cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical analysis for cycle performance and capacity fading of a lithium-ion battery cycled at elevated temperature

Laboratory-size LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2/graphite lithium-ion pouch cells were cycled over 100% DOD at room temperature and 60 8 Ci n order to investigate high-temperature degradation mechanisms of this important technology. Capacity fade for the cell was correlated with that for the individual components, using electrochemical analysis of the electrodes and other diagnostic techniques. The high-temperature cell lost 65% of its initial capacity after 140 cycles at 60 8C compared to only a 4% loss for the cell cycled at room temperature. Cell ohmic impedance increased significantly with a elevated temperature cycling, resulting in some of loss of capacity at the C/2 rate. However, as determined with slow rate testing of the individual electrodes, the anode retained most of its original capacity, while the cathode lost 65%, even when cycled with a fresh source of lithium. Diagnostic evaluation of cell components including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, CSAFM and suggest capacity loss occurs primarily due to a rise in the impedance of the cathode, especially at the end-of-charge. The impedance rise may be caused in part by a loss of the conductive carbon at the surface of the cathode and/or by an organic film on the surface of the cathode that becomes non-ionically conductive at low lithium content. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Evaluating maternal hyperglycemic exposure and fetal placental arterial dysfunction in a dual cotyledon, dual perfusion model.

Abstract Background Gestational diabetes affects almost 1 in 10 pregnancies and is associated with adverse outcomes including fetal demise. Pregnancy complications related to diabetes are attributed to placental vascular dysfunction. With diabetes, maternal hyperglycemia is thought to promote placental vasoconstriction. However, it remains poorly understood if and how hyperglycemia leads to placental vascular dysfunction or if humoral factors related to maternal diabetes are responsible. Methods and Results Utilizing a human placenta dual cotyledon, dual perfusion assay we examined the arterial pressure response to the thromboxane mimetic U44619, in cotyledons exposed to normal vs. a hyperglycemic infusion into the intervillous space. Tissues were then analyzed for the activity of key signaling molecules related to vascular tone; eNOS, Akt, PKA and VEGFR2. Results indicate a significant increase in fetal vascular resistance with maternal exposure to hyperglycemia. This response corresponded with a reduction in the phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser1177 and Akt at Thr308. In contrast, VEGFR2 at Tyr1175 and PKA at Thr197 were not different with hyperglycemia. Conclusion Reductions of eNOS and Akt phosphorylation at key residues implicated in nitric oxide production suggest that hyperglycemia alters the vasodilatory signaling of placental vessels. In contrast, acute hyperglycemic exposure may not alter vasoconstriction via VEGF and PKA signaling. Altogether our results link hyperglycemic exposure in human placentas to nitric oxide signaling; a mechanisms that may account for the elevations in vascular resistance commonly observed in diabetic pregnancies.
Intensive sampling reveals underreported use of great-river tributaries by large-river fishes in Missouri

Large tributaries may help sustain large-river fish populations by mitigating fish-habitat losses within the highly modified great rivers of the Mississippi River basin. These tributaries are likely most beneficial for fish species specializing on non-degraded large-river habitat for some portion of their life histories. Few great-river tributaries, however, have been surveyed using methods that comprehensively target all fish species, resulting in uncertainty or bias in the reported composition of many tributary fish assemblages. We report important distributional records, including 23 new accounts, for 12 large-river specialist fishes in Missouri—Alosa alabamae (Alabama Shad), Cycleptus elongatus (Blue Sucker), Pimephales vigilax (Bullhead Minnow), Notropis wickliffi (Channel Shiner), Polyodon spathula (Paddlefish), Hybognathus placitus (Plains Minnow), N. blennius (River Shiner), Macrhybopsis hyostoma (Shoal Chub), Scaphirhynchus platorynchus (Shovelnose Sturgeon), M. storeriana (Silver Chub), Ichthyomyzon unicuspis (Silver Lamprey), and Alosa chrysochloris (Skipjack Herring)—following 38 comprehensive fish surveys in tributaries of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. New accounts collectively demonstrate tributaries support more large-river specialists than historically documented and thus may be currently undervalued sources of habitat for large-river fishes.
Discovery and characterization of conserved binding of eIF4E 1 (CBE1), a eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E–binding plant protein

In many eukaryotes, translation initiation is regulated by proteins that bind to the mRNA cap–binding protein eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). These proteins commonly prevent association of eIF4E with eIF4G or form repressive messenger ribonucleoproteins that exclude the translation machinery. Such gene-regulatory mechanisms in plants, and even the presence of eIF4E-interacting proteins other than eIF4G (and the plant-specific isoform eIFiso4G, which binds eIFiso4E), are unknown. Here, we report the discovery of a plant-specific protein, conserved binding of eIF4E 1 (CBE1). We found that CBE1 has an evolutionarily conserved eIF4E-binding motif in its N-terminal domain and binds eIF4E or eIFiso4E in vitro. CBE1 thereby forms cap-binding complexes and is an eIF4E-dependent constituent of these complexes in vivo. Of note, plant mutants lacking CBE1 exhibited dysregulation of cell cycle–related transcripts and accumulated higher levels of mRNAs encoding proteins involved in mitosis than did WT plants. Our findings indicate that CBE1 is a plant protein that can form mRNA cap–binding complexes having the potential for regulating gene expression. Because mammalian translation factors are known regulators of cell cycle progression, we propose that CBE1 may represent such first translation factor–associated plant-specific cell cycle regulator.
Active Topology Inference in Store, Code, and Forward Networks

