cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Static mode fatigue crack propagation and generalized stress intensity correlation for fatigue–brittle polymers

Stable fatigue crack propagation is predominantly described by the Paris power law correlation of the crack growth rate with the amplitude cyclic stress intensity. The Paris relationship works well for most ductile materials but does not capture the response for fatigue–brittle materials lacking a cyclic damage mechanism, including ceramics and many polymers. Instead, crack growth rate of fatigue–brittle materials correlates to the peak cyclic stress intensity factor, $$\hbox {K}_{\mathrm{max}}$$ . This work shows that $$\hbox {K}_{\mathrm{max}}$$ correlation of fatigue crack growth is derived directly from static mode crack tip behavior with constant correlation coefficients, and that $$\Delta \hbox {K}$$ correlations are not generally applicable for static mode crack propagation in fatigue–brittle polymers. This derivation predicts load ratio, frequency, and waveform effects, which are included in a general static mode fatigue crack propagation law. Fatigue crack propagation data of a known fatigue–brittle polymer are presented to demonstrate static mode crack propagation behavior correlation with $$\hbox {K}_{\mathrm{max}}$$ with constant parameters.
Towards Brain-Inspired System Architectures

Brain-inspired computing structures, technologies, and methods offer innovative approaches to the future of computing. From the lowest level of neuron devices to the highest abstraction of consciousness, the brain drives new ideas (literally and conceptually) in computer design and operation. This paper interrelates three levels of brain inspired abstractions including intelligence, abstract graph data structures, and neuron operation and interconnection. An abstract machine architecture is presented from which a lower bound on resource requirements for intelligence is to be derived. At the lowest level a new use of cellular automata architecture is discussed that mimics the fine-grain locality of action and high degree interconnectivity of neurons and their structures. Graph structures serve as a brain inspired intermediary abstraction between these two as the neocortex is organized as a directed graph. This paper shows how all of the pieces tie together and opens a new way of considering future computing structures through brain inspired concepts.
Some Statistical Aspects of Pharmaceutical Content Uniformity

Drug content uniformity among individual dosage units of pharmaceutical products has received increasing attention over recent years. Sampling plans and specifications set forth in the official compendia to which the industry is bound are attribute plans based upon variables measurements. These plans do not efficiently utilize all of the information available to the analyst nor do they include provisions for quantifying the decisions in a probabilistic sense. The authors consider procedures for correcting these shortcomings through combining both unit weight and quantitative assay data into alternative statements of information content which could be useful in evaluating pharmaceutical quality. Areas requiring further theoretical development are outlined.
A recap of the faculty engagement program and the 2019 convening leaders professional convention management association

AbstractThe aim of this study is to assess and recap the Faculty Engagement Program of the 2019 Convening Leaders at the 2019 Professional Convention Management Association (Pittsburg, Pennsylvania...
Syntactic Ambiguity Resolution in L2 Learners: Some Effects of Bilinguality on L1 and L2 Processing Strategies

This study investigates whether proficient second language (L2) speakers of Spanish and English use the same parsing strategies as monolinguals when reading temporarily ambiguous sentences containing a complex noun phrase followed by a relative clause, such as Peter fell in love with the daughter of the psychologist who studied in California. Research with monolingual Spanish and English speakers (e.g., Cuetos & Mitchell, 1988) has suggested that, whereas English speakers show a bias to interpret the relative clause locally (i.e., to attach the relative clause to the noun immediately preceding it), Spanish speakers reading Spanish equivalents of English sentences attach the relative clause to the first noun in the complex noun phrase (i.e., nonlocal attachment). In this study, I assess whether speakers whose native language (L1) and L2 differ with respect to processing strategies were able to employ each strategy in the correct context. To this end, L1 Spanish–L2 English and L1 English–L2 Spanish speakers read ambiguous sentences in their L1 and L2. Data collection was carried out using a pencil-and-paper questionnaire and a self-paced reading task. Analyses of both sets of data revealed that both groups of speakers favored local over nonlocal attachment when reading in their L1 and L2. The results are discussed in the context of models that assume the existence of a fixed, universal set of parsing strategies. The implications of L2 parsing research for the field of SLA are also discussed.
The geometry of Hida families I: Λ-adic de Rham cohomology

