cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Depressive symptoms in parents are associated with reduced empathy toward their young children

Background While depression is typically associated with reduced levels of empathy, this association differs depending on how empathy is measured. Given the importance of empathy in the parent–child relationship, we sought to examine whether the associations between depression and dispositional empathy would also extend to empathy towards one’s own child. Methods Within a non-clinical sample of 150 parents of young children, we examined the associations between self-reported depressive symptoms, dispositional empathic tendencies, and empathy specifically toward their own children, and how these associations might differ based on parent gender. Results Depressive symptoms were related to lower levels of cognitive and affective empathy, and higher levels of empathic distress. Over and above the association with dispositional empathy, depressive symptoms were associated with reduced levels of parents’ affective empathy toward their own child. The associations between depressive symptoms and both dispositional and own-child specific empathy varied by parent gender. For fathers, depressive symptoms predicted own-child specific affective empathy, over and above dispositional affective empathy, while for mothers, depressive symptoms predicted own-child specific empathic distress, over and above dispositional empathic distress. Conclusions The current findings provide further indication that caregivers with elevated depression may engage in patterns of thoughts and behaviors that have implications for their interactions with their children. Parents’ experienced empathy toward their own child may be one mechanism by which depression impacts the early caregiving environment, and thus may be an important target for intervention in improving the early caregiving experiences for children at elevated risk due to parental depression. Differences in cognitive and affective empathy found among those with depression may be even more pronounced in the thoughts and feelings towards one’s own child, making this an important clinical target.
Modulating reactivity and stability of metallic lithium via atomic doping

Many approaches have been described to address challenges in metallic Li anodes; but they rarely modulate the inherent chemical reactivities. Here we describe a general approach for modulating Li metal properties and enabling stable metal batteries by doping with ∼0.1 at% Ag or Al. The dopants were atomically dispersed in the vacant face-centered sites of the body-centered cubic Li crystals and pull electrons strongly due to higher electronegativity (Ag: 1.98; Al: 1.61 vs. Li: 0.98). As a result, the doped Li anodes have increased work function with reduced chemical reactivity and remained shiny in dry air for months. They also exhibited enhanced Li+/Li redox kinetics and generated thinner but stronger solid-electrolyte interphases in carbonate electrolytes. The dopant atoms are lithophilic and have stronger binding with Li adatoms, which guide uniform Li deposition and ensures dendrite-free Li interface during battery cycling. Overall, the doped anodes enabled stable operations of not only high current symmetric cells but also practical full cells in which Ni-rich layered cathodes were paired with 30 μm anodes and 7 μL electrolytes. The doping approach is facile and scalable, and opens up new and promising opportunities for designing practical high energy density metal batteries.
Analytical guidance for circular orbit transfers with staging of space propulsion systems

Abstract This paper considers the combination of an analytical reference trajectory with linear state feedback control to allow for autonomous guidance and control of a spacecraft for coplanar circle-to-circle transfers with a stage-based propulsion system. Staging of electric propulsion components, such as tanks and thrusters, could allow small spacecraft to achieve high- Δ V capabilities with current propulsion technology. In order to utilize these propulsion systems, further developments in guidance and control of such spacecraft are required due to limitations in computational power and communications. Analytical approximations for low-thrust trajectories could allow for computationally simple guidance and control of autonomous spacecraft for circle-to-circle transfers around large central bodies. Many trajectories have been developed for conventional propulsion systems, based either on their shape or input thrust, and applied for preliminary mission design. A previously developed analytical trajectory is extended to account for the effects of staging propulsion system components. In order to stabilize the trajectory in the presence of disturbances, a linear state feedback control law is designed with linear quadratic regulator methods. Finally, a methodology for determining the correct phasing between the spacecraft and a target object is developed and is practical to implement on power-limited computers. The use of the analytical reference trajectory is simulated on an orbit transfer from low-Earth orbit to geostationary orbit.
Real-Time Implementation of a Dual-Axis PV System with MPPT for Maritime Applications

Modern crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells with modified performance have been utilized in recent years, with efficiencies as high as 22%. Additional methods exist to further improve solar panel efficiency by both implementing additional power electronics and control systems to find the optimal position. The presented work provides an integrated control method for efficient and reliable generation of power using PVs for maritime applications. This paper demonstrates a solar panel with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) system to autonomously monitor the sun irradiance and find the optimal position of a PV panel using integrated microcontrollers and thereby maximize the generated power and efficiency of the system. The microcontrollers comprise a system to analyze and adjust the output power of the PV system using electronic sensors and measurement devices to ensure load requirements. Results have shown that performance and efficiency of the proposed PV system have been tremendously improved.
Research on Circuit Parameter Configuration of DC Superimposed Impulse Voltage Test on UHV DC Cable