This paper presents a technique for active topology inference in store, code, and forward networks. Many techniques exist for topology inference and are well suited for store-and-forward and cut-through switching; however, these simpler techniques fail to capitalize on the flexibility of recoding afforded by store, code, and forward networks. This is in contrast to network coding, which recodes the data whenever possible and consequently achieves the maximum flow (and minimum cut) of throughput across a network. The technique herein utilizes a single probe message between a single source and potentially many destination nodes to achieve deterministic topology inference.
Temperature dependent electrochemical performance of graphite anodes for K-ion and Li-ion batteries

Abstract The electrochemical behavior of graphite anode for potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) is investigated in detail over varying operating temperatures (0–40 °C) with comparisons made to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Three main categories of cell performance are analyzed and evaluated, namely, kinetics, aging, and polarization. At 10 °C and below, the KIBs exhibit poor rate capability, which can be attributed to the decreased solid-state diffusion coefficient, and the amplified charge-transfer and SEI resistances. In comparison to LIBs, KIBs exhibit rapid cell aging at elevated temperatures, owing to augmented SEI growth induced by the significant volumetric change of graphite during potassiation. 3-electrode cell studies reveal the dramatic polarization of K metal at 0 °C (161 mV), while the extreme reactivity of K metal causes a severe rise in impedance from cell storage at 50 °C. A full cell system comprising Prussian blue cathode and graphite anode is evaluated, which removes the issues associated with the K metal counter electrode and enhances rate performance at 0 °C. These findings provide a thorough basis for understanding the temperature dependent behavior of graphite anode for KIBs and its performance concerns at low and elevated temperatures.
Information Acquisition and Technology Adoption in a Partnership

We study information acquisition and technology adoption decisions in a partnership. Using classical information acquisition and technology adoption results for a single decision-maker (SDM policy; McCardle 1985) as a benchmark, we establish that it could be optimal for the partnership to prematurely adopt/reject the technology. Furthermore, anticipating premature decisions in a later period could trigger unraveling which leads to a series of premature decisions in earlier periods. Finally, for a given precision of the partnership’s belief of the success probability of the technology, the structure of the optimal policy may be non-monotonic in the belief, due to the non-convexity and discontinuity of the associated coupled optimization problem. Thus, the presence of a partner may have a non-trivial and profound impact on the prescribed optimal information acquisition and technology adoption decisions.
Anti-tumor effect of Resveratrol and its potential for combination with immunotherapy

2152 Resveratrol (3, 4’, 5 - trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a natural compound which is currently being investigated for many possible health promoting activities. It has been shown to have anti-tumor effects on various types of cancer cells in vitro and in some animal models of cancer. Prior studies on the effect of t-RV on the immune system have found t-RV to be immunosuppressive in vitro and ex vivo in a dose-dependent manner, but not in vivo. We are currently examining the ability of t-RV to be combined with immunotherapy to treat cancer. Using proliferative and cytotoxicity assays we are defining a dose in vitro and a regimen in vivo that does not suppress the immune system and is additive or synergistic in mediating anti-tumor effects when combined with immunotherapy. In our in vitro studies high concentrations of t-RV (e.g. 50uM or higher) were found to inhibit the ability of PHA to stimulate proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) measured by the ability of the cells to pass the dye CFSE to the daughter cells. Also, PBMCs were found to be arrested in the G1 phase of their cycle, at those same concentrations. We are currently examining the effects of various concentrations of t-RV on target and effector cells in cell-mediated cytotoxicity assays and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity assays. Also, studies on the effect of t-RV in vivo in neuroblastoma tumor-bearing animals are underway. Results from these investigations may shed light on ways of combining t-RV with immunotherapy for thetreatment of cancer.
Bilevel Optimization for Cost Function Determination in Dynamic Simulation of Human Gait

Predictive simulation based on dynamic optimization using musculoskeletal models is a powerful approach for studying human gait. Predictive musculoskeletal simulation may be used for a variety of applications from designing assistive devices to testing theories of motor control. However, the underlying cost function for the predictive optimization is unknown and is generally assumed a priori . Alternatively, the underlying cost function can be determined from among a family of possible cost functions, representing an inverse optimal control problem that may be solved using a bilevel optimization approach. In this study, a nested evolutionary approach is proposed to solve the bilevel optimization problem. The lower level optimization is solved by a direct collocation method, and the upper level is solved by a genetic algorithm. We demonstrate our approach to solve different bilevel optimization problems, including finding the weights among three common performance criteria in the cost function for normal human walking. The proposed approach was found to be effective at solving the bilevel optimization problems. This approach should provide practical utility in designing assistive devices to aid mobility, and could yield insights about the control of human walking.
Welcome to FASEB BioAdvances, the new open access journal by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB).

