cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pointwise error estimates and asymptotic error expansion inequalities for the finite element method on irregular grids: part I. global estimates

This part contains new pointwise error estimates for the finite element method for second order elliptic boundary value problems on smooth bounded domains in R N . In a sense to be discussed below these sharpen known quasi-optimal L∞ and W 1∼ ∞ estimates for the error on irregular quasi-uniform meshes in that they indicate a more local dependence of the error at a point on the derivatives of the solution u. We note that in general the higher order finite element spaces exhibit more local behavior than lower order spaces. As a consequence of these estimates new types of error expansions will be derived which are in the form of inequalities. These expansion inequalities are valid for large classes of finite elements defined on irregular grids in R N and have applications to superconvergence and extrapolation and a posteriori estimates. Part II of this series will contain local estimates applicable to non-smooth problems.
Child-Spacing Effects on Intelligence, Personality, and Social Competence

Summary The effect of child spacing and family size on intelligence, personality, and social competence were studied in 533 suburban, middle class children in large (five or more) and small (two-child) families. Spacing was measured as to the next oldest sibling (Space-Old) and to the next youngest (Space-Young). Spacing measures were trichotomized into three categories: close (18 months or less), medium (19 to 30 months), and distant (more than 30 months). Standardized intelligence scores, the Test of Effective Academic Motivation, the Cattell High School Personality Questionnaire, questions about their participation in clubs, level of occupational aspiration, job orientation, and other personality scales were used. In corroboration with the Zajonc and Marcus model, the more closely spaced younger child was found to be less intelligent. However, these closely spaced children were also found to belong to more athletic teams, to be more interested in getting a job, and to be more ambitious occupationally. ...
Lung asbestos burden in shipyard and construction workers with mesothelioma: comparison with burdens in subjects with asbestosis or lung cancer

Although mesothelioma is generally considered to be caused by asbestos, epidemiologic studies indicate that some cases have another cause. In order to determine whether pulmonary asbestos burden can be used to define asbestos-related mesotheliomas, asbestos burden was quantified in 27 shipyard or construction workers with diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura or peritoneum and a history of asbestos exposure. Their burden was significantly greater than the burden found in 19 unexposed men (P less than 0.001). The burdens were also compared to those of previously reported subjects with asbestosis or lung cancer. The median concentration for total amphibole fibers (2.7 million/g dry lung) in subjects with mesothelioma did not differ significantly from our previously reported median values for 14 subjects with asbestosis (1.3 million/g dry lung) or for 60 asbestos workers with lung cancer (1.3 million/g dry lung). Fiber size distribution for amosite, the most prevalent fiber type, was similar in all three subject groups. Fifteen of 25 (60%) subjects with mesothelioma had mild asbestosis. Asbestos body (AB) concentrations were greater than or equal to 1900/g dry lung, and total amphibole fiber concentrations were greater than or equal to 390,000/g dry lung. Counts of ABs greater than or equal to 0.5/cm2 in histologic sections always signified both of these concentrations in extracts. Thus, histologic sections showing greater than or equal to 0.5 ABs/cm2 or extracts containing asbestos body or amphibole fiber concentrations of at least 1900 or 390,000/g dry lung, respectively, will confirm an asbestos-related mesothelioma.
Interrelation of endogenous annual rhythms of reproduction and hibernation in the golden-mantled ground squirrel

1. Ten male golden-mantled ground squirrels were captured in late summer and maintained in the laboratory for nearly 2 years at constant photo-period (LD 12∶12) and temperature (23 °C). Testes were measured monthly using a new laparotomy technique, and body mass and water consumption were recorded as well. 2. Size of testes showed a precise and well marked endogenous circannual rhythm with a period of about 11 months. The testes developed over a 3-month period during the hibernation phase of the annual cycle and reached a peak in mass by the end of hibernation. Two successive circannual cycles were expressed during the experiment. 3. Circannual rhythms of body mass and water use — which are components of the overall cycle of hibernation and metabolism — persisted concurrently with the circannual testicular cycle and also showed a period of about 11 months. Analysis of phase relationships between the 3 rhythmic parameters measured shows that precise internal synchronization of these independent rhythmic functions is maintained. The annual peak in body mass occurred about 3 months before the peak in testis size. The minimum of water use — an indication of annual metabolic minimum associated with hibernation — occurred about one month before the testis peak. 4. The duration, annual phasing, and predictability of aboveground environmental conditions which favor successful reproduction have strongly shaped the evolution of reproductive performance in golden-mantled ground squirrels and have promoted endogeneity, precision, and brevity of breeding condition in the annual cycle of these animals. Further problems in the evolution of this rhythmic system and in its mechanisms are discussed.
A Pilot Study To Define Chemical Coping in Cancer Patients Using the Delphi Method

