cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of packaging atmospheres on beef instrumental tenderness, fresh color stability, and internal cooked color

Fresh meat color is a major factor influencing the purchase of meat products by consumers, whereas tenderness is the primary trait determining overall eating satisfaction of consumers. The objectives of this research were to determine the effects of packaging atmosphere on fresh beef color stability, cooked color, and tenderness. Longissimus lumborum muscles (n = 14 pairs) from USDA Select, A-maturity carcasses were assigned to either 14-d tenderness measurement or to display and then to 18-d [80% O(2), 20% CO(2) (HiO(2)) modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)] or 28-d [vacuum package (VP) and ultra low (ULO(2)) plus CO MAP blends] tenderness measurement. Loins were then fabricated on d 7 postmortem into 2.54-cm-thick steaks. Steaks 8 to 10 caudal to the first 7 steaks were bisected, assigned to a packaging treatment, and used for internal cooked color. One full steak was used for initial tenderness. Packaging treatments were as follows: vacuum-packaging (VP); 80% O(2), 20% CO(2) (HiO(2)); 0.4% CO, 35% CO(2), 64.6%N(2) (ULO(2)CO); 0.4% CO, 99.6% CO(2) (ULO(2)COCO(2)); 0.4% CO, 99.6% N(2) (ULO(2)CON(2)); or 0.4% CO, 99.6% Ar (ULO(2)COAr). Steaks packaged in HiO(2) MAP were in dark storage (2 degrees C) for 4 d, and all other steaks were in dark storage for 14 d. Steaks were displayed under fluorescent lighting (2,153 lx; 3,000 K) for 7 d, with instrumental color measured on d 0 and 7 of display. Trained color panelists (n = 10) assigned color scores. Steaks for Warner-Bratzler shear force and cooked color were cooked to 70 degrees C. Steaks packaged in the 4 ULO(2) MAP blends with CO had no change (P > 0.05) or increased (P 0.05) in Warner-Bratzler shear force on d 14 postmortem. Steaks packaged in HiO(2) MAP were less tender (P < 0.05) than the other treatments at the end of display but had 10 d less aging due to a shorter dark storage period. Steaks packaged in HiO(2) had the lowest (P < 0.05) a* values for internal cooked color of all packaging treatments. Steaks packaged in ULO(2)COCO(2) and VP had intermediate a* values, whereas those packaged in ULO(2)COAr, ULO(2)CO, and ULO(2)CON(2) had the greatest (P < 0.05) a* values for internal cooked color. Ultra-low oxygen packaging treatments had longer fresh color stability than steaks packaged in HiO(2) MAP and equal or better tenderness. Packaging atmospheres altered the internal cooked color, with steaks packaged in HiO(2) MAP exhibiting premature browning.
Electrical conductivity and Meyer–Neldel rule: The role of localized states in hydrogenated amorphous silicon

Abstract The Meyer–Neldel rule (MNR) has been observed in recent calculations of the electrical conductivity of hydrogenated amorphous silicon. To elucidate the origin of this effect, we have performed comparative studies on crystalline Si and non-hydrogenated a-Si. We find that the MNR is not present in the crystal, and is present in a-Si. This suggests that the existence of localized states and the energy dependence of the electron-lattice coupling for these states is an essential feature of the MNR for amorphous phases of silicon.
Characteristics of high temperature cementitious lost-circulation control materials for geotherman wells

Materials systems have been formulated for thein situ conversion of water-based bentonite drilling fluids into cementitious lost-circulation control materials (CLCM) for use in geothermal wells at temperatures up to 300° C. The formulations consist of a cement hardener, a borax admixture, and a fibre glass bridging material which are added to the bentonite fluids. Evaluations of the properties of the slurry and the cured CLCMs revealed that the ions supplied by dissociation of the borax in the CLCM slurry awed to suppress the bentonite hydra tion and retarded the hardening ran of the cement et elevated temperatures. The CaO-SiO2-H2O (C-S-H) phases formed during curing of the CLCM play essential roles in improving the quality of the hardened CLCMS. It was observed that xonotlite-truscottite transformations resulted in strength reductions and increased water permeability. The plugging ability of fibre glass depends on the concentration and fibre size. The silicate ions dissolved by hot alkaline disintegration of the fibreglass were chemisorbed with Ca2+ ions from the cement and led to the precipitation of C-S-H compounds on the fibre surfaces, which improved bond strength at the matrix-fibre interfaces.
The impact of labor costs on municipal finances

This study has clearly confirmed a link between the amount of compensation a city pays its workers and the financial stability of that city. The more a municipality pays its workers relative to other local governments, the greater the chance that city will experience fiscal stress. The institutions which lead to this condition remain unknown and much more work is needed if the problems of local government financing are to be resolved. Certainly the relationship between municipal labor unions and city finances must be closely examined. It is quite possible that these unions may have direct and adverse affects on local government finances.
Uniform semiclassical self-consistent-field calculations of vibrational resonance energies and widths

