cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probability distributions for the strength of composite materials IV: Localized load-sharing with tapering

This paper continues the study of the chain-of-bundles model for the statistical strength of composite materials by focusing carefully on the localized load redistribution in two-dimensional composites. A tapered load-sharing rule is considered which distributes the nominal load of a failed fiber among its four nearest neighbors, with the two adjacent fibers taking a greater proportion of the load. We consider three distinct probabilistic techniques of analysis and find that the basic probability structure for the distribution for composite strength turns out to be the same as for the idealized local load-sharing in earlier work; however, the median strength of the composite rises moderately due to the milder overloads on the fibers adjacent to breaks, while the presence of small overloads on more distant fibers has almost no effect on strength. Also, the variability in composite strength tends to decrease mildly, due to a slight increase in the critical fracture sequence size leading to catastrophic failure. Again, the Weibull distribution arises as a key model for the strength of unidirectional composites, and we give accurate approximations for its parameters.
Diel variations in stream chemistry and isotopic composition of dissolved inorganic carbon, upper Clark Fork River, Montana, USA

Abstract Many rivers undergo diel (24-h) concentration fluctuations of pH, dissolved gases, trace metals, nutrients, and other chemical species. A study conducted in 1994 documented such behavior in the upper Clark Fork River, Montana, a stream whose headwaters have been severely impacted by historic metal mining, milling, and smelting. The purpose of the present investigation was to expand on these earlier findings by conducting simultaneous diel samplings at two sites on the upper Clark Fork River separated by 2.5 h of stream travel time. By monitoring two stations, it was possible to more closely examine the processes that control temporal and spatial gradients in stream chemistry. Another objective was to examine diel changes in the δ13C composition of dissolved inorganic C (DIC) and their relationship to biological activity in the stream. The most important findings of this study include: (1) concentrations of dissolved and particulate heavy metals increased during the night and decreased during the day, in agreement with previous work; (2) these changes were positively correlated to diel changes in pH, dissolved O2, and water temperature; (3) dissolved NO 3 - concentrations increased during the night at the lower site, but showed the opposite behavior at the upper site; and (4) diel changes in δ13C-DIC were noted at both sites, although the timing and magnitudes of the cycles differed. Hypotheses to explain the first two observations include: cyclic co-precipitation of divalent metals with carbonate minerals; pH- and temperature-dependent sorption of metal cations onto the streambed and suspended particles; or photosynthetically enhanced oxidation and removal of Fe and Mn oxides at biofilm surfaces during the daytime. The latter model explains the majority of the field observations, including night-time increases in particulate forms of Fe and other elements.
Electron capture versus energetic dissociation of protein ions

Abstract The identity of neighboring amino acids has little influence on the dissociation of multiply protonated proteins by electron capture dissociation. As exceptions, no cleavage occurs on the N-terminal side of Pro, and little on either side of Cys, whereas the C-terminal side of Trp is heavily favored. The neighboring amino acids have a far greater effect on energetic dissociation, making the combined methods promising for the de novo sequencing of proteins.
Development of procedures for rating posed emotional expressions across facial, prosodic, and lexical channels.

A number of rating systems are available to evaluate emotional communication in a single modality. The main purpose of this study was to develop procedures to train human raters to evaluate posed expressions of emotion across three different channels of communication, i.e., facial, prosodic/intonational, and lexical/verbal. These procedures were used to evaluate posed emotional expressions produced by individuals with unilateral brain lesions from stroke. Posers in this preliminary report were two right brain-damaged, two left brain-damaged, and two normal control right-handed adults who were matched on demographic and neurological factors. Eight emotional expressions, both positive and negative, were produced in three channels and rated for intensity, pleasantness, and category accuracy. 15 normal adults served as raters, five per channel. The rating procedures were comparable across channels, with analogous properties, and yielded substantial interrater agreement. In this small sample of posers, it was observed that the expressions of the right brain-damaged group were rated as the least accurate and those of the left brain-damaged group as the most intense. When patterns of individual performance across the channels were examined, performance was quiet consistent for the normal controls yet variable for the right brain-damaged persons. These observations are in keeping with the notion that patients with right hemisphere pathology have difficulty in emotional communication. In summary, these findings suggest that comparison of emotional expressions across multiple channels is feasible.
A detailed chemical kinetic model for gas phase combustion of TNT

Abstract A detailed chemical kinetic mechanism for gas phase combustion of 2,4,6-tri-nitrotoluene (TNT) has been developed to explore problems of explosive performance and of soot formation during the destruction of munitions. Thermodynamic properties of intermediate and radical species are estimated by group additivity. Reactions for the decomposition and oxidation of TNT and its intermediate products are assembled, based on information from the literature and from analogous reactions where the rate constants are available. The resulting detailed reaction mechanism for TNT is added to existing reaction mechanisms for RDX and for hydrocarbons which can be produced from TNT and RDX. Properties of the reaction mechanism are demonstrated by examining problems of soot formation during open burning of TNT and mixtures of TNT and RDX. Computed results show how addition of oxygen to TNT can reduce the amounts of soot formed in its combustion and why RDX and most mixtures of RDX and TNT do not produce soot during their combustion or incineration.
CSD Homomorphisms between Phylogenetic Networks