Abstract Background: “Chemical coping” is a commonly used term in the pain and palliative care literature, but is heterogeneously defined. We conducted a Delphi survey among palliative care and pain specialists internationally to identify a consensus definition for “chemical coping with opioids” and warning signs for chemical coping. Methods: This Delphi survey consisted of two rounds on the following: (1) concepts and definition related to chemical coping, (2) warning signs for chemical coping, and (3) demographics. Consensus in this study was defined as agreement by a minimum of 70% of the experts. Results: Participating in the first round were 14/19 (74%) physicians; 12/14 (86%) participated in the second round. The international experts reached the following consensus definition for chemical coping with opioids (92% agreement): “The use of opioids to cope with emotional distress, characterized by inappropriate and/or excessive opioid use.” They also identified depression (consensus 93%); psychiatric d...
Factors Associated with Successful Arteriovenous Malformation Radiosurgery

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and angiographic variables that affect the results of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) radiosurgery and to propose a new method of reporting patient outcomes after AVM radiosurgery. This method incorporates both the obliteration status of the AVMs and the postoperative neurological condition of the patient. METHODS: Patient outcomes were defined as excellent (nidus obliteration and no new deficits), good (nidus obliteration with a new minor deficit), fair (nidus obliteration with a new major deficit), unchanged (incomplete nidus obliteration without a new deficit), poor (incomplete nidus obliteration with any new deficit), and dead. Two hundred twenty patients who underwent AVM radiosurgery at our center before 1992 were subjected to a multivariate analysis with patient outcomes as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis determined four factors associated with successful AVM radiosurgery: smaller AVM volume (P = 0.003), number of draining veins (P = 0.001), younger patient age (P = 0.0003), and hemispheric AVM location (P = 0.002). Preradiosurgical embolization was a negative predictor of successful AVM radiosurgery (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: AVM obliteration without new neurological deficits can be achieved in at least 80% of patients with small volume, hemispheric AVMs after single-session AVM radiosurgery. Future studies on AVM radiosurgery should report patient outcomes in a fashion that incorporates all the factors involved in successful AVM radiosurgery.
On the Transient Response of the Thrust Bearing

The transient response of the thrust slider bearing has been studied numerically. Of greatest interest is the mode of boundary layer formation and the subsequent development of the pressure in the supporting film in the slider bearing as it is subject to tangential acceleration. It is planned to study two basic types of bearings — the first being the fixed-shoe type, while the second is the tilting-pd bearing. The bearings are subjected to types of loading (a) a constant load and (b) an inertial load due to the displacement or load on the runner. The computer solution is based on a simplified form of the Navier-Stokes equation in the tangential direction to determine the velocity distribution and a modified form of Reynolds’ equation to determine the pressure distribution along the pad or shoe of the bearing. The resulting formulation is a simple explicit tangential velocity difference equation in time and a fully implicit difference equation solution for the pressure, which is independent of time. The results of this endeavor are quite interesting and significant. For a simple fixed geometry case which allows the supported load to vary, the load versus time curves compare extremely well with previous findings by other investigators using an entirely different mathematical approach. The supporting film is found to be fully developed in the course of a few milliseconds for a step acceleration. For a step deceleration, the squeeze film concept is demonstrated in the flow field. In cases considering inertial loading due to the thrust runner, a tangential acceleration may produce a damped oscillation in the transverse direction. But in all probability, the most interesting discovery was that in a tilting-pad bearing or any simple slider bearing, the center of pressure which corresponds to the pivot point is a function of the film ratio (see equation (I 1)).Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Fluorescence photobleaching with spatial Fourier analysis: measurement of diffusion in light-scattering media.

A new method for the measurement of diffusion in thick samples is introduced, based upon the spatial Fourier analysis of Tsay and Jacobson (Biophys. J. 60: 360–368, 1991) for the video image analysis of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). In this approach, the diffusion coefficient is calculated from the decay of Fourier transform coefficients in successive fluorescence images. Previously, the application of FRAP in thick samples has been confounded by the optical effects of out-of-focus light and scattering and absorption by the sample. The theory of image formation is invoked to show that the decay rate is the same for both the observed fluorescence intensity and the true concentration distribution in the tissue. The method was tested in a series of macromolecular diffusion measurements in aqueous solution, in agarose gel, and in simulated tissue consisting of tumor cells (45% v/v) and blood cells (5% v/v) in an agarose gel. For a range of fluorescently labeled proteins (MW = 14 to 600 kD) and dextrans (MW = 4.4 to 147.8 kD), the diffusion coefficients in aqueous solution were comparable to previously published values. A comparison of the spatial Fourier analysis with a conventional direct photometric method revealed that even for the weakly scattering agarose sample, the conventional method gives a result that is inaccurate and dependent on sample thickness whereas the diffusion coefficient calculated by the spatial Fourier method agreed with published values and was independent of sample thickness. The diffusion coefficient of albumin in the simulated tissue samples, as determined by the spatial Fourier analysis, varied slightly with sample thickness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Mark Sagoff Should Plead Ignorance