Abstract Using the Breit—Wigner definition of a resonance, we calculate both resonance positions and widths for a model non-separable hamiltonian, using a uniform semiclassical self-consistent-field (SCF) method. Excellent agreement with recent complex-coordinate quantum SCF calculations is obtained.
LOGICAL DISTINCTION BETWEEN DIAGRAMMATIC AND COHEN LYNDON ASPHERICITY

We resolve the status of the implication CLA ⇒ DA in the negative by showing that the two-dimensional model of the group presentation (a, b : a, b-1 aba-1 b-1) is DA but not CLA. This settles a question that has been addressed in [2, 7, 10, 11]. In 1941, Whitehead posed the question whether asphericity is a hereditary property for two-dimensional CW complexes. This question remains unanswered. Out of its study developed the formulation of several combinatorial properties for group presentations that are sufficient (but not necessary) for asphericity of the associated two-dimensional model. The logical relationships between these flavors of asphericity are just partially understood. In this article we show that two of these flavors of asphericity are in fact distinct. As a consequence, all of the known flavors are distinct. An argument of Lyndon and Schupp [5, III Property 10.6] shows that if a two-dimensional CW complex K is Cohen–Lyndon aspherical (CLA), then K is also diagrammatically aspherical (DA). The status of the reverse implication had been open prior to this writing. We will present an alternative proof for the implication CLA ⇒ DA and demonstrate that every spherical picture over the presentation (a, b : a, b-2 aba-1) can be reduced without insertions of dipoles, thus concluding that the presentation is DA. A straightforward argument shows that the presentation cannot be CLA. Our main tool is the theory of spherical pictures and picture moves of which we will give a short survey.
In utero infection of the fetus by herpes simplex virus.

Two newborn premature infants are described in whom infection by herpes simplex virus occurred in utero, probably as a result of transplacental transfer of the virus. Studies in one infant suggest that the fetus produced antibody in utero.
Developing models for pharmacy practice.

All hospital and health-system pharmacists have a stake in The Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative (PPMI) sponsored by ASHP and the ASHP Research and Education Foundation, given that one of its major objectives is to “determine patient care-related services that should be consistently provided by
Performance comparison of thermal insulated packaging boxes, bags and refrigerants for single-parcel shipments

A range of packaging solutions exists for products that must be kept within a specific temperature range throughout the supply-and-distribution chain. This report summarizes the results of studies conducted over a span of 2 years by the Consortium for Distribution Packaging at Michigan State University. Thermal insulation packaging materials such as expanded polystyrene, polyurethane, corrugated fibreboard, ThermalCor® and other composite packaging such as thermal insulating bags were studied. Phase change materials such as gel packs were also evaluated. Properties such as R-value, melting point and heat absorption were examined and are reported. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shared susceptibility variations in autoimmune diseases: a brief perspective on common issues.

Shared susceptibility variations in autoimmune diseases: a brief perspective on common issues
Criminal Law, Policing Policy, and HIV Risk in Female Street Sex Workers and Injection Drug Users

In public health and the social sciences, there is growing recognition of the role that social context plays in determining health. Frequently, social relations of inequality are among the most important features of social context identified in this work, and emphasis is placed on identifying and addressing these inequalities in order to improve health. Within the field of HIV/AIDS prevention as well, researchers have begun to look beyond individuals for an understanding of the structural causes of HIV-related risk. This research demands that greater attention be paid to the social mechanisms and contextual factors that lead to HIV risk. Among these factors are law and social policy, which form a part of the context in which risk-taking occurs and which can promote both HIV transmission and prevention. On the one hand, laws limiting access to sterile injection equipment have contributed to HIV-related risk behavioxs among injection drug users (IDUS).
Relationships between the perception of nasalization and speech movements in speakers with cleft palate.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between several temporal measures of speech movements and perceived nasalization in speakers with cleft palate. Four adult subjects with r...
New, Attenuated Wave Mode in He II Films

It is shown that if normal-fluid motion with a viscous force is allowed in He II films, then a new wave mode is predicted by the equations of motion. The film is described here by four equations: conservation of mass, conservation of energy, the usual superfluid thermohydrodynamic equation, and the normal-fluid equation with a viscous force per unit volume. The viscosity term is $\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\rho}\mathcal{r}{v}_{\mathrm{nx}}$, in which ${v}_{\mathrm{nx}}$ is the velocity of the normal fluid, $\ensuremath{\rho}$ is the bulk helium density, $\ensuremath{\omega}$ is the angular frequency of the wave, and $\mathcal{r}$ is a dimensionless viscosity parameter. Two nontrivial wave modes are allowed: One corresponds to third sound, with a comparatively small attenuation, and the other is the new mode. Both modes are simultaneously waves in local film height, local film temperature, and superfluid and normal-fluid velocity. The new mode is heavily overdamped with an attenuation that rises from about 400 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at $\mathcal{r}={10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$, to about ${10}^{4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at $\mathcal{r}={10}^{3}$, for waves of ${10}^{3}$ cps in a 250 \AA{} film. The velocity of the mode decreases with temperature in an interesting way: The maximum velocity at 1.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K is about 900 cm/sec, at 2.0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K about 160 cm/sec, and at 2.15\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K about 60 cm/sec. It is shown that these attenuations and velocities are of the same kind as have recently been observed as anomalies in third sound. It is suggested that this new mode is generally excited along with third-sound waves and that normal fluid can move in He II films.
Comparing optimal bounding ellipsoid and support vector machine active learning

