cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermomechanical behaviour of a damaged thermal protection system: Experimental correlation and influence of hypersonic flow

This paper describes a combined experimental and numerical study on damaged and undamaged space shuttle tile thermal protection system (TPS). The principal objective of the study is to determine its thermomechanical behaviour and assess the structural integrity of the TPS. The TPS tile specimens are subjected to a temperature profile corresponding to the thermal loads of the Access to Space reference vehicle. Experiments are conducted in a vacuum chamber that allows re-entry static pressure to be simulated. Temperatures on the top and bottom surfaces of the specimen, and the strains in the underlying structure are recorded. The experimental results are used to guide the development of a refined finite element model, which is subsequently used to simulate the interactions between the high speed external flow past the cavity that represents damage. Using this model, the relative effects of damage on the thermal protection capability and the induced thermal stresses are determined by comparing the response of the damaged configurations with the undamaged configuration. Damage increases the thermal loads and significantly reduces the radiation heat loss from the surface of the tile, resulting in elevated temperatures. Results indicate that damage can raise the maximum temperature in the tile to values that exceed its melting point.
Effect of foundation compliance on earthquake stresses in multistory buildings

This paper shows the quantitative effect that foundation compliance has on the maximum base shear force and the fundamental period of vibration in typical tall buildings subjected to strong-motion earthquakes. A study was made of five-, ten-, and fifteen-story building models on the Electric Analog Computer, subjecting them to the ground accelerations of actual earthquakes. The base shear forces were measured, the foundation compliance of the models being changed through a very wide range. The properties specified for the building models are shown to be similar to the properties found in real buildings. The experimental results imply that the maximum base shear forces in typical buildings of five stories and higher during strong-motion earthquakes will be essentially unaffected by any degree of foundation compliance that can be expected in normal building practice. The fundamental period of typical buildings will be increased by about 10 per cent if the foundation compliance is the maximum that can be expected in standard building practice.
Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks Security

In this paper we are focusing on closed MANETs where only authorized nodes are supposed to access the network. We denote “outsider” nodes as those nodes that are not authorized to access the network, and ‘insider” nodes as those that are. The objective of this research is to develop mechanisms that protect a closed MANET against malicious behavior from outsider nodes as well as insider nodes through packet authentication and a Trust Management System, respectively.
Synergistic experimental and numerical characterization of a dry-heat, fluid-warming device

Fluids that are infused into the human body must be at a temperature that is compatible with the internal thermal state of the body. Since infusants are typically stored at temperatures that are too low for compatibility, a heating means is required to achieve the appropriate infusion temperature. This paper sets forth a synergistic investigation involving coupled experimentation and numerical simulation of the characteristics of one of the main categories of body-fluid heating means. The methodology developed here serves equally well as a design optimization tool. The paper encompasses two stages: (a) an experimental and numerical evaluation of a generic warming device in common use and (b) a redesign utilizing the same tools to elevate the performance of devices of this category. The numerical simulation dealt with steady and unsteady three-dimensional fluid flow and heat transfer which are endemic to devices of this kind. The two-pronged approach developed here was shown to be capable of coping with an operating feature called stopflow wherein an officiating physician orders an immediate cessation of fluid flow. The thermal events following stopflow are well described by the numerical simulations.
Predictability of CFSv2 in the tropical Indo-Pacific region, at daily and subseasonal time scales

The predictability of a coupled climate model is evaluated at daily and intraseasonal time scales in the tropical Indo-Pacific region during boreal summer and winter. This study has assessed the daily retrospective forecasts of the Climate Forecast System version 2 from the National Centers of Environmental Prediction for the period 1982–2010. The growth of errors in the forecasts of daily precipitation, monsoon intraseasonal oscillation (MISO) and the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is studied. The seasonal cycle of the daily climatology of precipitation is reasonably well predicted except for the underestimation during the peak of summer. The anomalies follow the typical pattern of error growth in nonlinear systems and show no difference between summer and winter. The initial errors in all the cases are found to be in the nonlinear phase of the error growth. The doubling time of small errors is estimated by applying Lorenz error formula. For summer and winter, the doubling time of the forecast errors is in the range of 4–7 and 5–14 days while the doubling time of the predictability errors is 6–8 and 8–14 days, respectively. The doubling time in MISO during the summer and MJO during the winter is in the range of 12–14 days, indicating higher predictability and providing optimism for long-range prediction. There is no significant difference in the growth of forecasts errors originating from different phases of MISO and MJO, although the prediction of the active phase seems to be slightly better.
Polarity dependence of oxide breakdown in a graphene/SiO 2 /Si structure under pulsed voltage drive