In ‘What Does Environmental Protection Protect?,’ Mark Sagoff presents a view of environmental success that actually describes only the United States and perhaps northern Europe. He ignores all the...
Radar Reflectivity of Titan

The present understanding of the atmosphere and surface conditions on Saturn's largest moon, Titan, including the stability of methane, and an application of thermodynamics leads to a strong prediction of liquid hydrocarbons in an ethane-methane mixture on the surface. Such a surface would have nearly unique microwave reflection properties due to the low dielectric constant. Attempts were made to obtain reflections at a wavelength of 3.5 centimeters by means of a 70-meter antenna in California as the transmitter and the Very Large Array in New Mexico as the receiving instrument. Statistically significant echoes were obtained that show Titan is not covered with a deep, global ocean of ethane, as previously thought. The experiment yielded radar cross sections normalized by the Titan disk of 0.38 ± 0.15, 0.78 ± 0.15, and 0.25 ± 0.15 on three consecutive nights during which the sub-Earth longitude on Titan moved 50 degrees. The result for the combined data for the entire experiment is 0.35 ± 0.08. The cross sections are very high, most consistent with those of the Galilean satellites; no evidence of the putative liquid ethane was seen in the reflection data. A global ocean as shallow as about 200 meters would have exhibited reflectivities smaller by an order of magnitude, and below the detection limit of the experiment. The measured emissivity at similar wavelengths of about 0.9 is somewhat inconsistent with the high reflectivity.
A combustion chemistry analysis of carbonate solvents used in Li-ion batteries

Under abusive conditions Li-ion cells can rupture, ejecting electrolyte and other flammable gases. In this paper we consider some of the thermochemical and combustion properties of these gases that determine whether they ignite and how energetically they burn. We find a significant variation among the carbonate solvents in the factors that are important to determining flammability, such as combustion enthalpy and vaporization enthalpy. We also show that flames of carbonate solvents are fundamentally less energetic than those of conventional hydrocarbons. An example of this contrast is given using a recently developed mechanism for dimethyl carbonate (DMC) combustion, where we show that a diffusion flame burning DMC has only half the peak heat release rate of an analogous propane flame. Interestingly, peak temperatures differ by only 25%. We argue that heat release rate is a more useful parameter than temperature when evaluating the likelihood that a flame in one cell will ignite a neighboring cell. Our results suggest that thermochemical and combustion property factors might well be considered when choosing solvent mixtures when flammability is a concern.
MgO(100) template layer for CdO thin film growth: Strategies to enhance microstructural crystallinity and charge carrier mobility

A simple strategy of using thin, highly (100)-oriented MgO films as template layers for CdO thin film growth by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition on amorphous glass substrates is presented. For comparison, CdO films are grown simultaneously on clean glass, on a 50nm MgO(100) template layer on glass, and on single-crystal MgO(100). X-ray diffraction as well as four-probe conductivity and Hall-effect measurements reveal that the 50nm MgO(100) template layer significantly improves the microstructural texture and charge carrier mobility of the overlying CdO thin films. Thus, highly textured CdO thin films with an x-ray diffraction rocking curve full width at half maximum of 2.1° and large carrier mobilities of 160cm2∕Vs can be achieved on amorphous glass. Substrate effects, film microstructures, optical properties, and surface morphologies of the CdO films on the different substrates are discussed.
Effect of postoperative radiotherapy on changes in pulmonary function in patients with stage II and IIIA lung carcinoma

Abstract To assess the pulmonary tolerance to postoperative radiotherapy (RT) in patients with resected lung carcinoma, a prospective study was begun in January 1977, which consisted of (a) initial pulmonary function test (PFT) and arterial blood gases (ABG) at 1 month after surgery, and before beginning of postoperative RT, and (b) follow-up PFT and ABG 1 year after postoperative RT and then every year thereafter. As of December 1987, 137 patients have been enrolled into this study, and 71 patients who were free of recurrence were subjected to the follow-up PFT and ABG. The remaining 66 patients were unable to complete the follow-up studies because of recurrent carcinoma in 60, refusal to participate in the study in 5 patients even in the absence of significant respiratory symptoms, and progressive asbestos-related pleural thickening in 1 patient. The patient characteristics were as follows: Age ranged from 27 to 79 years with the median of 59 years; sex ratio was 1.4 to 1 for male to female; surgical procedures included lobectomy in 49 and pneumonectomy in 22 patients; tumor extent consisted of Stages T1-T2N1M0 in 44, Tl-T2N2M0 in 9, and T3N0-N2M0 in 18 patients, respectively. Histologic types included squamous cell carcinoma in 26, adenocarcinoma in 42, small cell carcinoma in 1, and large cell carcinoma in 2 patients. Target volume for RT included the ipsilateral hilum, the mediastinum, and the thoracic inlet including both supraclavicular fossae. A total dose of 54 Gy was delivered in 1.8 Gy of daily fractions, 5 days per week over a period of 6 weeks. Contrary to expectation, there were minor changes in PFT indices in both lobectomy and pneumonectomy patients. The follow-up PFT in the lobectomy group showed small -3% to +2% changes in mean values of ventilatory indices, lung volume, and ABG. The follow-up PFT in the pneumonectomy group also showed small −9% to +13% changes in mean values of ventilatory indices, lung volume, and ABG. Sixteen patients have had more than one PFT during the follow-up period (2 years to 10 years), and there was no significant long term adverse effect of RT on PFT in this subset of patients. Lung scans assessing regional function, which were available in six patients, were not helpful in predicting changes in PITT indices as a result of postoperative RT.
Lactate Mapping with Full Sensitivity by Spin-Filtered NMR Imaging

