cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent developments in velocity and stress measurements applied to the dynamic characterization of brittle materials

Abstract The synthesis of novel brittle materials with tailored microstructures requires the understanding of new physical phenomena related to the failure of these materials. Observation capabilities with spatial resolution of atomic dimensions, e.g., scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and high resolution electron microscopy (HREM), have opened new frontiers in the mechanical characterization of these advanced materials. The challenge is to design experiments capable of loading the material in a controlled fashion such that defects, resulting in well defined macroscopic stress and velocity features, are produced. In this article, techniques for the measurement of surface and in-material particle velocities and in-material axial and transverse stress measurements are reviewed. Examples on the usefulness of these techniques in the study of brittle failure are provided. A variable sensitivity displacement interferometer is used in the measurement of normal and in-plane motion in pressure–shear recovery experiments conducted on fiber composite materials. In-material stress measurements with piezoresistance gauges are used in the identification of so-called failure waves in glasses.
α-vitamin E derivative, RRR-α-tocopheryloxybutyric acid inhibits the proliferation of prostate cancer cells

Aim: To investigate the activity of RRR-α-tocopheryloxybutyric acid (TOB), an ether analog of RRR-α-tocopheryl succinate (VES), in prostate cancer cells. Methods: VES and TOB were used to treat prostate cancer LNCaP, PC3, and 22Rv1 cells and primary-cultured prostate fibroblasts. The proliferation rates were determined by MTT assay, the cell viabilities were determined by trypan blue exclusion assay, and the cell deaths were evaluated by using Cell Death Detection ELISA kit. The protein expression levels were determined by Western blot analysis. Results: The MTT growth assay demonstrated that TOB could effectively suppress the proliferation of prostate cancer cells, but not normal prostate fibroblasts. Mechanism dissections revealed that TOB reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells similar to VES. In addition, both TOB and VES suppressed prostate-specific antigen (PSA) at the transcriptional level leading to reduced PSA protein expression. Furthermore, vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression increased after the addition of TOB. Conclusion: Our data suggests that the VES derivative, TOB, is effective in inhibiting prostate cancer cell proliferation, suggesting that TOB could be used for both chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic purposes in the future. (Asian J Androl 2007 Jan; 9: 31–39)
Marine protected areas: challenges and opportunities for understanding and conserving coastal marine ecosystems

The term ‘marine protected area’ (MPA) refers to areas in which human activities that cause reductions in populations either directly through exploitation or indirectly through habitat alteration are eliminated or greatly reduced. This spatially explicit approach to managing human impacts has many potential ecological and socio-economic benefits that can alleviate some of the problems fundamental to conventional management practices and can therefore complement, but is unlikely to supplant, the conventional practices (Allison et al. 1998; Bohnsack 1998, Lauck et al. 1998; Hastings & Botsford 1999; Murray et al. 1999). Five reviews in this number of Environmental Conservation summarize the main issues relevant to MPAs in the Western Mediterranean, our understanding of their ecological and management consequences, and our knowledge of the ecological and socio-economic processes that determine their effectiveness for fisheries management and conservation (Badalamenti et al. 2000; Garcia Charton et al. 2000; Pinnegar et al. 2000; Planes et al. 2000; Sanchez Lizaso et al. 2000). The reviews identify three issues of key importance to the development and success of MPAs for conservation and management. First, MPAs hold strong promise for management and conservation objectives, but the historical pattern of haphazard design, implementation, enforcement and evaluation has often produced equivocal and sometimes contradicting evidence for both their ecological effects and their effectiveness at achieving their intended objectives. Second, our understanding of many of the critical population and community processes that bear greatly on the consequences of this approach (e.g. dispersal, recruitment, direct and indirect effects of competition and predation) suffers from a lack of strong empirical studies and a comprehensive theoretical framework. Third, the global growth of interest in MPAs and concern for rapid development of organized systems of MPAs is great. Taken together, these three issues identify an urgent need for a well-developed theoretical framework, more rigorous empirical studies motivated and directed by theory, and actual implementation of systems of MPAs that will allow for proper evaluation and an evolution toward optimal design.
Integration of database systems using an object-oriented approach

With ever-increasing amounts of data being stored on computers, there is a growing demand for systems that will support convenient access to data that are distributed across multiple databases. The authors describe an object-oriented language which supports the definition and use of partially integrated views of a collection of autonomous database systems. They provide a classification of incompatibilities between autonomous databases, in order to define multi-database classes and messages and the subclass/superclass hierarchy. User queries are expressed in a uniform object-oriented language based on Smalltalk. >
Ventricular ectopy and QTc-interval prolongation associated with dronedarone therapy.

