cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linking Chemistry at the TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3 Interface to Current-Voltage Hysteresis

We demonstrate that reversible chemical reactions occur at TiO2/gas and CH3NH3PbI3/gas interfaces on a time scale of seconds to minutes. The chemisorption strongly affects their electronic properties, mainly acting to deplete TiO2 of free electrons and passivate surface traps on the perovskite. Although the chemistry is not directly probed, we infer that reversible chemistry occurs at the solid-state TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3 interface. Equilibrium or steady-state concentrations established for adsorbed species associated with each material would be voltage- and illumination-dependent due to free or photocarriers being a main reactant. Interfacial chemistry provides an additional physical mechanism to explain the origins of normal and anomalous hysteretic current–voltage characteristics of perovskite devices. Furthermore, chemical reactions help us to understand why measured perovskite ion-transport properties and the nature of hysteresis are highly dependent on interfaces.
Differential Reflectivity Calibration and Antenna Temperature

AbstractTemporal differential reflectivity bias variations are investigated using the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) S-band dual-polarization Doppler radar (S-Pol). Using data from the Multi-Angle Snowflake Camera-Ready (MASCRAD) Experiment, S-Pol measurements over extended periods reveal a significant correlation between the ambient temperature at the radar site and the bias. Using radar scans of the sun and the ratio of cross-polar powers, the components of the radar that cause the variation of the bias are identified. It is postulated that the thermal expansion of the antenna is likely the primary cause of the observed bias variation. The cross-polar power (CP) calibration technique, which is based on the solar and cross-polar power measurements, is applied to data from the Plains Elevated Convection at Night (PECAN) field project. The bias from the CP technique is compared to vertical-pointing bias measurements, and the uncertainty of the bias estimates is given. An algorithm is deriv...
Abstract 3472: Neurofluctuations in Patients with Subcortical Ischemic Stroke (NISS)

Objective: Patients with progressive strokes during hospitalization have increased morbidity and mortality as well as worsened functional outcome compared with those who remain stable. While the re...
Issues in the Intensive Care Unit for Patients with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

The care of patients on extracorporeal corporeal oxygenation support takes a coordinated effort among the team of nurses, midlevel providers, perfusionists, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and physicians. Attention on the details of the circuitry and its interactions with the patient, the resolution of the disease process and the ongoing plan of care, and unique issues in the intensive care unit are crucial for success.
Modeling impact of communication network failures on power grid reliability

Communication networks in the smart grids play an important role in the reliability of power delivery. When power grid is stressed as a result of failures due to natural disasters and attacks (e.g., High Altitude Electro-Magnetic Pulse (HEMP) and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD's)), successive interdependent failures may propagate within and across these networks leading to large-scale cascading-failures and blackouts. Failures in power grid can affect the communication network, which in turn, may affect the power grid, and so on. In this paper, we study the influence of communication network functionality on the power grid. Specifically, we analyze the impact of such interdependencies on the reliability of the power grid by capturing the influence of the communication network on the power grid during cascading phenomenon. Two critical topological parameters of the communication network are studied, namely the hop distance and the node degree, which are used to determine the coupling parameter between the two systems and to quantify the influence of communication network in the power grid. Finally, numerical results has been carried out to quantify the impact of communication network failure on power grid reliability and validate our proposed model.
On the Diameter of Dual Graphs of Stanley-Reisner Rings and Hirsch Type Bounds on Abstractions of Polytopes

Let $R$ be an equidimensional commutative Noetherian ring of positive dimension. The dual graph $\mathcal{G} (R)$ of $R$ is defined as follows: the vertices are the minimal prime ideals of $R$, and the edges are the pairs of prime ideals $(P_1,P_2)$ with height$(P_1 + P_2) = 1$. If $R$ satisfies Serre's property $(S_2)$, then $\mathcal{G} (R)$ is connected. In this note, we provide lower and upper bounds for the maximum diameter of dual graphs of Stanley-Reisner rings satisfying $(S_2)$. These bounds depend on the number of variables and the dimension. Dual graphs of $(S_2)$ Stanley-Reisner rings are a natural abstraction of the $1$-skeletons of polyhedra. We discuss how our bounds imply new Hirsch-type bounds on $1$-skeletons of polyhedra.
Evaluation and management of traumatic diaphragmatic injuries: A Practice Management Guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma.

BACKGROUNDTraumatic diaphragm injuries (TDI) pose both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in both the acute and chronic phases. There are no published practice management guidelines to date for TDI. We aim to formulate a practice management guideline for TDI using the Grading of Recommendations A
Yeast proteins: recovery, nutritional and functional properties.

