Showing papers by "Washington State University published in 2011"

Multiphase Flows with Droplets and Particles

Abstract: Introduction Industrial Applications Energy Conversion and Propulsion Fire Suppression and Control Summary Properties of Dispersed Phase Flows Concept of a Continuum Density and Volume Fraction Particle or Droplet Spacing Response Times Stokes Number Dilute versus Dense Flows Phase Coupling Properties of an Equilibrium Mixture Summary Exercises Size Distribution Discrete Size Distributions Continuous Size Distributions Statistical Parameters Frequently Used Size Distributions Summary Exercises Particle-Fluid Interaction Single-Particle Equations Mass Coupling Linearmomentumcoupling Energy Coupling Summary Exercises Particle-Particle Interaction Particle-Particle Interaction Particle-Wall Interaction Summary Exercises Continuous Phase Equations Averaging Procedures Volume Averaging Property Flux Through a Particle Cloud Volume-Averaged Conservation Equations Equation Summary Summary Exercises Turbulence Review of Turbulence in Single-Phase Flow Turbulence Modulation by Particles Review of Modulation Models Basic Test Case for Turbulence Models Volume-Averaged Turbulence Models Application to Experimental Results Summary Exercises Droplet-Particle Cloud Equations Discrete Element Method (DEM) Discrete Parcel Method (DPM) Two-Fluid Model PDF Models Summary Numerical Modeling Complete Numerical Simulation DNS Models LES Models VANS Numerical Models Summary Experimental Methods Sampling Integral Methods Local Measurement Techniques Summary Exercises Appendix A: Single-Particle Equations Appendix B: Volume Averaging Appendix C: Volume-Averaged Equations Appendix D: Turbulence Equations 425 Appendix E: Brownian Motion References Nomenclature Index

Vibration-based Damage Identification Methods: A Review and Comparative Study:

Abstract: A comprehensive review on modal parameter-based damage identification methods for beam- or plate-type structures is presented, and the damage identification algorithms in terms of signal processing...

A review of strain analysis using electron backscatter diffraction.

Abstract: Since the automation of the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique, EBSD systems have become commonplace in microscopy facilities within materials science and geology research laboratories around the world. The acceptance of the technique is primarily due to the capability of EBSD to aid the research scientist in understanding the crystallographic aspects of microstructure. There has been considerable interest in using EBSD to quantify strain at the submicron scale. To apply EBSD to the characterization of strain, it is important to understand what is practically possible and the underlying assumptions and limitations. This work reviews the current state of technology in terms of strain analysis using EBSD. First, the effects of both elastic and plastic strain on individual EBSD patterns will be considered. Second, the use of EBSD maps for characterizing plastic strain will be explored. Both the potential of the technique and its limitations will be discussed along with the sensitivity of various calculation and mapping parameters.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis: International Consensus Criteria

Abstract: 12 FatigueConsultationClinic,SaltLake RegionalMedicalCenter; 13 InternalMedicine,FamilyPractice,UniversityofUtah,SaltLakeCity,UT,USA; 14 ME ⁄CFSCenter,OsloUniversity HospitalHF,Norway; 15 DepartmentofPaediatrics,StateUniversityofNewYork,Buffalo,NY,USA; 16 Independent,Pavia,Italy; 17 Harbor-UCLA MedicalCenter,UniversityofCalifornia,LosAngeles,CA; 18 EVMedResearch,Lomita,CA,USA; 19 UniversityofLimerick,Limerick,Ireland; 20 Pain Clinic,KonyangUniversityHospital,Daejeon,Korea; 21 DonvaleSpecialistMedicalCentre,Donvale,Victoria,Australia; 22 Departmentsof Anesthesiology,NeurobiologyandAnatomy,UniversityofUtah,SaltLakeCity,UT,USA; 23 DepartmentofMedicinaNuclear,ClinicaLasCondes, Santiago,Chile; 24 WhittemorePetersonInstitute,UniversityofNevada,Reno,NV,USA; 25 MiwaNaikaClinic,Toyama,Japan; 26 A.Kirchenstein InstituteofMicrobiologyandVirology,RigaStradinsUniversity,Riga,Latvia; 27 DepartmentofBiochemistryBand 28 DepartmentofSportsSciences,UniversityofthePacific,Stockton,CAUSA

