cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electro-optical behavior of polymer cholesteric liquid crystal flake/fluid suspensions in a microencapsulation matrix

When flakes of polymer cholesteric liquid crystals (PCLC's) are dispersed in a fluid host and subjected to an applied electric field, their bright, polarization-selective reflection color is extinguished as they undergo field-induced rotation. Maxwell-Wagner (interfacial) polarization is the underlying physical mechanism for flake motion and results from the large difference in dielectric properties of the flake and fluid hosts. Flake reorientation times can be as short as 300 ms to 400 ms at exceedingly low driving fields (10 to 100 mV rms /μm) and are dependent on flake size and shape, fluid host dielectric constant and viscosity, and drive-filed frequency and magnitude. These attributes make this new materials system of special interest in electro-optical and photonics applications, where reflective-mode operation, polarization selectivity, and low power consumption are of critical importance (e.g., reflective displays). Until very recently, the electro-optical reorientation of PCLC flakes has been studied only in sandwich-type cells using glass substrates. In this work, we report on the dc field-induced reorientation behavior of PCLC flakes contained in confined spherical or near-spherical fluid-filled cavities formed by microencapsulation of the flake/fluid host dispersion in a water-borne flexible binder. This PCLC flake-fluid host/binder emulsion is coated onto either rigid or flexible condutive-coated substrates and then overcaoted (uniformly or patterned) using a conductive emulsion or paint that is either absorbing (black) or reflecting (silver). In addition to providing a unique environment to study flake motion, this device geometry also extends the application scope of the technology to conformal, electrically switchable coatings for large planar areas and flexible media for information display applications (e.g., electronic paper).
School-based social-cognitive skills training for middle school students with school behavior problems.

Abstract There are currently few intervention options, outside of the suspension process, for middle school students with school behavior problems. This study evaluated the effects of a school-based social-cognitive skills training program for middle school students with behavior problems. A total of 35 subjects were randomly selected from three schools. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a treatment or control group at each school using a pretest-posttest control group design. Scores from the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale (N-SLCS) and Teachers Self-Control Rating Scale (TSCRS) were used to assess subjects' cognitive and behavioral changes before and immediately following the treatment program. Statistically significant differences between pretest and posttest scores from the N-SLCS and the TSCRS were found for the treatment group, but not for the control group. There were no significant differences in outcomes among treatment subjects based upon their race, gender or treatment setting. The implications of these findings for school social work practice and future research are discussed.
Auditors’ performance evaluations: An experimental analysis of the effects of initial impressions and task-specific experience on information later recalled

Abstract Professional auditors at two firms completed a computerized task designed to test the effects of initial impressions and experience upon the information later recalled about a subordinate. Subjects were given either a positive, negative, or neutral initial impression with respect to the subordinate's technical competence. They then reviewed randomly presented behavioral descriptions, completed an unrelated “distracter” task, and completed a free recall task related to the subordinate from the original task. Subjects inheriting a negative initial impression exhibited a greater tendency toward recall of weakness-related information compared to those given no specific initial impression. Those given a positive initial impression did not exhibit a similar confirmatory tendency. Experience in performance evaluation was associated with greater recall of unfavorable information, but only for subjects given no initial impression.
The interpretation of animal psychology : Anthropomorphism or behavior reading ?

A perennial problem in the study of behavior has been the basis for anthropomorphic psychological terminology. Research has suggested that people use a nonhuman animal's perceived similarity to humans based on physical likeness, familiarity, phylogeny, and/or cultural stereotype to characterize it psychologically. One further hypothesis is that people use an animal's behavior-in-context to determine its psychological characterization. These diverse hypotheses were evaluated by providing undergraduates with narratives depicting mammalian (including human) behavior suggestive of jealousy or deception, and asking them to evaluate their degree of agreement or disagreement with particular psychological characterizations of the animal described. Narratives varied the species, the context in which a mammal's behavior occurred, and how strongly it was emphasized that the narrative was about a nonhuman (or human) organism. Species varied in their physical similarity, phylogenetic closeness or familiarity to humans, and/or cultural stereotype as human-like; behavior remained constant in all narratives. In general, variations in the context in which behavior occurred influenced psychological characterization, but variations in species and emphasis did not: psychological characterizations of all species were almost always similar. Nonscientists (and some scientists as well) apparently use a mammal's behavior-in-context (whether human or not) as evidence of its psychological nature, regardless of the mammal's physical similarity, familiarity, or phylogenetic closeness to humans, or the mammal's cultural stereotype; psychological terms are not used specifically for humans, but rather are depictive of behavior-in-context. Psychological terms set the stage for further investigation into an organism's psychological abilities; calling such terms 'anthropomorphic' inaccurately implies that they are extrapolated from human behavior, when they appear to be applicable to particular behavior-in-context, independent of the species behaving.
Study On Infrared Gas-Filter Correlation Spectrometer For Measuring Low-Concentration Methanol Gases

