cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-monitoring of fatigue damage and dynamic strain in carbon fiber polymer-matrix composite

Self-monitoring of static/fatigue damage and dynamic strain in a continuous crossply [0/90] carbon fiber polymer-matrix composite by electrical resistance (R) measurement was achieved. With a static/cyclic tensile stress along the 0° direction, R in this direction and R perpendicular to the fiber layers were measured. Upon static tension to failure, R in the 0° direction first decreased (due to increase of degree of 0° fiber alignment and fiber residual compressive stress reduction) and then increased (due to 0° fiber breakage), while R perpendicular to the fiber layers increased monotonically (due to increase of degree of 0° fiber alignment and delamination). Upon cyclic tension, R (0° decreased reversibly, while R perpendicular to the fiber layers increased reversibly, though R in both directions changed irreversibly by a small amount after the first cycle. Upon fatigue testing at a maximum stress of 57% of the fracture stress, R (0°) irreversibly increased both in spurts and continuously, due to 0° fiber breakage, which started at 15% of the fatigue life, while R (perpendicular to the fiber layers) irreversibly increased both in spurts and continuously, due to delamination, which started at 33% of the fatigue life. The peak R (0°) in a cycle irreversibly decreased, while the minimum R (perpendicular to the fiber layers) at the end of a cycle irreversibly increased during the first 0.1% of the fatigue life, due to irreversible increase in the degree of 0° fiber alignment. R (0°) became noisy starting at 87% of the fatigue life, whereas R (perpendicular to the fiber layers) became noisy starting at 50% of the fatigue life. For a [90] unidirectional composite, R (0°) increased reversibly upon tension and decreased reversibly upon compression in the 0° direction, due to piezoresistivity.
Does the pi NN coupling "constant" vary with energy?

We examine a recent suggestion for an energy dependence of the pion-nucleon coupling in [ital pp] scattering. Hoshizaki and Tanaguchi find that this coupling increases from 13.5 at low energies to 18.5 at 800 MeV, using a [ital pp] partial-wave analysis method. We find large errors associated with such an extraction and no evidence for a rapid variation. The influence of a coupled [ital N][Delta] channel complicates such studies.
68 “INTERNALIZING” IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

Achenbach's Child Behavior Check List, a standardized test of psychosocial functioning, was used to assess the following groups (ages 6-16): Crohn's Disease (N=42), Ulcerative Colitis (UC)(N=27), Recurrent Abdominal Pain (RAP)(N=41) and healthy siblings (N=66). Groups were contrasted by scores on two subscales derived from factor analysis of test items. The “Internalizing” (I) subscale reflects depression, anxiety and withdrawal. The “Externalizing” (E) subscale reflects hyperaetivity, aggression and anti-social behavior. A standardized Disease Activity Index measured degree of illness. RESULTS: 1) Patient groups had higher “I” scores than sibling groups (p <.001). 2) RAP “I” scores were higher than Crohn's and UC's (p. <.001). 3) “I” scores correlate with disease activity for Crohn's (r =.5, p <.001), but not for UC. 4) Siblings of UC patients “externalize” (p<.001), as compared to siblings of Crohn's and RAP. CONCLUSIONS: A) “Internalizing” types of psychological problems occur with chronic gastrointestinal illness, and are worse for patients with non-organic abdominal pain syndromes. B) Crohn's and UC patients differ in the mechanisms underlying the relationship between psychological and disease factors. C) These findings indicate that psychological intervention should focus on “internalizing” types of symptoms and that Crohn's patients may be especially vulnerable during flares. D) Differences among sibling groups show that family patterns of behavior differ according to disease group. This indicates the importance of taking family context into account when developing and carrying out a treatment plan.
Harvey Cushing's Repair of a Dural Defect After a Traumatic Brain Injury: Novel Use of a Fat Graft

Objective A review of Harvey Cushing's surgical cases at Johns Hopkins Hospital revealed new information about his early work with the use of fat grafts to close dural defects. Methods The Johns Hopkins Hospital surgical records from 1896 to 1912 were reviewed. A single case in which Cushing used an autologous fat graft to repair a dural defect in 1912 after a traumatic brain injury was selected for further study. Results An 18-year-old white female patient presented with recurring seizures in her sleep approximately 12 years after a traumatic brain injury. A depressed skull fracture as a result of this injury was explored by Cushing, and a dural defect was found. Fat was harvested from the thigh of the patient and was sutured in layers to cover the defect. Cushing noted that this was the first of its kind of operation and "probably of very little use." The patient was discharged within 2 weeks after the operation despite recurrence of her seizure episodes. Conclusions Despite its questionable functional success, we report herein a previously unpublished operative case by Harvey Cushing's in which an autologous fat graft was used to close a traumatic wound resulting in a dural defect. This report predates currently known published reports of the use of fat to seal dural defects. Cushing recognized that a factor found in fat tissue may aid in wound healing. Contemporary studies indicate the presence of mesenchymal stem cells in fat tissue may be responsible for the accelerated healing and reduced incidence of cerebral spinal fluid leaks after cranial surgery.
The day before Election Day

