cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Lies Beneath? Revealing Coastal Processes Through Mapping

Coastal areas are changing as a result of natural and human activities, and these dynamics create risks for citizens and communities. Science is needed to map and measure coasts and oceans, and many new tools exist to enhance our knowledge. In this chapter, some of the methods being employed around the world are discussed including GIS, multibeam sonar and aerial imaging. Stories from past and recent research are used to explain the approaches as well as their scientific and societal value. Weaving together experiences from ancient worlds, on distant shores and with crocodiles, I explain how and why we learn about what lies beneath the waves and along our shores.
Is It Time to Remove Total Calcium from the Basic and Comprehensive Metabolic Panels? Assessing the Effects of American Medical Association-Approved Chemical Test Panels on Laboratory Utilization

Background The necessity of individual tests within the most commonly used disease-oriented test panels has not been well established. We evaluated test-ordering practices for total calcium, both before and after implementation of American Medical Association (AMA)-approved panels (basic metabolic panel [BMP] and comprehensive metabolic panel [CMP]) in our electronic ordering system. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all total calcium orders placed during April and June 2018, before and after implementation of the panels. Orders from inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department (ED) care units were totaled, and the percentage of abnormal test results was calculated. We then queried institutional databases to determine the number of unique patients with calcium-related diagnoses and compared the rates from a 5-month period both before and after implementation of the panels. Results Total test volumes and tests per unique patient increased by more than 3-fold after implementation of calcium-containing AMA-approved panels, with the majority of those orders coming from BMPs and CMPs. The rate of low calcium values increased because of the shift toward more inpatient testing; however, the percentage of abnormal results within each patient population (inpatient, outpatient, ED) decreased. The prevalence of hypo- and hypercalcemia-related diagnoses among patients in the 5 months after implementation did not change significantly (1.29% before implementation vs 1.27% after implementation). Conclusions Implementation of BMPs and CMPs dramatically increased total calcium testing volumes without changing the rate of calcium-related diagnoses. The results suggest that the increase in total calcium orders associated with panel-based testing largely constitutes excess or unnecessary testing.
Perioperative Management of Patients with Endocrine Dysfunction: Physiology, Presurgical, and Postsurgical Treatment Protocols

Summary In summary, patients with endocrine dysfunction are at a greater risk for intraoperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must possess a basic understanding of physiology, pathophysiology, and laboratory criteria pertinent to the diagnosis, pharmacologic management, and proper referral, if needed, to achieve greater surgical success for patients who undergo emergent and elective procedures.
Interstate Commerce in Cannabis

A growing number of states have authorized firms to produce and sell cannabis within their borders, but not across state lines. Moreover, many of these legalization states have barred nonresidents from owning local cannabis firms. Thus, while cannabis commerce is booming, it remains almost entirely intrastate. This Essay provides the first analysis of the constitutionality of state restrictions on interstate commerce in cannabis. It challenges the conventional wisdom that the federal ban on marijuana gives legalization states free rein to discriminate against outsiders in their local cannabis markets. It also debunks the justifications states have proffered to defend such discrimination, including the notion that barring interstate commerce is necessary to forestall a federal crackdown on state-licensed cannabis industries. The Essay concludes that the restrictions legalization states now impose on interstate commerce in cannabis likely violate the Dormant Commerce Clause (DCC). The Essay also examines the ramifications of this legal conclusion for the future of the cannabis market in the United States. It suggests that without the barriers that states have erected to protect local firms, a new breed of large, national cannabis firms concentrated in a handful of cannabis-friendly states is likely to dominate the cannabis market. This development could dampen the incentive for new states to legalize cannabis and further diminish minority participation in the cannabis industry. To address these concerns, congressional legislation may be necessary, because individual states have only limited capacity to shape the national market and the firms that compete therein.
Representation of bioacoustic sound data through graphical similarities to enhance knowledge discovery

Autonomous detection and classification of species through bioacoustics sound has been an ongoing and challenging problem due to noise, overlapping sound, and varying frequency components. This work assesses bioacoustic sound data through speech patterns similarities by utilizing graphical representations of features found in spectrograms. Speech within the received sound can be characterized as individual components within the spectrogram that can be used to identify species. In this work, individual components are connected high PSD dB values in the spectrogram that form unique shapes. By representing these components through graphical representations, similarities of speech can be seen as repeating patterns across larger collected data sets that can be associated with certain behaviors of species. An example resulting graphical representation is presented through a sample humpback whale speech collected. [This research is funded by the Office of Naval Research under Grant No. N00014-19-1-2609.]
Multi-modal demands of a smartphone used to place calls and enter addresses during highway driving relative to two embedded systems