The future need for supplementary sources of food grade functional proteins is emphasized and the potential role of yeasts as a source of protein is discussed. The problems of proteolysis and nucleic acid contamination can be circumvented by succinylation or derivatization of the yeast protein during extraction. Succinylated yeast proteins demonstrate improved functional properties though their nutritional value needs to be investigated.
Waylaid by a Metaphor: A Deeply Problematic Account of Prison Growth (A Review of Ernest Drucker, A Plague of Prisons)

This article reviews Ernest Drucker's recent book, "A Plague of Prisons: The Epidemiology of Mass Incarceration in America," which attempts to explain the causes behind the explosion in prison growth over the past several decades. The account proves to be unsatisfying, and this review highlights four major flaws with Drucker's work. First, Drucker places too much weight on the war on drugs. While he argues it is the primary engine of prison growth, the increase in drug incarcerations explains only about 25% of the total growth since the 1970s. Second, he significantly underplays the importance of soaring crime rates between 1960 and 1991 (during which time violent crime rates rose by 371% and property crime rates by 198%). Third, Drucker (like many others), treats the criminal justice system as a coherent entity, not a collection of feuding institutions (such as local police, county prosecutors, and state parole boards) with different incentives, budgets, and constituencies. And fourth, when examining the collateral costs of incarceration, he compares the lifecourse outcomes of former inmates to those of the population in general, not to those of similarly-situated non-inmates; since inmates are disproportionately drawn from economically and socially unstable communities, this leads him to potentially overstate the size of these costs.Importantly, these flaws are not unique to this book, but are endemic to the literature on prison growth, and this review provides some suggestions on how to improve future empirical work in this area.
Spin Trapping and Spin Labelling Studied Using EPR Spectroscopy

The concepts of spin trapping and spin labelling as used in EPR spectroscopy for study of short lived radical are outlined. The spin labelling method is exemplified using studies of pharmaceutical systems designed to prevent skin blistering, and spin trapping is illustrated with studies of oxygen-centred radicals.
Physiological Responses to Tillage Systems, Cover Crops, and Residue Management

Tillage refers to mechanical manipulation of the soil, and a tillage system refers to a specific set of operations that manipulate the soil to produce a crop. Tillage operations modify the edaphic environment of cotton and may thus affect physiological determinants of yield. Winter annual cover crops and management of their residue may also affect the growth, development, and yields of subsequent cotton crops.
Distinguishing recent dispersal from historical genetic connectivity in the coastal California gnatcatcher

Habitat loss and fragmentation are primary threats to biodiversity worldwide. We studied the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation on genetic connectivity and diversity among local aggregations of the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) across its U.S. range. With a dataset of 268 individuals genotyped at 19 microsatellite loci, we analyzed genetic structure across the range using clustering analyses, exact tests for population differentiation, and a pedigree analysis to examine the spatial distribution of first-order relatives throughout the study area. In addition, we developed a habitat suitability model and related percent suitable habitat to genetic diversity indices within aggregations at two spatial scales. We detected a single genetic cluster across the range, with weak genetic structure among recently geographically isolated aggregations in the northern part of the range. The pedigree analysis detected closely related individuals across disparate aggregations and across large geographic distances in the majority of the sampled range, demonstrating that recent long-distance dispersal has occurred within this species. Genetic diversity was independent of suitable habitat at a local 5-km scale, but increased in a non-linear fashion with habitat availability at a broader, 30-km scale. Diversity declined steeply when suitable habitat within 30-km fell below 10%. Together, our results suggest that California gnatcatchers retain genetic connectivity across the majority of the current distribution of coastal sage scrub fragments, with the exception of some outlying aggregations. Connectivity may help support long-term persistence under current conservation and management strategies. However, emerging structure among more remote aggregations and associations between available habitat and genetic diversity also suggest that continued loss of habitat could threaten diversity and connectivity in the future.
Chapter 4 – Environmental Impacts

Mass transit’s operations and maintenance activities have significant environmental impacts that need to be understood and managed suitably. Public train and bus service have distinct environmental impacts respective to their infrastructure, facilities, and vehicles. Major environmental impacts from subway train operations are noise and vibration, water discharge, and passenger refuse removal. Legacy mass transit infrastructure used historic building material and electrical equipment, which were found to be harmful and hazardous to the environment, which when damaged over time, can lead to unhealthy impacts. Bus operations environmental impacts include bus emissions, which pollute both the outside environment and the bus depot that house them. Perhaps not as obvious but environmental impacts, such as oil spills, leaks, and water infiltration can cause major environmental damage. Mitigating environmental impacts, and preventing environmental damage helps make the world more environmentally sustainable, and save agencies from having to spend precious funding for cleanup and restoration.
Assessing the Risk of Salmonellosis from Consumption of Conventionally and Alternatively Produced Broiler Meat Prepared In-Home in the United States

