cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reference Signal Impact on EEG Energy

A reference is required to record electroencephalography (EEG) signals, and therefore the reference signal can effect any quantitative EEG analysis. In this study, we investigate the impact of reference signal amplitude on a commonly used quantitative measure of the EEG, the signal energy. We show that: (i) when the reference signal and the non-referential signal have negative correlation, the energy of the referential signal will monotonically increase as the amplitude of the reference signal increases from 0 to ***. (ii) When the reference signal and the non-referential signal have positive correlation, energy of the referential signal first decreases to some nonnegative value and then increases as the amplitude of the reference signal increases from 0 to ***. In general, the reference signal may decrease or increase energy values. But a reference signal with higher relative amplitude will surely increase energy values. In [1], we developed a method to identify and extract the reference signal contribution to EEG recordings. Here we apply this approach to referential EEG recorded from human subjects and directly investigate the contribution of recording reference on energy and show that the reference signal may have a significant effect on energy values.
CHARACTERIZATION OF ASPHALT EMULSION TREATED BASES

A laboratory investigation was performed to characterize cold mixed asphalt emulsion treated bases. Indirect tension, resilient modulus, Hveen and water damage techniques were used in the mixture evaluation. The effects of aggregate type and gradation, added moisture content, asphalt emulsion content, and temperature were determined. The mixture was characterized at different curing conditions in the field. The effect of temperature on the tensile and resilient characteristics of the mixture is apparent. In addition, curing increases both the tensile strength and the resilient modulus of the mixture. Reasonable correlations are found between the indirect tensile test and the resilient modulus test results. Vacuum saturation has some effect on the tensile and the resilient properties of the mixture. Other asphalt emulsion mixture properties such as density, retained moisture content, and air voids are evaluated
An Experimental Study of Medical Error Explanations: Do Apology, Empathy, Corrective Action, and Compensation Alter Intentions and Attitudes?

Medical malpractice lawsuits are a growing problem in the United States, and there is much controversy regarding how to best address this problem. The medical error disclosure framework suggests that apologizing, expressing empathy, engaging in corrective action, and offering compensation after a medical error may improve the provider–patient relationship and ultimately help reduce the number of medical malpractice lawsuits patients bring to medical providers. This study provides an experimental examination of the medical error disclosure framework and its effect on amount of money requested in a lawsuit, negative intentions, attitudes, and anger toward the provider after a medical error. Results suggest empathy may play a large role in providing positive outcomes after a medical error.
Bodies of War

It's a powerful moment, when you discover a vocabulary exists for something you'd thought incommunicably unique (Klay 2014)So writes Phil Klay, a US Iraq-war veteran, who pleads with New York Times...
Flagellation of Pseudomonas putida and analysis of its motile behavior.

Pseudomonas putida flagella were examined. Also, changes in motile behavior in response to chemoattractants were analyzed quantitatively by computer. Reversals in the rotation direction of bundles of polar flagella resulted in changes in swimming direction. Cells swimming in buffer changed direction once every 2 s on average, whereas cells exposed to the attractant benzoate changed direction an average of once every 10 s. The findings show that P. putida responds to temporal gradients of chemoattractant by suppressing changes in the direction of rotation of flagella. Images
The effects of pregnancy and smooth muscle contractility on cervical distensibility in the rat.

Abstract Objective: We sought to compare distensibility of the isolated rat cervix from nonpregnant rats (n = 6), rats at midgestation (n = 5), and rats at term gestation (n = 4). Study Design: The cervix was excised, and one cervical channel was cannulated from both ends and positioned in the organ chamber for perfusion-superfusion by a peristaltic pump at an intraluminal pressure of 30 mm Hg for 30 minutes. After the equilibration period, perfusion was stopped, the outlet was closed, and the cervix was inflated with a syringe pump. The volume was increased at a rate of 3.33 μL/s until intraluminal pressure reached approximately 120 mm Hg. The outlet was then opened, and the cervix was perfused at 30 mm Hg of intraluminal pressure for another 30 minutes. The volume-pressure relationships were obtained 3 times without any agent present and in the presence of 60-mmol/L potassium chloride or 10 –4 -mol/L 3-morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride (also known as SIN-1). Results: The volume-pressure relationship was shifted to the right during progression of pregnancy, demonstrating increased compliance of the cervix. The nonspecific depolarizing agent potassium chloride or the nitric oxide donor 3-morpholinosydnonimine did not affect volume-pressure relationships in cervices from nonpregnant rats, rats at midgestation, or rats at term gestation. Conclusion: The volume-pressure relationship in the isolated cannulated rat cervix reflects the resistance of the organ to increased intraluminal pressure. The compliance of the cervix is increased as pregnancy progresses, demonstrating decreased resistance to stretch. Activation or inhibition of cervical smooth muscle does not contribute to the physical properties of the cervix, which controls compliance-resistance. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:905-8.)
Modelling of cyclical stratigraphy using Markov chains

