cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors that Influence Drivers' Response Choice Decisions in Video Recorded Crashes

Video recordings of real life traffic crashes and near crashes were analysed for driver response choice. These responses were compared to problem solving theories. In emergency situations drivers were likely to make relatively quick decisions. By allocating limited time to the decision, an algorithmic approach (that considers the probabilities of all options) is not possible in most cases. Instead a driver will decide upon a response using an intuitive (heuristic) approach. Intuitive decision-making is quicker and rule-of-thumb based but has predictable limitations. Drivers exhibited functional fixedness in that they did not select a “lesser” collision and nearly 40% of horn use was for chastising other drivers rather than for avoidance. Drivers exhibited difference reduction in that they were more likely to steer away from hazards. Also, drivers exhibited operant conditioning in that as the complexity of the situation increased, the likelihood of braking as a response increased as well. Therefore, this research shows that drivers’ decisions were governed by intuition and that drivers will not likely consider all possible alternatives in the short time available in an emergency situation. The results of this research were compared to previous research. Applications in forensic settings, for driver education, and as a baseline when evaluating driver choice for Intelligent Transportation Systems purposes is addressed.
A GENERAL MODEL TO ACCOUNT FOR ENZYME VARIATION IN NATURAL POPULATIONS

ABSTRACT Approximate conditions for genetic polymorphism in temporally and spatially varying environments are presented for loci which are intermediate at the level of fitness or at the level of gene function. The conditions suggest that polymorphism will be more likely in more variable environments while unlikely in constant environments. Biochemical evidence is presented to justify the assumption of heterozygote intermediacy. Observations on natural populations are cited which substantiate the claim that allozymic polymorphism is primarily due to selection acting on environmental variation in gene function.
Effects of lime rate on corn root characteristics under enhanced ammonium supply

Abstract Plant growth under enhanced ammonium supply (EAS) can benefit from control of root‐media acidification. Corn (B37xB79) was grown in a greenhouse in 18.9‐L pots containing Bloomfield fine sand (coarse‐loamy, mixed, mesic, Psammentic Hapludalf) with an initial pH of 5.4. Soil pH was adjusted using either CaCO3 or Ca(OH)2 to provide pH increments up to pH 7.4. Nitrogen (100 mg/kg) was added as (NH4)2SO4. A nitrification inhibitor was added to minimize oxidation of the NH4. Dry weights and Kjeldahl N were determined on leaves, stalks, tillers, and roots of 38 d plants. Acidity was measured from rhizosphere (pHr) and bulk (pHb) soil samples. Roots were sub‐sampled for length and tissue NH4 determinations. Corn growth at 38 d was not significantly affected by lime amendments. Liming with either form promoted a longer, finer root system. Root tissue NH4 concentration decreased as rhizosphere pH increased for both lime forms up to a rhizosphere pH of 6.9. Rhizosphere acidification, the difference between...
Size-dependent chemical transformation, structural phase-change, and optical properties of nanowires.

Nanowires offer a unique approach for the bottom-up assembly of electronic and photonic devices with the potential of integrating photonics with existing technologies. The anisotropic geometry and mesoscopic length scales of nanowires also make them very interesting systems to study a variety of size-dependent phenomenon where finite-size effects become important. We will discuss the intriguing size-dependent properties of nanowire systems with diameters in the 5–300 nm range, where finite-size and interfacial phenomena become more important than quantum mechanical effects. The ability to synthesize and manipulate nanostructures by chemical methods allows tremendous versatility in creating new systems with well-controlled geometries, dimensions, and functionality, which can then be used for understanding novel processes in finite-sized systems and devices.
A Study on Adsorption Ammonia Nitrogen of Diatomite Modified by Microwave

Diatomite was modified by microwave treatment to increase their utilization value, using modified diatomite to treat ammonia-nitrogen wastewater. The experiment indicated that adsorption process of modification of the modified time by microwaves and microwave power is the impact of ammonia adsorption of the main factors. Through modification experiments by raising the capacity of diatomite adsorption ammonia nitrogen, adsorption of ammonia nitrogen increase over one time. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to fit and the experimental results show that the modified diatomite adsorption onto ammonia nitrogen accords with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm. The maximum theoretical adsorption capacities are 5.81083mg/g.
The persistence of difference in networked classrooms: Non-negotiable difference and the African American student body

Abstract This essay examines issues of diversity and literacy education primarily in terms of the concept of difference via a new term: non-negotiable difference. It argues that networked classrooms provide writing instructors with unique extra-linguistic cues (body language) that can help teachers and students become more responsive to racial difference. The essay discusses specifically the experiences of three African American students in a technical writing course and, on the basis of those experiences, concludes that scholars and critics should avoid universalizing so-called black experience.
Time in the United States, social support and health behaviors during pregnancy among women of Mexican descent

