cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Fields of Displacements and Stresses in an Orthotropic Toroidal Shell Depending on the Changes in its Thickness and in the Curvature of its Axis

A numerical-analytic approach is used to study the stress-strain state of orthotropic toroidal shells of variable thickness. The problem is solved with the use of a nonclassical Timoshenko-type shell theory based on the model of a rectilinear element. The system of partial differential equations is reduced to a one-dimensional problem by applying the method of spline approximation in one coordinate direction. The boundary-value problem for the system of ordinary differential equations is solved by the stable numerical method of discrete orthogonalization. We also present the data on the distribution of the fields of displacements and stresses depending on the curvature of the axis of the shell and the parameter of variability of its thickness.
Immunocytochemical localization of cannabinoid CB1 receptor and fatty acid amide hydrolase in rat retina.

Cannabinoids have major effects on central nervous system function. Recent studies indicate that cannabinoid effects on the visual system have a retinal component. Immunocytochemical methods were used to localize cannabinoid CB1 receptor immunoreactivity (CB1R-IR) and an endocannabinoid (anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol) degradative enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)-IR, in the rat retina. Double labeling with neuron-specific markers permitted identification of cells that were labeled with CB1R-IR and FAAH-IR. CB1R-IR was observed in all cells that were protein kinase C-immunoreactive (rod bipolar cells and a subtype of GABA-amacrine cell) as well as horizontal cells (identified by calbindin-IR). There was also punctate CB1R-IR in the distal one-third of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) that could not be assigned to a cell type. FAAH-IR was most prominent in large ganglion cells, whose dendrites projected to a narrow band in the proximal IPL. Weaker FAAH-IR was observed in the soma of horizontal cells (identified by calbindin-IR); the soma of large, but not small, dopamine amacrine cells (identified by tyrosine hydroxylase-IR); and dendrites of orthotopic- and displaced-starburst amacrine cells (identified by choline acetyltransferase-IR) but in less than 50% of the starburst amacrine cell somata. The extensive distribution of CB1R-IR on horizontal cells and rod bipolar cells indicates a role of endocannabinoids in scotopic vision, whereas the more widespread distribution of FAAH-IR indicates a complex control of endocannabinoid release and degradation in the retina. J. Comp. Neurol. 415:80–90, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A comparison of 14C, 86Rb, and total excavation for determination of root distributions of individual plants

Individual grass (Bouteloua gracilis) and shrub (Gutierrezia sarothrae) plants were either excavated as monoliths on nail boards, exposed to 14CO2, or stem-injected with 86Rb to compare the ability of the techniques to determine horizontal and vertical distribution of roots. The vertical distribution or roots directly under plant centers obtained by coring most closely correlated with monolith root length. 14C activity greatly overestimated near-surface roots and underestimated deep roots. 86Rb activity did not follow the pattern of geometric decrease in root biomass with depth. Comparisons of both isotopes with monolith root length, over both horizontal and vertical axes, indicated that 14C activity was consistently concentrated near the soil surface, and 86Rb activity was highly variable and randomly distributed. 14C may better represent root activity than root mass, and stem-injection methods can result in nonuniform labeling of roots. Caution should be exercised when using tracers to infer root biomass distributions. Resource partitioning between shrubs and grasses is discussed in relation to soil water dynamics in this semiarid grassland.
Three-dimensional velocity structure and hypocenter distribution in the Campi Flegrei caldera, Italy

The Campi Flegrei (Phlegraean Fields) are dominated by a Quaternary explosive calders, about 10 km in diameter. Within the caldera are numerous later eruptive vents, the last of which formed in 1538 A.D. Well documented local elevation changes of ≈ 10 m have occurred in the caldera since Roman times. Recent inflation of the central caldera began in 1968, after over 400 years of subsidence. During this time more than 2 m of localized uplift occurred, predominantly from 1980 through 1985. Microearthquakes associated with this uplift were recorded by a portable three-component digital network deployed by the University of Wisconsin and the Vesuvius Observatory from August 1983 through May 1984. Those data have been used to obtain detailed information about the velocity structure of the caldera. A best-fit homogeneous half-space model was obtained by a systematic search for optimal residual statistics. A residual-based tomographic technique was applied to isolate a low-seismicity, anomalously-high vpvs region in the central caldera, roughly coincident with the region of greatest uplift. Finally, P and S arrival times were used to simultaneously relocate 228 earthquakes and obtain a three-dimensional vp and vs model for the caldera. The results of this velocity study, considered along with drillhole findings, composite fault-plane solutions, and the space-time distribution of earthquakes, suggest that the vpvs anomaly may represent an incompetent, highly fractured volume, saturated with liquid water. Hypocenter locations indicate a zone of concentrated seismicity north of the point of highest measured uplift. An inward-dipping elliptical hypocenter pattern suggests a ring fault.
Multiple-satellite-aided capture trajectories at Jupiter using the Laplace resonance

