cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using scattered light modeling for semiconductor critical dimension metrology and calibration

Quantitative methods are developed to use optical scatter to measure the critical dimensions of gratings etched into bulk Si and developed photoresist patterns on silicon substrates. Previous work either classified microstructures qualitatively or employed a 'chi-by-eye' method to find that structures were similar or dissimilar. A single detector scanning scatterometer is used to measure large 32 micrometers pitch structures while another instrument that varies the angle of incidence and tracks diffracted orders via the grating equation is used to measure 2 micrometers pitch structures. A rigorous coupled wave light scatter model is used to simulate diffraction from a set of test wafers. Partial least squares and neural network analysis techniques are then employed to use correlations between the simulated diffraction and the critical dimensions of the modeled structures to produce a capability to measure the critical dimensions from scattered light measurements. The marriage of rigorous coupled wave diffraction modeling and optical scatterometry directly addresses the needs of the industry for a rapid and nondestructive metrology tool.
Redirection of client/server relationship of X Window system as a simple, low-cost, departmental picture archiving and communication system solution for nuclear medicine.

Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) offer significant advantages over current film-management techniques. However, PACS are complex and expensive, factors that have limited their entry into the radiology and nuclear medicine communities. We present a simple, low-cost PACS solution that allows viewing of images from different computer systems by redirection of the X Window system. In this technique, multiple copies of the imaging software are remotely opened from generic UNIX workstations interfaced to the main computer system via Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol over Ethernet. The X Window system that provides the windowing system for the main computer is redirected to the workstations' displays. With this technique, viewing and processing of images on a remote station is virtually identical to working at the main computer's console. The technique requires that the commercial imaging systems's hardware, operating system, and imaging software support multiuser multitasking and the execution of multiple copies of its imaging software, and that they use X Windows as the graphical system. Advantages of the technique include low cost, ease of mainteance, ease of interconnecting different types of computers, the capacity to view images regardless of file format, and the capacity to both view and process images. The later is a necessity for modalities such as nuclear medicine. A disadvantage of the technique is that the number of nodes that can be supported is limited.
Theoretical bounding relations for void fraction in bubbling fluidized beds

Abstract Two-phase theory is used to derive limiting expressions for bubble fraction, voidage, and expansion ratio in aggregatively fluidized beds. These relations are compared with available data and shown to generally bound the range of bed expansion in both large-particle and small particle beds.
Metastases from non-small cell lung cancer: mediastinal staging in the 1990s--meta-analytic comparison of PET and CT.

PURPOSE: To meta-analytically compare 2-[fluorine 18]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) for the demonstration of mediastinal nodal metastases in patients with non–small cell lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: English-language reports on the diagnostic performance of PET (14 studies, 514 patients) and/or CT (29 studies, 2,226 patients) for demonstration of mediastinal nodal metastases from NSCLC were selected by using the Medline database. In eligible studies, an objective diagnostic standard was used, data were presented to allow recalculation of contingency tables, and established diagnostic criteria were used for abnormal test results. Summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated. RESULTS: Pooled point estimates of diagnostic performance and summary ROC curves indicated that PET was significantly more accurate than CT for demonstration of nodal metastases (P < .001). Mean sensitivity and specificity (± 95% CI) were 0.79 ± 0...
Cholinergic interneuron characteristics and nicotinic properties in the striatum.