State-of-the-art on modelling of cyclical stratigraphy using first-order Markov chains is reviewed. Shortcomings of the presently available procedures are identified. A procedure which eliminates all the identified shortcomings is presented. Required statistical tests to perform this modelling are given in detail. An example is given to illustrate the presented procedure.
The Performance of Goodness of Fit Tests for Logistic Regression with Discrete Covariates

This paper considers the distribution of previously proposed goodness of fit tests when some or all of the covariates are dichotomous variables. The simulations show that of the statistics suggested for testing fit only one appears suitable for use with discrete covariates. This statistic uses conditional maximum likelihood estimates and groups the estimated probabilities into groups of equal size or into groups based on the patterns of the covariates when these are few in number.
Direct detection of cellular immune responses to cancer vaccines

The evaluation of cancer immunotherapy is predicated on the hypothesis that markers of tumor antigen-specific T-cell immunity will cone-late with clinical efficacy. Establishing which candidate vaccines should enter large-scale clinical trials will necessitate optimal application of immunologic monitoring assays. Evidence suggests that available techniques are adequate for the direct detection of clinically significant antigen-specific T-cell responses from tissue specimens. To achieve this goal, it is important to have an understanding of individual methods and their limitations, to include appropriate control antigens in the monitoring strategy, and to incorporate statistical considerations into the design and analysis of such studies.
Developing and Implementing an Interdisciplinary Air Pollution Workshop To Reach and Engage Rural High School Students in Science

The low interest of the U.S. students in sciences is an ongoing issue. One approach to promote the sciences is outreach activities, often targeted at grades K-12. Yet, a limiting factor in these outreach initiatives is their long-term feasibility, especially from an economic perspective. Another challenge is how to introduce scientific information during brief periods of exposure. Furthermore, different problems may be encountered based on the geographic location of students. In populated urban communities, there are typically greater resources available than in low-density rural populations. With these challenges in mind, we describe an outreach initiative targeted to rural high school students. The workshop has been used for four years, and the network of participants is growing as interest spreads. This article can serve as a model for workshop development across various content areas. Such workshops can provide a useful recruiting tool while exposing students to the sciences.
Temporal Patterns of Accuracy Confidence in Social Judgments: A New Method and Initial Results

An integrated, computer-based system was developed to record participants’ continuous judgment changes on a revised form of the Interpersonal Perception Task (IPT-15). Consistent with the considerable research on “thin slice” judgments, the mean latency for greater than chance accuracy confidence was just 16 s (median = 10 s) for the ten one-part scenes on the IPT. There was also a clear and strong linear trend for increasing accuracy confidence across the first 25 s of the ten one-part scenes. For the five-two-part scenes, where comparative judgments were required (e.g., which statement is truthful, which is a lie?), no clear pattern of increasing accuracy confidence was found, with mean scores hovering near chance. The utility of the new system for analyzing the time course of social judgments is discussed and the potential reasons for the contrasting results for the one-part and two-part scenes were examined.
Programmatics and development update for the Orion MIDEX star formation survey mission

The Orion MIDEX mission is a 1.2m UV-visual observatory orbiting at L2 that will conduct the first-ever high spatial resolution survey of a statistically significant sample of visible star-forming environments in the Solar neighborhood in emission lines and continuum. This survey will be used to characterize the star and planet forming environments within 2.5 kpc of the Sun, infer global properties and star formation histories in these regions, understand how environment influences the process of star and planet formation, and develop a classification scheme for star forming regions. Based on these findings a similar survey will be conducted of large portions of the Magellanic Clouds, extending the classification scheme to new types of regions common in external galaxies, allowing the characterization of low mass star forming environments in the Magellanic Clouds, study of the spatial distribution of star forming environments and tracing of star formation history. Finally the mission will image a sample of external galaxies out to ~5 Mpc. The distribution of star forming region type will be mapped as a function of galactic environment to infer the distribution and history of low-mass star formation over galactic scales, and characterize the stellar content and star formation history of galaxies. We present in this paper an update on the development of the mission and the hardware necessary to deliver its required performance.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
SIMILARITY OF THE IODIN REMISSION IN EXPERIMENTAL ANTERIOR HYPOPHYSEAL HYPERTHYROIDISM, THE HYPERTHYROIDISM OF ACROMEGALY AND THAT OF EXOPHTHALMIC GOITER

