cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of the spleen (SANT): multimodality imaging appearance of five cases with radiology–pathology correlation

Objective Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) is an extremely rare splenic lesion first reported in 2004, representing an unusual reaction of splenic red pulp to stromal inflammation or vascular injury. There are very few descriptions of the imaging appearance of SANT in the literature. We present five pathologically proven cases of SANT, with a description of the imaging appearance using multiple different modalities, as well as correlation with the histopathologic features of the lesion.
Lithium polymer batteries and proton exchange membrane fuel cells as energy sources in hydrogen electric vehicles

Abstract This paper deals with the application of lithium ion polymer batteries as electric energy storage systems for hydrogen fuel cell power trains. The experimental study was firstly effected in steady state conditions, to evidence the basic features of these systems in view of their application in the automotive field, in particular charge–discharge experiments were carried at different rates (varying the current between 8 and 100 A). A comparison with conventional lead acid batteries evidenced the superior features of lithium systems in terms of both higher discharge rate capability and minor resistance in charge mode. Dynamic experiments were carried out on the overall power train equipped with PEM fuel cell stack (2 kW) and lithium batteries (47.5 V, 40 Ah) on the European R47 driving cycle. The usage of lithium ion polymer batteries permitted to follow the high dynamic requirement of this cycle in hard hybrid configuration, with a hydrogen consumption reduction of about 6% with respect to the same power train equipped with lead acid batteries.
The effects of oxygen on deformation and fracture of polycrystalline hafnium

The effects of O in solution on the mechanical properties of crystal-bar Hf were investigated. It was found that oxygen produces a significant increase in yield strength, a modest increase in strain hardening rate, and a drastic decrease in uniform elongation of hafnium at both 298 and 77/sup 0/K. The fracture mode of unalloyed hafnium is primarily dimpled rupture to temperatures as low as 4.2/sup 0/K, but the addition of as little as 0.485 at. percent oxygen causes a shift to cleavage at 77/sup 0/K. Cleavage also was observed at 298/sup 0/K with 1.45 at. percent oxygen. It is concluded that the suppression of cross slip by oxygen favors cleavage in hafnium. The cleavage plane was identified as (2130), but the possibility exists of more than one cleavage plane. (JRD)
Investigation of the EPR spectra of copper in cadmium fluoride at 4.2°K

Abstract The EPR spectra of the Cu2+ ion in CdF2 versus angle is shown for the magnetic field rotated in a 〈110〉 plane. The effect of uniaxial stress on the spectra is also shown. We suggest that Jahn-Teller distortions are involved.
Dynamical properties of multiarmed global spirals in Rayleigh-Bénard convection.

Explicit formulas for the rotation frequency and the long-wavenumber diffu- sion coefficients of global spirals withm arms in Rayleigh-Benard convection are obtained. Global spirals and parallel rolls share exactly the same Eckhaus, zigzag and skewed-varicose instability boundaries. Global spirals seem not to have a characteristic frequency !m or a typical size Rm, but their product !mRm is a constant under given experimental conditions. The ratio Ri/Rj of the radii of any two dislocations (Ri, Rj) inside a multi-armed spiral is also predicted to be constant. Some of these results have been tested by our numerical work.
Studies on Improving the AC Outward Transmission Capacity of Sichuan Power Grid by Utilization of Phase-Shifting Transformers

In this paper, the feasibility analysis of the utilization of phase shifting transformers (PSTs) to improve the AC outward transmission capacity of Sichuan power grid (SCPG) is presented. Firstly, the authors analyze the working principle of PST, as well as the rules for selecting its location. Then, the AC outward transmission limit of SCPG is studied with PSASP software. Finally, the PST is used to change the power flow distribution of lines on border of SCPG. Simulations results show that the PST can significantly improve the AC outward transmission capacity of SCPG. At the same time, short-circuit current of SCPG is also reduced.
A NUMERICAL STUDY OF AN IMPACT OSCILLATOR WITH THE ADDITION OF DRY FRICTION

Abstract This paper presents an investigation into the non-linear behaviour of an impact oscillator with the addition of dry friction. The equations that govern the relative motion of the impact oscillator, including the effects of dry friction, are formulated, resulting in a non-conservative, piecewise linear, ordinary differential equation of motion. The system is excited by a single component sinusoidal base motion. A computer model is used to numerically simulate the motion of the system, and to identify periodic solutions and the stability of these solutions. Trends of the periodic solutions are then interpreted using bifurcation theory to identify the non-linear behaviour of this system as a function of both the excitation amplitude and the excitation frequency for two levels of the dry friction force. These results illustrate a rich behaviour that includes turning point bifurcations, symmetry breaking pitchfork bifurcation, period-doubling bifurcation cascades and bifurcations that can be characterized as boundary grazing. The results also include the existence of a subharmonic resonance motion that encompasses three periods of the forcing during each period of the solution. Also presented are samples of time histories and phase protraits, and a plot of the stable response regions for clamping force as a function of excitation amplitude.
Use of Indirect Calorimetry to Optimize Nutrition Support and Assess Physiologic Dead Space in the Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patient: A Case Study Approach

