cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of previous history on physical aging in thin glassy polymer films as gas separation membranes

Abstract The physical aging behavior of thin glassy polysulfone (PSF) films (∼125 nm) with different previous histories was tracked using gas permeability measurements. The initial states of these materials were modulated by thermal annealing at fixed temperatures below the glass transition or by exposure to high pressure (800 psig (56.2 bara)) CO 2 for various times. Regardless of the previous history, the nature of the aging response in these samples was consistent with the aging behavior of an untreated film that was freshly quenched from above T g , i.e. , permeability decreased and pure gas selectivity increased with aging time. However, the extent of aging-induced changes in transport properties of these materials depended strongly on previous history. The aging behavior was described using Struik’s aging model by allowing the initial conditions to depend on each sample’s previous history.
Capital equipment justification: A spreadsheet application template

Abstract In many organizations the industrial engineering group has the responsibility of preparing the request for capital funds for new product introduction, new equipment purchase or expansion of existing plant facilities. Much of the time required to develop the capital equipment request is devoted to gathering background data on product costs, market share, machinery/equipment costs, and expenses associated with launching the project. Once the background data has been gathered, the industrial engineer is then faced with the difficult task of sorting, arranging and performing multitudes of calculations on the data in order that the end product will resemble a snapshot of the financial impact that the acceptance of the project will have on the firm. This process can take hours or days, depending on the level of detail required. Once the final results have been obtained, a management review of the analysis might indicate that mistakes in the raw data have been made, product sales estimates were too high or cost estimates for products were too low. This causes the industrial engineer to essentially recompile the data set in order to obtain accurate results. Until the advent of microcomputers, preparation of a detailed capital equipment justification request for introducing new products could take much of the industrial engineers time. However, with the evolution of microcomputer spreadsheet programs, the industrial engineer has found a powerful tool which can manage the vast volume of data often present in capital investment analysis, by eliminating the drudgery of performing hundreds of hand calculations.
Monitoring exposure of nestling songbirds to agricultural application of an organophosphorus insecticide using cholinesterase activity

In June 1992 we collected 53 blood plasma samples from nestling red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), house sparrows (Passer domesticus), and brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) at five study sites in northwestern Minnesota to evaluate the feasibility of using plasma and brain cholinesterase (ChE) activity and reactivation as a means of assessing exposure of nontarget organisms to the operational use of ChE- inhibiting insecticides in an agricultural setting. Three sites were adjacent to sugar beet fields that were likely to be treated with chlorpyrifos as Lorsban® (an organophosphorus [OP] insecticide) for control of sugar beet root maggot (Tetanops myopaeformis), and two sites were distant from fields likely to be treated (reference sites). Application of chlorpyrifos in fields surrounding study plots was monitored through contact with landowners and direct observations. Cholinesterase activity levels (total cholinesterase [ChE], acetylcholinesterase [AChE], and butyrylcholinesterase [BChE]) in nestling plasma were measured and tested for reactivation (ChE and AChE) in the presence of 2–PAM, an indication of exposure to an organophosphorus insecticide. In addition, 11 nestlings were euthanatized and in these samples we measured brain ChE activity and reactivation, and we analyzed gastrointestinal tracts and carcass washes for chlorpyrifos residues. Total ChE and BChE activity were lowest in similar-aged nestlings at sites adjacent to treated beet fields (ChE, t = −2.51, d.f. = 21, p = 0.033; BChE, t = −2.56, d.f. = 21, p = 0.043). Nestlings from sites that were near fields where chlorpyrifos was applied were more likely to exhibit plasma AChE reactivation than nestlings from reference sites where OP or carbamate insecticide application was improbable (x2 = 3.805, d.f. = 1, p ∼ 0.05). The magnitude of plasma ChE reactivation was highest within 1 to 3 d of insecticide application, although significant reactivation was measured up to 11 d after application of chlorpyrifos. Plasma AChE reactivation in the presence of pyridine-2–aldoxime methochloride (2–PAM) appeared to be a more sensitive indicator of exposure to chlorpyrifos than plasma ChE or BChE activity levels.
Simultaneous Space Diffusivity and Source Term Reconstruction in 2D IHCP

A numerical marching scheme is presented for the simultaneous recovery of the diffusivity coefficient, spatial source term, temperature, and heat flux distributions in the two-dimensional inverse heat conduction problem when noisy data at the active boundary and the initial measured temperature distribution are given. No information about the quality and/or quantity of the noise is assumed. A proof of stability and convergence of the algorithm are provided together with several numerical examples of interest.
REGULATION OF THE QUALITY OF NURSING HOME CARE IN THE UNITED STATES

