cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iterative calculation of complex propagation constants of modes in multilayer planar waveguides

A Newton-Raphson complex root-finding algorithm, based on the thin-film transfer matrix analysis, is described. This second-order convergent algorithm, which requires only O(n) calculations per iteration, was presented to find the complex propagation constants of any mode in an n-layer planar waveguide. The number of calculations per iteration is reduced below those required by competitive schemes through application of the Cauchy-Riemann relations. The method demonstrates higher accuracy and improved efficiency over other iterative techniques, making this approach highly suitable for the analysis and design of planar structures consisting of a large number of layers. >
Validation of the soil-temperature model of GOSSYM-COMAX

Abstract Soil temperature in GOSSYM, a cotton simulation model, is calculated in the TMPSOL subroutine, which is an empirical model. To validate TMPSOL, soil-temperature data were collected in the field for 2 years, at two locations (row and furrow) and four depths (5, 10, 25 and 60 cm) under bare and cotton cropped surface conditions. Under bare surface conditions, TMPSOL adequately predicted the average daily soil temperature only at the 5 and 10 cm depths of the row, and behaved irregularly in the furrow at those depths. At the 25 and 60 cm depths, TMPSOL underpredicted the soil temperatures in both row and furrow. Under cotton cropped surface conditions, before canopy closure, the results seemed to be similar to those of the bare surface conditions. After canopy closure, TMPSOL significantly overestimates the soil temperature at all locations and depths, sometimes by as much as 5°C. Implementation of a more mechanistic soil temperature model for GOSSYM is recommended.
Local Ward identities and the decay of correlations in ferromagnets

Using local Ward identities we prove a number of correlation inequalities forN-component, isotropically coupled, pair interacting ferromagnets; some for allN≧2 and some forN=2, 3, 4. These are used to prove a mass gap above the mean field temperature, for allN≧2. ForN=2, 3, 4 we prove an upper bound on a critical exponent, and a lower bound on the susceptability which diverges asm→0.
Competitive Coupon Targeting

With the advent of panel data on household purchase behavior, and the development of statistical procedures to utilize this data, firms can now target coupons to selected households with considerable accuracy and cost effectiveness. In this article, we develop an analytical framework to examine the effect of such targeting on firm profits, prices, and coupon face values. We also derive comparative statics on firms' optimal mix of offensive and defensive couponing, the number of coupons distributed, redemption rates, face values, and incremental sales per redemption. Among our findings: when rival firms can target their coupon promotions at brand switchers, the outcome will be a prisoner's dilemma in which the net effect of targeting is simply the cost of distribution plus the discount given to redeemers.
The response of rat tibiae to incremental bouts of mechanical loading: A quantum concept for bone formation

To investigate the minimum number of loading bouts necessary to produce new lamellar or woven bone formation, and the time required for its initiation, bone formation was measured in 32 retired breeder female Sprague-Dawley rats following one, two, three, or five bouts of applied loading. Bending forces of 54 N were applied to right tibiae using a four-point loading apparatus, and left tibiae served as contralateral controls. Loading was applied as a sine wave with a frequency of 2 Hz for 18 s (36 cycles) per loading bout. Rats were injected with alizarin on day 1 and calcein on days 5 and 12, and were killed on day 19. One bout of loading was sufficient to increase the periosteal woven bone surface (Wb.Pm/B.Pm) from 0% to 40% (p < 0.01), and to 80% after five bouts of loading (p < 0.01), with a dose-response relationship for increases in Wb.Pm/B.Pm (p < 0.0001), mineral apposition rate (Wb.AR; p = 0.002), and bone formation rate (Wb.BFR/BS; p = 0.0001). In the first labeling period (days 1–5), the endocortical lamellar bone forming surface (BSf/BS) was increased slightly (p < 0.05), but no significant differences were shown for BFR/BS or MAR. From days 5 to 19, right tibiae showed a dose-response increase in BFR/BS (p = 0.002) and BSf/BS (p = 0.008), but not MAR. These results are consistent with a “quantum” model of bone formation such that a “quantum” of bone cells is activated in response to the loading bout and the strain magnitude dictate the size or microstructural organization of a given packet of new bone. Conversely, the distributed nature of loading may define the recruitment, rather than size, of new packets of bone.
High-performance size-exclusion liquid chromatography of inorganic colloids

Abstract High-resolution separations of inorganic colloids in the 1–50 nm range can be rapidly carried out by size-exclusion chromatography using columns of
Mutant Malonyl-CoA Synthetases with Altered Specificity for Polyketide Synthase Extender Unit Generation

Tailoring guide: We have used structure-guided saturation mutagenesis followed by colorimetric screening to identify mutant malonyl-CoA synthetases with altered substrate specificity. One particular mutant displayed a 240-fold shift in specificity (see graphic). These mutant enzymes will be useful tools for providing extender units to probe the activity of polyketide synthases.
Associations between child and sibling levels of vigorous physical activity in low-income minority families

