cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using a choice experiment to understand preferences in off-grid solar electricity attributes: The case of Nigerian households

Abstract One of the pressing challenges to economic development in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is access to electrical power. In Nigeria, there is a large gap in electricity access between rural and urban areas; only about 40% have access in rural areas as compared to almost 60% in urban areas. A potential solution is the use of off-grid solar electricity to meet their needs. This article seeks to assess the tradeoffs involved in using off-grid solar electricity from the perspective of Nigerian households. Given their generally low income levels, the research focuses on the lower end of the market for off-grid solar electricity: solar chargers. It uses choice experiments to measure households' preferences for solar electricity by exploring attributes rural households are looking for in solar chargers. The relationship between households' preferences and off-grid solar electricity was analyzed using a random parameter logit model. Findings indicate that confidence in the quality of the product was the most important variable, and that respondents associated higher priced solar chargers with higher quality. These findings suggest that energy companies making off-grid electricity technology could consider offering warrantees for high-quality products in order to build consumers' trust.
Self-reported gender bias encountered by hematology and oncology fellows.

11017Background: Gender-related bias and discrimination have been well documented, particularly in male-dominated fields such as surgery, and have been associated with increased risk for physician ...
Efficient Fourier representations of families of Gaussian processes

We introduce a class of algorithms for constructing Fourier representations of Gaussian processes in $1$ dimension that are valid over ranges of hyperparameter values. The scaling and frequencies of the Fourier basis functions are evaluated numerically via generalized Gaussian quadratures. The representations introduced allow for $O(N\log{N} + m^3)$ inference via the non-uniform FFT where $N$ is the number of data points and $m$ is the number of basis functions. Numerical results are provided for Matern kernels with $\nu \in [3/2, 7/2]$ and $\rho \in [0.1, 0.5]$. The algorithms of this paper generalize mathematically to higher dimensions, though they suffer from the standard curse of dimensionality.
Abnormal Activation of BMP Signaling Causes Myopathy in Fbn2 Null Mice

Fibrillins are large extracellular macromolecules that polymerize to form the backbone structure of connective tissue microfibrils. Mutations in the gene for fibrillin-1 cause the Marfan syndrome, while mutations in the gene for fibrillin-2 cause Congenital Contractural Arachnodactyly. Both are autosomal dominant disorders, and both disorders affect musculoskeletal tissues. Here we show that Fbn2 null mice (on a 129/Sv background) are born with reduced muscle mass, abnormal muscle histology, and signs of activated BMP signaling in skeletal muscle. A delay in Myosin Heavy Chain 8, a perinatal myosin, was found in Fbn2 null forelimb muscle tissue, consistent with the notion that muscle defects underlie forelimb contractures in these mice. In addition, white fat accumulated in the forelimbs during the early postnatal period. Adult Fbn2 null mice are already known to demonstrate persistent muscle weakness. Here we measured elevated creatine kinase levels in adult Fbn2 null mice, indicating ongoing cycles of muscle injury. On a C57Bl/6 background, Fbn2 null mice showed severe defects in musculature, leading to neonatal death from respiratory failure. These new findings demonstrate that loss of fibrillin-2 results in phenotypes similar to those found in congenital muscular dystrophies and that FBN2 should be considered as a candidate gene for recessive congenital muscular dystrophy. Both in vivo and in vitro evidence associated muscle abnormalities and accumulation of white fat in Fbn2 null mice with abnormally activated BMP signaling. Genetic rescue of reduced muscle mass and accumulation of white fat in Fbn2 null mice was accomplished by deleting a single allele of Bmp7. In contrast to other reports that activated BMP signaling leads to muscle hypertrophy, our findings demonstrate the exquisite sensitivity of BMP signaling to the fibrillin-2 extracellular environment during early postnatal muscle development. New evidence presented here suggests that fibrillin-2 can sequester BMP complexes in a latent state.
An Interactive Simulation System for Modeling Stands, Harvests, and Machines

An interactive computer simulation program models stand, harvest, and machine factors and evaluates their interactions while performing felling, skidding, or forwarding activities. A stand generator allows the user to generate either natural or planted stands. Felling with chainsaw, drive-to-tree feller-bunchers, or harvesters and extraction with grapple skidders or forwarders are currently modeled in the system and others may be added. Simulations are performed by moving machine images within stand maps on the computer screen. The residual stand, machine running paths, and extraction travel intensity are recorded for later analysis. Examples of simulations with common logging machines are illustrated.
Protecting Human Research Subjects as Human Research Workers