Among women of Mexican descent, increased acculturation in the US has been associated with poorer health behaviors during pregnancy. This study examined a population of low-income women of Mexican descent in an agricultural community to determine: whether social support patterns were associated with age at arrival in the US; whether social support was associated with pregnancy behaviors; and whether increased social support could prevent some of the negative pregnancy behaviors that accompany acculturation. Participants were 568 pregnant women enrolled in prenatal care in the Salinas Valley, California. Participants were predominantly Spanish speaking, born in Mexico, and from farmworker families. Information on social networks, social support, age at arrival in the US, and pregnancy health behaviors was gathered during interviews conducted during pregnancy and immediately after delivery. Poorer health behaviors were observed among women who had come to the US at a younger age. Social support during pregnancy was lowest among women who had come to the US at an older age. High parity, low education, and low income were also associated with low social support. Higher social support was associated with better quality of diet, increased likelihood of using prenatal vitamins, and decreased likelihood of smoking during pregnancy. High social support also appeared to prevent the negative impact of life in the US on diet quality. Women with intermediate or low levels of social support who had spent their childhoods in the US had significantly poorer diet quality than women who had spent their childhoods in Mexico. However, among women with high social support, there was no difference in diet quality according to country of childhood. Thus, in the case of diet quality, increased social support appears to prevent some of the negative pregnancy behaviors that accompany time in the US among women of Mexican descent.
High throughput optical characterization of alloy hydrogenation

Abstract Transition from the metallic to the hydride phase is of fundamental importance to achieving hydrogen storage in the solid state. Multi-component metal hydrides belong to one of the promising categories of materials that can potentially offer high hydrogen storage capacity. Despite extensive research on metal hydrides over the past decades, the progress remains limited partly due to the inability of screening a nearly infinite number of possible alloy compositions. High throughput materials fabrication and characterization techniques therefore offer an advantage in studying multi-component alloys and their phase transition to metal hydrides. We fabricated an Mg–Ni–Al and Ca–B–Ti ternary alloy libraries using a continuous combinatorial material synthesis technique, and measured the optical reflectance to examine the formation of metal hydride phase when the alloy library was exposed to hydrogen. The results indicate that mapping the change in reflectance is a viable method to study the kinetics of hydride formation. Monitoring the optical properties provides evidence for the “black state” formed during the transition from α-phase to β-phase. In addition, we found that the fastest reflectance change occurred when the alloy has an Mg to Ni ratio of approximately 2:1, and with low concentration of Al.
On the minimum grain size produced by milling Zn–22%Al

Abstract Nanocrystalline (nc) Zn–22%Al, which consists of an FCC Al phase and an HCP Zn phase, has been synthesized by cryomilling. The results show that during cryomilling, the grain sizes of the Al and the Zn phases decreased with milling time, and that after 16 h of milling, they approached minimum values of 33 and 41 nm, respectively. While the minimum grain sizes of the Al and the Zn phases agree well with the trends of very recent correlations between the minimum gain size and materials parameters such as melting point and hardening, they are higher than those reported for Al (22–26 nm) and Zn (20 nm). Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.
Role of the United States Observer Program in Management of Foreign Fisheries in the Northeast Pacific Ocean and Eastern Bering Sea

Abstract The Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 which went into effect on March 1, 1977, established the 200-mile fishery conservation zone (FCZ) and placed the fisheries under jurisdiction of the United States. Fishing by foreign nations is permitted within the FCZ if the United States fishing industry is not able to harvest the optimum yield determined by regional fisheries management councils. This provision has resulted in an annual allocation of 1.8-1.9 million metric tons of groundfish to foreign nations fishing in the northeast Pacific Ocean and eastern Bering Sea. To aid in the management of the fisheries in the FCZ, a program was established at the Northwest and Alaska Fisheries Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, to place observers on foreign fishing vessels to monitor the foreign fisheries. Data collected by the observers have been used to (1) estimate the weekly catches of groundfish and snow crab made by foreign vessels to assure adherence to fishery quotas; (2) e...
Strengthening in heavily deformation processed Cu-20% Nb