A gas-filter correlation spectrometer that employed a wide spectral band of infrared radiation and gas-filter cell has been built and successfully tested to measure methanol concentrations up to 113 ppm. The instrument demonstrates a detection limit of approximately 1.0 um. The interference of nonmethanol gases is negligible when automobile exhausts are used for the test. The most prominent, though not serious, problem appears to be the signal drift, which is believed to be improved by thermally insulating the instrument. The analyzer demonstrated its capability for real-time analysis of emissions from methanol-fueled vehicles due to its simplicity and fast response as compared with wet chemical methods.
Prognostic significance of prostaglandin E2 production in fresh tissues of head and neck cancer patients

Background. Immunosuppressive prostaglandins may play a role in the biologic behavior of head and neck cancer. Increased levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) have been measured in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Methods. To address this question, tissue levels of PGE2 were measured in tumor tissues, normal mucosa, and lymph nodes of 37 patients undergoing tumor resections. Tissue specimens were placed in culture media, and levels of PGE2 released into the supernatant were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results. Tissue levels of PGE2 were significantly greater in tumor and normal mucosal tissues compared to lymph nodes (p = 0.0003). There was no difference between metastatic and tumor-free lymph nodes. Although tumor tissue levels of PGE2 were not associated with tumor stage, increased levels of PGE2 were associated with increased 2-year disease-free survival (p = 0.02). Conclusions. Although PGE2 may have adverse effects on local immune function in tumor tissues, improved survival of patients with increased local PGE2 production may be indicative of an enhanced immunologic response to the tumor which has a favorable impact on outcome. © 1995 Jons Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Initial studies with gamma radiotherapy to inhibit coronary restenosis

Abstract Background. Early studies indicate brachytherapy is a potential clinical treamtent for restenosis after coronary angioplasty procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of gamma radiation plus stenting in patients' previous restenosis. Methods . In patients with previous coronary restenosis, balloon dilatation and/or coronary stenting was undertaken and then patients were randomly assigned to receive either Iridium-192 or placebo. Quantitative coronary angiographic, intravascular ultrasonographic, and clinical follow-up was obtained. Results . Of the 55 patients enrolled, 26 were treated with Iridium-192 and 29 were in the placebo group. Late luminal loss was significantly lower in the treated group compared to the placebo group (0.38 ± 1.06 mm vs. 1.03 ± 0.97 mm, p = 0.03). Restenosis (stenosis of ≥50% at follow-up) was found in 17% of treated patients compared to 54% of placebo patients ( p = 0.01). The need for target lesion revascularization was observed in 12% of patients in the treated group compared to 45% in the placebo group ( p = 0.01). Conclusions . In this initial trial, at 12 months follow-up, patients with previous restenosis were benefited by catheter-based gamma radiation therapy.
Susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans to Photodynamic Inactivation Is Associated with Cell Wall Integrity

Photodynamic therapy is a rapidly developing antimicrobial technology which combines a nontoxic photoactivatable dye or photosensitizer with harmless visible light of the correct wavelength to excite the dye to its reactive triplet state to generate reactive oxygen species toxic to cells. In this report we present evidence that the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans is susceptible to photodynamic inactivation by use of a polycationic conjugate of polyethyleneimine and the photosensitizer chlorin(e6). A C. neoformans rom2 mutant, with a mutation involving a putative Rho1 guanyl nucleotide exchange factor that is part of the protein kinase C-cell wall integrity pathway, demonstrated a compromised cell wall and less (1,3)beta-d glucan than the wild-type strain and increased accumulation of PEI-ce6 as assessed by fluorescence uptake and confocal microscopy. Interestingly, C. neoformans rom2 was hypersusceptible to photodynamic inactivation and coincubation of wild-type C. neoformans strain KN99alpha with caspofungin-enhanced photoinactivation. These studies demonstrated that C. neoformans is sensitive to photodynamic therapy and illustrated the significance of cell wall integrity in microbial susceptibility to antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation.
Drag-force fluctuation on a cylinder

The drag force acting on a circular cylinder fluctuating erratically in a viscous fluid is measured with a laser–cantilever force transducer. The experimental results compare very well with the theory.
Equilibrium shapes and locations of axisymmetric, liquid drops on conical, solid surfaces

Micro- and nano-scale liquid droplets must be precisely placed in proximity to conical solid tips in applications that include AFM tip dip-pen nanolithography. This seemingly simple task is strongly dependent on wetting conditions of the drop on the tip surface. Over a wide range of wetting conditions and drop volumes, drops can situate far from a conical needle apex at equilibrium, which can hinder the effectiveness of the respective applications. Needle geometry also affects drop location. On a right conical needle, liquid drops that wet the needle surface locate away from the apex. However, by careful consideration of their geometry, needles can be engineered to retain liquid drops near the tip or some other region of interest. In this work, a theoretical model is developed that predicts axisymmetric, equilibrium drop locations and shapes on conical, solid surfaces as a function of drop volume, needle geometry/shape, needle surface wettability (contact angle), liquid surface tension, line tension, and gravity.
Inhibition of Root Surface Caries in Rice Rats: Use of a Sodium Fluoride Dentifrice