Amiodarone is an effective treatment for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, but its use is limited by a toxic adverse-effect profile. Although dronedarone has been touted as an antiarrhythmic agent devoid of both solid organ toxicity and proarrhythmic properties, its potential for prolonging ventricular repolarization may augment triggered ectopy. We describe a 66-year-old man who began dronedarone 400 mg twice/day for new-onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation; he had no left ventricular dysfunction or clinical heart failure. Three months after starting the drug, he complained of malaise, fatigue, and rare palpitations. Twenty four-hour Holter monitoring revealed increased premature ventricular complexes, and the rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval was prolonged (range 525-760 msec). Dronedarone was discontinued and the patient's symptoms gradually resolved over the next 3 weeks. Holter monitoring revealed a marked reduction in ventricular ectopy burden, and the QTc interval decreased to his baseline values. Even in the absence of documented symptomatic torsade de pointes, this case suggests that caution should be exercised when prescribing dronedarone and that serial QTc interval monitoring may be appropriate. In addition, clinicians should have a low threshold to perform Holter monitoring if symptoms develop during dronedarone therapy.
Goal-Directed Grid-Enabled Computing for Legacy Simulations

We describe a middleware framework conceived to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of existing simulation applications by providing three capabilities: (1) access to grid-based and cloud-based execution, (2) access to advanced Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies such as simulation-based optimization, and (3) access to robust data processing and visualization. The framework has been applied to a variety of simulations in both commercial and open source programming languages employing both discrete and continuous modeling formalisms. A key design objective is to minimize the workload necessary to adapt a simulation for use with the framework. User experience to date reveals that the learning curve for the framework is reasonable, but further automation of key tasks would enhance the framework's utility.
Blood lead levels and growth status of children.

Several studies have shown that elevated blood lead (Pb) levels in children are associated with decreased growth. Among 139 children aged 1 to 10 years (66 male, 73 female) who attended a Pb clinic in Dallas, Texas, growth was decreased by 1.6 cm in height, 1.4 kg in weight, and 0.6 cm in head circumference for each 10 μg/dl increase in blood Pb. Consistent with previously reported effects of Pb, several clinical symptoms (hearing deficit, dental problems, hyperactivity) were increased in frequency among children with high blood Pb levels (XPb = 34.6 μg/dl ± 5.6) compared to the children in the low Pb level group (XPb = 11.9 μg/dl ± 3.3). Interestingly, pica was significantly increased in frequency among children in the high Pb group, indicating oral consumption of non-food matter was a major source of Pb intoxication. These results suggest that increased Pb level is an important risk factor for growth deficits in children.
Rgg Regulates Growth Phase-Dependent Expression of Proteins Associated with Secondary Metabolism and Stress in Streptococcus pyogenes

The transcriptional regulatory protein Rgg coordinates amino acid catabolism and virulence factor expression in Streptococcus pyogenes. We used a proteomic approach to compare cytoplasmic proteins isolated from S. pyogenes wild-type strain NZ131 (serotype M49) to proteins isolated from an rgg mutant strain during the exponential and stationary phases of growth. Proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and 125 protein spots of interest were identified by tandem mass spectrometry. Comparative analysis of proteins isolated from the isogenic strains revealed that growth phase-associated regulation of enzymes involved in the metabolism of arginine (ArcABC), histidine (HutI), and serine (SdhA) was abrogated in the rgg mutant strain, which synthesized the proteins in the exponential phase of growth. In contrast, the enzymes were detected only among wild-type proteins isolated from organisms in the stationary phase of growth. The differences in protein composition were correlated with previously described metabolic changes. In addition, proteins associated with thermal and oxidative stress responses, including ClpE and ClpL, were present in samples isolated from the rgg mutant strain but not in samples isolated from the wild-type strain. The rgg mutant strain was more tolerant to elevated temperature and puromycin than the wild-type strain; however, the mutant was less tolerant to paraquat. We concluded that Rgg is a global regulatory factor that contributes to growth phase-dependent synthesis of proteins associated with secondary metabolism and oxidative and thermal stress responses.
The Impact of Cochlear Implants on Young Deaf Children New Methods to Assess Cognitive and Behavioral Development

Much evidence suggests that, early in life, auditory input and communication are essential for the normal development of language, cognition, and behavior. Thus, deaf children, who experience significant disruptions in auditory input, are likely to show delays not only in the production of oral language but in other important aspects of development such as visual attention and behavioral control. Cochlear implants have shown tremendous promise in restoring auditory information to deaf children and concomitant improvements in speech recognition and production. However, little is known about how cochlear implants affect psychological variables. In this multisite trial, we assess the effects of cochlear implants on a range of developmental outcomes, including visual attention, problem-solving skills, symbolic play, and social adjustment. Measuring these constructs in young children, primarily younger than 2 years, has presented a number of unique challenges. In this article, we describe the methods used to assess these variables in young children and present preliminary findings comparing joint attention and symbolic play skills in a small sample of age-matched deaf and hearing children. As expected, deaf children performed more poorly than hearing children on measures of attention and symbolic play. As auditory input is restored via a cochlear implant, we predict that significant improvements in these variables will be observed.
Computerized and networked government information column: U.S. Data Quality Act

