cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Wellbeing of Older Adults

This chapter discusses research related to happiness, subjective wellbeing, and positive mental health of seniors. The research literature highlights varied definitions of quality of life of seniors. These include global judgments of life satisfaction, affective and cognitive judgments of wellbeing, satisfaction of salient life domains, and satisfaction of needs salient to seniors. The literature also points to several theories of wellbeing applied to old age. These include activity theory, socio-emotional selectivity theory, selection/optimization/compensation theory, continuity theory, and innovation theory. Moreover, the chapter describes factors affecting the quality of life of seniors. These include health-related factors, personal values, socio-economic factors, and residential factors. I conclude by discussing public policy implications of this research.
Virtual Point Source Synthesis method for 3D Scintillation Detector Characterization

A novel data-processing method was developed to facilitate scintillation detector characterization. Combined with fan-beam calibration, this method can be used to quickly and conveniently calibrate gamma-ray detectors for SPECT, PET, homeland security or astronomy. Compared with traditional calibration methods, this new technique can accurately calibrate a photon-counting detector, including DOI information, with greatly reduced time. The enabling part of this technique is fan-beam scanning combined with a data-processing strategy called the common-data subset (CDS) method, which was used to synthesize the detector's mean detector response functions (MDRFs). Using this approach, $2N$ scans ($N$ in x and $N$ in y direction) are necessary to finish calibration of a 2D detector as opposed to $N^2$ scans with a pencil beam. For a 3D detector calibration, only $3N$ scans are necessary to achieve the 3D detector MDRFs that include DOI information. Moreover, this calibration technique can be used for detectors with complicated or irregular MDRFs. We present both Monte-Carlo simulations and experimental results that support the feasibility of this method.
Photonic crystal modulator in a CMOS foundry platform

We report the first photonic crystal microcavity modulator realized in a foundry CMOS photonics platform. Bandwidth of 2.8 GHz and 5 Gbps data rate demonstrated utilizing an interdigitated p-n junction in a WDM compatible structure.
Just a Few Expert Constraints Can Help: Humanizing Data-Driven Subgoal Detection for Novice Programming

Research shows that feedback on how students progress through completing subgoals can improve students' learning and motivation in programming. Detecting subgoal completion is a challenging task, and most learning environments do so either with expert-authored models or with data-driven models. Both models have advantages that are complementary - expert models encode domain knowledge and achieve reliable detection but require extensive authoring efforts and often cannot capture all students' possible solution strategies, while data-driven models can be easily scaled but may be less accurate and interpretable. In this paper, we take a step towards achieving the best of both worlds - utilizing a data-driven model that can intelligently detect subgoals in students' correct solutions, while benefiting from human expertise in editing these data-driven subgoal rules to provide more accurate feedback to students. We compared our hybrid "humanized" subgoal detectors, built from data-driven subgoals modified with expert input, against an existing data-driven approach and baseline supervised learning models. Our results showed that the hybrid model outperformed all other models in terms of overall accuracy and F1-score. Our work advances the challenging task of automated subgoal detection during programming, while laying the groundwork for future hybrid expert-authored/data-driven systems.
Effects of Tympanic Membrane Modification on Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions in the Cat Ear Canal

Acoustic distortion-product (DP) signals recorded in the external ear canal reflect nonlinearities in cochlear mechanics. The level of D P signals is reduced by processes known to damage the organ of Corti, including noise exposure (Kim et al., 1980, Zurek et al., 1982, Siegel et al., 1982, Rosowski et al., 1984, Dolan and Abbas, 1985, Schmiedt, 1986, Wiederhold et al., 1986, Martin et aI., 1987). Thus, DP measurement has been suggested as a diagnostic tool to assess the physiologic state of the organ of Corti (Probst, 1990). Changes in middle-ear stiffness have been shown to alter otoacoustic emissions (e.g., Kemp, 1981). We have noted large variation in the level and threshold for detection of ear-canal DP’s in humans with normal or near-normal hearing. We sec less variability in cats selected for normal-appearing tympanic membranes (TM), whereas cats with scarred or thickened TM’s have lower DP’s which require high primary-tone levels to become detectable. This suggests that an important component of DP variability is related to TM or middle-car pathology. Here we report results of studies in which the TM was modified, either by adding mass or by causing a leak with a small perforation. The aim was to assess the effccts of these modifications on forward and reverse transmission through the middle ear and to determine if such modifications might have disproportionate effects on ear-canal DP signals.
Section B Fire and Explosion - A Study of Flame Spread in Engineered Cardboard Fuel Beds Part II: Scaling Law Approach

