cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dry Etching of Sol-Gel Pzt

Two techniques for dry etching of sol-gel lead zirconate titanate (PZT 52/48) thin films were investigated: reactive ion etching and argon ion milling. Etched profiles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. For reactive ion etching, a parallel plate etcher was used with HC2ClF4, an environmentally safe etch gas, in a process described by other researchers. Etch rates were measured and compared as a function of electrode shield material (ardel, graphite, alumina) and RF input power (100 to 500 W). These etch rates varied from 10 to 100 nm/min. Reactive ion etched sidewall angles 12° off normal were consistently produced over a wide range of RF powers and etch times, but overetching was required to produce a clean sidewall. For argon ion milling, a 300 mA/500 V beam 40° off normal to the substrate operating in a 72 mPa argon pressure was used. These ion milling conditions produced an etch rate of 250 nm/min with a sidewall slope angle of about 70°. The ion milling etch rate for sol-gel PZT was significantly faster than rates reported for bulk PZT. The 500 nm thick PZT films used in this study were prepared by the sol-gel process that used methoxyethanol solvent, spin coating on t/Ti/SiO2 silicon substrates, and rapid thermal annealing for 30 s at 650 °C for crystallization of the perovskite phase.
Enhancing the Effects of Sexual Orientation Diversity Training: The Effects of Setting Goals and Training Mentors on Attitudes and Behaviors

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of goal-setting theory (Locke, Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 3, 157–189, 1968; Locke and Latham, 1990, A theory of goal setting and task performance. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall; Locke and Latham, American Psychologist, 57, 705–717, 2002) within a diversity training context to enhance training outcomes. In particular, the training focused on an understudied group—gay men and lesbians—and examined both the short- and long-term outcomes associated with diversity training. Using experimental methods in a field setting, participants (college students) were randomly assigned to a 2(goal-setting condition: self-set goals and no goals) × 2(mentor goal condition: mentor goals and no mentor goals) factorial design, where behavioral and attitudinal data were collected at two points in time: 3 months and 8 months subsequent to training. Participants who developed sexual orientation supportive goals reported more supportive behaviors and attitudes toward gay and lesbian individuals than those who did not. Sexual orientation supportive behaviors mediated the relationship between goal-setting and sexual orientation attitudes. The pattern of results suggests that time was the key for participants to meet the goals that were set during the diversity training. Both behaviors and attitudes were influenced by the goal setting at 8 months, but not after 3 months. This study demonstrates the importance of measuring both behaviors and attitudes in assessing diversity training. This is one of the first studies to integrate goal-setting theory (Locke and Latham, 1990, A theory of goal setting and task performance. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall; Locke and Latham, American Psychologist, 57, 705–717, 2002) into the area of diversity training in an experimental field setting. We used a longitudinal design, addressing limitations of past research that usually examine short-term reactions to diversity training.
High-speed CMOS-compatible photodetectors for optical interconnects

We have developed high-speed germanium (Ge) photodetectors using standard complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process technology. We describe the design considerations that led to the devices reported on here. We have characterized these detectors in terms of the following detector metrics: speed, responsivity, dark current and capacitance. The photodetectors exhibit responsivities greater than 0.2 A/W at both 850 and 1550 nm, making them compatible with both long- and short-haul communication systems. Impulse response measurements at both of the above wavelengths indicate 3 dB cutoff frequencies greater than 10 GHz and open eye diagrams have been measured at 20 Gb/s. Dark currents are on the order of 10 to 1000 μA at a bias of 1 V depending on device size. Capacitances measured were on the order of 0.1-10 fF. The performance of the detectors indicates that they are suitable for high speed on-chip optical links. Device simulation models indicate that the fundamental upper limit on the speed of the devices, based on ideal material properties, is high enough to support a number of process generations. Calibration of the models to our experimental data is presented, and areas for improvement are defined.
Summation and overexpectation with qualitatively different outcomes

In five experiments, a Pavlovian appetitive conditioning preparation was used with rats to explore the interaction of associations with different, but equivalently valued, outcomes. Experiment 1 demonstrated summation in magazine responding when two stimuli previously associated with different outcomes were combined. Experiments 2A and 2B found that pairing that stimulus compound with one of the outcomes led to a decrease in performance (overexpectation) for both of the stimulus elements. Experiments 3A and 3B confirmed that result but demonstrated the continued presence of the original stimulus-outcome associations. The results are consonant with a view in which replacing one outcome with another leads to an associative structure containing both stimulus-outcome associations and an outcome-independent depressive process.
Dyrk2-Associated EDD-DDB1-VprBP E3 Ligase Inhibits Telomerase by TERT Degradation