We have investigated the physical mechanisms of explosive breakdown of a graphene/SiO 2 /Si (GOS) structure under high-field pulsed drive: both p-Si and n-Si GOS structures under inversion bias. The breakdown damages are found to significantly differ between the two structures: highly localized, circular, protruding/deep melt explosion of Si for the n-Si GOS case; shallow, irregular, laterally-propagating trench-like eruptions in SiO 2 /Si for the p-Si GOS case. These very different damage morphologies are explained by the different carrier-multiplication processes involved in the explosion of GOS structures: a cascade of electron impact ionization, escalating towards the Si depletion region for the n-Si case; carrier multiplication accumulating at the graphene side for the p-Si case.
Illness and the Other

Not long ago I received a call from a physician who wanted me to stop by to see one of his patients — a young man who had been hospitalized a week prior and was adamantly refusing hemodialysis. Although dialysis would surely be beneficial, his refusal would mean he would die.
Urinary Biomarkers of Oxidative DNA-Base Damage and Human Caloric Intake

Life span extension is a fascinating goal that has captured human imagination throughout history, prompting much speculation and numerous investigations. Since the early experiments of McCay and coworkers (1935, 1943) with rats, the mechanisms of dietary restriction (DR) and its effects on extension of maximum life span (MLS) and reduction of degenerative diseases has been of great interest (Weindruch and Walford 1988). More recently, reducing the incidence of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders through nutritional interventions (Ames 1983) has become an economic issue and a driving force in investigations of DR. In contrast to gross observations, however, the progress in mechanistic understanding has been quite modest. Although research on free radical and oxidative processes in biology and medicine (Simic et al. 1988) appears to have growing relevance to our understanding of DR, there has been relatively little interaction between the two areas of study. Nevertheless, novel ideas bridging these fields have been introduced by Harman (1981).
Epistemic Values and Disinformation

David Hume (1748) famously said, “when anyone tells me, that he saw a dead man restored to life, I immediately consider with myself, whether it be more probable, that this person should either deceive or be deceived, or that the fact, which he relates, should really have happened.” Of course, intentionally deceptive information on many topics (not just reports of miracles) can interfere with our ability to achieve our epistemic goals of acquiring true beliefs and avoiding false beliefs. Thus, it would be beneficial to reduce the spread of such disinformation. In order to do this, we need to identify what sorts of things affect the amount of disinformation and how they affect it. Toward this end, I offer an analysis of what disinformation is. I then use this analysis to develop a game-theoretic model (which is inspired by the work of Elliott Sober and of Brian Skyrms and which appeals to philosophical work on epistemic values) of the sending and receiving of disinformation.
The Class IIa Histone Deacetylases

Posttranslational modifications of histone proteins in chromatin play a critical role in the control of gene expression in eukaryotes. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) catalyze the deacetylation of lysine residues in the histone amino-terminal tails and are found in large multiprotein transcriptional compressor complexes. Human HDACs are grouped into three classes based on their similarity to known yeast factors. Class I HDACs are similar to the yeast transcriptional repressor yRPD3, whereas class II HDACs are related to yHDA1 and class III HDAs to ySIR2. In this review, we focus on the structure and function of class IIa HDACs. These recently discovered enzymes have been implicated as important regulators of gene expression during cell differentiation and development.
Fabrication of Shallow Silicon Nanoholes and Fixing Nanoparticles

Shallow nanohole structures of uniform size were fabricated on p-type Si by anodizing Si at high applied voltages in a dilute HF solution. The dependence of surface morphology on anodization conditions was investigated and it was found that both HF concentration and ethanol concentration in the electrolyte influenced nanostructures. Nanohole sizes were changed 70-140 nm with increasing applied voltage. Fabricated nanohole structures were used as a substrate for fixing nanoparticles. Nanoparticles, whose sizes were comparable to nanohole sizes, were selectively trapped in nanoholes.
Relationship between social support, quality of life, and Th2 cytokines in a biobehavioral cancer survivorship trial

Benefits of social support (SS) during cancer survivorship are complex. This study examines change in SS over time in cervical cancer (CXCA) survivors who have completed definitive treatment and how changing SS impacts quality of life (QOL) and T-helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines. We conducted a randomized trial in 204 CXCA survivors to test if psychosocial telephone counseling (PTC) could improve QOL compared to usual care (UC). Although PTC did not target SS, data were collected at baseline, 4 and 9 months post-enrollment using the Medical Outcomes Survey Social Support scale. Biospecimens were collected to investigate associations with patient-reported outcomes. Data were analyzed using multivariate linear models and stepwise regression. Participants’ mean age was 43. PTC participants experienced increasing SS compared to UC at 4 months (PTC-UC = 5.1; p = 0.055) and 9 months (PTC-UC = 6.0; p = 0.046). Higher baseline SS and increasing SS were independently associated with improved QOL at 4 and 9 months after adjusting for patient characteristics (p < 0.05). Differences between study arms were not statistically significant. Improvements in QOL at 4 months were observed with increases in emotional/informational and tangible SS. Increasing SS predicted significant longitudinal decreases in IL-4 and IL-13 at 4 months that were larger in the PTC arm (interactions p = 0.041 and p = 0.057, respectively). Improved SS was significantly associated with improved QOL independent of patient characteristics and study arm. Decreasing Th2 cytokines with increasing SS and QOL are consistent with a biobehavioral paradigm in which modulation of the chronic stress response is associated with shifts in immune stance.
“I still think there's a need for proper, academic, Standard English”: Examining a teacher's negotiation of multiple language ideologies

