collaborations across disciplinary boundaries are keys to facilitate success in transdisciplinary education. Our lessons provide guidance both for addressing wicked problems through research projects in general and for formulating transdisciplinary training approaches for graduate education.
Collaboration in Giftedness and Talent Development Research

Existing research practices in gifted education have many areas for potential improvement so that they can provide useful, generalizable evidence to various stakeholders. In this article, we first ...
In Situ UV-Visible Optical Spectroscopy Study of Nanoporous Gold Formation By Electrolytic Dealloying

Thin films of nanoporous gold (NP-Au) have been extensively studied for localized surface plasmon resonance [1,2], showing a strong structure-property relationship between the morphology of the porous network and resonant frequencies. In this talk, I will show how we take advantage of this structure-property relationship and use UV-Visible optical spectroscopy to study the morphology evolution in NP-Au thin films in situ during selective electrolytic leaching of the sacrificial Ag from Au-Ag parent alloy. The evolution of plasmon resonance frequencies obtained from in situ UV-Vis spectra are directly linked to the morphology evolution (development of pores and changes in structure size) and the chemical composition (change in Ag content) in NP-Au, as confirmed by ex situ electron microscopy data.[1] A. Proschel, J. Chacko, R. Whitaker, M. A. U Chen, and E. Detsi: Journal of The Electrochemical Society 166, H146-H150 (2019).[2] E. Detsi, M. Salverda, P.R. Onck and J.T.M. De Hosson:Journal of Applied Physics 115, 044308 (2014)
Abstract B06: A novel patient-derived orthotopic xenograft model of esophageal adenocarcinoma provides a platform for translational discoveries

Background and Aims: Mouse models of GEJ cancer strive to recapitulate the intratumoral heterogeneity and cellular crosstalk within patient tumors to improve clinical translation. GEJ cancers remain a therapeutic challenge due to a lack of reliable mouse model for preclinical drug testing. Methods: A novel PDOX was established from GEJ cancer via transabdominal surgical implantation. Patient tumor was compared to subcutaneously implanted patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) and PDOX by HE 2020 Mar 2-5; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B06.
Betel Quid, Health, and Addiction.

Areca is a widely-used addictive substance that is a recognized carcinogen. Areca comes from the fruit of the Areca catechu palm tree, and often inaccurately referred to as betel nut. Typically, ar...
Anti-Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Antibodies and Impaired Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Degradation in Antiphospholipid Syndrome.

Objective The release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) by hyperactive neutrophils has recently been recognized to play an important role in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This study was undertaken to evaluate autoantibodies targeting NETs in patients with primary APS, and to determine their potential functions and clinical associations. Methods We measured global anti-NET activity in 76 patients with primary APS, 23 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus without antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), 11 patients with a history of unprovoked venous thrombosis without aPL, and 44 healthy controls. The ability of APS sera to degrade NETs was also assessed. Results We found markedly elevated levels of anti-NET IgG and IgM in patients with primary APS compared with healthy controls (for IgG, mean ± SD optical density 0.55 ± 0.34 versus 0.33 ± 0.17; for IgM, mean ± SD optical density 0.76 ± 0.51 versus 0.26 ± 0.23). This anti-NET activity did not correlate with levels of traditional aPL and was relatively stable over time. Mechanistically, anti-NET antibodies (especially of the IgG isotype) impaired the ability of patient sera to degrade NETs (r = 0.4, P = 0.003). Levels of anti-NET IgM inversely correlated with complement C4 (r = 0.4, P = 0.019). Clinically, anti-NET antibodies associated with certain APS clinical manifestations, and in particular recurrent venous thrombosis (odds ratio 4.3; P = 0.002). Interestingly, anti-NET antibody levels also appeared to be associated with unprovoked venous thrombosis in the general population (for IgM, mean ± SD optical density 0.67 ± 0.34 versus 0.26 ± 0.23). Conclusion Our data indicate high levels of anti-NET antibodies in patients with primary APS, which may impair NET clearance and activate the complement cascade. These findings may ultimately enable more effective risk stratification.
Rhythmic activity in the medial and orbital frontal cortices tracks reward value and the vigor of consummatory behavior