There is limited research on trade-offs in demand between manual and voice interfaces of embedded and portable technologies. Mehler et al. identified differences in driving performance, visual engagement and workload between two contrasting embedded vehicle system designs (Chevrolet MyLink and Volvo Sensus). The current study extends this work by comparing these embedded systems with a smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S4). None of the voice interfaces eliminated visual demand. Relative to placing calls manually, both embedded voice interfaces resulted in less eyes-off-road time than the smartphone. Errors were most frequent when calling contacts using the smartphone. The smartphone and MyLink allowed addresses to be entered using compound voice commands resulting in shorter eyes-off-road time compared with the menu-based Sensus but with many more errors. Driving performance and physiological measures indicated increased demand when performing secondary tasks relative to 'just driving', but were not significantly different between the smartphone and embedded systems. Practitioner Summary: The findings show that embedded system and portable device voice interfaces place fewer visual demands on the driver than manual interfaces, but they also underscore how differences in system designs can significantly affect not only the demands placed on drivers, but also the successful completion of tasks.
Phylogeography of Marine Meiofaunal Nemerteans of the Ototyphlonemertes Fila Species Complex

PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF MARINE MEIOFAUNAL NEMERTEANS OF THE OTOTYPHLONEMERTES FILA SPECIES COMPLEX By Alexander Tulchinsky A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2006 Major Director: J.M. Turbeville Department of Biology Morphological conservatism combined with intraspecific variability has obstructed studies of speciation and species boundaries among marine meiofauna. Ototyphlonemertes is a genus of meiofaunal nemerteans inhabiting the interstitial spaces of marine sediments. Its members lack pelagic larvae and dispersal potential is believed to be poor. A phylogeographic study of OtotyphlonemertesJila is presented using mitochondrial (cox3) and nuclear (ISSR) molecular markers. Deep genetic divergence (approximately 18% in cox3) was observed between sympatric mitochondrial lineages in Florida. This divergence ... Vll l was reflected in the nuclear marker as well, suggesting the presence of two cryptic species. The first contains Florida and New England populations separated by 3% cox3 sequence divergence and showing no evidence of ongoing gene flow. The second contains two codistributed mitochondria1 clades in Florida separated by 3% cox3 sequence divergence and showing exchange of nuclear alleles. Surprisingly, relatively little fine-scale structuring was found, suggesting that passive dispersal is significant over moderate geographical distances.
New literacies practices of teenage Twitter users

This study is an empirical study into the new literacy practices of five teenage Twitter users on Twitter. Qualitative methods were used to describe the most prominent ways of participating on Twitter. Results indicate that teenagers used Twitter for self-expression, communication, friendship maintenance, and information sharing. In addition, young people used a mix of both traditional and emerging literacy practices in this popular social media space.
Is the Kolmogoroff model applicable to large-scale turbulence?

In view of the present discussion, the Heisenberg-Kolmogoroff (HK) model of turbulence that is often used for turbulent phenomena on all scales is actually valid for a turbulent spectrum wavelength band typically much smaller than the size of the system, and cannot describe phenomena at large scales in astrophysical systems. The results of mixing length theory cannot be accommodated within the HK model's framework without the adoption of an unreasonable coupling constant. It is also noted that the use of the observed velocity-size relationship in molecular clouds with turbulent velocity values of about l to the 1/2-power, within the HK model, gives rise to a growth rate that does not correspond to any known physical processes suspected of operating in molecular clouds.
Chemical Control of Transgene Expression in Transgenic Plants: Basic Research and Biotechnological Applications

Investigations of plant gene functions through reverse genetics often entail the use of a constitutive promoter to manipulate the expression level of a target gene. Any phenotypic changes in transgenic plants can then be correlated with alterations in target gene expression levels. Whereas this approach may work for most genes, for a number of genes that play an essential role in plant growth and development, constitutive overexpression of their cDNAs or constitutive silencing of their expression often lead to lethality thus providing little information on the gene function. To circumvent this lethality problem, inducible systems for chemical control of gene expression were developed so that transgene expression can be turned on or off at will by applying the appropriate chemical inducer at the desired time.
An Abbreviated Exposure to Chronic Hypoxia is Sufficient to Induce CNS Hypomyelination and Impair Motor Development in Neonatal Mice (P6.013)

OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that exposure to hypoxia from postnatal day 3 (P3) to P7 would impair CNS myelination and white matter development in neonatal mice. BACKGROUND: Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) commonly occurs in extremely premature neonates. The hypomyelination that characterizes PVL results from hypoxia-induced dysmaturation of oligodendrocytes (OLs). Given this link between hypoxia and PVL, investigators historically have modeled the disease by exposing rodent pups to prolonged periods of hypoxia, a design that requires cross-fostering of the hypoxia-exposed pups. DESIGN/METHODS: At P3, newborn CD1 and C57/Bl6 mice were assigned to rearing by their own dam or cross-fostering by a dam of the other strain. From P3-P7 pups were exposed either to room air or hypoxia (10+/-0.5%) before subsequent rearing in normoxic conditions. Mice from both exposure groups were sacrificed at P13, P27 or P76 for use in the histological and molecular studies described below. At the time of sacrifice, body weights and cerebral weights were measured. Additional mice underwent neuromotor testing at P21, P43 and P76. RESULTS: Exposure to hypoxia was associated with reduced body weight and cerebral weight, irrespective of rearing assignment. Likewise, hypoxia markedly reduced the cerebrocortical expression of myelin-associated genes (CNPase, PLP, MBP, MOG) as determined by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. In contrast, genes that characterize earlier stages of the oligodendrocyte lineage (NG2, PDGFRα, Olig-2) were unchanged. The cerebral, cerebellar and spinal cord histology of hypoxia-exposed mice displayed reduced myelination at P13, with less prominent hypomyelination at P27 and P76. Last, hypoxia-exposed mice demonstrated lasting motor deficits and behavioral disturbances, as discerned by rotarod, hanging-wire and open field testing. CONCLUSIONS: Exposing neonatal mice to an abbreviated period of hypoxia is sufficient to induce molecular, histological and clinical signs of PVL and does not require cross-fostering of mouse pups. Study Supported by: This study was funded by a gift from Dr. and Mrs. Moon Park (J.O.W.) and the T. Denny Sanford Pediatric Collaborative Research Fund (W.A.C.). Disclosure: Dr. Watzlawik has nothing to disclose. Dr. Painter has nothing to disclose. Dr. Papke has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kahoud has nothing to disclose. Dr. Carey has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rodriguez has nothing to disclose.
Balance of Power, Preventive War, and British and French Policy Toward Nazi Germany in the Early 1930s

Theories of preventive war predict that states are most likely to undertake military action in response to a rising state if they expect that the rising adversary will surpass them in military strength and then engage in hostile behavior, which induces fear of the future and better now-than-later logic. The most significant anomaly for the theory is British and French inaction when confronted with the rapid rise of Germany in the 1930s. In our previous work on the Rhineland Crisis of 1936 and the Czechoslovak Crisis of 1938, we demonstrated that the British and French non-response is not at odds with the theory of preventive war theory. French leaders were willing to stand up to Germany, even at a high risk of war, but only with British support. British leaders believed that it was too late to fight because Germany had already grown too strong, leaving Britain and its French ally with no good options. This interpretation begs the question of why Britain and France did not respond more firmly to the rise of Hitler and to German rearmament before 1936, either through military buildups of their own, a containment strategy based on alliances, or perhaps through coercive threats or preventive military action. In this paper, we address this important question with an analysis of British government documents and private papers. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of our findings for the theory of preventive war.
Covert messaging through TCP timestamps

Covert channels exist in most communications systems and allow individuals to communicate truly undectably. However, covert channels are seldom used due to their complexity. A protocol for sending data over a common class of low-bandwidth covert channels has been developed. The protocol is secure against attack by powerful adversaries. The design of a practical system implementing the protocol on a standard platform (Linux) exploiting a channel in a common communications system (TCP timestamps) is presented. A partial implementation of this system has been accomplished.
PAIRED STREAM–AIR TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS REVEAL FINE‐SCALE THERMAL HETEROGENEITY WITHIN HEADWATER BROOK TROUT STREAM NETWORKS

Previous studies of climate change impacts on stream fish distributions commonly project the potential patterns of habitat loss and fragmentation due to elevated stream temperatures at a broad spatial scale (e.g. across regions or an entire species range). However, these studies may overlook potential heterogeneity in climate change vulnerability within local stream networks. We examined fine-scale stream temperature patterns in two headwater brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis stream networks (7.7 and 4.4 km) in Connecticut, USA, by placing a combined total of 36 pairs of stream and air temperature loggers that were approximately 300 m apart from each other. Data were collected hourly from March to October 2010. The summer of 2010 was hot (the second hottest on record) and had well below average precipitation, but stream temperature was comparable with those of previous 2 years because streamflow was dominated by groundwater during base-flow conditions. Nonlinear regression models revealed stream temperature variation within local stream networks, particularly during warmest hours of the day (i.e. late afternoon to evening) during summer. Thermal variability was primarily observed between stream segments, versus within a stream segment (i.e. from confluence to confluence). Several cold tributaries were identified in which stream temperature was much less responsive to air temperature. Our findings suggested that regional models of stream temperature would not fully capture thermal variation at the local scale and may misrepresent thermal resilience of stream networks. Groundwater appeared to play a major role in creating the fine-scale spatial thermal variation, and characterizing this thermal variation is needed for assessing climate change impacts on headwater species accurately. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection and Prediction of Warm Season Midtropospheric Vortices by the Rapid Update Cycle