A sodium fluoride-containing dentifrice (Gleem) was evaluated for its efficacy to inhibit root surface caries in the rice rat. The dentifrice was diluted 50/50 with water so that the slurry contained 500 ppm fluoride. This slurry, a solution of 5000 ppm fluoride, and demineralized water were applied to the molar teeth twice daily for 10 weeks. Another group of rats was given 50 ppm fluoride in the drinking water. There was significantly less root surface caries in all groups of rats which received fluoride than in the demineralized water control animals. However, none of the fluoride preparations inhibited the loss of alveolar bone.
Scaling of energy barriers for flux lines and other random systems.

Using a combination of analytic arguments and numerical simulations, we determine lower and upper bounds for the energy barriers to the motion of a defect line in a random potential at low temperatures. We study the cases of magnetic flux lines in high-$T_{c}$ superconductors in 2 and 3 dimensions, and of domain walls in 2 dimensional random-field Ising models. The results show that, under fairly general conditions, energy barriers have the same scaling as the fluctuations in free energy, except for possible logarithmic factors. This holds not only for barriers between optimal configurations of the line, but also for barriers separating any metastable configuration from a configuration of minimal energy. Similar arguments may be applicable to other elastic media with impurities, such as bunches of flux lines.
State estimation of a supply chain using improved resampling rules for particle filtering

Resampling rules for importance sampling play a critical role in achieving good performance of the particle filters by preventing the sampling procedure from generating degenerated weights for particles, where a single particle abruptly possesses significant amount of normalized weights, and from wasting computational resources by replicating particles proportional to these weights. In this work, we propose two new resampling rules concerning minimized variance and minimized bias, respectively. Then, we revisit a half-with based resampling rule for benchmarking purposes. The proposed rules are derived theoretically and their performances are compared with that of the minimized variance and half width-based resampling rules existing in the literature using a supply chain simulation in terms of their resampling qualities (mean and variance of root mean square errors) and computational efficiencies, where we identify the circumstances that the proposed resampling rules become particularly useful.
The Changing Relationship Between Job Loss Announcements and Stock Prices: 1970-1999

We study the reaction of stock prices to announcements of reductions in force (RIFs) using a sample of 4273 such announcements in 1160 large firms during the 1970–99 period collected from the Wall Street Journal. We note that the total number of actual announcements for the firms in our sample follows the business cycle quite closely. We then examine changes over time in standard summary statistics (means, medians, fraction positive) of the distribution of stock market reactions, measured by the cumulative excess returns (CER) of firms' stock prices over a 3-day event window centered on the announcement date, as well as changes over time in kernel density estimates of this distribution. We find clear evidence that the distribution of stock market reactions shifted to the right (became less negative) over time. One possible explanation for this change is that, over the last three decades, RIFs designed to improve efficiency have become more common relative to RIFs designed to cope with reductions in product demand. We estimate multivariate regression models of the CER controlling for the stated reason for the announced layoff, industry, and other characteristics of the announced layoff. We find that almost none of the decline in the negative average stock price reaction between the 1970s and 1990s can be explained by these factors.
Acute lower limb ischemia: Determinants of outcome☆

Abstract Background: Previous studies have documented high rates of morbidity and death after acute peripheral arterial occlusion. To date, however, few studies have identified parameters predictive of successful therapy. Methods: The Thrombolysis or Peripheral Arterial Surgery Trial of intraarterial recombinant urokinase or immediate operation for acute lower extremity arterial occlusion provided data on 544 patients randomized at 113 centers. A Cox proportional hazards multifactor analysis was performed to identify those main effects predictive of amputation-free survival and to document any baseline variables useful in deciding whether a patient would be treated best initially with thrombolysis or operation. Results: Of 28 variables analyzed, eight main effects were predictive of amputation-free survival. These included two demographic factors: white race (risk ratio [RR] = 1.75; p = 0.003) and younger age (RR = 1.015; p = 0.046). Comorbidities comprised four of the main effects: history of central nervous system disease (RR = 1.726; p = 0.005), history of malignancy (RR = 1.615; p = 0.024), congestive heart failure (RR = 2.202; p
Rare association of a carotid pseudoaneurysm and coarctation of the aorta

We describe the occurrence of a carotid pseudoaneurysm in a child 3 years following cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. This lesion occurred in the context of a previously unsuspected coarctation of the aorta. This may likely predispose to the development of the pseudoaneurysm or may be an incidental association.
Catalytic Solid State Reactions on the Surface of Nanoscale Metal Oxide Particles