Transient impulse voltage is an important threat to the insulation of UHV DC cables in operation. The selection and parameter calculation of equipment in the 800 kV DC cable voltage superposition test system were carried out. Studies have shown that, the specifications of the DC power supply and the impact power supply of the DC superimposed impulse voltage test system shall take into account the requirements of type test and pre-qualification test. The superposition of DC and different types of impulse voltage has different requirements for isolation resistor. Different DC blocking capacitance and cable sample length will change the impulse voltage amplitude and waveform obtained by the sample. The impulse insulation withstand level of the DC blocking capacitor and isolation resistor shall be equivalent to the cable sample. The research results provide a reference for the selection and configuration of the DC superimposed impulse voltage test device for UHV DC cables.
Writing Władysław Gomułka’s Life: Historiography of Władysław Gomułka’s Biographies:

This article looks at a select number of biographies of Wladyslaw Gomulka—an important postwar Polish politician, who because of his long presence in politics is often perceived as the de facto Pol...
Seasonal farm labor and COVID-19 spread

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused unprecedented shocks to agricultural food systems, including increased risk to worker health, labor-related input costs, and production uncertainty. Despite employer precautions, there were numerous worksite outbreaks of COVID-19. This paper examines the relationship between month-to-month variation in historical agricultural employment and changes in the incidence of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths within U.S. counties from April to August 2020. The results show that employment of 100 additional workers in fruit, vegetable, and horticultural production was associated with 4.5% more COVID-19 cases within counties or an additional 18.65 COVID-19 cases and 0.34 additional COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 individuals in the county workforce.
Low-grade metabolic acidosis as a driver of chronic disease: a 21st century public health crisis

Metabolic acidosis is a chronic condition that many people in the Western world have but do not realise it.1–3 It occurs when there is retention of acid in the body, which leads to a depletion in the bicarbonate stores of the body. The term metabolic acidosis is typically used when referring to low blood pH or acidemia due to a metabolic abnormality. However, this is inappropriate as most cases of metabolic acidosis do not have acidemia. In fact, a low blood pH is typically one of the last surrogate markers to become abnormal in those with low-grade metabolic acidosis.2 This is because the body maintains a normal blood pH at the expense of bicarbonate reserves. Metabolic acidosis primarily occurs inside the cell and in the fluid that surrounds our tissues (interstitial fluid).4 When checking for metabolic acidosis the clinician should look at fasting serum bicarbonate, urinary pH (with a measurement at least 4 hours separated from the last ingested meal) and 24-hour urinary citrate levels. While there is not a universally accepted way to diagnose low-grade metabolic acidosis, this paper will help to give the clinician insights into checking for this condition in their patients. Acidemia, or too much acid in the blood, only occurs when the body’s buffering capacity can no longer maintain a normal pH level. A normal blood pH is considered to be 7.35–7.45. However, even at a normal blood pH metabolic acidosis can occur. In fact, once the blood pH falls below 7.4, there is usually acid retention in the body and low-grade metabolic acidosis.2 However, the blood pH does not drop below the normal range until metabolic acidosis has become severe. Once this occurs it is usually referred to as ‘metabolic acidosis’ by the clinician. However, this is actually acidemia (or too …
Steady state security assessment of power system using neural networks

An adaptive pattern recognition approach based on an artificial neural network for calculation of steady state security is outlined. A Rumelhart feedforward net with error back-propagation learning scheme is described and implemented on a CIGRE 225 kV, 10 bus 13 lines system. The steady state security index obtained for a test case shows the capability and adaptability of this network. By backward propagation it is possible to obtain the combination of inputs (features) which give rise to the particular class membership. This information can be of great use in determining the necessary preventive and emergency actions to be taken when the system is in an insecure state. Though the results are very encouraging further efforts are required to make it an efficient and viable tool for steady state security analysis. >
Intra aortic balloon computing: observations from a mathematical model and in vivo experiment

The authors examined the dynamics of an intra aortic balloon (IAB) in the aorta and its effect on the hemodynamic response of the cardiovascular system. A mathematical model was developed and in vivo animal experiments were performed. The model describes the balloon inflation and deflation as an aortic-pressure-dependent wavefront. To validate the model, X-ray images and hemodynamic waveforms were acquired from animal experiments using two differently shaped balloons. The model-generated images and hemodynamic data compare very favorably to those taken in vivo. This phenomenon is shown to greatly affect the hemodynamic effectiveness of the IAB. Furthermore, the wavefront and the effectiveness are directly related to balloon length. Thus, short balloons are significantly more effective than long balloons of the same overall volume. >
Derivation of midinfrared (5-25 μm) optical constants of some silicates and palagonite

