cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phonons, electron-phonon interactions, and phonon-phonon interactions in III-V nitrides

Fundamental properties of phonons in III-V nitrides are examined with a view toward understanding processes important in the operation of III-V nitride devices. Firstly, confined, interface and propagating modes in wurtzite quantum wells are described in terms of Loudon's model for uniaxial semiconductors and the dielectric continuum model. Basic properties of the phonon modes and carrier-phonon interactions are considered in the basis of this treatment of dimensionally-confined phonons in wurtzite structures. A key feature of these phonon modes is their enhanced dispersion and its origin from the non-isotropic nature of the wurtzites. As will be discussed, this dispersion has important consequences for phonon propagation and phonon energy spectra. Secondly, the second-order phonon decay process of combined point defect scattering and anharmonic decay is examined as a means of estimating line broadening associated with the decay of phonons in III-V nitrides of wurtzite structure containing point defects. Thirdly, an analysis of Raman linewidths measured for AlN and GaN wurtzites is made to estimate phonon lifetimes.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evaluation of some effective-medium theories for liquid and amorphous metals.

We examine some recently proposed effective-medium theories for the electronic structure of strongly scattering liquid and amorphous metals. We employ a simple s-band tight-binding Hamiltonian and compare these theories with ``exact'' calculations on very large clusters. The Herglotz approximation proposed by Singh appears to be superior to the other recently proposed schemes, but does not do as well as the effective-medium approximation of Roth. Some recently reported approximations of Dagens are found to be unsatisfactory.
On moment stability properties for a class of state-dependent stochastic networks

Abstract We consider a class of stochastic networks with state-dependent arrival and service rates. The state dependency is described via multi-dimensional birth/death processes, where the birth/death rates are dependent upon the current population size in the system. Under the uniform (in state) stability condition, we establish several moment stability properties of the system: (i) the existence of a moment generating function in a neighborhood of zero, with respect to the unique invariant measure of the state process; (ii) the convergence of the expected value of unbounded functionals of the state process to the expectation under the invariant measure, at an exponential rate; (iii) uniform (in time and initial condition) estimates on exponential moments of the process; (iv) growth estimates of polynomial moments of the process as a function of the initial conditions. Our approach provides elementary proofs of these stability properties without resorting to the convergence of the scaled process to a stable fluid limit model.
Electromagnetic wave propagation through a wire array composite

We consider the propagation of electromagnetic fields (EMF) through a composite dielectric medium supporting an array of parallel metal wires. The Maxwell-Garnett approximation has been previously used to describe the dielectric properties of such media. We show that, in addition to an effective dielectric constant, the medium also has an effective diamagnetic permeability associated with electric currents induced in the wires. We present a self-consistent model that allows for evaluation of the properties of EMF propagating along the wire length. Results from this model are in agreement with measurements of the infrared absorption of an array of 10-\ensuremath{\mu}m diameter, parallel indium wires in a glass matrix. We obtain a ${k}^{1/2}$ absorption dependence in the far-infrared $(kl60{\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}),$ and a ${k}^{2}$ dependence due to losses in the glass matrix at higher frequencies. We also find that the reflectance is low in comparison to the bulk metal. If interwire effects are neglected, the EMF's velocity of propagation is given by ${c/n}_{i},$ where ${n}_{i}$ is the insulator refractive index, regardless of the metal volume fraction. For self-supported arrays ${(n}_{i}=1),$ we have verified experimentally that the velocity of propagation in the array is equal to the velocity of light in free space.
On the unimodality of infinitely divisible distribution functions II

A great deal of work has been done during the last 45 years concerning the unimodality of one-dimensional infinitely divisible distribution functions. Recently, a few results have been obtained for multivariate infinitely divisible distribution functions. The purpose of this paper is to give a survey of previous work and to discuss some unsolved problems.
An Inverse Algorithm for Resonance Inspection

Compared to other contemporarily used non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, resonance inspection (RI), which employs the natural vibrational frequency spectra shift induced by the damage to detect defects, is advantageous in many aspects such as low cost, high testing speed, and broad applicability to complex structures. However, the inability to provide damage details, i.e. location, dimension, or types, of the flaws severely hinders its wide spread applications and further development despite its early success in the automobile industry for quality inspections of safety critical parts. In this study, an inverse RI algorithm using a maximum correlation function as the filtering function is proposed to quantify the location and size of flaws for a discrepant part. The algorithm and the numerical schemes are validated using a dog-bone shaped stainless steel sample, while the spectrum data for the original part and flawed parts were generated by a commercial FEM package. The results show that multiple flaws can be accurately identified using the proposed RI inversion method. The study further showed that the reliability of the inversion method is sensitive to the spectrum range included in the correlation function computation. It is demonstrated that the frequency range required to provide accurate predictions is inversely correlated to the defect size. Large defects can be detected using lower frequency spectrum data only, while smaller defects require a higher frequency range.© 2012 ASME
Characterization of calcified reference materials for assessing the reliability of manganese determinations in teeth and bone