Abstract Core–shell nanoparticles of metal oxides ([Fe 2 O 3 ]MgO, [Fe 2 O 3 ]CaO, [V 2 O 3 ]MgO, and the other first-row transition metal shell materials coated on nanoparticles of MgO or CaO) have been studied as destructive adsorbents for CCl 4 , CHCl=CCl 2 , C 6 H 4 Cl 2 , CH 3 P(O)(OCH 3 ) 2 , and SO 2 . A catalytic effect due to the transition metal shell material has been observed, where solid state ion–ion exchange takes place, thus allowing penetration into the MgO or CaO particles and thereby regenerating the transition metal oxide for additional catalytic action. Due to this catalytic effect, the destructive adsorption reaction became nearly stoichiometric, and therefore much higher capacities for destruction/immobilization of the adsorbate under study were realized. For example, the reaction CCl 4 +[V 2 O 5 ]MgO → CO 2 +[V 2 O 5 ]MgCl 2 is greatly enhanced by the presence of the V 2 O 5 , and VCl 5 or VCl 3 appear to be intermediates in the process. The catalytic effects are proposed to be due to the intermediacy of transition metal chlorides, phosphates, or sulfites, which are mobile and seek out reactive sites on the MgO or CaO nanoparticles where ion–ion exchange can most readily take place, thereby regenerating the transition metal oxide catalyst.
Resting-cell dehydrogenase assay measuring a novel water-soluble formazan detects catabolic differences among cells

Abstract A resting-cell assay using the novel tetrazolium compound, 5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-3-(4-sulfophenyl)tetrazolium, inner salt (MTS), demonstrates the presence of dehydrogenases in cells. When used with the electron-coupling reagent phenazine methosulfate (PMS), MTS can be reduced by cells into a water-soluble formazan. This assay detects different catabolic activities of cells grown with various carbon sources. In this study, the effect of repression of metabolic pathways was demonstrated in Escherichia coli JL3676, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, and Pseudomonas stutzeri JM300 by assaying for formazan formation. Lactose-grown E. coli substrate as compared to glucose-grown or glucose-plus-lactose-grown cells. In addition, when compared to glucose-grown or glucose-plus-oleate-grown cells, oleate-grown E. coli cells showed at least a twenty-fold increase in activity when oleate was the added substrate. When succinate was the added substrate, succinate-grown B. subtilis cells produced a thirteen-fold increase in activity over glucose-grown or glucose-plus-succinate-grown cells. When glucose was the added substrate, glucose-grown P. stutzeri cells demonstrated at least a twelve-fold increase in activity compared with succinate-grown or succinate-plus-glucose-grown cells. Also, results comparable to the production of [14C]CO2 from [14C]oleate by E. coli were obtained demonstrating that the assay is an alternative to the use of radiolabeled substrates.
Myocardial perfusion SPECT using a rotating multi-segment slant-hole collimator.

Purpose: A rotating multi-segment slant-hole (RMSSH) collimator is able to provide much higher ( ∼ 3 times for four-segment collimator with 30° slant angle) sensitivity than a parallel-hole (PH) collimator with the similar spatial resolution for imaging small organs such as the heart and the breast. In this article, the authors evaluated the performance of myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS) using a RMSSH collimator compared to MPS using the low-energy high-resolution parallel-hole collimators. Methods: The authors conducted computer simulation studies using the NURBS-based cardiac-torso phantom, receiver operative characteristic (ROC) analysis using the channelized Hotelling observer, physical phantom experiments, and pilot patient studies to evaluate the performance of MPS using a rotating four-segment slant-hole (R4SSH) collimator with respect to MPS using a PH collimator. Results: In the simulation study, the R4SSH MPS provides images with superior contrast-noise trade-off than those of PH MPS with the same acquisition time. The defect detectability in terms of the largest area under the ROC curve for R4SSH MPS is significantly higher than those of PH MPS with p -values 0.01 . In the phantom experiments, the R4SSH MPS images with 7.5 min acquisition had similar noise level and overall image quality as those of PH MPS with 21 min acquisition. Pilot patient studies showed that with the same acquisition time, the R4SSH SPECT using a single-head camera gave images with similar quality as those of PH SPECT using a dual-head camera. Conclusions: The RMSSH SPECT has a potential to improve the coronary artery disease detection and workflow of SPECTimaging acquisition due to the high sensitivity property of the RMSSH collimator.
Nucleotide composition of short segments of DNA molecules

A column has been devised which fractionates duplex DNA segments of about 200,000 molecular weight with respect to their characteristic denaturation temperature and hence composition. This fractionation has been applied to a number of different phage and bacterial DNA's and the degree of compositional heterogeneity measured. The segments show a relatively broad distribution and the composition of segments from one species of DNA overlap those from another. This is in contrast with the compositions of high molecular weight segments which show high species specificity. This fractionation procedure has been applied to λ DNA, and the composition of some genetically deleted segments has been determined.
The Payoff to America from Globalisation