There is considerable evidence that conditions in nursing homes in the United States are far from optimal. Problems in nursing homes are understandable, given the fact that nursing home care is generally provided through private facilities, and that payment rates are often inadequate to support quality care. The 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act attempts to address problems in nursing homes by setting standards that address common problems, establishing survey methods that look at process and outcome as well as structure, and providing flexible sanctions to address the range of problems found in inadequate facilities. This article describes conditions in American nursing homes, and what is being done about them.
Extinction Criteria for Buoyant Nonpremixed Flames

Abstract The extinction of buoyant flames is studied for two geometrical configurations, one of which involves vertical flow related to an evaporating wall, and the other horizontal flow over an evaporating pool. The governing equations are cast in a self similar form and subsequently transformed to enable comparison with the results of previously developed asymptotic analyses which enables prediction of the critical extinction conditions. From the predictions the critical scalar dissipation rate at extinction is determined for three different fuels, i.e., n-heptane, toluene, and methanol. A previously developed analysis for radiating flames is applied and the critical extinction conditions determined for situations when the heat loss due to radiation cannot be neglected. A factor K appearing in the analysis is calculated for different circumstances, the use of which determines the critical extinction conditions in general for an evaporating fuel burning in either of the two geometrical configurations con...
A Critical Analysis of the Mechanistic Basis of Enantioselectivity in the Bis-Cinchona Alkaloid Catalyzed Dihydroxylation of Olefins

This paper presents a critical analysis of two transition state models for the bis-cinchona alkaloid catalyzed enantioselective dihydroxylation of olefins using a broad range of experimental data. In one model (Sharpless) the transition state resembles a metallaoxetane structure formed by [2 + 2] cycloaddition of OsO and CC, and in the other the transition state is a five-membered structure in which one axial and one equatorial oxygen of cinchona bound OsO4 are becoming attached to the olefinic carbons by a [3 + 2] cycloaddition process from an Os−olefin π-complex (CCN model, Figure 1). Data on the enantioselectivity of the asymmetric dihydroxylation of a wide variety of olefinic substrates and on the selectivity of a range of catalyst structures agree well with expectations based on the CCN model, but not the Sharpless model.
Multiplication of the α-synuclein gene is not a common disease mechanism in Lewy body disease

Lewy body disease (LBD) refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders presenting with parkinsonism and Lewy body (LB) formation. Although the relationship between dementing syndromes with LBs, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease is unclear, the former constitute a common form of degenerative dementia and may account for up to 20% of cases in the elderly. We recently demonstrated triplication of the α-synuclein gene as the cause of disease in the Spellman-Muenter kindred. Neuropathological examination of affected members of the kindred demonstrated extensive LB pathology consistent with diffuse LBD. We examined a large collection of pathologically confirmed LBD cases and found no evidence for multiplication of the α-synuclein gene, suggesting that this mechanism is not a common cause of LBD.
Global stability and exact solution of an arbitrary-solute nonlinear cellular mass transport system

The prediction of the cellular state as a function of extracellular concentrations and temperatures has been of interest to physiologists for nearly a century. One of the most widely used models in the field is one where mass flux is linearly proportional to the concentration difference across the membrane. These fluxes define a nonlinear differential equation system for the intracellular state, which when coupled with appropriate initial conditions, define the intracellular state as a function of the extracellular concentrations of both permeating and nonpermeating solutes. Here we take advantage of a reparametrization scheme to extend existing stability results to a more general setting and to a develop analytical solutions to this model for an arbitrary number of extracellular solutes.
Revisiting the IT Productivity Paradox

Twenty-five years after Nobel Laureate economist Robert Solow observed “seeing computers everywhere but in the productivity statistics,” the question of productivity gains from information technolo...
Interleukin‐1 induces major phenotypic changes in human skin microvascular endothelial cells

To determine the role of the pleiotropic cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) on the activation of endothelial cells during inflammation and angiogenesis, pure populations of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) were obtained by immunoaffinity purification using Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) antibody. Exposure of HDMEC to IL-1β induced morphologic and physiologic changes characterized by (1) phenotypic modulation of endothelial cells from epithelioid to spindle-shaped cells accompanied by reorganization of vimentin filaments; (2) gradual decrease to a complete absence of the endothelial cell markers von Willebrand factor (vWf) and PECAM-1; and (3) increased capability to form tubule-like structures when overlaid with collagen gels. The IL-1 effect on cell morphology, growth, and decrease of endothelial cell antigens was potentiated by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Similar results were observed in mitotically arrested γ-irradiated cells demonstrating that the spindle-shaped cells observed after IL-1 stimulation were derived from epithelioid endothelial cells and that DNA synthesis was not required to effect these changes. Immunostaining with an antibody specific for human fibroblasts was negative and further confirmed the endothelial cell origin of the spindle-shaped cells. These data demonstrate that IL-1 can induce phenotypic changes in HDMEC from epithelioid to spindle-shaped, mesenchymal-like cells, that these cells are more susceptible to stimulation by bFGF, and that they lose biochemical and functional properties characteristic of epithelioid HDMEC. J. Cell. Physiol. 173:84–92, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Application of multivariable feedback methods to intravenous anesthetic pharmacodynamics