This study examined how the medial frontal (MFC) and orbital frontal (OFC) cortices process reward information to guide behavior. We simultaneously recorded local field potentials in the two areas as rats consumed liquid sucrose rewards and examined how the areas collectively process reward information. Both areas exhibited a 4-8 Hz "theta" rhythm that was phase locked to the lick cycle. The rhythm similarly tracked shifts in sucrose concentrations and fluid volumes, suggesting that it is sensitive to general differences in reward magnitude. Differences between the MFC and OFC were noted, specifically that the rhythm varied with response vigor and absolute reward value in the MFC, but not the OFC. Our findings suggest that the MFC and OFC concurrently process reward information but have distinct roles in the control of consummatory behavior.
Density dependence and a colonization rule predict spatial patterning

We present a model of intraspecific spatial aggregation that relates static spatial patterning to density dependence. Individuals are placed according to the colonization rule consistent with the Maximum Entropy Theory of Ecology (METE), and die with probability proportional to their abundance raised to a power α. α = 1 recovers the strongly aggregated METE distribution, and as α → 2 our prediction approaches the binomial distribution. In between our model predicts less aggregation than METE, but more than random placement. Thus, more density dependence randomizes spatial patterning. A tropical forest has non-zero density dependence with α = 1.12 at a 50 ha scale, and α = 1.0003 in a 64 m2 serpentine grassland plot. α increases at smaller scales in both datasets and the degree of density dependence varies across individual species and a 28 range of spatial scales. We infer this underlying density dependence from empirical spatial patterns.
Advances in Diabetes Treatment - Once-Weekly Insulin.

The increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes and of health consequences related to complications from inadequate glycemic control is of major concern, even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Desp...
Emptiness and Authenticity at Bamiyan

In 2001, the Taliban desecrated Bamiyan’s Buddhas, colossal 1500-year-old sculptures that had long been the centerpiece of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage, leaving behind hollow niches and staggering voids. Reflecting on some terms used to discuss heritage objects, I note that meaning and value seem invariably to be conflated. Using Bamiyan as my example, I argue this is a mistake, for meaning and value, coalescing in an achievement like the Buddhas, come apart in cases of massive desecration, or despoliation. Seeking to comprehend the nature of deliberately induced emptiness, I urge that while meaning has remained intact and, oddly, even perhaps increased in the willfully produced vacuity at Bamiyan, value, rightly understood, has been utterly extinguished, and is altogether absent. I then discuss what should happen at Bamiyan. I argue for reconstituting the Buddhas, and show that doing so would contribute to ends with both intrinsic and extrinsic merit. After deflecting two objections, I defend anastylosis and register skepticism about reconstruction founded in digital technologies. I suggest that integral restoration alone stands to issue in resurgent value and re-achieved achievement. In closing, I note that my thinking generalizes and has real import in an age scarred by the desecration of iconic heritage.
Analysis for Science Librarians of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics: Luminous Bodies, Black Holes, and How They Come Together at the Milky Way’s Heart

The 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel, and Andrea Ghez. Penrose was awarded half of the Nobel Prize for creating a groundbreaking black hole theorem that dre...
Adverse childhood experiences in African Americans: Framework, practice, and policy

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) disproportionately impact African Americans because of profound subjection to historical-systemic oppression in addition to personal and intergenerational trauma exposure. This article utilizes a biopsychosocial-cultural framework to understand the correlates of ACE exposure in African Americans and attends to the cultural factors that contribute to resilience. We review the evidence base for culturally informed, preventive-interventions, as well as strategies for bolstering this work by capitalizing on cultural strengths that are salient in the African American community. We also highlight pertinent policy initiatives guided by recent strategic outlines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These policies provide the backdrop for the recommendations offered to facilitate the healthy biopsychosocial development of individuals and families. These recommendations can contribute to the expansion and creation of new policies that aim to strengthen individual coping in the face of adversity, enhance family bonds and resilience, and promote community capacity to reduce ACE exposure in African Americans. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Building Community-Engaged Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Improve Medication Management in Elderly Patients With Multiple Chronic Conditions.

