cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: Principles and Applications

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive method for focal brain stimulation, with applications in research, diagnostics, and treatment. In basic research, TMS can help establish a causal link between a brain circuit and a behavior. Clinically, repetitive TMS can alter the long-term excitability of specific brain regions to treat psychiatric and neurological disorders. This chapter aims to support engineers and researchers to understand and innovate TMS technology. It introduces the basics of TMS spanning engineering, physics, biophysics, paradigms, and applications. First, the principles of TMS devices are explained including the electrical circuit topologies and efficiency of the pulse generator as well as the design of the stimulation coil. Ancillary effects such as heating, electromagnetic forces, and interactions with other devices are considered. Then, the underlying physics and its modeling are presented, including the magnetic field of the coil and the impact of the subject’s head on the induced electric field. This is followed by a description of the biophysics of neuronal activation due to TMS, including the cable equation, leaky integrate-and-fire neural membrane dynamics, and morphologically realistic neuron models. Various methods to measure the responses to TMS are summarized, spanning observations of behavior, electromyography, epidural recordings, electroencephalography, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. The chapter concludes with an overview of stimulation paradigms encompassing single-pulse, paired-pulse, and repetitive TMS, along with their applications in basic research and the clinic. The chapter includes ten problems that cover the presented material.
IMAPS Observations of Interstellar Neutral Argon and the Implications for Partially Ionized Gas

We use the absorption features from neutral argon at 1048 and 1066 A to determine interstellar abundances or their lower limits toward nine early-type stars. These features were observed with the Interstellar Medium Absorption Profile Spectrograph (IMAPS) along sight lines with low reddening and low fractional abundances of molecular hydrogen. We find that the interstellar Ar I is below its solar and B-star abundance with respect to hydrogen toward zeta Pup, gamma2 Vel and beta Cen A with (logarithmic) reduction factors -0.37+/-0.09, -0.18+/-0.10, and -0.61+/-0.12 dex, respectively. While Ar can condense onto the surfaces of dust grains in the interiors of dense clouds, it is unlikely that argon atoms are depleted by this process in the low-density lines of sight considered in this study. Instead, we propose that the relatively large photoionization cross section of Ar makes it much easier to hide in its ionized form than H. In regions that are about half ionized, this effect can lower Ar I/H I by -0.11 to -0.96 dex, depending on the energy of the photoionizing radiation and its intensity divided by the local electron density. We apply this interpretation for the condition of the gas in front of beta Cen A, which shows the largest deficiency of Ar. Also, we determine the expected magnitudes of the differential ionizations for He, N, O, Ne and Ar in the partly ionized, warm gas in the local cloud around our solar system. For the local cloud and others that can be probed by UV studies, the observed Ar I to H I ratio may be a good discriminant between two possible alternatives, collisional ionization or photoionization, for explaining the existence of partly ionized regions.
Radicalizing literacies and languaging: a framework toward dismantling the Mono-Mainstream Assumption: by Alexandra Babino and Mary Amanda Stewart, Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, 2020, xvii+289 pp., US$119.99 (hardcover), ISBN: 978-3-030-56137-6

What are ‘literacies and languaging’? And why would they need to be ‘radicalized’? Additionally, what is ‘mono-mainstream assumption?’ In Babino and Stewart’s (2020 book, Radicalizing Literacies an...
Decontamination of respirators amid shortages due to SARS-CoV-2.

The pandemic created by SARS-CoV-2 has caused a shortage in the supplies of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs), disposable respirators with at least 95% efficiency to remove non-oily airborne particles, due to increasing cases all over the world. The current article reviewed various possible decontamination methods for FFR reuse including ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV), microwave-generated steam (MGS), hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (HPGP), and 70% or higher ethanol solution. HPV decontamination was effective against bacterial spores (6 log10 reduction of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores) on FFRs and viruses (> 4 log10 reduction of various types of viruses) on inanimate surfaces, and no degradation of respirator materials and fit has been reported. 70% or higher ethanol decontamination showed high efficacy in inactivation of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces (> 3.9 log10 reduction) but it was lower on FFRs which filtration efficiency was also decreased. UVGI method had good biocidal efficacy on FFRs (> 3 log10 reduction of H1N1 virus) combined with inexpensive, readily available equipment; however, it was more time-consuming to ensure sufficient reduction in SARS-CoV-2. MGS treatment also provided good viral decontamination on FFRs (> 4 log10 reduction of H1N1 virus) along with less time-intensive process and readily available equipment while inconsistent disinfection on the treated surfaces and deterioration of nose cushion of FFRs were observed. HPGP was a good virucidal system (> 6 log10 reduction of Vesicular stomatitis virus) but filtration efficiency after decontamination was inconsistent. Overall, HPV appeared to be one of the most promising methods based on the high biocidal efficacy on FFRs, preservation of respirator performance after multiple cycles, and no residual chemical toxicity. Nonetheless, equipment cost and time of the HPV process and a suitable operating room need to be considered.
The Eilenberg—Steenrod Axioms