This article summarizes the economic payoff to the United States from its postwar trade opening and estimates the potential future gains from more opening going forward. To quantify these gains, we survey different methodologies and estimates. We find that trade opening since World War II has added between $800 billion to $1.4 trillion to the US economy, or about $7,000 to $13,000 per household. More speculative estimates of the potential additional gains from removing the rest of US trade barriers range from $400 billion to $1.3 trillion, or about $4,000 to $12,000 per household. Since trade opening permanently raises national income, these gains are enjoyed annually. Trade opening inevitably entails adjustment costs. We estimate that the lifetime cost of all worker dislocations that have been triggered by expanded trade in the United States could be as high as $54 billion, although probably less. The permanent gains from past and potential liberalization easily swamp the modest sums necessary to alleviate the temporary pains of adjustment. In the future as in the past, free trade can significantly raise income – and quality of life – in America.
Derivation of multivariate syndromic outcome metrics for consistent testing across multiple models of cervical spinal cord injury in rats

Spinal cord injury (SCI) and other neurological disorders involve complex biological and functional changes. Well-characterized preclinical models provide a powerful tool for understanding mechanisms of disease; however managing information produced by experimental models represents a significant challenge for translating findings across research projects and presents a substantial hurdle for translation of novel therapies to humans. In the present work we demonstrate a novel ‘syndromic’ information-processing approach for capitalizing on heterogeneous data from diverse preclinical models of SCI to discover translational outcomes for therapeutic testing. We first built a large, detailed repository of preclinical outcome data from 10 years of basic research on cervical SCI in rats, and then applied multivariate pattern detection techniques to extract features that are conserved across different injury models. We then applied this translational knowledge to derive a data-driven multivariate metric that provides a common ‘ruler’ for comparisons of outcomes across different types of injury (NYU/MASCIS weight drop injuries, Infinite Horizons (IH) injuries, and hemisection injuries). The findings revealed that each individual endpoint provides a different view of the SCI syndrome, and that considering any single outcome measure in isolation provides a misleading, incomplete view of the SCI syndrome. This limitation was overcome by taking a novel multivariate integrative approach for leveraging complex data from preclinical models of neurological disease to identify therapies that target multiple outcomes. We suggest that applying this syndromic approach provides a roadmap for translating therapies for SCI and other complex neurological diseases.
Organizing for Radical Innovation: An Exploratory Study of the Structural Aspects of RI Management Systems in Large Established Firms

To escape the intense competition of today's global economy, large established organizations seek growth options beyond conventional new product development that leads to incremental changes in current product lines. Radical innovation (RI) is one such pathway, which results in organically driven growth through the creation of whole new lines of business that bring new to the world performance features to the market and may result in the creation of entirely new markets. Yet success is elusive, as many have experienced and scholars have documented. This article reports results of a three-year, longitudinal study of 12 large established firms that have declared a strategic intent to evolve their RI capabilities. In contrast to other academic research that has analyzed specific projects to understand management practices appropriate for RI, the present research reported explores the evolution of management systems for enabling radical innovation to occur repeatedly in large firms and reports on one aspect of this management system: organizational structures for enabling and nurturing RI. To consider organizational structure as a venue for capability development is new in the management of innovation and dynamic capabilities literatures. Conventional wisdom holds that RIs should be incubated outside the company and assimilated once they have gained traction in the marketplace. Numerous experiments with organizational structures were observed that instead work to manage the interfaces between the RI management system and the mother organization. These structures are described here, and insights are drawn out regarding radical innovation competency requirements, transition challenges, senior leadership mandates, and business-unit ambidexterity. The centerpiece of this research is the explication of the Discovery–Incubation–Acceleration framework, which details three sets of necessary, though not sufficient competencies, for building an RI capability.
Bradykinin receptor-mediated chloride secretion in intestinal function

The nonapeptide bradykinin (Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg) and the decapeptide kallidin (Lys-bradykinin) are released during tissue damage and cause vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, altered gut motility and pain1–4. Accordingly, they have been implicated in several pathological processes, including carcinoid tumours and postgastrectomy dumping syndrome. Symptoms of these two syndromes include flushing, light-headedness, headaches and diarrhoea5–9. Increased blood levels of bradykinin5,7–9 and kallikrein9, the bradykinin-releasing enzyme, have been noted in such patients and may explain these symptoms. However, while kinin-forming and -destroying activity has been noted in the gut10–14, bradykinin itself has not been directly demonstrated. Moreover, while bradykinin influences gut motility and electrical activity15,25,26, most clinical diarrhoea is due to ion and fluid secretion into the gut lumen rather than altered motility16. We describe here specific bradykinin receptors in intestinal mucosa and muscle. We also report that bradykinin and several peptide analogues potently stimulate chloride secretion in the gut with a peptide specificity indicative of specific receptor interactions. These findings suggest a physiological and a pathological role for kinins in intestinal function. Throughout this report the term kinin will indicate both bradykinin and kallidin activities since in several cases the true active form is unknown.
A Comprehensive Measure of the Energy Resource Potential of a Wind Farm Site