Purpose Many studies in preventing adverse drug events have been researcher-driven, yet few have engaged patients in the development of a project. This project aims to engage minority elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions in the development of research questions and strategies to improve medication safety. Methods Elderly patients (≥65 years old) who were prescribed 7 or more chronic medications were recruited through a university-based aging resource network in a historically African American community in Houston, Texas. Patients and a caregiver participated in a multidisciplinary workgroup comprised of a physician, pharmacists, a nurse, health educators, and a social worker. Patients were engaged by utilizing the 4 patient-centered outcomes research engagement principles. The workgroup created a strategic plan, completed an environmental scan, identified research problems, and reviewed current evidence-based approaches in the literature. Workgroup findings were presented to a broader audience within a community town hall setting, and input was collected from a community-wide survey. Results From April 2018 to July 2018, 3 patients and 1 caregiver participated in 5 multidisciplinary workgroup meetings. A total of 74 seniors attended the town hall meeting, and 69 completed the surveys. The most common drug-related problems among survey participants were doubts about drug advertisements (79%) and drug interactions (70%). Most participants (88%) were more comfortable in receiving face-to-face counseling compared to an app or virtual visits. Findings aided in developing 3 grant proposals. Conclusions This narrative provides a roadmap for conducting multidisciplinary, patient-centered participatory research to refine research strategies in minimizing drug-related problems.
Development of a Converter-Based Data Center Power Emulator

Data centers have become a widespread power electronics (PE) load, with significant impact on the power grid. In order to investigate data centers’ load characteristic and help evaluate the grid dynamic performance, this work develops a data center power emulator based on a reconfigurable PE converter-based hardware testbed (HTB). A complete dynamic power model is proposed which can precisely predict the data center dynamic performance. Based on the model, the data center power emulator is implemented in two voltage source inverters (VSIs) as an all-in-one load in the HTB. The proposed emulator has been verified experimentally in a regional network. Dynamic performances during voltage sag events are emulated and discussed. The emulator provides an effective, easy-to-use tool to better design the data center and study the power system.
Heroes and Legends of Fin-de-Siècle France: Gender, Politics, and National Identity

In Heroes and Legends of Fin-de-Siecle France Venita Datta examines representations of fictional and real heroes in the boulevard theater and mass press during the fin de siecle (1880–1914), illuminating the role of gender in the construction of national identity during this formative period of French history. The popularity of the heroic cult at this time was in part the result of defeat in the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, as well as a reaction to changing gender roles and collective guilt about the egoism and selfishness of modern consumer culture. The author analyzes representations of historical figures in the theater, focusing on Cyrano de Bergerac, Napoleon and Joan of Arc, and examines the press coverage of heroes and anti-heroes in the Bazar de la Charite fire of 1897 and the Ullmo spy case of 1907.
Follow the Golden Ratio from Africa to the Bauhaus for a Cross-Cultural Aesthetic for Images

(2012). Follow the Golden Ratio from Africa to the Bauhaus for a Cross-Cultural Aesthetic for Images. Critical Interventions: Vol. 6, Fractals in Global Africa, Guest Editors: Ron Eglash and Audrey Bennett, pp. 11-23.
Observation of strong temperature hysteresis in molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) vibrating nanomechanical resonators

We report experimental investigation of resonant responses of molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) nanomechanical resonators at different temperatures. We observe strong temperature hysteresis in measurements. By examining devices with different geometries under different air pressures, we determine that surface adsorption plays an important role in the observed temperature hysteresis. This opens new possibilities for studying surface processes using 2D nanomechanical resonators.
Genus characterizes the complexity of graph problems: some tight results

We study the fixed-parameter tractability, subexponential time computability, and approximability of the well-known NP-hard problems: Independent Set, Vertex Cover, and Dominating Set. We derive tight results and show that the computational complexity of these problems, with respect to the above complexity measures, is dependent on the genus of the underlying graph. For instance, we show that, under the widely-believed complexity assumption W[1] ≠ FPT, INDEPENDENT SET on graphs of genus bounded by g1(n) is fixed parameter tractable if and only if g1(n) = o(n2), and DOMINATING SET on graphs of genus bounded by g2(n) is fixed parameter tractable if and only if g2(n) = no(1). Under the assumption that not all SNP problems are solvable in subexponential time, we show that the above three problems on graphs of genus bounded by g3(n) are solvable in subexponential time if and only if g3(n) = o(n).
Dexamethasone Induction of the Intracellular RNAs of Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus

Abstract We have studied the kinetics of dexamethasone induction of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) RNAs and proteins in virus-infected rat XC cells and GR mouse mammary tumor cells. A detectable increase in viral RNA in infected XC cells was present within 10 min after hormone addition, and half-maximal induction was achieved in less than 2 h. The increase in viral RNA concentration was apparent first in nuclear RNA and later in the cytoplasm. Within the first 15 min of induction, only genome-sized RNA (35S, 7.8 kilobases) was present in augmented amounts, whereas the major subgenomic RNA (24S, 3.8 kilobases) did not appear until at least 30 to 60 min postinduction. The sequential appearance of these RNAs, the probable mRNA's for the gag and env proteins, paralleled the order of appearance of the gag and env proteins, respectively, after hormone treatment. An additional species of viral RNA (20S, 2.5 kilobases) was detected during these induction experiments, but the role of this RNA is not known. Both subgenomic RNAs contain sequences derived from both the 5′ and 3′ termini of genomic RNA and are presumably spliced. After dexamethasone induction of infected XC cells, we detected two smaller env-related proteins which were not found in full hormone induction. The functional role of these smaller proteins is not known. A previously reported smaller species of RNA (13S, 1.0 kilobase) did not appear to be induced and was shown to be cellular rather than viral in origin. In the fully induced infected XC and GR mammary tumor cells, the only viral RNAs present were the 35S and 24S RNAs. In addition, mammary tumors contained only these two viral RNAs. Thus, tumor cells appear to contain only the viral RNAs which direct the synthesis of the gag, pol, and env proteins of the virion.
A 25GS/s 6b TI binary search ADC with soft-decision selection in 65nm CMOS

A 25GS/s 8-way time-interleaved binary search ADC employs a novel soft-decision selection algorithm to improve metastability tolerance and relax T/H settling requirements. The T/H design is further relaxed with reduced loading from a new shared-input three comparator structure. Fabricated in GP 65nm CMOS, the ADC achieves 4.62-bits ENOB at Nyquist and 143 fJ/conv.-step FOM, while consuming 88mW and occupying 0.24mm2 core ADC area.
Building Blocks of the American State: Investigating the Relationship between Courts and Parties

In the tumultuous decade following the Civil War, members of the Republican Party wrestled with deep uncertainty over the direction of their party’s ideology. Efforts to reconstruct the Republican political identity following the end of formal hostilities and the emancipation of African-American slaves were not limited to the nation’s legislative and executive branches. As I demonstrate in this paper and as exemplified by the Slaughterhouse decision, the justices of the Supreme Court actively participated in this crucial discussion. I characterize this development in terms of a new model of judicial behavior, one that stands in contrast to the prevailing view of judges as mere conduits for an existing partisan agenda. Through a close examination of the case history and primary documents relating to the Slaughterhouse decision, I argue that we can improve our understanding of judicial behavior by conceptualizing Supreme Court justices as partisan political entrepreneurs or coalitional spokesmen, deeply interested and invested in the issue positions adopted by the party with which they are affiliated. Moreover, I consider the ways in which other partisan actors respond to the attempted political interventions of judges.
Spacecraft spin axis attitude determination via genetic algorithm

This paper investigates the problem of spacecraft spin axis attitude determination from a set of noisy measurements. A genetic algorithm (GA) approach is used in this work. The motivation behind employing the GA stems from the fact that under measurement noise, many of the existing methods may not be applicable. It is shown that the GA is effective for this type of nonlinear constrained optimization problem because of its generality and robust nature. A simulation example is presented to verify the effectiveness of this method.
Algebraic reconstruction techniques using smooth basis functions for helical cone-beam tomography