As described by the Department of Health and Human Services, the changes proposed to the Common Rule in the July 2011 ANPRM were primarily intended to enhance protections for human subjects while reducing burden on researchers. However, due to a continued view of human subjects research as an exceptional endeavor that ought to be governed by exceptional rules, the government and interested stakeholders have failed to take this once-in-two-decade opportunity to consider some enhanced protections that could be appropriately imported from a potentially unexpected but analogous setting – the workplace.In this chapter, I flesh out the analogy between human subjects in clinical research and traditional workers in order to demonstrate several ways in which their differential treatment is problematically inconsistent, with a focus on areas in which subjects are less stringently protected than their counterparts in customary workplace environments. In particular, I argue that in some cases, human research subjects might actually be eligible for employment law protections without any regulatory change, and that in others, they ought to be “leveled-up” to worker-type protections. Thus, clinical research subjects should at the very least not face regulatory limits on how much they may be paid for participation and should be entitled to no-fault compensation for research-related injury. Efforts to more fully integrate their perspective into the research endeavor, similar to the role of labor negotiations, should also be explored.[The ideas presented in this chapter are fleshed out more fully in my longer article, Human Research Subjects as Human Research Workers, available here:http://ssrn.com/abstract=2296100]
Chiral Symmetry and Electroweak pi,K , n Processes

Recently the development of chiral perturbation theory has allowed the generation of rigorous low-energy theorems for various hadronic processes based only on the chiral invariance of the underlying QCD Lagrangian. Herein we examine the experimental implications of chiral symmetry in the regime of electroweak Goldstone boson interactions. Contribution to BNL Hadronic Beam Physics Workshop.
Is Social Status Related to Internet Pornography Use? Evidence from the Early 2000s in the United States

While most studies on Internet pornography focus on individual’s psychological characteristics, few have explored how social status itself is associated with Internet pornography use. As the Internet is becoming increasingly prevalent, online behaviors may have started to reflect the inequalities of the offline world. This study tested whether lower social status was associated with fewer sexual intercourse opportunities, and whether this led to higher likelihood of using Internet pornography as an alternative means of sexual release. To test the theory, I used the nationally representative sample of the General Social Survey of the U.S. between 2000 and 2004, with missing data handled by chained multiple imputation. The analyses found that lower income, longer working length, being unemployed, or a laborer in the social class strata were associated with fewer sexual intercourse opportunities as measured by three variables: marital status, the number of sex partners, and sex frequency. Lower income, less education, and longer working length were also associated with higher odds of using Internet pornography in the past 30 days, but only income was partially mediated by marital status. Social status was associated with Internet pornography use and sexual intercourse opportunities independently. The comparison of Internet pornography with the traditional X-rated movie found the unique features of Internet pornography use absent for X-rated movie.
STRAIN RATE EFFECTS ON VOID NUCLEATION BY INCLUSION DEBONDING

ABSTRACT The effect of imposed strain rate on the initiation of debonding is analyzed numerically for rigid spherical inclusions in an elastic-viscoplastic matrix subject to uniaxial tension with a superposed hydrostatic stress. The analyses are based on a cohesive zone type model that permits the prediction of interfacial decohesion without the necessity of introducing some additional failure criterion. Since the mechanical response of the interface is specified in terms of both a critical interfacial strength and the work of separation per unit area, dimensional considerations introduce a characteristic length. For the conditions analyzed, the strain rate dependence of the debonding initiation strain is found to increase with increasing inclusion size.
Identifying near-Earth object families

Abstract The study of asteroid families has provided tremendous insight into the forces that sculpted the main belt and continue to drive the collisional and dynamical evolution of asteroids. The identification of asteroid families within the NEO population could provide a similar boon to studies of their formation and interiors. In this study we examine the purported identification of NEO families by Drummond [Drummond, J.D., 2000. Icarus 146, 453–475] and conclude that it is unlikely that they are anything more than random fluctuations in the distribution of NEO osculating orbital elements. We arrive at this conclusion after examining the expected formation rate of NEO families, the identification of NEO groups in synthetic populations that contain no genetically related NEOs, the orbital evolution of the largest association identified by Drummond [Drummond, J.D., 2000. Icarus 146, 453–475], and the decoherence of synthetic NEO families intended to reproduce the observed members of the same association. These studies allowed us to identify a new criterion that can be used to select real NEO families for further study in future analyses, based on the ratio of the number of pairs and the size of strings to the number of objects in an identified association.
Stimulatory and suppressive signal transduction regulates vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor-1 (VPAC-1) in primary mouse CD4 T cells.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor-1 (VPAC-1) is an anti-proliferative, G-protein coupled receptor that is highly expressed on naive T cells, and has been reported to be downregulated upon T cell activation. The T cell signaling molecules involved in mediating low VPAC-1 levels have not been identified. Therefore, to gain a greater understanding into this regulation, this study investigated the signaling pathways that regulate (VPAC-1) in murine, primary CD4 T cells. To this end, murine, splenic CD4 T cells were pretreated separately with 10 different pharmacological inhibitors and incubated +/- anti-CD3 for 24h. Total RNA was isolated, and VPAC-1 mRNA levels were measured by qPCR. Our results support that JNK kinases, downstream from the protein kinase, Zap70, are involved in suppressive regulation of VPAC-1 steady-state mRNA levels after anti-CD3 treatment. In contrast, inhibitors against PKC, ERK, p38, Zap70 and Rac1 supported a stimulatory influence in VPAC-1 regulation in the absence of T cell signaling. By studying the signaling pathways that regulate VPAC-1 in T cells, we can gain greater insight into the role of this anti-inflammatory receptor in autoimmunity and infectious diseases.
Interpretation and use of the Luria-Nebraska battery