Satellite-aided capture is a mission design concept used to reduce the delta-v required to capture into a planetary orbit. The technique employs close flybys of a massive moon to reduce the energy of the planet-centered orbit. A sequence of close flybys of two or more of the Galilean moons of Jupiter may further decrease the delta-v cost of Jupiter orbit insertion. A Ganymede-Io sequence can save 207 m/s of delta-v over a single Io flyby. A phase angle analysis based on the Laplace resonance is used to find triple-satellite-aided capture sequences involving Io, Europa, and Ganymede. Additionally, the near-resonance of Callisto and Ganymede is used to find triple-satellite-aided capture sequences involving Callisto, Ganymede, and another moon. A combination of these techniques is used to find quadruple-satellite-aided capture sequences that involve gravity-assists of all four Galilean moons. These sequences can save a significant amount of delta-v and have the potential to benefit both NASA’s Jupiter Europa orbiter mission and ESA’s Jupiter Ganymede orbiter mission.
Generalized stochastic compartmental models with Erlang transit times

This paper considers the use of semi-Markov process models with Erlang transit times for the description of compartmental systems. The semi-Markov models seem particularly useful for systems with nonhomogeneous “poorly-stirred” compartments. The paper reviews the Markov process models with exponential transit times, and illustrates the application of such models, describing the clearance of calcium in man. The semi-Markov model with Erlang transit times is then developed, and the solutions for its concentration-time curves and residence time moments are given. The use of semi-Markov models is illustrated with the same calcium data, and the results from the two models are compared. The example demonstrates that these semi-Markov models are physiologically more realistic than standard models and may befitted to pharmacokinetic data using readily available software.
Probation Foster Care as an Outcome for Children Exiting Child Welfare Foster Care

Little research has been done to help us understand what happens to children who exit child welfare foster care for reasons other than emancipation. Almost no research exists to help us understand out-of-home placement supervised by other providers of children's social services such as juvenile probation or mental health. This study examined school-age children who entered out-of-home placement supervised by probation departments after they left child welfare foster or group care. Instability in child welfare placements significantly increased the risk of a transition to probation foster care. Among the children exiting child welfare placements, those who had entered their first spell in care at ages 12 through 14 or were first removed because of sexual abuse or neglect were at greater risk of probation out-of-home placement. Implications for social work policy and services are discussed.
An ozone episode in the Philadelphia metropolitan area

[1] In July and August 1999 a Northeast Oxidant and Particle Study field campaign was conducted in the Philadelphia metropolitan area to determine causes for episodically high levels of O3 and particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter. We report emission estimates, weather information, surface O3 monitoring data, and aircraft observations, with a focus on 31 July, the last day of an O3 episode in which concentrations in Philadelphia reached 165 ppb, the highest level observed there in the past 11 years. As is common in the northeastern states, this O3 episode started with the development of a broad ridge over the central United States and ended with the northeast corridor under the influence of an Appalachian lee trough with airflow from the SW in an along-corridor direction. For a portion of the morning of 31 July, winds were nearly stagnant, allowing local emissions to accumulate. In contrast to typical O3 episodes in the northeast, transport on 31 July was limited, and O3 hot spots occurred close to NOx and volatile organic compound (VOC) emission sources. High O3 was observed downwind of Baltimore and Philadelphia, both major urban areas. High O3 was also observed in a less likely region near the Delaware-Pennsylvania border, downwind of Wilmington, Delaware, but near utility and industrial emission sources. Surface O3 monitoring data and morning aircraft observations show that the residual layer aloft contained 80–100 ppb of O3 but almost no O3 precursors. Same-day photochemistry on 31 July caused surface O3 concentrations to increase by 60–80 ppb. Photochemical model calculations indicate O3 production rates in excess of 20 ppb h−1 in regions with NOx > 5 ppb. High NOx concentrations are a consequence of poor ventilation. Peroxide observations and calculations indicate that O3 production is VOC limited in the high-NOx portions of the Philadelphia urban plume. Our results are contrasted against a severe O3 episode that occurred in 1995. While the 1999 episode had stagnation conditions leading to local O3 hot spots, there were mesoscale meteorological features in 1995 that favored interregional transport.
Cellular and synaptic physiology and epileptogenesis of developing rat neocortical neurons in vitro.