The mechanism of the fourfold signal loss during the cyclic polarization-transfer (CYCLPOT) sequence for lactate filtering is analyzed using the spin-product-operator formalism. Based on the results of the analysis, a new sequence, RECYCLPOT (refocused CYCLPOT), is proposed and experimentally tested for lactate filtering with full sensitivity and specificity. Lactate mapping is performed by spin filtering using the RECYCLPOT sequence prior to imaging by spatial encoding.
Sensitivity of Alaskan Freshwater and Anadromous Fishes to Prudhoe Bay Crude Oil and Benzene

Abstract The sensitivity of various species and life stages of Alaskan freshwater and anadromous fishes to benzene and the water-soluble fraction of Prudhoe Bay crude oil was determined with 96-hour toxicity tests. Freshwater juveniles of the six salmonid species tested had similar sensitivities. Median tolerance limits (TLm's) of these salmonids for crude oil ranged from 2.7 to 4.4 mg/liter; TLm's of benzene ranged from 11.7 to 14.7 μl/liter. Threespine sticklebacks and, to a lesser extent, slimy sculpins were more tolerant than salmonids and had larger TLm's: Threespine sticklebacks had a crude-oil TLm of 10.4 mg/liter and a benzene TLm of 24.8 μl/liter; slimy sculpins had a crude-oil TLm of 6.44 mg/liter and a benzene TLm of 15.4 μl/liter. Eggs of pink salmon and coho salmon were quite tolerant to crude oil (TLm > 12 mg/liter) and benzene (TLm = 339–542 μl/liter). Emergent fry were the most sensitive freshwater stage (crude-oil TLm = 8.0 mg/liter; benzene TLm = 12.3–17.1 μl/liter). Out-migrant salmonid...
Equivalence and minimization of conjunctive queries under combined semantics

The problems of query containment, equivalence, and minimization are fundamental problems in the context of query processing and optimization. In their classic work [2] published in 1977, Chandra and Merlin solved the three problems for the language of conjunctive queries (CQ queries) on relational data, under the "set-semantics" assumption for query evaluation. While the results of [2] have been very influential in database research, it was recognized long ago that the set semantics does not correspond to the semantics of the standard commercial query language SQL. Alternative semantics, called bag and bag-set semantics, have been studied since 1993; Chaudhuri and Vardi in [5] outlined necessary and sufficient conditions for equivalence of CQ queries under these semantics. (The problems of containment of CQ bag and bag-set queries remain open to this day.) More recently, Cohen [7, 8] introduced a formalism for treating (generalizations of) CQ queries evaluated under each of set, bag, and bag-set semantics uniformly as special cases of the more general combined semantics. This formalism provides tools for studying broader classes of practical SQL queries, specifically important types of queries that arise in on-line analytical processing (OLAP). Cohen in [8] provides a sufficient condition for equivalence of (generalizations of) combined-semantics CQ queries, as well as sufficient and necessary equivalence conditions for several proper sublanguages of the query language of [8]. To the best of our knowledge, no results on minimization of CQ queries beyond set-semantics queries have been reported in the literature.Our goal in this paper is to continue the study of equivalence and minimization of CQ queries. We consider the problems of (i) finding minimized versions of combined-semantics CQ queries, and of (ii) determining whether two CQ queries are combined-semantics equivalent. We continue the tradition of [2, 5, 8] of studying these problems using the tool of containment between queries. We extend the containment, equivalence, and minimization results of [2] to general combined-semantics CQ queries, and show the limitations of each extension. We show that the minimization approach of [2] can be extended to general CQ queries without limitations. We also propose a necessary and sufficient condition for equivalence of queries belonging to a large natural sublanguage of combined-semantics CQ queries; this sublanguage encompasses (but is not limited to) all set, bag, and bag-set queries. Our equivalence and minimization results, as well as our general sufficient condition for containment of combined-semantics CQ queries, reduce correctly to the special cases reported in [5] for bag and bag-set semantics. Our containment and equivalence conditions also properly generalize the results of [8], provided the latter are restricted to the language of (combined-semantics) CQ queries.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Ranitidine in Neonates Treated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ranitidine were studied in 13 term neonates with stable renal and hepatic function who were treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Ranitidine was initially administered as a single 2 mg/kg dose over 10 minutes and intragastric pH was monitored to determine response. Within 90 minutes after administration of ranitidine, intragastric pH for all of the patients whose initial reading was 5. Intragastric pH remained > 4 for a minimum of 15 hours. Mean +/- 1 standard deviation elimination half-life was 6.61 +/- 2.75 hours, and 41.5 +/- 22.2% of the single dose was eliminated in urine within 24 hours. Total plasma clearance of ranitidine correlated well with estimated glomerular filtration rate. Twenty-four hours after the initial dose, a continuous infusion of ranitidine (2 mg/kg/24 hr) was started and continued for 72 hours or until ECMO was discontinued. Eleven patients completed 48 hours of continuous infusion and seven completed all 72 hours. Plasma clearance and elimination half-life were determined from steady-state plasma ranitidine concentrations 24, 48, and 72 hours after the start of the infusion. There were no significant differences in clearance between these intervals. These data suggest that for term neonates with stable renal and hepatic function, ranitidine does not need to be administered more frequently than every 12 hours. A continuous infusion of 2 mg/kg/24 hours maintained intragastric pH above 4 in more than 90% of our patients, and in our opinion is the preferred method for delivering ranitidine to term neonates undergoing ECMO who require H2 antagonists. Response to therapy should be monitored by repeated measurement of gastric pH and the dose should be adjusted accordingly.
Comprehensive Recalibration of Pile Resistance with WEAP Software in Initial and Restrike Conditions for Load and Resistance Factor Design