The authors perform a statistical and dynamical analysis of midtropospheric mesoscale vortices captured by analyses from the Rapid Update Cycle, version 2 (RUC-2), during the period 1 May to 31 August 1999. A total of 203 vortices meeting conditions of an automated algorithm were found. Of these, 86 were observed to form within organized convection and were termed mesoscale convective vortices (MCVs). MCVs were favored over a broad area from eastern Colorado and western Nebraska to the Mississippi River valley, essentially collocated with the loci of organized convection. The remaining 117 vortices (termed dry vortices) clustered in the immediate lee of the Rocky Mountains and over the southeastern United States. Vortices arising from convection had considerably greater intensity and longevity than dry vortices. They were roughly five times more likely to be involved with the triggering of new convection. A relationship was found between intensity and longevity such that there appears to be a maximum vortex lifetime that can be estimated from its maximum intensity. Vortices arising from convection had markedly greater humidity and water vapor mixing ratio underneath their centers compared to dry vortices, consistent with many dry vortices having a topographic origin and MCVs arising from organized convection. Parameters such as horizontal scale, background vertical wind shear, and horizontal deformation were not systematically related to intensity or longevity. Prediction of mesoscale vortices by the RUC-2 was examined for a subsample of all cases. In general, the RUC-2 was able to predict the evolution of vortices once analyzed, but had virtually no skill at predicting (12 h in advance) the formation of the vortices. However, forecasts of organized convection should still benefit from accurate predictions of long-lived vortex tracks.
Regulation of Fgf10 gene expression in murine mesenchymal cells

Fgf10 has a prominent role in organogenesis. In the developing lung, Fgf10 is dynamically expressed in the distal mesenchyme from where it diffuses and activates its epithelial receptor, Fgfr2b, to trigger budding. Little is known about how Fgf10 expression is regulated. Here we have identified a mouse lung-specific mesenchymal cell line, MLg, which expresses endogenous Fgf10 and responds to known regulators of Fgf10 in a way that is reminiscent of the early lung. To gain insights into the mechanisms involved in the transcriptional regulation of Fgf10 in these cells, we have cloned and analyzed approximately a 4.5 kb region of the mouse Fgf10 promoter. Promoter deletion analysis and Luciferase reporter assays revealed an upstream region of the Fgf10 promoter with selective enhancer activity in the MLg, but not in the non-lung-derived cell line NIH3T3. Our data suggest that a potential lung mesenchyme-specific enhancer may exist within this region of the Fgf10 promoter.
Ab-Initio Studies of AlSb (001) Adatom Behavior and Reconstruction

We discuss a recent investigation of adatom behavior on the AlSb(001) surface using first-principles electronic structure methods based on the density functional theory. For Al and Sb adatoms, we find a number of novel adatom structures that differ dramatically from previous results for the superficially similar group-III arsenides. In particular, we conclude that it is energetically favorable for an Al adatom to incorporate substitutionally into the outermost layer of the AlSb surface. This observation helps motivate a proposed new reconstruction for the AlSb(001) surface. Finally, we argue that the unusual adatom behavior identified for this surface probably results from the presence of a dimer row composed of a double layer of group-V atoms in the reconstruction, and therefore, it should be generic to all of the antimonides, as well as, the c(4 × 4) reconstruction of the arsenides and phosphides.
Children's, Adolescents', and Adults' Reference to Goals to Explain Interpersonal Actions.

This study investigated children's, adolescents', and adults' references to an actor's goals when explaining interpersonal actions. Participants were presented with eight brief stories containing a variety of social events and were asked to explain why the actor in each story performed the central action. Children, adolescents, and adults mentioned goals for most of the stories. Adults and adolescents mentioned psychological goals much more often than did children. Older children, adolescents, and adults mentioned complex psychological goals more often than did younger children. Younger children often mentioned instrumental or social goals. When making goal attributions, children, adolescents, and adults considered both the nature of the action and the social context in which it occurred. Participants mentioned psychological goals more often when explaining an antisocial action and social goals when explaining a prosocial action. Participants were also more likely to mention psychological goals when interpersonal events immediately preceding the central action were described. Thus, goals were offered as explanations for interpersonal actions by all age groups, but the type of goals mentioned varied by the age of the participant, the social context, and the valence of the action. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase produces the oncometabolite D-2-hydroxyglutarate and promotes histone methylation

Materials and methods To analyze the catalytic activity of PHGDH on possible alternative substrates, we conducted in vitro biochemical assays on recombinant human PHGDH. The reaction rate in the reductive direction with various substrates was monitored based on NADH consumption, measured by absorbance at 340 nm. The identity and chirality of products were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after (R)-2-butanol derivatization. To analyze the intracellular function of PHGDH, we generated stable PHGDH knockdown cell lines, using two shRNA sequences. Metabolite levels in the knockdown cells were analyzed by LC-MS [4], and DNA and histone methylation was analyzed by immunoblotting.
Isobaric analogue states and the shell model

Abstract It is pointed out that the calculation of the energy of the isobaric analogue state using the nuclear shell model provides a test of the consistency of the two-body interaction used and the empirical single-body energies. It is suggested that such calculations would provide information of the effective two-body interaction in nuclear matter. The model of Ikeda, Fujii and Fujita is used to illustrate these ideas and is generalized to include neutron pairing correlations.
Mechanism of chlorpropamide-induced antidiuresis in man: Evidence for release of ADH and enhancement of peripheral action☆

