cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temporal perception in obese and normal-weight subjects: A test of the stimulus-binding hypothesis

Obese and normal-weight Ss judged the duration of a 1,000-Hz tone at four standard intervals, 3, 8, 13, and 18 sec, using the method of production. Consistent with the prediction from Schachter’s (1971) stimulus-binding hypothesis, response accuracy, in terms of absolute error, was poorer for the obese than for the normals. This effect was notable predominantly at the longer stimulus durations. In general, the magnitude of absolute errors decreased over trials, even though explicit feedback regarding performance efficiency was not provided.
Agrobacterium -mediated transformation of rice using immature embryos or calli induced from mature seed

Here, we provide comprehensive, highly efficient protocols for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of a wide range of rice genotypes. Methods that use either immature embryos (japonica and indica rice) or calli (japonica cultivars and the indica cultivar, Kasalath) as a starting material for inoculation with Agrobacterium are described. Immature embryos are pretreated with heat and centrifugal force, which significantly enhances the efficiency of gene transfer, and then infected with Agrobacterium. Callus is induced from mature seeds and infected. Transformed cells proliferated from these tissues are selected on the basis of hygromycin resistance, and transgenic plants are eventually regenerated. A single immature japonica or Kasalath embryo will produce between 10 and 18 independent transgenic plants; for other non-Kasalath indica varieties, the number of transgenic plants expected will be between 5 and 13. For japonica and Kasalath, transformants should be obtained from between 50 and 90% of calli. From inoculation with Agrobacterium to transplanting to soil will take 55 d for japonica and Kasalath, and 74 d for indica other than Kasalath using the immature embryo method, and 50 d for japonica and Kasalath using the callus method.
Sound, Presence, and Power: “Student Voice” in Educational Research and Reform

Every way of thinking is both premised on and generative of a way of naming that reflects particular underlying convictions. Over the last 15 years, a way of thinking has reemerged that strives to reposition students in educational research and reform. Best documented in Australia, Canada, England, and the United States, this way of thinking is premised on the following convictions: that young people have unique perspectives on learning, teaching, and schooling; that their insights warrant not only the attention but also the responses of adults; and that they should be afforded opportunities to actively shape their education. Although these convictions mean different things to different people and take different forms in practice, a single term has emerged to capture a range of activities that strive to reposition students in educational research and reform: “student voice.” In this discussion the author explores the emergence of the term “student voice,” identifies underlying premises signaled by two particular words associated with the term, “rights” and “respect,” and explores the many meanings of a word that surfaces repeatedly across discussions of student voice efforts but refers to a wide range of practices: “listening.” The author offers this discussion not as an exhaustive or definitive analysis but rather with the goal of looking across discussions of work that advocates, enacts, and critically analyzes the term “student voice.”
The autoxidative contraction of monolayers of linoleic acid at a gas‐water interface

A monolayer of linoleic acid spread at an airwater interface was found to undergo an immediate oxygen-dependent contraction when compressed at a constant high film pressure. This is in contrast to the expansion of monolayers of other unsaturated acids at lower film pressures as reported by other workers. The process shows quasi-first-order kinetics, and there is little evidence for an induction period, in contrast to bulk-phase autoxidation.
Sharing conversation and sharing life: video conferencing in the home

Video conferencing is a technology that families and friends use to connect with each other over distance. However, even with such technology readily available, we still do not have a good understanding of how video conferencing systems are used by people as a part of their domestic communication practices. For this reason, we have conducted interviews with 21 adults in the United States to understand video conferencing routines in the home and to inform the design of future domestic communication technologies. Our findings illustrate the importance of discerning availability and willingness to video conference prior to calling, the need to share everyday life activities in addition to conversation, and a need for new privacy protecting strategies that focus on autonomy and solitude as opposed to confidentiality.
Evidence for Modulation of a 24K Protein in Human Endometrium during the Menstrual Cycle

The presence and distribution of a protein with a molecular weight of 24,000 (24K) was determined in endometrial biopsies from regularly cycling women. This protein, of as yet unkown function and originally found in a breast cancer cell line, was detected by immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody. In the glandular epithelium, the 24K protein began to appear during the late proliferative phase and decreased after ovulation. In contrast, the strongest immunostaining was observed in the superficial epithelium during the secretory phase. In these cells, the 24K immunoactivity reached the maximum around day 21 of the cycle and was clearly seen in the bulbous projections of the apical cytoplasm. These results suggest that the 24K protein may be a marker for hormonal events during the menstrual cycle.
Comparative study on the laminar flame speed enhancement of methane with ethane and ethylene addition