In this second part of a two-part exploration into the dynamic behavior observed in wildland fires, time scales differentiating convective and radiative heat transfer are further explored. Scaling laws for the two different types of heat transfer were considered: radiation-driven fire spread and convection-driven fire spread, which can both occur during wildland fires. A new interpretation of the inertial forces introduced a downstream, time-dependent frequency ω, which captures the dynamic, vortex shedding behavior of flames due to the unstable nature of the turbulent flow created in the wake of the fire. Excelsior and paper strip experiments suggest many wildland fire scenarios fall into the convection-driven spread regime.
“How Would We Deserve Better?” Rural–Urban Dichotomy in Health Seeking for the Chronically Ill Elderly in China

As China's older adult population has rapidly increased, the attending increase in chronic disease poses serious concerns regarding disparities in medical care utilization for elders. Drawing on 48 semistructured interviews with elders with chronic conditions and their caregivers in China, this article analyzes two opposite patterns of health-seeking behavior in urban and rural areas. Presenting the findings as a relational model, we argue that the interplay between structures of medical care and cultural discourses about health and (un)worthiness generates different habitus as sets of practices and beliefs that facilitate or hinder elders' and their caregivers' decisions to engage with medical care. By demonstrating the Chinese state's social health insurance reform's failure to improve health-seeking behavior on the ground, our findings suggest that efforts to understand and promote health-seeking behavior need to address the intersections of structural and cultural factors.
Generalized conflict learning for hybrid discrete/linear optimization

Conflict-directed search algorithms have formed the core of practical, model-based reasoning systems for the last three decades. At the core of many of these applications is a series of discrete constraint optimization problems and a conflict-directed search algorithm, which uses conflicts in the forward search step to focus search away from known infeasibilities and towards the optimal feasible solution. In the arena of model-based autonomy, deep space probes have given way to more agile vehicles, such as coordinated vehicle control, which must robustly control their continuous dynamics. Controlling these systems requires optimizing over continuous, as well as discrete variables, using linear as well as logical constraints. This paper explores the development of algorithms for solving hybrid discrete/linear optimization problems that use conflicts in the forward search direction, carried from the conflict-directed search algorithm in model-based reasoning. We introduce a novel algorithm called Generalized Conflict-Directed Branch and Bound (GCD-BB). GCD-BB extends traditional Branch and Bound (B&B), by first constructing conflicts from nodes of the search tree that are found to be infeasible or sub-optimal, and then by using these conflicts to guide the forward search away from known infeasible and sub-optimal states. Evaluated empirically on a range of test problems of coordinated air vehicle control, GCD-BB demonstrates a substantial improvement in performance compared to a traditional B&B algorithm applied to either disjunctive linear programs or an equivalent binary integer programming encoding. This research is funded by The Boeing Company grant MIT-BA-GTA-1 and by NASA grant NNA04CK91A.
Lead, hypertension, and the renin-angiotensin system in rats.

Rats were exposed continuously to Pb in utero and after birth by giving their mothers, during pregnancy and lactation, drinking water containing 0, 100, or 500 ppm Pb (as Pb acetate) and then continuing this regimen after weaning. Male rats receiving 100 ppm developed a significant elevation of systolic blood pressure (152 +/- 3.7 mm Hg vs. 135 +/- 5.6 for controls) at 3 1/2 months and remained hypertensive until sacrifice at 6 months; 500 ppm rats remained normotensive. Both 100 ppm and 500 ppm females remained normotensive. At 6 months plasma renin activity (PRA) was significantly reduced in the 100 ppm male group but was normal in the 500 ppm group. There was dose-dependent decreases in the All/PRA ratio and in renal renin. Pulmonary converting enzyme activity was not changed by Pb exposure. Blood (Pb) was 40 and 71 ..mu..g/dl, respectively, and kidney (Pb) was 4.8 and 22.9 ..mu..g/gm. Renal histology was normal in the 100 ppm group. We conclude that doses of Pb which produce blood (Pb) seen in many people are capable of including modest hypertension in male rats; higher doses fail to do so. The hypertension is associated with a reduction in PRA and All andmore » therefore is unlikely to be due to hyperactivity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS).« less
Inter-speaker synchronization in audiovisual database for lip-readable speech to animation conversion

The present study proposes an inter-speaker audiovisual synchronization method to decrease the speaker dependency of our direct speech to animation conversion system. Our aim is to convert an everyday speaker's voice to lip-readable facial animation for hearing impaired users. This conversion needs mixed training data: acoustic features from normal speakers coupled with visual features from professional lip-speakers. Audio and video data of normal and professional speakers were synchronized with Dynamic Time Warping method. Quality and usefulness of the synchronization were investigated in subjective test with measuring noticeable conflicts between the audio and visual part of speech stimuli. An objective test was done also, training neural network on the synchronized audiovisual data with increasing number of speakers.
Curved Beam Problems