Following the necessary algebraic preliminaries, we introduce the homology of a space with coefficients in an arbitrary abelian group. Combined with the results of the previous chapters this establishes the existence of homology theories satisfying the Eilenberg-Steenrod axioms for arbitrary coefficient groups. The corresponding uniqueness theorem is proved in the category of finite CW complexes. Finally, the singular cohomology groups are introduced and shown to satisfy the contravariant analogs of the axioms.
The algebra of security

A general framework is developed in which various mandatory access control security models that allow changes in security levels can be formalized. These models form a Boolean algebra. The framework is expanded to include models that allow n-person rules necessary for discretionary access controls in an industrial security setting. The resulting framework is a distributive lattice. >
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: pathophysiology and emerging therapies

Approximately half of patients with heart failure (HF) have a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Morbidity and mortality are similar to HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), yet therapies with unequivocal benefit in HFrEF have not been shown to be effective in HFpEF. Recent studies have shown that the pathophysiology of HFpEF, initially believed to be due principally to diastolic dysfunction, is more complex. Appreciation of this complexity has shed new light into how HFpEF patients might respond to traditional HF treatments, while also suggesting new applications for novel therapies and strategies. In this review, we shall briefly review the pathophysiologic mechanisms in HFpEF, currently available clinical trial data, and finally explore new investigational therapies that are being developed and tested in ongoing and forthcoming trials.
A comparison of two competitive fitness functions

Competitive fitness is the assessment of an individual's fitness in the context of competition with other individuals in the evolutionary system. This commonly takes one of two forms: one-population competitive fitness, where competition is solely between individuals in the same population; and N-population competitive fitness, often termed competitive coevolution. In this paper we discuss common topologies for one-population competitive fitness functions, then test the performance of two such topologies, Single-Elimination Tournament and K-Random Opponents, on four problem domains. We show that neither of the extremes of K-Random Opponents (Round Robin and Random-Pairing) gives the best results when using limited computational resources. We also show that while Single-Elimination Tournament usually outperforms variations of K-Random Opponents in noise-free problems, it can suffer from premature convergence in noisy domains.
Ad Hoc and Sensor Networks

Although the Internet has penetrated virtually every aspect of our lives, many scenarios exist where an existing network infrastructure is not available. For example, a hurricane may destroy buildings where the critical networking equipment is housed or may cut the power supply to the equipment. In such scenarios, it is extremely important for people living in the disaster area, as well as relief workers, to communicate with each other using whatever networking devices they have, without relying on any existing infrastructure. Such an infrastructureless network is called an ad hoc network, more specifically, “a network that is setup, literally, for a specific purpose, to meet a quickly appearing communication need” (1). In addition to supporting human communication, an ad hoc network may be used for other purposes, such as monitoring the physical environment and detecting events (as we will explain later). An ad hoc network can be wired or wireless, but more research effort has been focused on wireless ad hoc networks as they are easier to establish and do not restrict the mobility of users. Major research issues in wireless ad hoc networks include, but are not limited to, how to ensure connectivity among nodes in the face of unplanned deployment, controlled or uncontrolled mobility, and nodes leaving/joining the network (potentially as a result of failures/repairs); how to access efficiently the shared wireless medium in a distributed fashion; how to route packets to their destinations in the presence of topology dynamics (because of mobility and failures) and sometimes intermittent connectivity; and how to meet the quality of service (QoS) requirements with distributed resource management. These issues are made even more challenging by the limited resource availability that is typical of a wireless ad hoc network. Keywords: wireless communication; wireless networks; wireless ad hoc networks; wiresless sensor networks; mobile communication
Kinetic Theory and Simulation of Single-Channel Water Transport

Water translocation between various compartments of a system is a fundamental process in biology of all living cells and in a wide variety of technological problems. The process is of interest in different fields of physiology, physical chemistry, and physics, and many scientists have tried to describe the process through physical models. Owing to advances in computer simulation of molecular processes at an atomic level, water transport has been studied in a variety of molecular systems ranging from biological water channels to artificial nanotubes. While simulations have successfully described various kinetic aspects of water transport, offering a simple, unified model to describe trans-channel translocation of water turned out to be a nontrivial task.
Apollo Surface Missions and the Lunar Receiving Laboratory Program

Among the most intriguing chemical studies by far are those being performed presently on the returned lunar samples. An extraordinary amount of effort and planning has gone into the preparation of a program for dealing with these samples; the return of which constitutes one of the most significant scientific events in the program of space exploration.
A lightweight component caching scheme for satisfiability solvers

We introduce in this paper a lightweight technique for reducing work repetition caused by non-chronological backtracking commonly practiced by DPLL-based SAT solvers. The presented technique can be viewed as a partial component caching scheme. Empirical evaluation of the technique reveals significant improvements on a broad range of industrial instances.
Identification of Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic and Latent RNA Transcripts in Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder

Thirty-three specimens from 25 transplant recipients with Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disease were studied by in situ hybridization for 2 lytic and 4 latent Epstein-Barr virus transcripts. All specimens were found to contain at least 1 latent transcript while 28 were positive for at least 1 lytic transcript. The amount of Epstein-Barr virus infection and lytic activity varied with histopathology and number of involved sites. Patients with localized polymorphous disease contained the lowest number of infected cells with an almost equal lytic:latent ratio. Disseminated polymorphous and single and multisite monomorphous specimens showed a large latent cell population. Minimal lytic activity was seen in single site monomorphous specimens, but disseminated monomorphous specimens showed the highest levels of lytic transcripts. Most post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder specimens demonstrate lytic Epstein-Barr virus transcripts, although the majority of cells contain latent Epstein-B...
Convergence in Environmental Reporting: Assessing the Carbon Disclosure Project

We perform content analysis on Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) responses from 2003 to 2010, focusing on the extent to which firms account for indirect emissions and have exhibited convergence in carbon reporting. We also examine standardization in reporting and the variation of reporting behavior across industry and country. We find that the CDP has produced a mixed record of improved transparency. In some areas, such as Scope 2 emissions, the CDP has demonstrated an increase in transparency in later years. However, the transparency and quality of direct emissions and Scope 3 emissions have not improved over time. Japanese and European Union firms have increased transparency, while American firms have decreased transparency. Energy-intensive industries have either increased transparency or remained the same, while less energy-intensive industries have become less transparent. We demonstrate some evidence of a learning effect among firms after participating in the CDP survey. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
DC motor and generator troubleshooting and maintenance

Maintenance and troubleshooting tips and guidelines for motors and generators are outlined. This information is applicable to any rotating equipment except where the manufacturer is noted for specific details. In particular, it is recommended that commutation adjustment be supervised by someone who understands the theory of DC machine adjustment, is experienced in adjusting such machines, and understands the hazards involved in working with live electrical apparatus. >
Programmable automatic protection switching protocol for bidirectional network architectures

We propose a programmable automatic protection switching (APS) protocol to repair an impaired lightpath traversing an optical link. Recovery agents repair impaired flows by searching through a space of policies before attempting a protection switch and after switching impaired traffic. A policy manager disseminates a changeable set of policies to each agent and ensures consistent interpretation end-to-end QoS. QoS policies are structured to be interpreted in the same way by developing a model of end-to-end QoS over which logic formulae can be checked for satisfaction.
Diffraction from random alloys.

We calculate the diffraction from a random alloy, consisting of bonds of different natural lengths. The resulting structure is a distorted crystal with strong correlations between displacements at different sites. The diffraction pattern is dominated by a set of Bragg peaks whose intensity is modulated by a Debye-Waller factor. At the base of each of these Bragg peaks, we find divergent Huang scattering due to the second-order correlations between displacements. Higher-order correlations produce a negligible nondivergent background. Results are obtained in closed form and compared with computer simulations.
The reliability of six item bias indices

The reliabilities of six item bias indices were inves tigated for each of the eleven tests of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, using random samples of fifth-grade students. The reliability of an index was defined as its stability from one randomly equivalent group to an other. Both racial and sexual bias were considered. In addition, correlations among bias indices were investi gated. The results indicate that the item bias indices investigated were fairly unreliable when based on sample sizes of 200 minority and 200 majority exami nees. Consequently, this study suggests that, with sample sizes of about 200, the use of item bias indices to screen achievement test items cannot be expected to lead to consistent decisions about which items are biased.
A Novel Protein Geranylgeranyltransferase-I Inhibitor with High Potency, Selectivity, and Cellular Activity

Abstract Inhibiting protein prenylation is an attractive means to modulate cellular processes controlled by a variety of signaling proteins, including oncogenic proteins such as Ras and Rho GTPases. The largest class of prenylated proteins contain a so-called CaaX motif at their carboxyl termini and are subject to a maturation process initiated by the attachment of an isoprenoid lipid by either protein farnesyltransferase (FTase) or protein geranylgeranyltransferase type I (GGTase-I). Inhibitors of FTase, termed FTIs, have been the subject of intensive development in the past decade and have shown efficacy in clinical trials. Although GGTase-I inhibitors (GGTIs) have received less attention, accumulating evidence suggests GGTIs may augment therapies using FTIs and could be useful to treat a myriad of additional disease states. Here we describe the characterization of a selective, highly potent, and cell-active GGTase-I inhibitor, GGTI-DU40. Kinetic analysis revealed that inhibition by GGTI-DU40 is competitive with the protein substrate and uncompetitive with the isoprenoid substrate; the Ki for the inhibition is 0.8 nm. GGTI-DU40 is highly selective for GGTase-Iboth in vitro and in living cells. Studies indicate GGTI-DU40 blocks prenylation of a number of geranylgeranylated CaaX proteins. Treatment of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with GGTI-DU40 inhibited thrombin-induced cell rounding via a process that involves inhibition of Rho proteins without significantly effecting parallel mobilization of calcium via Gβγ. These studies establish GGTI-DU40 as a prime tool for interrogating biologies associated with protein geranylgeranylation and define a novel structure for this emerging class of experimental therapeutics.
Hyperspheres and hyperplanes fitted seamlessly by algebraic constrained total least-squares