Although the idea of starting an open access journal had been discussed for years, the need for it became clear at FASEB's Publications and Communications Committee meeting in March 2016. The increased uptake of open access publishing in The FASEB Journal made it evident that there was strong and growing demand for this type of publishing among authors and their funders, and that this demand was likely not being met fully by The FASEB Journal's hybrid open access approach. Furthermore, given The FASEB Journal's selectivity based on publishing priority, not all studies will be published, regardless of how well the experiments are designed and conducted. This leaves a number of authors and potential authors seeking to publish multi/transdisciplinary work with FASEB for whom The FASEB Journal may not be the best fit. Finally, as the focus toward reproducibility intensifies, FASEB wanted to provide a venue where scientists can publish reports covering their ability (or inability) to replicate published experiments. Because these reports lack the novelty of new experimentation, they would likely never be published in The FASEB Journal, despite their critical importance to working scientists.
MicroRNA-374a, -4680, and -133b suppress cell proliferation through the regulation of genes associated with human cleft palate in cultured human palate cells

Cleft palate (CP) is the second most common congenital birth defect; however, the relationship between CP-associated genes and epigenetic regulation remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the contribution of microRNAs (miRNAs) to cell proliferation and regulation of genes involved in CP development. In order to identify all genes for which mutations or association/linkage have been found in individuals with CP, we conducted a systematic literature search, followed by bioinformatics analyses for these genes. We validated the bioinformatics results experimentally by conducting cell proliferation assays and miRNA-gene regulatory analyses in cultured human palatal mesenchymal cells treated with each miRNA mimic. We identified 131 CP-associated genes in the systematic review. The bioinformatics analysis indicated that the CP genes were associated with signaling pathways, microRNAs (miRNAs), metabolic pathways, and cell proliferation. A total 17 miRNAs were recognized as potential modifiers of human CP genes. To validate miRNA function in cell proliferation, a main cause of CP, we conducted cell proliferation/viability assays for the top 11 candidate miRNAs from our bioinformatics analysis. Overexpression of miR-133b, miR-374a-5p, and miR-4680-3p resulted in a more than 30% reduction in cell proliferation activity in human palatal mesenchymal cell cultures. We found that several downstream target CP genes predicted by the bioinformatics analyses were significantly downregulated through induction of these miRNAs (FGFR1, GCH1, PAX7, SMC2, and SUMO1 by miR-133b; ARNT, BMP2, CRISPLD1, FGFR2, JARID2, MSX1, NOG, RHPN2, RUNX2, WNT5A and ZNF236 by miR-374a-5p; and ERBB2, JADE1, MTHFD1 and WNT5A by miR-4680-3p) in cultured cells. Our results indicate that miR-374a-5p, miR-4680-3p, and miR-133b regulate expression of genes that are involved in the etiology of human CP, providing insight into the association between CP-associated genes and potential targets of miRNAs in palate development.
Universal field-induced charge-density-wave phase diagram: theory versus experiment.

We suggest a theory of field-induced charge-density-wave phases, generated by high magnetic fields in quasi-low-dimensional conductors. We demonstrate that, in layered quasi-one-dimensional conductors, the corresponding critical magnetic field ratios are universal and do not depend on any fitting parameter. In particular, we find that ${H}_{1}/{H}_{0}=0.73$, ${H}_{2}/{H}_{0}=0.59$, ${H}_{3}/{H}_{0}=0.49$, and ${H}_{4}/{H}_{0}=0.42$, where ${H}_{n}$ is a critical field of a phase transition between the field-induced charge-density-wave phases with numbers $n$ and $n+1$. The suggested theory is in very good qualitative and quantitative agreement with the existing experimental data in $\ensuremath{\alpha}\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}(\mathrm{ET}{)}_{2}\mathrm{KHg}(\mathrm{SCN}{)}_{4}$ material.
Trojan Horses and Black Queens: ‘causal core’ explanations in microbiome research

Lynch et al., in an article in this issue, argue that an entire microbiome is rarely, if ever, the right target of analysis for causal explanations in microbiome research. They argue, using interventionist criteria of proportionality, specificity and stability, for restricting causal claims to the smallest subset of microbes—a causal core—that generate the effect of interest. A further question remains: what kind of interactions generate a consortium of microbes that can operate as causal agents in this manner? Here I introduce two possible kinds of such consortia: ‘trojan horses’ and ‘syntrophic’ individuals.
CHAPTER 8 – HARMONIC QUADRUPLES

