cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical analysis and research on galloping characteristics and damage for iced conductors of transmission lines in China

Galloping is a major impact on the design of overhead transmission lines and has caused various kinds of structural damage. With rapid development of construction content and scale for China grid and with frequent appearance for worse severe weather in recent years, galloping accidents of iced conductors are becoming more frequent in China, which has caused severe economic losses and social impacts. The statistic data is collected based on historical records about galloping accidents in nearly 20 years in China. And the statistic results are presented by probability statistic methods, which includes statistical characteristics of structural parameters for transmission lines,different ices coated on the conductors, different meteorological conditions (wind, rain, snow, temperature and humidity etc.) and different damages caused by galloping when galloping accidents take place. Using dimensional analysis, the major parameters to influence galloping accidents occurrence are proposed and the statistic relations between relevant parameters and galloping occurrence are derived. And based on the new characteristics, changes for galloping accidents occurrence in time domain and areal distribution are proposed to obtain the new trend for transmission lines galloping in China. The results and conclusions in this paper can provide a research direction and data support for galloping theoretical analyses and anti-galloping design.
Carbon stable isotopic composition of soluble sugars in Tillandsia epiphytes varies in response to shifts in habitat

We studied C stable isotopic composition (δ13C) of bulk leaf tissue and extracted sugars of four epiphytic Tillandsia species to investigate flexibility in the use of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) and C3 photosynthetic pathways. Plants growing in two seasonally dry tropical forest reserves in Mexico that differ in annual precipitation were measured during wet and dry seasons, and among secondary, mature, and wetland forest types within each site. Dry season sugars were more enriched in 13C than wet season sugars, but there was no seasonal difference in bulk tissues. Bulk tissue δ13C differed by species and by forest type, with values from open-canopied wetlands more enriched in 13C than mature or secondary forest types. The shifts within forest habitat were related to temporal and spatial changes in vapor pressure deficits (VPD). Modeling results estimate a possible 4% increase in the proportional contribution of the C3 pathway during the wet season, emphasizing that any seasonal or habitat-mediated variation in photosynthetic pathway appears to be quite moderate and within the range of isotopic effects caused by variation in stomatal conductance during assimilation through the C3 pathway and environmental variation in VPD. C isotopic analysis of sugars together with bulk leaf tissue offers a useful approach for incorporating short- and long-term measurements of C isotope discrimination during photosynthesis.
Family therapy for persons experiencing pain: evidence for its effectiveness

Abstract The family context has been hypothesized to be particularly important in understanding, if not explaining, the development and perpetuation of chronic pain conditions. Family systems perspectives, the operant conditioning model of chronic pain, and cognitive-behavioral models have all encouraged investigation of the impact of chronic pain on the family and its members and, conversely, the potentially deleterious effects of maladaptive family responses in maintaining the disorder. This article offers a brief overview of relevant theoretical perspectives and the empirical research informed by them. A more detailed and critical review is presented of the few empirical investigations of the efficacy of pain treatment approaches involving the partner of the person experiencing pain. Implications of these studies for improving our understanding of the role of families in the perpetuation of chronic pain, particularly for the further refinement and evaluation of family and couples treatment approaches, are discussed.
A human strain of Oxalobacter (HC-1) promotes enteric oxalate secretion in the small intestine of mice and reduces urinary oxalate excretion

Enteric oxalate secretion that correlated with reductions in urinary oxalate excretion was previously reported in a mouse model of primary hyperoxaluria, and in wild type (WT) mice colonized with a wild rat strain (OXWR) of Oxalobacter (Am J Physiol 300:G461–G469, 2010). Since a human strain of the bacterium is more likely to be clinically used as a probiotic therapeutic, we tested the effects of HC-1 in WT. Following artificial colonization of WT mice with HC-1, the bacteria were confirmed to be present in the large intestine and, unexpectedly, detected in the small intestine for varying periods of time. The main objective of the present study was to determine whether the presence of HC-1 promoted intestinal secretion in the more proximal segments of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, we determined whether HC-1 colonization led to reductions in urinary oxalate excretion in these mice. The results show that the human Oxalobacter strain promotes a robust net secretion of oxalate in the distal ileum as well as in the caecum and distal colon and these changes in transport correlate with the beneficial effect of reducing renal excretion of oxalate. We conclude that OXWR effects on intestinal oxalate transport and oxalate homeostasis are not unique to the wild rat strain and that, mechanistically, HC-1 has significant potential for use as a probiotic treatment for hyperoxaluria especially if it is also targeted to the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract.
Compound fabrication: A multi-functional robotic platform for digital design and fabrication