Telomerase maintains the telomere, a specialized chromosomal end structure that is essential for genomic stability and cell immortalization. Telomerase is not active in most somatic cells, but its reactivation is one of the hallmarks of cancer. In this study, we found that dual-specificity tyrosine-(Y)-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 2 (Dyrk2) negatively regulates telomerase activity. Dyrk2 phosphorylates TERT protein, a catalytic subunit of telomerase. Phosphorylated TERT is then associated with the EDD-DDB1-VprBP E3 ligase complex for subsequent ubiquitin-mediated TERT protein degradation. During the cell cycle, Dyrk2 interacts with TERT at the G2/M phase and induces degradation. In contrast, depletion of endogenous Dyrk2 disrupts the cell cycle-dependent regulation of TERT and elicits the constitutive activation of telomerase. Similarly, a Dyrk2 nonsense mutation identified in breast cancer compromises ubiquitination-mediated TERT protein degradation. Our findings suggest the novel molecular mechanism of kinase-associated telomerase regulation.
Institutions with Authority, Autonomy, and Power

Rules for the World: International Organizations in Global Politics. By Michael Barnett, Martha Finnemore. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2004. 240 pp., $45.00 cloth (ISBN: 0-8014-4090-4), $17.95 paper (ISBN: 0-8014-8823-0). In Rules for the World , Michael Barnett and Martha Finnemore have written a forthright and path-breaking constructivist book that not only challenges the familiar realist and neorealist argument that international organizations (IOs) are entirely subservient to their member states but also the neoliberal assumption that international institutions are generally beneficent in character. In a sense, Barnett and Finnemore are addressing a great debate in international relations theory about the autonomy, authority, and power of IOs that never fully happened. They stake out a controversial and nuanced theoretical position, illustrate it with three case studies of actual bureaucratic practice, and consider the normative implications of the perspective they advance. Barnett and Finnnemore observe that at least 238 IOs operate in the world today. These organizations are actively involved in all sorts of global issues and even deal routinely with matters that formerly were the exclusive province of states (p. 1). Yet, oddly, IOs have been rather neglected both in terms of theory and empirical research. Why? The reason has been the state-centric nature of international relations theory, which has tended to persist even as new theories evolved. Realism and neorealism initially dominated the field, and both approaches assumed that IOs and their behavior merely reflected the preferences of member states. Even the emergent interest in interdependence during the 1970s had the effect of slighting IOs because it focused mainly on international regimes, interpreted as the “principles, norms, rules, and decision-making procedures' that governed state action” (pp. vii–viii). As Barnett and Finnemore argue, [I]nternational organizations … were not actors in their own right and had no …
Multi…multi-structures of multi…multi-information [ordered, modeled] mathematically

Abstract There is discussed INFORMATION : an Image of the Universe, as a Set of batched, clustered, bound, nested [[[ELEMENTS—WORDS]—STATEMENTS]—SUBLANGUAGES], ordered: in the same homogeneous manner of the Cartesian Products (of the suitable subsets of the natural numbers set), assigned to any [[IDEA—TASK/PROBLEM]—SYSTEM—STRUCTURE] called: MULTI…MULTI-INFORMATION, being a Cartesian Product of MULTI…MULTI-(NUMERATION, expressed, according to the needs, by the [[INDICES, SEQUENCES],Other Representations])and INFORMATION;
Efficacy of erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser-assisted delivery of topical anesthetic.

Abstract Background: Penetration through the stratum corneum limits effectiveness of topical anesthetics. Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of 5% lidocaine (ELA-Max) cream applied after erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser ablation of the stratum corneum. Methods: Randomized, controlled, split-face comparison of anesthesia was performed on 12 volunteers. The stratum corneum was painlessly ablated with a low-fluence Er:YAG laser on half of the face, then the whole face was covered with ELA-Max cream for 60 minutes. Full-face laser resurfacing was performed, and visual analog pain scores (0 to 10) were recorded during each of 2 passes. Results: Laser-assisted topical anesthesia demonstrated significantly lower mean pain scores than topical anesthesia alone. This was more pronounced during the more painful second pass. Resurfacing after laser-assisted topical anesthesia was well tolerated by 72% of subjects in pass 1 and 58% in pass 2. Conclusion: Laser-assisted topical anesthesia is fast, painless, and substantially more effective than conventional topical anesthesia but does not provide adequate anesthesia for full-face resurfacing in all subjects. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;47:542-7.)
LONG‐TERM FOLLOW‐UP OF A COURT‐BASED INTERVENTION FOR DIVORCING PARENTS

This study investigated whether participation in an educational program for divorcing parents is associated with a lower incidence of relitigating divorce-related decisions over time. A systematic review of court records indicated that couples who attended this program (n = 159) in central Illinois were just as likely as those in the control group (n = 43) to relitigate over a 6-year period. Furthermore, county-wide rates of relitigation increased from 2 years before to 3 years after the program's introduction. However, reports obtained from participating families suggest that the program may serve an important function for families in which there is a high risk of triangulating children into postdivorce conflict.
Amino acid utilization by L-M strain mouse cells in a chemically defined medium.