The midinfrared 2000-400/ cm (5-25 microns) optical constants (real (n) and imaginary (k) indices of refraction) are presented for: (1) pyrophyllite; (2) kaolinite; (3) serpentine; (4) montmorillonite; (5) saponite; (6) palagonite; and (7) orthopyroxene. Comparison of the values derived here with those previously presented for serpentine, montmorillonite, and palagonite is generally quite good and discrepancies between values are probably due to either chemical differences between the actual samples or different techniques used to derive the values. For montmorillonite, saponite, and palagonite we were able to derive optical constants in the region of the H2O-bending fundamental near 6 microns. We find that if a pellet of pure material can be produced with a mirror-like surface then the optical constants of clays and other noncohesive materials can be readily derived.
Fostering Peace After Civil War: Commitment Problems and Agreement Design

Lasting peace after civil war is difficult to establish. One promising way to ensure durable peace is by carefully designing civil war settlements. We use a single theoretical model to integrate existing work on civil war agreement design and to identify additional agreement provisions that should be particularly successful at bringing about enduring peace. We make use of the bargaining model of war which points to commitment problems as a central explanation for civil war. We argue that two types of provisions should mitigate commitment problems: fear-reducing and cost-increasing provisions. Fear-reducing provisions such as third-party guarantees and power-sharing alleviate the belligerents’ concerns about opportunism by the other side. Provisions such as the separation of forces make the resumption of hostilities undesirable by increasing the costs of further fighting. Using newly expanded data on civil war agreements between 1945 and 2005, we demonstrate that cost-increasing provisions indeed reduce the chance of civil war recurrence. We also identify political power-sharing as the most promising fear-reducing provision.
Astronomy Methods: Absorption and scattering of photons

What we learn in this chapter Our knowledge of celestial objects must take into account absorption and scattering of photons as they travel to earth observers. These processes are highly frequency dependent and thus affect some bands more than others. Photon–electron interactions include Rayleigh , Thomson and Compton scattering which explain, respectively, the blue sky , light from the solar corona , and a distorted spectrum of 3-K background radiation in the direction of x-ray emitting clusters of galaxies ( Sunyaev–Zeldovich effect ). Photons of very high energy, ≳ 10 15 eV, are absorbed through pair production interactions with photons of the cosmic microwave background . Photons with energies from 13.6 eV (ultraviolet) through ∼ 2 keV (“soft” x ray) are absorbed by atoms in interstellar space through the photoelectric effect . Optical light from stars in the plane of the Galaxy is absorbed ( extinction ), reddened ( color excess ), and polarized by interstellar grains ( dust ). The polarized starlight maps out interstellar magnetic fields . A useful correlation exists between the locations of dust and hydrogen in the Galaxy. The beam intensity that survives passage through a uniform absorbing medium decreases exponentially with distance traveled. The rate of decrease depends upon the cross section (m 2 per absorbing atom) or opacity (m 2 per kg) of the absorbing medium. Photoelectric absorption in the interstellar medium (ISM) depends strongly on the composition of the interstellar gases ( cosmic abundances ) and is a strong function of photon energy. […]
Stability of multi-time step partitioned integrators for first-order finite element systems

Abstract Mixed time integration procedures are those in which different time steps and different integrators are used in different parts of the mesh. A rigorous stability analysis is provided for the first time for this type of time integration for first-order semidiscretizations, such as arise in diffusion problems. The stability analysis is verified by some numerical examples.
Evidence for an essential arginine in the flavoprotein nitroalkane oxidase

The flavoprotein nitroalkane oxidase from the fungus Fusarium oxysporum catalyzes the oxidative denitrification of primary or secondary nitroalkanes to yield the respective aldehydes or ketones, hydrogen peroxide and nitrite. The enzyme is inactivated in a time-dependent fashion upon treatment with the arginine-directed reagents phenylglyoxal, 2,3-butanedione, and cyclohexanedione. The inactivation shows first order kinetics with all reagents. Valerate, a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme, fully protects the enzyme from inactivation, indicating that modification is active site directed. The most rapid inactivation is seen with phenylglyoxal, with a k(inact) of 14.3 +/- 1.1 M(-1) min(-1) in phosphate buffer at pH 7.3 and 30 degrees C. The lack of increase in the enzymatic activity of the phenylglyoxal-inactivated enzyme after removing the unreacted reagent by gel filtration is consistent with inactivation being due to covalent modification of the enzyme. A possible role for an active site arginine in substrate binding is discussed.
Auxin levels and MAX1–4 and TAC1 gene expression in different growth habits of peach