Supporting various applications of digital fabrication and manufacturing, the industrial robot is typically assigned repetitive tasks for specific pre-programmed and singular applications. We propose a novel approach for robotic fabrication and manufacturing entitled Compound Fabrication, supporting multi-functional and multi-material processes. This approach combines the major manufacturing technologies including additive, formative and subtractive fabrication, as well as their parallel integration. A 6-axis robotic arm, repurposed as an integrated 3D printing, milling and sculpting platform, enables shifting between fabrication modes and across scales using different end effectors. Promoting an integrated approach to robotic fabrication, novel combination processes are demonstrated including 3D printing and milling fabrication composites. In addition, novel robotic fabrication processes are developed and evaluated, such as multi-axis plastic 3D printing, direct recycling 3D printing, and embedded printing. The benefits and limitations of the Compound Fabrication approach and its experimental platform are reviewed and discussed. Finally, contemplation regarding the future of multi-functional robotic fabrication is offered, in the context of the experiments reviewed and demonstrated in this paper.
Confocal photo-stimulated microspectroscopy (CPSM)—residual stress measurements in Al2O3 using confocal microscopy

Abstract A new technique, confocal photo-stimulated microspectroscopy (CPSM), was used to measure the residual stress of the thermally grown oxide (TGO) on several Al2O3-scale forming Ni-based alloys. CPSM provides improved resolution over previous techniques, and has revealed residual stress variations as large as 3 GPa over 1.5 μm.
Lethal and sub-lethal effects of UVB on juvenile Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca: Pulmonata).

Abstract Although Schistosoma mansoni occurs mainly in the tropics, where intense levels of solar radiation are present, the impact of ultraviolet (UV) light on schistosome transmission is not known. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential effects of UVB (290–320 nm) on juvenile Biomphalaria glabrata , the snail intermediate host of S. mansoni . Albino and wild-type snails were exposed to doses of UVB from UV-fluorescent lamps, and the following were measured: survival, photoreactivation (light-mediated DNA repair), effects on feeding behavior, and morphological tissue abnormalities. Irradiation with UVB is lethal to B. glabrata in a dose-dependent manner. Exposure to white light subsequent to UVB irradiation enhances survival, probably by photoreactivation. The shell offers some, but not complete, protection. Experiments in which UVB transmittance through the shell was blocked with black nail polish suggest that injury to both exposed (headfoot) and shell-enclosed (mantle and visceral mass) tissues contributes to mortality in lethally irradiated snails. Wild-type (pigmented) snails are less susceptible to lethal effects of UVB than albino snails, and they may be more capable of photoreactivation. UVB exposure inhibits snail feeding behavior, and causes tentacle forks and growths on the headfoot. Thus, UVB may influence the life cycle of S. mansoni by both lethal and sub-lethal damage to the snail intermediate host. However, the ability of snails to photoreactivate may mitigate these effects.
Behavioral Measurement of Self-Disclosure

Recent validiry studies of Jourard's Self-Disclosure Inventory (SDI) have failed to confirm the validity of this instrument (Himelstein & Lubin, 1965; Pederson & Breglio, 1968). These studies have suggested, however, that reported self-disclosure and actual self-disclosure may reflect behaviors sufficiently different to necessitate diffetent measurement operations. Furthermore, it appears that the measurement of actual disclosing behavior must account for at least rwo parameters of self-disclosure, amount and intimacy. The SDI confounds these two important parameters, which may partly account for the fact that no consistent relationship has been demonstrared bemeen the SDI and actual disclosure. Vondracek (1968) has reported the development of a behavioral measure of selfdisclosure, and its utilization in a study of interviewing techniques (1969). The present study was undertaken in part to explore the relationship of SDI scores to a behavioral measure of self-disclosure. Sixty-four male undergraduates participated in structured interviews which were presented to rwo judges as typewritten transcripts. The judges were trained to rate the transcripts on a scale ranging from 1 (low intimacy) to 7 (high intimacy). Amount of self-disclosure was measured by timing the actual verbalizations of each S. The SDI was administered after the interview. The correlation between the measures of amount and intimacy of self-disclosure was .42. Although this is a fairly high correlation, it accounts for less than 25% of the variance. This appears to justify the separate measurement of these two parameters of selfdisclosure. Scoring amount of self-disclosure, as described above, is highly reliable; repeated measurements on the same tape resulted in virtually 100% agreement. The judges of intimacy achieved interjudge reliabilities berween .71 and .76, which indicates that these judgments can be made quite reliably. Correlations between the SDI and the measures of amount and intimacy of self-disclosure were .20 and .14, respectively. The fact that these correlations are relatively low and not statistically significant appears to confirm the hypothesis that a self-report measure of self-disclosure and a behavioral measure assess different variables. In view of the importance of disclosing behaviors in psychotherapy, counseling, and interpersonal relations in general, a reliable behavioral measure of this variable is long overdue.
Possible artefactual basis for apparent bacterial growth at 250 °C