Abstract A systematic analysis of the flame speed enhancement effects of ethane and ethylene addition to methane was performed. Flame speeds of outwardly propagating spherical flames were measured in a high-pressure, cylindrical flame speed vessel using schlieren photography. It was ensured that the measured data were outside the ignition- and chamber-confinement-affected radii. The unstretched, unburnt flame speeds were obtained using nonlinear extrapolation methods from the experimentally determined stretched flame speeds. The AramcoMech 1.3 kinetics mechanism was validated against flame speeds of ethane, ethylene, and acetylene over a wide range of pressures and equivalence ratios. Good agreement between the measured data and those reported in the literature was seen. The model agreed closely with the measurements at fuel-lean conditions, but a slight over prediction was observed for the fuel-rich cases. Flame speeds of 80/20 and 60/40 (by volume) CH 4 /C 2 H x mixtures in air and in air with excess nitrogen were measured over a wide range of fuel concentrations. In all cases, the addition of ethylene increased the flame speed more than did an equivalent addition of ethane. The Arrhenius effect (predominantly kinetic effect) was the principal driver for flame speed enhancement of methane with ethane/ethylene addition. Sensitivity analysis revealed that thermal and diffusive pathways were equally contributing to the flame speed enhancement of CH 4 /C 2 H 6 mixtures, but the latter played a comparatively minor role in the C 2 H 4 -based blends.
Lanthanide metal chelates as selective complexing sorbents for gas chromatography

Abstract Stationary phases containing β-diketonate chelates of the lanthanides can be used as pre-analytical columns to retain selectively and separate nucleophilic species from non-nucleophilic species by metal complex formation. The ability of the chelates to accept additional donor atoms in the coordination sphere of the lanthanide and to form strong complexes with oxygen-containing compounds causes enhanced retention of the oxygenates in the pre-column. Compounds which do not form complexes or form only very weakly bonded complexes (e.g., alkanes, alkenes, aromatics, chlorinated compounds and sterically hindered nucleophiles) are eluted in a normal fashion and analyzed by the gas chromatograph. Subsequent heating of the pre-column dissociates the complexes; the nucleophiles (e.g., aldehydes, ketones, esters, ethers, alcohols, etc.) are removed and analyzed as a separate fraction. The technique results in simplification of complex chromatograms as well as class-specific analysis.
Haemodynamic changes and oxygen uptake during crossclamping of the thoracic aorta in dexmedetomidine pretreated dogs.

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the a2 adrenergic agonist, dexmedetomidine (DEX), decreases tissue oxygen demand thereby increasing tolerance to hypoxic insult. In 17 anaesthetized dogs, cardiac output was measured with thermodilution, blood flow through the inferior caval vein was determined using an electromagnetic flowmeter, and oxygen consumption was calculated by the Fick principle. The animals were divided into three groups: control group (n = 5), D3 and D30 groups (n = 6 for each group) treated with two doses of DEX (3 μg · kg−1 and 30 μg · kg−1, respectively) prior to aortic crossclamping. Upon crossclamping of the thoracic aorta, the cardiac index decreased in all three groups with the largest decrease in the D30 group, and the smallest decrease in the control group. Blood flow through the inferior vena cava decreased in all three groups of animals while blood flow through the superior caval vein increased in the control group, did not change in the D3 group, and decreased in the D30 group. Oxygen saturation in mixed venous blood increased in the control group, did not change in the D3 group and decreased in D30 group. Blood flow and oxygen uptake in the lower part of the body decreased in all groups. Oxygen consumption in the upper part of the body decreased equally in all three groups. Arterial lactate concentrations increased almost two-fold in the control group while it increased by only 30% in animals treated with DEX. A lesser increase in lactate concentrations and oxygen extraction in tissues below aortic crossclamping is consistent with the hypothesis that DEX decreases tissue oxygen requirement which might prove particularly useful in clinical situations where tissue hypoxia is expected.
Validation of an Arsenic Sequential Extraction Method for Evaluating Mobility in Sediments

Arsenic (As) mobility and transport in the environment are strongly influenced by arsenic's associations with solid phases in soil and sediment. We have tested a sequential extraction procedure intended to differentiate the following pools of solid phase arsenic: loosely and strongly adsorbed As; As coprecipitated with metal oxides or amorphous monosulfides; As coprecipitated with crystalline iron (oxyhydr)oxides; As oxides; As coprecipitated with pyrite; and As sulfides. Additions of As-bearing phases to wetland and riverbed sediment subsamples were quantitatively recovered by the following extractants of the sequential extraction procedure: As adsorbed on goethite, 1 M NaH2PO4; arsenic trioxide (As2O3), 10 M HF; arsenopyrite (FeAsS), 16 N HNO3; amorphous As sulfide, 1 N HCI, 50 mM Ti-citrate-EDTA, and 16 N HNO3; and orpiment (As2S3), hot concentrated HNO3/H2O2. Wet sediment subsamples from both highly contaminated wetland peat and less As-rich sandy riverbed sediment were used to test the extraction procedure for intra-method reproducibility. The proportional distribution of As among extractant pools was consistent for subsamples of the wetland and for subsamples of the riverbed sediments. In addition, intermethod variability between the sequential extraction procedure and a single-step hot concentrated HNO3/H2O2 acid digestion was investigated. The sum of the As recovered in the different extractant pools was not significantly different than results for the acid digestion.
Flux Fluctuations and Critical Currents in a Superconducting Ring Near T c