Abstract The present studies confirm the antidiuretic action of chlorpropamide in overhydrated normal subjects and in addition demonstrate that chlorpropamide significantly increases urinary ADH excretion in these subjects. Chlorpropamide does not alter the excretion of exogenous ADH and it appears therefore that the drug has a central action, either by increasing release of ADH or by overcoming the inhibitory effect of water loading on the release of ADH. Three patients with severe impairment in ability to release ADH were found to have a greater increase in urine osmolality in response to infused ADH when they were treated with chlorpropamide than when they were not so treated. This augmentation of ADH effect by chlorpropamide represents a second mechanism by which chlorpropamide exerts an antidiuretic action in man. Water loaded diabetes insipidus patients on chlorpropamide treatment were found to have a significantly lesser ability to excrete a dilute urine than did normal subjects. This indicates that patients with an impaired ability to synthesize and release ADH are more responsive than normal subjects to the antidiuretic action of chlorpropamide.
Continuum Fusion: A New Beginning for Non-Bayesian Detection Algorithms

A new methodology is described for addressing composite hypothesis testing problems. Continuum Fusion integrates an infinity of optimal methods, when the correct choice is unknown. An example problem is solved geometrically.
Temperature Measurements in the Solar Transition Region Using N III Line Intensity Ratios

UV emission from B-like N and O ions a rather rare opportunity for recording spectral lines in a narrow wavelength range that can potentially be used to derive temperatures relevant to the solar transition region. In these ions, the line intensity ratios of the type (2s2p(sup 2) - 2p(sup 3)) / (2s(sup 2)2p - 2s2p(sup 2)) are very sensitive to the electron temperature. Additionally, the lines involving the ratios fall within a range of only - 12 A; in N III the lines fall in the 980 - 992 A range and in O IV in the 780 - 791 A range. In this work, we explore the use of these atomic systems, primarily in N III, for temperature diagnostics of the transition region by analyzing UV spectra obtained by the Solar Ultraviolet Measurements of Emitted Radiation (SUMER) spectrometer flown on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). The N III temperature-sensitive line ratios are measured in more than 60 observations. Most of the measured ratios correspond to temperatures in the range 5.7x10(exp 4) - 6.7x10(exp 4) K. This range is considerably lower than the calculated temperature of maximum abundance of N III, which is approx. 7.6x10(exp 4) K. Detailed analysis of the spectra further indicates that the measured ratios are probably somewhat overestimated due to resonant scattering effects in the 2s(sup 2)2p - 2s2p(sup 2) lines and small blends in the 2s2p(sup 2) - 2p3 lines. Actual lower ratios would only increase the disagreement between the ionization balance calculations and present temperature measurements based on a collisional excitation model. In the case of the O IV spectra, we determined that due to the close proximity in wavelength of the weak line (2s2p(sup 2)-2p3 transitions) to a strong Ne VIII line, sufficiently accurate ratio measurements cannot be obtained. Subject headings: atomic data --- atomic processes --- Sun: transition region --- Sun: U V radiation --- techniques: spectroscopic
Plate height theory for compressible mobile phase fluids and its application to gas, liquid and supercritical fluid chromatography

Abstract General expressions for apparent plate height are derived in terms of temporal and spatial average values of local plate height, solute capacity factor and mobile phase density. The general expressions are applied to the appropriate expressions for gas chromatography, liquid chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography with open tubular and packed columns. For gas chromatography, the equations reduce to the equations presented earlier by Giddings. For liquid chromatography, the equations reduce to those for local plate height. Predicted results for supercritical fluid chromatography are compared to experimental results reported in the literature.
Effects of cognitive heuristics and goals on negotiator performance and subsequent goal setting

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a situational constraint —an externally set goal — and related cognitive variables — outcome expectancies, perceived self-competency, and goal commitment — on the performance and goal setting of 79 novice negotiators. Expectancy judgments affected goal commitment but not performance or goal choice. Subjects assigned difficult goals were more profitable and set harder new goals than subjects assigned easier goals. Machiavellianism had a powerful effect on performance and exerted more causal influence on self-set goals than actual performance or prior goals. Unexpectedly, role assignment proved to be an important determinant of performance. A decision science perspective was utilized to explain the results.
Technology, credibility, and feedback use

Abstract This paper extends the literature of feedback use through an empirical examination of two central issues in the use of feedback: feedback credibility and technology as a feedback source. In a laboratory study, 55 subjects received performance feedback from one of four sources (organization, supervisor, and self-generated with or without the aid of a computer) while participating in a stock market simulation. The results of repeated-measures MANOVAs demonstrated that self-generated feedback (with or without the use of a computer) significantly influenced credibility of feedback, strategy acquisition, and performance. There was no support for the contention that technology-based feedback sources foster “technomindlessness.”
IMPORTANCE OF NONLINEARITIES IN STATIC RISER ANALYSIS