This article presents an analytical reconstruction of the day before Election Day on the Johnson for Congress Campaign. It uses an extended first-person narrative format to reconstruct the look, so...
The Effect of Paraffin and Exercise on Hand Function in Persons with Scleroderma: A Series of Single Case Studies

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the use of paraffin and active hand exercises would improve activity and participation in persons with scleroderma. In this series of three single case studies, participants used paraffin and performed active hand exercises daily for eight weeks. To assess hand function, measures of body function/structure and activity/participation were taken at baseline, at one month and at two months after intervention. All participants experienced clinically significant improvements in both body function/structure measurements of hand function and in their ability to participate in activities. Significant improvements were found more frequently on body function/structure measures than activity/participation measures. This preliminary study lends support in favor of using paraffin and hand exercises as a treatment to improve hand function related to participation in daily activities in persons with scleroderma. Further research with a larger sample and increased variable control is needed.
The natural emergence of reasoning about the afterlife as a developmental regularity

Participants were interviewed about the biological and psychological functioning of a dead agent. In Experiment 1, even 4- to 6-year-olds stated that biological processes ceased at death, although this trend was more apparent among 6- to 8-year-olds. In Experiment 2, 4- to 12-year-olds were asked about psychological functioning. The youngest children were equally likely to state that both cognitive and psychobiological states continued at death, whereas the oldest children were more likely to state that cognitive states continued. In Experiment 3, children and adults were asked about an array of psychological states. With the exception of preschoolers, who did not differentiate most of the psychological states, older children and adults were likely to attribute epistemic, emotional, and desire states to dead agents. These findings suggest that developmental mechanisms underlie intuitive accounts of dead agents' minds.
Combining Live Video and Audio Broadcasting, Synchronous Chat, and Asynchronous Open Forum Discussions in Distance Education:

This article outlines the evolution of a unique distance education program that began as a hybrid—combining face-to-face instruction with asynchronous online teaching—and evolved to become an innov...
The use of non-uniformly doped FETs in GaAs subnanosecond switching circuits : simulations

Subnanosecond switching circuits employing a proposed new non-uniformly doped junction field effect transistor (NUDJFET) are simulated and compared to simulated and published experimental test results of similar configurations employing uniformly doped devices. The non-uniform channel doping of the NUDJFET octs to lower its saturation voltage, thus allowing a given circuit configuration to operate at a lower power supply voltage with very little speed degradation and hence a reduced speed-power product. Several important switching circuit configurations are simulated and their speed and power performances compared and evaluated.
We can do better than effective dose for estimating or comparing low-dose radiation risks:

Abstract The effective dose concept was designed to compare the generic risks of exposure to different radiation fields. More commonly these days, it is used to estimate or compare radiation-induced cancer risks. For various reasons, effective dose represents flawed science: for instance, the tissue-specific weighting factors used to calculate effective dose are a subjective mix of different endpoints; and the marked and differing age and gender dependencies for different health detriment endpoints are not taken into account. This paper suggests that effective dose could be replaced with a new quantity, ‘effective risk’, which, like effective dose, is a weighted sum of equivalent doses to different tissues. Unlike effective dose, where the tissue-dependent weighting factors are a set of generic, subjective committee-defined numbers, the weighting factors for effective risk are simply evaluated tissue-specific lifetime cancer risks per unit equivalent dose. Effective risk, which has the potential to be age and gender specific if desired, would perform the same comparative role as effective dose, be just as easy to estimate, be less prone to misuse, be more directly understandable, and would be based on solid science. An added major advantage is that it gives the users some feel for the actual numerical values of the radiation risks they are trying to control.
Minimal polynomial systems for point vortex equilibria

Point vortices in a two-dimensional fluid may be arranged so that all resulting vortex velocities are identical; these are equivalent to force-free arrangements of 2D Coulomb charges in a homogeneous field. For generic choice of vortex circulations, the number of stationary configurations is finite, but a few infinite solution families (of arbitrary positive dimension) are known to exist. This paper extends the classes of point vortex systems known to have a finite or infinite number of stationary configurations respectively. The main tool is a new minimal system of polynomial equations characterizing these configurations. The polynomial system is extended to include symmetric vortex configurations such as vortex streets and rings, as well as circulation symmetries (vortices with identical circulations). By expressing the systems as a multilinear differential equation, one-dimensional solution sets can be constructed for a wide range of systems, including vortex streets and rings.
Using Videotapes to Study the Construction of Mathematical Knowledge by Individual Children Working in Groups

Videotaping small groups of students in a regular classroom environment makes it possible to study individual student cognitive growth in a social setting. The present report deals with student development of some new mathematical ideas over an extended period of time.
A HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF THE TOAD URINARY BLADDER.

