cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spiral tunneling cracks induced by environmental stress cracking in LARC-TPI adhesives

Abstract Some currently-available formulations of LaRC™-TPI, a thermoplastic polyimide originally developed at NASA-Langley, were found to be highly susceptible to environmental stress cracking when exposed to solvents such as acetone, toluene, diglyme and methyl ethyl ketone. The combination of stress and solvent led to rapid cracking in films and adhesive layers of this material system. Residual cool-down stresses induced when the LaRC-TPI is used as an adhesive or coating led, in the presence of a solvent, to dense “mud crack” patterns which relieve a portion of the stored energy. Because these through-the-thickness cracks are not able to relieve the stored energy in the vicinity of the adherends, additional fractures in the form of curious spiral tunnel cracks initiated and grew inward within each adhesive fragment. Micrographs of the spiral fractures are given, along with a qualitative explanation for the failure process as observed in adhesives and coatings.
Simulations of neutron response and background rejection for a scintillating-fiber detector

Abstract We address the problem of detection of fast neutrons at energies of 5–30 MeV in the presence of strong backgrounds of low-energy neutrons and gammas. In an organic scintillator, the neutrons are detected mainly as recoil protons from n-p scattering; the gammas produce electrons primarily by Compton scattering. The recoil protons and electrons can be distinguished because the light output per unit distance near the end of a proton track is much higher than that for an electron. This difference could be used to reject gamma backgrounds such as those in a reactor environment by constructing a segmented detector from a bundle of scintillating fibers connected to a readout device. We present the results of extensive simulations for a module composed of 6400 fibers, each 250 μm square, arranged into a 2×2×2 cm3 bundle. Considered were fast neutrons with energies of 3, 7, 14 and 28 MeV and backgrounds composed of neutrons and gammas with energy distributions characteristic of delayed emission from a fission source. The simulations indicate that the detector can obtain a good compromise between outstanding background rejection and reasonable detection efficiency for the neutrons of interest.
The Role of MRI in Assessing Risk of Future Cardiovascular Disease Events, Including Heart Failure

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is the currently available gold standard non-invasive imaging modality for determining myocardial anatomy, structure and function. In this article, we discuss the role of CMR in evaluation of patients with cardiovascular disease with a particular emphasis on the additional information obtained from the recent developments in the imaging techniques.
Predicting Shared Situation Awareness in Teams: A Case of Differential SA Requirements

In this paper, we report our efforts at developing a valid approach for measuring and predicting shared situation awareness (SA) in teams performing in complex operational environments. Participants were assigned to one of 4 teams (Navy, Army, Special Operations, or Joint Service) and completed a simulated military rescue operation training exercise. We developed procedures to measure the degree of shared SA between team members and to improve the accuracy of shared SA scores. The measures were then used to evaluate five potential predictors of shared SA (experience similarity, shared task knowledge, cognitive workload similarity, communication distance, organizational hub distance). We examined the relationship of these factors to specific queries that assessed different types of SA information requirements. Results indicated that four factors had significant relationships with shared SA, but that the factors related to each query changed in relation to the type of SA assessed by the query. We discuss the implications of these results for predicting shared SA under different situational conditions. Language: en
A unified approach for solving quadratic, cubic and quartic equations by radicals

It seems in the literature that methods for solving algebracially quadratic, cubic and quartic equations have very little in common. The goal of this article is to present a unified method for obtaining the algebraic solution of these equations. It is interesting to realize that the unified method presented here leads to a simple, complete system of the four solutions to the general quartic equation. The simplicity of this system of solutions makes it worthwhile to revisit some old problems related to cubic and quartic equations
Losses in Yield Due to Pests in Tropical Crops and Their Value in Policy Decision-Making

Recent developments in the assessment and collection of yield loss data due to pests are discussed. The information is needed for decision-making on resource allocation, on pest management, crop production planning and crop improvement. The difficulties in accurate loss assessment include lack of information on the distribution of pests in space and time, the difference between research and farmers yields, how much control has been used, and changes in crop resistance and in pest status. Sources of data are described and examples of losses in a number of tropical crops. The difficulties met in using losses to justify research and crop improvement projects, with particular reference to banana pests in Tanzania and cassava pests in Ghana, include the absence of reliable data, the selection of a base-line yield and the effects of other causes of loss.
Culture and Organizational Learning

Traditionally, theories of organizational learning have taken one of two approaches that share a common characterization of learning but differ in focus. One approach focuses on learning by individuals in organizational contexts; the other, on individual learning as a model for organizational action. Both base their understanding of organizational learning on the cognitive activity of individual learning. However, there is something organizations do that may be called organizational learning, that is neither individuals learning in organizations nor organizations employing processes akin to learning by individuals. This form of organizational learning can be seen in the case of three small workshops that make "the finest flutes in the world." This essay proposes a perspective on organizational learning, drawing on the concept of organizational culture, that can be useful in understanding the case. This perspective provides a fruitful basis for exploring the above distinctions in both theory and practice.
Analysis of Concrete Early-Age Shrinkage Based on the Theory of Humidity Diffusion