Abstract To better understand writing teachers’ language ideologies and how they might challenge or support the implementation of Student's Right to Their Own Language (SRTOL) tenets in the classroom, this study examined the articulated language ideologies of a college writing instructor. In particular, I investigated how the instructor negotiates multiple language ideologies, including standard language ideology as well as more critical beliefs regarding language, to voice an appropriateness-based stance toward language variation. Such a stance views linguistic codes as appropriate in certain contexts and inappropriate, or unsuitable, in others. By voicing an appropriateness-based stance before and after her participation in professional development workshops designed to further develop instructors’ critical language awareness, the instructor illustrates the complexity of enacting the tenets of SRTOL, even after engaging in reflexive analysis of her own language beliefs. To conclude, I suggest that the development of critical language awareness necessitates continual challenge and support if SRTOL is to move from theory to praxis in education.
TREO Aortic Endograft Demonstrates Significant Aneurysmal Sac Shrinkage.

Abstract Background Aneurysmal sac shrinkage is associated with successful aneurysm repair after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). There are a variety of approved aortic endografts, with a recent study demonstrating increased sac shrinkage in certain endografts compared with others. The TREO endograft (Terumo Aortic Ltd, Renfrewshire, Scotland, UK) is being evaluated for use in EVAR, with preliminary data demonstrating high rates of success. The objective of this study is to evaluate sac shrinkage of the TREO endograft. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of EVARs at a single institution by a high-volume surgeon over a 1-year period in which the TREO graft was used. The change in sac size and rate of sac shrinkage (mm/mo) were evaluated between TREO and non-TREO grafts. All TREO grafts were included in the analysis. Non-TREO grafts were matched a priori for TREO indications for use anatomic specifications. Non-TREO grafts were also excluded for traumatic or emergent cases. The primary outcome was sac shrinkage, and secondary outcomes were composite complication profile within 30 d of operation. Results Six TREO grafts and 16 non-TREO grafts were included for analysis. The groups were similar in age, gender, and race. The groups were also similar in aortic anatomy before EVAR. The aneurysm sac shrinkage rate (mm/mo) is significantly greater in the TREO group than in the non-TREO group (0.484 ± 0.107 versus 0.018 ± 0.112, P = 0.033). The total average size of sac shrinkage was also greater for the TREO group (−0.688 ± 2.262 versus 12.00 ± 2.78, P Conclusions TREO aortic endografts for aneurysm repair are being used in Europe. However, their application in the United States is limited. Our data demonstrate the significant advantage the TREO graft has with increased sac shrinkage and minimal complications, compared with other grafts. This study adds to the growing body of literature supporting TREO graft use for EVAR.
A volatile biomarker in breath predicts lung cancer and pulmonary nodules.

Background: Previous studies have reported volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath as apparent biomarkers of lung cancer. We tested the hypothesis that a robust breath VOC biomarker of lung cancer should also predict pulmonary nodules in chest CT images. Methods: Biomarker discovery study (unblinded): 301 subjects were screened for lung cancer with low dose chest CT (LDCT), and donated duplicate samples of alveolar breath for analysis with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC MS). Monte Carlo analysis of breath chromatograms revealed a mass ion as a biomarker that identified biopsy-proven lung cancer as well as suspicious pulmonary nodules on LDCT. The biomarker was termed MAGIIC (Mass Abnormalities in Gaseous Ions with Imaging Correlates). The chemical structure of MAGIIC was tentatively identified from the NIST library of mass spectra; the best-fit compounds included C4 and C5 alkane derivatives that were consistent with metabolic products of oxidative stress. Blinded validation of MAGIIC: The abundance of the MAGIIC biomarker was determined in a different group of 161 subjects undergoing screening with LDCT. They donated duplicate alveolar breath VOC samples that were analyzed at two independent laboratories. The study was blinded and monitored with Good Clinical Practice. The abundance of MAGIIC in breath predicted biopsy-proven lung cancer with 84% accuracy, sensitivity = 75.4% and specificity = 85.0%. MAGIIC also predicted pulmonary nodules in LDCT with 80.5% accuracy, sensitivity = 80.1% and specificity = 75.0%. Breath MAGIIC abundance was not significantly affected by tobacco smoking history. Conclusions: In a blinded study, breath VOC MAGIIC accurately predicted lung cancer confirmed on a tissue biopsy, as well as suspicious pulmonary nodules observed on LDCT. MAGIIC may have been a product of oxidative stress and it could potentially be employed as an ancillary to LDCT to predict the likelihood that a pulmonary nodule is malignant.
Seamless Dynamics for Wild-Frequency Active Rectifiers in More Electric Aircraft