Abstract This column examines the data quality legislation and the guidelines required by the legislation recently implemented under the direction of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.
Ureteroscopy for Lateralizing Hematuria

With the development of safe and effective ureteroscopy, we can directly inspect the urothelium and no longer need to rely on radiologic imaging studies alone to evaluate patients with lateralizing hematuria. Ureteroscopy not only allows us to better determine the underlying cause of bleeding in patients with hematuria, but also it has greatly improved our ability to treat these patients. Nephrectomy was once the standard of care for these patients, but we now can offer a very safe, minimally invasive, effective, renal preserving treatment. These patients can be quite debilitated by this chronic hematuria. The urologist now has the ability to perform a safe procedure that will provide a diagnosis, and render a treatment that (based on our review of the literature) has a 90 % success rate. This chapter will present the causes of lateralizing hematuria, the approach to the evaluation of these patients, and technical tricks for successful ureteroscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of lateralizing hematuria.
Mapec Oil Corporation

Mapec Oil has been given the alternative of paying a lump sum today or four payments over three years. The payments are in Japanese yen. The student must decide which is better in terms of US dollars. Information is provided on forward rates and prices of options. The case is a good introduction to present value concepts and issues related to foreign exchange. Information on forward contracts and options is provided in an appendix.
The Synonymy of Fomes Fomentarius

In connection with some current studies on the biology of Fomes fomentarius the senior author had occasion to compile the synonyms of this fungus. In most mycological literature the fungus is cited as Fomes fomentarius (L.) Gill., because Gillet published it as such in his Les Champignons de la France 1: 686. 1878. Gillet also is usually given credit for having raised Fries' sub-genus Fomes to generic rank.' However, it was found during the examination of mycological literature at the Farlow Herbarium that Kickx had made the same combination in his Flore Cryptogamique des Flandres 2: 237-238. 1867. In his mention of this fungus Kickx refers to Fries' work, " Summa Vegetabilium Scandinaviae, p. 321, 1849" where Fries designated the fungus as Polyporus (Fomes) fomlentarius (L.). Thus Kickx recognized Fries' sub-genus Fomes and used it as a generic name. According to the International Rules of Nomenclature, Section 6, Article 42, this usage makes Fomes a valid generic name and the genus becomes FoPmes (Fries) Kickx. The International Rules also state, in Section 3, that the starting point for nomenclature of this group of fungi, as well as some others, is Fries, Systema Mycologicum, 1821-32. Thus the name may be written as Fomies fomentarius (Fries) Kickx, or under Recommendation XXXII of this Code, authors earlier than the starting point of the group can be indicated " when useful or desirable " by the use of the word ex. Thus the fungus can also be designated as Fomes fomentarius (L. ex Fries) Kickx. The synonyms which the writers thus far have found in mycological literature are as follows: Synonymy of Fomes fonmentarius (Fries) Kickx Fl. Crypt Flandres 2: 237-238. 1867.
Microstructural Studies of the Deformation of TiAl Alloys

The mechanical behavior and microstructures of TiAl alloys after tensile and bend tests at room temperature and elevated temperatures were studied. The results for two-phase Ti52Al48 alloys are compared with those of single phase Ti48Al52, and the effect of adding 3 at. pct. vanadium as a substitute for Ti in these two alloys is considered. It is shown that Ti52Al48 has greater strength and ductility than Ti48Al52 at room temperature and elevated temperatures up to 871°C (1600°F). Adding vanadium increases the ductility of both binary alloys. The microstructure of the Ti52Al48 alloy deformed at room temperature contains primarily twins and 1/2 easy slip dislocations, whereas the similar Ti48Al52 sample exhibits superdislocations and associated pinned faulted dipoles. If these samples are deformed at 540°C (1000°F) or above, the Ti52Al48 exhibits extensive twinning, and the pinned faulted dipoles in the Ti48Al52 sample disappear. The vanadium additions do not noticeably change the deformation microstructure at room temperature. It is suggested that the strength and ductility of these alloys may be controlled by tetragonality, bonding, interstitial element, and grain size effects, which in turn are affected by the presence of second phases and by the alloy composition.
DELILAH, DUCK94 & SandyDuck: Three Nearshore Field Experiments

