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Antibodies engage Fc γ receptors (FcγRs) to elicit healing cellular immune responses following binding to a target antigen. Fc γ receptor IIIa/CD16a triggers natural killer cells to destroy target tissues with cytotoxic proteins and enhances phagocytosis mediated by macrophages. Multiple variables affect CD16a antibody-binding strength and the resulting immune response, including a genetic polymorphism. The predominant CD16a F158 allotype binds antibodies with less affinity than the less common V158 allotype. This polymorphism likewise affects cellular immune responses and clinical efficacy of antibodies relying on CD16a engagement, though it remains unclear how V/F158 affects CD16a structure. Another relevant variable shown to affect affinity is composition of the CD16a asparagine-linked (N)-glycans. It is currently not known how N-glycan composition affects CD16a F158 affinity. Here, we determined N-glycan composition affects the V158 and F158 allotypes similarly, and N-glycan composition does not explain differences in V158 and F158 binding affinity. Our analysis of binding kinetics indicated the N162 glycan slows the binding event, and shortening the N-glycans or removing the N162 glycan increased the speed of binding. F158 displayed a slower binding rate than V158. Surprisingly, we found N-glycan composition had a smaller effect on the dissociation rate. We also identified conformational heterogeneity of CD16a F158 backbone amide and N162 glycan resonances using NMR spectroscopy. Residues exhibiting chemical shift perturbations between V158 and F158 mapped to the antibody-binding interface. These data support a model for CD16a F158 with increased interface conformational heterogeneity, reducing the population of binding-competent forms available and decreasing affinity.

Electrolyte-supported solid oxide fuel cells were operated using hydrogen, simulated coal syngas, and a hydrogen-depleted syngas as fuel. Open circuit voltages closely matched theoretical predictions, and carbon deposition was completely avoided. When 50% of the hydrogen flow rate was removed from the syngas mixture while increasing the overall flow rate to maintain the same fuel utilization, the drop in power density of the cell was less than 8%. Switching from syngas to hydrogen-depleted syngas caused an average increase in the area-specific resistance of 0.027 Ω cm 2 , or 4%. The results of this study suggest that solid oxide fuel cells could operate successfully using syngas that has been partially stripped of hydrogen for other purposes.

A numerical model for simulation of the electrohydrodynamic flow in an electrically enhanced cyclone is presented. A finite element approach was applied to solve the coupled equations for the positive corona-induced electric field. Three-dimensional simulations of gas flow were carried using Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations including the Reynolds stress model and the electrohydrodynamic effect. Numerical results show that the change in the flow profile because of the influence of the corona-induced electric field is apparent when the inlet flow rate is low but is negligible at higher flow rates.

Emissions of fine particulate matter, PM2.5, in both primary and secondary form, are difficult to capture in typical dry electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). Wet (or water-based) ESPs are well suited for collection of acid aerosols and fine particulates because of greater corona power and virtually no re-entrainment. However, field disruptions because of spraying (misting) of water, formation of dry spots (channeling), and collector surface corrosion limit the applicability of current wet ESPs in the control of secondary PM2.5. Researchers at Ohio University have patented novel membrane collection surfaces to address these problems. Water-based cleaning in membrane collectors made of corrosion-resistant fibers is facilitated by capillary action between the fibers, maintaining an even distribution of water. This paper presents collection efficiency results of lab-scale and pilot-scale testing at FirstEnergy's Bruce Mansfield Plant for the membrane-based wet ESP. The data indicate that a membrane wet ESP was more effective at collecting fine particulates, acid aerosols, and oxidized mercury than the metal-plate wet ESP, even with approximately 15% less collecting area.