The early-age shrinkage cracking of concrete plays an important role to the accelerated deterioration and shortening the service life of concrete structures. Modern concretes are more sensitive to cracking immediately after setting, which is due to material characteristics (lower water/binder ratio and higher cement content) and external environmental fluctuations (humidity and temperature change). Determination of concrete free shrinkage is the basis of shrinkage cracking research. Analytical models of the autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage are established in this paper. The calculated results agree well with the experimental results.
Tolerance to vascularized organ allografts in large-animal models

Abstract Although studies of tolerance induction in large animals remain limited compared with murine studies, a number of encouraging observations have been recently reported — especially in nonhuman primate models. The development of antibodies or proteins binding to costimulatory molecules and of an immunotoxin that is active on T cells have been particularly important advances leading to expanded opportunities for extending strategies for tolerance induction to large animals.
Tailored Micropatterns through Weak Polyelectrolyte Stamping

A method to tune the thickness and number of available functional groups of micropatterned layers of a polycation stamped onto weak polyelectrolyte multilayers has been developed. Specifically, poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) was transferred using polymer-on-polymer stamping to create chemically patterned regions on weak polyelectrolyte multilayer films of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and PAH, presenting PAA as the outermost layer. Polyelectrolyte multilayer platforms ranging in molecular-level architecture from tight ionically cross-linked to thick and loopy were created by using specific combinations of polymer solution pHs during the multilayer assembly. It was found that varying the pH of the stamping ink significantly affects the thickness of the resulting transferred layer and the number of functional groups available for further chemistry. As the weak polyamine in the ink solution becomes less charged at higher pH, the thickness of the stamped pattern increases. The PAH stamped regions were also c...
Travelling and evanescent parts of the optical near field

Abstract The optical near field of a localized source has been studied by means of the angular spectrum representation of the electromagnetic Green's tensor. This Green's tensor can be expressed in terms of four auxiliary functions, which depend on the field point through the dimensionless radial distance q to the source, or origin of coordinates, and the polar angle ρ with the z axis. Each function separates into a part containing travelling (radiative) waves and a part which is a superposition of evanescent (decaying) waves. We have derived series expansions in q of the four functions, both for the travelling and for the evanescent parts. It is shown that the travelling waves are finite at the origin of coordinates, and that all singular behaviour of the radiation field is governed by the evanescent waves. It is illustrated numerically that the series expansions are applicable up to about five wavelengths from the origin. In order to extend the range to also cover larger values of q, we have derived ser...
Numerical Study of a Continuum Sonic Jet Interacting with a Rarefield Flow

The results of a numerical study with flow and boundary conditions based on an experiment of a continuum sonic jet interacting with rarefied flow about a sharp leading edge flat plate at zero incidence are presented. Comparisons are made between computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) solutions which provide an assessment of applying each technique to the flow conditions of the experiment. An analysis of the CFD results revealed a correlation between the interaction interface of the jet continuum breakdown surface and a non-dimensional parameter derived from jet and free stream flow conditions. Using the breakdown surface from the correlation, the continuum jet was uncoupled from the interaction, thus allowing an uncoupled CFD-DSMC solution to be obtained. Also, a nearest neighbor collision algorithm, similar to the subcell technique, was implemented in the DSMC solution technique. The comparison between CFD and DSMC results shows good qualitative agreement in the interaction region and good quantitative agreement elsewhere.
FOCUS-SCAN LEARNING STRATEGY CORRELATES OF STUDENTS' APPRAISAL OF INSTRUCTION

In an earlier study, Kagan and Krathwohl (2) identified a focus-scan learning strategy among college students. In a learning situation, the focuser attends to details and facts, while the scanner attends to and pieces together the larger picture of the presentation. The divergent cognitive styles are ways of categorizing or organizing items in the learners' environment (p. 386). Underlying the bipolar dimension is the inference that students' cognitive styles or strategies are strongly linked to measures of learning and appraisal of course/instructor. The present study examined the relationship between two focus-scan items and five student-based ratings of instructional effectiveness. At the end of the Fall semester 1980, the Faculty-Course Evaluation Scale (Form J-19) of 37 5-point ratings was administered to 8,754 students enrolled in 354 courses at the University of Hawaii. Two, focus-scan items were included in the scale: (a) When lecture material was difficult to understand, I primarily tried to get the facts and examples being presented (FOCUS marker), and (b) When lecture material was difficult to understand, I primarily tried to get the principles and concepts being presented (SCAN marker). If the focus-scan learning strategy is bipolar, a high negative correlation should be observed between the FOCUS and SCAN items. The Pearson r between the
Comment on "Mechanical analog of temperature for the description of force distribution in static granular packings".