Since Darwin, species trees have been used as a simplified description of the relationships which summarize the complicated network N of reality. Recent evidence of hybridization and lateral gene transfer, however, suggest that there are situations where trees are inadequate. Consequently it is important to determine properties that characterize networks closely related to N and possibly more complicated than trees but lacking the full complexity of N. A connected surjective digraph map (CSD) is a map f from one network N to another network M such that every arc is either collapsed to a single vertex or is taken to an arc, such that f is surjective, and such that the inverse image of a vertex is always connected. CSD maps are shown to behave well under composition. It is proved that if there is a CSD map from N to M, then there is a way to lift an undirected version of M into N, often with added resolution. A CSD map from N to M puts strong constraints on N. In general, it may be useful to study classes of networks such that, for any N, there exists a CSD map from N to some standard member of that class.
Invisible Exodus: The Cultural Effacement of Antillean Migration

In the closing piece of the 1995 essay collection Penser la creolite [Thinking Creoleness], the Guadeloupean novelist Maryse Conde , also one of the volume’s editors, offers her thoughts on the rev...
Tissue distribution and functional expression of a cDNA encoding a novel mixed lineage kinase.

Hypertrophy is an adaptive response of the heart to myocardial injury or hemodynamic overload that may progress and contribute to cardiac decompensation and eventually to heart failure. The signaling pathways controlling this response in the cardiac myocyte are poorly understood. A data mining effort of a human failed heart cDNA library was undertaken in an effort to identify novel signaling molecules involved in cardiac hypertrophy. This effort identified a novel kinase (MLK7) homologous to the mixed lineage kinase family of proteins. The mixed lineage kinases are mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases (MAPKKKs) which activate stress activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) and p38 kinase pathways. They contain a catalytic domain with homology to both serine/threonine and tyrosine-specific kinases and a dual leucine zipper. MLK7 is identical to leucine zipper and sterile-alpha motif protein kinase (ZAK) through the leucine zipper domain but has a completely divergent COOH-terminus and shares approximately 40% homology with the other MLKs overall. Expression of MLK7 mRNA is most abundant in skeletal muscle and heart, with expression restricted to the cardiac myocyte. The recombinant histidine tagged MLK7 expressed and purified from insect cells exhibited serine/threonine kinase activity in vitro with myelin basic protein as substrate. When expressed in cardiac myocytes, MLK7 activated SAPK/JNK1, and ERK and p38 to a lesser extent. Additionally, MLK7 altered fetal gene expression and increased protein synthesis in cardiac myocytes. These data suggest that MLK7 is a new member of the mixed lineage kinase family that modulates cardiac SAPK/JNK pathway and may play a role in cardiac hypertrophy and progression to heart failure.
Comparing simultaneous versus staged resection in patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases: case match study

INTRODUCTION: There is no consensus on the optimal timing of liver resection in patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastasis. METHODS: Patients undergoing hepatic resections between 2004- 2013 for synchronous colorectal liver metastases were analyzed from a prospectively maintained and institutional review board approved database. Patients who underwent simultaneous resection of a colorectal primary and hepatic metastasis in a single operation (Group I) were case-matched 1:1with patients who underwent staged operation (Group II) according to age, sex, ASA classification, size of liver lesion and number of liver lesion. RESULTS: 66 patients (33 Group I, 33 Group II) were matched from a total cohort of 106 patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastasis. The patients’ characteristics of both groups were similar. 62% were male and the mean age was 55.511 years. Blood loss and duration of surgery did not differ between simultaneous resections and staged resection (p¼0.63; p¼0.14, respectively). Perioperative complication rate were similar in both groups (P¼0.70). There was no mortality. The median number of in-hospital days during the course of treatment was 9 (4-23) days in Group I and 6 (3-17) days in Group II (p <0.001). There was no difference in 2 years disease free survival and overall survival were found between Group I and Group II ( 30% and 34%, p¼ 0.58; 67% and 62%, p¼0.86 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous liver resections result in similar short and long eterm outcomes as in patients undergoing sequential resections for synchronous colorectal cancer with comparable metastatic disease burden.
Smoking topography in tobacco chippers and dependent smokers