Abstract Salmonella has long presented a major problem for the food safety of broiler meat. As the popularity of alternatively produced (e.g. organic) broiler meat increases, an understanding of the food safety risks associated with these types of products is needed. The purpose of this study was to develop a retail-to-consumption quantitative microbial risk assessment model that could be used to estimate the differences in risk of salmonellosis acquired from the consumption of conventionally and alternatively produced broiler meat in the United States annually. Data were extracted and used to define distributions that could be used to estimate Salmonella growth during retail storage, transportation, and home storage, as well as concentration changes during preparation and due to cross-contamination. A Monte Carlo simulation with 100,000 iterations was performed to estimate the risk of infection per serving and total number of infections in the United States annually from both meat types. Sensitivity analyses were performed to determine the factors that were highly correlated with increased risk of salmonellosis. Conventionally produced chicken meat was estimated to have a median risk of infection per serving of 6.4 × 10−8 and cause an average of approximately 3,880,000 infections annually compared with a median risk of infection per serving of 7.7 × 10−8 and average of approximately 641,000 estimated infections for alternatively produced chicken. The sensitivity analysis identified cross-contamination of hands during meal preparation as the most important factor linked to risk. The ‘what-if’ scenario analysis estimated that using antimicrobial soap during hand washing after handling raw chicken can reduce the risk considerably. The developed risk assessment model provides information on the public health risk of conventionally and alternatively produced broiler meat. These results will be useful in determining the key intervention strategies to mitigate the food safety risks associated with the consumption of contaminated chicken products.
Ionic Liquids as Protein Crystallization Additives.

Among its attributes, the mythical philosopher’s stone is supposedly capable of turning base metals to gold or silver. In an analogous fashion, we are finding that protein crystallization optimization using ionic liquids (ILs) often results in the conversion of base protein precipitate to crystals. Recombinant inorganic pyrophosphatases (8 of the 11 proteins) from pathogenic bacteria as well as several other proteins were tested for optimization by 23 ILs, plus a dH2O control, at IL concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 M. The ILs were used as additives, and all proteins were crystallized in the presence of at least one IL. For 9 of the 11 proteins, precipitation conditions were converted to crystals with at least one IL. The ILs could be ranked in order of effectiveness, and it was found that ~83% of the precipitation-derived crystallization conditions could be obtained with a suite of just eight ILs, with the top two ILs accounting for ~50% of the hits. Structural trends were found in the effectiveness of the ILs, with shorter-alkyl-chain ILs being more effective. The two top ILs, accounting for ~50% of the unique crystallization results, were choline dihydrogen phosphate and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate. Curiously, however, a butyl group was present on the cation of four of the top eight ILs.
Glycogen Depletion in Specific Types of Human Skeletal Muscle Fibers in Intermittent and Continous Exercise

Within the past few years considerable progress has been made toward our understanding of some of the fundamental characteristics of motor units and their muscle fibers. For example, specific metabolic, circulatory and dynamic properties of skeletal muscles of different animals including humans are closely related [2, 4, 5, 8, 19, 21, 23, 24, 28, 32]. In spite of our increasing understanding of these properties we know little about how these different types of motor units are used by an intact animal in normal movements such as walking, running, swimming and jumping [1, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17]. These studies do however provide some evidence of how types of muscle fibers may be used differentially by assessing glycogen. depletion in specific types of muscle fibers.
Fast Transversal Filters

This chapter takes a different approach to fast recursive least squares (RLS) filtering, and applies the projection techniques and vector space methods to the derivation of fixed-order, transversal least squares (LS) filters. The resulting algorithm will be denoted as the fast transversal filter (FTF). The FTF differs from the earlier-derived fast Kalman transversal filter [1,2] in the following sense. The fast Kalman method derived an efficient algorithm for recursively updating a “correlation” matrix inverse by recognizing the data-shifting property of the correlation matrix. In doing this, a dramatic reduction in operations was achieved compared to the regular RLS method of Chapter 8. For a N-length transversal filter, approximately 10 N arithmetic operations per time iteration are required.
Animal Waste-Enhanced Degradation of Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil

Land previously used for petroleum production is being converted to commercial, industrial, or residential uses and requires remediation to remove petroleum hydrocarbons (HC). Concurrently, large quantities of animal wastes are produced annually, creating waste-handling and disposal problems. A laboratory study was conducted to determine whether amending contaminated soil with animal manure and inorganic fertilizer affected the degradation rate and amount of HC in the soil. HC-impacted soil was prepared by mixing a diesel fuel: motor oil solution (1:1 v/v) with a noncontaminated loamy sand, with a target concentration of 5000 mg HC per kg soil. Treatments included ammonium sul-fate fertilizer, composted steer manure at 5, 10, and 20% on a dry weight basis, and a mixture of fertilizer and steer manure, with three replications for each treatment. Five-gram aliquot soil samples were extracted with hexane. The extracts were analyzed using a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector. Over a period of ...
Measurement and Representation of the Mechanical Properties of Truck Leaf Springs

