cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanics of river mouth bar formation: Implications for the morphodynamics of delta distributary networks

[1] In this paper, we use observational data and numerical modeling to present a new explanation for the formation of river-dominated delta networks. Observational data from deltas throughout the world show that distributary channel widths, depths, and lengths decrease nonlinearly with successive bifurcations. Trends in width and depth are an outcome of hydraulic geometry scaling. The trend in channel length is a consequence of delta growth. Analyses of serial maps show that the positions of bifurcations are the fossilized locations of river mouth bars (also called middle-ground and distributary mouth bar) in front of old delta channel mouths. Therefore the trend in channel length can be explained through the mechanics of river mouth bar formation and evolution. We use Delft3D, a coupled hydrodynamic and morphodynamic model, to simulate the process of river mouth bar formation within an expanding turbulent jet in front of distributary channel mouths. Our results describe in detail the formation and evolution of a river mouth bar system and demonstrate that the distance to the river mouth bar is proportional to jet momentum flux and inversely proportional to grain size. Therefore channel length decreases down delta because with each successive bifurcation, the jet momentum flux decreases. These results can be used to predict the future evolution of river-dominated deltas and can be used to aid in hydrocarbon exploration of these depositional environments.
Thermocleavable friction modifiers for controlled release in lubricants

Abstract Organic friction modifiers (FMs) are commonly utilized in lubricants. FM molecules possess a polar head group that interacts with metallic surfaces and aliphatic chains that cohesively interact with neighboring molecules. Under boundary lubrication conditions, as experienced in engine valve trains and cylinders, fluid films are unable to form between metallic surfaces. This results in metal-metal contact. Thus, organic friction modifiers are commonly utilized to reduce friction under these conditions. While efficacious, these molecules are consumed over time owing to engine environments, reducing their effectiveness. To replenish organic friction modifier stocks in base oil lubricants, tertiary ester derivatives of fatty acid-containing dicarboxylic acids were investigated. A series of fatty acid-containing dicarboxylic acids were first developed based on a tartaric acid backbone and their friction modifying capabilities assessed. Coefficient of friction studies illustrated that friction-modifying capabilities were heavily influenced by polar head group type (i.e., carboxylic acid, ester) and chemical bond to tartaric acid (i.e., ester, ether). Thermogravimetric analysis coupled gas-phase Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that fatty acid-containing dicarboxylic acids degraded into their respective fatty acids at elevated temperatures. Controlled release studies were conducted on a compound modified with thermocleavable esters, and showed sustained friction modifying activity through the course of the entire study. These systems are ideal candidates for the controlled delivery of friction modifiers, which can increase engine efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, effectively reducing vehicle emissions.
Fabrication of Amorphous Indium–Gallium– Zinc–Oxide Thin-Film Transistor on Flexible Substrate Using a Polymer Electrolyte as Gate Dielectric

We have fabricated a flexible thin-film transistor (TFT) with relevant high performance indices using polymer electrolyte as gate dielectric and amorphous indium–gallium–zinc–oxide (a-IGZO) (a-InGaZn2O5) as a channel on polyimide Kapton tape. Low temperature ( $\approx 100~^{\circ }\text{C}$ –120 °C) prepared a-IGZO, showed n-channel device characteristic, and operated in the enhancement mode with a high saturation mobility of 42 cm2/ $\text {V}\cdot \text {s}$ , good ON/OFF ratio of ~105, low threshold voltage of ~0.7 V, and low subthreshold swing of ~175mV/decade. The improvements of the performance indices arise due to influence high value of specific gate capacitance of polymer electrolyte. The gate bias stress test of the flexible TFT showed the stable electrical characteristics.
Receptor-Mediated Alterations of Calcium Channel Function in the Regulation of Neurosecretion

Modulation of voltage-dependent channel function by neurotransmitters was first described almost twenty years ago for the action of norepinephrine on cardiac muscle (Reuter. 1983; Tsien, 1987). The transmitter-induced increase in calcium channel current observed following application of norepinephrine likely explains the increase in the force of contraction that is produced upon sympathetic nerve stimulation to the heart. These findings were of further interest in that the action of norepinephrine was found to result not from a direct action of the transmitter on the channel but rather from a receptor-mediated activation of adenylate cyclase (Sperelakis, 1985).
Finite Groups and Computing

This chapter describes finite groups and computing. A group, like a semigroup, has a single binary operation. Classical examples of groups are the integers under addition, and the nonzero real numbers under multiplication. Mappings that transform a graph into itself are known as automorphisms of graph. The set of all automorphisms of a given graph forms the automorphism group of the graph. The elements upon which the group is based are called the generators of the group, and the products so defined are called words. Multiplication in the group corresponds to a succession of walks, and a cycle in the graph is a representation for the identity element. The principal tool in determining the order of a group is a corollary to Lagrange's theorem. The problem of determining a group from its generators and relations is essentially a pattern-recognition problem.
Bipolar tumor-associated macrophages in ovarian cancer as targets for therapy

