cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
US-Japan Security Alliance Adrift?

How stable is the US-Japan security alliance in the post-Cold War era? Have the “end of history”, the “end of the Cold War”, the end of a “hegemonic world”, and the “end of geography” (or the beginning of a borderless world economy) so altered the national security needs and priorities of the United States and Japan that they no longer need or desire the security alliance they have maintained since 1952? Will the alliance remain the anchor of Japanese and US policies in the Asia-Pacific region? In the age of multilateralism, will the two countries seek multilateral alternatives that will replace the bilateral alliance? In this brief analysis, I will review the ongoing debate in Japan and in the United States concerning the future of the US-Japan security alliance in the post-Cold War era. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v4i0.415 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs Vol.4 2007: 3-20
Phosphoryl transfer by aminoglycoside 3′-phosphotransferases and manifestation of antibiotic resistance

Transfer of the gamma-phosphoryl group from ATP to aminoglycoside antibiotics by aminoglycoside 3'-phosphotransferases is one of the most important reactions for manifestation of bacterial resistance to this class of antibiotics. This review article surveys the latest structural and mechanistic findings with these enzymes.
Data-Driven Workflows in Multi-cloud Marketplaces

Cloud computing is emerging as a viable platform for scientific exploration. The ideas of on-demand access to resources, "unlimited" resources as well as interesting pricing models are making scientist to move their workflows into cloud computing. However, the amount of services and different pricing models offered by the providers often overwhelm users when deciding which option is best for them. Moreover, interoperability across providers remains an open topic that forces users to develop specific solutions for each provider. In this paper, we present a service framework that enables the autonomic execution of dynamic workflows in multi-cloud environments. It also allows users to customize scheduling policies to use those resources that best fit their needs. To demonstrate the benefits of this framework, we study the execution of a real scientific workflow, with data dependencies across stages, in a multi-cloud federation using different policies and objective functions.
The Estimation of Nonstationary Transition Probabilities

The estimation of an underlying Markov process of constant transition probabilities which explains aggregated market share movements over time has received much attention from theorists and applied researchers. Summaries of the work to date are given in [Dent, Warren T., Richard Ballintine. 1971. A review of the estimation of transition probabilities in Markov chains. Australian J. Agricultural Econom.15 and Lee, T. C., G. G. Judge, A. Zellner. 1970. Estimating the Parameters of the Markov Probability Model from Aggregate Time Series Data. North-Holland, Amsterdam.]. The problem of estimating a nonstationary process however has not been solved, although Hallberg [Hallberg, M. C. 1969. Projecting the size distribution of agricultural firms---an application to a Markov process with non-stationary transition probabilities. J. Farm Econom.51.] has looked at the problem in the case of micro data, that is, when movements between periods are observable. Harary, Lipstein, and Styan [Harary, F., B. Lipstein, G. P. H. Styan. 1970. A matrix approach to nonstationary chains. Oper. Res.18.] have investigated nonstationary chain properties in the case of aggregated data but have not looked at estimation. We present an attempt to formalize Harary, Lipstein, and Styan's model and to develop appropriate solution techniques for estimation of its unknown parameters. An iterative quadratic programming procedure is suggested.
Conspecific screams and laughter: cardiac and behavioral reactions of infant chimpanzees

The present study examined cardiac and behavioral reactions of infant chimpanzees to white noise and to conspecific screams and laughter. Chimpanzee screams evoked typical deceleratory cardiac orienting responses. Analysis of stimulus-evoked changes in respiratory sinus arrhythmia suggested that this cardiac deceleration arose from an increase in parasympathetic activity. In contrast, chimpanzee laughter evoked notable cardiac acceleration. Laughter also evoked vocalizations from the infant subjects, which were reminiscent of adult threat-barks. Analysis of respiratory sinus arrhythmia suggested that the cardioacceleratory response likely resulted from sympathetic activation, and was not associated with an inhibition of parasympathetic activity. The autonomic and vocal responses to laughter emerged early in development, were minimally dependent on social contact with adults, and declined in magnitude with increasing age. A consideration of the phylogeny of laughter raised the possibility that the functional reaction to this vocalization may be related to its origin in more primitive agonistic facio-vocal signals.
Balanced Force Implementation of the Continuum Surface Tension Force Method Into a Pressure Correction Algorithm

A consistent formulation is presented for modeling surface tension driven flow with the continuum surface tension force (CSF) model within a volume of fluid (VOF) method using a pressure-correction projection method. We show that a flow algorithm whose inherent design is motivated by legislating force balance gives an exact (to round off) balance between surface tension forces and pressure gradients that arise as a result. This design eliminates one of the elusive impediments to more accurate CSF-based surface tension models, the remaining of which is curvature estimation accuracy. To validate our formulation, we present results for an equilibrium (static) drop in two and three dimensions having an arbitrary density ratio and demonstrate in the process that scaling effects within the CSF framework are insignificant.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
How psychopaths threaten moral rationalism: Is it irrational to be amoral?

