cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The behavior of suspensions and macromolecular solutions in crossflow microfiltration

Abstract Although microfiltration is one of the oldest pressure-driven membrane processes, it is probably the least understood when it comes to the filtration of suspensions and macromolecules. Microfiltration is characterized by operation at low pressures, by high permeation fluxes, and by crossflow mode in flat or cylindrical geometries. The major limitation of microfiltration is membrane fouling due to the deposition and intrusion of macromolecules, colloids and particles onto and into the microporous membrane. In this review, we analyze the various components of this problem by focusing on the formation of cakes, the behavior of suspension flows and particle transport in simple geometry ducts, and on the formation and behavior of fouling layers including those resulting from macromolecules, colloids and particles. Some of the work we report on is very recent or is still in progress and needs independent verification. With this understanding, we hope that the reader will be able to use these concepts for analyzing other systems and for investigating new module designs.
Optimal sampling schemes for estimating mean snow water equivalents in stratified heterogeneous landscapes

Summary Snow was sampled across a heterogeneous landscape within 40 strata defined by time, elevation, vegetation, and solar radiation (i.e. terrain). The objective was to efficiently develop accurate estimates of the mean snowpack properties of each stratum, for later use in testing the accuracy of a snowpack simulation model. Sources of variance were assumed to be ‘fixed’ (i.e. predictable) or ‘random’ (i.e. unpredictable). A nested sampling design was used to minimize random effects relative to sampling cost, and theoretically shown to be optimal or near optimal. Within the strata that were sampled, time and elevation effects on snow water equivalent (SWE) were greater than random effects, but random effects were greater than vegetation and radiation effects. Random effects were greatest at small scales (
Impatiens necrotic spot virus in Greenhouse-Grown Potatoes in New York State

Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV; genus Tospovirus) was detected in experimental greenhouse-grown potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and Nicotiana benthamiana in New York State in July and August of 2003 and 2004. Potato leaves exhibiting necrotic lesions with a concentric pattern similar to those induced by Tomato spotted wilt virus (1) were observed on cvs. Atlantic, Huckleberry, NY115, and Pentland Ivory. The presence of INSV was confirmed using double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a rapid ‘ImmunoStrip’ assay (Agdia, Inc., Elkhart, IN). INSV-specific sequences were amplified from total RNA extracts using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with ‘Tospovirus Group’ primers (Agdia, Inc.) and two independently amplified DNAs were sequenced. A common sequence of 355 nucleotides (GenBank Accession No. AY775324) showed 98% identity to coding sequences in an INSV L RNA. The virus was mechanically transmitted to potato and N. benthamiana and could be detected in asymptomatic, ...
The large circular array with one element driven

The analytical determination of the properties of a circular array of parallel nonstaggered elements in their dependence on the radius, length, and spacing of the individual elements as well as on their number requires a high degree of accuracy. Solving the coupled integral equations with the method of symmetrical components is reexamined with special attention given to the problem of coupling among closely spaced and more distant elements. The accuracy of the new general formula is verified for the four-element array and the single element. >
Particle paths and stasis in unsteady flow through a bifurcation

Abstract In our study of the role of fluid mechanics in atherogenesis, particle paths and stasis in a two-dimensional symmetric branch were examined, using the results of earlier fluid mechanical simulations of pulsatile blood flow to provide the velocity field. In regions where separation occurs, the particles trace paths which cannot be predicted by a steady flow calculation, but are complex functions of the fluid velocity field. All particles examined were downstream from their starting point at the end of one pulsatile cycle, implying the absence of “perpetual” stasis. The numerical results suggest that stasis may not be as significant a factor in atherogenesis as may have been thought, at least for the area ratio considered here.
Maternal mortality from systemic illness: unraveling the contribution of the immune response

Objective Maternal morbidity and/or mortality (MM) is increased in pyelonephritis and influenza. Alterations in the immune response could account for the increase MM. We sought to determine whether the immune response is functionally different during pregnant and nonpregnant (NP) states. Study Design Mouse model of systemic and localized inflammation was used. Maternal serum was assessed for expression of T-helper cell type 1 and 2 cytokines. Maternal spleens were harvested for immunohistochemistry. Results Systemic administration of lipopolysaccharides resulted in no mortality to NP mice compared with 88% in preterm and 100% in term mice. A potent cytokine response was present in both NP and pregnancy. Systemic inflammation in pregnancy results in increased CD8 and CD11c expression in spleens. Conclusion Differences in cytokine response to systemic inflammation is unlikley to modulate the increased MM during pregnancy. Altered T-cell and dendritic cell responses in pregnancy may be responsible for the increase in MM.
Quantitation of ventilation in terms of continuous airflow variables.