Ovarian cancer, a rare but fatal disease, has been a challenging area in the field of gynecological cancer. Ovarian cancer is characterized by peritoneal metastasis, which is facilitated by a cross-talk between tumor cells and other cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In epithelial ovarian cancer, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute over 50% of cells in the peritoneal TME and malignant ascites, and are potential targets for therapy. Here, we review the bipolar nature of TAMs and the evolving strategies to target TAMs in ovarian cancer.
Using coherence to improve calculation of active acoustic intensity

The Phase and Amplitude Gradient Estimator (PAGE) method was developed as an alternative to the traditional method for calculating energy-based acoustic measures such as active acoustic intensity [E. B. Whiting et al. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 142, 2208–2218 (2017)]. While this method shows many marked improvements over the traditional method, such as a higher valid frequency bandwidth for broadband sources, contaminating noise can lead to inaccurate results. Both the traditional method and the PAGE method can perform poorly when microphone pairs exhibit low coherence, whether caused by noise or by imprecise measurements. By using a coherence weighting in the least-squares pressure gradient calculations, where the weighting can vary across frequency, better estimates of the pressure gradient can be obtained, which in turn yield more accurate results for intensity. Additionally, a coherence-based approach may be used to mitigate the negative impact of contaminating noise, most especially for uncorrelated contaminating noise. These improvements, though requiring a greater amount of computation time, can be integrated into the PAGE method processing procedures to create a more stable method for calculating acoustic intensity. [Work supported by NSF.]
Applications of Digital PCR in Clinical Microbiology

Several potential advantages have emerged in recent years for the use of digital PCR (dPCR) instead of real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) in clinical microbiology. As a direct, endpoint quantitation method, dPCR is not dependent on the use of calibration curves and is less affected by amplification inhibitors and suboptimal amplification efficiency. Some studies have shown improved accuracy and precision, with reduced variability based on target polymorphisms or differences in assay design. Viral quantitation is a particularly attractive application, as viral load assays have become integral to disease diagnosis, prediction of clinical outcome, monitoring of therapeutic response, and the initiation of preemptive treatment. The accurate quantitation of viral reservoirs and cellular copy number are of particular interest in the treatment of HIV. Beyond its use as a primary diagnostic method, digital PCR can be used to reduce variability among laboratories running qPCR through its use as a reference standard against which calibrators and other control materials can be measured.
High Variability in Neuronal Loss

Background and Purpose- In the setting of acute ischemic stroke because of large-vessel occlusion (LVO) there is progressive loss of brain tissue which occurs in a time-dependent fashion previously quantified to be ≈1.9 million neurons per minute. However, this number represents an average and accumulating evidence suggests large individual variation. In this study, we aim to quantify the distribution and range in the rate of loss brain tissue across the entire spectrum of clinical phenotypes of anterior circulation LVO strokes encountered in clinical practice. Methods- Retrospective review of a prospectively acquired database of consecutive patients with anterior circulation stroke because of proximal LVO and appropriate ischemic core imaging was performed. Ischemic core volume was measured using automated software processing and time from last known well to imaging was recorded. Applying previously published methodology for brain loss quantification, we computed rate of brain tissue elements loss in proximal LVO stroke patients. Results- We studied 415 patients with internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery (M1 segment) occlusion. Mean ischemic core volume was 50.4 mL and mean time to imaging from time from last known well (TLKW) was 8.7 hours, which is similar to previously published data, translates into a mean loss per minute of 2.03 million neurons, 14.8 billion synapses, and 12.8 km of myelinated fibers. However, the distribution of neuron loss was highly variable, ranging from 27 million cells per minute. Conclusions- Widely spread rates of infarct growth are observed in acute ischemic stroke because of proximal LVO with rate of neuron loss per minute ranging from 27 million per minute in fast progressors, with a mean and median of 2 million and 0.9 million, respectively.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Lactate Determination: A New Parameter for the Diagnosis of Acute and Partially Treated Meningitis

The lactic acid level in the cerebrospinal fluid of 250 patients with or without bacterial involvement was determined using Gas Liquid Chromatography (GLC). This recently rediscovered technique proved effective and reliable in distinguishing between bacterial (21 cases) and non bacterial (179 cases) meningitis. There were no false positives nor false negatives in either category. Partially treated meningitis had elevated CSF lactate on admission. The duration of elevated CSF lactate correlated with the clinical response to therapy. This simple and rapid technique warrants further evaluation as a parameter to detect bacterial central nervous system invasion.
Nanopatterned Thermoresponsive Functionalization of Substrates via Nanosphere Lithography

1 Abstract Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been widely utilized as a way of tailoring surface chemistry through the adsorption of organic molecules to different materials. SAMs are easy to prepare and offer a wide variety of organic molecules that afford additional or improved properties to the coated material. Spatial control of SAM placement has been achieved over many length-scales, even at the nanoscale. However, nanopatterned SAMs are usually prepared through serial processes utilizing atomic scanning probes or soft-lithography utilizing elastomeric masters. These techniques are expensive or not repeatable. Here we present the use of nanospheres for the creation of nanopatterned Au:Cu films which spatially control the grafting of a thermoresponsive SAM made from poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM). Chemical characterization validates the presence of PNIPAM and environmental atomic force microscopy showed its response to temperature which was evidenced by a change in stiffness. Our approach represents an affordable large area methodology for repeatable spatial control of SAMs at the nanoscale.
Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Papillary, Follicular, and Oncocytic (Hürthle) Cell Cancer