Although most cigarette smokers exhibit signs of tobacco dependence, a subset of this population, referred to as tobacco chippers, does not show characteristic signs of dependence. Few studies have attempted to characterize differences between these groups of smokers. The purpose of the present study was to examine smoking topography in chippers (CH) and dependent smokers (DS). Topographical variables including puff number and duration, and intercigarette interval were examined in seven CH and seven DS under both laboratory and naturalistic conditions. Saliva nicotine, cotinine, and thiocyanate, as well as expired air carbon monoxide (CO) levels were also measured. The results indicate that there were no differences in smoking topography between CH and DS, except those that would be expected based on selection criteria. Although there were differences between groups on pre- and postsmoking CO and saliva cotinine levels, there were no differences in change scores from pre- to postsmoking on these measures. Additional studies will need to be done in order to completely characterize differences between CH and DS.
Infundibulopelvic dysgenesis: A spectrum ofobstructive renal disease

Abstract Infundibulopelvic dysgenesis is an obstructive process of the pyelocalyceal systemthat is responsible for a spectrum of congenital renal disorders. The site and degree of narrowing in the infundibulopelvic system produce the various congenital anomalies like hydrocalycosis, calyceal diverticula, ureteropelvic junction stenosis, and multicystic kidney. A classification with illustrative cases is presented showing a common pathogenesis of these congenital obstructive anomalies.
Event Studies In Management Research: Theoretical And Empirical Issues

We examined the use of event studies in management research and found that there was inadequate attention paid to theoretical and research design issues. This lack of attention may lead to false in...
A differential game of pursuit and evasion

Abstract This note deals with a two player, zero-sum differential game. The pursuer endeavors to minimize while the evader seeks to maximize the distance between them at a given time. The controls at the disposal of the players are bounded forces per unit mass. An optimal strategy pair—that is, a saddle point—is deduced by invoking necessary conditions. Optimality is ascertained by employing sufficiency conditions.
High-performance liquid chromatography of triterpene saponins

Saponin isolation has been carried out by time-consumingtechniques, such asthin-layerchromatography and low-pressure open column chromatography. Gas­liquid chromatography might be used but requires derivatization and high temper­atures. In contrast, high-performanceliquid chromatography (HPLC) generally hashigh resolving power and speed, and may be used for the separation ofunderivatizedsaponins at room temperature.Analyses oftriterpene saponins by HPLC have been reported for derivatizedginsenosides
Lactational Water Balance and Recycling in White-Footed Mice, Red-Backed Voles, and Gerbils

Water budgets of lactating and non-reproductive females were constructed. Water recycling through maternal ingestion of urine from their young was measured in lactating females. Total water requirements increased by > 100% for red-backed voles ( Clethrionomys gapperi ), white-footed mice ( Peromyscus leucopus ), and gerbils ( Gerbillus ). Evaporative water loss accounted for 74–79% of the water turn-over in mice, but only 43–44% in voles. Urinary water loss accounted for 43–49% of the water turnover in voles. Production of tissue of the young accounted for only 1–6% of the total water budget. The amount of water consumed by drinking during lactation accounted for 75–78% of the total water turnover for mice, 87–90% for voles, and 42–55% for gerbils. Recycled water contributed up to 3.2% for voles, 11.5% for mice, and 39% for gerbils. Recycling is a more important source of water for xeric than mesic species.
Some exact iterative procedures for finding the puncture point of a convex set

LetK be a convex set in the Hilbert spaceH, and let the ray {αc: α ∈R} punctureK at β*c. Some algorithms are given for finding β*. Each algorithm results in a nonincreasing sequence {β i } which converges to β*. The points βj c lie in successive supporting hyperplanes toK. The normal to thenth hyperplane is obtained by a minimization over a set no larger than the unitn cube. It is assumed that the subset ofK which maximizes (φ,x) forx inK is found relatively easily.
Simultaneous observations of subauroral electron temperature enhancements and electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves

Observational results from an investigation of LF (0.5-4.0 Hz) electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves and subauroral electron temperature enhancements recorded from the DE-2 satellite are presented. Four different wave events were analyzed, all recorded at magnetic latitudes from 57-60 deg, magnetic local times from 8-14 hr, and altitudes from 600-900 km. The peak wave amplitudes during the events ranged from 8-70 nT and 5-30 mV/m in the magnetic and electric field, respectively. Te enhancements at the time of the waves were observed in three of four events. A linear relationship between the wave magnetic field spectral density and Te enhancements was found for these events. The Te enhancements were also correlated with an enhanced flux of low energy electrons. During one event (82104) an enhanced flux of electrons were observed at energies up to 50 eV and at nearly all pitch angles, although the flux was largest in the precipitating and upflowing directions. It is suggested that the waves are responsible for heating the low energy electrons which precipitate to the ionosphere and produce the observed Te enhancements. The upflowing electron population appears to be heated at ionospheric altitudes, below the DE-2 satellite.
Creating optically reconfigurable channel based microfluidic systems

Channel based microfluidic systems are devices where flow channels and valves are designed and fabricated a priori, and large scale reconfiguration of flow networks cannot be done on-the-fly. This limits the versatility and robustness of these devices since, for instance, analyses to be performed on samples flowing within the device cannot be revised based on results upstream and a single chip cannot be used for many diverse applications. Optofluidic based approaches to overcome this limitation have been developed, many involving the use of polymer gels [1, 2]. However, these approaches usually suffer from poor reconfiguration times or require the use of high power lasers. Here we present a rapid optofluidic approach to creating reconfigurable channel based microfluidic systems.
Spirituality and religiosity in supportive and palliative care.