Branch orientation and distribution determine tree architecture that can influence orchard design and management. Peach [Prunus persica L. (Batch)] trees with three different branching genotypes were evaluated: fewer, nearly vertical branches (pillar), less vertical and more spreading branches (upright), and more abundant, least vertical branches (standard). Auxin concentrations and expression of genes that regulate branch development in herbaceous species, MAX1, 2, 3, 4 and TAC1 were determined. Shoots and roots of peach trees in the field and greenhouse were studied following pruning and during periods of growth when bud break and branch spatial orientation develop. Expression of MAX3 and MAX4 decreased in stems of field-grown peach trees that remained on the tree following pruning. In the greenhouse elevated auxin concentrations and higher gene expression of MAX3 in roots and MAX4 in stems were found in pillar rather than standard trees. Upright trees had auxin and MAX1–4 expression that was intermediate between pillar and standard trees. Temporal differences were found with MAX1–4 expression being greater in April or May but auxin concentrations were greater only in shoots in May. Expression of TAC1 was inversely related with auxin concentrations in shoots and was greatest in standard and least in pillar trees. The current work indicates that in stems, auxin, MAX3–4 genes, and TAC1 genes may influence regulatory processes that affect growth and development of peach trees with different growth habits. In addition to breeding, new plant growth regulators that affect the modes of action of root-originating signals may provide new cultural tools for managing tree growth and development.
Simulation of ion beam transport through the 400 Kv ion implanter at Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory

The Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory houses a 400 kV ion implanter. An application that simulates the ion beam trajectories through the implanter from the ion source to the target was developed using the SIMION® code. The goals were to have a tool to develop an intuitive understanding of abstract physics phenomena and diagnose ion trajectories. Using this application, new implanter users of different fields in science quickly understand how the machine works and quickly learn to operate it. In this article we describe the implanter simulation application and compare the parameters of the implanter components obtained from the simulations with the measured ones. The overall agreement between the simulated and measured values of magnetic fields and electric potentials is ∼10%.
Molecular characterization of the cloacal microbiota of wild and captive parrots

Abstract The gastrointestinal microbiota plays a fundamental role in health and disease. Only limited data are available about the composition of the intestinal microbiota of captive animals compared to those of wild animals. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cloacal microbiota of apparently healthy wild and captive parrots. A total of 16 parrots, 8 wild and 8 captive, belonging to 3 different species, were used in this study. Cloacal material was collected via cloacal swabbing. DNA was extracted and 16S rRNA genes were amplified using universal bacterial primers. Constructed 16S rRNA gene clone libraries were compared between groups. A total of 518 clones were analyzed, and 49 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified. The OTUs were classified in 4 bacterial phyla: Firmicutes (72.9%), Proteobacteria (14.9%), Actinobateria (12%), and Bacteroidetes (0.2%). Bacterial diversity was significantly lower in wild birds than in captive birds. Principal component analysis based on the Unifrac distance metric indicated that the cloacal microbiota differed between wild and captive parrots. Staphylococcus saprophyticus was significantly more abundant in wild birds, while Escherichia coli was significantly more abundant in captive birds. In conclusion, wild and captive parrots appear to have differences in the composition of their cloacal bacterial microbiota. The clinical significance of these differences remains to be determined.
A comparison of the Shannon and Kullback information measures

Two widely used information measures are compared. It is shown that the Kullback measure, unlike the Shannon measure, provides the basis for a consistent theory of information which extends to continuous sample spaces and to nonconstant prior distributions. It is shown that the Kullback measure is a generalization of the Shannon measure, and that the Kullback measure has more reasonable additivity properties than does the Shannon measure. The results lend support to Jaynes's entropy maximization procedure.
Multi-Stress Conditioning Can Synergisticly Enhance Production of Osteogenic Markers and Heat Shock Proteins

Tissue regeneration can be enhanced by introduction of biochemical and mechanical cues. We investigated the effect of thermal and mechanical stress alone or in combination with growth factors (GFs) (BMP-2 and TGF-β1) on cell proliferation and induction of heat shock proteins and bone-related proteins by MC3T3-E1mouse preosteoblasts. Thermal and mechanical stress conditioning alone induced bone-related proteins such as osteocalcin (OCN), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and osteopontin (OPN) and heat shock proteins (HSP27, HSP47, HSP70). Cell proliferation was increased by cyclic tension in combination with growth factors. Combined thermal and mechanical stress induced synergistic expression of HSPs and VEGF. Therefore, utilization of thermal and tensile stress conditioning can stimulate bone healing or regeneration.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Thermal dependence of the refractive index of GaAs and AlAs measured using semiconductor multilayer optical cavities

The longitudinal optical mode shift with temperature was measured in two vertical cavity surface‐emitting laser (VCSEL) type optical resonators with different GaAs and AlAs layer structures. The measurements show distinct differences in the behavior of the cavities. From the data the thermal dependencies of the indices of refraction of GaAs and AlAs for wavelengths near 1 μm were determined to be (2.67±0.07)×10−4/°C and (1.43±0.07)×10−4/°C, respectively.
Interleukin-2 monoclonal antibody affinity adsorption. The critical role of binding kinetics for optimal immunoadsorption.