The commonly used respiratory variables, minute volume, tidal volume and respiratory rate are discontinuous measures, and thus of limited capability to quantitate transient respiratory responses. Continuity in description is obtained by characterizing the tracheal airflow by two continuously defined variables, instantaneous amplitude,A(t), and instantaneous frequency,F(t), which can experimentally be uniquely determined at a sampling rate independent of the respiratory rate. The two variables are conceptual extensions of currently used discontinuous measures, i.e., the time average ofF(t) recovers respiratory rate, and the time average ofA(t) divided by π closely approximates minute volume. These asymptotic relations were experimentally verified in four human subjects and for different ventilatory states. Respiratory rate and averageF(t) agreed within a relative error of less than 1%. Minute volume was determined from the averageA(t) with an error, slightly dependent on the airflow pattern, of less than 6%. Since the conventionally used quantitation can always be retrieved from the continuous one,A(t) andF(t) may be employed whenever conventional methods break down.
Intentions, goals, and the archaeological record

The underdetermination of intentional explanation by motor behavior complicates inferences drawn from preserved artifacts in the archaeological record to intentions in their production. Without knowledge of a producer's intentions, inferences drawn from those intentions to required cognitive abilities for having those intentions is also complicated.
RACE AND A RHETORIC OF MOTIVES: KENNETH BURKE'S DIALOGUE WITH RALPH ELLISON

Abstract A Rhetoric of Motives is Kenneth Burke's only published work to consistently focus upon the subject of race. Although encouraged by the book's topic, this treatment was significantly shaped by Burke's friendship with African American novelist and critic, Ralph Ellison. Consequently, this essay offers one history of Burke's Rhetoric, drawing on both published work and unpublished correspondence between and concerning these two men. Based upon these materials, I isolate three texts as the central moments of the Burke/Ellison dialogue on race: Ellison's essay, “Richard Wright's Blues,”; Ellison's letter to Burke of November 23, 1945, and, finally. Burke's A Rhetoric of Motives.
The interaction in the development of optical missile seekers and jammer technology

AbstractHeat-seeking missiles, using optical techniques, have been one of the most successful anti-air weapons since their introduction into operational service about 40 years ago. Their relative simplicity and small size makes them difficult to defeat with other so-called hard-kill weapons. A number of techniques have been investigated for defeating these very lethal guided weapons.The most successful techniques are known as soft-kill methods and can be divided into two broad categories whether they are dispensed from a platform, typically an aircraft, or remain fixed to the platform. This paper considers the "cat and mouse" interaction between the development of onboard countermeasure techniques, known as jammers, and the evolution of seeker technology.
Binding of drugs by plastics. II. Interaction of weak organic acids with plastic syringes.

Three plastic syringes were evaluated as to their ability to bind a number of weak organic acids. Polyethylene and polystyrene syringes did not interact with any of the seven agents included in the binding study. Benzoic acid, m -hydroxybenzoic acid, p -aminobeazoic acid, and salicylic acid were bound to various degrees by the nylon syringes. No interaction was noted with any of the syringes and acetylsalicylic acid, phenobarbital, or barbital. The degree of binding was influenced by concentration, temperature, and diffusion.
Expectancy theory as a predictor of individual response to computer technology

Abstract The predictive power of a recently applied formulation of expectancy theory was evaluated within the context of an individual's decision to approach or avoid a novel computer-learning situation. A correlational analysis revealed that the model employed was effective in explaining variance in subjects' behavioral intentions. Additionally, a hierarchical regression analysis revealed that some conceptual refinement of the expectancy model chosen may be necessary to improve its heuristic value. Results are discussed in light of the application of expectancy theory to predict behavior, and implications for the implementation of technological change are addressed.
Superconducting bearings for high load applications

Abstract Progress in the application of high temperature superconducting ceramic materials to magnetic bearings and the prospects for higher load devices is reviewed. In particular we present experimental evidence from two studies at Cornell. New measurements from a hybrid superconducting bearing show the possibility of peak magnetic pressures of 60 N/cm 2 or higher in the temperature range of 20°–40° K using a wire wound coil of NbSn wire as the source of magnetic field and a melt-quenched processed YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 bulk superconductor as the other half of the bearing. In a second experiment we demonstrate an 0.85 kg levitated rotor at 28,000 RPM and 5 kJ stored energy. This experiment, conducted at 78°K, demonstrates a six-component discrete-element YBCO bearing with a rare earth ring magnet. Stiffness and spin-decay measurements are reported. These experiments point the way to large rotor levitation of 10–100 kg in the near term nad 1000 kg rotors in the not too distant future.
Carcass, soft tissue and bone composition of early and late maturing steers fed two diets in two housing types and serially slaughtered over a wide weight range