A three dimensional large deformation nonlinear static model for marine risers with cross sections of equal principal stiffnesses is used to investigate the significance of structural and loading nonlinearities in static riser deflection. Extensibility, torsion, deformation dependent loads, follower force effects due to pressure forces, and deformation dependent boundary conditions are included in the model. Systematic analysis using numerical applications is performed to assess quantitatively the effects of water depth, top tension, hydrodynamic load profile, offset of the upper end of the riser, extensibility of the riser material, torsion, planar and three dimensional static loading and deflection, and dependency of the hydrodynamic loads on riser deflection. The assessment is based on comparative analyses for the riser displacement, slope and equivalent stress. It is shown that differences in riser deflection due to nonlinearities may be as high as 28% in the maximum displacement, 31% in the lower ball joint angle and 40% in the maximum equivalent stress.
IBM Enterprise Systems Connection I/O channels

The IBM System/3901 Enterprise Systems Connection1 I/O interconnect includes I/O channels that use fiber-optic data transmission. The design goal was to provide transmission bandwidth, distance, and connectivity, which are substantially increased relative to the precursor parallel electrical interface. This goal was motivated by the substantial growth in I/O device speeds and sizes of large system installations in recent years as well as by growth in sharing of I/O devices by multiple systems.
Current evidence-based opinions in the management of adenocarcionoma of the rectum

The management of rectal cancer has drastically evolved over the past two decades as a result of implementation of circular stapling devices and the introduction of neoadjuvant chemoradiation. In spite of current aggressive multimodality treatments, the recurrence rate remains unacceptably high and the expected 5-year survival in patients who develop recurrent disease is dismal. The management of rectal cancer must involve a multidisciplinary approach. An understanding of the biology of rectal tumours may allow for selection of patients who may have an aggressive phenotype allowing for alterations in the operative and neoadjuvant planning. Efforts to improve local control and survival in rectal cancer are the focus of multiple current clinical and preclinical research efforts. Preoperative chemoradiation for and surgical management of rectal cancer, including the laparoscopic approach are areas of dynamic progression. In the present report, we review the current evidence in the new strategies pertaining to the multimodality approach in the management of rectal cancer.
Thermodynamic analysis of a lithium bromide/water absorption system for cooling and heating applications

Absorption systems have the potential of employing thermal energy such as waste heat to produce both chilled water and hot water for building cooling and heating applications. In the present study, a lithium bromide/water (LiBr/H2O) absorption system for cooling and heating applications was analysed on the basis of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Simulation was employed to determine the coefficient of performance (COP) and the exergetic efficiency of the absorption system under different operating conditions such as the heat source, cooling water, chilled water, and supply hot water temperatures. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Results of Penetrating Keratoplasty for Pseudophakic Corneal Edema With Retention of intraocular Lens

We reviewed the records of 26 consecutive patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic corneal edema in which the original intraocular lens was retained. The average interval between lens implantation and penetrating keratoplasty was 31.5 months. Follow-up after keratoplasty ranged from 11 to 59 months, with an average of 24.5 months. Six patients had anterior chamber lenses; sixteen, iris or iridocapsular lenses; and four, posterior chamber lenses. A vitrectomy was performed in 14 (54%) patients. Of the 21 patients with clear grafts (80%), 8 (38%) had vision of 20/40 or better while 7 (33%) had acuities of 20/200 or worse. Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was attained by 3 of 4 (75%) patients with posterior chamber lenses but only 3 of 16 (19%) patients with iris-supported lenses. Cystoid macular edema was the principal cause of decreased acuity in 12 of the 13 patients with clear grafts and acuity less than 20/40. Angiographic confirmation was obtained in 7 of 12 patients. Overall, the results are similar to those reported for pseudophakic keratoplasty with intraocular lens removal. No adverse effect of retaining a securely fixated intraocular lens was demonstrated.
Self-Association of Nicotinamide in Aqueous Solution: Light-Scattering and Vapor Pressure Osmometry Studies

Nicotinamide is a hydrotropic agent that has been reported to self-associate in aqueous solution. The objective of this study is to characterize the self-association of nicotinamide with regard to the extent of self-association as well as association constants using light-scattering and vapor pressure osmometry. Both methods allow calculation of association constants; however, while light-scattering measurements depend on the size of particles in solution, vapor pressure osmometry depends on the number of particles in solution. Using light-scattering, nicotinamide was found to associate primarily as dimers and trimers. Higher order aggregates can be characterized by an average aggregation number of 4.37. The association constants were 9.99 L/mol and 13.1 L/mol for dimerization and trimerization, respectively. From vapor pressure osmometry data were calculated a dimerization constant of 0.203 L/mol and a trimerization constant of 14.1 L/mol. In comparison, the trimerization constants are in good agreement, while the dimerization constants differ by an order of magnitude. Since light-scattering measurements are less reliable for small molecules like nicotinamide at low concentrations, it is felt that the dimerization constant calculated from vapor pressure osmometry is the more accurate.
Treatment of Chronic, Noninfectious, Nonnecrotizing Scleritis with Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Inhibitors