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the application of harmonic quadruples. It presents the joining of two diagonal points of a complete quadrangle, the points of intersection, and the remaining two sides of the complete quadrangle. The diagonal points of a complete quadrangle are not collinear (Axiom F). There exists an example of a pappian projective plane satisfying axiom. It is chosen to include the pappian condition in the consistency statement as one shall be working, ultimately, with Axiom F in pappian projective planes. The independence of Axiom F from the axioms for a pappian projective plane is immediate if one considers a fanian plane as an independence incidence basis. A set of axioms for a projective plane together with Axiom F is self-dual. The chapter discusses whether some permutation of diagonal points other than those appearing can be harmonic.
Associations between Bottle-Feeding during Infancy and Obesity at Age 6 Years Are Mediated by Greater Infancy Weight Gain

Objective: To explore whether the association between bottle-feeding during the first year and childhood obesity at age 6 years is mediated by change in weight-for-age z-score (ΔWAZ) during infancy...
Tracking the Volume of Neurosurgical Care During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we quantified the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the volume of adult and pediatric neurosurgical procedures, inpatient consultations, and clinic visits at an academic medical center. METHODS: Neurosurgical procedures, inpatient consultations, and outpatient appointments at Vanderbilt University Medical Center were identified from March 23, 2020 through May 8, 2020 (during COVID-19) and March 25, 2019 through May 10, 2019 (before COVID-19). The neurosurgical volume was compared between the 2 periods. RESULTS: A 40% reduction in weekly procedural volume was demonstrated during COVID-19 (median before, 75; interquartile range [IQR], 72-80; median during, 45; IQR, 43-47; P < 0.001). A 42% reduction occurred in weekly adult procedures (median before, 62; IQR, 54-70; median during, 36; IQR, 34-39; P < 0.001), and a 31% reduction occurred in weekly pediatric procedures (median before, 13; IQR, 12-14; median during, 9; IQR, 8-10; P = 0.004). Among adult procedures, the most significant decreases were seen for spine (P < 0.001) and endovascular (P < 0.001) procedures and cranioplasty (P < 0.001). A significant change was not found in the adult open vascular (P = 0.291), functional (P = 0.263), cranial tumor (P = 0.143), or hydrocephalus (P = 0.173) procedural volume. Weekly inpatient consultations to neurosurgery decreased by 24% (median before, 99; IQR, 94-114; median during, 75; IQR, 68-84; P = 0.008) for adults. Weekly in-person adult and pediatric outpatient clinic visits witnessed a 91% decrease (median before, 329; IQR, 326-374; median during, 29; IQR, 26-39; P < 0.001). In contrast, weekly telehealth encounters increased from a median of 0 (IQR, 0-0) before to a median of 151 (IQR, 126-156) during COVID-19 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Significant reductions occurred in neurosurgical operations, clinic visits, and inpatient consultations during COVID-19. Telehealth was increasingly used for assessments. The long-term effects of the reduced neurosurgical volume and increased telehealth usage on patient outcomes should be explored.
The value of alumni networks in responding to the public administration theory and practice: Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic in China

There has been a good deal of research on the role of nongovernmental organizations in addressing public concerns and issues. However, alumni networks, mainly regarded as a platform for in-group be...
Cardiovascular Comorbidities in the Elderly Undergoing Surgery

An increase in life expectancy has resulted in a higher number of surgical procedures that would be performed in this subset of population. The aging process brings with it physiological, anatomical, and cognitive changes, with resultant loss of an ability to cope with operative stress. In addition, elderly patients often have multiple cardiac comorbidities, complex medication regimens, functional limitation, cognitive impairment, and frailty. All these factors may play a major role in increasing the likelihood of postoperative cardiac and noncardiac complications. Consequently it is very critical for physicians to conduct a comprehensive preoperative evaluation and then implement an appropriate perioperative care plan which aims to reduce risk and a delay in recovery. In this chapter, we will discuss common cardiovascular comorbidities, current practice guidelines recommendations related to each condition, and the use of cardiac-related medications in the perioperative period.
Key problems in early wine-spirit thermometers and the “true Réaumur” thermometer

The main problems of early wine-spirit thermometers, with special reference to the eighteenth century, are considered with a holistic approach based on historical sources, physical mechanisms, and mathematical relationships. Thermometers were hardly comparable and were vulnerable at extreme temperatures, including calibration. Wine-spirit and the vapor pressure exerted at different temperatures, especially in proximity of the boiling points of spirit and water, are analyzed, because they caused the failure of glass tubes. The method suggested by Reaumur of completely removing air from the tube when it was sealed and the opposite one by Micheli du Crest of leaving some air inside are discussed, as well as advantages and disadvantages of using wine-spirit at different mole fractions of ethyl alcohol and water. The original, so-called “true Reaumur” thermometer, its calibration, scale, and response are investigated. The equations that evaluate the deviation from linearity for various factors are derived. Equations are given to convert readings taken with the “true Reaumur” and other early thermometers to Celsius, and at the same time correcting them from the departures due to wine-spirit and the particular calibration. Finally, the direct Celsius scale has been found to be known earlier than believed, in 1740.
Patterns of air-breathing behavior in juvenile armored catfish, Pterygoplichthys sp. (Gill 1858)