The neostriatum (dorsal striatum) is composed of the caudate and putamen. The ventral striatum is the ventral conjunction of the caudate and putamen that merges into and includes the nucleus accumbens and striatal portions of the olfactory tubercle. About 2% of the striatal neurons are cholinergic. Most cholinergic neurons in the central nervous system make diffuse projections that sparsely innervate relatively broad areas. In the striatum, however, the cholinergic neurons are interneurons that provide very dense local innervation. The cholinergic interneurons provide an ongoing acetylcholine (ACh) signal by firing action potentials tonically at about 5 Hz. A high concentration of acetylcholinesterase in the striatum rapidly terminates the ACh signal, and thereby minimizes desensitization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Among the many muscarinic and nicotinic striatal mechanisms, the ongoing nicotinic activity potently enhances dopamine release. This process is among those in the striatum that link the two extensive and dense local arbors of the cholinergic interneurons and dopaminergic afferent fibers. During a conditioned motor task, cholinergic interneurons respond with a pause in their tonic firing. It is reasonable to hypothesize that this pause in the cholinergic activity alters action potential dependent dopamine release. The correlated response of these two broad and dense neurotransmitter systems helps to coordinate the output of the striatum, and is likely to be an important process in sensorimotor planning and learning.
Formation and transport of the sulfonic acid metabolites of alachlor and metolachlor in soil.

Alachlor and metolachlor are dechlorinated and transformed into their corresponding ethane sulfonic acid (ESA) metabolites in soil. In a field-disappearance study, it was shown that alachlor ESA was formed at a faster rate and at concentrations 2−4 times higher than metolachlor ESA, conforming with the observed longer disappearance half-life of metolachlor (15.5 d) in the field as compared to alachlor (8 d). Runoff data also showed higher concentrations of alachlor ESA as compared to metolachlor ESA, even though they were applied at the same levels. Data from soil cores showed transport of the ESA compounds in soil to as far down as 75−90 cm below the surface, at concentrations ranging from less than 0.5 μg/L to about 50 μg/L. In contrast, no parent herbicide was detected at these depths. This observation correlates with the higher log Koc values for alachlor (3.33) and metolachlor (3.01) relative to their corresponding ESA metabolites, alachlor ESA (2.26), and metolachlor ESA (2.29).
Head-to-head polymers: 34. Head-to-head poly(1-vinylnaphthalene)☆

Abstract Head-to-head poly(1-vinylnaphthalene) was synthesized by a sequence of five reactions and the polymer was characterized by its infra-red and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Methyl 1-naphthylacetate was brominated to methyl 2-bromo-2(1-naphthyl)acetate, which was coupled with a copper-zinc couple to dimethyl 2,3-di(1-naphthyl)succinate, a mixture of stereoisomers, which was separated into the meso and racemic compounds. Lithium aluminium hydride reduction of dimethyl 2,3-di(1-naphthyl)succinate gave 2,3-di(1-naphthyl)butanediol-1,4; the two hydroxyl groups were replaced with bromine to 2,3-di(1-naphthyl)-1,4-dibromobutane. Polymerization by Grignard coupling reaction with copper/salt catalysts gave head-to-head poly(1-vinylnaphthalene) in low yield and of relatively low molecular weight.
Applications of Sturm sequences to bifurcation analysis of delay differential equation models

This paper formalizes a method used by several others in the analysis of biological models involving delay differential equations. In such a model, the characteristic equation about a steady state is transcendental. This paper shows that the analysis of the bifurcation due to the introduction of the delay term can be reduced to finding whether a related polynomial equation has simple positive real roots. After this result has been established, we utilize Sturm sequences to determine whether a polynomial equation has positive real roots. This work has extended the stability results found in previous papers and provides a novel theorem about stability switches for low degree characteristic equations.
Dynamics of Dipole Chains in a Ferrofluid Emulsion