Histochemical methods for the demonstration of enzyme activities and carbohydrates were applied to the bladder of the toad, Bufo marinus. The three cell types in the mucosa (ordinary epithelial cell, goblet cell, and mitochondria-rich cell) were found to be distinctive with the methods used. Dehydrogenase enzyme activities were highly concentrated in the mitochondria-rich cells. Membrane-associated ATPase activity was found in the basal cell-membranes of the mucosal cells, where active sodium transport is thought to occur. The potentialities of the various cell types for active electrolyte transport are discussed.
In situ investigation of electrochemical devices using ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy

Abstract Heterogeneous chemical reactions at interfaces play an important role in electrochemical devices. Here we discuss the investigation of vapor/solid interfaces using ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS), which provides the capability to simultaneously measure both the chemical composition and the electrical potential. The technical bases for these measurements are discussed and its application demonstrated for investigations of model solid oxide fuel cell devices and Li–O 2 batteries.
Abstract 2567: Preclinical evaluation of Poly (ADP) Ribose Polymerase (PARP) enzyme inhibitor, ABT-888, in combination with cytotoxic agents in small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL The induction of DNA damage underlies the efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapy agents for the treatment of SCLC. Poly (ADP) Ribose Polymerase (PARP) enzyme plays a key role in the cellular machinery responsible for DNA damage repair. Although inhibition of this enzyme using pharmacological inhibitor is postulated to enhance the cytotoxicity of DNA-damaging cytotoxic chemotherapy, this has not been previously studied in SCLC. The present work evaluated the interaction between ABT-888 and cytotoxic chemotherapy in SCLC. A panel of SCLC cell lines (H146, H69, H187, H209, and H182) was employed for this work. Exponentially growing cells were treated by continuous exposure for 48-72 h to vehicle, ABT-888 and cytotoxic agents (cisplatin, carboplatin, etoposide) in the presence and absence of ABT-888. Surviving cell fraction and growth inhibition was determined using MTS assay. Sequence dependence interaction was assessed by alternating the sequence of administration of ABT-888 relative to the cytotoxic agents. Western blot assay was performed to assess for PARP inhibition, changes in markers of apoptosis (cleaved PARP and caspase), DNA damage (gamma-H2AX) and other DNA damage repair pathway proteins (ERCC1, DNA-PK, Ku80, ATM, ATR and BRCA1) under different treatment conditions. ABT-888 showed negligible cytotoxicity as a single agent. Co-administration of ABT-888 and chemotherapeutic agents resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity of cisplatin, carboplatin and to a lesser extent, etoposide, in a cell specific and dose-dependent manner. High concentrations (50uM) of ABT-888 produced up to 7-fold reduction in IC50 concentrations of cytotoxic agents while low concentration (5uM) of ABT-888 produced up to 2-fold reduction in IC50 concentrations. There was no sequence dependence interaction between ABT-888 and the cytotoxic agents. Time-course experiments showed down modulation of DNA protein kinase (DNA-PK) levels at 24 hours, which correlated with onset of apoptosis as assessed by PARP and caspase cleavage. Moreover, high basal expression of DNA-PK correlated with reduced potentiation of cytotoxicity by ABT-888 in H128 cell line. These results would support clinical evaluation of ABT-888 plus cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with SCLC. Furthermore, DNA-PK level may serve as a predictive biomarker of efficacy of PARP inhibitor therapy. Our in vitro finding is currently being tested using in vivo animal model. (This work was supported through the Georgia Cancer Coalition Distinguished Scholar Award to TK Owonikoko, SS Ramalingam, FR Khuri and S Sun and the NIH/NCI Program Project P01 grant CA116676). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2567. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2567
An Exploratory Analysis of Family Coping Styles and Psychobiological Distress Among Adolescents Affected by a Large-Scale Disaster

The authors examined the relations between mobilizing coping, the tendency for families to respond to problems by seeking community-based assistance, and psychological distress and cortisol activity in homeless adolescents (12–17 years) who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina (n = 50) as compared to demographically matched controls (n = 31). Perceptions of family mobilizing covaried with lower cortisol activity, a physiological indicator of recurrent stress exposure and long-term changes in hypothalamic pituitary adrenal regulation and, in this study, greater internalizing symptoms. Follow-up analyses suggested that mobilizing coping partially mediated the relation between hurricane exposure and lower cortisol. Further research is needed to accurately model biological and psychological consequences of the strategies that families use for dealing with ordinary and extraordinary stressors.
Microfocal lens for energy-assisted magnetic recording technology

In this Letter an original method is proposed to assist optical coupling in energy-assisted magnetic recording systems by introducing a microfocal lens. Simulation results show that the lens effectively reduces the incident light spot size to subwavelength scale, which benefits the magnetic recording density. The proposed microfocal lens can be manufactured at low cost because its fabrication is compatible with the conventional magnetic read/write head process.
Accurate control of Sb composition in AlGaAsSb alloys on InP substrates by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract The incorporation rates of Sb2 and As2 species are measured by group-V induced oscillations of reflection high-energy electron diffraction in molecular beam epitaxy. These measurements allow the accurate control and reproducibility of group-V composition in the AlGaAsSb system. Using the calibrations of Sb2 incorporation rate we have grown GaAsSb, AlAsSb, AlGaAsSb layers and AlGaAsSb/AlAsSb distributed Bragg reflectors lattice matched on InP substrates. Very intense room-temperature photoluminescence signals of these mirrors demonstrate the good optical quality obtained with this simple method.
Graceful gait transitions for biomimetic locomotion - the worm