Abstract The cellular and synaptic physiology of developing rat neocortical neurons was studied using the in vitro slice method. Rats aged 1–28 days were used for analysis. During the first two postnatal weeks several sequential changes occur in membrane properties and evoked synaptic potentials. Immature neurons had higher input resistances, more linear I–V characteristics, longer membrane time constants, and slower rising and falling phases of action potentials. The developmental increase in rate of rise of the action potential suggests an increasing density of voltage-dependent Na + -channels are inserted in neuronal membranes during postnatal development. The higher input resistance of young cells might be due to their small size and differences in membrane properties. The long time constant indicates a higher specific membrane resistivity of immature neurons. Postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) recorded in young neurons were longer in latency, longer in duration, and more fragile during repetitive activation than their mature counterparts. In addition, PSPs evoked in neurons of animals less than 1 week old did not contain inhibitory postsynaptic components. These physiological features of immature neocortical neurons help explain the pattern of epileptogenesis in young animals. When neonatal cortical slices were exposed to the gg-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonists penicillin or bicuculline, the frequency of occurrence of discharges resembling epileptiform depolarization shifts approached that found in mature slices only during the second postnatal week. Depolarization shifts at younger ages were less stereotyped and more sensitive to stimulus parameters than those in mature neurons.
A new code for predicting the thermo-mechanical and irradiation behavior of metallic fuels in sodium fast reactors

Abstract An engineering code to predict the irradiation behavior of U–Zr and U–Pu–Zr metallic alloy fuel pins and UO2–PuO2 mixed oxide fuel pins in sodium-cooled fast reactors was developed. The code was named Fuel Engineering and Structural analysis Tool (FEAST). FEAST has several modules working in coupled form with an explicit numerical algorithm. These modules describe fission gas release and fuel swelling, fuel chemistry and restructuring, temperature distribution, fuel–clad chemical interaction, and fuel and clad mechanical analysis including transient creep-fracture for the clad. Given the fuel pin geometry, composition and irradiation history, FEAST can analyze fuel and clad thermo-mechanical behavior at both steady-state and design-basis (non-disruptive) transient scenarios. FEAST was written in FORTRAN-90 and has a simple input file similar to that of the LWR fuel code FRAPCON. The metal–fuel version is called FEAST-METAL, and is described in this paper. The oxide–fuel version, FEAST-OXIDE is described in a companion paper. With respect to the old Argonne National Laboratory code LIFE-METAL and other same-generation codes, FEAST-METAL emphasizes more mechanistic, less empirical models, whenever available. Specifically, fission gas release and swelling are modeled with the GRSIS algorithm, which is based on detailed tracking of fission gas bubbles within the metal fuel. Migration of the fuel constituents is modeled by means of thermo-transport theory. Fuel–clad chemical interaction models based on precipitation kinetics were developed for steady-state operation and transients. Finally, a transient intergranular creep-fracture model for the clad, which tracks the nucleation and growth of the cavities at the grain boundaries, was developed for and implemented in the code. Reducing the empiricism in the constitutive models should make it more acceptable to extrapolate FEAST-METAL to new fuel compositions and higher burnup, as envisioned in advanced sodium reactors. FEAST-METAL was benchmarked against the open-literature EBR-II database for steady state and furnace tests (transients). The results show that the code is able to predict important phenomena such as clad strain, fission gas release, clad wastage, clad failure time, axial fuel slug deformation and fuel constituent redistribution, satisfactorily.
Curanderos and Mental Health Professionals: A Comparative Study on. Perceptions of Psychopathology:

Curanderos and mental health care professionals differ in the way they perceive psychopathology, as demonstrated in the way they responded to a set of hypothetical case histories. These vignettes depicted people suffering from a variety of psychiatric and folk-medical disorders. Compared with professionals, cur anderos were found to be reluctant to label the disorders as "mental illness." They also perceived the people portrayed in the vignettes as less seriously "ill" and less dangerous to them selves or to others. The curanderos were found to classify the disorders presented in a unique and culturally specific way. Their classification system was seen to be consistent with cul turally relevant ideas and beliefs about etiological processes. A variety of treatments based on those etiological processes were also recommended by the curanderos.
Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus): Thermally Processed for a Potential Food Resource

Filleted, dressed, and dark unwashed minced menhaden packed in oil, broth, or preprocessed with alum citric acid brine were evaluated by a trained sensory panel. The filleted and minced menhaden were significantly more firm than dressed products in oil or broth but a pre-process with alum citric acid brine preserved the firmness of the dressed form. The minced was significantly stronger in flavor and significantly less in flakiness. Chewiness was significantly higher in the filleted products in oil or broth and the minced products. Canned menhaden incorporated in fish salad rated lower than fish salad prepared with tuna. The filleted packed in oil or broth or the dressed preprocessed in an alum citric acid brine has potential as a canned fish product.
Chiral HPLC versus chiral SFC: Evaluation of long-term stability and selectivity of Chiralcel OD using various eluents

Abstract The long-term stability of Chiralcel OD columns under varying HPLC and SFC conditions was evaluated. Two new columns from the same supplier lot were procured, and one was installed in an HPLC system, and the other was installed in an SFC system. Enantiomeric mixtures of trans -stilbene oxide and carbobenzyloxy phenylalaninol were repeatedly injected in both systems over several days. For HPLC, hexane was the primary solvent used, along with IPA EtOH, MeOH/IPA, or EtOH/TFA modifier. Carbon dioxide was the primary SFC solvent, together with the similar modifiers as the HPLC. Column performance was monitored by measuring resolution, theoretical plate number, and α between enantiomeric peaks. It was observed that, when the eluent strengths were adjusted to provide comparable retention times, the Chiralcel OD gave superior enantiomeric resolution when used in the SFC than the HPLC. Equilibration in between solvents was faster with SFC. The columns were demonstrated to be quite stable in both systems.
Laser hair removal: progress marches on.