Continuous infusions of intravenous anesthetics are becoming increasingly popular during surgical procedures, largely because relatively precise, consistent control of anesthetic depth is possible over intravenous injection techniques. In this paper we investigate the main issues involved with the development of automatic intravenous anesthesia delivery systems in the context of robust multivariable control. We present a pharmacodynamic model that may be suitable for closed-loop control, and discuss clinical data collected from human subjects during actual surgical conditions with the anesthetic propofol.
Theoretical gain spectrum of far-infrared Raman lasers

The four-level density matrix theory of the Raman FIR laser is extended to include arbitrary pump and emission field strengths and arbitrary pump frequency offsets from resonance. The results accommodate the full range of spectral variation that is observed when CH/sub 3/F Raman FIR lasers are operated at widely differing values of the rotational quantum number J. The extended theory is also useful for optimizing the temperature and pressure of these broadly tunable lasers to achieve maximum spectral coverage. >
Trimedlure affects mating success and mate attraction in male Mediterranean fruit flies

Male Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), are attracted to the synthetic compound trimedlure. Despite the common use of trimedlure in control programs, the underlying basis of male attraction remains unknown. In a series of laboratory trials, we compared the mating success of (treated) males exposed to trimedlure and (control) males not given access to trimedlure. When tested immediately after exposure, treated males mated more frequently than control males. This mating advantage was short-lived, however, and males tested as little as 24 h after exposure had no advantage over control males. When tested immediately after exposure, treated males exhibited higher levels of pheromone calling than control males. Consequently, more females were attracted to treated males than to control males in field tests.
Measuring skinfold thickness—A cautionary note

Abstract Skinfold thickness measures of adipose tissue by constant-pressure calipers represent an important adjunct in the evaluation of weight reduction programs. The complexity of measuring skinfold thickness is contrasted with the simplicity of balance-bar weight. When several precautions are taken to insure reliability, measurements of skinfold thickness provide an additional index of obesity which supplements balance-bar weight.
Size-resolved aerosol emission factors and new particle formation/growth activity occurring in Mexico City during the MILAGRO 2006 Campaign

Abstract. Measurements of the aerosol size distribution from 11 nm to 2.5 microns were made in Mexico City in March 2006, during the MILAGRO (Megacity Initiative: Local and Global Research Observations) field campaign. Observations at the urban supersite, referred to as T0, could often be characterized by morning conditions with high particle mass concentrations, low mixing heights, and highly correlated particle number and CO2 concentrations, indicative that particle number is controlled by primary emissions. Average size-resolved and total number- and volume-based emission factors for combustion sources impacting T0 have been determined using a comparison of peak sizes in particle number and CO2 concentration. Peaks are determined by subtracting the measured concentration from a calculated baseline concentration time series. The number emission and volume emission factors for particles from 11 nm to 494 nm are 1.56 × 1015 particles, and 9.48 × 1011 cubic microns per kg of carbon, respectively. The uncertainty of the number emission factor is approximately plus or minus 50 %. The mode of the number emission factor was between 25 and 32 nm, while the mode of the volume factor was between 0.25 and 0.32 microns. These emission factors are reported as log normal model parameters and are compared with multiple emission factors from the literature. In Mexico City in the afternoon, the CO2 concentration drops during ventilation of the polluted layer, and the coupling between CO2 and particle number breaks down, especially during new particle formation events when particle number is no longer controlled by primary emissions. Using measurements of particle number and CO2 taken aboard the NASA DC-8, the determined primary emission factor was applied to the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) plume to quantify the degree of secondary particle formation in the plume; the primary emission factor accounts for less than 50 % of the total particle number and the surplus particle count is not correlated with photochemical age. Primary particle volume and number in the size range 0.1–2 μm are similarly too low to explain the observed volume distribution. Contrary to the case for number, the apparent secondary volume increases with photochemical age. The size distribution of the apparent increase, with a mode at ~250 nm, is reported.
Lung fibroblasts inhibit activation-induced death of T cells through PGE2-dependent mechanisms

Activation-induced cell death (AICD) is a regulatory mechanism eliminating excess activated T cells, mainly through a Fas/Fas ligand-dependent mechanism. The goal of this study was to determine whe...
Teacher–student interactions in fifth grade classrooms: Relations with children's peer behavior

