cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gap control for near-dry EDM milling with lead angle

A new gap control strategy for five-axis milling using near-dry electrical discharge machining (EDM) has been experimentally investigated. The conventional EDM control strategy only allows the retraction of the electrode in the direction of machining trajectory, which results in inefficient gap control when the electrode is not perpendicular to the workpiece. The new gap controller is capable of retracting the electrode in the direction of its orientation. This enables more efficient enlargement of the discharge gap leading to faster recovery of average gap voltage. Experimental results show a 30% increase in material removal rate while the tool electrode wear ratio and surface roughness are not affected. Furthermore, EDM efficiency is improved due to the change in the electrode retraction in its axial direction. The gain tuning of the proposed controller is also discussed. This study shows the direction of electrode retraction is important for five-axis near-dry EDM milling.
Process modeling in machining. Part I: determination of flow stress data

In the present study, two-dimensional orthogonal slot milling experiments in conjunction with an analytical-based computer code are used to determine flow stress data as a function of the high strains, strain rates and temperatures encountered in metal cutting. The workpiece materials selected for the present study are AISI P20 mold steel (DIN 1.2330, 35CrMo4) hardened to 30 HRC, AISI H13 tool steel (DIN 1.2344, X40CrMoV51) hardened to 46 HRC and Aluminum EN AW 2007 (DIN 1725 T1: AlCuMgPb, 3.1645) cold hardened to 100 HB. The methodology of flow stress determination for metal cutting, suggested in the present study, has advantages when compared with methods such as the Hopkinson's bar technique. This paper summarizes the first part of the study, conducted to estimate process variables in machining operations. The second part of the study, summarized in a different paper, addresses the application of flow stress data for predicting forces, stresses and temperatures in machining.
Comparison of systemic and mucosal priming for mucosal immune responses to a bacterial protein antigen given with or coupled to cholera toxin (CT) B su

Abstract Intraperitoneal immunization with a bacterial protein antigen conjugated to cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) was generally less effective than intragastri
Melancholia and the probability and lethality of suicide attempts

We compared suicide attempts associated with melancholic v. non-melancholic major depression in 377 patients. Controlling for depression severity and other covariates, melancholia at baseline assessment was associated with more serious past suicide attempts and with the probability of suicide attempt during follow-up.
Optimal exit probabilities and differential games

The problem considered is to control the drift of a Markov diffusion process in such a way that the probability that the process exits from a given regionD during a given finite time interval is minimum. An asymptotic formula for the minimum exit probability when the process is nearly deterministic is given. This formula involves the lower value of an associated differential game. It is related to a result of Ventsel and Freidlin for nearly deterministic, uncontrolled diffusions.
Steric and Electronic Factors Associated with the Photoinduced Ligand Exchange of Bidentate Ligands Coordinated to Ru(II)

In an effort to create a molecule that can absorb low energy visible or near-infrared light for photochemotherapy (PCT), the new complexes [Ru(biq)2 (dpb)](PF6 )2 (1, biq = 2,2'-biquinoline, dpb = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)benzoquinoxaline) and [(biq)2 Ru(dpb)Re(CO)3 Cl](PF6 )2 (2) were synthesized and characterized. Complexes 1 and 2 were compared to [Ru(bpy)2 (dpb)](PF6 )2 (3, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) and [Ru(biq)2 (phen)](PF6 )2 (4, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). Distortions around the metal and biq ligands were used to explain the exchange of one biq ligand in 4 upon irradiation. Complex 1, however, undergoes photoinduced dissociation of the dpb ligand rather than biq under analogous experimental conditions. Complex 3 is not photoactive, providing evidence that the biq ligands are crucial for ligand photodissociation in 1. The crystal structures of 1 and 4 are compared to explain the difference in photochemistry between the complexes. Complex 2 absorbs lower energy light than 1, but is photochemically inert although its crystal structure displays significant distortions. These results indicate that both the excited state electronic structure and steric bulk play key roles in bidentate photoinduced ligand dissociation. The present work also shows that it is possible to stabilize sterically hindered Ru(II) complexes by the addition of another metal, a property that may be useful for other applications.
High-field deformation of elastomeric dielectrics for actuators

Abstract This paper investigates the use of elastomeric dielectric materials with compliant electrodes as a means of actuation. When a voltage is applied to the electrodes, the elastomeric films expand in area and compresses in thickness. The strain response to applied electric fields was measured for a variety of elastomers. A nonlinear, high-strain, Mooney–Rivlin model was used to determine the expected strain response for a given applied field pressure. Comparing this analytical result to with experimentally measured strains, we determined that the electrostatic forces between the free charges on the electrodes are responsible for the observed response. Silicone polymers have produced the best combination of high strain and energy density, with thickness strains up to 41% and elastic energy densities up to 0.2 MJ/m3. Response times of 2 ms have been experimentally measured. This paper also reports recent progress in making highly compliant electrodes. We have shown, for example, that gold traces fabricated in a zig-zag pattern on silicone retain their conductivity when stretched up to 80%, compared to 1–5% when fabricated as a uniform two-dimensional electrodelayer. Optimal loading of dielectric elastomers can have a significant impact on performance: and the paper describes techniques which that can increase output up to a factor of 5 compared to neutral loading conditions. Lastly, the paper briefly discusses the performance of various actuators that use dielectric elastomer materials. The technology appears to be well-suited to a variety of small-scale actuator applications.
RANTES may be predictive of later recurrent wheezing after respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in infants.