A gravitational wave observatory operating beyond the quantum shot-noise limit

Abstract: Around the globe several observatories are seeking the first direct detection of gravitational waves (GWs). These waves are predicted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity1 and are generated, for example, by black-hole binary systems2. Present GW detectors are Michelson-type kilometre-scale laser interferometers measuring the distance changes between mirrors suspended in vacuum. The sensitivity of these detectors at frequencies above several hundred hertz is limited by the vacuum (zero-point) fluctuations of the electromagnetic field. A quantum technology—the injection of squeezed light3—offers a solution to this problem. Here we demonstrate the squeezed-light enhancement of GEO 600, which will be the GW observatory operated by the LIGO Scientific Collaboration in its search for GWs for the next 3–4 years. GEO 600 now operates with its best ever sensitivity, which proves the usefulness of quantum entanglement and the qualification of squeezed light as a key technology for future GW astronomy4.

Creation of the WATCH Forcing Data and Its Use to Assess Global and Regional Reference Crop Evaporation over Land during the Twentieth Century

Abstract: The Water and Global Change (WATCH) project evaluation of the terrestrial water cycle involves using land surface models and general hydrological models to assess hydrologically important variables including evaporation, soil moisture, and runoff. Such models require meteorological forcing data, and this paper describes the creation of the WATCH Forcing Data for 1958–2001 based on the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) and for 1901–57 based on reordered reanalysis data. It also discusses and analyses model-independent estimates of reference crop evaporation. Global average annual cumulative reference crop evaporation was selected as a widely adopted measure of potential evapotranspiration. It exhibits no significant trend from 1979 to 2001 although there are significant long-term increases in global average vapor pressure deficit and concurrent significant decreases in global average net radiation and wind speed. The near-constant global average of annual reference crop evaporation in the late twentieth century masks significant decreases in some regions (e.g., the Murray–Darling basin) with significant increases in others.

The forgotten stage of forest succession: early-successional ecosystems on forest sites

Abstract: Early-successional forest ecosystems that develop after stand-replacing or partial disturbances are diverse in species, processes, and structure. Post-disturbance ecosystems are also often rich in biological legacies, including surviving organisms and organically derived structures, such as woody debris. These legacies and post-disturbance plant communities provide resources that attract and sustain high species diversity, including numerous early-successional obligates, such as certain woodpeckers and arthropods. Early succession is the only period when tree canopies do not dominate the forest site, and so this stage can be characterized by high productivity of plant species (including herbs and shrubs), complex food webs, large nutrient fluxes, and high structural and spatial complexity. Different disturbances contrast markedly in terms of biological legacies, and this will influence the resultant physical and biological conditions, thus affecting successional pathways. Management activities, such as post-disturbance logging and dense tree planting, can reduce the richness within and the duration of early-successional ecosystems. Where maintenance of biodiversity is an objective, the importance and value of these natural early-successional ecosystems are underappreciated.

Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae): Invasive Pest of Ripening Soft Fruit Expanding its Geographic Range and Damage Potential

Abstract: Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, a native of eastern and southeastern Asia, is a pest of small and stone fruits. First detected in California in 2008, the insect is now found across the Pacific Coast states. Its penchant for attacking healthy, ripening fruit (as opposed to overripe and rotting fruit favored by other so-called “vinegar flies”) makes it a potential economic threat to a host of soft- and thin-skinned fruit crops including cherry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, strawberry, peach, plums, pluots, nectarines, juice grape, table grape, and wine grape. Coordinated research projects to determine host preference, seasonal phenology, biology, and management options are taking place among entomologists in Washington, Oregon, and California. A description of the pest and initial findings on its biology, life history, known and expected geographic range, management and monitoring techniques, and economic considerations are presented and discussed.