The problem of finding the most graceful transitions between different gaits of a simplified one-dimensional worm model, with asymmetric kinetic frictional forces, is posed in this paper. A novel definition of graceful transitions is suggested in this context as the transitions that maximally preserve the natural periodic behavior of the gaits. The problem is set up as an optimal control problem and the necessary conditions for a graceful transition are derived.
Phenylalanine hydroxylase activity in liver from humans and subhuman primates: its probable absence in kidney.

Abstract Phenylalanine hydroxylase activity was present in liver of subhuman primates (monkey, baboon, chimpanzee) and humans in approximately the same amounts, lower than observed in liver of guinea pig or rat. No activity was demonstrable in kidney tissue from subhuman primates or humans. Activity in human kidney described by other investigators probably resulted from nonenzymatic hydroxylation of phenylalanine in the presence of tetrahydropteridine.
An Empirical Muscle Intracellular Action Potential Model with Multiple Erlang Probability Density Functions based on a Modified Newton Method

The convolution of the transmembrane current of an excitable cell and a weighting function generates a single fiber action potential (SFAP) model by using the volume conductor theory. Here, we propose an empirical muscle IAP model with multiple Erlang probability density functions (PDFs) based on a modified Newton method. In addition, we generate SFAPs based on our IAP model and referent sources, and use the peak-to-peak ratios (PPRs) of SFAPs for model verification. Through this verification, we find that the relation between an IAP profile and the PPR of its SFAP is consistent with some previous studies, and our IAP model shows close profiles to the referent sources. Moreover, we simulate and discuss some possible ionic activities by using the Erlang PDFs in our IAP model, which might present the underlying activities of ions or their channels during an IAP.
Perceived compatibility of information technology innovations among secondary adopters: Toward a reassessment

Abstract The perceived compatibility construct, as drawn from theory on innovation adoption and diffusion, serves poorly the study of innovation among information technology users within organizations. Drawing on literature addressing innovation-organization fit and the implementation of new technologies, the current study modifies and extends the conceptualization of perceived compatibility. The enhanced construct, which embraces a variety of technical, personal, and organizational dimensions, is explored in a pilot study with prospective users of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) technology. The empirical results reveal a multidimensional structure for the construct, though somewhat at odds with the structure postulated. The findings indicate that there is potential for continued exploration in this area, and suggest that efforts to reconceptualize how organizationally-based users perceive information technology innovations be broadened.
Antistaphylococcal antibodies in dogs with recurrent staphylococcal pyoderma

Staphylococcus intermedius skin infection (pyoderma) may be perpetuated in some dogs by a hypersensitivity reaction to staphylococcal organisms. Dogs with idiopathic superficial or deep recurrent staphylococcal skin infections may thus have quantitative differences in serum antistaphylococcal IgE antibodies compared with healthy dogs. To test this hypothesis, antistaphylococcal IgG and IgE antibodies were measured by ELISA in groups of dogs with idiopathic recurrent pyoderma, recurrent pyoderma secondary to atopic disease, non-recurrent pyoderma, and in healthy dogs. All groups of dogs with prior staphylococcal skin infection had significantly higher mean serum antistaphylococcal IgG levels than healthy dogs (P < 0.05). Dogs with recurrent deep pyoderma had the highest mean levels of antistaphylococcal IgG. Dogs with idiopathic recurrent superficial pyoderma and those with recurrent pyoderma secondary to atopy had significantly (P < 0.05) higher mean levels of serum antistaphylococcal IgE than other groups tested. It is concluded from these findings that S. intermedius can behave as an allergen in some dogs and elicit an IgE response. These results support the concept that bacterial hypersensitivity may be responsible for initiating or perpetuating skin lesions in these animals.
Expert systems reliability: a life cycle approach

Abstract Over the past few years, the application of expert systems has moved from the domain of toy systems and menial tasks to areas where complex systems perform critical tasks. However, the acceptance of expert systems for practical use has been slow. This paper argues that one of the reasons for this is that insufficient attention has been directed at ensuring the correctness and reliability of expert systems in the early phases of development. This article then discusses a life cycle approach to identify and reduce the different types of reliability problems inherent in developing expert systems.
An exploration of think-aloud protocols linked with eye-gaze tracking: are they talking about what they are looking at