We construct the $$\Lambda $$ -adic de Rham analogue of Hida’s ordinary $$\Lambda $$ -adic etale cohomology and of Ohta’s $$\Lambda $$ -adic Hodge cohomology, and by exploiting the geometry of integral models of modular curves over the cyclotomic extension of $$\mathbf {Q}_p$$ , we give a purely geometric proof of the expected finiteness, control, and $$\Lambda $$ -adic duality theorems. Following Ohta, we then prove that our $$\Lambda $$ -adic module of differentials is canonically isomorphic to the space of ordinary $$\Lambda $$ -adic cuspforms. In the sequel (Cais, Compos Math, to appear) to this paper, we construct the crystalline counterpart to Hida’s ordinary $$\Lambda $$ -adic etale cohomology, and employ integral p-adic Hodge theory to prove $$\Lambda $$ -adic comparison isomorphisms between all of these cohomologies. As applications of our work in this paper and (Cais, Compos Math, to appear), we will be able to provide a “cohomological” construction of the family of $$(\varphi ,\Gamma )$$ -modules attached to Hida’s ordinary $$\Lambda $$ -adic etale cohomology by Dee (J Algebra 235(2), 636–664, 2001), as well as a new and purely geometric proof of Hida’s finiteness and control theorems. We are also able to prove refinements of the main theorems in Mazur and Wiles (Compos Math 59(2):231–264, 1986) and Ohta (J Reine Angew Math 463:49–98, 1995).
Feedback research revisited.

In a previous examination of feedback research (Mory, 1996), the use of feedback in the facilitation of learning was examined extensively according to various historical and paradigmatic views of the past feedback literature. Most of the research presented in that volume in the area of feedback was completed with speciﬁc assumptions as to what purpose feedback serves. This still holds true, and even more so, because our theories and paradigms have expanded, and the ﬁeld of instructional design has undergone and will continue to undergo rapid changes in technologies that will afford new advances to take place in both the delivery and the context of using feedback in instruction. It is not surprising that feedback may have various functions according to the particular learning environment in which it is examined and the particular learning paradigm under which it is viewed. In fact, feedback is incorporated in many paradigms of learning, from the early views of behaviorism (Skinner, 1958), to cognitivism (Gagne´, 1985; Kulhavy & Wager 1993) through more recent models of constructivism (Jonassen, 1991, 1999; Mayer, 1999; Willis, 2000), settings such as open learning environments (Hannaﬁn, Land, & Oliver, 1999), and views that support multiple approaches to understanding (Gardner, 1999), to name just a few.While feedback has been an essential element of theories of learning and instruction in thepast (Bangert-Drowns, Kulik, Kulik, & Morgan, 1991), it still pervades the literature and instructional models as an important aspect of instruction (Collis, De Boer, & Slotman, 2001; Dick, Carey, & Carey, 2001).The basic meaning of feedback has remained the same in Webster’s New World Dictionary from the 1984 edition to the current one. Webster’s (2001) continues to deﬁne feedback as
Hot Electron Emission in Plasmonic Thermionic Converters

Thermionic converters generate electricity from thermal energy in a power cycle based on the vacuum emission of electrons. While thermodynamically efficient, practical implementations are limited b...
Health monitoring framework for aircraft engine system using deep neural network

A real-time monitoring framework is developed to detect operational anomalies in aircraft engine performance. A historical flight dataset recorded from commercial aircraft is utilized to perform the proposed method. Sampling frequency synchronization and denoise are performed on the flight dataset using signal processing techniques. A robust detection algorithm using the deep neural network is developed to capture flight performance anomalies that show significant off-nominal behavior in engine related and flight dynamic features. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed monitoring method are validated through a demonstration of anomaly detection in the aircraft engine system associated with dynamic flight behavior.
High-grade pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma in a 60-year-old male: a case report and review of the literature.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive malignant soft-tissue sarcoma that develop from undifferentiated mesenchymal cells. Less than 1% of all adult solid malignant cancers are sarcomas, and RMSs repres...
Patient Factors Associated With Clinical Failure Following Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction.

Purpose To identify demographic, clinical, and radiographic factors associated with failure after superior capsular reconstruction (SCR). Methods Prospectively collected data were analyzed from patients who underwent SCR using a decellularized dermal allograft for an irreparable rotator cuff tear. Demographic characteristics, radiographic findings, concomitant procedures, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were recorded. Failure was defined by ≥1 of the following criteria: (1) conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), (2) a decrease in 1-year postoperative shoulder-specific PROs compared with preoperative scores, or (3) patient reports at final follow-up that the shoulder was in a worse condition than before surgery. Preoperative variables were compared between patients meeting the criteria for clinical failure and those who did not. Results Fifty-four patients (mean age 56.3 ± 5.8 years, range 45 to 70) who underwent SCR, with minimum 1-year follow-up, were included in the analysis. Mean follow-up after surgery was 24 months (range 12 to 53). Eleven patients (20.4%) met criteria for clinical failure. Of the 11, 8 reported decreased American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) or Constant scores or indicated that the operative shoulder was in a worse condition than before surgery. Three patients underwent RTSA in the 6 to 12 months after SCR. Female sex and the presence of a subscapularis tear were associated with failure (P = .023 and P = .029, respectively). A trend toward greater body mass index (BMI), lower preoperative forward flexion, and lower preoperative acromiohumeral distance (AHD) was found in patients with clinical failure (P = .075, P = .088, and P = .081, respectively). No other variable included in the analysis was significantly associated with failure. Conclusion The proportions of female patients and those with subscapularis tear were greater among patients with clinical failure after SCR. Greater BMI, lower preoperative forward flexion, and lower preoperative AHD trended toward association with clinical failure of SCR. Level of Evidence 4, case series.
Enhanced direct-drive implosion performance on NIF with wavelength separation