In this article, a seamless dynamics controller for wild-frequency active rectifiers in more electric aircraft (MEA) is presented. The novelty of the proposed control scheme resides in its ability to seamlessly regulate the output dc-bus voltage and input reactive power in the presence of rapid frequency changes. These smooth dynamics are achieved through a multivariable direct model reference adaptive control (MRAC) formulation, which allows the gains of the controller to adjust themselves to the wild-frequency operation of the MEA power generation. The validity and performance effectiveness of the proposed seamless dynamics control scheme is verified experimentally through a laboratory-scaled three-phase 1.5-kW 270-V SiC two-level voltage-source-converter using a variable-frequency programmable grid emulator. Moreover, a traditional proportional-integral controller is implemented experimentally with the same converter as a benchmark to highlight the merits of the proposed MRAC.
Magnetic structure of Nd in NdFeAsO studied by x-ray resonant magnetic scattering

The magnetic structure of Nd in NdFeAsO compound has been investigated by x-ray resonant magnetic scattering at the Nd ${L}_{2}$ edge ($E=6.725$ keV) at $1.7\ensuremath{\le}T\ensuremath{\le}15$ K. At $T=1.7$ K we find that the Nd moments are aligned along the crystallographic $c$ direction with the (1, 0, 0) propagation vector, and are arranged antiferromagnetically along the $a$ direction and ferromagnetically along the $b$ and $c$ directions. At $1.7lT\ensuremath{\le}15$ K, we observe an unusual temperature dependence of the magnetic Bragg peaks that appear differently at $\mathbf{Q}=(h,0,l)$ and $(0,k,l)$. From the changes of magnetic intensities and our representation analysis, we find that the Nd moments are reoriented toward the $a$ direction with a gradual decrease of the moment component in the $c$ direction with increasing temperature. We conclude that the reorientation of the Nd moment is due to a strong interplay with the Fe moment which is fully ordered in this temperature range.
The Application of Credit Risk Models to Macroeconomic Regulatory Stress Testing

The application of credit risk models in Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review and European Banking Authority mandated regulatory macroeconomic stress testing is of significant concern for banks. The credit models that are used to project stressed losses and impairments under macroeconomic scenarios are also instrumental in projecting interest income and accrual as well as the balances that go into projected risk weighted assets. In this paper we review both the significant role that the credit risk models play in the macroeconomic stress testing as well as demonstrating how different credit risk models can be efficiently implemented for stress testing execution with concrete application examples. Many of the credit risk models banks use in practice can be efficiently implemented through a very simple conditional Markov iteration. Examples include multi-factor models derived from the Merton structural approach and dynamic transition matrix models that depend on economic factors and are traditionally estimated on cohorts of loans. We also analyze the efficient implementation of more complex dynamic transition matrix models with the added feature of delinquency history tracking. Such models are frequently used for retail portfolios and can introduce significant past state dependence. Traditionally, such models are therefore deployed in stress testing using simulation of state transitions. However, in some important cases, such as quarterly models and monthly models with delinquency state indicator functions, the models can be solved more efficiently with an expanded conditional Markov iteration.
Modeling and Optimal Control of Hybrid UAVs with Wind Disturbance

This paper addresses modeling and control of a six-degree-of-freedom unmanned aerial vehicle capable of vertical take-off and landing in the presence of wind disturbances. We design a hybrid vehicle that combines the benefits of both the fixed-wing and the rotary-wing UAVs. A non-linear model for the hybrid vehicle is rapidly built, combining rigid body dynamics, aerodynamics of wing, and dynamics of the motor and propeller. Further, we design an H2 optimal controller to make the UAV robust to wind disturbances. We compare its results against that of PID and LQR-based control. Our proposed controller results in better performance in terms of root mean squared errors and time responses during two scenarios: hover and level-flight.
An Information Technology Architecture for Drug Effectiveness Reporting and Post-Marketing Surveillance

Adverse drug events impose a large cost on the society in terms of lives and health care costs. In this article, we propose an information technology architecture for enabling the monitoring of adverse drug events in an outpatient setting as a part of the post marketing surveillance program. The proposed system architecture enables the development of a Web-based drug effectiveness reporting and monitoring system that builds on previous studies demonstrating the feasibility of a system in which community pharmacists identify and report adverse drug events. We define the key technical requirements of such a monitoring and reporting system, identify the critical factors that influence the successful implementation and use of the system, and propose information technology solutions that satisfy these requirements.
Semi-enclosed microfluidic device on glass-fiber membrane with enhanced signal quality for colorimetric analyte detection in whole blood