Measurements of current fluctuations and critical currents as a function of temperature have been made in a ring of superconducting tin with a current resolution corresponding to about 0.1 quanta of magnetic flux in the cylinder and a temperature resolution of a few microdegrees. The fluctuations occur between neighboring quantum states at a rate which increases rapidly with increasing temperature. The critical currents do not follow the temperature dependence predicted by theory.
Spiral Fracture Characteristics in some Reinforced Polymers

ONE of the reasons for using filled, rather than unfilled, plastics is the possibility they offer of reducing the occurrence of gross fracture by a redistribution of stress concentrations. One aim of the study of filled polymer systems is the prediction of stress fields and their correlation with subsequent fracture behaviour. The present communication demonstrates that controlled as distinct from random brittle fracture can arise when suitable fillers are incorporated.
Factors regulating population dynamics of the marine bivalve Gemma gemma: intraspecific competition and salinity

A population of Gemma gemma (Totten) was investigated for 6 yr (1978–1983) in Connecticut, USA to determine the relationship between population fluctuations, life tables of successive cohorts and factors affecting life table parameters. Seasonal cycles occurred from 1978–1981. Although density was not abnormally low in summer of 1982, the population declined rapidly thereafter because individuals present during the reproductive season were smaller than the minimal size for reproduction. Forecasts of population size from a time series model based on past densities were compared to forecasts from the intrinsic rates of growth from four separate clam life tables. The latter approach was less precise but more consistent at successfully predicting temporal trends in population abundance. Two factors were identified that potentially controlled population density and structure during the study. Correlational evidence indicated that intraspecific competition between juveniles and adults was intense in 1978 but was reduced during subsequent years. This interaction reduced the size and subsequent fecundity of the young-of-the-year. Correlational evidence also indicated that low salinity in spring of 1978, 1979, 1982 and 1983 reduced juvenile survival, but not that of adults. Qualitative evidence indicated that a third factor, predation, might also have affected G. gemma's population size and structure.
Automated tracking and ordering of precautions for multidrug-resistant organisms

Background The transmission and infection risk associated with multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) carriers necessitates surveillance and tracking to provide proper contact precautions. As MDROs increase in scope, automated electronic health record (EHR) systems may help with surveillance demands. Methods We created a system for MDROs and Clostridium difficile tracking that automated the following 3 main surveillance and tracking activities: monitoring of microbiology results and initiation of chart-based flags, ordering of contact precautions on admission, and ensuring appropriate removal of precautions. Results Automation saved 43 infection preventionist hours per 1,000 admissions, in addition to previously unquantified hours spent reviewing MDRO history for every admission. Automatic retiring of certain MDRO flags ensured removal of contact precautions after a specified time. A point-prevalence assessment for eligibility for discontinuation found that all precautions were appropriate, with none eligible for removal. By integrating microbiology data, EHR tracking flags, and automated orders, this system assured rapid and comprehensive placement of patients into contact precautions without requiring oversight by infection prevention personnel. Conclusion We show that automated systems embedded within EHRs can ensure tracking and application of appropriate contact precautions while simultaneously producing tremendous time savings for infection prevention programs.
Intrinsic and Interdiffusion in Cu-Sn System

Solid-solid diffusion couples assembled with disks of copper, tin and intermetallics (Cu3Sn and Cu6Sn5) were employed to investigate the Kirkendall effect in the copper-tin system at the temperature of 200 °C. In the Cu(99.9%)/Sn diffusion couple, inert alumina particles used as markers were identified in the Cu6Sn5 phase, while microvoids were observed at the Cu/Cu3Sn interface. The Cu(99.9%)/Sn and Cu(99.9%)/Cu6Sn5 diffusion couples annealed at 200 °C for 10 days were analyzed for intrinsic diffusion coefficients of Cu and Sn in the Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn phases, respectively with due consideration of changes in molar volume. Interdiffusion, integrated and effective interdiffusion coefficients were also calculated for the intermetallic phases. Diffusion couples annealed at 125-400 °C for various times were analyzed for the kinetic parameters such as growth rate constants and activation energies for the formation of Cu3Sn and Cu6Sn5 phases. Uncertainties in the calculated intrinsic diffusivities of Cu and Sn arise mainly from the non-planar morphologies of the interfaces and the non-planar distribution of the markers. Intrinsic diffusion coefficients based on average locations of the marker plane indicate that Cu is the faster diffusing component than Sn in both the Cu3Sn and Cu6Sn5 phases.
Alloy Developments in Biomedical Co-Base Alloys for HIP Implant Applications

