cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling study of an ejector expansion residential CO2 air conditioning system

Abstract This paper presents a study of an ejector expansion CO 2 air conditioner system. A comprehensive analytical model for 3-ton air-to-air controllable ejector expansion transcritical CO 2 air conditioners was developed and validated. The ejector component efficiencies were estimated using empirical correlations, instead of being simply assumed to be fixed values as done in other literature studies. Parametric studies of the ejector expansion CO 2 systems show that the coefficient of performance (COP) and the cooling capacity reach maximum levels when the motive nozzle throat diameter becomes 2.8 mm; the maximum cooling COP and cooling capacity occurred for a mixing section constant-area diameter of between 4.1 and 4.2 mm; COP and cooling capacity are affected by the outdoor air temperature. At particular ejector geometries and an outdoor temperature of 37.8 °C, the transcritical CO 2 system using an ejector as the expansion device outperformed a conventional expansion-valve transcritical CO 2 system in COP and cooling capacity by approximately 30.7% and 32.1%, respectively. A careful selection of ejector geometry, such as motive nozzle throat diameter and mixing section constant-area diameter, is critical in order to improve the performance of an ejector expansion CO 2 air conditioning system.
Problems and processes in medical encounters: The cases method of dialogue analysis

Objective To develop methods to reliably capture structural and dynamic temporal features of clinical interactions.
Fluorothiocarbonyl compounds. VI. Free-radical polymerization of thiocarbonyl fluoride†

Thiocarbonyl fluoride, CF2S, and thiocarbonyl chlorofluoride, CFClS, undergo addition polymerization in free radical-initiated systems. In addition, both compounds copolymerize with various unsaturated compounds, including typical vinyl and vinylidene monomers. The chlorofluoride, because of its rapid polymerization rate, copolymerizes best with very active monomers, of which 2,3-dichloro-1,3-butadiene is an example. Thiocarbonyl fluoride polymerizes best at low temperatures. The trialkylborane—oxygen redox couple has been adapted to free-radical polymerizations and copolymerizations from −60 to −120°C. With such initiation CF2S has been copolymerized with terminal and internal olefins, vinyl compounds, allyl compounds, and acrylic esters. Copolymerization with propylene is unusual, in that it proceeds in a manner that strongly favors a product composed of two molecules of CF2S for each propylene. In other cases, product compositions are more responsive to the ratio of monomers charged.
Enhanced Hydrolysis of Soluble Cellulosic Substrates by a Metallocellulase with Veratryl Alcohol-Oxidase Activity

A cellulase enzyme fraction was separated fromTrichoderma reesei Pulpzyme HA™, and its characteristics suggested that it was mainly composed of cellobiohydrolase II (CBH II). The covalent attachment of pentaammineruthenium(III) to this enzyme resulted in threefold and fourfold enhancements of its hydrolytic activity on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and barley β-glucan, respectively, as well as endowing it with veratryl alcohol-oxidase activity. Enhancement of hydrolysis was not affected by addition of tartrate or hydrogen peroxide to the reaction mixture. Both native and pentaammineruthenium-modified enzymes had negligible activity on cellobiose andp-nitrophenyl β-cellobioside (PNPC).
Theory of the Frank Elastic Constants of Nematic Liquid Crystals

It is shown that the Frank elastic constants may be expressed in terms of even-order Legendre polynomials averaged over the one-molecule orientational distribution function. In particular, it is found that $\frac{({K}_{11}\ensuremath{-}\overline{K})}{\overline{K}}=C\ensuremath{-}3{C}^{\ensuremath{'}}\frac{{\overline{P}}_{4}}{{\overline{P}}_{2}}+\ensuremath{\cdots},\frac{({K}_{22}\ensuremath{-}\overline{K})}{\overline{K}}=\ensuremath{-}2C\ensuremath{-}{C}^{\ensuremath{'}}\frac{{\overline{P}}_{4}}{{\overline{P}}_{2}}+\ensuremath{\cdots},\frac{({K}_{33}\ensuremath{-}\overline{K})}{\overline{K}}=C+4{C}^{\ensuremath{'}}\frac{{\overline{P}}_{4}}{{\overline{P}}_{2}}+\ensuremath{\cdots}$, where $\overline{K}=(\frac{1}{3})({K}_{11}+{K}_{22}+{K}_{33})$, $C$ and ${C}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ are constants, which depend on the details of the system, and ${\overline{P}}_{m}$ is the weighted average of the $m$th Legendre polynomial. Higher-order terms in these series involve ${\overline{P}}_{6}$, etc. The constants $C$ and ${C}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ are calculated for the case of rodlike molecules interacting via a hard-core repulsion. The results are in good agreement with experiments on the substance $p$-azoxyanisole.
A Novel Projection Moiré System for Measuring PWBA Warpage Using Simulated Optimized Convective Reflow Process

