cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-temperature superconductor edge-geometry SNS junctions with engineered normal-metal layers

High-temperature superconductor Josephson junctions in an edge-geometry superconductor - normal-metal - superconductor (SNS) configuration were fabricated on substrates. The normal metal was composed of an engineered multilayer with different Pr-doping concentrations (x = 0.1, 0.3, or 0.5). Scanning tunnelling microscopy analysis on thin films provided supporting evidence for the use of such an engineered multilayer as N barrier to fabricate edge-geometry SNS junctions. The improved S - N or N - S interface, as revealed by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, explains the negligible interface resistance of the junctions.
A Framework for the Evaluation of State Breach Reporting Laws

This paper develops a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of cyber security breach reporting laws across states. In doing so, trends and correlations in state reporting along with other relevant factors are identified using readily available data. This paper addresses two critical questions in the assessment of breach reporting legislation: 1) How does the rate of reporting security breaches across states compare with the rate of reporting of security threats to computer operating systems?, and 2) What factors other than the implementation of breach reporting legislation effect the rate of reporting security breaches across states? The framework developed in this paper can be applied in future analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of breach reporting legislation and can assist in pinpointing legislative weaknesses across states. Limitations in the availability of data inspired the generation of a number of recommendations for the improvement of breach reporting law evaluation. First, more time is needed to collect data, as most laws have been in place for two or fewer years. Second, each state should have a central database that records all reported cyber security breaches. This will allow for greater visibility to the public and would make for greater accessibility of data for both consumers and researchers. Finally, further research efforts should be conducted on the topic of OS security vulnerability patch rates and their relevance to the actual, realized cyber threat level of operating systems.
Empowering Requirements Engineering Activities with Personas

Abstract This paper examines the concept of Persona, a concept which has been used by the Human-Computer Interaction (HCL) field for gathering and communicating information about users, by attempting to integrate the Persona concept into the requirements engineering process and investigate its relationships with the concepts of viewpoints, scenarios, tasks, goals, and requirements in the context of a web application domain. A Concept Development Process (CDP) model is proposed to help guide engineers, analysts, and developers in the development of the persona concept and its integration into the requirements engineering process. The objectives of the proposed CDP model are 1) to enhance the requirements engineering process by incorporating the persona concept into the requirements engineering activities to enable engineers, analysts, and developers gain a better understanding of users’ needs and behaviors early in the requirements engineering process and 2) to identify missing requirements early in the requirements engineering process by examining the relationships of personas with scenarios, tasks, goals, and requirements applied in a web application domain. An online course registration system is used as a case study example in the CDP model.
Rheo-optical studies of the deformation of crystalline polymers†

The deformation of a polycrystalline polymer must be examined in terms of the changes in morphology, texture, crystalline structure, and chain conformation. The understanding of the dynamic mechanical properties requires the specification of the rates of these changes. Optical techniques may be employed for this purpose. Dynamic x-ray and dynamic infrared dichroism diffraction serve to define the rate of crystal orientation. Dynamic light scattering characterizes changes in the crystalline superstructure while dynamic birefringence characterizes the total orientation of crystalline and amorphous regions. A direct measure of amorphous orientation rate may be attempted by introducing a dye or chromophoric group into the amorphous regions and measuring its dynamic dichroism. In general, each of these dynamic observables may be resolved into a real and imaginary part (in and out-of-phase with strain). The results of measurements of these along with dynamic modulus measurements are discussed in an effort to present a consistent molecular and structural interpretation of mechanical behavior.
The Beatquency Domain: An Unusual Application of the Fast Fourier Transform

Fourier analysis has proven to be a vital mathematical tool in many areas of research, but rapid methods for calculating frequency content of sampled data using discrete Fourier transform (FFT) require periodic sampling. Unfortunately, beat-by-beat heart rate is an aperiodic series of events in the time domain. This report describes a new and unusual application of the FFT on heart rate data. The beat-by-beat intervals are represented as the magnitude of a periodically sampled function. When the Fourier transform is applied to these data, we obtain pseudofrequency information from what we call the Beat-quency Domain. Observed patterns from the Beatquency Domain suggest usefulness of this method in sleep cycle detection.
Severe pneumoperitoneum caused by infected pelvic hematoma: report of a case and review of the literature.