Structure formation and chain dynamics in a dilute, monodisperse ferrofluid emulsion under the influence of an external magnetic field have been studied using dynamic light scattering. Chain formation is found to be a diffusion-limited process that is well described by the Smoluchowski theory of irreversible aggregation. The characteristic time on which chain formation occurs depends strongly on volume fraction and on magnetic field strength. Rescaling the time leads to a universal behavior. Internal chain dynamics i.e.chain fluctuations are revealed by measurements of the apparent short-time diffusion coefficient as a function of the scattering angle. They show a strong dependence on the strength of the applied magnetic field.
Analysis of a conserved RGE/RGD motif in HCV E2 in mediating entry.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) encodes two transmembrane glycoproteins E1 and E2 which form a heterodimer. E1 is believed to mediate fusion while E2 has been shown to bind cellular receptors. It is clear that HCV uses a multi-receptor complex to gain entry into susceptible cells, however key elements of this complex remain elusive. In this study, the role of a highly conserved RGE/RGD motif of HCV E2 glycoprotein in viral entry was examined. The effect of each substitution mutation in this motif was tested by challenging susceptible cell lines with mutant HCV E1E2 pseudotyped viruses generated using a lentiviral system (HCVpp). In addition to assaying infectivity, producer cell expression and HCVpp incorporation of HCV E2 proteins, CD81 binding profiles, and conformation of mutants were examined. Based on these characteristics, mutants either displayed wt characteristics (high infectivity [≥ 90% of wt HCVpp], CD81 binding, E1E2 expression, and incorporation into viral particles and proper conformation) or very low infectivity (≤ 20% of wt HCVpp). Only amino acid substitutions of the 3rd position (D or E) resulted in wt characteristics as long as the negative charge was maintained or a neutral alanine was introduced. A change in charge to a positive lysine, disrupted HCVpp infectivity at this position. Although most amino acid substitutions within this conserved motif displayed greatly reduced HCVpp infectivity, they retained soluble CD81 binding, proper E2 conformation, and incorporation into HCVpp. Our results suggest that although RGE/D is a well-defined integrin binding motif, in this case the role of these three hyperconserved amino acids does not appear to be integrin binding. As the extent of conservation of this region extends well beyond these three amino acids, we speculate that this region may play an important role in the structure of HCV E2 or in mediating the interaction with other factor(s) during viral entry.
Débranchement des artères digestives et rénales pour intervention hybride complexe au niveau de l'aorte thoraco-abdominale par abord rétropéritonéal de l'aorte abdominale

Le debranchement des arteres digestives et renales peut augmenter la longueur de la zone d'implantation distale chez les malades ayant des lesions complexes de l'aorte thoraco-abdominale, permettant ainsi un traitement par endoprothese. Les premiers travaux concernant ces procedures “hybrides” comportent habituellement un abord transperitoneal des arteres digestives et renales. La presente serie clinique decrit quatre cas complexes d'anevrysme ou de dissection de l'aorte thoraco-abdominale dans lesquels le debranchement des arteres digestives et renales a ete realise par une voie retroperitoneale.
Experimental and Theoretical EPR Study of Jahn−Teller-Active [HIPTN3N]MoL Complexes (L = N2, CO, NH3)

The trigonally symmetric Mo(III) coordination compounds [HIPTN3N]MoL (L = N2, CO, NH3; [HIPTN3N]Mo = [(3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3NCH2CH2)3N]Mo) are low-spin d3 (S = 1/2) species that exhibit a doubly degenerate 2E ground state susceptible to a Jahn−Teller (JT) distortion. The EPR spectra of all three complexes and their temperature and solvent dependences are interpreted within a formal “two-orbital” model that reflects the ground-state configuration, describes the vibronic interactions that lead to the JT distortions, and addresses whether these complexes exhibit static or dynamic JT distortions. The electronic and vibronic properties of these complexes are then analyzed through ab initio quantum chemical computations. It is not possible to interpret the spectroscopic properties of the orbitally degenerate [HIPTN3N]MoL with DFT methods, so we have resorted to multi-reference wavefunction approaches, the entry level of which is the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) method. Overall, the ...
Sensory enabling technology acceptance model (SE-TAM): A multiple-group structural model comparison