The development of cobalt alloys for the development of HIP implants has been evolving overtime. Accordingly, in this work an overview of the main microstructural factors that impact the mechanical properties, as well as the effect of interstitials such as carbon and nitrogen. In addition the role alloy pre-straining and heat treating on the amount of e-martensite and on the exhibited mechanical properties is described. In general, it is shown that as the amount of e-martensite exceeds 60 vol. percent, the alloy ductility is drastically reduced as the HCP phase becomes dominant in the matrix.
Thermodynamic properties of binary mixtures of atoms and diatomic molecules from computer simulation and perturbation theory

Abstract This paper reports results obtained from isothermal-isobaric molecular dynamics simulations of binary fluid mixtures composed of atoms and homonuclear diatomic molecules. Intermolecules. Intermolecular interactions between atoms are represented by the one-center Lennard-Jones potential and those between diatoms are represented by the two-center Lennard-Jones potential. Simulations are performed over a range of molecular elongation 0 ≤ I d = L/σ d ≤ 0.8. Molecular size and energy parameters of the components are kept the same. Results are reported for density, internal energy, excess Gibbs free energy, excess enthalpy and excess volume of several equimolar mixtures at a temperature, k b T/e a = 0.92, and pressure Pσ a 3/e a = 0.5. Excess Gibbs free energy has been determined accurately using the reliable coupling parameter charging method. We show how thermodynamic properties respond to changes in molecular elongation. Also, we have used our simulation results to test a new version of the first-order perturbation theory of two-center Lennard-Jones fluid mixtures based on the nonspherical reference system. In this theory, correlation functions of the reference fluid mixture are approximated by those of the hard sphere mixture. It has been found that this version of the perturbation theory can describe density and internal energy up to l d = 0.8, and it can predict simulation results for excess properties accurately for l d
On the usefulness of quantities

I have argued that there is a philosophical problem posed by a need to determine the reference of expressions which seem to refer to kinds of stuff or matter and to make identity claims about it (e.g., ‘the gold’, ‘the same clay’). Ordinary sortal expressions such as ‘lump’, and ‘piece’ have been shown to be inadequate to the task of providing reference for the expressions in question. What is necessary is an expression which does not have an ordinary sortal use and which meets certain other conditions which I have enumerated. There does not seem to be an expression in ordinary language which fits these conditions. The technical term, ‘quantity’, as defined by Helen Cartwright, meet the conditions. ‘Parcel’, suggested V. C. Chappell, fails to meet the conditions. Another technical term, ‘m-elements’, coined by Laycock, comes close to meeting the conditions, but has a number of difficulties. Mose of these difficulties stem from the fact that counting (rather than measuring, as with quantities) is behind the application of ‘m-elements’, and stuff is as a matter of fact measured, rather than counted, in most situations. I have also considered a possible difficulty with ‘quantity’ (that in most cases in which someone talks of ‘same stuff’ strictly speaking we don't have the same quantity of stuff) and shown it not to be a genuine difficulty.
Thermodynamic properties of binary mixtures containing ketones IV. Excess enthalpies of acetophenone + an n-alkane and phenylacetone + an n-alkane

Abstract Flow-calorimetric measurements of excess enthalpies at 298.15 K are reported for mixtures of acetophenone + n-pentane, + n-heptane, + n-octane, and + n-decane, and of phenylacetone with the same set of second components. The results are interpreted in terms of inter- and intra-molecular interactions present in the pure ketones.
Effects of hemicellulose-derived saccharides on behavior of Lactobacilli under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

Abstract Four types of purified xylooligosaccharides (XOS) from several lignocellulosic materials, showing different structural features (including chain length, branching, and linkage types), obtained from different feedstocks ( Eucalyptus globulus wood, rice husks, wheat bran or barley wastes), were assessed (using fructooligosaccharides as reference substrate) for their effects on the growth of six different probiotic Lactobacillus strains in basal MRS media and survival in different simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions. The hydrophobicity of bacterial cells, which measures their potential for epithelial adhesion, was also evaluated. Improved growth of Lactobacillus strains was observed for media containing XOS as the single source of carbohydrate, confirming their role as prebiotics. These oligosaccharides also led to improvement in the resistance of the target Lactobacillus to the simulated GIT environment. The enhancement of the survival rates depended on the type of oligosaccharide. This is the first comparative study of the effects in lactobacilli involving four types of XOS obtained from different lignocellulosic materials. The obtained results show that these oligosaccharides manufactured from alternative sources could be interesting prebiotic substrates with different structures in comparison with the available commercially and with interesting potential towards the development of synbiotic products.
Constituent diversity and congress: the case of NAFTA