Cross-beam energy transfer (CBET) can significantly affect the energy coupling and symmetry of direct-drive implosions. We report on a series of direct-drive shots with 2.1 mm outer diameter capsules conducted on NIF for diagnostic development and calibration in which the wavelength separation ( Δ λ) between the inner and outer cone beams was varied. We observe a strong improvement in performance as Δ λ is applied, with the nuclear yield increasing by up to a factor of 4 ×. Other data including the nuclear bang time and implosion symmetry suggest that increasing Δ λ suppresses CBET and improves both the energy coupling and drive symmetry. These results provide a strong and important benchmark for CBET models applicable to direct-drive ignition designs.
PHASE DIAGRAMS OF SmCl_3-PbCl_2 AND SmCl_3-PbCl_2-CaCl_2

Phase diagrams of binary system SmCl_3-PbCl_2 and ternary system SmCl_3-PbCl_2-CaC_2, have been determined by DTA and X-ray diffraction analyses. In the SmCl_3-PbCl_2 system, an incongruent compound 3SmCl_3-PbCl_2, an eutectic point at 452℃ containing 33.0 mol-% SmCl_3 and a peritectic point at 465℃ containing 42.0 mol-% SmCl_3 were obtained. In the SmCl_3-PbCl_2-CaCl_2 system, 4 liquiduses corresponding to the primary crystallization of SmCl_3, PbCl_2, CaCl_2, and 3SmCl_3·PbCl_2, respectively, 5 unvariant lines related to the secondary crystallization, a ternary eutectic point at 396℃ con- taining 29.5 SmCl_3 and 58.0 PbCl_2 by mol-% and a ternary peritectic point at 417℃ con- taining 36.0 SmCl_3 and 50.0 PbCl_2 by mol-% were found. Two reactions corresponding to 4 phase equilibriums are L=CaCl_2+PbCl _2+3SmCl_3·PbCl_2 and L+SmCl_3=CaCl_2 +3SmCl_3·PbCl_2.
Survey of Haptic Technology and Entertainment Applications

When someone thinks of gaming entertainment, they think of many gaming outlets such as PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and more. All those different gaming systems accomplish one common task: to entertain the user. A particular system such as Oculus Quest or virtual reality (VR) accomplishes the goal of entertainment, and its applications are used in different fields such as the health field, the real estate market, and even the automobile industry. Virtual reality is a three-dimensional (3D) computer simulation that portrays the real world in a digital realm in which the user can interact within that virtual space. Haptic technology interface provides a sense of touch as feedback. Both virtual reality and haptic technology can enhance users' experience and enrich their source of entertainment. Virtual reality has evolved in the entertainment industry from interacting within a bulky machine to a more portable and personalized experience such as the use of a haptic suit, which provides haptic feedback and further helps the user feel more immersed. Various technologies have been used to improve or promote user inclusiveness and experience, including haptic feedback, which allows the user to feel a reaction — whether it's low haptic feedback (vibration) or high feedback (intense application of force on the user's muscles). The purpose of this paper is to survey recent and innovative applications such as haptic feedback and how it applies to various domains such as virtual reality. Another aspect that will be investigated is the specific framework that provides plausible special effects for the end-user. Result show that haptic technology enhances the virtual reality experience.
When pragmatics matters more for truth-value judgments: An investigation of quantifier scope ambiguity

Investigations of linguistic meaning rely crucially on truth-value judgments, which assess whether a sentence can truthfully describe a given scenario. In investigations of language acquisition, truth-value judgments are used to assess both the target knowledge adults have and the developing knowledge children have at different ages. On the basis of truth-value judgments, researchers have concluded that differences between how children resolve ambiguous utterances and how adults do so persist until at least age five. Current explanations compatible with the experimental data attribute these differences to both grammatical processing and pragmatic factors. Here, we use computational cognitive modeling to formally articulate one hypothesis about the ambiguity-resolution process that underlies child and adult judgments in a truth-value judgment task; crucially, the model can separate out the individual contributions of specific grammatical processing and pragmatic factors to the resulting judgment behavior. We find that pragmatic factors play a larger role than grammatical processing factors in explaining children’s non-adult-like ambiguity resolution behavior. Interestingly, the model predicts qualitative similarity between child and adult ambiguity resolution. Given this prediction, we then extend our model to show how the same processes may be active in adult ambiguity resolution. This result supports continuity in the development of ambiguity resolution, where children do not qualitatively change how they resolve ambiguity in order to become adult-like. We discuss the implications of our results for acquisition more generally, including both theories of development and methods for assessing that development, as well as the generalizability of this model of ambiguity resolution beyond the specific cases we consider.
Conclusions and Future Prospects