If we cut the circular annulus of Figure 8.1 along two radial lines, θ = α, β, we generate a curved beam. The analysis of such beams follows that of Chapter 8, except for a few important differences — notably that (i) the ends of the beam constitute two new boundaries on which boundary conditions (usually weak boundary conditions) are to be applied and (ii) it is no longer necessary to enforce continuity of displacements (see §9.3.1), since a suitable principal value of θ can be defined which is both continuous and single-valued.
Domain vector accelerator (DVA): A query accelerator for relational operations

A fast method is described for performing relational operations and, in particular, for an equijoin between two relations that stand in a one-to-many relationship. The method is based on a bit-vector technique called domain vector acceleration (DVA). The approach to join acceleration is described and compared analytically with two other join accelerators, hybrid-hash join and join indices. Results show that using domain vectors for simple, binary equijoins between very large tables significantly improves the efficiency of the equijoin operation. Domain vectors also reduce the amount of data that must be cached on disk, relative to join indices and materialized views. DVA can be applied to a wide variety of relational operations, including select, interest, union, semijoin and outer join. >
Communication network for smart grid interoperability

The promotion of modernized electric network (smart grid) that integrating control, automation, communication, information, and power technologies to deliver sustainable energy has been widely recognized. A smart grid system consists of many different subsystems that might have over millions of consumers and devices, the demand of its reliability is extremely critical. An interoperable communication network is a key element for the success of the emerging smart grid to deliver efficiently quality and reliable energy. In this paper, some of the key communications challenges for realizing interoperable smart grid are presented. First, the background of smart grid system is introduced and the interoperability is addressed. Then, smart grid interoperable reference model (SGIRM) is described, and finally communication network for interoperability is presented. The aim of this paper is to offer a guideline of communication network requirements for interoperable smart grid.
In vitro binding of the bacteriophage f1 gene V protein to the gene II RNA-operator and its DNA analog

Abstract We have investigated the binding of the f1 single-stranded DNA-binding protein (gene V protein) to DNA oligonucleotides and RNA synthesized in vitro. The first 16 nucleotides of the f1 gene II mRNA leader sequence were previously identified as the gene II RNA-operator; the target to which the gene V protein binds to repress gene II translation. Using a gel retardation assay, we find that the preferential binding of gene V protein to an RNA carrying the gene II RNA-operator sequence is affected by mutations which abolish gene II translational repression in vivo. In vitro, gene V protein also binds preferentially to a DNA oligonucleotide whose sequence is the DNA analog of the wild-type gene II RNA-operator. Therefore, the gene V protein recognizes the gene II mRNA operator sequence when present in either an RNA or DNA context.
Pre-steady-state kinetics of initiation of transcription by T7 RNA polymerase: a new kinetic model.

In order to begin to understand the mechanism of the initiation of transcription in the model bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase system, the simplest possible reaction, the synthesis of a dinucleotide, has been followed by quench-flow kinetics and numerical integration of mechanism-specific rate equations has been used to test specific kinetic models. In order to fit the observed time dependence in the pre-steady-state kinetics, a model for dinucleotide synthesis is proposed in which rebinding of the dinucleotide to the enzyme-DNA complex must be included. Separate reactions using dinucleotide as a substrate confirm this mechanism and the determined rate constants. The dinucleotide rebinding observed as inhibition under these conditions forms a productive intermediate in the synthesis of longer transcripts, and must be included in future kinetic mechanisms. The rate-limiting step leading to product formation shows a substrate dependence consistent with the binding of two substrate GTP molecules, and at saturating levels of GTP, is comparable in magnitude to the product release rate. The rate of product release shows a positive correlation with the concentration of GTP, suggesting that the reaction shows base-specific substrate activation. The binding of another substrate molecule, presumably via interaction with the triphosphate binding site, likely facilitates displacement of the dinucleotide product from the complex.
Minimality of a solution update in conflict resolution: An application of revision programming to the von Neumann–Morgenstern approach

In a 1944 book that started game theory (and the mathematical approach to conflict resolution), von Neumann and Morgenstern proposed the notion of a solution. When the situation changes, the old solution is often no longer a solution, so it needs to be updated. In practical applications, it is usually desirable to keep the solution change “minimal” in some reasonable sense. We show that for a seemingly straightforward formalization of this minimality, checking whether a change is minimal is NP-hard. We also show that by representing the notion of a solution as a collection of revision rules, we can produce a reasonable notion of minimality for which there exists a feasible algorithm for checking the minimality of the update. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Int Syst 20: 939–956, 2005.
Formation of tight junctions and desmosomes protects MDCK cells against hyperthermic killing.