Baross and Deming reported that thermophilic marine bacteria isolated from the vicinity of a submarine hot-spring grow at temperatures up to at least 250 degrees C. They did not, however, conduct the appropriate control experiments to eliminate the possibilities of chemical artefacts or contamination. Here, in experiments using the same growth medium, the same temperature and pressure apparatus and the same sampling and analytical procedures, we report results nearly identical to theirs. We conclude that their evidence indicating bacterial growth at 250 degrees C may be due to artefacts produced in the medium and to contaminants introduced during sample processing.
The influence of differential response and other factors on parent perceptions of child protection involvement

As Child Protective Services (CPS) agencies examine how to produce better outcomes with the families they serve, child welfare literature has increasingly focused on the perspectives, emotional responses, and engagement of CPS-involved parents or other primary caregivers. Despite this encouraging trend, the construct of engagement is ill-defined and our understanding of precursors to and factors affecting parent engagement is limited. This article extends the literature by presenting a conceptual framework for examining engagement and associating the identified constructs with parent outcomes. Using data from a survey of parents who were randomly assigned to receive either an assessment response (AR) or investigation response (IR) in two states' Differential Response CPS systems, a factor analysis on 12 commonly assessed emotional responses reported by parents indicated that parents responded with three primary emotions: positive affect, worry, or anger and that these responses varied by their receipt of AR or IR. Further, the results of multivariate analyses indicate that pathway assignment (AR or IR), parents' assessments of the quality of the casework they received, and other parent or household factors contribute to differences observed on the three emotional response factors identified.
Storage of unfertilized eggs of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in artificial media.

Abstract Unfertilized eggs of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were stored in coelomic fluid and in Cortland medium (devoid of bicarbonate and phosphate), which was buffered with 20 mM Hepes (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid) or Tris–HCl (Tris hydroxymethyl aminomethane hydrochloride) and adjusted to a pH of 8.5. Eggs stored in these solutions for 24 and 48 h, were fertilized using sperm derived from 4–6 males. The sperm was applied in a dilutant (127 mM NaCl, 20 mM Tris–HCl, pH 9.5). The percentage of embryos reaching the eyed and hatching stages was recorded as an index of fertility. Unfertilized trout eggs stored for 48 h at 12–13°C in Cortland medium buffered with Hepes or Tris exhibited the same fertility as eggs fertilized prior to storage. In fact, the percentage of embryos reaching the eyed stage was significantly greater in eggs stored in the modified Cortland solutions than in eggs stored for the same amount of time in coelomic fluid. It appears that fertility may be better in eggs stored in Cortland medium containing Hepes than in medium containing Tris. Since serine protease inhibitors have been shown to enhance fertility of goldfish eggs, the effect of a soybean trypsin inhibitor on egg fertility was investigated. Trout eggs stored for 24 h in Cortland medium containing 2.0 mg soybean trypsin inhibitor/ml were almost completely infertile. Eggs stored in modified Cortland medium and fertilized in the direct presence of soybean trypsin inhibitor (0.01 mg/ml sperm dilutant) exhibited the same percentage of eyed and hatched embryos as eggs stored in Cortland medium alone. This suggests that the inhibitor did not directly block fertilization but had an effect during storage. The results indicate that modified Cortland medium can be used for the storage of trout eggs for at least 2 days. Furthermore, washing and storage for a short time in this medium may actually enhance the fertilization of the eggs of some females.
Transportation Planning Education in the United States: Literature Review, Course Survey, and Findings

This paper reports the results of a nationwide survey on transportation planning topics taught at U.S. universities. The survey gathered a comprehensive inventory of courses, documented variations in curricula, and determined the variations among those curricula in how they emphasized different transportation topics. This paper also includes a literature review to trace the evolution of transportation classes and education over time. Along with the survey on course content, the manuscript presents an analysis of the spatial distribution of transportation courses and in particular of transportation planning courses. The study finds that educational opportunities in transportation planning are widely distributed across the nation and that students are able to take advantage of the opportunities. However, some planning programs stand out for offering a wider variety of relevant topics, and those programs are concentrated on the coasts. Relatively little is known about the affect of geography on the allocatio...
Contamination of scalp EEG spectrum during contraction of cranio-facial muscles

Abstract Autospectral and coherence values were determined for three EEG derivations, two craniofacial muscles, and the biceps during separate 90 sec periods of strong contraction. Spectra of contracting frontalis and masseter muscles showed peak power between 30 and 60 c/sec, with peak biceps power during contraction centered around 50 c/sec. Over the course of contraction, all three muscles showed an increase in the proportion of low frequency power (below 40 c/sec) and a decrease in power above that frequency. During contraction of the cranio-facial muscles, there were generalized increases in EEG power at all frequencies from vertex-frontal, vertex-mastoid and vertex-temporal derivations. However, these increases were minimal below about 14c/sec unless one electrode of a derivation was located directly over the contracting muscle. Coherences between EEG derivations showed considerable increases during muscle contraction only at frequencies above 14c/sec. In addition, coherence between EEG and EMG derivations were large only when one EEG electrode was located over the muscle. These results indicate that there is very little direct, linear EMG infiltration of the EEG signal below 14 c/sec during tonic contraction of individual muscles unless the EEG electrode is extremely close to a contracting muscle.
Average neutron energies from separated delayed-neutron precursors