Reracking of existing fuel pools to the maximum extent is desirable from an economical point of view. This goal can be achieved by minimizing the gaps between the spent fuel storage racks. Since the rack design is aimed at enabling consolidated fuel rod storage, additional requirements arise with respect to the design and the structural analysis. The loads resulting from seismic events are decisive for the structural analysis and require a specially detailed and in-depth analysis for high seismic loads. The verification of structural integrity and functionality is performed in two phases. In the first phase the motional behavior of single racks, rows of racks and, where required, of all racks in the pool is simulated by excitation with displacement time histories under consideration of the fluid–structure interaction (FSI). The displacements from these simulations are evaluated, while the loads are utilized as input data for the structural analysis of the racks and the pool floor. The structural analyses for the racks comprise substantially stress analyses for base material and welds as well as stability analyses for the support channels and the rack outside walls. The analyses are performed in accordance with the specified codes and standards.

Background Diagnosis of the HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome is based on clinical assessment, in lack of a consensus about case definition and reference methods. Three bedside methods were compared in their diagnostic value for lipodystrophy. Patients and Methods. Consecutive HIV-infected outpatients (n = 278) were investigated, 128 of which also had data from 1997 available. Segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and waist, hip and thigh circumferences were performed. Changes in seven body regions were rated by physicians and patients using linear analogue scale assessment (LASA). Diagnostic cut-off values were searched by receiver operator characteristics. Results. Lipodystrophy was diagnosed in 85 patients (31%). BIA demonstrated higher fat-free mass in patients with lipodystrophy but not after controlling for body mass index and sex. Segmental BIA was not superior to whole body BIA in detecting lipodystrophy. Fat-free mass increased from 1997 to 1999 independent from lipodystrophy. Waist-hip and waist-thigh ratios were higher in patients with lipodystrophy. BIA, anthropometry and LASA did not provide sufficient diagnostic cut-off values for lipodystrophy. Agreement between methods, and between patient and physician rating, was poor. Conclusion: These methods do not fulfil the urgent need for quantitative diagnostic tools for lipodystrophy. BIA estimates of fat free mass may be biased by lipodystrophy, indicating a need for re-calibration in HIV infected populations. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

Abstract-Objective: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is widely used as bedside assessment of body composition. Body cell mass (BCM) and intracellular water (ICW) are clinically important body compartments. Estimates of ICW obtained from BIA by different calculation approaches were compared to a reference method in male HIV-infected patients. Patients: Representative subsample of clinically stable HIV-infected outpatients, consisting of 42 men with a body mass index of 22.4 +/- 3.8 kg/m(2) (range, 13-31 kg/m(2)). Methods: Total body potassium was assessed in a whole body counter, and compared to 50 kHz mono-frequency BIA and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy. Six different prediction equations for ICW from BIA data were applied. Methods were compared by the Bland-Altman method. Results: BIA-derived ICW estimates explained 58% to 73% of the observed variance in ICW (TBK), but limits of confidence were wide (-16.6 to +18.2% for the best method). BIA overestimated low ICW (TBK) and underestimated high ICW (TBK) when normalized for weight or height. Mono- and multifrequency BIA were not different in precision but population-specific equations tended to narrower confidence limits. Conclusion: BIA is an unreliable method to estimate ICW in this population, in contrast to the better established estimation of total body water and extracellular water. Potassium depletion in severe malnutrition may contribute to this finding but a major part of the residual between methods remains unexplained. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

To compare nutritional counseling with and without oral supplements in HIV-infected patients with recent weight loss.Randomized non-blinded controlled trial, stratified for change in antiretroviral treatment at baseline.HIV-infected patients with recent weight loss (5% of total, and3% in the last month).Nutritional counseling to increase dietary intake by 600 kcal/day over 8 weeks; in group A (n=24) by normal food, and in group B (n=26) by a range of fortified drink supplements with a calorific value of 0.6 to 1.5 kcal/ml.Body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis, dietary intake by 24 h recall.Fat free mass increased from baseline to week 8 (P0.05) with no difference between groups A and B (P=0.97). Body cell mass and weight gain were not significant and equal between groups. Assessed at weeks 2 and 4, group B patients consumed 11 +/- 6 kcal/kg as supplements, and their total energy intake was 6 kcal/kg higher than in group A (P0.01). Total energy intake was not different between groups at weeks 6 and 8.Nutritional counseling and oral supplements are both feasible methods to restore food energy intake in malnourished HIV-infected patients. Although normal food intake is partially replaced, oral supplements may improve the adherence to a weight gain regimen.