Abstract Background: Pneumoperitoneum usually is caused by hollow viscus perforation with associated peritonitis. Severe pneumoperitoneum secondary to infection of a hematoma with gas-forming organisms is exceedingly rare. Methods: Case report and literature review. Results: A 43-year-old man with a history of abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer developed abdominal distention, fever, and elevated white blood cell count after lysis of adhesions with bowel resection for recurrent small bowel obstruction. Abdominal radiography and a computed tomography scan demonstrated a large amount of free air in the peritoneal cavity. Contrary to expectations, reexploration revealed no signs of viscus perforation or anastomotic leak, but instead a large pelvic hematoma with an odor was identified and evacuated. Cultures from the hematoma yielded anaerobic gram-negative bacilli (not Bacteroides fragilis). The patient recovered uneventfully. Conclusion: Infected hematoma should be recognized as a cause of pneumope...
Topologically reliable display of algebraic curves

An algebraic curve is a set of points in the plane satisfying an equation F(x,y) = 0, where F(x,y) is a polynomial in x and y with rational number coefficients. The topological structure of an algebraic curve can be complicated. It may, for example, have multiple components, isolated points, or intricate self-crossings. In the field of Computer Algebra (Symbolic Mathematical Computation), algorithms for exact computations on polynomials with rational number coefficients have been developed. In particular, the cylindrical algebraic decomposition (cad) algorithm of Computer Algebra determines the topological structure of an algebraic curve, given F(x,y) as input. We describe methods for algebraic curve display which, by making use of the cad algorithm, correctly portray the topological structure of the curve. The running times of our algorithms consist almost entirely of the time required for the cad algorithm, which varies from seconds to hours depending on the particular F(x,y).
Sol−Gel-Derived Ceria Nanoarchitectures: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrical Properties

Nanocrystalline ceria is under study to improve performance in high-temperature catalysis and fuel cells. We synthesize porous ceria monolithic nanoarchitectures by reacting Ce(III) salts and epoxide-based proton scavengers. Varying the means of pore-fluid removal yields nanoarchitectures with different pore−solid structures: aerogels, ambigels, and xerogels. The dried ceria gels are initially X-ray amorphous, high-surface-area materials, with the aerogel exhibiting 225 m2 g-1. Calcination produces nanocrystalline materials that, although moderately densified, still retain the desirable characteristics of high surface area, through-connected porosity in the mesopore size range and nanoscale particle sizes (∼10 nm). The electrical properties of calcined ceria ambigels are evaluated from 300 to 600 °C and compared to those of commercially available nanoscale CeO2. The pressed pellets of both ceria samples exhibit comparable surface areas and void volumes. The conductivity of the ceria ambigel is 5 times gr...
Consensus preferred hydration sites in six FKBP12-drug complexes.

A set of consens us hydration sites for the FK506-FKBP12 complex are derived by comparing six FKBP12-drug complexes. These hydration sites include a subset of the observed water molecules plus some sites that are occupied by neighboring protein atoms in the FK506-FKBP12 crystal structure. Two hydration prediction algorithms, AUTO-SOL and AQUARIUS2, showed significant increases in apparent efficacy using these consensus water sites, suggesting that our proposed set of consensus hydration sites is truly a better representation of the hydration properties of FKBP12 in solution. Predictably, the consensus hydration sites include all buried water molecules. Otherwise, the features of solvation sites included in the consensus list versus those discarded reveal no distinctive features that would allow them to be selected unambiguously without reference to multiple crystal forms. We suggest that analyses such as this one are a crucial prelude to any theoretical analysis aimed at understanding hydration properties. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
High-Resolution Characterization of Intergranular Attack and Stress Corrosion Cracking of Alloy 600 in High-Temperature Primary Water

Abstract Intergranular (IG) attack regions and stress corrosion cracks in Alloy 600 (UNS N06600) U-bend samples tested in 330°C pressurized water reactor water were characterized by analytical tran...
Commercialization of the Rap Music Youth Subculture

La musique rap, dont les origines de message social ne sont plus a prouver, se trouve confrontee au probleme de la commercialisation et de l'integration au courant de culture de masse. Le rap, tout comme le blues, le jazz, le gospel, la soul et le funk, est directement issu de la communaute noire. Mais des raisons commerciales propres a la culture dominante blanche transforment une subculture en composite du courant dominant. Comment peut-on expliquer ce phenomene d'integration de la musique rap ? Que signifie cette subculture musicale pour les investisseurs ? Les producteurs de culture de masse ont-ils le controle total de la manipulation qu'ils exercent sur les consommateurs ? Qu'en est-il de la comprehension de la musique rap ?
Effect of certain stochastic parameters on extinction and harvested populations

The logistic equation was originally intended to describe only the growth of a population as a function of time. However, when it is used to trace the time development of a population in an environment with a fluctuating carrying capacity, the equation must describe both its growth and diminution. It is suggested that it may not be realistic to use the same rate constant for both an increasing and decreasing population since reproduction rates and death rates are independent and can be quite different. Three numerical experiments are carried out to examine the effects of distinguishing between the two rates. In the first experiment, mean survival times are calculated with differing rates. The second experiment involves harvesting with constant effort, and the third deals with harvesting at constant yield. It is found that equating birth rates with death rates can give overly optimistic results: survival rates too long, or catches too high. Population levels and yields are also calculated as a function of the correlation time in the fluctuating carrying capacity. Population levels and harvesting yields can be sensitive functions of fluctuation amplitude, correlation time and the ratio of reproduction ratio to death rates when simple variations of the logistic equation are used as harvesting models.
Three unique experimental fish stories: Poecilia (the Past), Xiphophorus (the Present), and Medaka (the Future).

