A Relational Hyperlink Analysis of an Online Social Movement

In this paper we propose relational hyperlink analysis (RHA) as a distinct approach for empirical social science research into hyperlink networks on the World Wide Web. We demonstrate this approach, which employs the ideas and techniques of social network analysis (in particular, exponential random graph modeling), in a study of the hyperlinking behaviors of Australian asylum advocacy groups. We show that compared with the commonly-used hyperlink counts regression approach, relational hyperlink analysis can lead to fundamentally different conclusions about the social processes underpinning hyperlinking behavior. In particular, in trying to understand why social ties are formed, counts regressions may over-estimate the role of actor attributes in the formation of hyperlinks when endogenous, purely structural network effects are not taken into account. Our analysis involves an innovative joint use of two software programs: VOSON, for the automated retrieval and processing of considerable quantities of hyperlink data, and LPNet, for the statistical modeling of social network data. Together, VOSON and LPNet enable new and unique research into social networks in the online world, and our paper highlights the importance of complementary research tools for social science research into the web

Bosonization of Fermion Determinants

A four dimensional fermion determinant is presented as a path integral of the exponent of a local five dimensional action describing constrained bosonic system. The construction is carried out both in the continuum theory and in the lattice model.Comment: 9 pages, latex, no figure

Development and introduction of recombinant factor VIII – a clinician’s experience

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/92006/1/hae2804.pd

Guayule plant extracts as binder modifiers in flexible (asphalt) pavement mixtures

The guayule (pronounced, \u27why-YOO-lee\u27) plant is a woody perennial shrub that is native to areas of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and is a well-documented source of high-quality natural rubber. The U.S. needs a domestic source of natural rubber to allay concerns about its future availability. Cultivation of guayule in North America has been attempted many times since the late 19th century, and companies, including major tire manufacturers, are again investing in guayule research. However, full-scale commercialization of guayule rubber needs established markets for the two basic by-products of guayule rubber extraction: the plant resins (primarily non-rubber compounds) and the bagasse (fibrous residue). The research objective was to investigate guayule resin for use as a binder modifier in flexible (asphalt) pavement mixtures (FPMs). The bulk of the work occurred from 2006 through 2014 in collaboration with the USDA Agricultural Research Service and the Yulex Corporation. Yulex produced hypoallergenic guayule latex for healthcare applications using a water-based extraction method. Of the many guayule-based materials investigated, an acetone-extractable, residual resin in the dried latex was shown to be an effective recycling agent for FPMs with high contents of reclaimed binder. Beginning in 2013, the endeavor transitioned to collaborating with Bridgestone Americas and PanAridus. These companies used solvent-based extraction methods for producing tire-quality guayule rubber, thus generating resins as process by-products. The Bridgestone and PanAridus resins, compositionally different from each other, were subjected to limited laboratory evaluations and show promise as binder modifiers --Abstract, page iii