This pilot study investigated the use of juxtaposed think aloud and eye-gaze tracki ng to understand a possible different understanding of think aloud process of participants. Four participants completed eight multiple-choice science questions while thinking aloud and having their eye-gazes tracked. Analysis of the data revealed tha t participants had behaviors such as fore telling of an eye movement, pauses in the think-aloud, different duration of the think-a loud, and the interaction between the think-aloud and associated eye movements. These findings suggest that juxtaposed think aloud and eye-gaze tracking may be a useful approach to furthering our understanding of students' problem solving behaviors. Selection and peer review under responsibility of Prof. Dr. Ferhan Odaba
Transfection of mouse ribosomal DNA into rat cells: faithful transcription and processing

Truncated mouse ribosomal DNA (rDNA) genes were stably incorporated into rat HTC-5 cells by DNA-mediated cell transfection techniques. The mouse rDNA genes were accurately transcribed in these rat cells indicating that there is no absolute species specificity of rDNA transcription between mouse and rat. No more than 170 nucleotides of the 5' nontranscribed spacer was required for the accurate initiation of mouse rDNA transcription in rat cells. Further, the mouse transcripts were accurately cleaved at the 5' end of the 18S rRNA sequence, even though these transcripts contained neither the 3' end of mouse 18S rRNA nor any other downstream mouse sequences. Thus, cleavage at the 5' end of 18S rRNA is not dependent on long range interactions involving these downstream sequences.
Single-electron transfer-living radical polymerization of oligo(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate in the absence and presence of air

The efficient Cu(0) wire-catalyzed single-electron transfer-living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) of oligo(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate (OEOMA) in DMSO and binary mixtures of DMSO with H2O is reported. Addition of 10–80% H2O to DMSO resulted in an increase in the apparent rate constant of propagation ( kp app), corresponding to an increase in the polarity and extent of disproportionation. At higher H2O content, kp app decreases, and kp app in H2O is slightly lower than that in DMSO. This unexpected behavior was attributed to the physical inaccessibility of Cu(0) wire catalyst to the hydrophobic reactive centers of OEOMA and initiator which self-assemble in H2O into micellar aggregates and vesicles. This hypothesis was confirmed by the faster polymerization in H2O than in DMSO during catalysis with Cu(0) nanoparticles generated by disproportionation of CuBr. SET-LRP of OEOMA can be performed in protic and dipolar aprotic solvents in air by the addition of hydrazine hydrate. The polymerization exhibited no induction period and identical kp app as in the degassed experiment, and led to polymers with narrow molecular weigh distribution. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3110–3122
Microemulsion Polymerization: An Undergraduate Experiment in the Synthesis of Nanosized Polystyrene Particles

The synthesis of polystyrene nanoparticles through microemulsion polymerization is presented as an undergraduate advanced organic laboratory exercise. The resultant polymer’s molecular weight and particle size are studied as a function of monomer and initiator concentration. A comparison of cationic vs. anionic surfactants, and their effects on the polymer produced through microemulsion polymerization are also investigated. A direct relationship is observed between molecular weight and monomer concentration. A direct relationship is also found for the particle size of the latex produced. An inverse relationship is observed for molecular weight and particle size as the initiator concentration was raised. Comparison of molecular weight and latex size for cationic and anionic surfactants demonstrates that the anionic surfactant produces both a higher molecular weight and a larger latex size over the entire monomer and initiator concentration ranges.
Predicting social influence with faction sizes and relative status

Building on a recent theoretical development in the field of sociological social psychology, we develop a formal mathematical model of social influence processes. The extant theoretical literature implies that factions and status should have non-linear effects on social influence, and yet these theories have been evaluated using standard linear statistical models. Our formal model of influence includes these non-linearities, as specified by the theories. We evaluate the fit of the formal model using experimental data. Our results indicate that a one-parameter mathematical model fits the experimental data. We conclude with the implications of our research and a discussion of how it may be used as an impetus for further work on social influence processes.
New Approaches to Sacred Space

Stephen Murray: A Gothic Sermon: Making a Contract with the Mother of God, Saint Mary of Amiens. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2004. Jaime Lara: City, Temple, Stage: Eschatological Architecture and Liturgical Theatrics in New Spain. Indiana: University of Notre Dame Press, 2004. Robert Nelson: Hagia Sophia 1850–1950: Holy Wisdom, Holy Monument. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2004. Robert W. Moss: Historic Sacred Places of Philadelphia. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2005.
An improved multiaxial method to estimate the elastic-plastic behavior from a purely elastic solution

Abstract In most fatigue applications, the nominal structural behavior is dominated by elastic deformation, but the fatigue lifetime is significantly influenced by plasticity around stress concentrations and flaws. Although the elastic-plastic behavior can be modeled with finite element analysis (FEA), the computational expense may be prohibitive, especially for variable amplitude loading with multiaxial stress states. To overcome this complexity, an elastic-plastic estimate is explored that utilizes the purely elastic solution. The method is conceptually similar to previous work, but is adapted to be consistent for variable amplitude multiaxial cyclic loading histories. This approach utilizes a magnitude criterion (i.e. Neuber [1] or ESED [2] ), and an elastic alignment assumption to adjust the boundary conditions applied to the local material model. In this document, the effect of alignment is explored with a multiaxial ‘Box’ loading path.
Linker-free conjugation and specific cell targeting of antibody functionalized iron-oxide nanoparticles