Abstract With the ready availability of monoclonal antibodies reactive with an extensive spectrum of antigens, immunoaffinity adsorption has become more widely applicable for protein purification. However, given several monoclonal antibodies reactive with the same antigen, most investigators have found that only a few antibodies are useful for solid-phase immunoaffinity antigen purification. Accordingly, in order to determine the parameters of monoclonal antibody-antigen binding most important for effective immunoaffinity adsorption, equilibrium and kinetic binding experiments were performed using radiolabeled interleukin-2 (IL-2) as antigen and four different IL-2-reactive monoclonal antibodies. The antibodies were found to differ primarily with respect to their kinetic binding characteristics; at 37°C IL-2 bound to two of these antibodies very rapidly, while it bound to the other two more slowly. When binding was performed at 4°C, the equilibrium dissociation constants for all of the antibodies decreased due to a more marked prolongation of the dissociation rate than the association rate. However, at 4°C the association rates of the two slow-reactive antibodies became retarded so markedly that efficient affinity adsorption did not occur. By comparison, for both of these antibodies, efficient removal of IL-2 could be obtained if adsorption was performed at 37°C, provided the column flow rate was adjusted according to the IL-2 association rate. Kinetic considerations also dictated IL-2 adsorption to mixtures of two or more monoclonal antibodies: IL-2 immunoadsorption correlated with the association rates of the individual antibodies, rather than the equilibrium binding constants. These results indicate that the most important parameter for efficient affinity adsorption is the association rate constant. In addition, the results obtained indicate that monoclonal antibodies may differ markedly as regards their kinetic binding characteristics, and that all antibodies can serve as effective immunoadsorbents, provided their antigen binding characteristics are known.
Alternating-Direction Implicit Algorithm for Unsteady Potential Flow

Art implicit finite-difference scheme is presented for the efficient computation of unsteady potential flow about airfoils. The formulation uses density and the velocity potential as dependent variables and is cast in conservation form to assure the theoretically correct determination of shockwave location and speed. To enable boundary conditions to be imposed directly on the airfoil surface, a time-varying sheared-rectilinear coordinate transformation is employed. Calculated time-history solutions on a pulsating airfoil are compared with the results of other unsteady transonic codes, including a previous method of the authors. The present method is demonstrated to be unconditionally stable and to give accurate solutions with sharply resolved shocks.
Effects of X-ray Irradiation on MOSFET Characteristics and DRAM Leakage Phenomena

The influence of 0–1000 mJ/cm2 1–2 keV x-ray radiation on the MOSFET characteristics of submicron CMOS devices is investigated. Fully-integrated LOCOS- and STI-defined MOSFET structures, with abrupt- and LDD-junction geometries, are used to evaluate irradiation effects on different device design features for future (post-256 Mb DRAM) logic and DRAM technology considerations. The effects of x-ray irradiation on DRAM trench storage-node leakage are also investigated and compared to high energy ion implant-related leakage behavior.
Microscopic theory of intrinsic shear and bulk viscosities

A microscopic theory of intrinsic shear and bulk viscosities of solutions is given for a model of particles that interact with hard-sphere cores and weak longrange attraction. The approximation considered (the velocity chaos assumption of the Enskog theory) can be expected to yield quantitatively useful values for viscosities of the model solute-solvent system when the solute particles are not much larger than the solvent particles. Under solute-solvent mixing conditions of constant pressure and temperature we find that the intrinsic viscosities of a hard-sphere solute in a hard-sphere solvent can be positive or negative, depending upon size and mass ratios; for solute and solvent particles whose mass ratio equals their volume ratio, the intrinsic shear and bulk viscosities are always positive for solute particles larger than solvent particles: in the opposite case, the intrinsic shear viscosity is always negative while the intrinsic bulk viscosity is for the most part negative, becoming positive again when the solute particle is sufficiently small. For solute particles smaller than solvent particles, this result is sensitive to change in mass ratio. The addition of solvent-solvent attraction is found to lower the intrinsic viscosities substantially; the addition of solute-solvent attraction raises it. Detailed quantitative analysis of these effects is given.
May You Live in Interesting Times: Academic Medical Centers, Academic Societies, and the Coming Dominance of Government and Business in American Medicine

The coming changes in the organization and financing of medicine will lead to dominance of government and business in the American health care system. These changes will have a profound effect on academic medical centers (AMCs). To compete for managed care contracts and maintain their patient bases, AMCs will have to compete with private providers on costs, something they are ill-equipped to do because of their high cost structures. The AMCs are likely to have lower patient care revenues and alter the makeup of their faculties to reduce the number of specialists and increase the number of primary care physicians. Undergraduate and graduate medical education and research are also likely to suffer adverse consequences as a result of these changes. With the number of specialist residency positions decreased, it will be difficult for faculty to replace residents with physicians' assistants or nurse clinicians. Faculty may have to devote more time to patient care, and research and education may suffer. The decreased revenues of AMCs will affect the Surgical Infection Society and other academic societies. Society members may limit the number of societies to which they belong as their incomes or those of their departments are threatened. (Arch Surg. 1994;129:1123-1130)
Electrospun collagen: a tissue engineering scaffold with unique functional properties in a wide variety of applications