Average delayed-neutron energies for 16 isotopes of Br, Rb, I, and Cs have been measured by means of detector ring counting rate ratios in a polyethylene-moderated neutron counter system. An on-line mass spectrometer facility was used to give chemically and mass separated sources of delayed-neutron precursors. A simple expression predicts general trends of the average delayed-neutron energies. Average delayed-neutron energies of individual precursors were weighted by the corresponding delayed-neutron yields and combined to give average energies for all six delayed-neutron groups commonly used in reactor kinetics calculations.
Microstructural and Mechanical Aspects of High Nitrogen Steels at Cryogenic Temperature

Charpy V-Notch impact tests of N1, N2 and N3 steels from 77K to 293K are possessed in this paper. With increasing the nitrogen concentration, the ductile to brittle transition temperature (DBTT) increases. The toughness of the tested steels decreases rapidly with decreasing the temperature. The change of fracture patterns of high nitrogen austenitic stainless steels is dimple → shallow dimple → mixture of quasi-cleavage facet and dimple → cleavage facet. Fracture facets with river patterns, with tear ridges, along annealing twin boundary and cross the annealing twin plane are observed in this investigation. Critical dislocation density of crack tips ρc=[6π(τp)2/(KIc)2]2 can affect ductile to brittle transition (DBT) behavior at cryogenic temperature. Deformation twinning is also frequently observed at cryogenic temperature. Crack forms along the coherent twin boundary between one twin and the matrix.
Time-varying stochastic multi-armed bandit problems

In this paper, we consider a time-varying stochastic multi-armed bandit (MAB) problem where the unknown reward distribution of each arm can change arbitrarily over time. We obtain a lower bound on the regret order and demonstrate that an online learning algorithm achieves this lower bound. We further consider a piece-wise stationary model of the arm reward distributions and establish the regret performance of an online learning algorithm in terms of the number of change points experienced by the reward distributions over the time horizon.
Employment-at-will: An empirical analysis

State courts differ on the employment-at-will doctrine. Most allow maximum employer discretion in employee dismissals, but a few have added significant protections against arbitrary termination of employment. Our hypothesis, tested via a probit model, is that this variation among states can be explained by a combination of statewide economic and demographic characteristics. The model correctly predicts the employment-at-will position of 47 of 50 states.
The structure of molecularly thin films of water on mica in humid environments

Abstract The structures formed by the condensation and evaporation of water on mica surfaces at room temperature have been imaged with nanometer resolution. The technique used is based on the measurement of the polarization force between a charged AFM tip and the surface. This allowed us to perform non-contact imaging at tip-surface distances of a few hundred angstroms, which is critical to not perturb the surface of liquid layers. We found that at room temperature and up to 40–50% humidity, water condenses forming two-dimensional, molecularly thin films with two distinct phases (I & II). Phase I forms at humidities
Human neutrophil collagenase expression is C/EBP-dependent during myeloid development

Objective Human neutrophil collagenase (HNC) is one of several secondary granule proteins (SGP) expressed late in the myeloid maturation pathway. SGPs are encoded by unlinked and functionally diverse genes that are hypothesized to be coordinately regulated at the transcriptional level and demonstrate uniform dysregulation in leukemic cells. In support of the hypothesis that tissue and stage-specific expression of SGP genes is regulated by shared factor(s), we sought to identify factors responsible for positive regulation of the SGP genes. Methods Using 5′ deletion analysis, we identified a minimal HNC promoter located within the first 193 bp upstream of the transcription start site. Three CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) sites were identified within this region and their functional importance was confirmed by mutational analysis, gel retardation, and oligonucleotide pulldown assays. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we demonstrated that C/EBPα binds to the SGP gene promoters lactoferrin and HNC in nonexpressing cells. Upon induction of maturation, C/EBPα binds to these promoters and this binding correlates with the expression of both SGP genes. Conclusion We conclude that in the later stages of myeloid development, SGP genes are coordinately upregulated, and that members of the C/EBP family of transcription factors, in particular C/EBPα and C/EBPe, play specific and unique roles in upregulating their expression.
Trauma Reactivation Assessment and Treatment: Integrative Case Examples