Many hypoxic freshwater springs have become havens for air-breathing, invasive, loricariid armored catfish. However, this does not seem to be the case for juvenile catfish, which are rarely seen. We wondered if hypoxia and air-breathing influenced habitat selection in juveniles, and so we designed an experiment to test the sensitivity of two size classes of juvenile catfish to varying concentrations of dissolved oxygen. Small and medium-sized juvenile Pterygoplichthys sp. were exposed to hypoxic, transitional, or normoxic conditions in the laboratory, and their air-breathing rates were measured and compared between fish size and dissolved oxygen category using a two-way ANOVA. We also measured air-breathing synchrony, which was assessed with a coefficient of dispersion and compared between fish sizes with a two-tailed, one-sample t-test, and with dissolved oxygen using linear regressions. We found that all fish air-breathed significantly more frequently under hypoxic conditions and smaller fish breathed significantly more frequently than medium fish at all dissolved oxygen levels, although there was no interaction effect. There was no air-breathing threshold oxygen tension, and only small fish exhibited synchronous air-breathing behavior. All of the behavioral changes we observed as dissolved oxygen decreased would put juveniles at greater risk of predation, and likely explains why so few juveniles are found in hypoxic waters.
The lesser evil: Pavlovian-instrumental transfer & aversive motivation.

Abstract While our understanding of appetitive motivation includes accounts of rich cognitive phenomena, such as choice, sensory-specificity and outcome valuation, the same is not true in aversive processes. A highly sophisticated picture has emerged of Pavlovian fear conditioning and extinction, but progress in aversive motivation has been somewhat limited to these fundamental behaviors. Many differences between appetitive and aversive stimuli permit different kinds of analyses; a widely used procedure in appetitive studies that can expand the scope of aversive motivation is Pavlovian-instrumental transfer (PIT). Recently, this motivational transfer effect has been used to examine issues pertaining to sensory-specificity and the nature of defensive control in avoidance learning. Given enduring controversies and unresolved criticisms surrounding avoidance research, PIT offers a valuable, well-controlled procedure with which to similarly probe this form of motivation. Furthermore, while avoidance itself can be criticized as artificial, PIT can be an effective model for how skills learned through avoidance can be practically applied to encounters with threatening or fearful stimuli and stress. Despite sensory-related challenges presented by the limited aversive unconditioned stimuli typically used in research, transfer testing can nevertheless provide valuable information on the psychological nature of this historically controversial phenomenon.
Genetic Prospects for Lymphedema Management

Angiogenic revascularization of the lymphatics is an emerging research area that is likely to be important to the future therapeutics of lymphedema and other ­pathological conditions of the lymphatic vasculature.1,2 The potential to modulate the growth of lymphatic vessels also represents an important aspect of the biological response to the problem of tumor metastasis. Promising pro-lymphangiogenic gene therapy and exogenous molecular treatment methods are under current, active investigation.
Nitrate Effects on Nodule Oxygen Permeability and Leghemoglobin (Nodule Oximetry and Computer Modeling).

Two current hypotheses to explain nitrate inhibition of nodule function both involve decreased O2 supply for respiration in support of N2 fixation. This decrease could result from either (a) decreased O2 permeability (PO) of the nodule cortex, or (b) conversion of leghemoglobin (Lb) to an inactive, nitrosyl form. These hypotheses were tested using alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv Weevlchek) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L. cv Fergus) plants grown in growth pouches under controlled conditions. Nodulated roots were exposed to 10 mM KNO3 or KCI. Fractional oxygenation of Lb under air (FOLair), relative concentration of functional Lb, apparent PO, and O2-saturated central zone respiration rate were all monitored by nodule oximetry. Apparent PO and FOLair in nitrate-treated nodules decreased to
Steganalysis and Game Equilibria

Steganography is the study of methods of concealing data in the noise of another data set. Steganalysis is the field of discovering hidden data and disrupting covert channels. We introduce a two-player, zero-sum, matrix game for the purpose of modeling the contest between a data-hider and a data-attacker. We then solve the game for equilibria, demonstrating that the form of the solution depends on whether the permitted distortion is less than or greater than d c, the critical distortion. This critical point is a simple function of several parameters which define the game. We then solve two example cases to demonstrate the ideas presented in the general solution. The value of the game is the amount of information that may be reliably stored in the data set.
Dimensional reduction in sensorimotor systems: A framework for understanding muscle coordination of posture