Background In vitro studies have shown that RANTES is strongly induced by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in cultures of upper airway epithelial cells. RANTES is known as a chemoattractant and activator for eosinophils. Objectives We performed this study to investigate whether RANTES is increased in the airway during naturally acquired RSV bronchiolitis. RANTES levels were then evaluated in relation to the severity of illness and later development of recurrent wheezing. Methods We measured RANTES in nasal secretions of 30 patients with acute RSV bronchiolitis. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) was determined to evaluate the activation of eosinophils. The severity of illness was determined by the initial PaO 2 values and the duration of wheezing. At a 1-year followup, all infants were re-evaluated if they had experienced subsequent wheezing, and we investigated if RANTES levels could predict the later development of recurrent wheezing. Results Both RANTES and ECP in RSV bronchiolitis were significantly higher than in controls. There was a significant correlation between the levels of RANTES and ECP. RANTES was not significantly higher in patients with severe symptoms than in patients with mild symptoms. RANTES in infants who had experienced subsequent wheezing was significantly higher than in infants who had not. Conclusions Our results showed that RANTES is increased in nasal secretion during acute RSV bronchiolitis and suggest that high levels of RANTES may be predictive of later development of recurrent wheezing.
Increased pain sensitivity in fibromyalgia: effects of stimulus type and mode of presentation

Fibromyalgia (FM) is defined in part by sensitivity to blunt pressure. Pressure pain sensitivity in FM is evaluated typically by the use of 'ascending' testing methods such as tender point counts or dolorimetry, which can be influenced by response bias of both the subject and examiner. Methods that present stimuli in a random, unpredictable fashion might minimize the influence of these factors. In this study, we compared the results of ascending and random assessments of both pressure and thermal pain sensitivities in 43 FM patients and 28 age- and gender-matched controls. Even though FM is defined on the basis of pressure sensitivity, this group was also more sensitive to heat stimuli, presented in either ascending or random paradigms. In both the patient and control groups, the pain ratings to painful sensations evoked by both thermal and pressure stimuli were significantly greater in the random, compared with the ascending method. The number of subjects classified as 'expectant' because they rated pain higher in ascending than random paradigms was similar for FM and control groups. Both patients and controls exhibited a similar degree of sensitization to pressure and thermal stimuli. The increased sensitivity to both pressure and thermal stimuli for threshold and suprathreshold stimuli in FM patients is consistent with central augmentation of pain processing.
MAPLE Direct Write (DW) patterning of Bio-active Ceramic Nanocomposites

A laser-based approach, Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Direct Write (MAPLE) technique is used to demonstrate two-dimensional direct writing of ceramics such as hydroxyl-apatite and zirconia, for developing inorganic scaffolds. We also demonstrate the patterning of live MG63 osteoblast cells onto various substrates. Our results show successful direct writing of ceramics and live cells concurrently, with a growth profile similar to that of as-deposited cells. After several days of growth, a live/dead assay shows live cells suggesting the biocompatibility of the ceramic and the viability of the process. This investigation demonstrates a novel method of developing heterogeneous tissue scaffolds, such as a cell-ceramic composite by CAD/CAM patterns.
On the rate of convergence of Bernstein power series for functions of bounded variation

Determination des vitesses de convergence pour les fonctions continues et discontinues a variation bornee. Inegalite de type Cheney-Sharma
Virtual reference/query log pairs: a window onto user need

Purpose – This study seeks to investigate users' virtual reference queries in concert with their search histories to better understand user needs and motivations.Design/methodology/approach – The paper initially examines one semester of data, including both search histories and user questions, from a database platform virtual reference service. These data were used to develop categories of frequently occurring search problems. One year of further data (n=90) is then coded and analyzed with these categories for problems exhibited in search histories and user questions.Findings – It was found that one‐third of users display a misunderstanding of what content they could expect to find in library databases. Users treated the databases examined as a one‐stop shop for their daily information needs. There was a positive correlation between number of databases simultaneously searched and number of searches users performed before seeking help. Additionally, it was found that users recognize when they have problems...
Neuromuscular junctions contain NP185: The multifunctional protein is located at the presynaptic site