The amino acid requirements of strain L-M mouse cells grown in a chemically defined medium (2×Eagle) containing only the 13 essential amino acids (EAA) were investigated. Medium and acid hydrolysate samples were analyzed for amino acid content by the method of ion exchange chromatography. The extent of utilization of the EAA differed;e.g. after 120 hr of cell growth without medium change, glutamine was exhausted from the medium; methionine, leucine, isoleucine, cystine, arginine, and valine were depleted 60 to 80%; other EAA were used to lesser extents. Although the EAA were used in excess of their requirements for protein synthesis, a correlation could generally be made between utilization and protein amino acid composition. Glutamine appeared to be, a growth-limiting factor. Use of U-14C-labeled glutamine indicated that over one-half of the metabolized glutamine was converted to carbon dioxide, 17% to cell material, and 15% was extracted from the amino acid pools. Nonessential amino acids (NEAA), viz. alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, and serine, were released into the medium during growth, and some were reutilized. Exogenous provision of these did not improve cell growth. In contrast to the other NEAA, only serine showed net utilization when provided exogenously. When glutamic acid largely replaced the glutamine in the medium, it exerted a sparing effect on the glutamine requirement for protein synthesis. Suggestions are given for the improvement of Eagle medium for cell growth.
Laser-induced stress transients: aqueous pores of membranes

Lasers can be used to enhance the delivery of a number of molecules. The model that best fits our data is for the formation of aqueous pores. These pores are present for up to 80 seconds. Our experiments have shown that laser-induced stress transients can be utilized as a vector for intracellular delivery of molecules that may or may not normally cross the cell membrane. These two conditions have been tested with Photofrin and DNA. This technology may have applications in cell and molecular biology, cancer therapy, gene therapy, and others.
Articles You May Have Missed

Background: Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist with a reported “ceiling effect” for respiratory depression. Despite implied safety, it has been associated with significant overdoses. Conflicting data exist regarding the response to naloxone. Research Question: How do the clinical characteristics and response to naloxone following buprenorphine overdose compare with those of heroin and methadone overdose? Methods: Consecutive patients admitted to two teaching hospitals with Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) <12 and at least two of the following three criteria were included in this 4year prospective. Observational Study: History suggestive of opioid overdose, pinpoint pupils, or initial respiratory rate <12/min. Demographics, intent, initial GCS, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and vital signs were collected. Urine toxicological screening was performed and only overdoses involving the exclusive presence of 6-monoacetylmorphine, buprenorphine, or methadone were included. Cases involving multiple opioids were excluded, but cases with benzodiazepine coingestion were allowed. Patients were treated with naloxone and/or flumazenil. Antidote dose and order were at the discretion of the attending physician. Response to naloxone was considered “positive” if full awakening occurred or intubation avoided. Results: During the study, 160 patients were admitted for opioid overdose and 84 met inclusion criteria. These 84 were divided into three groups: heroin (n=26), buprenorphine (n=39), and methadone (n=19). Initial GCS, respiratory rate, SpO2, and blood gas analysis were similar between groups. Benzodiazepine coingestion was more common in the buprenorphine vs heroin group and suicide more common in the methadone vs buprenorphine group. Naloxone was administered in 65% of 84 patients. Buprenorphine-poisoned patients did not respond to 0.4– 0.8 mg intravenous naloxone (0/19). Conclusion: Buprenorphine overdose induced a typical opioid syndrome that was not reversed with naloxone. Critique: The strength of the study was a large number of patients and confirmation of toxins. Weaknesses include lack of data on pinpoint pupils (an inclusion criteria), subjective endpoints, preponderance of benzodiazepine co-ingestions, and lack of detailed naloxone dosing information. Implication for Toxicologists: This study gives further evidence that buprenorphine overdose produces a typical opioid toxidrome. If naloxone is used to treat suspected buprenorphine overdose, doses of 0.4 to 0.8 mg may be insufficient to reverse the clinical effects. Benzodiazepines are common coingestants.
ON MODELLING VARIABLE STRUCTURE DYNAMICS OF HYBRID PARAMETER MULTIPLE BODY SYSTEMS

Recently a methodology for closed-form modelling of non-holonomic hybrid parameter multiple body systems (HPMBS) was presented. The tool provides a means to model non-holonomic HPMBS with sets of minimal closed-form hybrid differential equations; these equations are minimal in the sense that there are no Lagrange multiplier equations required. Also provided by the method is a means to generate closed-form models of the momentum change imparted on a HPMBS when the system undergoes impulsive loads or configuration space changes. In this paper, these techniques will be merged to form an algorithm for modelling HPMBS under the influence of changes in the configuration space due to the variable presence of, or lack of, constraints. It should be noted that restitution coefficients are not needed to describe momentum transferred within the system when the configuration changes. Included in this work is the explicit minimal closed-form model of a flexible two-link planar manipulator interacting with a work-piece and the numerical simulation of this system under various conditions. The process of modelling this system will elucidate the algorithm which is applicable to higher order systems.
Selected trace elements in the Sacramento River, California: occurrence and distribution.

