Information Retrieval Systems identify content bearing words, and possibly also assign weights, as part of the process of formulating requests. For optimal retrieval ee-ciency, it is desirable that this be done automatically. This paper deenes the notion of serial-clustering of words in text, and explores the value of such clustering as an indicator of a word's bearing content. This approach is...

The aim of this paper is to reexamine the question of the average magnification in a universe with some inhomogeneously distributed matter. We present an analytic proof, valid under rather general conditions, including clumps of any shape and size, and strong lensing, that so long as the clumps are uncorrelated the average reciprocal magnification (in only one of at least four possible meanings...

In this study, we numerically and analytically investigate the impact perforation of sandwich panels made 0.8 mm 2024-T3 aluminum alloy skin sheets graded polymeric hollow sphere cores with four different gradient profiles. A suitable numerical model was conducted using LS-DYNA code, calibrated an inverse test, instrumented a Hopkinson bar, validated experimental data from literature. Moreover,...

The arterial filter is an integral part of bypass circuitry. When introduced, manufacturers suggested a bypass loop for retrograde priming and de-airing, and for uninterrupted blood flow in case of malfunction. Practice has shown antegrade priming and de-airing is possible. This questions the necessity of the loop and presents the question-what occurs in the loop during bypass? After obtaining ...

Staphylococcus aureus is a human commensal and opportunistic pathogen that causes devastating infections in a wide range of locations within the body. One of the defining characteristics of S. aureus is its ability to form clumps in the presence of soluble fibrinogen, which likely has a protective benefit and facilitates adhesion to host tissue. We have previously shown that the ArlRS two-compo...

Bile-resistant bacteria, particularly gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, play an important role in biliary stent occlusion, because their sessile mode of growth protects them against host defenses and antimicrobial agents. Twelve E. faecalis and seven E. faecium strains isolated from occluded biliary stents have been investigated for slime production, presence of aggr...