Abstract This study investigates the extent to which teacher–student interactions in fifth grade classrooms are associated with peer behavior in fifth grade, accounting for prior peer functioning. Participants included 894 fifth grade students from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. The quality of teacher–student interactions (emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional support) was assessed through classroom observations in fifth grade; peer behavior was assessed via teacher report (prosocial behavior, aggression, relational aggression, and asocial behavior) in fourth and fifth grades and classroom observations (sociable/cooperative peer behavior) in third and fifth grades. Multiple regression analyses revealed that children in fifth grade classrooms with higher quality organization interactions had more positive observed interactions with their peers and lower teacher ratings of aggression and relational aggression. In addition, emotional support interactions were related to higher teacher ratings of prosocial behavior. Implications and limitations of the findings are discussed.
Influence of Subpixel-Scale Cloud-Top Structure on Reflectances from Overcast Stratiform Cloud Layers

Abstract Recent observational studies have shown that satellite retrievals of cloud optical depth based on plane-parallel model theory suffer from systematic biases that depend on viewing geometry, even when observations are restricted to overcast marine stratus layers, arguably the closest to plane parallel in nature. At moderate to low sun elevations, the plane-parallel model significantly overestimates the reflectance dependence on view angle in the forward-scattering direction but shows a similar dependence in the backscattering direction. Theoretical simulations are performed that show that the likely cause for this discrepancy is because the plane-parallel model assumption does not account for subpixel-scale variations in cloud-top height (i.e., “cloud bumps”). Monte Carlo simulations comparing 1D model radiances to radiances from overcast cloud fields with 1) cloud-top height variations but constant cloud volume extinction, 2) flat tops but horizontal variations in cloud volume extinction, and 3) v...
Is PQQ a Significant Nutrient in Addition to Its Role as a Therapeutic Agent in the Higher Animal

The controversy as to the nutritional status of pyrroloquinoline (PQQ) has now been broadened to include various animal tissues by evidence of its vitamin status in mice, a mammalian PQQ reductase, and evidence that this enzyme participates in mechanisms protecting tissues against oxidative stress.
Spotted cutworm, Xestia c-nigrum (L.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) responses to sex pheromone and blacklight

Traps baited with the sex pheromone blend of (Z7)- and (Z5)-tetradecenyl acetate captured significant numbers of male spotted cutworm moths, Xestia c-nigrum (L.) compared to unbaited traps. Nearly no males were captured in traps baited with (Z7)-tetradecenyl acetate, the major pheromone component. Antennae of spotted cutworm males responded to (Z7)-, (E7)-, (Z5)- and (E5)-tetradecenyl acetate in the laboratory; however there was no response by moths in the field to the E isomers when presented in traps as major and minor components respectively of a binary blend or to the (E7) isomer as a single component. These findings clarify the makeup of a sex attractant that can be used for monitoring X. c-nigrum on agricultural crops in Washington. However, multi-year season-long monitoring of spotted cutworm moths in Yakima Valley apple orchards revealed differential responses to pheromone and blacklight traps. A spring flight period showed a strong moth response to the pheromone compared to blacklight, while a later summer flight period showed a weak moth response to the pheromone relative to blacklight. At this time, we do not know which trap type might best indicate spotted cutworm abundance and risk to crops.
Selection of spectral lines for combustion diagnostics

This paper reports part of our effort to develop practical systematic techniques for measurements in high temperature gases using laser absorption spectroscopy. We present a brief summary of the analysis techniques we have developed for line-of-sight measurements. We show that the accuracy of the absorption measurement in a given experiment is largely determined by the spectral lines used for the measurement. Thus the selection of spectral lines is critical for the success of a diagnostic measurement. In this paper, we propose a set of criteria for selecting spectral transitions for temperature and concentration measurements at various experimental conditions. They include the requirements for spectral line resolution, absorption strength, sensitivity, and insensitivity to systematic errors. These rules could be implemented in an expert system. A simplified version of the selection criteria was implemented in a PASCAL program. The capabilities of the program are demonstrated by the selection of absorption transitions of CO for simultaneous temperature and species concentration measurements at several experimental conditions. The criteria and program may be readily extended to other spectroscopic techniques such as laser-induced fluorescence.
Comparisons of life-history traits between clonal and sexual fish (Poeciliopsis:Poeciliidae) raised in monoculture and mixed treatments

Clonal and sexual co-existence is common in a number of vertebrate taxa, even though the ‘cost of sex’ makes such co-existence theoretically unlikely. The frozen niche-variation (FNV) model explains this co-existence on the basis of differences in overall niche breadth and competition between clones and sexuals. In the present study I examined two predictions of the FNV model. First, I examined the prediction that genetically variable populations have higher relative fitness when compared with monoclonal populations by comparing the performances of clonal and outcrossed sexual strains ofPoeciliopsis in monocultures at two densities. The prediction of increased overall productivity for the sexuals was verified, with net reproductive rates for the sexuals being between two and four times as high as the clones. Second, I tested the prediction that derived clones will successfully compete with their sexual progenitor(s) in the narrow range to which the clones are adapted, while the sexuals should co-exist because of their ability to use a wider range of resources than any single clone. I examined this prediction by comparing performance variables (e.g. growth, fecundity and survival) of each strain in pure culture with their partitioned performance from the mixed treatments. Clonal performance increased in mixtures compared to monocultures, as expected. However, the expectation that the sexual's performance would be less affected by mixtures than the clones' performance, was not met. The sexuals had reduced growth and fecundity on a par with the increase in both variables in the clones. Therefore, support for the FNV model was mixed. Although the performance in monocultures suggests that the sexuals have a wider niche breadth than the clones, performances in mixtures do not indicate such a relationship. Switching of behaviours or resource-use patterns between mixed and pure cultures may have caused the equivocal results.
A numerical simulation of the cavity filling process with PVC in injection molding