Indirect calorimetry (IC) is an accurate method of estimating a patient's energy expenditure, particularly the complex critically ill patient who benefits most from an individualized regimen of nutritional support. This bedside technique measures variables related to gas exchange and replaces assumptions about physiologic stress. When indirect calorimetry data are augmented by an arterial blood gas analysis of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), the dead space to tidal volume ratio (VD/VT) can be determined for an individual patient. These data can be valuable to the healthcare team when checking reasons for weaning failure. A case study approach to a 69-year-old man with acute respiratory distress syndrome and biliary sepsis will demonstrate the utility of this measurement. Attention to precise nutritional support and optimal gas exchange can influence the outcome of critically ill mechanically ventilated patients. This discussion highlights the potential benefits of indirect calorimetry for critical care nurses.
Suppression of in Vivo β-Amyloid Peptide Toxicity by Overexpression of the HSP-16.2 Small Chaperone Protein

Expression of the human beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Alzheimer disease model leads to the induction of HSP-16 proteins, a family of small heat shock-inducible proteins homologous to vertebrate alphaB crystallin. These proteins also co-localize and co-immunoprecipitate with Abeta in this model (Fonte, V., Kapulkin, V., Taft, A., Fluet, A., Friedman, D., and Link, C. D. (2002) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 99, 9439-9444). To investigate the molecular basis and biological function of this interaction between HSP-16 and Abeta, we generated transgenic C. elegans animals with high level, constitutive expression of HSP-16.2. We find that constitutive expression of wild type, but not mutant, HSP-16.2 partially suppresses Abeta toxicity. Wild type Abeta-(1-42), but not Abeta single chain dimer, was observed to become sequestered in HSP-16.2-containing inclusions, indicating a conformation-dependent interaction between HSP-16.2 and Abeta in vivo. Constitutive expression of HSP-16.2 could reduce amyloid fibril formation, but it did not reduce the overall accumulation of Abeta peptide or alter the pattern of the predominant oligomeric species. Studies with recombinant HSP-16.2 demonstrated that HSP-16.2 can bind directly to Abeta in vitro, with a preferential affinity for oligomeric Abeta species. This interaction between Abeta and HSP-16.2 also influences the formation of Abeta oligomers in in vitro assays. These studies are consistent with a model in which small chaperone proteins reduce Abeta toxicity by interacting directly with the Abeta peptide and altering its oligomerization pathways, thereby reducing the formation of a minor toxic species.
Effects of mixed rare earth occupancy on the low temperature properties of (R,R′,R″…)Ni2Ge2 single crystals

Abstract Temperature and applied magnetic field dependent magnetization measurements on 34 single crystalline samples of ( R , R ′ , R ″ … ) Ni 2 Ge 2 compounds ( R , R ′ , R ″ , etc. being primarily Gd–Lu, Y), were made. These measurements reveal that, despite extremes in local moment anisotropy, the average de Gennes parameter is a remarkably good predictor of the paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic ordering temperature. In addition, the pronounced metamagnetic phase transitions seen in the low temperature phase of TbNi 2 Ge 2 are found to be remarkably robust to high substitution levels of Gd and 25% substitutions of other heavy rare earths.
Line tension between two surface phases on a substrate

Abstract An upper bound to the line tension of the boundary line separating a thin and a thick liquid film on a substrate is calculated within mean-field theory. The starting point of the analysis is a van der Waals-like form of the free energy in the presence of a wall which is commonly used in describing wetting phenomena. The expression for the free energy is shown to reduce to the form of the free energy in the interface displacement model with explicit expressions for the parameters in the interface displacement model. At the wetting transition the upper bound to the line tension is finite thereby putting the conclusion of the interface displacement model of a finite line tension at the wetting transition on a more fundamental basis.
Executive Summary: Education Research in Emergency Medicine—Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies for Success

The 2012 Academic Emergency Medicine (AEM) consensus conference “Education Research In Emergency Medicine: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies for Success” convened a diverse group of stakeholders in medical education to target gaps in emergency medicine (EM) education research and identify priorities for future study. A total of 175 registrants collaborated in preparatory and conference-day activities to explore subtopics in educational interventions, learner assessment, faculty development, and research funding and infrastructure. The conference was punctuated by didactic sessions led by key international medical education experts and ended with consensus formation in many domains. This issue of AEM presents the exciting results of this process.
Aging Stability of Neoprene Latex. Relation between Cross-Linking and Hydrolysis of Allylic Chlorine