Seventy-one small-framed Angus and seventy-four Holstein steers were chosen to represent small and large mature types in a study designed to provide quantitative information on the effect of breed, diet and housing type on composition of carcasses from cattle slaughtered serially over a wide weight range. Within breed, steers were individually fed ad libitum either a maize-grain or a maize-silage diet and assigned randomly to one of two housing types. The effects of treatments on response variables with increasing carcass weight were tested by covariance analysis.The rate of change of soft tissue chemical composition with increasing carcass weight was not influenced by diet, breed mature size or housing type except for ash which decreased at a faster rate in Angus than in Holstein steers. Percentages of water, protein and ash decreased while lipid increased with increasing carcass weight. At any carcass weight, Angus had more lipid and less water in soft tissue. Percentages of soft tissue protein and ash were affected by diet within breed. The energy content of soft tissue increased with weight and was affected only by breed. Angus soft tissue had more energy than that of Holsteins. Similar results were obtained when the entire carcass was analysed.Cattle fed grain had slightly more water and less ash in bone than cattle fed silage. Angus steers had more protein and ash in bone than Holsteins. Although there was a diet × breed × housing type interaction for lipid content of bone, Holstein bone had higher lipid content than Angus bone for either diet or type of housing. All percentages of chemical components in bone, except water, increased with increasing carcass weight.The experiment showed that large mature-size breeds have the ability to transform a high-energy diet into protein for human consumption. The percentage changes in ash, protein and lipid with increasing carcass weight appeared to follow a pattern of development similar to bone, muscle and fat, respectively, suggesting that Hammond's theory of differential growth holds also for chemical components of bovine carcasses. Bone chemical components, however, had a slightly different developmental pattern. The quantitative information on bone presented herein could be used to exploit bone as a source of human food, dietary supplements and products for bone remodelling surgery.
Dynamic View Selection for Time-Varying Volumes

Animation is an effective way to show how time-varying phenomena evolve over time. A key issue of generating a good animation is to select ideal views through which the user can perceive the maximum amount of information from the time-varying dataset. In this paper, we first propose an improved view selection method for static data. The method measures the quality of a static view by analyzing the opacity, color and curvature distributions of the corresponding volume rendering images from the given view. Our view selection metric prefers an even opacity distribution with a larger projection area, a larger area of salient features' colors with an even distribution among the salient features, and more perceived curvatures. We use this static view selection method and a dynamic programming approach to select time-varying views. The time-varying view selection maximizes the information perceived from the time-varying dataset based on the constraints that the time-varying view should show smooth changes of direction and near-constant speed. We also introduce a method that allows the user to generate a smooth transition between any two views in a given time step, with the perceived information maximized as well. By combining the static and dynamic view selection methods, the users are able to generate a time-varying view that shows the maximum amount of information from a time-varying data set
The Prevalence of Radiographic Findings of Structural Hip Deformities in Female Collegiate Athletes

Background:Structural deformities of the hip, including femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and acetabular dysplasia, often limit athletic activity. Previous studies have reported an increased prevalence of radiographic cam FAI in male athletes, but data on the prevalence of structural hip deformities in female athletes are lacking.Purpose:(1) To quantify the prevalence of radiographic FAI deformities and acetabular dysplasia in female collegiate athletes from 3 sports: volleyball, soccer, and track and field. (2) To identify possible relationships between radiographic measures of hip morphologic characteristics and physical examination findings.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Anteroposterior (AP) pelvis and frog-leg lateral radiographs were obtained from 63 female athletes participating in Division I collegiate volleyball, soccer, and track and field. Lateral center edge angle (LCEA) and acetabular index were measured on AP films. Alpha angle and head-neck offset were meas...
The "filler effect": A study of solid oxide fillers with β-Li3PS4 for lithium conducting electrolytes

Abstract Solid electrolytes are the subject of intense study partly because of their use in safer, high energy density, all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries. The addition of solid oxide fillers has been previously explored as a way to increase the ionic conductivity in composite electrolytes; however, no comparative study of the effect of both ion-conducting and non-conducting oxides on solid lithium superionic conductor electrolyte is reported. Nano-crystalline β-Li3PS4 (LPS) was recently shown to have anomalous high ionic conductivity, but it was found that this property can be further enhanced. This study examines the effect of three solid oxide fillers (Li6ZnNb4O14, Al2O3, and SiO2) in composites with LPS for the enhancement of the parent electrolyte. The electrolytes' processability, ionic conductivity, activation energy, and stability against metallic lithium are presented to gain a complete understanding on the effect of solid oxide fillers on LPS while elucidating the significant enhancement of LPS through the addition of Li6ZnNb4O14 or Al2O3.
The Asymptotic Behavior of Minimum Buffer Size Requirements in Large P2P Streaming Networks