The Oregon Department of Transportation (DOT) uses the DRIVEN pile capacity software and wave equation analysis of piles (WEAP) software to control driving stresses and establish field resistance from the bearing graph. Typically, the Oregon DOT's piles exhibit setup after the end of initial driving, and the DOT may restrike. In this study to recalibrate the pile resistance with WEAP for load resistance factor design, a new database was formed by culling existing databases, including the PDLT2000 database from NCHRP Report 507 and the Deep Foundation Load Test Database. The resulting information was merged with 166 other cases to create a new comprehensive database. Neither the Deep Foundation Load Test Database nor the PDLT2000 database was proved correct after they were cross-checked with other sources. The largest source of anomalies and missing data was the blow count, especially at the beginning of restrike. Input tiers and output ranks were designed to assist with data qualifying, the ranking of dat...
Dairy Farm Age and Resistance to Antimicrobial Agents in Escherichia coli Isolated from Dairy Topsoil

Antimicrobial agent usage is common in animal agriculture for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. Selective pressure exerted by these antimicrobials on soil bacteria could result in the selection of strains that are resistant due to chromosomal- or plasmid-derived genetic components. Multiple antimicrobial resistances in Escherichia coli and the direct relationship between antimicrobial agent use over time has been extensively studied, yet the relationship between the age of an animal agriculture environment such as a dairy farm and antibiotic resistance remains unclear. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that antimicrobial-resistance profiles of E. coli isolated from dairy farm topsoil correlate with dairy farm age. E. coli isolated from eleven dairy farms of varying ages within Roosevelt County, NM were used for MIC determinations to chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, penicillin, tetracycline, ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, gentamicin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, cefotaxime, and ciprofloxacin. The minimum inhibitory concentration values of four antibiotics ranged 0.75 to >256 μg/ml, 1 to >256 μg/ml, 12 to >256 μg/ml, and 0.75 to >256 μg/ml for chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, penicillin, and tetracycline, respectively. The study did not show a direct relationship between antibiotic resistance and the age of dairy farms.
Stability-indicating hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography method for highly polar and basic compounds

A hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) method was developed for the analysis of very polar and basic 4-(aminomethyl)pyridine (4-AMP) and its related compounds. Separation parameters such as stationary phase, buffer pH, buffer ionic strength, organic modifier, and column temperature were evaluated. The retention mechanisms were explored through the evaluation of the common chromatographic parameters in the method development. The data indicated the existence of surface adsorption phenomena for 4-AMP and its positional isomers (2-AMP, 3-AMP). For two degradants, different retention mechanisms might be involved when compared to 4-AMP. The selectivity of two critical pairs 3-/4-AMP isomer and Degradant-1/-2 diastereomer changed through isoelution temperature with reversal of elution order. The validation results indicated that the HILIC method is a sensitive, reproducible, and robust method suitable for the analysis of 4-AMP and its related compounds.
Experimental study of convection in a mushy layer during directional solidification