Abstract Strengthening in heavily deformation processed Cu-20% Nb was compared with predictions from barrier and nonhomogeneous deformation models of hardening. A barrier model of strengthening, where the difficulty in propagating plastic flow across CuNb interfaces controls strengthening, or a nonhomogeneous deformation model of strengthening in plastically deforming two phase structures, where the high density of dislocations generated to maintain compatibility between the Cu and Nb phases controls strengthening, were both in good agreement with the observed increases in strength with increasing deformation processing. Both models predict the observed Hall-Petch relation with Nb filament spacing. They also predict dislocation densities that continuously increase over the range of strains induced during deformation processing by wire drawing or rolling. This is in contrast to experimental observations indicating that the dislocation density in Cu-20% Nb is independent of the degree of deformation processing and that it is about the same as that measured in similarly deformation processed pure Cu.
Percutaneous image-guided thermal ablation and radiation therapy: outcomes of combined treatment for 41 patients with inoperable stage I/II non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients with early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after combined treatment with thermal ablation and radiation therapy (RT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-one patients with inoperable stage I/II NSCLC tumors underwent thermal ablation and RT at our institution between 1998 and 2005. Thirty-seven radiofrequency (RF) ablation procedures and four microwave ablation procedures were performed. Ablations were followed by standard-fraction external-beam RT within 90 days ( n = 27) or postprocedural brachytherapy ( n = 14). Survival and local recurrence were the primary endpoints evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS The median follow-up was 19.5 months. The overall survival rates were 97.6% at 6 months, 86.8% at 1 year, 70.4% at 2 years, and 57.1% at 3 years. Patients with tumors smaller than 3 cm ( n = 17) had an average survival time of 44.4 ± 5.4 months (SE). Patients with tumors 3 cm or larger ( n = 24) had an average survival time of 34.6 ± 7.0 months ( P = .08). Local recurrence occurred in 11.8% of tumors smaller than 3 cm after an average of 45.6 ± 4.1 months and in 33.3% of the larger tumors after an average of 34.0 ± 7.8 months ( P = .03). Outcomes in the brachytherapy and RT groups did not differ significantly. Nine of 15 pneumothoraces required chest tube drainage (22.0%). CONCLUSIONS Thermal ablation followed by RT for inoperable stage I/II NSCLC has a relatively low rate of complications that are easily managed. Combined therapy may result in an improved survival compared with either modality alone.
Spectrographic determination of carbon in sedimentary rocks, using direct-current arc excitation

Abstract Carbon may be determined in its various compounds by direct-current arc emission spectrography. When samples are excited in copper electrodes, the carbon in the sample combines with atmospheric nitrogen to form cyanogen, and the bandhead CN 3883 A is measured. Cathode excitation at 6 A and ~50 V provides the beat sensitivity for graphitic carbon and carbonates. A coefficient of variation of 13% is obtained. Marked differences of relative intensity are related to the nature of the carbon compound, to the excitation conditions, and to the presence of silica. These matrix variations are controlled by comparing unknown samples with chemically similar standards, maintaining uniform arcing conditions, and diluting samples with quartz. Separate determinations for different compounds of carbon are required.
Interferometric method for concurrent measurement of thermo-optic and thermal expansion coefficients

A Fabry–Perot-type interferometer is described that permits the concurrent measurement of the coefficient of thermal expansion (α) and the thermooptic coefficient (dn/dT) of transparent materials. Measurements of the a and the dn/dT of vitreous silica and a heavy-metal fluoride glass show that the technique is accurate, reproducible, and easily performed. In addition, the technique is used to show that the dn/dT of heavy-metal fluoride glasses is negative and temperature dependent. The magnitude of dn/dT is found to increase with increasing temperature.
Applied behavioral economics and consumer choice

Abstract This paper provides a review of the applied behavioral literature in consumer choice. Beginning with Watson and Lindsley’s initial forays into consumer behavior from their respective bases as basic behavioral researchers, the role of behavior analytic theory and application in consumer behavior is appraised. The applied behavior analysis movement brought operant-based applications into the consumer field, largely focusing on pro-soical and social marketing applications. Increased interest in behavioral theory sparked continuing research in classical conditioning of consumer attitudes and behaviors. Recent theoretical work in the Behavioral Perspective Model and in the Behavioral Ecology of Consumption both harken back to some of Watson’s early influences as well as forge new ground for a comprehensive behavioral account of consumption.
Identifying Feasible Locations for Rail Transit Stations: Two-Stage Analytical Model

A public transportation system is a viable alternative to reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution in urban areas. A metro, subway, or light rail system may be a viable commuting alternative connected with a coordinated service of feeder buses in urban and suburban neighborhoods. The decision to build a rail transit system is largely driven by available land and feasible sites for tracks and stations. Factors like ridership and public perception are considered in identifying suitable rail corridor and station locations. A two-stage analytical model is developed for identifying feasible rail transit station sites based on the real geographical and demographic data. The model uses a genetic algorithm (GA) for optimally locating the stations and works in parallel with a geographical information system (GIS). The model is applied in an example by using real GIS data, road network, and demographic information. The potential station sites are identified in the first stage, and the optimization us...
Coherent amplification of volume plasmons

Abstract It is shown that volume plasmons can be coherently amplified by a high-intensity electron beam. Because of natural damping of the plasmons and scattering of the electrons by ions in the metal the required electron-beam intensity is of the order of 10 13 A/m 2 . Although the plasmons are confined inside the metal, they can be detected by their effect on the energy of the electrons emerging from the metal and by the enhancement of the transition radiation at the plasma frequency
A Hydraulic Fan Driven Heat Exchanger for Automotive Cooling Systems

