cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photonic interconnects for computer applications

A 4 channel 1×8 optical bus using hollow metal waveguides and pellicle beamsplitters has been demonstrated with off-the-shelf optoelectronic components and ICs at a data rate of 10Gbps.
Transformation by E1A oncoprotein involves ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of the neuronal and tumor repressor REST in the nucleus

The adenovirus early region 1A (E1A) protein promotes cell immortalization and transformation by mediating the activities of key cellular regulators. The repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor (REST), which is a major neuronal and tumor suppressor, was previously found mainly in the cytoplasm rather than in the nuclei of adenovirus-transformed rodent cells (22). We now demonstrate that the loss of REST in the nucleus is due to its rapid degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Only nuclear REST, but not its cytoplasmic counterpart, was ubiquitinated and degraded. REST degradation was blocked by the ubiquitination inhibitor PYR-41 and the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 but not by the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B. REST degradation required both of its two C-terminal degrons that are recognized by the ubiquitin ligase SCF(β-TrCP), since deletion or mutation of either degron eliminated degradation. Importantly, E1A was shown to mediate REST ubiquitination and degradation by upregulating β-TrCP. Knockdown of E1A in virus-transformed cells reduced both β-TrCP and ubiquitination of nuclear REST. In contrast, when expressed in HeLa cells, E1A enhanced the degradation of nuclear REST. Reconstitution of REST in virus-transformed cells negatively affected E1A-mediated cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth. These data strongly indicate that E1A stimulates ubiquitination and proteolysis of REST in the nucleus, thereby abolishing the tumor suppressor functions of REST.
Priorities of Global Justice

One-third of all human deaths are due to poverty-related causes, to malnutrition and to diseases that can be prevented or cured cheaply. Yet our politicians, academics, and mass media show little concern for how such poverty might be reduced. They are more interested in possible military interventions to stop human rights violations in developing countries, even though such interventions – at best – produce smaller benefits at greater cost. This Western priority may be rooted in self-interest. But it engenders, and is sustained by, a deeply flawed moral presentation of global economic cooperation. The new global economic order we impose aggravates global inequality and reproduces severe poverty on a massive scale. On any plausible understanding of our moral values, the prevention of such poverty is our foremost responsibility.
Evaluating key factors in supplier selection for micro–businesses: implications for buyer satisfaction

Final quality of products/services starts with suppliers in the supply chain. Problems can occur if suppliers do not deliver the quantities requested in full, on time, or buyers select suppliers solely on the basis of lowest price. Supplier selection has been studied for large businesses but not for very small (micro) businesses. Therefore, a survey was administered to micro–businesses to determine: what factors are important to micro–businesses in selecting suppliers and how satisfied they are with their suppliers. Factors included Brand Name, Consistency, Cost/Lower Price, Loyalty, Quality, and Warranty. Results indicated that none of the factors were unimportant. However, buyer satisfaction was found to be dependent on Quality, Brand Name, and the Length of Time of the Buyer/Supplier Relationship. Additionally, it was concluded that quality, along with complete, on–time delivery are key to buyer satisfaction and may help suppliers achieve preferred status with micro–business buyers.
Bringing clothing into desired configurations with limited perception

We consider the problem of autonomously bringing an article of clothing into a desired configuration using a general-purpose two-armed robot. We propose a hidden Markov model (HMM) for estimating the identity of the article and tracking the article's configuration throughout a specific sequence of manipulations and observations. At the end of this sequence, the article's configuration is known, though not necessarily desired. The estimated identity and configuration of the article are then used to plan a second sequence of manipulations that brings the article into the desired configuration. We propose a relaxation of a strain-limiting finite element model for cloth simulation that can be solved via convex optimization; this serves as the basis of the transition and observation models of the HMM. The observation model uses simple perceptual cues consisting of the height of the article when held by a single gripper and the silhouette of the article when held by two grippers. The model accurately estimates the identity and configuration of clothing articles, enabling our procedure to autonomously bring a variety of articles into desired configurations that are useful for other tasks, such as folding.
Dynamic object perception by pigeons: discrimination of action in video presentations.