The shadow moire technique is a widely used method of measuring printed wiring board (PWB) warpage. It has a high resolution, high accuracy, and is suitable for use in an online environment. The shortcoming of the shadow moire technique is that it cannot be used to measure PWBs populated with chip packages. In this paper, a novel warpage measurement system based on the projection moire technique is presented. The system can be used to measure bare PWBs, as well as PWBs populated with chip packages. In order to use the projection moire system to accurately determine the warpage of PWBs and chip packages separately, an automated chip package detection algorithm based on active contours is utilized. Unlike the shadow moire technique, which uses a glass grating, the projection moire technique uses a virtual grating. The virtual grating sizes can be adjusted, making it versatile for measuring various PWB and chip package sizes. Without the glass grating, which is a substantial heat inertia, the PWB/printed wiring board assembly (PWBA) sample can be heated more evenly during the thermal process. The projection moire system described in this paper can also be used to measure the warpage of PWBs/PWBAs/chip packages during convective reflow processes. In this paper, the characteristics of the projection moire warpage measurement system will be described. In addition, the system will be used to measure the warpage of a PWB and plastic ball grid array packages during a Lee optimized convective reflow process (Lee, N.-C., 2002, Reflow Soldering Processes and Troubleshooting SMT, BGA, CSP, and Flip Chip Technologies, Butterworth-Heinemann, MA). It is concluded that this projection moire warpage measurement system is a powerful tool to study the warpage of populated PWBs during convective reflow processes.
Gender-based influences: The promotion recommendation

This study used a between-subjects analysis of variance design (2 × 2 × 2 × 2) to estimate the effects of rater gender, ratee gender, the gender stereotype of the job, and the gender stereotype of the ratee's personal characteristics on a promotion decision. The results indicated that female employees with masculine characteristics were evaluated as most promotable regardless of the gender stereotype of the job or the gender of the rater. We also investigated the personal characteristics raters reported using in making their decisions. We asked raters to select ratee personal characteristics that most influenced their promotion decisions. Discriminant analyses showed that male and female raters approached the rating process differently and that it is predominantly the gender stereotype of the ratee's personal characteristics rather than the ratee's gender that influences the promotion process.
Edge-sharing tetrahedra: Precursors of the E'γ defects in amorphous silica

Uchino, Takahashi, and Yoko (UTY) have recently proposed a model for the ${\mathbf{E}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ center of amorphous silica. Their model successfully accounts for several previously unexplained characteristics of this defect. One of the structures from which UTY derive their model for the ${\mathbf{E}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ center is a neutral edge-sharing pair of ${\mathrm{SiO}}_{4}$ tetrahedra, which has lost one of its bridging oxygen atoms. However, the precursor (the intact edge-sharing pair ${\mathrm{Si}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{6})$ has yet to be confirmed by experimental studies of amorphous silica. In this study, we find theoretical support for the UTY model. Using ab initio molecular-dynamics simulations, we were able to reproduce an edge-sharing pair. By removing an oxygen and an electron from this structure, and optimizing the geometry, we were able to confirm the UTY model for the ${\mathbf{E}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ structure, providing independent support in its favor.
Astrocyte proliferation precedes a decrease in basket cells in the dentate fascia following chronic ethanol treatment in mice.

Abstract The effect of chronic ethanol administration on the density of basket cells in the dentate gyrus of mice selectively bred for their sensitivity to acute ethanol exposure (long-sleep, LS and short-sleep, SS) was assessed in two experiments. In addition, the effect of chronic ethanol on the density of dentate granule cells and astrocytes was examined. In the first experiment, mice received 3 weeks of a liquid ethanol diet with 35% of their calories derived from ethanol (EDC). In this experiment, LS mice did not demonstrate a change in the density of granule cells or in the density of basket cells. There was, however, a significant increase in the density of astrocytes as a result of this treatment for the LS mice. The SS mice were unaffected on all measures. In the second experiment, portions of which have been reported previously, mice received a diet with 23% EDC for 3 months. As a result of this exposure, LS mice showed a significant decrease in the density of basket cells, but there was no change in the density of granule cells or astrocytes. There was no difference between controls and experimental mice from the SS group on any of these parameters. These results suggest that at least in the dentate gyrus, chronic ethanol treatment selectively reduces the density of basket cells but only in mice that are more sensitive to the hypnotic effects of acute ethanol exposure. Furthermore, this effect seems to be preceded by an apparent increase in the density of astrocytes. The results are discussed in relation to the possible adaptive value of decreased inhibition in the presence of chronic potentiation of GABAergic transmission.
Improving the efficiency of BD algorithms for biological systems simulations

In this work, an error analysis methodology is applied to the study of various integration schemes used in Brownian Dynamics simulations of ion channels. Three algorithms have been compared for the integration of the full Langevin Equation [1]. A first-order Euler scheme [2], the Verlet-like algorithm proposed by [3], and a novel Predictor/Corrector (PC) scheme [4] have been implemented and analyzed using our assessment methodology [5]. Our results show that a significant increase in the integration timestep, and a subsequent reduction in computational cost and improvement in efficiency, can be achieved with the second order Verlet-like and PC schemes, while maintaining an excellent accuracy for the description of both structure and dynamics of the electrolyte solution. This work extends the analysis developed in [5] to dynamic properties of the solution as well as structural aspects of inhomogeneous systems such as a lipid membrane.
Relaxation times and size distribution readjustments in micellar kinetics.