Two major field experiments have recently been conducted, and a third is being planned, at Duck, NC, along the mid-Atlantic coast ofthe USA, to investigate nearshore dynamic processes. Named DELILAH, DUCK94, and SandyDuck, these experiments take advantage of logistical efficiency and relatively uncomplicated, open-coast field conditions provided by the Field Research Facility of the US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. DELILAH occurred in 1990, and emphasized hydrodynamics measurements. DUCK94, in 1994, added measurements of sediment transport and morphologic evolution, and was planned as a comprehensive pilot study for SandyDuck, the most ambitious experiment in the series, scheduled for 1997. Scientific motivation, instrumentation plans, participants, and representative climatic conditions of DELILAH and DUCK94 are described, as are sources of further information and data.
Remodeling the Vascular Microenvironment of Glioblastoma with α-Particles

Tumors escape antiangiogenic therapy by activation of proangiogenic signaling pathways. Bevacizumab is approved for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma, but patients inevitably develop resistance to this angiogenic inhibitor. We previously investigated targeted α-particle therapy with 225Ac-E4G10 as an antivascular approach and showed increased survival and tumor control in a high-grade transgenic orthotopic glioblastoma model. Here, we investigated changes in tumor vascular morphology and functionality caused by 225Ac-E4G10. Methods: We investigated remodeling of the tumor microenvironment in transgenic Ntva glioblastoma mice using a therapeutic 7.4-kBq dose of 225Ac-E4G10. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical analyses imaged morphologic changes in the tumor blood–brain barrier microenvironment. Multicolor flow cytometry quantified the endothelial progenitor cell population in the bone marrow. Diffusion-weighted MR imaged functional changes in the tumor vascular network. Results: The mechanism of drug action is a combination of remodeling of the glioblastoma vascular microenvironment, relief of edema, and depletion of regulatory T and endothelial progenitor cells. The primary remodeling event is the reduction of both endothelial and perivascular cell populations. Tumor-associated edema and necrosis were lessened, resulting in increased perfusion and reduced diffusion. Pharmacologic uptake of dasatinib into tumor was enhanced after α-particle therapy. Conclusion: Targeted antivascular α-particle radiation remodels the glioblastoma vascular microenvironment via a multimodal mechanism of action and provides insight into the vascular architecture of platelet-derived growth factor–driven glioblastoma.
Family Communication Patterns and Communicative Responses to Jealousy: The Mediating Role of Alexithymia

AbstractUsing family communication patterns theory, the current study proposed a mediating structural model between family communication patterns, alexithymia, and communicative responses to jealousy. Using a college student sample, the results largely supported the predicted model in terms of both direct and indirect effects. Specifically, both family communication patterns were significantly related to alexithymia, while alexithymia was significantly related to the latent constructs of destructive, avoidant, and rival focused responses to jealousy. Indirect effects were also found between both family communication patterns and all four latent constructs of communicative responses to jealousy. Finally, the family communication patterns also interacted to predict alexithymia. Several conclusions and directions for future research are discussed.
Institutionalizing Global Citizenship: A Critical Analysis of Higher Education Programs and Curricula

While higher education internationalization efforts have traditionally been associated with the expansion of study abroad experiences, the recruitment of international students and scholars, as wel...
Quantitative and statistical analyses of PET imaging studies of amyloid deposition in humans

In vivo amyloid imaging could aid in earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and anti-amyloid therapy development. We compared quantitative region-of-interest (ROI) and voxel-based statistical analyses of positron emission tomography (PET) studies of the /sup 11/C-labeled amyloid-imaging agent, PIB. High specific activity PIB PET studies were performed in 5 AD and 5 control subjects (ECAT HR+, 10-15 mCi, arterial input, 90 min). Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed (ROI delineation). Quantitative analyses yielded regional PIB retention values (i.e., DVratio (DVR): radiotracer distribution volume (DV) normalized to the cerebellar reference DV). Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) and partial least squares (PLS) analyses were applied to PIB DVR images (arterial based) that were spatially normalized to an elderly MR template (55-90 years, n=268). The regional tissue response functions (fast and slow kinetic components) were consistent with the DVR values. The ROI, SPM (p<.025, 50 voxel extent, false discovery correction), and PLS (saliences) analyses yielded marked PIB retention in areas of AD brain that were consistent with known areas of amyloid deposition in AD, as compared to reference retention in areas unaffected by amyloid in AD (white matter, cerebellum, control brain). Voxel-based analyses of PIB PET data will likely prove valid and robust for mapping amyloid deposition on a cross-sectional and longitudinal basis in AD.
The Bistable Resonator Cymbal: An Actuated Acoustic Instrument Displaying Physical Audio Effects

We present the Bistable Resonator Cymbal, a type of actuated acoustic instrument which augments a conventional cymbal with feedback-induced resonance. The system largely employs standard, commercially-available sound reinforcement and signal processing hardware and software, and no permanent modifications to the cymbal are needed. Several types of cymbals may be used, each capable of producing a number of physical audio effects. Cymbal acoustics, implementation, stability issues, interaction behavior, and sonic results are discussed.
Tracing a Path to the Past: Exploring the Use of Commercial Credit Reporting Data to Construct Residential Histories for Epidemiologic Studies of Environmental Exposures.