Exophthalmic goiter is characterized by exophthalmos, an increased basal metabolic rate, tachycardia, parenchymal hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the thyroid gland with liquefaction and disappearance of its acinar colloid, nervous instability, an elevated blood iodin and a marked decrease in the iodin content of the thyroid gland. The symptomatic intensity of the malady may be marked either by remissions and exacerbations or a steady chronic state which is maintained for years. Iodids exert a remarkable, although temporary, depressant effect upon the course of the disease. In general, this description also applies well of the syndrome produced in guinea pigs by the daily intraperitoneal administration of an alkaline anterior hypophyseal extract. These similarities were pointed out in previous publications with certain reservations (1). It is proposed in the present investigation to analyze the data on the iodin remission from a similar viewpoint and to evaluate the possible relationship which may exist bet...
Bad Examples: Missionary Misbehaviour as an Indicator of the Impact of Social Distance and the Evolution of Social Order in the American Zulu Mission

While foreign missionaries of the American Zulu Mission (AZM) publicly espoused the principle that their task included setting a good example for their proselytes to follow, the implications of this exemplary ideal were seldom made explicit. This article uses key moments when members of the AZM were accused of violating this ideal – in effect, of acting as bad examples – to explore its role in the culture of the organisation during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It argues that the missionaries' early circumstances in Natal, where their message had very limited appeal among African people, increased the importance of exemplary behaviour in their understanding of their task, contributing in turn to the mission's dependence on social distance as an organising principle in its work. The mission's reactions to adultery and indebtedness among its members, which emphasised context as much as the misdeeds themselves, further illustrate the structure that the exemplary ideal provided for its relatio...
Magnetization of Nickel Under Compressive Stresses and the Production of Magnetic Discontinuities

When nickel is compressed its hysteresis loop approaches a rectangular shape. Several curves for stresses increasing up to the elastic limit have been obtained. At the maximum stress the steep part of the loop is still not vertical and the Barkhausen effect is not appreciably changed by the pressure. Much smaller stresses in an elastically bent wire produce large magnetic discontinuities, hence the existence of contiguous compressed and stretched regions appears to be necessary for the production of the large discontinuities.
Effects of mycorrhizal fungus isolates on mineral acquisition by Panicum virgatum in acidic soil

Plant ability to withstand acidic soil mineral deficiencies and toxicities can be enhanced by root-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) symbioses. The AMF benefits to plants may be attributed to enhanced plant acquisition of mineral nutrients essential to plant growth and restricted acquisition of toxic elements. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) was grown in pHCa (soil:10 mM CaCl2, 1 : 1) 4 and 5 soil (Typic Hapludult) inoculated with Glomus clarum, G. diaphanum, G. etunicatum, G. intraradices, Gigasporaalbida, Gi. margarita, Gi. rosea, and Acaulosporamorrowiae to determine differences among AMF isolates for mineral acquisition. Shoots of mycorrhizal (AM) plants had 6.2-fold P concentration differences when grown in pHCa 4 soil and 2.9-fold in pHCa 5 soil. Acquisition trends for the other mineral nutrients essential for plant growth were similar for AM plants grown in pHCa 4 and 5 soil, and differences among AMF isolates were generally higher for plants grown in pHCa 4 than in pHCa 5 soil. Both declines and increases in shoot concentrations of N, S, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, and Mn relative to nonmycorrhizal (nonAM) plants were noted for many AM plants. Differences among AM plants for N and Mg concentrations were relatively small (<2-fold) and were large (2- to 9-fold) for the other minerals. Shoot concentrations of mineral nutrients did not relate well to dry matter produced or to percentage root colonization. Except for Mn and one AMF isolate, shoot concentrations of Mn, Fe, B, and Al in AM plants were lower than in nonAM plants, and differences among AM plants for these minerals ranged from a low of 1.8-fold for Fe to as high as 6.9-fold for Mn. Some AMF isolates were effective in overcoming acidic soil mineral deficiency and toxicity problems that commonly occur with plants grown in acidic soil.
Fractal interfaces in heterogeneous Eden-like growth.

We perform computer simulations of Eden-like growth models in two dimensions with random reactions that either allow or inhibit further growth. By varying the probabilities of such reactions, the cluster develops a variety of fractal interfaces related to the hull and the external perimeter of the usual percolation cluster. However, a blocking mechanism leads to different fractal dimensions. Reaction probabilities away from the critival value were also found to give different effective dimensions due to slow crossovers. These results may explain the nonuniversal surface roughness observed in heterogeneous materials.
Evaluation of living kidney donors: variables that affect donation.