Abstract Neoprene polymer chains are cross-linked between active chlorine sites on the chains. There are two types of active sites of different reactivity. It is necessary to use more vigorous curing conditions to actuate the less reactive chlorine. The polymer develops cross-links while aging as a latex as well as during cure, and the decline of tensile strength with latex age may be inversely correlated with the amount of cross-linking during aging. The decline of tensile strength can be prevented by compounding with bis (diethylthiocarbamyl) disulfide. The calculations of the swelling data are not so complete as might be desired, primarily because of difficulty of measuring and interpreting the molecular weight of high-conversion polymers and to some uncertainty in determining μ. It is felt that the qualitative observations are justified, and that they serve to define both the technically important effect of film structure on tensile strength and the mechanism of cure.
A QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF XYLEM DEVELOPMENT IN THE VEGETATIVE SHOOT APEX OF COLEUS

THE FIRST MAJOR phase in the development of a field of science is characteristically marked by a qualitative, rather than a quantitative, approach. Indeed, one could make a good case for the assertion that quantitative methods are not worth the extra labor unless the qualitative approach has first reached full flower. The research of the classical plant anatomists, summarized so ably by Esau (1953), is mostly based on the careful study and qualitative description of a small number of plants collected during the daylight hours. (Over the years there have been, of course, a sizeable number of anatomical papers in which quantitative methods have been used, but even in these, the reproducibility of the quantitative data is practically never demonstrated.) Since we believe that the study of plant anatomy is now in a stage where the transition to the systematic use of quantitative methods can be profitably made, we propose combining physiological techniques, attitudes, and interpretations with anatomical ones in the hope that from this combined approach we can get anatomical information which will be quantitative and regularly reproducible. We have found this approach to be fruitful in earlier studies on the regeneration of xylem cells (Jacobs, 1952, 1954, 1956). What we are doing in the current research is to apply the approach to the study of normal development. This involves making large sample, round-the-clock collections of plants-on the reasonable presumption that organisms as responsive to their environment as are vascular plants will indubitably be carrying on some of their development strictly at night. This would be particularly expected of xylem differentiation if it is limited (like its regeneration) by auxin, since auxin production has been reported to follow a diurnal cycle with a maximum at night (e.g., Yin, 1941; von Guttenberg and Kr&pelin, 1947). As far as the literature is concerned, plant anatomists seem to be in general agreement about the qualitative pattern of early xylem differentiation in the shoot apices of Angiosperms: "xylem . . . is initiated on the inner side of the trace procambium near the base of the leaf, and from there it progresses acropetally into the leaf and basipetally into
The Effects and Effectiveness of Simulations in Business Policy Teaching Applications

The rigorous business policy gaming literature is reviewed against a criterion of business policy course content and teaching objectives. Gaming appears to support the objectives of strategy-making and goalsetting, and the study of personal and group factors in organizational decision making, while it seems to fail regarding the structuring elements and the appraising and controlling functions of business policy.
Blockade of nitric oxide formation augments adrenocorticotropin released by blood-borne interleukin-1 beta: role of vasopressin, prostaglandins, and alpha 1-adrenergic receptors.

Blockade of nitric oxide (NO) formation with the arginine derivative L-N omega nitro-L-arginine-methylester (L-NAME) produces a dramatic increase in ACTH released by the iv injection of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta). The present work investigated the potential role of three mechanisms in this effect: the activation of adrenergic receptors and/or the release of vasopressin (VP) or prostaglandins (PG). As previously observed, blockade of adrenergic receptors with prazosin and propranolol did not alter the stimulatory effect of IL-1 beta. We show here that this treatment did not significantly interfere with the potentiating influence of L-NAME 30 min after IL-1 injection, but blunted this effect at 60 min. Immunoneutralization of endogenous VP did not consistently decrease the ACTH response to IL-1 beta regardless of whether NO was present. Finally, as expected, blockade of PG synthesis with ibuprofen totally abolished IL-1 beta-induced ACTH secretion; in addition, it prevented the interaction between L-NAM...
Science teacher education at a distance

Abstract The nation's school reform agenda focuses on fundamental changes in schools and teachers; science education has been identified as a key area for these changes. However, science teachers in rural schools often are at a disadvantage for receiving necessary continuing education. Telecommunications technology can provide these teachers with access to current information in science education; it also allows teacher educators to model desirable science teaching strategies. This article reports on a pilot project that used interactive videoconferencing to provide hands‐on instruction to science teachers at various rural sites and computer conferencing to link participants for coursework, networking, and access to resources.
Does prolonged skin temperature measurement improve the diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome

This Practice Point provides commentary on a prospective study by Krumova et al. that explored the diagnostic utility of long-term temperature measurements in patients with upper extremity complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The objectives of the group were twofold: to evaluate vascular abnormalities in CRPS by comparing real-time thermal variations experienced in everyday circumstances over prolonged time frames in affected and nonaffected hands, and to develop a practical approach for differentiating CRPS from other painful conditions. Measurement of skin temperature dynamics differentiated between CRPS and arm pain secondary to other etiologies with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 67%. Although the technique Krumova and colleagues used is more practical than those previously described, it is still too onerous for patients and physicians to routinely employ. We anticipate that improved identification of pain mechanisms will translate into better treatment outcomes, but this hypothesis remains to be tested.
Most Relevant Explanation: computational complexity and approximation methods