Two experiments examined the discrimination by pigeons of relative motion using computer-generated video stimuli. Using a go/no-go procedure, pigeons were tested with video stimuli in which the camera’s perspective went either "around" or "through" an approaching object in a semi-realistic context. Experiment 1 found that pigeons could learn this discrimination and transfer it to videos composed from novel objects. Experiment 2 found that the order of the video’s frames was critical to the discrimination of the videos. We hypothesize that the pigeons perceived a three-dimensional representation of the objects and the camera’s relative motion and used this as the primary basis for discrimination. It is proposed that the pigeons might be able to form generalized natural categories for the different kinds of motions portrayed in the videos.
Quinacrine treatment trial for sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Objective: To determine whether oral quinacrine increases survival in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD). Methods: This NIH/National Institute on Aging–funded, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, stratified randomization treatment trial was conducted at the University of California, San Francisco from February 2005 through May 2009 (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00183092). Subjects were randomized (50:50) to quinacrine (300 mg daily) or placebo with inpatient evaluations at baseline, and planned for months 2, 6, and 12. Subjects returning for their month-2 visit were offered open-label quinacrine. The primary outcome was survival from randomization to month 2. Results: Of 425 patients referred, 69 subjects enrolled, 54 subjects were randomized to active drug or placebo, and 51 subjects with sCJD were included in survival analyses. Survival for the randomized portion of the trial (first 2 months) showed no significant difference between the 2 groups (log-rank statistic, p = 0.43; Cox proportional relative hazard = 1.43, quinacrine compared with placebo, 95% confidence interval = 0.58, 3.53). The quinacrine-treated group, however, declined less on 2 of 3 functional scales, the modified Rankin and Clinical Dementia Rating, than the placebo group during the first 2 months. Conclusion: This interventional study provides Class I evidence that oral quinacrine at 300 mg per day does not improve 2-month survival of patients with sCJD, compared with placebo. Importantly, this study shows that double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized treatment trials are possible in prion disease. Furthermore, the quantitative data collected on the course of sCJD will be useful for future trials. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class I evidence that quinacrine does not improve survival for people with sCJD when given orally at a dose of 300 mg per day for 2 months.
Norepinephrine regulates the in vivo expression of the L-type calcium channel.

The α1c subunit (DHP receptor) of the L-type Ca2+ channel is important for calcium homeostasis in cardiac muscle. The DHPr provides the primary mechanism for calcium influx during contraction. Published results demonstrate three in vitro signaling pathways that are important in the regulation of DHPr gene expression in neonatal cardiac myocytes, the protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC) pathways, and intracellular calcium. To determine whether these pathways are important in vivo, we treated adult rats with infusions of isoproterenol, or norepinephrine at 200 μg/kg/h and assessed DHPr mRNA and protein levels. Following a 3-day infusion isoproterenol (ISO) and norepinephrine (NE) produced a small but insignificant reduction in DHPr mRNA levels. When the infusions were continued for 7 days isoproterenol increased DHPr mRNA accumulation to control levels while NE stimulated a 35% increase in DHPr mRNA levels and a 35% increase in protein abundance when compared to controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, contractility and Ca2+ transient measurements of isolated cardiac myocytes from NE infused animals also display shortened duration of contraction/relaxation and increased intracellular free Ca2+ (DFFI) in response to electrical stimulation (p < 0.01). We conclude norepinephrine treatment alters DHPr mRNA and protein levels, and augments excitation-contraction coupling, and thus may be important for modulating cardiac calcium homeostasis in vivo.
Balancing Radiation Dose and Image Quality: Clinical Applications of Neck Volume CT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The advancement of multidetector CT technology has resulted in improved image quality as well as an increase in ionizing radiation dose to patient. The purpose of this study was to assess radiation dose and overall image quality of CT examination of the neck between fixed-tube current and automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) at 2 separate noise index levels. Materials and METHODS: A total of 84 patients underwent neck CT with use of a 64-section multidetector row CT (MDCT) scanner. Patients were divided into 3 groups: fixed-tube current ( n = 28), ATCM with a noise index of 11.4 ( n = 28), and ATCM with a noise index of 20.2 ( n = 28). All other scan parameters remained constant. Scan coverage length and transclavicular distance were measured. Two radiologists blinded to the scanning parameters assessed overall image quality, noise level, and streak artifacts using a 5-point grading scale. The radiation dose in dose-length product (DLP) and CT dose index (CTDI) was recorded. RESULTS: Compared with a fixed-tube current technique, ATCM with a noise index of 11.4 reduced CTDI by 20% ( P −6 ), and ATCM with a noise index of 20.2 reduced CTDI by 34% ( P −12 ). Although the difference in image quality between the fixed-tube current technique and the noise index reached statistical significance ( P CONCLUSION: Compared with the fixed-tube current technique, ATCM resulted in significant reduction of radiation dose without substantially reducing the image quality of the CT of the neck. Judicious monitoring of radiation dose to patients has to be balanced with diagnostic image quality.
Comparative Cognition: Past, Present, and Future

Comparative cognition is the field of inquiry concerned with understanding the cognitive abilities and mechanisms that are evident in nonhuman species. Assessments of animal cognition have a long history, but in recent years there has been an explosion of new research topics, and a general broadening of the phylogenetic map of animal cognition. To review the past of comparative cognition, we describe the historical trends. In regards to the present state, we examine current “hot topics” in comparative cognition. Finally, we offer our unique and combined thoughts on the future of the field.
Elevations in Renal Interstitial Hydrostatic Pressure and 20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid Contribute to Pressure Natriuresis