Over the last 20 years, a number of central figures in moral philosophy have defended some version of moral rationalism, the idea that morality is based on reason or rationality (e.g., Gewirth 1978, Darwall 1983, Nagel 1970, 1986, Korsgaard 1986, Singer 1995; Smith 1994, 1997). According to rationalism, morality is based on reason or rationality rather than the emotions or cultural idiosyncrasies, and this has seemed to many to be the best way of securing a kind of objectivism about moral claims. Consider the following representative statements:
Landsat bill passes in Congress

Commercialization of the land remote-sensing system is virtually guaranteed with the successful completion last week of an informal conference on the differences in the House of Representatives and Senate versions of the Land Remote Sensing Commercialization Act (H.R. 5155). Moreover, the House ratified the compromise version on June 28; the Senate was expected to ratify the bill before the July 4 recess. The bill will then be sent to President Ronald Reagan for his signature. Also on June 28, the Secretary of Commerce announced his selection for final contract negotiations of two of the seven bids received this spring for the operation of Landsat.
Interpretation of elastic Debye temperatures in solid 3He

Abstract Arguments are presented that sound velocities taken at finite temperatures do not necessarily provide the zero-temperature Debye temperature for solid 3 He.
THE INFLUENCE OF LEADER REGULATORY FOCUS ON EMPLOYEE CREATIVITY.

Using matched pairs of leaders and employees, we found that employee creativity is positively associated with the promotion focus of the supervisor's behavior. Consequently, through their actions, promotion-focused leaders may increase the likelihood of entrepreneurial action in their firms by eliciting a promotion-focused state of eagerness from their employees.
The role of HER2 in angiogenesis

Recent studies have established that growth factors and their receptors play an essential role in regulating the proliferation of epithelial cells. Abnormalities in the expression, structure, or activity of their proto-oncogene products contribute to the development and maintenance of the malignant phenotype. For example, c-erbB2 encodes the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which is overexpressed or amplified or both in several human malignancies including breast, ovarian, and colon cancers. Tumor cells must use the process of vascularization (angiogenesis) for productive growth and metastasis. Overexpression of HER2 in human tumor cells is closely associated with increased angiogenesis and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Indeed, when the VEGF pathway is inhibited, tumor growth is suppressed. The anti-HER2 blocking antibody trastuzumab has been shown to inhibit tumor cell growth and VEGF expression. Cancer cell invasiveness can be promoted, even in the absence of HER2 overexpression, by transregulation of HER2 by heregulins that bind to HER3 and HER4. Accordingly, heregulin beta1 regulates the expression and secretion of VEGF in breast cancer cells, and trastuzumab inhibits heregulin-mediated angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, potential upregulation of VEGF in cancer epithelial cells likely supports angiogenesis, sustaining and promoting survival and metastasis of tumor cells.
Heterogeneity in shortgrass prairie vegetation: the role of playa lakes

. We examined the role of playa lakes in promoting regional heterogeneity on the southern High Plains. The goals of this paper were to: (1) describe vegetation types and zonation patterns within playas, (2) evaluate patterns of species distribution and abundance within and among playas, and (3) assess patterns of heterogeneity within and among playas on a portion of the southern High Plains. Perennial grasses were the most abundant species in playa vegetation. Playa vegetation exhibited distinct and repeatable vegetation zones at the majority of sites, but the number of distinct zones varied from site to site. Agropyron smithii, Buchloe dactyloides, and Panicum obtusum were the most important species of playa interior zones, and Bouteloua gracilis, Buchloe dactyloides, and Schedonnardus paniculatus were important upland species outside of playas. Species distribution and abundance were positively correlated at 38 of 40 sites. The distributions of species occurrences among sites were unimodal both locally and regionally. The degree of heterogeneity varied from playa to playa. Local heterogeneity within playas was found to increase regional heterogeneity; therefore, playas increase both local and regional heterogeneity of vegetation. Long-term monitoring will be necessary to understand the spatial and temporal response of vegetation within and among playas to stochastic climatic factors on the southern High Plains of North America.
Quantitation of tear lysozyme levels in dry-eye disorders.