Most Relevant Explanation (MRE) is the problem of finding a partial instantiation of a set of target variables that maximizes the generalized Bayes factor as the explanation for given evidence in a Bayesian network. MRE has a huge solution space and is extremely difficult to solve in large Bayesian networks. In this paper, we first prove that MRE is at least NP-hard. We then define a subproblem of MRE called MRE k that finds the most relevant k-ary explanation and prove that the decision problem of MRE k is $NP^{\it PP}$ -complete. Since MRE needs to find the best solution by MRE k over all k, and we can also show that MRE is in $NP^{\it PP}$ , we conjecture that a decision problem of MRE is $NP^{\it PP}$ -complete as well. Furthermore, we show that MRE remains in $NP^{\it PP}$ even if we restrict the number of target variables to be within a log factor of the number of all unobserved variables. These complexity results prompt us to develop a suite of approximation algorithms for solving MRE, One algorithm finds an MRE solution by integrating reversible-jump MCMC and simulated annealing in simulating a non-homogeneous Markov chain that eventually concentrates its mass on the mode of a distribution of the GBF scores of all solutions. The other algorithms are all instances of local search methods, including forward search, backward search, and tabu search. We tested these algorithms on a set of benchmark diagnostic Bayesian networks. Our empirical results show that these methods could find optimal MRE solutions for most of the test cases in our experiments efficiently.
The Authority of Expressive Self-Ascriptions

Comment expliquer l'autorite de la premiere personne? Comment expliquer la presomption qu'un enonce est vrai lorsque c'est une attribution d'un etat intentionnel, sincere et intelligible, a la premiere personne du singulier de l'indicatif present. Selon Rockney Jacobsen, les auto-attributions jouissent d'une presomption de verite parce qu'elles sont systematiquement fiables. Elles sont systematiquement fiables parce qu'elles ont pour caracteristique d'etre a la fois expressives et evaluables en termes de verite. Si de telles auto-attributions sont sinceres, elles sont certainement vraies. Cet article presente une defense et une critique de la theorie de Jacobsen. L'auteur soutient que la pretendue prevalence des auto-attributions expressives est au mieux contingente. Cette contingence ne peut pas expliquer pourquoi il est necessaire que les auto-attributions fassent autorite.
Egocentric affordance fields in pedestrian steering

In this paper we propose a general framework for local path-planning and steering that can be easily extended to perform high-level behaviors. Our framework is based on the concept of affordances - the possible ways an agent can interact with its environment. Each agent perceives the environment through a set of vector and scalar fields that are represented in the agent's local space. This egocentric property allows us to efficiently compute a local space-time plan. We then use these perception fields to compute a fitness measure for every possible action, known as an affordance field. The action that has the optimal value in the affordance field is the agent's steering decision. Using our framework, we demonstrate autonomous virtual pedestrians that perform steering and path planning in unknown environments along with the emergence of high-level responses to never seen before situations.
JAM-A regulates epithelial proliferation through Akt/β-catenin signalling.

Expression of the tight junction protein junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A) has been linked to proliferation and tumour progression. However, a direct role for JAM-A in regulating proliferative processes has not been shown. By using complementary in vivo and in vitro approaches, we demonstrate that JAM-A restricts intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) proliferation in a dimerization-dependent manner, by inhibiting Akt-dependent β-catenin activation. Furthermore, IECs from transgenic JAM-A−/−/β-catenin/T-cell factor reporter mice showed enhanced β-catenin-dependent transcription. Finally, inhibition of Akt reversed colonic crypt hyperproliferation in JAM-A-deficient mice. These data establish a new link between JAM-A and IEC homeostasis.
Somatostatin infusion in liver cirrhosis: glucagon control of glucose homeostasis.

In order to evaluate the role of glucagon in blood glucose homeostasis in liver cirrhosis, ten normal subjects and ten cirrhotic patients were infused with somatostatin (500 μg/h for 5 h) with and without glucagon (3 mg/kg/h) administration. Somatostatin infusion brought about a fall in plasma glucose both in normal (37%) and cirrhotic (41%) subjects in the first 90 minutes. In normal subjects, this was followed by a rise in plasma glucose (147±2 mg/dl at 5 h), while in cirrhotics no rise in plasma glucose was observed (50±1 mg/dl at 5 h). Plasma insulin and glucagon levels were suppressed in both normal and cirrhotic subjects. Addition of glucagon to the somatostatin infusion caused a two fold rise in plasma glucose level to 183±12 mg/dl at 4 h in normal subjects; a much smaller increase was found in the cirrhotic group (105±3 mg/dl at 4 h). When the infusion was stopped, plasma glucose fell both in normal and cirrhotic subjects (102±14 and 87±2 mg/dl at 6 h respectively). Subsequently, hyperglucagonaemia recurred in the cirrhotic patients (319 ±31 pg/ml). A rebound of plasma insulin was observed in normal subjects (47±8 μU/ml) which did not occur in the cirrhotics (16±2 μU/ml). Thus when both insulin and glucagon were suppressed by somatostatin infusion, euglycaemia occurred in cirrhotic subjects only when glucagon concentration was restored exogenously. We conclude that glucagon is important in glucose homeostasis in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Diagnosis of Renal Osteodystrophy

