cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling the solubility of Alkyl Ketene Dimer in supercritical carbon dioxide: Peng-Robinson, group contribution methods, and effect of critical density on solubility predictions

Abstract Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) is a sizing agent commonly introduced into cellulose substrates during papermaking to improve its hydrophobicity. High-pressure impregnation of this solute with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) into cellulose and other substrates can achieve excellent hydrophobicity of the substrate, and may be used as an alternative technique to traditional coating (sizing) methods. In this study, the solubility of AKD in scCO2 was modelled using Peng-Robinson equation of state (PR-EOS) with van der Waals mixing rules, and volume-translated PR-EOS (VTPR). Given the unavailability of AKD's experimental critical properties and vapor pressure data, group contribution estimation methods (GCEM) were used to determine these physical constants. Available experimental data from another research group, collected using cloud-point and extraction methods, was used to regress binary interaction parameters and compare the resulting model's capability in predicting solubility. The models for each experimental method predicted crossover pressures within a small range, but fitted the cloud-point experimental data much better than the extraction data, showing good agreement at pressures beyond 15 MPa and all temperatures investigated. The VTPR model showed the least agreement with experimental data. A relative standard deviation of 0.26 was obtained between modelled and experimental data for the cloud-point method, and 0.42 for the extraction method data. The models were confirmed with the Chrastil equation, and strongly demonstrated the linear relationships predicted by this expression. The models additionally predicted a change in temperature dependence around the critical density, with a common linear relationship independent of temperature being observed at densities below the critical value. This newly observed behavior, not predicted by the Chrastil equation, sets the groundwork for further fundamental investigations, while the developed models will assist the design of alternative sizing processes involving AKD and scCO2.
Trpm8 modulates thermogenesis in a sex-dependent manner without influencing cold-induced bone loss

Trpm8 (transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 8) is expressed by sensory neurons, and it is involved in the detection of cold temperatures. Increased Trpm8 expression triggers an increase in uncoupling protein 1 ( Ucp1 )-dependent brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. Here, we sought to investigate whether Trpm8 was involved in the co-regulation of thermogenesis and bone homeostasis. We exposed male and female mice with and without Trpm8 to a 3-week cold challenge (4°C). Male Trpm8-KO mice exhibited a delayed cold acclimation with increased BAT expression of Ucp1, Dio2 and Cidea. Conversely, female mice had no genotype-specific alterations in body temperature. Interestingly, Trpm8 was not required for cold-induced bone loss. In summary, we identified an intriguing sex difference in the role of Trpm8 in maintaining body temperature and composition. Furthermore, although global Trpm8 deletion did not affect bone response to cold, it did influence cortical bone shape.
On Laruelle and the Radical Dyad: Katerina Kolozova's Materialist Non-Humanism

As one of the seminal theorists further developing Francois Laruelle’s politically-poised “non-standard philosophy,” Katerina Kolozova’s approach to animality and feminism is part of a particular post-humanist Marxist continuum (which includes Rosi Braidotti, Luce Irigaray, Donna Haraway and N. Katherine Hayles). Nonetheless, Kolozova distinguishes herself from this lineage by adhering to Laruelle’s method, liquidating philosophy of its anthropomorphic nexus. Thus, Kolozova also belongs to a more recently inaugurated and nascent tradition, working in tandem with post-Laruellean philosophers of media, technology, aesthetics and feminist critique, such as Bogna Konior, Yvette Granata, Jonathan Fardy and John O Maoilearca. Within this variegated assemblage, Kolozova’s most recent project, Capitalism’s Holocaust of Animals (2019), saliently reconciles and radicalizes Haraway’s epochal dyad of the “inhuman”—a bifurcation riven by technology on one node and the animal on the other—by a resolution of superlative unity. This methodology, adhering to Laruelle’s system of “synthesis-without-synthesizing” attempts to dissolve the spectral chimeras that have haunted philosophy’s metaphysical heredity, proffering a generic identity
Cervicovaginal Microbiome Composition Is Associated with Metabolic Profiles in Healthy Pregnancy