Abstract The methods of relaxation kinetics have been applied to study processes occurring in micellization since 1965. Generally, these experiments have revealed kinetics taking place in two well-separated time domains. Mechanistic interpretation of these phenomena has involved considerable disagreement in the literature. The present effort at a detailed revaluation of at least the fast, initial relaxation process is based on a model for the distribution of all species present under the starting equilibrium conditions prior to perturbation. The shell model distribution function developed by the author in a recent publication is selected as the starting point.
Elemol and amyris oil repel the ticks Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) in laboratory bioassays

The essential oil from Amyris balsamifera (Rutaceae) and elemol, a principal constituent of the essential oil of Osage orange, Maclura pomifera (Moraceae) were evaluated in in vitro and in vivo laboratory bioassays for repellent activity against host-seeking nymphs of the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, and the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum. Both bioassays took advantage of the tendency of these host-seeking ticks to climb slender vertical surfaces. In one bioassay, the central portion of a vertical strip of filter paper was treated with test solution and ticks placed or allowed to crawl onto the untreated lower portion. In the other bioassay, a strip of organdy cloth treated with test solution was doubly wrapped (treatment on outer layer) around the middle phalanx of a forefinger and ticks released on the fingertip. Both amyris oil and elemol were repellent to both species of ticks. Elemol did not differ significantly in effectiveness against A. americanum from the widely used repellent deet. At 2 and 4 h after application to filter paper, 827 μg amyris oil/cm2 paper repelled 80 and 55%, respectively, of A. americanum nymphs. Ixodes scapularis was repelled by lower concentrations of amyris oil and elemol than A. americanum.
Progress in high work function TCO OLED anode alternatives and OLED nanopixelation

As organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) increase in sophistication and our understanding of building block-structure-luminous response mechanism increases, the remarkable properties of these heterostructures raise intriguing possibilities for future optoelectronics. In this contribution, we address two complimentary areas of interest in OLED science and engineering: (i) development and application of new transparent conducting oxide (TCO) materials for OLED anodes; (ii) effective OLED patterning strategies for nanofabrication.
Stochastic fracture of ceramics under dynamic tensile loading

Three-dimensional numerical simulations are performed to investigate the dynamic tensile properties of ceramics, using explicit dynamic FEM and cohesive element techniques. A micro-cracking model considering the stochastic distribution of internal defects is developed. The model consists of a Weibull distribution of the local strengths, and a facet area modification that accounts for the equivalent geometry of the elements. Preliminary calculations are performed to verify the capability of this model in addressing mesh-dependency. The calculations show that the brittleness of the material tends to deteriorate the mesh-dependency problem. However, by using the equivalent geometry modification with adequate parameters, the unwanted mesh-dependency can be satisfactorily corrected. Parametric studies are performed to investigate the influences of the fracture energy and Weibull modulus. It is seen that for a fixed loading speed, the strength of the specimen increases with the fracture energy, but decreases when the material becomes more heterogeneous. The scatter of specimen strengths decreases when the material becomes more ductile. The observed phenomena are explained by the micro-cracking mechanism of ceramics failure. The effect of loading speed is also investigated, significant rate-hardening effect is observed. It is shown that the micro-cracking mechanism, which is different in the dynamic loading case and static loading case, can explain the observed rate-dependency of the ceramic tensile strength. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Low-Energy Dissociation Pathways of Small Deprotonated Peptides in the Gas Phase

The unimolecular dissociation dynamics of small deprotonated peptides generated with an external fast atom bombardment source have been investigated using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Because the charge site is well defined in peptides lacking strongly acidic side chains, deprotonated peptides present a good model system for investigating the unimolecular dissociation dynamics of “large” molecules. Off-resonance collisional activation was used to determine the low-energy fragmentation pathways available to the peptides, which greatly contrast those of higher-energy dissociation techniques. Dissociation is governed by the site of deprotonation and yields partial sequence information in favorable cases. Almost all observed pathways were brought about by charge-induced mechanisms. The lowest energy dissociation pathway for all peptides without acidic side chains is elimination of the conjugate base of the C-terminus amino acid as the ionic fragment. This generally occurs in up to 100% yield with no competition. For peptides with acidic side chains alternate pathways are also observed. However, in most cases through competing or sequential dissociation processes the C-terminus amino acid could be determined. Calculations were carried out at the AM1 level to determine the minimum energy configurations of these species. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding to solvate and stabilize the charge is observed to be prevalent. The calculations provide further support for the dissociation mechanisms presented. Application of statistical RRKM calculations to these systems allows a qualitative understanding of the energetic changes associated with the observed dissociation processes, distinguishing in particular processes arising from competitive as opposed to sequential dissociations. The bimolecular reactivity of deprotonated peptides was also investigated. Several reactions taking advantage of the nucleophilicity of the deprotonated carboxylic group were observed.
Toward a Social Psychology of Social Support