Sensitivity studies for third-generation gravitational wave observatories

Abstract: Advanced gravitational wave detectors, currently under construction, are expected to directly observe gravitational wave signals of astrophysical origin. The Einstein Telescope (ET), a third-generation gravitational wave detector, has been proposed in order to fully open up the emerging field of gravitational wave astronomy. In this paper we describe sensitivity models for ET and investigate potential limits imposed by fundamental noise sources. A special focus is set on evaluating the frequency band below 10 Hz where a complex mixture of seismic, gravity gradient, suspension thermal and radiation pressure noise dominates. We develop the most accurate sensitivity model, referred to as ET-D, for a third-generation detector so far, including the most relevant fundamental noise contributions.

Research progress in toughening modification of poly(lactic acid)

Abstract: Renewable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) exhibits high strength and stiffness PLA is fully biodegradable and has received great interest However, the inherent brittleness of PLA largely impedes its wide applications In this article, the recent progress in PLA toughening using various routes including plasticization, copolymerization, and melt blending with flexible polymers, was reviewed in detail PLA toughening, particularly modification of impact toughness through melt blending, was emphasized in this review Reactive blending was shown to be especially effective in achieving high impact strength The relationship between composition, morphology, and mechanical properties were summarized Toughening mechanisms were also discussed © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011

Characterization of the Diversity and Temporal Stability of Bacterial Communities in Human Milk

Abstract: Recent investigations have demonstrated that human milk contains a variety of bacterial genera; however, as of yet very little work has been done to characterize the full diversity of these milk bacterial communities and their relative stability over time. To more thoroughly investigate the human milk microbiome, we utilized microbial identification techniques based on pyrosequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Specifically, we characterized the bacterial communities present in milk samples collected from 16 women at three time-points over four weeks. Results indicated that milk bacterial communities were generally complex; several genera represented greater than 5% of the relative community abundance, and the community was often, yet not always, stable over time within an individual. These results support the conclusion that human milk, which is recommended as the optimal nutrition source for almost all healthy infants, contains a collection of bacteria more diverse than previously reported. This finding begs the question as to what role this community plays in colonization of the infant gastrointestinal tract and maintaining mammary health.

Trust in a specific technology: An investigation of its components and measures

Abstract: Trust plays an important role in many Information Systems (IS)-enabled situations. Most IS research employs trust as a measure of interpersonal or person-to-firm relations, such as trust in a Web vendor or a virtual team member. Although trust in other people is important, this article suggests that trust in the Information Technology (IT) itself also plays a role in shaping IT-related beliefs and behavior. To advance trust and technology research, this article presents a set of trust in technology construct definitions and measures. We also empirically examine these construct measures using tests of convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity. This study contributes to the literature by providing: (a) a framework that differentiates trust in technology from trust in people, (b) a theory-based set of definitions necessary for investigating different kinds of trust in technology, and (c) validated trust in technology measures useful to research and practice.

Child health, developmental plasticity, and epigenetic programming.

Abstract: Plasticity in developmental programming has evolved in order to provide the best chances of survival and reproductive success to the organism under changing environments. Environmental conditions that are experienced in early life can profoundly influence human biology and long-term health. Developmental origins of health and disease and life-history transitions are purported to use placental, nutritional, and endocrine cues for setting long-term biological, mental, and behavioral strategies in response to local ecological and/or social conditions. The window of developmental plasticity extends from preconception to early childhood and involves epigenetic responses to environmental changes, which exert their effects during life-history phase transitions. These epigenetic responses influence development, cell- and tissue-specific gene expression, and sexual dimorphism, and, in exceptional cases, could be transmitted transgenerationally. Translational epigenetic research in child health is a reiterative process that ranges from research in the basic sciences, preclinical research, and pediatric clinical research. Identifying the epigenetic consequences of fetal programming creates potential applications in clinical practice: the development of epigenetic biomarkers for early diagnosis of disease, the ability to identify susceptible individuals at risk for adult diseases, and the development of novel preventive and curative measures that are based on diet and/or novel epigenetic drugs.

