A fiber fracture model for metal matrix composite monotape consolidation

The consolidation of plasma sprayed monotapes is emerging as a promising route for producing metal and intermetallic matrix composites reinforced with continuous ceramic fibers. Significant fiber fracture has been reported to accompany the consolidation of some fiber/matrix systems, particularly those with creep resistant matrices. Groves et al. [Acta metall. mater.42, 2089 (1994)] determined the predominant mechanism to be bending at monotape surface asperities and showed a strong dependence of damage upon process conditions. Here, a previous model for the densification of monotapes [Elzey and Wadley, Acta metall. mater.41, 2297 (1993)] has been used with a stochastic model of the fiber failure process to predict the evolution of fiber fracture during either hot isostatic or vacuum hot pressing. Using surface profilometer measured roughness data for the monotapes and handbook values for the mechanical properties of different matrices and fibers, this new model is used to elucidate the damage dependence on process conditions, monotape surface roughness, and the mechanical properties both of the fiber and matrix. The model is used to investigate the “processibility” of several currently important matrix and fiber systems and to identify the factors governing this. An example is also given of its use for the simulation of a representative consolidation process cycle. This approach to the analysis of a complex, nonlinear, time-varying process has resulted in a clear understanding of the causal relationships between damage and the many process, material and geometric variables of the problem and identified new strategies for its elimination.     

Automated segmentation of muscle fiber images using active contour models

Absorbed power (PAbs) during exposure to vertical whole-body vibration in a sitting posture was measured on 15 male and 15 female subjects. Different experimental conditions were applied, such as vibration level (0.5-1.4 m s(-2)) and frequency (2-100 Hz), body weight (54-93 kg) and, relaxed and erected upper body positions. Results show that PAbs was strongly related to the frequency of the vibration, peaking within the range of 4-6 Hz. The peak was predominantly located in the lower end of this range for females and for the relaxed sitting position. PAbs increased with acceleration level and body weight. Almost a ten-fold increase in PAbs was observed at the critical frequency when the vibration exposure was raised from 0.5 to 1.4 m s(-2). If risk assessment is based on the assumption that the amount of PAbs, independent of the frequency of the vibration, indicates a hazard, then the ISO-standard 2631 under- and overestimates the risk at frequencies below and above about 6 Hz, respectively. The results also indicate a need for differentiated guidelines for females and males. Many types of vehicles produce whole-body vibration with frequencies which coincide with the range where the highest PAbs was observed. PAbs is a 'new' concept for measurement of whole-body vibration exposure. Although not yet thoroughly evaluated, this measure may be a better quantity for risk assessment than those specified in ISO 2631 since it also takes the dynamic force applied to the human body into account.     

Electroconvulsive shock: Conflict, competition, consolidation, and neuroanatomical functions.

Recent studies supporting conflicting interpretations of ECS effects were reviewed and related to limbic system seizure proneness, neuroanatomical response specificities, and the electrophysiological correlates of conditioning. The effects of ECS, viewed against such a perspective, appeared to be quite consistent, even though several nonunifying hypotheses are extant. (42 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Interface characterization of duplex metal-coated SiC fiber-reinforced Ti-15-3 matrix composites

The interfacial reaction behavior of duplex metal (Cu/Mo and Cu/W)-coated SiC (SCS-6) fiber-reinforced Ti-15-3 composites, before and after thermal exposure, has been studied. The effect of thermal exposure on the shear sliding resistance of these composites was also obtained using a thin-specimen push-out test. The results are compared to those of an original SiC (SCS-6) fiber-reinforced Ti-15-3 composite. The interfacial reaction behavior is strongly affected by the existence of a coating layer. Both the Cu/Mo and Cu/W coating layers prevent the growth of a reaction layer. However, the coatings could not effectively prevent diffusion of alloying elements; only the W layer exists after the thermal exposure. On the other hand, the interface shear sliding stress minimally depends on the duplex metal coating layers prior to the thermal exposure, and this sliding stress in both the SiC/Cu/Mo/Ti-15-3 and SiC/Cu/W/Ti-15-3 composites decreases slightly relative to that in the SiC/Ti-15-3 composite. After thermal exposure, the interface shear sliding stress increases for the SiC/Ti-15-3 composite. In distinction, the interface shear sliding stress significantly decreases after thermal exposure in both the SiC/Cu/Mo/Ti-15-3 and SiC/Cu/W/Ti-15-3 composites. Theses behaviors are attributed to the decrease of radial clamping stress, which originates from a volume expansion associated with the β → α phase transformation.     

Mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of diastolic heart failure

Diastolic heart failure, in the absence of LV systolic dysfunction, is a common clinical condition that can be demonstrated in as many as one third of patients with congestive heart failure. Diastolic dysfunction caused by abnormalities in LV filling can be a result of many pathologic conditions, including hypertrophy, infiltrative cardiomyopathies, or myocardial ischemia. The major physiologic determinants of LV filling can be divided into cellular mechanisms, hemodynamic characteristics, and hormonal influences. Cellular mechanisms for impaired LV inactivation are determined by the handling of calcium within the myocyte during excitation-contraction-relaxation coupling. The hemodynamic characteristics of LV diastolic filling are determined by loading conditions, the time constant of isovolumic relaxation, heart rate, ventricular nonuniformity, pericardial restraint, myocardial elasticity, chamber compliance, and coronary blood flow. The sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin system are important modulators of diastolic filling, directly or indirectly. The diagnosis of heart failure is confirmed by a combination of clinical tests including invasive and noninvasive techniques, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Treatment of medical conditions in which diastolic heart failure is a prominent component include pharmacotherapy with calcium channel antagonists, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, diuretic agents, and angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors. Certain conditions associated with diastolic filling abnormalities such as pericardial disease or severe ischemic heart disease may be best managed by surgical or percutaneous intervention. Future research will include further delineation of the cellular mechanisms of active myocardial relaxation and clinical investigation into treatment directed at improving outcome.     

The validity and incremental validity of knowledge tests, low-fidelity simulations, and high-fidelity simulations for predicting job performance in advanced-level high-stakes selection.

In high-stakes selection among candidates with considerable domain-specific knowledge and experience, investigations of whether high-fidelity simulations (assessment centers; ACs) have incremental validity over low-fidelity simulations (situational judgment tests; SJTs) are lacking. Therefore, this article integrates research on the validity of knowledge tests, low-fidelity simulations, and high-fidelity simulations in advanced-level high-stakes settings. A model and hypotheses of how these 3 predictors work in combination to predict job performance were developed. In a sample of 196 applicants, all 3 predictors were significantly related to job performance. Both the SJT and the AC had incremental validity over the knowledge test. Moreover, the AC had incremental validity over the SJT. Model tests showed that the SJT fully mediated the effects of declarative knowledge on job performance, whereas the AC partially mediated the effects of the SJT. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Famine, fiber, fatty acids, and failed colonic absorption: does fiber fermentation ameliorate diarrhea?

The annual incidence of malignant neoplasms of the ovary has increased in the Czech Republic between 1961 and 1988 from 14.3 to 17.2 newly notified cases per 100,000 women. The highest incidence, 47.03, is in the age group from 70 to 74 years. It participates in the overall mortality from malignant tumours of the genitalia by 41.6%, although in the total incidence it accounts for 25%. The lethality calculated from the incidence and mortality in the Czech Republic in similar as in other countries--79%. This is consistent with the generally reported survival period after treatment which is 20-30%. Hospital statistics report more favourable results. Introduction of new therapeutic methods so far did not lead to marked improvement of therapeutic results. The latter are influenced more by detection of the disease in early stages.