The discovery of the Higgs boson represents an outstanding success of particle physics. It opened a window for testing the scalar sector of the Standard Model and its possible extensions.
Shaping our future

was successfully met. The final action established a representative group of participants to draft an agenda of budget and pricing, ownership and access, and copyright issues and concerns that is modelled after the Aqueduct Agenda. The cochairs of the seminar, Janet Fisher of MIT Press and Chuck Hamaker of Louisiana State University, welcomed the participants and introduced Barbara Meyers, Meyers Consulting Services, who ably set the stage for the next day-and-a-half. Meyers articulated the current challenges to the audience: significant changes, particularly technological innovations, in scholarly publishing processes, procedures, and participants. Among the questions to be answered are:
Induction of CaSR expression circumvents the molecular features of malignant CaSR null colon cancer cells.

We recently reported on the isolation and characterization of calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) null human colon cancer cells (Singh et al., Int J Cancer 2013; 132: 1996–2005). CaSR null cells possess a myriad of molecular features that are linked to a highly malignant and drug resistant phenotype of colon cancer. The CaSR null phenotype can be maintained in defined human embryonic stem cell culture medium. We now show that the CaSR null cells can be induced to differentiate in conventional culture medium, regained the expression of CaSR with a concurrent reversal of the cellular and molecular features associated with the null phenotype. These features include cellular morphology, expression of colon cancer stem cell markers, expression of survivin and thymidylate synthase and sensitivity to fluorouracil. Other features include the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition linked molecules and transcription factors, oncogenic miRNAs and tumor suppressive molecule and miRNA. With the exception of cancer stem cell markers, the reversal of molecular features, upon the induction of CaSR expression, is directly linked to the expression and function of CaSR because blocking CaSR induction by shRNA circumvented such reversal. We further report that methylation and demethylation of the CaSR gene promoter underlie CaSR expression. Due to the malignant nature of the CaSR null cells, inclusion of the CaSR null phenotype in disease management may improve on the mortality of this disease. Because CaSR is a robust promoter of differentiation and mediates its action through diverse mechanisms and pathways, inactivation of CaSR may serve as a new paradigm in colon carcinogenesis.
Community-Based Operations Research: Introduction, Theory and Applications

Community-based operations research (CBOR) is the name of a new sub-discipline within operations research and the management sciences. CBOR synthesizes previous practice and research traditions within OR/MS to address problems within the public sector that are often of a localized nature, that address the concerns of citizens affiliated through characteristics of race, ethnicity and class and other ties, and that are solved using diverse qualitative and quantitative methods. Solutions to these problems are developed and implemented by formal and informal organizations, and embody a critical perspective toward traditional notions of decision makers, stakeholders, and analytic methods. The most proximate antecedents of CBOR are the well-studied fields of community operational research, problem structuring methods, and soft systems methodologies. This chapter provides a framework for understanding CBOR through key themes such as the importance of place and space, community, disadvantaged populations, and multiple methods. It introduces a theory of CBOR, surveys recent literature within CBOR, and assesses the presence of CBOR in OR/MS literature, education, and practice. After a summary of this book’s 12 chapters, 11 of which are newly published, the introduction concludes by summarizing the important contributions of CBOR and identifies some promising avenues for future research.
Abstract P113: Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Kentucky Inmates: Effect of a Fitness Training and Health Education Intervention

Introduction: In state and federal prisons, approximately 20 percent of inmates have cardiovascular (CV) disease which is the leading cause of death in inmates. Inmates in the United States have high rates of cigarette smoking and drug abuse, lower socioeconomic and education levels, and high stress living conditions which increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a fitness training and health education intervention on cardiovascular risk reduction in inmates. Hypothesis: there will be a significant decline in CV risk factors following the intervention in the immediate intervention group versus wait-list-control intervention group at 3 months after baseline. Methods: The study enrolled 411 male inmates in four Kentucky state prisons. The intervention comprised 12-weeks of fitness training for 1-hour twice a week and one hour a week health education using a self-care approach. A multiple baselines design was used in which all participants receive...
Absolute Magnitudes of RR Lyrae Stars

In discussing the absolute magnitudes of RR Lyrae stars, I concur in the importance of the question but I would, at the outset, like to insert a word of caution: It seems to me most likely that the Mb of RR Lyrae stars is not an immutable constant but depends on the original composition of the star. I will come back to this point later.
SLM/CCD structures for high speed signal processing

An optoelectronic device called the optical distributed arithmetic unit (ODAU), which is capable of performing high-speed arithmetic, is presented. The ODAU, in its simplest form, consists of a one dimensional spatial light modulator (SLM) array optically coupled on a cell-by-cell basis to a one dimensional charge coupled detector (CCD) array. The device is briefly described, and a stochastic model of the ODAU is presented. The model (which incorporates a variety of noise sources) is general and can be adapted to describe a wide variety of charge-coupled devices. Statistical expressions for the charge distributions in the device and for performance measures are presented. In addition, simulation results confirming the validity of the analytical results are given. The ODAU is well suited for numeric as well as signal-processing applications. A number of application examples are given. >
Exploration of reconfigurable architectures: an empirical approach

