cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human-Biometric Sensor Interaction: Impact of Training on Biometric System and User Performance

Increasingly sophisticated biometric methods are being used for a variety of applications in which accurate authentication of people is necessary. Because all biometric methods require humans to interact with a device of some type, effective implementation requires consideration of human factors issues. One such issue is the training needed to use a particular device appropriately. In this paper, we review human factors issues in general that are associated with biometric devices and focus more specifically on the role of training.
Mathematical Framework for Phase-Triangulation Algorithms in Distributed-Scatterer Interferometry

To improve the spatial density of measurement points of persistent-scatterer interferometry, distributed scatterer (DS) should be considered and processed. An important procedure in DS interferometry is the phase triangulation (PT). This letter introduces two modified PT algorithms (i.e., equal-weighted PT and coherence-weighted PT) and analyzes the mathematical relations between different published PT methods (i.e., the maximum-likelihood phase estimator, least squares estimator, and eigendecomposition-based phase estimators). The analysis shows that the above five PT methods share very similar mathematical forms with different weight values in the estimation procedure.
Accounting Methods and Differential Stock Market Response to the Announcement of Earnings

The objective of this study is to assess the extent to which previously documented cross-sectional differences in stock market responses to earnings announcements are associated with firms' in-place voluntary accounting method choices. The possibility that managers may manage reported earnings via the choice of accounting policies provides a motivation for the study. Some conjectures about differences in “noise” in earnings signals generated under alternative accounting methods are developed and tested by estimating firm-specific earnings response coefficients. Both individual method choices (e.g., LIFO versus FIFO) and accounting method portfolios (conservative versus liberal sets of depreciation, inventory, and investment tax credit accounting alternatives) are examined. Overall there is little empirical support for the proposition that voluntary accounting method choices have a pervasive first-order effect on stock market reactions to earnings announcements.
Hemolytic activity of Borrelia burgdorferi.

Abstract Zones of beta-hemolysis occurred around colonies of Borrelia burgdorferi grown on Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly medium containing agarose and horse blood. Blood plates were inoculated with either the infective strain Sh-2-82 or noninfective strain B-31 in an overlay and incubated in a candle jar. Both strains of B. burgdorferi displayed beta-hemolysis after 1 to 2 weeks of incubation. The hemolytic activity diffused out from the borrelial colonies, eventually resulting in lysis of the entire blood plate. Hemolysis was most pronounced with horse blood and was less intense with bovine, sheep, and rabbit blood. Hemolysis was enhanced by hot-cold incubation, which is typical of phospholipase-like activities in other bacteria. Further characterization of the borrelial hemolysin by using a spectrophotometric assay revealed its presence in the supernatant fluids of stationary-phase cultures. Detection of the borrelial hemolytic activity was dependent on activation of the hemolysin by the reducing agent cysteine. This study provides the first evidence of hemolytic activity associated with B. burgdorferi.
Homoeology of Thinopyrum junceum and Elymus rectisetus chromosomes to wheat and disease resistance conferred by the Thinopyrum and Elymus chromosomes in wheat.

Thirteen common wheat “Chinese Spring” (CS)-Thinopyrum junceum addition lines and three common wheat “Fukuhokomuji”(Fuku)-Elymus rectisetus addition lines were characterized and verified as disomic additions of a Th. junceum or E. rectisetus chromosome in the wheat backgrounds by fluorescent genomic in situ hybridization. Another Fuku-E. rectisetus addition line, A1048, was found to contain multiple segregating E. rectisetus chromosomes. Seven partial CS-Th. junceum amphiploids were identified to combine 12–16 Th. junceum chromosomes with CS wheat chromosomes. The disomic addition lines AJDAj5, 7, 8, 9, and HD3508 were identified to contain a Th. junceum chromosome in homoeologous group 1. Two of them, AJDAj7 and AJDAj9, had the same Th. junceum chromosome. AJDAj2, 3, and 4 contained a Th. junceum chromosome in group 2, HD3505 in group 4, AJDAj6 and AJDAj11 in group 5, and AJDAj1 probably in group 6. The disomic addition lines A1026 and A1057 were identified to carry an E. rectisetus chromosome in group 1 and A1034 in group 5. E. rectisetus chromosomes in groups 1–6 were detected in A1048. The homoeologous group of the Th. junceum chromosome in HD3515 could not be determined in this study. Several Th. junceum and E. rectisetus chromosomes in the addition lines were found to contain genes for resistance to Fusarium head blight, tan spot, Stagonospora nodorum blotch, and stem rust (Ug99 races). Understanding of the homoeology of the Th. junceum and E. rectisetus chromosomes with wheat will facilitate utilization of the favorable genes on these alien chromosomes in wheat improvement.
Development of a niobium clad PEM fuel cell bipolar plate material