The simple act of standing up is an important and essential motor behavior that most humans and animals achieve with ease. Yet, maintaining standing balance involves complex sensorimotor transformations that must continually integrate a large array of sensory inputs and coordinate multiple motor outputs to muscles throughout the body. Multiple, redundant local sensory signals are integrated to form an estimate of a few global, task-level variables important to postural control, such as body center of mass (CoM) position and body orientation with respect to Earth-vertical. Evidence suggests that a limited set of muscle synergies, reflecting preferential sets of muscle activation patterns, are used to move task-variables such as CoM position in a predictable direction following postural perturbations. We propose a hierarchical feedback control system that allows the nervous system the simplicity of performing goal-directed computations in task-variable space, while maintaining the robustness afforded by redundant sensory and motor systems. We predict that modulation of postural actions occurs in task-variable space, and in the associated transformations between the low-dimensional task-space and high-dimensional sensor and muscle spaces. Development of neuromechanical models that reflect these neural transformations between low- and high-dimensional representations will reveal the organizational principles and constraints underlying sensorimotor transformations for balance control, and perhaps motor tasks in general. This framework and accompanying computational models could be used to formulate specific hypotheses about how specific sensory inputs and motor outputs are generated and altered following neural injury, sensory loss, or rehabilitation.
The Effect of Anticipated Service Interruptions on Disaster Preparedness Intentions1

This study examined the effects of anticipated service interruptions on natural disaster preparedness intentions. In a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment, students were exposed to scenarios with varied levels of anticipated basic service interruption (no mention, low, high), and person-relative-to event (PrE) factors shown to affect preparedness (low, high), across 2 types of disaster (earthquake, flood). Results indicated no main or interaction effects related to type of natural disasters, significant main effects for levels of PrE and service interruption, and a significant PrE × Service Interruption interaction. Anticipated service interruption affected preparedness, regardless of level of PrE. Bringing service interruption into awareness increases willingness to prepare, suggesting that public-health efforts should include messages regarding potential interruption of services.
Tapping the Human Adaptive Origins of Storytelling by Requiring Legal Writing Students to Read a Novel in Order to Appreciate How Character, Setting, Plot, Theme, and Tone (CSPTT) are as Important as IRAC

The Kite Runner is a simple story of two twelve-year-old boys growing up in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1970. The Kite Runner forms the centerpiece of an advanced legal writing class' most important lecture. However, any good work of fiction provides a vehicle to learn how a non-legal novel used as part of a legal-writing class can stimulate the innate legal writer within each student. The article explores the inadequacies of an Issue, Rule, Analysis or Application, and Conclusion (IRAC) only approach to legal writing and delves into the tradition of a lawyer as a storyteller, particularly in jury trials. The articles then traces back to the biological roots of humans to explain why storytelling is an effective means to organize complex thoughts and ideas and, therefore, is an essential tool to understanding. Then the article explores examples of how to teach storytelling ingredients of persuasive legal writing and how character, setting, plot, theme, and tone can be employed to craft a better brief. This Article introduces a diagram to illustrate the main points of the argument and provides examples of storytelling in action. The article surveys how storytelling in a variety of other contexts acts as a means of persuasion. There is a discussion of the limitations of storytelling in a legal context and finally, the Article concludes that effective, persuasive legal writing should employ storytelling, in addition to IRAC, and that legal-writing instructors should assign a novel as part of their course to make this point.
Management of Transfusion-Dependent Myelodysplastic Syndromes

The clinical and biological heterogeneity of the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) has engendered new expectations that therapy must be individualized. As a consequence, anemia management strategies for patients with MDS have evolved from a long-standing reliance upon supportive measures to active treatment guided by the risks posed by the disease. Median survival for a patient with MDS ranges from several months to ≥5 years with differing treatment goals, such as the promotion of hematopoiesis with recombinant cytokines to reducing the risk of leukemic transformation or death with agents such as azacitidine. As further insight into the molecular pathogenesis of these disorders has emerged, significant progress has been made in identifying new drug targets. Among these promising new agents are the farnesyl transferase inhibitors, immunosuppressive therapy, small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and angiogenesis inhibitors. Phase I and II trials have shown encouraging activity with these agents and larger randomized trials are expected to define their place in the management of MDS.
Influence of the Shape of Curvilinear Cracks on the Dynamic Stress Intensity Factors

We study the influence of the shapes of smooth curvilinear cracks in infinite two-dimensional elastic domains on the time dependences of the stress intensity factors for various kinds of dynamic loads on the crack faces. By using a modified finite-difference method with respect to time, we reduce the dynamic problem to the solution of a system of singular integrodifferential equations for the jumps of displacements in passing through the crack contour at each analyzed time. The numerical solutions of the integral equations are obtained by the method of mechanical quadratures. We also analyze the time dependences of the dynamic stress intensity factors at the tips of curvilinear cracks located along the arc of a circle, of a parabola, or of a semiellipse for different impact and impulsive loads applied to the crack faces.
Alternative definitions of sarcopenia, lower extremity performance, and functional impairment with aging in older men and women