Customer demands for large high-performance vehicles in the face of increasingly stringent fuel economy targets have led automobile makers to seek innovative ways of meeting these requirements, especially in the North American market. One of the most critical elements in automotive powertrain systems is the torque converter bypass clutch which is now in almost universal use in automatic transmission-equipped vehicles. The clutch is used to bypass the fluid coupling of the torque converter during steady state conditions (i.e. highway cruise), thus eliminating a 15–20 percent loss of efficiency. Generally, the clutch is disengaged during dynamic events (e.g. vehicle launch, braking and gear changes) when the torque converter functionality is required. Further gains in fuel economy can now be realized through modulation of the bypass clutch in some situations where it had been considered necessary that the clutch be disengaged (i.e. during gear changes). In this case, the clutch is operated in a state of continuous slip; the transmitted torque is controlled through modulation of the clutch apply pressure. The dynamics of this system, however, exhibit considerable complexity. Characterization of this behaviour has been of considerable interest among automobile makers in recent years. However, investigation of the non-linear dynamics of this system is beyond the scope of this paper; a more in-depth treatment generally requires bifurcation analysis and/or exhaustive simulation studies. The focus in this paper is upon the detailed development of a linear parametric differential equation model and the design of a linear robust feedback control system. Parametric uncertainty is included to capture the effects of variations in system damping, bulk modulus, coefficient of friction and constants of linearization. Based upon a specific operating point, a linear robust controller is developed using the quantitative feedback theory (QFT) technique. The QFT methodology is aimed at designing feedback controllers so that pointwise frequency response specifications on closed-loop tracking and disturbance rejection are met in spite of large parametric plant uncertainty. The local stability and performance of the non-linear feedback system are subsequently verified by simulation. Since the feedback design is based upon a linear parametric model, no specific guarantees can be made as to the performance of the non-linear closed-loop system, although the results are found to be satisfactory in this case.

A critical evaluation of current hydraulic servo system analysis methods indicates a need for alternative methods better able to quantify robust stability. One promising method recently developed for analysing large-scale power systems determines stability robustness in a high-dimensional parameter space by computing the distance to the ‘closest’ Hopf bifurcation (which corresponds to the birth of a limit cycle oscillation). In this paper a procedure is developed for applying closest Hopf bifurcation theory in the design and analysis of robustly stable hydraulic servo systems. The procedure addresses practical implementation issues such as the impact of an inhomogeneous parameter space and the choice of a metric that yields a meaningful quantitative measure of stability robustness. Results from the new procedure applied to a common position control system compare favourably with published describing function results and new simulation results. Additionally, the new procedure is easier to apply and produces results which are easier to interpret and use. As a demonstration of the design procedure's ability to handle non-linear systems with high-dimensional parameter spaces, a hydraulic servo system with an inhomogeneous seven-dimensional parameter space is designed to meet a robust stability requirement.