Approximately 10000 deceased donor organs are available yearly for 85 000 US patients awaiting kidney transplant. Living kidney donation is essential to close this gap and offers better survival rates. However, nationally, 80% of potential donors evaluated fail to donate. Nurse coordinators who perform predonation screening and education need additional insight into the large number of potential donors who fail to complete the donation process. Reasons for nondonation in donor candidates undergoing medical evaluation, and variables affecting nondonation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center between 2004 and 2009 are examined. Multivariable logistic regression models are used to test the effects of age and race on donation status and reasons for nondonation. Summary data are frequencies, percentages, and means (SD). The sample included 706 candidates (63% female, 80% white; mean age, 40 [SD, 12] years). Almost half (46%) received clearance to donate. Undiagnosed hypertension (14%), abnormal glucose toler...
RFLP analysis to identify putative chromosomal regions involved in the anther culture response and callus formation of maize

RFLP analysis was performed with anther culture-derived callus lines developed from the maize F1 hybrids Pa91 x FR16 (PF), H99 x Pa91 (HP) and H99 x FR16 (HF). Relatively evenly spaced RFLP markers were selected to cover the maize genome with 52, 58 and 35 RFLP markers for the PF, HP and HF callus lines, respectively. The results from populations PF and HP combined with limited information from HF showed that six chromosomal regions on chromosomes 1, 2 (two regions), 3, 6 and 8 appear to be associated with the formation of embryo-like structures (ELSs) from microspores or the subsequent formation of regenerable callus from the ELSs. Regions at the end of the long arm of chromosome 2 and on the long arm of chromosome 8 appear to be associated with ELS formation, and the other regions appear to be associated with either ELS or regenerable callus formation or both. Certain regions that we have identified are the same as those found in other studies to be important for friable, embryogenic callus formation (chromosomes 1 and 3 and near the centromere of 2) and for ESL formation (chromosomes 1 and 3). This study has provided evidence for the genetic basis of the maize anther culture response and callus formation.
Expression of virulence factors among Escherichia coli isolated from the periurethra and urine of children with neurogenic bladder on intermittent catheterization

Background. Patients with neurogenic bladder caused by spinal cord injury or myelomeningocele empty their bladder several times a day by intermittent catheterization. Bacteriuria without symptoms of infection is frequently present in these patients. Occasionally a clone of Escherichia coli that has been carried for weeks without symptoms causes a symptomatic urinary tract infection. Virulence factors are commonly expressed among E, coli causing infection in patients with normal urinary tracts. However, it is unknown whether expression of virulence factors by an E. coli clone colonizing the neurogenic bladder increases the risk of subsequent infection. In this study we examined the prevalence of virulence factor expression among E. coli isolated from the periurethra and urine of patients with neurogenic bladder. Methods. The prevalence of virulence factors was examined among E. coli isolated from the periurethra and urine in patients with neurogenic bladder who received intermittent catheterization and were followed for 6 months. Representative isolates from the 37 clonal types of E. coli detected in the periurethra and urine of children with neurogenic bladder were assessed for O antigen, hemolysin, aerobactin, serum resistance and type I and P-adhesin. Results. All clones were serum-resistant and expressed type I adhesin, none expressed aerobactin and two expressed hemolysin. The presence of P-adhesin was not unique to clones associated with symptomatic infection. The presence of P-adhesin carried for weeks in a clone did not predict subsequent infection in the neurogenic bladder. Conclusion. Bacterial virulence factors did not predict infection of the neurogenic bladder.
AN ALTERNATIVE VARIANCE‐REDUCTION STRATEGY FOR RSM SIMULATION STUDIES

In the previous paper, Cooley and Houck [1] examined the simultaneous use of common and antithetic random number streams as a variance-reduction strategy for simulation studies employing response surface methodology (RSM). Our paper supplements their work and further explores pseudorandom number assignments in response surface designs. Specifically, an alternative strategy for assigning pseudorandom numbers is proposed; this strategy is more efficient than that given by Cooley and Houck, especially when more than two factors are involved.
Effect of prolonged glucose infusion on serum protein-bound glucosamine and protein-bound hexose in non-diabetic and diabetic patients.

SummarySerum protein-bound gluco-samine and protein-bound hexose were measured during prolonged glucose infusions in non-diabetic and diabetic subjects. Negligible changes in either of these substances occurred in either group.
The Mechanisms of Degradation in an Optically Coupled Isolator

Degradation was observed in optically coupled isolators that were operated under both photodiode and phototransistor biasing configurations. The device "on" state current decreased during operation due to degradation of the light emitting diode radiant power output. This decrease in radiant power output was associated with an increase in the nonradiative, space charge recombination current component of the light emitting diode forward current. In addition, large and rapid increases were observed in the optically coupled isolator "off" state currents. This degradation was due to formation of a surface inversion channel in the base region of the photosensitive transistor.
Effects of a Modified Power Card Strategy on Turn Taking and Social Commenting of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Playing Board Games