Hydraulics are widely applied in transportation and manufacturing systems due to their high power density, design flexibility for power transmission, and ease of computer control. One fluid system application that merits investigation is the internal combustion engine advanced thermal management system which replaces the traditional mechanical coolant pump and radiator fan with computer controlled components. Although electric servo-motors may be integrated to drive these mechanical loads, the power demands often require large actuator sizes and electrical currents. An alternative to dc motors are hydraulic driven motors which offer higher torques in a smaller package space. In the paper, an automotive heat exchanger will be investigated that features a computer controlled hydraulic actuated fan. A series of dynamic models will be presented for the radiator, fan assembly, and hydraulic circuit. For comparison purposes, two radiator models are developed using heat transfer concepts for a cross flow heat exchanger. The e-NTU method is a standard methodology for heat exchanger analysis involving a logarithmic mean temperature difference of the fluids. In contrast, the Nusselt method uses temperature differential equations for fluids in cross flow to calculate an average temperature difference. Representative numerical results will be presented to demonstrate transient responses of the hydraulic components as well as the radiator temperature.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Risk and Protective Factors for Suicide in Patients with Alcoholism

Alcoholism is associated with a high risk for suicidal behavior. Up to 40% of persons with alcoholism attempt suicide at some time and 7% end their lives by committing suicide. Risk factors include being male, older than 50 years of age, living alone, being unemployed, poor social support, interpersonal losses, continued drinking, consumption of a greater amount of alcohol when drinking, a recent alcohol binge, previous alcohol treatment, a family history of alcoholism, a history of comorbid substance abuse (especially cocaine), a major depressive episode, serious medical illness, suicidal communication, and prior suicidal behavior. Suicidal behavior is especially frequent in patients with comorbid alcoholism and major depression. However, all patients with alcoholism should be evaluated for suicide risk. Understanding of risk and vulnerability to suicidal behavior in alcoholism still outweighs our knowledge of protective factors and resilience. Knowledge of protective factors for suicide may help to prevent and/or predict suicidal behavior. Protective factors for suicide in alcoholism are quite varied and include an individual's biological and behavioral characteristics, as well as attributes of the environment and culture. Protective factors include effective clinical care for psychiatric (including alcoholism and drug abuse) and physical disorders, easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support for seeking help, restricted access to highly lethal means of suicide, strong connections to family and community support, skills in problem solving and conflict resolution, cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation. Future studies are necessary to determine which interventions may reduce suicidal behavior in alcoholism.
On Various Versions of the Defective Coin Problem.

The problem of ascertaining the minimum number of weighings which suffice to determine the defective coin in a set of N coins of the same appearance, given an equal arm balance and the information that there is precisely one defective coin present, is well known. A large number of ingenious solutions exist, some based upon sequential procedures and some not. The problem in the case where there are known to be two or more defective coins is far more complex because we cannot draw any simple definite conclusions at the end of a single test. We shall analyze this in detail in the following paper. The purpose of this paper is to indicate a systematic way in which the theory of dynamic programming can be used to provide a computational solution to the determination of optimal and suboptimal testing policies. We shall illustrate this by means of some numerical results obtained using a digital computer.
Solar cells from colloidal nanocrystals: Fundamentals, materials, devices, and economics

Abstract Recent advances in colloidal science are having a dramatic impact on the development of next generation low-cost and/or high-efficiency solar cells. Simple and safe solution phase syntheses that yield monodisperse, passivated, non-aggregated semiconductor nanocrystals of high optoelectronic quality have opened the door to several routes to new photovoltaic devices which are currently being explored. In one route, colloidal semiconductor nanocrystal “inks” are used primarily to lower the fabrication cost of the photoabsorbing layer of the solar cell. Nanocrystals are cast onto a substrate to form either an electronically coupled nanocrystal array or are sintered to form a bulk semiconductor layer such that the bandgap of either is optimized for the solar spectrum (1.0–1.6 eV if the photon to carrier quantum yields less than 100%). The sintered devices (and without special efforts, the nanocrystal array devices as well) are limited to power conversion efficiencies less than the Shockley–Queisser limit of 33.7% but may possibly be produced at a fraction of the manufacturing cost of an equivalent process that uses vacuum-based deposition for the absorber layer. However, some quantum confined nanocrystals display an electron-hole pair generation phenomena with greater than 100% quantum yield, called “multiple exciton generation” (MEG) or “carrier multiplication” (CM). These quantum dots are being used to develop solar cells that theoretically may exceed the Shockley–Queisser limit. The optimum bandgap for such photoabsorbers shifts to smaller energy (0.6–1.1 eV), and thus colloidal quantum dots of low bandgap materials such as PbS and PbSe have been the focus of research efforts, although multiple exciton generation has also been observed in several other systems including InAs and Si. This review focuses on the fundamental physics and chemistry of nanocrystal solar cells and on the device development efforts to utilize colloidal nanocrystals as the key component of the absorber layer in next generation solar cells. Development efforts are put into context on a quantitative and up-to-date map of solar cell cost and efficiency to clarify efforts and identify potential opportunities in light of technical limitations and recent advances in existing technology. Key nanocrystal/material selection issues are discussed, and finally, we present four grand challenges that must be addressed along the path to developing low-cost high-efficiency nanocrystal based solar cells.
Nutrient Fluxes in Precipitation, Throughfall, and Stemflow in AN Oak-Hickory Forest