Results of experiments using a number of techniques to study the nature of convection in a mushy layer generated by directional solidification of aqueous ammonium chloride solutions are reported. The techniques include flow visualization using a dye tracing method to study convection within the mushy layer before and after the onset of plume convection, and X-ray tomography to measure the solid fraction of a growing mush. The principal results are as follows. (i) Prior to the onset of chimneys, there is no convective motion in the mush, in spite of the vigorous finger convection at the mush-liquid interface. (ii) When the plume convection is fully developed, the flow of fluid in the mush consists of a nearly uniform downward motion toward the bottom of the tank, horizontal motion along the bottom toward the chimneys, then upward plume motion through the chimneys in the liquid region above the mush. (iii) The solid fraction of a growing mush as determined by X-ray tomography shows a significant decrease toward the bottom of the tank after the chimneys are fully developed. As a result, the concomitant increase in the local permeability can be as much as 50%. Some of the results reported herein confirm theoretical predictions of Worster (1992) and Amberg & Homsey (1993). Others reveal phenomena not observed heretofore.
Minimum plastic work selects the highest symmetry deformation in axially-loaded F.C.C. crystals

Abstract The assertion of the title is proved, according to each of three hardening theories, for both tensile and compressive loading of f.c.c. crystals in multiple-slip orientations (in particular, for all 2- and 6-fold symmetry positions). The theories are classical Taylor hardening, the writer's ‘simple theory’ of rotation-dependent, anisotropic latent hardening, and a 2-parameter hardening rule introduced in the metallurgical literature. Theoretical latent hardening predictions for tensile loading in 6-fold symmetry are considered in relation to experiment.
Glissadic saccades: a possible measure of vigilance

Eight males and eight females participated in a 60-min visual signal detection task requiring saccadic eye movements. The waveforms of saccades were evaluated in terms of glissades, slow eye movements in saccade initiation and termination, as a function of time-on-task. Saccades were categorized as anticipatory, stimulus-elicited, and return saccades; as well as blink-concurrent versus blink-free. The results showed that, for blink-free saccades, the occurrence of glissadic saccades increased with time-on-task for anticipatory and return saccades, but not for stimulus-elicited saccades. Likelihood of blink-concurrent glissadic saccades did not change over time-on-task. The results suggest that an increase in anticipatory and return glissadic saccades over time-on-task may be an index of vigilance decrement.
A reduced basis method for electromagnetic scattering by multiple particles in three dimensions

We consider the development of efficient and fast computational methods for parametrized electromagnetic scattering problems involving many scattering three dimensional bodies. The parametrization may describe the location, orientation, size, shape and number of scattering bodies as well as properties of the source field such as frequency, polarization and incident direction. The emphasis is on problems that need to be solved rapidly to accurately simulate the interaction of scattered fields under parametric variation, e.g., for design, detection, or uncertainty quantification. For such problems, the use of a brute force approach is often ruled out due to the computational cost associated with solving the problem for each parameter value. In this work, we propose an iterative reduced basis method based on a boundary element discretization of few reference scatterers to resolve the computationally challenging large scale problem. The approach includes (i) a computationally intensive offline procedure to create a selection of a set of snapshot parameters and the construction of an associated reduced basis for each reference scatterer and (ii) an inexpensive online algorithm to generate the surface current and scattered field of the parametrized configuration, for any choice of parameters within the parameter domains used in the offline procedure. Comparison of our numerical results with directly measured results for some benchmark configurations demonstrate the power of our method to rapidly simulate the interacting electromagnetic fields under parametric variation of the overall multiple particle configuration.
predicting the occurrence of zero flux planes

Zero flux planes have been observed in many multicomponent diffusion couples following interdiffusion. Recently, it was shown with a constant diffusivity theory that their occurrence can be predicted by knowing the terminal alloy compositions and the square root diffusivity. In the present work, the theory is tested by applying it to previous obervations on the Cu-Ni-Zn system and it is found to predict correctly the occurrence of zero flux planes in 21 out of 24 concentration profiles. Also, a qualitative discussion is given of how variations in diffusivity with composition can modify the constant diffusivity predictions.
Five days of successful oral alimentation for hospitalized patients based upon passing the Yale Swallow Protocol.

Objective:This study aimed to determine the success of oral alimentation and patient retention rate 1 to 5 days after passing the Yale Swallow Protocol.Methods:Participants were 200 consecutive acu...
Implications of structure and geometry on cardiac electrical activity

Electrical activity in the heart is dependent on the structure of the cellular components and their appositional geometry. The cells of the conduction system in mammals have a structure favoring faster conduction vis a vis the common working cells of the ventricles, which is further enhanced in large mammals and, significantly, in birds by an increase in cell diameters and tight packing of the component cells into large bundles. Tight packing also generates very narrow intercellular clefts that because of accumulation and depletion phenomena may contribute significantly to the measured electrical activity. Conduction cells may exist in mammalian atria analogous to their presence in bird atria, their electrical activity being possibly influenced by their diffuse anatomical integration with the common atrial working cells. Cell and bundle connections appear to be frequent within one length constant.
Influence of the degree of control of diabetes on the prevention, postponement and amelioration of late complications.