The force-vs.-deflection characteristics of truck leaf springs were investigated with respect to the influences of stroking frequency and amplitude and nominal static load on hysteretic damping and effective spring rate. Measurements were made on five currently employed leaf springs at five stroking frequencies (0.5 to 15.0 Hz) for three stroking amplitudes at two static loads. Test results indicate that the stroking frequency over the studied range has no influence on the spring rate and energy dissipation properties of truck leaf springs. Truck leaf springs are highly nonlinear devices for which the average damping force in a stroking cycle increases directly with either the stroking amplitude or nominal static load, and the effective spring rate decreases inversely with the stroking amplitude or directly with the static load. A mathematical method is presented which represents the force-vs.-deflection characteristics of truck leaf springs in a form suitable for use in the simulation (digital calculations) of vehicle dynamics.
Foveation-Based Error Resilience and Unequal Error Protection over Mobile Networks

By exploiting new human-machine interface techniques, such as visual eyetrackers, it should be possible to develop more efficient visual multimedia services associated with low bandwidth, dynamic channel adaptation and robust visual data transmission. In this paper, we introduce foveation-based error resilience and unequal error protection techniques over highly error-prone mobile networks. Each frame is spatially divided into foveated and background layers according to perceptual importance. Perceptual importance is determined either through an eye tracker or by manually selecting a region of interest. We attempt to improve reconstructed visual quality by maintaining the high visual source throughput of the foveated layer using foveation-based error resilience and error correction using a combination of turbo codes and ARQ (automatic reQuest). In order to alleviate the degradation of visual quality, a foveation based bitstream partitioning is developed. In an effort to increase the source throughput of the foveated layer, we develop unequal delay-constrained ARQ (automatic reQuest) and rate compatible punctured turbo codes where the punctual pattern of RCPC (rate compatible punctured convolutional) codes in H.223 Annex C is used. In the simulation, the visual quality is significantly increased in the area of interest using foveation-based error resilience and unequal error protections (as much as 3 dB FPSNR (foveal peak signal to noise ratio) improvement) at 40% packet error rate. Over real-fading statistics measured in the downtown area of Austin, Texas, the visual quality is increased up to 1.5 dB in PSNR and 1.8 dB in FPSNR at a channel SNR of 5 dB.
A branch-and-reduce algorithm for the contact map overlap problem

A fundamental problem in molecular biology is the comparison of 3-dimensional protein folds in order to develop similarity measures and exploit them for protein clustering, database searches, and drug design. Contact map overlap (CMO) is one of the most reliable and robust measures of protein structure similarity. Fold comparison can be done by aligning the amino acid residues of two proteins in a way that maximizes the number of common residue contacts. CMO maximization is gaining increasing attention because it results in protein clusterings in good agreement with classification by experts. However, CMO maximization is an ${\mathcal{NP}}$-hard problem and few exact algorithms exist for solving this problem to global optimality. In this paper, we propose a branch-and-reduce exact algorithm for the CMO problem. Contrary to previous approaches, we do not transform CMO to other combinatorial optimization problems for solution. Instead, we address the problem directly in its natural form. By exploiting the problem's mathematical structure, we develop bounding and reduction procedures that lead to a very efficient algorithm. We present extensive computational results for over 36000 test problems from the literature. These results demonstrate that our algorithm is significantly faster and solves many more challenging test sets than the best previous algorithms for CMO. Furthermore, the algorithm results in protein clusters that are in excellent agreement with the SCOP database.
PTEN regulates natural killer cell trafficking and effector functions (IRM7P.484)

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a critical negative regulator of the PI3 kinase pathway, members of which are essential for regulating natural killer (NK) cell signaling and activation. To evaluate whether PTEN was required for normal NK cell functions, we utilized a mouse model of NK specific PTEN deficiency (Ncr1iCre knockin x PTENflox). PTEN deletion resulted in significant loss of NK cells in the bone marrow and other lymphoid tissues, but markedly increased numbers within the peripheral blood and lung. Surprisingly, we observed near equivalent NK cell maturation within peripheral organs regardless of PTEN expression, suggesting that PTEN operates to re-distribute NK cells during development. Similarly, despite impaired migration to chemoattractants in vitro, PTEN-deficient NK cells egress more efficiently from the bone marrow and preferentially reside in sinusoidal compartments, but are specifically retained in the lung and peripheral vasculature. Given the inappropriate localization in the absence of PTEN, we further evaluated whether cytotoxic functions were altered. While PTEN deficient NK cells have enhanced cytotoxicity against co-localized RMAS tumors, they are unable to migrate to distal tumor sites. These data suggest that PTEN is required for the trafficking of NK cells during both homeostasis and in the presence of malignancy, during which it represses cytotoxic functions.
Detectable FLT3-ITD or RAS mutation at the time of transformation from MDS to AML predicts for very poor outcomes.