Microbes and their metabolic products influence early-life immune and microbiome development, yet remain understudied during pregnancy. Vaginal microbial communities are typically dominated by one or a few well-adapted microbes which are able to survive in a narrow pH range and are adapted to live on host-derived carbon sources, likely sourced from glycogen and mucin present in the vaginal environment. We characterized the cervicovaginal microbiomes of 16 healthy women throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy. Additionally, we analyzed saliva and urine metabolomes using gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) lipidomics approaches for samples from mothers and their infants through the first year of life. Amplicon sequencing revealed most women had either a simple community with one highly abundant species of Lactobacillus or a more diverse community characterized by a high abundance of Gardnerella, as has also been previously described in several independent cohorts. Integrating GC-TOF MS and lipidomics data with amplicon sequencing, we found metabolites that distinctly associate with particular communities. For example, cervicovaginal microbial communities dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus have high mannitol levels, which is unexpected given the characterization of L. crispatus as a homofermentative Lactobacillus species. It may be that fluctuations in which Lactobacillus dominate a particular vaginal microbiome are dictated by the availability of host sugars, such as fructose, which is the most likely substrate being converted to mannitol. Overall, using a multi-"omic" approach, we begin to address the genetic and molecular means by which a particular vaginal microbiome becomes vulnerable to large changes in composition.IMPORTANCE Humans have a unique vaginal microbiome compared to other mammals, characterized by low diversity and often dominated by Lactobacillus spp. Dramatic shifts in vaginal microbial communities sometimes contribute to the presence of a polymicrobial overgrowth condition called bacterial vaginosis (BV). However, many healthy women lacking BV symptoms have vaginal microbiomes dominated by microbes associated with BV, resulting in debate about the definition of a healthy vaginal microbiome. Despite substantial evidence that the reproductive health of a woman depends on the vaginal microbiota, future therapies that may improve reproductive health outcomes are stalled due to limited understanding surrounding the ecology of the vaginal microbiome. Here, we use sequencing and metabolomic techniques to show novel associations between vaginal microbes and metabolites during healthy pregnancy. We speculate these associations underlie microbiome dynamics and may contribute to a better understanding of transitions between alternative vaginal microbiome compositions.
Are bright spots always hydrocarbons? A case study in the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand

AbstractIn the shallower regions of the 3D Nimitz seismic survey, there exist multiple interesting bright seismic amplitude anomalies. These anomalies, or funny looking things, occur in a confined ...
A Palliative Care Intervention for Patients on Phase 1 Studies

Background: Phase 1 clinical trials remain vital for oncology care. Patients on these trials require supportive care for quality-of-life (QOL) concerns. Objective: To test a Palliative Care Interve...
Demographics and Incident Location of Gunshot Wounds at a Single Level I Trauma Center.

Introduction: Little is known surrounding the demographic and geospatial factors of firearm-related traumas in the Midwest Region. The purpose of this study was to describe the overall incidence of firearm-related traumas and examine any racial/ethnic disparities that may exist. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients 14 years or older who were admitted with a gunshot wound (GSW) to a Level I trauma center between 2016 and 2017. Results: Forty-nine percent of patients were Caucasian, 26.5% African American, and 19.6% Hispanic/Latino. Hispanic/Latino patients were the youngest (25.8 ± 8.8) and Caucasians were the oldest (34.3 ± 14.1, P = 0.002). Compared to Caucasian patients, African American (42.0%) and Hispanic/Latino (54.1%) patients were more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (P = 0.034) and experienced longer ICU lengths of stay (2.5 ± 6.3 and 2.4 ± 4.7, P = 0.031, respectively). African American patients (96.0%) experienced more assaults while Caucasians were more likely to receive gunshot wounds accidentally (26.9%, P = 0.001). More African American (86.0%) and Hispanic/Latino (89.2%) patients were injured with a handgun and Caucasians sustained the highest number of shotgun/rifle related injuries (16.1%, P = 0.012). Most GSWs occurred in zip codes 67202, 67203, 67213, 67211, and 67214. Geographical maps indicated that GSWs were concentrated in low-income areas and areas with high minority populations. Conclusions: Racial differences were noted, however, unlike national trends, most of our patients were older Caucasian males.
Using models of cortical development based on sparse coding to discriminate between real and synthetically-generated faces

We compare the robustness of image classifiers based on state-of-the-art Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) with classifiers based on a model of cortical development using a single layer of sparse coding. The comparison is based on the ability of the two distinct types of classifiers to distinguish between faces of celebrities from the CelebA dataset and synthetic faces created by the ProGAN multi-scale GAN, trained on the same CelebA images. We examine the robustness of DNNs compared to classifiers based on sparse coding after the addition of universal adversarial perturbations (UAPs), which fool most or all of the DNN classifiers we examined. Our results show that simple classifiers based on sparse coding are robust to UAPs that substantially degrade performance across a wide range of DNN architectures. We hypothesize that sparse latent representations, which correspond to fixed points of a dynamical attractor—or Hopfield network—are naturally denoising and remove small adversarial perturbations. We observe that analogous but reduced robustness is conferred by deep denoising autoencoders. Our results suggest that DNN-based classifiers may be designed to rely on more robust features, and thus may be less susceptible to adversarial attacks, if preceded by a denoising pre-processing layer.
Grand Innovation Prizes to Address Pandemics: A Primer