The NP185 polypeptide (AP3) is a multifunctional component isolated from brain endocytic vesicles, which binds to tubulin and clathrin light chains, decoated vesicles, synaptic vesicles, and the synaptosomal plasma membrane (Su et al., 1991). The NP185 molecules are expressed during avian cerebellar synaptogenesis and appear to function in CNS regions rich in synaptic terminals (Perry et al., 1991). In this report we describe double-labelling experiments with avian embryonic striated muscle fibers demonstrating the exclusive presence of the brain-specific protein at the neuromuscular junction. We used indirect rhodamine immunofluorescence labeling with a monoclonal antibody (mAb-8G8) to mark the location of NP185 in muscle combined with fluorescein-alpha-bungarotoxin to mark the postsynaptic location of the acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). We show that the distribution of both NP185 and AChRs has an overall correlation, but the location of NP185 is circumscribed to presynaptic structures adjacent but not overlapping with postsynaptic structures displaying the AchRs. To confirm the identity of NP185, the molecule was extracted from both tissues, partially purified, immunoprecipitated, and identified in Western blots with the mAb 8G8. The mAb reacted with an identical 185 kD protein band purified from both tissues. Based on its properties and specific neuronal location, the NP185 molecule may function in motor nerve terminals by screening membrane proteins, identifying areas of the synaptic plasma membrane, and to anchor these elements with structural proteins for their recycling and transport within the neuronal cellular compartments.
Assignment of π → 3d rydberg transitions in ethylene around 9 eV using MCD and synchrotron radiation

Abstract Magnetic circular dichroism measurements on ethylene are reported over the region of the 3R00 and 4R00‴ origins around 9 eV. The results show conclusively that each origin is a composite of two electronic transitions. The 3R00 origin is assigned to the Rydberg transitions, tA1 → 1B2(3dδ) + 1B3(3dδ). 4R00‴ is assigned as 1A1 → 3R00 + ν3(u).
Apparent wall thickening of cystic renal lesions on MRI

Purpose To show that cystic renal lesions that would otherwise meet criteria for simple cysts can demonstrate perceptible walls or increased wall thickness on MRI, sometimes causing these lesions to be “upgraded.” It was hypothesized that thickening of cyst walls on MRI can be artifactual, due to data truncation, applied filtering, and low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Materials and Methods k-Space data for a 4-cm cyst were created in a 40-cm field of view (FOV) (512 × 512 matrix). Additional data sets were created using the central 512 × 256 and 512 × 128 points. Noise was simulated so that the cyst SNR was approximately 7, 14, and 20, respectively. Actual wall thickness was set at 0.25 mm, and cyst:wall signal at 1:4. An inverse two-dimensional (2D) fast Fourier transform (FFT) yielded simulated images. A Fermi filter was applied to reduce ringing. Images/projections were examined for wall thickening. Seven patients with initially thick-walled cysts on fat-saturated spoiled gradient-echo (FS-SPGR) images were scanned with increasing resolution (256 × 128 and 256 × 256; four patients were also scanned with 512 × 512). Average wall thickness at each resolution was compared using a two-tailed paired Student's t-test. Results Simulations showed apparent wall thickening at low resolution, improving with higher resolutions. Low SNR and application of the Fermi filter made it difficult to identify ringing as the cause of this thickening. The simulation results were confirmed on seven patients, whose cyst walls proved to be artifactually thickened (P < 0.01). Conclusion Thickening of cyst walls on MRI can be artifactual. Upon encountering thick-walled cystic renal lesions, high-resolution images can be acquired to exclude apparent thickening. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28103–110. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Two Forms of Sequential Implicit Learning

Abstract A serial reaction time (SRT) experiment tested the hypothesis that there are two independent forms of implicit learning: learning that is linked to making judgments about stimuli, and learning that is linked to motor processing. Participants performed 2, 6, or 12 blocks of single task SRT, dual task SRT, or observation with one of five sequences; each sequence had the same underlying structure. Participants then performed two implicit tests, SRT (a motor-linked test) and pattern judgment, as well as a generation test and an explicit knowledge test. There was a double dissociation of the effect of sequence surface structure on SRT and pattern judgment. SRT and pattern judgment competence developed independently of each other across length of acquisition task. Performance on both implicit tasks did not depend on explicit knowledge. These results indicate that the SRT and pattern judgment measures tap independent forms of implicit learning, which is consistent with the modular nature of memory and cognition.
U.S. Department of Energy Coal-Fueled Gas Turbine Program: A Status Report