Abstract : In this work a numerical simulation of the mold cavity filling process was attempted. The mold filled in this simulation is a disk which hot polymer melt enters through a tubular entrance located at the center of the top plate. The tube is 2.54 cm. long and has a radius of 0.24 cm. The plate separation and outer radius of the disk cavity may be varied. A constant pressure applied at the entrance of the tube causes the flow. The cavity walls are kept at various low temperatures. The reported results are for rigid PVC. Continuity, momentum, and energy transport equations for a constant density power law fluid are used to solve the flow problem. It is assumed that the outer radius of the disk is very much greater than the plate separation, that there is axisymmetry, that only one of the viscous terms in the momentum equation is significant, and that in the flow direction heat conduction is negligible compared with convection. Constant values for the thermal conductivity and heat capacity of the melt are used. The resulting differential equations are transformed into difference equations explicity, except for the energy equation. In this case a Six Point Crank- Nicholson implicit differencing technique was necessary to assure thermal stability of the solution. The difference equations were solved by using a Fourth Order Ruhge-Kutta integration formula for the velocity profiles and the Thomas method for the temperature profiles. Convergence to the differential solutions is guaranteed but since a lower limit was imposed on the time increment by the core storage limit of the computer facilities (27K) and long execution times, all results are semi-quantitative for the problem as stated. (Author, modified-PL)
Aromatic polyhydrocarbons. I. Monomer reactions and polymer preparation

Polyhydrocarbons were prepared by the dehydrogenation of 1,4-dimethyl substituted aromatic hydrocarbons and other related starting materials by several methods. A study was made of the intermediates formed and of their chemical reactions.
Digestion kinetics of dried cereal grains

Abstract Grain fermentability largely determines the feed value of grains for ruminants. Our objective was to evaluate the variation in kinetics of gas production of cereal grains and the relationship among gas production, chemical composition and feed value. Eighteen barley, 99 corn, 23 sorghum, and 57 wheat samples were fermented in vitro for 48 h. Gas production was measured with a computerized system and an exponential model was fitted to the data. The impact of the variation in composition and kinetics on the feed value of grains in feedlot rations was assessed with the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS). Fractional gas rates were significantly different between grains (P
TDP-43 suppresses CGG repeat-induced neurotoxicity through interactions with HnRNP A2/B1

Nucleotide repeat expansions can elicit neurodegeneration as RNA by sequestering specific RNA-binding proteins, preventing them from performing their normal functions. Conversely, mutations in RNA-binding proteins can trigger neurodegeneration at least partly by altering RNA metabolism. In Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a CGG repeat expansion in the 5′UTR of the fragile X gene (FMR1) leads to progressive neurodegeneration in patients and CGG repeats in isolation elicit toxicity in Drosophila and other animal models. Here, we identify the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated RNA-binding protein TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) as a suppressor of CGG repeat-induced toxicity in a Drosophila model of FXTAS. The rescue appears specific to TDP-43, as co-expression of another ALS-associated RNA-binding protein, FUS, exacerbates the toxic effects of CGG repeats. Suppression of CGG RNA toxicity was abrogated by disease-associated mutations in TDP-43. TDP-43 does not co-localize with CGG RNA foci and its ability to bind RNA is not required for rescue. TDP-43-dependent rescue does, however, require fly hnRNP A2/B1 homologues Hrb87F and Hrb98DE. Deletions in the C-terminal domain of TDP-43 that preclude interactions with hnRNP A2/B1 abolish TDP-43-dependent rescue of CGG repeat toxicity. In contrast, suppression of CGG repeat toxicity by hnRNP A2/B1 is not affected by RNAi-mediated knockdown of the fly TDP-43 orthologue, TBPH. Lastly, TDP-43 suppresses CGG repeat-triggered mis-splicing of an hnRNP A2/B1-targeted transcript. These data support a model in which TDP-43 suppresses CGG-mediated toxicity through interactions with hnRNP A2/B1 and suggest a convergence of pathogenic cascades between repeat expansion disorders and RNA-binding proteins implicated in neurodegenerative disease.
Tensile and fatigue behaviors of polymers for automotive applications