The world needs rapid innovation to address the myriad consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden onset of the pandemic and its immense human and economic costs suggests that ordinary processes are not enough. The world also needs innovation in innovation generation. Prizes are an important tool for this purpose. World stock markets have lost trillions in value owing to the pandemic, and the decline in stock market value is only a partial estimate of the decline in economic output. Moreover, the decline in output is only a partial estimate of the decline in welfare. Thus, multiple multibillion-dollar prizes are well within the realm of what is economically sensible.
Categorical and associative relations increase false memory relative to purely associative relations

The goal of the present study was to examine the contributions of associative strength and similarity in terms of shared features to the production of false memories in the Deese/Roediger–McDermott list-learning paradigm. Whereas the activation/monitoring account suggests that false memories are driven by automatic associative activation from list items to nonpresented lures, combined with errors in source monitoring, other accounts (e.g., fuzzy trace theory, global-matching models) emphasize the importance of semantic-level similarity, and thus predict that shared features between list and lure items will increase false memory. Participants studied lists of nine items related to a nonpresented lure. Half of the lists consisted of items that were associated but did not share features with the lure, and the other half included items that were equally associated but also shared features with the lure (in many cases, these were taxonomically related items). The two types of lists were carefully matched in terms of a variety of lexical and semantic factors, and the same lures were used across list types. In two experiments, false recognition of the critical lures was greater following the study of lists that shared features with the critical lure, suggesting that similarity at a categorical or taxonomic level contributes to false memory above and beyond associative strength. We refer to this phenomenon as a “feature boost” that reflects additive effects of shared meaning and association strength and is generally consistent with accounts of false memory that have emphasized thematic or feature-level similarity among studied and nonstudied representations.
Low‐complexity turbo detection for single‐carrier low‐density parity‐check‐coded multiple‐input multiple‐output underwater acoustic communications

A low-complexity turbo detection scheme is proposed for single-carrier multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) underwater acoustic (UWA) communications using low-density parity-check (LDPC) channel coding. The low complexity of the proposed detection algorithm is achieved in two aspects: first, the frequency-domain equalization technique is adopted, and it maintains a low complexity irrespective of the highly dispersive UWA channels; second, the computation of the soft equalizer output, in the form of extrinsic log-likelihood ratio, is performed with an approximating method, which further reduces the complexity. Moreover, attributed to the LDPC decoding, the turbo detection converges within only a few iterations. The proposed turbo detection scheme has been used for processing real-world data collected in two different undersea trials: WHOI09 and ACOMM09. Experimental results show that it provides robust detection for MIMO UWA communications with different modulations and different symbol rates, at different transmission ranges. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A characterization of strongly invariant systems for a class of non-Lipschitz multifunctions

This paper presents a characterization of strong invariance for a system that is the sum of a dissipative and a Lipschitz set-valued map.
Scalability Evaluation of Barrier Algorithms for OpenMP

OpenMP relies heavily on barrier synchronization to coordinate the work of threads that are performing the computations in a parallel region. A good implementation of barriers is thus an important part of any implementation of this API. As the number of cores in shared and distributed shared memory machines continues to grow, the quality of the barrier implementation is critical for application scalability. There are a number of known algorithms for providing barriers in software. In this paper, we consider some of the most widely used approaches for implementing barriers on large-scale shared-memory multiprocessor systems: a "blocking" implementation that de-schedules a waiting thread, a "centralized" busy wait and three forms of distributed "busy" wait implementations are discussed. We have implemented the barrier algorithms in the runtime library associated with a research compiler, OpenUH. We first compare the impact of these algorithms on the overheads incurred for OpenMP constructs that involve a barrier, possibly implicitly. We then show how the different barrier implementations influence the performance of two different OpenMP application codes.
Thermal-mechanical fatigue test apparatus for metal matrix composites and joint attachments

Two thermal-mechanical fatigue (TMF) test facilities were designed and developed, one to test tungsten fiber reinforced metal matrix composite specimens at temperature up to 1430C (2600F) and another to test composite/metal attachment bond joints at temperatures up to 760C (1400 F). The TMF facility designed for testing tungsten fiber reinforced metal matrix composites permits test specimen temperature excursions from room temperature to 1430C (2600F) with controlled heating and loading rates. A strain-measuring device measures the strain in the test section of the specimen during each heating and cooling cycle with superimposed loads. Data is collected and recorded by a computer. The second facility is designed to test composite/metal attachment bond joints and to permit heating to a maximum temperature of 760C (1400F) within 10 min and cooling to 150C (300F) within 3 min. A computer controls specimen temperature and load cycling.
Phase-contrast imaging of the parotid region