Abstract For each finite set of points in a Euclidean space of any dimension, the algorithm presented here determines all the algebraically best fitting circles or lines, spheres or planes, or hyperspheres or hyperplanes, in a seamless manner from spherical through affine manifolds. In particular, affine submanifolds of any dimensions are not singularities of the algorithm. To this end, the algorithm combines projective geometry, Coope's and Gander et al.'s layouts of the equations, and Golub et al.'s generalization of the Schmidt–Mirsky matrix approximation theorem to solve the equations. The resulting best fitting manifolds remain invariant under rigid transformations. Moreover, if the best fitting manifold is affine, then it coincides with Golub and Van Loan's affine manifold of Total Least-Squares. Thus the algorithm can also fit hyperspheres in a manner that remains robust with data lying near a hyperplane. Furthermore, an analysis with a theorem of Wedin's shows that the fitted hyperspheres' sensitivity to perturbations of the data increases as the colinearity of the data increases.
Age of Extremely Ancient Pegmatites from South-eastern Manitoba

IN the determination of the geological ages of minerals by radioactivity methods, much attention is being given to those ages which are of the greatest antiquity. There are several reasons for this. The age of the oldest mineral sets a minimum value for the age of the earth; also a probable minimum age is set for the solar system and extra-terrestrial matter in general. A bottom ‘rung’ is given for any stratigraphical age column, and these great ages are of value when attempting to draw up possible maximum life-spans for the evolution of living organisms to their present state of complexity. In areas of extreme antiquity, suitable minerals may be used for the indirect determination of the decay constants of potassium1; furthermore, areas of greatest age are the most suitable places for seeking possible undetected radioactivities (for example, indium-115 2). Consequently, it is highly desirable that these greatest ages be known accurately and that several checks be made.
Identification and sequencing of HLA‐B*0714 and B*2718 alleles and novel exon 1 sequences of B*0709 and B*2714 alleles in potential bone marrow donors

Sequence specific oligonucleotide probe hybridization and sequence specific primer PCR typing of volunteer bone marrow donors suggested the presence of variants of known HLA-B alleles in two individuals. PCR products encompassing HLA-B locus exons 1, 2, and 3 were prepared, subcloned and sequenced. A Hispanic individual had a novel B*07 allele (B*0714) and a Chinese individual had a novel B*27 allele (B*2718). In two other individuals, a previously unknown sequence of exon 1 was determined for HLA-B*0709 (African American) and B*2714 (Native American). These findings further illustrate the substantial genetic variation present at the HLA-B locus within human populations. We discuss the structural variation in the protein sequence for these HLA-B alleles and its potential functional effects.
Translation symmetries in convergent-beam electron diffraction

Abstract The interpretation of the CBED pattern symmetries derived from the specimen symmetry has been given by Goodman and by Buxton, Eades, Steeds and Rackham. The former paper deals with the effect of the translation components of symmetries, which are normal to the incident surface, while the latter paper ignores the presence of these translation components. The graphical method proposed by Buxton et al. cannot be applied to the symmetry with translation. The Ewald construction method used by Goodman is also not applicable to the symmetry with translation. A simple interpretation of the CBED pattern symmetries can be obtained based on the multiple-scattering formula, where the translation component is also taken into account.
Differences between nonrespondents and refusers in market surveys using mixed modes of contact

When one is conducting survey research under mixed modes of contact, which incorporate both an interviewer-present component and a self-administered component (i.e., drop-off delivery, prenotification, “foot-in-the-door” techniques), potential respondents may choose to not participate in the study in two distinct ways. First, they may refuse or not refuse the interviewer’s request for participation. Later, they may respond or not respond to the self-administered questionnaire or other data collection form. As such, surveys conducted under such mixed modes of contact afford the researcher an opportunity to search for differences between refusers and nonrespondents in survey research. This article reports on the results of one such study incorporating a classic footin-the-door design. Of a sampling frame of 2,500 households, 2,128 were contacted and completed a short preliminary telephone interview seeking mostly demographic information. Of those, 257 (12%) refused the interviewer’s request to complete a longer mailed questionnaire and were classified as refusers. Another 857 (40%) agreed to complete the mailed questionnaire, but they did not and were classified as nonrespondents. Demographic comparisons revealed substantial differences between the two nonparticipation groups and respondents-differences described by the researchers as largely following family life cycle patterns. Nonrespondents tended to be disproportionately represented by Full-Nest I consumers (e.g., compared to respondents, 12% more nonrespondents were under 35 years old, 6% more had dependent children living at home, 10% more of those had youngest child under 6 years of age, and 7% more were employed outside the home.) On the other hand, refusers tended to be disproportionately represented by Empty-Nest II consumers and Solitary Survivors (e.g., compared to respondents, 9% more were over 50 years old, 16% fewer had dependent children at home, 11% fewer were employed, 13% more had annual income under $10,000, and 10% fewer were married).
Workshop Simulation-based Learning