In a recent article, T. V. Akhutina and L. S. Tsvetkova (1983, Brain and Cognition 2, 129-134) presented an analysis of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery. Along with their generally positive review, they raised questions regarding the importance of the qualitative aspects of patients' performance in the interpretation of the battery. We agree with the authors that any interpretation of the battery which does not consider qualitative performance can limit the power and applicability of the battery. The procedures of item analysis and qualitative analysis are discussed as essential to a comprehensive interpretation of the battery. Also discussed are comments on additional scaling for the battery and the development of a standardized qualitative scoring system.
In Defense of Mothers of Sexual Abuse Victims

This review synthesizes the clinical and empirical literature on mothers of sexual abuse victims. Evidence is cited that maternal reaction is crucial to a childs recovery from sexual abuse. Also explored are those variables involved in a mother's belief in her child's account and the supportive actions she is able to take to protect her child. The more recent empirical work challenges earlier clinical discussions of maternal culpability in cases of sexual abuse perpetration; however, certain societal biases and oppressive social conditions that contribute to Mother-blaming and that also interfere with a mother's ability to protect her children have been neglected. These biases and social conditions, as well as suggestions for social work practice, will be explored.
Considerations on the Interactions Between Thermal Vacancies and Dislocations

Recently a study was made of the behavior of thin aluminum foils containing quenched-in dislocation loops while being strained in the electron microscope. In an effort to determine what influence, if any, specimen size has on the previously observed phenomena, quenched aluminum was deformed approximately 2% before thinning it into electron-transparent foils. The result was that, instead of the smooth dislocation lines, intricate tangles of kinked and branching dislocations with interspersed loops were found, whereby the loop density seemed to be somewhat smaller than in the asquenched specimens. (W.D.M.)
trans-3,4-Dimethyl-4-(3-carboxamidophenyl)piperidines: A novel class of μ-Selective opioid antagonists

Abstract trans-3,4-Dimethyl-4-(3-carboxamidophenyl)piperidines constitute a novel class of μ opioid receptor antagonists. The CONH2 group was found to be an effective isostere of the phenolic OH moiety. Structure–activity relationships at the piperidine nitrogen position led to the identification of several ligands displaying high affinity toward the cloned human μ opioid receptors, good selectivity μ/δ, μ/κ, and potent in vitro antagonist activity.
Structural transition of the inhibitory region of troponin I within the regulated cardiac thin filament.

Contraction and relaxation of cardiac muscle are regulated by the inhibitory and regulatory regions of troponin I (cTnI). Our previous FRET studies showed that the inhibitory region of cTnI in isolated troponin experiences a structural transition from a β-turn/coil motif to an extended conformation upon Ca2+ activation. During the relaxation process, the kinetics of the reversal of this conformation is coupled to the closing of the Ca2+-induced open conformation of the N-domain of troponin C (cTnC) and an interaction between cTnC and cTnI in their interface. We have since extended the structural kinetic study of the inhibitory region to fully regulated thin filament. Single-tryptophan and single-cysteine mutant cTnI(L129W/S151C) was labeled with 1,5-IAEDANS at Cys151, and the tryptophan-AEDANS pair served as a donor–acceptor pair. Labeled cTnI mutant was used to prepare regulated thin filaments. Ca2+-induced conformational changes in the segment of Trp129-Cys151 of cTnI were monitored by FRET sensitized acceptor (AEDANS) emission in Ca2+ titration and stopped-flow measurements. Control experiments suggested energy transfer from endogenous tryptophan residues of actin and myosin S1 to AEDANS attached to Cys151 of cTnI was very small and Ca2+ independent. The present results show that the rate of Ca2+-induced structural transition and Ca2+ sensitivity of the inhibitory region of cTnI were modified by (1) thin filament formation, (2) the presence of strongly bound S1, and (3) PKA phosphorylation of the N-terminus of cTnI. Ca2+ sensitivity was not significantly changed by the presence of cTm and actin. However, the cTn–cTm interaction decreased the cooperativity and kinetics of the structural transition within cTnI, while actin filaments elicited opposite effects. The strongly bound S1 significantly increased the Ca2+ sensitivity and slowed down the kinetics of structural transition. In contrast, PKA phosphorylation of cTnI decreased the Ca2+ sensitivity and accelerated the structural transition rate of the inhibitory region of cTnI on thin filaments. These results support the idea of a feedback mechanism by strong cross-bridge interaction with actin and provide insights on the molecular basis for the fine tuning of cardiac function by β-adrenergic stimulation.
THE LYSIS IN RABBITS OF INTRAVASCULAR BLOOD CLOTS BY THE STREPTOCOCCAL FIBRINOLYTIC SYSTEM (STREPTOKINASE)