Microfluidic analytical devices manufactured on paper and similar inexpensive substrates (µ-PADs) have shown considerable promise for disease diagnostics in resource-limited regions. However, current commercialization approaches can be improved substantially by addressing existing technical challenges associated with µ-PADs. Among these, off-device plasma separation from whole blood is a critical challenge in µ-PAD technology that limits commercialization. Existing µ-PADs made by combining multiple components require extra fabrication steps and manufacturing material. Our approach utilizes a two-step plasma process to fabricate single-layer semi-enclosed µ-PADs directly on a commercially available blood plasma separation membrane to incorporate blood plasma separation functionality into the device. The semi-enclosed µ-PADs are bonded with low-cost adhesive plastic tape to provide mechanical support to the device and make it more mechanically robust for field applications. Detection zones of the µ-PADs have also been modified with a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) to increase colorimetric signal homogeneity, thus enhancing signal quality. The CNC-modified µ-PADs have been used for colorimetric detection of two model analytes (glucose and albumin) in whole blood. Colorimetric signals for both glucose and albumin from whole blood samples were consistent with the calibration curves generated using stock solutions.
Caregiver-reported executive functioning and associated adaptive and challenging behaviour in children with histories of developmental delay.

Background Deficits in executive functioning (EF) have been measured in individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, through the use of behaviour rating scales and performance-based assessment. Associations between EF and variables such as challenging and adaptive behaviour have been observed; however, limited research exists on EF profiles in children with heterogeneous developmental delay or with intellectual disability (ID) or the impact of EF on adaptive and challenging behaviour with this population. Methods The present study sought to examine the EF profile of 93 children (75 male and 18 female) previously identified with developmental delay in early childhood. EF was assessed using the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2). Children were categorised into an ID group (n = 14) or no ID group (n = 79) based on scores from cognitive and adaptive behaviour assessments. EF profiles were investigated and compared by group. In addition, the impact of EF on both adaptive behaviour and challenging behaviour was measured using hierarchical linear regressions. Results Statistically significant differences in caregiver-reported EF were not observed between groups; however, both the ID and the no ID group scores were elevated as reported by their caregivers. For the overall sample, caregiver-EF accounted for significant variance in both adaptive (22%) and challenging (68%) behaviour after accounting for child age and sex. Conclusions Results indicated deficits in EF for children with and without ID. The significance of EF was accounted for in both adaptive and challenging behaviour for all children in the sample. Future research could elucidate the role of adaptive and challenging behaviour in understanding EF variability among children with histories of developmental delay.
Improving clinical documentation of evaluation and management care and patient acuity improves reimbursement as well as quality metrics.

Abstract Objective Accurate documentation of patient care and acuity is essential to determine appropriate reimbursement as well as accuracy of key publicly reported quality metrics. We sought to investigate the impact of standardized note templates by inpatient advanced practice providers (APPs) on evaluation and management (E/M) charge capture, including outside of the global surgical package (GSP), and quality metrics including case mix index (CMI) and mortality index (MI). We hypothesized this clinical documentation initiative as well as improved coding of E/M services would result in increased reimbursement and quality metrics. Methods A documentation and coding initiative on the heart and vascular service line was initiated in 2016 with focus on improving inpatient E/M capture by APPs outside the GSP. Comprehensive training sessions and standardized documentation templates were created and implemented in the electronic medical record. Subsequent hospital care E/M (current procedural terminology codes 99231, 99232, 99233) from the years 2015 to 2017 were audited and analyzed for charge capture rates, collections, work relative value units (wRVUs), and billing complexity. Data were compared over time by standardizing CMS values and reimbursement rates. In addition, overall CMI and MI were calculated each year. Results One year following the documentation initiative, E/M charges on the vascular surgery service line increased by 78.5% with a corresponding increase in APP charges from 0.4% of billable E/M services to 70.4% when compared with pre-initiative data. The charge capture of E/M services among all inpatients rose from 21.4% to 37.9%. Additionally, reimbursement from CMS increased by 65% as total work relative value units generated from E/M services rose by 78.4% (797 to 1422). The MI decreased over the study period by 25.4%. Additionally, there was a corresponding 5.6% increase in the cohort CMI. Distribution of E/M encounter charges did not vary significantly. Meanwhile, the prevalence of 14 clinical comorbidities in our cohort as well as length of stay (P = .88) remained non-statistically different throughout the study period. Conclusions Accurate clinical documentation of E/M care and ultimately inpatient acuity is critical in determining quality metrics that serve as important measures of overall hospital quality for CMS value-based payments and rankings. A system-based documentation initiative and expanded role of inpatient APPs on vascular surgery teams significantly improved charge capture and reimbursement outside the GSP as well as CMI and MI in a consistently complex patient population.
A Soft Wearable Tactile Device Using Lateral Skin Stretch