This study examined the role of changes in renal interstitial pressure on the renal levels of cytochrome P450 metabolites of arachidonic acid and compared the effects of inhibition of the formation of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids with 1-aminobenzotriazole on the pressure-natriuretic response versus that seen after administration of HET0016, a more selective inhibitor of the formation of 20-HETE. Renal interstitial pressure rose by 3.4+/-0.3 mm Hg, and the levels of 20-HETE in renal cortical tissue doubled when renal perfusion pressure was increased from 100 to 160 mm Hg. Removal of the renal capsule prevented the increase in renal interstitial pressure and 20-HETE levels after an elevation in renal perfusion pressure. Urine flow and sodium excretion increased 5-fold when renal perfusion pressure was increased from 106 to 160 mm Hg. The administration of 1-aminobenzotriazole (50 mg/kg, IP) or HET0016 (10 mg/kg IV bolus plus 1 mg/kg per hour of infusion) decreased the pressure-natriuretic response by 50% and inhibited the renal formation of 20-HETE and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids by 90% and 50%, respectively. Administration of a lower dose of HET0016 (1 mg/kg per hour, IV) selectively reduced the formation of 20-HETE by 80% without inhibiting renal epoxygenase activity and blunted the pressure-natriuretic response by 42%. These results indicate that elevations in renal perfusion pressure increase 20-HETE levels in the kidney secondary to a rise in renal interstitial pressure. They also suggest that 20-HETE, rather than epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, modulates the pressure-natriuretic response, because selective blockade of the formation of 20-HETE with HET0016 blunts the response to the same extent as that seen after inhibition of the formation of 20-HETE and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids with 1-aminobenzotriazole.
Joel T. Nigg. What Causes ADHD? Understanding What Goes Wrong and Why. New York: Guilford Publications, 2006, 422 pp. ISBN 1-59385-297-3. $42.00 (hardcover).

Joel T. Nigg, Ph.D., presents a useful text titled What Causes ADHD? Understanding What Goes Wrong and Why that collectively integrates the scientific ADHD literature and describes our current know...
Transverse instability of plane wavetrains in gas-fluidized beds

Using a two-fluid model of gas-fluidized beds, it is shown that periodic plane voidage waves travelling against gravity are unstable to perturbations with large transverse wavelength. This secondary instability sets in at arbitrarily small amplitudes of the plane wave and correspondingly small transverse wavenumbers of the two-dimensional perturbation. More precisely, if the bed is wide enough to accommodate sufficiently long horizontal waves, then the plane wave becomes unstable as soon as its amplitude has grown to the order of the square of the transverse wavenumber. The instability can be stationary or oscillatory in nature and has its origin in the interaction between the plane wave and four least-stable modes with small transverse wavenumber. Two of them represent a pair of bubble-like ‘mixed modes‘; the other two are initially, i. e. at the onset of the primary wave, pure transverse modes, one consisting only of an initially pure vertical velocity perturbation of the state of uniform fluidization. Depending on a relation between the eigenvalues of the least-stable modes at the primary bifurcation point, either one of these can be the dominant mode, which becomes (most) unstable along the growing vertically travelling plane wave. While the transverse modes gain longitudinal structure during this process, the mixed modes obtain a vertical component of the vertically averaged velocity as well, so that it appears that the secondary instability described here is a variant of Batchelor & Nitsche's (1991) ‘overturning’ instability found recently for unbounded stratified fluids, see also Batchelor (1993).
The Book of Isaiah—Theses and Hypotheses:

The book of Isaiah is a complex unity that developed from a long redactional process, and this complex unity is the key to a biblical-theological appropriation of the book. Following Isaiah's "directions of meaning" will lead contemporary readers to discern a God who wills world-encompassing justice, righteousness, and peace, and who invites people to be agents of God's purposes in shaping the kind of future that God wills.
Quantifying memory effects in RF power amplifiers

This paper proposes a system-level behavioral model for RF power amplifiers (PAs), which exhibit memory effects, that is based on the parallel Wiener system. The model extraction is performed using two-tone intermodulation distortion (IMD) measurements with different tone frequency spacings and power levels. It is found that by using such a model, more accurate adjacent-channel power-ratio levels may be predicted for high PAS close to the carrier frequency. This is validated using IS-95B CDMA signals on a low-power (0.5 W) class-AB PA, and on a high-power (45 W) class-B PA. The model also provides a means to quantify memory effects in terms of a figure-of-merit that calculates the relative contribution to the IMD of the memoryless and memory portion of the PA nonlinearity. This figure-of-merit is useful in providing an estimate of the amount of correction that a memoryless predistortion system may have on PAS that exhibit memory effects.
The Role of Endogenous IFN-β in the Regulation of Th17 Responses in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