Large-scale environmental epidemiologic studies often rely on exposure estimates based on linkage to residential addresses. This approach, however, is limited by the lack of residential histories typically available for study participants. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of using address data from LexisNexis (a division of RELX, Inc., Dayton, Ohio), a commercially available credit reporting company, to construct residential histories for participants in the California Teachers Study (CTS), a prospective cohort study initiated in 1995-1996 to study breast cancer (n = 133,479). We evaluated the degree to which LexisNexis could provide retrospective addresses prior to study enrollment, as well as the concordance with existing prospective CTS addresses ascertained at the time of the completion of 4 self-administered questionnaires. For approximately 80% of CTS participants, LexisNexis provided at least 1 retrospective address, including nearly 25,000 addresses completely encompassed by time periods prior to enrollment. This approach more than doubled the proportion of the study population for whom we had an address of residence during the childbearing years-an important window of susceptibility for breast cancer risk. While overall concordance between the prospective addresses contained in these 2 data sources was good (85%), it was diminished among black women and women under the age of 40 years.
Maternal antibodies' role in immunity-Response.

OUR STUDY DEMONSTRATED strong statistical support for “childhood hemagglutinin (HA) imprinting,” in which individuals exhibit lifelong immune protection against influenza A viruses genetically similar to the first influenza virus encountered in childhood. Immune imprinting (i.e., preferential
Travelling Researchers, Colonial Difference: Comparative Education in an Age of Exploration.

AbstractMuch existing scholarship takes Marc-Antoine Jullien’s 1816/17 Esquisse et Vues Preliminaries d’un ouvrage sur L’Education Comparee [Sketch and Preliminary Views for a work on Comparative Education] as an epochal moment in the establishment of comparative education as a scientific field of academic study. Yet, Jullien’s plan also needs to be examined in relation to European traditions of travel and global colonial expansion – and, concurrently, to the cosmopolitan practices, networks and mobilities that constitute social science. This article argues that principles of colonial difference saturate Jullien’s proposal. The ways that Jullien’s work enables and disables subjectivities and subject positions as well as the ways it reifies social and contextual categories of analysis have cautionary salience for us today. Jullien’s proposal did not found a discipline nor did it spark a continuous conversation, yet it is an instance in the establishment of the field that shows the stubbornly durable entang...
Methylphenidate alleviates manganese-induced impulsivity but not distractibility.

Abstract Recent studies from our lab have demonstrated that postnatal manganese (Mn) exposure in a rodent model can cause lasting impairments in fine motor control and attention, and that oral methylphenidate (MPH) treatment can effectively treat the dysfunction in fine motor control. However, it is unknown whether MPH treatment can alleviate the impairments in attention produced by Mn exposure. Here we used a rodent model of postnatal Mn exposure to determine whether (1) oral MPH alleviates attention and impulse control deficits caused by postnatal Mn exposure, using attention tasks that are variants of the 5-choice serial reaction time task, and (2) whether these treatments affected neuronal dendritic spine density in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and dorsal striatum. Male Long-Evans rats were exposed orally to 0 or 50 Mn/kg/d throughout life starting on PND 1, and tested as young adults (PND 107–115) on an attention task that specifically tapped selective attention and impulse control. Animals were treated with oral MPH (2.5 mg/kg/d) throughout testing on the attention task. Our findings show that lifelong postnatal Mn exposure impaired impulse control and selective attention in young adulthood, and that a therapeutically relevant oral MPH regimen alleviated the Mn-induced dysfunction in impulse control, but not selective attention, and actually impaired focused attention in the Mn group. In addition, the effect of MPH was qualitatively different for the Mn-exposed versus control animals across a range of behavioral measures of inhibitory control and attention, as well as dendritic spine density in the mPFC, suggesting that postnatal Mn exposure alters catecholaminergic systems modulating these behaviors. Collectively these findings suggest that MPH may hold promise for treating the behavioral dysfunction caused by developmental Mn exposure, although further research is needed with multiple MPH doses to determine whether a dose can be identified that ameliorates the dysfunction in both impulse control and selective attention, without impairing focused attention.
Pre-compression effect on microstructure evolution of extruded pure polycrystalline magnesium during reversed tension load