Dr. Kelly is a consultant for Lumenis and has received research grants from Candela and Graceway Pharmaceuticals. Candela, CoolTouch, and Solta Medical donated equipment to the university.
A comparison of syntax in young stutterers and nonstutterers

Abstract This study compares the syntactic structure of the spontaneous speech of a small group of stutterers and nonstutterers, using a method of constituent analysis. Speech samples were taped during play sessions with subjects, and the tapes were then transcribed and analyzed according to preselected constituent criteria. The stutterers were in the early stages of stuttering and had been diagnosed as stutterers by experienced clinicians. The method of analysis proved to be highly reliable. Differences were found in the number of complete clauses, the number of complex sentences, and in clause types between the two groups.
Economic transition and demand pattern: Evidence from China's paper and paperboard industry

Abstract In this study, we investigate the demand pattern and structural changes during the economic transformation using data from the paper and paperboard industry in China. Instrumental variable estimations as well as co-integration analysis and error correction models are applied to the analysis. Our results show that in the early stages of economic reform before 1993, the demand did not respond to price changes; while in the later stages, the demand shows significant responses to its own-price and the price of international markets. In particular, since 1992, the own and cross-price elasticity of demand for domestically made paper and paperboard products becomes, respectively, − 0.69 and 0.59, in the range found in some market economies. We also find that imports are substitutes for domestically made paper and paperboard products, but the reverse is not true; and in the later stage of economic transition, the reliance on international market has increased, as reflected by the lower price elasticity of imports.
The Impact of Anticipating Satisfaction on Consumer Choice

How do preferences change when consumers focus on the anticipated satisfaction with a purchase rather than choice? In a series of three studies, we show that preferences, both expressed and revealed, change depending on the degree to which anticipated satisfaction is evoked. These shifts in preferences arise because, compared to choice, anticipated satisfaction elicits a mental-imaging processing strategy that is both more effort intensive and qualitatively different. By providing direct evidence from thought protocols and by presenting evidence suggesting that these shifts in preferences vanish when mental imagery is discouraged or made more difficult, we show that the effect arises out of a processing strategy that requires effortful mental imagery of one or more of the options in the decision-making task. Finally, we demonstrate the uniqueness of the effect by showing that it cannot be generated with heightened processing or by an orientation that is directed toward the extent to which the options are liked.
Early Mesozoic tectonic history of the boundary area, east‐central Alaska

Thrust faulting in the Yukon-Tanana Upland of east-central Alaska has long been hypothesized, but few thrust faults have been definitely identified. In the Boundary area near the international border between Alaska and Canada metamorphic rocks of the amphibolite facies have been thrust over rocks of the greenschist facies. Subordinate thrust faults and imbrication occur within both groups of rocks. Brecciation, slickensides, slickenfibers, rootless, isoclinally folded quartz bands, and abrupt lithologic changes from gneiss and amphibolite to quartz-white mica-chlorite schist characterize the thrust zone. Ultramafic rocks occur locally on or near the thrust plane. Thrusting is postulated to have occurred when a terrane composed of the amphibolite facies rocks converged with rocks along the continental margin of North America in Late Triassic and Early Jurassic time.
Scalar network analysers operating at Ka- and W-bands

Scalar network analysers measuring the amplitude of the reflection/transmission coefficients of waveguide structures have been realised at Ka- and W-bands. Their accuracy derived by using standard mismatches is excellent at Ka- band and fairly good at W-band. To our knowledge this is the first instance where the accuracy of measurements obtained from a scalar network analyser was checked over full waveguide bands with the aid of standard mismatches. The reported reflectometers are precursors of vector network analysers based on six-port reflectometers. Methods aimed at increasing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the measurements have been developed, while proposals for improving the dynamic range of these network analysers are put forward.
Use of the farinograph in predicting baking quality of unchlorinated and chlorinated flours.