As interest increases in human biomonitoring for exposure to manganese (Mn) via analysis of bone and teeth, there is a growing need for calcified reference materials (RMs) certified for Mn content. Here, several existing calcified RMs and synthesized hydroxyapatite (HA) RMs were digested with acid and subsequently analyzed for Mn by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) and dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (DRC-ICP-MS). Based on GFAAS and DRC-ICP-MS results, mean values and expanded uncertainties were assigned to four New York State (NYS) Bone RMs (05-01 through 05-04), and six synthesized HA standards. Consensus values and expanded uncertainties for Mn content were assigned to NIST SRM 1400 Bone Ash (16.5 ± 2.3 μg g−1) and NIST SRM 1486 Bone Meal (1.1 ± 0.5 μg g−1) by combining GFAAS and DRC-ICP-MS results with literature values. These powdered RMs were also prepared for solid sampling techniques by pressing them into pellets for subsequent analysis by laser ablation (LA-) ICP-MS. The “dilution” effect from adding a chemical binder to the pellets was quantified by both GFAAS and DRC-ICP-MS, and the decrease in Mn mass fraction was found to be proportional to the amount of binder added. The distribution of Mn across the RM pellets was determined by LA-ICP-MS to assess homogeneity and suitability for use as solid standards. The bone RMs were more heterogeneous than the synthesized HA RMs, but the latter may be a less optimal matrix-match due to the absence of organic material.
Enhanced cathodoluminescence from an amorphous AlN:holmium phosphor by co-doped Gd +3 for optical devices applications

Sputter-deposited thin films of amorphous AlN:Ho (1 at.%) emits in the green (549 nm) region of the visible spectrum under electron excitation. The addition of Gd (1 at.%) in the film enhances the green emission linearly after thermal activation at 900°C for 40 min in a nitrogen atmosphere. The luminescence enhancement saturates when the gadolinium concentration reaches four times the holmium concentration. The optical bandgap of amorphous AlN is about 210 nm, so that the film is transparent in the ultraviolet, allowing us to observe the ultraviolet emission at 313 nm from Gd. No significant quenching of the Gd emission is observed. Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectra confirm the increasing concentration of Gd. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows no peaks other than those arising from the Si (111) substrate, confirming that the films are amorphous. The enhanced luminescence can be used to make high-efficiency optical devices.
Experiments in indexing multimedia data at multiple levels.

The increasing availability of digital images, video, and audio has created exciting new research challenges on the organization of multimedia data for a variety of purposes. While some of these challenges relate to computational techniques (e.g., automatic extraction of visual features for automatic indexing of visual data), others are conceptual in nature (e.g., design of templates for manual indexing of visual data). The key issues are what to index from the data, how to perform the indexing of the data, and how to organize the indices obtained. The indices used to describe content as well as the organization of those indices have a tremendous impact on applications, particularly on large digital libraries where different types of media need to be stored and accessed. Relevant efforts in this direction include the emerging MPEG-7 standard [5], which aims at standardizing tools for describing multimedia data.
Beam control in multiphoton microscopy using a MEMS spatial light modulator

We demonstrate feasibility of a an spatially-modulated multi-photon microscopy (S-MPM) technique that can image through complex media that strongly scatters light, and we describe performance achieved with a prototype instrument. S-MPM’s imaging advantages are enabled by a high-speed, microelectromechanical spatial light modulator (MEMS SLM) subsystem with 1020 independently controllable mirror segments.
Cultural Constraints in the Workplace: An Experiential Exercise Utilizing Hofstede’s Dimensions:

This article describes an original exercise developed to apply Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. The exercise creates simulated subcultures within a multinational organization. Managers are required to function in various subcultures as they work to develop an incentive plan with salespeople. Hofstede’s dimensions are reviewed, followed by the exercise. We provide purpose, preparation requirements, instructions for facilitating and processing the exercise, student reactions, and strategies for understanding and applying the concepts. The authors also assessed content retention derived from participating in the exercise. In preliminary tests, three independent studies demonstrate significant improvements in content knowledge.
Predictors of mortality after androgen-deprivation therapy in patients with rapidly rising prostate-specific antigen levels after local therapy for prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND. The authors identified biochemical and pathologic factors that were associated significantly with prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men who had rapidly rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after they received local treatment. METHODS. The study population consisted of 67 patients who had a PSA doubling time (DT) ≤6 months after radical prostatectomy (n = 50 patients) or external beam radiation therapy (n = 17 patients) for localized prostate cancer. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to evaluate whether the interval to PSA failure, pre-ADT PSA DT, PSA level at the time of ADT initiation, time to PSA nadir, PSA nadir after 8 months on ADT, and Gleason score were associated significantly with the time to PCSM 8 months after the initiation of ADT. RESULTS. A PSA nadir >0.2 ng/mL (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 8.0; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.7–38.7; P = 0.009) and a Gleason score ≥8 (adjusted HR, 5.2; 95% CI, 1.3–20.6; P = 0.02) were associated significantly with a short time to PCSM. The cumulative incidence estimates of 3-year PCSM were 5.8% versus 50.9% for patients with a PSA nadir ≤0.2 ng/mL versus >0.2 ng/mL, respectively, and 10.8% versus 35.8% for patients who had tumors with a Gleason score ≤7 versus ≥8, respectively. CONCLUSIONS. Among men with a PSA DT ≤6 months, both a PSA nadir >0.2 ng/mL after ADT and a Gleason score ≥8 cancer identified men who were at high risk for PCSM. These men would be ideal candidates for Phase III studies that evaluate the impact on survival of new systemic therapies for prostate cancer. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Correlates of correctional officer job stress: The impact of organizational structure.