Abstract Reported in this paper are results obtained on a niobium clad material that is being developed for use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks. A series of materials evaluation tests were initially conducted on niobium coupons to determine if this material was suitable as an external cladding layer exposed to a prototypic PEMFC environment. Results from corrosion testing conducted in 80 ∘ C , 1 M H 2 SO 4 (with 2 ppm HF) display no measurable weight loss in the niobium specimens out to 2000 h of exposure. Interfacial contact resistance measurements conducted on as-received and post-exposed niobium indicate that it exhibits excellent surface conductivity ( ⩽ 10 m Ω cm 2 ) under low clamping forces in both conditions. Polarization testing carried out under both prototypic anodic and cathodic PEMFC operating conditions suggest that the electrochemical behavior of niobium is comparable to that of platinum, with current densities of 2.7 × 10 - 5 and 6.3 × 10 - 9 A / cm 2 at half cell potentials of - 0.1 and 0.6 V versus a saturated calomel reference electrode, respectively, under prototypic anode and cathode environmental conditions. Subsequent contact resistance and polarization testing of niobium clad stainless steel coupons yielded results similar to those found in monolithic niobium testing.
Theoretical study of the mechanism of the Wittig reaction: Ab initio and MNDO‐PM3 treatment of the reaction of unstabilized, semistabilized, and stabilized ylides with acetaldehyde

In this study, we describe the results of ab initio (HF and MP2) and MNDO-PM3 calculations on the model reactions of unstabilized (Me3P=CH–CH3), semi-stabilized (Me3P=CH–C≡CH), and stabilized (Me3P=CH–C≡N) ylides with acetaldehyde to form their respective Z and E olefins and trimethylphosphine oxide. These reactions occur in three stages: oxaphosphetane formation, oxaphosphetane pseudorotation, and oxaphosphetane decomposition. The calculated barriers for these processes vary considerably depending on the level of theory employed (ab initio vs. MNDO-PM3 or HF vs. MP2 at the ab initio level). However, self-consistent geometries of reactants, intermediates, transition states and products are obtained at all levels. Oxaphosphetane formation is best described as very asynchronous cycloaddition (borderline two-step mechanisms). The geometries of the transition states are near planar with respect to P, C, C, and O atoms. Analysis of the bond indices of these reactions shows that the C–C bonds are between 44% (unstabilized case) and 60% (stabilized case) formed, whereas the corresponding P–O bonds have not been formed to any significant degree. Oxaphosphetane decomposition can be described as a very asynchronous retrocycloaddition where P–C bond breakage runs ahead of C–O bond breakage. These results are compared with experimental findings for the Wittig reaction, and its relevance to the overall mechanism of the olefination is discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 8:557–569, 1997
The Longitudinal Effects of Early Behavior Problems in the Dementia Caregiving Career.

Using multiregional, 3-year data from early career dementia caregivers, this study determines how behavior problems that occur early in the caregiving career influence time to nursing home placement and change in burden and depression over time. A Cox proportional hazards model indicated that caregivers who managed frequent behavior problems earlier are more likely to institutionalize. After controlling for important time-varying covariates in a series of growth-curve models, caregivers who were faced with severe, early behavior problems reported greater increases in burden and depression over the 3-year study period. The findings suggest the need to consider experiences early in the dementia caregiving career when accounting for key longitudinal outcomes and also emphasize the importance of attrition when attempting to model the health implications of informal long-term care over time.
Yield of Micropropagated ‘Allen’ Black Raspberry Plants Reduced by Bark Mulch, Shade Cloth and Folicote

Abstract Establishment treatments were evaluated on micro-propagated ‘Allen’ black raspberry (Rubus occidentalisL.) plants to determine their influence on vegetative growth and yield. Treatments included shade cloth, a foliar application of Folicote antitrans-pirant, a shredded hardwood bark mulch, shade cloth + bark mulch, Folicote + bark mulch, and a hand-weeded control. During the establishment year (1990), plants in all bark mulch treatments had higher mean leaf temperatures than those that were under shade cloth with no mulch applied. Shade cloth or bark mulch treatments reduced soil temperature by an average of ≥ 2.5°C relative to hand-weeding. Cane length of plants in all bark treatment was reduced when compared to that of plants that were hand-weeded. In 1991, handweeded plants produced the greatest fruit yield, shaded or Folicoetreated plants had intermediate yields, and plants in all bark treatments had the lowest yields.
Thermal history and evolution of the Moon

In this work, theoretical lunar temperature models are computed taking into account different initial conditions to represent possible accretion models and various abundances of heat sources to correspond to different compositions. Differentiation and convection are simulated in the numerical computational scheme. Models of the thermal evolution of the moon that fit the chronology of igneous activity on the lunar surface, the stress history of the lunar lithosphere implied by the presence of mascons, and the surface concentrations of radioactive elements, involve extensive differentiation early in lunar history. This differentiation may be the result of rapid accretion and large-scale melting or of primary chemical layering during accretion. Differences in present-day temperatures for these two possibilities are significant only in the inner 1000 km of the moon and are not resolvable with presently available data.
An Analysis of Mechanisms Underlying Flow Unsteadiness in Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser Mixing Systems