The viscoelastic properties of six Coker 916 flours with different protein contents were analyzed along with their baking properties. The wheat grain was grown under different amounts of nitrogen, which resulted in the variation of protein content. A portion of each flour sample was chlorinated, and comparisons were made between viscoelastic properties and baking quality. The farinograph was used to link the data derived from the flour analysis with baking quality. The stability, mixing tolerance index (MTI) and peak time (PT) correlated significantly with baking performance and were also good predictors when testing quality of chlorinated flour. Chlorination increased the absorbency of the flour, which contributed to a firmer crumb and a stable baked product.
Attrition in Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs and Self-Efficacy at Enrollment

Among other goals, the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is designed to improve self-efficacy of the chronically ill. However, a substantial proportion of the enrollees often leave CDSMPs before completing the program curriculum. This study examines factors associated with program attrition in a CDSMP implemented in a community setting. We used data from the Our Pathways to Health program, implemented in Humboldt County, California, from 2008 to 2011. Our conceptual framework is based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory, and we used logistic regression to investigate whether baseline self-efficacy and other members' efficacy are associated with participants dropping out of the CDSMP. Twenty-three percent of the participants did not complete the program similar to previous studies. Lower baseline self-efficacy increased the odds of dropout, but other members' efficacy was not associated with differential odds of dropout. Age, educational difference between the individual and the group, weekday sessions, and social/role activity limitations are also found to be associated with program attrition. Our results suggest that participants with low starting self-efficacy may need extra help to complete the program. Further research is needed to understand how to effectively provide additional support to this group.
A summer master's degree program in computer education

The Computer Science Department has developed a summer master's degree program in Computer Science Education directed toward teachers in grades 7-14. In a first section this report describes the goals, design criteria and constraints which influenced the development of the program. A second section describes the resultant program and summarizes some of the experiences gained from the program over the past two years.
Othogonal Waveform Design for Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Radar

An effective numerical approach is developed for orthogonal waveform design for Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) radar. The Doppler shift tolerance is considered in the design cost function. The design results indicate that the Doppler tolerance of the designed orthogonal waveforms is markedly improved.
Answering autobiographical questions: the impact of memory and inference on surveys

Survey questions often probe respondents for quantitative facts about events in their past: "During the last 2 weeks, on days when you drank liquor, about how many drinks did you have?" "During the past 12 months, how many visits did you make to a dentist?" "When did you last work at a full-time job?" are all examples from national surveys. Although questions like these make an implicit demand to remember and enumerate specific autobiographical episodes, respondents frequently have trouble complying because of limits on their ability to recall. In these situations, respondents resort to inferences that use partial information from memory to construct a numeric answer. Results from cognitive psychology can be useful in understanding and investigating these phenomena. In particular, cognitive research can help in identifying situations that inhibit or facilitate recall and can reveal inferences that affect the accuracy of respondents' answers.
Genetics of chondrosarcoma and related tumors

Purpose of review The burgeoning body of information on the genetic changes present in and underlying the development and biology of human cancers has carried implications regarding the possible genetic events that are responsible for not only the genesis of these cancers but also the hope of the cure for these cancers. Chondrosarcomas are a group of tumors that fall into this category. The purpose of this review is to summarize the genetic findings in these tumors. Recent findings The histopathologic variability of chondrosarcomas is reflected in the complexity and lack of specificity of their cytogenetic and molecular genetic findings, except for extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas. These are characterized in the preponderant number of cases by a translocation, t(9;22)(q22;q12), and in a small number of cases by variant translocations t(9;17)(q22;q11) and t(9;15)(q22;q21). These translocations lead to the formation of abnormal fusion genes and gene products (proteins). In each of these translocations, the CHN gene is involved, resulting in the chimeric fusion genes EWS/CHN, RBP56/CHN, and TCF12/CHN, respectively. The specific translocations and their associated molecular genetic changes are diagnostic of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas. The abnormal proteins resulting from these fusion genes aberrantly affect gene transcription and cellular signaling pathways thought to be responsible for initiating sarcoma formation. In skeletal (central) chondrosarcomas of varying histopathologic types, the cytogenetic and molecular genetic findings are variable, complex, and apparently lacking in specificity. These changes may reflect a stepwise process (or processes) of oncogenesis involving an array of genes. Summary Although some cartilaginous tumors are characterized by specific or recurrent chromosome alterations and molecular genetic changes, much is yet to be learned about the nature and sequence of these genetics events and about their unique role in the stepwise process involved in the development and biology of each tumor type, both malignant and nonmalignant. Until such time, some of the genetic changes, particularly the presence of specific translocations, can be of definite diagnostic value.
The German Building Guilds

I. Origin of the guild movement; its growth, 278. — Allied organizations, 281. — II. Ideas underlying the movement, 283. — III. Structure: the local unit (Bauhutte); the central body (Verband sozialer Baubetriebe); the relation of the guilds to the unions, 285. — IV. Activities of the central body; of the guilds in Berlin. Comparison with the English guilds, 291. — V. Difficulties, 296. — VI. Conclusion, 299.
Measurement of risk perceptions in social research: a comparative analysis of ordinary least squares, ordinal and multinomial logistic regression models