• A simple, rapid, reproducible method of quantifying tear lysozyme levels with a dual-channel spectrophotometer was used to compare normal subjects and those with dry-eye syndrome. The method was sensitive (80%) and specific (85%) and had a predictive value of a positive result of 83%. One patient with clinical manifestations of dry-eye syndrome and paradoxically elevated levels of tear lysozyme was found to have underlying sarcoidosis.
Functional Vomiting Disorders in Infancy: Innocent Vomiting, Nervous Vomiting, and Infant Rumination Syndrome

Pediatric gastroenterologists have tended to view gastroesophageal reflux (GER) as a disease in and of itself--a disease that can be diagnosed "objectively" with use of numerical data from esophageal pH monitoring and cured with pharmacologic or surgical treatment. What is often forgotten is that the data derived from esophageal pH monitoring and other techniques may identify the presence of abnormal GER but tell nothing about its pathogenesis. The usual approach to infants who feed poorly, vomit, or fail to gain weight is to identify the presence of abnormal GER, rule out underlying organic causes of vomiting, and then diagnosis primary GER disease. The baby is then treated with pharmacologic, dietary, or positional therapy and, ultimately, if these therapies fail to eradicate the symptoms attributed to GER, surgical fundoplication, which stops vomiting regardless of its causes. The pediatric literature on infant vomiting and GER is almost devoid of research into the nature and possible relationships among infant stress, vomiting, feeding difficulties, and failure to grow. Clinically, the quality of the maternal-infant relationship is frequently approached superficially, with psychosocial aspects treated as less important in infants considered to have primary organic disease amenable to medical or surgical treatment. Psychosocial factors in the pathogenesis of the infant's symptoms are often not pursued beyond assessment for possible abuse or neglect. It has been known for centuries that stress or excitement affects gastrointestinal function and symptoms. Although the field of infant psychiatry has produced a substantial literature on the nature of stresses that affect both infants and mothers, the pediatric literature on vomiting and failure to thrive seldom acknowledges the existence or importance of these contributions. In clinical practice, failure to explore psychosocial aspects that may contribute to vomiting, feeding difficulties, or failure to thrive may result in missed opportunities for less invasive, more effective therapy at best, and countertherapeutic treatment at worst. This article describes three functional vomiting disorders of infancy, their distinguishing characteristics, hypotheses regarding their pathogenesis, and principles of comprehensive management.
The biogeochemical cycling of formic and acetic acids through the troposphere: an overview of current understanding

Despite remaining uncertainties, a general picture of the biogeochemical cycling of HCOOH and CH 3 COOH is beginning to emerge. These acids are ubiquitous vapor- and aqueous-phase constituents of the global troposphere, contributing significant fractions of the natural acidity in precipitation and cloudwater, particularly in continental regions of the tropics and subtropics. The similarity of concentrations in remote and impacted regions indicates that anthropogenic emissions of carboxylic acids or precursors are probably not important sources over broad geographic areas. In continental regions, seasonally varying emissions of acids and hydrocarbon precursors from vegetation are thought to represent major sources for both acids. In marine areas, the seasonality of wet deposition and apparent lack of transport from continents support the hypothesis of a marine biogenic source. Ratios of total (aqueous + vapor) concentrations of HCOOH versus CH 3 COOH in clouds vary as a function of H + . This observation is consistent with the hypothesis of a pH-dependent aqueous-phase source and sink for HCOOH in clouds which may act to stabilize aqueous-phase ratios against shifts in solution Ht. Large die1 periodicities in the concentrations of vapor-phase species over continents, together with a lack of evidence for long-distance transport, suggest that HCOOH and CH 3 COOH experience short atmospheric lifetimes of several hours to a few (at most) days. Because they are important controllers of free acidity and represent a potentially large sink for aqueous-phase OH radicals, the cycling of the carboxylic acids is expected to interact directly and indirectly in the chemical cycling of other atmospheric constituents. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.1988.tb00106.x
Benchmark Runs of the Subscripted D-Algorithm with Observation Path Mergers on the Brglez-Fujiwara Circuits

To speed up the test generation process, the Subscripted D-Algorithm (AALG) uses "gang" testing in its attempts to construct a single test pattern designed to test simultaneously as many faults as possible. Other techniques such as merger of the observation paths and multiple backtrace are also introduced. However, the main purpose of this paper is to report results of the runs of AALG on various benchmark circuits specifically the Brglez-Fujiwara Circuits.
Modification of mechanical properties of Kevlar fibre by polymer infiltration