Specific targeting is a key step to realize the full potential of iron oxide nanoparticles in biomedical applications, especially tumor-associated diagnosis and therapy. Here, we developed anti-GD2 antibody conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles for highly efficient neuroblastoma cell targeting. The antibody conjugation was achieved through an easy, linker-free method based on catechol reactions. The targeting efficiency and specificity of the antibody-conjugated nanoparticles to GD2-positive neuroblastoma cells were confirmed by flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, Prussian blue staining and transmission electron microscopy. These detailed studies indicated that the receptor–recognition capability of the antibody was fully retained after conjugation and the conjugated nanoparticles quickly attached to GD2-positive cells within four hours. Interestingly, longer treatment (12 h) led the cell membrane-bound nanoparticles to be internalized into cytosol, either by directly penetrating the cell membrane or escaping from the endosomes. Last but importantly, the uniquely designed functional surfaces of the nanoparticles allow for easy conjugation of other bioactive molecules.
Network Connectivity and Long-Range Continuity of Lamellar Morphologies in Block Copolymer Thin Films

The connectivity, and thus long-range continuity of the domains, in a lamellar polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer in thin films depends on the volume fraction of each block and can be shifted by homopolymer addition to substrate-spanning continuity of either the polystyrene (PS) or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) domains. Essential features of the lamellar morphology were captured by a simple network analysis that quantified the number of branch points and end points in the lamellar domains. The transition in network continuity from the PS to PMMA domain as a function of copolymer volumetric composition (from fPMMA = 0.45 to 0.55) was correlated with a 5-fold increase in the PMMA branch point density and a concomitant 3-fold reduction in the PMMA end point density. These results indicate that the copolymer’s composition drastically impacts the self-assembled lamellar morphology in thin films and is an important design consideration when using such materials for lithographic application...
Two anterograde intraflagellar transport motors cooperate to build sensory cilia on C. elegans neurons

Two anterograde intraflagellar transport motors cooperate to build sensory cilia on C. elegans neurons
Using natural language to integrate, evaluate, and optimize extracted knowledge bases

Web Information Extraction (WIE) systems extract billions of unique facts, but integrating the assertions into a coherent knowledge base and evaluating across different WIE techniques remains a challenge. We propose a framework that utilizes natural language to integrate and evaluate extracted knowledge bases (KBs). In the framework, KBs are integrated by exchanging probability distributions over natural language, and evaluated by how well the output distributions predict held-out text. We describe the advantages of the approach, and detail remaining research challenges.
A simulator for ensemble quantum computing

A quantum computer simulator based on the principles of ensemble quantum computing using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is presented. The first version of ensemble quantum computer simulator (enQC-lator) is based on density matrix description of the NMR and models the implementation of quantum computation in a NMR spectrometer. The simulator is designed to perform general purpose quantum computing and will be useful to evaluate quantum-computing codes prior to their actual implementation and to design new ones. The performance of the simulator is demonstrated in several logical operations and algorithms.
On Lange and Ryan's plotting technique for diagnosing non-normality of random effects

Abstract For linear mixed models, Lange and Ryan's plot [Lange, N., Ryan, L., 1989. Assessing normality in random effects models. Ann. Statist. 17, 624–642] was derived for diagnosing random effect distributions. We show it is sensitive to both non-normality of random effects and mis-specified mean models, and thus may be more useful as a general diagnostic.
Chiral Aziridinyl Radicals: An Application to the Synthesis of the Core Nucleus of FR-900482

An asymmetric route to the core nucleus of the antitumor agent FR-900482 utilizes the cyclization of an aziridinyl radical into a functionalized indole nucleus. The route employs a selective Polonovski reaction and the Hootele-Dmitrienko rearrangement to install two oxygen atoms.
Rolling sliding wear of UHMWPE for knee bearing applications

Wear of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for total joint replacements is an important study area due not only to the potential for device failure, but also to the biological activity of the wear debris. Although relationships between wear rate and material treatment have been determined by other researchers, the micromechanism responsible for wear in a linear reciprocation is not well understood. This mechanism is important for wear analyses of rotating platform knee devices and highly conforming knee devices. A rolling sliding tribotest was performed to determine the wear rates of materials with clinically relevant thermal and radiation histories. Microstructure analysis coupled with tensile testing revealed that crystallite morphology has a direct effect on wear rate. A delamination mechanism of wear is proposed in which incremental plastic flow results in crack nucleation at the edge of crystallites. This mechanism is shown to be an excellent predictor of wear rate and is in accord with microstructural observations by other researchers.
PARTICLE ACCELERATION AT SHOCKS MOVING THROUGH AN IRREGULAR MAGNETIC FIELD