Abstract Background and objectives A child's level of habitual physical activity is partly determined by a familial component, but the literature is limited regarding sibling influences. Multiple studies suggest that targeting siblings is an effective strategy for improving child health behaviors. Patients and methods We analyze Moving to Opportunity for Fair Housing (MTO) data to study associations between the odds of a child attaining 20 min or more of vigorous physical activity at least 3 days every week and parallel measures from an older sibling and a parent. We include covariates representing the social environment such as household income and neighborhood safety. Results There were 1347 study units that consisted of a child (age 11.2 y ± 2.6), an older sibling (age 14.8 y ± 2.8), and a parent (age 38.3 y ± 7.5). A child's odds of vigorous physical activity for 20 min or more was increased if the older sibling (OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.32–2.11) or parent (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.08–1.72) had a comparable activity level compared to children whose older siblings or parents did not exhibit a comparable level of activity. Conclusions A younger sibling's level of physical activity is positively associated with an older sibling's and/or parent's level of physical activity. Family-based approaches, especially those incorporating siblings, may be effective at increasing physical activity in children.
The Founding of a Nation: A History of the American Revolution, 1763-1776

Part I: The Late Classics / Post-classic in Oaxaca - An Introduction Part II: Chronology, Continuity and Disjunction - Etic and Emic Perspectives Part III: Continuity and Abandonment of Houses in the Valley of Oaxaca - Lambityeco and Macuilxochitl Part IV: Changing Power Relations and Interaction in the Lower Rio Verde Valley Part V: Sacred History and Legitimisation in the Mixteca Alta Part VI: New Research Frontiers in Oaxaca and Eastern Guerreo Index.
Formation of vibrationally excited methyl radicals following state-specific excitation of methylamine.

The photochemistry of methylamine has been investigated following state-specific excitation of the S1 state. 2 + 1 resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization was used to detect nascent methyl radical products via the 3p(2)A2″-X(2)A2″ electronic transition. Methyl radicals were formed at all photolysis wavelengths used over the range of 222-240 nm. The nascent products showed significant rotational excitation and several quanta of vibrational excitation in ν3, the degenerate C-H stretch. The partially deuterated methyl-d3-amine isotopologue yielded methyl-d3 fragments with vibrational distributions entirely consistent with those measured for the fully protiated species; no mixed isotopologues were detected. Energetic constraints require that the vibrationally excited methyl radicals be produced in conjunction with electronic ground-state NH2 X(2)B1 radicals on the S0 surface, negating the previous interpretation that dissociation occurs on the upper adiabat. New ab initio calculations characterizing the C-N bond cleavage coordinate confirm the presence of a barrier to dissociation on S1 that is insurmountable at the photolysis wavelengths used in this work. We propose a "semi-direct" mechanism in which frustrated aminyl H atom loss on the upper adiabatic potential energy surface leads to internal conversion at the exit channel conical intersection at an extended N-H distance on its return. It is proposed that C-N bond cleavage then occurs promptly and nonstatistically on the S0 surface.
Enhanced filtered-x least mean M-estimate algorithm for active impulsive noise control

Abstract Applying the typical active noise control (ANC) algorithm, namely the filtered-x least mean square (FxLMS) algorithm, to the non-Gaussian impulsive noise will experience difficulty. This is because the FxLMS algorithm is based upon the minimization of variance of the error signal, which is normally with the assumption of Gaussian distribution. To deal with this issue, the filtered-x least mean M-estimate (FxLMM) algorithm has been proposed based on the robust statistics theory to minimize the objective M-estimator error function. The Hampel’s three-part M-estimator has been applied to provide thresholds for detecting and rejecting the outliers/impulses in the error signal. To further enhance the robustness of the conventional FxLMM algorithm, in this study a modified FxLMM (MFxLMM) algorithm is proposed, where the reference signal is fed through another Hampel’s three-part M-estimator by setting thresholds for the impulsive samples. Numerous computer simulations are performed to validate the performance of the proposed algorithm. The generic impulsive noise is synthesized by using the contaminated Gaussian (CG) noise model, where certain number of impulses with different amplitudes and widths can be added in the background white Gaussian noise to represent different impulsive characteristics. In addition, extensive laboratory tests are carried out to further demonstrate the enhanced efficacy of the algorithm in a real-time environment. Results indicate that the proposed MFxLMM algorithm with online-threshold estimation is a very promising alternative for ANC of impulsive noise, and it shows similar convergence performance as the prevalent FxLMS algorithm for noise not corrupted by impulses.
The grand strategy of Washington and Eisenhower: Recovering the American consensus