AbstractPurpose: To evaluate the use of TNF-alpha inhibitors for non-infectious, non-necrotizing scleritis.Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with non-infectious, non-necrotizing scleritis treated at our institutions from 2002 to 2012.Results: Seventeen patients (26 eyes) were included. Ten patients were started on infliximab and seven on adalimumab; five patients were treated with both TNF-alpha inhibitors on separate occasions. All patients had an associated autoimmune disease. Control of active inflammation for at least 2 months was achieved in 15 (88%) of 17 patients. Seven out of eight patients successfully tapered concurrent corticosteroid use. Only one patient discontinued TNF-alpha inhibitor use due to an allergic reaction.Conclusions: TNF-alpha inhibitors appear to have a role in managing non-infectious, non-necrotizing scleritis refractory to initial therapy, mainly by reducing inflammation and decreasing concurrent CS use.
Signal Detection on Euclidean Groups: Applications to DNA Bends, Robot Localization, and Optical Communication

Three problems from disparate application areas are presented and solved here using a unified framework: 1) estimating the bend angle induced in DNA by a bound ligand such as a transcription factor or anti-cancer drug; 2) determining the intent of a mobile robot by observing its trajectories corrupted by environmental noise; 3) estimating the bit-error probability function associated with phase noise in optical communication systems, and the associated problem of filter design. In all three problems, probability densities on the group of proper rigid-body motions of the plane contain a hidden signal that needs to be detected in order to advance the particular application area. Stochastic differential equations and corresponding Fokker-Planck equations describing random processes that evolve on this group (the Euclidean group) are used to model each of these problems, and methods from harmonic analysis and Lie theory are used to write approximate solutions. From these `forward' models the desired `signal' (i.e., an element, or a path, in the Euclidean group is extracted) to infer desired physical parameters from data.
The importance of microstructural variations on the fracture toughness of human dentin

The crack growth resistance of human dentin was characterized as a function of relative distance from the DEJ and the corresponding microstructure. Compact tension specimens were prepared from the coronal dentin of caries-free 3rd molars. The specimens were sectioned from either the outer, middle or inner dentin. Stable crack extension was achieved under Mode I quasi-static loading, with the crack oriented in-plane with the tubules, and the crack growth resistance was characterized in terms of the initiation (K(o)), growth (K(g)) and plateau (K(p)) toughness. A hybrid approach was also used to quantify the contribution of dominant mechanisms to the overall toughness. Results showed that human dentin exhibits increasing crack growth resistance with crack extension in all regions, and that the fracture toughness of inner dentin (2.2 ± 0.5 MPa·m(0.5)) was significantly lower than that of middle (2.7 ± 0.2 MPa·m(0.5)) and outer regions (3.4 ± 0.3 MPa·m(0.5)). Extrinsic toughening, composed mostly of crack bridging, was estimated to cause an average increase in the fracture energy of 26% in all three regions. Based on these findings, dental restorations extended into deep dentin are much more likely to cause tooth fracture due to the greater potential for introduction of flaws and decrease in fracture toughness with depth.
Novel waterborne UV-crosslinkable thiol–ene polyurethane dispersions: Synthesis and film formation

Abstract A new class of water-dispersible polyurethane pre-polymers bearing pendant unsaturation was synthesized and used with polyfunctional thiol crosslinkers to prepare uniform aqueous colloidal dispersions capable of forming crosslinked films upon UV exposure at 254 nm. This novel approach to prepare UV crosslinkable, water-based polyurethane polymers offers numerous advantages over other similar systems. Photocuring behavior of films from such thiol–ene polyurethane dispersions (TE-PUD) was monitored using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy by following consumption of thiol and ene functionalities as a function of UV exposure time. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed a decrease of the glass transition temperature ( T g ) with increasing thiol/ene ratios ranging from 0.5 to 1.1.
On the Power Function of the Likelihood Ratio Test for MANOVA

We prove that the power function of the likelihood ratio test for MANOVA attains its minimum when the rank of the location parameter matrix Θ decreases from s to 1. This provides a theoretical justification of a result that is known in the literature based only on numerical studies.
Phase equilibrium and calorimetric study of the transition of MnTiO3 from the ilmenite to the lithium niobate structure and implications for the stability field of perovskite