We use nondiffusive, nonrelativistic, test-particle numerical simulations to address the physics of particle acceleration by collisionless shocks. We focus on the importance of the shock normal angle, θBn, in determining the energy spectrum of the accelerated particles. For reasonable parameters, we find that the injection velocity is weakly dependent on the mean shock normal angle and that low-energy particles are readily accelerated to high energies irrespective of θBn. Our results are applicable for shocks that are nearly planar on scales larger than the coherence scale of the upstream magnetic turbulence and for particles whose gyroradii are smaller than this scale. We confirm previous results showing that the acceleration rate is larger for nearly perpendicular shocks compared to parallel shocks. However, we also find that the acceleration rate at parallel shocks moving through large-scale magnetic fluctuations is larger than that predicted by simple first-order Fermi acceleration. Our results can be understood in terms of the nature of the large-scale fluctuations and their effect on particle transport.
Perturbation analysis of the influence of a thin dielectric film on the propagation constants of a surface optical wave

Simplified analytic expressions are obtained for the phase velocity and propagation length of a surface polariton on a layered structure that consists of a dielectric film on a surface-active material.
The Burning Bag of Dung and Other Environmental Antipatterns: And you think you have problems?

In my youth a favorite prank of the local delinquents was to place a paper bag full of doggy doo on a neighbor’s porch, light it on fire, ring the doorbell, and then flee. The home-owner, upon answering the door, had no choice but to stomp out the incendiary feces, getting their shoes dirty in the process. Why this scatological anecdote? Because it is a metaphor for work situations in which things have gotten so bad that the only way to “put the fire out” is to step into it. I call this the “burning bag of dung” antipattern.
Follicular wave of the ovulatory follicle and not cyclic status influences fertility of dairy cows

Two experiments evaluated the influence of follicular wave at artificial insemination (AI) on fertility of dairy cows. In experiment 1, data from 5,607 lactating cows enrolled in estrous and ovulation synchronization programs for AI were evaluated. Cows' blood was analyzed for progesterone 7 to 14 d apart, with the second sample collected on the day of the first GnRH (GnRH1) of the synchronization protocol. Cows were classified as cyclic if progesterone was >or=1 ng/mL in at least 1 of the 2 samples and as anovular if both samples were or= 1 ng/mL) progesterone on the day of GnRH1, which would result in ovulation of the dominant follicle of the first (FW) and second (SW) follicular waves, respectively, at AI. Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) was determined 30 and 53 d after AI. In experiment 2, 220 cyclic Holstein cows received 2 injections of PGF(2alpha) administered 14 d apart. The Ovsynch protocol (d 0 GnRH, d 7 PGF(2alpha), d 9 GnRH, d 9.5 timed AI) was initiated either 3 or 10 d after the second PGF(2alpha) of the presynchronization to result in insemination to the FW or SW dominant follicles. Blood was analyzed for progesterone and ovaries were scanned to determine ovulatory responses and follicle diameter. Pregnancy was determined on d 32 and 67 after timed AI. In experiment 1, P/AI on d 30 was greater for CHIGH cows than for CLOW and anovular cows (43.0, 31.3, and 29.7%, respectively), but because of pregnancy loss, P/AI on d 53 was lowest for anovular cows. Proportions of cows with short reinsemination intervals differed among groups and were 7.1, 15.7, and 11.9% for CHIGH, CLOW, and anovular cows, respectively. Pregnancy loss was greater for anovular cows than for CLOW cows (15.0 vs. 10.0%) and was intermediate for CHIGH cows (13.5%). In experiment 2, 9.8 and 97.2% of the FW and SW cows, respectively, had progesterone >or=1 ng/mL at GnRH1. Concentrations of progesterone at the GnRH1 and PGF(2alpha) injections of the Ovsynch protocol were greater for SW cows than FW cows. Pregnancy per AI was greater for SW cows than for FW cows (41.7 vs. 30.4%) despite less ovulation to GnRH1 in SW cows than in FW cows (78.7 vs. 88.4%). Collectively, these data indicate that follicular wave of the ovulatory follicle and not cyclic status caused the greatest reduction in P/AI in dairy cows. Whether the culprit is the follicle itself or the hormonal milieu characteristic of the first follicular wave and the early stage of the estrous cycle remains to be elucidated. Synchronization programs that induced ovulation of the FW follicle at AI reduced P/AI in lactating dairy cows, and ovulation of the FW follicle, or development of the ovulatory follicle under low progesterone concentrations, or both, might be mechanisms for reduced fertility in anovular cows.
Electronic packaging solder joint reliablity assessment with a mechanics-based StrainGage methodology