While high-performance organic fibres such as poly (para phenylene benzobisthiazole) and Kevlar possess excellent mechanical properties under axial tension, their strength under compression is generally poor. This study focuses on a polymer infiltration approach to modify the mechanical properties of the Kevlar 49 fibre in tension as well as compression, in which various polymeric resins are infiltrated in an opened fibrillar network of Kevlar single filaments. Opening was achieved using concentrated sulfuric acid, which resulted in a strength loss at high acid concentrations. However, compared to the acid-treated fibre, both the tensile strength and strain-to-failure of the fibres were found to increase after infiltration with epoxy resins and bismaleimide polymers. Polymer infiltration also resulted in a significant improvement in the compressive strength of the Kevlar fibre, with the bismaleimide performing better than the epoxy resins. Plasma modification using ammonia was also used to enhance interfibrillar adhesion by incorporating reactive amine groups on the fibril surface
Informing Measurement of Cooperative Performance

Prior work assessing cooperative performance focuses mostly on available financial accounting measures commonly used to evaluate investor owned firms. Here, we advance a more inclusive approach, which incorporates several aspects of performance consistent with the dual objectives of the cooperative form. We demonstrate that cooperative performance consists of multiple dimensions and that a survey item about overall performance adequately reflects variation in each of these dimensions of performance across cooperatives. Hence, this item may be used to compare performance across cooperatives with reasonable confidence. Though comparisons of cooperative financial statistics may be misleading when considered alone, future work that simultaneously assesses these statistics along with other dimensions of performance may provide insight into tradeoffs cooperatives make—sacrificing on one performance attribute for better performance on another. The degree of correspondence among these aspects of performance appears to vary by cooperative type. For instance, multipurpose cooperatives using cost of goods sold accounting behave more like IOFs in terms of financial performance than marketing cooperatives, which are predominately concerned with paying patron-members the highest possible prices for their products and generally use a pooling approach to accounting.
On the Capacity of a Wireless Backhaul for the Distribution Level of the Smart Grid

Many application scenarios envisioned as part of the “smarter” grid depend on an effective underlying communication infrastructure for power distribution. The advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is one such application scenario where bidirectional communication between electric meters of customers and the utility control center is required for demand response and load control. Several technologies have been suggested to meet communication needs for the backhaul that connects customer data collection points with the utility's control center. In this paper, these technologies are compared with a justification of why wireless communication technologies may be most suitable for the backhaul. A linear chain multihop wireless communication architecture is then proposed, and its ability to meet application requirements of the communication backhaul is evaluated through simulations. Based on capacity limitations first seen in the simulation results, a theoretical analysis is done to understand the data carrying capacity of using linear chain wireless technologies for the communication backhaul. Finally, the AMI application scenario is used as a case study to understand the implications of any limitations imposed by the proposed communication architecture.
Activated Alveolar Epithelial Cells Initiate Fibrosis through Secretion of Mesenchymal Proteins

Fibrosis is characterized by accumulation of activated fibroblasts and pathological deposition of fibrillar collagens. Activated fibroblasts overexpress matrix proteins and release factors that promote further recruitment of activated fibroblasts, leading to progressive fibrosis. The contribution of epithelial cells to this process remains unknown. Epithelium-directed injury may lead to activation of epithelial cells with phenotypes and functions similar to activated fibroblasts. Prior reports that used a reporter gene fate-mapping strategy are limited in their ability to investigate the functional significance of epithelial cell-derived mesenchymal proteins during fibrogenesis. We found that lung epithelial cell-derived collagen I activates fibroblast collagen receptor discoidin domain receptor-2, contributes significantly to fibrogenesis, and promotes resolution of lung inflammation. Alveolar epithelial cells undergoing transforming growth factor-β–mediated mesenchymal transition express several other secreted profibrotic factors and are capable of activating lung fibroblasts. These studies provide direct evidence that activated epithelial cells produce mesenchymal proteins that initiate a cycle of fibrogenic effector cell activation, leading to progressive fibrosis. Therapy targeted at epithelial cell production of type I collagen offers a novel pathway for abrogating this progressive cycle and for limiting tissue fibrosis but may lead to sustained lung injury/inflammation.
Partitioning of functional models of synchronous digital systems

A partitioning technique is presented of functional models that are used in conjunction with high-level synthesis of digital synchronous circuits. The partitioning goal is to synthesize multi-chip systems from one behavioral description that satisfy both chip area constraints and an overall latency timing constraint. There are three major advantages to using partitioning techniques at the functional abstraction level. First, scheduling techniques can be applied concurrently to partitioning. Therefore, partitioning under timing constraints, and in particular under latency constraints, can be performed. Second, the functional model captures large hardware systems with fewer objects (than at the logic netlist abstraction level), making the partitioning algorithm more efficient. Third, hardware sharing tradeoffs can be considered. Hardware partitioning is formulated as a hypergraph partitioning problem. Algorithms for hardware partitioning are presented and experimental results are reported. >
Protein prenylation: key to ras function and cancer intervention?