Corrections can be a very stressful occupation, producing many negative outcomes for employees. These outcomes, both mental and physical, not only affect the employee, but the entire organization. A large body of literature has focused on identifying correlates of correctional staff job stress; yet, not all of the possible correlates have been studied. One area that has received little, if any, attention is the impact of the organizational structure on correctional job stress. Organizational structure includes issues of centralization, instrumental communication, integration, and organizational justice. The results of multivariate analysis indicate that instrumental communication and procedural justice have a direct effect on correctional staff job stress.
Losing faith and using faith: older African Americans discuss spirituality, religious activities, and depression.

Background and Objectives Older African Americans are often under diagnosed and under treated for depression. Given that older African Americans are more likely than whites to identify spirituality as important in depression care, we sought to understand how spirituality may play a role in the way they conceptualize and deal with depression in order to inform possible interventions aimed at improving the acceptability and effectiveness of depression treatment.
The First Reported Halogenation of a tert-Butyl Group with HCl or HBr in CHCl3. Unexpected Differences in the Reactions of HCl, HBr, HI, and HF with sp-9-(o-tert-Butylphenyl)-9-fluorenol

The reactions of sp-9-(o-tert-butylphenyl)-9-fluorenol (1) with HCl, HBr, HI, and HF, respectively, were found to follow diverse pathways. Most unexpected is the unprecedented monohalogenation of a...
Efficient algorithms for scan-converting 3D polygons☆

Abstract A three-dimensional scan-conversion algorithm, that scan-converts 3D planar polygons into their discrete voxel-map representation within a Cubic Frame Buffer (CFB), is presented. The algorithm, which is a variation of a conventional 2D scan-line filling algorithm, is incremental and uses only simple operations like additions and tests inside the inner loops. The algorithm performs scan-conversion with computational complexity which is linear in the number of voxels written to the CFB. Another algorithm that scan-converts polygons clipped to the CFB boundaries with no added time complexity is also presented. Furthermore, an all-integer decision mechanism which makes the inner-most loop of the algorithm more efficient is discussed too. All the algorithms guarantee lack of 6-connected “tunnels” in the converted polygons. The algorithms have been implemented as part of the 3D geometry processor of the CUBE Architecture, which is a voxel-based system for 3D graphics. These algorithms allow the CUBE system to generate a discrete voxel representation of the essential 3D polygon primitive, enabling CUBE to also cater to applications generating synthetic images.
Ketanserin, a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, decreases nicotine self-administration in rats

Abstract Nicotine intake constitutes a principal mechanism for tobacco addiction. In addition to primary effects on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, nicotine has cascading effects, which may also underlie its neurobehavioral actions. Nicotine induces serotonin (5-HT) release, which has not classically been thought to be involved in tobacco addiction as dopamine has. However, addiction can be characterized more as a disorder of compulsion than a disorder of enjoyment. 5-HT mechanisms play key roles in compulsive disorders. Nicotine-induced 5-HT release may be a key to tobacco addiction. Ketanserin, a 5-HT2a and 5-HT2c receptor antagonist, significantly attenuates nicotine effects on attention and memory. These studies were conducted to determine if ketanserin would reduce nicotine self-administration in rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats ( N = 12) were given initial food pellet training and then 10 sessions of nicotine self-administration training (0.03 mg/kg/infusion, i.v.). Then the rats were administered ketanserin (1 or 2 mg/kg, s.c.) or the saline vehicle. Ketanserin (2 mg/kg) significantly decreased nicotine self-administration. This did not seem to be due to sedative or amnestic effects of ketanserin. In a second study, the effects of repeated administration of 2 mg/kg ketanserin ( N = 11) vs. saline injections ( N = 10) were examined. In the initial phase, the acute effectiveness of ketanserin in significantly reducing nicotine self-administration was replicated. The effect became attenuated during the following several sessions, but the significant effect became re-established during the final phases of this two-week study. 5-HT mechanisms play critical roles in the maintenance of nicotine self-administration. Better understanding of those roles may help lead to new 5-HT-based treatments for tobacco addiction.
Deception, Detection, Demeanor, and Truth Bias in Face-to-Face and Computer-Mediated Communication:

In an ultimatum game, participants were randomly assigned to the role of allocator or recipient and to interact face-to-face (FtF) or over computer text chat (computer-mediated communication [CMC]). The allocator was given money to divide. The recipient was unaware of the amount given, so the allocator could deceive the recipient. Perception of the allocator having a dishonest demeanor increased recipient suspicion of deception, but reduced detection accuracy for truths. Demeanor cues did not help detect deception. Recipients were better at detecting lies CMC than FtF. Overall, truth bias did not differ between CMC and FtF. Rates of deception did not differ between CMC and FtF, but type of deception marginally differed. There was more deceptive omission used in FtF and more deceptive commission (bald-faced lies) used in CMC. Results are discussed in terms of demeanor and truth bias.
Development of electrical coupling and action potential synchrony between paired aggregates of embryonic heart cells.

Pairs of spheroidal aggregates of embryonic chick heart cells, held in suction pipettes were brought into contact and allowed to synchronize their spontaneous action potentials. Contractions were suppressed with cytochalasin B. Both intracellular and extracellular electrodes were used to analyze the development of synchrony. Electric coupling occurred in three phases. During phase I electrical interactions were absent despite close physical contact. Phase II was characterized by partial synchrony. Action potentials in the faster aggregate (F) induced small depolarizations in the other member of the pair (S). These depolarizations sometimes triggered action potentials inS depending on when during the diastolic depolarization inS they occurred. In these cases both the latency between the action potentials (L) and the fluctuations in latency (VL) were large. At the end of phase II the aggregates often passed through a brief period when fluctuation in interbeat interval in both increased noticeably. In phase III, beginning about 8 min after initial contact, action potentials were completely entrained at a certainL. During the subsequent 20–40 minL fell along an approximately exponential time course from about 130 to <1 msec, whileVL declined in parallel. When well-coupled aggregates were pulled apart and immediately pressed back together, they re-established synchronization according to the usual three-phase time course. Synchronized aggregates could be partially decoupled by separating them just far enough to reduce the area of mutual contact. Pairs joined only by cellular strands maintained entrained action potentials with long latencies for many minutes. These results indicate that electronic junctions form between the paired heart cell aggregates causing the gradual development of action potential synchrony.
Solar rotation: The photospheric height gradient

For selected pairs of Fraunhofer lines the height of formation has been calculated corresponding to that portion of the profile intercepted by the magnetograph exit slits. A photospheric height discrimination of 150–300 km is realized. In 1971 simultaneous measurements of equatorial angular velocity from spectroscopic displacements of these line pairs indicate no height gradient in excess of 1%.
Research article: quantifying the complexity of flow networks: how many roles are there

Weighted flow networks are structures that arise naturally when analyzing complex systems. The countable properties of unweighted networks are not easily generalized to weighted networks. One candidate measure of complexity is the number of roles, or specialized functions in a network. It is easy to identify the number of roles in a linear or cyclic unweighted network. There is only one logically consistent way to generalize the measures of nodes, flows, connectivity, and roles into weighted networks, and these generalizations are equivalent to indices derived from information theory and used by ecologists since the late seventies. Data from ecosystem networks suggests that ecosystems inhabit a narrow window of the parameter space defined by these measures.
Management strategies for individual knowledge and organizational knowledge

In the present postindustrial society, knowledge has become a key resource. However, organizations face innumerable challenges in nurturing and managing knowledge. Unlike manufacturing activities, knowledge activities are difficult to monitor and control, because only a part of knowledge is internalized by the organization, the other part is internalized by the individuals. This duality between individual knowledge and organizational knowledge demands different sets of management strategies in knowledge management. This paper provides a framework that explores the differences between individual knowledge and organizational knowledge, and proposes a set of management strategies for knowledge management. The paper also discusses the ways through which an organization can transform individual knowledge into organizational knowledge.
Programmable optical interconnections with large fan-out capability using the magneto-optic spatial light modulator.