It has been proposed by Ngan [Phys. Rev. E , 011301 (2003)] that the granular contact force distribution may be analytically derived by minimizing the analog of a thermodynamic free energy, in this case consisting of the total potential energy stored in the compressed contacts minus a particular form of entropy weighted by a parameter. The parameter is identified as a mechanical temperature. I argue that the particular form of entropy cannot be correct and as a result the proposed method produces increasingly errant results for increasing grain rigidity. This trend is evidenced in Ngan's published results and in other numerical simulations and experiments.
Chebychev polynomials and regular polygons

(1993). Chebychev Polynomials and Regular Polygons. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 100, No. 7, pp. 657-661.
Evaluating Container Ship Routes: A Case For Choosing Between The Panama Canal And The U.S. Land Bridge

For container traffic from the Far East to Europe, shipping routes and transportation choices are about to be taken to a new competitive level. Ship sizes have increased through time, yet the Panama Canal has remained unchanged, struggling to keep pace with larger size traffic. Over that same time span, more logistical pressure has been placed on the U.S. as a land bridge for container traffic from Asia to Europe. However, the canal is set to open new locks to accommodate today’s biggest container ships, creating more choices for container traffic to many eastern Atlantic ports. In our work, we investigate choices for container ship transportation from the eastern Pacific to the western Atlantic based solely on time. Choices include traveling through the Panama Canal or using the U.S. as a land bridge (via truck and rail car). A breakeven methodology, given vessel size, is employed to discriminate between paths. Implications for decision-making are then presented and discussed. Interested parties of our work might include those investigating multi-modal integration opportunities, those seeking transportation efficiencies in water, truck and rail, and students as a case assignment in Transportation and Logistics courses.
Mechanisms limiting the southward extent of the South American summer monsoon

An intermediate atmospheric model coupled with a simple land-surface model and a mixed-layer ocean model is used to examine effects that determine the southward extension of summer precipitation over South America. The extent of the continental convergence zone is mainly determined by two mechanisms, which we term ventilation and the “interactive Rodwell-Hoskins mechanism”. Ventilation refers to the import into South America of low moist static energy air from the cooler ocean, primarily the Pacific. In the interactive Rodwell-Hoskins mechanism, Rossby-wave-induced subsidence to the west of the diabatic heating interacts with the convection zone. Because of the shape of South America, the interactive Rodwell-Hoskins mechanism is of comparable importance to ventilation. Soil moisture feedback also helps limit poleward movement of the continental convergence zone, but its effect is relatively weak compared to the above two effects. The characteristic northwest-southeast tilt of the continental convergence zone appears to be due to a combination of ventilation and the interactive Rodwell-Hoskins mechanism.
CYCLIC OPERATION OF A FLUIDIZED BED REACTOR FOR DECOMPOSING CALCIUM SULFATE

Calcium sulfate can be decomposed at a high temperature (e.g., 1100°C) in the presence of reducing agents such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen. However, conditions must be carefully controlled to avoid over-reduction and the formation of calcium sulfide. The problem of over-reduction can be avoided by using a fluidized bed reactor in which the gas phase is alternated in a periodic manner between reducing conditions and oxidizing conditions. This method was demonstrated with a bench-scale fluidized bed reactor which was fed continuously with granulated waste gypsum and a mixture of air and natural gas. The ratio of air to natural gas was varied in a periodic manner to provide alternating reducing and oxidizing conditions. Calcium sulfate was largely converted into the desired products while producing very little calcium sulfide. Operating performance was found to depend on cycle time, air to fuel ratio, temperature, and feed rate.
The Identification and Performance of Gifted Students With Learning Disability Diagnoses: A Quantitative Synthesis

Much has been written about gifted students with learning disabilities, but there have been few large-scale empirical investigations, and the concept has proven controversial. The authors reviewed the available empirical literature on these students, focusing on (a) the criteria by which the students were identified and (b) the students' performance on standardized tests of ability and achievement. In addition, the test scores of these students were aggregated to determine typical performance levels. A total of 46 empirical articles were reviewed, and major findings included wide variability in identification criteria across studies, frequent reliance on dubious methods of learning disability identification, and a lack of academic impairment among the identified students. Implications for the "gifted/LD" category are discussed.
A Polymeric Binary Titanium(IV) Sulfide and Its Conversion to Molecular Lewis Base Adducts

Solutions of TiCl4 and ZnS6(TMEDA) react to give an amorphous, compositionally homogeneous binary titanium sulfide with the formula TiS∼9. In contrast to other binary metal sulfides, this material ...
Submovements during pointing movements in Parkinson’s disease