The growth of real-time content streaming over the Internet has resulted in the use of peer-to-peer (P2P) approaches for scalable content delivery. In such P2P streaming systems, each peer maintains a playout buffer of content chunks which it attempts to fill by contacting other peers in the network. The objective is to ensure that the chunk to be played out is available with high probability while keeping the buffer size small. A small playout buffer means that the playout delay is small. Thus, the objective is to study the tradeoff between two measures of QoS, chunk playout rate and delay. A policy is a rule that suggests which chunks should be requested by the peer from other peers. We consider consider a number of recently suggested policies consistent with buffer minimization for a given target of skip-free playout. We first study a rarest-first policy that attempts to obtain chunks farthest from playout, and a greedy policy that attempts to obtain chunks nearest to playout. We show that they both have similar buffer scalings (as a function of the number of peers of target probability of skip-free probability). We then study a hybrid policy which achieves order sense improvements over both policies and can achieve order optimal performance. We validate our results using simulations.
The origin of litter chemical complexity during decomposition

The chemical complexity of decomposing plant litter is a central feature shaping the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle, but explanations of the origin of this complexity remain contentious. Here, we ask: How does litter chemistry change during decomposition, and what roles do decomposers play in these changes? During a long-term (730 days) litter decomposition experiment, we tracked concurrent changes in decomposer community structure and function and litter chemistry using high-resolution molecular techniques. Contrary to the current paradigm, we found that the chemistry of different litter types diverged, rather than converged, during decomposition due to the activities of decomposers. Furthermore, the same litter type exposed to different decomposer communities exhibited striking differences in chemistry, even after > 90% mass loss. Our results show that during decomposition, decomposer community characteristics regulate changes in litter chemistry, which could influence the functionality of litter-derived soil organic matter (SOM) and the turnover and stabilisation of soil C.
Exploring the Role of Video in Enhancing Learning from Hypermedia

This article examines the potential of video to enhance learning from hypermedia applications. It reports on two studies that compared responses to, and recall from, hypermedia materials with and without integrated video segments. The results of these studies suggest that embedded video indeed can enhance learning from hypermedia. Two possible explanations for such enhancement are suggested—that video adds an affective dimension to hypermedia materials, making them more meaningful, hence more memorable; and that video is presented in a more complex form than text in memory and so provides more links to elaborated knowledge therein.
Developing a ten year capital investment plan for the Chesapeake Yacht Club

The Chesapeake Yacht Club (CYC) is a not-for-profit yacht club located on the West River in Maryland. In order to remain financially viable the CYC must maintain a certain level of membership. Lack of a long-term investment plan places the CYC at risk due to a decrease in membership resulting from an increase in fuel prices or failure to maintain and/or improve its current infrastructure. Our team identified five investment alternatives, based on CYC member preferences, by distributing a survey and constructing a value hierarchy. The investments that rank highest to the club members include the installation of new docks and the implementation of renewable energy, such as solar and geothermal, to reduce the impact of utility usage on the club's revenue stream. Our team used decision theory and an integer-programming model to identify investment combinations that will provide maximum value based on a given budget. Using these investment combinations our team conducted sensitivity and risk analyses and then conducted a financial analysis for a twenty-year period. The results of these analyses have shown that renewable energies, such as solar and geothermal, are high-pay-off investment for the club. Using the aforementioned alternatives, methods and decision criteria, we developed a capital investment plan for the CYC that will safeguard their future financial viability.
Prototype tests and description of a 60 tesla quasi-continuous magnet

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory has designed and will build a large bore, 60 tesla, 100 ms (quasi continuous) flat-top magnet for installation and use at Los Alamos. The magnet consists of eight concentric, resistive, solenoid coils fabricated from high strength, high conductivity copper supported by external stainless steel shells. Before each pulse the magnet is cooled to 77 K with liquid nitrogen. The energy for the magnet is provided through converter power supplies from a 1430 MVA, 24 kV alternating current energy storage generator. Plans for prototype tests of full scale portions of the magnet are discussed. A detailed description of the magnet is presented along with available information on fabrication methods to be employed in its manufacture. >
Measurements of swine renal cortex shear elasticity and viscosity with Shearwave Dispersion Ultrasound Vibrometry (SDUV)

Fibrosis has been associated with altered tissue structure affecting the biomechanical properties of the organs, quantifiable as elasticity and viscosity. Renal fibrosis threatens kidney viability. Evaluation of renal fibrosis by conventional imaging modalities is difficult. Importantly, early detection of renal fibrosis may guide therapy and eliminate invasive biopsy procedures. A newly emerging method called Shearwave Dispersion Ultrasound Vibrometry (SDUV) offers a potential tool to determine renal elasticity and viscosity in vivo. SDUV quantifies both elasticity and viscosity by evaluating dispersion of shear wave propagation speed versus its frequency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of SDUV for in vitro measurements of renal cortex elasticity and viscosity in swine kidney.
Profiling the end host