IFN-β has been used as a first-line therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Because only a few studies have addressed the role of endogenous IFN-β in the pathogenesis of the disease, our objective was to characterize its role in the transcriptional regulation of pathogenic Th17 cytokines in patients with RRMS. In vitro studies have demonstrated that IFN-β inhibits IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, and IFN-γ secretion in CD4(+) lymphocytes through the induction of suppressor of cytokine secretion 1 and suppressor of cytokine secretion 3. We found that patients with RRMS have increased serum and cerebrospinal fluid Th17 (IL-17A and IL-17F) cytokine levels in comparison with the control subjects, suggesting that deficient endogenous IFN-β secretion or signaling can contribute to the dysregulation of those pathogenic cytokines in CD4(+) cells. We identified that the endogenous IFN-β from serum of RRMS patients induced a significantly lower IFN-inducible gene expression in comparison with healthy controls. In addition, in vitro studies have revealed deficient endogenous and exogenous IFN-β signaling in the CD4(+) cells derived from patients with MS. Interestingly, upon inhibition of the endogenous IFN-β signaling by silencing IFN regulatory factor (IRF) 7 gene expression, the resting CD4(+) T cells secreted significantly higher level of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-9, suggesting that endogenous IFN-β suppresses the secretion of these pathogenic cytokines. In vivo recombinant IFN-β-1a treatment induced IFNAR1 and its downstream signaling molecules' gene expression, suggesting that treatment reconstitutes a deficient endogenous IFN-β regulation of the CD4(+) T cells' pathogenic cytokine production in patients with MS.
An Algorithm for Parallel Execution of Loops in Chip Multiprocessor Caches

Loops are predominant in computer programs. Data dependencies in loops dictate their execution time. An algorithm to execute loops in parallel based on the preordering of data in [2] is presented in this paper. This algorithm can be applied to Chip Multi Processors. The algorithm performs a fair share allocation of the loops to the available processors. Data accessed for loops accessed in a processor are fetched into its level one cache. The preordered data in the level one cache improve the performance of the cache. An example is simulated for the proposed algorithm and a performance improvement of 92% is observed in the overall execution time.
Relationship outcomes in Indian-American love-based and arranged marriages.

Summary The meaning and purpose of marriage, and the manner in which spouses are selected, varies across cultures. Although many cultures have a tradition of arranged marriage, researchers interested in marital dynamics generally have focused on love-based marriages. Consequently, there is little information on relational outcomes within arranged marriages. This study compared relationship outcomes in love-based and arranged marriages contracted in the U.S. A community sample of 58 Indian participants living in the U.S. (28 arranged marriages, 30 love-based marriages) completed measures of marital satisfaction, commitment, companionate love, and passionate love. Men reported greater amounts of commitment, passionate love, and companionate love than women. Unexpectedly, no differences were found between participants in arranged and love-based marriages; high ratings of love, satisfaction, and commitment were observed in both marriage types. The overall affective experiences of partners in arranged and love...
Biomechanics of normal and abnormal knee joint

Abstract The investigation reported in this paper is concerned with an experimental and theoretical study conducted to explain the changes of the knee joint mechanics in degenerative joint disease. The major thrust of the study is to determine the resultants of the pressure distribution on both lateral and medial plateaus in normal and abnormal knee joint configurations. Up to 5° of varus and valgus deformity is applied to a normal femorotibial angle of a strain-gaged test specimen which is connected through the femur and the tibia to the jaws of a specially designed loading apparatus. Strains are obtained for various loads and deviated femorotibial angles from the strain gages implanted on the femur and the tibia. Utilization of these strains as data for a three-dimensional theoretical analysis yielded the following results for the normal and abnormal knee joint configurations: (a) contact forces on both lateral and medial plateaus; (b) medial and lateral collateral ligament forces; (c) anteroposterior and lateral-medial moments.
Spherical diffussion for 3D surface smoothing

We present an approach to surface smoothing based on linear diffusion. In contrast to mesh-based approaches we represent surfaces as scalar functions defined on the sphere which restricts the analysis to star-shaped objects. We derive the Green’s function of the linear diffusion process on the sphere and identify it with the spherical Gauss function. This allows us to introduce a linear scale-space for data on the sphere. The approach is computationally efficient since does not require iterative smoothing. Several examples are presented demonstrating the evolution of surfaces and their parabolic lines under the spherical diffusion process.
Calculation of pH of human erythrocyte from the distribution of 5,5-dimethyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione (DMO).

SUMMARY The intracellular pH of human erythrocytes in nine subjects was calculated by the DMO method and compared with direct measurements on the hemo-lysate. The standard deviation of differences between means of duplicate observations of the two methods was ± 0.111 pH unit. The amount of DMO-like substance in normal human blood was found to vary from one subject to another and must be taken into account in the calculations. It is concluded that the DMO method is of limited accuracy in estimating intracellular pH of human erythrocytes, but it may be useful in evaluating the extent of any changes. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Das nach der DMO-Methode bei 9 Versuchspersonen errechnete intracellulare pH menschlicher Erythrozyten wurde mit direkten Messungen im Haemolysat verglichen. Die Standardabweichung der Unterschiede zwischen den Mittelwerten der beiden Methoden, die jeweils aus doppelten Beobach-tungen stammten, betrug ± 0,111 pH-Einheiten. Die Menge an DMO-ahnlichen Substanzen im normalen menschlichen Blut varuerte von Fall zu Fall und musste bei den Berechnungen in Betracht gezogen werden. Die Autoren kommen zu dem Schluss, dass die DMO-Methode bei der Schatzung des intracellularen pH menschlicher Erythrozyten nur begrenzte Genauigkeit besitzt, jedoch fur die Bestimmung des Ausmasses von Veranderungen nutzlich sein kann.
Predictors of Sexual Coercion Against Women and Men: A Multilevel, Multinational Study of University Students