Cell density is known to modify the survival of mammalian cells exposed to elevated temperatures. We have examined the role that cell-cell contact plays in this phenomenon. The formation of cell-cell contact is carried out by cells' junctional complex, i.e., tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions. Lack of formation of tight junctions and desmosomes, or their opening, could interfere with the functions and structures of cell membrane. Membrane damage is at least partially responsible for cell death at elevated temperatures. MDCK cells with high density plated in low calcium medium form confluent monolayers devoid of the formation of tight junctions and desmosomes but quickly assemble them after Ca2+ restoration. We used MDCK cells and the calcium switch technique to investigate effects of cell-cell contact and, independently, of cell density on hyperthermic cell killing. We found that MDCK cells that formed tight junctions and desmosomes were more resistant to hyperthermic treatment than those that did not. Blocking the formation pathway of tight junctions made cells sensitive to heat. Cells growing at lowdensity showed almost the same survival as did cells at high density in the absence of the formation of tight junctions and desmosomes. The results suggest that the formation of tight junctions and desmosomes play a more important role in determining hyperthermic response than does density per se. The formation of tight junctions and desmosomes appears to protect cells modestly against hyperthermic killing.
Predicting Substance Abuse Relapse: The Role of Social Interest and Social Bonding

Substance abuse relapse has been linked to a number of internal and external vulnerability factors. The authors explored the internal construct of Adlerian social interest (Adler, 1956) and the external construct of Hirschi's (1969) social bonding to provide a holistic risk profile of relapse.
The American octuplet experience: a transformative event

The Suleman case has served as a catalyst to examine a range of clinical and ethical decisions, making the birth of the octuplets a truly transformative event.
SPECT instrumentation: performance, lesion detection, and recent innovations.

The use of a gamma camera for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging places greater demand on camera performance than does planar imaging, since camera specifications that are adequate for planar imaging may produce serious image artifacts in SPECT. Manufacturers have responded to the challenge with improvements in both hardware and software, but the user must pay careful attention to quality control procedures. Field nonuniformity is caused mainly by spatial distortion, which may vary during rotation; some cameras incorporate a means of automatically correcting for angular changes. The purpose of performing SPECT is to improve lesion detection, ie, to improve contrast, which is influence by many factors. Attenuation corrections may be applied either before or after reconstruction. For Tc-99m an attenuation coefficient less than that for water, ie, either 0.11 or 0.12, would appear to give better results; the visual appearance is improved but the effect on contrast is minimals. Scattered photons are the major cause of loss of contrast in SPECT images. Recent developments in on-line energy corrections allow the use of narrower photopeak windows as well as asymmetric energy windows. Offpeak energy windows have demonstrated, significant improvements in contrast; however, the increase in nonuniformity can cause artifacts which may limit their use. Simultaneous collection of separate images, one in the photopeak region and the other in the scatter region (92 to 125 keV) may enable a transaxial scatter image to be substracted from the transaxial photopeak image. This may permit quantification of the true radioactivity distribution. New collimator designs introduced to improve SPECT resolution include cast collimators which can be made with more uniform hole construction than the lead-foil type; for brain imaging, long bore parallel hole and converging fan beam collimators as well as, astigmatic collimators which converge in both planes with different lines of focus. Some of these improve both sensitivity and resolution compared to parallel hole collimators. Noncircular orbits have also been introduced in order to improve resolution, but their use presents many problems which require careful monitoring. Transaxial multicrystal systems have been developed over many years, but have not been widely used, primarily because of their inherent complexity, high costs, and limited applicability. Some of these drawbacks may be overcome by a new type of SPECT camera currently under development by several different groups. This type of camera uses a single annular crystal, stationary, with parallel-type collimators rotating on the inside. Although suitable only for head imaging, multiple slices, may be acquired, with sensitivities many times that of a rotating gamma camera. This approach would appear to offer the greatest potential for major improvements in SPECT.
Formation of Na-Containing Molecular Ions at Io

Fast sodium atoms, which appear to be associated with the motion of the magnetic 'field lines' downstream from Io (Schneider et al. 1991), are thought to be produced by dissociation of NaX(+) in Io's plasma torus. It was suggested that these molecular ions are formed near Io's exobase by electron-impact ionization and picked up be the corotating filed lines (Wilson and Schneider 1994). Because electron cooling processes dominate electron-impact ionization in Io's corona, two reactions are suggested here as sources of NaX(+) and, hence, as the ultimate sources of the observed fast Na. First, the charge-exchange cross sections for forming NaX(+) are shown to be large for plasma torus ions (O(+), S(+), O(2+), S(3+)) colliding with NaX molecules in Io's corona. Sputtering from the surface (Chrisey et al. 1988) and rapid transport to the exobase is a potential source of NaX, where X is O,S, Na, or a molecular species such as NaS or O2. Second ions of the more abundant molecules (e.g., SO(+), SO2(+), O2(+), and S2(+)) can react efficiently with atomic Na in Io's corona to form NaX(+). Here cross sections are estimated for these two processes, as well as for charge exchange in O(+) and S(+) on Na collisions.
LOCALIZATION AND GLASSY DYNAMICS IN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