A framework for differentiating between subtypes of trauma reactivation is presented as a guide to client-treatment matching. Case examples are given to illustrate uncomplicated reactivation, complicated reactivation, and respective treatment implications. The rationale for utilizing a psychoeducational approach for treatment of uncomplicated reactivation and a psychodynamic approach for treatment of complicated reactivation is presented. Treatment implication for short-term disaster counseling services are discussed.
SU-GG-I-20: Energy Spectra, Fluence Profiles and Dose Distributions of the Five Newly Available KV-CBCT Beams

Purpose: To obtain beam data of x‐rays produced by an on‐board imager (OBI) in the acquisition of kilovoltage cone‐beam computed tomography (kV‐CBCT). The determination of beam data is essential for commissioning an x‐ray beam in a radiotherapytreatment planning system in order to facilitate the management of additional radiation exposure to radiotherapy patients resulting from image‐guided procedures. Method and Materials: The Monte Carlo code, BEAMnrc, was used to simulate the x‐ray tube including its x‐ray defining systems and bow‐tie filters. The simulated beams included five different kV‐CBCT beams (Head, Low‐dose Thorax, Pelvis and Pelvis Spot Light with two different Bow‐tie filters) available in the recent Varian OBI 1.4 system. The Monte Carlo simulated incident beams were analyzed and calculated dose distributions from each simulated beam were benchmarked against measured dose distributions. Results:Using the Monte Carlo generated realistic incident beams, the calculated dose profiles agree well with the measurements within experimental uncertainties. The beam characteristics of five available kV‐CBCT beams including photon fluence, average beam energy and photon spectra are obtained. The calculated dose profiles were validated with measured profiles in water. The photon fluence of kV‐CBCT beams showed a strong dependence on geometry of added filters as well as x and y beam collimations. The mean photon energy near the beam central axis is 20% lower compared to that farther away from central axis due to the shape of the bow‐tie filter which is thinner near the beam central axis. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the Monte Carlo simulation can play an essential role in providing beam parameters which are necessary for the commissioning of a kV CBCT beam in a radiotherapytreatment planning system. The accuracy of the simulations must be validated by experimental measurements in order to ensure the subsequent accuracy of the beam data.
The role of paraphrased adjunct questions in facilitating learning from prose

Abstract Twenty-six college student read a 5000-word prose passage and answered either verbatim or paraphrased inserted questions while reading about international communication. Students either were or were not permitted to review the text while answering the inserted questions. On a subsequent post-test containing new paraphrases of the adjunct questions, students who received paraphrased adjunct questions outperformed students who received verbatim adjunct questions. This result supported the contention that paraphrased adjunct questions could facilitate meaningful learning from prose.
Dose perturbations due to in vivo dosimetry with diodes

Abstract In vivo dosimetry performed with semiconductor detectors is a reliable method for patient dose control. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perturbations introduced in the patient's absorbed dose distribution by three types of commercially available diodes (Isorad ™ , Sun Nuclear Corp.; model 114200, 114300 and 114400) from the same company and to present possible solutions for minimizing this side-effect.
The view from the road: The contribution of on-road glance-monitoring technologies to understanding driver behavior

Using glance-monitoring technologies for on-road studies is an excellent way to investigate driver behaviors in an ecologically valid setting. Recent advances in glance-monitoring technologies have made it possible to conduct on-road studies of drivers' glance behavior that heretofore were simply not possible. Yet it is not always easy to determine which glance-monitoring technology to use for a particular application. Here, we first identify the generic capabilities of the various glance-monitoring technologies. We then describe how particular glance-monitoring technologies have been used in the field to (a) identify the skill deficiencies of novice and older drivers, (b) evaluate the effectiveness of training programs that are designed to reduce deficits in these skills, and (c) address interface issues both inside (e.g., collision warning systems) and outside (e.g., yield markings) the vehicle. The limitations and advantages of on-road eye-tracking and the associated glance-monitoring technologies are identified throughout. A comparison, where possible, is made between the results of on-road eye-tracking studies of drivers' behaviors and the results of those studies conducted in the laboratory. Overall, the use of appropriate on-road glance-monitoring technologies has greatly enhanced our theoretical understanding of why drivers behave the way they do, and this knowledge has paved the way for significant improvements in road user safety. Language: en
When Borders Cross Peoples: The Internal Colonial Challenge to Borderlands Theory

Struggles, such as those of the Irish in Northern Ireland, Tibetans in China, and Mexicans in the United States, have had much to do with historic claims to homeland, especially around issues involving shifting borders and migration. In the US the perception of Mexicans as aliens in the Southwest derived from the Anglo-American imposition of a borderline across Mexico in 1848. In response to the dominant US view, ethnic Mexicans countered with their own image of the Southwest as Mexico's lost northern borderlands and of the border as immoral and irrelevant. By the 1960s, supporting that image, ethnic Mexicans helped develop “internal colonialism”—a theory dismissed in the 1980s, but persistent. The purpose of this paper is to outline the connections between internal colonial and borderlands theories and to argue for the necessity of the former to understand the historic situations of indigenous and hybrid populations within the borders of modern nation-states.
Ethnic Status, Stigmatization, Support, and Symptom Development Following Sexual Abuse