Abstract An important finding of legislative research is that constituency variables are more important predictors of a legislator’s vote when constituent preferences are homogeneous, as opposed to when the various elements of the legislator’s constituency are pulling the legislator in opposing directions (Goff & Grier, Public Choice, 76, 5–20; Bailey & Brady, American Journal of Political Science, 42, 524–544). We examine these expectations on a highly salient vote, the 1993 senate vote on the North American Free Trade Agreement. While we find support for the view that constituency variables are more important in homogeneous than heterogeneous constituencies, we also find that by confining constituency variables to economic factors scholars overlook the importance of constituent ideology on legislator behavior in homogeneous constituencies.
Characterizing Finite Groups Using the Sum of the Orders of the Elements

We give characterizations of various infinite sets of finite groups under the assumption that and the subgroups of satisfy certain properties involving the sum of the orders of the elements of and . Additionally, we investigate the possible values for the sum of the orders of the elements of .
High-speed string matching for network intrusion detection

Intrusion detection systems are promising techniques to improve internet security. A daunting challenge in the design of internet intrusion detection systems is how to perform high-speed string matching operations. This paper presents a string matching architecture, consisting of software based classifiers and hardware based verifiers. Based on incoming packet contents, the packet classifiers can dramatically reduce the number of strings to be matched and accordingly, feed the packet to a proper verifier to conduct matching. The paper presents the proposed classifier architecture and discusses the trade-offs in the classifier design. In addition, techniques, including multi-threading FSM, high-speed FSM interface circuits and interconnects for high-speed verifier implementation on FPGA platforms are discussed. Experimental results are presented to explore the trade-offs between system performance, strings partition granularity and hardware resource cost.
Repeated intermittent administration of psychomotor stimulant drugs alters the acquisition of Pavlovian approach behavior in rats: differential effects of cocaine, d-amphetamine and 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("Ecstasy").

Abstract Background: Psychomotor stimulant drugs can produce long-lasting changes in neurochemistry and behavior after multiple doses. In particular, neuroadaptations within corticolimbic brain structures that mediate incentive learning and motivated behavior have been demonstrated after chronic exposure to cocaine, d -amphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). As stimulus–reward learning is likely relevant to addictive behavior (i.e., augmented conditioned reward and stimulus control of behavior), we have investigated whether prior repeated administration of psychomotor stimulant drugs of abuse, including cocaine, d -amphetamine, or MDMA, would affect the acquisition of Pavlovian approach behavior. Methods: Water-deprived rats were tested for the acquisition of Pavlovian approach behavior after 5 days treatment with cocaine (15–20 mg/kg once or twice daily), d -amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg once or twice daily), or MDMA (2.5 mg/kg twice daily) followed by a 7-day, drug-free period. Results: Prior repeated treatment with cocaine or d -amphetamine produced a significant enhancement of acquisition of Pavlovian approach behavior, indicating accelerated stimulus–reward learning, whereas MDMA administration produced increased inappropriate responding, indicating impulsivity. Abnormal drug-induced approach behavior was found to persist throughout the testing period. Conclusions: These studies demonstrate that psychomotor stimulant-induced sensitization can produce long-term alterations in stimulus–reward learning and impulse control that may contribute to the compulsive drug taking that typifies addiction.
High-throughput screening of enzyme inhibition using an inhibitor gradient generated in a microchannel

A new rapid microfluidic method for measuring enzyme inhibition is presented. The assay relies upon the creation of a uniform concentration of substrate and a microfluidically generated concentration gradient of inhibitor using a single microchannel and a single initial inhibitor concentration. The IC50 values of two enzyme inhibitors were determined using the new technique and validated using a conventional microtiter plate assay. Using both experimental and computational simulation techniques, the assay was shown to be sensitive to inhibitor potency and the distribution of inhibitor in the system. The method has the potential to be more accurate than conventional methods because of the comparatively large amount of data that may be collected. Recommendations for use of the assay are provided, including its use for high-throughput screening in drug discovery and general use in measurement of enzyme inhibition.
Friend/foe Identification Accuracy And Shooting Performance: Effects Of Prior Task Loading And Time Pressure

The current dismounted soldier and the soldier of the future will be “loaded” with more information processing tasks while they perform shooting tasks. It is conceivable that some increased level of cognitive tasking may be performed simultaneously with required shooting tasks. The current was conducted in a high fidelity mixed reality simulation environment SAST-II. The study was designed to examine the ability of the soldier to perform friend-foe target discrimination and shooting accuracy, with varying target exposure times, friendly target signatures, and varying cognitive load demands. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for the memory recall task during shooting and non-shooting conditions. Furthermore, results showed that workload increased as a function of task demand, with associated decreases in shooting performance.
Information and Socioeconomic Class in U.S. Constitutional Law

The Supreme Court's information policy decisions support socioeconomic class divisions “by providing relatively few protections for media available to those at the bottom of the socioeconomic scale, directly limiting spending in some cases, deferring to labor law, and defining informational rights and responsibilities by profession.”
Hemodynamic Investigation of Normal Developing Aortic Arch in the Chick Embryo