Capture and Visualization of Hydrogen Sulfide by a Fluorescent Probe

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been known as a toxic pollutant for years. However, this molecule has been recently recognized as the third gaseous transmitter (the other two are nitric oxide and carbon monoxide).[1–3] The production of H2S in mammalian systems has been attributed to at least three endogenous enzymes:[4–7] cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfur-transferase (MPST). These enzymes use cysteine or cysteine derivatives as substrates and convert them into H2S within different organs and tissues. In addition to these enzymatic pathways, there are also a range of comparably simple chemical events which may liberate H2S from the intracellular pool of `labile' sulfur, for instance from the `sulfane sulfur' pool (compounds containing sulfur atoms bound only to other sulfur atoms).[8] The production of endogenous H2S and exogenous administration of H2S have been demonstrated to exert protective effects in many pathologies. For example, H2S has been shown to relax vascular smooth muscle, induce vasodilation of isolated blood vessels, and reduce blood pressure. H2S can also inhibit leukocyte adherence in mesenteric microcirculation during vascular inflammation in rats, suggesting H2S is a potent anti-inflammatory molecule. Additionally, it has become evident that H2S is a potent antioxidant and, under chronic conditions, can up-regulate antioxidant defense. Despite the rising interest in H2S research, fundamental questions regarding regulation of its production, its mechanism of action, and its destruction remain. A critical debate in the field involves the biologically relevant levels of H2S as current reports varying over 105-fold concentration range.[9–12] Obviously, accurate and reliable measurement of H2S concentrations in biological samples is needed and can provide useful information to understand the function of H2S. Currently the major methods for H2S detection are colorimetric and electrochemical assays, gas chromatography, and sulfide precipitation.[12–16] These methods often require complicate sample processing. Given the high reactivity of H2S, these methods can yield variable results.[9–12] Fluorescence based assays could be useful in this field due to the high sensitivity and convenience. However, fluorescence method for H2S detection, especially for real-time detection in biological samples, is still very limited so far.[17–19] Here, we report a reaction-based fluorescent turn-on strategy for the detection of H2S.

Measuring bias in self-reported data.

Abstract: Response bias shows up in many fields of behavioural and healthcare research where self-reported data are used. We demonstrate how to use stochastic frontier estimation (SFE) to identify response bias and its covariates. In our application to a family intervention, we examine the effects of participant demographics on response bias before and after participation; gender and race/ethnicity are related to magnitude of bias and to changes in bias across time, and bias is lower at post-test than at pre-test. We discuss how SFE may be used to address the problem of ‘response shift bias’ – that is, a shift in metric from before to after an intervention which is caused by the intervention itself and may lead to underestimates of programme effects.

DMRT1 prevents female reprogramming in the postnatal mammalian testis

Abstract: Sex in mammals is determined in the fetal gonad by the presence or absence of the Y chromosome gene Sry, which controls whether bipotential precursor cells differentiate into testicular Sertoli cells or ovarian granulosa cells. This pivotal decision in a single gonadal cell type ultimately controls sexual differentiation throughout the body. Sex determination can be viewed as a battle for primacy in the fetal gonad between a male regulatory gene network in which Sry activates Sox9 and a female network involving WNT/β-catenin signalling. In females the primary sex-determining decision is not final: loss of the FOXL2 transcription factor in adult granulosa cells can reprogram granulosa cells into Sertoli cells. Here we show that sexual fate is also surprisingly labile in the testis: loss of the DMRT1 transcription factor in mouse Sertoli cells, even in adults, activates Foxl2 and reprograms Sertoli cells into granulosa cells. In this environment, theca cells form, oestrogen is produced and germ cells appear feminized. Thus Dmrt1 is essential to maintain mammalian testis determination, and competing regulatory networks maintain gonadal sex long after the fetal choice between male and female. Dmrt1 and Foxl2 are conserved throughout vertebrates and Dmrt1-related sexual regulators are conserved throughout metazoans. Antagonism between Dmrt1 and Foxl2 for control of gonadal sex may therefore extend beyond mammals. Reprogramming due to loss of Dmrt1 also may help explain the aetiology of human syndromes linked to DMRT1, including disorders of sexual differentiation and testicular cancer.