The relationship between hyperglycaemia and the chronic complications of diabetes has been disputed for many years. Some physicians believe that the evidence that hyperglycaemia is the primary determinant of the chronic complications is convincing; others believe the question remains unsettled. Several types of study provide information. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate biochemical alterations induced by hyperglycaemia which could lead to structural changes and diabetic complications. Animal models demonstrate that the complications develop with induction of hyperglycaemia and are ameliorated when blood glucose is returned toward normal. Many uncontrolled clinical studies demonstrate an association between diabetes control and complications but cannot prove causality. Controlled clinical trials have sometimes, but not always, shown functional changes sug-gestive of amelioration of complications with control of hyperglycaemia. A definitive clinical trial has not yet been completed. Pancreas transplantation has the potential of completely normalising blood glucose, but studies to date have been limited by small numbers of patients, the advanced state of complications, and the lack of adequate controls.
A nephelometer for measurement of nematode populations

Abstract A nephelometer for measuring nematode populations is described in which a standard 18 mm culture tube is illuminated from below, and four selenium photocells are placed radially at 90° about the tube. This design minimizes fluctuations in readings due to movement of the nematodes at low population densities.
Psoriasis: Ustekinumab and Other Biologics in the Pipeline

The improved understanding of the complex immunology and pathogenesis of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has established the therapeutic utility of targeted biologic therapies against the pathogenic T cells and the inflammatory cytokines. Particular interest in the interleukin (IL)-23/T helper (Th)17 pathway has led to the development of ustekinumab, which is now approved and widely marketed for the treatment of psoriasis, as well as various investigational biologic agents in current clinical trials. Lack of or improper treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can inevitably result in considerable morbidity and quality of life issues for affected patients, emphasizing the continued need for drug research and development to achieve optimal management.
Studies of high reliability long-life Li/SO2 cells

Abstract To satisfy the need for a 5-year battery, a long-term test of Li/SO 2 cells was initiated. Premature failures were observed and a program was undertaken to identify the cause of these failures. Based on the results of this program, changes in the cell design were made which gave rise to the Sandia modified Li/SO 2 cell having improved long-life performance. Several batches of modified cells have been manufactured during the past five years. Acceptance testing of incoming cells from each batch revealed batch-to-batch variation in performance as well as a small proportion of cells with low capacity. A program to develop a non-destructive methodology for identifying cells with low inherent capacity was initiated. Several relevant non-destructive measurement parameters were identified. A decision tree screening technique, based on these parameters, was developed to identify those cells having low capacity.
Investigations into the antibiotic activity of tea fungus/kombucha beverage

Tea fungus/kombucha, an acetic acid flavoured fermented tea beverage, is widely consumed in various parts of the world and has more recently become a fad in the United States. This is due in part to the fact that it can be produced in the home, and it is reported to be medicinal, effective against arthritis, psoriasis, chronic fatigue, constipation, indigestion and metabolic diseases. Among 264 references from 1852 to 1961, there are reports of antibiotic activity against Agrobacterium tumefaciens and medicinal value against a variety of diseases. The medicinal value appears to be related to that attributed to vinegar, one of our most ancient foods. We decided to test tea fungus/kombucha for its antibiotic activity against Helicobacter pylori, a primary cause of gastritis related to peptic ulcers and gastric carcinoma, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus (Micrococcus) aureus and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Tea containing 4.36 g of dry tea per litre and 10% of sucrose and fermented with the tea fungus showed no antibiotic activity in the beverage beyond that caused by acetic acid, a primary product of the fermentation.
Genetic deletion of Lsamp causes exaggerated behavioral activation in novel environments.

Abstract The limbic system-associated membrane protein (LAMP) is a GPI-anchored cell adhesion molecule expressed heavily in limbic and limbic-associated regions of the developing and adult brain. Experimental studies show that LAMP promotes the growth of limbic neurons and guides the projections of limbic fibers. In order to examine the functional consequences of disrupting limbic circuit assembly, we generated a mouse line in which the Lsamp gene encoding LAMP was deleted. Basic neuroanatomical organization and sensory and motor development are normal in Lsamp −/− mice. The most profound change in behavior in both male and female Lsamp −/− mice is a heightened reactivity to novelty exhibited in several behavioral tests. Lsamp −/− mice display hyperactivity in a novel arena and both sexes habituate to the same activity levels as their wild type littermates, but at different rates. In the elevated plus maze, Lsamp −/− mice exhibit increased total arm entries, with a bias towards the open arms; they spend more time in the open arms and have a substantial increase in the amount of risk assessment in unprotected areas of the maze. In the y-maze, Lsamp −/− mice exhibit characteristic hyperactivity and a decreased level of spontaneous alternation during the period when their novelty-induced hyperactivity is at its peak. We hypothesize that Lsamp −/− mice may not simply exhibit a decrease in anxiety, but may have a heightened, and possibly maladaptive, response to novel environmental stressors. Genetic deletion of Lsamp may thus cause circumscribed changes in the fine connectivity of specific circuits that underlie these behaviors.
A microcomputer interactive graphics software for design of steel trusses