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have very narrow and special interests, and are less likely to engage in socially-based recreational activities than typically developing children. Few studies have examined strategies for teaching children with ASD to engage in social games with their peers. The Power Card strategy is a social narrative technique that capitalizes on a child’s special interest to teach appropriate engagement in routines, social interaction, and communicative behaviors. In this study, a modified Power Card strategy was used to teach two boys with ASD appropriate turn taking and social commenting while playing board games. Participants’ appropriate initiating a turn and relinquishing a turn increased with intervention; however, consistent increases in participants’ appropriate commenting were not observed. Students and parents favorably rated the Power Card Strategy following intervention. Results are discussed in relation to limitations and future research.
Localization of somatostatin mRNAs in the brain and pancreas of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Abstract Rainbow trout possess three distinct mRNAs, each encoding a separate precursor: PPSS I, which contains a 14-amino acid sequence at its C-terminus (somatostatin-14) that is highly conserved among vertebrates, as well as two others, PPSS II′ and PPSS II″, both containing [Tyr 7 , Gly 10 ]-somatostatin-14 at their C-terminus. In this study, we used RNA template-specific PCR and in situ hybridization to determine the distribution and cellular localization of PPSS mRNAs in the brain and Brockmann body of rainbow trout. PPSS I, PPSS II′ and PPSS II″ were expressed in the Brockmann body and pituitary; the expression of PPSS mRNAs in the brain was region specific. PPSS I mRNA was expressed in the Brockmann body predominantly by cells other than those that expressed PPSS IIs; however, there were several instances where PPSS I and PPSS IIs were co-expressed within the same cell. Of the PPSS II-expressing cells, many were observed to express both PPSS II′ and PPSS II″ mRNA; however, some cells expressed only PPSS II′ mRNA, while other cells expressed only PPSS II″ mRNA. In the brain, PPSS I mRNA was expressed in the optic tectum (OT) and in many hypothalamic nuclei, including the nucleus rotundus (NR), nucleus anterioris hypothalami (NAH), nucleus anterior tuberis (NAT), nucleus lateral tuberis (NLT), as well as in the pituitary (adenohypophysis). PPSS II″ mRNA was present in the same regions as PPSS I mRNA; however, PPSS II′ mRNA was present primarily in OT, NAT, NLT and adenohypohysis. These results indicate that PPSS mRNAs are expressed differently by different cells, suggesting that cell-specific mechanisms are involved with the control of PPSS expression and that particular biological responses may be associated with a specific SS isoform.
MUC-2 mucin production in Hirschsprung's disease: possible association with enterocolitis development.

Abstract Background/Purpose: The etiology of Hirschsprung's-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is unknown. Previous investigations have suggested that abnormal production of mucins may have an etiologic role. Recently, a series of mucin genes have been identified. MUC-2 is the predominant mucin expressed in humans. The authors have shown previously in vitro that use of MUC-2 can prevent bacterial translocation. Based on this, it was hypothesized that those patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HD) would have an abnormal production of MUC-2 compared with normal patients. Methods: Fresh stool specimens were collected from children with a diagnosis of HD (with or without HAEC) and from age-matched control patients. Protein was extracted, and MUC-2 was detected with Western blot analysis. MUC-2 protein expression was quantified by densitometry measurements. Results are expressed as mean density ± SD. Statistical comparison was done with unpaired t tests, with P less than.05 being considered significant. Results: MUC-2 expression was detected in all control patients (mean density, 121 ± 47). MUC-2 level was lowest in one child with a viral-induced diarrhea (density = 71). In those patients with HD, levels of MUC-2 protein expression were significantly lower ( P Conclusions: MUC-2 production is markedly depressed in patients with Hirschsprung's disease and is absent with enterocolitis. This decline in protein expression may result in a decrease in epithelial barrier function and be a predisposing factor in the development of HAEC. J Pediatr Surg 38:417-421. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Response of a finite beam in contact with a tensionless foundation under symmetric and asymmetric loading

In this work a general analytical model is developed for the static response of a beam resting on a tensionless elastic foundation subjected to a lateral point load. This load may either be located at the center of the beam or may be offset. An analytical/numerical solution is obtained to the governing equations; this solution makes no assumption about either the contact area or the kinematics associated with the transverse deflection of the beam. This is in contrast to previous work in which, for an infinite beam (where the load is symmetric by definition), implicit assumptions about the contact area and the response kinematics were made. Because these assumptions are dropped, the contact behavior differs in several fundamental ways from its infinite counterpart. Specifically, it is shown that (i) the contact area is a sensitive function of the beam length and that this function may change nonmonotonically, (ii) the contact area may depend on the magnitude of the load, (iii) asymmetric loads, which cannot exist in the infinite problem, have a dramatic influence the contact area for the finite system. These features are demonstrated with specific examples and explained in terms of the fundamental physics of the system. The implications for these behaviors are also discussed.
Second moments of consumption components and unexpected inflation