Governed by genetic and epigenetic feedback [1], during embryonic cardiac development, the anatomy of aortic arches demonstrates drastic three dimensional (3D) changes that interact with the function of cardiovascular system. Six major pairs of aortic arches appear at different embryonic periods and eventually form the two brachiocephalic arteries (left and right third), an aortic arch (left fourth) and pulmonary arteries and ductus arteriosus (left and right sixth) [2–4], Fig 1. Flow-driven hemodynamic loading plays a major role in this dynamic process. Morphological studies on the embryonic aortic arches began over 100 years ago while the recent remarkable developments include understanding genetic determinants such as the effects of neural crest cells [5,6]. However the relationship between hemodynamic factors and the dynamic 3D geometry changes is still limited requiring an interdisciplinary research effort [7,8].Copyright © 2008 by ASME
On the methodologies for VLSI yield enhancement (non-referred)

The profitability and success of semiconductor industry depends on the yield and reliability of VLSI circuits. Since the yield reflects the manufacturing cost directly, it is highly desired to evaluate the yield of a VLSI system precisely in the design stage. Moore's law states that the density of ICs roughly doubles every two years. New breakthroughs in semiconductor design and manufacturing are likely to uphold this trend for at least one more decade. Shrinking geometries, lower power voltages, and higher frequencies have a negative impact on reliability. The failure of a single component may result in the failure of the entire system. If the individual component that caused the failure cannot be identified and replaced, then the entire system must be replaced. The cost of a reliability failure can therefore be significantly greater than the cost of the individual integrated circuit or circuits that caused the failure.
Density functional theory studies of interactions of graphene with its environment: Substrate, gate dielectric and edge effects

Abstract This paper reviews the theoretical work undertaken using density functional theory (DFT) to explore graphene's interactions with its surroundings. We look at the impact of substrates, gate dielectrics and edge effects on the properties of graphene. In particular, we focus on graphene-on-quartz and graphene-on-alumina systems, exploring their energy spectrum and charge distribution. Silicon-terminated quartz is found to not perturb the linear graphene spectrum. On the other hand, oxygen-terminated quartz and both terminations of alumina bond with graphene, leading to the opening of a band gap. Significant charge transfer is seen between the graphene layer and the oxide in the latter cases. Additionally, we review the work of others regarding the effect of various substrates on the electronic properties of graphene. Confining graphene to form nanoribbons also results in the opening of a band gap. The value of the gap is dependent on the edge properties as well as width of the nanoribbon.
Chiral synthons from levoglucosenone: Short routes for (—)-δ-multistriatin and (+)-prelog-djerassi lactonic acid

Abstract Levoglucosenone ( 1 ) was used as the starting material for short and stereoselective routes to chiral synthons for (—)-δ-multistriatin ( 2 ) and (+)-Prelog-Djerassi lactonic acid ( 3 ). The stereochemistry of these synthons is discussed on the basis of high-resolution 1 H-n.m.r. data.
Mechanism of Delayed Rejection in Transgenic Pig-to-Primate Cardiac Xenotransplantation

Abstract Background. Pig-to-primate cardiac xenografts undergo hyperacute rejection (HAR), in which primate IgM bind to porcine endothelial α-Gal molecules and activate membrane attack complex (MAC) deposition. Prolonged graft survival can be achieved by using transgenic pig donors, which express human complement regulatory proteins (hCRP) to inhibit MAC. However, these xenografts invariably fail from delayed xenograft rejection (DXR). We sought to investigate the poorly understood DXR process. Materials and methods. Wild-type ( n = 3) and transgenic ( n = 3) porcine hearts were heterotopically transplanted into baboons. Biopsies were analyzed by histology and by immunohistochemistry for porcine endothelial markers (vWF, α-Gal, and β-Gal) and primate IgM and MAC deposition. Results. Wild-type xenografts survived 60–80 min but succumbed to rapid IgM/MAC deposition and microvascular thrombosis. Transgenic xenografts avoided HAR but showed increasing IgM/MAC deposition before rejection on days 5, 7, and 11. Serum from baboons after transgenic xenograft rejection showed increased activity against porcine endothelial cells, and in vitro incubation of untransplanted porcine cardiac sections with sensitized baboon serum showed elevated microvascular IgM binding. Increased IgM deposition appeared specific to α-Gal, since it competes specifically with α-Gal-specific GS-4 lectin, but not with β-Gal-specific RCA-1 lectin. Competition with GS-4 was not seen if naive baboon serum was used. Conclusion. DXR may be mediated by increasing baboon IgM binding on porcine microvascular endothelial α-Gal molecules.
Left temporal lobe brain damage pattern on the wais, addendum

This study added Digit Span to an index investigated in a previous study. An index score, in which the WAIS Vocabulary and Information were more impaired than Similarities and Digit Span, indicated left temporal lobe damage. Using subjects with damage restricted to a single lobe of the brain, the index was found to be significantly more related to the left temporal lobe than to any other part of the brain.
Occult Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Initially Presenting as Cervical Cystic Lymph Node Metastasis: Report of Two Cases