Ihe frequent association of mutated, oncogenic forms of cellular ras proteins with a broad spectrum of human malignancies has prompted intensive investigations into identifying their role in normal cellular physiology and into establishing the contribution of aberrant ras function to human tumorigenesis (1-4). Despite considerable knowledge of the structural and biochemical properties of ras proteins, we remain ignorant of the function of ras proteins. The recent discovery that ras transforming activity is critically dependent on modification (prenylation) by a farnesyl isoprenoid, an essential intermediate in cholesterol biosynthesis, has unveiled potentially important clues to ras function and identified novel prospects for cancer therapy (5-8). In this research capsule, we will summarize our present understanding of the role of protein prenylation in ras biological activity, and we will assess the promises and problems of pharmacological approaches to antagonizing prenylation. Finally, understanding the role of protein prenylation in ras function will provide a foundation for defining the significance of this previously obscure protein modification for the functions of a very diverse and growing number of isoprenylated proteins (9, 10).
Risk Scores Predict Atherosclerotic Lesions in Young People

rotic lesions in the CAs and the abdominal aorta from age,sex,serumlipoproteinconcentrations,smoking,hypertension, obesity, and hyperglycemia. Odds ratios for a 1-unit increase in the risk scores were 1.18 (95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.22) for the CAs and 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 1.23-1.35) for the abdominal aorta. Theseriskscoreshadgooddiscrimination(c-indexes:0.78 for the CAs and 0.84 for the abdominal aorta) and were calibrated. The presence of abdominal aortic lesions increased the likelihood of having CA lesions.
Parents with Mental Retardation: A National Strategy

The topic of parenting by people with mental retardation has a long and controversial history during which it was assumed that, as a result of that mental retardation, they were unable to provide adequate parenting. More recently, individual researchers and practitioners have attempted to demonstrate that, while some parents with mental retardation do not provide adequate child care, many currently do so and are able to improve their parenting skills. Unfortunately, there have been limited responses to systematically address this area. In this report the author presents what we do and do not know about parents with mental retardation and, based upon his experience in the mental retardation field for the past two decades, makes recommendations for a national strategy.
Equity Theory and Time: A Reformulation

Perceptions of inequity generally have been associated with substantive employee responses in the workplace. These effects have been demonstrated in the laboratory and, to a lesser extent, in field settings. The most commonly used formulation of equity theory reties on a static view of the process. A model is presented that specifically illustrates the potential time tagged effects of prior inequity.
The impact of automated assistance on the information retrieval process

Advanced information retrieval systems providing automated assistance offer the opportunity to greatly enhance the effectiveness of the information retrieval process. One issue in designing such systems is determining the effect that the automated assistance has on the tasks and sequence of tasks within this process. Using verbal protocol data and transaction log analysis, we present a taxonomy of tasks when utilizing information retrieval systems with automated assistance, along with a temporal analysis of when interaction with the automated assistance occurs. Results indicate that there is a predictable pattern of user interaction with automated assistance with implications for the design of information retrieval systems.
A conceptual analysis of group privacy in the virtual environment

While individual privacy has been the subject of considerable research in both the face-to-face and virtual environments, the idea of 'group privacy' has received less attention. Proponents advocate the idea of group privacy on the following two principles: 1) Group privacy should protect the need of people to come together to exchange information and share feelings. In this process, people reveal themselves to one another and rely on the others in the group to keep this information within the group. 2) The combination of information disseminated about a group and the realisation that a certain individual is a member of that group can potentially violate that individual's privacy. In the virtual environment, group privacy may be as important as individual privacy, given the popularity and pervasiveness of discussion forums, e-mail listservs and 'social networking' websites, such as Facebook and MySpace. This paper provides an overview of group privacy, the impact of virtual communities on group privacy and a discussion of potential future research in this important area.
Carrier capture and recombination in 2.4μm GaSb-based type-I quantum well high power diode lasers

Carrier lifetime of 2 ns was measured in GaSb-based type-I quantum-well high power laser heterostructures at threshold carrier concentration. Increased carrier capture rate was observed in laser heterostructures with reduced waveguide thickness.
The height-to-width index for the assessment of femoral head deformity following osteonecrosis in the treatment of developmental dysplasia.