This study examined ethnic group differences in abuse characteristics, appraisal processes, primary caregiver support, and adjustment following sexual abuse discovery. One hundred thirty children from African American, European American, and Hispanic families were seen within 8 weeks of abuse discovery and 1 year later. Hispanic children more often reported abuse by a parent figure of 1 year or longer in duration and living with the perpetrator. European American children reported more internal attributions for the abuse. For European American children, but not Hispanic or African American children, high abuse severity predicted higher levels of shame and a pessimistic attributional style. For Hispanic children, but not the other ethnic groups, high abuse severity was related to lower levels of satisfaction with primary caregiver support. The discussion questions the utility of ethnic group membership as a meaningful way of understanding the role of culture in children's adjustment following sexual abuse ...
Spatial and temporal characteristics of canopy gaps caused by Armillaria root disease and their management implications in lowveld forests of South Africa

Roadside reconnaissance and aerial photo surveys were used to characterize the frequency and size of canopy gaps caused by Armillaria root disease in 1763 stands of Pinus spp. in the eastern Transvaal, South Africa. Root disease occurred in 290 stands, most of which grew at altitudes 1000 m. Pinus elliottii was the most commonly infected host, followed by P. kesiya, P. roxburghii, P. caribaea, P. taeda, and P. patula. Disease severity (proportion of stand area with gaps) increased rapidly to age 3, remained nearly constant between ages 6–17, increased rapidly again between 17–28, and then decreased abruptly between ages 28–40. Gap incidence (proportion of all stands with gaps) rapidly increased to age 10, after which it remained nearly constant. Host species present in previous stands influenced whether disease developed in current stands.
A hybrid numeric/symbolic program for checking functional and timing compatibility of synthesized designs

We present an efficient and effective approach for checking synthesized RTL designs. This approach uses a hybrid numeric/symbolic simulation to extract the functional behavior of a design while taking into account the interaction between the data and control paths as well as the clocking scheme and delays, and employs a graph-comparison procedure to perform the checking task. The value of this work was shown by its ability to identify problems with an early version of the ADAM Control Signal Generator (CSG) software, which was then corrected accordingly. >
Structure and optical properties of plasma immersion ion processed boron-alloyed diamondlike carbon films

Boron (B)-alloyed diamondlike carbon (B-DLC) films were prepared on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), glass, and silicon (100) using an inductive radio frequency Ar + C2H2 + B2H6 plasma immersion ion processing (PIIP) technique. The composition of the B-DLC films was measured by ion beam analysis techniques, and the bonding structure was characterized by infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The incorporation of B2H6 gas into the PIIP deposition introduced B-C bonds into the DLC structure, resulting in increased sp3-carbon bonding and improved optical performance. The energetic activation of the deposition atoms, induced by the ion bombardment during the PIIP film growth, enhanced the properties of the B-DLC films deposited on dielectric and transparent optical materials. With B-alloying and an optimized deposition energy of 40–135 eV, B-DLC films were synthesized with B-alloying up to 10.4 at.%, high hardness, high refractive index, and optical transmittance that is higher than that of unalloyed DLC films. The experimental results indicate that C-B hybridization and ion-energy transfer are critical to the synthesis of these hard and transparent B-DLC films.
Influence of chirality on the reflection of EM waves by planar dielectric slabs

The preparation of chiral dielectric composite slabs that contain a random distribution of miniature helices is described. Samples containing right-handed only, left-handed only, and an equal mixture of left- and right-handed springs of various concentrations were prepared. The reflection properties of the metal-backed samples were measured with a free-space system using a pair of spot focusing antennas and a vector network analyzer. The results were compared with an ordinary composite containing a random distribution of metal spheres. In this way, the effects of chirality could be isolated and the effects of such factors on the reflection properties of the composite slabs could be studied. It is concluded that chirality can be used as a sensitive parameter to control EM (electromagnetic) wave propagation characteristics in dielectric composites. >
THE EFFECT OF COLCHICINE ON MYOGENESIS IN VIVO IN RANA PIPIENS AND RHODNIUS PROLIXUS (HEMIPTERA)