An approach to designing computer architectures in which architectural features are analyzed for utility and cost with respect to the system software that uses them is applied to reconfigurable architectures. A notation for classifying reconfigurable architectures that covers three major areas of reconfigurable architecture design-processor reconfiguration, control reconfiguration, and connection reconfiguration-is presented. A simulator based on this notation, called the reconfigurable architecture workbench, is described. This has been used to study the effects of processor reconfiguration within the image-processing application domain. Experimental results showing that some types of processor reconfiguration provide significant speedup over parallel architectures without processor reconfiguration are presented. The engineering problems present in implementing processor reconfiguration are explored, and some solutions to these problems are suggested. >
Communication and Cancer: Issues Confronting Patients, Health Professionals, and Family Members

Dealing with cancer involves a number of complex communication issues for patients, health professionals, and family members. This article examines over 200 clinical papers and research studies published between 1966 and 1986 that focus on communication dimensions of the cancer experience. The review analyzes communication issues from three p&spectives: the patient, the health orofessional. and the farnilv. The literature indicates that the major dommunicatibn issues for pkients are related to maintaining a sense of control, seeking information, disclosing feelings, and searching for meaning. For health professionals, the primary communication issues center on imparting information, communicating hope, and sharing control. The major issues facing family members pertain to the concealment of feelings, acquiring information, and coping with helplessness. The article also provides a methodological critique of the literature, citing strengths and weaknesses and pointing to directions for future research.
A study of visually directed throwing in the presence of multiple distance cues.

Visually directed throwing in a multicue situation was investigated using two related motoric activities, underhand and overhand throwing. Subjects threw balls at targets ranging from 5 to 25 m away in a large open field. In most conditions, the subjects viewed the target and then. with vision occluded, waited for some specified delay before throwing. There was no systematic effect of delay on either accuracy or variability of the throws, and mean throwing error was encountered mainly in the form of underthrowing at the far distances. The data were fit with both power and hyperbolic functions. This analysis indicated that thrown distance is a negatively accelerated function of target distance over the range studied. The parameters characterizing the negative accelerations were highly correlated for the two types of throwing over the 8 subjects.
Uterine rupture: A complication of midtrimester abortion

The intraamniotic injection of prostaglandin F2alpha and/or hypertonic saline may be associated with serious uterine and cervical trauma. Multiparity and superimposed uterotonic stimulation by oxytocin are generally thought to be contributory. A patient is described who failed to abort vaginally after an uneventful intraamniotic infusion of prostaglandin F2 alpha in combination with hypertonic saline; 48 hours later she evacuated the uterine contents into the peritoneal cavity through a rent in the uterine fundus. The uterine rupture occurred even though there had been no uterotonic stimulation by oxytocin.
Effect of grain size on high strain rate deformation of copper

Experiments were performed to observe the deformation characteristics of oxygen-free high-conductivity (OFHC) copper at high strain rates (up to 40,000 s−1) and to relate differenc in grain size with differences in deformation behavior. The rod impact and torsional Hopkinson bar test methods were used in these experiments. Results show that grain size reductions substantially reduce surface irregularities that develop during deformation. The effect of grain size on the yield stress and on the strain-hardening behavior of copper is small and is similar to the effect of grain size in copper at quasistatic strain rates. The observation that grain size has a substantial effect on surface irregularities may have important implications for applications in which stable deformation of thin sections is of concern.
Faraday and the Philosophical Magazine

Faraday is considered to be one of the greatest scientists of all time. He not only was a meticulous experimentalist, a true experimental wizard, but also a very prolific author. The many important contributions (almost 50) that he published in the Philosophical Magazine make it highly desirable to catalogue his various inventions, ‘discoveries’ in his own words, in a scientific language so characteristic of the nineteenth century. It is the purpose of this commentary to guide the reader through his achievements in electrochemistry, magnetism, electric and electromagnetic induction, even ‘industrial’ applications; to enable him to address a present day audience by means of his contributions to the Philosophical Magazine.
Role of Transforming Growth Factor Beta in the Maturation of Human Epidermal Keratinocytes

Abstract Changes in protein synthesis and phosphorylation in cultured human keratinocytes in response to TGF-β have been examined by one and two dimensional electrophoresis. Transforming growth factor beta has been shown to cause little change in the rate of methionine incorporation in the concentration range in which growth is reversibly arrested. It does, however, prevent the labeling of certain specific bands detected on gels of triton-soluble proteins after 3 days of treatment. Phosphorylation of triton-soluble proteins is inhibited at concentrations of TGF-β rather higher than the K d of its receptor and may represent a nonphysiological effect. Nonetheless, the phosphorylation of certain prominent species is reduced. In keratinocytes cultured in delipidated serum, which show some expression of keratin 1 (67 kd) characteristic of normal maturation, TGF-β reduces the incorporation of methionine into this keratin 1 and increases labeling of keratins 6 and 16. Transforming growth factor beta thus promotes regenerative maturation, which is normally expressed during wound healing. The ability of TGF-β to arrest keratinocyte growth in a reversible manner and to stimulate regenerative maturation, supports its physiological role in controlling the balance between cell division, migration and maturation during epidermal wound healing.
Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer in Polymers

