Poling of VDF/TrFe copolymers using a step-wise method

A new poling technique is presented, in which a series of five consecutive pulses of electric field, and with successively increasing strength is applied between the two electrodes of 65/35 VDF/TrFE copolymer based sensor. Between each pulse, the applied electric field is reduced to zero (short circuit). This allows deformations and space charges to be relax, resulting in more homogeneous electric field distribution with less risk for an electric breakdown. It is conducted at room temperature and is compatible with semiconductor technology. This step-wise poling technique is characterised by a low breakdown rate and yields a high pyroelectric coefficien

Novel thin film polymer foaming technique for low and ultra low-k dielectrics

The results presented show a novel route for the preparation of thin ultra-low-k polymer films based on commercial and "non-exotic" (non-expensive) polyimide by a foaming technique. Dependent on the glass transition temperature of the polyimide mechanically and thermally stable (> 300 °C) films having porosities of ca. 40 % and k-values below 2.0 are formed. A further reduction into the ultra low k region may be accomplished by tailoring the shape of the pores from spherical into disc-like void

Energy consumption and capacity utilization of galvanizing furnaces

An explicit equation leading to a method for improving furnace efficiency is presented. This equation is dimensionless and can be applied to furnaces of any size and fuel type for the purposes of comparison. The implications for current furnace design are discussed. Currently the technique most commonly used to reduce energy consumption in galvanizing furnaces is to increase burner turndown. This is shown by the analysis presented here actually to worsen the thermal efficiency of the furnace, particularly at low levels of capacity utilization. Galvanizing furnaces are different to many furnaces used within industry, as a quantity of material (in this case zinc) is kept molten within the furnace at all times, even outside production periods. The dimensionless analysis can, however, be applied to furnaces with the same operational function as a galvanizing furnace, such as some furnaces utilized within the glass industry. © IMechE 2004

Concurrent MEK2 Mutation and BRAF Amplification Confer Resistance to BRAF and MEK Inhibitors in Melanoma

SummaryAlthough BRAF and MEK inhibitors have proven clinical benefits in melanoma, most patients develop resistance. We report a de novo MEK2-Q60P mutation and BRAF gain in a melanoma from a patient who progressed on the MEK inhibitor trametinib and did not respond to the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib. We also identified the same MEK2-Q60P mutation along with BRAF amplification in a xenograft tumor derived from a second melanoma patient resistant to the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib. Melanoma cells chronically exposed to trametinib acquired concurrent MEK2-Q60P mutation and BRAF-V600E amplification, which conferred resistance to MEK and BRAF inhibitors. The resistant cells had sustained MAPK activation and persistent phosphorylation of S6K. A triple combination of dabrafenib, trametinib, and the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor GSK2126458 led to sustained tumor growth inhibition. Hence, concurrent genetic events that sustain MAPK signaling can underlie resistance to both BRAF and MEK inhibitors, requiring novel therapeutic strategies to overcome it

Demonstrating the Value of Social Service Programs: A Simplified Approach to Calculating Return on Investment

· In 2008, as charitable giving dropped by $6.4 billion, 54 percent of human service programs saw an increase in the need for their services. Additionally, 74 percent of programs specifically serving children and youth reported being underfunded or severely underfunded. · As government and foundation grantmakers transition from charitable giving to social investment, a Gates Foundation report on eight methodologies to assist measuring social value creation finds the methodologies are many years away from being suitable for both nonprofits and grantmakers. · To better recognize and communicate the work of frontline practitioners, there is a need to change the orientation of our evaluation efforts to produce practice-based evidence as opposed to the current approach of evidence-based practice. · Tested and approved this year by fatherhood programs and their federal funder, the new Program Return on Investment (PROI) tool described herein simplifies monetizing the value of program outcomes and may be able to serve as a solution for valuation for all human service programs. · Challenges to PROI implementation include (1) foundation acceptance and development for use across all human service programs and (2) expansion of the training required to help programs/ practitioners associate demonstrating value with sustaining support and embrace making a case for support that presents cost benefits and makes clear their program’s return on investment

Anomalous Thickness effects and dielectric relaxation behaviour in ultrathin films of i- PMMA/clay nanocomposites

International audienc