This paper presents an initial study of a soft wearable tactile device that stimulates the finger pad via lateral forces. The device is wrapped around the finger and consists of a 4 × 4 array of pucks with a 2.6 mm pitch. Users interact with a magnet that achieves displacements of ± 56 µm. Two psychophysical experiments were conducted to explore the utility of the device. They showed that the lateral forces obtained were sufficient for the perception of angled lines, and the array-based system provided repeatable edge detection.
Application of Serial Sectioning to Evaluate the Performance of x-ray Computed Tomography for Quantitative Porosity Measurements in Additively Manufactured Metals

This study presents a correlative characterization of internal porosity within a Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) additively manufactured sample. An x-ray computed tomography (XCT) reconstruction is compared to a mechanical polishing-based serial sectioning (SS) reconstruction over the same volumetric region. A 10-mm-diameter cylindrical additive manufactured sample was examined in this study, which was manufactured by laser powder bed fusion out of Ti64 virgin powder. Microfocus XCT imaging was conducted to characterize the internal porosity within the sample, at a voxel resolution of approximately 23 µm. After XCT imaging, a custom SS system was employed for optical microscopy characterization at a much finer spatial resolution—approximately 22 times—compared to the XCT reconstruction. The SS data were correlated with the XCT images of the sample. The methods used for segmentation of each data volume are discussed. The quantitative results of stereology, area fraction of porosity, and equivalent pore diameters are presented. The comparative results for manual data registration are also presented, as well as the future direction of research resulting from this current study.
Coupled Cluster Downfolding Methods: the effect of double commutator terms on the accuracy of ground-state energies

Downfolding coupled cluster (CC) techniques have recently been introduced into quantum chemistry as a tool for the dimensionality reduction of the many-body quantum problem. As opposed to earlier formulations in physics and chemistry based on the concept of effective Hamiltonians, the appearance of the downfolded Hamiltonians is a natural consequence of the single-reference exponential parametrization of the wave function. In this paper, we discuss the impact of higher-order terms originating in double commutators. In analogy to previous studies, we consider the case when only one- and two-body interactions are included in the downfolded Hamiltonians. We demonstrate the efficiency of the many-body expansions involving single and double commutators for the unitary extension of the downfolded Hamiltonians on the example of the beryllium atom, and bond-breaking processes in the Li2 and H2O molecules. For the H2O system, we also analyze energies obtained with downfolding procedures as functions of the active space size.
Blood enzymes in cancer and other diseases.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews available information concerning the enzymes present in the formed elements of blood, in the plasma and serum and, where pertinent, relates these to the corresponding enzymes in the tissues and other body fluids. There is an attempt to consider the origin of these enzymes and the mechanisms regulating their concentration in the blood. It is especially concerned with the alteration of these enzyme activities in cancer and, to some extent, in other diseases, and with the application of these alterations in diagnosis and management. The chapter also discusses enzymes in the erythrocyte. Reticulocytes are erythrocytes that show, upon staining with certain dyes such as brilliant cresyl blue, a reticulum consisting of a diffuse or punctate basophilia. The oxygen consumption of erythrocytes is associated chiefly with the presence of reticulocytes. The marked respiratory activity of the reticulocyte in contrast to that of the erythrocyte indicates the presence of the enzymes of the citric acid cycle in the reticulocyte. Changes in the enzyme activities of reticulocytes in many diseases, including cancer, would reflect the presence and degree of hematopoietic stimulation and, in turn, the age distribution of the circulating reticulocytes and erythrocytes. Platelets are cytoplasmic fragments of the megakaryocytes, the large cells usually found in the bone marrow, but also, to some extent, in the lung, spleen, fetus, and liver. Leucocytes are nucleated cells, and the complexity and variety of their enzymic sequences may be considered to be as great as those of other nucleated cells throughout the body. The marked differences between normal and leukemic leucocytes are quite apparent. The chapter closes with a discussion on enzymes in serum.
Ocean Topography, Tides, Mixing, and the Earth&#8217;s Climate

The seafloor is one of the critical controls on the ocean’s general circulation. Its influence comes through a variety of mechanisms including the contribution of mixing the ocean’s interior through the generation of internal waves created by currents flowing over rough topography. The influence of topographic roughness on the ocean’s general circulation occurs through a series of connected processes. First, internal waves are generated by currents and tides flowing over topographic features in the presence of the stratification. Some portion of these waves are sufficiently non-linear that they immediately break creating locally enhanced vertical mixing. The majority of the internal waves radiate away from the source regions, and likely contribute to the background mixing observed in the ocean interior. The enhancement of vertical mixing over regions of the rough topography has important implications for the abyssal stratification and circulation. These in turn have implications for the storage and transport of energy in the climate system, and ultimately the response of the climate system to natural and anthropogenic forcing.
Globalization and Business Politics in Arab North Africa: A Comparative Perspective