Abstract : Excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) has been demonstrated in new intramoleculary hydrogen bonded (IHB) polymers of interest as photostabilizers, triplet quenchers, photochromic materials, laser dyes and electroluminescent materials. The new IHB polymers containing the 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole moiety in the main chain were used to explore the effects of polymer structure, extended conjugation and competition with excimer formation on the ESIPT process. It was found that polymer structure, and particularly extent of conjugation, affects an IHB polymer's ability to exhibit ESIPT.
Impact of exclusion criteria on case mix, outcome, and length of stay for the severity of disease scoring methods in common use in critical care,

Abstract Objective : To identify the exclusion criteria for the major severity of disease scoring methods in critical care and to investigate the impact of the exclusion criteria on the case mix, outcomes and length of stay for admissions to intensive care units (ICUs) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Design : Cohort study-analysis of prospectively collected data. Setting : 127 adult, general (mixed medical/surgical) ICUs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Patients : 120,503 admissions between 1995 and 2001. Interventions : None. Measurements and main results : Thirteen different exclusion criteria were identified from the original methodological/validation papers and data collection manuals for APACHE II, APACHE III, SAPS II and MPM II. Application of the original exclusion criteria for the four, major severity of disease scoring methods resulted in exclusion of between 11.5% and 14.6% of admissions. Hospital mortality for the overall cohort was 29.0% but ranged from 4.7% to 50.1% among those groups excluded. After application of the exclusion criteria for each scoring method, there was little difference in overall hospital mortality or median ICU and hospital length of stay for the included admissions when compared with the original cohort. At the level of individual ICUs, there were differences in hospital mortality before and after exclusions-minimum −3.1% to maximum 9.5% (APACHE II), minimum −2.8% to maximum 9.4% (APACHE III), minimum −3.1% to maximum 16.1% (SAPS II) and minimum −3.1% to maximum 16.5% (MPM II). The mean difference across individual ICUs was −0.5 % (95% CI −0.7% to −0.2%) for APACHE II, −0.2% (95% CI −0.2% to 0.1%) for APACHE III, 2.0% (95% CI 1.7% to 2.4%) for SAPS II and 2.1% (95% CI 1.7% to 2.5%) for MPM II. SAPS II and MPM II showed systematic variation. A survey of the literature found wide variation in the exclusion criteria reported in subsequent, published research using a single severity of disease scoring method (APACHE II). Conclusions : Exclusion criteria used in critical care research are often ill-defined and poorly reported. More attention to the choice of exclusion criteria and their effect on the reported results is essential. We hope this study will raise the need for both better reporting of exclusion criteria applied in studies and promote the need for a common set of explicit exclusion criteria for these methods.
Fractography of poly(methyl methacrylates).

For convenience in clinical manipulation, it is the practice to fabricate PMMA prostheses from mixtures of powder and monomer. When the monomer is subsequently polymerized an unusual 2-phase polymeric material results in which grains of PMMA are dispersed in a matrix of the same polymer. The mechanical properties of the 2-phase materials are inferior in certain respects relative to 1-phase polymers. The purpose of the present work is to evaluate the failure of 2-phase materials by microscopical examination of their fracture surfaces. A granular microstructure was clearly distinguishable and a distinction made between materials which fail exclusively by transgranular fracture and others which additionally exhibit intergranular fracture. In order to interpret markings observed on the fracture surfaces of the complex 2-phase systems a study was made of the influence of molecular weight on the fractography of 1-phase PMMA. Molecular weight was reduced by degradation of samples by exposure to γ-rays. The spacing of periodic rib markings on fracture surfaces was found to decrease with molecular weight and this relationship used to provide an estimate of the molecular weight of polymer in the matrix of 2-phase materials.
A technique and apparatus for placement of test substances into the intestines of mosquito larvae

A method for injection of substances into the intestinal lumen via the anal pore is described for fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. Both oral and anal injections were possible with fourth instar larvae of Toxorhynchites amboinensis. Resume Technique et appareillage permettant de placer des substances a tester dans l'intestin de larves de moustiques On a pu introduire a partir du pore anal des echantillons liquides d'environ 1/3 μl dans la lumiere intestinale de larves du 4e stade d'Aedes aegypti. Un colorant injecte s'est reparti dans l'intestin posterieur et l'intestin moyen. Il μl de solution ont pu etre injectes oralement ou analement dans des larves de 4e stade de Toxorhynchites amboinensis. Les mortalites moyennes ont ete de 20% (0 a 30%) pour des larves de A. aegypti et de 4% (0 a 10%) pour les larves de T. amboinensis. Nous avons evalue l'interet de cette technique pour l'etude de l'action directe de toxines et d'autres substances sur les cellules intestinales. Nous avons souligne les possibilites de prelevement local et de mesures physiologiques (pH, potentiel electrique transepithelial).
Calculation of confined gas-particle two-phase turbulent flows