The effect of colchicine on myogenesis in vivo has been studied in the regenerating tadpole tail of the frog, Rana pipiens, and in the abdominal molting muscles of a blood-sucking bug, Rhodnius prolixus Stal. Colchicine is shown to disrupt microtubules in the differentiating muscle cells of both these organisms. The disruption of microtubules is correlated with a loss of longitudinal anisometry in the myoblasts and myotubes of the regeneration blastema in the tadpole tail. Before colchicine treatment, the myotubes contain longitudinally oriented myofibrils. After colchicine treatment, rounded, multinucleate myosacs containing randomly oriented myofibrils are present. It is suggested that the primary function of microtubules in myogenesis in the Rana pipiens tadpole is the maintenance of cell shape. The abdominal molting muscles of Rhodnius undergo repeated phases of differentiation and dedifferentiation of the sarcoplasm. However, the longitudinal anisometry of the muscle fibers is maintained in all phases by the attachments of the ends of the fibers to the exoskeleton, and microtubule disruption does not alter cell shape. The orientation of the developing myofibrils is also unaltered, indicating that the microtubules do not directly align or support the myofibrils in this system.
Spontaneous Deformation Phenomena in Partially Crystallized Glasses

Unusual deformation phenomena accompanying partial crystallization were observed during heat treatment in the softening temperature range of Li-Na-Si glasses. Glassy lumps or protuberances formed at the surfaces of fibers 0.5 mm in diameter; rods and plates showed even greater distortions, their original shapes often becoming unrecognizable. Liquid-liquid immiscibility accompanying the crystallization of a 0.7Li2O.0.3Na2O.2SiO2 glass was believed to follow, rather than precede, crystallization. Explanations of these phenomena are proposed.
Experimental evaluation of human teeth using noninvasive ultrasound: echodentography

Anomalies present in the hard tissue of teeth are manifested in several ways such as cavities, decay, and caries. The most extensively and commonly used diagnostic modality for the assessment of these abnormalities are x-rays. Unfortunately, these rays are harmful to the human body and may be a source of health risk. This work describes the development of a new testing technique that uses ultrasound designed to complement, or even replace, existing tools used in dentistry applications. Previous studies have shown several models of acoustic field simulation, propagation, and interaction of ultrasound with the layers of several tooth structures. In this paper, experimental data is gathered for the purpose of assessing the viability of this technique in an attempt to detect cavities and fractures in extracted human teeth. A low-intensity, high-frequency ultrasonic set-up is used in all in vitro tests. Four cases have been examined: an intact tooth, a tooth containing an amalgam restoration and a natural surface fissure, a tooth containing a machine side-drilled hole that mimics a cavity, and a calcified tooth-a rare naturally occurring condition. Upon analysis of the obtained A-scans and B-scans, it is verified that these experimental measurements confirm predictions reported in earlier finite element and transmission line studies and suggest that ultrasound is a valuable tool which has the potential to be an addition to, or even an improvement upon, current dental imaging systems.
Time-Frequency Analysis of Shock and Vibration Measurements Using Wavelet Transforms

This article presents the use of the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) for the analysis of shock and vibration measurements. Acceleration measurements from pallets dropped from five different heights and vibration measurements of pallets are acquired in controlled laboratory settings. Power spectral density (PSD) as estimated from CWT is compared to the Shock Response Spectrum as well as the PSD estimated from Fourier Transform (FT) and Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT). CWT overcomes the drawbacks of Fourier Transform in analyzing non-stationary signals such as shock and vibration data. CWT also provides more improved time-frequency resolution than STFT. The article presents results that indicate that CWT can be used as an effective spectral analysis tool for shock and vibration measurements.
SEASONAL, AGE, AND SEX DIFFERENCES IN WEIGHT, FAT RESERVES, AND PLASMA CORTICOSTERONE IN WESTERN SANDPIPERS

Abstract Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) were followed throughout their annual cycle along the Pacific Coast of North America. Changes in body condition and corticosterone were tracked at two overwintering sites (Ensenada, Mexico, and San Diego, California), four migration stopover sites (Bodega Bay, California, Grays Harbor and False Bay, Washington, and Hartney Bay, Alaska), and a breeding site (Nome, Alaska). Adult males and females had elevated weight and fat scores during spring migration, breeding, and autumn migration relative to lean levels during winter. Although elevated mass and fat reserves may hinder escape from predators and are not necessary at wintering sites with benign conditions, the cost-benefit trade-offs with weight and agility shift during migration and breeding. Extra fat and muscle are necessary for fueling the long flight to and from the breeding grounds and serve as a hedge against unpredictable food and weather conditions on the breeding grounds. First-year birds weighed le...
Demi Democracy: The Evolution of the Thai Political System

Thailand's political system is unique. Traditional forces and modern pressures both play important roles, interacting frequently with one another. Although in theory these two elements are diametrically opposed, in practice, they have been combined and partly reconciled. This partial reconciliation is at the heart of what the author calls demi-democracy, or halfway democracy. To explain more fully the concept of demi-democracy the author goes back in history to trace the origins of the system, studying the nature of the old Thai kingdoms, analysing the rise to power of certain important families and exploring the influence over many decades of foreign, especially Western, states and their ideological leanings. Professor Dhiravegin shows that the many factors in Thailand's political evolution have led to a vicious circle in the Thai political process, a circle which cannot be wished away. Indeed, the only way to avoid any large-scale bloodshed in Thailand is to treat both elements seriously and let demi-democracy mature until a more fully democratic system is put into place.
Peacekeeping and the United Nations: The Problem of Responsibility