Beginning in 1982, the Department of Energy (DOE), through the Morgantown Energy Technology Center (METC), has been conducting research for the purpose of verifying the feasibility of using coal fuels in heat engine applications. The heat engines of primary concern are the gas turbine and the diesel engine. The overall program objective is to develop the technology base for an environmentally sound, integrated heat engine system which will produce cost-competitive energy from coal. This paper will present the status of the gas turbine portion of this program.Copyright © 1988 by ASME
MALIGNANT INTRACEREBRAL NERVE SHEATH TUMOR: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

BACKGROUND Intraparenchymal nerve sheath tumors of the central nervous system are rare, usually benign tumors. Three cases with tumor recurrences have previously been reported in the literature. The authors report a case of a malignant intracerebral nerve sheath tumor in a girl age 8 years and analyze the biologic characteristics of this tumor. METHODS The tumor was analyzed by histologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural techniques. RESULTS Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mixed, attenuating, contrast-enhancing mass in the right posterior temporal lobe. Histopathology of the resected specimen revealed a uniformly S-100 positive and reticulin rich biphasic tumor with a characteristic distribution of spindle and epithelioid cells, with the latter almost entirely confined to the invading edge of the tumor. There was extensive brain infiltration in the form of lobules and fingerlike processes with a targetoid appearance. The spindle cells showed palisading and had elongated, wavy nuclei. Electron microscopy demonstrated basal lamina around both cell types with scattered Luse bodies in between. The patient is perfectly healthy and recurrence free 17 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS This represents the fourth and the youngest case in the literature of a malignant intracerebral nerve sheath tumor and highlights the distinctive clinicopathologic features of these tumors. First, these tumors have very great infiltrative potential, as observed histopathologically and reflected in their frequent recurrences. Second, epithelioid cells confined to the infiltrative edge suggest their aggressive role. Epithelioid cells have been shown to represent a malignant component of systemic schwannomas with malignant transformation; however, this case does not have any evidence of origin from a preexisting benign schwannoma. Third, despite histologic similarities to neuraxial desmoplastic neuroepithelial tumors, none of the malignant schwannomas had any evidence of divergent differentiation towards astrocytic or neuronal lineage, and had a much worse prognosis. Fourth, the event free survival after initial resection appears to be an important predictor of overall survival in the reviewed cases. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have not been successful in the treatment of this rare entity. Hence, an accurate diagnosis and planned extensive resection appear to be the key elements in its management. Cancer 1998;82:545-52. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Comparative physiological responses of Morella cerifera to RDX, TNT, and composition B contaminated soils

Abstract Surrounding vegetation is exposed to a variety of potentially toxic compounds due to unexploded ordnances leaching explosive compounds into the soil. These compounds are absorbed by roots, transported through the vascular system, and distributed throughout plant tissues. Research Demolition Explosive (RDX) (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) and trinitrotoluene (TNT) (2-methyl-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene) are the most studied; however, mixtures of explosives are widespread in conventional munitions. Composition B (Comp B), a mixture of RDX and TNT, is the most common mixture. Our study objective was to quantify the comparative effects of RDX, TNT and Comp B on the physiology of an evergreen shrub, Morella cerifera. Adult M. cerifera plants were exposed for 7 weeks to soil amended with RDX up to 1500 mg kg −1 dry soil, TNT up to 500 mg kg −1 dry soil, and Comp B up to 750 mg kg −1 dry soil. Stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, leaf water potential, leaf fluorescence, and contaminant uptake values were measured at the end of the experiment. As contaminant concentration increased, significant declines in photosynthesis and leaf fluorescence occurred for all compounds. Overall responses varied between contaminants and impacts of Comp B were largely reduced compared to either RDX or TNT. Of all physiological parameters, photosynthesis was most impacted, making it a sensitive indicator for the detection of explosives. Yet, the intricate relationships within normal physiological processes appear to be severed in the presence of explosives. These disparate responses in plant physiology may serve as a method for explosive contamination stress detection. Our results highlight the importance of studying real world munition mixtures.
Isolation of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus from the soft-shelled tick, Ornithodoros coriaceus

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus was isolated from the soft-shelled tick (Ornithodoros coriaceus). Serological identification of the isolated viruses was confirmed by restriction endonuclease digestion of purified virus DNA. These isolations indicate that the soft-shelled tick may be a vector for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus. This may be the first reported isolation of mammalian herpesvirus from an arthropod vector.
Personality pathology and response to somatic treatments for major depression: A critical review