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is commonly associated with alterations in bone and mineral metabolism (renal osteodystrophy). To date, bone biopsy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and classification of the various types of renal osteodystrophy, namely: osteitis fibrosa, mixed uremic osteodystrophy, osteomalacia, aplastic and adynamic bone disease. However, due to its invasive nature and the fact that it is quite expensive, there has been a clamor for a search for other tests. Traditionally, the level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been considered a surrogate of bone turnover. At this time, the search continues for a specific and sensitive biochemical marker for monitoring bone turnover in CKD., e.g., alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, collagen degradation products, etc. In this chapter, we also present the common radiographic findings that are commonly seen in patients with renal osteodystrophy. Other radiographic techniques such as, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and deferoxamine challenge test (DFO) are also briefly discussed.
Emulating co-channel interference in wireless networks using equivalent low-tap filters

In emulating a multi-node wireless network, received interference can be represented by combining the multipath responses of the interfering links. Each multipath response can be described by a set of mean-squared amplitude of the multipath components and relative delays. The number of filter taps required per link to emulate the actual (‘true’) channel is a function of the channel bandwidth W and RMS delay spread τ rms . Assuming each per-link channel to have an exponentially decaying power delay profile, this value is about 4Wτ rms . We propose to emulate each link using n uniformly-spaced taps of equal mean-square gain. For this case, the required number of taps is only 2Wτ rms , while maintaining the important characteristic (i.e., the CDF of total power, taken over the fading) of the true channel. We derive this result analytically and confirm it by simulation. Improving on this 50% reduction in required taps, we further show that the loss in accuracy is significantly low so long as the total number of taps is the order of 16 or more. For large values of Wτ rms , this can lead to even more reduction in n and, thus, further limit the cost and complexity of emulators.
Simulations of laminar and transitional cold wall jets

Abstract The wall jet studied herein is a fundamental idealization of a refrigerated air curtain. Specifically, two-dimensional and three-dimensional idealized cold wall-jets are studied at a variety of flow conditions (different inflow profiles and Reynolds numbers) to investigate the effect on wall jet thickness and temperature distributions. The objective of the work is to allow an increased understanding of the evolution of temperature distribution within wall jets for laminar and transitional flow conditions, and the corresponding jet thicknesses. The primary simulation technique is direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the full Navier–Stokes equations, possible at modest Reynolds numbers. However, at higher Reynolds numbers a conventional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes approach is also employed. Significant variations in wall jet thickness (both in terms of time-dependent variations and the time-averaged mean) are found as a function of Reynolds number, with a minimum occurring at flow speeds immediately prior to transition. The wall jet evolution (in terms of temperature distribution and jet thickness) is also sensitive to the inflow; whereby a constant gradient profile provides the lowest growth rates. Interestingly, the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes approach yields quantitatively similar results to the 2-D and 3-D DNS approach at a wall-jet Reynolds number of 2000.
Sudden cardiac death

Great strides have been made in the approach to the management of sudden cardiac death. Patients who have been successfully resuscitated from an episode of sudden cardiac death are at high risk of recurrence. Much larger groups of patients who have not had episodes of sudden cardiac death are also at substantial risk for this event, however. Because the survival rates associated with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are dismal, these high-risk populations must be targeted for prophylaxis. Beta-blockers have been shown to be an effective pharmacologic therapy in patients who have had myocardial infarction and, most recently, in patients with congestive heart failure. When possible, these agents should be used in these populations No class I or class III antiarrhythmic drugs, with the possible exception of amiodarone, have been shown to have efficacy as prophylactic agents for the reduction of mortality in these populations. In patients who have hemodynamically significant sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias or an aborted episode of sudden cardiac death, the current therapy of choice is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). For prophylaxis of sudden cardiac death in patients who have not had a previous event, several approaches may be considered. Currently, the best therapeutic approach for prophylaxis of sudden cardiac death seems to be the ICD; however, use of this device can be justified only in patients at substantial risk of sudden cardiac death Defining the high-risk populations that will benefit from ICDs is critical in managing the problem of sudden cardiac death.
An Effective Specific Heat Model of the Heat Transfer in a Micro-PCM Suspension in Laminar Tube Flow

An “effective” specific heat model of the heat transfer in the thermal entry region of a laminar tube flow carrying a microPCM fluid is presented. The model is in an analytical format and intended to be easy to apply. It is based on classical Graetz theory, along with a computational analysis of entry region heat transfer that includes the latent effects contributed by a suspended microPCM. Generally, the Nusselt number of a microPCM fluid is shown to be of the following general form Nu = f(Gr, L, P), where Gr is the classical Graetz number, and L and P are Stefan-like parameters defined as: Fλ/Cp(Tl−Ts) and Cp(Ts−Tin)/(q/m), respectively. Here F is the fraction of PCM in the suspension, λ the latent heat, and q/m the ratio of the system heat rate to the system flow rate.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Domains of attraction of asymptotic reliability functions