Sensory enabling technology (SET) can deliver product information that is similar to the information obtained from direct product examination, thus reducing product risk. In addition, the interactivity and customer involvement created by sensory enabling technologies can enhance the entertainment value of the online shopping experience. The proposed model examined this dual role of sensory experience enablers in the online soft goods shopping process for three types of sensory enabling technologies that are widely applied in online retail sites. The results provided empirical support for perceived usefulness and perceived entertainment value as strong predictors of consumers' attitudes toward using all three of the sensory enabling technologies tested in this study. The impact of perceived ease of use differed by technology. Attitudes toward using sensory enabling technologies had a significant impact on the actual use of all three SETs; however, the impact of technology anxiety and innovativeness on the use of SET also appeared to differ by technology. Virtual try-on played a strong hedonic role, increasing the entertainment value of the online shopping process, whereas 2D views (larger view and alternate views) showed a strong functional role. The 3D rotation view served both functional and hedonic roles. The results indicate that each sensory enabling technology makes a unique contribution to online shopping—either by reducing product risk perceptions or by increasing perceived entertainment value. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The association between different types of exercise and energy expenditure in young nonoverweight and overweight adults

With decades of trends for decreasing activity during work and travel, exercise becomes an important contributor to total physical activity (PA) and energy expenditure. The purpose of this study wa...
Competitive intelligence for international business

Abstract In an era of globalization, competitors need to incorporate new approaches in managing their intelligence processes. Globalization of markets, resulting from advances in communication and transportation, rapidly changing political climates and ideologies, and the reduction in trade barriers has opened doors to new international opportunities for business. With foreign competitors invading domestic markets, firms must aggressively identify ‘windows of opportunity’ and then institute programmes to achieve continuous improvement, creativity and innovation to enhance their competitive position. This article analyses the trends in the international business environment, and explores the strategic issues for management. The authors develop guidelines for the design and implementation of effective competitive intelligence systems and for the redesign of managerial processes for intelligence gathering and utilization. They also identify management approaches which can help to create a supportive corporate culture.
The Sequence at Specific Positions in the Early Transcribed Region Sets the Rate of Transcript Synthesis by RNA Polymerase II in Vitro

To further understand the mechanism of promoter escape by RNA polymerase II, we have systematically investigated the effect of core promoter sequence on the rate of transcript synthesis in vitro. Chimeric and mutant promoters were made by swapping sequences between the human interleukin-2 promoter and the adenovirus major late promoter, which exhibit different rates of transcript synthesis. Kinetic studies at these promoters revealed that sequences downstream of the start sites set the rate of transcript synthesis. Specifically, the sequences at +2 and +7/+8 are critical for determining the rate; when either +2 is a C (nontemplate strand) or +7/+8 is a TT (nontemplate strand), transcript synthesis is slow. At +7/+8, the thermodynamic stability of the RNA:DNA hybrid controls the overall rate of transcript synthesis. Our data support a model in which the rate-limiting step during transcript synthesis by RNA polymerase II in vitro occurs at the point in the reaction at which early ternary complexes transform into elongation complexes.
The vibrational spectra and structure of Si(NCO)4 and Ge(NCO)4

Abstract Raman spectra (with polarizations) and infrared absorption from 80 to 4000 cm −1 are reported for Si(NCO) 4 and Ge(NCO) 4 . The spectra of both compounds are surprisingly simple and indicate high symmetry. For Si(NCO) 4 the data fit a tetrahedral model fairly well. An interesting consequence is that the Si-NCO group is linear, in contrast to the C-N CO group. The data for Ge(NCO) 4 would also fit a tetrahedral model except for one feature: an “extra” polarized Raman line at 670 cm −1 with an infrared counterpart. From this feature, and from other non-spectroscopic evidence, it is concluded that Ge(NCO) 4 deviates to some unknown degree from being tetrahedral. An X-ray diffraction study of Si(NCO) 4 showed that the crystal is triclinic. From the measured dimensions c = 12.865 A, d 100 = 10.65 A, d 010 = 5.94 A, γ ∗ = 86° it follows that there are four molecules per unit cell. Measurements of the C 13 NMR spectrum showed only a single broad C 13 resonance in each compound. Several attempts to prepare Sn(NCO) 4 and Ti(NCO) 4 were unsuccessful.
Comparative study of acetic acid, methanol, and water adsorbed on anatase TiO2 probed by sum frequency generation spectroscopy.

Sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy is used to investigate the surface adsorption of three probe moleculesacetic acid, methanol, and wateron a film composed of nanoscale anatase TiO2 particles. On the TiO2 surface, only one adsorption mode, chemisorption, is observed for acetic acid. This is evidenced by one sharp SFG peak in the C−H region, which is stable with time and robust both to evacuation and to the addition of water. A Langmuir constant of (9.21 ± 0.71) × 103 is determined from the adsorption isotherm. In the case of methanol adsorption, however, there are two adsorption modes, molecular physisorption and dissociative chemisorption. The corresponding SFG signals are stable with time but diminished with addition of water. Changes in the SFG features for methanol and for the methoxy species with addition of water and subsequent evacuation provide the first experimental proof of reversible hydroxylation and dehydroxylation at the TiO2 surface. For water adsorption, only one mode,...
Clustering educational digital library usage data: Comparisons of latent class analysis and K-means algorithms

This article examines clustering as an educational data mining method. In particular, two clustering algorithms, the widely used K-means and the model-based Latent Class Analysis, are compared, using usage data from an educational digital library service, the Instructional Architect (IA.usu.edu). Using a multi-faceted approach and multiple data sources, three types of comparisons of resulting clusters are presented: 1) Davies-Bouldin indices, 2) clustering results validated with user profile data, and 3) cluster evolution. Latent Class Analysis is superior to K-means on all three comparisons. In particular, LCA is more immune to the variance of feature variables, and clustering results turn out well with minimal data transformation. Our research results also show that LCA perform better than K-means in terms of providing the most useful educational interpretation for this dataset.
A Moment‐Adjusted Imputation Method for Measurement Error Models

Studies of clinical characteristics frequently measure covariates with a single observation. This may be a mismeasured version of the "true" phenomenon due to sources of variability like biological fluctuations and device error. Descriptive analyses and outcome models that are based on mismeasured data generally will not reflect the corresponding analyses based on the "true" covariate. Many statistical methods are available to adjust for measurement error. Imputation methods like regression calibration and moment reconstruction are easily implemented but are not always adequate. Sophisticated methods have been proposed for specific applications like density estimation, logistic regression, and survival analysis. However, it is frequently infeasible for an analyst to adjust each analysis separately, especially in preliminary studies where resources are limited. We propose an imputation approach called moment-adjusted imputation that is flexible and relatively automatic. Like other imputation methods, it can be used to adjust a variety of analyses quickly, and it performs well under a broad range of circumstances. We illustrate the method via simulation and apply it to a study of systolic blood pressure and health outcomes in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure.
MAPK cascades in plant disease resistance signaling.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are highly conserved signaling modules downstream of receptors/sensors that transduce extracellular stimuli into intracellular responses in eukaryotes. Plant MAPK cascades play pivotal roles in signaling plant defense against pathogen attack. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the identification of upstream receptors/sensors and downstream MAPK substrates. These findings revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying MAPK functions in plant disease resistance. MAPK cascades have also emerged as battlegrounds of plant-pathogen interactions. Activation of MAPKs is one of the earliest signaling events after plant sensing of pathogen/microbe-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/MAMPs) and pathogen effectors. MAPK cascades are involved in signaling multiple defense responses, including the biosynthesis/signaling of plant stress/defense hormones, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, stomatal closure, defense gene activation, phytoalexin biosynthes...
Strain energy density of VO2-based microactuators

Abstract The strain, stress and strain energy density of a vanadium dioxide (VO 2 )-based microactuator were obtained from experimental curvature measurements as a function of temperature. The study revealed fully reversible strain and stress changes of up to −0.32% and −510 MPa, respectively, and a maximum strain energy density of approximately 8.1 × 10 5 J/m 3 through a temperature window of only 15 °C. The method for obtaining the strain energy density in this work is more accurate than the ones presented previously in the literature. The obtained values were validated with a temperature-dependent solid mechanics finite element analysis simulation. Microactuator performance was also studied inside its hysteretic region through a series of heating and cooling cycles, providing a more complete performance analysis of the device properties.
Vegetation Recovery 16 Years after Feral Pig Removal from a Wet Hawaiian Forest