Purpose of reviewTo provide an updated overview about the role of spirituality and religiosity in the way patients with life-threatening illnesses cope, and the importance of providing a comprehensive spiritual assessment and spiritual care in an interdisciplinary team work setting, such as supporti
Evidence of DNA repair in the guinea pig pancreas, in vivo and in vitro, following exposure to N-methyl-N-nitrosourethane.

The nature of DNA damage induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourethane (NMUT) in the guinea pig pancreas, both in vitro and in vivo, and subsequent repair was investigated by alkaline sucrose density gradient analysis, using a non-radioactive fluorimetric procedure for DNA determination in gradient fractions. In vitro exposure of pancreatic slices to 20 mM NMUT for 30 min damaged DNA to less than 2.24 . 10(6) dalton fragments. However, incubation of NMUT-treated slices for 3 h in a fresh medium resulted in the repair of most of DNA damage, as indicated by the conversion of low molecular weight DNA fragments into heavy DNA of molecular weight comparable to DNA from control slices. Additionally, a single administration of NMUT (30 mg/kg, i.p.) to guinea pigs induced extensive DNA damage, to less than 2.24 . 10(6) dalton fragments in the pancreas within 4 h; similar DNA damage was observed in the liver. However, in the pancreas and liver of guinea pigs sacrificed at increasing intervals after NMUT administration, there was a gradual conversion of shortened DNA fragments to heavy high molecular weight DNA, indicating repair of DNA damage. It appears that most of DNA damage in the pancreas and liver was repaired by 14 and 7 days, respectively, following NMUT administration.
The role of plasma aminothiols in the prediction of coronary microvascular dysfunction and plaque vulnerability

Abstract Background Although oxidative stress is considered a key pathogenic step in mediating vascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis development, their association has not been evaluated in human coronary circulation in vivo. Accordingly, we hypothesized that higher oxidative stress would be associated with abnormal coronary epicardial structure and microvascular function. Methods We measured coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) and hyperemic microvascular resistance (HMR) as indices of microvascular function, and epicardial plaque volume and necrotic core using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in 47 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Plasma glutathione, cystine and their ratio served as measures of oxidative stress while high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) served as a measure of inflammation. Results Lower glutathione, a measure of increased oxidative stress was associated with impaired microvascular function [CFVR ( r =0.39, p =0.01) and HMR ( r =−0.43, p =0.004)], greater plaque burden ( r =−0.32, p =0.03) and necrotic core ( r =−0.39, p =0.008). Similarly, higher cystine/glutathione ratio was associated with impaired microvascular function [CFVR ( r =−0.29, p =0.04)] and greater necrotic core ( r =0.37, p =0.01). In comparison, higher hs-CRP was associated only with greater necrotic core ( r =0.45, p =0.003). After multivariate adjustment for age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, acute coronary syndrome presentation, body mass index, tobacco abuse, statin use and hs-CRP, glutathione remained an independent predictor of CFVR, HMR and necrotic core ( p Conclusions Lower plasma glutathione level a measure of increased oxidative stress, was an independent predictor of impaired coronary microvascular function and plaque necrotic core.
Flexible Template Matching For Autonomous Classification

The target recognition problem is complicated by the fact that target is doubly "unknown". The sensed image is obviously a function of target class: a fundamental problem of target recognition has been that the form of the sensed image is also a strong function of target "geometry". The differences of class, upon which classification necessarily depends, may therefore be com-pletely swamped by the irrelevant differences of view. Human recognition of targets is generally unaffected by this problem. A new method of Automatic Target Recognition, called Flexible Template Matching, is described. It eliminates "geometry" from the recognition problem, by means of a new registration algorithm. This automatically brings the unknown target image and each one, in turn, of a set of class-defining template images (one per class) into mutual registration, without requiring any prior knowledge of the differences of view that may exist between them. The elimination of all irrelevant differences of view (scale, position, rotation, aspect, etc) allows for an optimum match-decision to identify the one true template, based upon computation (using Bayes Formula) of the probability, for each template, that the observed match differences are a typical sample of the match-differences known to occur in a (registered) true match of the target and its template. Since the range and aspect of the target are provided as a by-product of the registration action, the match-error statistics used can be selected according to the observed position and orientation of the target.
Sequestration stabilizes lac repressor-DNA complexes during gel electrophoresis