We report the use of two-dimensional, binary phase-only diffraction gratings written on a programmable magneto-optic spatial light modulator to interconnect optically an input laser beam to multiple output locations. We show that we can achieve programmable weighted interconnects between the source and two output locations as well as a fan-out capability to as many as 128 separate output locations.
Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 Regulation of Neuroendocrine Pathways that Control Gonadal Function in Mice

Colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) is the primary regulator of cells of the mononuclear phagocytic lineage. Consequently mice lacking CSF-1 (Csf1op/Csf1op) have depleted populations of macrophages in many tissues. In addition, both sexes have reduced fertility with females having extended estrus cycles and poor ovulation rates, whereas males have low circulating LH and T. In this study, we show that puberty was significantly delayed in Csf1op/Csf1op females compared with control littermates. Restoration of circulating CSF-1 over the first 2 wk of life accelerated puberty, and this treatment until puberty completely corrected the extended estrous cycles. In a standard LH surge induction protocol, Csf1op/Csf1op females showed diminutive negative and no positive feedback response to E2. These data, together with that from male Csf1op/Csf1op mice that showed normal release of LH with a GnRH agonist, indicate that the hypothalamus is the site of the primary defect causing fertility problems in CSF-1-deficient...
Age related histomorphological changes in the cerebral arteries of domestic pig

Abstract Thirty pigs, ranging from 2 days to 10 yr of age, were used for this investigation which revealed progressive age-associated histomorphologic changes. The initial changes were splitting, fraying and duplication of internal elastic lamina. The intimal thickenings encountered in the adult pig increased progressively both in frequency and severity with advancing age. The subendothelial space gradually increased and became fibrosed with aging. The smooth muscle cells of the tunica media decreased in density and number with aging. They were replaced by collagen and acid mucopolysaccharides. The intimal thickenings became fibrous with advancing age.
CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISON OF COGNITIVE CONSISTENCY

Abstract Une comparaison interculturelle portant sur le phenomene de consistance cognitive a ete effectuee en appliquant a quarante-cinq sujets ameticains et quarantecinq sujets grecs un questionnaire ecrit base sur trois paradigmes classiques de la theorie de l'equilibration. Comme prevu, d'importantes differences interculturelles sont apparues dans les reponses des deux groupes, l'effet de compensation equilibrante s'averant inexistant chez les Grecs. De plus, a l'interieur měme du groupe americain, les sujets universitaires se distinguent de facon marquee du reste de leurs compatriotes. Les auteurs discutent la validite d'un modele de consistance cognitive operant universellement comme une tendance irresistible a resoudre les desequilibres cognitifs par un ajusternent automatique des attitudes.
Effect of chlorine-based sanitizers properties on corrosion of metals commonly found in food processing environment

Abstract In order to gauge the effect of pH and chloride concentration on the corrosion of metal surfaces commonly found in a food processing environment, different metal samples (stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and copper) were exposed to chlorinated and electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water. The samples were suspended in the chlorinated and EO solutions in a way to observe corrosion on the metals completely submerged in the solution as well as above the solution’s surface. The pH and chloride concentrations of the chlorinated and EO water samples played a significant role in mass loss for all the metal samples. Increases in surface roughness were linked to pH and chloride concentrations. Metal surfaces left suspended above the solution surfaces showed greater increases in surface roughness compared to the metal surfaces completely submerged in the solutions. This data demonstrates the need for care when selecting and using a chlorine-based sanitizer in food processing environments.
Relative Effects of the Somatomedins, Multiplication-Stimulating Activity, and Growth Hormone on Myoblasts and Myotubes in Culture*

Responses of muscle cells in culture to somatomedins A and B (SM–A and SM-B), Temin′s multiplicationstimulating activity (MSA), and a number of GH preparations from various species have been determined at both the myoblast and myotube stages of differentiation. Proliferation and amino acid (AIB) uptake by myoblasts as well as AIB uptake by myotubes were equally responsive to SM-A and MSA, demonstrating that MSA serves as a useful surrogatefor SM-A in studies on muscle cells. SM-B exhibited no activity in either system, and it did not enhance the actions of SM-A. A number of GH preparations were inactive in muscle cell cultures from various sources, but bovine GH stimulated AIB uptake in myotubes. Both the magnitude of the response and the sensitivity of myotubes to bovine GH increased with time after differentiation of the cells in vitro, but conditions could not be found to demonstrate an effect of GH at or near physiological levels of the hormone. On the basis of our observations and published studies o...
A reappraisal of the 1835 eruption of Cosigüina and its atmospheric impact

In the “great” January 1835 eruption of Cosiguina volcano, Nicaragua, andesitic magma and lithic material were erupted over a period of at least three days. Proximal facies consist of clastogenic lava, scoria-fall, and lithic ash-fall produced by phreatomagmatic to vulcanian or plinian activity, together with surge deposits and lithic block-falls. Pyroclastic flow deposits covered some flanks of the volcano and entered the sea in the Gulf of Fonseca. Little record exists of the distal ash-fall, thus the total bulk volume erupted can only be roughly constrained to 2.9–5.6 km3. Furthermore, the amount of juvenile material is thought to be small. A recent study of volatiles in 1835 scoria suggests sulfur release from the magma was negligible. This reappraisal indicates that the Cosiguina eruption probably had little global climatic impact. Despite its violent nature, the magnitude of the eruption was modest. The eruption occurred too late to initiate the Northern Hemisphere cooling trend form 1828–1836. Dry fogs and other atmospheric optical phenomena usually observed after eruptions that contribute significantly to the stratospheric aerosol burden were not recorded after 1835.
Copper Kettle Revisited