Algorithms for image reconstruction from projections form the foundations of modern methods of tomographic imaging in radiology, such as helical cone-beam X-ray computerized tomography (CT). An image modeling tool, but one which has been often intermingled with image reconstruction algorithms, is the representation of images and volumes using blobs, which are radially symmetric bell-shaped functions. A volume is represented as a superposition of scaled and shifted versions of the same blob. Once we have chosen this blob and the grid points at which its shifted versions are centered, a volume is determined by the finite set of scaling coefficients; the task of the reconstruction algorithm is then to estimate this set of coefficients from the projection data. This can be done by any of a number of optimization techniques, which are typically iterative. Block-iterative algebraic reconstruction techniques (ART) are known to have desirable limiting convergence properties (some related to a generalization of least squares estimation). For many modes of practical applications, such algorithms have been demonstrated to give efficacious results even if the process is stopped after cycling through the data only once. In this paper we illustrate that ART using blobs delivers high-quality reconstructions also from helical cone-beam CT data. We are interested in answering the following: “For what variants of block-iterative ART can we simultaneously obtain desirable limiting convergence behavior and good practical performance by the early iterates?” We suggest a number of approaches to efficient parallel implementation of such algorithms,including the use of footprints to calculate the projections of a blob.
A solution to the standard H/sup infinity / problem for multivariable distributed systems

The authors summarize the results of previous work in which they studied the problem of the H/sup infinity / optimal control of multivariable distributed systems in the four-block setting. The skew Toeplitz framework is employed. >
Farm and Weather Summary

President Ron Shepard, Fruitland Vice President Rick Bartenhagen, Muscatine Secretary-Treasurer Vince Lawson, Fruitland Director Keith Bartenhagen, Muscatine Director Greg Wilson, Muscatine
Determination of endotoxicity in bacterial vaccines.

Endotoxicity of bacterial vaccines was quantitated in mice by using actinomycin D as potentiating agent. The results were compared with those obtained by the mouse weight gain test. The lethality of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide was increased 2,140 times when 12.5 μg of actinomycin D was used. The mean lethal dose values of heated and unheated pertussis vaccines were similar in the actinomycin D enhancement assay, but the unheated vaccine was significantly more toxic in the mouse weight gain test. Acetone-inactivated typhoid vaccine was slightly less toxic than the heat-phenol-inactivated vaccine in both the actinomycin D enhancement assay and mouse weight gain test. Endotoxicity of experimental vaccines prepared by extraction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains was high as compared with E. coli lipopolysaccharide. The BALB/c mice were about four times more susceptible than the random bred NIH strain mice. The results indicate that the actinomycin D enhancement assay had the advantages of being more sensitive and probably more specific.
Quantum decoherence in a pragmatist view: Resolving the measurement problem

This paper aims to show how adoption of a pragmatist interpretation permits a satisfactory resolution of the quantum measurement problem. The classic measurement problem dissolves once one recognizes that it is not the function of the quantum state to describe or represent the behavior of a quantum system. The residual problem of when, and to what, to apply the Born Rule may then be resolved by judicious appeal to decoherence. This can give sense to talk of measurements of photons and other particles even though quantum field theory does not describe particles.
Life, performance and safety of Grace rechargeable lithium-titanium disulfide cells

W.R. Grace & Co. is developing rechargeable Li-TiS/sub 2/ cells. This proprietary process produces thin, flexible TiS/sub 2/ cathodes with a life in excess of 500 cycles. TiS/sub 2/ utilization of 93% is typically achieved at a C/5 discharge rate. A life of 200 cycles has been achieved for AA-size cells at a C/5 discharge rate and 60 cycles at the C rate. The practical energy density is 115 Wh/kg. Safety testing is underway. Vibration and high altitude did not cause venting. Crushing did not result in ignition or temperature rise. Forced overcharge and overdischarge did not result in skin temperatures above 40 degrees C. The peak skin temperature during the short-circuit test was 120 degrees C. Safety analyses point to the need for careful control of electrolyte volume and the benefits of a fusible separator. Grace is developing such a separator, which would shut down the electrochemical cell reaction at a temperature of 130 degrees C. >
Enhanced thermal properties of SiO2 nanocomposite for solar thermal energy storage applications