Funding provided by the US Department of Education's Foundation for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education (FIPSE) program has spurred intense restructuring of the undergraduate mechanical engineering program at San Diego State University (SDSU). Specifically affected are two undergraduate courses offered during students' first and second years of study - and it is the story of their design, rollout, and evaluation that this workshop will cover. It also speaks directly to changes that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has long advocated (see, for example: http://www.ices.utexas.edu/events/SBES_Final_Report.pdf and http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind06/). The session will be highly interactive: demonstration (and student presentations) mixed with ample time for questions, discussion, and brainstorming
A Study of a Single Stage Centrifugal Compressor

A low flow coefficient unshrouded centrifugal compressor would give up clearance very large in relation to the span of the blades, because centrifugal compressors produce a sufficiently large pressure rise in fewer stages. This problem is more acute for a low flow high-pressure ratio impeller. The large tip clearance would cause flow separations, and as a result it would drop both the efficiency and surge margin. Thus a design of a high efficiency and wide operation range for a low flow coefficient centrifugal compressor is a great challenge. This paper describes a new development of high efficiency and large surge margin low flow coefficient (0.145) centrifugal compressor. A viscous turbomachinery optimal design method developed by the authors for axial flow machine was further extended and used in this centrifugal compressor design. The new compressor has three main parts: impeller, a low solidity diffuser and volute. The tip clearance is under a special consideration in this design to allow impeller insensitiveness to the clearance. A three-dimensional low solidity diffuser design method is proposed and applied to this design. This design is successful to extend the low solidarity diffusers to high-pressure ratio compressor. It is demonstrated that the design is in a great success. The design performance range of the total to static efficiency of the compressor is about 85% and stability range is over 35%. The experimental results showed that the test results are in good agreement with the design.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Chronically elevated glucose compromises myocardial mitochondrial DNA integrity by alteration of mitochondrial topoisomerase function.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has a significant role in the development and complications of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are also associat...
Use of benzamidine as a proteolytic inhibitor in the radioimmunoassay of glucagon in plasma.

ABSTRACT Benzamidine, an inhibitor of plasmin, was compared with aprotinin (Trasylol) to determine whether it would protect against the degradation of glucagon in human plasma. At concentrations of benzamidine exceeding .05m, insignificant degradation of [125I] glucagon occurred in undiluted plasma up to 72 hr at 4 C. In plasma diluted 1:5 with buffer, glucagon destruction was inhibited by 0.01m benzamidine, which also did not interfere with antigen-antibody affinity using a rabbit antiserum with a high specificity for pancreatic glucagon (Unger antiserum 30K). When added to undiluted plasma in 0.05m benzamidine, recovery of glucagon exceeded 85% as measured by radioimmunoassay in 0.01m benzamidine. Values for immunoreactive glucagon in plasma of subjects after an overnight fast and following arginine stimulation were similar in the presence of benzamidine or Trasylol. At 1% of the cost of Trasylol, benzamidine was found to be as effective as Trasylol in the prevention of glucagon degradation in human plasma.
A three-factor scale of attitudes toward guns

Guns figure prominently in American culture. There is, however, considerable variability in attitudes toward guns. The beliefs and feelings that comprise attitudes toward guns may well be important moderators of numerous social behaviors. For this reason, a three-dimensional attitudes scale was constructed. The first factor consists of an abstract set of beliefs concerning the right of the American public to own or not own guns. The second and third factors tap more concrete beliefs about the consequences of gun ownership. Specifically, the second factor assesses the degree to which people believe gun ownership affords protection against crime. The third factor measures the degree to which people believe guns stimulate crime. Discriminant validity of the subscales is shown by the pattern of correlations obtained with the three dimensions and various other social and personality measures. Regression analyses indicate that the subscales are uniquely predicted by different social variables. Discussion centers on the usefulness of such a measure for future research on aggression, social policy, and attitude change.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: clinical results.