Drawing on data gathered in the 2006 Monitoring the Future study of American youth (n = 2489), this investigation offers a comparative analysis of ordinary least squares (OLS), ordinal and multinomial logistic regression models in examining the effects of multiple factors on perceptions of alcohol risk. The article addresses limitations of OLS models in risk analyses and demonstrates how scholars can avoid making statistical errors when positioning vague quantifiers as ordinal dependent measures. Substantively, the article finds differential effects for (1) sex, (2) perceived attitudes of peers toward alcohol consumption, (3) frequency of intoxication, (4) teacher efforts toward alcohol education, (5) frequency of communicating with friends, and (6) newspaper exposure, as determinants of alcohol risk perceptions. Through statistical results and visual displays, the article reveals how inferences made about these effects stand to vary depending on the regression method chosen.
Fatigue Performance of Groove-Welded Tube-to-End-Plate Connections in Highway Sign, Luminaire, and Traffic Signal Structures:

Fatigue performance of full penetration groove-welded tube-to-end-plate connections was evaluated by parametric studies verified by laboratory testing of full-scale galvanized cantilevered highway sign and signal and high-level luminaire structures. In the absence of sufficient experimental basis, the fatigue resistance of this connection detail in the existing AASHTO specification is defined as Category E. Fatigue performance of tube-to-end-plate connections in thin-walled tubular structures is governed by secondary out-of-plane bending stress, the magnitude of which depends on relative stiffness of the tube and end plate. In some groove-welded connections, the backing ring is welded to the tube wall, adding more variability in fatigue performance of the connection. Twenty-three full-size specimens composed of five configurations of the groove-welded connections were fatigue-tested under constant amplitude loading simulating wind-induced aeroelastic oscillations, such as galloping and vortex shedding, th...
High resolution SE-I SEM study of enamel crystal morphology.

Until recently high resolution TEM was the only imaging mode capable of probing the atomic lattice structure of crystals composing tooth enamel. Studies designed to determine the polyhedral shape of normal enamel crystals and initiation of carious lesions in enamel crystals were hampered and limited by interpretation of two-dimensional TEM images from thin section and freeze fracture replica specimens lacking depth of field. The newly developed SE-I signal mode for SEM (SE-I/SE-II ratio) can produce images of enamel crystals approaching beam diameter dimensions (0.7–2.0 nm), rivaling the resolution of the TEM technique and generating topographic contrasts for three dimensional imaging at very high magnification (≈1,000,000 X). Ultrathin chromium (Cr) films generate enriched high resolution SE-I contrasts of enamel crystal surfaces and when imaged using an immersion lens field emission SEM operated at high voltage (20–30 KeV) produce unsurpassed topographic contrasts. Since the grain size of Cr is below the resolution of any SEM and is ultrathin (≈1 nm), then SE-I images can provide a more accurate representation of enamel crystal structure than TEM methodologies. Our SE-I SEM observations of normal human enamel crystals reveal fractured spicules which contain angled flat surfaces delineated by a prominent 2 nm wide SE-I edge brightness contrast. Although microscopic observations often show crystals which are hexagonal in cross-section, in both SEM and TEM many other growth habits, including rectangular or irregular crystals (30–40 nm in width) which contain “notches,” are also observed. More detailed morphological studies are therefore required to determine the most likely habit planes and their relevance to the function of the enamel crystals. The granular appearing fine structural contrast imposed onto lattice planes of sectioned enamel in TEM micrographs is also resolved with topographic contrasts in SE-I micrographs. These granules probably represent one or both of the enamel protein classes.
Comments on Ralph Wedgwood’s The Nature of Normativity

Ralph Wedgwood has written a big book: not in terms of pages (though there are plenty) but in terms of scope and ambition. Scope, in that he addresses many of the central issues around normativity, providing an account of the semantics of 'ought', and then a metaphysics and an epistemology to go with it; ambition in that so much of this is novel. Along the way there are myriad discussion of relevant philosophical background issues and of methodology.Amongst such riches, my focus here will of necessity be limited. I shall concentrate on the first part of Wedgwood's book, where he pursues a three part strategy in which he aims to:identify a notion of judgment internalism that captures the essence of 'ought';build a semantics on the basis of it;identify a logic of 'ought' on the basis of this semantics.So there are two crucial transitions, which I shall take in turn: from internalism to the semantics, and from the semantics to the logic. Wedgwood's aim throughout is to produce... Language: en
Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of As-Cast and Extruded Mg-2wt.%Zn Alloy Containing Dilute Content of Misch Metal

Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of as-cast and extruded Mg–2wt.%Zn alloys containing dilute misch metal were investigated. RE additions were added in the form of relatively inexpensive cerium-rich misch metal (MM). The results indicate that the dilute MM addition has evidently effect the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-2wt.% Zn alloy. The grain refinement was improved and the amount of second phase precipitation was increased as increasing MM content in Mg-2wt.%Zn alloy from 0.2% to 1.5%, and the hardness determination and tensile test results show that the hardness of its ingot and the tensile strength of its extrusion rod were also enhanced, however, excessive MM addition would promote second phases forming network precipitating in grain boundary, which would result in the marked reduction of the plasticity of the alloy. Therefore, it is recommended that the MM content not exceed 0.6% in order to obtain high strength companying with relative higher elongation. The tensile properties of as-extruded Mg-2Zn-0.6wt.%MM alloy rod were UTS=266.7MPa, YS=213MPa, EL=14.5% which is similar to the corresponding properties of AZ31.
Modifying CBT to treat panic disorder in patients with schizophrenia

Although individuals with schizophrenia often have other psychiatric conditions, such as panic disorder, less treatment attention is typically focused on this problem. Although established, efficacious cognitive behavioral treatments (CBT) exist, rarely have these interventions been used with individuals with schizophrenia. Our objective is to further improve the effectiveness (clinical utility) of an empirically validated treatment for panic disorder. Specific strategies are discussed regarding the modification of the treatment environment, the role of other providers, the establishment of rapport and the therapist-patient relationship when utilizing CBT for panic disorder with patients with schizophrenia. Furthermore, issues related to cultural differences, trauma history, and ethics are explored. Additionally, the treatment approach is outlined and the limitations of a standardized treatment intervention are discussed. Finally, a case example of a client with schizophrenia and panic disorder treated with a modified version of an empirically validated, cognitive behavioral protocol for panic disorder is offered to illustrate the points.
Solar Rotation Determined from Thomas Harriot's Sunspot Observations of 1611 to 1613.

In 1612 the sun9s mean sidereal rotation rate was only 13.3° per day based on a series of 199 unpublished drawings by Harriot. By comparison with the rates in 1625 to 1626 and 1642 to 1644 it appears that the solar rotation was accelerating significantly in the cycles leading up to the Maunder minimum.
Risk, Mispricing, and Value Investing

We evaluate the stock return performance of a modified version of the book-to-market strategy and its implications for market efficiency. If the previously documented superior stock return of the book-to-market strategy represents mispricing, its performance should be improved by excluding fairly valued firms with extreme book-to-market ratios. To attain this, we classify stocks as value or glamour on book-to-market ratios and accounting accruals jointly. This joint classification is likely to exclude stocks with extreme book-to-market ratios due to mismeasured accounting book values reflecting limitations underlying the accounting system. Using both 12-month buy-and-hold returns and earnings announcement returns, our results show that this joint classification generates substantially higher portfolio returns in the post-portfolio-formation year than the book-to-market classification alone with no evidence of increased risk. In addition, this superior stock return performance is more pronounced among firms held primarily by small (unsophisticated) investors and followed less closely by market participants (stock price <$10). Finally, and most importantly, financial analysts are overly optimistic (pessimistic) about earnings of glamour (value) stock, and for a subset of firms identified as overvalued by our strategy, the earnings announcement raw return, as well as abnormal return, is negative. These last results are particularly important because it is hard to envision a model consistent with rational investors holding risky stocks with predictable negative raw returns for a long period of time rather than holding fT-bills and with financial analysts systematically overestimating the earnings of these stocks while underestimating earnings of stocks that outperform the stock market.
Hemodynamic characterization of Aortic Valve Bypass Surgery (AVBS) using patient-specific computational models based on MRA and PCMR

Background AVBS is an option for patients who suffer from both aortic valve stenosis and severe ascending aortic calcification. In AVBS, a conduit containing a prosthetic valve is introduced into the LV transapically and attached to the descending thoracic aorta (Fig 1). However, AVBS patients tend to suffer from a higher number of cerebral events, and intra-aortic thrombus has been reported (Kotani et al, ICVTS, 2009). The objective of this study is to use Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), Phase Contrast Magnetic Resonance (PCMR), and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to understand the hemodynamics of AVBS in order to correlate how flow patterns may relate to post-surgical complications.
0.075, 1.25 and 2.0 μm wide M-R transducers

Abstract Both an experimental evaluation and a theoretical analysis have been performed on 0.75, 1.25 and 2.0 μm wide magnetoresistive transducers. These elements, sensitive to fields parallel to their long dimension, are fabricated from a double permalloy layer. A numerical analysis technique also has been developed for computing the magnetization distribution in these two layer films for varied field conditions.
Captive Supplies, Market Conduct, and the Open-Market Price