Velocity irregularities frequently observed during deceleration of arm movements have usually been interpreted as corrective submovements that improve motion accuracy. This hypothesis is re-examined here in application to movements of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients in which submovements are specifically frequent. Pointing movements in patients and age-matched controls to large and small targets in three movement modes were studied. The modes were discrete (stop on the target), continuous (reverse on the target), and passing (stop after crossing the target). Two types of submovements were distinguished, gross and fine. In both groups, gross submovements were more frequent during the discrete and passing than continuous mode, specifically for large targets. This suggested that gross submovements were fluctuations accompanying motion termination (stabilization at the target) that was included in discrete and passing but not continuous movements. Gross submovements were specifically frequent in patients, suggesting that PD causes deficiency in smooth motion termination. Although in both groups fine submovements were more frequent for small than large targets, this relation was also observed in passing movements after crossing the target, i.e., when no corrections were needed. This result, together with higher jerk of the entire trajectory found for smaller targets, indicates that fine submovements may also be not corrective adjustments but rather velocity fluctuations emerging due to low speed of movements to small targets. This interpretation is consistent with the recognized inability of PD patients to promptly change generated force as well as to quickly re-plan current motion. The results suggest a need to re-examine the traditional interpretation of submovements in PD and the related theory that the production of iterative submovements is a strategy used by patients to compensate for a decreased initial force pulse.
Nanotube electronics and optoelectronics

Among the many materials that have been proposed to supplement and, in the long run, possibly succeed Si as a basis for nanoelectronics, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted the most attention. CNTs are quasi-one-dimensional materials with unique properties ideally suited for electronics. We briefly discuss the electrical and optical properties of CNTs and how they can be employed in electronics and optoelectronics. We focus on single CNT transistors, their fabrication, assembly, doping, electrical characteristics, and integration. We also address the possible use of CNTs in optoelectronic devices such as electroluminescent light emitters and photodetectors.
1500 V and 10 A SiC motor drive inverter module

This paper reports the design, fabrication, and electrical performance of 1500 V SiC MOS-enhanced JFETs and a SiC inverter module with a power rating of 1500 V and 10A using SiC Schottky diodes as the free wheeling diode (FWD). The static and dynamic characterization of 1500 V SiC MOS-enhanced JFETs and SiC Schottky FWDs were performed and packaged into phase leg inverter modules. A demonstration of a 1500 V and 10 A SiC inverter module in a motor drive at bus voltage of 600 V was successfully implemented. This is the highest bus voltage reported on SiC inverter modules.
Modeling of slurry flow: The effect of particle size

A system of differential equations to obtain concentration and velocity distributions for quasi-uniform particle slurry flows is presented. Numerical solutions for various flow conditions have been obtained using an explicit algorithm. A “supported load” concept is proposed to explain the type of interaction through contact between solid particles in neighboring layers or between particles and the pipe wall. In the analysis, the relative contributions of terms describing turbulent shear stresses, particle interactions, and mixing effects vary with the dimensions of solid particles. The approach is tested for four kinds of sand of narrow size distributions (d = .65 mm, .48 mm, .52 mm and 13 mm), flowing with water in pipelines of various diameters (between 50 and 500 mm), at concentrations below 40% by volume. The coefficients used to estimate local parametes of the two-phase model are related to particle diameter. A comparison of numerical predictions and measurements of concentrations, velocities and headlosses shows the applicability of the model and the possibility of extrapolating available experimental results. On presente un systeme d'equations differentielles pour obtenir la concentration et les distributions des vitesses dans le cas des ecoulements de suspensions de particules quasi-uniformes. On a obtenu, au moyen d'un algorithme explicite, des solutions numeriques pour diverses conditions d'ecoulement. On propose un concept de “charge supportee” pour expliquer le type d'interaction par contact entre les particules solides dans des couches voisines ou entre les particules et la paroi des tubes. Dans l'analyse, les contributions relatives des termes, qui decrivent les contraintes de cisaillement turbulent, les interactions des particules et les effets du melange, varient avec les dimensions des particules solides. On a verifie ce mode d'approche dans le cas de quatre sortes de sables avec des distributions etroites de dimension (d = .165 mm, .48 mm, .52 mm et 13 mm), qui s'ecoulaient avec l'eau dans des pipelines de diverse diametres (variant entre 50 et 500 mm), a des concentrations de moins de 40% en volume. Les coefficients employes pour evaluer les parametres locaux du modele a deux phases dependent du diametre des particules. Une comparaison des previsions numeriques et des mesures des concentrations, des vitesses et des pertes en te'te indique l'applicabilite du modele et la possibilite d'extrapoler les resultats experimentaux disponibles.
GPS Measurement of Relative Motion of the Cocos and Caribbean Plates and Strain Accumulation Across the Middle America Trench

Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements in 1988 and 1991 on Cocos Island (Cocos plate), San Andres Island (Caribbean plate), and Liberia (Caribbean plate, mainland Costa Rica) provide an estimate of relative motion between the Cocos and Caribbean plates. The data for Cocos and San Andres Islands, both located more than 400 km from the Middle America Trench, define a velocity that is equivalent within two standard errors (7 mm/yr rate, 5 degrees azimuth) to the NUVEL-1 plate motion model. The data for Liberia, 120 km from the trench, define a velocity that is similar in azimuth but substantially different in rate from NUVEL-1. The discrepancy can be explained with a simple model of elastic strain accumulation with a subduction zone that is locked to a relatively shallow (20-Z_5 km) depth.
An easy method for retrieving atomic coordinates from CPK space-filling molecular models.