We discuss use of the generalized NK model to examine evolutionary dynamics within the immune system. We describe how randomness and diversity play key roles in the immune response and how their effects are captured by this hierarchical spin glass model. We discuss analytical aspects of the model as well as practical applications to design of the annual influenza vaccine. We discuss the subtle role that the glassy evolutionary dynamics plays in suppressing autoimmune disease.
1-Epiastraline, a new pyrrolizidine alkaloid from Castanospermum australe

Abstract A new pyrrolizidine alkaloid [ 6a ] has been isolated from the legume Castanospermum australe A. Cunn. (Leguminosae) and identified as (1 S , 2 R , 3 R , 7 S , 7a R )-3-hydroxymethyl-1,2,7-trihydroxypyrrolizidine on the basis of 1 H NMR nuclear Overhauser effects and other spectroscopic studies.
What Kind of Mother Am I? Impression Management and the Social Construction of Motherhood

Previous research has examined the use of others as props for impression management (e.g., presidents' use of first ladies), but has left many areas underexplored, including the role of nonadults as important associates. This article focuses on the unacknowledged role of children's appearances in the maintenance of identities and management of impressions for their mothers. Using both participant observation of a playgroup and interviews with mothers of young children, the research described here investigates what these mothers think about children's clothing, mothers' concerns about when—and with whom—to manage impressions, and the impressions these women hope they portray through the physical appearance of their children. In addition to providing insight about these phenomena, the article also discusses responses surrounding the importance of first impressions, differences in meanings attached to children's spoiled appearances, and the sacrifices made in motherhood. Results show that women do use well-dressed and groomed children to enact and confirm identities as “good mothers” and to protect and enhance their own self-concepts during the course of everyday social interaction.
uv Photoemission for Rare Gases Implanted in Ge

The first ultraviolet photoemission spectra of the valence electrons of rare-gas atoms, implanted by ion bombardment into an amorphous Ge matrix, are presented here. The positions of the peaks in the observed spectra are shifted relative to gas-phase spectra, consistent with a final-state screening-energy shift which varies inversely with the radius of the particular implant, as predicted by a linear-response relaxation model described herein.
The Dictionary of war quotations

The book comprises three sections: part 1 is made up of general comments on the nature of war; part 2, offers quotations about actual wars and battles; part 3 is about the personalities, the individual commanders,the heroes and the wrongdoers. There are indexes of authors cited and the proper names in the quotations. Justin Wintle's previous books include "The Dictionary of Biographical Quotations", "Makers of Modern Culture", "Makers of Nineteenth Century Culture".
Detection theorem for finite group schemes

Abstract In this paper we prove a general detection theorem for finite group schemes. This theorem generalizes both the classical detection theorem for finite groups of Quillen and Venkov and the detection theorem for infinitesimal group schemes proved previously in a joint paper of the author, Friedlander and Bendel.
Gallium-containing conducting metallopolymers which display chemically tunable reactivity for the growth of Ga2S3 semiconducting nanoparticles

Electropolymerization of novel gallium Schiff-base complexes results in conducting metallopolymers containing either coordinatively saturated or unsaturated gallium metal centers. Depending on the chemical coordination of the metal centers, the embedded metal ions can act as seed points for the direct growth of size-controlled gallium sulfide nanoparticles in a conducting polymer, yielding a hybrid electronic material.
Economic man vs. heterodox men: The concepts of human nature in schools of economic thought

Economic man, the man who acts on pure economic motives alone, is the concept of man at the heart of mainstream economics. Heterodox economists, while acknowledging that economic man has served usefully for some purposes, know in different ways that economic man is, because it leaves out too much of human nature, a deficient concept of man. They are uncomfortable at best with the idea of characterizing humans in such a reductionist way. This paper proposes to use the comprehensive view of human nature developed by Ken Wilber to point to the specific deficiencies of economic man. With Wilber's model of human development as the backdrop, it is possible to map the different schools of thought with respect to each other, showing how each of their overlapping conceptions of man include some important elements missing in economic man but fail to include other elements.
The interpretation of X-ray diffraction data for the determination of channel orientation in mesoporous films