Several explanations have been forwarded to account for sexual coercion in romantic relationships. Feminist theory states that sexual coercion is the result of male dominance over women and the need to maintain that dominance; however, studies showing that women sexually coerce men point towards weaknesses in that theory. Some researchers have, therefore, suggested that it is the extent to which people view the other gender as hostile that influences these rates. Furthermore, much research suggests that a history of childhood sexual abuse is a strong risk factor for later sexual victimization in relationships. Few researchers have empirically evaluated the first two explanations and little is known about whether sexual revictimization operates for men or across cultures. In this study, hierarchical linear modeling was used to investigate whether the status of women and adversarial sexual beliefs predicted differences in sexual coercion across 38 sites from around the world, and whether sexual revictimization operated across genders and cultures. Participants included 7,667 university students from 38 sites. Results showed that the relative status of women at each site predicted significant differences in levels of sexual victimization for men, in that the greater the status of women, the higher the level of forced sex against men. In addition, differences in adversarial sexual beliefs across sites significantly predicted both forced and verbal sexual coercion for both genders, such that greater levels of hostility towards women at a site predicted higher levels of forced and verbal coercion against women and greater levels of hostility towards men at a site predicted higher levels of forced and verbal coercion against men. Finally, sexual revictimization occurred for both genders and across all sites, suggesting that sexual revictimization is a cross-gender, cross-cultural phenomenon. Results are discussed in terms of their contributions to the literature, limitations of the current study, and suggestions for future research.
Production and Characterization of New Monoclonal Antibodies That Distinguish Subsets of Mink Lymphoid Cells

ABSTRACT Several hybridoma clones that produce monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) reacting with subpopulations of mink lymphoid cells were established. Two of the MAbs, MTS-4.3 and MTS-9.3, reacted with relatively small populations of surface immunoglobulin (Ig)-negative (Ig−) lymphocytes. MTS-4.3+ and MTS-9.3+ cells were distributed in the thymic cortex and medulla, paracortical areas of lymph nodes, and periarterial lymphoid sheaths of the spleen, indicating that these MAbs identify T lymphocytes. Another MAb, MTB-5.6, reacted with a large proportion of surface Ig+ lymph node cells, but not with surface Ig- cells. In immunohistochemistry this MAb stained dendritic epithelial cells of thymic cortex, large polygonal cells of thymic medulla, a large proportion of lymphocytes in the mantle zone of lymphoid follicles, dendritic-shaped cells of paracortical area, and some lymphocytes and macrophage-like cells of medullary cords and sinuses of lymph nodes. The expression of the cell-surface antigen reacting with MTB...
Momentum Distributions in Strongly Correlated Electron Systems: Heavy Fermions, Mott Insulators and High Temperature Superconductors

We discuss effects of strong Coulomb interactions in narrow band materials on the electron momentum distribution. Correlations reduce the height of the Fermi step by a renormalization factor z which may be very small in heavy fermion compounds. In a Mott insulator, correlations open up a band gap for a 1/2-full band. Nevertheless at practical resolution the resulting momentum distribution may still look like that of a free Fermi surface. In particular, for the high temperature superconductors it may be difficult to distinguish the Fermi surface from the antiferromagnetic Brillouin zone boundary.
Treatment of herpes zoster.

Resolution of acute pain related to herpes zoster is accelerated with any of the following: oral acyclovir (Zovirax) 800 mg five times daily for seven days; valacyclovir (Valtrex) 1,000 mg three times daily for seven days; or famciclovir (Famvir) 750 mg once daily, 500 mg twice daily, or 250 mg three times daily for seven days.
Information, Monitoring, and Manipulation: The Economic Role of Covenant Measurement

I document the variation in measurement of financial covenants, focusing on three measurement rules: earnings (EBITDA vs. EBIT), firm value (including or excluding intangible assets) and inclusion of escalator clauses (provisions that increase the threshold of net worth covenants). I find that the selection of earnings and firm value measure is associated with the creditors’ demand for monitoring and that inclusion of escalators is driven by the risk of underinvestment. There is also evidence consistent with borrowers using discretion to lower depreciation and amortization and to inflate goodwill to avoid covenant violation. I draw two conclusions. First, earnings and firm value measurements are designed to aid the creditor in monitoring; however, borrowers use discretion to manipulate the reported figures. Second, escalator clauses encourage capital expenditures, and do so effectively. This evidence collectively supports an economic role for covenant measurement: the choice of measure facilitates efficient monitoring and limits underinvestment.
Stare Decisis in the Office of Legal Counsel