The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing worldwide, and although the rising rates appear to be coincident with the widespread use of high-resolution ultrasound imaging, early detection may not be the only reason for the increased incidence as the trend is observed in both genders, among all ages, tumor sizes, and different racial and ethnic groups. The majority (95–98 %) of thyroid cancers are well differentiated and include papillary, follicular, and oncocytic (Hurthle) cell carcinomas. This chapter discusses risk factors, molecular mechanisms, prognosis, available treatment modalities, and management strategies for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.
The Effects of Teacher Collective Responsibility on the Mathematics Achievement of Students Who Repeat Algebra

In this article, the authors use the national High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) dataset to explore (a) if repeating algebra in the eighth grade was associated with overall mathematics grades and course-taking patterns by twelfth grade, (b) if repeating algebra in the eighth grade was associated with students' final grade in algebra, (c) if the level of teacher collective responsibility of mathematics teachers in school predicted students' who repeated algebra final grade in algebra, and (d) if this association differed by students' gender. The authors' analysis suggests that repeating algebra may bolster mathematics success for certain students; however, in schools with low perceptions of collective responsibility among teachers, final grades in algebra were lower for male students repeating algebra. Implications for achievement and long-term course-taking patterns when students repeat algebra are discussed
“The Place of Solemne Prayer”: Intrasettlement Post-and-Trench Mortuary-Ritual Structures in the Precontact Era of Northern Ohio

ABSTRACTMost traditional archaeological interpretations of life within late precontact period village sites in the Eastern Woodlands focus primarily on the domestic sphere or ritual activities asso...
Encouraging Shifts in Preservice Teachers’ Beliefs About Writing and Plans for Future Instruction

Preservice teachers’ (PSTs) writing attitudes have been well formed through countless positive and negative interactions by the time they enter higher education. The present study examined 17 PSTs’ beliefs about teaching writing, confidence levels, and plans for future instruction, before and after a semester-long language arts methods course. Participants participated in pre and post belief exercises and pre and post online surveys. We examined differences between PSTs’ beliefs over the course of three time points. Overall, findings revealed that after self-reflection, strategy instruction, and engagement in writing, PSTs were more likely to believe in children’s writing capabilities, reported higher confidence levels in teaching writing, and described plans for integrating more specific writing strategies into their future practice.
Adorno e il nominalismo musicale

The challenge of nominalism in philosophy and theology to the reality of universals has been a motor of modern thought. Translated into aesthetic terms, it has abetted resistance to generic conventions and helped undermine essentialist notions of aesthetic form. Theodor W. Adorno had a characteristically dialectical response to nominalism, applauding its subversion of categorical reifications, but alarmed by its indiscriminate leveling of the distinction between concept and object, which could also efface the distinction between works of art and everyday objects. In musical terms, he appreciated the nominalist emphasis on individual works as opposed to generic formal categories, and praised Arnold Schoenberg's atonal revolution. But he was also aware that carried to an extreme, nominalism could lead to the subjective domination of a nature that was understood to be without essential characteristics of its own. In his late embrace of musique informelle , he admired a music that eschewed both reified categories and subjective domination of the apparent contingency of the material world, a music that expressed a nominalism that might better be called “magical” than “conventional.” La sfida del nominalismo alla realta degli universali (sia in filosofia che in teologia) e stata un motore del pensiero moderno. Tradotta in termini estetici, ha favorito la resistenza alle generiche convenzioni e ha contribuito a minare le nozioni essenzialiste della forma estetica. Theodor W. Adorno ebbe una risposta tipicamente dialettica al nominalismo, plaudendo alla sua sovversione delle reificazioni categoriche, ma allarmato dal suo livellamento indiscriminato della distinzione tra concetto e oggetto, che poteva anche cancellare la distinzione tra opere d'arte e oggetti di uso quotidiano. In termini musicali, ha apprezzato l'enfasi nominalista sui singoli lavori rispetto alle generiche categorie formali e ha elogiato la rivoluzione atonale di Arnold Schoenberg. Ma era anche consapevole del fatto che, portato all'estremo, il nominalismo poteva condurre al dominio soggettivo di una natura considerata priva di proprie caratteristiche essenziali. Nella sua tardiva riflessione sulla musique informelle , ammiro una musica che evitava sia le categorie reificate che il dominio soggettivo dell'apparente contingenza del mondo materiale, una musica che esprimeva un nominalismo che avrebbe potuto essere meglio chiamato "magico" piuttosto che "convenzionale".
Genetic Skin Diseases With Neoplasia

The relationship between the molecular defects and cutaneous neoplasia in several genetic syndromes illustrates the key role played by a variety of proteins in cell growth, proliferation, and the repair of acquired genetic damage.
Age-dependent changes in pediatric scaphoid fracture pattern on radiographs