Part I. The Framework: 1. Rethinking globalization and business politics 2. Globalization and integration in international apparel manufacturing networks: the new politics of industrial development Part II. The Institutional Context: 3. Business and the state in Tunisia: statist development, capital dispersion, and preemptive integration in world markets 4. Business in the state in Morocco: business penetration of the state and the genesis of the 'fat cat' Part III. Globalization and Institutional Change: 5. Business as usual: state-sponsored industrialization and business collective inaction in Tunisia 6. Fat cats and self-made men: class conflict and business collective action in Morocco 7. Globalization, business politics, and industrial policy in developing countries.
A polymodal semantics for VHDL

This paper presents a formal semantics for a subset of VHDL that includes the basic control constructs, delta and unit delay signal assignment, variable assignment, and all forms of wait statements. A polymodal logic with two temporal modalities is used as the underlying formalism, thus allowing for formalization of the flows of time as well as control without modeling the simulation kernel. Since temporal logics are also good languages for specification of program properties and automated reasoning, this approach is a promising one for specification and verification of hardware expressed in VHDL.
It’s the Institution: Librarians Join the Revolution to Open the Judicial System to Self-Represented Litigants

Innovations in information literacy is not only taking place in academic law libraries, law firm libraries, and court libraries but simultaneously occurring in the legal system. Innovation also means rethinking - and remaking - institutions that no longer serve us well. As any lawyer or non-lawyer can confirm, the traditional legal system has ignored the needs of self-represented litigants, now flooding courtrooms, seeking solutions to real and significant problems. Yet, revolution is afoot, and the judicial system is responding to accommodate this new class of users. Presenter Richard Zorza, introduced by Charles Dyer as an "instigator of innovation," spoke about the movement to make courtrooms, judicial procedures, and the legal system as a whole, more friendly, open, and available to self-represented litigants at the Annual Meeting Program, "Law Libraries and Access to Justice Revolution."
Development of a CMOS cell library for RF wireless and telecommunications applications

There is increasing interest in the use of CMOS circuits for highly integrated high frequency wireless telecommunications systems. This paper presents the results of on-going work into the development of a cell library that includes many of the circuit elements required for the high frequency sub-system of a communications integrated circuit. The cells were fabricated using standard MOSIS processes and measurement results are presented. The full design files, testing results and circuit tutorials describing the cells and how they interface with baseband circuits are available from the author.
Synthesis of selenium particles with various morphologies

Abstract Uniform selenium spherical particles were prepared by reducing selenous acid with hydroquinone in the presence of Daxad 11G. The red colored colloidal dispersions displayed a distinct plasmon band at ∼612 nm and were stable for extended time due to the negative surface potential of the particles. Structural analyses indicated that the Se spheres were aggregates of nanosize subunits crystallized in the hexagonal system. Selenium wires and rods were obtained by changing the pH and the composition of the precipitated dispersions and incubating them for extended time at moderate temperatures. The addition of a co-solvent played a major role in the re-crystallization of selenium spheres into anisotropic structures.
Defining Family: Young Adults' Perceptions of the Parent-Child Bond

Determining what constitutes a family can be a difficult issue. Traditionally, the term family has been associated with two married parents and their biological children. Yet, cultural understandings of what it means to be a family have broadened considerably in recent years. In order to gain insight into changing conceptions of the family, this research offers a preliminary examination into young adults' perceptions of the parent-child relationship. The analysis reveals that young adults utilize both traditional and socially expansive definitions, but their discussions of the parent-child bond tend to more strongly reinforce traditional definitions.
Chest Wall Resection and Reconstruction

Chest wall reconstruction has been refined and expanded in recent years so that almost any defect may be repaired with an excellent cosmetic and physiological result. The first step in a good reconstruction is an appropriate and thorough resection that leaves healthy, viable margins to which the materials and tissues used in a reconstruction may be anchored securely. In most instances, chest wall stabilization will not be necessary. In some cases in which large areas of chest wall will be removed or a lateral aspect of a chest wall needs to be resected, stabilization may be necessary. Stabilization may also be required in patients who suffer from debilitating lung disease and need a chest wall resection and reconstruction. Soft tissue coverage completes the reconstruction by moving healthy, viable tissue to fill the defect. In most instances, pedicled muscular, musculocutaneous, and omental flaps will provide adequate soft tissue coverage. Very infrequently, a free flap will be necessary to achieve total closure of a chest wall defect. The soft tissue coverage is completed by using meshed, split thickness skin grafts to provide epithelialization of any exposed muscle or omentum.
Soil Organic Matter Changes in Intensively Cropped Dryland Systems