: Nutrient fluxes in precipitation, throughfall, and stemflow were studied in an oak-hickory forest in southern Illinois for a three-year period beginning in 1973. Nutrient inputs in these water related pathways were approximately one-half those of litterfall; a major nutrient return mechanism. Considering these water carried nutrients (116 kg/ha/yr), 38% was contributed by precipitation, 35% by throughfall and approximately 27% by stemflow. Although the total nutrient input is only one-half that of litterfall, the net impact on short-term nutrient requirements is considerable because of their immediate availability. Nutrient inputs in litter represent a delayed return mechanism because of the relatively slow decomposition process.
Instructors' uses, experiences, thoughts and suggestions regarding Calibrated Peer Review

This paper presents a qualitative study conducted with faculty members who participated in a project funded by the National Science Foundation focusing on student development with Calibrated Peer Review (CPR)™, a web‐based tool created to promote writing and critical‐thinking skills. The purpose of the study was to gain an understanding of faculty members' thoughts and opinions about CPR. Interviews with 12 faculty members – six in biology, three in physics and three in mathematics – were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed. Findings revealed various aspects of instructors' experiences, thoughts and opinions regarding CPR. Findings provided information about how instructors used CPR, how CPR helped their teaching and enhanced students' critical‐thinking skills and writing skills, and positive and challenging aspects of CPR, as well as various observations and suggestions for others using CPR.
Band-pass design optimization of piezoelectric cantilever bimorph energy harvester

Piezoelectric energy harvesting has become a feasible method for powering micro portable electronics and wireless sensor networks by converting ambient vibration energy into electrical energy. As a thumb of rule, it is critical to tune the resonant frequency of the generator to the frequency of the environmental vibrations in order to induce the maximum structural deformation and then the maximum converted electrical energy through piezoelectric effect. However, it is well-known that the ambient vibrations are not usually fixed in only one single frequency and could span over a limited frequency band. In this paper, a band-pass design optimization of piezoelectric cantilever bimorph (PCB) energy harvester is presented based on the system transfer function of the PCB generator presented in a previous literature. For such an energy harvester, a group of PCB with dimensions appropriately selected can be integrat ed into a band-pass energy harvester working over a limited frequency band if the dimensions of piezoelectric bimorphs and proof masses are appropriately chosen. Further, the finite element analysis (FEA) of such a band-pass energy harves ter is performed in ANSYS to validate the theoretical proposal. The result shows that the band-pass design optim ization leads to a piezoelect ric generator working over a certain frequency band while keeping outputting the relatively stable open-circuit voltage. Keywords: Piezoelectric Energy harvester, Finite Elemen t Analysis, Band-pass Design Optimization
A comparative study of FMS tool allocation and part type selection approaches for a varying part type mix

Hankins and Rovito (1984) examined the impact of different tool policies on cutting tool inventory levels and spindle utilization for a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). This study provides a broader perspective of the impact of tool allocation approaches on flow times, tardiness, percent of orders tardy, machine utilization, and robot utilization. Part type selection procedures have been suggested for the FMS prerelease planning problem. However, very little research has specifically evaluated the part type selection procedures across different tool allocation approaches. Also, with the exception of Stecke and Kim (1988, 1991) no other known study has provided any insights on what tool allocation approaches are appropriate when processing different mixes of part types. This research is devoted to addressing those issues.
Contrast imaging with a monochromatic x-ray scanner

ABSTRACT We are currently developing a monochromatic x-ray source for small animal tomographic imaging. This source consists of a conventional cone beam microfocus x-ray tube with a t ungsten target coupled to a filter that uses Bragg diffraction to transmit only x-rays within a narrow energy range (~3 keV FWHM). A tissue-equivalent mouse phantom was used to a) evaluate how clearly CT imaging using the quasi-monoenergetic beam is able to differentiate tissue types compared to conventional polyenergetic CT, and b) to test the ability of the source and Bragg filter combination to perform dual energy, iodine contrast enhanced imaging. Single slice CT scans of the phantom were obtained both with polyenergetic (1.8 mm Al filtration) and quasi-monoenergetic beams. Region of interest analysis showed that pixel value variance was signifcantly reduced in the quasi-monochromatic case compared to the polyenergetic case, suggesting a reduction in the variance of the linear attenuation coefficients of the tissue equivalent materials due to the narrower energy spectrum. To test dual energy iodine K-edge imaging, vials containing solutions with a range of iodine contrasts were added to the phantom. Single-slice CT scans were obtained using spectra with maximum values at 30 and 35 keV, respectively. Analysis of the resulting difference images (35 keV image  30 keV image) shows that the magnitude of the difference signal produced by iodine exceeds that of bone for iodine concentrations above ~20 mg/ml, and that of muscle and fat tissues for iodine concentrations above ~5 mg/ml. Keywords: CT, dual energy CT, Bragg filtration, quasi-monoenergetic x-ray imaging, iodine K-edge imaging
On the electrically small bare loop antenna in a dissipative medium

Two approximate methods for analyzing the electrically small circular-loop antenna in a dissipative medium have been presented in the literature. Admittances calculated by these methods are compared with the twenty-term Fourier series results which are known to be in good agreement with experimental data. The conductance predicted by both methods is in poor agreement with the Fourier series results. The reason for this difference is determined and a simple, accurate formula obtained for the admittance. The far-zone electric field maintained by the current on the loop is determined, and the accuracy of assuming a uniform current on the loop for field calculations is discussed.
Risk factors and outcomes of acute versus elective groin hernia surgery.