Cervical cystic lymph node metastasis as the first and sole manifestation of occult papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is uncommon, and can be mistaken for branchial cleft cyst. The present study reports two cases of PTC initially presenting as upper lateral neck cysts. Ultrasound examination confirmed the presence of occult papillary carcinoma with neck metastasis. The critical importance of ultrasound examination of the soft tissue of the neck for the identification of the clinical manifestations and the imaging features of occult PTC are discussed, with an emphasis on factors that may contribute to misdiagnosis.
Work-role transitions: A longitudinal examination of the Nicholson model

Work-role transitions theory (Nicholson, 1984) maintains that entry into a new role induces personal and/or role development. Personal development is argued to be a function of role novelty and the newcomer's desire for feedback, while role development is argued to be a function of role discretion and desire for control. Utilizing self-report data from business school graduates after four months (N = 295) and 10 months (N = 223) on the job, we found only mixed support for the model. We argue that the model can be enriched by considering newcomer desires that are directly aroused by situational-specific cues, by considering personal and role development as interacting rather than independent processes, by considering the valence of certain personal and role developments, and by considering the influence of social referents on role transitions.
Changes in u(VI) SPeciation Upon Sorption onto Montmorillonite from Aqueous and Organic Solutions

The speciation of UO{sub 2}{sup 2+} and UO{sub 2}{sup 2+} Tributylphosphate (TBP) mixtures has been investigated in solution and intercalated with the reference smectite clay SAz-1 using x-ray absorption, Raman, and luminescence spectroscopies. Neither aquated UO{sub 2}{sup 2+} nor its TBP complex undergoes any detectable changes in uranium oxidation state on intercalation. Further, at the pH values employed in this work, there is no evidence for hydrolysis of the uranium species to generate dimeric or higher order uranium oligomers. However, we do find indications that the structures of the solution complexes are altered on intercalation, particularly for the UO{sub 2}{sup 2+}/TBP system. In addition, several lines of evidence suggest that, at the loading levels used in this study, the uranyl species may be interacting with two or more spectroscopically distinguishable sites on SAz-1. 29 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.
Obligation or Opportunity: How Can Could-Be Heirs Assess Their Position?

Potential heirs can make informed choices about whether or not to accede to leadership positions by entering into a pre-decision period consisting of systematic and rigorous self-examination aimed at evaluating the personal and professional implications of accession for themselves, their families and their families' firms.
Hematuria in adolescents

Hematuria is not a rare finding during adolescence. The high prevalence of microscopic hematuria is not surprising when one considers the vast number of ways in which RBC can end up in the urine. The adolescent presenting with gross hematuria, proteinuria, or microscopic hematuria in combination with other symptoms of genitourinary disease is more likely to require a therapeutic intervention than is the individual found incidentally to have microscopic hematuria. Screening for hematuria is not supported by current evidence. When it is discovered as the result of a screening examination, persistent microscopic hematuria in an otherwise asymptomatic individual may not require further investigation; however, the renal ultrasound examination has little risk and is helpful in diagnosing many of the conditions amenable to intervention. Serum studies offer little useful information in the evaluation of microscopic hematuria. Addressing isolated hematuria in a systematic, evidence-based fashion can help avoid untoward patient and parental worry and excessive health care costs, without missing treatable or progressive disease entities.
Chemically modified teflon capillary columns for gas chromatography II. Solid surface effects in direct coated columns

The preparation of teflon capillary columns employing direct coating of the stationary phase to the chemically modified teflon surface and the role of the chemically modified teflon in the separation mechanism are described. Two types of contributions from the modified teflon have been observed: nonspecific adsorption of the carbon surface and specific interactions of polar groups in the carbon skeleton. The use of polar liquid phases can eliminate adsorption due to the presence of polar groups in the modified teflon.
The stability of weakly stretched flames

In this study, the stability of plane stretched flames, more specifically plane flames in straining fields, has been examined. It is shown that flame stretch stabilizes long wavelength disturbances and so can suppress, in this regime the hydrodynamic instability. If in addition, the mixture is deficient in the reactant which is also the weakly diffusing component, and hence the Lewis number is greater than unity, thermal effects will stabilize the short wavelength disturbances. Thus sufficiently strong stretch can render a flame absolutely stable. The instability, which first appears by reducing the strain rate from the critical value, is in the form of longitudinal cells with ridges in the direction of stretch. By reducing the strain rate further a cellular structure will probably emerge.
The moderating role of negative affect on objective verbal memory performance and subjective memory complaints in healthy older adults.

Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are part of the diagnostic criteria for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), yet little is known about their etiology. In some previous studies, no direct relation has been found between SMCs and objective memory performance, yet significant correlations have been identified between SMCs and psychological factors such as depression and anxiety. In the current study, we examined whether negative affect moderated the relation between objective memory functioning and SMCs in a sample of healthy, non-demented participants aged 65 and older. As predicted, several negative affect measures moderated the relationship between objective cognitive functioning and SMCs. In the absence of objective memory impairment as indexed by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and the Dementia Rating Scale-2nd Edition (DRS-2), higher levels of negative affect were associated with increased levels of SMCs. Moreover, a lower order negative affect factor, anxiety sensitivity, significantly moderated the relation between objective memory functioning and SMCs, after controlling for higher order measures of general negative affectivity. Findings suggest that negative affect, particularly anxiety sensitivity, distorts the subjective appraisal of one's own memory, such that people high on negative affect factors report more episodes of forgetting, even in the absence of objective cognitive impairments. (JINS, 2008, 14, 327–336.)
Treasonous Silence: The Tragedy of Philotas and Legal Epistemology [with illustrations]

AbstractSince the nineteenth century, Samuel Daniel's play, The Tragedy of Philotas (1605), has been read almost exclusively in the context of the Essex affair. This essay insists on the interpretive limitations of this context, especially its inability to account for the specific type of treason Philotas commits. Philotas is convicted of treason not for an action or an utterance, but for his silence. He fails to pass on crucial information concerning a plot to murder Alexander, for which he becomes implicated in the conspiracy. While this has little to do with Essex's openly displayed act of rebellion, it does speak to a much larger legal‐epistemological crux in Renaissance England: the problem of how to identify and prosecute a crime that could be committed in a conceptual space prior to action and prior to language, a problem that I term “treasonous silence.” (K. C.)
On the anisotropy of the canine diaphragmatic central tendon.

Abstract We studied the mechanical and anatomical anisotropy of the canine diaphragmatic central tendon (CT). Dumb-bell-shaped strips with effective dimensions of 10 × 2 mm (length × width) were cut from different regions of the canine diaphragmatic CT in two different orientations relative to the direction of neighboring muscle fibers. Specimens sampled with their long axial dimension oriented parallel to the neighboring muscle fibers were named Group-1 and those sampled with an orientation perpendicular to the neighboring muscle fibers were named Group-2. Results from one-dimensional stress-strain and tensile failure strength tests revealed that the CT is a nonlinear, inelastic, and anisotropic material. Group-1 specimens were found to have a higher stiffness, higher failure strength and higher strain energy density at failure than Group-2 specimens. Polarized microscopy showed that multiple sheets of collagen fiber bundles formed an orthogonal network in the tendon. Collagen fiber bundles along Group-1 direction formed parallel trajectory lines connecting the neighboring costal and crural muscles; bundles along Group-2 direction were observed to orient 90° away. At the central apex region of the CT, collagen bundles of Group-1 formed a fan-like trajectory pattern. This collagen network architecture was compared favorably to the trajectories of an approximated principal stress field in the CT due to simulated contractile forces from its adjacent costal and crural muscles. These combined results suggest a structure-function relationship for the anatomical and mechanical anisotropy in the canine diaphragmatic CT.
Quantifying fluctuations in economic systems by adapting methods of statistical physics

The emerging subel d of econophysics explores the degree to which certain concepts and methods from statistical physics can be appropriately modie d and adapted to provide new insights into questions that have been the focus of interest in the economics community. Here we give a brief overview of two examples of research topics that are receiving recent attention. A rs t topic is the characterization of the dynamics of stock price uctuations . For example, we investigate the relation between trading activity { measured by the number of transactions N t { and the price change G t for a given stock, over a time interval [t; t + t]. We relate the time-dependent standard deviation of price uctuation s { volatility { to two microscopic quantities: the number of transactions N t in t and the variance W 2 t of the price changes for all transactions in t. Our work indicates that while the pronounced tails in the distribution of price uctuation s arise from W t, the long-range correlations found in jG tj are largely due to N t. We also investigate the relation between price uctuation s and the number of shares Q t traded in t. We n d that the distribution of Q t is consistent with a stable L evy distribution, suggesting a L evy scaling relationship between Q t and N t, which would provide one explanation for volume-volatility co-movement. A second topic concerns cross-correlations between the price uctuation s of dieren t stocks. We adapt a conceptual framework, random matrix theory (RMT), rs t used in physics to interpret statistical properties of nuclear energy spectra. RMT makes predictions for the statistical properties of matrices that are universal, that is, do not depend on the interactions between the elements comprising the system. In physics systems, deviations from the predictions of RMT provide clues regarding the mechanisms controlling the dynamics of a given system, so this framework can be of potential value if applied to economic systems. We discuss a systematic comparison between the statistics of the cross-correlation matrix C { whose elements Cij are the correlation-coec ient s between the returns of stock i and j { and that of a random matrix having the same symmetry properties. Our work suggests that RMT can be used to distinguish random and non-random parts of C; the non-random part of C, which deviates from RMT results provides information regarding genuine cross-correlations between stocks. c 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.