An analysis of social psychological aspects of social support examined several stages of the interaction between provider and recipient. In the first stage, the provider may offer support, respond positively to requests for support, or decline requests for support, whereas the recipient may seek, accept, or reject support. In the second stage, after support is exchanged, attributions about its effect may occur for each member, which in turn affects the extent to which the support is continued and the nature of its effect. Attributional errors about the effect may occur, especially if factors other than support—such as external factors—alter the problem status. The final stage follows the resolution of the problem and may involve reciprocation of support when roles are reversed, although such reciprocity may not be a necessary condition for social support. Possible mechanisms for both positive as well as negative effects of support were postulated. Assessing the effects of support is complicated by factors...
Using Highly Detailed Administrative Data to Predict Pneumonia Mortality

Background Mortality prediction models generally require clinical data or are derived from information coded at discharge, limiting adjustment for presenting severity of illness in observational studies using administrative data.
Minimization of genetic distances by the consensus, ancestral, and center-of-tree (COT) sequences for HIV-1 variants within an infected individual and the design of reagents to test immune reactivity

Eliciting maximal immune responses to highly divergent viruses is a challenge and a focus in AIDS vaccine development. Another challenge is to identify the immune correlates of protective immunity. Recent AIDS vaccine design approaches attempt to use reconstructed centralized viral sequences that minimize genetic differences to circulating viruses. Using these approaches, we derive and analyze consensus (CON), ancestral (ANC), and center-of-tree (COT) sequences to represent intra-individual HIV-1 env variants encoding a range of diversities and phylogenetic structures. Each reconstructed sequence significantly minimized genetic distances to extant sequences throughout the first 5 years of infection of an individual. Interestingly, ANC sequences diverged and were not significantly better than extant sequences in minimizing genetic distances at later stages of infection and disease, likely due to the development of a substantially asymmetric phylogeny. COT or CON sequences derived from autologous virus samplings may be useful for increasing the sensitivity of assessments of immune reactivity against HIV.
A multi-walled carbon nanotube-aluminum bimorph nanoactuator

A multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) bimorph nanoactuator has been modeled, fabricated and characterized. A thin aluminum film was uniformly deposited on the sidewalls of MWNTs using a pulsed laser deposition method to create the bimorph nanostructure. For a temperature change from 290 to 690 K with measured dimensions of 100 +/- 20 nm for the MWNT diameter, 40 +/- 10 nm for the Al thickness, and 5.2 +/- 0.5 microm for the bimorph length, the measured deflection was 550 +/- 200 nm, which was in good agreement with the calculation. The actuation force was measured using a lateral force microscopy technique, and the measured values agreed well with the prediction based on the model. The nanoactuator generated a microN force at its tip.
Comparison of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become endemic in Detroit, accounting for 50% of bacteremias in heroin abusers. To identify the salient epidemiologic and clinical features of MRSA bacteremia, case-control studies were performed comparing 28 cases of MRSA bacteremia to 28 cases of methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) bacteremia in intravenous drug abusers. Infective endocarditis was diagnosed in 46.4% (13 of 28). In endocarditis and nonendocarditis bacteremia alike, the duration of fever, length of hospitalization, need for surgery, and mortality rates were similar. A history of recent antimicrobial therapy, especially cephalosporins, was more common in the MRSA group (p=0.006). Complications including neurologic, renal, vascular, and musculoskeletal manifestations were more common in the MSSA endocarditis patients than MRSA endocarditis patients, although this difference was not significant. Complications related to antibiotic therapy were similar for both groups. The case-control studies indicate that MRSA and MSSA are similar in their virulence as measured by duration of hospitalization, duration of fever, complications, and mortality.
Polynomial Fit Of Subaperture Interferograms

A method of obtaining surface figure error information from several subaperture interferograms is analyzed, and the effects of roundoff error, digitization error, and fit error are presented. A computer simulation for testing a large flat is shown. This method is applied to average several undersampled interferograms and to analyze lateral shearing interferograms.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The determination of perceived tridimensional orientation by minimum criteria

The hypothesis investigated is that the perceived tridimensional orientation of an object is determined, in monocular vision, by tendencies to make the perceived object as simple as possible. Line drawings seen as “boxes” were viewed by Os who judged the slant fangle with frontal plane) of various edges. For every such edge, there is a determinate hypothetical slant consistent with perfect homogeneity of values on one or more of three variables (angle, length, and slope) Perceived slant was highly predictable from hypothetical slant, though always with some regression to the frontal plane. Results add support to aPragnanz or minimum-principle theory of space perception.
Activity of the acetabular secretory apparatus of cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni under experimental conditions