What signal are you sending? how website quality influences perceptions of product quality and purchase intentions

Abstract: An electronic commerce marketing channel is fully mediated by information technology, stripping away much of a product's physical informational cues, and creating information asymmetries (i.e., limited information). These asymmetries may impede consumers' ability to effectively assess certain types of products, thus creating challenges for online sellers. Signaling theory provides a framework for understanding how extrinsic cues ᾢ signals ᾢ can be used by sellers to convey product quality information to consumers, reducing uncertainty and facilitating a purchase or exchange. This research proposes a model to investigate website quality as a potential signal of product quality and consider the moderating effects of product information asymmetries and signal credibility. Three experiments are reported that examine the efficacy of signaling theory as a basis for predicting online consumer behavior with an experience good. The results indicate that website quality influences consumers' perceptions of product quality, which subsequently affects online purchase intentions. Additionally, website quality was found to have a greater influence on perceived product quality when consumers had higher information asymmetries. Likewise, signal credibility was found to strengthen the relationship between website quality and product quality perceptions for a high quality website. Implications for future research and website design are examined.

Gaussian basis sets for use in correlated molecular calculations. VII. Valence, core-valence, and scalar relativistic basis sets for Li, Be, Na, and Mg

Abstract: Correlation consistent basis sets of double-ζ through quintuple-ζ quality for the alkali and alkaline earth metals Li, Be, Na, and Mg have been developed, including the valence (cc-pVnZ), augmented valence (aug-cc-pVnZ), core-valence (cc-pCVnZ), and weighted core-valence (cc-pwCVnZ) basis sets. The basis sets are also re-contracted for Douglas–Kroll scalar relativistic calculations and are found to be superior to non-relativistic basis sets in recovering scalar relativistic effects. CCSD(T) computations have been performed with these basis sets, and a series of properties have been examined, including atomic ionization potentials and electron affinities, optimized molecular geometries, harmonic vibrational frequencies, atomization energies, and enthalpies of formation for the molecules Li2, LiF, BeO, BeF, BeH2, BeF2, Na2, NaF, MgO, MgF, MgH2, and MgF2.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass

Abstract: Biological conversion of cellulosic biomass to fuels and chemicals offers the high yields to products vital to economic success and the potential for very low costs. Enzymatic hydrolysis that converts lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars may be the most complex step in this process due to substrate-related and enzyme-related effects and their interactions. Although enzymatic hydrolysis offers the potential for higher yields, higher selectivity, lower energy costs and milder operating conditions than chemical processes, the mechanism of enzymatic hydrolysis and the relationship between the substrate structure and function of various glycosyl hydrolase components is not well understood. Consequently, limited success has been realized in maximizing sugar yields at very low cost. This review highlights literature on the impact of key substrate and enzyme features that influence performance, to better understand fundamental strategies to advance enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass for biologica...

Discovering Activities to Recognize and Track in a Smart Environment

Abstract: The machine learning and pervasive sensing technologies found in smart homes offer unprecedented opportunities for providing health monitoring and assistance to individuals experiencing difficulties living independently at home. In order to monitor the functional health of smart home residents, we need to design technologies that recognize and track activities that people normally perform as part of their daily routines. Although approaches do exist for recognizing activities, the approaches are applied to activities that have been preselected and for which labeled training data are available. In contrast, we introduce an automated approach to activity tracking that identifies frequent activities that naturally occur in an individual's routine. With this capability, we can then track the occurrence of regular activities to monitor functional health and to detect changes in an individual's patterns and lifestyle. In this paper, we describe our activity mining and tracking approach, and validate our algorithms on data collected in physical smart environments.