Abstract Background The molecular events that drive the transformation from myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have yet to be fully characterized. We hypothesized that detection of these mutations at the time of transformation from MDS to AML may lead to poorer outcomes. Methods We analyzed 102 MDS patients who were admitted to our institution between 2004 and 2013, had wild-type (wt) FLT3-ITD and RAS at diagnosis, progressed to AML, and had serial mutation testing at both the MDS and AML stages. Results We detected FLT3-ITD and/or RAS mutations in twenty-seven (26%) patients at the time of transformation to AML. Twenty-two patients (81%) had RAS mutations and five (19%) had FLT3-ITD mutations. The median survival after leukemia transformation in patients who had detectable RAS and/or FLT3-ITD mutations was 2.4 months compared to 7.5 months in patients who retained wt RAS and FLT3-ITD (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9–5.0, p FLT3-ITD and RAS mutations had independent prognostic significance for poor outcome.
Electromyographic findings in 37 patients with adult-onset acid maltase deficiency.

Introduction: In acid maltase deficiency (AMD), electrical myotonia (EM) may be restricted to paraspinal muscles. A comprehensive description of the electromyographic (EMG) findings in AMD is lacking. The purpose of this study is to describe the EMG features in adult-onset AMD, focusing on the distribution of EM. Methods: A retrospective chart review of AMD patients diagnosed at Mayo Clinic over age 18 years. Results: Thirty-seven patients were included. Twenty-eight (76%) had EM in at least 1 muscle, and EM was more common in paraspinal and proximal limb muscles. The tensor fasciae latae (TFL) was equally sensitive to the paraspinals for EM. Three of 4 patients had EM identified in the diaphragm. Conclusions: Approximately three-quarters of adult-onset AMD patients display EM on EMG. The paraspinal muscles and TFL are the most likely to demonstrate EM, and EM can be detected in the diaphragm of adult onset AMD patients. Muscle Nerve, 2015 Muscle Nerve 51:759–761, 2015
Optimal Cycle Times in a Two-Stage Serial System With Set-Up and Inventory Costs

Two 2-stage serial production systems under constant average demand rate and infinite horizon are considered. The first and the simpler system assumes zero final product inventory; while the second assumes it nonzero but with a continuous demand. The stages have finite production rates greater than or equal to the demand rate and operate with periodic start-ups and shutdowns. No stock-outs are allowed in the inventories. Analytical results for determining a cyclic schedule with the minimum sum of set-up and inventory costs are presented. The optimal lot sizing policy for the first system involves integer splitting/merging of lots; however noninteger split/merge policy may be optimal in some instances of the second.
Services communications: from mindless tangibilization to meaningful messages

Service businesses face a unique challenge: how to effectively communicate the necessarily intangible benefits of their service offering. Their attempts to tangibilize the service are often ill‐designed, making service benefits more rather than less obscure. This article presents a scheme that identifies the communication task at various stages of consumer decision making and then matches appropriate communication strategies. Rather than embracing misguided tangibilization, the recommended strategies handle the intangibility challenge without necessarily using any tangible props.
A 2-approximation for the preceding-and-crossing structured 2-interval pattern problem

The 2-interval pattern problem over its various models and restrictions was proposed by Vialette (2004) for the application of RNA secondary structure prediction. We present an O(n3logn)-time 2-approximation algorithm for the problem of finding a largest { < ,\(\{<,\between\}\)-structured subset of 2-intervals given an input 2-interval set of size n. This greatly improves the previous best approximation ratio of 6 by Crochemore et al. (2005).
Effect of Thermal Aging on Mechanical Properties of EPDM Rubber

EPDM rubber was exposed to an accelerated thermal aging environment produced by an air-circulating oven. The changes of morphology, mechanical properties of EPDM were monitored by scanning electron microscope (SEM), tensile/compressive testing. Crosslink density of EPDM was measured by the solvent swell method. The results showed that many cracks and voids appeared on the surface of EPDM with the exposure time. The aging process proceeded predominantly via crosslinking. The tensile strength increased with increase in crosslink density up to a maximum and thereafter decreased with further increase in crosslink density.
Neuromuscular Dysfunction in Nonbacterial Prostatitis

Abstract Although chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is common, the condition remains poorly understood and refractory to treatment. Another approach, i.e., a urodynamic explanation, seems warranted. The underlying cause of the symptoms may be an inappropriate spasm of the distal urethra/external sphincteric unit, leading to increased pressure in the prostatic urethra with a resultant reflux of urine into the prostatic ducts. The presence of urine (sterile or infected) could induce ductal and periductal inflammation, which could further aggravate spasm of the involved pelvic musculature, exacerbating the voiding dysfunction. We present 3 patients in whom this sequence of events was documented radiographically and urodynamically. Consequently, treatment involved modulation of the dysfunction of the distal urethra/external sphincteric unit: (1) reeducation by reassurance and biofeedback was the initial line of therapy; (2) pharmacologic manipulation using alpha-blockers (to affect smooth and striated muscle irritability) and striated muscle relaxants was next tried; (3) finally, in unremitting symptoms, we used selective sacral-root electro-stimulation, successfully fatiguing the involved muscles and relieving the voiding dysfunction.
Asymmetric vibration and stability of circular plates