Abstract The microstructure evolution of extruded pure polycrystalline magnesium under compression followed by subsequent tension in ambient air was investigated. Solid round dog-bone shaped specimens were compressed along the extrusion direction (ED) to − 7.3% and − 12.8% true strains, respectively, and then tensioned along the ED to failure. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was used to examine the microstructure evolution using companion specimens unloaded at multiple points along the deformation curves. Pre-compression along the ED resulted in 10 1 ¯ 2 tension twinning which increased in volume with increasing strain until exhaustion at approximately − 10.5% true strain. Tensile reloading of the pre-compressed specimens led to a combination of low Schmid factor twinning, detwinning, and secondary 10 1 ¯ 2 tension twinning. Detwinning was more significant than secondary twinning in the − 7.3% pre-compressed specimens, where only one secondary twin variant was observed. 10 1 ¯ 2 secondary twinning was more significant in the − 12.8% pre-compressed specimens, where up to three secondary twin variants were observed. After complete detwinning of primary twins, the secondary twins were retained and appeared as sub-grains. The residual sub-grains resulted from secondary twinning may provide a strengthening mechanism for wrought Mg alloys.
Wing Tracheation in Chrysopidae and Other Neuropterida (Insecta): A Resolution of the Confusion about Vein Fusion

ABSTRACT The wings of insects are one of their most prominent features and embody numerous characters and modifications congruent with the variety of their lifestyles. However, despite their evolutionary relevance, homology statements and nomenclature of wing structures remain understudied and sometimes confusing. Early studies on wing venation homologies often assumed Neuropterida (the superorder comprising the orders Raphidioptera, Megaloptera, and Neuroptera: snakeflies, alderflies and dobsonflies, and lacewings) to be ancient among Pterygota, and therefore relied on their pattern of venation for determining groundplans for insect wing venation schemata and those assumptions reciprocally influenced the interpretation of lacewing wings. However, Neuropterida are in fact derived among flying insects and thus a reconsideration of their wings is crucial. The identification of the actual wing venation of Neuropterida is rendered difficult by fusions and losses, but these features provide systematic and taxo...
Overview of Toxic Contaminants in Ground Water Origin, Transport, and Treatment

Introduction: Most of you are primarily interested in ground water, by that I mean well water. I don’t believe anyone here uses a surface water source for either product water or in plant drinking water or so you think. I have had some surprises from Florida ground water acting like surface water. When hunting for reasons it was explained that water perculating through your soil acts almost like a huge lake or river with varying levels of naturally occuring contaminants and man made pollutants present depending on location and magnitude of source. I have had trouble with this since during the depression when my family lived on a grove in Lake County. Our well was driven into the limestone aquifer and my father was firmly convinced this was the best water in the entire State of Florida. In retrospect, I can never recall tasting better water, however it was hard as a rock and during the “monsoons” that occasionally came our way the well water took on a brown color just like the lake and cat-tail swamp across the road. Wells driven into the limestone aquifer, even in the artisian region below impermiable cap rock may be subject to significant surface intrusion.Paper published with permission.Compilation Copyright © 2018 ASME
Synthesis of 2-substituted hydroquinone derivatives from 1,4-benzoquinone and allyl ethers

Abstract B-Alkylpinacolboranes, derived from rhodium-catalyzed hydroboration of allyl ethers with pinacolborane, react with 1,4-benzoquinone under acidic, oxidizing conditions, to afford, after subsequent hydrogenation, 2-substituted hydroquinones in isolated, purified yields of about 50% based on 1,4-benzoquinone. The product hydroquinones have potential use as precursors to poly(arylene ether) and related aromatic polymers.
THE EFFECTS OF ELF ON CHEMICAL REACTION RATES IN BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

In this paper we review some of the theory and experiments associated with the effects of electric and magnetic fields at extremely low frequencies, ELF, on chemical reaction rates. The paper proposes a simple model for chemical reactions and shows that the effects of weak electric fields can change the probability that molecules of the reacting materials will encounter each other as well as shift the barrier energy for the reaction. These effects occur primarily in the vicinity of membranes or at boundaries where there are large variations in current density or the concentration of one of the chemical reactants.
Rejection of persistent, bounded disturbances for sampled-data systems

In this paper, a complete solution for the l 1 sampled-data problem is furnished for arbitrary plants. Then l 1 sampled-data problem is described as follows: Given a continuous-time plant, with continuous-time performance objectives, design a digital controller that delivers this performance. This problem differs from the s-tandard discrete-time methods in that it takes into consideration the inter-sampling behaviour of the closed loop system. The resulting closed loop system dynamics consists of both continuous-time and discrete-time dynamics and thus such systems are known as “Hybrid” systems. It is shown that given any degree of accuracy, there exists a standard discrete-time l 1 problem, which can be determined apriori, such that for any controller that achieves a level of performance for the discrete-time problem, the same controller achieves the same performance within the prescribed level of accuracy if implemented as a sampled-data controller.
Marsupial Linkage Maps