Abstract Scholars have sought to shoehorn American foreign policy into the distinctly European theories of liberalism, realism, or nationalism that are taught in International Relations courses. But America's first grand strategy, as articulated in Washington's Farewell Address in 1796, blended such views in a distinctly American way. The widespread belief that this address counsels isolationism is wrong. Washington instead argues on behalf of an America that stands for moderation and independence in our international engagements. His legacy is evident nearly two centuries later in Eisenhower's Farewell Address in 1961. These statesmen embody the distinctive quality of American strategy that balances and blends seemingly rival principles to avoid extremes of injustice and imprudence. Tocqueville's praise of Washington's grand strategy affirms its deeper philosophical roots, as distinct from mere pragmatism. In his address, Eisenhower adapted the Washingtonian approach, blending interests and justice, prudence and principles, and power and pacific benevolence—to advocate our global leadership as America's enlightened self-interest.
Mechanism of Void Nucleation and Growth in bcc Fe: Atomistic Simulations at Experimental Time Scales

Evolution of small-vacancy clusters in bcc Fe is simulated using a multiscale approach coupling an atomistic activation-relaxation method for sampling transition-state pathways with environment-dependent reaction coordinate calculations and a kinetic Monte Carlo simulation to reach time scales on the order of $\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{4}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{s}$. Under vacancy-supersaturated condition, di- and trivacancy clusters form and grow by coalescence (Ostwald ripening). For cluster size greater than four we find a transition temperature of $150\text{ }\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C}$ for accelerated cluster growth, as observed in positron annihilation spectroscopy experiments. Implications for the mechanism of stage-IV radiation-damage-recovery kinetics are discussed.
A Finite Element Tire Model

Abstract A finite element tire model, based on nonlinear shell of revolution elements, has been developed to investigate tire‐pavement interaction. The basic characteristics of this relatively comprehensive model are reviewed here, with attention focused on its ability to calculate the effect of tire design variables on tire performance data. A four‐ply bias tire is used to show the ability of the model to predict the different effects that nylon and polyester cords have on tire deformation, contact pressure distribution, and traction.
Acute gastritis-induced Takotsubo's cardiomyopathy.

Key Clinical Message A 50-year-old lady presented with epigastralgia, electrocardiogram (ECG) showed T-wave inversions and the echocardiogram low ejection fraction (EF) with apical ballooning. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed gastritis. She recovered with proton pump inhibitors treatment. This is the first case that describes gastritis-induced stress cardiomyopathy. Clinicians should be aware of Takotsubo's cardiomyopathy (TCM) as a possible complication of gastritis.
Effect of nanoparticle sizes and number densities on the evaporation and dryout characteristics for strongly pinned nanofluid droplets.

A microfabricated linear heater array operating in a constant voltage mode has been used to study the effect of nanoparticle size on the evaporation and dryout characteristics of strongly pinned nanofluid droplets. Four different nanofluids have been tested, containing 2-nm Au, 30-nm CuO, 11-nm Al2O3, and 47-nm Al2O3 nanoparticles, each of 5-μL droplets with 0.5 vol % in water. Nanofluid droplets show strong pinning along the droplet perimeter and, upon evaporation, leave a ring-shaped nanoparticle stain. Particle size is seen to have a clear and strong effect on the dryout stain pattern, while heater temperature seems to have little effect. With the assumption of axi-symmetry, tomographic deconvolution of measured data from the linear heater array allows for examination of the spatially and temporally resolved temperature and heat flux characteristics of the evaporating nanofluid droplets.
The prevalence and patterns of intraluminal air in acute appendicitis at CT

The purpose of this study is to investigate if the presence and distribution of intraluminal air in the appendix contributes to the computed tomography (CT) diagnosis of appendicitis. We identified 100 consecutive patients (57 men and 43 women; mean age, 38) with CT prior to appendectomy for acute appendicitis over a 5-year period and a control group of 100 consecutive patients (29 men and 71 women; mean age, 39) who underwent CT for acute abdominal pain without appendicitis. Patients were scanned using multidetector row CT scanners at 1.25 or 5-mm slice thickness, peak tube voltage of 120 kVp, and milliamperse automatically adjusted to attain a noise index of 12. Ninety-two of 100 study patients and 95 of 100 controls received 150 mL intravenous contrast. Two independent readers noted the presence and distribution pattern of intraluminal air in the appendix, appendiceal diameter, wall hyperemia, wall thickening (>3 mm), and wall stratification and presence of any secondary signs of appendicitis including fat stranding and free fluid. Data were compared between groups using Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t test. Intraluminal air in the appendix was more common in control patients versus patients with appendicitis (66 of 100 versus 27 of 100, p < 0.001). No significant differences in the patterns of intraluminal air were found between cases and controls. Among appendicitis cases, there was no significant difference in mean appendiceal diameter (12.8 versus 12.0, p = 0.20) or number of CT signs of appendicitis (1.93 versus 1.86, p = 0.78) in cases with intraluminal air versus without. No case of appendicitis demonstrated intraluminal air without secondary signs of appendicitis. Although intraluminal air is sometimes assumed to exclude a diagnosis of appendicitis, it is actually a common finding seen in up to 27 % of cases at CT. The pattern of intraluminal air was not helpful in differentiating a normal appendix from appendicitis.
Leg weakness in a lung transplant patient.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is associated with JC polyomavirus (JCV) infection of central nervous system oligodendrocytes resulting in demyelinization and progressive focal neurologic deficits. Reactivation of dormant JCV occurs in the setting of immunosuppression, most commonly in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or hematological malignancies. PML has also been reported in solid organ transplant recipients. We report the case of a 61-year-old man after bilateral lung transplantation for chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis who presented with leg weakness, cognitive decline, and expressive aphasia at 5 months post transplantation. Magnetic resonance imaging and brain biopsy were consistent with PML. Treatment attempt with cytarabine was unsuccessful, and immunomodulation resulted in recurrent grade A3 rejection. The difficulty of managing PML in lung transplant patients is highlighted by the lack of directed therapy and risk of graft rejection or failure with attempts at decreasing immunosuppression.
Research Article: Survival of Culturable Bacteria during Co-composting of Institutional, Agricultural, and Municipal Solid Wastes