Theorems about domains of attraction of limit distribution of extreme statistics of independent identically distributed random variables are well known and included in [R.E. Barlow, F. Proshan, Statistical Theory of Reliability of Life Testing, Probability Models, Holt. Reinehart and Winston, New York, 1975; H. Chernoff, H. Teicher, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 116 (1965) 474-491; B.W. Gnedenko, Ann. Math., 44 (1943) 432-453; B. Kopocinski, Zarys Teorii Odnowy i Niezawodnosci, PWN, Warszawa, 1973]. In [K. Kolowrocki, Appl. Math., 36 (1993) 56-69] a new four-element class of limit reliability functions for a regular, homogeneous series-parallel system in which the number of series components of the system has the order of logarithm of the number of parallel components is fixed. This paper presents the solution of the problem of domains of attraction for these asymptotic reliability functions. Moreover, some examples are given.
Thermal Shock Testing Of Optical Ceramics

A summary is presented of the various techniques for measuring the resistance to failure from thermal stresses of optical ceramics - glasses, polycrystalline ceramics and composites. This includes lengthy discussion of the more popular and more useful test techniques and recommendations for use of these tests and other techniques for treating problems with thermally induced stresses in optical materials and components.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Conformational distinguishability of medium cycloalkanes in crystals via inelastic neutron scattering.

This paper begins an exploration of the use of the combination of DFT computations with experimental inelastic neutron scattering (INS) spectra as a method for establishing what conformation is present in a molecular crystal at low temperature. Presented here are INS spectra of a series of medium-sized cycloalkanes: C6H12, C7H14, C8H16, C10H20, C12H24, and C14H28. Optimized geometries and normal mode calculations were performed at B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) on the lowest energy conformations (i.e., those thermally accessible at the experimental temperature of 30 K). The calculated and observed spectra were analyzed for the best fit from each set of conformers, allowing a prediction of the dominant conformation in a conformationally rich system. For each cycloalkane, the calculated spectrum for the lowest energy conformer shows good agreement with experiment while the higher energy conformations have a much poorer fit. With little ambiguity, the lowest energy conformer is therefore predicted to be the dominant con...
Coronary heart disease epidemiology revisited. Clinical and community aspects.

Epidemiological research relating coronary heart disease risk to risk factors has been reviewed and condensed into simple, diagrammatic form. The predictive power of risk factors for detecting susceptibles in the population is presented. While much is now known about long-term prediction, there is an urgent need for tests to signal impending heart attacks. Against this background, the potential for preventive action is discussed in the light of current knowledge. The "clinical-individual" and "community" approaches to prevention are contrasted. To what extent is prevention on the community level warranted, pending the results of controlled prophylactic trials? The view is presented that advice on preventive measures to the population at large is justified at this time, based on education and planned change but short of an all-out campaign which must await conclusive data from intervention studies.
Equilibrium, entropy and homeostasis: A multidisciplinary legacy

While the concepts of equilibrium and homeostasis are familiar to sociologists, the companion concept of entropy has only recently received more than a passing glance. This paper reviews the usage of these three concepts in physics, biology, economics and sociology. Each discipline is evaluated according to four dimensions which have received particular attention in equilibrium analysis. These are the use of heuristics, open and closed systems, stable, static and moving equilibrium, and return to equilibrium. The paper concludes that the concept of equilibrium should be used very carefully if at all. Often equilibrium can be replaced by a term such as stability or balance. Homeostasis can be viable concept, as can entropy, which among other things has potential for aiding in the integration of theory and method.
Plasma cortisol and glucose stress responses of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) to handling and shallow water stressors and anesthesia with MS-222, quinaldine sulfate and metomidate

Abstract Plasma cortisol and glucose stress responses to several common aquaculture procedures and modulation of these responses by three anesthetics (MS-222, quinaldine sulfate and metomidate) were investigated in hatchery-reared juvenile red drum ( Sciaenops ocellatus ). The magnitude of the cortisol and glucose stress responses to capture by dip net and transfer to another tank was related to the duration of net restraint and exposure to air. Rapid transfer of fish with only 5 s exposure to air did not elicit a cortisol stress response, whereas plasma cortisol titers increased five-fold after restraint and exposure to air for two minutes. Prior anesthesia partially blocked the response to the 2-min transfer stressor. Lowering the water level in the experimental tanks, followed by anesthetization of the fish with MS-222 or quinaldine sulfate, and then slowly refilling the tanks caused a marked increase in plasma cortisol concentrations. However, plasma cortisol titers did not increase when the anesthetic treatment was omitted from this procedure. There were dose-related increases in plasma levels of cortisol and glucose after 15 min continuous exposure to MS-222. Continuous exposure to quinaldine sulfate caused similar biochemical stress responses, whereas no changes in circulating levels of cortisol and glucose were observed after exposure to metomidate. Moreover, exposure to metomidate, but not to the other anesthetics, blocked the plasma cortisol response to ACTH administration. It is concluded from these studies that, whereas short-term anesthesia with MS-222 and quinaldine sulfate can block biochemical responses to handling stressors, longer term anesthetic exposure can itself induce a biochemical stress response. No such response occurs after exposure to metomidate, which appears to exert a direct action at the interrenal gland to block ACTH stimulation of steroidogenesis. These results suggest that the physiological disturbance of red drum during routine aquaculture procedures can be reduced by selecting appropriate handling and anesthetic treatments.
Nonuniform deformation of niobium diffusion barriers in niobium-titanium wire