It is essential to understand solder joint strains to improve package reliability. However, it is often difficult to measure the true solder joint strains directly. Strain gages have been increasingly used by component suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to indicate package mechanical stress levels. One of the most used strain gage locations is on the component side, right next to the package corner. A concern with this location alone is that the strain gages mounted close to the package pick up the local stress concentration near the package edges or corners. In this paper, appropriate strain gage locations are suggested based on mechanics principles and finite element simulation results. An analytical methodology is developed to determine the solder joint deformations from strain gage readings at various locations. This paper also proposes a new strain matching criterion. Most OEMs have been using maximum principal strain to match stress levels and define critical strain limits. A problem with maximum principal strain is that it does not indicate the direction along which the maximum bending occurs. Experimental data demonstrates that the new strain criterion has much better correlation to solder joint failure than maximum principal strains in various bend modes. The conclusions apply to any strain gage mounting metrology on packages attached to printed circuit boards.
Functional Least Squares Estimators in an Additive Effects Outliers Model

Consider the additive effects outliers (A.O.) model where one observes Y j,n =X j +ν j,n , 0≤j≤n, with X j =ρX j−1 +e j , j=0,±1,±2,...,|ρ|<1. The sequence of r.v.s. {X j ,j≤n} is independent of {ν j,n } and ν j,n , are i.i.d. with d.f. (1 − γ n )I[x≥0]+γ n L n (x), 0≤γ n ≤1, where the d.f.s. L n are not necessarily known and e j 's are i.i.d.. This paper discusses the asymptotic behavior of functional least squares estimators under the above model. Uniform consistency and uniform strong consistency of these estimators are proven. The weak convergence of these estimators to a Gaussian process and their asymptotic biases are also discussed under the above A.O. model
U.S. constitutional amendments, the ratification process, and public opinion: a computer simulation

A computer simulation model tested the importance of several factors impacting the ratification of Constitutional amendments in the United States. Through sensitivity testing, two factors —the distribution of national opinion for approving an amendment across small and large states, and decision rules pertaining to the proportion of states required to ratify an amendment-were found to be significant. Two other factors —the time period used (which reflected various ratios of population differences between large and small states) and the weighting of state votes by state population -were not significant in determining the number of amendments ratified. The model implies that decision rules and public opinion, rather than state population differences "drive" the constitutional amendment ratification process.
Stories of poverty in India: An ethnographer reviews Katherine Boo's Behind the Beautiful Forevers

Katherine Boo's work of literary nonfiction, Behind the Beautiful Forevers, is an insightful and tragic account of poverty in India. In this essay, I compare Boo's book with two books published in the same year, Akhil Gupta's ethnography Red Tape and Jeet Thayil's Narcopolis, a fictional account, to analyze representations of the poor and marginalized in an economically liberalized and rapidly growing India. While ethnography possesses the explanatory power of social theory, fiction and literary nonfiction relish the tragic consequences of social life that make for good stories.
Application of dynamic neural networks to approximation and control of nonlinear systems

Based on a paradigm of neurons with local memory (NLM), we discuss the representation of control systems by neural networks. Using this formulation, the basic issues of controllability and observability for the dynamic system are addressed. A separation principle of learning and control is presented for NLM, showing that the weights of the network do not affect its dynamics. Theoretical issues concerning local linearization via a coordinate transformation and nonlinear feedback are discussed.
Experimental diabetic neuropathy: similar changes of slow axonal transport and axonal size in different animal models.

Analysis of slow axonal transport in sciatic and primary visual systems of BB rats with spontaneous diabetes of 2.5–3.5 months duration revealed a delay in transport of the neurofilament (NF) subunits, tubulin, actin, and the 60, 52, and 30 kDa polypeptides in both systems. The polypeptides examined were not affected uniformly. Rather, the transport of the 60, 52, and 30 kDa polypeptides and the rapidly moving component of tubulin, all constituents of the slow component b (SCb) of axonal transport, appeared to be more severely delayed than the transport of polypeptide constituents of the slow component a (SCa), such as NF and the slow-moving tubulin. Transport was not impaired in diabetic BB rats maintained normoglycemic with optimal doses of insulin. A 52 kDa polypeptide constituent of SCb was identified as neuron-specific enolase, and the 30 and 60 kDa polypeptides are likely to be aldolase and pyruvate kinase; all 3 are glycolytic enzymes. Morphometric analysis revealed that the cross- sectional area of sciatic axons was increased proximally at the level of the motor roots and decreased distally at the level of the tibial nerve. The changes in slow transport and caliber observed in central and peripheral axonal systems of diabetic BB rats are virtually identical to those previously described in rats with streptozotocin- induced diabetes, another model of insulin-dependent diabetes. In both models, the alterations of axonal caliber are likely to be secondary to the impairment of axonal transport.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Patient Status Five or More Years After Mitral Valve Replacement

Abstract Among 136 consecutive patients undergoing isolated mitral valve replacement prior to February, 1966, 30 died postoperatively and 33 died during the follow-up period that extended to nine years. The late deaths were due to cardiac causes in 13 patients, thromboembolism in 9, and miscellaneous causes in 8 and were sudden (cause undetermined) in 3. Of patients surviving five or more years after mitral valve replacement, 55% remained improved (40.4% of the entire group). The most common causes of a poor late result among surviving patients were: (1) lesions requiring additional cardiac operation (4 patients); (2) myocardial failure (6 patients); and (3) thromboembolism (6 patients).