1. Based upon quantitative estimations of the factors that promote or retard the development and activity of the streptococcal fibrinolytic phenomenon, an active lytic system was developed within the circulating blood stream of rabbits following the intravenous infusion of streptokinase. During the infusion of adequate doses of SK, an active lytic system was observed to be present within 30 minutes following the beginning of the experiment and remained present for periods of time ranging from 1 to 20 hours depending primarily upon the concentration of SK and the duration of the infusion. Some of the biochemical changes accompanying the lytic system in vivo were: (a) a striking fall in the plasminogen; (b) a moderate fall in the serum inhibitor and the fibrinogen; and, (c) a rise in the acid-soluble nitrogen. These changes were usually self-terminating within 24 hours following the infusion of SK. In earlier studies similar trends were observed in the chest fluid of patients with hemothorax and empyema treated locally with streptokinase (22). 2. Intravascular clots, induced artificially by local applications of sodium morrhuate within the ear vein of the rabbits, were observed to liquefy and disappear in 23 of 25 rabbits during the intravenous infusion of SK into the opposite ear. The average quantity of SK necessary to effect an active lytic system was found to be about 40,000 units per kilo per hour. The clot in the ear vein was observed to be lysed completely in periods of time ranging from 3 to 7 hours after the infusion of SK was begun. Maintenance of an active lytic system for 3 to 4 additional hours was required to prevent re-formation of the clots at the original site. In 3 of 4 rabbits in which clots did reform, ACTH had been given to combat the toxic effects of the streptococcal concentrates. 3. The toxicity of the unusually large dose of the streptococcal concentrates, containing measured amounts of SK, along with other identifiable and unknown substances, was considerable, inasmuch as 8 animals eventually died. No evidence of pulmonary infarction was observed at autopsy. The administration of ACTH appeared to prevent a fatal outcome in at least 3 of the rabbits. Further studies of toxicity are in progress.
Excess dissolved Ca in the deep ocean: a hydrothermal hypothesis

Abstract Variations in seawater alkalinity and dissolved calcium provide information essential to establishing the integrated deep ocean calcium carbonate dissolution flux. High-precision Ca measurements reported here confirm earlier suggestions that the deep ocean contains higher levels of dissolved Ca than expected from calcium carbonate dissolution only. I propose that the mid-depth Ca excess is a manifestation of the circulation of seawater through hydrothermal systems at mid-ocean ridges. Qualitative agreement with δ 3 He distributions, and evidence for deep water Mg depletions, support this hypothesis. The magnitude of the mid-depth Ca excess implies a total hydrothermal flux larger than expected from the corresponding excess in 3 He, and points to the relative importance of low-temperature diffuse fluxes versus high-temperature discrete fluxes for elements such as Ca. The implied total hydrothermal flux for Ca is consistent with its oceanic mass balance requirements, and resolves several long-standing problems associated with our understanding of the chemical evolution of the ocean, and in particular its low alkaline content.
Calibration of pulsed bremsstrahlung spectra with photonuclear reactions of 77Se and 79Br

A new method is reported for calibrating bremsstrahlung spectra in the 200–1000‐keV range with x‐ray activation techniques. This approach is particularly significant for pulsed sources that cannot be characterized with conventional spectroscopy methods.
Withdrawal of Mechanical Ventilation in Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Withdrawing life-sustaining technologies requires all of the resources and concepts that the field of palliative care has to offer. By learning some fundamental principles of medical management at the time of withdrawal and by mastering a few communication techniques, pediatricians, neonatologists, and pediatric intensivists can dramatically improve the care provided to their patients at the end of life. Although we may argue in pediatrics if there is ever such a thing as a good death, we should all strive to ensure one that is free of suffering, and one that supports the family in moving down a path of healthy grief and recovery.
Seborrheic skin disorders and their treatment in dogs

Abstract Seborrhea is a term used in veterinary medicine to describe a variety of clinical dermatoses ranging from mild scaling to severe, greasy, crusty, alopecic lesions. 1–4 Seborrhea may be a manifestation of an abnormality in keratinization or sebum production/ composition. Seborrhea is a descriptive term and not a specific diagnosis.
Endoplasmic reticulum dynamics, inheritance, and cytoskeletal interactions in budding yeast.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae consists of a reticulum underlying the plasma membrane (cortical ER) and ER associated with the nuclear envelope (nuclear ER). We used a S...
The effect of posterior spinal fusion on respiratory function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Purpose Posterior instrumented spinal fusion is indicated for progressive scoliosis that develops in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Whilst spinal fusion is known to improve quality of life, there is inconsistency amongst the literature regarding its specific effect on respiratory function. Our objective was to determine the effect of scoliosis correction by posterior spinal fusion on respiratory function in a large cohort of patients with DMD. Patients with DMD undergoing posterior spinal fusion were compared to patients with DMD not undergoing surgical intervention.
Dialysis Investigations of Atrazine-Organic Matter Interactions and the Role of a Divalent Metal