The impact of trace elements from the Iron Mountain Superfund site on the Sacramento River and selected tributaries is examined. The concentration and distribution of many trace elements—including aluminum, arsenic, boron, barium, beryllium, bismuth, cadmium, cerium, cobalt, chromium, cesium, copper, dysprosium, erbium, europium, iron, gadolinium, holmium, potassium, lanthanum, lithium, lutetium, manganese, molybdenum, neodymium, nickel, lead, praseodymium, rubidium, rhenium, antimony, selenium, samarium, strontium, terbium, thallium, thulium, uranium, vanadium, tungsten, yttrium, ytterbium, zinc, and zirconium—were measured using a combination of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. Samples were collected using ultraclean techniques at selected sites in tributaries and the Sacramento River from below Shasta Dam to Freeport, California, at six separate time periods from mid-1996 to mid-1997. Trace-element concentrations in dissolved (ultrafiltered [0.005-μm pore size]) and colloidal material, isolated at each site from large volume samples, are reported. For example, dissolved Zn ranged from 900 μg/L at Spring Creek (Iron Mountain acid mine drainage into Keswick Reservoir) to 0.65 μg/L at the Freeport site on the Sacramento River. Zn associated with colloidal material ranged from 4.3 μg/L (colloid-equivalent concentration) in Spring Creek to 21.8 μg/L at the Colusa site on the Sacramento River. Virtually all of the trace elements exist in Spring Creek in the dissolved form. On entering Keswick Reservoir, the metals are at least partially converted by precipitation or adsorption to the particulate phase. Despite this observation, few of the elements are removed by settling; instead the majority is transported, associated with colloids, downriver, at least to the Bend Bridge site, which is 67 km from Keswick Dam. Most trace elements are strongly associated with the colloid phase going downriver under both low- and high-flow conditions.
Generalized model for fuzzy and neural network controllers

A generalized model is developed for a neural and fuzzy controller. A generalized model for the implementation and performance of a fuzzy and neural network controllers scheme is presented. This new method provides a structure for combining linguistic and numerical information into a common framework. This common framework can be used to implement equivalent fuzzy or neural controllers. This method provides a unified way for implementing equivalent controllers from different sets of information as well as it provides a fair basis for comparing two different controller strategies since they use the same information for both controllers. Also, this model gives freedom to the designer to choose the most appropriate controller regardless of the type of information available. This method shows the best performance when either kind of information alone is incomplete. This method was applied to the truck control problem as a case of study.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Atomic-Scale Geometry and Electronic Structure of Catalytically Important Pd/Au Alloys

Pd/Au bimetallic alloys catalyze many important reactions ranging from the synthesis of vinyl acetate and hydrogen peroxide to the oxidation of carbon monoxide and trimerization of acetylene. It is known that the atomic-scale geometry of these alloys can dramatically affect both their reactivity and selectivity. However, there is a distinct lack of experimental characterization and quantification of ligand and ensemble effects in this system. Low-temperature, ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy is used to investigate the atomic-scale geometry of Pd/Au111 near-surface alloys and to spectroscopically probe their local electronic structure. The results reveal that the herringbone reconstruction of Au111 provides entry sites for the incorporation of Pd atoms in the Au surface and that the degree of mixing is dictated by the surface temperature. At catalytically relevant temperatures the distribution of low coverages of Pd in the alloy is random, except for a lack of nearest neighbor pairs in both the surface and subsurface sites. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy is used to examine the electronic structure of the individual Pd atoms in surface and subsurface sites. This work reveals that in both surface and subsurface locations, Pd atoms display a very similar electronic structure to the surrounding Au atoms. However, individual surface and subsurface Pd atoms are depleted of charge in a very narrow region at the band edge of the Au surface state. dI/dV images of the phenomena demonstrate the spatial extent of this electronic perturbation.
Fuel Composition Analysis of Endothermically Heated Jp-8 Fuel for Use in a Pulse Detonation Engine

Waste heat from a pulsed detonation engine (PDE) was extracted via concentric tubecounter flow heat exchangers to produce supercritical pyrolytic conditions for JP-8 fuel. Offline analysis of liquid and vapor fuel samples obtained during steady state operation indicated fuel decomposition via typical pyrolytic reaction pathways. The liquid analysis showed conversion of parent fuel components with formation of unsaturates (aromatics and alkenes) and smaller alkanes. The gaseous products consisted of predominantly C1-C3 alkanes and alkenes (> 50% of total vapor yield) with moderate amounts of hydrogen and C4-C6 alkanes and alkenes. The components that were present in the stressed fuel samples were more detonable and could be linked to improved PDE performance; specifically shorter ignition time, shorter deflagration to detonation (DDT) time, and shorter DDT distance.
Use of the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide decreased nitrogen leaching from urea in a fine sandy soil