Legal interpretation within the Executive Branch has attracted increased interest in recent years, much of it focused on the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC). The most significant centralized source of legal advice within the Executive Branch, OLC has also been plagued by charges of undue politicization - especially in connection with various issues relating to the “war on terror.” Yet there has been little consideration of the role in OLC of one of the main devices thought to constrain political and ideological preferences within the Judicial Branch - stare decisis. This Article provides the first sustained descriptive and normative examination of the role of stare decisis in OLC. Descriptively, it analyzes all of OLC’s publicly available legal opinions from the beginning of the Carter administration through the end of the first year of the Obama administration. The data show that OLC rarely openly departs from its prior opinions, but that an express request for overruling from the executive entity most affected by the opinion is a good predictor of such a departure. Normatively, the Article considers whether OLC should employ something like a rule of stare decisis with respect to its prior opinions, and, if so, in what circumstances it is justified in departing from those precedents. It argues that stare decisis has a legitimate place in OLC, but that OLC’s location within the Executive Branch affects both the weight it should accord its precedents and the circumstances in which it should depart from them.
A projection of changes in landfalling atmospheric river frequency and extreme precipitation over western North America from the Large Ensemble CESM simulations

Simulations from the Community Earth System Model (CESM) Large Ensemble project are analyzed to investigate the impact of global warming on atmospheric rivers (ARs) making landfall in western North America. The model has notable biases in simulating the subtropical jet position and the relationship between extreme precipitation and moisture transport. After accounting for these biases, the model projects an ensemble mean increase of 35% in the number of landfalling AR days between the last 20 years of the twentieth and 21st centuries under Representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5). However, the associated extreme precipitation days increase only by 28% because the moisture transport required to produce extreme precipitation also increases with warming. Internal variability introduces an uncertainty of ±8% and ±7% in the changes in AR days and associated extreme precipitation days compared to only about 1% difference from accountings for model biases. The significantly larger mean changes compared to internal variability, and effects of model biases highlight the robust AR responses to global warming.
Theorizing Native Studies by Audra Simpson and Andrea Smith, eds.

Decolonizing feminism has its risks, and this edited collection provides an impressive overview useful for navigating effectively through the high-stakes political encounter of feminist work with n...
Have the Manicheans Returned? An Augustinian Alternative to Situationist Psychology:

Are human beings ever blameworthy for the choices they make? This essay offers a comparative analysis of two systems of thought that argue they are not. The first is Manicheanism, which places blame on a depraved nature within the individual and in competition with a good nature residing within the same person. The good nature is not accountable for the actions of the bad one. The second is situationist psychology, which posits that situations influence behavior more than any alleged robust traits inhering within the personality of the individual. We are thus not to blame for our bad actions which are produced not by our own volition, but by situational stimuli that are beyond our control. This essay critiques both of these systems of thought from an Augustinian perspective. I argue that while situationism does have something to commend, Augustine’s views on the constraining force of a sinful secunda natura, which influences but does not determine behavior, is a preferable alternative to both Manicheanism...
Clustering Analysis of Safflower(Carthamus tinctorius L.) Germplasm Resources Based on Morphological Markers

In accordance with Descriptors and Data Standard for Safflower(Carthamus tinctorius L.),the 12 morphological traits of 36 yunnan safflower germplasm resources were identified and evaluated based on SPSS 19.0 software with Euclidean distance and Furthest Neighbour for rational and efficient use of the germplasm resources.In this paper,the genetic relationships through cluster analysis of the similarity in morphological markers of safflower germplasm resources were studied.The clustering results showed that the 36 safflower resource materials had obvious differences in morphological traits,which were divided into 4 groups.The first group(Ⅰ) contained 14 resource materials,which were characterized as oval seed shape.Their leaves showed serrate leaf margins but YN-2mr,and most of the leaves were ovate,followed by oval and oblong.The second group(Ⅱ) of 11 resource materials had the ecotype as follows:serrate leaf margin(followed by deeply and shallowly lobed margin),lanceolate leaves and external bracts.The third group(Ⅲ) of 3 materials had a dominant character of crescent seeds,oval leaves and orange-red flowers.The other 8 materials constituted the fourth group(Ⅳ).It was observed that the forth group predominantly had oval leaves,secondly lanceolate and ovate leaves,with leaf margin of half entire margin and half serrate margin.The leaf thorn was few and even none at all,nor was the external bract thorn.The orange-red flowers were dominant followed by red flowers.Moreover,this group was characterized by large balls in large amount per plant.The materials of the groups can be taken advantage of as hybrid parents.Thus,according to the combination with the complementary traits,safflower germplasm resources of different types provided a reference for breeding new safflower varieties.
Formation and Properties of a Bacillus Subtilis Protein Protease Inhibitor