In this paper the model development, problem specification, constraint formulation, and optimal feedback controller design for a variable-displacement hydraulic pump system are shown using the Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) technique. The use of variable-displacement pumps in hydraulic system applications has become widespread due to their efficiency advantages; however, this efficiency gain is often accompanied by a degradation of system stability. Here we develop a QFT controller for a variable-displacement pump based upon a linear, parametrically uncertain model in which some of this uncertainty reflects variation in operating point-dependent parameters. After presentation of a realistic non-linear differential equation model, the linearized model is developed and the effect of parametric uncertainty is reviewed. From this point, closed-loop performance specifications are formulated and the QFT design technique is carried out. An initial feasible controller is designed, and this design is optimized via a non-linear programming technique. In conclusion, a non-linear closed-loop system response is simulated. This paper is intended to have tutorial value, both in terms of the detailed hydraulic system model development, as well as in terms of the detailed exposition of the QFT controller design and optimal loop shaping processes. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An ecosystem process model was used to assess likely ecosystem responses to natural climatic variation and GCM-predicted climatic change in the semi-arid north-western U.S.A. Simulated equilibrium conditions between soil water availability and leaf area were compared to long-term natural variations for annual grass and mixed sagebrush/bunchgrass communities subjected to 2°C increases in daily temperature, coupled with 10% increases and decreases in precipitation. Equilibrium simulations suggested that a less productive, invasive grass community would tolerate climate change, whereas a native sagebrush community would not survive the increased temperatures predicted by GCMs. High air temperatures, and the subsequent increases in vapor pressure deficit, caused decreased stomatal conductance, and hence decreased net photosynthesis. High air temperatures also increased maintenance respiration, leading to decreases in net primary production. As the productivity of this community declined, substantial increases in soil water storage occurred. When natural variation of annual weather is incorporated into simulations, both community types were able to survive by adjusting levels of biomass production. Soil water storage was not significantly affected when the vegetation adapted to increased or decreased precipitation through proportional adjustments to leaf area, which in turn dictates evapo-transpiration and soil water drawdown.

Agonists which stimulate the inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate ([1,4,5]-IP3)-dependent mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores also stimulate entry of divalent cations across the cell membrane. Under appropriate experimental conditions, divalent cation entry across the cell membrane can be monitored as the rate at which the intracellular fluorescence of divalent cation indicators is quenched by the addition of Mn2+ to the extracellular medium. We report that addition of vasopressin to fura-2-loaded glomerular mesangial cells in culture markedly accelerated the rate at which Mn2+ quenched fura-2 fluorescence at its Ca2+-insensitive wavelength in the presence of extracellular NaCl, but that this quench response was attenuated when Cl− was removed from the extracellular medium by equimolar substitution with impermeant anions (gluconate, methanesulfonate, acetate, lactate). Similarly, loss of agonist-induced quench also occurred when Cl− was substituted with gluconate in K+-containing media. Addition of the Cl− channel inhibitor, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylaminobenzoic acid) (NPPB), also inhibited Mn2+-induced quench of fura-2 fluorescence following vasopressin addition. In contrast, in the presence of gramicidin to provide an alternate conductance pathway to accompany divalent cation entry, agonist-dependent Mn2+ quench occurred even in the absence of extracellular Cl−, indicating that the requirement for Cl− was not the result of cotransport on a common transporter nor the result of Cl− serving as a necessary cofactor for divalent cation entry. A similar dependence on extracellular Cl− was observed for other Ca2+-mobilizing agonists such as endothelin, as well as the intracellular Ca2+ ATPase inhibitor, thapsigargin. Extracellular Cl− dependence for agonist-induced divalent cation entry was also reflected in a corresponding extracellular Cl− dependence for agonist-induced mesangial cell contraction. It has been previously shown by ourselves (Kremer et al., 1992a, Am. J. Physiol., 262:F668–F678) and others that agonist-stimulated calcium mobilization in mesangial cells is accompanied by inhibition of K+ conductance and increased Cl− conductance. Accordingly, we conclude that the current findings suggest that activation of Cl− conductance provides regulated charge compensation for receptor-mediated divalent cation entry in response to Ca2+-mobilizing vasoconstrictor agonists in mesangial cells. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

We assessed the ability of AVHRR/NDVI data to record intrabiome variability of phenological and structural characteristics of three dominant vegetation communities in the intermountain northwest. Seasonal NDVI signatures were developed from biweekly composite data for two grass and one shrub community within a sagebrush-steppe ecosystem. The signatures were found statistically separable (p = 0.01) among all three communities in three of 19 composite periods, and between shrub and grass in 15 of 19. Integrated NDVI provided the greatest differentiation among the communities due to ordinal consistency of the three signatures throughout the growing season. A supervised classification of adjacent regions with contrasting topography and substrate was tested for accuracy, and results indicate a strong potential for AVHRR applications to community-level vegetation differentiation. Classification errors are primarily caused by subpixel scale topographic and soil background variations that may not be correctable for coarse resolution imagery.