Numerical calculations have been carried out for gas-particle confined turbulent flows using a recently developed two-phase turbulence closure model. The present modeling scheme utilizes Eulerian formulations of the transport equations and accounts for the combined effects of interphase slip and turbulent dispersion of particles. A multiple-scale turbulence model is used for the turbulent field modeling of the underlying fluid flow. For the particle size and particle loading considered in this study, the fluid turbulence transport equations must be modified to include the damping effects of particles. Predictions and comparisons are made in the fully developed gas-solid pipe flow and the confined particle-laden jet. Numerical results are in reasonably good agreement with the published experimental information.
Removal of organic contaminant toxicity from sediments-early work toward development of a toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) method

Work was performed to determine the feasibility of selectively detoxifying organic contaminants in sediments. The results of this research will be used to aid in the development of a scheme for whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluations (TIEs). The context in which the method will be used inherently restricts the treatments to which the sediments can be subjected: Sediments cannot be significantly altered physically or chemically and the presence and bioavailabilities of other toxicants must not be changed. The methodological problem is daunting because of the requirement that the detoxification method be relatively fast and convenient together with the stipulation that only innocuous and minimally invasive treatments be used. Some of the experiments described here dealt with degrees of decontamination (i.e., detoxification as predicted from instrumental measurements) of spiked sediments rather than with degrees of detoxification as gauged by toxicity tests (e.g., 48-h toxicity tests with amphipods). Although the larger TIE scheme itself is mostly outside the scope of this paper, theoretical aspects of bioavailability and of the desorption of organic contaminants from sediments are discussed.
MicroPET Detection of Regional Brain Activation Induced by Colonic Distention in a Rat Model of Visceral Hypersensitivity

Using microPET and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) as a tracer, we investigated regional brain activation in a rat model of visceral hypersensitivity induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). TNBS injection into the proximal colon through laparotomy resulted in a significant, sustained decrease in the pain threshold to mechanical distention of the distal colon, indicating a phenomenon referred to as visceral hypersensitivity. When TNBS-induced colonic hypersensitivity was fully developed, all the TNBS-treated rats presented characteristic pain behaviors in response to colonic distention at previously innocuous pressure (0-35 mmHg) that produced no abdominal pain in sham-operated control animals. In microPET study, colonic distention at the normally non-painful pressure produced significant increases in 18F-FDG uptake in the thalamus and sensory cortex I of TNBS-treated rats. Since the increases in 18F-FDG uptake in the brain regions were completely abolished by an analgesic dose of morphine (375 μg/kg, s.c.), it is most likely that the regional brain activation detected by microPET is a pain-related central event. The pharmacological and microPET data indicate that colonic distention at the normally non-painful pressure activates specific brain regions in rats with TNBS-induced visceral hypersensitivity, and the microPET protocol described here could provide an objective measure to test visceral analgesic compounds.
Multiple neuromuscular abnormalities in a paranoid schizophrenic.

Abstract A broad range of skeletal muscle fiber abnormalities has been reported previously in muscle biopsy specimens from psychotic patients. In our experience, individual patients manifest only a few types of lesions; but we now have studied a paranoid schizophrenic patient whose skeletal muscle fibers show virtually the entire range of morphologic abnormalities. In addition to the morphologic abnormalities of skeletal muscle fibers, we also noted increases branching of subterminal motor nerves with enlarged endplates and chronic elevations of serum creatine phosphokinase activity. Despite this, the patient had minimal clinical evidence of neuromuscular dysfunction. The variety of types of neuromuscular dysfunctions found in this patient suggests their etiology may be related.
A comparison of triglyceride, monoglyceride, and phospholipid substrates for post-heparin lipolytic activities from normal and hypertriglyceridemic subjects.