Bacillus subtilis protease inhibitor activity increases markedly at the end of growth and during sporulation an increasing fraction of the activity was released from cells. The inhibitor is unique in its amino acid composition and the proteases affected. It is rather selective for a major B. subtilis intracellular protease and could thus have a role in modulating protease activity during sporulation but it was also active on some fungal proteases. A substantial fraction was released from protoplasts implying a surface location. While there may be localization at or near the membrane, the mechanism or site(s) probably differs from that of alkaline phosphatase and penicillinase. The inhibitor protein gene has been cloned in λgtll and subcloned in a B. subtilis integration vehicle. One subclone lacked inhibitor activity but still sporulated. A role in modulating other intracellular processes or in cell protection are still possible.
Forecasting MBT technologies using DEA and LR

ABSTRACTFirst, this paper explores Main Battle Tank (MBT) data set with different statistical methods in order to decide the most appropriate variables as reliable yardsticks in applying technology forecasting (TF) using data envelopment analysis (TFDEA) technique. It then applies TF using DEA method to forecast MBT technologies. This article attempts to predict technology development year of MBT commercialised from 1941 to 1994. This article presents the processes of TFDEA in detail and identifies some issues to search for appropriate input and output variables to forecast MBT technologies. The purpose of this study is to address some issues and identify an appropriate data to predict future trends of MBT technologies when using TFDEA and multiple linear regression tools. Finally, the study provides an understanding of the technological advances being sought in MBT technologies and information for use in making decisions regarding development strategy.
Tracking of weak radioactive sources in crowded venues

Monitoring for the clandestine transport of nuclear and radiological materials at large public gatherings or special events, such as the presidential inauguration, is one element in a strategy for preventing their subsequent dispersal. Being able to track these materials as they approach or move through such a venue can provide law-enforcement personnel with important information. The focus of this paper is on methods developed by the authors to meet the challenges inherent in the tracking problem. Results of laboratory experiments performed using the RadTrac prototype system are described.
Garrett Hardin's Tragic Sense of Life

I discuss biologist Garrett Hardin's view of human nature, with examples from the background to his seminal 1968 essay "The Tragedy of the Commons" and his testimony before the US House of Representatives in the 1970s. Hardin saw the human species as being governed by deterministic laws of the same kind that controlled all other forms of life. Humans, as much as cattle and microbes, were in inevitable competition for space and resources. Equal parts Malthusian political economy and Cold War systems science, his view was the survival of the human race depended on obeying these iron laws. Human freedom was the recognition of-and obedience to-its nature. This determination for humanity to act within the strictures placed on itself by its own nature was what he called "lifeboat ethics." In order for the citizens of the rich countries to survive, many in the Third World would have to die. In this sense I characterize Hardin's sense of life as tragic, both as a play on the title of his famous essay, and to emphasize his view that the problem of human population growth had no 'win-win' solutions.
NITROSAMINES: A REVIEWa

Nitrosamines have become a recent problem for the food industry since it is thought that certain nitrosamine precursor's, such as sodium nitrite, which are commonly used in some foods, may lead to significant hazards in the food supply. This review draws together recent information and evaluates the problem of nitrosamines in foods. Chemistry of nitroso compounds is discussed and results of several animal studies are cited to emphasize the extreme toxic and carcinogenic potential of some of these compounds. The mechanism of action in tumor development is considered. Although not yet entirely clear, the most acceptable idea involves alkylation of cellular components such as DNA, RNA, and proteins which leads to changes in normal cell growth. Presence of nitrosamines in foods has been documented in several instances but more recent analytical techniques involving gas chromatography and mass spectrometry have indicated that levels in foods may be lower than previously believed. The potential for formation of...
Acid–Base Loops in Insect Larvae with Extremely Alkaline Midgut Regions

This chapter reviews the current knowledge about acid–base loops in larval insects, focusing on two species that have become model organisms for this physiological process: tobacco hornworms (Manduca sexta) and larval yellow-fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti). After a short introduction to the benefits of extreme pH in digestive systems, the general characteristics of acid–base loops, the metabolic sources of acid–base equivalents, and the mechanisms of alkalinization and reacidification are presented and discussed in detail. Each subsection finishes with a number of open questions that should be addressed in future experiments. The last part of this chapter addresses hormonal regulation of acid–base loops in larval insects, again focusing on the two model species.
Genetic association analysis of polymorphisms in PSD3 gene with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and HDL cholesterol