Connectors for CPK space-filling molecular models have been supplemented with pointed steel wires (ϕ = 1.59 mm) of appropriate lengths and positions to represent atomic bonds. For illustration purposes, the polypeptide backbone of glucagon was equipped with such wire-core connectors and given a possible conformation. The molecular model was packed into a cubic box and, using a clinical instrument, X-ray films were taken from three orthogonal directions. Atomic coordinates on the films were then corrected to real-space coordinates. This method for retrieving atomic coordinates from space-filling models of modium-sized polypeptides is easy and can be done wih equipement available everywhere. Coordinates obtained in this way should be useful as starting points for energy minimization, for the calculation of frictional coefficients, and in attempts to solve crystal structures by X-ray diffraction, using molecular replacement methodology.
Motility and Chemotaxis in Agrobacterium tumefaciens Surface Attachment and Biofilm Formation

Bacterial motility mechanisms, including swimming, swarming, and twitching, are known to have important roles in biofilm formation, including colonization and the subsequent expansion into mature structured surface communities. Directed motility requires chemotaxis functions that are conserved among many bacterial species. The biofilm-forming plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens drives swimming motility by utilizing a small group of flagella localized to a single pole or the subpolar region of the cell. There is no evidence for twitching or swarming motility in A. tumefaciens. Site-specific deletion mutations that resulted in either aflagellate, flagellated but nonmotile, or flagellated but nonchemotactic A. tumefaciens derivatives were examined for biofilm formation under static and flowing conditions. Nonmotile mutants were significantly deficient in biofilm formation under static conditions. Under flowing conditions, however, the aflagellate mutant rapidly formed aberrantly dense, tall biofilms. In contrast, a nonmotile mutant with unpowered flagella was clearly debilitated for biofilm formation relative to the wild type. A nontumbling chemotaxis mutant was only weakly affected with regard to biofilm formation under nonflowing conditions but was notably compromised in flow, generating less adherent biomass than the wild type, with a more dispersed cellular arrangement. Extragenic suppressor mutants of the chemotaxis-impaired, straight-swimming phenotype were readily isolated from motility agar plates. These mutants regained tumbling at a frequency similar to that of the wild type. Despite this phenotype, biofilm formation by the suppressor mutants in static cultures was significantly deficient. Under flowing conditions, a representative suppressor mutant manifested a phenotype similar to yet distinct from that of its nonchemotactic parent.
Fluorescent-labeled collagen: age-related differences and fluorescence changes during the lag phase of fibril formation.

Acid-soluble collagens isolated from young and old rat tail tendon were fluorescent-labeled with dansyl hydrazine, which is capable of reacting with aldehyde groups in collagen. The dansyl fluorescence of aged collagen exhibited a weak peak at 525 nm, whereas that of young collagen had a stronger broad peak at 500 nm. Fibril formation in vitro was partially inhibited in these dansylated collagens. During the turbidity lag phase, the dansyl fluorescence was found to increase (30–50%), also shifting to 485 nm. These changes reveal the telopeptide conformation changes occurring during this period. A new fluorescence peak at 420 nm also increased during fibril formation. When the dansylated collagen was irradiated in air with uv light (340 nm), a rapid decrease of the dansyl fluorescence with a concurrent shift to 490 nm occurred. Also, the formation of fibrils was further inhibited. With increasing temperature, the dansyl fluorescence of young collagen decreased, whereas that of old collagen substantially increased, particularly at the denaturation temperature around 38°C. After denaturation, both fluorescences became similar in their intensity and position (490 nm). These findings are discussed in connection with both age-related structural changes of collagen and the mechanism of fibril formation.
Two linked hairy/Enhancer of split-related zebrafish genes, her1 and her7, function together to refine alternating somite boundaries