A major source of extrinsic limitation to the critical current density in Nb-46.5 wt.% Ti superconductors has been sausaging initiated by the formation of hard intermetallics of Cu-Ti-Nb at the Cu-superconductor interface during precipitation heat treatment. The main defense against this is the use of a diffusion barrier (normally Nb foil) between the Cu and the Nb-Ti, which has a tendency to deform in a nonuniform manner even prior to heat treatment. Initial examination of Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) R&D composites indicated that most of the nonuniform deformation of the barrier occurred at the interface between the Nb barrier and the Nb-Ti. The authors have examined the effect of varying the starting Nb-Ti grain size on the uniformity of barrier thickness reduction during wire drawing. For all the wires tested the nonuniformity of the barrier increased with drawing strains and with increasing initial Nb-Ti grain size. They also compared the barrier of cold drawn monofilament to that of warm extruded filaments. The extruded filaments had a significantly more nonuniform barrier. >
Interferometric testing of soft contact lenses

Rapid growth in the contact lens industry towards higher levels of customization has precipitated the need for advances in the metrology techniques and instrumentation used to evaluate soft contact lenses. By measuring the transmitted wavefront, the information needed to evaluate a wide range of lens types (spherical, toric, bifocal) is obtained. A Mach-Zehnder interferometer is used with the lenses tested in saline solution. The lenses must be tested in saline solution to prevent dehydration of the lens, which results in an index change. The lenses are mounted in a cuvette, or water cell, that circulates fresh saline. Calibration of the instrument is complicated by the aspheric wavefronts produced by the lenses and the inherent aberrations picked up by the wavefront as it is imaged from immediately behind the lens to the detector. Simply removing a baseline, no test optic measurement from the measured wavefront does not satisfactorily remove the induced aberrations. Instead, removal of the induced aberrations is achieved by reverse raytracing. In reverse raytracing, the wavefront at the detector is traced back through the system to immediately behind the lens. The use of raytracing code enables theoretical wavefronts to be generated and expected-to-calculated performance evaluations to be made at the transmitted wavefront level.
An in vivo microdialysis assessment of concurrent MDMA and cocaine administration in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Background and rationale Despite the popularity of polysubstance abuse among recreational methylendioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) users, relatively few controlled experimental studies have documented the neurobehavioral effects of MDMA in combination with other abused substances.
Estimate of the sticking probability for cells in uniform shear flow with adhesion caused by specific bonds

A theory is developed for the aggregation rate of cells in uniform shear flow when the cell-cell adhesion is mediated by bonds between specific molecules on the cell surfaces such as antigen and antibody or lecithin and carbohydrate. The theory is based on estimates of the frequency and duration of cell-cell collisions and of the number of bonds formed and required to hold the cells together. For high shear rates, the sticking probability is a function of A single dimensionless parameter, A, that is proportional to G/sup -2/, with G the shear rate. For low shear rates, the sticking probability is a function of A second dimensionless parameter, A' approx. G/sup -1/. In either case the rate of cell-cell sticking is a maximum when A (or A') approx. = 1.0. For small values of A (or A') the cells collide frequently, but do not stick, whereas for large values of a (or A') the cells collide infrequently, but stick with larger probability. Studies in a Couette viscometer or other flow having approximately uniform shear can test these models.
ANYONS, CHERN-SIMONS LAGRANGIANS AND PHYSICS IN 2+1 DIMENSIONS

We review fractional statistics (anyons) and related topics in (2+1)-dimensional physics. We concentrate on fundamental questions and try to give a balanced presentation of quantum-mechanical and field-theoretical aspects.
Studies on the metabolism of adipose tissue. VII. A comparison of the effects of insulin and a growth-hormone preparation on oxygen consumption in bicarbonate and phosphate buffers.

