Variability on the Propagation of a Plane Wave Using Stochastic Collocation Methods in a Bio Electromagnetic Application

In this letter, the uncertainties on the angles of propagation of a plane wave in a bio electromagnetic application are studied using two non intrusive stochastic collocation methods. The proposed techniques are used in this application, which employs a finite-difference time-domain scheme, but they can be used when applying other kinds of methods without modifying programs. The results obtained using the two approaches are compared. The stochastic collocation methods are used to determine the influence of the uncertainty on the angle of propagation of a plane wave on the obtained specific absorption rate. Global sensitivity is analyzed.     

Tensile, Solubility, and Electrophoretic Properties of Egg White Films as Affected by Surface Sulfhydryl Groups

Films plasticized with polyethylene glycol were cast from alkaline (pH 10.5, 11.0, or 11.5), aqueous egg white (EW) solutions with or without heating (40°C for 30 min). Prior to casting, concentration of surface sulfhydryl (SH) groups was determined and they increased (P < 0.05) (3.81–19.45 μM/g protein) with both pH and heating, presumably due to protein denaturation and cleavage of disulfide (S-S) bonds. Concentration of surface SH groups correlated (P < 0.05) with film tensile strength (r = 0.70), elongation at break (r = 0.86), and film total soluble matter (r =−0.94). Most likely, surface SH groups formed S-S bonds through air oxidation and/or sulfhydryl/disulfide interchange, thus contributing to EW film formation. SDS-PAGE patterns in presence or absence of 2-mercaptoethanol confirmed occurrence of S-S bonding in dried EW films.     

PHYSIOLOGICAL TESTING OF CARBON NANOTUBES: ARE THEY ASBESTOS-LIKE?

To determine whether carbon nanotubes can induce any significant health hazards we applied methods routinely used in the pathophysiological testing of asbestos-induced disease to show that the soot with a high content of CNTs does not induce any abnormalities of pulmonary function or measurable inflammation in guinea pigs treated with carbon nanotubes.     

Differences in values between short-term and long-term therapists.

We empirically examined S. H. Budman and A. S. Gurman's (see record 1984-04498-001) theoretical proposals concerning major differences in the value systems of long- vs. short-term therapists. Ss were 222 randomly selected licensed psychologists who indicated their preferred approach (short-term or long-term). Values were assessed with a scale designed for the study. Overall, results indicate that therapists who prefer a short-term approach are more likely to endorse the proposed values of the short-term therapist than are therapists who prefer a long-term approach. This finding held even after the authors controlled for the significant contributions of theoretical orientation and therapeutic practice variables. Specifically, short-term (vs. long-term) therapists believed more that psychological change could occur outside of therapy and that setting time limits would intensify the therapeutic work. Implications for the practice of brief therapy are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Brief therapy prevalence and training: A national survey of psychologists.

Psychologists find themselves ill-prepared to meet the increasing demand for briefer and briefer therapies. Members of APA Divisions 12 (Clinical Psychology) and 29 (Psychotherapy) were surveyed (N?=?1,250; return rate?=?57%) regarding their practice of and training in brief therapy. Results indicate that almost all (89%) of the respondents perform some brief therapy and, on average, spend half their time doing it. With regard to training, however, half of those conducting brief therapy have never taken any brief therapy courses. Additional findings indicate theoretical orientation, gender, region, practice site, and setting are significantly related to the amount of brief therapy delivered. Overall, the amount and helpfulness of brief therapy training are significantly related to one's skill, satisfaction, and positive attitude toward brief therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ultrastructure of the intercalated body,a novel organelle associated with fluid forming cells in the organ of Corti

The intercalated body is a newly discovered organelle in the inner and outer spiral sulcus cells of the mouse organ of Corti. The organelle was found in the cochleas of 14-day and older intact mice and in organs in culture of corresponding ages. The organelle consists of a stack of interconnected cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum and of membrane bound rodlets that are intercalated between, and run parallel to, the cisternae. The cisternal membranes are predominantly smooth, but some may display ribosomes. Most rodlets are from 1 to 2 μm long, about 0.1 μm wide, and contain electron dense material. Mitochondria are commonly associated with or incorporated into the organelle. Some electron micrographs suggest that the rodlets may originate from modified mitochondria. It is our impression that the formation of the organelle begins with the apposition of cisternae and mitochondria. Cisternal-associated mitochondria appear to constrict, elongate, and lose their inner membranes. In both the intact animal and in culture, the cells of the inner and outer spiral sulci display microvilli, apical junctional complexes, lateral intercellular spaces containing interdigitating cell processes, and appear to be involved in fluid formation. Moreover, in culture, the cells of inner and outer spiral sulci as well as some cells proliferating in the outgrowth zone participate in fluid formation, producing large fluid pockets. All these cells commonly contain intercalated bodies. It is possible that in the intact animal, as in culture, intercalated bodies may play a role in fluid regulation in the immediate vicinity of the hair cells.     

Bridging the Gap between Academics and Practice: A Capstone Design Experience

As part of graduation requirements, the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison requires a minimum of one three credits course in a capstone design experience. The main objective of this course is to allow students the opportunity of undertaking and completing an open-ended design project. Supervision of the projects is performed by practicing engineers and department faculty. The course is a practice oriented design class that integrates several civil engineering areas. Special emphasis is placed on integrating constructability concepts with structural engineering, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and other project details. Student groups not only complete project designs, but also perform feasibility studies, value engineering, and prepare a construction schedule and cost estimate based on the designs they have generated. The objective of this paper is to describe the senior level capstone design experience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.     

Analysis of regioisomers of triacylglycerols of northern currant seed oil by tandem mass spectrometry

Currant oils have special health properties due to their moderate contents of α‐linolenic, γ‐linolenic and stearidonic acids. The distribution of fatty acids (FA) in the triacylglycerols (TAG) may affect the beneficial effects. Seed oils of wild northern red currant (NRC) (Ribes spicatum L.) from Northern Finland and of wild alpine currant (AC) (R. alpinum L.) from the South‐West coast of Finland were investigated. The purified TAG were analysed by tandem mass spectrometry by applying the ammonia negative ion chemical ionisation – collision‐induced dissociation method. Molecular weight fractions rich in C18:3 FA and C18:4 FA were investigated. Of the total oil, the molecular weight species 54:7 (ACN:DB), 54:8 and 54:9 were more abundant in NRC than in AC, being 21.0%, 15.8%, 7.4% and 16.2%, 11.2%, 4.8%, respectively (p <0.05). The species 52:6 was more abundant in AC (3.1%) than in NRC (2.6%) (p <0.05). The preferential order of FA to be in the sn‐2 position in both berries was typically C18:1 > C18:2 > C18:4 > C18:3. No difference was observed between relative locations of C16:0 FA and C18:3 FA in either of the oils. Within the TAG consisting of FA combinations C18:3/C18:3/C18:1 (54:7), C18:1 was more preferentially in the sn‐2 position (p <0.05) in AC (93.2%) than in NRC (74.6%), and in the case of C18:3, the preference was vice versa. Within the molecular weight species 54:9, FA combination C18:4/C18:3/C18:2, linoleic acid preferentially occupied the secondary position (p <0.005) in both berries, and the proportion of the TAG regioisomer pair sn‐C18:3‐C18:4‐C18:2 + sn‐C18:2‐C18:4‐C18:3 was more abundant (30.2%) in NRC than in AC (15.3%). Within the TAG species 52:6, proportions of all the existing combinations, C16:0/C18:3/C18:3, C16:0/C18:4/C18:2 and C16:1/C18:3/C18:2, varied between the two berry species (p <0.005).