An increasing dissatisfaction with available equipment for the vaporization of liquid anesthetics led to a focused effort to design a new and improved vaporizer. Deficiencies in existing apparatus were identified as a lack of vernier control over small increments for gradually increasing the concentration of the vapor, and the lack of a steady reproducible vapor output due to the wide variation in temperature of the vaporizing liquid Therefore a new apparatus has been designed to provide reproducible conditions for effective vaporization and vernier control over small increments in concentration of vapor offered to the patient. The important modifications for attaining these desired conditions are in the circuit design, the liquid container, and the vaporizing surface. Since there are still many occasions for which liquid anesthetics are being used as the agent of choice, it seems desirable to have available a device that provides the physician with discrete control over the vapor volumes and concentrations of these agents.
Estimation of effective elastic moduli for composites

Abstract The linearly elastic deformation of a composite material with matrix outer boundary is shown to be governed by the matrix deformation, inclusion deformation and deformation due to a change in the relative inclusion geometry. The latter deformation can be shown to be independent of the inclusion material property. If the effective elastic moduli of a composite are known, then we can estimate the effective elastic moduli of other composites with the same inclusion geometry and matrix material, but with different inclusion materials. This is true for any inclusion geometry and any inclusion volume fraction as long as the outer boundary of the sample consists of matrix material.
Preconceptions: a concept analysis for nursing

This paper presents a concept analysis of preconceptions. Although the concept of preconceptions has been widely used in the literature across many disciplines, it is not well defined or differentiated from its related concepts. The Walker and Avant (1995) method of concept analysis is used as a framework for this investigation. A synthesized definition of the term is presented and implications for nursing are discussed. Preconceptions have a significant impact on learning and critical-thinking ability. The challenge for educators is to recognize and manage these preconceptions to ensure an effective learning experience. It is only until the concept of preconception is defined and clarified that this challenge can be met.
Tourism in Zanzibar: Incentives for sustainable management of the coastal environment

Tourism was identified in the late 1980s as a sector with major potential for driving economic development in Zanzibar and has since grown enormously from roughly 19,000 annual visitors in 1985 to well over 200,000 by 2007. Although tourism is now one of the most important sectors of the economy, contributing roughly 25% to GDP, the impact of tourism on poverty reduction and the environment has been decidedly mixed. The rapid expansion of tourist infrastructure on the coast, combined with a population growth rate of over 3%, has put great pressure on coastal areas. In some areas local villages have seen their access to the beach and sea greatly restricted with resulting loss of livelihoods, while relatively little of the economic benefit from tourism has gone to local communities. The coastal and marine environment is seriously degraded due to both human and natural causes. The paper explores the reasons for this, focusing on the role played by the distribution of benefits from tourism and the (dis)incentives this creates for sustainable management, especially among local communities that steward the marine ecosystem. It does this by estimating the incomes (wages, profits and taxes to local government) generated from five major categories of tourism found in Zanzibar, and quantifying the distribution of incomes among five different stakeholder groups. The resulting recommendations are relevant not only for Zanzibar, but for all developing countries that rely on international tourism.
Is your patient with neurofibromatosis likely to develop a malignancy

A middle-aged patient presents with multiple cafe-au-lait macules (CALMs), cutaneous neurofibromas, and axillary freckling. You ably make a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis-1 (NF-1) and explain to the patient the genetics involved and that further evaluation for ocular manifestations is warranted (Boyd et al., 2009). As you explain the risk of malignancy—particularly the risk of malignant peripheral nerve-sheath tumors (MPNST)—you ponder your patient's individual risk for developing this tumor and what precautions the patient should be taking (Rasmussen et al., 2001). Is Your Patient with Neurofibromatosis Likely to Develop a Malignancy?
A note on quetelet and the development of criminological statistics

Abstract This Note clarifies several ambiguities in the claims that Salas and Surette (1984) have made about the Belgian criminologist Adolphe Quetelet. Specifically, it suggests that Quetelet (1) never articulated a concept of political relations or of the political state; (2) consistently rejected the need for ‘theoretical’ interpretation of empirical ‘data,’ (3) borrowed the notion of ‘statistique morale’ from French and German moral statisticians, and (4) vacillated between the poles of determinism and free-will philosophy.
Who Rallies? The Anatomy of a Rally Event

On June 26, 1993, President Clinton ordered a missile attack on Iraq's intelligence headquarters in Baghdad. The president's approval level surged-a textbook example of a "rally." But who rallied? Previous studies of rallies have relied on aggregate data, preventing analysts from determining who switched from nonapproval to approval of the president in response to a rally event. The CBS News/New York Times Poll interviewed a national sample of adults right before the attack and reinterviewed 622 of the same respondents immediately following. Employing this panel study, we find that those who rallied were those most disposed to support the president in the first place. Exposure to the news media also plays a role in reinforcing the impact of positive views of the president's handling of foreign policy. Thus, more than patriotic fervor is involved in rallies. Rather than being a distinctive phenomenon, a rally event seems to be simply an additional force that pushes potential supporters over the threshold o...
Superconducting energy gap and normal-state reflectivity of single crystal Y-Ba-Cu-O.