The uroradiological experience with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) treatment of over 1,500 urinary calculi is summarized. Percutaneous nephrostomies were needed in 5–50% of ESWL patients depending upon the size and location of stone being treated. Over 25% of percutaneous nephrostomy tracts were subsequently used for other procedures. When staghorn calculi were treated by ESWL, the collaborative efforts of uroradiologists and urologists is mandatory.
Collisional Effects on Induced Emission and Absorption Transition Probabilities in Atomic Systems

The transition probabilities for induced emission and absorption of electromagnetic radiation by an excited atom interacting, in addition to the radiation field, with a system of "perturbers" (in single, binary, and completed encounters) are evaluated. It is found that Dirac's result $\frac{{W}_{\mathrm{ind}}}{{W}_{\mathrm{abs}}}=\frac{({\overline{n}}_{l\ensuremath{\sigma}}+1)}{{\overline{n}}_{l\ensuremath{\sigma}}}$ must be modified by a factor $\frac{{(1\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}n)}^{2}}{{(1+\ensuremath{\alpha}n)}^{2}}$, where $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is related to the interaction potential of the emitter-perturber system as well as to the level structure of the "colliding" atoms, and $n$ is the perturber number density.
Operation of a lightweight power conditioner with a hollow cathode ion thruster

Hollow cathode ion thrustor and lightweight power conditioner of solar-electric propulsion system for unmanned deep space probes
Growth and cellular proliferation of ovine corpora lutea throughout the estrous cycle

This study was conducted to determine the rates of growth and cellular proliferation of ovine corpora lutea (CL) throughout the estrous cycle. To determine the cellular labeling index (LI), ewes received an iv injection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) 1 h before death on days 2, 4, 8, 12, or 15 (day 0 = estrus; n = 6-12 ewes/day). At death, CL were weighed, and samples of each were fixed in Carnoy's solution or frozen until analyzed for DNA, protein, and progesterone contents. Nuclear incorporation of BrdU was determined in paraffin-embedded tissue sections by using a primary antibody against BrdU and a fluorescent (fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled) secondary antibody, and sections were counterstained with propidium iodide (a nuclear stain). The labeling index (BrdU-labeled nuclei as a proportion of propidium iodide-labeled nuclei) of each CL was determined by using dual channel interactive laser cytometry and image analysis. Moreover, BrdU and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (a marker for steroidogenic cells) or BrdU and factor VIII (a marker for endothelial cells) were immunolocalized in tissue sections by using double immunohistochemical or dual immunofluorescent staining, respectively. Results demonstrated that cellular proliferation was greatest (LI, 34.1 +/- 2.1%) on day 2 and decreased (P < 0.01) through day 15 (LI, 0.7 +/- 0.1%) of the estrous cycle. The results of the immunohistochemical studies provide evidence that both parenchymal (steroidogenic) and nonparenchymal (e.g. endothelial, fibroblastic) luteal cells proliferated throughout the ovine estrous cycle. Conversely, from days 2-12 of the estrous cycle, fresh weight and DNA content of CL increased linearly (P < 0.01; 8- and 10-fold, respectively), then decreased (P < 0.02) from days 12-15. Ratios of protein/DNA on days 2, 4, and 8 were similar and were greater (P < 0.02) than those on days 12 and 15, which also were similar. These data demonstrate that growth of the ovine CL is extremely rapid, linear from days 2-12, and primarily due to hyperplasia. In addition, the high rate of cellular proliferation is associated primarily with nonsteroidogenic cells, a large proportion of which appear to be endothelial cells. Data such as these will enable us to determine the factors that are important in regulating luteal growth and development in normal and pathological conditions.
On the Erlang Loss Model with Time Dependent Input

We consider the M(t)/M(t)/m/m queue, where the arrival rate ?(t) and service rate ?(t) are arbitrary (smooth) functions of time. Letting pn(t) be the probability that n servers are occupied at time t (0? n? m, t > 0), we study this distribution asymptotically, for m?? with a comparably large arrival rate ?(t) = O(m) (with ?(t) = O(1)). We use singular perturbation techniques to solve the forward equation for pn(t) asymptotically. Particular attention is paid to computing the mean number of occupied servers and the blocking probability pm(t). The analysis involves several different space-time ranges, as well as different initial conditions (we assume that at t = 0 exactly n0 servers are occupied, 0? n0? m). Numerical studies back up the asymptotic analysis.
The Impact of Cookstove Adoption and Replacement on Fuelwood Savings

Cookstove adoption and cookstove use are two conditions that are not commonly considered when comparing the cost and benefit of rural energy options. This study uses field data on improved cookstoves implemented in a rural West African village to estimate the impact of alternative cooking options prevalent today. Because approximately one-half of women own more than one cookstove, and use each of the stoves, it is unlikely that any single cookstove option will replace the three-stone fire. If current cooking trends are maintained, the fuelwood savings of village-wide implementation would thus be a mere 6.4% of the rated cookstove savings for a small single-burner cookstove that is partially adopted and only used for some cooking tasks. Even if the small single-burner cookstove was used for all meals less than the observed maximum cooking capacity of 18 kg, this village-wide savings would only amount to one-third of the rated cookstove fuelwood savings. The derated fuelwood savings based on stove stacking is expected to more closely approximate the realized fuelwood savings of a cookstove program rather than the idealized case of 100% adoption and 100% replacement. Additional discussion on investment impact -- fuelwood displaced per dollar invested -- is provided for four cookstove options. The high investment impact of the artisan improved cookstove and the next generation single-pot cookstove suggests they be chosen for implementation, yet the long lifetime of the institutional cookstove may be an attractive option for one-time funders.
Cerebral vasoreactivity during hypercapnia is reset by augmented sympathetic influence