Abstract : 3-dimensional Navier-Stokes simulations of chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL) hardware are performed to elucidate the unsteady fluid dynamic aspects of these flowfields. Reacting (COIL) and non-reacting flow simulations are performed on varying resolution grids to explore the unsteadiness and comparisons to experimental data are made.
Raman spectra of liquid NbF5 and TaF5

Abstract The Raman spectra of liquid niobium pentafluoride and liquid tantalum pentafluoride were observed at several temperatures. No evidence for polymerization in the liquids was observed. The a ′ 1 species for niobium pentafluoride occur at 767 and 683 cm − and for tantalum pentafluoride at 756 and 690 cm −1 .
SOFTWARE FAILURE INTENSITY, RELIABILITY AND OPTIMAL STOPPING TIME INCORPORATING REPAIR POLICIES

Reliability of a software application, its failure intensity and the residual number of faults are three important metrics that provide a quantitative assessment of the failure characteristics of an application. Ultimately, it is also necessary, based on these metrics, to determine an optimal release time at which costs justify the stop test decision. Typically, one of the many stochastic models known as software reliability growth models (SRGMs) is used to characterize the failure behavior of an application to provide estimates of the failure intensity, residual number of faults, reliability, and optimal release time and cost. To ensure analytical tractability, SRGMs assume instantaneous repair and thus the estimates of these metrics obtained using SRGMs tend to be optimistic. In practice, repair activity consumes a non trivial amount of time and resources. Also, repair may be conducted according to many policies which reflect the schedule and budget constraints of a project. A few efforts which incorporate repair into SRGMs are restrictive, since they consider only some SRGMs, model the repair process using a constant repair rate, and provide an estimate of only the residual number of faults. These efforts do not address the issue of estimating the failure intensity, reliability and optimal release time and cost in the presence of repair. In this paper we present a generic framework based on the rate-based simulation technique to incorporate repair policies into finite failure non homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) class of SRGMs. We describe a methodology to compute the failure intensity and reliability in the presence of repair, and apply it to four popular finite failure NHPP models. We also present an economic cost model which considers explicit repair in providing estimates of optimal release time and cost. We illustrate the potential of the framework to quantify the impact of the parameters of the repair policies on the above metrics using examples. Through these examples we discuss how the framework could be used to guide the allocation of resources to achieve the desired reliability target in a cost-effective manner.
Development of Fully Coupled Aeroelastic and Hydrodynamic Models for Offshore Wind Turbines

Aeroelastic simulation tools are routinely used to design and analyze onshore wind turbines, in order to obtain cost effective machines that achieve favorable performance while maintaining structural integrity. These tools employ sophisticated models of wind-inflow; aerodynamic, gravitational, and inertial loading of the rotor, nacelle, and tower; elastic effects within and between components; and mechanical actuation and electrical responses of the generator and of control and protection systems. For offshore wind turbines, additional models of the hydrodynamic loading in regular and irregular seas, the dynamic coupling between the support platform motions and wind turbine motions, and the dynamic characterization of mooring systems for compliant floating platforms are also important. Hydrodynamic loading includes contributions from hydrostatics, wave radiation, and wave scattering, including free surface memory effects. The integration of all of these models into comprehensive simulation tools, capable of modeling the fully coupled aeroelastic and hydrodynamic responses of floating offshore wind turbines, is presented.
Vibrational relaxation of molecules on alkali halide surfaces

Abstract We have mapped all the relaxation channels from vibrationally excited CO on NaCl(100). The relaxation rates of these channels are: dephasing at kdph≈ 1011−1, radiative at krad = 11 s−1, transfer to phonons at kphn ≈ 2×102 s−1 and vibrationally induced desorption at kvid ⩽ 10−4 s−1. Theoretical models to account for all these rates are explored. Our understanding of the system CO on NaCl(100) allows us to make predictions of relaxation channels for other molecules on alkali halide surfaces.
Integrating Active Learning & Quantitative Skills into Undergraduate Introductory Biology Curricula

Analytical and quantitative thinking skills are core components of science but can be challenging to teach in introductory biology courses. To address this issue, modest curriculum modifications, including methods of hypothesis testing, data collection, and statistical analysis, were introduced into existing exercises in an introductory biology laboratory course. After completing the updated course, students demonstrated improved ability to understand and interpret statistical analyses. Furthermore, students were more likely to understand that hypothesis development and quantitative data analysis are important parts of biology. This study indicates that small changes to laboratory curricula can effect important changes in student learning and attitudes.
Transitioning Mine Warfare to Network-centric Sensor Analysis: Future PMA Technologies & Capabilities