Cooperation among waste generators to co-compost institutional, agricultural, and municipal solid waste can balance carbon:nitrogen ratios, yield a value-added product, and ultimately reduce solid ...
Sentence-Completion Responses and Academic Performance Re-Examined

Summary On the basis of earlier research findings, certain positive and negative attitudes were assumed to be associated with academic performance. This assumption was re-examined by partial replication of a study using a sentence completion test (SCT). Although a significant correlation was found between the SCT need-for-achievement responses of college freshmen and their cumulative grade-point averages (p <.05), the expected direction of the correlation was reversed, so that affectively negative SCT responses were associated with high grades. Correlations of grades with the self-concept and learning-attitudes scales of the SCT were not significant. Further, none of the scale scores correlated significantly with composite scores on a commonly used measure of college aptitude. Results are discussed and suggestions are offered for possible refinement of the instrument used.
Involving Clients in the Distribution of Videos on Demand

We present a stream tapping protocol that involves clients in the video distribution process. As in conventional stream tapping, our protocol lets new clients tap the most recent broadcast of the video they are watching. While conventional stream tapping required the server to send to these clients the part of the video they missed, our protocol delegates this task to the clients that are already watching the video, thus greatly reducing the workload of the server. Unlike previous solutions involving clients in the video distribution process, our protocol works with clients that can only upload video data at a fraction of the video consumption rate and includes a mechanism to control its network bandwidth consumption.
Microbial activity and soil C sequestration for reduced and conventional tillage cotton

Abstract Crop management practices, such as tillage and diversified crop rotations, impact microbial activity, organic matter turnover, and ultimately soil C and N sequestration. The objectives of this study were to determine the impacts of tillage on soil microbial biomass, mineralized C and N, and soil organic C (SOC) and N (SON) contents for different cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cropping systems in a south-central Texas silt loam soil. Tillage influenced SOC and SON, but most effects were observed at 0–5 cm rather than 5–15 cm. Reduced tillage (RT) in a continuous cotton monoculture increased SOC by 24% and SON by 27% compared to conventional tillage (CT) at 0–5 cm, but tillage had no effect at 5–15 cm. Crop rotation increased soil C and N contents compared to continuous cotton, as a cotton-corn (Zea mays L.) rotation under CT increased SOC by 28% and SON by 26% at 0–5 cm compared to CT continuous cotton. Soil organic C and SON were both 18% greater for cotton-corn than continuous cotton at 5–15 cm. For the 0–15 cm depth interval, the CT cotton-corn rotation increased SOC by an average of 518 kg C ha−1 year−1 and SON by 57 kg N ha−1 year−1 compared to CT continuous cotton. Cotton under RT sequestered 254 kg C ha−1 year−1 and 33 kg N ha−1 year−1 more than cotton under CT. Reduced tillage increased soil microbial biomass C (MBC) by an average of 11 and 18% compared to CT continuous cotton and the cotton-corn rotation, respectively, while microbial biomass N (MBN) for RT was 62% greater than for CT. Tillage decreased mineralized C and N at both depth intervals, while cotton-corn showed higher mineralized C than continuous cotton. Soils for cropping systems that sequestered the most C and N also had the highest microbial biomass and mineralized C and N, indicating close relationships between microbial activity and soil C and N sequestration. Beneficial effects of RT and intensive cropping were enhanced soil C and N sequestration rates and potentially lower N fertilizer requirements for crops.
Numbers and numerosities: Absence of abstract neural realization doesn't mean non-abstraction

The neural realization of number in abstract form is implausible, but from this it doesn't follow that numbers are not abstract. Clear definitions of abstraction are needed so they can be applied homogenously to numerical and non-numerical cognition. To achieve a better understanding of the neural substrate of abstraction, productive cognition - not just comprehension and perception - must be investigated.
Friendly CryptoJam: a mechanism for securing physical-layer attributes