Abstract In this study the thermo-physical properties of a solid nano-composite material was measured and compared with the undoped solid material. SiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed in eutectic of lithium carbonate and potassium carbonate (62:38 molar ratio) to obtain a high temperature nanocomposite. Specific heat measurement was performed using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). A laser flash apparatus (LFA) was used to measure thermal diffusivity. The thermal conductivity was computed based on the specific heat and the thermal diffusivity. On mixing (doping) with the nanoparticles at 1% concentration by weight the specific heat was enhanced by 5–15% and the thermal diffusivity was enhanced by 25–28%, respectively. The corresponding effective thermal conductivity of the nanocomposite was calculated to be enhanced by 35–45% compared with that of the undoped (pure) material. On performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the nanocomposite a percolation network (interconnected substructure) of a dense material was observed. Such substructures were not observed in the undoped (pure) material. It is assumed that this percolation network of higher density phase that is observed to form around the nanoparticles is responsible for the enhancement of the thermal properties of the nanocomposite.
The morphology, innervation and neural control of the anterior arterial system of Aplysia californica.

The morphology, innervation, and neural control of the anterior arterial system of Aplysia californica were investigated. Immunocytochemical and histochemical techniques generated positive reactions in the anterior arterial system for several neuroactive substances, including SCPB, FMRFamide, R15α1 peptide, dopamine and serotonin. Three neurons were found to innervate the rostral portions of the anterior arterial tree. One is the identified peptidergic neuron R15 in the abdominal ganglion, and the other two are a pair of previously unidentified neurons, one in each pedal ganglion, named pedal arterial shorteners (PAS)- The endogeneously bursting neuron R15 was found to innervate the proximal anterior aorta. It also innervates a branch of the distal anterior aorta, the left pedal-parapodial artery. Activity in R15 causes constriction of the left pedal-parapodial artery. This effect is presumed to direct hemolymph towards the genital groove and penis on the right side in vivo. This vasoconstrictor action of R15 is mimicked by the R15α1 peptide. The PAS neuron pair causes longitudinal contraction of the rostral anterior aorta and the pedal-parapodial arteries. In vivo, the pair is active during behaviors involving head withdrawal and turning. By adjusting the length of the arteries during postural changes, the PAS neurons may prevent disturbances in blood flow due to bending or kinking of the arterial walls.
COMMENTARY: "On the Psychosocial Impact and Mechanisms of Spiritual Modeling"

(2003). COMMENTARY: 'On the Psychosocial Impact and Mechanisms of Spiritual Modeling' The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion: Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 167-173.
Thermodynamic comparison of collinear two-dot QCA wires with traditional four-dot designs

Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is a transistor-less computing paradigm which promises to extend the scaling of integrated circuitry past the physical boundaries of CMOS technologies. Many different physical implementations have been suggested and experimentally verified for QCA since its inception. Additionally, many computing architectures have been proposed extending the abilities of the QCA. However, the basic cell design, which consists of four logically active quantum-dots arranged in a rectangular pattern, has remained relatively unchanged during this progression. In QCA designs, the floor plan of the device layouts is dominated by communication paths, not logic operations. Additionally, the length of these communication paths largely relates to the expected correctness of the QCA devices because of thermal effects. For this reason, this paper proposes a new collinear two-dot QCA wire design which is more reliable than the traditional four-dot designs, operating at the same temperature and device dimensions. Furthermore, because fewer QCAs are required per length of communication path, the new design may have the effect of easing fabrication requirements.
Single incision laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a single surgeon experience of 102 consecutive cases.

Due to the recent heightened interest in even less invasive surgery, single port laparoscopic colorectal surgery is quickly gaining acceptance. While this access technique was first described in 2007 for colorectal resective procedures, large series are lacking. Between January 2009 and October 2010, all patients undergoing single port colorectal surgery performed by a single surgeon were prospectively entered into an IRB-approved database and studied with regard to perioperative events, morbidity, and mortality. One hundred and two consecutive patients underwent a single port colorectal procedure. Mean age was 47 years (9–93 years), and average body mass index was 26 kg/m2 (15–39 kg/m2). Primary diagnoses included ulcerative colitis (51), neoplasia (23), Crohn’s disease (14), diverticulitis (11), familial adenomatous polyposis (1), and other (2). Procedures included 23 total colectomies, 40 segmental colectomies, and 19 other procedures. There was 1 conversion to an open operation, and 18 (18%) patients required placement of additional ports (1 port: N = 13; 2 ports: N = 2; 3 ports: N = 3). Average operating room time was 99 min (13–245), mean length of incision was 3.7 cm (1.2–7.8 cm), and average estimated blood loss was 140 ml (0–750 ml). There was one postoperative death, and 39 (38%) patients experienced minor postoperative complications. Mean lymph node harvest for oncologic resections was 44 (14–142). The average length of hospital stay was 5.9 days (2–24 days). With proper patient selection and laparoscopic experience, single port colorectal surgery can be performed for even the most complex colorectal procedures. Further studies are needed to assess the benefits that single port colorectal surgery has over a conventional laparoscopic approach.
JM2, encoding a fork head–related protein, is mutated in X-linked autoimmunity–allergic disregulation syndrome