The purpose of this paper is to outline the requisite technologies and enabling capabilities for network-centric sensor data analysis within the mine warfare community. The focus includes both automated processing and the traditional humancentric post-mission analysis (PMA) of tactical and environmental sensor data. This is motivated by first examining the high-level network-centric guidance and noting the breakdown in the process of distilling actionable requirements from this guidance. Examples are provided that illustrate the intuitive and substantial capability improvement resulting from processing sensor data jointly in a network-centric fashion. Several candidate technologies are introduced including the ability to fully process multi-sensor data given only partial overlap in sensor coverage and the ability to incorporate target identification information in stride. Finally the critical enabling capabilities are outlined including open architecture, open business, and a concept of operations. This ability to process multi-sensor data in a network-centric fashion is a core enabler of the Navy's vision and will become a necessity with the increasing number of manned and unmanned sensor systems and the requirement for their simultaneous use.
Designing an Exploration Program for Maximum Profit: ABSTRACT

The concept of an exploration system designed to yield maximum profit recently has been successfully applied to exploration for metallic ore deposits. Similar methods using estimation of the probability of different exploration outcomes may be useful in the search for petroleum. The design of such a mineral exploration system involves the analysis of ownership, production, geological, geochemical, and geophysical data to produce maps showing regional and local probability values of mineral occurrence. These probability maps can be used in a general sequence to evaluate large land areas for minimum cost while limiting the use of more costly methods to smaller areas of progressively higher discovery potential. Maps showing the distribution of mineral value in production and reserves covering areas as large as 100,000 square miles are particular use. These maps guide the selection of smaller areas of 25,000 square miles where patterns of basic mining activity and ownership can be related to regional geologic features. In turn, they may be used to outline smaller areas of End_Page 452------------------------------ higher mineral potential where geochemical and geophysical methods may be applied in the field to pinpoint the location of specific deposits and give quantitative estimates of profitable outcome. End_of_Article - Last_Page 453------------
A self-consistent computational model for a thermionic energy convertor*

Summary form only given. High grade heat sources used to drive mechanical conversion systems suffer from losses of 30-40% due to friction and fluid losses, as well as venting as much as 40% of the energy as waste heat. System complexity and cost is also driven by conversion mechanisms. Direct conversion of part or all of the heat to electrical energy could be part of an overall efficiency improvement strategy. The direct conversion mechanism should not only be efficient, but also inexpensive, compact, and low maintenance. Potential applications range from high temperature small engine designs to nuclear power direct converters. Thermionic energy converters (TECs) can meet many of these criteria. A TEC comprises a small vacuum gap (~10 microns) between a thermionic emitting electrode and a collector, sometimes with a fill gas to neutralize some of the space charge. TECs can operate at high temperatures approaching the adiabatic combustion temperature of most hydrocarbon fuels or the core temperature of a nuclear reactor, and hence have a high Carnot efficiency. They have no moving parts, and use electrons in a vacuum or low pressure gap as the working fluid, eliminating friction and working fluid losses and associated complicated parts and maintenance. Current TEC performance is constrained by the space charge limited current within the gap. The transmitted current can be increased using neutralizing plasma, but the current required to ionize the background gas reduces the power output of the TEC by about 50%. In this work, a one-dimensional model of a TEC using argon gas is developed. The model includes self consistent space charge effects, kinetic effects, impact ionization of the background gas, and an external circuit including the external load and impact on the electron transport in the gap via the surface charge. The model is implemented in the one dimensional particle-in-cell code, XPDP1 and compared with theoretical predictions
Carbon-13 as a tool for the study of carbohydrate structures, conformations and interactions

The application of 13C-NMR spectroscopy to problems involving the structures and interactions of carbohydrates is described. Both 13C-enriched and natural abundance compounds were used and some advantages of the use of the stable isotope are described. Carbon-carbon and carbon-proton coupling constants obtained from 1-13C enriched carbohydrates were employed in the assignment of their chemical shifts and to establish solution conformation. In all cases studied thus far, C-3 couples to C-1 only in the beta-anomers while C-5 couples to C-1 only in the alpha-anomers. C-6 and C-2 always couple to C-1 in both anomeric species. The alkaline degradation of glucose [1-13C] to saccharinic acids was followed by 13C-NMR. The conversion of glucose [1-13C] to fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate [1, 6-13C] by enzymes of the glycolytic pathway was shown as an example of the use of 13C-enriched carbohydrates to elucidate biochemical pathways. In a large number of glycosyl phosphates the 31P to H-1 and 31P to C-2 coupling constants demonstrate that in the preferred conformation and phosphate group lies between the O-5 and the H-1 of the pyranose ring. The influence of paramagnetic Mn2 + ions on the proton decoupled 13C-NMR spectra of uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine indicates that the Mn2 + interacts strongly with the pyrophosphate moiety and with the carbonyl groups of the uracil and N-acetyl groups.
Limits on mass of the neutrino.