Background Hernia characteristics and patient factors associated with acute compared with elective groin hernia surgery are unknown. Study Design A retrospective study of 1,034 consecutive groin hernia repair cases performed between 2001 and 2009 at a single Veterans Affairs Hospital was conducted. Patient variables, hernia characteristics, time to surgery, and morbidity and mortality outcomes were abstracted and compared between acute and elective hernia repairs. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for the two groups was also performed. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify associations between type of surgery, patient demographics, and hernia characteristics. Results Compared with 971 elective repair patients, the 63 acute repair patients had a higher rate of femoral hernias (2.5% vs 7.4%, p=0.03), a higher rate of scrotal hernias (16.2% vs 32.4%, p=0.0006), and a higher rate of recurrent hernias (16.7% vs 30.9%, p=0.0026). Patient age, femoral, scrotal, and recurrent hernias were significantly associated with acute hernia presentation on univariate and multivariable analyses. Complications occurred in 27% and 15.1% of acute and elective repair patients, respectively (p = 0.01). Intraoperative organ resection was required in 7 (11.1%) acute hernia repairs, and in 2 (0.2%) elective repairs (p Conclusions Age, femoral, scrotal, and recurrent groin hernias are associated with increased risk for acute hernia surgery. Acute hernia repair carries a higher morbidity and lower survival.
Influence of age on left atrial appendage function in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Background; Age is an independent risk factor for thromboembolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). An association between low left atrial appendage (LAA) Doppler velocities and thromboembolic risk in NVAF has been reported. Hypothesis: The study was undertaken to identify age-related differences in LAA function that may explain the higher thromboembolic rates in older patients with NVAF. Methods: Forty-two consecutive patients (age 69 ± 2 years [range 42-92], 24 [57%] men) with NVAF underwent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. The following were compared in 22 patients younger and 20 older than 70 years: left ventricular (LV) diameter, mass and ejection fraction, left atrial (LA) diameter and volume, LAA area and volume, LAA peak emptying (PE) and peak filling (PF) velocities, presence and severity of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) and mitral regurgitation (MR). Results; Left atrial diameter (4.6 ± 0.1 vs. 4.5 ± 0.2 cm), LA volume (105 ± 10 vs. 92 ± 8 ml), LAA area (6.8 ± 0.6 vs. 5.2 ± 0.8 cm 2 ), and LAA volume (5.6 ± 0.9 vs. 3.9 ± 1.0 ml) were similar (p>0.05) in both groups. Older patients had lower LAA PE (26 ± 2 vs. 34 ± 3 cm/s, p = 0.02) and PF (32 ± 2 vs. 41 ± 4 cm/s, p = 0.04) velocities, lower LV mass (175 ± 13 vs. 234 ± 21 gm, p = 0.02), higher relative wall thickness (0.52 ± 0.02 vs. 0.43 ± 0.03, p = 0.02), smaller LV diastolic diameter (4.3 ± 0.1 vs. 5.2 ± 0.2 cm, p < 0.001), and higher LV ejection fraction (62 ± 2 vs. 55 ± 2%, p = 0.025). Frequency and severity of SEC and MR were similar in both groups. Multivariate analysis identified older age as the only significant predictor of reduced LAA velocities. Conclusion: Compared with younger patients, older patients with NVAF have lower LAA velocities despite higher LV ejection fraction, smaller LV size, and similar LA and LAA volumes. These findings may explain the higher thromboembolic rates in older patients with NVAF.
Diffusion of heterovalent solutes in liquid silver

Abstract The diffusion of trace amounts of indium and antimony in liquid silver has been measured in the temperature interval 975°C–1275°C. The diffusion coefficients may be expressed as a function of temperature in the following form D In = 5.75 × 10 −4 exp (−6760) RT cm 2 /sec D sb = 4.06 × 10 −4 exp (−5700 RT cm 2 /sec When compared with the previously determined diffusivities for tin and silver in liquid silver, it is seen that there is a monotonie increase in diffusivity as a given temperature as one increases the relative valence Z of the solute. Thus Ag The relative magnitude of the diffusion enhancement of the solutes is explained quite well by consideration of the added coulomb repulsion of the solute of higher valence in terms of a Thomas-Fermi model if one invokes either the fluctuation model as proposed by one of the authors or the hole theory of diffusion. A fluctuation model which invokes the concept of a critical fluctuation cannot be reconciled with the experiments.
Thomate : A new protocol to compare simulated data and experiment by minimizing a Χ2