Application of soluble forms of nitrogen (N) fertilizers to citrus trees in sandy soils of central Florida may cause leaching of NO3− below the rooting depth. A leaching column study was conducted to evaluate the leaching of urea, NH4+ and NO3− forms of N from calcium nitrate, urea, and urease inhibitor coated urea (Agrotain: N-(-n butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT)) applied to a Candler fine sand (hyperthermic, uncoated Typic Quartzipsamments) during six cycles of intermittent leaching with 220 mL each of water (total 1320 mL) through the soil columns (equivalent to 30 cm rainfall). The amount of NO3-N recovered in the leachate from calcium nitrate treated soil accounted for 43% of the total N applied. Leaching of N from urea and Agrotain treated soil was pronounced during the second and third leaching events. Cumulative leaching of urea form of N accounted for 12 and 8% of total N applied as urea and Agrotain, respectively. The cumulative amounts of NO3-N and NH4-N recovered in six leachate fractions from urea treated soil accounted for 14 and 21%, respectively, of the total N applied to the column. The corresponding values for the Agrotain treated soil were 8 and 17%, respectively. Soil analysis after the completion of leaching showed no urea throughout the entire depth of column in either urea or Agrotain treatments. The total recovery of N (leachate plus soil) was 48.1, 40.4, and 49.7% of total N applied as urea, Agrotain, and calcium nitrate, respectively. This study demonstrated a significant reduction in leaching of N forms from Agrotain as compared with that from urea.
A State-Space Model for Resource Allocation in Higher Education

A state-space model describes the behavioral characteristics of a system as a set of relationships among time functions representing its inputs, outputs, and internal state. The model presented describes the utilization of a university's basic resources of personnel, space, and technological equipment in the production of degree programs, research, and public or technical services. It is intended as an aid in achieving an optimal allocation of resources in higher education and in predicting future needs. The internal state of the system is defined as the distribution of students into levels and fields of study, with associated unit "costs" of education received. The model is developed by interconnecting, with appropriate constraints, independent submodels of major functional segments of university activity. The development of computer programs for estimation of parameters with continual updating and for simulation of the system behavior is described. This description includes a review of machine-addressable data files needed to implement the programs. The state model provides a natural form for approaching problems of system optimization and control. The paper discusses the question of control inputs and the feasibility of developing a formal optimal control policy for a university with essentially "open door" admissions.
Atmospheric variability and emissions of halogenated trace gases near New York City

Abstract Elevated mixing ratios of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC-11 and CFC-12), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) have been observed at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO), located approximately 25 km north of New York City (NYC). Emissions and transport of these gases are of interest because of their global warming potential, the role of CFCs in depletion of stratospheric ozone and information they provide on the transport of atmospheric pollutants. Comparison of trace gas time series with meteorological data indicates that both NYC and the region to the southwest (New Jersey and the Philadelphia –Washington DC area) are significant sources of CFCs, and confirms that NYC is an unusually large source of SF6. From 1996 to 2005 the elevation of CFC-12 mixing ratio above that of the remote (well mixed) atmosphere has decreased on average by 5.2 ± 0.6 ppt y−1, whereas that of CFC-11 has not changed significantly (0.0 ± 2.0 ppt y−1). From 1998 to 2006, the elevation of SF6 mixing ratios above that of the remote atmosphere declined by 0.4 ± 0.1 ppt y−1. Time series of the same gases measured at Harvard Forest, 205 km northeast of LDEO, demonstrate transport of air masses with elevated levels of these gases from their source region to central Massachusetts. Emissions in the local area around LDEO were quantified through analysis of diurnal cycles. Local CFC-12 emissions decreased ca. 95% between 1996 and 2005 while CFC-11 emission decreased ca. 51% during the same period. Local SF6 emissions decreased by 47% between 1998 and 2005.
Neurotrophin expression in the reproductively senescent forebrain is refractory to estrogen stimulation