To systematically investigate age-dependent changes in scaphoid fracture prevalence and fracture patterns on radiographs in children under 15 years of age. This retrospective study included children with scaphoid fractures, who underwent radiographic examinations between May 1, 2009, and August 31, 2019. Blinded to outcome, all radiographs were reviewed to determine fracture visibility on initial radiographs; to characterize fracture location (distal corner, distal, mid, and proximal body) and orientation (horizontal oblique, transverse, and vertical oblique); and to identify the presence or absence of gap, displacement, and concomitant fractures. Demographic information and information on weight and height were collected. Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum, chi-square, and post hoc tests were used to investigate associations between age, fracture characteristics, and BMI percentile. The study included 180 children (134 boys and 46 girls; 12.3 ± 1.4 years) with 59 (33%) distal corner, 42 (23%) distal, 76 (42%) mid, and 3 (2%) proximal body fractures. Younger children were more likely to present with distal corner and distal body fractures while older children with mid and proximal body fractures (p = 0.035). No association was found between age and fracture visibility (p = 0.246), fracture orientation (p = 0.752), presence of gap (p = 0.130), displacement (p = 0.403), or concomitant fractures (p = 0.588). Younger children with scaphoid fractures were more likely to be obese (n = 117; p = 0.038). Scaphoid fractures of the distal corner and distal body were significantly more common in younger children, who are more likely to be obese.
Topical Application of ASN008, a Permanently-charged Sodium Channel Blocker, Shows Robust Efficacy, a Rapid Onset and Long Duration of Action in a Mouse Model of Pruritus

The sensation of pruritus, or itch, is associated with a variety of skin and medical disorders. Itch is transmitted through afferent C-fibers, and sodium channels play a key role in the transmission process. Local anesthetics, which block sodium channels, are used topically to treat itch but generally have a short duration of action and are not selective for afferent nerves underlying the itch sensation. Accordingly, there is a substantial unmet need for safe, efficacious, long-acting treatments for chronic pruritus, including nonhistaminergic itch. We investigated the dose-response, time to onset, and duration of action of ASN008 topical gel, which targets small afferent sodium channels, in a murine model of pruritus in which scratching behavior is induced by intradermal injection of chloroquine into the nape of the neck of C57BL/6 mice. Topical application of ASN008 gel resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction of scratching behavior. Onset of action was ≤1 hour, and duration of scratching inhibition was 15–24 hours. In a further study involving once-daily application for 5 days with chloroquine challenge on day 5, treatment with ASN008 gel again resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction of chloroquine-induced scratching, even when the gel was removed 3 hours after each daily application. In conclusion, topical ASN008 gel produces a dose-dependent reduction of scratching in a mouse model of pruritus, with a rapid onset and long duration of action, and may prove to be an effective, once-daily treatment of a variety of pruritic conditions in humans, including nonhistaminergic itch. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT ASN008 gel produces a dose-dependent reduction of scratching in a mouse model of pruritus, with a rapid onset and long duration of action, and may prove to be an effective, once- or twice-daily treatment for a variety of pruritic conditions in humans. ASN008 gel has demonstrated good safety and tolerability in healthy volunteers and is currently under investigation in a phase 1b clinical study to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antipruritic efficacy in atopic dermatitis patients (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03798561).
Improved conjunctival microcirculation in diabetic retinopathy patients with MTHFR polymorphisms after Ocufolin™ Administration.

PURPOSE To investigate conjunctival microvascular responses in patients with mild diabetic retinopathy (MDR) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms (D + PM) after administration of Ocufolin™, a medical food containing 900 μg l-methylfolate (levomefolate calcium or [6S]-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, calcium salt), methylcobalamin, and other ingredients. METHODS Eight D + PM patients received Ocufolin™ for six months (6 M). Bulbar conjunctival microvasculature and microcirculation metrics, including vessel diameter (D), axial blood flow velocity (Va), cross-sectional blood flow velocity (Vs), flow rate (Q), and vessel density (VD, Dbox), were measured at baseline, 4 M, and 6 M. RESULTS The mean age was 54 ± 7 years. No significant demographic differences were found. Conjunctival microcirculation, measured as Va, Vs, and Q was significantly increased at 4 M and 6 M, compared to baseline. Va was 0.44 ± 0.10 mm/s, 0.58 ± 0.13 mm/s, 0.59 ± 0.13 mm/s in baseline, 4 M, and 6 M, respectively (P < 0.01). Similarly, Vs was 0.31 ± 0.07 mm/s, 0.40 ± 0.09 mm/s, 0.41 ± 0.09 mm/s in baseline, 4 M, and 6 M, respectively (P < 0.05). Q was 107.8 ± 49.4 pl/s, 178.0 ± 125.8 pl/s, 163.3 ± 85.8 mm/s in baseline, 4 M, and 6 M, respectively (P < 0.05). The VD at 6 M was significantly higher than that at baseline (P = 0.017). Changes of D were positively correlated with changes of Va, Q, and VD. Effects of MTHFR and haptoglobin polymorphisms on the improvements of conjunctival microcirculation and microvasculature were found. CONCLUSIONS Ocufolin™ supplementation improves conjunctival microcirculation in patients with diabetic retinopathy and common folate polymorphisms.
The Pectus Excavatum Gender Divide – Females Have Better Cardiopulmonary Function and Exercise Tolerance Despite Worse Deformity