Abstract A rise in unexpected inflation is found to increase variability in the relative prices and quantities of components of personal consumption expenditures, and to reduce the covariance of these relative prices and quantities.
The Effect of Solar Flux Variations and Trace Gas Emissions on Recent Trends in Stratospheric Ozone and Temperature

Trend analyses of satellite and ground-based observations clearly indicate that temperatures and ozone concentrations in the upper stratosphere are undergoing long-term changes. Variations in solar ultraviolet radiation during the 11-year solar cycle are influencing stratospheric temperatures and photochemistry from above. Forcings from below result from the increasing atmospheric concentrations of long-lived trace constituents, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, several chlorofluorocarbons and other halocarbons. Using the LLNL two-dimensional chemical-radiative-transport model of the global atmosphere, we evaluate the influences of these external forcings on the middle atmosphere. Our calculations include recent estimates of the variations in solar ultraviolet radiation since 1974. Model results for the solar cycle effects on total ozone, upper stratospheric ozone and temperature are within the uncertainty (in some cases, large) range of observational data analyses. The model calculations including both solar variability and the effects of changing trace gas emissions can explain much of the observed trends in upper stratospheric ozone and temperature from 1979 to 1986.
An elastic-plastic micromechanical analysis of a cross-ply composite

Abstract Multi-directional fiber-reinforced composites are often used in aerospace structures. The design of such structures needs a realistic macroscopic stress/strain relationship for the composite material. In this paper an analytical approach for determining this stress/strain relationship is developed which is based on detailed analysis of the microscopic stress/strain fields, which govern the spread of plastic strain and the amount of material damage. In this approach, the heterogeneous composite is transformed into a homogeneous solid by Eshelby's equivalent-inclusion method (Mura, T., Micromechanics of Defects in Solids. Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague, 1982).1 The microstresses and strains are then analyzed by using Lin's method of analyzing the microstress fields of elastically homogeneous polycrystals of periodic crystal orientations based on Green's functions of an infinite solid (Lin, T. H., Adv. Appl. Mech., 1971, 11, 255–311).2 The major advantage of the present approach is that it does not need to isolate a representative volume (or ‘unit cell’) and specify the unknown boundary conditions. A numerical example for a cross-plied boron aluminum composite is given.
Rb-Sr mantle isochrons from oceanic regions

Existing data for87Sr/86Sr and Rb/Sr ratios of basalts from oceanic islands and mid-ocean spreading ridges show significant positive correlations on a Rb-Sr isochron diagram (when data are averaged by island group). Furthermore, tholeiites and alkali basalts occupy distinct non-overlapping fields on this plot. The tholeiite correlation is interpreted as a mantle isochron, and the agreement of this age (1.6 ± 0.2 b.y.) with that reported for Pb-Pb isochrons from oceanic basalts lends strong support to the use of such isochrons for tracing mantle evolution. Oceanic basalts are apparently sampling a mantle in which chemical heterogeneities have persisted for at least 1.5–2.0 b.y. The data support a kinematic model for the mantle in which a relatively uniform and non-radiogenic asthenosphere is penetrated by, and mixed with, blobs or plumes derived from an isolated (1.5–2 b.y.) and chemically heterogeneous mesosphere.
Preparation and characterization of hexacyclohexoxido- and trispinacolato-ditungsten (MM). A comparison of staggered and eclipsed ethane-like O3WWO3 units

Abstract The reactions between W2(OBut)6 and each of pinacol (3 equiv) and cyclohexanol (> 6 equiv) yield the title compounds W2(OCMe2CMe2O)3, I, and W2(OCy)6, II (Cy = cyclohexyl) as yellow needles, which are sparingly soluble in hydrocarbon solvents. In the solid-state both compounds form infinite chains. Compound I has three pinacolate ligands which span the WW bond: WW = 2.2738(8) A, WO = 1.90 A (av) and WWO = 99° (av). The three bridging ligands lead to a near eclipsed W2O6 skeleton having OWWO torsion angles = 10° (av). The infinite chain is caused by weak intermolecular oxygen-to-tungsten bonding, W … O = 2.9 A. The W2(OCy)6 molecule has crystallographically imposed C2h symmetry and the central W2O6 moiety is staggered (virtual D3d) with WW = 2.340(1) A, WO = 1.87 A (av) and WWO = 107° (av). The infinite chain in the solid-state results from the stacking of the cyclohexyl ligands. The intermolecular contacts are essentially identical to the intramolecular ones. In solution W2(OCMe2CMe2O)3 undergoes rapid enantiomerization such that a time-averaged eclipsed W2O6 moiety is seen on the NMR time-scale. The cyclohexyl rings in W2(OCy)6 are not inverting (chair ⇌ boat ⇌ chair) on the NMR time-scale.
Computational models of epileptiform activity in single neurons.