Abstract The present studies compared the regulation of the neurotrophin ligands and receptors by estrogen in young adult and reproductively senescent rats. Both groups of animals were ovariectomized and replaced with 17β-estradiol or placebo pellets for 4 weeks. Protein expression of specific neurotrophins and their receptors were measured in the olfactory bulb and its basal forebrain afferent, the horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca (hlDBB). Young-adult rats responded to estrogen with an increase in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the olfactory bulb and hlDBB, as well as bulbar trkA and trkB receptors. Older rats did not respond to estrogen in this manner. Additionally, estrogen treatment decreased the expression of the universal neurotrophin receptor p75 in young adult animals, but increased expression of this receptor in reproductively senescent rats. The latter group, however, had significantly greater estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression in the olfactory bulb as compared to their younger counterparts, but very low expression of the steroid receptor coactivator, SRC-1. Changes in the proportion or ratio of steroid receptor/coactivator systems in the aging forebrain may contribute to the refractory response to estrogen in the reproductively senescent animals.
Computation of the maximum rank correlation estimator

Abstract This paper shows that the objective function for the maximum rank correlation estimator can be evaluated in O (n log n) calculations (where n is the sample size). Previously, O(n2) calculations were thought necessary for computation of the objective function.
Analyses of annual and seasonal maximum daily rainfall accumulations for Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania

Annual and seasonal maximum daily rainfall time series from 44 rain gages in Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova are used to examine questions related to the validity of the stationarity assumption, the dependence of extreme rainfall on elevation, and its upper tail properties during the 20th century. Analyses are performed both at the annual and seasonal scales. The validity of the stationarity assumption is examined by testing the records for abrupt and slowly varying changes. The presence of change-points in the mean and variance of the daily maximum rainfall distribution is assessed using the nonparametric Pettitt test, while the presence of monotonic patterns is examined using the nonparametric Mann-Kendall and Spearman tests. These results indicate that most of the violations of the stationarity assumption are related to abrupt rather than slowly varying changes, and that it is difficult to detect an anthropogenic climate change signal in these records. The generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution is used as modelling framework to investigate the dependence of extreme rainfall on elevation and its upper tail properties. Both at the annual and seasonal scales there is no strong dependence of the parameters of the GEV distribution on elevation. These records point to an unbounded-above and heavy-tail behaviour, and discussion of these upper tail properties in light of mixtures of different rainfall-generating mechanisms is provided. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Analytical solution schemes for phosphorus transport equations of a steady state in a stream

Abstract A one-dimensional steady state model of phosphorus dynamics in a stream is described. The governing equations are based on mass balance. Solution schemes are implemented to analytically solve highly coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs), thus providing the spatial distribution of phosphorus quantity in its compartments. The main idea of the solution schemes is to reduce the coupled governing equations to a one-variable, higher-order ODE by simple substitution and elimination steps. Twelve phosphorus compartments (three transport and nine stationary compartments) and the experimental data reported by Newbold et al. (1983; Ecology, 64: 1249–1265) were introduced to implement the schemes. The results obtained by the analytical method are in good agreement with those by a numerical method using the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. Phosphorus quantities of the stationary compartments are linearly dependent on those of the transport compartments. The transport compartments play an important role in phosphorus distribution in a stream ecosystem. The spatial variation of phosphorus concentration in each compartment is so apparent that the assumption of uniform phosphorus concentration along a hydrologic pathway in a stream may oversimplify the phosphorus dynamics. Since the downstream flux, uptake rate, and release rate of phosphorus are expressed as a function of its concentration in a stream, they also vary with the longitudinal distance. A low Peclet number of a system and distinct concentration gradient are necessary conditions for demonstrating the spatial variation of phosphorus velocity as well as spiralling length. One representative value of the spiralling length is sometimes inappropriate to reflect the characteristics of the phosphorus dynamics in a stream.
Effects of beam pointing instability on two-beam interferometric lithography

In a photolithographic system, the mask patterns are imaged through a set of lenses on a resist-coated wafer. The image of mask patterns physically can be viewed as the interference of the plane waves of the diffraction spectrum captured by the lens set incident on the wafer plane at a spectrum of angles. Two-beam interference fringe is the simplest format of the image. Consequently, two-beam interferometric lithography is often employed for photolithographic researches. For two-beam interferometric lithography, beam pointing instability of the illumination source can induce fringe displacement, which results in a loss of fringe contrast if it happens during the exposure. Since some extent of beam pointing instability is not avoidable, it is necessary to investigate its effects on the contrast of the interference fringe. In this paper, the effects of beam pointing instability associated with a two-beam interferometric lithography setup are analyzed. Using geometrical ray tracing technique and basic interference theory, the relationship between the beam tilt angle and interference fringe displacement is established. For a beam pointing instability with random distribution, the resulted fringe contrast is directly proportional to the Fourier transform of the pointing distribution evaluated at 1/(2π). The effect of a pointing instability with normal distribution on interference contrast is numerically investigated.
Reward Without Punishment: Economic Conditions and the Vote:

It is often suggested that voter dissatisfaction is a more important determinant of behavior than satisfaction. In the familiar terms of economic voting, this negativity bias implies that voters are more likely to punish than reward incumbents for the status of the economy. However; economic conditions affect not only how people vote but whether they vote, such that during periods of poor economic performance much of the public resentment toward the in-party is absorbed by abstention (Rosenstone 1982). Thus, the impact of recession is muted by the reduced propensity of those suffering its effects to actually vote. Given this fact, it appears that the president's party is more consistently rewarded for its economic successes than it is punished for its failures. It is often suggested that dissatisfaction with governmental performance is a more important determinant of political behavior than is satisfaction. Citizens, it is argued, are more likely to press for an amelioration of grievances than to express their satisfaction with the status quo. Consequently, the argument continues, there is a propensity for poor governmental performance to bear a stronger relationship with electoral behavior than positive performance. This phenomenon, often thought of as "negative voting," is a manifestation of a more general negativity bias, such that voters tend to give greater weight "to negative information relative to equally extreme and equally likely positive information" (Lau 1985). The classical voting behavior literature is replete with suggestions of negative voting. In the two best-known examples, Key (1966) posits that "people vote only against, never fort' while Campbell et al. (1960) conjecture that the electorate "is more likely to punish an incumbent party for its mistakes than reward it for its successes'" While negativity is only a minor theme in these works (offered more as a hypothesis than an empirically demonstrated fact),
Laboratory evaluation of primary immunodeficiencies

Primary immunodeficiencies are congenital disorders caused by defects in different elements of the immune system. Affected patients usually present clinically with recurrent infections, severe infections, or both, as well as autoimmune phenomena that are associated with many of these disorders. Early diagnosis is essential for referral to specialized care centers and the prompt initiation of appropriate therapy. In this article the authors describe a general approach for the investigation of the most common primary immunodeficiencies, outlining the typical clinical symptoms and most appropriate laboratory investigations.
Comparison of the T2Dx instrument with T2Candida assay and automated blood culture in the detection of Candida species using seeded blood samples.

Abstract As a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of candidemia is associated with increased mortality and healthcare costs, a more rapid method of detection is urgently needed. The T2Candida assay is a new rapid diagnostic test, which uses T2 magnetic resonance technology to identify Candida spp. directly from whole blood in approximately 3 hours. In this study, the performance of the BACTEC 9050 using Aerobic Plus/F blood culture bottles was compared to that of the T2Candida assay run on the T2Dx Instrument for detection of Candida albicans , Candida tropicalis , Candida parapsilosis , Candida glabrata , and Candida krusei , in seeded blood samples at concentrations between 3.1 and 11 CFU/mL. The BACTEC 9050 detected Candida growth in 100% of bottles (n = 20 replicates) within 5 days for all species (63.23 ± 30.27 hours), with the exception of Candida glabrata (0%). The T2Candida assay had a 100% detection rate for each species (n = 13–20 replicates) within 3 hours including C. glabrata . The sensitivity and specificity of the T2Candida assay were 1 and 0.978, respectively.
Recommended Figures of Merit for Green Monopropellants

Hydrazine propellant has historically been used as a rocket thruster monopropellant since the mid-1960s. Mission managers are well aware of its characteristics and performance. However, it is a known toxic chemical and a wide effort is underway to reduce and/or eliminate its use worldwide. Several new propellant combinations have been developed in the last few years which tout or promise to provide same or better performance as hydrazine while being "non-toxic" or "green". Yet, there is no consistent definition for what constitutes "non-toxic" or "green", and thus no good figure of merit for which to compare. This paper seeks to review the three major categories of figures of merit, and discusses how they might be used to assess the viability of a propellant.
Understanding cannabinoid psychoactivity with mouse genetic models.

The fact that cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug has motivated a great deal of research aimed at understanding how it produces its psychoactive effects. Here I use the term psychoactive to describe the mild euphoria, altered perceptions, sense of relaxation, and sociability that often, but not always, accompany recreational cannabis use. Despite the difficulties inherent in working with lipophilic cannabinoids such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, our understanding of the mechanism of action of these compounds at the cellular level has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. However, a complete understanding of how cannabis elicits its psychoactive effects would include an appreciation of its actions at the cellular and network level as well as an identification of the neural circuits perturbed. The cannabinoid field has now matured to the point where investigators can begin to relate the cellular mechanisms of THC action to the behavioral effects of cannabis.
oCast: Optimal multicast routing protocol for wireless sensor networks

In this paper, we describe oCast, an energy-optimal multicast routing protocol for wireless sensor networks. The general minimum-energy multicast problem is NP-hard. Intermittent connectivity that results from duty-cycling further complicates the problem. Nevertheless, we present both a centralized and distributed algorithm that are provably optimal when the number of destinations is small. This model is motivated by scenarios where sensors report to a small number of base stations or where data needs to be replicated on a small number of other nodes. We further propose an extended version of oCast, called Delay Bounded oCast (DB-oCast), which can discover optimal multicast trees under a predefined delay bound. Finally, we demonstrate the advantages of our schemes through both theoretical analysis and simulations.
The Changing Focus of Child Maltreatment Research and Practice Within Psychology