Abstract The relationship between channel orientation in ordered hexagonal phase (plane group p6mm ) mesoporous silica films and observed diffraction data is analyzed using Ewald’s construction for both reflection geometry and transmission geometry X-ray diffraction. This analysis clarifies ambiguities in the interpretation of diffraction peak absences in patterns collected from a standard powder diffractometer. In particular, it is found that the absence of the 1 1 0 reflection in this geometry does not indicate that the channels of the hexagonal mesophase are oriented parallel to the substrate but indicates only that the mesophase is rotationally invariant about the sixfold axis with a fraction of the mesophase oriented such that the 1 0 0 face is parallel to the substrate. This does not exclude the possibility of co-existing orientations that are perpendicular or inclined to the substrate. A comparison between predicted diffraction patterns and experimental data is used to illustrate this possibility. As a result, the use of 2D transmission X-ray diffraction, grazing angle X-ray diffraction, or pole figure analysis is more appropriate to characterize the channel orientation in mesoporous films.
The effect of population growth on environmental quality

This paper summarizes research on the effect of population growth on environmental quality. Land transformations induced by the spatial expansion of agriculture are probably the major route by which population growth has affected features of the natural environment. These transformations are not automatic and their extent is influenced by social institutions. Intensification of agricultural land use is an alternative response with its own set of environmental implications. These are especially salient in the case of expanded irrigation. In contrast to relations in the agricultural sector, a new version of the conventional I = PAT equation is introduced to suggest that population growth is a minor influence on the extent of industrial pollution. Nevertheless, population policy may play a useful role in strategies to reduce industrial pollution.
Hydrides of intermetallic compounds

Aspects of the progress over the recent years on hydrides of intermetallic compounds are reviewed with emphasis on structure, stability, solid-state properties, catalysis, and kinetics. Some new routes to an understanding of hydride phenomenology are indicated. Generally speaking hydrides represent but one special aspect of intermetallic compounds. They are, however, unique as model systems for questions concerning the stability of intermetallics in general, as thermodynamic data become more readily available during synthesis than is the case with most other metallic systems. Stability criteria are exemplified on model systems chosen to represen instructive or extreme cases. Hydrides are, moreover, unique with respect to the unusual properties of hydrogen as a “metallic” component, especially concerning such characteristics as mass (light), size (ranging from average to exceedingly small as a proton) and electronegativity (relatively high and comparable to B). This promises a wealth of special solid-state properties concerning magnetism, electrical conductivity or superconductivity. Some selected examples in this direction are discussed with emphasis on questions pertaining to the electronic state and the stability of the hydrides. The kinetics of compound (hydride) formation are often extraordinarily fast around ambient conditions opening this facet of intermetallics to rigorous study. Also intriguing new catalytic activity has been identified with metal hydrides implicating in one way or another the special surface properties of metal hydrides. Finally, metal hydrides are gaining in importance with respect to technological applications within a projected hydrogen economy (H or heat storage, electrochemical cells, etc.). Many of the fundamental aspects of metal hybrides have therefore become of practical relevance.
Free-standing Notch Filter Image Masks for Coronagraphy

The Lyot coronagraph can achieve significant on-axis starlight suppression when equipped with a notch filter image mask. Notch filter masks are placed in the focal plane and have small intricate features. They must be manufactured using nanofabrication techniques, when designed for coronagraphs operating at visible or near infrared wavelengths. This process often involves depositing an opaque material onto a glass substrate whereby a pattern is then etched. The substrate however can be a source of internal reflections and chromatic aberrations that limit the coronagraph's dynamic range and broadband performance. We present theoretical and experimental work on a new series of image masks that do not require the support of a glass substrate. We show that by adding periodic bar structures of appropriate spacing, it may be possible to manufacture a Silicon binary notch filter mask that is “free-standing”.
Integration and differentiation to a variable fractional order

Interpretation and differentiation of functions to a variable order (d/dx)nf(x) is studied in two ways: 1) using the Riemann-Liouville definition, 2) using Fourier transforms. Some properties and the inversion formula are obtained.
Comments on "can Post Keynesians make better use of behavioral economics?"

The paper "Can Post Keynesians Make Better Use of Behavioral Economics?" argues that "there is scope for a successful engagement between behavioral economics and Post Keynesian economics if it is based on explicitly stated common ground defined in terms of methodology." That argument limits the ways Post Keynesians can engage with behavioral economics. I suggest that Post Keynesians should also engage with behavioral economics on a theoretical level and discuss some ways Post Keynesians have already done so.
Increased quinidine plasma concentrations during administration of verapamil: A new quinidine-verapamil interaction

Abstract A number of drug interactions that involve quinidine have been reported. 1 These include both pharmacokinetic interactions in which plasma concentrations of other drugs, most notably digoxin, are influenced by quinidine, and pharmacologic interactions. The latter is exemplified by a recent report of marked hypotension when intravenous verapamil was given to patients receiving oral quinidine preparations. 2 This hypotension was presumably due to α-adrenergic blockade and the peripheral vasodilatation was a result of both quinidine and verapamil. We report a patient with cyanotic congenital heart disease and atrial flutter with 1:1 atrioventricular conduction who had a previously unreported quinidine-verapamil pharmacokinetic interaction.
Review of lightning performance study on dissipation devices