Objective: Pectus excavatum (PE) is a common chest wall deformity with variable severity and symptomatology. More common in males, this condition has been rarely studied in female cohorts. Most of the existing literature for females focuses on breast asymmetry and cosmetic reconstruction. We sought to evaluate gender differences in the patterns of cardiopulmonary compromise and functional impairment in this population. Methods: Results …
Design and implementation of a prospective cohort study of persons living with and without HIV infection who are initiating medication treatment for opioid use disorder

Abstract Background Opioid use disorder (OUD) negatively impacts the HIV continuum of care for persons living with HIV. Medication treatment for OUD (MOUD) may have differential biological effects in individuals with HIV and OUD. To address the question of modulation of immune responses by MOUDs, we describe state of the art systems biology approaches to carry out the first prospective, longitudinal study of persons with and without HIV infection with OUD initiating MOUD. Methods A prospective cohort study of persons with DSM-5 diagnosed OUD who are living with and without HIV infection and initiating treatment with methadone or buprenorphine is underway to assess biological effects of these medications on immunobiological outcomes. Results We describe the recruitment, laboratory, and statistical methods of this study as well as the protocol details. Of those screened for enrollment into the study, 468 (36%) were eligible and 135 were enrolled thus far. Retention through month 6 has been high at 80%. Conclusions This study will use state of the art systems biology approaches to carry out the first prospective, longitudinal studies of persons living with and without HIV with DSM-5 OUD initiating treatment with MOUD.
Preliminary in-vivo imaging evaluation of patient-specific scatter-corrected digital chest tomosynthesis

Purpose: Scatter reduction remains a challenge for chest tomosynthesis. The purpose of this study was to validate a lowdose patient-specific method of scatter correction in a large animal model and implement the technique in a human imaging study in a population with known lung lesions. Method: The porcine and human subjects were imaged with an experimental stationary digital chest tomosynthesis system. Full field projection images were acquired, as well as with a customized primary sampling device for sparse sampling of the primary signal. A primary sampling scatter correction algorithm was used to compute scatter from the primary beam information. Sparse scatter was interpolated and used to correct projections prior to reconstruction. Reconstruction image quality was evaluated over multiple acquisitions in the animal subject to quantify the impact of lung volume discrepancies between scans. Results: Variations in lung volume between the full field and primary sample projection images induced mild variation in computed scatter maps, due to acquisitions during separate breath holds. Reconstruction slice images from scatter corrected datasets including both similar and dissimilar breath holds were compared and found to have minimal differences. Initial human images are included. Conclusions: We have evaluated the prototype low-dose, patient-specific scatter correction in an in-vivo porcine model currently incorporated into a human imaging study. The PSSC technique was found to tolerate some lung volume variation between scans, as it has a minimal impact on reconstruction image quality. A human imaging study has been initiated and a reader comparison will determine clinical efficacy.
A Scoping Review of Communication on Social Media - Breast Cancer:

Communication on social media enables people to express their views freely and makes them a part of the larger community. Social media is a form of communication that has been adopted in the health...
Bacterial and Algal Interactions in Biofilms

Biofilms that are found on illuminated surfaces usually contain phototrophs. These surfaces can be rocks in mountain streams (Haack & McFeters, 1982a, b), watertreatment equipment (Ludyansky, 1991) or various natural and man-made structures in the marine environment (Paul, et al, 1977; Callow, 1986). There has been a great deal of work on the interactions between bacteria and phototrophs (usually phytoplankton) in the ocean water column (Wiebe & Smith, 1977; Ducklow, et al 1986), but far less where the organisms are sessile. The reasons for this imbalance are not difficult to define. Whereas it is comparatively easy to work with organisms in suspension, it is far more difficult to study attached organisms. Even the comparatively simple procedure of sampling organisms growing on a surface is difficult (Wimpenny, et al, 1989). It follows that any analyses after sampling will be that much more difficult and prone to artefact. The interest in mixtures of suspended cells derives from our continuing goal of understanding global cycling of elements. Environments are not monospecific and all species play some role in the cycling process. At the moment, these specific roles are hard to define. Currently this area of science has assumed a far greater importance since the onset of fears concerning global warming trends.
Anisotropic $H_{c2}$ determined up to 92 T and the signature of multi-band superconductivity in Ca$_{10}$(Pt$_{4}$As$_{8}$)((Fe$_{1-x}$Pt$_{x}$)$_{2}$As$_{2}$)$_{5}$ superconductor