The main aim of percutaneous nucleotomy techniques is to reduce the volume and pressure of the affected disc while leaving all other structures unaffected. Previously percutaneous discectomies were performed under fluoroscopic guidance with or without endoscopy. In this paper we describe the combination of CT-scanning and fluoroscopy for guidance of nucleo-tomes, lasers, microendoscopes and other microinstmments. The results of percutaneous laser nucleotomy performed on 116 out-patients with chronic back pain are reported. Immediate pain relief was obtained in 92% of the patients, and improvement of neurological deficits in 59%. After 6 weeks, 87% of patients were back at work. At follow-up, 1–17 months later, overall improvement of pain symptoms of 50–100% was present in 81% of the patients; the results were better in patients with longer follow-up times. Spon-dylodiscitis occurred in one patient and a second herniation with re-operation in five patients. These results show that effective treatment of di...

Vasopressin stimulates calcium signaling and chloride-dependent depolarization in glomerular mesangial cells. We describe a technique whereby both calcium and membrane potential changes can be simultaneously monitored with fluorescent probes. This technique was validated by comparison with single parameter measurements in basal and vasopressin-stimulated mesangial cells. It was shown that the calibration for calcium is unaffected by that for membrane potential, whereas the calibration for membrane potential is affected by prior calcium calibration. Accordingly, it was necessary to calibrate for the former first. The technique was then applied to investigate the effects of endothelin, which was found to elicit a concentration-dependent calcium release response and a chloride-dependent depolarization of mesangial cells. The interaction between the calcium signaling response to vasopressin and endothelin was also investigated. When vasopressin stimulation occurred subsequent to endothelin stimulation, and vice versa, a calcium response was still evident. However, these agonists displayed partial heterologous desensitization in that prior stimulation with vasopressin attenuated the subsequent response to endothelin, and vice versa. This suggests the presence of functionally distinct hormone-responsive calcium pools. The technique of double-parameter fluorescent measurement outlined could potentially be applied to other cellular signaling parameters by the use of the appropriate probes.

To review the literature assessing current trends within primary health care and its delivery and the role of the chiropractic primary care physician.Select papers which offer definitions of primary care.Several influential papers offer criteria necessary to be considered primary care practitioners.Primary care is comprehensive, coordinated, continuous and accessible. Chiropractic care meets this definition.The primary care chiropractic physician is a viable and important part of the primary health care delivery system, with many chiropractic physicians currently prepared to participate effectively and competently in primary care.

Estimated responses of leaf stomatal conductance, canopy dark respiration, leaf turnover period, and photosynthate allocation to ambient SO 2 concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 0.11 ppm have been incorporated into an ecosystem process model to derive estimates of coniferous forest stem carbon accumulation under pollution stress. The model, using data from a warm, moist climate type and a cool, dry climate type, indicates varying growth responses that depend on climatic interactions with induced physiological changes. Carbon accumulation decreases by as much as 24% with increasing SO 2 levels, except at the lowest concentration (0.02-0.04 ppm) in a non-water-limited site, where normal stem carbon accumulation was enhanced by 5%. Increased stomatal conductance may promote water stress in water-limited sites, slowing the rates of growth and carbon accumulation.