In this paper we propose two active learning algorithms combining statistical active learning methods based on SVM and optimal bounding algorithms (OBE) of adaptive system identification. We unify SVM and OBE by demonstrating the similarities and representing SVM in the OBE interpretation. Samples are judiciously selected based on a volume measure provided by OBE using both simple heuristic and greedy optimal strategies. Preliminary experiments illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms as compared to similar methods.
Meeting the Needs of Students from other Cultures

(1974). Meeting the Needs of Students from other Cultures. Improving College and University Teaching: Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 42-44.
Increased intracellular phosphoribosylpyrophosphate and accelerated orotic acid decarboxylation in a mouse cell line resistant to purine and pyrimidine ribonucleosides.

A line of mouse fibroblasts (A9AU-1), originally selected for growth in the presence of 6-azauridine, has been found to be resistant to cytotoxic concentrations of adenosine, guanosine, and thymidine. A9AU-1 cells convert orotic acid to uridine 5′-monophosphate at twice the rate of the A9P line from which the A9AU-1 clone was selected. The resistant cells also excrete purines, synthesized de novo, into the medium at an increased velocity. The average intracellular 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) concentration of the resistant line is 45% higher than that of the parental line. The elevated PRPP concentration is likely to be responsible for both the apparent acceleration of pyrimidine synthesis and the increased excretion of purines into the growth medium; it might also account, by one of the several possible mechanisms, for the resistance of the cells to cytotoxic concentrations of the various nucleo sides.
Effects of dissolved organic matter on adsorption of hydrophobic organic compounds by river- and sewage-borne particles

Abstract Adsorption of cholesterol and 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorohiphenyl by particles from river water and treated sewage was studied in distilled water, sewage and river water and was compared to adsorption in solutions of organic matter concentrated from sewage and river water by ultrafiltration. Partition coefficients and standard free energies of adsorption are reported. Results indicate that sewage particulate matter is a more effective adsorbent than river particulates. Adsorption from samples of concentrated dissolved organic matter was less efficient than from unconcentrated samples and from distilled water. Chemical equilibrium considerations indicate that this is due either to formation of associations between the study compounds and other dissolved organic matter, thus stabilizing them in the dissolved phase, or to competitive adsorption.
Functionalized surface as template for in situ generation of two-dimensional metal nanoparticle assembly

Abstract Two-dimensional gold nanoparticle assemblies with an average nanoparticle size of 6 nm are generated on silicon and indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass surfaces, functionalized with polyethylenimine (PEI) silane monolayer. Contact angle measurements show increased hydrophilic character of the surface due to nanoparticle formation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to monitor the chemical and structural development of these nanostructures, while UV–vis spectroscopy is used to follow the formation of the nanoparticle assemblies. This paper elucidates a simple route to in situ synthesis of surface immobilized gold nanoparticles under ambient conditions and also extends to the synthesis of other surface bound nanoparticles, like silver and platinum. Gold nanoparticle assemblies generated in this study are also catalytically active towards methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), which is relevant for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).
Optimal specimen collection and transport methods for the detection of avian influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus

Active and passive surveillance for avian influenza virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is widespread in commercial poultry worldwide, therefore optimization of sample collection and transport would be valuable to achieve the best sensitivity and specificity possible, and to develop the most accurate and efficient testing programs. A H7N2 low pathogenicity (LP) AIV strain was selected and used as an indicator virus because it is present in lower concentrations in swabbings and thus requires greater sensitivity for detection compared to highly pathogenic (HP) AIV. For similar reasons a mesogenic strain of NDV was selected. Using oro-pharyngeal and cloacal swabs collected from chickens experimentally exposed to the viruses we evaluated the effects of numerous aspects of sample collection and transport: 1) swab construction material (flocked nylon, non-flocked Dacron, or urethane foam), 2) transport media (brain heart infusion broth [BHI] or phosphate buffered saline [PBS]), 3) media volume (2 ml or 3.5 ml), 4) transporting the swab wet in the vial or removing the swab prior to transport, or transporting the swab dry with no media, and 5) single swabs versus pooling 5 or 11 swabs per vial. Using real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR), virus isolation (VI) and commercial antigen detection immunoassays for AIV we observed statistically significant differences and consistent trends with some elements of sample collection and transport; media, dry transport and swab construction. Conversely, the number of swabs pooled (1, 5 or 11) and whether the swab was removed prior to transport did not impact virus detection. Similarly, with NDV detection by both VI and rRT-PCR was not affected by the numbers of swabs collected in a single vial (1, 5 or 11). We observed that flocked and foam swabs were superior to non-flocked swabs, BHI media was better than PBS, and transporting swabs wet was better for virus recovery and detection than transporting them dry. There was no observable difference in detection whether the swab was removed prior to transport or left in the vial. Also, with both AIV and NDV, there was no observed difference in virus detection between pools of 1, 5 or 11 swabs.
Transfer climate and EAP education: Students’ perceptions of challenges to learning transfer