The broadcast nature of wireless communications exposes various "transmission attributes," such as the packet size, the inter-packet times, and the modulation scheme. These attributes can be exploited by an adversary to launch passive or active attacks. A passive attacker threatens user's privacy and confidentiality by performing traffic analysis and classification, whereas an active attacker exploits captured attributes to launch selective jamming/dropping attacks. This so-called PHY-layer security problem is present even when the payload is encrypted. For example, by determining the modulation scheme, the attacker can estimate the data rate, and hence the payload size, and later use it to launch traffic classification or selective rate-adaptation attacks.In this paper, we propose Friendly CryptoJam, a novel approach that combines analog-domain friendly jamming and modulation-level encryption. Friendly CryptoJam decorrelates the payload's modulation scheme from other transmission attributes by always "upgrading" it to the highest-order modulation scheme supported by the system (a concept we refer to as (modulation unification) using a secret pseudo-random sequence. Such upgrade is a form of transmitter-based friendly jamming. At the same time, modulation symbols are encrypted to protect unencrypted PHY-layer fields (modulation encryption). To generate and sync the secret sequence, an efficient message embedding technique based on Barker sequences is proposed, which exploits the structure of the preamble and overlays a frame-specific seed on it. We study the implications of the scheme on PHY-layer functions through simulations and USRP-based experiments. The results confirm that Friendly CryptoJam is quite successful in hiding the targeted attributes, at the cost of a small increase in the transmission power.
Enteric Viral Surrogate Reduction by Chitosan

Enteric viruses are a major problem in the food industry, especially as human noroviruses are the leading cause of nonbacterial gastroenteritis. Chitosan is known to be effective against some enteric viral surrogates, but more detailed studies are needed to determine the precise application variables. The main objective of this work was to determine the effect of increasing chitosan concentration (0.7–1.5 % w/v) on the cultivable enteric viral surrogates, feline calicivirus (FCV-F9), murine norovirus (MNV-1), and bacteriophages (MS2 and phiX174) at 37 °C. Two chitosans (53 and 222 kDa) were dissolved in water (53 kDa) or 1 % acetic acid (222 KDa) at 0.7–1.5 %, and were then mixed with each virus to obtain a titer of ~5 log plaque-forming units (PFU)/mL. These mixtures were incubated for 3 h at 37 °C. Controls included untreated viruses in phosphate-buffered saline and viruses were enumerated by plaque assays. The 53 kDa chitosan at the concentrations tested reduced FCV-F9, MNV-1, MS2, and phi X174 by 2.6–2.9, 0.1–0.4, 2.6–2.8, and 0.7–0.9 log PFU/mL, respectively, while reduction by 222 kDa chitosan was 2.2–2.4, 0.8–1.0, 2.6–5.2, and 0.5–0.8 log PFU/mL, respectively. The 222 kDa chitosan at 1 and 0.7 % w/v in acetic acid (pH 4.5) caused the greatest reductions of MS2 by 5.2 logs and 2.6 logs, respectively. Overall, chitosan treatments showed the greatest reduction of MS2, followed by FCV-F9, phi X174, and MNV-1. These two chitosans may contribute to the reduction of enteric viruses at the concentrations tested but would require use of other hurdles to eliminate food borne viruses.
Multilocation Combined Pricing and Inventory Control

We consider the problem of managing inventories and dynamically adjusting retailer prices in distribution systems with geographically dispersed retailers. More specifically, we analyze the following single item, periodic review model. The distribution of demand in each period, at a given retailer, depends on the item's price according to a stochastic demand function. These stochastic demand functions may vary by retailer and by period. The replenishment process consists of two phases: In some or all periods, a distribution center may place an order with an outside supplier. This order arrives at the distribution center after an "order leadtime" and is then, in the second phase, allocated to the retailers. Allocations arrive after a second "allocation leadtime."We develop an approximate model that is tractable and in which an optimal policy of simple structure exists. The approximate model thus provides analytically computable approximations for systemwide profits and other performance measures. Moreover, the approximate model allows us to prove how various components of the optimal strategy (i.e., prices and order-up-to levels) respond to shifts in the model parameters, e.g., to shifts in the retailers' demand functions. In addition, we develop combined pricing, ordering, and allocation strategies and show that the system's performance under these strategies is well gauged by the above approximations. We use this model to assess the impact of different types of geographic dispersion on systems with dynamically varying prices and how different system parameters (e.g., leadtimes, coefficients of variation of individual retailers' demand, price elasticities) contribute to this impact. Similarly, we use the model to gauge the benefits of coordinated replenishments under dynamic pricing, and how these benefits increase as the allocation decisions of the systemwide orders to individual retailers are postponed to a later point in the overall replenishment leadtime.We report on a comprehensive numerical study based on data obtained from a nationwide department store chain.
Quantification of protective properties of the coating/corrosion product/steel interface by integration of transmission line model with EIS results