X-linked autoimmunity–allergic disregulation syndrome (XLAAD) is an X-linked recessive immunological disorder characterized by multisystem autoimmunity, particularly early-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus, associated with manifestations of severe atopy including eczema, food allergy, and eosinophilic inflammation. Consistent with the allergic phenotype, analysis of two kindreds with XLAAD revealed marked skewing of patient T lymphocytes toward the Th2 phenotype. Using a positional-candidate approach, we have identified in both kindreds mutations in JM2, a gene on Xp11.23 that encodes a fork head domain–containing protein. One point mutation at a splice junction site results in transcripts that encode a truncated protein lacking the fork head homology domain. The other mutation involves an in-frame, 3-bp deletion that is predicted to impair the function of a leucine zipper dimerization domain. Our results point to a critical role for JM2 in self tolerance and Th cell differentiation. This article may have been published online in advance of the print edition. The date of publication is available from the JCI website, http://www.jci.org. J. Clin. Invest. 106:R75–R81 (2000).
Productivity, Economies, and Efficiency in U.S. Agriculture: A Look at Contracts

The growing importance of production contracts, especially for some livestock species and in certain regions, suggests that contracts confer economic benefits on farmers. This trend has, however, stimulated concerns about the impacts of contracting on farm structure and concentration, and environmental degradation, which have led to efforts by various levels of government to regulate contract production. For example, in the U.S. hog industry, between 1992 and 1998 the portion of feeder pigto-finish hog operations using production contracts increased from 11% to 34%, while the share of output produced under contract increased from 22% to 63% (Key and McBride, McBride and Key). Recent growth in hog contracts have been particularly noteworthy in the upper Midwest, with 2002 contracted production accounting for 47% of the value of total farm production in Iowa and Minnesota, compared to only about 5% in 1996 and virtually none in 1991. Meanwhile, production contract levels in North Carolina, the other center of hog production, have been relatively stable. Production contracts offer several potential advantages over independent production that could explain their increasing prevalence, such as lowering income risk for growers. Contracting may also raise farm productivity by improving the quality of managerial inputs, speeding the transfer of technical information to growers, and facilitating growers’ access to credit, thereby permitting the adoption of newer, more efficient technologies. At the same time,
Influence of heat transfer and curing on the quality of pultruded composites. II: Modeling and simulation

In this study, a computer simulation code is developed to predict the dynamics of heat transfer in the pultrusion process. The die block and heater arrangement are included in the heat transfer analysis so that the simulation can provide the temperature profile at the interface between the die and the composite. The measured interface temperature profiles are then used to validate the simulation code. Energy management, i.e. heater power control along the heating die, is also considered in the simulation code. The code is capable of carrying out transient thermal analysis for both start-up and steady-state operation of the pultrusion process. From the experimental observations on the part quality in terms of blister formation, a processing window was obtained by showing the relation of the die length and the line speed to the part quality. The processing window is then generated numerically using the computer code based on the definition of a critical die length proposed in this work, and the result shows good agreement with the experimental data.
Protective Effect of Arginine on Oxidative Stress in Transgenic Sickle Mouse Models