The upper critical fields ${H}_{c2}$($T$) of single crystals of the superconductor Ca${}_{10}$(Pt${}_{4\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}$As${}_{8}$)$($(Fe${}_{0.97}$Pt${}_{0.03}$)${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$$)$${}_{5}$ ($\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\approx}0.246$) are determined over a wide range of temperatures down to $T=1.42$ K and magnetic fields of up to ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}H\ensuremath{\simeq}92$ T. The measurements of anisotropic ${H}_{c2}$($T$) curves are performed in pulsed magnetic fields using radio-frequency contactless penetration depth measurements for magnetic field applied both parallel and perpendicular to the ab plane. Whereas a clear upward curvature in ${H}_{c2}^{\ensuremath{\parallel}\mathbf{c}}$($T$) along $\mathbf{H}\ensuremath{\parallel}\mathbf{c}$ is observed with decreasing temperature, the ${H}_{c2}^{\ensuremath{\parallel}\mathbf{ab}}$($T$) along $\mathbf{H}\ensuremath{\parallel}\mathbf{ab}$ shows a flattening at low temperatures. The rapid increase of the ${H}_{c2}^{\ensuremath{\parallel}\mathbf{c}}$($T$) at low temperatures suggests that the superconductivity can be described by two dominating bands. The anisotropy parameter ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{H}\ensuremath{\equiv}{H}_{c2}^{\ensuremath{\parallel}\mathbf{ab}}$/${H}_{c2}^{\ensuremath{\parallel}\mathbf{c}}$ is $\ensuremath{\sim}$7 close to ${T}_{c}$ and decreases considerably to $\ensuremath{\sim}$1 with decreasing temperature, showing rather weak anisotropy at low temperatures.
Patent Misuse and Antitrust Law: Empirical, Doctrinal and Policy Perspectives

Contents: Prologue Introduction 1. Misuse and Antitrust 2. A Brief History of Patent Misuse 3. The Anatomy of a Defense 4. Key Objections 5. Rethinking the Future of Patent Misuse 6. The Empirical Landscape of Misuse 7. Charting the Scope of Patent Misuse Conclusion Index
Resonant Vibrational Instabilities in Magnetized Stellar Atmospheres

We perform linear stability analysis on stratified, plane-parallel atmospheres in uniform vertical magnetic fields. We assume perfect electrical conductivity and we model non-adiabatic effects with Newton's law of radiative cooling. Numerical computations of the dispersion diagrams in all cases result in patterns of avoided crossings and mergers in the real part of the frequency. We focus on the case of a polytrope with a prevalent, relatively weak, magnetic field with overstable modes. The growth rates reveal prominent features near avoided crossings in the diagnostic diagram, as has been seen in related problems (Banerjee, Hasan, and Christensen-Dalsgaard, 1997). These features arise in the presence of resonant oscillatory bifurcations in non-self adjoint eigenvalue problems. The onset of such bifurcations is signaled by the appearance of avoided crossings and mode mergers. We discuss the possible role of the linear stability results in understanding solar spicules.
A finite element modeling of the low pressure plasma deposition process. I: Temperature analysis

Abstract The low pressure plasma deposition process was examined by a finite element analysis method to obtain temperature distributions in the substrate and deposit as a function of the deposit time. The transient solidification process was modeled by assuming that the entire deposition period could be divided into a number of discrete time steps where each element underwent phase transition during each time step. The computed heat input and output rates obtained from the experimental data and the calculated temperature profile at the end of previous time step were imposed as initial boundary conditions for the temperature calculation at the beginning of each time step. In this way, the problem was reduced to a multiple, one dimensional conduction analysis involving the necessary thermal properties and the latent heat of fusion. The computed temperture profile for the case of a copper deposit on the nickel substrate was shown to be in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. Based on these results, a thermal analysis was made on a more complex multi-layered alloy system.
Optical properties of albino rat skin heated in vitro: comparison of photoacoustic and integrating sphere measurement techniques

The optical properties represented by the absorption coefficient ((mu) a ) and reduced scattering coefficient [(mu) s (1-g) or (mu) ' s ] at (lambda) equals 355 nm of thermally altered albino rat skin were measured in vitro by two methods: (1) a time-resolved stress detection (TRSD) technique which directly measured the effective attenuation coefficient ((mu) eff ) and the absorption coefficient ((mu) a ), and (2) the well-known integrating sphere technique which measured total transmittance (T t ) nd total diffuse reflectance (R d ). The skin pieces were wrapped in water-tight packets and heated for 20 minutes in a calibrated water bath (temperature range: 20 degree(s) - 90 degree(s)C) and the same skin samples were used for both measurement methods. The experimental data were analyzed to specify the absorption and the scattering properties. The results, which were in general agreement for both methods, indicated that denaturation of the rat skin caused a decrease in scattering due to melting of the collagen fibers. The decrease began at 55 degree(s)C and plateaued at 65 degree(s) - 70 degree(s)C and was essentially unchanged at higher temperatures. Absorption was not significantly affected by denaturation except for a transient rise at 50 degree(s) - 60 degree(s)C.
Rethinking the legal translation classroom: a course for legal translation professionals