Sympathetic nerve activity influences cerebral blood flow, but it is unknown whether augmented sympathetic nerve activity resets cerebral vasoreactivity to hypercapnia. This study tested the hypoth...
Label-First Sexual Identity Development: An In-Depth Case Study of Women Who Identify as Bisexual Before Having Sex With More Than One Gender

This article explores the concept of label-first sexual identity development through two in-depth case studies with women who claimed a bisexual label before engaging in sexual behavior with a partner of a different gender than their previous partner(s). Data are from a larger qualitative study of life history interviews with women who partner with women and men throughout their life courses. Feminist theories of intersectionality provide a framework to explore the web of social locations bisexual women inhabit and how these multiple aspects of identity, such as race, class and religion, coalesce to create a bisexual identity in the absence of same-sex behavior. The role of friendships, dialogue about bisexuality, community, geographic location and family dynamics are critical components in this pattern of sexual identity development.
Specific Heat of CsNiF 3 : Evidence for Spin Solitons

The specific heat of the linear-chain magnet ${\mathrm{CsNiF}}_{3}$ has been measured at temperatures between 4 and 18 K, in magnetic fields up to 8 kG (0.8 T). A rounded peak is observed in both the temperature and field dependence. The peak positions in the field dependence are in qualitative agreement with classical soliton theory and they are also consistent with neutron-scattering estimates of the soliton rest energy. Quantitative comparisons indicate the need for extensions of the theory.
Efficient scale for photovoltaic systems and Florida's solar rebate program

Abstract This paper presents a critical view of Florida's photovoltaic (PV) subsidy system and proposes an econometric model of PV system installation and generation costs. Using information on currently installed systems, average installation cost relations for residential and commercial systems are estimated and cost-efficient scales of installation panel wattage are identified. Productive efficiency in annual generating capacity is also examined under flexible panel efficiency assumptions. We identify potential gains in efficiency and suggest changes in subsidy system constraints, providing important guidance for the implementation of future incentive programs. Specifically, we find that the subsidy system discouraged residential applicants from installing at the cost-efficient scale but over-incentivized commercial applicants, resulting in inefficiently sized installations.
Robust Edge-detection Algorithm for Runway Edge Detection

Fog and other poor visibility conditions hamper the visibility of runway surfaces and any obstacles present on the runway, potentially creating a situation where a pilot may not be able to safely land the aircraft. Assisting the pilot to land the aircraft safely in such conditions is an active area of research. We are investigating a method that combines non-linear image enhancement with classification of runway edges to detect objects on the runway. The image is segmented into runaway and non-runway regions, and objects that are found in the runway regions are deemed to constitute potential hazards. For runway edge classification, we make use of the long, continuous edges in the image stream. This paper describes a new method for edge-detection that is robust to the imaging conditions under which we are acquiring the imagery. This edge-detection method extracts edges using a locally adaptive threshold for the detection. The proposed algorithm is evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively on different types of images, especially acquired under poor visibility conditions. Additionally the results of our new algorithm are compared with other, more conventional edge detectors.© (2008) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Reducing vibration of sandwich structures using antiresonance frequencies

Abstract A method for reducing vibration of a sandwich structure using the antiresonance technique is presented. It is found that with appropriate resonators, the motion of the sandwich structure due to disturbances with certain frequencies can be effectively suppressed. A simple two-degree-of-freedom system consisting of an absorbing mass connected by springs to a drive mass is introduced and used to interpret the vibration behavior of the sandwich structure with resonators.
Acute and chronic dose/response effects of inhaled benzene on multipotential hematopoietic stem (CFU-S) and granulocyte/macrophage progenitor (GM-CFU-C) cells in CD-1 mice