This report reviews 21 recent empirical investigations of the relationship between personality pathology and patient response to somatic treatments for major depression. The literature review reveals robust evidence, on the basis of 14 studies employing DSM-III criteria for the diagnosis of Axis II personality disorders, that Axis II co-morbidity predicts negative outcomes, both acute and longer-term, among both inpatients and outpatients receiving pharmacological treatment for depression; seven studies utilizing non-DSM III measures of personality pathology also generally corroborate this finding. A meta-analysis of three reported studies of ECT response also reveals significantly poorer outcomes among personality disordered inpatients receiving ECT. There is insufficient evidence to conclude whether or not specific Axis II disorders, or clusters of disorders, are associated with particularly poor acute somatic treatment response, though there is modest evidence that Cluster C disorders are differentially predictive of poor acute response among outpatients. Dimensional scores reflecting the total number of Axis II criteria met by the patient are significantly negatively correlated with acute and long-term somatic treatment response. Numerous methodological difficulties inherent in the study of personality and treatment outcome are addressed. Specific methodological recommendations include the use of structured interviews for personality assessment, the use of continuous rather than dichotomous measures of personality pathology, controlling statistically for differences in initial depression severity among subjects, and ensuring homogeneity of somatic treatment within each evaluated treatment condition. Several possible explanations of the observed relationship between personality pathology and somatic treatment response are also explored. Depression 2:200–217 (1994/1995). © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Use of radionuclide ventriculography for assessment of changes in myocardial performance induced by disopyramide phosphate.

Abstract Disopuramide phosphate may precipitate heart failure in susceptible patients with cardiomegaly. To identify those at risk, gated radionuclide ventriculography (RVG) was performed in two groups. Eleven patients without evidence of structural heart disease constituted group 1, and 12 with impaired ventricular function made up group 2. RVG was carried out before and 2 hours after administration of a single 300-mg dose of disopyramide orally. After disopyramide mean left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) decreased in the 12 patients in group 2 (35% to 26%) ( p
Individual and collective justice and injustice: Implications for intergroup conflict

This paper focuses on the combined impact of individual and collective justice and injustice on intergroup conflict. The basic premise is that an adequate understanding of the course of intergroup relations requires knowledge not only about relevant conditions on the intergroup level, but also about the intragroup conditions that might predispose each group to assume a particular type of social orientation. It is assumed that an individual is more dissatisfied when both s/he and her/his group are unjustly treated than when only either one is. The consequences of different combinations of justice and injustice for the individual and his/her group are specified for the intensity of conflict between two groups. Sixteen intergroup scenarios are first derived and rank-ordered, via three assumptions, in terms of how aversive they are likely to be from the perspective of one of two interacting groups. The viewpoints of both groups are then taken into account in an attempt to make predictions about the potential for and intensity of intergroup conflict.
Nondestructive optical characterization of MEMS

Advances in emerging technology of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are one of the most challenging tasks in today's experimental mechanics. More specifically, development of these miniature devices requires sophisticated design, analysis, fabrication, testing, and characterization tools that have multiphysics and multiscale capabilities, especially as MEMS are being developed for use at harsh conditions. In harsh-environment and high-performance guidance applications inertial sensors must be sensitive to low rates of rotation yet survive the high blast loads associated with the initial launch. In this multi-year study a set of tuning fork gyroscopes (TFGs) were subjected to a series of increasing g-loads (culminating at approximately 60,000 g’s) with measurements of shape made after each test. High-g-testing was conducted within the large test chamber using a custom fabricated mini powder gun. A custom set of test sample packages were hermetically sealed with glass lids to allow optical inspection of components while preserving the operating (vacuum) environment. Optical and interferometric measurements have been made prior to and after each shock g-loading. The shape of the TFG test articles was measured using optoelectronic laser interferometric microscope (OELIM) methodology. Line traces were extracted from pertinent structures to clearly examine changes in the TFG. Failure of the die was observed in the form of fractures below the chip surface as well as fractures in the glass lid sealing the package.
Dynamic multiroot, multiquery processing based on data sharing in sensor networks

Applications that exploit the capabilities of sensor networks have triggered significant research on query processing in sensor systems. Energy constraints make optimizing query processing particularly important. This article addresses multiroot, multiquery optimization for region queries. The work focuses on application-layer issues exploiting query semantics. The article formulates three algorithms: a naive algorithm, without data sharing, and a static and heuristic data-sharing algorithm. The heuristic algorithm allows sharing of partially aggregated results of preconfigured geographic regions and exploits the location attribute of sensor nodes as a grouping criterion. Simulation studies indicate the potential for significant energy savings with the proposed algorithms.
Molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus colonization in 2 long-term care facilities.