A likelihood analysis using energies and arrival times for electron neutrinos from the Large Magellanic Cloud supernova suggests that the neutrino mass is less than about 5 eV at a confidence level of 90% and less than about 10 eV at a confidence level near 99%.
Selenium detoxification of heavy metals: a possible mechanism for the blood plasma

Abstract Among the activities of the essential trace element selenium is the ability to reduce the toxicity of heavy metal ions like cadmium(II) and mercury(II). Detoxification often depends on the metabolic reduction of selenium to hydrogen selenide; the mechanism generally advanced to explain such selenium/metal interactions is that selenide combines with heavy metal ions to give a metal selenide which is metabolically inert. However, this hypothesis does not consider circumstances where selenide is quickly removed by other reactions. Given the ease with which selenide is oxidized, such conditions are likely to occur in the blood plasma, an environmental rich in oxidizing agents and a site for many selenium/metal interactions. Using polarography to monitor both selenide and cadmium, we have found that selenide reacts rapidly in vitro with the disulfide bonds present in bovine serum albumin in preference to forming cadmium selenide. We hypothesize that a similar reaction occurs in the blood plasma with the disulfide bonds of plasma proteins to generate thiol groups on the protein involved, and that these newly formed thiols are responsible for the observed reduction of metal toxicity through the ability to chelate heavy metal ions.
Proarrhythmia as a pharmacogenomic entity: A critical review and formulation of a unifying hypothesis

Proarrhythmia represents an extreme example of the phenomenon that drug effects vary widely among individuals. Studies of mechanisms leading to proarrhythmia have had important implications for understanding arrhythmogenesis, rational use of antiarrhythmic therapies, selection of patients for specific therapies, and drug development. In addition, because proarrhythmia often seems to develop in the absence of clear risk predictors, a role for genetics in predisposing to this adverse drug reaction has been postulated. This review presents mechanisms whereby genetic factors may contribute to variable drug responses and describes our current understanding of how these mechanisms play a role in proarrhythmia. A unifying hypothesis is presented: physiologic processes (such as drug elimination or cardiac repolarization) include multiple redundancies, and congenital or acquired absence of such redundancies--due to disease, interacting drugs, or genetic makeup--may confer no baseline phenotype, but nevertheless enhance susceptibility to unusual drug responses.
An investigation of a cavitating venturi flow control feature in a cryogenic propellant delivery system

Abstract This study details the design and performance characterization for a cryogenic cavitating venturi. This flow control system is intended for mass flow regulation of cryogenic propellants, such as liquid oxygen and liquid methane, in reaction control propulsion systems. Through in situ flow tests, the discharge coefficient for the venturi was calculated and utilized to determine the mass flow rate for specified inlet pressures of the propellants. The test results revealed that the cavitating venturi indeed performed as a flow rate control feature in both liquid water and LCH4 flow under a steady state operating within pressure ratios below 0.69.
Transformation of India into a knowledge society

A new national initiative is underway in India for the transformation of India into a knowledge society. Government of India has set up a National Knowledge Commission with a mandate to serve as a high-level advisory body to the Prime Minister of India in sectors ranging from education to e-government in the following five principal focus areas: Access; Concepts; Creation; Application; and Services. The Commission has set up nine working groups on libraries; languages; health information network; undergraduate education; medical education; legal education; management education; traditional knowledge; and open and distance education. It has organized a number of workshops and surveys and has published two comprehensive reports called "Report to the Nation" 2006 & 2007. The objective of this paper is to critically examine the work of this Commission and to assess the potential impact of this effort on the growth of Indian economy. Technology-induced, knowledge network will form the backbone of the massive effort to build a knowledge society and the paper will present a framework for structuring democratic values in governmental decision making.
Dendrimers based on a three-dimensionally disposed AB4 monomer.

Design and synthesis of a novel class of dendrons based on an AB4 monomer are described. These dendrons have been evaluated by using dendritic encapsulation of a redox active core. The electrochemical properties of symmetric ferrocene-cored dendrimers show that significant alterations in redox potential and heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constants could be achieved even at lower generations.
A New Isomer of the [B20H18]2− Ion: Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity ofcis-[B20H18]2− andcis-[B20H17NH3]−

New connections for old borane cages: Oxidation of suitable precursors in which two decaborate cages are linked in an apical–equatorial fashion provides the borane ions 1 and 2. The two nonequivalent cage fragments are cis-linked, in contrast to the trans-[B20H18]2− ion that has been known for over 30 years. Reductive substitution of 1 and 2 leads to new apical–apical linked anions and disubstituted [B20H18] anions. •=B, ○=BH.
Ignition X-ray imager for laser-fusion research at the national ignition facility

X-ray imaging will be an important diagnostic tool for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). However, high neutron yields will make x-ray imaging much more difficult than it is at current smaller facilities. We analyze the feasibility and performance of an Ignition X-Ray Imager to be used on cryogenic DT implosions at NIF. The system is intended to provide time-integrated, broadband, moderate-energy x-ray core images of imploding ICF capsules. Highly magnified, spectrally-filtered images created using an array of pinholes placed close to the target will be projected onto a scintillator placed at the target chamber wall. A telescope will be used to relay the scintillator emission to a distant optical detector that is time-gated in order to minimize backgrounds, in particular from neutrons. The system is optimized with respect to spatial-resolution, signal-to-background and signal-to-noise ratios.
Unilateral concessions from the other party: concession behavior, attributions, and negotiation judgments.