Abstract A combination of experimental and histologic techniques was employed to demonstrate the two pairs of preacetabular glands and ducts and the three pairs of postacetabular glands and ducts of cercariae of Puerto Rican Schistosoma mansoni. By these techniques secretion from the preacetabular secretory apparatus, either unstained or stained intravitally with purpurin, was induced into skin, on a surface of human sebum rubbed on a substratum, and into a vaseline wall rimming a coverglass sealing a mount of cercarial suspension. These glands were emptied during the initial stages of skin penetration during which schistosomules migrated along the keratogenous zone of skin and across the cellular epidermis. It was observed that cercariae deposited mucoid (PAS-positive) secretion from the postacetabular secretory apparatus as they looped over skin during exploration, at the site of penetration, and into the horny layers and keratogenous zone. Both types of glands were unstained, and therefore considered exhausted of their contents, shortly after the beginning of penetration in single penetrants, when maximum effort appeared to have been required for entry. Occasional schistosomules which penetrated in groups or which entered areas already invaded retained remnants of glandular contents which showed specific stain. It is suggested that the mucoid postacetabular secretion serves adhesive, lubricative, protective and enzyme-directive functions, while the preacetabular secretion is primarily enzymatic. The possibility remains, however, that secretions from both pre- and postacetabular glands may be active enzymatically.
The Effect of Material Heterogeneity and Random Loading on the Mechanics of Fatigue Crack Growth

This paper reviews experimental work on the influence of variable amplitude or random loads on the mechanics and micromechanisms of fatigue crack growth. Implications are discussed in terms of the crack driving force, local plasticity, crack closure, crack blunting, and microstructure. Due to heterogeneity in the material's microstructure, the crack growth rate varies with crack tip position. Using the weakest link theory, an expression for crack growth rate is obtained as the expectation of a random variable. This expression is used to predict the crack growth rates for aluminum alloys, a titanium alloy, and a nickel steel in the mid-range region. It is observed, using the present theory, that the crack growth rate obeys the power law for small stress intensity factor range, and that the power is a function of a material constant.
Open for Social: How Open Source Software for E-Learning can take a Turn to the Social

Online learning in K-12 and higher education has been growing rapidly, and open source software has the potential to improve the quality of e-learning. This paper describes how FOSS enables turning e-learning from a potentially restrictive framing of the education experience to an emergent and social experience. The authors identify several key elements of the FOSS model that position open source initiatives to contribute to the emergent and social nature of experience in e-learning. The authors also describe several challenges to developing FOSS in a community of educators for e-learning. These elements and challenges are illustrated in a brief case report about the development of an open source software system called Context-aware Activity Notification System CANS. CANS http://cansaware.com is a notification system that integrates with collaborative work and learning systems and is designed around the importance of awareness of user activity, a user's social context and personal notification preferences.
Pulmonary Arteriovenous Admixture in Cardiac Surgical Patients

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass for mitral insufficiency develop significant hypoxemia after surgery. This is due mostly to true shunt, but there is a significant contribution due to ventilation-perfusion abnormalities. The condition persists for eight to ten days but is reversible. Breathing 100% oxygen in the postoperative period reduced cardiac output and pulmonary artery pressure and increased arteriovenous oxygen content differences. A redistribution of pulmonary blood flow is suggested by these findings, and accordingly the value for true shunt may vary with changing inspired oxygen concentrations.
Substitution of benzyladenine with meta-topolin during shoot multiplication increases acclimatization of difficult- and easy-to- acclimatize sea oats (Uniola paniculata L.) genotypes

Benzyladenine (BA) is the only cytokinin to effectively induce shoot multiplication in vitro between genotypes of the important dune grass species Uniola paniculata (sea oats). However, a significant genotype-specific negative carryover effect of BA on ex vitro acclimatization has been observed. In the present study, the effects of multiplication media supplemented with meta-topolin (mT), a BA-analog, BA or no plant growth regulator, were compared on in vitro multiplication, rooting and ex vitro acclimatization using easy- and difficult-to-acclimatize sea oats genotypes. Both genotypes exhibited similar in vitro shoot dry weight, number of harvestable shoots and percent rooting when cultured under standard conditions (with 2.2 μM BA) or with an equimolar concentration of mT. In addition, both genotypes exhibited similar ex vitro leaf length and shoot production under these two culture conditions. However, ex vitro acclimatization of rooted microcuttings of the difficult-to-acclimatize genotype significantly increased when produced on shoot multiplication medium containing mT rather than BA. Meta-topolin concentrations 10 μM or greater were inhibitory to in vitro rooting and acclimatization ex vitro of both genotypes. Nevertheless, survival of the difficult-to-acclimatize genotype was significantly greater when cultured in the presence of 2.2 μM–30 μM mT, compared to 2.2 μM BA. Therefore, a potential solution to overcome the detrimental BA carryover effect on ex vitro survival in sea oats is the substitution of BA with 2.2 μM mT for Stage II shoot multiplication. Use of mT may provide an efficient method to ensure in vitro propagation of a large number of diverse sea oats genotypes for dune restoration.
Using Graph Theory Metrics to Infer Information Flow Through Animal Social Groups: A Computer Simulation Analysis