Abstract A series of original computational models written in NEURON of increasing physiological and morphological complexity were developed to determine the dominant causes of epileptiform behavior. Current injections to a model hippocampal pyramidal neuron consisting of three compartments produced the sustained depolarizations (SD) and simple paroxysmal depolarizing shifts (PDS) characteristic of ictal and interictal behavior in a cell, respectively. Our results indicate that SDs are the result of the semi-saturation of Na+, Ca2+ and K+ active channels, particularly the CaN, with regular Na+/K+ spikes riding atop a saturated depolarization; PDS rides on a similar semi-saturated depolarization whose shape depends more heavily on interactions between low-threshold voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (CaT) and Ca2+-dependent K+ channels. Our results reflect and predict recent physiological data, and we report here a cellular basis of epilepsy whose mechanisms reside mainly in the membrane channels, and not in specific morphology or network interactions, advancing a possible resolution to the cellular/network debate over the etiology of epileptiform activity.
Some Results on Nonparametric Calibration

In this article the calibration method consisting of interchanging the role of control and response is considered in the nonparametric situation. This method does not yield a consistent estimator unless there are multiple responses at each control level. When multiple responses are present, however, consistency and asymptotic normality can be established.
A microfluidic device for continuous, real time blood plasma separation

A microfluidic device for continuous, real time blood plasma separation is introduced. The principle of the blood plasma separation from blood cells is supported by the Zweifach–Fung effect and was experimentally demonstrated using simple microchannels. The blood plasma separation device is composed of a blood inlet, a bifurcating region which leads to a purified plasma outlet, and a concentrated blood cell outlet. It was designed to separate blood plasma from an initial blood sample of up to 45% inlet hematocrit (volume percentage of cells). The microfluidic network was designed using an analogous electrical circuit, as well as analytical and numerical studies. The functionality of this device was demonstrated using defibrinated sheep blood. During 30 minutes of continuous blood infusion through the device, all the erythrocytes (red blood cells) traveled through the device toward the concentrated blood outlet while only the plasma was separated at the bifurcating regions and flowed towards the plasma outlet. The device has been operated continuously without any clogging or hemolysis of cells. The experimentally determined plasma selectivity with respect to blood hematocrit level was almost 100% regardless of the inlet hematocrit. The total plasma separation volume percent varied from 15% to 25% with increasing inlet hematocrit. Due to the device’s simple structure and control mechanism, this microdevice is expected to be used for highly efficient continuous, real time cell-free blood plasma separation from blood samples for use in lab on a chip applications.
Pairings and Signed Permutations

Identity (1) is easy to prove: note that the left side is a convolution, so multiply it by xn9 sum, and recognize the square of a binomial series. But a combinatorial interpretation of the same identity is not so easy to find. In [3], M. S ved recounts the story of the identity and its combinatorial proofs. She relates how, after she challenged her readers (in a previous article) to find a combinatorial proof, Paul Erd?s "was quick to point out that... Hungarian mathematicians tackled it in the thirties: P. Veress proposing it, and G. Hajos solving it" [3, p. 44]. In the same article, she outlines more than one combinatorial proof supplied by her readers. Identity (1) has been mentioned by many other authors. We refer readers to [2, Exercise 2c, p. 44], [1] (in the foreword by D. Knuth) for recent citations. In this note, we describe a new combinatorial construction from which (1) is readily derived.
Reconsidering Ideological Lines: Beliefs about Poverty in America*

Our nation's policy to reduce poverty reflects the belief that poverty is caused by institutional discrimination. This study first identifies the ideological and political nature of this position i...
Anthropogenic ozone, acids and mutagens: Half a century of Pandora’S Nox

It has been four decades since the phenomenon of photochemical air pollution was first characterized and, in the same year, a tragic London smog episode caused 4,000 excess deaths. Since then, there has been a substantial increase in our understanding of the chemistry involved in both types of air pollution, and a recognition that there is a very close chemical interrelationship between them. In this overview, we provide a brief historical perspective on the atmospheric chemistry of photochemical smog and illustrate how fundamental studies on the gas-phase chemistry of uv-irradiated mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx in polluted laboratory and ambient air masses have contributed to our understanding of three environmental problems: the atmospheric formation of ozone, nitric acid and airborne mutagens. In particular, we demonstrate the central role played by nitrogen dioxide and the hydroxyl radical in each case. We also show how certain reactive toxic and acidic species, e.g., formaldehyde and nitrous and formic acids, have been characterized in smog chambers and ambient smog by long pathlength spectroscopic techniques. It is shown that by using the same methods they now have been identified unequivocally, along with NO2, in certain common types of polluted indoor atmospheres ... and at much higher concentrations than outdoors. This has significant health implications for indoor HCHO and quite possibly the acids. We then trace the history of the direct mutagenicity of respirable particles in polluted ambient air and show how, through use of the Ames test in biologically-directed assays of products coupled with fundamental studies of gas-phase reactions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and NOx in irradiated air, much of this activity can be accounted for in terms of the formation of nitro-PAH and oxygenated derivatives. Finally, we discuss the application of basic kinetic, mechanistic and analytical, experimental techniques and theoretical concepts to the development of a new set of “reactivity-based” regulatory controls on motor vehicle emissions of VOC’s. This novel regulatory approach applied by California’s Air Resources Board, which takes effect in 1994, illustrates the continuing need for fundamental research in the area of atmospheric chemistry and how it may be applied to “real world” environmental problems.
A Passage to Forster: Zadie Smith's Attempt to “Only Connect” to Howards End