Profiling is emerging as a useful tool for a variety of diagnosis and security applications. Existing profiles are often narrowly focused in terms of the data they capture or the application they target. In this paper, we seek to design general end-host profiles capable of capturing and representing a broad range of user activity and behavior. We first present a novel methodology to profiling that uses a graph-based structure to represent and distill flow level information at the transport layer. Second, we develop mechanisms to: (a) summarize the information, and (b) adaptively evolve it over time.We conduct an initial study of our profiles on real user data, and observe that our method generates a compact, robust and intuitive description of user behavior.
Unusual Barn Swallow Nest Placement in Southeastern Oregon

Abstract Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) historically nested along cliffs, in caves, and in other natural situations. Currently, nearly all reported nests of this species are on walls and beams of bridges, buildings, and other human-derived structures. Both natural and man-made nest sites typically share one thing in common: a horizontal surface for nest attachment. We describe a Barn Swallow nest that was constructed on a branch overhanging a river in southeastern Oregon. This is the first documented occurrence of this behavior by Barn Swallows and we believe it to be the result of high competition for a limited number of suitable nest sites in the study area.
Effects of phosphodiesterase inhibitors on vascular development: Implications for retinopathy of prematurity

UENPS.192 Propofol clearance in neonates is reduced due to limited glucuronidation capacity Allegaert Karel⁎, Veerle Cossey, Rene Verbesselt, Christine Vanhole University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
A tale of two beams: an elementary overview of Gaussian beams and Bessel beams

An overview of two types of beam solutions is presented, Gaussian beams and Bessel beams. Gaussian beams are examples of non-localized or diffracting beam solutions, and Bessel beams are example of localized, non-diffracting beam solutions. Gaussian beams stay bounded over a certain propagation range after which they diverge. Bessel beams are among a class of solutions to the wave equation that are ideally diffraction-free and do not diverge when they propagate. They can be described by plane waves with normal vectors along a cone with a fixed angle from the beam propagation direction. X-waves are an example of pulsed beams that propagate in an undistorted fashion. For realizable localized beam solutions, Bessel beams must ultimately be windowed by an aperture, and for a Gaussian tapered window function this results in Bessel-Gauss beams. Bessel-Gauss beams can also be realized by a combination of Gaussian beams propagating along a cone with a fixed opening angle. Depending on the beam parameters, Bessel-Gauss beams can be used to describe a range of beams solutions with Gaussian beams and Bessel beams as end-members. Both Gaussian beams, as well as limited diffraction beams, can be used as building blocks for the modeling and synthesis of other types of wave fields. In seismology and geophysics, limited diffraction beams have the potential of providing improved controllability of the beam solutions and a large depth of focus in the subsurface for seismic imaging.
Manufacturing flexibility at the plant level

Abstract Managers have two basic alternatives for addressing the challenge posed by variable demand: (1) build manufacturing plants with excess capacity and /or stock excess goods in inventory to help smooth over fluctuations in demand, or (2) increase the flexibility of their manufacturing plants so that production can be varied more easily to match changes in demand. This paper focuses on the second alternative and examines two types of flexibility using two examples based on the automobile industry. First, process flexibility is defined as the ability of a single manufacturing plant to make more than a single product (in this case products are different car models), and its is shown that a limited degree of process flexibility is very valuable for dealing with variations in demand. Second, machine flexibility is defined in terms of a changeover cost, measured in terms of the capacity or production which is lost when a plant must produce more than a single car model. Machine flexibility is shown to have a moderating effect on process flexibility, but one which does not necessarily cancel out the benefits of process flexibility.
A visual language for non-WIMP user interfaces

Unlike current GUI or WIMP style interfaces, non-WIMP user interfaces, such as virtual environments, involve parallel, continuous interactions with the user. However, most current visual (and non-visual) languages for describing human-computer interaction are based on serial, discrete, token-based models. The paper introduces a visual language for describing and programming the fine-grained aspects of non-WIMP interaction. It is based on the notion that the essence of a non-WIMP dialogue is a set of continuous relationships, most of which are temporary. The underlying model combines a data-flow or constraint-like component for the continuous relationships with an event-based component for discrete interactions, which can enable or disable individual continuous relationships. The language thus separates non-WIMP interaction into two components, each based on existing visual language approaches, and then provides a framework for connecting the two.
Infrared spectroscopy of glasses and polycrystals in the series xCs2S+(1−x)B2S3