Abstract This study examined the applicability of the construct transfer climate in EAP education. In an EAP setting, transfer climate can be viewed as the support for learning transfer from an EAP course that students perceive in mainstream academic courses. The research question was as follows: What can a transfer climate perspective reveal about challenges EAP students face in a mainstream academic setting? Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 52 students who were enrolled in several sections of a university EAP writing course and who were concurrently taking other academic courses in various disciplines. The interviews focused on students’ perceptions of (a) instructors’ support for learning transfer, (b) peers’ support for learning transfer, and (c) personal outcomes resulting from learning transfer. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of data revealed that students can perceive a lack of support for learning transfer and pointed to specific features of the mainstream academic setting that contributed to these perceptions (e.g., instructors’/peers’ explicit negative references to EAP courses; instructors’/peers’ ineffective or careless language use; little or no connection between language use and grades). Implications of these findings for theory, practice, and future research are discussed.
The moment map and the barycentric/canonical entropy of a density operator

Abstract A fundamental relationship is demonstrated between the moment map for the action of SU(2) on the space of density operators ( P ) and the barycentric/canonical entropy of a representation of a density operator ( p ″) as a convex combination of the continuum of pure states ( T ) of the associated system. The partition function (η) could be evaluated with the use of the Duistermaat-Heckman integration formula, as applied to the generalized Hamiltonian, which is specified by the moment map. The model for minimizing relative barycentric entropy for spin- 1 2 systems is formally equivalent in its results to the Langevin model of paramagnetism, in which spin is not quantized.
DO WATER-RICH REGIONS HAVE A COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE IN FOOD PRODUCTION? IMPROVING THE REPRESENTATION OF WATER FOR AGRICULTURE IN ECONOMIC MODELS

With growing demand for fresh water and uncertain supplies, there is an increasing concern about future water scarcity. Since most freshwater withdrawals are for agriculture, reliance on water embodied in imported food (trade in ‘virtual water’) is a possible strategy to provide food to water-stressed regions while conserving their scarce supply for other purposes. To evaluate this proposition, we extend a model of interregional trade by (1) defining endowments of water that cannot be exceeded, (2) allowing simultaneous operation of rainfed and irrigated agriculture, and (3) distinguishing sub-regional endowments within a larger economic region. An application to the Mexican economy compares region-specific water abundance with economic comparative advantage under alternative scenarios. We conclude that the water-rich regions of Mexico are relatively high-cost producers of food and that they do not pick up the slack even when the lowest-cost Mexican regions are constrained by binding water constraints.
Functional morphology of musculature in the acoelomate worm, Convoluta pulchra (Plathelminthes)

Convoluta pulchra is a small worm living in the surface sediment of mud flats where it feeds on diatoms. It is roughly teardrop in shape with a ventral groove in which the mouth sits, and it can move in a variety of ways, readily distorting its body in bending, twisting, and turning motions. Fluorescently labeled probes for filamentous actin revealed the musculature in whole mounts of the worm. In the body wall, the musculature consisted of a grid of circular, longitudinal crossover (that is, with a longitudinal orientation in the anterior half of the body but arcing medially to cross over to the contralateral side of the body behind the level of the mouth), and a few diagonal fibers. Inside the body was a strong, irregular brush of muscles originating at the rostral tip of the body and anchoring laterally and posteriorly along the body wall, and strong dorsoventral muscles flanked the ventral groove. Two fans of muscles in the ventral and dorsal body wall reached posteriorly and laterally; that on the dorsal side originated at junctures of the dorsoventral muscles with the body wall and that on the ventral body wall originated from the mouth. By their positions, certain groups of muscles could be correlated with given movements: the crossover muscles with some turning motions and feeding, and the inner muscles with probing and retraction motions of the rostrum and with a tuck-and-turn motion the worm used to turn itself around. Electron microscopy showed numerous maculae adherentes junctions linking all muscle types and special junctions linking the musculature with the epidermis. The latter myoepidermal junctions were of dimensions larger than those of maculae adherentes and contained an interlaminar material which we believe represents islands of basal matrix comparable to basement membrane.
Modeling natural gas prices as a random walk: The advantages for generation planning

Abstract Random walk modeling allows decision makers to evaluate risk mitigation strategies. Easily constructed, the random walk provides probability information that long-term fuel forecasts do not. This is vital to meeting the ratepayers' need for low-cost power, the shareholders' financial objectives, and the regulators' desire for straightforward information.
Characterization of a CZTS thin film solar cell grown by sputtering method