Engineering projects are a major proponent of development in impoverished areas throughout the world. Designers face difficulties when working on projects for unfamiliar cultures and infrastructure, from problem and constraint definition to final technology transfer. Through a design project and implementation trip, this study will examine the design process as it spans borders, cultures and languages, identifying key steps and methods in the process necessary for the success of such projects. One major problem many rural communities in developing nations experience is a lack of transportation infrastructure. Forms of transport common throughout the rest of the world are, in many cases, neither economically feasible nor locally sustainable. To establish basic infrastructure, a sustainable, affordable method of transporting goods and services is essential. This research project fulfilled this need by designing an appropriate local transportation solution, a human-powered utility vehicle (HPUV). To properly understand the problem, the researcher traveled to two different rural locations in Sub-Saharan Africa (Maase-Offinso, Ghana and Meri, Cameroon) on four different trips to gather information and customer input for the design of the HPUV. A final implementation involved traveling to Meri, Cameroon for three months during which one design prototype was built, tested and reviewed by local farmers and other end-users. The vehicle was tested quantitatively against metrics and specifications derived from initial assessment trips, as well as qualitatively through customer feedback. This direct feedback provides insight into the effectiveness of the machine and the design process followed, as well as identification of possible revisions to enhance the design’s value to those who need it. The design drawings and manufacturing plan are public-domain, and local mechanics in the village were taught the basic skills needed to produce the vehicle. The drawings and manufacturing plan were also presented to a local NGO capable of producing the vehicle using local labor.Copyright © 2008 by ASME

Risk management processes follow relatively well established steps, but the hazard identification and risk assessment steps often depend heavily on “experts” with relevant expertise and operating experience. This paper presents a tool developed to help novice researchers identify and assess hazards more efficiently. The hazard identification tool was developed in the form of an updatable algorithm, based initially on previous risk assessments for similar situations as well as checklists and guidelines available from academic texts, Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and industry. Major risk categories included in the algorithm include: a) Ergonomics and Mechanical, b) Chemical, c) Physical (including Electrical Hazards, Fire Safety, Noise Hazards, and Radiation Hazards), d) Psychological and Organizational, and e) Biological. In the initial test of the algorithm, a team of non-experts used the algorithm to identify risks for two Ohio Coal Research Center (OCRC) projects dealing with solid oxide fuel cell and electrostatic precipitator testing. Their results were comparable to the list of risks generated by a group of “research experts” without the algorithm. Future plans include making the algorithm available on a wiki platform to collaboratively develop it with the combined knowledge, experience and perspectives of all participating researchers. This paper also describes the overall safety plan for the Ohio Coal Research Center (OCRC), which operates within the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment (ISEE) at Ohio University. An OCRC safety flow diagram is presented that has been successfully used to improve the safety of new research projects being led by new researchers.Copyright © 2008 by ASME

The use of alternative fuels is important to address the issues of reducing dependence on unstable petroleum supplies, and reducing harmful emissions that can lead to global warming. This paper focuses on a comparative energy balance on a four cylinder turbocharged diesel engine operating on diesel and biodiesel fuels. The diesel fuel tested was a standard No. 2 diesel fuel and the biodiesel used was 100 percent soy methyl ester (B100) supplied by Peter Cremer North America. Steady-state tests were run to experimentally determine how input energy in the form of fuel was appropriated throughout the engine. The transfer of energy was measured for losses to the engine coolant and exhaust, usable power output, as well as minor and unaccounted losses. Temperature measurements were taken using type-K thermocouples, the power and torque outputs were measured with an AE 250 eddy current dynamometer, and the fuel consumption rate was measured using a scale and digital stop watch. The coolant and air flow rates were also monitored with respective flow meters. The laboratory environment was monitored to insure operator safety as well as consistent operating and atmospheric conditions. An energy balance algorithm was constructed to analyze logged data from the experiments and insure that the proper amount of readings was taken to insure accurate results. The results showed that biodiesel and diesel fuel have almost the same energetic performance. The nominal values of the energy distribution showed that input energy from biodiesel was distributed 37.4%, 31.1%, and 29.6% to the major areas of coolant, exhaust, and power output, respectively. Similarly the input energy from diesel was distributed 37.5%, 31.4%, and 29.2% to the major areas of coolant, exhaust, and power output, respectively. The respective differences in those nominal values between the biodiesel and diesel fuel are −0.1%, −0.3%, and 0.4%. The uncertainty analysis showed that there was not a statistically significant difference in the energy distribution. The results also showed a strong correlation between the ambient air entering the engine and many of the other measured temperatures. Conclusions about the laboratory environment and testing procedures have been made from analysis of the collected data. The energy balance study outlined in this paper helped validate the overall engine diagnostic testing system. It also helped establish guidelines and procedures for future testing because this testing platform will be used for future work in performance and emissions testing of algal-based biodiesel which is the program’s overall goal.Copyright © 2008 by ASME