Standard T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo acquisitions were compared with T1- and T2-weighted phase-contrast techniques in a series of 10 consecutive patients with parotid masses to assess the role of phase-contrast methods in the evaluation of lesions in the parotid fossa. Greater tissue-lesion contrast was obtained with phase-contrast methods in nine of 10 cases, allowing improved lesion visualization; however, an increase in lesion detectability was not observed in this series. Standard MR imaging methods are sufficient for imaging the parotid region in most cases, but can be quite time-consuming. Recommended screening of the parotid fossa that optimizes tissue-lesion contrast, lesion detectability, and imaging time is performed by combining a standard T1-weighted acquisition with a T1- or T2-weighted phase-contrast acquisition. Selection of a T1- or T2-weighted phase-contrast acquisition is determined by the T1 characteristics of the lesion.
Application of an inherently parallel heuristic methodology to flow-shop scheduling

Presents an inherently parallel heuristic solution methodology called parallel dynamic interaction (PDI) and report its application to the flow-shop scheduling problem. Results indicate that, across the 40 examples studied, PDI solutions were on an average of within 2.5% of optimal. Additionally, the time taken for PDI to arrive at such high-quality solutions was negligible compared to that taken by conventional search techniques. >
THE INFLUENCE OF WORKING CAPITAL ON FARM ORGANIZATION - HOW APPROPRIATE IS A LINEAR PROGRAMMING ANALYSIS?

Effective limitations on farm working capital are not easily identified but behaviour consistent with such limitations is observed. Using a linear programming analysis, the results of having limited working capital are shown. It is also shown that the value of the working capital resource is so high that farmers make every endeavour to keep it free from limitation.
Resonance Peak in Sr 2 RuO 4 : Signature of Spin Triplet Pairing

We study the dynamical spin susceptibility, $\ensuremath{\chi}(\mathbf{q},\ensuremath{\omega})$, in the normal and superconducting states of ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}{\mathrm{RuO}}_{4}$. In the normal state, we find a peak in the vicinity of ${\mathbf{Q}}_{i}\ensuremath{\simeq}(0.72\ensuremath{\pi},0.72\ensuremath{\pi})$ in agreement with recent inelastic neutron scattering experiments. We predict that for spin triplet pairing in the superconducting state a resonance peak appears in the out-of-plane component of $\ensuremath{\chi}$, but is absent in the in-plane component. In contrast, no resonance peak is expected for spin singlet pairing.
Excess capacity as a barrier to entry in the US titanium industry

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to construct and empirically test a model designed to determine the impact, if any, of expected excess capacity on the probability of entry. The analysis is conducted within the context of a single oligopoly, specifically, the US titanium metal industry. Using time-series data, an empirical model is developed and estimated in order to determine expected values of the components of excess capacity: capacity and production. By disentangling the components of excess capacity and estimating them separately, it is possible to separate any incumbent actions that may preempt entry from the effects of underlying cycles in demand and production. These predicted values are utilized in a logit model, generating results which indicate that expected levels of capacity expansion appear to diminish the probability of firm entry into the titanium industry.
Modeling the use of transportation energy for recycling construction steel

Recycling of construction and demolition waste (CDW) is a de facto criterion for most green building rating systems. However, research has found that CDW recycling increases the energy embodied in recycled materials. Even though CDW recycling reduces the demand for virgin materials and landfill space, several studies have concluded that the energy footprint of CDW recycling can be significant. Previous studies have found that the amount of energy needed to recycle CDW is driven by many factors, including regional recycling capabilities, distances from construction sites to recycling facilities, and the types of recycling facilities. The purpose of this article is to present a transportation energy accounting method, using material flow analysis, whereby designers and contractors can (1) reliably and easily estimate the transportation energy use at the design and construction stages, and (2) reduce the number of assumptions and thereby improve the reliability of the models.
Concurrently coupled atomistic and XFEM models for dislocations and cracks

A method for the modeling of dislocations and cracks by atomistic/continuum models is described. The methodology combines the extended finite element method with the bridging domain method (BDM). The former is used to model crack surfaces and slip planes in the continuum, whereas the BDM is used to link the atomistic models with the continuum. The BDM is an overlapping domain decomposition method in which the atomistic and continuum energies are blended so that their contributions decay to their boundaries on the overlapping subdomain. Compatibility between the continua and atomistic domains is enforced by a continuous Lagrange multiplier field. The methodology allows for simulations with atomistic resolution near crack fronts and dislocation cores while retaining a continuum model in the remaining part of the domain and so a large reduction in the number of atoms is possible. It is applied to the modeling of cracks and dislocations in graphene sheets. Energies and energy distributions compare very well with direct numerical simulations by strictly atomistic models. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Virus-Induced Cellular Immune Mechanisms of Injury to the Kidney

Cellular immune systems play an important role in determining renal outcomes in virus-induced kidney diseases. Highlighted briefly are five different locations along the development of adaptive immune responses to viral infection that may promote injury to the renal parenchyma and the loss of renal function. This may occur because adaptive immune cells directly target infected renal parenchymal cells or because the kidney becomes a bystander organ of adaptive immune cell-mediated injury. Examples from recent studies are provided to illustrate how this may lead to clinically relevant renal disease.
VEGF in biological control