Current advances in microcomputer technology provide the tools to use interactive graphics in the development of efficient computer programs. The use of computer graphics facilitates the definition of complicated engineering models, and permits a clear display of the results. In this paper, an educational microcomputer software package, TRUSS-AD, is described to demonstrate the effectiveness of applying interactive computer graphics in solving structural engineering design problems. TRUSS-AD allows the user to: (1) define a truss geometry and loading conditions graphically; (2) analyze and design the truss in an interactive mode; and (3) display all results in a concise and clear graphical representation. The stiffness method is used in the analysis process. The design can be performed by using either the “Load and Resistance Factor Design” or the “Allowable Stress Design” methods. The software is written using the basic language for IBM or compatible personal computers.
Performance Benefits of Heterogeneous Computing in HPC Workloads

Chip multi-processors (CMPs) with increasing number of processor cores are now becoming widely available. To take advantage of many-core CMPs, applications must be parallelized. However, due to the nature of algorithm / programming model, some parts of the application would remain serial. According to Amdahl's law, the speedup of a parallel application is limited by the amount of serial execution it has. For a CMP with many cores, this can be a serious limitation. To take full advantage of the increasing number of cores, one must try to reduce the execution time of the serial portion of a parallel program. However, rewriting an application takes time and often the return on the effort invested may not justify parallelizing every part of the program. Heterogeneous many-core CMP design is one possible solution to support massive parallel execution and to provide a reasonable single-thread performance. In this paper, we use a simple spreadsheet model to evaluate homogeneous and heterogeneous CMP designs using execution profiles of real HPC applications. Evaluated on 12 parallel HPC applications, we show that heterogeneous CMPs can outperform homogeneous CMPs by up to 1.35x with an average speedup of 1.06x when both the heterogeneous CMPs and homogeneous CMPs are constrained to use the same power budget. Our study found the heterogeneous CMPs can take advantage of serial portion of execution that is as little as 2% of total run time to provide performance benefit. This suggests heterogeneous computing can help mitigate the effect of not parallelizing some portions of an application due to return on investment concern on programming efforts.
Some remarks on the Bethe-Salpeter normalization properties

The Bethe-Salpeter normalization condition is investigated and a unified picture of the different methods so far used is given together with their equivalence proof. The solutions of the Bethe-Salpeter equation are then examined in the Wick-Cutkosky model forn=l+1 for a check of the recent result of Nakanishi that abnormal solutions with oddx correspond to states with negative norm. This result is confirmed forn=l+1 and arbitraryx in the energy range 0<s≪n/(n+x)n+x+1) for which it is proved that the solution can be well approximated by the zero energy solution.
Modeling human judgments of urban visual air quality

Abstract The overall approach to establishing a complete predictive model link between pollutant emissions and human judgments of urban visual air quality (UVAQ) is presented. The field study design and data analysis procedures developed for analyzing the human components of visual air quality assessment are outlined. The air quality simulation model which relates pollutant emissions to human judgments of visual cues which comprise visual air quality judgments is described. Measured and modeled cues are compared for five typical visual air quality days in the winter of 1981 for Denver, Colorado. The comparisons suggest that the perceptual cue model, based on dispersion and radiative transfer theory, does not adequately predict human judgments of UVAQ cues. Analysis of the limits of predictability of the human judgments and the predictive capability of the model components indicates that the greatest improvements toward achieving a predictive UVAQ model lie in a reformulation of the theoretical descriptions of visual cues.
Processing and properties of relaxor-type ferroelectric Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3-Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O 3 perovskite ceramics

Abstract Relaxor-type ferroelectric provskite PNN-PSN solid solutions were prepared by a process consisting of heat treatment of oxide mixture to which PbO is added in excess amount than in the perovskite composition and then acetic acid treatment to remove the excess PbO. The dielectric measurements of the ceramics revealed that the Curie temperature (Tc) shifted toward higher temperature side with an additivity from PNN (−150°C) to PSN (100°C), the dielectric constant at Tc gradually increased from 6000 (PNN) to 30000 (PSN), and the dielectric constant peak turned from broad to sharp indicating a weakening of relaxor behavior, with increasing PSN content. The electric field-induced strain was piezoelectric in the PSN-richer side, while electrostrictive in the PNN-richer side, in mode. The longitudinal field-induced strain, though less than 1x10−3 at 1500V/mm in the PNN-PSN ceramics, was highly improved by the addition of PT. (PNN: Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3, PSN: Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3; PT: PbTiO3)