The formation of somites, reiterated structures that will give rise to vertebrae and muscles, is thought to be dependent upon a molecular oscillator that may involve the Notch pathway. hairy/Enhancer of split related [E(spl)]-related (her or hes) genes, potential targets of Notch signaling, have been implicated as an output of the molecular oscillator. We have isolated a zebrafish deficiency, b567, that deletes two linked her genes, her1 and her7. Homozygous b567 mutants have defective somites along the entire embryonic axis. Injection of a combination of her1 and her7 (her1+7) morpholino modified antisense oligonucleotides (MOs) phenocopies the b567 mutant somitic phenotype, indicating that her1 and her7 are necessary for normal somite formation and that defective somitogenesis in b567 mutant embryos is due to deletion of her1 and her7. Analysis at the cellular level indicates that somites in her1+7-deficient embryos are enlarged in the anterior-posterior dimension. Weak somite boundaries are often found within these enlarged somites which are delineated by stronger, but imperfect, boundaries. In addition, the anterior-posterior polarity of these enlarged somites is disorganized. Analysis of her1 MO-injected embryos and her7 MO-injected embryos indicates that although these genes have partially redundant functions in most of the trunk region, her1 is necessary for proper formation of the anteriormost somites and her7 is necessary for proper formation of somites posterior to somite 11. By following somite development over time, we demonstrate that her genes are necessary for the formation of alternating strong somite boundaries. Thus, even though two potential downstream components of Notch signaling are lacking in her1+7-deficient embryos, somite boundaries form, but do so with a one and a half to two segment periodicity.
The association of infection and coronary artery disease: an update.

Numerous studies have reported an association of coronary atherosclerosis and restenosis with certain bacterial and viral infections. This article reviews the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, the role of infectious agents (cytomegalovirus, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori) in atherogenesis and studies supporting the potential beneficial effects of antibiotics or antiviral agents in the management of atherosclerotic disease. The interactions of cytomegalovirus and the arterial wall have been extensively studied. However, despite the successful preliminary therapeutic trials with the use of macrolides in augmenting possible C. pneumoniae-induced cardiovascular events, the exact mechanisms of how C. pneumoniae enters the arterial wall remains unknown at this point. For H. pylori, regardless of the large number of studies performed to assess the association between H. pylori and coronary artery disease, no definitive conclusion could be made at this time, due to contradictory results. Before on...
Shear strength determination using the nanoscratch technique and its application to thin solid films

Reliable measurement of mechanical properties of thin solid films has been challenging, despite widespread usage of thin films in applications such as semiconductor, magnetic storage, and microelectromechanical systems. Some of the challenges include instrument limitations and inadequacy of theoretical models to obtain quantitative prediction of thin film properties. In this article, we propose a technique to extract the shear strength of thin films from nanoscratch experiments using a contact mechanics analysis of a sliding sphere. Based on the stress field analysis by Hamilton, the stress status around the contact point is obtained at the initiation of yield, and is used to establish a direct correlation between contact pressure/surface traction and shear strength. Nanoscratch experiments were also performed on an extremely thin diamond carbon overcoat used in supersmooth magnetic storage disks, and the shear strength was successfully obtained using the proposed technique. These results were comparable with hardness values reported in the literature, assuming Tabor’s empirical relation (hardness ≈ 3*yield strength) and Tresca yield criterion. Finally, a finite element model was developed to simulate a rigid sphere sliding over a deformable solid to further verify the validity of the proposed model. The finite element analysis confirmed that the calculation results from the proposed relation are in good agreement with experimentally measured bulk property values of shear strength.
Synthesis and characterization of bis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dionato) dioxoaquouranium (VI)

Abstract UO 2 (hfacac) 2 ·H 2 O where hfacac is the conjugate base of 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dione is stable as a solid, in solution, and at moderate temperatures as discrete gas phase molecules. The IR absorptions exhibited by this molecule in solution and in the gas phase are very similar with only small shifts in absorption frequencies observed. In solution a fluctionality is exhibited which equilibrates all of the fluorines on the NMR time scale at all temperatures studied. Thermal expulsion of the water molecule is observed at elevated temperatures resulting in a species of empirical formulation [UO 2 (hfacac) 2 ]. Additional thermal decomposition reactions are noted.
The WISE Light Curves of Z Camelopardalis during Outburst: Evidence for Synchrotron Emission?

The WISE mission happened to observe the cataclysmic variable Z Cam at the peak of an outburst. The WISE single exposure data shows that Z Cam was highly variable at 12 μm, but only marginally so at shorter wavelengths. The rapid variability at 12 μm, and the fact that these observations occurred close to visual maximum suggests that, like SS Cyg, Z Cam is a synchrotron source.
Modelling Caspian sturgeon population dynamics: a new paradigm and new technology

Currently, many problems beset sustainable management of Caspian sturgeon stocks, some outside the traditional theory of fishery management. Successfully solving such problems requires different models of population dynamics, reflecting the phenomenological properties of sturgeon stocks, the consequences of their overexploitation, and issues relating to environmental pressure on the ecosystem in which they live. Of the many analytical tools available to address the various questions, problem-orientated models are few. Their development demands a new approach, a new modelling paradigm, and new modelling tools that meet the modern ideas of ecosystem analysis and cognitive theory. This paper offers one such new paradigm and describes a knowledge-based modelling technique that may provide realization of this paradigm. A problem-orientated version of knowledge-based models is described, the applicability of such models in attempting to solve the practical issues of sturgeon fisheries management is reviewed, and an example of model implementation is given.
Molecular Testing in Myelodysplastic Syndromes for the Practicing Oncologist: Will the Progress Fulfill the Promise?