Single individuals, termed ‘gatekeepers’, can have a profound impact on information flow in a group, whether that gatekeeper be a large male despot which strictly controls access to resources and mates, or an infant that is freely passed around among members of a social group. Graph theory offers powerful tools for considering larger aspects of social dynamics such as information flow, and their impact on phenomena such as social learning, social roles, foraging skills transfer and eavesdropping. Here, we use computer simulation to test the abilities of several social network metrics to estimate the proportion of gatekeepers in a social group with sample sizes and study designs typical of animal behavior studies. We find that most network metrics are sensitive to the amount of sampling (number of recorded interactions), and did not give good estimates when fewer than 10 interactions were recorded for each animal in the group. Metrics were also quite sensitive to variation in group size, yielding the full range of possible values for groups varying from 20 to 50 animals. We thus recommend against their use with animals that move in and out of groups seasonally. Individual values estimated by each of the metrics were often quite different from each other such that a combination of metrics chosen from each of the following groups provides the most comprehensive description of information flow: (1) Closeness or Degree Centrality, (2) Betweenness Centrality, (3) Density or Clustering Coefficient, and ⁄ or (4) Diameter, Average Degree or Information Centrality. Finally, we introduce a software package, SocANet, that can be used to conduct similar simulations to determine the best metrics for a particular group of animals and set of conditions.
Algorithmic tangent matrix approach for mixed hardening model of endochronic plasticity

Abstract A three-dimensional (3-D) algorithmic tangent matrix approach is developed for elastoplastic finite element (FE) analysis using the mixed hardening model of the endochronic plasticity. The simple radial return algorithm is implemented in the development of the underlying strain-controlled integration algorithm, which is unconditionally stable. Precise implementation of the radial return is due to the use of the exponential algorithm. The 3-D formulation is applied to FE micromechanics modeling of a undirectional metal matrix composite subjected to non-proportional transverse-normal longitudinal-shear cyclic loading. The predicted macroscopic and microscopic responses consistently demonstrate the computational advantages of the present approach.
Cancer survivors with unmet needs were more likely to use complementary and alternative medicine

Purpose Despite advancements in cancer care, cancer survivors continue to experience a substantial level of physical and emotional unmet needs (UMN). This study aims to determine the relationship between patients’ perceived UMN and their use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to help with cancer problems during and after treatment.
Interfacing a Fiber-Optic Probe to a Diode Array UV-Visible Spectrophotometer for Drug Dissolution Tests

A fiber-optic probe and an optical interface have been developed for drug dissolution testing with UV spectroscopy. A simple light cone was used to launch the light into the fiber; this increased the efficiency of light collection and reduced the dependence of the interface on the position of the source fiber. A principal component regression model was developed with the use of Fourier transformed spectra. The backgrounds and noise were reduced by the elimination of the first three terms and the use of the following 32 terms in the Fourier transforms. A commercial therapeutic drug, Sudafed Plus®, was tested, and the dissolution curves were very close to those obtained with a cuvette. The fiber-optic probe and the interface developed in this investigation can potentially be used in automated drug dissolution tests with spectroscopy.
Estimating agricultural production in marginal and food insecure areas in Kenya using very high resolution remotely sensed imagery

Abstract Regularly monitoring the amount of food produced in food insecure, isolated, subsistence farming areas can be used to help identify households or communities who may be in need of additional food resources. Measuring seasonal food production in developing countries, particularly at a sub-national level, is complicated by lack of data. In this study we use high resolution remotely sensed data to calculate cultivated area in two different growing areas, during two different seasons in Kenya. The results of the research support the usefulness of this approach for agricultural monitoring in the developing world and suggest that monitoring cultivated area requires attention to the specific growing characteristics of an area.
Regional hemodynamic effects of beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol in the unanesthetized primate.

Abstract The effects of equal doses of d- and dl-propranolol on systemic and regional hemodynamics were studied in the unanesthetized rhesus monkey using the radioactive microsphere technique. No changes in systemic hemodynamics were seen with d-propranolol, but dl-propranolol significantly decreased the cardiac output (−25 per cent), heart rate (−18 per cent), and stroke volume (−9 per cent), and increased the total peripheral resistance (+40 per cent). During the dl-propranolol infusion the cardiac output was preferentially distributed to the brain with a small decrease in the fraction received by the liver. Flow to all organs except the brain was diminished during dl-propranolol, and the decrease was proportionate to the change in cardiac output. No change in distribution of flow was seen with d-propranolol and total flow to all organs was unchanged from control, with the exception of an increase in flow to the skin. This comparison of d- and dl-propranolol indicates that the effects of dl-propranolol are due to beta-adrenergic blockade rather than a non-specific effect of the drug.
Gosain Tawaif: Slaves, Sex, and Ascetics in Rasdhan, ca. 1800–1857