The gel electrophoresis mobility shift assay is widely used for both qualitative and quantitative characterization of protein-nucleic acid interactions. Often it is found that protein-nucleic acid complexes persist within gels for much longer than would be expected on the basis of their free solution lifetimes. Excluded volume and matrix-interaction mechanisms have been proposed to account for the enhanced stabilities of complexes within gels. To test these mechanisms, we have investigated the influences of gel composition and concentration on the pseudo first-order dissociation kinetics of complexes containing the Escherichia coli lactose (lac) repressor protein and lactose promoter DNA. In both polyacrylamide and agarose gels, dissociation rates were slower than those in free solution and decreased with increasing gel concentration. This result is inconsistent with mechanisms of stabilization that require specific interactions with the gel matrix. Under standard reaction conditions, free solution values of kdiss were proportional to [DNA]0.83 +/- 0.11, while in 10% polyacrylamide gels kdiss values were proportional to [DNA]0.48 +/- 0.09. These results suggest that the lifetimes of lac repressor-DNA complexes in free solution are limited by their encounter frequency with molecules of DNA or with protein-DNA complexes; some or all of the stabilization observed in gels may be due to a reduction in this frequency.
Inflammatory bowel disease in the setting of autoimmune pancreatitis.

Background: Despite scattered case reports, the prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is unknown. We sought to better characterize the putative association between the conditions. Methods: Medical records of 71 patients meeting accepted criteria for AIP were reviewed to identify those with endoscopic and histological evidence of IBD. Colon samples in patients with both AIP and IBD were immunostained to identify IgG4-positive cells. Results: Four patients with AIP (5.6%) had a diagnosis of IBD: 3 had ulcerative colitis (UC) and 1 had Crohn’s disease (CD). The diagnosis of IBD preceded or was simultaneous to that of AIP. Two AIP-UC patients treated for AIP with prednisone had a recurrence of AIP, and 1 required 6-mercaptopurine for long-term corticosteroidsparing treatment. Two AIP-IBD patients underwent Whipple resections, and 1 had recurrent AIP. All 3 patients with UC presented with pancolitis, and 2 required colectomy. Colon samples from 1 patient with UC and 1 patient with CD were available for review. Increased numbers of IgG4-positive cells (10 per high-power field) were noted on the colon sample from the patient with UC. Conclusions: Almost 6% of patients with proven AIP had a diagnosis of IBD, compared to a prevalence of 0.4%– 0.5% in the general population, potentially implying a 12–15-fold increase in risk. Patients with both AIP and IBD may have increased extent and severity of IBD. The finding of IgG4-positive cells on colon biopsy suggests that IBD may represent an extrapancreatic manifestation of AIP. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009;15:1326 –1330)
Toward Socially Sustainable Urban Transportation: Progress and Potentials

Drawing upon relevant literature, this article reviews research on socially sustainable urban transportation (SSUT). Arguing that the social dimensions of sustainability are more often implied rather than explicit, this article subsequently considers how urban transportation influences the achievement of social sustainability in urban regions. Socially sustainable urban transportation is implied in the literature through the elements of social equity, social exclusion, and quality of life. Several well-established research areas provide potential theoretical, methodological, and applied insight into the development of future socially sustainable urban transportation research agendas, including: urban form, location- and individual-based accessibility, and city/regional planning for sustainability.
Organizational Legitimacy Under Conditions of Complexity: The Case of the Multinational Enterprise

We examine organizational legitimacy in the context of the multinational enterprise (MNE). After discussing three types of complexity (of the legitimating environment, the organization, and the process of legitimation) that MNEs typically face, we explore their effects on MNE legitimacy. In particular, we distinguish between the legitimacy of the MNE as a whole and that of its parts, and we develop propositions that include issues of internal versus external legitimacy and positive and negative legitimacy spillovers.
A theorem in 3-valued model theory with connections to number theory, type theory, and relevant logic

Given classical (2 valued) structures $$\mathfrak{A}$$ and $$\mathfrak{A}'$$ and a homomorphism h of $$\mathfrak{A}$$ onto $$\mathfrak{A}'$$ , it is shown how to construct a (non-degenerate) “3-valued counterpart” $$3\mathfrak{A}'$$ of $$\mathfrak{A}'$$ . Classical sentences that are true in $$\mathfrak{A}$$ are non-false in $$3\mathfrak{A}'$$ . Applications to number theory and type theory (with axiom of infinity) produce finite 3-valued models in which all classically true sentences of these theories are non-false. Connections to relevant logic give absolute consistency proofs for versions of these theories formulated in relevant logic (the proof for number theory was obtained earlier by R. K. Meyer and suggested the present abstract development).
Studies on the thyroidal uptake of astatine in the rat.