Continuous cropping or decreasing the frequency of summer fallow (F) in cereal-based dryland rotations may have benefits other than greater water utilization and erosion control. We hypothesized that rotations with no fallow or minimum fallow frequency can produce more biomass and cover than the traditional winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-summer fallow systems (W-F), and ultimately, greater amounts of soil organic matter (SOM). To this end, we evaluated changes in various pools of SOM at the 0- to 5- and 0- to 15-cm depths on a Weld loam (fine, smectitic, mesic aridic Paleustolls) that were caused by (i) decreasing fallow or increasing cropping intensities, (ii) specific rotations of the same length but with different crop sequencing, and (iii) accumulated residue and roots from reduced- or no-tillage from 1993 to 1997. Total soil organic carbon (SOC) and N for the 0- to 5-cm depth increased by 20% with continuous cropping rotations compared with W-F rotations. Particulate organic matter-carbon (POM-C) doubled, while POM-N, and soluble organic C (OC) increased by one third for the same comparison. At the 0- to 15-cm depth, SOC, POM-C, and POM-N did not differ among systems with fallow, nor among systems with cropping intensities greater than W-F. Thus, significant differences always existed between W-F and continuous cropping. Generally, fallow had a negative influence on SOC accumulation, and continuous cropping a positive influence on surface SOM. Changes in SOC did not correlate with yields in the five-year comparison of this ongoing study.
The chlorofluorocarbon/ozone theory--a scientific status report.

In 1974 Professors Rowland and Molina of the University of California at Irvine developed a theory concerning the possible adverse impact of chlorofluorocarbons on the earth's ozone shield. These compounds are the working fluids responsible for the safety and efficiency of almost all air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment and are used as propellants in many types of aerosol products.—The present article is divided into five sections. The first is an historical perspective of the scientific situation up to the end of 1974. The second section examines the various findings and observations on which the theory is founded and outlines new knowledge gained in this sector since early 1975. The third section is devoted to the possible consequences of ozone depletion while the fourth and fifth sections consider the question of the risk taken in delaying a decision to stop production of certain halocarbons.
Sustained release of vascular endothelial growth factor from mineralized poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds for tissue engineering

Abstract Strategies to engineer bone tissue have focused on either: (1) the use of scaffolds for osteogenic cell transplantation or as conductive substrates for guided bone regeneration; or (2) release of inductive bioactive factors from these scaffold materials. This study describes an approach to add an inductive component to an osteoconductive scaffold for bone tissue engineering. We report the release of bioactive vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from a mineralized, porous, degradable polymer scaffold. Three dimensional, porous scaffolds of the copolymer 85 : 15 poly(lactide-co-glycolide) were fabricated by including the growth factor into a gas foaming/particulate leaching process. The scaffold was then mineralized via incubation in a simulated body fluid. Growth of a bone-like mineral film on the inner pore surfaces of the porous scaffold is confirmed by mass increase measurements and quantification of phosphate content within scaffolds. Release of 125 I -labeled VEGF was tracked over a 15 day period to determine release kinetics from the mineralized scaffolds. Sustained release from the mineralized scaffolds was achieved, and growth of the mineral film had only a minor effect on the release kinetics from the scaffolds. The VEGF released from the mineralized and non-mineralized scaffolds was over 70% active for up to 12 days following mineralization treatment, and the growth of mineral had little effect on total scaffold porosity.
Statistical model of OFDM and its application in nonlinearity analysis of LTE-Advanced systems

In this letter, to study the nonlinearity of RF power amplifiers (PAs), we showed that LTE-Advanced signals with large number of subcarriers can be expressed as a white Gaussian noise statistical model with flat power spectrum. This characteristic enables us to express the spectrum regrowth of LTE-Advanced signals up to an arbitrarily high order in an explicit form, in terms of the traditional PA nonlinearity parameter intercept points without complicated convolution. This general analytic expression would help RF designers to predict the PA distortion with simple intercept point expression, and provide insight for pre-distortion.
A Neglected Aspect of Foreign Language Testing: Structuring the Review Session

Considerable attention has been paid to the design, administration, and interpretation of foreign language tests, but practically none to the process of reviewing for these tests in group-paced instruction. The implementation of a fully articulated practice examination modeled on the format of the exam itself can structure a review session in such a way as to more fully exploit the teaching potential of an exam situation. Incorporating many of the self-evaluative benefits of individualized instruction, such a review sheet has great usefulness for the course chairman attempting to coordinate a multi-sectioned course with common examinations, and has the additional virtue of being highly popular with students.
A queuing system with time varying rates

We obtain the queue length distribution of a multiple-server queuing system with time varying arrival and service rates when these rates are high.