An experimental study was conducted on tensile and fatigue behaviors of two unreinforced polymers and two short glass fiber reinforced polymer composites. A number of effects including anisotropy, strain rate and temperature on tensile behavior was investigated. Fatigue behavior was evaluated with respect to effects of mold flow direction, temperature, mean stress, and stress concentration. Effect of mold flow direction on both tensile and fatigue behaviors of unreinforced materials was found to be negligible, while it was significant for reinforced materials. Tsai-Hill criterion commonly used for continuous fiber composites was used to predict the off-axis fatigue strengths of short fiber reinforced materials. Effect of strain rate on tensile properties was found to be significant for all materials. Test temperature also influenced tensile and fatigue behaviors of both unreinforced and reinforced materials. Mathematical equations were developed to represent variations of tensile properties with both temperature and strain rate. Walker equation with a mean stress correction parameter is proposed to correct for the effect of mean stress. Effect of stress concentration combined with mold flow direction and mean stress was also investigated and Neuber's rule resulted in accurate estimation of fatigue life.
Time-resolved, in vivo studies of mitotic spindle formation and nuclear lamina breakdown in Drosophila early embryos

Time-resolved, two-component, three-dimensional fluorescence light microscopy imaging in living Drosophila early embryos is used to demonstrate that a large fraction of the nuclear envelope lamins remain localized to a rim in the nuclear periphery until well into metaphase. The process of lamin delocalization and dispersal, typical of 'open' forms of mitosis, does not begin until about the time the final, metaphase geometry of the mitotic spindle is attained. Lamin dispersal is completed about the time that the chromosomal movements of anaphase begin. This pattern of nuclear lamina breakdown appears to be intermediate between traditional designations of 'open' and 'closed' mitoses. These results thus clarify earlier observations of lamins in mitosis in fixed Drosophila early embryos, clearly showing that the observed lamin localization does not result from a structurally defined 'spindle envelope' that persists throughout mitosis. During this extended time interval of lamin localization in the nuclear periphery, the lamina undergoes an extensive series of structural rearrangements that are closely coupled to, and likely driven by, the movements of the centrosomes and microtubules that produce the mitotic spindle. Furthermore, throughout this time the nuclear envelope structure is permeable to large macromolecules, which are excluded in interphase. While the functional significance of these structural dynamics is not yet clear, it is consistent with a functional role for the lamina in mitotic spindle formation.
Impact dynamics and puncture failure of pressurized tank cars with fluid–structure interaction: A multiphase modeling approach

Abstract This paper presents a computational framework that analyzes the effect of fluid–structure interaction (FSI) on the impact dynamics and puncture failure of pressurized commodity tank cars carrying hazardous materials. Shell (side) impact tests have been conducted on full scale tank cars resulting in deformed or punctured tank cars. A finite element (FE) modeling method is applied that explicitly simulates the three distinct phases in a tank car loaded with a liquefied substance: pressurized gas, pressurized liquid and solid structure. Furthermore, an equivalent plastic strain based fracture initiation criterion expressed as a function of stress triaxiality is adopted to depict the fracture behavior of the tank car steel material. The fracture initiation is implemented for ductile, shear and mixed fracture modes and followed by further material deterioration governed by a strain softening law. The force, displacement and impact energy results obtained from the FE analysis show good agreement with the corresponding shell impact test data. The simulations demonstrate that FSI plays a critical role in predicting the correct dynamics of tank car impact. The puncture resistance of a tank car, characterized as limit impact conditions in terms of puncture energy or puncture velocity, is further analyzed in shell impact scenarios. The puncture energy is shown to increase as the initial fluid pressure decreases, the tank car thickness increases or the effective impactor size increases. Quantitative correlations between puncture energy/velocity and each of these factors are obtained using the FE analysis method developed in this paper.
Financial Hardship Associated With Cancer in the United States: Findings From a Population-Based Sample of Adult Cancer Survivors

PurposeTo estimate the prevalence of financial hardship associated with cancer in the United States and identify characteristics of cancer survivors associated with financial hardship.MethodsWe identified 1,202 adult cancer survivors diagnosed or treated at ≥ 18 years of age from the 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Experiences With Cancer questionnaire. Material financial hardship was measured by ever (1) borrowing money or going into debt, (2) filing for bankruptcy, (3) being unable to cover one’s share of medical care costs, or (4) making other financial sacrifices because of cancer, its treatment, and lasting effects of treatment. Psychological financial hardship was measured as ever worrying about paying large medical bills. We examined factors associated with any material or psychological financial hardship using separate multivariable logistic regression models stratified by age group (18 to 64 and ≥ 65 years).ResultsMaterial financial hardship was more common in cancer survivors age 18 to 64 ...
Development of firing on board system of an armored vehicle using Active Front Wheel Steering system