In this paper I examine the anatomy of the price captive-supplies relationship to ascertain if some of the interpretations offered in the empirical literature are defensible. Gardner's one-product, two-input model is extended to consider a partially integrated oligopsonistic industry. The main result is that, although the empirical relationship between captive supplies and the price received by independent producers is negative, it may or may not be attributed to noncompetitive conduct. Hence, for an econometric model to detect what type of conduct the relationship reflects, more structural detail is needed than what so far has been provided in the literature.
Central values of Rankin $L$-series over real quadratic fields

We study the Rankin -series, analogous to the formulae obtained by Gross, Zhang, and Xue in the imaginary case. The proof uses a version of the Rankin–Selberg method in which the theta correspondence plays an important role. We give two applications, to computing the order of the Tate–Shafarevich group of the base change to a real quadratic field of an elliptic curve defined over the rationals, and to proving the equidistribution of individual closed geodesics on modular curves.
A preliminary ferrographic survey of the wear particles in human synovial fluid

The technique of ferrography has been applied to the analysis of wear particles in human synovial fluid aspirates. A number of discrete, identifiable classes of wear particles were found, including particles indicative of cutting wear and rubbing wear. The spectrum of particles varied among different groups of patients, suggesting an eventual diagnostic use for this method.
Logistics Network Design: Modeling and Informational Considerations

This article provides an overview of the practical application of modeling to the business logistics network design problem. Various location models are categorized and selected ones are illustrated that represent an example of the class and/or that have been used extensively in practice. Suggestions are made as to how data can be aggregated to facilitate the modeling process. Numerous examples are given as to how and where these location models have been applied.
A Challenge-based Unit with a Hands-on Demonstration for Teaching Momentum in Undergraduate Fluid Mechanics

Fluid momentum has proven to be one of the toughest concepts to grasp in fluid mechanics at Vanderbilt University and other institutions. Understanding the concept of fluid momentum is crucial to understanding and solving many real-world engineering problems. We developed, presented, and evaluated a fluid momentum unit in the Vanderbilt University undergraduate fluid mechanics course during the Fall 2011 semester. This particular course does not have a lab component, however we believe students can benefit from experiments and demonstrations in the classroom. Therefore, we included a hands-on demonstration component. We designed the fluid momentum unit using the Legacy Cycle developed by the Vanderbilt-Northwestern-Harvard/MIT Engineering Research Center (VaNTH ERC). The fluid momentum unit presented in this work achieved some success in helping students understand the concept of fluid momentum and the forces fluids exert on their surroundings. From a quantitative perspective, a statistical significance was not found when comparing the results from the students that received the subject fluid momentum unit and a control group of students that received a traditional lecture-formatted unit. Qualitatively, the subject group applied the conservation of momentum principle effectively in project and exam assessments. Additionally, the subject group student surveys indicated most of the students felt the fluid momentum unit presented in this work helped them learn better compared to traditional lecture units.
Effects of Vessel Geometric Irregularity on Dissolution Test Results

Dissolution testing of pharmaceutical products is an important technique used extensively for both product development and quality control, but there are many variables that can affect dissolution results. In this study, the effect of the inner shape of standard 1-L dissolution vessels on drug dissolution results was investigated. The geometric dimensions and irregularities of commercially available vessels (obtained from four different manufacturers) were examined using a three-dimensional video-based measuring machine (VMM). The same analyst, dissolution test assembly, and experimental conditions were used for dissolution testing involving 10 mg of prednisone tablets (NCDA #2) with dissolution apparatus 2 (paddle). Mechanical calibration of the dissolution apparatus was performed prior to dissolution testing with each set of vessels. Geometric characteristics varied within and among the sets of vessels, but the overall averages and standard deviations of dissolution results (six vessels) showed no statistical significant differences among the vessel sets. However, some dissolution differences were noted when comparing individual vessels. With these types of comparisons, the vessel concentricity, sphericity, and radius of sphere were found to possibly influence the amount of prednisone dissolved, but flatness of vessel flange, cylindricity, and circularity showed no effect on dissolution results. The study shows that VMM is a technique that could be used to qualify dissolution vessels.
Random force based algorithm for local minima escape of potential field method

We address a new inherent limitation of potential field methods, which is symmetrically aligned robot-obstacle-goal (SAROG). The SAROG involves one critical risk of local minima trap. For dealing with the problem, we investigate the way how the local minima trap is recognized, and present our random force algorithm. The force algorithm has two categories of random unit total force (RUTF) and random unit total force with repulsion removal (RUTF-RR) which are selected based on the conditions of a robot, an obstacle and a goal.
Optimizing segment label boundaries for statistical speech synthesis

This paper introduces a new optimization technique for moving segment labels (phone and subphonetic) to optimize statistical parametric speech synthesis models. The choice of objective measures is investigated thoroughly and listening tests show the results to significantly improve the quality of the generated speech equivalent to increasing the database size by 3 fold.