Over the last two decades the translation profession has undergone a significant transformation that has led to increasing volume, often requiring a high level of subject matter expertise. As the demand for legal translation continues to grow, specialisation and task complexity are particularly relevant to translation professionals in the legal domain. Since many changes in the translation profession have occurred over a short span of time, the traditional curriculum needs to be adjusted so as to incorporate additional competences into the course content. This article proposes a graduate course on legal translation that is motivated by four main factors: (a) refining learning outcomes for the legal translation classroom since they differ significantly from general translation curriculum; (b) implementing a task-based methodology; (c) incorporating professional skills that are essential in the current industry; and (d) including a process and product-based approach for portfolio assessment. Furthermore, ex...
Practical guidance on the recognition of uncontrolled asthma and its management

AbstractPurpose:To highlight the significance of asthma in primary care and offer a practitioner-friendly interpretation of the asthma guidelines for the busy provider, while introducing new treatment options currently in clinical trials, such as the once-daily long-acting anticholinergic bronchodil
Activated Carbon Adsorption and Chemical Regeneration in the Food Industry

Approximately 5.2 million pounds (2.36 million kg) of pesticides were used worldwide in 2008. In the United States alone, there are sales of more than 1,055 registered active ingredients found in 16,000 pesticides. There are negative environmental and human health consequences from the use of pesticides.
A Banach subspace of _{1/2} which does not embed in ₁ (isometric version)

For every n > 3, we construct an n-dimensional Banach space which is isometric to a subspace of L1/2 but is not isometric to a subspace of L1. The isomorphic version of this problem (posed by S. Kwapien in 1969) is still open. Another example gives a Banach subspace of L1/4 which does not embed isometrically in L1/2. Note that, from the isomorphic point of view, all the spaces Lq with q < 1 have the same Banach subspaces.
Strength of fracture zones from their bathymetric and gravitational evolution

Fracture zone evolution is investigated using dynamic models that allow the fault zones to freely slip. This is an improvement over past formulations where bathymetric offsets were imposed kinematically. The models use a viscoelastoplastic rheology that incorporates the influence of fault friction on fracture zone slip history. Using viscoelastic plates, we assess the role of small-scale convection on removal of the lowermost thermal lithosphere beneath fracture zones. Through a comparison of synthetic gravity to free-air gravity across fracture zones we find that the amplitude of the gravity jump across fracture zones is best fit by models with weak faults that have depth-averaged yield strengths <10 MPa. Fracture zones with such low strengths can convert to subduction zones with ∼100 km of convergence. Many fracture zones do not fit plate subsidence models with locked or slipping faults but are better fit by systems that are tectonically deformed by modest amounts of extension.
Pulsed Laser Micro Polishing of Microfabricated Nickel and Ti6Al4V Samples

The objective of this work is to improve our understanding of pulsed laser micro polishing (PLμP) by studying the effects of laser pulse length, pulses per mm, and workpiece material on surface roughness. PLμP experiments are conducted with a multi-mode Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm wavelength) that is focused down to approximately 50 μm diameter and scanned over the stationary workpiece surface. Simulation results presented here and previous work suggest that longer laser pulses are better for polishing. Results on microfabricated nickel samples using laser pulse lengths of 300 ns and 650 ns test this hypothesis. Additionally, a surface artifact introduced by the PLμP process will be investigated. Results on the microfabricated nickel sample prove that longer laser pulses yield a higher reduction in surface roughness; 300 ns and 650 ns pulses reduce the Ra of the sample by 30% and 50%, respectively. The artifact introduced by the PLμP is found to be directly related to the number of laser pulses per mm. Successful polishing is achieved on Ti6Al4V and the surface roughness (Ra ) of the sample is reduced from 0.250 μm to 0.058 μm. It is also shown that the presence of argon shielding gas is necessary to avoid surface cracks. The results presented here further validate the simplified thermal and fluid flow modeling of the PLμP process and demonstrate the effectiveness of PLμP on a broadly used titanium alloy, Ti6Al4V.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
A calculation of the bulk modulus of polycrystalline materials

It is shown that the bulk modulus of a polycrystalline material, composed of cubic single crystals, is the same as that of the constituent single crystal. The bulk modulus of the aggregate is independent of the distribution of the individual single crystals. The same results apply also to other polycrystalline systems, whose constituent single crystals undergo a pure uniform contraction when subjected to hydrostatic pressure.
SANS measurements of deuteride (hydride) formation in single crystal Pd