The infrared (IR) spectra of binary xK2S + (1 - x)B2S3 glasses (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.75) and polycrystals of compounds are reported. Polycrystals were prepared at x = 0.33 (K2B4S7) x = 0.5 (KBS2), and x = 0.75 (K3BS3), and the IR spectra were found to be similar to those found in the corresponding sodium thioborate system. The boron local structure of the K2B4S7 phase was interpreted by comparison with the IR spectra of analogous Li and Na phases which have been observed to consist of groups in which all borons are tetrahedrally coordinated. The IR spectra of metathioborate phase (c-KBS2) was interpreted in terms of B3S−6 rings. The IR spectra of the orthothioborate phase (c-K3BS3) indicates the formation of the highly charged and depolymerized orthothioborate unit (BS3−3). For the glasses, the IR spectra indicate that, as K2S is added to B2S3, tetrahedral borons (BS−4) form in a manner similar to that in the sodium thioborate and alkali borate glasses. The band associated with the tetrahedral boron group increases in intensity up to xK2S ≈ 0.30, and decreases thereafter. For pure B2S3, the IR spectra is interpreted as arising from both isolated trigonal boron units and six-membered hexagonal rings. As the tetrahedral borons in these glasses form, they do so at the expense of the isolated trigonal boron groups with the thioboroxyl ring groups remaining largely unaffected. The frequency of the thioboroxyl ring mode, however, shifts systematically from ∼ 1000 cm−1 to 900 cm−1 as x increases from 0 to 0.45, and becomes most pronounced at x ⋍ 0.25, near to the composition where the intensity of tetrahedral boron group vibration maximizes. Beyond x = 0.35, the IR spectra show the formation of metathioborate groups and at x = 0.50, it is the dominant boron group present. At higher K2S contents (x ≥ 0.60), the IR spectra show the subsequent progressive destruction of metathioborate groups, a decreasing the fraction of BS−4 units, and an increasing fraction of depolymerized orthothioborate units.
Integrating Written Communication within Engineering Curricula

The University of Delaware has a strong, proud tradition of educating students to become engineers. As for any educational institution, however, we also strive to improve our curricula to keep in step with the demands of the engineering profession. One skill well recognized as needing improvement for engineering ~and most other! students is writing. Fortunately, the University of Delaware also has a strong, proud tradition in technical writing as a discipline within the English Department. At the University of Delaware, we thus pooled our efforts between the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Business and Technical Writing Program of the English Department to integrate writing skills more fully into the engineering curricula. Communication skills, both written and oral, remain key to professional success within the engineering profession. Moreover, a call for collaboration between engineering and English departments was sounded as far back as 1911 by Samuel Chandler Earle, at Tufts University ~Kynnel 1995!. A century later, this need for stronger communication skills among engineering students, and for evaluation of programs to foster these skills, has been formally identified by the Accreditation Board in Engineering and Technology ~ABET! as one of 11 key attributes. Specifically, the ABET Engineering Criteria 2000 emphasize communication skills within an integrated education for engineering students ~Engineering 1998!. At the foundation of this education initiative stands a clear understanding of differences between simple data collection or compilation and complex knowledge transfer ~Piirto 1996!. In other words, simply amassing data is not sufficient; rather, today’s professionals must be able to interpret and repackage the data for audiences. Hence, students need to move beyond the first stage so that they can begin to assess, interpret, and shape messages. Components of format and design, audience analysis, argument strategy, and related topics can be handled through not only technical matter in advanced courses, but also nontechnical topics
Microsaccades: a neurophysiological analysis

Microsaccades are the largest and fastest of the fixational eye movements, which are involuntary eye movements produced during attempted visual fixation. In recent years, the interaction between microsaccades, perception and cognition has become one of the most rapidly growing areas of study in visual neuroscience. The neurophysiological consequences of microsaccades have been the focus of less attention, however, as have the oculomotor mechanisms that generate and control microsaccades. Here we review the latest neurophysiological findings concerning microsaccades and discuss their relationships to perception and cognition. We also point out the current gaps in our understanding of the neurobiology of microsaccades and identify the most promising lines of enquiry.
Spatial and temporal imaging of long-range charge transport in perovskite thin films by ultrafast microscopy

Determining the mechanism of charge carrier transport in solar cells is important for their development towards higher efficiencies. Here, the authors elucidate the spatial and temporal diffusion of charge carriers in hybrid perovskite thin films through ultrafast transient absorption microscopy.
A framework of satisfaction for continually delivered business services

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to present a new framework for the evaluation of satisfaction in continually delivered business services (CDBS) contexts based on applicable theoretical perspectives and extant empirical research. Design/methodology/approach – The paper first describes and justifies the importance of the CDBS context. Then, a literature review of CDBS satisfaction research over the past ten years is presented and utilized in conjunction with theoretical insights from expectancy disconfirmation theory and social exchange theory to develop conceptual definitions, a general conceptual framework, and research propositions. Findings – The resulting conceptual framework focuses on global CDBS provider satisfaction as the outcome of three more specific satisfaction assessments: service satisfaction (driven by the actual performance of the service), economic satisfaction (driven by the customers’ economic outcomes from the exchange relationship) and social satisfaction (driven by the customers’ ...
Influence on the Electrocardiogram of Changing Electrical Axis from Anterior to Posterior Mediastinum