Type I collagen and gelatin, a derivative of Type I collagen that has been denatured, can each be electrospun into tissue engineering scaffolds composed of nano- to micron-scale diameter fibers. We characterize the biological activity of these materials in a variety of tissue engineering applications, including endothelial cell-scaffold interactions, the onset of bone mineralization, dermal reconstruction, and the fabrication of skeletal muscle prosthetics. Electrospun collgen (esC) consistently exhibited unique biological properties in these functional assays. Even though gelatin can be spun into fibrillar scaffolds that resemble scaffolds of esC, our assays reveal that electrospun gelatin (esG) lacks intact a chains and is composed of proinflammatory peptide fragments. In contrast, esC retains intact a chains and is enriched in the α 2(I) subunit. The distinct fundamental properties of the constituent subunits that make up esC and esG appear to define their biological and functional properties.
Applying capacity analyses to psychophysical evaluation of multisensory interactions

Determining when, if, and how information from separate sensory channels has been combined is a fundamental goal of research on multisensory processing in the brain. This can be a particular challenge in psychophysical data, as there is no direct recording of neural output. The most common way to characterize multisensory interactions in behavioral data is to compare responses to multisensory stimulation with the race model, a model of parallel, independent processing constructed from the probability of responses to the two unisensory stimuli which make up the multisensory stimulus. If observed multisensory reaction times are faster than those predicted by the model, it is inferred that information from the two channels is being combined rather than processed independently. Recently, behavioral research has been published employing capacity analyses where comparisons between two conditions are carried out at the level of the integrated hazard function. Capacity analyses seem to be particularly appealing technique for evaluating multisensory functioning, as they describe relationships between conditions across the entire distribution curve, are relatively easy and intuitive to interpret. The current paper presents capacity analysis of a behavioral data set previously analyzed using the race model. While applications of capacity analyses are still somewhat limited due to their novelty, it is hoped that this exploration of capacity and race model analyses will encourage the use of this promising new technique both in multisensory research and other applicable fields.
Femtosecond Pump-Probe Reflectivity Study of Silicon Carrier Dynamics

We have studied the ultrafast optical response of native-oxide terminated Si(001) with pump-probe reflectivity using 800 nm, 28 fs pulses at an excitation density of $(5.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{18}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}.$ Time-dependent reflectivity changes comprise third-order-response coherent-transient variations arising from anisotropic state filling and linear-response variations arising from excited free carriers, state filling, and lattice heating. A time constant of $32\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5\mathrm{fs}$ associated with momentum relaxation is extracted from the coherent-transient variations. The state-filling and free-carrier responses are sensitive to carrier temperature, allowing an electron-phonon energy relaxation time of $260\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}30\mathrm{fs}$ to be measured. The recovery of the reflectivity signal back towards its initial value is largely governed surface recombination: a surface recombination velocity of $(3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{4}\mathrm{cm}\mathrm{}{\mathrm{s}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ is deduced for native-oxide terminated Si(001).
Comparing local and marching analyses of Goertler instability

Two methods of solving the partial differential equations describing Gortler instability are compared. Local separation-of-variable analysis predicts growth rates independently of any assumptions about initial disturbances. Global marching analysis requires initial-disturbance assumptions but is shown to provide results that are not affected after sufficient marching. The local analysis results are compared to the marching results and are seen to consistently overestimate growth rates by modest amounts
Analysis of trace contaminants in hot gas streams using time-weighted average solid-phase microextraction: Proof of concept

Abstract Time-weighted average (TWA) passive sampling using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography was investigated as a new method of collecting, identifying and quantifying contaminants in process gas streams. Unlike previous TWA-SPME techniques using the retracted fiber configuration (fiber within needle) to monitor ambient conditions or relatively stagnant gases, this method was developed for fast-moving process gas streams at temperatures approaching 300 °C. The goal was to develop a consistent and reliable method of analyzing low concentrations of contaminants in hot gas streams without performing time-consuming exhaustive extraction with a slipstream. This work in particular aims to quantify trace tar compounds found in a syngas stream generated from biomass gasification. This paper evaluates the concept of retracted SPME at high temperatures by testing the three essential requirements for TWA passive sampling: (1) zero-sink assumption, (2) consistent and reliable response by the sampling device to changing concentrations, and (3) equal concentrations in the bulk gas stream relative to the face of the fiber syringe opening. Results indicated the method can accurately predict gas stream concentrations at elevated temperatures. Evidence was also discovered to validate the existence of a second boundary layer within the fiber during the adsorption/absorption process. This limits the technique to operating within reasonable mass loadings and loading rates, established by appropriate sampling depths and times for concentrations of interest. A limit of quantification for the benzene model tar system was estimated at 0.02 g m−3 (8 ppm) with a limit of detection of 0.5 mg m−3 (200 ppb). Using the appropriate conditions, the technique was applied to a pilot-scale fluidized-bed gasifier to verify its feasibility. Results from this test were in good agreement with literature and prior pilot plant operation, indicating the new method can measure low concentrations of tar in gasification streams.
A contemporary analysis of survival for resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Introduction Survival after a resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) appears to be improving. Yet, in spite of advancements, prognosis remains disappointing. This study analyses a contemporary experience and identifies features associated with survival.
Applying behavioral theories of choice to substance use in a sample of psychiatric outpatients.