Abstract In situ small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements of deuteride precipitation in well-annealed, undeformed single crystal Pd have been performed at room temperature to observe the morphology of the precipitate as the deuterium fraction was increased over a range of 0.005 to 0.097 [D]/[Pd]. Supporting measurements were made of the room temperature deuterium solubility isotherm in the single crystal material and of the progressive lattice mosaic broadening by gamma-ray diffraction analysis. The use of single crystal material eliminated the effect of grain boundaries on the precipitation process and allowed the orientation of the deuteride precipitates relative to the host Pd lattice to be established. The SANS data for deuterium loading beyond the solid solution phase are dominated by a d Σ /d Ω ∼ Q −2 scattering response well fit by a model cross section of small plate-like precipitates with a thickness of 25–30 A. This response showed little indication of a preferred habit plane and the plate thickness was independent of the total deuterium loading. The volume fraction of these small plates grew uniformly with increased deuterium loading, but was surprisingly small, reaching only 8×10 −5 at 0.060 [D]/[Pd]. This means that almost all of the deuterium resides in some other precipitate structure. The SANS data in the lowest Q region showed a second, anisotropic scattering component that can be interpreted as the Porod tail from plate-like particles of grossly larger dimensions. These plates favor a (001) α habit plane, normal to the elastically soft [001] α direction. Post-measurement visual inspection of the sample surfaces showed the presence of an oriented, quasi-periodic one-dimensional array of plates with thicknesses of approximately 0.1 to 0.2 mm and with an orientation in agreement with the anisotropy of the SANS data. We conclude that most of the deuteride phase precipitates in these large structures.
An attitudinal travel demand model for non-work trips of homogeneously constrained segments of a population

Abstract Market segmentation techniques are used to capture effects of opportunity and availability constraints on urban residents' choice of mode for trips for major grocery shopping and for visiting friends and acquaintances. Attitudinal multinomial logit choice models are estimated for each market segment. Explanatory variables are individual's beliefs about attributes of four modal alternatives: bus, car, taxi and walking. Factor analysis is employed to identify latent dimensions of perception of the modal alternatives and to eliminate problems of multicollinearity in model estimation.
Amyloid-β Ion Channels in Artificial Lipid Bilayers and Neuronal Cells. Resolving a Controversy

One of the current hypotheses for the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) proposes that amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides induce uncontrolled, neurotoxic ion flux across cellular membranes. The resulting inability of neurons to regulate their intracellular concentration of ions, in particular calcium ions, has been associated with cell death and may thus contribute to cognitive impairment typical for AD. The exact biophysical mechanism of this ion flux is subject of an ongoing and unresolved controversy. Two mechanisms are currently debated. One proposed mechanism suggests that Aβ assembles into pore-like structures in lipid membranes, leading to stepwise fluctuations of transmembrane current that is typical for ion channels (ion channel hypothesis). The other proposed mechanism postulates a generalized and gradually increasing ion flux as a result of Aβ-induced thinning of membranes.Here, we resolve this controversy by examining, in detail, the two pivotal protocols for preparing and measuring Aβ induced conductance through planar lipid bilayers and cell membranes. The results clarify that Aβ induces stepwise ion flux across planar lipid bilayers as opposed to a gradual increase in transmembrane current; they show that the previously reported gradual increase in transmembrane current arises from residues of the solvent hexafluoroisopropanol, which is commonly used for the preparation of amyloid samples.We also examined the effect of Aβ samples on cell membranes. We exposed SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and mouse cortical primary neurons to Aβ at resting potential in the presence and absence of typical ion channel blockers. The results provide additional evidence suggesting that Aβ peptides can form ion channels in cellular membranes that are independent from the postulated ability of Aβ to modulate intrinsic cellular ion channels or transporter proteins.
Content Addressable Memory System Concepts

A formal descriptive definition of a computer memory which, because of inherent parallelism, data manipulative capability, and resulting speed advantage over conventional central processor memories, offers promise of providing substantial increases in computational capability for a large class of Army data-processing problems. The basic forte of this memory is its ability to search its entire contents in one unit cycle time for adherence of the stored data to the imposed search criteria. These storage systems are conventionally called Content Addressable Memories (CAM's); today they represent an unstandardized concept with respect to their capabilities, applications, and organizations. A hierarchy (according to capability) of CAM's is developed; each new version possesses the characteristics of the previous, but incorporates a new sophistication, until the ?full capability? CAM concept is developed. Finally, guidelines are established to evaluate the economic potential of various techniques suitable for the realization of a ?full capability? CAM, and possible applications are investigated for inclusion in Army automatic data-processing and communications systems.
Assay of perinatal testosterone and influence of anti-progesterone and theophylline on induction of sterility.

Abstract Mean serum levels of testosterone (T) determined by radioimmunoassay were found to be reliably higher in male than female rats at 21 days of gestation and 6 hr and 3 days after birth. However, serum T concentrations in individual female samples were frequently equal to or greater than those found in male samples. Another study was performed to evaluate whether protection against androgen in females might be associated with mechanisms involving circulating progesterone and cellular adenosine 3′5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP). Female rats were injected on the day of birth with 1.0 μg testosterone propionate (TP) or sesame oil in combination with theophylline, antiserum to progesterone or saline. Females injected with TP lost vaginal cyclicity. The duration of time after puberty before reaching the sterility criterion was approximately 86% and 35% shorter for TP-groups receiving theophylline and antiprogesterone, respectively, than for those injected with saline. Thus, progesterone might provide some protection against the defeminizing effects of T and cAMP could be involved in hormone action during the perinatal period.
2009 Electronic Resources & Libraries Conference

Barbie Elene Keiser (Barbie E. Keiser Inc.) delivered a half-day information-packed session on effective marketing of e-resources, which was an overview of the four-day workshop she conducts. She d...