The time‐dependent Erlang loss model with retrials

We consider a generalization of the classical Erlang loss model with both retrials of blocked calls and a time‐dependent arrival rate. We make exponential‐distribution assumptions so that the number of calls in progress and the number of calls in retry mode form a nonstationary, two‐dimensional, continuous‐time Markov chain. We then approximate the behavior of this Markov chain by two coupled nonstationary, one‐dimensional Markov chains, which we solve numerically. We also develop an efficient method for simulating the two‐dimensional Markov chain based on performing many replications within a single run. Finally, we evaluate the approximation by comparing it to the simulation. Numerical experience indicates that the approximation does very well in predicting the time‐dependent mean number of calls in progress and the times of peak blocking. The approximation of the time‐dependent blocking probability also is sufficiently accurate to predict the number of lines needed to satisfy blocking probability requirements. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Note on Furchtgott's "Behavioral effects of ionizing radiations: 1955-61."

Extremely low doses of ionizing radiation operate as complex stimuli with both cue and aversive properties. Recent studies have demonstrated that effects can be obtained with total doses of less than 1 roentgen. This fact may explain some of the controversies concerning radiosensitivity of mammals and the conflicting results obtained in behavioral and electroencephalographic tests for effects of radiation exposure recently reviewed in this journal. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Replication studies: A neglected aspect of psychological research.

A survey of the literature on replication and cross-validation research has revealed that psychologists have tended to ignore replication research. A review of the functions of and deterrents to replication studies is presented. Consideration of the factors influencing replication research suggests that the experimental method, as adopted from physics and chemistry, is invalid for investigating human behavior. (31 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Calculation of performance of fire retardant ceiling systems— Part I

A set of equations describes the thermal behavior of a composite system consisting of a noncombustible ceiling board suspended below a concrete slab floor. In Part II, to be published later, the equations are tested by applying them to predict the fire-retardant performance of practical systems. Armstrong Cork Company     

Lateral, Ge, nanowire growth on SiO2

Vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) nanowires (NWs) typically grow in [111] directions. Previously, the authors have demonstrated guided Si NW growth, engineering the VLS NWs to grow in a [110] direction against a SiO(2) surface. In this work, the authors demonstrate guided high-quality Ge nanowire growth against a SiO(2) surface in the substrate plane to bridge between two Si mesas. The authors explore the interfaces between a Ge NW and the two Si device-layer mesas and report high-quality, epitaxial interfaces between the Ge NW and both Si mesas.     

Plexciton dynamics: exciton-plasmon coupling in a J-aggregate-Au nanoshell complex provides a mechanism for nonlinearity

Coherently coupled plasmons and excitons give rise to new optical excitations--plexcitons--due to the strong coupling of these two oscillator systems. Time-resolved studies of J-aggregate-Au nanoshell complexes when the nanoshell plasmon and J-aggregate exciton energies are degenerate probe the dynamical behavior of this coupled system. Transient absorption of the interacting plasmon-exciton system is observed, in dramatic contrast to the photoinduced transmission of the pristine J-aggregate. An additional, transient Fano-shaped modulation within the Fano dip is also observable. The behavior of the J-aggregate-Au nanoshell complex is described by a combined one-exciton and two-exciton state model coupled to the nanoshell plasmon.     

Effect of partial discharges on thermal breakdown of oil‐impregnated paper

In this paper, we investigate the effect of partial discharges (PDs) on the thermal breakdown voltage of oil‐impregnated paper (OIP). A disk‐shaped cavity in a stack of paper sheets formed the PD source. The paper sample was exposed to PDs for 18 h. Dielectric spectroscopy measurements were performed on the samples before and after exposure to PD activity. The dielectric spectroscopy results showed a big change in the real and imaginary part of the permittivity. These results were used to calculate the activation energy and heat losses inside the insulation. In order to investigate the possibility of thermal breakdown in the system, the OIP system was simulated by using the FEM software COMSOL Multiphysics. The heat produced by PD pulses and dielectric losses was considered in the simulation. The results show that for the OIP insulation, PD activity can reduce the thermal breakdown voltage by a factor up to 4 times. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A large-area,all-plastic,flexible electroosmotic pump

A large-area, fabric-like pump would potentially have applications, for example, in controlling water transport through a garment, such as a rain jacket, regardless of the external temperature and humidity. This paper presents an all-plastic, flexible electroosmotic pump, constructed from commercially available materials: A polycarbonate membrane combined with the electrochemically active polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate that actively transports water using an electric potential that can be supplied by a small battery. By using electrochemically active polymer electrodes instead of metal electrodes, the electrochemical reaction that drives flow avoids the oxygen and hydrogen gas production or pH changes associated with water electrolysis. We observe a water mass flux up to 23 mg min^?1 per cm² polycarbonate membrane (porosity 10–15%), at an applied potential of 5 V, and a limiting operating pressure of 0.3 kPa V^?1, similar to previously reported membrane-based electroosmotic pumps.