Persistent colonization with Staphylococcus aureus was assessed in 22 nursing home residents. Eighteen residents (82%) remained colonized with the same strain found at baseline; 6 (33%) of 18 residents transiently acquired a new strain. Four residents (18%) acquired a new persistent strain. Residents colonized with methicillin‐resistant S. aureus were more likely to acquire a new strain (67%) than were residents colonized with methicillin‐susceptible S. aureus (20%) ( \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage[OT2,OT1]{fontenc} \newcommand\cyr{ \renewcommand\rmdefault{wncyr} \renewcommand\sfdefault{wncyss} \renewcommand\encodingdefault{OT2} \normalfont \selectfont} \DeclareTextFontCommand{\textcyr}{\cyr} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \landscape $P=.04$ \end{d...
Pauli anisotropy in high-energy deuteron scattering

Abstract Antisymmetrization of the deuteron-nucleus system leads to an effective three-body interaction that is quadrupole in the neutron-proton displacement vector. This can cause anisotropic deuteron breakup or polarization of scatered deutrons. The effect is largest at about 100 MeV. A relation to work by Ioanides and Johnson is indicated.
MHD flow in circular expansions with thin conducting walls

Abstract The paper considers steady, inertialess flow of an incompressible, electrically conducting fluid through variable-area ducts with circular cross sections and thin, imperfectly conducting walls in the presence of strong, transverse magnetic fields. In view of previous papers for perfectly conducting walls [1] and insulating walls [2], all possible wall conductivities are now covered. The present analysis is particularly relevant to the design of fusion reactors using liquid-metal coolants. The flow is similar to that for an insulating wall, at least for the practical case of an expansion (or contraction) placed between two pipes, except that the disturbance persists for distances 0(ϵ− 1 2 ) upstream and downstream of the expansion instead of distances 0( M 1 2 ). Here M is the (large) Hartmann number and ϵ is the (small) wall conductivity parameter, which is taken to be much larger than M−1.
What counts as a decision? Predictors of perceived decision making.

We examined lay perceptions of what counts as a decision. Eighty-six subjects read 10 scenarios that described clear decisions (e.g., choosing a graduate school), clear “nondecisions” (e.g., an accidental wrong turn), or ambiguous actions (e.g., eating a donut when on a diet or allowing someone else to make the decision). The subjects rated each scenario as to whether the actor had made a decision and also rated six other attributes. The scenarios were rated as clearly illustrating a decision if the actor engaged in a lot of thought and did not act reflexively. Consideration of consequences and having alternatives were moderately related to decision ratings, whereas having self-control problems and the influence of physiological drives showed little relationship with decision ratings. Thus, lay concepts of decision making differ from decision theory in that thoughtful, intentional behavior is more important in defining a decision than are decision theoretic components, such as alternatives and consequences.
Web 2.0 Tools and the Reflections of Preservice Secondary Science Teachers

AbstractThis study examined the effect of using blogs as reflective journals during a methods course and practicum period on preservice science teacher reflections. The researchers investigated blogging and commenting as potential catalysts for critical reflection using an action research approach. The participants were 10 graduate preservice secondary science teachers (3 male, 7 female) ranging in age from 21 to 33 years old at a public university in Virginia. The researchers assessed the quality of their reflections each week for 10 weeks using a 4-level scale. Thirty percent of the preservice teachers reflected critically. Significantly less commenting occurred during the second half of the study (X2(1) = 9.62, p = .002). A higher percentage of the two highest ratings occurred when reflections were about preservice teachers' own actions (95%) compared to their observations of cooperating teachers (54.5%). Blogs have the potential to support specialized professional learning communities. This article di...
Giving feedback: Source-centered antecedents and consequences of constructive and destructive feedback

Abstract This article articulates the process of giving feedback. It argues that the source's perceptions and reactions to the recipient's performance depend on whether the relationship between the source and recipient focuses on control, rewards, or affiliation. Structural characteristics of the relationship and the source's needs determine what role dominates. The dominant role together with the source's self-esteem and self-control affect whether the feedback is constructive or destructive. New directions for feedback research and practice are considered.
Dose Reduction to the Scalp with Hippocampal Sparing Is Achievable with Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy

We evaluated the feasibility of combined hippocampal- and scalp-sparing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans. This study included 7 patients who received conventional palliative whole brain radiation treatment (WBRT) for brain metastasis. The brain, hippocampus, and scalp were contoured and replanned with intensity modulated radiation therapy. The prescription dose was 30 Gray (Gy) in 10 fractions with hippocampus and normal structure constraints per the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0933 protocol. Further planning was done to minimize the scalp dose while maintaining the dose constraints for the hippocampus. Dose volume histograms were obtained from conventional opposed lateral fields, IMRT and compared. Planning target volume (PTV) coverage for all plans fell within the RTOG 0933 critical structure acceptable variation category. When compared to traditional opposed lateral fields, the IMRT plan with combined hippocampal- and scalp-sparing constraints was able to significantly reduce the max and mean scalp dose as well as the percentage of scalp receiving 10 and 20 Gy by 46% and 35%, respectively, while maintaining acceptable RTOG 0933 hippocampal dose variations. We conclude that acceptable PTV coverage and sparing of the scalp and hippocampus can be accomplished using a 9-field non-coplanar IMRT plan. Prospective study is warranted to understand the impact on radiation-induced alopecia.
Integrated IAQ model for prediction of VOC emissions from building material