Abstract Background The pleckstrin and Sec7 domain-containing 3 ( PSD3 ) gene has been linked to immune diseases. We examined whether the genetic variants within the PSD3 gene are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level. Methods Multiple logistic regression model and linear regression model were used to examine the associations of 259 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the PSD3 gene with obesity and T2D as binary traits, and HDL level as a continuous trait using the Marshfield data, respectively. A replication study of obesity was conducted using the Health Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) sample. Results 23SNPs were associated with obesity ( p p =3.97×10 −6 ). Of the 23SNPs, 20 were significantly associated with obesity in the meta-analysis of two samples ( p p =3.05×10 −3 ); while two SNPs (rs6983992 and rs7843239) were associated with both obesity and T2D ( p =0.0188 and 0.023 for obesity and p =8.47×10 −3 and 0.0128 for T2D, respectively). Furthermore, 11SNPs revealed associations with HDL level (top SNP rs13254772 with p =2.79×10 −3 ) in the Marshfield data; meanwhile rs7009615 was associated with both T2D ( p =0.038) and HDL level ( p =4.44×10 −3 ). In addition, haplotype analyses further supported the results of single SNP analysis. Conclusions Common variants in PSD3 were associated with obesity, T2D and HDL level. These findings add important new insights into the pathogenesis of obesity, T2D and HDL cholesterol.
Nanocapsules as delivery systems in the food, beverage and nutraceutical industries

Abstract: This chapter is primarily a discussion and analysis of selected nanoparticle and nanocapsule formation processes that the author believes are suitable for the food, beverage and nutraceutical industry. The interrelationship of nanocapsule properties needed for delivery of food ingredients and orally administered pharmaceuticals is noted. It is not a broad literature review, but primarily a discussion and analysis of the key role that polymer adsorption at interfaces plays in formation of ultrathin membranes. Nanocapsule shells are such membranes. Specific cases where polymers or polymerbase complexes adsorbed at solid/liquid or liquid/liquid interfaces form ultrathin interfacial membranes with finite mass transport control properties are described. Although many unresolved problems remain, experimental data obtained to data provide a reasonable basis for suggesting that nanocapsules with stability and release properties needed for effective delivery of food ingredients and oral pharmaceuticals can be produced.
Superficial (Sensory) Peroneal Nerve Entrapment

Although superficial peroneal nerve entrapment is not as frequently encountered as involvement of the common peroneal nerve, it has become recognized with increasing frequency, particularly since entrapment may occur either proximally in the leg or at the ankle. In addition, it may be involved in the disturbance known as the peroneal compartment syndrome (lateral crural compartment) where damage may occur to both the superficial and deep peroneal nerves as well as to the contained musculature.
Body size, not phylogenetic relationship or residency, drives interspecific dominance in a little pocket mouse community

The role of interspecific aggression in structuring ecological communities can be important to consider when reintroducing endangered species to areas of their historic range that are occupied by competitors. We sought to determine which species is the most serious interference competitor of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse, Perognathus longimembris pacificus, and more generally, whether interspecific aggression in rodents is predicted by body size, residency status or phylogenetic relatedness. We carried out simulated territory intrusion experiments between P. longimembris and four sympatric species of rodents (Chaetodipus fallax, Dipodomys simulans, Peromyscus maniculatus, Reithrodontomys megalotis) in a field enclosure in southern California sage scrub habitat. We found that body size asymmetries strongly predicted dominance, regardless of phylogenetic relatedness or the residency status of the individuals. The largest species, D. simulans, was the most dominant while the smallest species, R. megalotis, was the least dominant to P. longimembris. Furthermore, P. longimembris actively avoided encounters with all species, except R. megalotis. One management recommendation that follows from these results is that P. longimembris should not be reintroduced to areas with high densities of D. simulans until further research is carried out to assess the fitness consequences of the interactions. Our finding that the species least similar in body size is the most serious interference competitor of P. longimembris highlights an important distinction between interference and exploitative competition in rodent communities.
Cognitive Decline and Household Financial Decisions at Older Ages.

Abstract Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we examine the association between cognition and financial outcomes among older American couples. We first investigate the relationship between couple members’ cognitive ability and financial responsibility within the household. Our results suggest that differences in the level of cognitive ability play a major role in determining who is the household financial decision-maker, while changes in cognitive ability of both couple members over time only marginally modify such choice. Next, we study changes in financial wealth following pronounced declines in cognitive test scores of household members. We observe significant reductions in wealth among households whose financial decision-maker experiences such declines. Wealth reductions are less sizeable among those with pension/annuity income and receiving help with finances from their children.
GRASSMANNIAN SEMIGROUPS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIONS

The set of row reduced matrices (and of echelon form matrices) is closed under multiplication. We show that any system of representatives for the action on the matrices, which is closed under multiplication, is necessarily conjugate to one that is in simultaneous echelon form. We call such closed representative systems Grassmannian semigroups. We study internal properties of such Grassmannian semigroups and show that they are algebraic semigroups and admit gradings by the finite semigroup of partial order preserving permutations, with components that are naturally in one–one correspondence with the Schubert cells of the total Grassmannian. We show that there are infinitely many isomorphism types of such semigroups in general, and two such semigroups are isomorphic exactly when they are semiconjugate in . We also investigate their representation theory over an arbitrary field, and other connections with multiplicative structures on Grassmannians and Young diagrams.