This article examines the effects of the other party's concession behavior on a negotiator's satisfaction and judgments. The- timing of the concessions (immediate, gradual, delayed) and the justifications provided by the other party (negotiator skill vs. external constraints) were manipulated using a scenario method (Study 1) and a role-playing experiment (Study 2). Study 1 showed that concession timing influenced valuation of the object and satisfaction with the partner and the outcome. Justifications about why the concession was made interacted with concession timing to influence participants' attributions. Participants' attributions for why the concession was actually made, in turn, had a main effect on satisfaction and judgments of the negotiation. Study 2 replicated some, but not all, of these findings.
Detection and Prevention of Central Venous Catheter-Related Infections

Infectious complications of central venous catheterization are an important clinical problem. Although systemic infection complicates only a small fraction of cases, the prevalence of catheter-related sepsis remains high because of the widespread use of these catheters in acutely ill hospitalized patients. The major route of infection is probably by migration of microorganisms from the skin along the outer surface of the catheter and through the subcutaneous catheter tract to the bloodstream. Semi-quantitative catheter tip cultures have become a standard clinical tool for the evaluation for catheter-related infection. Despite the use of this technique and a variety of other proposed methods for evaluating catheter colonization and infection, discriminating catheter-related sepsis from sepsis originating at another site is often difficult. Prevention of these infections is important. There have been many investigations of the factors that contribute to catheter infections. These studies have shown that meticulous attention to sterile technique during catheter insertion and during routine maintenance is critical.
Spectrum of quantum chromodynamics in the limit of an infinite number of colors at fixed coupling

We study quantum chromodynamics in the limit of an infinite number of colors ${N}_{c}$ at fixed coupling ${g}_{s}$. On a null-plane lattice, the field theory can be recast as an interacting string model. The resulting dual string has internal degrees of freedom corresponding to the spin of the gluon quanta. The dynamics of these spins is that of an isotropic Heisenberg antiferromagnet. In the limit ${N}_{c}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$, low orders in the dual loop expansion are expected to give a good approximation to the spectrum (modulo effects such as spontaneous symmetry breakdown). We find that, in this limit, all particles lie on linear Regge trajectories. Quarkless gluonic states correspond to closed strings, and the spectrum is Lorentz invariant if the intercept of the leading trajectory is 2. Open strings are terminated by a quark and an antiquark, and the $\ensuremath{\rho}$ trajectory must have intercept unity. Our limit preserves chiral symmetry: There is a ${J}^{\mathrm{PC}}={0}^{++}$ scalar degenerate with the "pion" ${0}^{\ensuremath{-}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}+}$. Both these particles are tachyons, so chiral symmetry may be spontaneously broken by string interactions. Our ${N}_{c}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$ calculations are similar to zero-temperature expansions in statistical mechanics. We expect them to give a qualitatively correct description of the ordered phase (confined quarks). We suggest that there is a critical number of colors below which confinement is lost. If ${N}_{c}=3$ is close to this critical value (it is hoped, above it), the $\frac{1}{{N}_{c}}$ expansion might not give quantitatively accurate results.
Efficient computation of a canonical form for a matrix with the generalized P-property

We use recent results on algorithms for Markov decision problems to show that a canonical form for a matrix with the generalized P-property can be computed, in some important cases, by a strongly polynomial algorithm.
In-flight source noise of an advanced full-scale single-rotation propeller

Flight tests to define the far-field tone source at cruise conditions have been completed on the full-scale SR-7L advanced turboprop, which was installed on the left wing of a Gulfstream II aircraft. These measurements defined source levels for input into long-distance propagation models to predict en route noise. Infight data were taken for seven test cases. The sideline directivities measured showed expected maximum levels near 105 deg from the propeller upstream axis. However, azimuthal directivities based on the maximum observed sideline tone levels showed highest levels below the aircraft. The tone level reduction associated with reductions in propeller tip speed is shown to be more significant in the horizontal plane than below the aircraft.
Radiometric calibration stability of the EO-1 Advanced Land Imager: 5 years on-orbit

The Advanced Land Imager (ALI) was developed as a prototype sensor for follow on missions to Landsat-7. It was launched in November 2000 on the Earth Observing One (EO-1) satellite as a nominal one-year technology demonstration mission. As of this writing, the sensor has continued to operate in excess of 5 years. Six of the ALI's nine multi-spectral (MS) bands and the panchromatic band have similar spectral coverage as those on the Landsat-7 ETM+. In addition to on-board lamps, which have been significantly more stable than the lamps on ETM+, the ALI has a solar diffuser and has imaged the moon monthly since launch. This combined calibration dataset allows understanding of the radiometric stability of the ALI system, its calibrators and some differentiation of the sources of the changes with time. The solar dataset is limited as the mechanism controlling the aperture to the solar diffuser failed approximately 18 months after launch. Results over 5 years indicate that: the shortest wavelength band (443 nm) has degraded in response about 2%; the 482 nm and 565 nm bands decreased in response about 1%; the 660 nm, 790 nm and 868 nm bands each degraded about 5%; the 1250 nm and 1650 nm bands did not change significantly and the 2215 nm band increased in response about 2%.
The Apparent Thermionic Constant A of Clean Metals