Currently, the quality of wind measure of a site is assessed using Wind Power Density (WPD). This paper proposes to use a more credible metric namely, one we call the Wind Power Potential (WPP). While the former only uses wind speed information, the latter exploits both wind speed and wind direction distributions, and yields more credible estimates. The new measure of quality of a wind resource, the Wind Power Potential Evaluation (WPPE) model, investigates the effect of wind velocity distribution on the optimal net power generation of a farm. Bivariate normal distribution is used to characterize the stochastic variation of wind conditions (speed and direction). The net power generation for a particular farm size and installed capacity are maximized for different distributions of wind speed and wind direction, using the Unrestricted Wind Farm Layout Optimization (UWFLO) methodology. A response surface is constructed, using the recently developed Reliability Based Hybrid Functions (RBHF), to represent the computed maximum power generation as a function of the parameters of the wind velocity (speed and direction) distribution. To this end, for any farm site, we can (i) estimate the parameters of wind velocity distribution using recorded wind data, and (ii) predict the maximum power generation for a specified farm size and capacity, using the developed response surface. The WPPE model is validated through recorded wind data at four differing stations obtained from the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN). The results illustrate the variation of wind conditions and, subsequently, its influence on the quality of a wind resource.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Quantification of Habitat and Community Relationships among Nearshore Temperate Fishes Through Analysis of Drop Camera Video

Temperate nearshore reefs along the Pacific coast of North America are highly valuable to commercial and recreational fisheries yet comprise a small fraction of the seabed. Monitoring fisheries resources in this region is difficult; high-relief structural complexity and adverse sea conditions have led to a paucity of information on temperate reef species assemblage patterns. Reliable, inexpensive tools and methods for monitoring are needed, as many traditional tools are both logistically complicated and expensive, limiting the frequency of their implementation over a large scale. Video drop cameras of varying designs have previously been employed to estimate fish abundance and distribution. We surveyed a nearshore rocky reef off the northern Oregon coast with a video lander (a video camera mounted on a landing platform so it can be dropped to the seafloor) over the spring and winter of 2011. We designed a 272-point systematic grid to document the species assemblage and the distribution and habitat associations of the reef species, including two overfished rockfishes: Canary Rockfish Sebastes pinniger and Yelloweye Rockfish Sebastes ruberrimus. Species assemblages differed significantly across the reef by depth and by season for the outer part of the reef. Well-defined habitat associations existed for many species; Canary Rockfish were associated with complex moderate-relief habitat types such as large boulders and small boulders, while Yelloweye Rockfish were associated with high-relief habitats like vertical walls. Species associations were evaluated pairwise to identify nearshore complexes. We compared our site with five exploratory reef sites off the central Oregon coast and found that nearshore reefs differed from our site, while offshore reefs were more similar. Video landers provide a solution to the need for increased sampling of temperate reef systems that are subject to difficult conditions and can contribute to habitat mapping, fish abundance indices, and fish assemblage information for monitoring and management of fisheries resources.
Binary optics: A VLSI-based microoptics technology

Binary optics technology applies VLSI and ULSI processing techniques to the field of microoptics to enable the fabrication of unique wavefront engineering devices from x-ray to IR wavelengths. The nested character of these stepped diffractive surface relief structures, coupled with submicron linewidths and precise etch depths, puts stringent demands on process tolerances. We summarize our efforts to produce high-optical-quality diffractive and refractive microoptics with this technology. We also describe novel techniques developed to fabricate the deep structures needed to form high-aspect-ratio gratings and analog refractive lenslet arrays, including thick resist processing and deep anisotropic etching.
Myxoid changes in cardiac valves: pathologic, clinical, and ultrastructural studies.

Abstract The histologic review of 344 consecutive surgically excised aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves demonstrated myxoid degenerative changes in 262 cases. In most cases these changes were minimal but in 34 instances they were severe or disruptive. In 14 instances this was associated with rheumatic valvulitis with marked calcification, whereas in 20 cases the myxoid changes were the predominant finding. Sixteen of these 20 patients were men and four were women. The average age was 42 years, ten years less than that of all cases reviewed. Eleven aortic, seven mitral, and two tricuspid valves were involved. All were insufficient. The histologic findings were consistent with Marfan's disease. Two of the 20 patients showed clinical stigmas of this syndrome. The clinical, surgical, and morphologic correlation suggests that the lesion in this group of patients represents an idiopathic disease process but the morphology alone is nonspecific. Particularly, lesser degrees of myxoid change appear to be a tissue reaction to a variety of etiologic factors. The ultrastructural appearance is characterized by a disruption of the fibrillar pattern, qualitative changes with loss of cross bandings in collagen fibrils, and a relative increase and greater translucency of the ground substance.
Attending to Embodied Responses: A Way to Identify Practice-Based and Human Meanings Associated With Secondary Trauma:

Most researchers of secondary trauma have focused on the pathological aspects of embodied responses rather than their usefulness in interpreting clinical situations. In this study, the authors completed a phenomenological investigation of nursing and social work faculty and student experiences with secondary trauma. They focused on how physical sensations and perceptions alert clinicians to reflect on human meanings associated with traumatic events. Findings indicated that participants experienced strong physical sensations that served as a Geiger counter of meaning and helped clinicians reflect on and understand the traumatic event. Clinicians, educators, and students should take the time to reflect on physical sensations in order to fully understand the human and professional meanings embedded in these responses.
Growth and yield of sugar beet in relation to potassium and sodium supply

Potassium fertiliser increases yield of sugar beet on most soils in Britain and sodium fertiliser gives a larger increase, whilst decreasing response to potassium. Sugar beet given factorial dressings of these elements was sampled periodically to determine whether they increase yield by similar effects on growth. Three experiments were made at Broom's Barn on a calcareous loam in 1971-73 and the results suggest that the two elements affect growth similarly. Both increased leaf area early in the season, improved the root: top ratio and increased sugar percentage in fresh and dried roots, all factors contributing to increased sugar yield. Analysis of the roots during September to December showed that neither element affected their processing quality; although each element increased its own concentration in the root juice, it proportionately decreased the harmful a-amino nitrogen concentration.
Chemical and Physiological Changes in Lime Fruits During and After Storage

SUMMARY The rates of deterioration, weight loss, color change, and respiratory rate of lime fruits were determined during storage for 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks at 5, 7.5, and 10°C and after transfer to 20°C following the above storage treatments. The surface treatments compared were control, mineral oil, and wax. Changes in weight, juice content and soluble solids, acidity, and ascorbic acid in the juice were recorded during 4 and 8 weeks of storage at 5, 7.5, and 10°C and after one week at 20°C following the above storage treatments. The respiratory rate of limes at 20°C following storage was greater than limes placed directly at 20°C; the increase being greater, the lower the initial storage temperature, and the longer the duration of the initial storage period. Lime fruits to be stored and subsequently marketed at room temperatures should be waxed and stored at about 7.5°C for a period not to exceed 8 weeks. The amount of juice and the soluble solids, acid and ascorbic acid contents in the juice increased during storage based on the original fresh weight of the fruit. On a concentration basis, ascorbic acid decreased during storage. The relationship of changes after transfer to 20°C and chilling injury are discussed.
The role of agritourism in heritage preservation

This study examined the linkage between agritourism and heritage preservation by assessing the occurrence of and farmers' motivations for preserving tangible heritage in their farmlands. Results show that agritourism farmers are preserving tangible heritage in their farmlands, mainly driven by intrinsic motives. Farmland, farmer, and agritourism attributes are significantly associated with motivations driving heritage preservation. Study results suggest that although agritourism appears to be an adequate tool to preserve tangible heritage, farmers are missing the opportunity to economically gain from these resources, which may jeopardise the sustainability of their conservation efforts. This study not only advances the incipient understanding of the agritourism−heritage link, but identifies additional issues of this relationship that need to be investigated further.
Placentation in the lizard Gerrhonotus coeruleus with a comparison to the extraembryonic membranes of the oviparous Gerrhonotus multicarinatus (Sauria, Anguidae).

Paraffin sections of an ontogenetic series of embryos of the viviparous lizard Gerrhonotus coeruleus and the oviparous congener G. multicarinatus reveal that although general features of the development of the chorioallantoic and yolk sac membranes are similar, differences are evident in the distribution of the chorioallantoic membrane in late stage embryos. An acellular shell membrane surrounds the egg throughout gestation in both species although the thickness of this structure is much reduced in G. coeruleus over that of G. multicarinatus. The initial vascular membrane to contact the shell membrane in both species is a trilaminar omphalopleure (choriovitelline membrane) composed of ectoderm, mesoderm of the area vasculosa, and endoderm. This transitory membrane is replaced by the vascularized chorioallantois as the allantois expands to contact the inner surface of the chorion. Prior to the establishment of the chorioallantois at the embryonic pole, a membrane begins to form within the yolk ventral to the sinus terminalis. This membrane, which becomes vascularized, extends across the entire width of the abembryonic region and isolates a mass of yolk ventral to the yolk mass proper. The outer membrane of the yolk pole is a nonvascular bilaminar omphalopleure (chorionic ectoderm and yolk endoderm). In G. multicarinatus the bilaminar omphalopleure is supported internally by the vascularized allantoic membrane, whereas in G. coeruleus the allantois does not extend beyond the margin of the isolated yolk mass and the bilaminar omphalopleure is supported by the vascularized intravitelline membrane. Both the chorioallantoic placenta (uterine epithelium, chorionic ectoderm and mesoderm, and allantoic mesoderm and endoderm) and the yolk sac placenta at the abembryonic pole (uterine epithelium, chorionic ectoderm, and yolk sac endoderm) persist to the end of gestation in G. coeruleus.
A Baseline and Vision of Ultrasonic Guided Wave Inspection Potential