The influence of position of the heart on the electrocardiogram has in recent years received considerable attention. That position of the electrical axis may be of importance was first emphasized by Lewis,3 and the subsequent experiments of Katz and Barker1, 2 have indicated the importance of a more detailed study of the subject.Kountz4 has shown that placing hearts of dogs within the human pericardial cavity yield curves of a similar nature to those obtained in man. This is especially true when the dog heart has the same interthoracic relationship as that of man. Changing the position of the electrical axis will greatly influence the electrocardiographic curves. This observer has further shown that the dog's heart, readily movable from anterior to posterior mediastinum, yields markedly dissimilar curves when the position of the heart is altered anteriorly or posteriorly. These experiments have served to emphasize the importance of further investigation along these lines.A dog heart-lung preparation was s...
Negative BACTEC 460-TB cultures. How long to incubate?

Current guidelines for all mycobacterial cultures require at least eight weeks of incubation. Thirty months’ experience of 3,662 specimens with the BACTEC TB® was reviewed. At the end of four weeks of incubation, 96.8% of the 343 isolates were detected and by the end of the fifth week, 98.8%. The additional three weeks’ incubation cost estimates were $1,016.20 for 92 hours of labor. Of the four late yields, only one may have had any clinical significance. The authors’ recommendation is that the eight weeks’ incubation guidelines for all mycobacterial cultures and especially for the BACTEC TB be comprehensively reviewed to determine clinical relevance and cost effectiveness of incubation of the BACTEC TB vial beyond five weeks.
Zinc(II) Tetraphenylporphyrin Adsorption on Au(111): An Interplay Between Molecular Self-Assembly and Surface Stress

The interaction between zinc(II) tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) molecules and a Au(111) surface is investigated using scanning tunnel microscopy, from initial adsorption sites to monolayer self-assembly, with a particular emphasis on its relation to the surface atomic structure reorganization. At low coverage, no ZnTPP molecules are observed on terraces, and adsorbates appear to only decorate step edges. At intermediate coverage, ZnTPPs adsorb into self-organized islands of flat-lying macrocycles in quasi-registry with the underlying surface reconstruction, in areas delimited by herringbone reconstruction domain walls. At monolayer coverage, the adsorption geometry of the self-organized molecular layer can be fully characterized with respect to the atomic structure of Au(111) surface atoms. Moreover alteration of the Au(111) surface reconstruction domain size is observed, caused by an adsorbate-induced reduction of the Au(111) surface stress anisotropy. This behavior is not ubiquitous to ZnTPP monolayers as...
Impact of Food Components on in vitro Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Secretion—A Potential Mechanism for Dietary Influence on Migraine

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a pivotal messenger in the inflammatory process in migraine. Limited evidence indicates that diet impacts circulating levels of CGRP, suggesting that certain elements in the diet may influence migraine outcomes. Interruption of calcium signaling, a mechanism which can trigger CGRP release, has been suggested as one potential route by which exogenous food substances may impact CGRP secretion. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of foods and a dietary supplement on two migraine-related mechanisms in vitro: CGRP secretion from neuroendocrine CA77 cells, and calcium uptake by differentiated PC12 cells. Ginger and grape pomace extracts were selected for their anecdotal connections to reducing or promoting migraine. S-petasin was selected as a suspected active constituent of butterbur extract, the migraine prophylactic dietary supplement. Results showed a statistically significant decrease in stimulated CGRP secretion from CA77 cells following treatment with ginger (0.2 mg dry ginger equivalent/mL) and two doses of grape pomace (0.25 and 1.0 mg dry pomace equivalent/mL) extracts. Relative to vehicle control, CGRP secretion decreased by 22%, 43%, and 87%, respectively. S-petasin at 1.0 μM also decreased CGRP secretion by 24%. Meanwhile, S-petasin and ginger extract showed inhibition of calcium influx, whereas grape pomace had no effect on calcium. These results suggest that grape pomace and ginger extracts, and S-petasin may have anti-inflammatory propensity by preventing CGRP release in migraine, although potentially by different mechanisms, which future studies may elucidate further.
Abstract 3815: Cyclin-dependent kinase 9: a potential therapeutic target for esophageal adenocarcinoma