THERE seems to be little room for doubt that the apparent thermionic A (the A derived from a Richardson line) of at least some clean metals is genuinely less than the upper theoretical limit for this quantity, Ae, the value of which is 120 amp. cm.-2 deg.-2. Thus, for tungsten, tantalum and molybdenum, which are among the metals for which the most reliable data are available, values of 60–100, 60 and 55 amp. cm.2 deg.2 respectively have been obtained, and, if surface roughness had been taken into account, somewhat smaller values still must have been found. It would, of course, be quite possible to attribute these results to an imperfect transmission of the electrons through the emitting surfaces, assuming the apparent A to be the true A. There is, however, a known effect which, unless compensated for by other effects, must make the apparent A less than the true A by a factor of at least 2 or 3, and which would, therefore, account for the order of magnitude of the observed data on the assumption of practically perfect transmission.
Structuring Organizational Communication: Employees' Role and Network Position as Predictive of Institutional Talk About the Adoption of Technology

The purpose of this study is to assess whether and to what extent structuration theory, role theory, and network theory can help explain employees' attitudes about the introduction of a new, organization-wide Electronic Mail system. The analysis considers how an organization's existing structures, along with one's role and network affiliation within the organization, combine to shed light on the communicative effects resulting from assimilation processes of new technology by organizational members. The results of the case study indicate that one's role within an organization and one's network position within the organization impact views of the introduction of Electronic Mail as positive and beneficial, or negative and disadvantageous. These findings indicate the need to understand and assess seemingly covert variables that might influence the extent to which employees are actively willing to adopt new communication technologies and incorporate them into their everyday organizational routines.
Media Reviews: Italian Type Minerals by Marco E. Ciriotti, Lorenza Fascio

Marco Pasero. Plus-Pisa University Press, Lungarno Pacinotti, 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy. 357 pages; 2009; €40 (softbound). A significant percentage of known mineral species, 264 in all, were first reco...
Peptide decoys: cure for FVIII inhibitors?

Hemophilia A is a genetic disorder characterized by a deficient factor VIII (FVIII) activity. Among patients receiving FVIII replacement therapy, a significant number develop antibodies inhibiting FVIII procoagulant activity (called inhibitors). Development of inhibitors severely complicates the
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) geofoam: An introduction to material behavior

Abstract The new geosynthetic product category of ‘geofoam’ was proposed in 1992. It encompasses polymeric and non-polymeric foams that are used in geotechnical applications. Geofoams perform functions that traditional geosynthetic products cannot. In addition, geofoams can be used to complement or enhance the function of other geosynthetics. Thus, geofoams used either alone or with other geosynthetics offer new, cost-effective soltions to a wide variety of geotechnical problems. This paper provides an overview of the geotechnically relevant engineering properties of a specific geoform material called expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is a type of ‘rigid’ plastic foam. EPS is the most widely used geofoam material. There is approximately 30 years experience of using it in geotechnical applications, primarily as thermal insulation and ultra-lightweight fill (its density is only about 1% of the density of soil).
The Deviance of Respectability: Nineteenth-Century Transport from a Woman's Perspective

Malwida von Meysenbug's autobiographical railway travel story, 'A Journey to Ostend' (1849) reflects the atmosphere of social change in Germany in which it was written. The short-lived revolution of 1848 had engendered hopes of democracy, and the railroad, industrialization's spectacular spearhead, was seen as a vehicle of democratic change. However, middle-class women who wished to participate in this largely male public realm of mobility and democratic change met several challenges. 19th century bourgeois social norms dictated that women's sphere was the domestic one and their behavior should reflect modesty and submissiveness. Women traveling alone in the male public domain of the railroad were departing from the norm and faced social scrutiny. Meysenbug reveals how women travelers maintained the feminine qualities of modesty and respectability by recreating the domestic realm on the railway, the subject of this article.
Computer tests of Witten's Chern-Simons theory against the theory of three-manifolds.