A new method, called THOMATE, with the same goals as the backtracing method (Nucl. Phys. A 604 (1996) 183) is described. Unlike the backtracing method, THOMATE takes statistical fluctuations into account and is therefore able to deal with much lower statistics in the experimental results.
In vitro studies of beating heart cells in culture. XVII. The stimulation of myosin synthesis by a heat stable serum fraction

Abstract A heat stable fraction of serum (HSF) maintains the myosin level by stimulation of myosin synthesis. It has little effect on the rate of myosin degradation and appears to act mainly on the transcriptional level.
New solitary-wave special solutions with compact support for the nonlinear dispersive K(m, n) equations

The genuinely nonlinear dispersive K(m,n) equation, ut+(um)x+(un)xxx=0, which exhibits compactons: solitons with compact support, is investigated. New solitary-wave solutions with compact support are developed. The specific cases, K(2,2) and K(3,3), are used to illustrate the pertinent features of the proposed scheme. An entirely new general formula for the solution of the K(m,n) equation is established, and the existing general formula is modified as well.
Effective early postoperative nutrition by defined formula diet via needle-catheter jejunostomy☆

To assess the safety and cost effectiveness of needle-catheter jejunostomy for the purpose of feeding defined formula diet in the early postoperative period, 38 patients undergoing radical pelvic operations for malignant tumors of the female reproductive tract were studied. For purposes of this study, protein-calorie malnutrition was diagnosed when the serum albumin level was below 3.2 g/100 ml, weight loss exceeded 9.9 kg, or there was an interruption in normal dietary intake for greater than 10 days. Data collected included major indication for placement of the jejunal feeding catheter, daily volume of defined formula diet administered, duration of use of the feeding catheter, and the interval between placement and removal of the needle-catheter jejunostomy. Catheter-related complications were recorded throughout the study, as was information on those who required total parenteral nutrition in addition to needle-catheter jejunostomy. Careful note was made of the magnitude of total parenteral nutrition required and the reason for failure of enteral feeding. The use of defined formula diet via needle-catheter jejunostomy is a safe, costeffective technique for early postoperative nutritional support.
Thermal conductivity of single crystal lanthanum cuprates at very low temperature

Abstract We have undertaken a study of the thermal conductivity of single crystals of pure and strontium doped lanthanum copper oxide in the temperature range 0.1–6 K. For in plane conduction, all samples show approximately a T 2.7 dependence, whereas for conduction across the planes for x = 0 we observe κ ∼ T 2 . This suggests that dimensionality may play an important role in the lattice heat conduction properties of these materials at very low temperature.
Loneliness: An Exploration of Meaning:

Although loneliness is acknowledged as a common human experience and a variable of concern for psychiatric clinicians, the nursing literature has primarily treated it as a social deficit or patholo...
Optical flow computation in combustion image sequences

A time-resolved sequence of laser shadowgraph images is computer processed to produce 2-D optical flow maps showing the motion of the combustion interface between hot products and cold reactants. Background-subtracted shadowgraph images are reduced to skeletons, followed by local correlation between adjacent frames for computing optical flow. The resulting flow maps represent an initial step toward the goal of computer-assisted flowfield analysis and interpretation.
Connecting campus and community through web development service-learning projects

In this paper we present a service learning course offered in Software Engineering Department at Fairfield University, which links two opposite cities together for good reasons. Web Development is a one-semester course required for undergraduate students and part of the Web Applications track for the graduate program. Currently, it operates with the service learning designation in the undergraduate catalog and annually being revised by university's Office of Service Learning. The course stresses web site design, current web technologies, and client-side scripting languages, including a class project. The paper discusses the service learning framework of the course, with the major role played by the project. The root of our approach is the belief that the best way of learning in engineering is by doing and the best way of doing is by actively participating in the community. Two case studies in which the web development projects have been paired with local community partners are first presented and the outcomes and success of them are later discussed.
Modeling the thermoelectric transport properties of nanowires embedded in oriented microporous and mesoporous films