Professions functionally define a field by the types of behaviors or circumstances to which they direct their attention and efforts. For psychology and mental health professionals concerned with child maltreatment, child sexual abuse has been the dominant interest over the past two decades and has been virtually synonymous with child maltreatment within psychology. This is discrepant from the broader scope of child maltreatment, as seen both in child welfare populations and in the general population. In child welfare, sexual abuse is an important but nonetheless relatively less frequent issue. Child neglect and physical abuse dominate child welfare caseloads, and historically always have. The disconnect between the interests of mental health professionals and child welfare appears to be waning, both in terms of dialogue within psychology and apportioning of research resources. This article examines what this emerging change may mean for practice and research in terms of the changing nature of populations involved, different types and locations of services, different roles and new multidisciplinary alliances.
Different definitions of the metabolic syndrome and risk for recurrent cardiovascular disease.

Different definitions of the metabolic syndrome and risk for recurrent cardiovascular disease
Holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) and photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic urinary retention

Objectives To evaluate short-term outcomes of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic urinary retention (CUR). Patients and Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients with CUR who underwent HoLEP or PVP at our institution over a 3-year period. CUR was defined as a persistent post-void residual urine volume (PVR) of >300 mL or refractory urinary retention requiring catheterisation. Results We identified 72 patients with CUR who underwent HoLEP and 31 who underwent PVP. Preoperative parameters including median catheterisation duration (3 vs 5 months, P = 0.71), American Urological Association Symptom Index score (AUASI; 18 vs 21, P = 0.24), and PVR (555 vs 473 mL, P = 0.096) were similar between the HoLEP and PVP groups. The HoLEP group had a larger prostate volume (88.5 vs 49 mL, P < 0.001) and higher PSA concentration (4.5 vs 2.4 ng/mL, P = 0.001). At median 6-month follow-up, 71 (99%) HoLEP patients and 23 (74%) PVP patients were catheter-free (P < 0.001). Of the voiding patients, postoperative AUASI (3 vs 4, P = 0.06), maximum urinary flow rate (23 vs 18 mL/s, P = 0.28) and PVR (56.5 vs 54 mL, P = 1.0) were improved in both groups. Conclusions Both HoLEP and PVP are effective at improving urinary parameters in men with CUR. Despite larger prostate volumes, HoLEP had a 99% successful deobstruction rate, thus rendering patients catheter-free.
Ontogeny of worker body size distribution in bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) colonies

1. Bumble bees exhibit worker size polymorphisms; highly related workers within a colony may vary up to 10-fold in body mass. As size variation is an important life history feature in bumble bees, the distribution of body sizes within the colony and how it fluctuates over the colony cycle were analysed. 2. Ten commercially purchased colonies of Bombus impatiens (Cresson) were reared in ad libitum conditions. The size of all workers present and newly emerging workers (callows) was recorded each week. 3. The average size of bumble bee workers did not change with colony age, but variation in body size tended to decrease over time. The average size of callows did not change with population size, but did tend to decrease with colony age. In all measures, there was considerable variation among colonies. 4. Colonies of B. impatiens usually produced workers with normally distributed body sizes throughout the colony life cycle. Unlike most polymorphic ants, there was no increase in worker body size with colony age or colony size. This provides the first, quantitative data on the ontogeny of bumble bee worker size distribution. The potential adaptive significance of this size variation is discussed.
Restricting grammatical complexity

Theories of natural language syntax often characterize grammatical knowledge as a form of abstract computation. This paper argues that such a characterization is correct, and that fundamental properties of grammar can and should be understood in terms of restrictions on the complexity of possible grammatical computation, when defined in terms of generative capacity. More specifically, the paper demonstrates that the computational restrictiveness imposed by Tree Adjoining Grammar provides important insights into the nature of human grammatical knowledge.
Probabilistic delay budget assignment for synthesis of soft real-time applications

Unlike their hard real-time counterparts, soft real-time applications are only expected to guarantee their "expected delay" over input data space. This paradigm shift calls for customized statistical design techniques to replace the conventional pessimistic worst case analysis methodologies. We present a novel statistical time-budgeting algorithm to translate the application expected delay constraint into its components' local delay constraints. We utilize the mathematical properties of the problem to quickly calculate the system expected delay and incrementally estimate the component utility variation with its timing relaxation. Our algorithm determines the optimal maximum weighted timing relaxation of an application under expected delay constraint. Experimental results on core-based synthesis of several multimedia applications targeting field-programmable gate arrays show that our technique always improves the design area. Furthermore, it consistently outperforms optimal time budgeting under hard real-time constraint, which is the best existing competitor. Design area improvements were up to 26% and averaged about 17% on several MediaBench applications