A reduced Hsieh–Clough–Tocher element with splitting based on an arbitrary interior point

AbstractWe present formulas for a reduced Hsieh–Clough–Tocher (rHCT) element with splitting based on an arbitrary interior point. These formulas use local barycentric coordinates in each of the subtriangles and are not significantly more complicated than formulas for an rHCT element with splitting based on the centroid

Obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and cardiovascular risk

Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of Americans. It is also a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea, which is rising in the US population as the obesity epidemic continues. Obstructive sleep apnea, in turn, has been implicated as a risk factor for hypertension, glucose dysregulation, and cardiovascular disease. Understanding the pathophysiologic links and the common-soil hypothesis for these rapidly growing disorders is of paramount importance for developing strategic therapeutic and preventive plans. This article discusses the associations of obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and cardiovascular disease, highlighting the pathophysiologic mechanisms, including increased oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation

Pd-Cu-Ni-P Bulk Metallic Glass: A Very Low Damping Material

International audienceThe present work addresses damping experiments performed in a Pd-Cu-Ni-P bulk metallic glass. After an appropriated thermal treatment, this material exhibits a very low damping coefficient, down to 10-6. This result is discussed considering the different possible origins of the damping phenomena: thermoelasticity, energy dissipation by electrons, phonons, defects, and residual stresses. Thermoelasticity and defects appear to be the most important sources of mechanical damping