These three stories exemplify the uniqueness of fish models in their abilities to answer important biological questions. The first one identifies the major UV-induced damage (pyrimidine dimers) that is responsible for tumor induction. Thyroid cells from isogenic fish (Poecilia formosa) were exposed to UV in vitro, then either exposed or not to photoreactivating light that monomerizes dimers, and the cells were injected into isogenic recipients. In the absence of photoreactivating light, the recipients developed tumors; in its presence, there were very few tumors. The second story describes our use of backcross hybrids of Xiphophorus as a model for melanoma induction by several UV and visible wavelengths. All the wavelengths were effective. (Squamous cell carcinomas in mice are induced preferentially by wavelengths <320 nm.) The data strongly suggest that light absorbed by the black pigment melanin damages DNA. The third story is designed to determine the mutagenic effects on sperm of the high atomic number, high-energy (HZE) nuclei present in cosmic rays by measuring mutations in progeny of exposed male medaka.
Nitrous oxide induced myeloneuropathy: a case report.

We report the case of a 35-year-old male with a history of chronic, escalating nitrous oxide abuse who presented to the ER with a history of recent onset generalized weakness, altered sensorium, abnormal posturing of the hands, urinary complaints, and decreased balance. Physical examination was notable for pathologically brisk reflexes in all extremities, generalized flexion contracture of the fingers, decreased sensation in a stocking and glove distribution, and a weakly positive Babinski sign. The patient was noted to be a poor historian with decreased attention and concentration though otherwise generally alert and oriented. No discrete sensory level in the chest or trunk was detected, and the overall clinical appearance was felt to be most compatible with a mixed myeloneuropathic pattern of central and peripheral involvement. Laboratory findings were normal and noncontributory. Cervical spine MRI subsequently performed to rule out cord compression, intrinsic spinal cord mass, or demyelinating disease was notable for a long segment of increased T2 signal extending from C2–C3 to C6–C7 localizing to the dorsal columns of the cord in a typical “inverted V” fashion. No associated cord expansion was seen nor was there evidence of extrinsic compression; faint associated contrast enhancement was observed on post-gadolinium images. Further evaluation with nerve conduction velocity and electromyographic testing was deferred. Based on the exam findings, clinical history, and presentation, a diagnosis of nitrous oxide-related myeloneuropathy was made, and treatment with high-dose vitamin B12 supplementation was instituted. Recovery has been slow to date.
Comparative cell targeting in vitro using the CO2 laser

In keeping with current interest in bactericidal effects of lasers to treat localized infection, we examined the effect of CO2 laser light on three bacterial species. Cell monolayers were placed atop filters minimizing the presence of extracellular water. Samples were exposed to irradiance values between 0 and 520 W/cm2 for 0.1 s. Cell survival was determined by colony counts. There was logarithmic killing of the bacteria with increasing irradiance; 90% kill was effected at 180 W/cm2 for Escherichia coli, 350 W/cm2 for Streptococcus mutans, and 250 W/cm2 for Bacillus stearothermophilus. However, standard deviations suggest no significant difference between cell types. Our results show the bactericidal effect of the CO2 laser with no remarkable difference between Gram types. However, substantial cell kill was achieved at relatively low irradiance. Whereas selectivity of damage may not be afforded by the CO2 laser, it may minimize collateral damage.
Taxonomy for Independent Living Used to Classify Clothing Research

An investigation of research on clothing for special needs was made to test Bloom's domain taxonomy as a system of classification. The author used theses and dissertations from 1966 to 1980 to classify objectives of research. The results have implications for research direction and are a model which could provide a means of interrelating all areas of independent living.
Programming the data path in network processor‐based routers

There is growing interest in network processor technologies capable of processing packets at line rates. Network processors are likely to be an integral part of next generation high-speed router and switch architectures, replacing the application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that are used in routers today. In this paper, we present the design, implementation and evaluation of NetBind, a high-performance, flexible and scalable binding tool for dynamically constructing data paths in network processor-based routers. The methodology that underpins NetBind balances the flexibility of network programmability against the need to process and forward packets at line speeds. To support the dynamic binding of components with the minimum addition of instructions in the critical path, NetBind modifies the machine language code of components at run time. To support fast data path composition, NetBind reduces the number of binding operations required for constructing data paths to a minimum set so that binding latencies are comparable with packet forwarding times. Data paths constructed using NetBind seamlessly share the resources of the same network processor. Resources are assigned during the binding process. We compare the performance of NetBind to the MicroACE system developed by Intel and show that NetBind provides better performance in comparison to MicroACE with smaller binding overhead. The NetBind source code described and evaluated in this paper is freely available on the Web (http://www.comet.columbia.edu/genesis/netbind) for experimentation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An overseer control methodology for data adaptable embedded systems