Background: The principal complications that follow the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip are redislocation and growth disturbance of the femoral head and neck as a result of osteonecrosis of the femoral epiphysis. Growth disturbance secondary to osteonecrosis is difficult to determine until long after the treatment episode has passed. Consequently, the treating surgeon has little early feedback regarding the long-term consequences of management interventions. We therefore sought to devise a quantitative method to identify early evidence of growth disturbance related to osteonecrosis. Methods: The width and height of the epiphyses were measured on anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis made twelve to eighteen months after successful closed reduction and on the latest available radiograph for each patient (mean age, 8.6 years). The epiphyseal index was calculated by dividing the height by the width. The radiographs were also scored for osteonecrosis with use of the Kalamchi and MacEwen classification system and were also assessed for sphericity with use of Mose rings. Results: Forty-seven patients with late-presenting developmental dysplasia of the hip who subsequently underwent successful closed reduction were included. An index of <0.357 on the twelve to eighteen-month post-treatment radiograph strongly predicted the development of a nonspherical femoral head on the latest radiograph (sensitivity, 0.83; specificity, 0.95; positive predictive value, 0.55; and negative predictive value, 0.99). Conclusions: The height-to-width index appears to be a simple and quantifiable measurement of the severity of growth disturbance as a consequence of osteonecrosis following treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip. It is predictive of asphericity at the time of intermediate-term follow-up and appears likely to predict asphericity at maturity, but this must be confirmed with follow-up to maturity. Unlike the currently used methods of assessing osteonecrosis, the index allows for the quantifiable evaluation of growth disturbance within a few years after the corrective procedure. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Trusted hardware: can it be trustworthy?

Processing and storage of confidential or critical information is an every day occurrence in computing systems. The trustworthiness of computing devices has become an important consideration during hardware design and fabrication. For instance, devices are increasingly required to store confidential information. This includes data such as cryptographic keys, personal information, and the intellectual property (IP) in the device's design. Furthermore, computing systems in critical applications must work as specified. Therefore it is important that hardware be designed and fabricated to be trustworthy. Many potential attacks can be used to exploit a computing device. Physical attacks, that monitor power, timing, electromagnetic radiation, etc. can be used to steal confidential information from the system. A "malicious" foundry can perform a number of devious activities including stealing the mask, reverse engineering IP, subverting the hardware through back doors and time bombs, and overproducing counterfeit chips. Design tools can be subverted to insert malicious circuitry, and chip packagers can modify selected devices with their own that provide similar functionality, in addition to underhanded behavior, e.g. stealing information or malfunctioning at critical junctures. The notions of trust and trustworthiness are presented. Although major challenges still confront secure software system development, there has been substantial progress.Techniques that have been useful in the context of software systems are described and their relevance to the hardware domain is discussed. Challenges to trusted hardware development are then explored.
Environmental Social Movements in Thailand: How Important is Class?

This paper argues that current academic approaches to environmentalism in developing countries understate the role of class in either dominating political alliances, or in constructing underlying environmental discourse. The paper uses examples of various social movements in Thailand to illustrate the diverse ways in which environmental activism may represent or support different political objectives. It is proposed that analysts need to pay more attention to the origin of much environmental discourse from new, or identity-based social movements both within Thailand and elsewhere, and to seek ways to understand the ‘co-production’ of social activism and environmental knowledge.
Performance and power optimization through data compression in Network-on-Chip architectures

The trend towards integrating multiple cores on the same die has accentuated the need for larger on-chip caches. Such large caches are constructed as a multitude of smaller cache banks interconnected through a packet-based network-on-chip (NoC) communication fabric. Thus, the NoC plays a critical role in optimizing the performance and power consumption of such non-uniform cache-based multicore architectures. While almost all prior NoC studies have focused on the design of router microarchitectures for achieving this goal, in this paper, we explore the role of data compression on NoC performance and energy behavior. In this context, we examine two different configurations that explore combinations of storage and communication compression: (1) Cache compression (CC) and (2) Compression in the NIC (NC). We also address techniques to hide the decompression latency by overlapping with NoC communication latency. Our simulation results with a diverse set of scientific and commercial benchmark traces reveal that CC can provide up to 33% reduction in network latency and up to 23% power savings. Even in the case of NC - where the data is compressed only when passing through the NoC fabric of the NUCA architecture and stored uncompressed - performance and power savings of up to 32% and 21%, respectively, can be obtained. These performance benefits in the interconnect translate up to 17% reduction in CPI. These benefits are orthogonal to any router architecture and make a strong case for utilizing compression for optimizing the performance and power envelope of NoC architectures. In addition, the study demonstrates the criticality of designing faster routers in shaping the performance behavior.
Heparin-induced capacitation but not intracellular alkalinization of bovine sperm is inhibited by Rp-adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate.

