New light on R Arae

In mid-2018, efforts were renewed to check on the highly active mass-transfer process shown by the classical Algol system R Arae. We present new light curves and times of light minimum from this project. We also extend R Arae's period O-C diagram to include the new results. The new data are consistent with the strong mass transfer scenario of Reed (2011). Recent and ongoing studies of th is interesting system are referred to

Electrochemical characteristics of B4C or BN added MnO2 cathode material for alkaline batteries

Boron compounds generally produce a battery with high energy density. Since boron is an excellent conductor of electricity a battery with a high power density can also be achieved. With this objective, the electrochemical characteristics of boron carbide (B4C) added manganese dioxide (MnO2) for use as a cathode in alkaline battery were investigated during the discharge-charge process. Results of electrochemical measurements, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy show that boron aids the formation of lithium intercalated MnO2 (LixMnO 2) during discharge with some degree of reversibility, however, capacity fade and a steep voltage profile is observed. The addition of boron nitride (BN) improved the discharge performance and characteristics of the cell are also compared and discussed

An electron energy loss spectroscopy and electron diffraction study of the Pmnb polymorph of Li2MnSiO4

The Mn valency and the crystallinity of Li₂MnSiO₄ cathodes (Pmnb form) were examined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) both before and after electrochemical lithium extraction. A decrease in the crystallinity of the delithiated charged cathode particles compared to the as-prepared material was observed. The decrease in crystallinity varied from particle to particle. EELS analysis showed that the non-uniform decrease in crystallinity was due to a non-uniform extraction of lithium from the particles. The observed decrease in discharge capacity of the Pmnb polymorph of Li₂MnSiO₄ with cycling was attributed to the progressive loss of crystallinity and the structural collapse of Li diffusion pathways

A Note on Small Business Survival Rates in Rural Areas: The Case of Washington State

Using Washington State Department of Revenue and Employment Security Department data, this article uses non-parametric duration analysis to examine the nine-year time path of rural firm survival and hazard rates. The focus is on a cohort of rural firms that started operations in 1992; the cohort is followed up to the year 2000. Survival rates are estimated by using standard non-parametric (life-table) duration analysis. Using straightforward statistical tests, the study finds evidence that survival rates are statistically higher for firms that start as employers and for firms in the natural resource and service-based sectors. Copyright 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd..

LOCAL ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION OR NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL GROWTH? A COMPARATIVE OVERVIEW OF SMALL BUSINESS POLICY IN JAPAN AND THE U.S.

Contrasts in small business policy are examined for Japan and the US. The author argues that Japan\u27s small business policy has been part of an industrial growth-oriented policy, while comparatively the US small business policy has been mainly part of locally-based economic revitalization schemes. Recent trends in policy development indicate that the policies in the two countries are converging. The US policymakers have become increasingly concerned with the small business sector becoming competitive in global markets, while widespread offshoring of large firms have prompted Japanese policymakers to focus on supporting small businesses in order to prevent further loss of manufacturing jobs

Smoking modifies pancreatic cancer risk loci on 2q21.3

Germline variation and smoking are independently associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We conducted genome-wide smoking interaction analysis of PDAC using genotype data from four previous genome-wide association studies in individuals of European ancestry (7,937 cases and 11,774 controls). Examination of expression quantitative trait loci data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project followed by colocalization analysis was conducted to determine whether there was support for common SNP(s) underlying the observed associations. Statistical tests were two sided and P < 5 10-8 was considered statistically significant. Genome-wide significant evidence of qualitative interaction was identified on chr2q21.3 in intron 5 of the transmembrane protein 163 (TMEM163) and upstream of the cyclin T2 (CCNT2). The most significant SNP using the Empirical Bayes method, in this region that included 45 significantly associated SNPs, was rs1818613 [per allele OR in never smokers 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.82-0.93; former smokers 1.00, 95% CI, 0.91-1.07; current smokers 1.25, 95% CI 1.12-1.40, Pinteraction ¼ 3.08 10-9). Examination of the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project data demonstrated an expression quantitative trait locus in this region for TMEM163 and CCNT2 in several tissue types. Colocalization analysis supported a shared SNP, rs842357, in high linkage disequilibrium with rs1818613 (r2 ¼ 0. 94) driving both the observed interaction and the expression quantitative trait loci signals. Future studies are needed to confirm and understand the differential biologic mechanisms by smoking status that contribute to our PDAC findings. © 2021 American Association for Cancer Research