The performance of software algorithms can be improved by performing those algorithms on specialized embedded hardware. However, complex algorithms that rely on input data at runtime for configuration have a combinatorial explosion of possible configurations, which has historically put hardware acceleration out of reach for applications wishing to serve large configuration spaces. Data adaptable embedded systems overcome this limitation by allowing for hardware reconfiguration during runtime, but the complexity of the specification of these systems is difficult to manage with traditional techniques. In this paper, a modeling approach is discussed in order to concurrently model two aspects of the final system: dependencies between algorithm tasks, and desired hardware configurations for each task. The contribution of the work is the model-based generation of hardware and software tasks, as well as a control scheme customized to each model that oversees the dynamic reconfiguration process.
The higher reciprocity laws: An example

Abstract In Section 128 of Smith's “Report on the Theory of Numbers” (Chelsea, New York, 1965) one finds a certain theta function whose coefficients are multiplicative arithmetic functions. It is shown in this paper that this is an elementary example of the well-known connection between the higher reciprocity laws of number fields, Artin L -functions, and modular forms.
TO THE LEXICON AND BEYOND: SOCIOLINGUISTICS IN EUROPEAN DEAF COMMUNITIES

TO THE LEXICON AND BEYOND: SOCIOLINGUISTICS IN EUROPEAN DEAF COMMUNITIES. Mieke Van Herreweghe and Myriam Vermeerbergen (Eds.). Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press, 2004. Pp. ix + 285. $65.00 paper.Van Herreweghe and Vermeerbergen's co-edited book is the 10th volume in the Sociolinguistics in deaf communities series published by Gallaudet University Press. As I have noted in earlier book notices in SSLA, this series constitutes the leading collection of published scholarly and academic work dealing explicitly with sociolinguistic issues in deaf communities around the world. This latest volume is an interesting and valuable addition to the earlier works in the series and provides significant insights into sociolinguistic issues in a number of lesser-known (at least in the North American context) natural sign languages.
Control of the Green Peach Aphid on Potatoes with Soil Systemic Insecticides: Preplant Broadcast and Planting Time Furrow Applications, 1973–772

Systemic insecticides were evaluated as preplant broadcast and planting time furrow applications for control of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) on ‘Russet Burbank’ potatoes. Aldicarb and thiofanox were equally effective for control of aphids with both application methods, and these were more effective than disulfoton, phorate, or carbofuran. Bay Hox 3298, ( O, S dimethyl\[(dimethylamino)methy]ene]phosphoramidothioate), and aldoxycarb showed promise as systemic insecticides for control of aphids on potatoes. Acephate, FMC 27289, (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl[methy]\] \[(dipropylamino)thio\]methylcarbamate), and FMC 35001, (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl[(dibuty]amino)thio]methylcarbamate), showed some systemic activity against the green peach aphid on potatoes but not enough to be considered in an aphid control program on potatoes in eastern Washington.
A device for silent on-line recording of continuously changing behavioral measures

A nonintrusive method of monitoring continuously changing behavior frequently is required in experimentation with human subjects, particularly infants. The touch-sensor switch box provides the observer with an ongoing record on a polygraph and allows the observer to give undivided attention to the subject. The mode of operation is completely silent.
A viscoelastic strain energy principle expressed in fold–thrust belts and other compressional regimes

Abstract A mathematical folding theory for stratified viscoelastic media in layer parallel compression is presented. The second order fluid, in slow flow, is used to model rock rheological behavior because it is the simplest nonlinear constitutive equation exhibiting viscoelastic effects. Scaling and non-dimensionalization of the model system reveals the presence of Weissenberg number ( Wi ), defined as a ratio of time scales τ * /( H * / V * ). V * / H * is the strain rate (s −1 ) imposed by an assumed far field velocity V * acting on a layer of thickness H * , while τ * (s) is related to the relaxation of normal stresses. Our most significant finding is a transitional behavior as Wi →½, which is independent of the viscosity contrast. A change of variables shows that lengths associated with this transition are scaled by a parameter α =[(1−2 Wi )/(1+2 Wi )] 1/2 , which is inversely proportional to local strain energy. On this basis a scaling law representing a distribution of non-dimensional wavelengths (wavelength/layer thickness) is derived. Geologically this is consistent with a transition from folding to faulting, as observed in fold–thrust belts. Folding, a distributed deformation scaling as Wi −1 , is found to be energetically favored at non-dimensional wavelengths ranging from about three to seven. Furthermore, the transition from folding to faulting, a localized deformation scaling as ( αWi ) −1 , is predicted at a non-dimensional wavelength of about seven. These findings are consistent with measurements of thrust sheets in the Sawtooth Mountains of western Montana, USA and other fold–thrust belts. A review of the literature reveals a similar distribution of non-dimensional wavelengths spanning a wide range of observational scales in compressional deformation. Specific examples include lithospheric scale folding in the central Indian Basin and microscopic scale failure of ice columns between splay microcracks in laboratory studies.
Balancing intellectual property rights with public obligations in developing nations: Lessons from Africa