Summary form only given. This session enables the participant to develop a conceptual framework, using socio-psychological and organizational principles for understanding the interaction between people and their communication in academic work. Emphasis is placed on the role of gender and the social forces that influence persuasion in the context of leadership. "I am sure that she is paying attention because she is always nodding her head and smiling as I speak, but the males in the group appear to be just staring blankly at me"; "When he is forceful and competent not only does he change the group's mind...they appear to truly like him, in contrast her forceful actions are viewed very differently"; "I am exactly the same as professor (chair, dean, director) whether the group is entirely male or entirely female or a mixed group", and "How do males in contrast to females ask for what they want in academia?" are typical controversial comments that are heard about gender and persuasion at work. Parallels are drawn from psychology theory to academic practice by linking elements of persuasive communication to specific situations. Topics covered are designed to demonstrate the relationship among the gender of the individual, group behavior, emerging leadership and the organizational decision-making process. A preliminary presentation looks at gender and communication using conceptual frameworks from the psychology of women, work place role, and concepts of leadership. Existing studies suggest that women and men perceive and construct the relationship between self and others in very different ways. Organizational research indicates that the thinking about leadership has shifted from the unreachable "superhuman model" to the more adaptive leader. While past research has contributed some very enlightening work in attempting to decipher what goes on in the leader's head, a relatively new focus concerns the impact of gender on the role of persuasion at work. In an increasingly fast paced workplace that depends on a new competitive level, the need to understand and apply the role of persuasive communication is obvious. The scope of this interactive presentation includes a qualitative search for understanding gender and persuasion at work and potential use for that understanding to improve engineering education. Research models are explored interactively. Discussions, mini-simulations and recommendations are generated from the participants

In conventional vehicles the entire power is derived from the IC engine, so it is obligatory to size the engine larger than necessary for its cruising speed. The engine must be designed to account for peak power requirements like acceleration. This oversizing of the engine shifts the operating point from its efficient zone and this adversely affects the fuel economy and emissions. The idea of hybridization is that a part of the total power required can be replaced by an auxiliary power source, generally a motor powered by batteries. Hence, the IC engine can be designed for average load and can be operated with better fuel efficiency. A simulation tool called ADVISOR (Advanced Vehicular Simulator) is used for this study. The software takes the vehicle input and the drive cycle from the user, simulates the vehicle drive and gives fuel economy, acceleration performance and emissions. In this study, each of the three vehicle platforms (average SUV, full size SUV and heavy truck) is selected and a reasonable power level for that vehicle platform is taken from the data of the current conventional vehicle type. The powertrain is then hybridized by replacing part of the total power by an equivalent motor power and a set of simulations are run in ADVISOR at three different battery charge capacities to understand the effect of on-board charge. A weighted combination of performance and fuel economy results is recorded for each run, and the simulations are then repeated at a higher level of hybridization. The results for a range of “percent hybridization” levels are then evaluated to determine the optimum level. A cost optimization is also done by adding weighted factors based on cost effect of the motor, batteries, and the projected lifetime fuel costs. The penalty due to the weight of the batteries is reflected in the simulated performance and fuel economy of the vehicle, and the space effect of the batteries is also considered. The results of this thesis support the conclusion that parallel hybridization of the drive train could help SUVs and heavy trucks to improve fuel efficiency. Depending on the assumptions made for replacement battery costs and total mileage over the lifetime of the vehicle, the increased initial cost of a hybrid SUV can be justified by the operating cost savings; the benefits of hybridization are even more pronounced for heavy trucks. The “optimum” hybridization percentages are reported for each platform, with and without cost considerations.Copyright © 2003 by ASME