The phase boundary between MnTiO3 I (ilmenite structure) and MnTiO3 II (lithium niobate structure) has been determined by analysis of quench products from reversal experiments in a cubic anvil apparatus at 1073–1673 K and 43–75 kbar using mixtures of MnTiO3 I and II as starting materials. Tight brackets of the boundary give P(kbar)=121.2−0.045 T(K). Thermodynamic analysis of this boundary gives ΔHo=5300±1000 J·mol−1, ΔSo = 1.98 ±1J·K−1· mol−1. The enthalpy of transformation obtained directly by transposed-temperature-drop calorimetry is 8359 ±2575 J·mol−1. Possible topologies of the phase relations among the ilmenite, lithium niobate, and perovskite polymorphs are constrained using the above data and the observed (reversible with hysteresis) transformation of II to III at 298 K and 20–30 kbar (Ross et al. 1989). The observed II–III transition is likely to lie on a metastable extension of the II–III boundary into the ilmenite field. However the reversed I–II boundary, with its negative dP/ dT does represent stable equilibrium between ilmenite and lithium niobate, as opposed to the lithium niobate being a quench product of perovskite. We suggest a topology in which the perovskite occurs stably at low T and high P with a triple point (I, II, III) at or below 1073 K near 70 kbar. The I–II boundary would have a negative P-T slope while the II–III and I–III boundaries would be positive, implying that entropy decreases in the order lithium niobate, ilmenite, perovskite. The inferred positive slope of the ilmenite-perovskite transition in MnTiO3 is different from the negative slopes in silicates and germanates. These thermochemical parameters are discussed in terms of crystal structure and lattice vibrations.
An interdisciplinary approach to accountability for future internet service provision

Accountability is an important but complex notion that encompasses the obligation to act as a responsible steward of the personal information of others, to take responsibility for the protection and appropriate use of that information beyond mere legal requirements and to provide remediation. This notion is increasingly seen as key in easing business constraints in global environments and in helping overcome barriers to cloud service adoption. However, the relative complexity of the service provision chain makes it very challenging both legally and technically to provide accountability for the cloud. We propose a co-designed approach that encompasses legal and regulatory mechanisms and a range of technological enhancements that can provide the necessary basis for trust.
Kinetics of sensitization and de-sensitization of duplex 308 stainless steel

Abstract The kinetics of, and the factors responsible for, sensitization and de-sensitization were determined for duplex 308 stainless steel. Samples consisting of 10 vol.% of ferrite, balance austenite were heat treated at 600 and 550°C for times of 15 min-300h. The chromium contents of the α−γ boundaries and γ−γ grain boundaries of heat treated samples were measured by a potentiostatic electrochemical technique. Transmission electron microscopy of foils and surface replicas of heat treated samples was used to observe carbide precipitation on the boundaries and decomposition of the ferrite. Carbide precipitation occurred exclusively along the α−γ boundaries. Most of the chromium in the carbide came from the ferrite phase. However, intergranular corrosion susceptibility resulted from a narrow chromium depleted zone that was formed on the austenite side of the interface and a chromium depleted zone that formed along the γ−γ grain boundaries. The latter developed in spite of the absence of carbides along the γ−γ grain boundaries. It resulted from grain boundary diffusion of chromium to the carbides growing along the α−γ boundaries. There was a maximum in the degree of sensitization with time of heat treatment. At aging times t max , the degree of sensitization was limited by the achievement of a chromium depleted zone of a critical minimum width. An upper bound estimate of the latter was ~ 25 A. At aging times > t max , de-sensitization occurred. This was controlled by the chromium content in the matrix at the carbide-matrix interface. Initially, the rate of de-sensitization was rapid and was produced by chromium diffusing from the ferrite phase and into the chromium depleted zone in the austenite. When the ferrite phase started to decompose the rate of de-sensitization decreased dramatically and was produced by volume diffusion of chromium in the austenite phase.
Investigation of Bridge and 2-Phenyl Substituent Effects on Ethylene/α-Olefin Copolymerization Behavior with 1,2‘-Bridged Bis(indenyl)zirconium Dichlorides

Ethylene/propylene and ethylene/1-hexene copolymerizations were studied with a series of ansa-metallocenes characterized by a gauche orientation of the indenyl ligands: [1-(1-indenyl)-2-(2-indenyl)ethane]zirconium dichloride, Et(2-Ind)(1-Ind)ZrCl2 (1)/MMAO, [2-(2-indenyl)-1-(2-phenyl-1-indenyl)ethane]zirconium dichloride, Et(2-Ind)(2-Ph-1-Ind)ZrCl2 (2)/MMAO, and [(2-indenyl)(2-phenyl-1-indenyl)dimethylsilyl]zirconium dichloride, Me2Si(2-Ind)(2-Ph-1-Ind)ZrCl2 (3)/MMAO to determine the significance of 2-phenyl ligand substitution as well as bridge type and placement on a series of gauche-1,2‘-bridged metallocenes. Comparison between the 1,1‘-bridged metallocene anti-ethylenebis(1-indenyl)zirconium dichloride and gauche-1 showed that the different bridge placements gave similar copolymerization reactivity in contrast to the different reactivities observed for anti-1,1‘-bridged dimethylsilylbis(2-phenylindenyl)zirconium dichloride and gauche-1,2‘-dimethylsilyl-bridged 3 respectively. Similar to trends observ...