Evidence for heterogeneity of postheparin lipolytic activities in plasma was explored. After low or high doses of heparin, activities were measured in assays with phospholipid or monoglyceride substrate and with triglyceride substrate in assays using either calcium or albumin as the fatty acid acceptor. An excellent correlation between all assays was obtained in normals after both low and high doses of heparin over a wide range of individual response. In selected subjects with hypertriglyceridemia known to be deficient in response to heparin, all responses measured with phospholipid or triglyceride were below the lower limit of normal response. Some responses with monoglyceride substrate were within the normal range, pathophysiological evidence of a separate monoglyceridase. There was no evidence in either group of separate triglyceride lipase and phospholipase activities. The closest correlation between assays in normals was between triglyceride substrate with calcium as the fatty acid acceptor and the assay with monoglyceride. No differential effect upon lipolytic activities was found (1) after preincubation of the plasma, (2) with inhibitors in the assay, or (3) with preincubation of plasma and inhibitors prior to the assay.
Recreational amphetamine use and risk of HIV-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The results of many laboratory studies suggest that amphetamine use may lead to altered immune function and cytokine expression, both of which are implicated in HIV-related lymphomagenesis. We examined the hypothesis that use of amphetamines modifies risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in HIV-infected men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. Data on amphetamine use were collected every six months during the follow-up period between 1984 and 2002. A total of 171 NHL cases were diagnosed from the 19,250 person-years accrued. Multivariable Cox models were used to estimate the effects of baseline exposures, time-varying recent exposures, and three years lagged exposures on risk of NHL adjusting for potential confounders such as demographics, use of other substances, and risky sexual behaviors. We found that weekly or more frequent use of amphetamines was associated with an increased risk of NHL, with hazard ratios of 1.75 (95% CI = 0.81–3.77) for use at baseline, 4.73 (1.41–15.81) for recent use, and 3.05 (1.19–7.82) for three years prior use. Similar associations were observed when we separately examined systemic NHL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Given these observations, the impact of amphetamines on lymphomagenesis among HIV-infected populations should be assessed more thoroughly.
The Big Picture: Smart Research for Large-Scale Integrated Smart Grid Solutions

This article represents an edited version of opinions expressed in an extensive white paper created by many individuals associated with the Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSERC) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and posted on PSERC's Web site, www.pserc. org. The four tasks described above are considered crucial to smart grid R&D, demonstration, and eventual deployment. As learning and innovation occur during the course of a demonstration, changes may be needed in the architecture, the components, and the way they are integrated operationally. The goal is to acquire the best information possible for the eventual decisions on whether and how an integrated smart grid solution should be implemented, so adjusting demonstrations as needed to provide that information is very appropriate. It is also important that demonstrations be designed and implemented to gain the knowledge needed for a system wide deployment of a smart grid. The bulk transmission system should be included in the design. There are a great number of unknowns in moving toward the national goal of a low-carbon economy. That uncertainty can be reduced by effectively designed large-scale demonstrations drawing on the results of prior R&D efforts.
Measurements of the Bend and Splay Elastic Constants of a Polymer Liquid Crystal by the Frederiks' Distortion

Abstract The three elastic constants of a liquid crystal, Kii (i=1,2,3) are fundamental measureable constants, which determine the way the material is held together and its response to an external stimulus. While extensive measurements have been carried out to determine the elastic constants of thermotropic liquid crystals,1 very little is known about them in an important class of liquid crystals formed by macromolecules.
Origin of the bicarbonate stimulation of Torpedo electric organ synaptic vesicle ATPase.

: The origin of the stimulation by bicarbonate of the ATPase found in cholinergic synaptic vesicles isolated from Torpedo californica electric organ was studied. Given in descending order of potency, the anions formate, malonate, acetate, thiosulfate, cyanate, biphosphite, biselenite, and bisulfite also stimulate to lesser extents. The anion channel blockers 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (SITS) and 4,4′-diisothiocyanostil-bene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS) inactivated the ATPase at micromolar concentrations, but there was no indication that the reagents acted to block an anion channel. The LineweaverBurk plot of the basal ATPase activity was biphasic, indicating high- and low–affinity states with Kms of 0.0098 ′ 0.0013 and 1.2 ′ 0.1 mM for Vmaxs of 52 ′ 2 and 82 ′ 9 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively. It became nearly linear in the presence of bicarbonate, indicating conversion of all of the ATPase to one high affinity-high velocity state with a Km of 0.054 ′ 0.009 mM and a Vmax of 232 ′ 0.051 nmol/min/mg protein. The pH activity profile for basal ATPase was bell-shaped and optimal between pH 6 and 8. The bicarbonate stimulation was maximal at about pH 7. The ATPase could be solubilized in 1.6% Lubrol WX with full retention of the bicarbonate stimulation. Although ouabain and oligomycin act at high concentrations to inhibit bicarbonate stimulation of the ATPase, there is no contamination by the Na+-K+ ATPase, mitochondrial ATPase, or other common ATPases. The study suggests that bicarbonate acts to stimulate the ATPase by acting directly on it at an allosteric site on the outside of the synaptic vesicle.
Reconstruction of the dorsal ligament of the triangular fibrocartilage complex

The distal radio-ulnar ligaments (DRUL) are key components of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). The dorsal DRUL tightens during pronation of the forearm and helps to stabilize this motion. 12 women and three men at our clinic have been treated for DRUJ instability secondary to dorsal DRUL rupture or attenuation. Their chief complaint was pain. The dorsal DRUL was reconstructed using a tendon graft, the ends of which were anchored in the bone of the radius and ulna. This technique has been shown to correct dynamic DRUJ instability in carefully selected patients, decreasing or eliminating pain and restoring normal function.