ABSTRACT Critics who fault Zadie Smith for not transposing enough of Howards End into her admitted homage to Forster's novel, On Beauty, often fail to recognize that Smith is actually rewriting the Edwardian's masterpiece in light of another important intertext, Elaine Scarry's On Beauty and Being Just. Following Scarry, who is more concerned with the limitations of liberal thinking than the squabbling of campus politics, Smith shifts her focus from the opposition between conservative and liberal positions on campus (and hence from a potential confrontation between her Wilcoxes [the Kippses] and Schlegels [the Belseys]) to a thoughtful exploration of the contradictions within the liberal mind itself. Smith may offer no definitive solutions to these contradictions, but, like Forster before her, she posits hope for the future in Howard's end.
Complex Thermal Chemistry of Vinyltrimethylsilane on Si(100)-2×1†

The surface chemistry of vinyltrimethylsilane (VTMS) on Si(100)-2×1 has been investigated using multiple internal reflection−Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, an...
Method of Incorporating Cascade Decay Curves into Atomic-Transition-Probability Measurements

The transition probability of a cascade-repopulated level can be determined from decay curves of all transitions into and out of that level. This analysis is extended to situations in which a contributing cascade is unmeasured, yielding both the transition probability sought and the mean life of the missing transition. This method is applied to the measurement of the mean lives of the 2p9 and 2s5 levels of Ne i.
Ultrastructural studies of lizard (Anolis carolinensis) myogenesis in vitro.

Abstract In vitro differentiation of lizard ( Anolis carolinensis ) skeletal muscle cells was studied by electron microscopy. Myogenesis was studied under conditions in which large numbers of postmitotic prefusion myoblasts accumulate (Growth Medium) and under conditions which are permissive for myotube formation (Fusion Medium). In Growth Medium, myogenic cells proliferate, then assume a characteristic spherical morphology which permits definitive identification of prefusion myoblasts. During the early stages of culture, these round myoblasts resemble myoblasts described in other systems; ultrastructural similarities and differences are discussed. After longer periods of culture in Growth Medium, a continuum of differentiation from isolated myofilaments to assembled myofibrils was seen in these mononucleated cells. These observations confirm the dissociability of contractile protein assembly and myoblast fusion Cultures maintained in Fusion Medium or transferred from Growth Medium to Fusion Medium form multinucleated myotubes on a predictable time scale. Myogenesis was followed in these cultures with particular reference to the early events in myofilament assembly and myofibril formation.
Graph standardization and management accounting at AT&T during the 1920s:

Drawing principally on archival resources, this study examines the standardization of graphical representations of managerial accounting information at the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) during the 1920s. This innovation in management practice promoted operational efficiency by reducing the uncertainty associated with internal informational asymmetries that frequently arise in enterprises of great scale, scope and complexity. This change also invigorated management accounting and reduced risk perceptions by providing clearer delineation of important trends and relationships in a dynamic business environment. The innovative practices extended the vision of top management and, thus, strengthened their ability to coordinate and control the enterprise’s business activities. This new form of organizational learning was also adaptive, drawing on well established approaches followed in the firm’s extensive range of scientific and engineering endeavors. It shaped corporate culture in important wa...
Individual Differences Related to Shooting Performance, in a Police Night-Training Shooting Exercise

Increased understanding of the stress and performance effects of gun range drills with police officers is of importance for law enforcement trainers. Seventy-one police officers participated in routine night shooting drills over a two week period as part of regular training regimen. This paper examines the effects of two shooting range tasks on police officer’s time perception, individual differences, and shooting performance. Theoretical considerations led to the hypothesis that performance changes under stress may be related to distortions in the perception of time. However, the results of this study do not provide strong evidence for nomothetic effects of time distortion. Rather, it is more likely a function of individual differences. Future studies will examine potential individual differences variables that influence the relation between time distortion under stress and task performance.