Contamination of surface and groundwaters by atrazine is a problem for water utilities in the United States and Europe. Though not removed by traditional liquid-solid separation, it is removed by nanofiltration. Retention of atrazine by a series of dialysis membranes was investigated over a range of solution chemistries with the goal of better understanding how the solution matrix may influence atrazine retention by membranes. Atrazine was significantly retained by membranes with molecular mass cut-offs less than 500 Da in the presence of natural organic matter (NOM), presumably by association with NOM. Atrazine retention was independent of the initial concentration. Solution chemistry was important in determining the extent of atrazine retention. Where NOM aggregation and hence NOM retention increased, atrazine retention decreased, and vice versa. Atrazine retention tended to decrease at higher ionic strengths. This effectwas significantly stronger with divalent calcium than with monovalent sodium. Partitioning coefficients calculated here are much higher than values reported from experiments of atrazine retention by soil organic matter. It is speculated that the most likely mechanism of atrazine retention by NOM is through association of atrazine with interior adsorption sites on the NOM molecule by transitory hydrogen bonding and subsequent physical entrapment.
Estimation of the Relative Bioavailability of Inorganic Selenium Sources for Poultry.2. Tissue Uptake of Selenium from High Dietary Selenium Concentrations

Abstract An experiment was conducted with 192 day-old male Cobb chicks to study tissue uptake of Se as an estimate of the bioavailability of supplemental inorganic Se sources fed at high dietary concentrations. A basal corn-soybean meal diet (.18 mg Se/kg diet, dry matter basis) was supplemented with 0, 3, 6, or 9 mg Se/kg diet (as-fed basis) as either reagent grade Na2 SeO3, CaSeO3, or Na2 SeO3 plus fumed amorphous carrier or 6 mg Se/kg diet as either Na2 SeO4 or Se metal, and fed for 1 wk. No toxic effects were noted as expressed by mortality; however, there was a reduction (P Multiple regression slope ratios were used to estimate relative bioavailability values of 100, 103, 99, 112, and 83 for Na2 SeO3, CaSeO3, Na2 SeO3 + carrier, Na2 SeO4, and Se metal, respectively. When these ratios were corrected for the analyzed dietary Se concentration, relative values were 100, 96, 94, 109, and 81 for the above sources, respectively.
Investigation of enhanced HgBr(B2Σ+−X2Σ+) laser emission due to collisions of Xe ions and HgBr2

Electronic excitation of Hg and the HgBr radical has been observed during collisions of HgBr2 with Xe+ ions at different laboratory kinetic energies. Emission cross-sections of the most intense band of the HgBr(B2Σ+, v′=0−X2Σ+, v″=22) transition at 502 nm have been measured at different energies of the projectile ions.
Coherent Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering in molecular gases

We present an experimental and theoretical study of the coherent Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering in gases in the kinetic regime. Gas density perturbation waves were generated by two crossing pump laser beams through optical dipole forces. A probe laser beam was then coherently scattered from the perturbation waves. The line shape of the scattered light was modeled using kinetic theory. The model takes into account the internal energy modes of the gas particles and is applicable to both molecular and atomic gases. We discuss the implication of coherent Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering on kinetic theory and photon matter interaction.
Theoretical analysis on the effect of liquid droplet geometry on contact angle

This paper is concerned with the development of a first-principle theoretical method to explain the dependence of contact angle on the size of liquid droplets on smooth solid substrates. It has been shown that the contact angle for axisymmetric droplets is size-dependent and, consequently, cannot satisfy the original Young equation. However, this contact angle can be theoretically deduced for any droplet material and mass as a function of the asymptotic contact angle (the limiting value of the contact angle as droplet size decreases). The proposed approach is based on the fact that the two major forces acting on a droplet, that is, the surface force and the gravity force, are independent of each other. It has been demonstrated that for sessile droplets on smooth surfaces, the contact angle can be uniquely determined for given droplet mass (or volume) and liquid/solid/gas properties.
Tensile properties of Inconel 718 after low temperature neutron irradiation

Abstract Tensile properties of Inconel 718 (IN718) have been investigated after neutron irradiation to 0.0006–1.2 dpa at 60–100 °C in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The alloy was exposed in solution-annealed (SA) and precipitation-hardened (PH) conditions. Before irradiation, the yield strength of PH IN718 was about 1170 MPa, which was 3.7 times higher than that of SA IN718. In the SA condition, an almost threefold increase in yield strength was found at 1.2 dpa, but the alloy retained a positive strain-hardening capability and a uniform ductility of more than 20%. Comparisons showed that the strain-hardening behavior of the SA IN718 is similar to that of a SA 316LN austenitic stainless steel. In the PH condition, the IN718 displayed no radiation-induced hardening in yield strength and significant softening in ultimate tensile strength. The strain-hardening capability of the PH IN718 decreased with dose as the radiation-induced dissolution of precipitates occurred, which resulted in the onset of plastic instability at strains less than 1% after irradiation to 0.16 or 1.2 dpa. An analysis on plastic instability indicated that the loss of uniform ductility in PH IN718 was largely due to the reduction in strain-hardening rate, while in SA IN718 and SA 316LN stainless steel it resulted primarily from the increase of yield stress.
Subcritical crack growth in CVI SiCf/SiC composites at elevated temperatures: effect of fiber creep rate