OBJECTIVES: To compare two methods for classifying an individual as sarcopenic for predicting decline in physical function in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. DESIGN: Observational cohort study with 5 years of follow-up. SETTING: Communities in Memphis, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS: Men and women aged 70 to 79 (N=2,976, 52% women, 41% black). MEASUREMENTS: Appendicular lean mass (aLM) was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and participants were classified as sarcopenic first using aLM divided by height squared and then using aLM adjusted for height and body fat mass (residuals). Incidence of persistent lower extremity limitation (PLL) was measured according to self-report, and change in objective lower extremity performance (LEP) measures were observed using the Short Physical Performance Battery. RESULTS: There was a greater risk of incident PLL in women who were sarcopenic using the residuals sarcopenia method than in women who were not sarcopenic (hazard ratio (HR)=1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.11–1.61) but not in men. Those defined as sarcopenic using the aLM/ht2 method had lower incident PLL than nonsarcopenic men (HR=0.76, 95% CI=0.60–0.96) and women (HR=0.75, 95% CI=0.60–0.93), but these were no longer significant with adjustment for body fat mass. Using the residuals method, there were significantly poorer LEP scores in sarcopenic men and women at baseline and Year 6 and greater 5-year decline, whereas sarcopenic men defined using the aLM/ht2 method had lower 5-year decline. Additional adjustment for fat mass attenuated this protective effect. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that sarcopenia defined using the residuals method, a method that considers height and fat mass together, is better for predicting disability in an individual than the aLM/ht2 method, because it considers fat as part of the definition.
Thermal expansivity of chicken feather fiber reinforced epoxy composites

Thermal expansivity of chicken feather fibers (CFFs) was studied using thermomechanical analysis for composite applications. CFFs have negative coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) values in the axial direction at different temperature due to its semicrystalline structure. CFFs have a positive CTE value in the radial direction. The CTE values of epoxy/CFF composites can be predicted by the rule of mixing. CTE values of epoxy/CFF composites in the in-plane direction at various fiber content and temperature have been fully studied and the results can be used in composite design. We can use CFFs in composite materials to control the overall CTE of the composites to reduce the CTE mismatch between the composites and other components. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Machine invention, innovation, and elementary steps*

The systematic scientific analysis of polymer processing machines leads to the definition of a small number of elementary steps, which in chemical engineering terminology are the “unit operations” of these machines that transcend individual machine configuration and reflect the common experience of the processed material in any type of machine. The elementary steps reveal the detailed specific physical mechanisms that take place in these machines. These mechanisms, in turn, are powerful tools for triggering machine innovation and invention. The proposed methodology consists of two steps: first via the scientific analysis the process is repeatedly decomposed into its constituent elements and then the elements are recombined or reconstructed in a systematic way into either innovative solutions or novel inventions. The methodology, is demonstrated by three case studies. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 21: 87–97, 2002; Published online in Wiley Interscience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10018
Neurofibromas in children with neurofibromatosis 1.

Neurofibromatosis 1 is a common autosomal dominant disease reported in approximately 1 in 3000 individuals. Although some features of neurofibromatosis 1, such as cafe-au-lait spots and Lisch nodules, are clinically silent, neurofibromas cause a significant degree of morbidity, mortality, and cosmetic disfigurement. Childhood through early adulthood is a vulnerable period for the growth of these lesions. Neurofibromas are a heterogeneous group of benign tumors that grow from intraneural and extraneural tissues. These tumors take on different morphology, grow at variable rates, and occur in multiple locations. Symptoms arise as neurofibromas enlarge, compressing and distorting local structures. The unpredictable nature of neurofibromas has a serious impact on the quality of life of patients with neurofibromatosis 1, and their management is challenging for physicians. Surgical removal remains the mainstay of treatment. However, advances in the understanding of the genetics and pathogenesis of neurofibromatosis 1 have led to the development of promising new biologically directed therapies. The purpose of this review is to summarize the defining characteristics, incidence, clinical course, management options, and outcome of neurofibromas in children with neurofibromatosis 1.
Knowledge is power: In a world shaped by science, what obligation do scientists have to the public?

Since beginning my graduate studies in science, I have occasionally found myself struggling to find the right words to explain exactly what it is I do, and why it matters, to non-scientist family and friends. The difficulty of ‘translating’ science highlights one of the incongruities between scientists and the public in society today: the general public claims interest in science and science news, despite having only a tenuous understanding of basic science concepts, while scientists, although generally eager to share knowledge, resent oversimplification and fear misrepresentation in the popularization of their work. In this article, I address the extent of the scientist’s responsibility to enhance scientific understanding of the public, and attempt to reconcile an understanding of what the public needs or desires from scientists with what researchers are actually trained to do.
Storage in Risk Limiting Dispatch: Control and approximation

Integrating energy storage into the grid in scenarios with high penetration of renewable resources remains a significant challenge. Recently, Risk Limiting Dispatch (RLD) was proposed as a mechanism that utilizes information and market recourse to reduce reserve capacity requirements, emissions and other system operator objectives. Among other benefits, it included a set of simplified rules that can be readily utilized in existing system operator dispatch systems to provide reliable and computationally efficient decisions. RLD implements stochastic loss of load control to absorb the increased uncertainty in the grid. Storage is emerging as an alternative to mitigate the uncertainty in the grid. This paper extends the RLD framework to incorporate intrahour storage. It develops a closed form scheduling rule for optimal stochastic dispatch that incorporates a sequence of markets and real-time information. Simple approximations to the optimal rule that can be easily implemented in existing dispatch systems are proposed and evaluated. The approximation relies on continuous-time approximations of solutions for a discrete time optimal control problem. Numerical experiments are conducted to illustrate the proposed procedures.
Improvement Efforts in Rural Schools: Experiences of Nine Schools Receiving School Improvement Grants.