The aim of this paper is to minimize the unwanted disturbance occurred in a wheeled armored vehicle during firing. An unwanted yaw moment occurred at the Center of Gravity (CG) of the armored vehicle caused by the impulse force generated during firing. This firing force tends to create instability conditions for the armored vehicle during firing. Therefore, an active safety system known as Active Front Wheel Steering (AFWS) is implemented to provide steering correction as a counter action of the firing disturbance and return the armored vehicle back to its initial travelling direction after firing moment. The AFWS is developed based on various control strategy known as yaw rate feedback, sideslip feedback and firing moment estimator feedback with summation moment reference (SuM-FME) controls. Each control strategies are evaluated using two types of vehicle speed, 40 and 60 km/h in order to study the performance of AFWS while in dynamic condition. A suitable control strategy is selected as the firing on board system (FoBS) to enhance the dynamic performance of the armored vehicle during firing.
Bekli:A Simple Approach to Twitter Text Normalization.

Every day, Twitter users generate vast quantities of potentially useful information in the form of written language. Due to Twitter’s frequently informal tone, text normalization can be a crucial element for exploiting that information. This paper outlines our approach to text normalization used in the WNUT shared task. We show that a very simple solution, powered by a modestly sized, partiallycurated wordlist—combined with a modest reranking scheme—can deliver respectable results.
Spectra of Glutamate Dehydrogenase with Diethylstilbestrol

AbstractGlutamate dehydrogenase displays hyperchromicity at 256 nm and at 276 nm upon binding of diethylstilbestrol.Increase in absorbancy is linear at both regions up to 250 μM DES, and becomes parabolic at higher concentration of DES.ADP in the presence of DES causes decrease in absorbancy at 256 nm; absorbancy at 276 nm increased by DES is not affected by ADP.DES prevents spectral effects produced by GTP (decrease in absorbancy at 254 nm and at 276 nm). ADP still decreases absorbancy at 254 nm, leaving the 276 nm region unchanged. ADP enhances spectral effects produced by GTP. GTP, however, prevents changes produced by ADP.
Constant Dynamic Pressure Trajectory Simulation in POST

NOMENCLATURE Future space transportation vehicles may well rely on high speed airbreathing propulsion (ramjets and scramjets) to supply much of their motive power. Because of the tradeoff relationship between engine thrust and vehicle airframe weight, ascent trajectories are typically simulated using a constant dynamic pressure phase during airbreathing acceleration. That is, dynamic pressure is increased to benefit vehicle thrust up to some fixed limit imposed by the vehicle structure. The constant dynamic pressure portion of the trajectory typically begins around Mach 2 or 3 and continues to the maximum airbreathing Mach number or until some convective aeroheating limit is reached. This paper summarizes comparative research on three candidate guidance methods suitable for simulating constant dynamic pressure trajectories. These are generalized acceleration steering, linear feedback control, and cubic polynomial control. All methods were implemented in POST (Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories) — an industry standard trajectory simulation code. Both quantitative and qualitative comparisons of these methods (i.e. in terms of computer processing time, number of required iterations for convergence, sensitivity to quality of initial values, accuracy and program robustness) are presented. Of the three methods, the linear feedback control approach is found to be the most efficient and robust, with good accuracy. * Assistant Professor, School of Aerospace Engineering, Senior member AIAA. ' Palace Knight Fellow, School of Aerospace Engineering, Student member AIAA. Copyright © 1998 by John R. Olds and Irene A. Budianto. Published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. with permission. max upper limit for an inequality constraint Cj additional trajectory constraints Ce optimization indicator CPU central processing unit GAS generalized acceleration steering ISP specific impulse (sec.) Kdg displacement gain in linear feedback guidance equation Krg rate gain in linear feedback guidance equation q dynamic pressure (psf) q time derivative of dynamic pressure (psf/s) LFC linear feedback control steering LH2 liquid hydrogen LOX liquid oxygen P2 weighted constraint error from POST POST Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories RBCC rocket-based combined-cycle propulsion Sref reference surface area (ft) T/W vehicle thrust-to-weight ratio tf final time, constant dynamic pressure phase tj initial time, constant dynamic pressure phase a angle of attack (deg.) j8n angle of attack polynomial coefficients (n = 0, 1,2,3)
Resonant Microwave Absorption in Thermally Deposited Au Nanoparticle Films Near Percolation Coverage