The dynamics of low molecular weight polyisoprene was investigated over a broad temperature window using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy and pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance. Molecular dynamics simulations performed using two different models captured very well the dynamic properties documented experimentally. Experimental data and a normal mode analysis on simulation trajectories showed that chain dynamics over the molecular weight and temperature range studied could be described well by the Rouse model.

The accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) program and developments based on the 9 MV tandem accelerator at the University of Sao Paulo are described. The initial program contemplates the measurements of 36Cl and 26Al samples. 10Be capability is to be implemented.

Data communication over VHF/UHF land mobile radio channels presents a difficult, yet well understood set of technical challenges. These challenges include time-varying multipath profiles, Rayleigh fading, and low to moderate signal-to-noise ratio. Modem designs must support additional application based constraints including rapid synchronization, spectrally efficient modulation, a reliable over-the-air protocol, and relatively low cost. The cost constraint, along with an interest for easy support and upgradability, motivated a single DSP processor radio modem design that supports both control and modem applications. An implementation of such a modem is described which meets all of the design criteria. >

In this paper we review two student design projects executed under a geographically distributed protocol. Our pilot design project occurred at the University of Dayton between the 5th and 14th of July, 2000. We assembled a small group of students into a distributed design team and assigned a rudimentary project via an audio chat session. Most team members were prohibited from face-to-face interaction during the ten-day period. To communicate and share data, they were required to use either the set of collaborative tools installed on each member’s personal computer or a telephone. The second project occurred from January to May 2001, involving students from Ohio University, Ohio Northern University and the University of Dayton. There were no artificial restrictions on the interactions amongst the team members as in the pilot project. However, the distance between the students made collaborating in a distributed fashion a necessity. This paper presents an overview of the design projects and the collaborative tools used, observations about our experiences executing design under this protocol, and future directions for this work.

To determine whether uneventful extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation induces epiretinal membranes (ERMs).Private practice, with statistical evaluation at a university department in Germany.This prospective study comprised 296 consecutive patients (332 eyes) who had uneventful ECCE with PC IOL implantation for senile cataract. Eyes were examined within 2 weeks preoperatively and 2 weeks and 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. The macula was examined with a 78.0 diopter Volk lens. The main outcome measure was the presence of ERM. The membranes were classified as present when cellophane macular reflex (CMR) or macular pucker (MP) was observed.The median age of the patients was 78 years (range 50 to 97 years). At baseline, ERM was present in 49 of 332 eyes (14.8%), 40 (12.1%) with CMR and 9 (2.7%) with MP. Six months postoperatively, ERM was present in 84 of 332 eyes (25.3%), 72 (21.7%) with CMR and 12 (3.6%) with MP. The difference between the baseline and 6 month incidence was significant (P.001). All new cases of ERM were of the CMR type. One year after surgery, ERM was present in 54 of 198 eyes (27.3%), 47 (23.7%) with CMR and 7 (3.5%) with MP. The ERMs rarely influenced visual acuity; however, 6 of 12 eyes (50.0%) with MP and 13 of 72 (18.1%) with CMR had metamorphopsia.The prevalence of ERM increased by 71.4% during the first 6 months after uneventful ECCE with PC IOL implantation. Thereafter, the prevalence remained about the same. Newly formed ERMs were probably induced by the uneventful surgery. Although new-onset membranes usually do not preclude good visual acuity, they can cause metamorphopsia postoperatively.