Abstract The efficiency of thermoelectric devices has not increased significantly during the last 40 years, and currently, the figure-of-merit (ZT) of the best materials is less than one. However, there has been a resurgence of interest in thermoelectric materials due to recent results that have shown that size-effects in nanostructured materials may enable much more efficient thermoelectric devices. Theoretical calculations for isolated single nanowires predict over a 10-fold increase in the figure-of-merit. In order to realize these size-effects, wires must be synthesized with diameters less than the thermal de Broglie wavelength (typically less than 10 nm) which is smaller than is currently accessible by lithographic techniques. Also, in order to transfer meaningful amounts of thermal energy, a practical device must consist of an array of a large number of nanowires in parallel. One way to potentially synthesize these nanowire arrays is to use the pores of microporous and mesoporous materials as a mold to template the diameter and orientation of wires of suitable thermoelectric materials. Here we provide a review of the relevant physics and derive a model to assess the feasibility of using microporous and mesoporous frameworks in the fabrication of thermoelectric devices. The model accounts for the possible deleterious effects of thermal conduction through the microporous or mesoporous framework and the presence of bulk thermoelectric material (that may result from defects in the microporous or mesoporous framework) in parallel with the wires on the thermoelectric figure-of-merit. Simulation results are reported for SBA-15, MCM-41, and zeolites VFI, LTL, and LTA embedded with Bi2Te3 nanowires. The results show that the microporous frameworks may yield figures-of-merit much larger than one while thermal conduction through most mesoporous frameworks reduces the figure-of-merit below the level of currently available using traditional thermoelectric materials.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the interaction between a mixed dislocation and a stacking fault tetrahedron

A high number-density of nanometer-sized stacking fault tetrahedra are commonly found during irradiation of low stacking fault energy metals. The stacking fault tetrahedra act as obstacles to dislocation motion leading to increased yield strength and decreased ductility. Thus, an improved understanding of the interaction between gliding dislocations and stacking fault tetrahedra are critical to reliably predict the mechanical properties of irradiated materials. Many studies have investigated the interaction of a screw or edge dislocation with a stacking fault tetrahedron (SFT). However, atomistic studies of a mixed dislocation interaction with an SFT are not available, even though mixed dislocations are the most common. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation results of the interaction between a mixed dislocation and an SFT in face-centered cubic copper are presented. The interaction results in shearing, partial absorption, destabilization or simple bypass of the SFT, depending on the interaction geo...
Lipid migration in two-phase chocolate systems investigated by NMR and DSC

The migration of lipids in two-phase chocolate systems (i.e. lauric acid+chocolate and peanut butter+chocolate) was analyzed by magnetic resonance and differential scanning calorimetry. Kinetics of fat migration was evaluated and the diffusion coefficient of lauric acid in chocolate was found to be dependent on migration time. This may be due to the capillary nature of fat migration in chocolate. Fat bloom characteristics were determined and related to the thermal history of samples and the presence of fat in the chocolate layer. Both lauric acid and peanut butter increased the liquid-to-solid ratio of chocolate and helped prevent fat bloom.
Glucocerebrosidase mutations in subjects with parkinsonism

Recent studies showing an association between glucocerebrosidase deficiency and parkinsonism in Gaucher disease prompted an examination of the glucocerebrosidase gene sequence (GBA) and enzyme activity in brain samples from 57 subjects carrying the diagnosis of Parkinson disease. Alterations in GBA were identified in 12 samples (21%) and were more frequent among the younger subjects. These included eight with mutations (N370S, L444P, K198T, and R329C) and four with probable polymorphisms (T369M and E326K). Our findings suggest that mutations in glucocerebrosidase may be a risk factor for the development of parkinsonism.
Use of the box and Jenkins time series technique in traffic forecasting

This paper explores the use of recently developed time series techniques for short term traffic volume forecasts. A data set containing monthly volumes on a freeway segment for the years 1968 through 1976 is used to fit a time series model. The resulting model is used to forecast volumes for the year 1977. The forecast volumes are then compared to actual volumes in 1977. The results of this study indicate that time series techniques can be used to develop highly accurate and inexpensive short term forecasts. A discussion of the ways in which such models can be used to evaluate the effects of policy changes or other outside impacts is included.
Tolerance of Aedes aegypti larvae to triorganotins

The effects of triorganotins on the 4th instar stage of Aedes aegypti larvae were evaluated. The most effective of the 15 triorganotins used in the study was tributyltin chloride with an LC 50 value of 0.57 ± 0.07 mg dm -3 . The low LC 50 values obtained indicated that this class of compounds is an effective larvicide against the larvae of this species of mosquito. The toxicity of the compounds was found to be primarily dependent on the R group attached to the tin atom. The order of activity for the triorganotins tested was Bu > Ph > Cy > Me. However, a limited order, based on two series of the compounds tested, was also observed for the anionic X group on the tin atom.
Effect of sea-state on the performance of laser fluorosensors

The effect of the sea-state on the performance of laser fluorosensors operating in both spectral and temporal modes is estimated. For the spectral mode, calculations of the dependence of reflective losses on the angle of incidence show that the attenuation of the fluorescence return is not significantly affected for the range of sea-states expected in deep water. In the temporal mode the return signal is distorted by the sea-state. Fortuitously this distortion does not significantly alter the full width at half maximum (FWHM), a parameter from which decay times can be estimated.
Female-to-male patients have high prevalence of unsatisfactory Paps compared to non-transgender females: implications for cervical cancer screening.

BACKGROUND Little is known about whether and how screening for cancers of natal reproductive structures, including cervical cancer, in female-to-male (FTM) transgender individuals differs from cancer screening among non-transgender females.