Low-performing schools in rural settings can face challenges common to all struggling schools, such as low student motivation and maintaining a qualified teaching staff. However, aspects of rural schools’ settings, such as the distance from urban areas and the commute between the schools and the students’ and teachers’ homes, can exacerbate the challenges that rural schools face. This article focuses on the experiences of nine rural schools that were part of a study for the U.S. Department of Education on the school improvement process in a purposive sample of 35 schools receiving federal funds through the School Improvement Grants (SIG) program. In particular, it examines how respondents in the rural schools perceived that the schools’ rural setting influenced the schools’ challenges and improvement actions and presents findings on the recruitment and retention of teaching staff, an activity integral to school improvement efforts under SIG.
Impact of Coupled Whirling and Tool Geometry on Machining Dynamics

Turning dynamics is investigated using a 3D model that allows for simultaneous workpiece-tool deflections in response to the exertion of nonlinear regenerative force. The workpiece is modeled as a system of three rotors, namely, unmachined, being machined and machined, connected by a flexible shaft. Such a configuration enables the workpiece motion relative to the tool and tool motion relative to the machining surface to be three-dimensionally established as functions of spindle speed, instantaneous depth-of-cut, material removal rate and whirling. The equations of motion for the model are coupled through the nonlinear cutting force. The model is explored by considering the tool geometry. Different stages of stability for the workpiece and the tool subject to the same cutting conditions are studied.© 2012 ASME
Hematoma-Induced Enhanced Cerebral Vasoconstrictions to Leukotriene C4 and Endothelin-1 in Piglets: Role of Prostanoids

Cerebral hematoma enhances vasoconstriction induced by topical application of the vasoconstrictor agents endothelin-1 (ET-1) and leukotriene C4 (LTC4). We investigated the influence of dilator prostanoids on vasoconstrictions induced by ET-1 and LTC4 in piglets. Newborn pigs anesthetized with alpha-chloralose were fitted with closed cranial windows 4 d after cortical subarachnoid injections of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) (control) or blood (hematoma). The responsiveness of pial arterioles to topical application of the vasoconstrictors ET-1 and LTC4 was examined in the control and hematoma groups before and after treatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg, i.v.). Vasoconstriction to topical application of LTC4 and ET-1 was enhanced by hematoma compared with the control (28 +/- 2% versus 21 +/- 2% for 10(-8) M LTC4 and by 25 +/- 2% versus 15 +/- 1% for 10(-8) M ET-1, respectively). The lower dose of ET-1 (10(-12) M) dilated pial arterioles in the control group by 6 +/- 2%, hematoma blocked this dilation and it was converted to constriction (10 +/- 1%). Indomethacin treatment enhanced vasoconstriction to LTC4 in the control group to a similar constriction to that observed in the hematoma group. Indomethacin treatment also enhanced vasoconstriction to ET-1 in the control group (25 +/- 1% for 10(-8) M) to similar constrictions to those observed in the hematoma group (25 +/- 2% for 10(-8) M). Dilation to the lower dose of ET-1 was blocked and converted to constriction (17 +/- 2% for 10(-12) M) by indomethacin treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ingestion, Absorption, and Gonad Production of Adult Strongylocentrotus franciscanus Fed Different Rations of a Prepared Diet

.— Feed costs are a major portion of aqua-culture operations. Accurate estimates of daily ration are vital to prevent overfeeding which results in wasted feed. poor water quality, underfeeding, and reduced growth. Understanding the relationship of ingestion rate and absorption efficiency of Strongylocentrotus franciscanus should improve the cost effectiveness of aquaculture of this candidate species. Adult S. franciscanus were collected from a subtidal area devoid of algae and fed two rations of an extruded diet for 62 d. Mean test diameter and whole weight of an initial sample were 91 ± 2 mm and 295 ± 18.4 g (mean ± SEM; N = 16). The two rations used were l-g dry feed/d or 3 g/d. An unfed control group was also maintained. Eight urchins per treatment showed significant differences in food ingestion rate, total organic absorption, gonad index, gut index, and moisture content of the gonad (P 0.200). Histological examination of the gonads showed S. franciscanus in the two ration treatments developed from the spent to the growing or premature stage while the unfed controls lost nutritive tissue and contained only relict gametes or remained in the spent condition. The results suggest S. franciscanus from food-limited environments can be fed appropriate rations to control gonad production.