Abstract Subcritical crack-growth studies in SiCf/SiC composites were conducted with composites reinforced with Hi-Nicalon fibers over a broad temperature range for comparison to earlier studies on materials reinforced with Nicalon-CG fibers. Composites with a 0/90 plain weave architecture and carbon interphase were tested in argon from 1173 to 1473 K. Crack growth data obtained in inert environments are consistent with a proposed fiber-creep-controlled crack-growth mechanism. Measured crack-growth activation energies and time–temperature exponents in argon agree with fiber creep-activation energies and nonlinear creep equations for both fiber types. Estimates of local strains during crack growth are in reasonable agreement with estimated fiber creep strains for the given times and temperatures. The increased creep resistance of Hi-Nicalon fibers is reflected in reduced crack-growth rates for composites containing those fibers.
CloudSweeper: enabling data-centric document management for secure cloud archives

Cloud based storage accounts like web email are compromised on a daily basis. At the same time, billions of Internet users store private information in these accounts. As the Internet matures and these accounts accrue more information, these accounts become a single point of failure for both users' online identities and large amounts of their private information. This paper presents two contributions: the first, the heterogeneous documents abstraction, is a data-centric strategy for protecting high value information stored in globally accessible storage. Secondly, we present drano, an implementation of the heterogeneous documents strategy as a cloud-based email protection system. drano gives users the opportunity to remove or "lock up" sensitive, unexpected, and rarely used information to mitigate the risks of cloud storage accounts without sacrificing the benefits of cloud storage or computation. We show that drano can efficiently assist users in pinpointing and protecting passwords emailed to them in cleartext. We present performance measurements showing that the system can rewrite past emails stored at cloud providers quickly, along with initial results regarding user preferences for redacted cloud storage.
Characterization of the cloned terminators tR1, tL3 and tI and the nut R antitermination site of coliphage lambda

Abstract The cloned rightward tr1 terminator of phage λ is highly dependent in vivo on the rho factor, being about 81% effective in rho+ hosts and only 21% effective in rho−Escherichia colt at 30°C. This four-fold rho dependence of tR1 is in contrast to the high degree of rho independence of tL3 (1.1-fold) and the partial rho dependence of t1 (1.4-fold), two leftward λ terminators. At the elevated temperature of 42°C, tL3 and tI become leaky, with the readthrough increasing by factors of up to 3.3, whereas the tR1 leakiness increases by only 1.3-1.4-fold. The activity of the nut R antitermination site was assayed by cloning it between the p′R promoter and the terminator(s) on a pBR322-derived galK-expression plasmid, and measuring the galactokinase in partial lysogens supplying the host nus factors and the thermoinducible N product of λ. In proper orientation the p′R-controlled nutR module brings about almost complete antitermination of the tL3 and tI terminators by the N function; in the inverse orientation the 400-bp nutR-tR1 fragment acts as a rho-dependent series of weak terminators, blocking 63–75% of transcription in rho+, and only 20–22% in rho− bacteria. It was confirmed that the terminator(s) in the Tn10 transposon are unresponsive to the nutL-N function. The N product stimulates the initiation of transcription at several promoters by a factor of 2–4, and this second N function does not depend on the nut antitermination site.
Laser crystallization and localized growth of nanomaterials for solar applications

Laser-assisted localized growth of semiconducting nanostructures is reported. As is the case of conventional crystal growth, localized laser enables three kinds of crystal growth: (1) melt growth (recrystallization) of amorphous silicon nanopillars by pulsed laser; (2) vapor growth (chemical vapor deposition) of germanium nanowires; (3) solution growth (hydrothermal growth) of zinc oxide nanowires. The results not only demonstrate programmable and digital fabrication of laser-assisted crystal growth, but also reveal unusual growth chacracteristics (grain morphologies, growth kinetics). Related to solar applications, it is suggested that these structures can act as epitaxial seeds for growth of coarse grains and as multi-spectral centers for enhanced and engineered light absorption.
Acoustic transmission and reflection by a shear discontinuity separating hot and cold regions

Acoustic transmission and reflection is analyzed for plane waves propagating from a hot moving medium, impinging on a plane shear discontinuity into a cold stationary region. It is shown that incident waves originating in the hot region and propagating in the flow direction are transmitted into the cold region at almost right angles to the interface. The result is employed to examine the strong side radiation of internal noise transmitted through the exhaust duct of a turbojet engine.
RISK OF SECONDARY HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B (Hib) DISEASE IN DAY CARE