An experimental set up was designed to characterize and quantify the protective properties of coated steel samples over time. A porous layer of corrosion products (Fe x O y ) was formed on the metal surface prior to coating application to simulate the coating disbondment condition. The detailed sample system configuration is as follows: coal tar epoxy coating/corrosion product/steel substrate. A continuous damage evolution mechanism was proposed which contains the following three stages: (I) mass transport within the coating and the corrosion porous layer, (II) mass transport and charge transfer mechanism mixture due to the formation of active sites beneath the coating layer, and (III) charge transfer dominant mechanism due to adsorption and electrochemical reaction. This damage evolution concept was supported by the experimental results in this work. Based on the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique, we observed that the sample system underwent stage I when initially immersed in an electrolyte solution. By evaluating the induced disbondment conditions, transitions from stage I to stages II and III were observed during the experimental period. After 55 days of exposure, stage III was identified in the EIS spectra. A transmission line model and EIS analysis was applied to each experimental condition. The simulated impedance magnitude has a good agreement with the experimental results.
An Exploratory Analysis of the 1989 Accounting Firm Megamergers

The 1989 “megamergers” (creating Ernst & Young and Deloitte & Touche), as well as recent merger activity within the accounting profession, have attracted widespread attention from regulators. Given the magnitude of such mergers, and the regulatory interest generated by them, it becomes increasingly important to understand the impact that such mergers have within the public accounting market. This study is a descriptive exploratory investigation into the effects of the 1989 mergers. Data for the firms involved in the mergers were compared to data for competitor firms not involved in the mergers (direct rivals) to help to control for the effect of market forces. The post‐merger period was characterized by a slight decline in market share for the merged firms compared to their direct rivals, a decline in audit price for both groups, and a decrease in factor costs for the merged firms relative to their direct rivals. The results of data analysis are consistent with the premise that 1989 megamergers predominan...
The transport of methyl methacrylate monomer in poly(methyl methacrylate)

The absorption kinetics and equlibria of methyl methacrylate monomer into poly(methyl methacrylate) were studied over a range of penetrant activities. The interval sorption kinetics at elevated activities were determined, compared, and contrasted with the integral sorption experiments in previously unpenetrated film samples. The sorption kinetics in previously unpenetrated films were predominantly case II or relaxation controlled at high activities. A Fickian contribution to the overall kinetics was apparent at lower activities. In contrast, interval sorption, at elevated activities in previously equilibrated and plasticized samples, followed Fickian kinetics rather closely, whereas resorption, over an activity range which involved a traversal of the effective Tg, was characterized by more complicated kinetics involving a super case II mechanism at long times. These composite results reinforce the notion that the kinetics describing penetration of a single penetrant into a single polymer are extremely sensitive to the boundary condition imposed upon the polymeric sorbent.
Robust output feedback stabilization of uncertain nonlinear systems with uncontrollable and unobservable linearization

This paper investigates the problem of robust output feedback stabilization for a family of uncertain nonlinear systems with uncontrollable/unobservable linearization. To achieve global robust stabilization via smooth output feedback, we introduce a rescaling transformation with an appropriate dilation, which turns out to be very effective in dealing with uncertainty of the system. Using this rescaling technique combined with the nonseparation principle based design method, we develop a robust output feedback control scheme for uncertain nonlinear systems in the p-normal form, under a homogeneous growth condition. The construction of smooth state feedback controllers and homogeneous observers uses only the knowledge of the bounding homogeneous system rather than the uncertain system itself. The robust output feedback design approach is then extended to a class of uncertain cascade systems beyond a strict-triangular structure. Examples are provided to illustrate the results of the paper.
New Records of Ceratopogonidae (Diptera) from South Carolina, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT Three species of biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) previously unknown from South Carolina were collected with UV-lighted and lightless miniature CDC light traps baited with CO2 during 2006 and 2007 in Barnwell County. We provide details of the microhabitats and biology for these species: Forcipomyia (Euprojoannisia) unica Bystrak and Wirth, Forcipomyia (Metaforcipomyia) fehrerorum Grogan and Sigrist, and Culicoides (Haematomyidium) torreyae Wirth and Blanton.
Evaluation of commercial methods for determining antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Seven commercial systems for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Streptococcus pneumoniae were evaluated by using a challenge set of 55 pneumococcal isolates with a variety of resistance phenotypes and genotypes. Overall, the results produced by the Pasco and Etest methods were found to be acceptable for all drugs tested except for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole testing by the Etest. The Just One system for penicillin MIC testing was also judged to be acceptable (minor error rate, 5.5%). Although the Sensititre and MicroTech methods both produced 12.7% minor errors with penicillin, the Sensititre method classified penicillin-intermediate strains as resistant or vice versa, while four of MicroTech9s errors were among intermediate strains that were classified as susceptible. The MicroMedia (minor error rate, 16.4%) and MicroScan Rapid (minor error rate, 63.6%) methods produced unacceptably high levels of errors when testing penicillin. Minor error rates for cefotaxime and ceftriaxone ranged from a low of 12.7% (Etest and Sensititre) to a high of 28% (MicroMedia). Error rates were low for erythromycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol by most methods with the exception of the MicroScan method, which had a high very major error rate for erythromycin (34.6%). For testing of beta-lactam drugs, the Pasco, Etest, and Just One tests for penicillin are the most accurate methods; the Sensititre method also provided acceptable results.
Asthma super-sized