We observe a resonant transition in the microwave absorption of thin thermally deposited Au nanoparticle films near the geometrical percolation transition pc where the films exhibit a 'fractal' heterogeneous geometry. Absorption of incident microwave radiation increases sharply near pc, consistent with effective medium theory predictions. Both the theory and our experiments indicate that the hierarchical structure of these films makes their absorption insensitive to the microwave radiation wavelength λ, so that this singular absorption of microwave radiation is observed over a broad frequency range between 100 MHz and 20 GHz. The interaction of electromagnetic radiation with randomly distributed conductive scattering particles gives rise to localized resonant modes, and our measurements indicate that this adsorption process is significantly enhanced for microwaves in comparison to ordinary light. In particular, above the percolation transition a portion of the injected microwave power is stored within the film until dissipated. Finally, we find that the measured surface conductivity can be quantitatively described at all Au concentrations by generalized effective medium theory, where the fitted conductivity percolation exponents and pc itself are consistent with known two-dimensional estimates. Our results demonstrate that microwave measurements provide a powerful means of remotely measuring the electromagnetic properties of highly heterogeneous conducting films, enabling purposeful engineering of the electromagnetic properties of thin films in the microwave frequency range through fabrication of 'disordered' films of conducting particles such as metal nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes.
Pesticide residues in vegetables in Mianyang City in 2012

[Objective]To investigate the conditions of pesticide residues in vegetables in Mianyang City,and provide evidence for edible vegetables supervision.[Methods]The method of GB / T 5009-2003 was applied to determine the contents of pesticide in samples selected,the results were evaluated according to GB 2763-2005 " Maximum residue limits for pesticides in food ".[Results]A total of 165 vegetable samples were detected in 2012,the detection rate and the unqualified rate were 72.12% and 23.64%.The unqualified rate of leguminous,root-steam,leaf,melon vegetables and edible fungi vegetables was 8.00%,23.53%,36.00%,5.26% and 27.03%,respectively,with significant difference(χ2= 11.41,P 0.01).There was no difference between pesticide residues in summer and winter(χ2= 3.44,P 0.05).[Conclusion]In Mianyang City,pesticide residues are relatively serious in the leaf vegetables.It is necessary to adopt effective measures to enhance the inspection and administration,to ban the use of highly toxic pesticides from the source,to strengthen monitoring of vegetable cultivation and marketing chain sas as to ensure the safety of the public consumption of vegetables
Methemoglobinemia in the differential diagnosis of cyanosis.

Methemoglobinemia can be a major clinical problem in the differential diagnosis of cyanosis. Failure to consider methemoglobinemia, especially when it reflects an inherited disorder or an acute intoxication, can result in misdiagnosis and therapeutic misadventure in the management of the patient with serious cardiopulmonary disease.
The importance and limits of harm in identifying mental disorder.

The In Review articles in this issue on normality and disorder by Dr Rachel Cooper and Dr Derek Bolton explore the importance of a value component of harm in the concept of mental disorder. They fo...
Prospects for control of the IgE antibody response.

IgE-mediated disorders affect millions of people worldwide. Intensive studies of the factors controlling synthesis of IgE antibody strongly suggest that it may be possible in the future to selectively regulate IgE antibody production and thereby eliminate disorders caused by this immunoglobulin isotype. In the more immediate future, in treatment programs using allergy immunotherapy, the prospects are excellent for the availability of modified allergenic extracts that retain their ability to induce the desired immune response while being less likely to cause adverse reactions.
Comparison of Hypoglossal and Reticular Formation Neural Activity During Gustatory-Evoked Ingestion and Rejection

Neurons in the reticular formation (RF) lateral to the hypoglossal nucleus (mXII) contribute to a distribution of brainstem neurons that project to the oral motor nuclei [1]. This region of the medullary RF, implicated as part of a central pattern generator (CPG) for swallowing [2], appears contiguous with a CPG for rhythmic masticatory function [3]. Other neuroanatomical studies indicate that this region of the RF may also receive projections from oro-sensory nuclei, including the nucleus of the solitary tract [4,5] and the trigeminal sensory complex [6], and is thus well situated to integrate oro-sensory signals with ingestive function. Acute neurophysiological studies, in fact, have shown that a small subset of neurons in the caudal RF lateral to mXII are active during both cortically induced fictive mastication and swallowing induced by superior laryngeal nerve stimulation [7]. This suggests that the CPGs for mastication/licking and swallowing share some premotor neurons. The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship between neural activity during ingestion (licks and swallows) and rejection (gapes) of gustatory stimuli from neurons in the medullary RF compared to a population of mXII neurons in awake, freely-moving animals.
Literary Darwinism: Can Evolution Explain Great Literature?

The most-developed area of evolutionary aesthetics is the field known as Literary Darwinism: the use of evolutionary principles to explain literature. This chapter examines three examples of Literary Darwinism: evolutionary analyses of Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, of Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Homer’s Iliad. We demonstrate that an evolutionary approach misses out on everything that is most important about these classic works of literature. A careful analysis of these works shows that in fact each of them endorses the traditional theory of human nature, as both a biological and a spiritual being.
Directionality as needed — Achieving wireless connectivity in a hybrid wireless optical broadband access network (WOBAN)

We study how to achieve a desired connectivity in WOBAN using beamforming antennas. Our algorithm, directionality as needed (DAN), strikes a good balance between cost and interference among different links.