The traditional Franklin Rod is an inexpensive and efficient method of lightning protection whereas the non-traditional or non-conventional lightning protection devices are expensive and claim to offer better protection compared to Franklin Rod. Many researchers have done substantial amount of work to evaluate the performance of non-conventional lightning protection devices. Lack of systematic study and nonavailability of sufficient field data makes it difficult to compare the non-conventional lightning protection devices with the conventional ones. The present paper discusses about previous research work done to evaluate the effectiveness of Charge Transfer System, one of the non-conventional lightning protection device which claims to eliminate lightning.
Safety implication for an unsaturated zone nuclear waste repository

In this paper we shed some light on the safety of unsaturated zone nuclear geological repositories in the long run by examining the effect of physical and chemical processes that take place inside a partially failed nuclear waste container. Our analysis addresses the safety of the proposed nuclear repository at Yucca Mountain, which is intended to store high-level nuclear waste. Our study is independent of the US Department of Energy (DOE) analysis, which involves a number of complex computer codes and assumptions, and relies on the performance of an engineered barrier system. Our safety analysis could be applied in general to any geological repository designed to be in an unsaturated zone, since it is based on the geology, unsaturated zone location, and a key characteristic of the waste, heat production. This analysis shows that the radionuclide release from a partially failed waste container, stored in an unsaturated zone geological repository, is likely to be gradual and long delayed.
Comparative innovative business strategies of major players in cosmetic industry

Purpose – The cosmetic industry is a very lucrative, innovative, and fast paced industry where product innovation is the key to success. The purpose of this paper is to present a detailed analytical (qualitative) study of cosmetic industry in the global marketplace with a focus on the four market leaders in this industry relative to their business and innovation strategies.Design/methodology/approach – Business analyses include Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT), Porter's value chain and five forces, and financial applied to the four industry leaders.Findings – Each of these cosmetic companies is unique. They each offer something different to the industry; selling method, marketing strategy, product line, and distribution channel.Practical implications – The industry trends indicate that the future of cosmetics may move towards more joint ventures between drug companies, cosmetic companies and nutritional/food companies as cosmetic companies look for new ways to be innovative.Original...
An improved gap for station apparatus

An improved voltage limiting gap for protecting electric power station apparatus has been developed, the breakdown characteristics of which may be varied over a wide range so as to conform to the characteristics of the station insulation. For the best protection, a lightning arrester in parallel with the gap is recommended.
Report on the Photovoltaic R&D Program in Hawaii

Photovoltaic systems provide one of the best options to generate energy in Hawaii, a state that is more than 90 percent dependent on imported oil for its energy supply. Hawaii's excellent year-round insolation rates will contribute to the success of solar energy projects. The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute's program to accelerate utilization of PV power in Hawaii has thus far consisted of a continuation of a 50-year data base of solar insolation; an experimental program with grid-connected residential PV systems; and public information dissemination on PV technology and performance. HNEI is now developing a program that includes: (1) compiling a solar data base that includes a full solar resource assessment, with spectral analysis and measurement of direct insolation, (2) tests of various PV devices relative to insolation; (3) test and evaluation of contemporary PV powered systems (e.g. water pumping, refrigeration, communication and stand-alone residential applications) under various tropical island conditions; and (4) a technology transfer effort aimed at Hawaii and other Pacific Basin islands, including cost-benefit and market analyses.
The changing pattern of interracial marriage.

Abstract Recent studies have demonstrated an increased occurrence of interracial marriages in the United States, indicating important shifts in intergroup relations. The effectiveness of traditional theoretical approaches in explaining who marries whom, however, remains problematic. Recently, exchange explanations (which have typically assumed that the black partner in the union exchanges educational and economic accomplishments for the higher “status” of the white spouse) have been replaced by progressive theories emphasizing a trend away from ascriptive and toward achievement norms. We extend this approach by predicting an economic and educational gap between spouses in interracial marriages when compared with racially homogamous marriages. Using the 1980 and 1990 Public Use Microdata Sample, we find continuing evidence that racial barriers in mate selection are weakening. Further, people who intermarry, regardless of race or gender, tend to have higher educational and economic status than those in homo...
62 Hereditary Splenic Hypoplasia

The one boy and two of three girls in a consanguineous kindred have exhibited undue susceptibility to invasive infections with Hemophilus influenzae and pneumococci. One of the affected siblings died of overwhelming H. influenzae type B sepsis and was found at autopsy to have a minute spleen. No other anatomic abnormalities were present. The two affected live siblings were each shown to have no demonstrable splenic tissue by scintillation scanning of the abdomen following intravenous injection of colloidal Au198. Normal splenic tissue was demonstrable in both parents by this tecnique. Examination of the peripheral blood of affected offspring revealed the presence of Heinz and Howell-Jolly bodies. The antibody response to subcutaneous injection of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and typhoid bacilli was normal. Their red cell survival and response to intravenous particulate antigens are under investigation and the results will be reported. (SPR)
Oat (Avena sativa) caryopses as a natural lipase bioreactor