Obesity is a known risk factor for asthma. Indeed, obese individuals with asthma have a harder time controlling their asthma, and inhaled steroids do not work as well in obese persons as in lean individuals. Yet the mechanistic connection between these two seemingly unrelated conditions remains
The Passive Transference of Nonspecific Antibodies Plate 5

In a previous communication1 it was demonstrated that the injection of an antigen made from bacteria grown on serum medium could give rise to nonspecific antibodies. Such antigens, altho apparently washed free from the medium, stimulate the production not only of specific antibodies against the bacteria, but also of antibodies against the protein contained in the medium if the protein is heterologous; that is, derived from a species other than that of the animal used in immunization. These antibodies may react nonspecifically against any bacteria grown on such media. This factor may be the cause of the divergence in results in cross complement-fixation between the meningococcus and the gonococcus, or in that between dissimilar groups of streptococci, or between different organisms when the immune serum used in the tests has been prepared by injecting serum-grown bacteria into rabbits. The object of this paper is to show that a similar phenomenon occurs in passive sensitization. Immune serum developed against repeated injections of bacteria grown on serum media, when inoculated into guinea-pigs, sensitizes the cells of this animal, not only to the bacteria, but also to the protein present in the medium on which the antigen has been grown. Our attention was drawn to this fact while we were working with sensitized guinea-pig uteri by the Dale method.2 We employed the technic as utilized by R. Weil in his study of pneumococcal sensitization.3 In general the principles of this method are as follows :
Approaches to High Temperature Contacts to Silicon Carbide

Metallurgical reactions between contacts and SiC can alter the electrical characteristics of the contacts, either beneficially or detrimentally. Simultaneously, consumption of the underlying SiC epilayer takes place. During prolonged operation at elevated temperature, contacts that are not in thermodynamic equilibrium with SiC may continue to react with it. For this reason, interest in thermally stable carbide and silicide contacts to SiC has been growing. To select appropriate carbides or silicides for further study, however, knowledge of the transition metal-silicon-carbon (TM-Si-C) phase equilibria is required. A significant body of literature on the TM-Si-C systems exists and should therefore be examined in the context of electronic applications. In this paper, phase equilibria for representative TM-Si-C systems are presented, trends in these systems with respect to temperature and position of the metal in the periodic table are discussed, and attractive carbide and silicide contacts and processing schemes for thermally stable contacts are highlighted.
Former Range of the Sea Mink

Reviewed are records of the sea mink, Mustela macrodon , from Casco Bay to the Bay of Fundy. This species has apparently been extinct for no less than 60 years. Details are presented of a new record from an archaeological site in Middleboro, Massachusetts, 12 miles from the nearest salt water, which extends the known range at least 125 miles southward.
Effects of indole-3-carbinol on the proliferation and apoptosis of human liver cancer cell line SMMC-7721

Objective To investigate the effects of indole-3-carbinol on the proliferation and apoptosis of human liver cancer cell line SMMC-7721.Methods The growth status of SMMC-7721 was observed under Microscope.The inhibition of cell proliferation was assayed by WST-1 agent,and the apoptosis was shown with Hochest33258 and TUNEL staining.The apoptosis related protein were detected by Western blot.Results I3C could inhibit the proliferation of SMMC-7721 and induced the apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.The cell proliferation was slow at doses below 250 μmol/L of I3C.And a large proportion of apoptotic cells were observed at doses above 300 μmol/L of I3C.Furthermore,the expressionsof Cyt C、 Cleaved caspase-9 and Cleaved caspase-3 increased significantly when I3C at concentrations higher than 200 μmol/L.With the increase of I3C concentration,three kinds of protein expression also increased significantly.Conclusion I3C could significantly inhibit the human liver cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in a dose dependent manner.
The enzymatic synthesis of thymidylate. I. Early steps in the purification of thymidylate synthetase of Escherichia coli.

The formation of thymidine triphosphate in cell-free extracts of Escherichia coli was reported in 1957 to require deoxyuridylate, formaldehyde, dZ,n-tetrahydrofolate, Mg++, and adenosine triphosphate (1). It soon became apparent through use of chromatographic procedures that ATP was not involved in the primary conversion of deoxyuridylate to thymidylate, and that the over-all reaction could be represented as follows.
Abstract 2500: Grape compounds suppress colon cancer stem cells in vitro and in a rodent model of colon carcinogenesis