Abstract An integrated IAQ model was developed to predict volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission rate of a multi-layer material, VOC sink rate of a material, room air VOC concentration with both VOC source and sink materials, and VOC concentration distribution within a material. The model predictions were validated with experimental data. There were good agreement between the predictions made by the integrated model and the experimental data. The model was first applied to a room with a typical floor assembly (vinyl floor tile/glue/plywood) to study the multi-layer material VOC emissions. Results indicate that the multi-layer material first shows the same emission characteristics as the top layer material, and the top layer material strongly delays VOC emission from the bottom layer material. The multi-layer material has a much longer VOC emission time and slower VOC decay rate than the single-layer material. The model was further applied to a room with a floor assembly (vinyl floor tile/glue/plywood) as the source material and with plywood walls as the sink materials. Results show that the plywood substrate in the floor assembly significantly affects the VOC emission rate from floor assembly. Results also show that the plywood wall sink effect reduces VOC concentration in the room air initially and elevates it as the time progresses. However, the plywood sink impact on VOC emission rate and room air VOC concentration is not significant. The model uses four parameters: the diffusion coefficient of each material layer (Dm,i); the material/air partition coefficient of each material layer (ki); the initial concentration in each material layer (C0,i); and the convective mass transfer coefficient (h).
Use of artificial neural network simulation metamodelling to assess groundwater contamination in a road project

The estimation of the extent of a polluted zone after an accidental spill occurred in road transport is essential to assess the risk of water resources contamination and to design remediation plans. This paper presents a metamodel based on artificial neural networks (ANN) for estimating the depth of the contaminated zone and the volume of pollutant infiltration in the soil in a two-layer soil (a silty cover layer protecting a chalky aquifer) after a pollutant discharge at the soil surface. The ANN database is generated using USEPA NAPL-Simulator. For each case the extent of contamination is computed as a function of cover layer permeability and thickness, water table depth and soil surface-pollutant contact time. Different feedforward artificial neural networks with error backpropagation (BPNN) are trained and tested using subsets of the database, and validated on yet another subset. Their performance is compared with a metamodelling method using multilinear regression approximation. The proposed ANN metamodel is used to assess the risk for a DNAPL pollution to reach the groundwater resource underneath the road axis of a highway project in the north of France.
Welfare reform and child poverty: effects of maternal employment, marriage, and cohabitation ☆

Abstract The welfare reform debate centers on whether the best strategy to reduce poverty is to raise work participation among low-income women or to promote marriage. Using the 1992–2001 demographic supplements of the Current Population Survey , we track child poverty rates before and after passage of the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. We find that increasing maternal employment accounted for roughly one-half of the decline in poverty among children living with single mothers. The largest economic benefits from increasing maternal employment were observed among African American children and those living with poorly educated mothers. Unlike the 1991–1995 period, changes in family structure over 1996–2000 were no longer giving demographic impetus to higher child poverty rates. Evidence that recent declines in nonmarital fertility have reduced child poverty rates, however, is limited. We conclude with benchmark estimates of the economic implications of marriage promotion initiatives and document post-1996 increases in children's co-residence in cohabiting couple families.
Reference lines in the optogalvanic spectra of uranium and thorium in the wavelength range 422 to 462 nm

The spectra of uranium and thorium are convenient sources of reference lines for wavelength calibration at the level of a few parts in 108. We observed these spectra by laser optogalvanic spectroscopy in commercial hollow-cathode lamps using a single-frequency cw dye laser operating over the wavelength range 422 to 462 nm. Ten uranium and eight thorium lines were measured with an estimated uncertainty of 0.0003 cm−1 by using our Fabry–Perot wavemeter. The results are compared to previous measurements of these lines and are found to be in good agreement with, and 1 order of magnitude more accurate than, values determined by Fourier-transform spectroscopy.
On potential security threats against rescue robotic systems

Remotely operated robots can be used for rescue and recovery in natural disasters and man-made catastrophes, including battlefield environments. But, what if the robot is taken over and turned into a weapon? In this paper, we consider the type of attacks that might occur and their implications on rescue and recovery missions. From this, we introduce a notion of telerobotic security and propose some ideas to ensure that rescue systems are “teleoperation secure” against one likely exploit.
Mesoscale simulations of dynamical factors discriminating between a tornado outbreak and non-event over the southeast US. Part I : 84-48 hour precursors

Observational analysis and mesoscale numerical simulations are in agreement concerning key dynamical processes which occurred over Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico 84 hours prior to the 1988 Raleigh (RDU), NC tornado outbreak. The subtropical jet (STJ) over northern Mexico and its associated transverse ageostrophic circulation forced air down the eastern side of the Sierra Madre Mountains creating adiabatic warming due to compressional heating. Along with this warm air, a low-level trough of low pressure formed and a low-level jet (LLJ) developed over the western Gulf of Mexico. This LLJ began the process that transported very warm and potential vorticity (PV) rich air from the Mexican plateau to the Carolina Piedmont.
Internet-based Framework to Support Integration of Customer in the Design of Customizable Products