Abstract As the use of digital technology expands across the southern African region, fundamental democratic principles of private ownership and public access of digital information come into conflict with a range of national and international laws. Unfortunately, little research has been conducted in developing countries regarding the effects of intellectual property law. Part of the reason for the limited number of studies is that few developing countries have altered their intellectual property systems sufficiently (since signing international agreements) for researchers to detect changes in patterns. Until such research exists, and in recognition of current international pressures, there is a need for leaders in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries to resist adopting restrictive copyright regimes to facilitate international trade agreements and not to use copyright issues as pawns in negotiating trade privileges. Instead, protection of information bases, technology assets, and d...
Inactivation of rabbit muscle glycogen phosphorylase b by peroxynitrite revisited: Does the nitration of Tyr613 in the allosteric inhibition site control enzymatic function?

Abstract There is increasing evidence that sequence-specific formation of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) may cause functional changes in target proteins. Recently, the nitration of Tyr residues in glycogen phosphorylase b (Ph-b) was implicated in the age-associated decline of protein function [Sharov et al., Exp. Gerontol. 41 (2006) 407–416]; in another report, the nitration of one specific residue, Tyr 613 , located in the allosteric inhibition site was hypothesized as a rationale for peroxynitrite inactivation [Dairou et al., J. Mol. Biol. 372 (2007) 1009–1021]. In this study, we have optimized the analysis of in-gel Ph-b digests by high performance liquid chromatography-electro spray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry, in order to achieve a quantitative analysis of nitration of individual Tyr residues at a high coverage of Tyr-containing sequences (92%). Our data do not confirm the role of Tyr 613 nitration in the control of enzymatic function. Furthermore, we show here that the enzymatic activity of Ph-b does not directly correlate with the protein nitration levels, and that the modification of Cys and, potentially, other amino acid residues can better rationalize Ph-b inactivation by peroxynitrite.
Security issues in distributed software

As more business activities are being automated and an increasing number of computers are being used to store vital and sensitive information the need for secure computer systems becomes more apparent. This need is even more apparent as the systems and applications are being distributed and access is via an insecure network. The security of these systems can be achieved only through systematic design; they can not be achieved through haphazard seat-of-the-pants methods.
Latin America's colonial legacy: The law and its relationship to economic development

This study explores the extent to which Latin America's failure to embrace a system of laws and regulations generally viewed as conducive to capital formation and the broad creation of wealth may be an important factor impairing economic development. The argument here is that the region's adherence to a legal system based on civil law is a factor contributing to Latin America's ongoing lack of economic progress. A composite measure of economic freedom served as the basis for a two-group discriminant analysis of the civil law countries of Latin America and common law countries. The objective was to test for and explain any statistically significant between-group differences in levels of economic freedom. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Perceived Instructional Effectiveness of College Teachers as Related to Their Personality and Attitudinal Characteristics: A Review and Synthesis.

In reviewing the extant research correlating college teachers' personality (and related attitudinal) characteristics with the teachers' effectiveness in the classroom (measured by the overall evaluations of the teachers' students), the wide variety of personality traits that have been studied were grouped into 14 clusters of traits. Considering those studies measuring the teacher's personality characteristics through the teacher's self-reporting (on personality inventories, self-description questionnaires, and the like), only 4 of 14 trait clusters showed statistically significantaverage correlations between the teacher's personality traits and students' overall evaluations; and 2 of these correlations were very small. By contrast, across those studies measuring personality traits by the perception of the teacher's students or colleagues, statistically significantaverage correlations between the traits and overall evaluations were found for 11 of the 14 clusters, and the correlations were moderate to large. Various considerations about either the lack or the weakness of the associations for the first set of studies are presented, followed by a discussion of some possible interpretations of the relatively strong associations found for the second set.
Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations in Dyskeratosis Congenita

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are rare lesions known to cause cyanosis due to abnormal communication between the pulmonary arteries and veins. They are commonly seen in association with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, congenital heart disease, hepatopulmonary syndrome, and portopulmonary shunting, but rarely in patients with dyskeratosis congenita (DC). We describe a patient previously diagnosed with DC confirmed to have microscopic PAVMs after bone marrow transplantation and discuss possible pathogenic mechanisms.
A virtual prototype for a hybrid electric vehicle