Abstract The asymmetric vibration and stability of circular and annular plates using the finite element method is discussed. The plate bending model consists of one-dimensional circular and annular ring segments using a Fourier series approach to model the problem asymmetries. Using displacement functions which are the exact solutions of the static plate bending equation, the stiffness coefficients corresponding to the 1st and nth harmonics are used in closed form. By assuming that the static displacement function closely represents the vibration and stability modes, the mass and stability coefficient matrices for an annular and circular element are also constructed for the 1st and nth harmonics. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the finite element model with that of classical methods.
Interplay between wind and rain observed in Hurricane Floyd

In situ observations over the ocean are extremely sparse during a hurricane and conventional satellite data only provide cloud imagery at the top of the storm. Hurricanes are devastating when they are accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain. Two new satellite missions, QuikSCAT and the Tropical Rain Measuring Mission (TRMM), provide the opportunity to observe both wind and rain in hurricanes prior to landfall. The coincident measurements of surface wind and rain reveal the interplay between the dynamics and the hydrologic balances of the storms. When applied to Hurricane Floyd, the high spatial resolution of ocean surface winds measured by QuikSCAT improves computation of the moisture transport, the vertical profiles of moisture sink and diabatic heating, and the difference between evaporation and rain-rate at the surface.
EVALUATION OF LANE REDUCTION "ROAD DIET" MEASURES ON CRASHES AND INJURIES

"Road diets" are often conversions of four-lane undivided roads into three lanes (two through lanes plus a center turn lane). The fourth lane may be converted to bicycle lanes, sidewalks, or on-street parking. Road diets are sometimes implemented with the objective of reducing vehicle speeds as well as the number of motor vehicle crashes and injuries. A study was conducted to investigate the actual effects of road diets on motor vehicle crashes and injuries. Twelve road diets and 25 comparison sites in California and Washington cities were analyzed. Crash data were obtained for these road diet (2,068 crashes) and comparison sites (8,556 crashes). A "before" and "after" analysis using a "yoked comparison" study design found that the percent of road diet crashes occurring during the "after" period was about 6% lower than that of the matched comparison sites. However, a separate analysis in which a negative binomial model was used to control for possible differential changes in average daily traffic, study period, and other factors indicated no significant treatment effect. Crash severity was virtually the same at road diets and comparison sites. There were some differences in crash type distributions between road diets and comparison sites, but not between the "before" and "after" periods. Conversion to a road diet should be made on a case-by-case basis in which traffic flow, vehicle capacity, and safety are all considered. It is also recommended that the effects of road diets be further evaluated under a variety of traffic and roadway conditions.
Metabolism of dopa-14C in the normal and α-methyldopa-treated mouse

Abstract Intraperitoneally injected dl -3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa)-α- 14 C was rapidly metabolized in the intact mouse; the biological half-life was approximately 15 min. Decar☐ylation constituted an important but not the only route of metabolism. One hour after the administration of dopa- 14 C the following labeled catechols were found in whole mouse homogenates (concentrations expressed as a percentage of total recovered radioactivity): dopa (17.3%), dopamine (13.8%), norepinephrine (1.2%), epinephrine (0.5%), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (dopac) (0.8%). α-Methyldopa, injected intraperitoneally in a dose of 3.12 mg/kg, inhibited the decar☐ylation in vivo of dopa- 14 C. Larger doses resulted in progressively greater inhibition; maximal response was obtained with 50 mg/kg. In mice given α-methyldopa (25 mg/kg) 30 min prior to dopa- 14 C and sacrificed 1 hr later, the dopa level was increased (30.6%), and the dopamine level was reduced (3.8%). The duration in vivo of the decar☐ylase inhibitory activity of α-methyldopa in the mouse was 8 to 16 hr.
A Model Order Reduction Method for the Temperature Estimation in a Cylindrical Li-Ion Battery Cell

The thermal characterization of Li-ion batteries for EVs, HEVs and PHEVs is a topic of great relevance, especially for the evaluation of the battery pack state of health (SoH) during vehicle operations and for battery life estimation. This work proposes a reduced-order model that estimates the thermal dynamics of a cylindrical Li-ion battery cell, with respect to time-varying current demands. Unlike most “black-box” dynamic models, based on system identification techniques, the proposed approach relies on the definition of a boundary-value problem for heat conduction, in the form of a linear partial differential equation. The problem is then converted into a low-order linear model by applying model-order reduction method in the frequency domain. The resulting model predicts the temperature dynamics at the center and at the external surface in relation with the rate of heat generation and the coolant temperature. In this paper, the model is applied to estimate the internal temperature of a cylindrical cell during a discharging transient. The model uses electrical data acquired from experimental tests and is validated by comparison with experimental data and 3D FEM thermal simulation.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Organizational climate and treatment outcomes for African American clients receiving services at community mental health agencies