The objective of this study was to investigate the importance of cAMP during capacitation of bovine sperm. The competitive antagonist of cAMP, Rp-adenosine-3'5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate (Rp-cAMP), blocked heparin-induced capacitation (p 0.05); however, bovine sperm were capacitated by okadaic acid in the absence of heparin (p < 0.05). The relationship of cAMP to capacitation-associated changes in sperm intracellular pH (pHi) was investigated using image analysis of bovine sperm. The pHi of sperm increased during capacitation, and Rp-cAMP did not affect the change in pHi. We conclude that heparin-induced capacitation of bovine sperm involves an increase in cAMP and a protein phosphorylation event but that these do not induce the increase in pHi associated with capacitation.
Detrital zircon geochronology of Carboniferous-Cretaceous strata in the Lhasa terrane, Southern Tibet

Sedimentary strata in the Lhasa terrane of southern Tibet record a long but poorly constrained history of basin formation and inversion. To investigate these events, we sampled Palaeozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks in the Lhasa terrane for detrital zircon uranium-lead (U-Pb) analysis. The 4700 detrital zircon U-Pb ages reported in this paper provide the first significant detrital zircon data set from the Lhasa terrane and shed new light on the tectonic and depositional history of the region. Collectively, the dominant detrital zircon age populations within these rocks are 100-150, 500-600 and 1000-1400Ma. Sedimentary strata near NamCo in central Lhasa are mapped as Lower Cretaceous but detrital zircons with ages younger than 400Ma are conspicuously absent. The detrital zircon age distribution and other sedimentological evidence suggest that these strata are likely Carboniferous in age, which requires the existence of a previously unrecognized fault or unconformity. Lower Jurassic strata exposed within the Bangong suture between the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes contain populations of detrital zircons with ages between 200 and 500Ma and 1700 and 2000Ma. These populations differ from the detrital zircon ages of samples collected in the Lhasa terrane and suggest a unique source area. The Upper Cretaceous Takena Formation contains zircon populations with ages between 100 and 160Ma, 500 and 600Ma and 1000 and 1400Ma. Detrital zircon ages from these strata suggest that several distinct fluvial systems occupied the southern portion of the Lhasa terrane during the Late Cretaceous and that deposition in the basin ceased before 70Ma. Carboniferous strata exposed within the Lhasa terrane likely served as source rocks for sediments deposited during Cretaceous time. Similarities between the lithologies and detrital zircon age-probability plots of Carboniferous rocks in the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes and Tethyan strata in the Himalaya suggest that these areas were located proximal to one another within Gondwanaland. U-Pb ages of detrital zircons from our samples and differences between the geographic distribution of igneous rocks within the Tibetan plateau suggest that it is possible to discriminate a southern vs. northern provenance signature using detrital zircon age populations.
From funding agencies to scientific agency

Publicly funded research involves the distribution of a considerable amount of money. Funding agencies such as the US National Science Foundation (NSF), the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the European Research Council (ERC) give billions of dollars or euros of taxpayers' money to individual researchers, research teams, universities, and research institutes each year. Taxpayers accordingly expect that governments and funding agencies will spend their money prudently and efficiently. Investing money to the greatest effect is not a challenge unique to research funding agencies and there are many strategies and schemes to choose from. Nevertheless, most funders rely on a tried and tested method in line with the tradition of the scientific community: the peer review of individual proposals to identify the most promising projects for funding. This method has been considered the gold standard for assessing the scientific value of research projects essentially since the end of the Second World War. > Investing money to the greatest effect is not a challenge unique to research funding agencies and there are many strategies and schemes to choose from However, there is mounting critique of the use of peer review to direct research funding. High on the list of complaints is the cost, both in terms of time and money. In 2012, for example, NSF convened more than 17,000 scientists to review 53,556 proposals [1]. Reviewers generally spend a considerable time and effort to assess and rate proposals of which only a minority can eventually get funded. Of course, such a high rejection rate is also frustrating for the applicants. Scientists spend an increasing amount of time writing and submitting grant proposals. Overall, the scientific community invests an extraordinary amount of time, energy, and effort into the writing and reviewing of research proposals, most of which end up not …
Physiological rationale for suppression of fever

Two critical assumptions are made when prescribing antipyretic therapy. One is that fever is, at least in part, noxious, and the other is that suppression of fever will reduce, if not eliminate, the noxious effects of fever. At present, neither assumption has been validated experimentally.
Inherent issues in networked control systems: a survey

Due to major advancements in the area of networking over the past decade, a new paradigm of control systems has emerged, namely networked control systems. Such systems differ from classical control systems in that their control loops are closed around communication networks. Thus, the need for new stability and performance guarantees arises. In this paper, we aim to shed some light on the major advancements and inherent problems in networked control systems.
Milieu Communication Training for Late Talkers

Abstract Milieu communication training (MCT), an intervention designed to elicit early communication and language behaviors in young children with a variety of developmental disabilities, has a lar...
The Schizosaccharomyces pombe Pfh1p DNA helicase is essential for the maintenance of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.