Abstract Simultaneous measurements of the oxygen consumption of rat epididymal adipose tissue in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate and phosphate buffers have been made using the Warburg reprirometer and a specially-constructed oxygen-electrode apparatus. Experiments performed by incubating one tissue in phosphate buffer in a Warburg vessel and a paired tissue from the same animal in bicarbonate buffer in the electrode tissue chamber have indicated that the oxygen uptake of the untreated tissue is not affected by the buffer composition. Glucose, 3 mg/ml, was employed in both media. When a sheep growth-hormone preparation was added to the incubation media so as to give a final concentration of 0.093 mg/ml the oxygen consumption of the tissue was approximately doubled irrespective of the buffer employed. The addition of insulin (0.1 unit/ml), however, produced a stimulation of oxygen uptake only in bicarbonate buffer and this effect was dependent upon the presence of glucose in the medium. When both hormones (growth-hormone preparation, 0.045 mg/ml; insulin, 0.1 unit/ml) were added simultaneously, the response of the tissue was much larger than when only the growth-hormone preparation was added, although the response remained the same in each buffer.
Abundance and growth of Desmoncus orthacanthos Mart. (Palmae) in response to light and ramet harvesting in five forest sites in Belize.

Abstract The abundance, distribution and growth rates of the economically-important climbing palm, Desmoncus orthacanthos Mart., was investigated in response to cane harvesting, light and edaphic conditions in five forest sites in Belize. Desmoncus orthacanthos genet (i.e. entire plant) and ramet (i.e. individual cane or shoot) populations were abundant throughout Belize, ranging from 40 to 232 genets ha −1 and 72 to 532 ramets ha −1 in the five forest sites. Median genet and ramet populations and ramet lengths were significantly greater in high than low-light environments and in freely versus poorly drained sites based on Mann–Whitney U -tests. Similarly, the median number of new ramets produced and ramet growth were significantly greater on plants growing in high-light than low-light conditions and on plants in which ramets had been harvested versus unharvested controls 24 months after ramet harvesting. Desmoncus orthacanthos abundance, distribution and growth characteristics are typical of a wide-ranging generalist species.
Effect of methyl phenyldiazenecarboxylate (azoester) on lens membrane function

Methyl phenyldiazenecarboxylate (azoester) has been widely used for the intracellular oxidation of glutathione in the red blood cell. However, the reactions of azoester are complex, and azoester is unstable in aqueous solution. Using 86 Rb we have studied the effects of azoester on the cation transport and permeability of rat lenses. Lenses were exposed to both freshly prepared solutions of azoester (rapid delivery) and solutions which were allowed to stand for 35 min before lens exposure (delayed delivery). Rapid delivery of azoester effects a rapid oxidation of lens glutathione. In the presence of glucose this effect is diminished, presumably because the glutathione level is maintained by the NADPH generated by the pentose shunt mechanism. In contrast, delayed delivery of azoester does not affect lens glutathione content. Lenses pretreated with azoester (rapid delivery) without glucose for 15 min manifest a 68–73% decrease in 86 Rb uptake. Delayed delivery of azoester without glucose causes a similar decrease in 86 Rb uptake. Glucose medium improves the 86 Rb uptake of similarly treated lenses (both rapid and delayed delivery), but does not restore the uptake to normal values. In addition, azoester-treated lenses (rapid delivery) incubated without glucose manifest a 29% increase in 86 Rb run-out. In contrast, delayed delivery of azoester without glucose causes a 32% decrease in 86 Rb run-out. In the presence of glucose both rapid and delayed delivery of azoester effect a normal rate of 86 Rb run-out. Both rapid and delayed delivery of azoester result in a marked decrease in lens ATP content.
MULTISCALE MODELING OF THIN FILM GROWTH

Abstract Advances have been made in multiscale modeling strategies for thin film growth by physical and chemical vapor deposition techniques. Considerable efforts have been devoted in the past decade to develop physical models and simulation strategies within each length and time-scale regime. As a result of this progress, it has become feasible to construct thin film growth model spanning length scale from the atomic level to process equipment size. Examples include chemical vapor deposition of diamond and GaAs. Two major areas of length scale-linking activitiesare firstly, macro- to microscale (depositon system to film morphology); and secondly, micro- to atomic scale (film morphology to atomic level description of reaction processes).
Partially fluorinated solvent as a co-solvent for the non-aqueous electrolyte of Li/air battery

Abstract In this work we study methyl nonafluorobutyl ether (MFE) and tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) phosphite (TTFP), respectively, as a co-solvent for the non-aqueous electrolyte of Li–air battery. Results show that in certain solvent ratios, both solvents are able to increase the specific capacity of carbon in Li/O 2 and Li/air cells. More interestingly, the improvement in discharge performance of the Li/air cells increases with discharge current density. These results cannot be explained by the ionic conductivity and viscosity data of the electrolytes since the participation of fluorinated co-solvents hardly changes viscosity of the solvent blends while reversely reduces ionic conductivity of the electrolyte. In particular, we find that a 30 wt.% (vs. solvent) addition of TTFP into a 0.2 m (molality) LiSO 3 CF 3 PC electrolyte can significantly improve the discharge performance of Li/air cells, and that the resultant electrolyte is able to support long-term operation of Li/air cells in dry ambient environments due to its low volatility. We believe that the observed performance improvement is associated with the increased dissolution kinetics and solubility of oxygen in fluorinated solvent containing electrolyte.