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) belongs to a family of heparin binding growth factors that include VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and placental-like growth factor (PLGF). First discovered for its ability to regulate vascular endothelial cell permeability, VEGF is a well-known angiogenic factor that is important for vascular development and maintenance in all mammalian organs. The development of molecular tools and pharmacological agents to selectively inhibit VEGF function and block angiogenesis and/or vascular permeability has led to great promise in the treatment of various cancers, macular degeneration, and wound healing. However, VEGF is also important in animals for the regulation of angiogenesis, stem cell and monocyte/macrophage recruitment, maintenance of kidney and lung barrier functions and neuroprotection. In addition to its role in regulating endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and cell survival, VEGF receptors are also located on many non-endothelial cells and act through autrocrine pathways to regulate cell survival and function. The following review will discuss the role of VEGF in physiological angiogenesis as well as its role in non-angiogenic processes that take place in adult organs.
Computation of non-unique solutions of elastic-plastic trusses

Abstract It has recently been shown that the solution to certain well-defined boundary value problems for elastic/perfectly-plastic structures is non-unique. The present paper is concerned with the ability of finite-element computer programs to handle such solutions. Some problems arising from non-uniqueness are documented and techniques for circumventing those problems are evaluated by exploring the response of the program NonSAP to a variety of trusses with non-unique solutions.
MAINTENANCE OF THE CORPUS LUTEUM AND INHIBITION OF PARTURITION IN THE RABBIT BY INJECTION OF ESTROGENIC HORMONE

WE HAVE previously shown (1) that the injection of estrogenic hormone, beginning on the IIth day of pseudopregnancy.in the rabbit prevents regression of the corpora lutea, and that corpora caused to persist by this means are functional. Such corpora on the 26th day after a sterile mating usually are indistinguishable from those of pregnancy of similar duration, and their functional activity is shown by the observation of the uterus and endometrium. The uterine muscle remains insensitive to pituitrin in vitro, and the endometrium, retaining some proliferation, takes on the appearance of that of the sterile horn of a unilateral pregnancy of the same age. Normally in the absence of the injections, the corpora become nonfunctional on the 16th to 17th day, the uterus promptly becomes sensitive to pituitrin, and the endometrium reverts to the unproliferated estrous condition. The purpose of the present experiments was to determine whether injections of estrogenic hormone would have a similar effect on the corpo...
Wave-CISK and Tropical Spectra

Abstract An equivalent depth of 10 m for the oscillations of the tropical atmosphere was suggested by wave-CISK calculations. It is here shown that the dispersive properties of such an atmosphere are in agreement with observed power spectra for southerly and westerly winds.
Molecular polarizability as a basis for energy partitioning estimates in ordinary radiolysis

Abstract Independent assessments of relative energy depositions in mixtures based upon low velocity proton stopping cross sections or upon radiolytic ionization yields suggest that the effective energy deposition during radiolysis is proportional to molecular polarizability. The results indicate that energy partitioning estimates based upon the Simple Mixture Law will be grossly inaccurate in systems containing halocarbons or rare gases.
The molecular size and shape of some major wheat-protein fractions.

Abstract Two fractions of wheat gluten have been investigated by X-ray and electron microscope techniques. α1-Gluten, the major electrophoretic component, is found to be an oblate ellipsoid whose average cross section has major and minor axial dimensions of 130 A and 90 A. The average thickness is 40 A. The 70% ethanol-soluble component, gliadin, is found to have a “doughnut” shape with inner and outer diameters 100 A and 340 A, respectively. The average thickness is 90 A. Although gliadin is known to be a mixture of electrophoretic components, the evidence presented here shows that it exists in solution as a single particle, probably as some sort of super protein.
Heterogeneous Catalytic Conversion of Dry Syngas to Ethanol and Higher Alcohols on Cu-Based Catalysts

Ethanol and higher alcohols have been identified as potential fuel additives or hydrogen carriers for use in fuel cells. One method of ethanol production is catalytic conversion of syngas (a mixtur...
Effect of device geometry on the performance of TiO2 nanotube array-organic semiconductor double heterojunction solar cells