In the center of the clearing, an aging warrior tries to draw his sword, fury etched upon his face. He faces two young warriors with raised swords who are racing to attack. A distraught old woman restrains the old warrior, while two younger men attempt to calm his attackers. A young boy holding a bow, arrows tucked in his waistband, dashes toward the combatants, in hopes of intervening. In the flash of a moment, perhaps as a result of a misspoken word or a perceived affront, harmony has given way to fracture. The anger on some faces, and despair on others, suggests an earlier time of friendship and love. Only one person is unperturbed. In the foreground a placid young woman observes the unfolding battle while tending a crying newborn. A young boy by her side also looks upon the scene, but with an expression of horror on his face. She, by contrast, seems utterly unconcerned. Indeed, she almost appears to enjoy the collapse of the social world around her. This is a hint, perhaps, about the nature of the conflict, namely, that it somehow revolves around her.
THE AFFECTIVE CONTROL OF EVENTS WITHIN SETTINGS

This paper develops an affect control model of how behavior changes as actors move from setting to setting. After a review of other theoretical approaches to the problem, the affective meanings of settings are examined. Then, impression change equations are developed to assess how sentiments toward actors, behaviors and object‐persons are affected by the setting in which interaction occurs. The tempo or characteristic activity level of a behavior setting appears to have the most impact on impression formation. Settings that are lively and fast‐paced lead social actors and behaviors to be evaluated more favorably and make them seem more expressive. Actors also seem more admirable when they match their activity level to that of the setting. The current data provide the first effort to understand changes in impressions about settings themselves. Generally, the most important factor influencing how people feel about a setting after an event is the act that is committed there. Places are defiled by violent, ag...
Culture of in vitro fertilized bovine embryos with bovine oviductal epithelial cells, Buffalo rat liver (BRL) cells, or BRL-cell-conditioned medium

Co-culture with various cell types can enhance development of bovine embryos, especially through the transition from maternal to embryonic mRNA utilization, a stage of growth refractory to most in vitro methods. Bovine oviductal epithelial (BOE) cells have been particularly successful for culturing embryos through the refractory stage; however, Buffalo rat liver (BRL) cells are a readily available, long-lived, easy-to-care-for alternative. This study compared the embryotrophic activity of BOE to BRL cells with particular emphasis on the transition stage of growth. A total of 7158 immature bovine oocytes, matured and fertilized in vitro, were divided into 4 different culture treatments: Treatment 1: BRL conditioned medium for 72 h then BRL co-culture; Treatment 2: BRL co-culture; Treatment 3: BOE co-culture for 72 h in 5% oxygen then BRL co-culture; and Treatment 4: BOE co-culture for 72 h in 5% oxygen followed by BOE co-culture in air. Those same treatments were used to evaluate embryotrophic differences of early (4 to 5) versus late (14 to 15) passage BRL cells maintained in M-199 medium with 10% serum. Two bulls were also evaluated to determine if there exists a bull-by-culture system interaction. Treatment 3 resulted in the best development after 9 d; 9.1% of selected immature oocytes developed to expanded blastocyst. Early passage BRL cells were significantly more embryotrophic than later passage cells; this was most pronounced for Treatment 2. There was a treatment-by-bull interaction, which should be considered when comparing results among similar studies.
Perspectives on multisensory experience and cognitive development in infants with cochlear implants

Infants learn about their environment through sensory exploration, acquiring knowledge that is important for cognitive development. However, little is known about the sensory exploration of infants with profound hearing loss before or after they receive cochlear implants. This paper reviews aspects of sensory perception and cognitive development in hearing infants, discusses the implications of delayed access to auditory information for multisensory perception and cognitive development in infants who use cochlear implants, and suggests several new directions for research addressing multisensory exploration and cognitive development in infants with cochlear implants.
Quantum mechanical simulation of the hydrogen molecule

Abstract Using the probabilistic path integral representation of the time dependent solution to the Schrodinger equation, we devise a numerical algorithm to obtain the binding energy, diameter and vibrational frequency of the hydrogen molecule. The results agree to a high degree of accuracy with experimental data.
The size-dependent structural phase behaviors of supported bimetallic (Pt-Ru) nanoparticles

We describe in this report the preparation, structural characterization, and phase behaviors exhibited by supported metallic and bimetallic nanoparticles. Homometallic nanoparticles of either Pt or Ru were synthesized by the reduction of various precursors ((CH3)2Pt(COD), H2PtCl6, and RuCl3) onto different carbon supports: Vulcan XC-72 (VXC) and Shawinigan Acetylene Black (SAB). The choice of precursor has a large structural influence on the reductive condensation of the Pt metal particles. All of the various precursors and supports produced particles with very similar size distributions, with the exception of (CH3)2Pt(COD), which formed a complex distribution of small (20 A) and large (>50 A) particles. The centerpiece of this study is the characterization of the growth behaviors seen in the synthesis of binary Pt−Ru nanoparticles. These heterometallic particles were synthesized via a seeded reductive condensation of one metal precursor onto pre-supported nanoparticles of a second metal; the latter serv...
Trace elements in aerosol and precipitation at New Castle, NH, USA