INTRODUCTION THE comparative approach to the study of thyroid function, as illustrated by the studies of Gorbman (1), Gudernatsch (2) and Payne (3) on lower vertebrates, has been profitable. Another type of comparative approach has been made, chiefly by Baumann (4), by studying the ability of the thyroid to accumulate various members of the halogen group of elements. This work dates from the fundamental demonstration by Baumann that the thyroid is capable of concentrating iodine. The introduction of radioisotopes of iodine in the investigation of thyroid function by Hertz, Roberts and Evans (5) and Hamilton, Soley and Eichorn (6) has helped to advance these studies. Likewise, the utilization of radioisotopes of fluorine and bromine (Perlman (7), Wallace (8)) advanced the study of thyroid function concerning these halogens (Table 1). Following the discovery of Element 85 (astatine) by Corson, MacKenzie and Segre in 1940 (9), it is not surprising that the ability of the thyroid to accumulate this newest and...
Observation of Electron−Hole Carrier Emission in the Eu3+-Doped Silica Xerogel

The luminescence properties of Eu3+ encapsulated in sol−gel-derived optically transparent silica gels were investigated by time-resolved laser spectroscopy. At the xerogel stage, the emission spect...
Taking Empowerment to the Next Level: A Multiple-Level Model of Empowerment, Performance, and Satisfaction

Most research to date has approached employee empowerment as an individual-level phenomenon. In this study we proposed a work-unit-level construct, empowerment climate, and tested a multiple-level model integrating macro and micro approaches to empowerment. Empowerment climate was shown to be empirically distinct from psychological empowerment and positively related to manager ratings of work-unit performance. A cross-level mediation analysis using hierarchical linear modeling showed that psychological empowerment mediated the relationships between empowerment climate and individual performance and job satisfaction.
Role of a male-produced pheromone of the red sunflower seed weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in host finding.

The prior arrival of red sunflower seed weevil ( Smicronyx fulvus LeConte) males on early season sunflowers and on greenhouse-grown sunflowers appeared to have been the stimulus for female weevils to settle on plants. There were no observations in which females discovered an anthesis stage sunflower before males had been established. Anthesis stage sunflower alone was more attractive to males than was anthesis stage sunflower infested with females. Sunflowers artificially infested with males attracted four times more females than males and attracted nearly five times more weevils than sunflowers alone. When hexane extractions were made of either sex, male extract attracted 40 times more females than males, and female extracts attracted no insects at all. An aggregation pheromone produced by males was established to have a role in the discovery of host sunflowers by female weevils.
Monogenic causes of elevated HDL cholesterol and implications for development of new therapeutics

Identification of the CETP, LIPG (encoding endothelial lipase) and APOC3 genes, and ana lysis of rare genetic variants in them, have allowed researchers to increase understanding of HDL metabolism significantly. However, development of cardiovascular risk-reducing therapeutics targeting the proteins encoded by these genes has been less straightforward. The failure of two CETP inhibitors is complex but illustrates a possible over-reliance on HDL cholesterol as a marker of therapeutic efficacy. The case of endothelial lipase exemplifies the importance of utilizing population-wide genetic studies of rare variants in potential therapeutic targets to gain information on cardiovascular disease end points. Similar population-wide studies of cardiovascular end points make apoC-III a potentially attractive target for lipid-related drug discovery. These three cases illustrate the positives and negatives of single-gene studies relating to HDL-related cardiovascular drug discovery; such studies should focus not only on HDL cholesterol and other components of the lipid profile, but also on the effect genetic variants have on cardiovascular end points.
What Accent the Heavenly Chorus? Political Equality and the American Pressure System

This paper uses data from an enumeration of the nearly 7,000 interest organizations active in Washington politics to understand the kinds of interests that are likely to achieve representation in American national politics. Although much has been made of the arrival in Washington of many new citizens groups over the past two decades, business interests are overrepresented among organized interests there in terms of the number of interest organizations and the structure of interest representation. This overrepresentation takes place at the expense of the representation of the interests of broad publics and the poor. Further, in spite of the emergence over the past two decades of many organizations representing the interests of the previously underrepresented, the bias in the pressure system towards the interests of business and the well-off seems to have become more pronounced. Although there are complicated formal problems in attempting to harmonize the principle of political equality with the representat...
Qualitative evaluation of GoGirlGo! Insights from staff on using a curriculum within after-school programs to improve physical activity.