We report the first measurements of the normal-state reflectivity and superconducting energy gap of Y/sub 1/Ba/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-//sub x/ single crystals. With the electric field in the metallic, a-b plane of our platelike crystals we observe a Drude normal-state reflectivity, and an enhancement of the reflectivity at temperatures below T/sub c/(90 K) which follows the Mattis-Bardeen form. The superconducting energy gap obtained from these measurements is found to be temperature dependent, increasing to a value of 2..delta../kT/sub c/approx. =8 below approx. =50 K. Within the Eliashberg-BCS framework this unusually large gap value suggests that Y/sub 1/Ba/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-//sub x/ is a very strongly coupled superconductor.
The structure of NDTRAN — A systems simulation language

NDTRAN is a systems simulation language that is based on the principles of modeling stated by J. Forrester in his work of systems dynamics (1961, 1968) and is written in ANSI/standard FORTRAN. Because of the large number of built-in diagnostics, it is extremely easy to use, even for a beginner. In addition, it has a number of features previously lacking in other simulation packages, such as extensive user-defined and default plotting routines along with a selection of integration routines to satisfy both the technical and nontechnical person. The authors describe the unique features of its implementation.
The ESCRT machinery at a glance

This article is part of a Minifocus on the ESCRT machinery. For further reading, please see related articles: `No strings attached: the ESCRT machinery in viral budding and cytokinesis' by Bethan McDonald and Juan Martin-Serrano (J. Cell Sci. 122 , [2167-2177][1]) and `How do ESCRT proteins control
Immunoglobulin G and Its Function in the Human Respiratory Tract

Immunoglobulin G—which can be subdivided into four classes, each with different functional characteristics—is an important component of the host defense system of the respiratory tract. An excessive amount can be produced or can accumulate after airway irritation (exposure to cigarette smoke) or from immunologic stimulus of B-lymphocyte-plasma cells in types of hypersensitivity and interstitial lung diseases. Specific antibody activity can be identified in organic dust-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis and asthma that contributes to disease pathogenesis. The availability of opsonic antimicrobial antibodies is essential for optimal function of phagocytes in uptake and containment of bacteria. With an absolute or functional deficiency of IgG, recurrent and chronic types of sinopulmonary infections occur. These extremes of IgG availability, either high levels (presumably excessive) or deficient, are discussed in this review.
Socio-behavioral predictors of self-reported oral health-related quality of life

Purpose To examine the relationship between social and financial support, behavioral and sociodemographic variables, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a national probability sample.
Web Search---Your Way

The World Wide Web is estimated at over 800 million indexable pages [9]. When searching the Web, a user can be overwhelmed by thousands of results retrieved by a search engine, few of which are valuable. The problem for search engines is not only to find relevant results, but results consistent with the user’s information need. It is a user’s information need that determines which documents are valuable. Typical search engines limit the user to entering only a keyword query, even though users consider more than the topic when making relevance judgments [1, 10].
Pineal Arginine Vasotocin Activity Increases 200-Fold During August in Adult Rats and Hamsters

In a previous study, measurements of arginine vasotocin-immunoactivity (iAVT) in immature rats over a period of 14 months, led to the discovery of a significant yearly variation, with peak levels of iAVT in August. In the present study, iAVT was measured in pineals obtained from mature male and female rats and hamsters once or twice weekly from July until early September 1982. For all groups, mean pineal AVT-immunoactivity was less that 7 pg/gland in early July, but then increased significantly by August 11-13. For hamsters, maximum values of 1,272 +/- 49 (mean +/- S.E.: n = 3) and 1,065 +/- 62 pg/gland were recorded for males and females, respectively. For rats, peak values measured were 940 +/- 12 pg/gland for males and 1,040 +/- 34 for females. The AVT-activity levels then decreased to less than 100 pg/gland by early September. Thus, a dramatic August elevation of pineal iAVT is characteristic of hamsters as well as rats, and of mature as well as immature animals.
ProELH-related peptides: influence on bag cell cAMP levels.