Abstract We report the performance of Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) thin film solar cell that showed efficiency in the range of 6.2% without an anti-reflection coating. Initially, the CZTS precursor film was co-sputtered using three different targets; copper (Cu), tin sulfide (SnS) and zinc sulfide (ZnS). The Cu target was subjected to DC power, and RF power was used for the SnS and ZnS targets. The as-grown CZTS film was sulfurized in a H 2 S/N 2 environment at 525 °C, which re-crystalized the film with grain sizes in the range of 1 μm. Cadmium sulfide (CdS) was used as the n-type layer. Current–voltage ( I–V ), quantum efficiency (QE) and capacitance–voltage ( C–V ) measurements were used to characterize the cell device. The modeling and analysis of QE and CV data showed that a significant portion of the CZTS layer did not contribute to the photo-generation. Optimizing CZTS phase purity, improving QE in the broader wavelength region, and increasing minority carrier lifetime are necessary steps to further improve CZTS device performance.
P53 activity is essential for normal development in Xenopus

Abstract Background: The tumor suppressor p53 plays a key role in regulating the cell cycle and apoptosis in differentiated cells. Mutant mice lacking functional p53 develop normally but die from multiple neoplasms shortly after birth. There have been hints that p53 is involved in morphogenesis, but given the relatively normal development of p53 null mice, the significance of these data has been difficult to evaluate. To examine the role of p53 in vertebrate development, we have determined the results of blocking its activity in embryos of the frog Xenopus laevis . Results: Two different methods have been used to block p53 protein activity in developing Xenopus embryos – ectopic expression of dominant-negative forms of human p53 and ectopic expression of the p53 negative regulator, Xenopus dm-2. In both instances, inhibition of p53 activity blocked the ability of Xenopus early blastomeres to undergo differentiation and resulted in the formation of large cellular masses reminiscent of tumors. The ability of mutant p53 to induce such developmental tumors was suppressed by co-injection with wild-type human or wild-type Xenopus p53. Cells expressing mutant p53 activated zygotic gene expression and underwent the mid-blastula transition normally. Such cells continued to divide at approximately normal rates but did not form normal embryonic tissues and never underwent terminal differentiation, remaining as large, yolk-filled cell masses that were often associated with the neural tube or epidermis. Conclusions: In Xenopus , the maternal stockpile of p53 mRNA and protein seems to be essential for normal development. Inhibiting p53 function results in an early block to differentiation. Although it is possible that mutant human p53 proteins have a dominant gain-of-function or neomorphic activity in Xenopus , and that this is responsible for the development of tumors, most of the evidence indicates that this is not the case. Whatever the basis of the block to differentiation, these results indicate that Xenopus embryos are a sensitive system in which to explore the role of p53 in normal development and in developmental tumors.
The use of teriparatide and PTH(1–84) for the treatment of osteoporosis

Different therapeutic formulations of parathyroid hormone (PTH) have been studied for the treatment of osteoporosis: synthetic teriparatide [hPTH(1–34)], reconstituted from lysophilized powder; recombinant human teriparatide [rhPTH(1–34)], which has been commercially available since 2002; and PTH(1–84), which is under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Teriparatide has demonstrated vertebral and nonvertebral vertebral antifracture efficacy, increases in BMD and biochemical markers of bone turnover, the cornerstones of judging success with an osteoporosis agent. PTH (1–84) may be an alternative consideration for the treatment of both the prevention of the first vertebral fracture as well as the reduction in future vertebral fracture risk in postmenopausal women with existing vertebral fractures. It remains to be seen if there are therapeutic differences between the already approved teriparatide and yet-to-be-approved PTH(1–84).
Limitations Of Aberration Correction In Spectrometer Imaging

The limitations of aberration correction to spectrometer imaging by holographic and variable line-space gratings are addressed in light of recent theoretical analyses. Aberration reduction is discussed for particular mountings, specifically flat-field spectrographs, Rowland circle spectrographs and constant deviation monochromators. For these mounts, it is argued that aberration reduction via modification of the groove pattern alone cannot completely correct even the lowest-order aberrations over an arbitrary wavelength range.
An Approach to Modulate Degradation and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Behavior in Poly(ethylene glycol) Networks

A simple, sequential approach for creation of hydrolytically degradable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels has been developed and characterized. The chemistry involves an initial step growth polymerization reaction between PEG-diacrylate and dithiothreitol (DTT) to form acrylate-terminated (−PEG−DTT−)n PEG chains, followed by photocross-linking to form a hydrogel network. Varying the extent of step growth polymerization prior to photocross-linking allowed for control over the equilibrium swelling ratio, degradation, and erosion of PEG hydrogels. Hydrogel degradability had a significant effect on behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) encapsulated within PEG hydrogels, both in the presence and absence of an RGDSP cell adhesion ligand. In particular, enhanced network degradability resulted in enhanced hMSC viability and spreading during in vitro culture. Comparison of degradable and nondegradable hydrogels with similar physical properties (e.g., equilibrium swelling ratio) demonstrated that hMS...
Deflecting cavity for beam diagnostics at Cornell ERL injector