Background. After-school programs (ASPs) are a promising opportunity for increasing girls’ physical activity (PA). Few curricula are targeted specifically for the needs of girls, and the effectiveness of most of these curricula is unknown. One curriculum that is specifically designed to facilitate PA in girls in the ASP setting but has not been formally evaluated is GoGirlGo! (GGG). The purpose of the qualitative assessment was to explore staff’s overall satisfaction with GGG and to identify best practices for implementation. Method. A qualitative case study consisting of semistructured interviews with staff (n = 21) was conducted. Data were analyzed using the process of immersion/crystallization. Results. A majority of participants reported being satisfied with GGG. Best practices for implementation included having site directors schedule time and space for GGG and adapting GGG to fit the needs of the girls. Suggested improvements included increasing the intensity of the PA offered, adding visuals (e.g.,...
Mars magnetic field: Sources and models for a quarter of the southern hemisphere

The heavily-cratered southern hemisphere of Mars encompasses the planet’s strongest, most widespread magnetization. Our study concentrates on this magnetized region in the southern hemisphere within 40 of latitude 40S, longitude 180W. First we rotate the coordinates to position the center at � 40, 180 and treat these new latitudes and longitudes as if they were Cartesian coordinates. Then, using an ordinary two-dimensional Fourier analysis for downward continuation, the MGS (MAG/ER) magnetic field data at satellite mapping elevation of �400 km are extrapolated to 100 km, sources are estimated and used to model the fields. Quantitative comparison of the downward continued field with the aerobraking field for bins having angular deviation within ±30 gives correlation of .947, .868, and .769 for the Br; Bh and BU components, respectively. This agreement of the fields may result from most of the power in the magnetization resting in wavelengths �400 km, with comparatively little at �100 km. Over this region, covering nearly an octant of the planet, just a dozen sources can account for 94% of the variance of the magnetic field at the surface. In these models for the field an obvious asymmetry in polarity exists, with majority of the sources being positive. The locations of strongest surface magnetization appear to be near – but not actually within – ancient multi-ringed basins. We test the likelihood of this association by comparing the observed sources found within and near basins for two alternative basin location scenarios with random distributions. For both alternatives we find the observed distributions to be low-probability occurrences. If contemporaneous, this would establish that Mars’ magnetic field extended to the time of impacts causing these basins.
In situ monitoring and universal modelling of sacrificial PSG etching using hydrofluoric acid

A video system has been designed to monitor in situ and accurately the etching of sacrificial phosphosilicate-glass (PSG) microchannels using hydrofluoric acid (HF). An universal model, which predicts accurately the etching length vs. time over a wide range of HF concentration (3-49 wt.%), has been identified. In addition to diffusion, this model is based on a first-and-second order chemical reaction mechanism. It is found that the PSG microchannel etching rate in HF is sensitive to channel thickness but not width. Finally, bubble formation and movement inside the etched microchannels are observed. Most of the generated bubbles are mobile and can enhance the etching rate. >
Effect of Processing on the Microstructure and Electrical Conductivity of Hot Pressed PMMA/ITO Bulk Nanocomposites

This is a copy of the slides presented at the meeting but not formally written up for the volume. There are few studies that discuss the effect of the fabrication conditions and bulk thickness on the electrical conductivity of hot pressed polymer-matrix composites. For polymer-matrix composites that possess a segregated-network microstructure, the processing parameters can significantly impact the electrical properties and microstructure of the composite material. Our group has recently fabricated novel polymer-matrix nanocomposites, which possess a segregated network microstructure containing regular, polyhedral-shaped polymer matrix particles. This paper investigates the effect of processing pressure and specimen thickness on the electrical properties and microstructure of hot pressed poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) containing segregated networks of indium tin oxide (ITO) nanopowders.
A stepwise constant conductance approach for simulating resonant tunneling diodes

Current CMOS technology is reaching its scaling limits and thus the CMOS based devices are slowly being replaced by new nanotechnology devices. These nanotechnology devices, however, pose some simulation challenges due to their non-monotonic I-V characteristics and uncertain properties which lead to the negative differential resistance (NDR) problem and the chaotic performance of the simulator. This paper proposes a new circuit simulation approach that can effectively simulate nanotechnology devices, avoiding such problems. The experimental results show a 20-30 times speedup comparing with existing simulators.
Raman spectra of possible corrosion products of iron

Raman spectra of FeO, Fe3O4, α-Fe2O3, α-FeOOH, and γ-FeOOH, the common products of iron oxidation, have been measured. The spectra of FeO and Fe3O4 appear to be identical. Armco iron oxidized in air at 250°C was examined by Raman spectroscopy after varying periods of exposure and the surface film was found to contain Fe3O4 and α-Fe2O3.
Instantaneous altitude estimation of maneuvering target in over-the-horizon radar exploiting multipath Doppler signatures

Over-the-horizon radar systems are capable of localizing targets in range and azimuth but are unable to achieve reliable altitude estimation. Past work has shown that the time-varying Doppler signatures of micro-multipath signals provide rich information for reliable estimation of altitude changes. In this paper, we develop a new technique for the estimation of instantaneous altitude of maneuvering targets by exploiting the estimated multicomponent Doppler signatures. A key contribution of this paper is to apply effective non-stationary signal analysis techniques for estimating the time-varying Doppler signature of each individual multipath. This enables reliable target altitude estimation in an extended Kalman filter setup. The maximum a-posteriori criterion is used for the estimation of initial target states.
Generalization of v ⋆ path planning for accommodation of amortized dynamic uncertainties in plan execution