In 1982, the MDH initiated a statewide, prospective, active surveillance system for Hib disease. During the first year, we identified 219 cases among children ≤12 years of age. The median time of case report to MDH following onset of illness was 8.2 days. 80 cases (39%) occurred among children attending day care. Of 971 nonsibling-child day care contacts from the same room, 962 (99%) were followed for 60 days. 200 of the 962 (21%) received rifampin prophylaxis. No Hib cases occurred among this group or the 762 contact children who did not receive rifampin, including 137 <24 mos of age; and 269, 24 to 47 mos of age. The secondary attack rate for day care contacts <48 mos is lower (p=0.003) than that reported for household contacts of similar age in a national study. In the present study the distribution of outer membrane protein subtypes (OMP) was similar to that previously reported from 22 states. However, subtype 1H strains previously associated with an increased secondary attack rate in day care, were isolated more frequently from primary cases in day care than in non-day care (53% v. 32%, p=0.03). With the exception of day care, there was no relation between OMP subtypes and age, gender, onset of disease, or geographic residence of the case. Our data suggest that the risk of secondary Hib disease in day care is lower than that previously reported for family-sibling contacts. Further, the frequency of 1H strains among primary cases is higher than in non-day care population.
Direct observation of surface effects in a hysteretic superconductor

Abstract A high-resolution magneto-optic technique has revealed effects at the periphery of a Nb disk which may be related to surface-dependent hysteresis properties.
A classical dynamical model for fusion and incomplete fusion in heavy ion collisions

Abstract A classical dynamical model with random single particle transfer is proposed to study fusion and incomplete fusion for heavy ion collisions. The model has been applied to study the reaction 14 N + 159 Tb at 140 MeV incident energy.
Screening for Lung Cancer Re-examined: A Reinterpretation of the Mayo Lung Project Randomized Trial on Lung Cancer Screening

In the 1970s, three randomized trials, each involving approximately 10,000 male subjects, were carried out to determine the value of lung cancer screening in cigarette smokers. These studies have been widely interpreted as providing strong evidence that screening does not contribute to decreased death rates, and, accordingly, the American Cancer Society firmly recommends against lung cancer screening. No randomized trial, however, has evaluated screening for lung cancer in women, who currently comprise 39% of the lung cancer population. The trials performed at Memorial-Sloan Kettering and at Johns Hopkins were designed so that subjects were randomized to either a single screen (annual chest x-ray alone) or a dual screen (annual chest x-ray and every-4-month sputum cytology) group. While the results of both revealed no difference in mortality between the groups, these studies were designed to examine the value of sputum cytology, and no conclusion regarding the efficacy of chest x-rays can be inferred. In the Mayo Lung Project, patients were randomized to a screened group in which a chest x-ray and sputum cytology were obtained every 4 months or to a control group in which an annual chest x-ray and cytology were simply recommended. The results indicate that after 6 years, more lung cancers were detected among the 4,618 men in the screened group (206 cases, 4.46%) than in the 4,593 men in the control group (160 cases, 3.48%). The screened group showed a superiority over the control subjects in resectability rate (46% vs 32%) and 5-year survival (33% vs 15%). However, the number of cancer deaths was slightly greater in the screened (122) than in the control group (115), and, consequently, the mortality rates were not significantly different among the groups. An "overdiagnosis bias" has been suggested to account for the increased number of lung cancers detected in the screened vs the control population in the Mayo Lung Project. This explanation is statistically plausible, but, given the status of lung cancer as the most lethal of malignancies, is biologically unlikely. An alternative hypothesis is that chance alone might have accounted for the observed 0.98% difference in lung cancer detection rates. Were this the case, then 46 additional cases would have been detected in the control group had this chance event not occurred.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The relationship of clarkias from two continents

First and second generation hybrids that have been obtained between the tetraploid speciesClarkia tenella andC. davyi suggest a very close relationship between the two.C. tenella is a species of south-western South America, whereasC. davyi is restricted to the sea-coast of central and northern California. The two are morphologically similar and chromosome pairing in their hybrid indicates a high degree of homology. The hybrids are nevertheless highly sterile. In view of the cytological and morphological similarity ofC. tenella andC. davyi, and taking into account their relation to other species of the sectionGodetia, their origin from a common segmental allotetraploid ancestor in North America is postulated. The conditions permitting rapid evolution ofClarkia into various xeric habitats which became available as a result of climatic changes in late Cenozoic time probably also permitted the successful introduction of the tetraploid ancestor ofC. tenella and of various other herbaceous species into South America by long-distance dispersal in late Pliocene or more recent time.
Information warfare: new battle fields Terrorists, propaganda and the Internet

Examines the use of the Internet by terrorists, extremists and activists. Analyses the methods employed by these various ideological groups and considers the advantages of using the Internet over traditional publishing and communication methods. Historically, extremists have used media of al kinds to as vehicles of propaganda, and have exploited new forms of communication over the years to put forward their views. Online extremists in the Internet age, perhaps was just a matter of course. Whatever the organisation, using the Internet has overcome the limitations of traditional publishing, offering a quick, inexpensive, and anonymous means of communication, and ideological information is reaching new audiences around the world. New threats of the twenty‐first century come from the extreme right wing environmentalists, neo‐nazis, animal rights groups and criminals who can exploit the technology and structure of the Internet. The term information warfare can mean the use of smart technology in a traditional war or the use of IT systems attacking a part of a country‘s infrastructure. The common fear appears to be the vulnerability of the latter. In some cases it appears the national laws cannot stem the tide of these emerging groups and governments are responding to this new threat with draconian measures by introducing electronic surveillance and interception to combat the increasing use of encryption favoured by terrorists and criminals alike. Governments have to strike a balance between freedom of speech on the other hand and the security of a country and its people on the other.
Medical management of venous thromboembolic disease