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study, which represents the second part of a two-part case study, is to develop a conceptual model that explains the multiple organizational, staff, and client factors that contribute to the creation of treatment outcomes for African American clients seeking services from community mental health agencies (CMHAs). Method: An agency identified in the first part of the case study by the authors (Larrison et al., 2004) as achieving similar positive treatment outcomes for African American and white clients is further examined in an attempt to understand the organizational and staff influence on these outcomes. A purposeful sample of staff and African American clients were asked to describe the agency's organizational climate and how that climate shaped the work of staff and the outcomes of treatment for African American clients. Both quantitative and qualitative descriptive data were collected and analyzed in an effort to develop an accurate understanding of how the agency created ...
Studies of whole cottonseed processing with a twin-screw extruder

Abstract Effects of varying screw speed, feed rate, feed moisture and product temperature on two dependent processing efficiency variables (percent torque and specific energy input) and extrudate quality (density ratio, hardness ratio and color) were studied using a twin-screw extruder. Increases in the product temperature or feed moisture decreased both the specific energy input and percent torque. A higher screw speed decreased percent torque but increased specific energy input, whereas an increase in feed rate had opposite effects, i.e. elevated percent torque but lowered specific energy input. The investigation demonstrated that the processing efficiency and extrudate product quality can be manipulated by changing the four independent processing variables.
Oxygen conservation by propranolol and intra-aortic balloon pumping in the normal canine heart.

This study examines the effects of myocardial-depressant doses of propranolol (PROP) on myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) during intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP). The objective was synergistic reduction of MVO2 with support of cardiac output (CO) by IABP as a model for myocardial preservation during ischemia. Accordingly, conventional hemo-dynamics, MVO2, and plasma catecholamines were measured in seven open-chest dogs during IABP and administration of 2 mg/kg of PROP. compared with appropriate controls, MVO2 decreased from 5.83 ± 0.49 (SE) to 3.47 ± 0.27 ml/min/100 g of LV (P < 0.01), and LV dp/dt decreased from 1795 ± 114 to 1012 ± 64 (P < 0.01) mm Hg/sec. However, CO decreased from 2.7 ± 0.5 to 2.1 ± 0.3 liters/min (P < 0.05). In general, CO was linearly related to MVO2; it was not possible to reduce MVO2 without similar decreases in CO. The principal effect of IABP in the PROP-depressed circulation was to increase LV contractility by raising coronary perfusion pressure, with a resultant increase in both CO and MVO2 when compared to the effects of PROP alone. The results indicate that while myocardial-depressant doses of PROP can provide dramatic reductions in MVO2 in the canine model, large reductions in CO are unavoidable, even with IABP. Measurements of plasma catecholamines indicate that an important mechanism of action of IABP is reflex-induced reduction of circulating catecholamines.
The mechanical behavior of poly(methyl methacrylate) under pressure

Tensile deformation of poly(methyl methacrylate) carried out under hydrostatic pressures up to 4 kbar has shown that the pressure-transmitting fluid (silicone oil) strongly affects the mechanical properties of this polymer. Unsealed specimens fractured in a brittle manner at almost the same strain of 5% in the whole pressure range examined, while specimens sealed with Teflon tape and rubber showed a brittle to ductile transition at only 0.25 kbar. At this pressure, the craze initiation and shear band initiation stresses were found to become equal. The pressure dependence of the shear band initiation stress could be expressed well with a “nonlinear” pressure-dependent von Mises criterion and the onset of the shear banding was proved to relate to the enthalpy energy density stored in the specimen. The combination of the nonlinear pressure-dependent von Mises criterion and the enthaply energy density concept enabled us to predict the pressure dependence of Young's modulus.
Selection of biocides for use in floral preservatives

Abstract The effects of concentrations of various biocides, in a solution containing 0.2 g l−1 citric acid and 10 g l−1 glucose, were tested on cut roses (Rosa hybrida L., ‘Classy’), Alstroemeria pelegrina L. and carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). Compounds were evaluated for their effects on flower life (time to decline in fresh weight), maximum gain in fresh weight, solution uptake from 4 to 6 days, resistance to water flow in the stem, stem respiration and solution absorbance. Longer flower life and higher gain in fresh weight of roses were observed with a concentration of 0.05 g l−1 than with higher concentrations of most biocides. At this concentration, bromopropanediol, Dantogard and thiabendazole did not prevent a rise in stem resistance to water flow, or solution absorbance. Aluminium sulphate up to 0.8 g l−1 was also ineffective in these respects. Stem respiration was inhibited by sodium benzoate, hydroxyquinoline citrate (HQC), Isocil and Physan-20. Principal component analysis on the rose data indicated that the best treatments were 0.05 g l−1 benzoate, cetylpyridinium chloride, Isocil and Physan-20, 0.05 and 0.2 g l−1 dichloroisocyanuric acid, and 0.2 and 0.8 g l−1 HQC. Tests with carnation and Alstroemeria indicated that HQC, Isocil and Physan most consistently promoted fresh weight increase and maintenance.
The challenges of telementoring