Abstract TiO 2 nanotube arrays are used as the electron accepting network in hybrid heterojunction excitonic photovoltaic devices. The performance of the photovoltaic devices is studied using two configurations, namely frontside illumination where the illumination occurs from the cathodic side of the device and backside illumination where the illumination is from the anodic side. A blend of regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) and a methanofullerene (Phenyl C 71 -butyic acid methyl ester) is infiltrated into the nanotubes to form the devices. Non-transparent nanotube arrays fabricated on Ti foil substrates were used in backside illuminated solar cells while transparent nanotube arrays fabricated on conducting glass were used to form the frontside illuminated cells. The frontside illumination geometry was found to be superior to the backside geometry due to ease of forming uniform contacts to devices and lower photonic losses due to absorption. In addition to the P3HT–PCBM interface, the P3HT–TiO 2 nanotubes interface provides an additional heterojunction for charge separation. Typical backside illuminated solid state solar cells show a short-circuit current density of 3.91 mA/cm 2 , 324 mV open circuit potential and a 0.43 fill factor, while typical frontside illuminated solar cells show a short-circuit current density of 12.4 mA/cm 2 , 641 mV open circuit potential and a 0.51 fill factor yielding power conversion efficiencies of 4.1% under AM 1.5 sun.
Design and development of ferroelectric tunable coplanar waveguide components for Ku- and K-band applications

In the past several years, we have demonstrated electrically tunable microstrip components such as resonators, filters, diplexers, and couplers based on conductor/ferroelectrics/dielectric two-layered structure. Recently, we are focusing our efforts on tunable coplanar waveguide (CPW) components in collaboration with NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH. The advantages of CPW components include higher dielectric tunability compared to microstrip structure, ease of shunt connections, and ease of testing. To date, we have modeled several CPW structures with ferroelectric thin-film to study the effect of inserting the ferroelectric thin-film on electric tunability, attenuation and dispersion. Also, we have designed and fabricated devices such as resonators, and filters. The ferroelectric tunable CPW filters were tunable by more than 3% at bias voltage levels of - 100V. The BSTO based CPW filters offer higher sensitivity parameter as well as lower loss parameter compared to BSTO tunable 2-pole microstrip...
Ritual individuation and ritual change

What makes a ritual performance an instance of one ritual and not another? When we observe unfamiliar rituals, how do we know where one ends and the next begins? Is there a principled way of distinguishing mere preparations from the ritual proper? Can rituals change, and how do we know if they have changed? Current ritual studies methods give us no systematic means of answering such questions. Individuation is a familiar and fundamental concept in philosophy, and it should belong to the methodological toolbox of every student of ritual. This paper provides a solid introduction to some basic problems in ritual studies theory, illustrated by detailed examples from Episcopal liturgy and ritual in New Ireland (Papua New Guinea).
Penetrating atherosclerotic aortic ulcers

Penetrating atherosclerotic aortic ulceration is a unique disease with distinct management and prognostic implications. It is an important clinical entity that must be distinguished from classic aortic dissection and rapid expansion or contained rupture of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Although symptoms of penetrating aortic ulceration may mimic dissection, the characteristic signs of dissection are absent. New imaging modalities have made it possible to establish the diagnosis of penetrating aortic ulceration with a high degree of accuracy and to tailor management according to the presence of complications. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of atherosclerotic aortic ulceration, particularly in elderly patients with systemic atherosclerosis and hypertension who have sudden onset of chest or back pain.
Autoimmunity in Stiff-Man Syndrome with breast cancer is targeted to the C-terminal region of human amphiphysin, a protein similar to the yeast proteins, Rvs167 and Rvs161

Amphiphysin, a neuronal protein first identified in chicken synaptic membranes, is the autoantigen of Stiff-Man Syndrome (SMS) associated with breast cancer. We have now cloned human amphiphysin and found the N- and C-terminal domains of the protein to be highly conserved between chicken and human. Patient autoantibodies have a distinct pattern of reactivity with amphiphysin, and the dominant autoepitope is located in its C-terminal region, which contains an SH3 domain. Portions of chicken and human amphiphysin are also homologous to portions of Rvs167 and Rvs161, two yeast proteins which are involved in cell entry into stationary phase upon exposure to unfavourable growth conditions.
Evaluation in health information outreach programs

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) includes eight Regional Medical Libraries and their Network members who are vital to the National Library of Medicine’s (NLM) outreach efforts to health professionals and consumers. Evaluation is a key component of effective outreach projects. Recognizing the need for guidance about evaluation, an exploratory study was conducted by the Pacific Northwest Regional Medical Library in collaboration with NLM to identify and document evaluation best practices. There were several major outcomes from this study. One is a field manual for librarians, providing a step‐by‐step framework for integrating evaluation within a program. Another outcome is the Outreach Evaluation Resource Center at the Pacific Northwest Regional Medical Library, funded by the NLM to enhance and facilitate skilled and effective use of evaluation in health information outreach. Describes the evolution of these outcomes and lessons learned along the way.
Predictive Model for Jet Engine Test Cell Opacity