Review on polymer/graphite nanoplatelet nanocomposites

Abstract: Graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) are a type of graphitic nanofillers composed of stacked 2D graphene sheets, having outstanding electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Furthermore, owing to the abundance of naturally existing graphite as the source material for GNPs, it is considered an ideal reinforcing component to modify the properties of polymers. The 2D confinement of GNPs to the polymer matrix and the high surface area make the GNP a distinctive nanofiller, showing superiorities in modification of most properties, compared with other carbon nanofillers. This review will summarize the development of polymer/GNP nanocomposites in recent years, including the fabrication of GNPs and its nanocomposites, processing issues, viscoelastic properties, mechanical properties, electrical and dielectric properties, thermal conductivity and thermal stability. The discussion of reinforcing effect will be based on dispersion, particle geometry, concentrations, as well as the 2D structures and exfoliation of GNPs. The synergy of GNPs with other types of carbon nanofillers used as hybrid reinforcing systems shows great potential and could significantly broaden the application of GNPs. The relevant research will also be included in this review.

A soluble α-synuclein construct forms a dynamic tetramer

Abstract: A heterologously expressed form of the human Parkinson disease-associated protein α-synuclein with a 10-residue N-terminal extension is shown to form a stable tetramer in the absence of lipid bilayers or micelles. Sequential NMR assignments, intramonomer nuclear Overhauser effects, and circular dichroism spectra are consistent with transient formation of α-helices in the first 100 N-terminal residues of the 140-residue α-synuclein sequence. Total phosphorus analysis indicates that phospholipids are not associated with the tetramer as isolated, and chemical cross-linking experiments confirm that the tetramer is the highest-order oligomer present at NMR sample concentrations. Image reconstruction from electron micrographs indicates that a symmetric oligomer is present, with three- or fourfold symmetry. Thermal unfolding experiments indicate that a hydrophobic core is present in the tetramer. A dynamic model for the tetramer structure is proposed, based on expected close association of the amphipathic central helices observed in the previously described micelle-associated “hairpin” structure of α-synuclein.

Transient neuronal inhibition reveals opposing roles of indirect and direct pathways in sensitization

Abstract: The roles of striatopallidal (indirect) and striatonigral (direct) pathway neurons in regulating behavior is of great interest. Ferguson et al. selectively and transiently disrupt either one pathway or the other. They find that disrupting striatopallidal neuronal activity facilitated behavioral sensitization, whereas disrupting striatonigral neurons impaired its persistence.

Stabilization of Electrocatalytic Metal Nanoparticles at Metal−Metal Oxide−Graphene Triple Junction Points

Abstract: Carbon-supported precious metal catalysts are widely used in heterogeneous catalysis and electrocatalysis, and enhancement of catalyst dispersion and stability by controlling the interfacial structure is highly desired. Here we report a new method to deposit metal oxides and metal nanoparticles on graphene and form stable metal-metal oxide-graphene triplejunctionsforelectrocatalysisapplications.We firstsynthesizeindiumtin oxide (ITO)nanocrystals directlyon functionalizedgraphene sheets, forming an ITO-graphene hybrid. Platinum nanoparticles are then deposited, form- ing a unique triple-junction structure (Pt-ITO-graphene). Our experimental work and periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculationsshowthatthesupportedPtnanoparticlesaremorestableatthePt-ITO-graphenetriplejunctions.Furthermore,DFT calculations suggest thatthe defects andfunctional groupsongraphene alsoplayan importantroleinstabilizingthe catalysts. These new catalyst materials were tested for oxygen reduction for potential applications in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, and they exhibited greatly enhanced stability and activity.