Venous thromboembolic disease (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) are common disorders with serious morbid and mortal complications. Given the varied modes of presentation, a high clinical index of suspicion in patients at risk must exist among physicians. Standard therapy has consisted of intravenous unfractionated heparin and overlapping administration of an oral Vitamin K antagonist, commonly Warfarin. Although an effective strategy, many practical limitations exist, including the need for prolonged hospitalization, frequent laboratory monitoring for anticoagulant effect, and erratic dose-response curves. Recently, subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparins have emerged as safe and effective alternatives for unfractionated heparin. Appropriate patients may be treated with low-molecular-weight heparins and oral Warfarin entirely as outpatients, with similar efficacy and risk of recurrent thromboembolic events and hemorrhage. Thrombolytic therapy is a reasonable alternative in patients with iliofemoral venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism resulting in hemodynamic compromise or obstructing significant pulmonary vasculature. Risks of serious hemorrhagic side effects including intracranial hemorrhage, along with the added economic burden, have limited widespread acceptance of thrombolytic therapy as primary treatment. Emerging oral direct thrombin inhibitors and other novel agents stand to move the treatment of patients with venous thromboemboli to even greater levels of safety and efficacy.
The viscoelastic properties of the human temporomandibular joint disc

Purpose: This study evaluated the viscoelasticity of the human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc by comparing the moduli of elasticity generated by compressing disc specimens under two different loading rates. Materials and Methods: Twelve TMJ disc specimens 4.25 mm ± 0.15 mm in diameter were obtained from fresh cadavers between 65 and 75 years of age. One group of specimens was subjected to a loading rate of 0.00127 mm/ sec, and the other was subjected to a loading rate of 0.000635 mm/sec. Modulus of elasticity was calculated from the stress and strain values obtained from each specimen. Results: When the specimens were subjected to an average 0.00127 mm/ sec loading rate, a mean modulus of elasticity of 0.541 N/mm2 was derived. When an average 0.000635 mm/sec loading rate was used, a mean modulus of elasticity value of 0.211 N/mm2 was derived. These two mean values were significantly different, as indicated by the results of a one-tailed t-test. Conclusions: Analysis of the data showed that the human TMJ disc specimens became stiffer as the loading rate increased.
Reproductive endocrinology of the explosively breeding desert spadefoot toad, Scaphiopus couchii.

The spadefoot toad,Scaphiopus couchii,is an explosively breeding, desert dwelling amphibian that shows two characteristics hypothesized to select for a dissociated breeding pattern: it lives in a harsh environment and it has a very short, but predictable breeding period. We tested the hypothesis that these factors select for a dissociated breeding cycle by measuring plasma steroid hormones and the gametogenic cycles in a free-living population ofS. couchii.Blood and tissue samples were obtained from prebreeding, calling (males only), amplexed, and postbreeding toads. In males, plasma testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and corticosterone (B) differed significantly among reproductive groups, with calling and amplexing toads having the highest levels of each of these steroids. In females, plasma T, DHT, B, progesterone (P), and estradiol (E2) were measured; all steroids except B changed significantly among mating groups. Plasma T and E2were greatest in prebreeding and amplexed females, while P and DHT were highest only in amplexed females. Primary spermatogonia (SPG I), secondary spermatogonia (SPG II), spermatocytes, spermatids (SPT), and spermatozoa embedded in Sertoli cells (SPS) all changed significantly among male breeding groups. Although all stages were present in all breeding groups, early stages of spermatozoa (SPG I and SPG II) were greatest in postbreeding males, while late stages (SPT and SPS) were highest in prebreeding, calling, and amplexing males. In females, oocyte stages I, II, III, V, and VI and atretic follicles also differed significantly among mating groups. Prebreeding female ovaries were dominated by late-stage (V and VI) oocytes which were subsequently ovulated during amplexus. In postbreeding females, oogenesis was well under way as indicated by the rising numbers of stage II and III oocytes. These results indicate that aspects of gametogenesis occur during and after breeding in both sexes. Although the results demonstrate that gonadal activity was high during the period of sexual activity, suggesting thatS. couchiimost closely fits an associated pattern of reproduction as defined by Crews (1984,Horm. Behav.18,22–28), we also found that gonadal activity continued past the breeding season. For this reason,S. couchiidoes not completely conform to an associated pattern.
Colchicine reduced further recurrence after a first recurrence of pericarditis

Source Citation Imazio M, Brucato A, Cemin R, et al; Colchicine for Recurrent Pericarditis Investigators. Colchicine for Recurrent Pericarditis (CORP). A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2011;155:...
Lanchester-Type Models of Warfare and Optimal Control

This research was supported by the Office of Naval Research as part of the Foundation Research Program at the Naval Postgraduate School.