Abstract Concentrations of a suite of trace elements (Al, Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn) were measured in aerosol and precipitation samples collected at a coastal site in New Castle, NH, from August 1996, through July 1997. Metal concentrations in aerosol and precipitation exhibit a high degree of temporal variability over the annual cycle, varying by approximately one order of magnitude or less for aerosol metals and by ∼2–3 orders of magnitude in precipitation. Estimates of the total annual atmospheric deposition of metals to the Gulf of Maine range from ∼10 3 kg yr −1 for Ag, ∼10 4 –10 5 kg yr −1 for the majority of metals, and ∼10 6 kg yr −1 for the crustal elements Al and Fe.
Equivalentie: aantonen van gelijkheid

Bij onderzoeken (trials) wil men doorgaans aantonen dat een te testen behandeling beter is dan de standaardbehandeling of beter is dan een placebo.
NON-SYMMETRICAL LIMIT LOADS ON STRIP FOOTINGS

Limit loads on footings (bearing capacity) can be conveniently analyzed using the kinematic approach of limit analysis. Nonsymmetrical loads on strip footings include the horizontal component of the load and the moment. They can be also represented as load inclination and eccentricity. For the analysis to be sensitive to nonsymmetrical loads, the collapse mechanisms also need to be nonsymmetrical, i. e., they need to allow for footing rotation and horizontal component of displacement. Based on such mechanisms, inclination coefficients for surface strip footings are derived. These coefficients fit the numerical limit analysis results better than the coefficients suggested earlier in the literature. It is also shown that for cohesive-frictional soils the method often used to account for the load eccentricity (where the footing width is reduced by twice-the-eccentricity) yields a bearing capacity lower than that obtained from the kinematic limit analysis. However, this method overestimates the bearing capacity for purely frictional soils, particularly when the surcharge load is small.
Physical-chemical Properties of Substituted Amides in Aqueous Solution and Evaluation of Their Potential Use as Solubilizing Agents

The tetramethyl-substituted amides of pimelamide, suberamide, azelamide, and sebacamide markedly enhance the solubility of glutethimide in aqueous solution. Partition studies, surface tension measurements, and light-scattering measurements strongly suggest that the amides are associating at infinitely dilute concentrations and further aggregation of these associated molecules occurs with the possible formation of micelles at concentrations slightly higher than that observed for surfactants. The CMC' s were identified at 0.41, 0.20, 0.031, and 0.11 M for pimelamide, suberamide, azelamide, and sebacamide, respectively. The solubility of glutethimide was increased significantly above the critical concentrations and, from the nature of the solubility curves, a micellar type of solubilization appears to be dominant.
The new health care law: how will women near retirement fare?

Abstract Background In 2009, more than 17 million women lacked health insurance coverage in the United States. A disproportionate number of these women were African American or Latino. In addition, many women aged 55 to 64 lack coverage through either their own employment or access to a spouse’s plan at a time when they face an elevated risk of long-term and life-threatening illness. The study’s objective is to understand the extent to which the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed in March 2010, will increase coverage for pre-retirement age women through the new health insurance exchanges and the expanded Medicaid program. Methods This study employs the 2009 American Community Survey to compare health insurance coverage among aging women by race and ethnicity. Results The results reveal that the new health care law could reduce the number of uninsured pre-retirement age women from 11.7% to 1.9%. However, it is unlikely that all women with the opportunity to access health insurance coverage will do so. In addition, despite the potential increase in access, Mexican-American women are still overrepresented among the uninsured, representing 5.7% of the total uninsured while only comprising 3.3% of all pre-retirement age women. Conclusion The research has important implications for how numerous provisions enacted in the new health care law will reduce the number of uninsured adults, particularly vulnerable women. These findings make it clear that Medicaid expansion and insurance exchanges will vary across states, and consequently will have potential benefits in particular for low-income minority group women.
Synthesis and self‐assembly of fluorinated block copolymers

Fluorinated block copolymers combine the unique properties of fluoropolymers and the intriguing self-assembly of hybrid macromolecules. The preparation of the title molecules by selective fluorination procedures and the effect of fluorine incorporation on the material thermodynamics are presented. We highlight two fluorination schemes developed in our laboratory, difluorocarbene and perfluoroalkyliodide additions to polydienes, that allow for the selective and tunable incorporation of different fluorinated groups into model block copolymers. The fluorination changes the physical properties of the parent materials and leads to interesting changes in the component incompatibilities. The role of fluorination in determining block copolymer thermodynamics in both the solid state and in solution and in ultimately exploiting fluorination to produce novel, higher order structures is central to our research efforts. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1–8, 2002