A significant generalization to the language-measure-theoretic path planning algorithm v⋆ is presented that accounts for average dynamic uncertainties in plan execution. The planning problem thus can be solved with parametric input from the dynamics of the robotic platform under consideration. Applicability of the algorithm is demonstrated in a simulated maze solution and by experimental validation on a mobile robotic platform in the laboratory environment.
Diagnosis and Management of Group B Streptococcus in Pregnancy

Abstract Group B streptococcus (GBS) can cause significant maternal and neonatal morbidity. Over the past 30 years, reductions in early-onset GBS neonatal sepsis in the United States have been attributable to the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for antepartum screening and treating this organism during labor. This article highlights the clinical implications, screening, diagnosis, prophylactic interventions, and future therapies for mothers with GBS during the peripartum period.
Enabling parallel scientific applications with workflow tools

Electron tomography is a powerful tool for deriving three-dimensional (3D) structural information about biological systems within the spatial scale spanning 1 nm/sup 3/ and 10 mm/sup 3/. With this technique, it is possible to derive detailed models of sub-cellular components such as organelles and synaptic complexes and to resolve the 3D distribution of their protein constituents in situ. Due in part to exponentially growing raw data-sizes, there continues to be a need for the increased integration of high-performance computing (HPC) and grid technologies with traditional electron tomography processes to provide faster data processing throughput. This is increasingly relevant because emerging mathematical algorithms that provide better data fidelity are more computationally intensive for larger raw data sizes. Progress has been made towards the transparent use of HPC and grid tools for launching scientific applications without passing on the necessary administrative overhead and complexity (resource administration, authentication, scheduling, data delivery) to the non-computer scientist end-user. There is still a need, however, to simplify the use of these tools for applications developers who are developing novel algorithms for computation. Here we describe the architecture of the Telescience project (http://telescience.ucsd.edu), specifically the use of layered workflow technologies to parallelize and execute scientific codes across a distributed and heterogeneous computational resource pool (including resources from the TeraGrid and OptlPuter projects) without the need for the application developer to understand the intricacies of the grid.
Spatial Task Assignment for Crowd Sensing with Cloaked Locations

Distributed mobile crowd sensing is becoming a valuable paradigm, enabling a variety of novel applications built on mobile networks and smart devices. However, this trend brings several challenges, including the need for crowd sourcing platforms to manage interactions between applications and the crowd (participants or workers). One of the key functions of such platforms is spatial task assignment which assigns sensing tasks to participants based on their locations. Task assignment becomes critical when participants are hesitant to share their locations due to privacy concerns. In this paper, we examine the problem of spatial task assignment in crowd sensing when participants utilize spatial cloaking to obfuscate their locations. We investigate methods for assigning sensing tasks to participants, efficiently managing location uncertainty and resource constraints. We propose a novel two-stage optimization approach which consists of global optimization using cloaked locations followed by a local optimization using participants' precise locations without breaching privacy. Experimental results using both synthetic and real data show that our methods achieve high sensing coverage with low cost using cloaked locations.
Alcohol Use, Drinking Venue Utilization, and Child Physical Abuse: Results from a Pilot Study.

A positive relationship between parents’ drinking and child physical abuse has been established by previous research. This paper examines how a parent’s use of drinking locations is related to physical abuse. A convenience sample of 103 parents answered questions on physical abuse with the Conflict Tactics Scale-Parent Child version (CTS-PC), current drinking behavior, and the frequency with which they drank at different venues, including bars and parties. Ordered probit models were used to assess relationships between parent demographics, drinking patterns, places of drinking, and CTS-PC scores. Frequent drinking, frequently going to bars, frequently going to parties in a parent’s own home, and frequently going to parties in friends’ homes were positively related to child physical abuse. The number of drinking locations was positively related to child physical abuse such that parents who report attending and drinking at more of these venues were more likely to be perpetrators of physical abuse. This suggests that time spent in these venues provides opportunities to mix with individuals that may share the same attitudes and norms towards acting violently.
Both monocular and binocular signals contribute to motion rivalry

There is an ongoing debate on whether binocular rivalry involves competition among monocular cells or binocular cells. We investigated this issue psychophysically with two specially designed test stimuli. One test stimulus contained monocular motion signals but greatly reduced binocular motion signals, while the other contained binocular motion signals but no monocular motion signals. For comparison, we also employed a normal rivalrous control containing both monocular and binocular motion signals, and a non-rivalrous flicker-noise control with neither monocular nor binocular motion signals. We found that binocular rivalry for the two test stimuli was significantly reduced compared with the normal rivalrous control, but not completely eliminated compared with the non-rivalrous control. Therefore, both monocular and binocular motion signals appear to contribute to motion rivalry, suggesting that motion rivalry must involve competition among both monocular and binocular cells.