The rise of the Secretary-General as the administrator of international peacekeeping operations has resulted in an unanticipated problem of balancing power and responsibility within the United Nations. Had the Charter operated as its framers intended, of course, this situation would never have come about. For in that case, international peacekeeping ventures would have been authorized and carried out by only one of the major organs, the Security Council. With the demise of major power unity, however, the Security Council became incapable of action. Thus, after the unique experience of Korea, the responsibility for carrying out peacekeeping operations has fallen on the Secretary-General, while the General Assembly and the Security Council have acted mainly as authorizing organs. Although this innovation has indeed breathed new life into the world organization, it has also resulted in a separation between the organ which authorizes a peacekeeping operation and the one which is responsible for carrying it out. Consequently, the question arises of how to insure that the administrator's actions conform to the intentions and mandates of the policy issuing organ. Increasingly, the advisory committee mechanism has come to be accepted as the most effective and appropriate means for bridg-
Investigating Separated Shear Layers for Passive Jet Blast Deflector Cooling

Jet blast deflectors serve as the primary means of controlling the dangerous jet exhaust sweeping across an aircraft carrier flight deck during the launch of aircraft. Due to the high levels of impinging heat, these panels require a highly efficient cooling system. Presently, an intricate series of seawater pipes and pumps accomplishes this task. However, this system creates significant weight and maintenance. A proposed jet blast deflector (JBD) configuration would utilize the high-energy airflow from the jet engine along with a specific deflector geometry to induce a secondary flow through a core in the JBD as the cooling mechanism. This report details the proof of concept investigation focusing on separated shear layers that are the driving fluid dynamics phenomenon behind the configuration. Once it was established using flow visualization techniques that the system could indeed create a core flow, permutations in deflector orientation were investigated in order to determine an optimum arrangement. One of the principal physical controls studied was a mixer plate; a piece of aluminum mounted at the back of the JBD channel thought to maximize the effect of the shear layer. Two plates of different sizes were tried at a variety of angles. By taking velocity profiles of the exhaust nozzle and JBD core, mass flow rate ratios for each of the configurations were found. In the end, it was determined that an 18 inch mixer plate canted forward at a 10� angle and a thin lipped jet blast deflector produced the maximum ratio of mass flow through core to mass flow out of nozzle.
Hurricane Intensity Predictability

AbstractWeather has long been projected to possess limited predictability due to the inherent chaotic nature of the atmosphere; small changes in initial conditions could lead to an entirely different state of the atmosphere after some period of time. Given such a limited range of predictability of atmospheric flows, a natural question is, how far in advance can we predict a hurricane’s intensity? In this study, it is shown first that the predictability of a hurricane’s intensity at the 4–5-day lead times is generally determined more by the large-scale environment than by a hurricane’s initial conditions. This result suggests that future improvement in hurricane longer-range intensity forecasts by numerical models will be most realized as a result of improvement in the large-scale environment rather than in the storm’s initial state. At the mature stage of a hurricane, direct estimation of the leading Lyapunov exponent using an axisymmetric model reveals, nevertheless, the existence of a chaotic attractor ...
Fire Accident Investigation of Textile Factory

A fire accident of a textile factory was investigated and the scene of the fire surveillance video data was used. At last we identified the cause of the fire correctly. Meanwhile we also combined with the testimony of witnesses and the comprehensive analysis of inspection, eliminating several conditions such as: setting fire by someone on purpose, spontaneous combustion, electrical fault, electrostatic sparks, lightning, working with the fire and so on. The experience and lessons of the fire have been concluded. Only in this way can we provide the similar fire accident investigation work with some references.
A Data Acquisition System for High-Power Power Electronic Equipments

A data acquisition system for high-power power electronic devices,which consists of measuring element,synchronization unit,sampling unit and post-processing unit,is designed.In the designed system the measuring element is a kind of high-voltage device directly connected to primary circuit,it transforms high voltage and large current signals in primary circuit into low-voltage small-current analogue signals in proportion.The measuring element can be respectively designed and installed according to different application conditions,i.e.,for voltage measurement of grounding branch and non-grounding branch as well as for current measurement of grounding branch and non-grounding branch.Synchronization unit,sampling unit and post-processing unit are microelectronic circuits to implement A/D conversion,data transmission,filtering and depolarisation.The designed system is already successfully applied to operation test device of power system and power electronic laboratory in China Electric Power Research Institute,and the measuring accuracy and reliability of the designed system are verified by testing results.