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by reperfusion injury and chronic oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and hemolysis in SCD result in inactivation of nitric oxide (NO) and depleted arginine levels. We hypothesized that augmenting NO production by arginine supplementation will reduce oxidative stress in SCD. To this end, we measured the effect of arginine (5% in mouse chow) on NO metabolites (NOx), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and selected antioxidants in transgenic sickle mouse models. Untreated transgenic sickle (NY1DD) mice (expressing approximately 75% beta(S)-globin of all beta-globins; mild pathology) and knockout sickle (BERK) mice (expressing exclusively hemoglobin S; severe pathology) showed reduced NOx levels and significant increases in the liver LPO compared with C57BL mice, with BERK mice showing maximal LPO increase in accordance with the disease severity. This was accompanied by reduced activity of antioxidants (glutathione, total superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase). However, GSH levels in BERK were higher than in NY1DD mice, indicating a protective response to greater oxidative stress. Importantly, dietary arginine significantly increased NOx levels, reduced LPO, and increased antioxidants in both sickle mouse models. In contrast, nitro-L-arginine methylester, a potent nonselective NOS inhibitor, worsened the oxidative stress in NY1DD mice. Thus, the attenuating effect of arginine on oxidative stress in SCD mice suggests its potential application in the management of this disease.
Determination of Reliability Using Event-Based Monte Carlo Simulation Part II

Analytic determination of reliability of general systems becomes increasingly difficult as the system complexity increases. Inclusion of s-dependent components and/or allowing repair of failed components makes such analysis virtually impossible. This paper extends the Monte Carlo simulation procedure of Kamat and Riley to estimate the reliability of such systems. A computer program finds all minimal tie-sets from a coded reliability flow graph and performs the simulation. In each replication, the s-dependency of failures and/or repair of failed components is incorporated in the generation of pseudorandom time-to-failure through modification of the failure rate for each affected component. A search through the minimal tie-sets identifies the success or failure of the system at each value of required time of operation. The computer program estimates the system reliability as a function of time with approximate individual (for each time point) 95 percent symmetric s-confidence limits.
THE TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF MYOSIN-ADENOSINETRIPHOSPHATASE AND ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE IN LIZARDS.

The temperature dependence of myosin ATP-ase and intestinal alkaline phosphatase from a variety of lizards having distinct preferred tem- peratures was compared. 2. The ATP-ase was relatively thermolabile; reductions in activity at temperatures above the optimum resulted primarily from irreversible denatura- tion. However, pronounced differences were evident in both the optimal temperatures and thermostabilities of the ATP-ases from eight species of lizards. Optima ranged from 33-42°C. 3. Alkaline phosphatase was more heat resistant and reductions in activity above the optimum were largely reversible. There was virtually no difference in the temperature dependence of the alkaline phosphatase from four species studied. The optimal temperature for this enzyme was about 42°C and no denaturation was evident at 51°C. 4. Differences in the temperature dependence of the ATP-ase correlated well with differences in the preferred temperatures of the respective species. Thus, biochemical adjustments in ATP-ase appear to be closely associated with thermal adaptations evident at the level of the whole animal ; but it is clear that not all enzymes are similarly involved in organismal thermal adjustments.
IS education: the role of programming in undergraduate IS programs

One of the most fundamental and most highly debated questions in Information Systems education is the role of programming in undergraduate IS programs. On one hand, there are strong arguments and precedents supporting not only the inclusion of programming in these programs but also a significant role for it. For example, both the most recent model curriculum (IS 2002) and many existing undergraduate IS programs include a significant programming component. IS 2002 incorporates a programming course with a highly complex name reflecting the ambiguity about the focus of the course ("Programming, Data, File, and Object Structures,") but it also includes two additional courses that have significant programming components ("Physical Design and Implementation with DBMS" and "Physical Design and Implementation in Emerging Environments"). The "Analysis and Logical Design" course is directly connected to application development/programming. A closer evaluation of the course descriptions reveals a very ambitious agenda; the topics include items such as "programming in traditional and visual environments that incorporate event-driven, object-oriented design," "algorithm development," "program correctness, verification, and validation," "structured and object design approaches," and "structured, event driven, and object oriented application design." This choice of wording, which is practically unchanged from IS'97, signifies a strong commitment to developing the students' programming and software development capabilities. In addition, the general criteria for accrediting undergraduate computing programs (including those in information systems) clearly include programming activities (3 (c)) "The program enables students to achieve, by the time of graduation, ... an ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.