Schizosaccharomyces pombe Pfh1p is an essential member of the Pif family of 5-3 DNA helicases. The two Saccharomyces cerevisiae homologs, Pif1p and Rrm3p, function in nuclear DNA replication, telomere length regulation, and mitochondrial genome integrity. We demonstrate here the existence of multiple Pfh1p isoforms that localized to either nuclei or mitochondria. The catalytic activity of Pfh1p was essential in both cellular compartments. The absence of nuclear Pfh1p resulted in G2 arrest and accumulation of DNA damage foci, a finding suggestive of an essential role in DNA replication. Exogenous DNA damage resulted in localization of Pfh1p to DNA damage foci, suggesting that nuclear Pfh1p also functions in DNA repair. The absence of mitochondrial Pfh1p caused rapid depletion of mitochondrial DNA. Despite localization to nuclei and mitochondria in S. pombe, neither of the S. cerevisiae homologs, nor human PIF1, suppressed the lethality of pfh1 cells. However, the essential nuclear function of Pfh1p could be supplied by Rrm3p. Expression of Rrm3p suppressed the accumulation of DNA damage foci but not the hydroxyurea sensitivity of cells depleted of nuclear Pfh1p. Together, these data demonstrate that Pfh1p has essential roles in the replication of both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.
A further look at linkages between NAFTA equity markets

Recent research finds evidence for convergence among the North American equity markets and argues that this is generated by the North Atlantic Free Trade Accord (NAFTA). In this paper, we re-examine these conclusions and show that the documented cointegration property among the NAFTA equity markets was in fact confined to a sub-period in the late 1990s. We argue that the comovement was caused by the global boom in information technology shares and the resulting change in the sector mix of the value-weighted benchmark indexes used in prior work. We present evidence supporting this alternative hypothesis using an updated data set that includes global industry indexes. Our results have implications for transmission of information across global equity markets and international portfolio diversification.
The Influence of Continental Ice Sheets on the Climate of an Ice Age

The climate influence of the land ice that existed 18,000 years before present (18K B.P.) is investigated by use of a general circulation model of the atmosphere coupled with a static mixed layer ocean. Simulated climates are obtained from two versions of the model: one with the land ice distribution of the present and the other with that of 18K B.P. In the northern hemisphere the tropospheric flow field is strongly influenced by the Laurentide ice sheet and features a split flow straddling the ice sheet, with a strong jet stream forming the southern branch. The northern branch of the flow brings very cold air over the North Atlantic Ocean, where thick sea ice is maintained. The distribution of sea surface temperature (SST) difference between the two experiments in the northern hemisphere resembles the difference between the SST at 18K B.P. and at present, as estimated by the CLIMAP Project (1981). The 18K B.P. ice sheets have very little influence upon atmospheric temperature and SST in the southern hemisphere. This is because the interhemispheric heat transport hardly changes as the loss of heat energy due to the reflection of solar radiation by continental ice sheets in the northern hemisphere is almost completely counterbalanced by the in situ reduction of upward terrestrial radiation. Hydrologic changes in the model climate are also found, with statistically significant decreases in soil moisture occurring in a zone located to the south of the ice sheets in North America and Eurasia. These findings are consistent with some geological evidence of regionally drier climates from the last glacial maximum.
Common Violence: Vengeance and Inquisition in Fourteenth-Century Marseille

La violence medievale a mauvaise reputation : l'A. se propose d'examiner l'attitude de l'Inquisition face a la vengeance a Marseille au XIV e siecle. Pour ce faire, il observe la complexe culture legale en vigueur a cette epoque dans la ville (lois, proces innombrables...). Quant a la cour de l'Inquisition, celle-ci etait relativement nouvelle dans ce Moyen-Age tardif : l'A. en retrace l'historique bref puis etablit des statistiques sur les actes de cette cour. Les resultats montrent les moyens d'investigation mis en œuvre par la Sainte Insquisition pour remedier au probleme de la violence commune
Acoustic wave propagation in underwater shallow channel environments

Previous attempts to model acoustic propagation in a shallow underwater channel using transmission line matrix (TLM) have been hampered by shortfalls in the basic formulation of an otherwise competent numerical modelling technique. Significant advances have been made in recent years and it is now possible to demonstrate the benefits of TLM in this application. Perfectly matched boundaries to limit the computation size to a specific area of interest are one of these advances. After introducing details of the TLM method we proceed to model a number of scenarios which describe acoustic propagation in an open finite channel of ocean. We confirm the need for an accurate boundary-conforming description and demonstrate why mesh refinement strategies are not appealing in this situation. Our approach can be used to account for the distortions in the received signal in an underwater channel and we highlight the influence of both surface state and receiver position.