This paper explores the concept of mentoring from a distance and uses a case study of a mentoring relationship to examine some of the issues. Using a new definition of mentoring by Wighton (1993) to explore the meaning of mentoring using telematics, the issues of how we communicate are discussed. The need to develop new ways of communicating is advocated, with reference made to the needs of small businesses. The differences, benefits and weaknesses are discussed, together with a realisation that in‐depth communication of feelings, personal and difficult problems are unlikely to be discussed without well tested face to face dialogue.
Ab initio pseudopotential calculations of infinite monatomic chains of Au, Al, Ag, Pd, Rh, and Ru

Ab initio pseudopotential total-energy calculations on infinite monatomic chains of Au, Al, Ag, Pd, Rh, and Ru were performed within the local-density approximation. We used the frozen phonon approximation to study the stability of these chains as a function of strain. Within a window of strains the Au, Al, Ag, Pd, and Rh linear chains are stable with respect to $q=\ensuremath{\pi}/a$ deformations. For large strains all the chains dimerize. All the chains exibit at least one zero-strain zigzag stable equilibrium configuration, and Au, Al, and Rh zigzag chains exibit two. The ideal strengths of the different chains were calculated. The stability of the chains is discussed in connection with the electronic structure.
Aquatic photolysis: photolytic redox reactions between goethite and adsorbed organic acids in aqueous solutions

Abstract Photolysis of mono and di-carboxylic acids that are adsorbed onto the surface of the iron oxyhydroxide (goethite) results in an oxidation of the organic material and a reduction from Fe(III) to Fe(II) in the iron complex. There is a subsequent release of Fe 2+ ions into solution. At constant light flux and constant solution light absorption, the factors responsible for the degree of photolytic reaction include: the number of lattice sites that are bonded by the organic acid; the rate of acid readsorption to the surface during photolysis; the conformation and structure of the organic acid; the degree of oxidation of the organic acid; the presence or absence of an α-hydroxy group on the acid, the number of carbons in the di-acid chain and the conformation of the di-acid. The ability to liberate Fe(III) at pH 6.5 from the geothite lattice is described by the lyotropic series: tartrate>citrate> oxalate > glycolate > maleate > succinate > formate > fumarate > malonate > glutarate > benzoate = butanoate = control. Although a larger amount of iron is liberated, the series is almost the same at pH 5.5 except that oxalate > citrate and succinate > maleate. A set of rate equations are given that describe the release of iron from the goethite lattice. It was observed that the pH of the solution increases during photolysis if the solutions are not buffered. There is evidence to suggest the primary mechanism for all these reactions is an electron transfer from the organic ligand to the Fe(III) in the complex. Of all the iron-oxyhydroxide materials, crystalline goethite is the least soluble in water; yet, this study indicates that in an aqueous suspension, iron can be liberated from the goethite lattice. Further, it has been shown that photolysis can occur in a multiphase system at the sediment- water interface which results in an oxidation of the organic species and release of Fe 2+ to solution where it becomes available for further reaction.
Audiologic Evidence for Further Genetic Heterogeneity at DFNA2

A large American family has been mapped to the DFNA2 locus. However, mutation screening of CX31 and KCNQ4 , the two genes associated with deafness at this locus, did not identify any mutations. The purpose of this report was to characterize the otologic and audiometric phenotype of this large American family with non-syndromic, autosomal-dominant sensorineural hereditary hearing impairment (HHI). Anamnestic data were obtained, pure-tone audiometry was performed and transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions were recorded. The findings in affected family members were compared to those in unaffected family members and to the respective p50 thresholds of the normal age-matched population. Mutational analysis of the CX26 gene was also performed. The affected members of this family demonstrated progressive symmetric sensorineural hearing impairment. The hearing loss was downward sloping, with mild-to-moderate loss in the low and mid frequencies and severe-to-profound loss in frequencies >4,000 Hz. The onset of dis...
A [Cu16S10]4−cluster containing μ3- and μ4-sulfido ligands

An anionic, “naked” copper sulfide cluster, [Cu16S10]4−, was synthesized by treating multi-copper starting materials with the hydrosulfide salt, (nBu4N)SH. The sixteen copper atoms in [Cu16S10]4− are arranged in a square gyrobicupola with eight μ3- and two μ4-sulfido ligands.