The current study tests the utility of the contextual view of reinforcement in predicting substance use among a sample of 34 psychiatric outpatients enrolled at a public psychiatric facility. Participants reported substance use, as well as the frequency and enjoyability of a variety of potential reinforcers, for the previous 30 days. A series of regression analyses revealed that a ratio of reinforcement from substance use relative to total reinforcement was more predictive of substance use days than was reinforcement for substance use taken alone. The results demonstrate importance of viewing behaviors within their broader environmental context and support predictions derived from the behavioral choice perspective. According to behavioral theories of choice, a preference for a given reinforcer arises within the context of other available reinforcers (Vuchinich & Tucker, 1996). Herrnstein's (1970) matching law, a mathematical account of choice behavior, provides foundation for the behavioral choice perspective by empirically documenting the importance of context. The theory and accompanying equations specify that a person's behavior is distributed across concurrently available options in proportion to the amount of reinforcement received for engaging in each behavior. Within this framework, the amount of reinforcement received for a behavior relative to other options is viewed as more predictive of choice behavior than the absolute amount of reinforcement received (McDowell, 1988). McDowell's review of the literature suggests the matching law can adequately describe human choice behavior in both controlled and natural environments. Vuchinich (1995) proposed that empirical research derived from behavioral theories, such
Adrenal function and passive immunity in the dystocial calf.

Abstract Dystocial calves were tested for their ability to absorb colostral immunoglobulins and establish a competent passive immunity. Twenty dystocial and 20 eutocial calves were fed 1 liter of colostrum 4h after birth and an additional liter 12h later. Their absorption of the immunoglobulins A, G, and M, as indicated by serum concentrations, was equivalent at 16 and 24h postpartum. Cortisol concentrations in serum at birth were high in both eutocial and dystocial calves and were correlated negatively with environmental temperatures prior to parturition. The dystocial calves had a lower cortisol concentration in serum at birth. The differences in cortisol concentrations between dystocial and eutocial calves and between experimental blocks influenced by environmental temperature could not be related to immunoglobulin absorption.
Designing a knowledge harvesting tool: Lessons learned

Recognition of the need to maintain continuity through daily interruptions in an organization is not found often in the literature. The design and development of a knowledge harvesting process and tool as a means to address employee separation was investigated. The lessons learned suggest that a knowledge harvesting tool must be adaptable to the needs of the organization, be understood by the users, and be usable by the user and the organization.
Synthesis and properties of nanocrystalline metals and alloys prepared by mechanical attrition

Abstract The grain size in powder samples can be reduced to nanometer scales during heavy cyclic mechanical deformation as produced in a standard ball mill. For pure bcc and hcp metals, intermetallic compounds and solid solutions, nanocrystalline materials can be synthesized at temperatures close to room temperature with a grain size ranging from 5 to 15 nm. During this process three different stages have been observed with (i) the deformation being localized in shear bands, (ii) formation of small angle grain boundaries separating the individual grains and (iii) formation of large angle grain boundaries with a completely random orientation of the nanosized grains. Thermal analysis of these samples reveals excess energies of up 40% of the heat of fusion and excess heat capacities of up to 20% in comparison to the undeformed state thus exceeding by far any values determined for conventional deformation processes and the energy of grain boundaries in fully equilibrated polycrystalline samples. These thermophysical data are in agreement with a theoretical model adopting a free volume approach for the grain boundaries based on the universal equation of state at negative pressure.
Surface damage in ultrafine and multimodal grained tungsten materials induced by low energy helium irradiation