Ultrasonic guided wave inspection is expanding rapidly to many different areas of manufacturing and in-service inspection. The purpose of this paper is to provide a vision of ultrasonic guided wave inspection potential aswe move forward into the new millennium. An increased understanding of the basic physics and wave mechanics associated with guided wave inspection has led to an increase in practical nondestructive evaluation and inspection problems. Some fundamental concepts and a number of different applications that are currently being considered will be presented in the paper along with a brief description of the sensor and software technology that will make ultrasonic guided wave inspection commonplace in the next century.
Learning to walk changes infants' social interactions

The onset of crawling marks a motor, cognitive and social milestone. The present study investigated whether independent walking marks a second milestone for social behaviors. In Experiment 1, the social and exploratory behaviors of crawling infants were observed while crawling and in a baby-walker, resulting in no differences based on posture. In Experiment 2, the social behaviors of independently walking infants were compared to age-matched crawling infants in a baby-walker. Independently walking infants spent significantly more time interacting with the toys and with their mothers, and also made more vocalizations and more directed gestures compared to infants in the walker. Experiment 3 tracked infants' social behaviors longitudinally across the transition from crawling and walking. Even when controlled for age, the transition to independent walking marked increased interaction time with mothers, as well as more sophisticated interactions, including directing mothers' attention to particular objects. The results suggest a developmental progression linking social interactions with milestones in locomotor development.
Radar-rainfall estimation algorithms of Hydro-NEXRAD

Hydro-NEXRAD is a prototype software system that provides hydrology and water resource communities with ready access to the vast data archives of the U.S. weather radar network known as NEXRAD (Next Generation Weather Radar). This paper describes radar-rainfall estimation algorithms and their modular components used in the Hydro-NEXRAD system to generate rainfall products to be delivered to users. A variety of customized modules implemented in Hydro-NEXRAD perform radar-reflectivity data processing, produce radar-rainfall maps with user-requested space and time resolution, and combine multiple radar data for basins covered by multiple radars. System users can select rainfall estimation algorithms that range from simple (‘Quick Look’) to complex and computing-intensive (‘Hi-Fi’). The ‘Pseudo NWS PPS’ option allows close comparison with the algorithm used operationally by the US National Weather Service. The ‘Custom’ algorithm enables expert users to specify values for many of the parameters in the algorithm modules according to their experience and expectations. The Hydro-NEXRAD system, with its rainfall-estimation algorithms, can be used by both novice and expert users who need rainfall estimates as references or as input to their hydrologic modelling and forecasting applications
Valence politics and equilibrium in spatial election models

Spatial models of two-party or two-candidatecompetition almost never have pure-strategy Nashequilibria when the issue space has more than onedimension. This paper shows that the introduction ofvalence issues can create conditions where equilibriaexist, even in a multidimensional setting. We derivesufficient conditions for the existence of equilibria,and characterize the spatial locations of twocompeting parties or candidates when such equilibriaexist. The party with the advantage on the valencedimension will generally take a moderate position onthe positional issues. We consider the implications ofthese results for public perceptions of the parties,incumbency advantages, and realigning elections.
Coupling perception and action using minimax optimal control

This paper proposes a novel approach for coupling perception and action through minimax dynamic programming. We tackle domains where the agent has some control over the observation process (e.g. via the manipulation of some sensors), and show how to transform the system so that an optimal control solution can be sought with standard algorithms. We demonstrate our method in a toy domain, where an agent guides two point masses (“hands”) to a target in a 2D scene with obstacles. The agent can direct the gaze of a virtual “eye” to different parts of the scene, thereby reducing the observation noise for elements of the scene in that vicinity and improving the quality of feedback control. In this manner, motor control of the eye allots attentional resources. We propose a unified framework that treats both perception and action as interdependent components of the same optimal control task. The impications of uncertainty on task performance are uncovered by deploying an adversary whose strength to do harm is proportional to the instantaneous level of state uncertainty. We transform the partially-observable system to a fully-observable by coupling the state dynamics with a state-estimation filter, and so augment the state space to include an explicit representation of the instantaneous state uncertainty. The augmented system is high-dimensional, but through Minimax Differential Dynamic Programming, a local method that is less susceptible to the curse of dimensionality, we are able to solve for the optimal control of the hands and the eye at the same time, allowing for the emergence of interesting phenomena such as hand-eye coordination, saccades and smooth pursuit.