A mathematical model was developed to predict the plume opacity of jet engine test cells (it assumes that the cause of the plume visibility, i.e. opacity, is carbon particles). The data input required for the model includes: the particle density, concentration, and size distribution in the exhaust gas, and the effective stack diameter. Previous data obtained for J‐57 engines were used to test the model, and the difference between the theoretical and measured transmittance was generally within one percent. The model also predicts the theoretical effect of using a venturi scrubber to treat the exhaust emissions. These predictions indicate that even at the limits of operability, a scrubber would only achieve a minimal effect on the observed visibility.
Sexual selection in pinyon jays i: female choice and male-male competition

Abstract Although pinyon jays, Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus , mate monogamously and male parental investment is high, the mechanisms of sexual selection occur in this species. Experiments were performed using captive birds to determine which male traits are favoured by female choice and which are favoured by inter-male competition. Females mated preferentially with males that were brighter in colour and had larger testes. Females did not prefer large males, but inter-male competition favoured males with larger bills and heavier bodies. Male dominance was not the primary determinant of male mating succes, but it probably conferred an advantage.
Using the kaleidoscope career model to examine generational differences in work attitudes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine, utilising the Kaleidoscope Career Model, whether members of the Baby Boom generation and Generation X differ in their needs for authenticity, balance, and challenge.Design/methodology/approach – Survey data were obtained from 982 professionals located across the USA. Correlations, t‐tests, and multiple regressions were performed to test the hypotheses.Findings – Members of Generation X have higher needs for authenticity and balance than Baby Boomers. There was no difference in needs for challenge between Baby Boomers and members of Generation X.Research limitations/implications – A limitation in the study, as well as in most of the research on generational differences, is the use of cross‐sectional designs that fail to capture the influence of the aging process. A longitudinal, multi‐survey design over the lives of individuals would enable scholars to capture within‐ and between‐person differences and to permit a better understanding of whether difference...
Feasibility of robot-assisted totally intracorporeal laparoscopic ileal conduit urinary diversion: initial results of a single institutional pilot study

Abstract Objectives To explore the use of the da Vinci Surgical Robotic System (DSRS) to assist in the completion of totally intracorporeal laparoscopic ileal conduit urinary diversion (TLIC). Methods Two patients with radiation cystitis underwent TLIC procedures and another patient with bladder cancer underwent TLIC along with laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy at our institution. The ileal conduit urinary diversion was done totally intracorporeally using conventional laparoscopic techniques, and the DSRS was used to assist in the Bricker-type ureteroileal anastomosis. Results The 3 patients in the study included 2 men and 1 woman (mean age 73 years, range 64 to 84). The TLIC was completed intracorporeally in all 3 patients without the need for open conversion. The operative time, estimated blood loss, intraoperative decrease in hemoglobin, and time to hospital discharge for the 2 patients undergoing TLIC and the patient undergoing TLIC along with radical cystoprostatectomy was 628, 616, and 828 minutes, 50, 200, and 500 mL, 1.7, 2.8, and 5.3 g, and 5, 7, and 10 days, respectively. The median follow-up was 4.5 months (range 3.5 to 5.5). Postoperative satisfactory drainage of both kidneys was confirmed in all 3 patients at 8 weeks or later by intravenous urography or renal nuclear imaging. The serum creatinine remained stable in all 3 patients after surgery at hospital discharge. The only complication noted was postoperative ileus in the patient undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy that resolved with conservative management. Conclusions TLIC is technically feasible and safe and can be done intracorporeally without complications. The DSRS can be successfully used to assist in the completion of TLIC. However, that each case lasted for more than 600 minutes highlights the need for further refinement in the technique. The practical application of TLIC requires improved long-term outcomes compared with open surgery, as well as a reduction in the operative time to justify the costs of robotic surgery.
Diffraction at D$\O$

We present results from the DO collaboration on diffractive studies in $p\bar{p}$ collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron. An overview of some interesting results at $\sqrt{s} = 1.8$ TeV is presented focusing on diffractive production of W and Z bosons. We then outline the plan for diffractive studies at 1.96 TeV highlighting the status of the new Forward Proton Detector. PACS: 12.38.Qk QCD experimental tests
Critical assessment of a proposed model of Shaker

Detailed three-dimensional structures at atomic resolution are essential to understand how voltage-activated K+ channels function. The X-ray crystallographic structure of the KvAP channel has offered the first view at atomic resolution of the molecular architecture of a voltage-activated K+ channel [Jiang et al. (2003) Nature 423, 33]. In the crystal, the voltage sensors are bound by monoclonal Fab fragments, which apparently induce a non-native conformation of the tetrameric channel. Thus, despite this significant advance our knowledge of the native conformation of a Kv channel in a membrane remains incomplete. Numerous results from different experimental approaches provide very specific constraints on the structure of K+ channels in functional conformations. These results can be used to go further in trying to picture the native conformation of voltage-gated K+ channels. However, the direct translation of all the available information into three-dimensional models is not straightforward and many questions about the structure of voltage-activated K+ channels are still unanswered. Our aim in this review is to summarize the most important pieces of information currently available and to provide a critical assessment of the model of Shaker recently proposed by Laine et al. [Neuron 39 (2003) 467].
A clip-on Zeeman slower using toroidal permanent magnets.