Linkage maps provide information not only on the linear order of genetic loci on chromosomes; they also reveal the locations and frequencies of crossover events during gametogenesis. As such they have been invaluable resources for genetic mapping for nearly 100 years and continue to be extremely useful for providing insight into the meiotic process and disruptions thereof that physical mapping strategies cannot furnish. Linkage mapping research with marsupial mammals had a late inception due to a long-standing lack of animal resources amenable to the reliable, multigenerational breeding programs necessary for the establishment of genetic lines and tools required for linkage-mapping studies. As this impediment was overcome through the establishment of several self-perpetuating marsupial breeding colonies late in the twentieth century, linkage mapping studies began to uncover evidence of unexpectedly low rates and unusual sex-specific patterns of recombination that run counter to those observed for almost all other vertebrates examined. This chapter describes the history of linkage research in marsupials, summarizes the linkage maps of the tammar wallaby and the gray, short-tailed opossum, considers the value of these linkage maps in connection with the recent opossum and wallaby genome projects, and discusses the extent and implications of low recombination rates and sex-specific recombination differences in these species. The chapter ends with speculation on the potential of the opossum as a model for recombination research.
Immunological Synapse Formation: Cell Polarity During T Cell–APC Interaction

Intercellular communication is essential for coordinating a successful immune response. The immunological synapse provides a platform for such communication by coupling activated lymphocytes specifically to their target cells. The formation of an IS in T cells is triggered by stimulation of the T cell antigen receptor and depends on the rapid and polarized remodeling of the cytoskeleton. This dramatic change in cell polarity is required to achieve optimal T cell activation and function. In this chapter, we will discuss the structure of the IS, how it forms, and how it contributes to T cell function during immune responses.
Investigation of power station slag for use as roofing granules

The use of crushed power station slags, both natural and coated, as granules for roof shingles shows some promise. Test shingles weathered for some years showed rust spotting and granule deterioration as serious problems. Chemical analysis on a particle-by-particle basis using a scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy system showed the wide variability of chemical composition of the granules within a given sample. Analysis of particles acting as sources of spotting within the weathered samples showed high iron contents but no rules could be developed for predicting the long-term stability of different compositions.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Pathomechanics: Current Understanding and Future Directions.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are permanent, local expansions of the abdominal segment of the aorta that can potentially be fatal if progressing to rupture. AAAs are rarely found in patients under age 60, but are more common in older age groups, occurring in 2–3% of the whole population. Their rupture produces up to 14,000 deaths annually in the United States alone. Because aneurysmal rupture is a mechanical phenomenon, in recent years there has been a major effort among researchers to investigate the biologic and mechanical processes surrounding AAA progression and rupture. In addition to the basic science importance of understanding AAA pathophysiology, much of this research has been directed toward the development of accurate clinical criteria for assessing the risk of rupture on a patient-by-patient basis. This review first summarizes degenerative changes of the aorta wall associated with AAA pathogenesis. Current understanding of hemodynamics, transport, and wall mechanics in AAAs is then described, and open questions in aneurysm research are discussed along with potential directions in which further understanding could lead to improved clinical evaluation and management decision processes.
A hybrid strategy combining minimized leading-edge electric-heating and superhydro-/ice-phobic surface coating for wind turbine icing mitigation

Abstract A hybrid anti-icing strategy that combines minimized electro-heating at the blade leading edge and a superhydro-/ice-phobic coating to cover the blade surface was explored for wind turbine icing mitigation. The experimental study was conducted in an Icing Research Tunnel available at Iowa State University (ISU-IRT) with a turbine blade model with DU91-W2-250 airfoil in the model cross-section exposed under different icing conditions. While a superhydro-/ice-phobic surface coating was used to cover the entire blade surface, a strip of electric heating film was used to wrap around the leading edge of the blade model. By using the superhydro-/ice-phobic coating to cover the entire blade surface, the hybrid strategy with the electric heating element covering only 5%–10% of the blade front surface would be able to keep the entire blade surface ice free under both rime and glaze icing conditions. In comparison to the conventional strategy to brutally heating the entire hydrophilic blade surface to keep the blade ice free, the hybrid strategy was found to be able to achieve the same anti-/de-icing performance with substantially less power consumption (i.e., up to ∼90% saving in the required power consumption), making it a very promising strategy for wind turbine icing mitigation.
Sub-Kelvin (100 mK) time resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy for studies of quantum dynamics of low-dimensional spin systems at low frequencies and magnetic fields