Abstract A single-cell, 1300-MHz, TM110-like mode vertically deflecting cavity is designed and built for beam slice emittance measurements, and to study the temporal response of negative electron affinity photocathodes in the ERL injector at Cornell University. We describe the cavity shape optimization procedure, RF and mechanical design, its performance with beam.
Hydrogen molecules inside fullerene C70: Quantum dynamics, energetics, maximum occupancy, and comparison with C60

Recent synthesis of the endohedral complexes of C70 and its open-cage derivative with one and two H2 molecules has opened the path for experimental and theoretical investigations of the unique dynamic, spectroscopic, and other properties of systems with multiple hydrogen molecules confined inside a nanoscale cavity. Here we report a rigorous theoretical study of the dynamics of the coupled translational and rotational motions of H2 molecules in C70 and C60, which are highly quantum mechanical. Diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) calculations were performed for up to three para-H2 (p-H2) molecules encapsulated in C70 and for one and two p-H2 molecules inside C60. These calculations provide a quantitative description of the ground-state properties, energetics, and the translation−rotation (T−R) zero-point energies (ZPEs) of the nanoconfined p-H2 molecules and of the spatial distribution of two p-H2 molecules in the cavity of C70. The energy of the global minimum on the intermolecular potential energy surface (PES) ...
Electrooptic phase modulation gas correlation spectroscopy: a laboratory demonstration

A new gas-correlation spectroscopy technique is described which uses electrooptic phase modulation (EOPM) of atmospheric emission spectra together with a reference cell to selectively detect radiatively active gases. Laboratory results demonstrate that the EOPM gas-correlation technique is a sensitive approach to species abundance measurements, and support the feasibility of an instrument for measurement of winds in the stratosphere and mesosphere using an EOPM. Through the measurement of wind-induced Doppler shifts in the spectra of atmospheric species, this instrument offers a means of monitoring the wind field in the 20-100 km altitude range from a satellite.
TRANSFORMING ORGANISATIONAL VALUES AND CULTURE EFFECTIVELY

Many researchers have been investigating the subject of corporate culture, which has become a buzz word of the 1980s. All results have not been in agreement but a variety of changes to accommodate a change in corporate culture have been observed. Usually the change is effected in order to increase company profitability, and the strategy chosen depends on the existing culture, the company's stage of development (growth, mid‐life, maturity) and the kind of change required. American examples are cited.
Runtime system support for software-guided disk power management

Disk subsystem is known to be a major contributor to the overall power budget of large-scale parallel systems. Most scientific applications today rely heavily on disk I/O for out-of-core computations, checkpointing, and visualization of data. To reduce excess energy consumption on disk system, prior studies proposed several hardware or OS-based disk power management schemes. While such schemes have been known to be effective in certain cases, they might miss opportunities for better energy savings due to their reactive nature. While compiler based schemes can make more accurate decisions on a given application by extracting disk access patterns statically, the lack of runtime information on the status of shared disks may lead to wrong decisions when multiple applications exercise the same set of disks concurrently. In this paper, we propose a runtime system based approach that provides more effective disk power management. In our scheme, the compiler provides crucial information on the future disk access patterns and preferred disk speeds from the perspective of individual applications, and a runtime system uses this information along with current state of the shared disks to make decisions that are agreeable to all applications. We implemented our runtime system support within PVFS2, a parallel file system. Our experimental results with four I/O-intensive scientific applications indicate large energy savings: 19.4% and 39.9% over the previously-proposed pure software and pure hardware based schemes, respectively. We further show in this paper that our scheme can achieve consistent energy savings with a varying number and mix of applications and different disk layouts of data.
Exploring the theory of planned behavior to explain sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

Abstract Objective To describe sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and to establish psychometric properties and utility of a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) instrument for SSB consumption. Methods This cross-sectional survey included 119 southwest Virginia participants. Most of the respondents were female (66%), white (89%), and had at least a high school education (79%), and their average age was 41.4 ± 13.5 years. A validated beverage questionnaire was used to measure SSB. Eleven TPB constructs were assessed with a 56-item instrument. Analyses included descriptive statistics, 1-way ANOVA, Cronbach α , and multiple regression. Results Sugar-sweetened beverage intake averaged 457 ± 430 kcal/d. The TPB model provided a moderate explanation of SSB intake ( R 2 = 0.38; F = 13.10, P Conclusions and Implications Future efforts to comprehensively develop and implement interventions guided by the TPB hold promise for reducing SSB intake.
Synoptic Circulation and Land Surface Influences on Convection in the Midwest U.S. “Corn Belt” during the Summers of 1999 and 2000. Part I: Composite Synoptic Environments