We study Witten's (2+1)-dimensional Chern-Simons theory with gauge group SU(2). The partition function in this theory is a topological invariant of three-manifolds. Following the prescription given by Witten, we explicitly calculate this partition function on some three-manifolds and verify many of the predictions made by the path integral. Most strikingly, we check the perturbation theory against the exact solution.
Registration of Arkot JJ46, Arkot 9610, and Arkot 9620 Germplasm Lines of Cotton

Arkot JJ46 (Reg. No. GP-890, PI 651855), Arkot 9610 (Reg. No. GP-891, PI 651856), and Arkot 9620 JJ46 (Reg. No. GP-892, PI 651857) are noncommercial breeding lines of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in September 2007. Arkot JJ46 was derived from a cross between 'SG 125' and 'HyPerformer HS46'. Arkot 9610 was derived from a cross between 'SG 404' and Arkot 8606. Arkot 9620 was derived from crossing Arkot 8712 with an advanced breeding line. The lines were evaluated in replicated tests in Arkansas from 2003 through 2006. With some specific adaptation, lint yields of the lines were generally comparable to two check cultivars. Fiber quality, particularly fiber length, and line-specific host plant resistance traits-resistance to Fusarium wilt [caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schlect. f. sp. vasinfectum (Atk.) Snyd. & Hans.], Verticillium wilt (caused by Verticillium dahliae Kleb.), bacterial blight [caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum (Smith) Dye], and tarnished plant bugs [Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois)]-make these lines valuable to cotton breeding programs.
Voltammetry in brain tissue: The fate of injected 6-hydroxydopamine

Abstract The chemical interactions of 6-OHDA with brain tissue after intracerebral injection have been investigated with a new in vivo technique. Soon after injection 6-OHDA equilibrates with its quinone, with about 40% of the total 6-OHDA in the oxidized state. The fraction oxidized remains constant, despite a rapid decrease in total 6-OHDA concentration. The data indicate degradation of the6-hydroxy-p-quinone, either by intramolecular rearrangement to form 5,6-dihydroxyindole, or by nucleophilic binding with brain tissue.
Interactions between growth hormone-releasing hormone and glucocorticoids in male rats

Abstract While chronic glucocorticoid treatment increases pituitary growth hormone (GH) content in rats and primates and increases pituitary GH release in response to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) in rats, it also inhibits somatic growth. We investigated these opposite actions in rats using the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Seven days of dexamethasone treatment (40 μg/animal per day) did not alter the frequency of spontaneous GH pulses in conscious, freely-moving animals. The amplitude of the GH pulses in saline and dexamethasone-treated rats was different ( P
Nuclear data sheets for A = 63

Nuclear structure data for A = 63 nuclei available through August 1974 are compiled, adopted level and gamma-ray properties are presented. Where no additional data have been reported since the previous compilation (H. Verheul, Nuclear Data B2-3-31, 1967), only the values adopted in the latter are given. The compilation consists of three parts. The first gives a pictorial presentation of the bulk of the data, adopted decay schemes, and adopted level properties. The second, Summary Sheets, includes the adopted values with brief discussions of their origins and problems encountered in their derivation. The third, Data Sheets, includes tabulated data and references used in deriving the adopted level properties (except 63Co for which all data are included on the Summary Sheet). This section also contains the adopted energies, intensities, and normalization factors for the 63Zn and 63Ga decay schemes. Similar data for 63Co decay are given in the Summary Sheets.
Should We Care About Adolescents Who Care for Themselves? What We Have Learned and What We Need to Know About Youth in Self-Care

Developmental consequences for youth who experience self-care (unsupervised time during the out-of-school hours) have been of interest to researchers, policy-makers, and families for decades (e.g., Mahoney, Vandell, Simpkins, & Zarrett, in press; Vandell & Posner, 1999). Prior to the mid-1980s, youth in this arrangement were often referred to as “latchkey children” because of the house key they often wore around their neck (e.g., Long & Long, 1982). However, some considered this term to have negative connotations (Rodman, Pratto, & Smith Nelson, 1985), and descriptors such as “self-care” and “non-adult care” have been increasingly used instead. The changing terms coincide with an ongoing debate over the consequences of this arrangement for the healthy development of young people. Proponents argue for a positive impact of self-care, including its allowing parents the opportunity to work and providing youth an experience that may increase their responsibility, independence, and self-reliance (e.g., Belle, 1994; 1999; Galambos & Dixon 1984; Stewart, 1981). In contrast, opponents have pointed to risks that can arise for unsupervised youth, such as injury, victimization, exposure to crime, and association with deviant peers (e.g., Galambos & Dixon 1984; Riley & Steinberg, 2004; Zigler, 1983). This article provides an overview of the literature on adolescent self-care that is guided by the bioecological perspective to development (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006). This perspective assumes that development occurs through a process of continuity and change in interactions between the individual’s biopsychological characteristics (including physical characteristics, behavioral dispositions, motivations, abilities, and knowledge) and features of the nested ecologies (proximal to distal) that the individual is part of over time. In this view, understanding whether and how self-care affects development requires attention to relations among youth characteristics (e.g., gender, age, behavior) and ecological features that contextualize and affect adolescents’ self-care experience (e.g., parenting, peers, home, neighborhood). Other theoretical perspectives (e.g., routine-activity theory, person-stage-environment fit perspective) provide additional insight about individual and social-ecological conditions that are important for understanding consequences of self-care. This article is organized into three sections dealing with the prevalence and predictors of self-care; the consequences associated with self-care; and conclusions and future directions.