We have previously shown that the grape bioactive compound resveratrol (RSV) potentiates grape seed extract (GSE)-induced colon cancer cell apoptosis at physiologically relevant concentrations. However, RSV-GSE combination efficacy against colon cancer stem cells (CSCs), which play a key role in chemotherapy and radiation resistance, is not known. Hence, we tested the anti-cancer efficacy of the RSV-GSE in an azoxymethane-induced mouse model of colon carcinogenesis. RSV-GSE suppressed tumor incidence similar to sulindac, without any gastrointestinal toxicity. Additionally, RSV-GSE treatment reduced the number of crypts containing cells with nuclear β-catenin (an indicator of colon CSCs) via induction of apoptosis. In in vitro mechanistic studies, RSV-GSE suppressed proliferation and sphere formation properties of colon CSCs (positive for CD44, CD133 and ALDH1b1), suppressed pGSK3β and nuclear translocation of β-catenin, a critical regulator of CSC proliferation, similar to sulindac. RSV-GSE, but not sulindac, suppressed nuclear levels of downstream proteins of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, c-Myc and cyclin D1. RSV-GSE also induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in colon CSCs characterized by elevated p53, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleaved PARP. Furthermore, shRNA-mediated knockdown of p53, a tumor suppressor gene that is mutated in advanced stages of colon cancer, in the colon CSCs did not alter efficacy of RSV-GSE. The suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and elevated mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in colon CSCs support potential clinical testing/application of grape bioactives for colon cancer prevention and/or therapy. Citation Format: Lavanya Reddivari, Venkata Charepalli, Ramakrishna Vadde, Sridhar Radhakrishnan, Joshua D. Lambert, Ryan J. Elias, Jairam KP Vanamala. Grape compounds suppress colon cancer stem cells in vitro and in a rodent model of colon carcinogenesis. [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 2500.
The Materiality of Rhetoric and Violence

Here, Hayes places her work firmly in the materialist trajectory within rhetorical studies, mapping this approach. Hailing Ronald Walter Greene’s call to study the “ways that rhetorical practices function as a technology of deliberation by distributing discourses, institutions, and populations into field[s] of action,” Hayes extends the idea of rhetoricoviolence into understandings of the rhetorical situation with the goal of situating a new rhetorical situation marked by three categories of circulation: bodies, places/spaces, and technologies. Mapping the work of Michael Calvin McGee, Greene, and Barbara Biesecker, the chapter concludes with a look toward how rhetoricoviolence functions within the global terror wars.
Sex Trafficking and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

ABSTRACTIn recent years, the problem of child sex trafficking has become a topic of international discussion and concern. Child sex trafficking can include many forms of commercial sexual exploitation such as prostitution, pornography, and child sex tourism. Children who fall prey to these forms of sexual exploitation are of particular concern because of their vulnerable status and the impact these experiences have on their development. This article provides a comprehensive review about what is currently known about child sex trafficking by examining definitions, estimates of the problem, child risk factors and consequences, and approaches to protection, prosecution, promotion of recovery and reintegration, and partnerships for promoting collaboration and cooperation.
Estimating text intelligibility via information packaging analysis

Effective communication through language involves organizing the content a person or system wishes to convey into text that flows naturally. There are many ways to render the same information, but those appropriate for one group of audience may not be intelligible to another. The goal of this thesis to analyze and address factors that influence the intelligibility of text from two aspects of information packaging: discourse structure and text specificity. Effective communication through language involves organizing the content a person or system wishes to convey into text that flows naturally. There are many ways to render the same information, but those appropriate for one group of audience may not be intelligible to another. The goal of this thesis to analyze and address factors that influence the intelligibility of text from two aspects of information packaging: discourse structure and text specificity.
Prospective post traumatic stress disorder symptom trajectories in active duty and separated military personnel

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental illness that affects current and former military service members at a disproportionately higher rate than the civilian population. Prior studies have shown that PTSD symptoms follow multiple trajectories in civilians and military personnel. The current study examines whether the trajectories of PTSD symptoms of veterans separated from the military are similar to continuously serving military personnel. The Millennium Cohort Study is a population-based study of military service members that commenced in 2001 with follow-up assessments occurring approximately every 3 years thereafter. PTSD symptoms were assessed at each time point using the PTSD Checklist. Latent growth mixture modeling was used to compare PTSD symptom trajectories between personnel who separated (veterans; n = 5292) and personnel who remained in military service (active duty; n = 16,788). Four distinct classes (resilient, delayed-onset, improving, and elevated-recovering) described PTSD symptoms trajectories in both veterans and active duty personnel. Trajectory shapes were qualitatively similar between active duty and veterans. However, within the resilient, improving, and elevated recovering classes, the shapes were statistically different. Although the low-symptom class was the most common in both groups (veterans: 82%; active duty: 87%), veterans were more likely to be classified in the other three classes (in all cases, p < 0.01). The shape of each trajectory was highly similar between the two groups despite differences in military and civilian life.
The Hidden Injuries of WorkThe Craftsman, by SennettRichard. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2008. 326 pp. $27.50 cloth. ISBN: 9780300119091.The Culture of the New Capitalism, by SennettRichard. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2006. 214 pp. $15.00 paper. ISBN: 9780300119923.

which date back to the Soviet and pre-Soviet periods without examining the extent to which these practices themselves have been transformed or even obliterated by novel institutional arrangements. Despite the weaknesses listed above, the analyses put forward in each of the books under review are insightful and significant, and I strongly recommend them to students of social change in post-communist societies.