UNLABELLED Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are heterogeneous hematopoietic neoplasms that are driven by somatically acquired genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations. Accurate risk stratification is essential for delivery of risk-adaptive therapeutic interventions. The current prognostic tools sum the impact of clinical, pathologic, and laboratory parameters. Newer technologies with next-generation targeted deep sequencing and whole-genome and -exome sequencing have identified several recurrent mutations that play a vital role in the pathophysiology of MDS and the impact of these genetic changes on disease phenotype. Equally important, well-annotated databases of MDS patients with paired clinicopathologic and genetic data have enabled better understanding of the independent prognostic impact of several molecular mutations on important clinical endpoints such as overall survival and probability of leukemic progression. Cumulative evidence suggests that genomic data can also be used clinically to aid with the diagnosis, prognosis, prediction of response to specific therapies, and the development of novel and rationally targeted therapies. However, the optimal use of this mutational profiling remains a work in progress and currently there is no standard set of genes or techniques that are recommended for routine use in the clinic. In this review, we discuss the genomic revolution and its impact on our understanding of MDS biology and risk stratification. We also discuss the current role and the challenges of the application of genetic mutational data into daily clinical practice and how future research could help improve the prognostication precision and specific therapy selection for patients with MDS. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Heterogeneity in clinical outcomes of MDS is partly related to interpatient variability of recurrent somatic mutations that drive disease phenotype and progression. Although clinical risk stratification tools have functioned well in prognostication for patients with MDS, their ability to predict clinical benefits of specific MDS therapies is limited. Molecular testing shows promise in aiding diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapy-specific benefit prediction for MDS patients. Nonetheless, logistical issues related to assay performance standardization, validation, interpretation, and development of guidelines for how to use the results to inform clinical decisions are yet to be resolved.
Underutilization of radiation therapy in early-stage marginal zone lymphoma negatively impacts overall survival

Abstract Purpose Multiple population-based studies have suggested increasing omission of radiation therapy in favor of alternative treatment strategies in lymphomas, with an associated negative impact on survival. Radiation therapy has long been considered the standard management for many mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas. Thus, we aimed to evaluate patterns of treatment utilization and survival. Methods and materials A retrospective analysis based on the National Cancer Database was performed on 22,378 patients with splenic, nodal, or extranodal stage I-II marginal zone lymphoma diagnosed between 1998 and 2012. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between sociodemographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics and the utilization of radiation therapy. Multivariate propensity score-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were performed to identify factors independently associated with overall survival (OS). Results Of 22,378 patients, 82% had stage I disease, 77% had extranodal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, 5% had splenic marginal zone lymphoma, and 64% were older than 60 years. Radiation therapy utilization decreased from a peak of 39% in 2007 to 33% in 2011 ( P P P Conclusions Although clinical guidelines endorse radiation therapy as the preferred initial therapy for early-stage nongastric and Helicobacter pylori –negative gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, radiation therapy is underused. Radiation therapy with or without systemic therapy was associated with a significant improvement in OS and should remain standard of care.
IP Litigation in United States District Courts - 2015 Update

In a previous paper, "IP Litigation in United States District Courts: 1994 to 2014", I undertook a broad-based empirical review of Intellectual Property litigation in U.S. federal district courts from 1994 to 2014. This brief update extends that data to include the year 2015. This update contains new data on: (1) the overall state of copyright, patent and trademark litigation, (2) copyright litigation and the John Doe phenomenon, (3) the continuation of the patent litigation explosion and (4) the geographic distribution of copyright, patent and trademark litigation. This Update is not intended as a stand-alone article, it should be read in conjunction with the previous paper.
Self-efficacy, Parent-child Relationships and Academic Performance: A Comparison of European American and Asian American College Students

Parent–child relationships play an important role in successful academic outcomes. Previous research suggests that the association between parent–child relationships and offspring’s academic achievement may be mediated by offspring’s self-efficacy levels, although these relationships are not fully understood. Furthermore, the association between family support and academic outcomes is well-documented among European Americans, but not across cultures. Therefore, the present study examined how parent–child relationship quality relates to young adults’ academic achievement and self-efficacy among European Americans and Asian Americans. Participants were 258 undergraduate students (85 male, 173 female) who completed a survey. Overall, both parent–child relationships and self-efficacy were significantly associated with the offspring’s academic performance, and self-efficacy mediated the relationship between parent–child relationships and school outcomes. Ethnicity moderated these relationships: among European American students, quality of parent–child relationships was not associated with self-efficacy level whereas for Asian Americans, parent–child relationships were associated with self-efficacy. These findings suggest that European American college students’ self-efficacy levels are less dependent on parent–child relationship quality, but for Asian Americans college students it may be important for educators to facilitate communication and family support so students may continue to use family as a resource for self-efficacy levels.
Organizational Aspects of Technological Change