A necessary element to design and produce customer-centric products is the integration of customers in the design process. Challenges faced during customer integration into the design process include generating models of the customized product, performing analysis of these to determine feasibility, and optimizing to increase the performance. These tasks have to be performed relatively quickly, if not in real time, to provide feedback to the customer. The focus of this article is to present a framework that utilizes CAD, finite element analysis (FEA), and optimization to integrate the customer into the design process via the Internet for delivering user customized products. The design analysis, evaluation, and optimization need to be automated and enhanced to enable operation over the Internet. A product family CAD/FEA template has been developed to perform analysis, along with a general formulation to optimize the customized product. The CAD/FEA template generalizes the geometry building and analysis of e...
Some Moral, Ethical, and Transethical Issues Raised by Biotechnology and How We Might Deliberate About Them

The introduction of biotechnology products has been a source of much controversy in large part because of the moral and ethical issues that development and distribution of these products raises. In view of the burgeoning volume of activity in biotechnology research and development and the far-reaching consequences that biotechnology products may have, there is some urgency to have full and open discussion of these issues. This article identifies a number of the issues that biotechnology has raised and theoretical resources available for aiding deliberation about them. It also sketches a framework for practical reasoning that encompasses many of the issues and examines the relationship between moral and ethical issues concerning biotechnology and other questions that span or extend beyond ethics.
ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: A STUDY OF REMEDIAL READERS' MEANING-MAKING WHILE READING LITERATURE

This study compared remedial readers to more proficient readers in their meaning-making processes during the reading of literary text. Six children attending a university-based Literacy Center read aloud two stories and verbalized their thoughts during reading. Langer's categories (1990) were used to compare the resulting think alouds. Langer found readers assume four stances as they make meaning while reading literature: (a) being out and stepping into an envisionment, (b) being in and moving through an envisionment, (c) stepping back and rethinking what one knows, and (d) stepping out and objectifying the experience. Langer described readers as always working toward an evolving understanding of the whole, and their envisionment of the whole affects their momentary understandings. A qualitative analysis was also conducted as other categories emerged and all the responses were recategorized for difficulties experienced by remedial readers. Analysis revealed that the remedial readers spend a disproportionate amount of being out of envisionments—either attempting to step into one or failing to step in. Also, these readers consistently failed to construct evolving wholes and struggled with the language of literary discourse. The overall picture of remedial readers gained from this study is one of being on the outside looking in. Implications for and of instruction are discussed. The relationship between the reader and the text during the act of reading has been the focus of a great deal of work over the last few decades. Theorists and researchers from such areas of inquiry as literary theory and reading comprehension have attempted to describe what happens when readers enter the world of text. Although each field has perceived and approached this question somewhat differently, the resulting consensus paints a picture of a dynamic construction of meaning by the reader using the text as a guide for this interpretive process (Anderson,
Effects of progesterone administration on N-nitrosomethylurea-induced rat mammary carcinogenesis

N-Nitrosomethylurea (NMU), 4 mg/100 g body wt, was given to female Sprague-Dawley rats by i.v. injection on 2 occasions, 4 weeks apart. One group of 20 animals also received 5 mg of progesterone s.c. on the morning before, of and after each NMU dose (acute progesterone treatment). A second group of 21 rats was given progesterone 2.5 mg twice a day throughout the experiment commencing 7 days before the first dose of NMU (chronic progesterone treatment). The third group of 20 animals comprised the NMU-exposed controls. The latent period for mammary tumor development was reduced and the number of tumors per rat was increased by the acute progesterone treatment. The final mammary tumor incidence for the chronic progesterone treatment group (62%) was lower than that of the controls (85%) and the acute progesterone-treated rats (80%), and tumor multiplicity was less. Estrogen receptor levels were significantly higher in tumors from the chronic progesterone group than in those from the acute progesterone-treated animals (P less than 0.01), and progesterone receptor levels were lower in comparison to either of the other 2 groups. Serum progesterone concentrations were subnormal in the NMU-exposed controls but the estrogens were unaffected. The acute progesterone-treated rats also had reduced serum progesterone levels when compared with normal animals, although they were significantly higher than those of the NMU-exposed controls (P less than 0.01). Extremely high serum progesterone levels in rats treated chronically with progesterone were accompanied by reduced estrogen concentrations. Serum prolactin levels were elevated in the NMU-exposed controls and chronic progesterone-treated groups compared with non-NMU-exposed normal rats, while growth hormone concentrations were reduced by progesterone administration. All 3 NMU-exposed groups had elevated serum TSH levels.