This article presents a time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry setup designed to work at frequencies below 20 GHz and temperatures down to 50 mK. The setup consists of an on-chip microstrip resonator (Q < 100) placed in a dilution cryostat located within a superconducting 3D vector magnet. A housemade spin echo circuitry controlled by a microwave network analyzer, a pulse pattern generator, and an oscilloscope connects to the microstrip through a series of copper, stainless steel, and superconducting semirigid coaxial lines which are thermally anchored to the different cooling stages of the fridge by means of power attenuators, circulators, and a cryogenic amplifier. Spin echo experiments were performed at a 0.5-T magnetic field on a spin 1 2 paramagnetic coal marker sample mounted on a 15 GHz microstrip resonator at temperatures ranging from 100 to 800 mK. The results show an increase in echo signal intensity as temperature is decreased until saturation as theoretically expected in reaching 99% spin polarization at 100 mK. Our technique allows tuning of the spin system in the pure-state regime and minimizing dipolar fluctuations, which are the main contribution to decoherence in solid-state samples of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) - molecular spin systems that are currently being tested for applications in quantum computation. The achievement of full spin polarization at 100 mK will allow for coherent control over the time evolution of spin systems without the need for large magnetic fields (commonly used to polarize the dipolar bath at higher temperatures) and high frequencies.
The Critical Performative Turn in Intercultural Communication

This essay argues that the performative turn in intercultural communication was a natural movement that follows the interpersonal, interpretative, critical, and rhetorical previous turns. The criti...
Local anesthetics: special considerations in endodontics.

Local anesthetics are essential for successful endodontic treatment, and their pharmacologic characteristics have special implications for the treatment of painful, chronically-inflamed or necrotic teeth. Their dosages must be limited to prevent toxicity, which may be enhanced by the coadministration of sedative agents or drugs which affect hepatic drug metabolism. Endodontic patients with established central and peripheral sensitization represent special challenges for pain control, since morphogenetic changes resulting from neurogenic inflammation can render pain fibers more resistant to local anesthesia. The use of vasconstrictors with conventional and alternative injection techniques, e.g., intraosseous injections, are necessary to prolong the duration of action of local anesthesia but can place patients with cardiovascular disease at some risk. An appreciation of all of these aspects of local anesthesia in endodontics will better prepare the operator for predictably safe and effective patient care.
Sauve-Kapandji Remains a Viable Option for Distal Radioulnar Joint Dysfunction.

IntroductionDysfunction of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) can be significantly debilitating. The Sauve-Kapandji (S-K) procedure can be indicated to address multiple etiologies of DRUJ dysfuncti...
Detecting Potential Adverse Drug Reactions of Preschool ADHD Treatment Using Health Consumer-Generated Content

Post-marketing surveillance of drugs is important because many adverse drug reactions (ADRs) cannot be detected in the pre-marketing clinical trials due to their limited scale and duration. This is especially true for pediatric patients who are often excluded from clinical trials out of ethical considerations. As a result, drug safety and efficacy data on children are largely missing, and pediatricians are compelled to prescribe in moderation based on adult data. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders that affect children. Six million American children are diagnosed with ADHD, among whom one-third are toddlers and preschoolers aged 2-5 years. The medical community and the public are vigilant of the potential adverse drug reactions among the preschooler population due to their young age, although very few studies are available. At present, post-marketing pharmacovigilance relies heavily on spontaneous reporting systems, electronic health records (EHR), and other relevant databases. These approaches are robust but not without limitations. For instance, access to these datasets is limited to approved personnel, and secondary use of the data for pharmacovigilance research is usually lagged. Most data input to spontaneous reporting systems is from professionals, since patients may not be aware of or have the capacity to navigate those systems. Recently, researchers have started paying attention to health consumer-generated content from social media platforms for post-marketing surveillance due to their ease of use to consumers and abundance in data volume. In this study, we mined the signals of associations between drugs and adverse drug reactions for preschool-aged children with ADHD using health consumers-generated content and examined their clinical implications. We identified four drug-ADR associations supported by clinical trials or post-marketing evidence and three known but relatively rare associations that require further studies.
Mathematics identity and discrepancies between self-and reflected appraisals: their relationships with grade 12 mathematics achievement using new evidence from a U.S. national study

While substantial research has shown the relationship between earlier mathematics coursetaking and later mathematics achievement, recent research suggests that mathematics motivation is an important predictor of grade 12 mathematics achievement as well. The current study extends this research by examining the role of mathematics identity at grade 11 for grade 12 mathematics achievement, and whether differences in self- versus other- appraisals of whether a student is “a mathematics person” are related to mathematics achievement after taking mathematics motivation into account. We use a unique dataset from a sample of U.S. students who participated in both the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 and grade 12 National Assessment of Educational Progress mathematics assessment. The analyses reveal that the stronger the students’ mathematics identity the better their grade 12 mathematics achievement even after accounting for students’ mathematics and science course-taking patterns, their STEM grade point average (STEM GPA), prior mathematics achievement (measured at grade 9) and background characteristics. While initial analyses suggested that higher mathematics achievement is also associated with perceived appraisals by others being more positive than self-appraisals with respect to being “a math person,” that relationship was found to be non-significant when other variables in the model are included. The theoretical implications of the study’s findings are discussed.