Abstract In the Midwest U.S. Corn Belt, the 1999 and 2000 summer seasons (15 June–15 September) expressed contrasting spatial patterns and magnitudes of precipitation (1999: dry; 2000: normal to moist). Distinct from the numerical modeling approach often used in studies of land surface–climate interactions, a “synoptic climatological” (i.e., stratified composite) approach is applied to observation data (e.g., precipitation, radar, and atmospheric reanalyses) to determine the relative influences of “top-down” synoptic atmospheric circulation (Part I, this paper) and “bottom-up” land surface mesoscale conditions (Part II) on the predominantly convective precipitation variations. Because mesoscale modeling suggests that the free-atmosphere wind speed (“background wind”) regulates the land surface–atmosphere mesoscale interaction, each day’s spatial range of wind speed at 500 hPa [V(500)] over the Central Corn Belt (CCB) is classified into one of five categories ranging from “weak flow” to “jet maximum.” Deep...
Searching behavior and time budgets of the predator Podisus maculiventris

Searching behavior of the predaceous insect Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) was investigated in the laboratory to verify assumptions made in a predator search model. Female predators were placed into an arena containing 30 lima bean plants (Phaseolus lunatus L.), each having five numbered leaflets. Prey were third-instar larvae of Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis Mulsant) at two densities. Predators were observed for 4 h periods as they searched the plant canopy. Results showed that predators searched a greater area and for longer at low prey density than at high prey density. Predators apparently searched plants without using cues, did not search areas of the canopy repeatedly after attacks, and spent approximately 1 h handling prey. Predators spent more time resting than searching, and attack rates were negatively correlated with rest time, but were not correlated with search time. Long resting periods by predators may be a result of energy conservation. The implications for using predators such as P. maculiventris against pests in crops are (i) the predators' searching behavior limits the number of prey attacked, and (ii) the predator may be able to persist at low prey densities better than species with different searching behaviors.
Single-forward-jet tagging and central-jet vetoing to identify the leptonic WW decay mode of a heavy Higgs boson.

We study the extraction of the heavy-Higgs-boson signal $H\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{W}^{+}{W}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\overline{\ensuremath{\ell}}\ensuremath{\nu}, \ensuremath{\ell}\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ ($\ensuremath{\ell}=e or \ensuremath{\mu}$) from the standard-model background at hadron supercolliders. By tagging a single forward jet with energy ${E}_{j}g3$ TeV and pseudorapidity $3l|{\ensuremath{\eta}}_{j}|l5$ and by vetoing central jets of transverse momenta ${p}_{\mathrm{Tj}}g60$ GeV in the pseudorapidity range $0l|{\ensuremath{\eta}}_{j}|l3$, the QCD $\mathrm{WWj}$ and $t\overline{t}j\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{WWb}\overline{b}j$ backgrounds are suppressed. For ${m}_{H}=1$ TeV there are about 46 signal events from electroweak-vector-boson scattering (of which 36 events are of Higgs-boson origin) at the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) for an integrated luminosity of 10 ${\mathrm{fb}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and 10 other events from the $\mathrm{WWj}$ and $t\overline{t}j$ backgrounds for ${m}_{t}=140$ GeV. The experimental separation of the vector-boson-scattering subprocess is thereby possible. At the CERN Large Hadron Collider, with an ${E}_{j}g2$ TeV jet energy cut, all cross sections are about a factor of 10 below the SSC values.
Cellular Source in Ewes of Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase-2 in Uterine Arteries Following Stimulation with Lipopolysaccharide

Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS) (also known as cyclooxygenase) converts arachidonic acid into several prostaglandins, many of which have roles in vasodilation and vasoconstriction under normal and pathological conditions. There are two isoforms of PTGS: PTGS-1 and PTGS-2; PTGS-1 is constitutively expressed in many tissues and is believed to be involved in the homeostatic maintenance of the body. In contrast, PTGS-2 is believed to have a "differentiative" role in the cells and is highly inducible during inflammation and in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Endothelial cells as well as vascular smooth muscle cells can be a source of PTGS within the artery. The objective of this study was to determine the cell population(s) in uterine arteries that respond to LPS with an increase in PTGS-2 protein expression. Uterine arteries collected from ewes during the follicular (Day 0, Day 0 = estrus, n = 4) or luteal (Day 10, n = 4) phase were treated in vitro with LPS as intact artery segments, cut-open artery segments, or cut-open and denuded (endothelial cells absent) artery segments. After 24 h of LPS treatment, intact, cut-open, and denuded uterine artery segments were collected into homogenization buffer for determination of PTGS-2 protein levels by Western blot analysis. The culture medium was collected and used for detection of 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1alpha) (6-keto-PGF(1alpha)), the stable metabolite of prostacyclin, using an enzyme immunoassay. In addition, the location of PTGS-2 after LPS treatment was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in intact artery segments. Denuded arteries (endothelium absent) did not show increases in PTGS-2 protein in the homogenates or 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) in the culture medium after LPS exposure. In contrast, cut uterine arteries responded to LPS stimulation with a significant increase in PTGS-2 protein in homogenates and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) in culture medium. Immunohistochemical staining for PTGS-2 was associated with both endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. These results suggest that while both endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells are associated with PTGS-2, after LPS exposure it is the endothelial cells that are essential in uterine artery increases in PTGS-2 and prostacyclin in response to LPS stimulation.
Discovery of Hidden Profiles by Decision-Making Groups: Solving a Problem Versus Making a Judgment