Objective: Major limitation of successful implementation of targeted therapy in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is low frequency of target specific biomarker alteration and intratumoral heterogeneity. Cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is a ubiquitous serine threonine kinase whoseinhibition has been used as a therapeutic option in other solid tumors. However, critical in vitro and in vivo information about the efficacy and mechanism of CDK9 inhibition in EAC is lacking and needs to be generated before a clinical trial is proposed. Design: We assessed the CDK9 protein expression in EAC cell lines and in patient tissue samples of Barrett9s esophagus and EAC. Subsequently, we studied effects of genetic downregulation (shCDK9) in SKGT4 and chemical inhibition of CDK9 by CDK9 inhibitor II, a specific, potent competitive inhibitor of CDK9 (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, CA) on proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of SKGT4, FLO-1 and OE33. In vivo effects of shCDK9 and CDK9 inhibitor II was analyzed in xenografts experiments performed on nude mice after injection of FLO-1 or shCDK9-SKGT 4 and control cells in right flank or abdomen. We also assessed the effects of shCDK9 and CDK9 inhibitor II on expression of MCL-1 and phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II in EAC cells. Results: Higher expression of CDK9 was observed in all EAC cell lines and in tumor samples of patients with EAC as compared to normal squamous epithelium and Barrett9s Esophagus. shCDK9 in SKGT4 cells induced significant reduction in proliferation, increase in apoptosis and G1 arrest as compared to control cells in vitro. In vivo experiment with SKGT4-shCDK9 demonstrated no tumor growth in 4 of 10 mice and tumor volume was significantly smaller in SKGT4-shCDK9 as compared to control SKGT4 cells (72.89 ± 12.88 mm3 v.270 ± 64.07 mm3, p Conclusions: CDK9 inhibition has strong anti-EAC properties in vitro and in vivo. These properties along with strong diffuse expression of CDK9 in human EAC support further exploration of CDK9 as a potential therapeutic target for EAC. Citation Format: Zhimin Tong, Devkumar Chatterjee, Defeng Deng, Omkara Veeranki, Alicia Mejia, Jaime Rodriguez, Jaffer Ajani, Wayne Hofstetter, Steven Lin, Sushovan Guha, Scott Kopetz, Sunil Krishnan, Dipen Maru. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9: a potential therapeutic target for esophageal adenocarcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3815.
Poor compliance with adjuvant chemotherapy use associated with poorer survival in patients with rectal cancer: An NCDB analysis.

BACKGROUND National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer include neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by total mesorectal excision and adjuvant chemotherapy. The objective of the current study was to examine the rate of adjuvant chemotherapy and associated survival in patients with stage II/III rectal cancer. METHODS The 2006 to 2011 National Cancer Data Base was queried for patients with AJCC clinical stage II/III rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgical resection. A mixed effects multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with the receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy. A mixed effects Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the adjusted effect of receiving adjuvant therapy on 5-year overall survival (OS). RESULTS A total of 14,742 patients were included; 68% of the cohort did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. When controlled for clinical stage of disease, patients who were aged >70 years, had a higher comorbidity score, and had a pathologic complete response had lower odds of receiving adjuvant therapy. There was a 22-fold difference in the risk-adjusted rate of adjuvant therapy use among hospitals (3.1%-67.7%). Adjuvant therapy was associated with increased 5-year OS when controlled for patient factors, stage of disease, and pathologic response (hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.71). The greatest survival benefit was noted among patients who achieved a pathologic complete response (hazard ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.67). CONCLUSIONS There is poor compliance to National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery. Adjuvant therapy appears to be independently associated with improved OS regardless of stage of disease, pathologic response, and patient factors. The greatest survival benefit was observed in patients who were complete responders. Age and comorbidities were found to be significantly associated with nonreceipt of adjuvant therapy. Improved rehabilitation and physical conditioning may improve the odds of patients receiving adjuvant therapy. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Application of Neural Network in Shop Floor Quality Control in a Make to Order Business

Abstract A make to order business has to produce the products that are customized to the customer's current need. The customization can be realized by assembling different standard parts with various ‘configurations’. The oil field service industry is a typical example where most products produced are cylindrical assemblies made up of standard parts customized in their size, material specifications, coating specifications, and threading suited for the particular load rating and environment. As business cycles go up and down, hiring and firing of personnel is the routine of the day. Thus, it is very hard to keep experienced inspectors due to high turnover of the staff on shop floor and thus intensive endeavor to train the inspectors for the same recurrent problems of the same standard parts is required. This paper proposes a neural network model to help the industrial practitioners address such a concern. The neural network is trained with ample ‘judgment calls’ from the manufacturing experts so that it can properly generate the decision to ‘scrap’, ‘rework’ or ‘use as is’ for the inspected parts. The real quality data from an oil field service industry is used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed tool.
Predicting Reciprocity in Social Networks

In social media settings where users send messages to one another, the issue of reciprocity naturally arises: does the communication between two users take place only in one direction, or is it reciprocated? In this paper we study the problem of reciprocity prediction: given the characteristics of two users, we wish to determine whether the communication between them is reciprocated or not. We approach this problem using decision trees and regression models to determine good indicators of reciprocity. We extract a network based on directed@-messages sent between users on Twitter, and identify measures based on the attributes of nodes and their network neighborhoods that can be used to construct good predictors of reciprocity. Moreover, we find that reciprocity prediction forms interesting contrasts with earlier network prediction tasks, including link prediction, as well as the inference of strengths and signs of network links.