Abstract Many blood dyscrasias are associated with hematopoietic stem cell anomalies. In order to investigate the interaction of inhaled benzene with hematopoietic stem cells, marrow and spleen cells from male CD-1 mice were assayed for CFU-S by the spleen colony method, and for GM-CFU-C by an in vitro agar technique following benzene exposure using a number of regimes. Specifically, these consisted of a 6 hr/day × 5 days exposure to either 1.1, 9.9, 103, 306, 603, 1276, 2416, or 4862 ppm (Experiment 1); a 6 hr/day × 5 days/week × 50 days exposure to 9.6 ppm (Experiment 2); and a 6 hr/day × 5 days/week × 26 weeks exposure to 302 ppm (Experiment 3). In Experiment 1 femoral and splenic cellularites were significantly reduced at concentrations ≥ 103 ppm. Marrow concentration of GM-CFU-C was equivalent to or greater than control values at all levels, however, splenic GM-CFU-C concentration was decreased at 103 ppm and above. Femoral and splenic CFU-S and GM-CFU-C per organ were depressed at 103 ppm and above. No change in colony/cluster ratio was observed. Since changes in stem cell number were detected at 100 ppm, Experiment 2 was designed to compare the effects of a 10-ppm exposure delivered over 50 days with the 100-ppm exposure delivered over 5 days. In Experiment 2, no detectable changes were observed in bone marrow, but splenic cellularity and the number and concentration of splenic CFU-S were elevated vs matched control. Experiment 3 repeated a regime that produced two cases of myeloid leukemia in CD-1 mice and a marked depression was observed in marrow and spleen cellularity. The concentration and number of marrow and spleen CFU-S and marrow GM-CFU-C were also depressed. The number of splenic GM-CFU-C were also reduced, however, splenic GM-CFU-C concentration was increased relative to control. Splenic colony/cluster ratio was also significantly reduced in this experiment. These data demonstrate that 5-day inhalation exposure to benzene concentrations 10 times the current TLV depresses marrow and splenic CFU-S and GM-CFU-C with splenic cells showing greater sensitivity. Stem cell depletion seems, therefore, to be involved in the pathogenesis of benzene-induced hematotoxicity.
Plasma Injection for Hypersonic Blunt-Body Drag Reduction

The summary of combined experimental and computational investigations is presented for the plasma injection from a hypersonic blunt body for drag reduction. The systematic pursuit addresses all speculated mechanisms that can generate favorable magnetoaerodynamic interactions: the counterflow jet shock aerodynamic interaction, the nonequilibrium thermodynamic and chemical phenomenon, and the electromagnetic-aerodynamic interaction. The computational study was carried out by solving both the three-dimensional and the axisymmetric, mass-averaged, Navier-Stokes equations for counterflow jet interaction. The experimental investigation of the plasma injection was conducted in a nominal Mach 6 open jet, blowdown tunnel. The weakly ionized, counterflow jet generated by a plasma torch has a vibrational temperature of 4400 K, an electron temperature around 20,000 K, and electron number density greater than 3 × 10 12 /cm 3
Expectancy Effects Between Exchange Partners

Interpersonal expectancy effects research focuses on how one individual's expectations influence another individual's behavior. Also known as self-fulfilling prophecies, interpersonal expectancy effects have been shown to be a significant phenomenon in human interaction. Unfortunately, interpersonal expectancy effects have been virtually neglected in the context of the marketing-exchange process. Hence, two laboratory experiments were conducted to test the effects of experimentally-induced expectations in simulated buyer–seller interactions. Study 1 was run to verify the existence of expectancy effects between buyers and sellers. In an effort to replicate and extend Study 1, Study 2 included authentic buyers, who, prior to actually interacting with a student seller, were given fictitious information regarding their partner. The information corresponded to either a positive or negative norm in exchange (role integrity and opportunism, respectively). Assessments of participants’ behavior during the interaction (e.g., time spent talking) and perceptions (e.g., self-report items reflecting participants’ liking for each other) revealed that prior expectations affected buyer–seller interactions.
Relative performance of four Hawaiian shrubby plants (asteraceae) under greenhouse conditions with implications for rarity

Abstract We compared the performance of four Hawaiian Asteraceae under competition for above- and belowground resources in order to assess the relationship between competitive ability and abundance. In a controlled environment, we paired an extremely rare shrub (Tetramolopium arenarium), a very rare shrub (T. consanguineum), a common native shrub (Bidens menziesii), and a common, shrubby, alien annual (Tagetes minuta) in all possible combinations and assessed height growth, biomass gain, and shoot:root ratio over a two-month period. In general, the common species outperformed the rare ones, but competitive ability failed to explain the tremendous difference in abundance between the two Tetramolopium species in the field or the failure of Tagetes to dominate the native community.
The Effects of Instructional Conversations on The Language and Concept Development of Latino Students with Learning Disabilities

Abstract This study examined the effects of an interactive approach, instructional conversations, on the language and concept development of Latino students categorized as learning disabled. This study compared traditional instruction (basal approach) with instructional conversations (IC). An alternating treatment design was employed consisting of five instructional conversation lessons and five basal lessons. The lessons were videotaped and analyzed for level of participation and use of academic discourse. A post-lesson narrative was constructed by each child and analyzed for evidence of academic discourse and concept development. Results indicated that there were higher levels of academic discourse and greater participation with IC than a basal approach. There was evidence of greater understanding of the concept following IC but there were no differences in literal comprehension or post-lesson narrative results. The overall results show important trends suggesting that IC may provide linguistically rich...