A virtual prototype of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is created within the virtual test bed (VTB) environment, which has been developed for modeling, simulation, analysis and virtual prototyping of large-scale multi-technical dynamic systems. Attention is focused on the electric system, which is composed of (i) a fuel cell system as a prime power source, (ii) battery and super capacitor banks as energy storage devices for high and intense power demands, (iii) DC-to-DC power converters to control the flow of power, (iv) a three-phase inverter-fed permanent magnet synchronous motor as a drive, and (v) a common DC bus. The simulation of the proposed system is conducted using two types of driving cycles. These are: (i) rapid acceleration and deceleration, and (ii) Federal Urban Driving Schedule (FUDS). The parameter values chosen for the components and the numerical results obtained by simulation are consistent with the practical HEV applications.
Validating a manufacturing paradigm: a system dynamics modeling approach

Logic tools from the Theory of Constraints (TOC) provide the ability to descriptively characterize the entity relationships responsible for a typical, although somewhat chaotic, manufacturing environment. Basically through one-to-one mappings, System Dynamics (SD) models are created from the TOC logic diagrams. Insights gained from exercising the SD models are used to establish a new managerial conceptual framework. This structure guides managers through the continuous improvement process relative to addressing either a physical, policy, or paradigm constraint in their production system.
Gamma Rays Made on Earth

About 10 years ago, researchers first observed terrestrial gamma-ray flashes in Earth9s atmosphere. In his Perspective, Inan highlights the report by Smith et al ., who find that such flashes are much more common than previously suggested and that they occur at even higher energies, up to 20 MeV. The flashes are associated with lightning and are probably caused by intense electron beams with energies of up to 20 MeV that are accelerated upward in the upper atmosphere, but the detailed mechanisms of their generation remain to be elucidated.
High-density IC chip integration with parylene pocket

We utilize the parylene pocket technology and develop a novel integration scheme that will allow us to connect more than 100 bonding pads on an area less than 5 mm × 5 mm with high efficiency. This packaging technique can also house any IC chip or discrete component and provide electrical connection to it. Here we use squeegee technique to connect each pad on the chip with the bonding pad on the pocket to achieve functionality because the chip that is to be integrated in this section has a very dense array and it is impractical and extremely difficult to connect everything manually. Devices testing are done by testing dummy chip integration and soaking test. Positive results prove that such parylene pocket packaging technique works well.
on-State Hot Carrier Degradation in Drain-Extended NMOS Transistors

A close analysis of the universality of OFF-state hot carrier degradation (HCI) in drain-extended transistors suggests that on-state HCI degradation should likewise be universal. In this paper, we confirm this hypothesis through an extensive set of experiments on drain-extended n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (DeNMOS) transistors and demonstrate that the underlying mechanism for both OFF- and ON-state degradation are essentially identical (even though the drain current differs by several orders of magnitude for the respective stress bias conditions). We show how this universality of ON- and OFF-state hot carrier degradations allows the use of short-term measurements to predict device lifetime under arbitrary operating conditions.
Sb-Heterostructure Low Noise W-Band Detector Diode Sensitivity Measurements

Sb-heterostructure diodes have become the detector of choice for W-band millimeter wave imaging cameras. Here we demonstrate lower impedance versions that optimize noise equivalent power (NEP). The goal is to decrease the gain required of the RF pre-amplifier, ideally to zero. Measured W-band sensitivities for three diodes are 3500, 5500, and 6000 V/W. Their zero bias differential resistance values imply Johnson noise limited NEP's of 0.98, 0.83, and 0.79 pW/Hzfrac12, respectively, much less than obtained from conventional Schottky diodes. A wideband transition from a horn antenna to the 6000 V/W detector has produced an integrated bandwidth of 30 GHz with implied temperature sensitivity (NEDeltaT) close to 10degK
Cellular toxicity of mutant SOD1 protein is linked to an easily soluble, non-aggregated form in vitro

Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are found in approximately 20% of patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The propensity of mutant SOD1 to form aggregates in pathologically affected cells (i.e. motor neurons) has implicated these poorly soluble protein aggregates and/or their misfolded soluble precursors as being instrumental to the disease process. We investigated the relative solubility and toxicity of four different mutant SOD1 proteins in a cell-based model system and demonstrate that the mutant, misfolded SOD1 proteins that are the most soluble are also the most toxic. This toxicity was ameliorated by upregulating heat-shock protein chaperones in order to refold the soluble, misfolded protein, regardless of the presence of poorly soluble SOD1. We further demonstrate that increasing the solubility of a SOD1 mutant protein that is both poorly soluble and non-toxic, as compared to other mutant proteins, resulted in remarkably increased toxicity of the mutant SOD1. Again, this increased toxicity was attenuated by upregulating heat-shock protein chaperones in order to refold the soluble, misfolded proteins. These findings implicate easily soluble, misfolded SOD1 as being toxic to the cell and support the hypothesis that reducing solubility of mutant SOD1 proteins through aggregation may occur as a self-protective response in the cell.
Leadership Education: Fantasy or Reality?