We present the design of a zero-crossing Zeeman slower for 85Rb using rings of flexible permanent magnets. The design is inexpensive, requires no power or cooling, and can be easily attached and removed for vacuum maintenance. We show theoretically that such a design can reproduce a magnetic field profile of a standard zero-crossing Zeeman slower. Experimental measurements of a prototype and comparisons to theoretical simulations demonstrate the feasibility of the design and point toward future improvements. Simulations show an atom flux similar to other Zeeman slowers.
Visions, Means, and Ends in Introductory Courses in Christian Education: Role of Christian Education in Theological Education

Abstract As one means to assess their effectiveness in the formation and training of educational leaders for the United Methodist Church, professors of Christian education agreed to share their introductory course syllabi for analysis, interpretation, and public reporting. The analysis reveals points of strong overlap, very real differences, plus some surprising absences in the courses of United Methodist educators. Study findings are then interpreted in light of broader research around the purposes and means of theological education and generalized to suggest how scholars in Christian education are already and may aspire to become more deeply integral to that process.
The contribution of relaxation to symbolic modeling in the modification of dental fear

Abstract Studies of symbolic modeling suggest that it is a technique which is at least as effective and more efficient (faster) than imaginal desensitization in the treatment of fears (Bandura el al., 1969; Woody and Schaible, 1969). Bandura et al. (1969) assessed the contributions of relaxation to the procedure and found less subjective anxiety and greater positive attitude change with relaxation but no significant differences in oven behavior nor in generalized anxiety reduction. In this study the ‘symbolic modeling only’ subjects received their treatment after they and the other subjects had received the original post-testing assessment. The present experiment was an attempt to assess the contributions of deep muscle relaxation to symbolic modeling without such confounding and with a more nearly clinical population. Dental fear represents a ‘near clinical’ phobia which satisfies Bernstein and Paul's (1971) criteria for analogue desensitization research. That is. dental phobics exhibit a strong, costly and distressing avoidance response which increases in strength as a function of exposure despite high demand.
The Web of Context: Applying Network Theory to the Use of Hyperlinks in Journalism on the Web

This study applies emerging network theory to the use of hyperlinks in journalism stories on the Web. A five-year data set, including almost 1,500 Web news stories, is examined. The study concludes...
Adapting to Osmotic Stress and the Process of Science

Inquiry-based approaches to science education improve critical thinking and engagement of students in coursework along with immersing them in the nature of science ( 1 , 2 ). Involving undergraduates in authentic research is a variation on inquiry-based classes in line with recent education recommendations ( 3 , 4 ). Adapting a project from the Csonka laboratory ( 5 ), we developed the “Genetic Analysis of Adaptation to Osmotic Stress in Salmonella ” module in the framework of the Center for Authentic Science Practice in Education ( 6 ), which enhances students' scientific understanding and communication skills while introducing them to basic laboratory skills, primary literature, and experimental design. This class has been offered to a total of 32 first-year undergraduate students in 2 years, with 21 additional students currently enrolled this spring.
Effect of Guided Relaxation and Imagery on Falls Self-Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of guided relaxation and imagery (GRI) on improvement in falls self-efficacy in older adults who report having a fear of falling. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial with allocation to GRI or guided relaxation with music of choice. SETTING: General community. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-one men and women aged 60 to 92. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized to listen to a GRI audio compact disk (intervention group) or a guided relaxation audio compact disk and music of choice (control group) twice a week for 6 weeks for 10 minutes per session. MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome measure was the Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Secondary outcome measures were the Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) mobility test. RESULTS: GRI participants reported greater improvements on the Short FES-I (P = .002) and LTEQ (P = .001) scores and shorter time on the TUG (P = .002) than the guided relaxation and music-of-choice group. CONCLUSION: GRI was more effective at increasing falls self-efficacy and self-reported leisure time exercise and reducing times on a simple mobility test than was guided relaxation with music of choice. GRI is an effective, simple, low-cost tool for older adults to improve falls self-efficacy and leisure time exercise behaviors. Language: en
Stereostructural studies on the 4-hydroxylated annonaceous acetogenins: A novel use of Mosher ester data for determining relative configuration [between C(4) and C(36)]

Abstract Analysis of MTPA (Mosher) esters of model butenolides 7 vs. the MTPA derivatives of 4-hydroxylated acetogenins provides the first general method for assignment of C(4)/C(36) relative configuration.