An information-sampling model proposed by Stasser and Titus (1985,1987) and observations of discussion content (Stasser, Taylor, & Hanna, 1989) suggest that face-to-face discussions often fail to disseminate unshared information. However, groups may be less prone to overlooking unshared information if they believe that their task has a demonstrably correct answer (Laughlin, 1980). University students read a murder mystery and then met in groups to discuss the case. Groups believed they had either sufficient (solve set) or insufficient (judge set) evidence to determine the guilty suspect. When critical clues were unshared before discussion, 67% of solve, but only 35% of judge, groups identified the guilty suspect. Discussion content analyses showed that solve groups focused more on the critical clues. Stasser, Taylor, and Hanna (1989) found that decision-making groups were much more likely to discuss information that members shared before discussion than to discuss information that was held by members individually. This finding was anticipated by an information-sampling model of discussion that was proposed by Stasser and Titus (1985,1987). The central idea in the model is that the probability of discussing an item of information increases as the number of members who can recall and mention the item increases. This is a fairly simple idea, but it has some disconcerting implications. For example, it suggests that group discussion may be an ineffective way of disseminating information; information that is known to only one or a few members will often be omitted from discussion. Moreover, Stasser, Taylor, and Hanna (1989) found that groups were not only more likely to mention information if it was distributed to all before discussion, but they were also more likely to bring it up repeatedly throughout discussion. These findings suggest that group decisions will often reflect the common knowledge shared by members before discussion and not the diverse knowledge emanating from their unique perspectives and experiences. Of particular interest in this article is the possibility that the failure of groups to consider fully unshared information may be due in part to how members construe their decision-making task. Members may view the task as a "matter of judgment" and let their discussion be. guided by the goal of reaching a consensus. Conversely, members may view the task as a problem to be solved and presume that there is a critical set of information that would allow them not only to identify the correct answer
Associations and interactions between the esophagus and the lower respiratory tract

There are important interactions between the esophagus and the lower respiratory tract (LRT). These occur because of their physical proximity and the functional activities. Malfunctions or lack of coordination between these organs leads to serious human illness such as asthma, aspiration pneumonia, and gastroesophageal reflux.
A systematic antiwindup strategy and the longitudinal control of a platoon of vehicles with control saturations

Current methodologies for designing control systems usually ignore the effects of control saturations. For vehicle platooning, this can be especially disastrous since the performance of a platoon of nonidentical vehicles is, in general, severely limited by saturating control signals. This paper presents a systematic design procedure for adapting a nominal controller, designed without regard to control saturation, to a higher performance nonlinear controller that explicitly accounts for the saturating nonlinearities while preserving stability. In particular, the error governor (EG) scheme proposed by P. Kapasouris et al. (1988) is extended and applied to the IVHS problem found by S. Sheikholeslam (1990). This extension is a less conservative strategy that explicitly accounts for an important class of controller designs, including proportional control and a class of nonlinear feedback designs. Results of the study demonstrate that severe windup found in nominal platooning applications can systematically be eliminated without loss of steady-state performance. This significantly increases the range of maneuvers open to the lead vehicle, thus enhancing the utility of a proposed design. An extensive simulation of a 15-car platoon of nonidentical vehicles with nonlinear vehicle models illustrates these results.
Are The World's Languages Consolidating? The Dynamics and Distribution of Language Populations

Scholars have conjectured that the return to speaking a language increases with the number of speakers. Long-run economic and political integration would accentuate this advantage, increasing the population share of the largest languages. I show that, to the contrary, language size and growth are uncorrelated except for very small languages (< 35,000 speakers). I develop a model of local language coordination over a network. The steady-state distribution of language sizes follows a power law and precisely fits the empirical size distribution of languages with ≥ 35,000 speakers. Simulations suggest the extinction of 40% of languages with < 35,000 speakers within 100 years.
Productivity simulation with promodel for an automotive assembly workstation involving a lift assist device

With advances in computer technology and digital human modeling methodology, it is possible to predict risks of potential injuries during manufacturing design prior to production, and make proactive ergonomic design for manufacturing assembly workstations involving human-machine interfaces. However, the productivity of manufacturing systems may be decreased, and this negative impact is difficult to evaluate in experimental and manufacturing environments. This research focuses on productivity issue for an automotive assembly workstation involving a lift assist device. To evaluate the productivity of the assembly workstation interfered by proactive ergonomic design, a prescriptive model of the automotive assembly system is developed and simulated with ProModel. This model and its simulation can not only evaluate the productivity, but also determine the maximum conveyor speed. Furthermore, this methodology using ProModel simulation to evaluate productivity and utilization described in this paper can be extended to evaluating other human-machine systems with dynamic, stochastic, and discrete-event characteristics.