Abstract ProELH is the prohormone to the bag cell egg-laying peptide of Aplysia. In addition to containing the structure of the hormone (ELH) itself, proELH also contains several other secreted peptides: AP (acidic peptide) and α-, β-, and γ-bag cell peptides (BCPs). The BCPs, ranging in length from 5 to 9 amino acids, are structurally similar in that they all contain the sequence Arg-Leu-Arg-Phe. An additional peptide from the atrial gland, Atrial A, also contains this sequence. The BCPs previously have been reported to have direct feedback (autocrine) effects on the bag cells, including electrophysiological excitation and inhibition. Moreover, some of these effects are temperature-dependent. The autocrine functions of these peptides were explored here by investigating their effects on bag cell cAMP levels. In addition, we monitored the effects of Atrial A, as well as ELH and AP, which are proELH products that do not have sequence homology with the BCPs. While ELH and AP have no effect on bag cell cAMP levels, the other peptides fall into two functional classes, α- and γ-BCP produce an elevation of cAMP levels at 20° and a depression at 15°C. The elevation in cAMP is sensitive to low Ca2+/high Mg2+. β-BCP and Atrial A elevate cAMP levels independently of temperature, and are insensitive to low Ca2+/high Mg2+. Our results suggest that there may be multiple bag cell receptors for these peptides with the Arg-Leu-Arg-Phe sequence representing a receptor-recognition motif.
Drag force measurement of single spherical collectors with deposited particles

The hydrodynamic drag force in a uniform flow field acting on a spherical body with small particles attached to its surface was determined experimentally. The experimental data are used to substantiate the approximate force expressions derived from available theories for several types of collector-particle geometries. Procedures for applying these results to the prediction of the pressure drop across a filter bed with various degrees of particle deposition are also developed.
Effect of Particle Sizes of Corn Meal and a Mold Inhibitor on Mold Inhibition

Abstract Corn meal was separated into four particle size ranges ( 2.36 mm), and the effect of particle size on the inhibition of the native mold flora by propionic acid was determined by measuring CO2 production. At the higher concentrations of propionic acid (1.0 and 2.0 mg/g of meal), the inhibition was size dependent at the three H2O levels tested (20, 25, and 35%). In general, the smaller the corn meal particles, the better the inhibition observed. A similar effect was noticed when the particle size of sorbic acid, a solid inhibitor, was decreased. These data suggest that disperson of inhibitor in the substrate and the ability of an inhibitor to penetrate the substrate are important attributes of mold inhibitors.
Anomia, Aspiration, and Status

as a consequence of the failure of both parties to understand each other's privacy worlds? It seems likely that the size and clharacter of a persoln's "privacy region" is significanltly related to psyclhic equilibrium anld self-acceptance. For instanlce, if we may speak of needs for privacy, then it may be argued that if these needs are not met, stress symptoms will appear. Or again it may be proposed that as a person 's self-acceptanlce increases, hiis privacy n-eeds will
Challenges for traditional birth attendants in northern rural Honduras.

Summary Objective to explore the relationship between community-based parteras, the staff at the Centro Materno Infantil (Mother–Child Centre), and other public health facilities within the district of Morazan in northern rural Honduras during the transition to new models of maternity care. Design focus-group discussions with two groups composed of a convenience sample of community parteras. After verbatim translation of the interviews, the transcripts were analysed for content. Setting the Centro de Salud of Morazan, Yoro Honduras. Participants 28 community-based parteras and one partero (male community midwife). Findings five themes emerged from the focus group data: the shared view that attending birth is connected to a religious calling; the desire for additional training; the desire for support from, and connection to, existing public-health services and infrastructure; the role of parteras in providing services to women who otherwise would not receive care; and the lack of new parteras to carry on this work in the future. Key conclusions traditional birth attendants are still relied upon to serve more than half of the childbearing women in Honduras. The findings from the focus groups provide a foundation upon which to strengthen the relationship between community-based parteras and the government-funded systems of health care during this time of transition to new models of maternity care.
Subtidal stromatolites in Monterey Formation and other organic-rich rocks as suggested source contributors to petroleum formation

The Miocene Monterey Formation contains thin organic-rich laminations that mimic benthic mats forming today in coastal upwelling regimes of the eastern Pacific. Modern mats are comprised dominantly of filamentous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria of the family Beggiatoaceae. The characteristic spongy texture imparted to the sediments by these bacterial mats is most readily recognized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The spongy network becomes progressively compressed with increasing compaction and diagenesis, but is still distinguishable. Rock-Eval pyrolysis of modern mats reveals high S1 peaks and unusually high oxygen indices. Both parameters decrease gradually with diagenesis, as evidenced by mat-laminated Monterey Formation samples of different thermal grades. In addition, anomalously light nitrogen isotopic signatures of modern mats may be retained. The ^dgrN15 values of mat-laminated Monterey Formation samples, although diagenetically enriched in 15N, are still lighter than would be expected for algally dominated organic matter in marine low-oxygen environments. On the basis of organic richness and high hydrogen indices of mat-laminated samples, and coincidence of mat-laminated rocks and oil in some fields in the San Joaquin Valley of California, the organic-matter assemblage contained within filamentous bacterial mats is suggested to be a significant contributor to petroleum formation. Additional evidence for this conclusion is provided by similar investigations of subtidal cyanobacterial mats in carbonate rocks such as the Green River Formation oil shales.