Leadership is a word that spins through personal and professional conversations. Observations of leaders during the “September 11” national crisis revealed people wanted direction and sought comfort from their leaders. During the crisis, leaders quickly became heroes with noble causes. However, leaders remain, in day-today activities, common people striving to improve organizations and activities. Employers request “leadership” be included as a part of the perfect applicant’s resume. Members of struggling student and volunteer organizations call for the emergence of leaders who can increase member involvement. And political candidates continually reference “leadership experience” in their campaign marketing strategies. Clearly, in 2002, leadership continues to be a concept of interest. Although leadership is an important topic and successful leaders are emerging, questions continue to surround this dynamic concept. Leadership educators are on the cusp; they hold the educational keys to unlock the mysteries of leadership. Leadership educators are hired to provide programs, teach leadership concepts, and develop leaders. But, has this group reaped the rewards from known facts, research, and development efforts? Are leadership educators focusing on methods to steer the discipline forward? Are leadership educators driving fantasy programs or factual programs? To seek the answers to these questions, leadership educators are challenged to seek answers to contemporary questions such as: 1. What is the true purpose for leadership education and do leadership organizations deliver what they promise? 2. Is leadership different among diverse cultures? 3. What are the best teaching/learning environments for leadership education? Recently leadership educators and researchers have revealed several findings to support and expand productive leadership education development. The implications of recent research results, when blended into program objectives, may ensure positive and productive results.
Miniaturized printed wire antenna for wireless communications

Miniaturized printed-circuit-board wire antennas are investigated for wireless local access network (WLAN) and Bluetooth applications. The proposed wire antenna in F shape could have a much smaller area than an inverted F antenna with similar bandwidth. It is found an F antenna can usually be inductively tuned but the bandwidth decreases if the size is reduced from a quarter wave length. The bandwidth as a function of the antenna vertical and parallel arm lengths is characterized with numerical simulations. The antenna with an area of about 14 mm by 6 mm for 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band, similar to the size of a chip, is designed and tested with a bandwidth of about 200 MHz. The antenna range and blind spot are also discussed.
Assimilation to /r/ in English initial consonant clusters

THE RECENT Bulley-Davidson discussion of English initial consonant clusters (ET80, ET81, ET83) brings attention to the need for phonetic rigor and some phonological understanding when describing the sounds and sound patterns of English. Three topics the two writers deal with would benefit from such rigor: /tr/ and /dr/ clusters, the status and function of /j/ in initial clusters before /u/, and the role of syllable structure in the description of consonant clusters.
Visualization of the Airflow around a Life-Sized, Heated, Breathing Mannequin at Ultralow Windspeeds

During the past two decades, there has been considerable progress in developing particle size-selective criteria for aerosol sampling and exposure assessment that relate more realistically to actual human exposures than previously. An important aspect has been the aspiration efficiency-the 'inhalability'-with which particles enter through the nose and mouth of aerosol-exposed individuals during breathing. Most of the reported experiments to determine inhalability have been conducted in wind tunnels with life-sized, breathing mannequins, for windspeeds from 0.5 m s(-1) and above. A few experiments have been reported for calm air. However, nothing has been reported for the intermediate range from 0.5 m s(-1) downward, and it so happens-as we now know-that this corresponds to most industrial workplaces. The research described in this paper represents a first step toward filling this knowledge gap. It focuses on identifying the features of the airflow near the mannequin at such low windspeeds that might have important influences on the nature of particle transport, and hence on inhalability, and eventually the performances of personal aerosol samplers mounted in the breathing zone. We have carried out flow visualization experiments for the realistic range of windspeeds indicated, investigating specifically the effect of the air jet released into the freestream during expiration and the effect of the upward-moving boundary layer near the body associated with the buoyancy of air in that region as a result of heat received from the warm body. We set out to identify the combinations of conditions-external windspeed, breathing mode (nose versus mouth breathing), breathing rate and body temperature-where such factors need to be taken into account. We developed an experimental system that allowed the visualization of smoke traces, providing very good observation of how the flow was modified as conditions changed. From inspection of a large number of moving pictures, we developed a matrix of regimes-categorized by windspeed and breathing rate-where the effect of the expired air is sufficient to permanently and seriously destabilize the airflow approaching the mannequin. It was found that the effect of body temperature was minimal. Such results will be important in the interpretation of current and future inhalability experiments carried out at realistic low windspeeds.
Melanoma cell migration to type IV collagen requires activation of NF-κB