The caryopses of oats, when moistened and immersed in oils, constitute a natural lipase bioreactor. Hydrolysis was monitored by titration of the free fatty acids in the oil phase and by thin-layer chromatography. The optimum amount of additional water was about 20% of the weight of the caryopses, and the optimum temperature was about 40°C. The reaction was accelerated by gentle agitation, by reducing the viscosity of the oil phase by the addition of nonpolar solvents, and by increasing the amount of lipase on the caryopses. The reaction was inhibited by the accumulation of glycerol in the interior of the caryopses and free fatty acids in the oil phase. The lipase hydrolzyed all three positions of glycerol and there was little accumulation of mono- or diglyceride in the lipid phase. The time necessary to obtain 90% hydrolysis varied for a few days to several weeks. Greater degrees of hydrolysis could be obtained by replacing the caryopses when they became inhibited or by diluting the oil phase with hexane. The glycerol that was released could be recovered by extracting the caryopses with water. The moist oat bioreactor also was capable of catalyzing transesterification and interesterification reactions.
Generation dynamics in computer-integrated manufacturing systems

Abstract The application of generation dynamics, a methodology for technological forecasting, is widespread in computer-integrated manufacturing systems (CIMS). Experts' opinions about the past and future generations of technology are summarized for computer hardware, computer software, industrial robots, computer vision, computer-aided process planning, and the entire automated factory. The concept of generation dynamics has also been applied to products to be produced by CIMS and to the industrial environment of CIMS. Although experts in the same area do not completely agree with one another, their acceptance of experts' opinions on generation dynamics in other areas to be integrated by CIMS helps the forecasts to be mutually reinforcing and self-fulfilling. On the other hand, such relatively unquestioned acceptance, if and when experts' opinions in other areas become outdated, leads to assumption drag in forecasting.
Vascular hamartoma in the tongue of a horse

Abstract Hamartoma is defined as a benign tumor-like nodule composed of an overgrowth of mature cells and tissues that normally occur in the affected part but with disorganization. Vascular hamartomas are defined as disorganized and excessive proliferations of vascular tissue. Most vascular hamartomas are present at birth or during early infancy and are considered developmental lesions rather than true neoplasms. Vascular hamartomas are rarely described in horses, and reports have been limited to the dorsal carpal region, the ovary, and the face. In this report, we describe a vascular hamartoma arising from the tongue of a 2-year-old Quarter Horse.
Constructing atomic-resolution RNA structural ensembles using MD and motionally decoupled NMR RDCs.

A broad structural landscape often needs to be characterized in order to fully understand how regulatory RNAs perform their biological functions at the atomic level. We present a protocol for visualizing thermally accessible RNA conformations at atomic-resolution and with timescales extending up to milliseconds. The protocol combines molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with experimental residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) measured in partially aligned 13C/15N isotopically enriched elongated RNA samples. The structural ensembles generated in this manner provide insights into RNA dynamics and its role in functionally important transitions.
ICU nursing connectivity and the quality of care in an academic medical center: a network analysis

A collaborative nurse work environment is associated with ICU quality, yet collaborative interaction is difficult to measure. Network analysis may be an innovative tool to measure interactions. We sought to determine the feasibility of network analysis to measure ICU nurse connectivity and test whether key network measures were associated with the ICU quality of care.
Temporary negative ion formation in NO and O2

Abstract Electrons elastically scattered at an angle of 180° are measured in NO and O2 at incident energies below 2 eV. Structure in the energy dependence of the backscattered current is interpreted in terms of shape resonances. Evidence for a second state of NO−, presumably NO−(1Δ), is found. The results in O2 are in agreement with previous studies.
The Parolee's Dilemma: Effect of Interpersonal Attraction on Recommendations for Parole

In a study of the contaminating effects of interpersonal attraction on decision-making 104 undergraduate males made parole recommendations for fictitious convicts. Two levels of four factors (severity of crime committed, rehabilitation officer's recommendation for parole, interpersonal attraction, and subject's authoritarianism) were employed in a factorial design. Results of multivariate analysis of variance indicated that severity of crime committed, officer's recommendation, and subject's authoritarianism directly affected the parole recommendations made by the subjects. Also significant was a three-way interaction (severity × recommendation × authoritarianism). Contrary to previous findings, interpersonal attraction induced through differing levels of proportion of similar attitudes did not have a significant effect on recommendations for parole.