This paper discusses the organizational dimensions of two kinds of technological change. The first concerns how modern industrial organizations manage technological change, and the second concerns the development of new forms of organizations and how these new forms appear to be connected with the development of a new technology.
Taphonomy of diploporite (Echinodermata) holdfasts from a Silurian hardground, southeastern Indiana, United States: palaeoecologic and stratigraphic significance

A microbioherm-bearing hardground within the middle Silurian (Wenlock) Massie Formation near Napoleon, southeastern Indiana, United States is encrusted by the attachment structures of numerous pelmatozoan echinoderms. Among the most common of these holdfasts are multi-plated discoidal structures representing the thecal attachments of diploporite ‘cystoids’. This large population of holdfasts permits the first detailed taphonomic and palaeoecologic study of hardground diploporite attachments, allowing for increased morphological understanding of these rarely studied structures and facilitating identification of holdfasts in deposits where they might have been overlooked or misidentified. The biostratinomic sequence commences with detachment of thecae, followed by weathering of isolated discoidal holdfasts to bring out radiating canal structures and plate sutures, eventually leading to removal of the interior floor to expose the underlying substrate. Continued exposure can result in separation of component holdfast plates, though cementation to the substrate prevents scattering of plates. Diagenetic precipitation of pyrite occurred after burial; the large size of crystals suggests late diagenesis, perhaps seeded by early diagenetic pyrite crystallites produced by decay of ligamentary tissue. Extrinsic taphonomic factors include overgrowth of holdfasts by laminar stenolaemate bryozoans and other echinoderm attachment structures. Diploporite holdfasts are not bored and are absent on microbioherms. Taphonomic data indicate the time-averaged nature of this hardground and its diploporite assemblage and permit prediction of similar occurrences at major flooding surfaces.
Ethical Challenges Posed by Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology Developments and Ethical Challenges: The hype surrounding nanotechnology includes the transformation of the world for the better, with the elimination of poverty and hunger and human life being extended. Medicine would be revolutionized by new treatments developed and “nanobots” circulating throughout the human body that would repair damage and prevent disease and aging.© 2010 ASME
Spare parts allocation with ship for K/N(G) redundant structure

When the fleet executes short term mission,it has no charge in halfway.A two stage repair model according the multi-echelon technology for recoverable item control(METRIC)model is built to solve this problem,which can assess the probability of success for mission and optimize spare parts scheme.The combination of binomial distribution and hypergeometric distribution is used to solve the problem,but the probability of success is difficult to solve when the redundancy numbers of component and line replaceable unit(LRU)change with time.Finally,an example which has got a spare parts plan throw marginal algorithm optimization is given,and it analyzes the mission success probability of the fleet on different stages.The result is consistent with the reality.
Peptococcal Urinary Tract Infection with Bacteremia: A Case Report

The second documented case of urinary tract infection with associated bacteremia of Peptococcus asaccharolyticus origin is reported. High fever and low peripheral white blood count were manifestations of bacteremia with Pepococcus asaccharolyticus, an anaerobic gram-positive coccus. Although anaerobes have been documented to cause urinary tract infections resulting in bacteremia most previous reports implicate aerobes in these processes. The problems inherent in culturing urine for anaerobes are reviewed.
Reactivity of [{MnIV(salpn)}2{μ-O,μ-OCH3]+ and [{MnIV(salpn)}2(μ-O,μ-OH)]+: Effects of Proton Lability and Hydrogen Bonding

It was previously shown that the addition of 1 equiv of a strong acid to [MnIV(salpn)(μ-O)]2, 1, generates the oxo/hydroxo complex [{MnIV(salpn)}2(μ-O,μ-OH)](CF3SO3), 2, which emphasized the basicity of the μ2-O2- units in the [MnIV(μ-O)]2 dimers. We now demonstrate the inherent nucleophilicity of those μ2-O2- units by showing that the addition of methyl triflate to 1 results in formation of the oxo/methoxo-bridged MnIV dimer [{MnIV(salpn)}2(μ-O,μ-OCH3)](CF3SO3), 3. EXAFS analysis of 3 demonstrates that alkylation of an oxo bridge results in the same structural modification of the [MnIV(μ-O)]2 core as an oxo bridge protonation. Electrochemical and spectroscopic comparisons of 3 to 2 indicate that 3 is a good electronic structure analogue for 2 without the complication of proton lability and hydrogen bonding. Indeed, 2 and 3 react nearly identically with hydrogen peroxide and with strong acids. In contrast, the products of their reactions with amines, acetate, and triphenylphosphine are dramatically differ...