Chemotaxis is the consequence of environmental factors engaging their receptors to initiate signaling cascades. However, the biochemical mechanisms controlling this phenomenon are not clear. We employed an in vitro modified Boyden 48-well chemotaxis migration system to characterize the role of signal transducers in type IV collagen (CIV) induced A2058 human melanoma cell migration. Using specific pharmacological inhibitors and a series of dominant-negative and constitutively active signaling proteins, we show that Ras and Rac GTPases, PI-3K, and PKC participate in cell migration mediated by beta1 integrins. Collagen also induces a time- dependent degradation of IkappaB-alpha and an increase in nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB which is dependent on PKC pathway. More importantly, collagen-stimulated melanoma cell migration directly correlated with an increase in NF-kappaB transactivation. Furthermore, CIV induced an increase in beta1 integrin mRNA levels. Specific NF-kappaB inhibitors Helenalin and SN-50 inhibited melanoma cell migration to collagen, indicating a novel requirement for NF-kappaB transactivation in cell chemotaxis mediated by beta1 integrin signals. These results describe signal transduction events that are initiated by type IV collagen through beta1 integrins and demonstrate an important role for NF-kappaB in regulating melanoma chemotaxis.
Evolution and phylogeography of the Thomomys umbrinus species complex (Rodentia: Geomyidae)

The southern pocket gopher, Thomomys umbrinus, currently contains 17 subspecies distributed from southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico southward into the Trans-Mexico Volcanic Belt (TMVB) of central Mexico. Here we reevaluate relationships within this species, which, based on previous studies, is composed of 3 genetically divergent clades. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses uphold these clades (Northern Desert, Central Plateau, and TMVB) as well as the monophyly of T. umbrinus with respect to the 3 other species in the T. umbrinus complex (T. atrovarius, T. nayarensis, and T. sheldoni). Reanalysis of published allozyme data shows a pattern of isolation by distance consistent with the hypothesis of gene flow among the 3 T. umbrinus clades. Species tree analyses of these clades reveal 4 divergent lineages (2 within the TMVB clade), which we recognize herein at the subspecies level. Cranial morphometrics show a moderate level of morphological separation among these clades in multivariate space. The present center of diversity of the T. umbrinus species group is in the southern Sierra Madre Occidental, which also appears to be the center of origin of the T. umbrinus complex. A synonymy of T. umbrinus is provided.
Numerical observation of stationary and oscillatory electro-thermo-convection in a plane layer of dielectric liquid

In this paper, we numerically investigated the electro-thermo-convection in a plane layer of non-isothermal dielectric liquid induced by unipolar charge injection. The case that the injection was from below and heating from above was considered. The ionic mobility is assumed to vary linearly with temperature. Results with two heating modes (weakly and strongly stabilizing thermal gradients) are presented. Three distinct flow structures, namely as the space charge modified Benard convection, the thermally modified space charge convection and the oscillatory convection, were observed. By comparing numerical results with the ones provided by the stability analysis approach, fairly good agreement was showed, which highlighted the effectiveness of our numerical algorithm.
Multiple behavior-controlled micro-robots for planetary surface missions

How teams of small autonomous mobile robots, called microrovers, can be applied to many of the planetary surface missions being planned is discussed. A microrover is a small self-contained robot that is capable of autonomous local navigation. Some of their logistical problems, i.e., their overall capabilities, delivery mechanisms, communications, etc., are outlined. Some basics on how to get teams of microrovers to act in concert are examined. Examples of how teams of rovers can be used to accomplish useful missions of science and space operations are given. Some thoughts on the overall utility of microrovers are presented. >
Red to Green or Fast to Slow? Infants' Visual Working Memory for “Just Salient Differences”

In this study, 6-month-old infants' visual working memory for a static feature (color) and a dynamic feature (rotational motion) was compared. Comparing infants' use of different features can only be done properly if experimental manipulations to those features are equally salient (Kaldy & Blaser, 2009; Kaldy, Blaser, & Leslie, 2006). The interdimensional salience mapping method was used to find two objects that each were one Just Salient Difference from a common baseline object (N = 16). These calibrated stimuli were then used in a subsequent two-alternative forced-choice preferential looking memory test (N = 28). Results showed that infants noted the color change, but not the equally salient change in rotation speed.
Use of an A-T-rich DNA clone for identification and detection of Peronosclerospora sorghi.

A recombinant plasmid, pMLY12-1, screened from a Peronosclerospora sorghi library hybridizes only to DNA of P. sorghi, or to DNA from leaves infected with P. sorghi, not to DNA of P. sorghi Thailand isolate, P. philippinensis, P. sacchari, or P. maydis. The terminal sequences of the 1.3-kb insert, which appears to contain mitochondrial DNA, are 85% A and T. No polymorphisms were detected when the probe was hybridized to Southern blots containing DNA from P. sorghi pathotype 1, pathotype 3, or a Botswana isolate digested with any of the eight restriction endonucleases tested. The banding patterns were the same whether DNA was extracted directly from the fungus or from infected leaves. Images