Abstract Although tungsten is considered the best candidate as a plasma facing component (PFC) in the divertor region in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), severe morphology changes such as cavities, blisters, bubbles and nanostructure formation are expected. Increasing defect sinks in the tungsten microstructure is one of the possible solutions to mitigate the irradiation damage. In this work, helium irradiation at low energy (50 and 200 eV) and temperatures of 600 (threshold of vacancy migration) and 950 °C were performed on multimodal and ultrafine grained tungsten prepared by spark plasma sintering and severe plastic deformation (SPD), respectively. The multimodal samples consisted of small grains (300–700 nm size) juxtaposed to larger grains (1–3 μm size). Detachment of the small grains was observed in the multimodal grained tungsten irradiated at 600 °C and a fluence of 1 × 1022 m−2 due to grain boundary grooving. On the same sample but at 950 °C, detachment and nanostructuring of the small grains were observed together with recrystallization of the large grains. Irradiation of the SPD samples at 200 eV and 950 °C to a fluence of about 2 × 1022 m−2, resulted in nanostructuring of the ultrafine grained shear bands in the microstructure.
An application of attribution and equity theories to tax evasion behavior

Abstract Traditional economic theory often has been utilized in an attempt to explain tax evasion behavior. Although economic consequences are important factors in the understanding of tax evasion behavior, they alone do not appear adequate to describe and predict the phenomenon. The results of two experiments which apply two social psychological theories, attribution theory and equity theory, to tax evasion judgments are reported. In the first experiment, the effects of personal need and degree of societal consensus were investigated. Both variables significantly affected recommended penalty judgments. In the second experiment, the effects of societal need and distinctiveness were studied. Neither societal need nor distinctiveness affected recommended penalty judgments. However, a significant interaction effect was found concerning subjects' behavioral intentions to evade. The present research suggests that both attribution theory and equity theory may be helpful in formulating hypotheses and enhancing our understanding of tax evasion behavior.
Mitochondrial citrulline synthesis in the ureagenic toadfish, Opsanus beta, is dependent on carbonic anhydrase activity and glutamine transport

Mitochondria isolated from the liver of the Gulf toadfish Opsanus beta produce scitrulline in the presence of 5 mM glutamine. Citrulline production was inversely related to succinate concentration between 0 and 10 mM, with a maximal rate being achieved at 0.1 mM. When toadfish are induced to become ureagenic by crowding-associated stress, mitochondrial citrulline production increases by approximately 10-fold. Citrulline synthesis is dependent on intramitochondrial carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity, being inhibited by about 75% by both acetazolamide and methazolamide. The addition of exogenous CA did not increase mitochondrial citrulline production. Anesthetizing the fish with MS 222 prior to mitochondrial isolation resulted in the near elimination of the capacity for citrulline synthesis. Mitochondria were also shown to possess an inducible glutamine transport system. The Vmax for glutamine uptake increased three-fold and the Km increased four-fold in ureagenic vs. Ammoniogenic toadfish. The transport system is the second labile component of the overall ornithine-urea cycle to be identified, and it provides a link between the production of glutamine via cytoplasmic glutamine synthetase and its consumption via mitochondrial carbamoyl phosphate synthetase III. J. Exp. Zool. 279:521–529, 1997.© 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Development of the AGT101 Regenerator Seals

The design and development of the regenerator seals used in the AGT101 gas turbine engine are described in this paper. The all ceramic AGT101 gas turbine engine was designed for 100 hp at 5:1 pressure ratio with 2500F(1371C) turbine inlet temperature. Six distinct phases of seal design were investigated experimentally and analytically to develop the final design. Static and dynamic test rig results obtained during the seal development program are presented. In addition, analytical techniques are described. The program objectives of reduced seal leakage, without additional diaphragm cooling, to 3.6 percent of total engine airflow and higher seal operating temperature resulting from the 2000F (1093C) inlet exhaust gas temperature were met.
Risk behaviors and healthcare coverage among adults by frequent mental distress status, 2001.

Abstract Background Given the increased emphasis on chronic diseases in the United States, physicians and health survey analysts are now gathering information on patients' subjective measures of health, also known as health-related quality-of-life measures. Studies indicate that these measures can be more powerful predictors of chronic disease–related morbidity and mortality than objective measures. Methods The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is an ongoing, state-based, random-digit-dialed telephone survey of the non-institutionalized U.S. population aged 18 years or older. This study examined frequent mental distress (FMD), defined as self-reported 14 or more mentally unhealthy days in the past 30 days, and its association with adverse health behaviors and lack of healthcare coverage. Results In 2001, approximately 10% of adults reported FMD. Persons reporting FMD had a higher prevalence of smoking, drinking heavily, physical inactivity, and obesity than did persons without FMD. They were also more often without healthcare coverage. In addition, persons with FMD were more likely to engage in multiple adverse behaviors than were persons without FMD. Conclusions Persons reporting FMD are at higher risk of chronic diseases because they engage in risky health behaviors and lack healthcare coverage. This study provides further support that mental health screening as well as physical health screening is important in clinical practice. Further research is needed to identify therapeutic or mental health–promoting interventions to reduce mental distress and reinforce healthy behaviors.