Nonnative ungulates can alter the structure and function of forest ecosystems. Feral pigs in particular pose a substantial threat to native plant communities throughout their global range. Hawaiian forests are exceptionally vulnerable to feral pig activity because native vegetation evolved in the absence of large mammalian herbivores. A common approach for conserving and restoring forests in Hawaii is fencing and removal of feral pigs. The extent of native plant community recovery and nonnative plant invasion following pig removal, however, is largely unknown. Our objective was to quantify changes in native and nonnative understory vegetation over a 16 yr period in adjacent fenced (pig-free) vs. unfenced (pig-present) Hawaiian montane wet forest. Native and nonnative understory vegetation responded strongly to feral pig removal. Density of native woody plants rooted in mineral soil increased sixfold in pig-free sites over 16 yr, whereas establishment was almost exclusively restricted to epiphytes in pig-present sites. Stem density of young tree ferns increased significantly (51.2%) in pig-free, but not pig-present sites. Herbaceous cover decreased over time in pig-present sites (67.9%). In both treatments, number of species remained constant and native woody plant establishment was limited to commonly occurring species. The nonnative invasive shrub, Psidium cattleianum, responded positively to release from pig disturbance with a fivefold increase in density in pig-free sites. These results suggest that while common native understory plants recover within 16 yr of pig removal, control of nonnative plants and outplanting of rarer native species are necessary components of sustainable conservation and restoration efforts in these forests.
A Rare Coexistence: Drug Induced Hepatitis and Meningitis in Association With Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen, a commonly used NSAID is reported to be associated with drug induced liver injury. Ibuprofen is also known to be associated with drug-induced meningitis especially in patients with connective tissue disorders. However presentation of hepatitis and meningitis in association with Ibuprofen use in the same individual has never been reported. We present a case of young woman who developed abnormal liver chemistries and neurological symptoms while on Ibuprofen. Her liver biopsy findings were suggestive of drug induced liver injury and cerebrospinal fluid analysis was suggestive of aseptic meningitis. Clinical and biochemical improvement was noted on cessation of Ibuprofen.
Bubble and Crystal Formation in Lipid Systems During High-Intensity Insonation

The objective of the present research was to monitor bubble and crystal formation in lipids during high-intensity insonation. High-intensity ultrasound was generated with a 20-kHz probe. Bubble and crystal formations were recorded using a low-intensity ultrasound spectrometer operating at 1 MHz central frequency. Bubble formation was monitored in soybean oil (SBO) during insonation for different time periods (5, 10 and 60 s) and at different temperatures (22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 °C). Ultrasound attenuation due to the presence of bubbles was observed in all conditions tested. Attenuation increased with temperature and at intermediate frequencies (1 MHz). In addition, the presence of bubbles was detected after insonation was stopped, particularly for SBO sonicated for 60 s at 30 °C. Low-intensity ultrasound spectroscopy was used to monitor the crystallization behavior of interesterified SBO. The acoustic velocity increased during crystallization, but significantly decreased during insonation.
Evaluating Auditory Performance Limits: I. One-Parameter Discrimination Using a Computational Model for the Auditory Nerve

A method for calculating psychophysical performance limits based on stochastic neural responses is introduced and compared to previous analytical methods for evaluating auditory discrimination of tone frequency and level. The method uses signal detection theory and a computational model for a population of auditory nerve (AN) fiber responses. The use of computational models allows predictions to be made over a wider parameter range and with more complete descriptions of AN responses than in analytical models. Performance based on AN discharge times (all-information) is compared to performance based only on discharge counts (rate-place). After the method is verified over the range of parameters for which previous analytical models are applicable, the parameter space is then extended. For example, a computational model of AN activity that extends to high frequencies is used to explore the common belief that rate-place information is responsible for frequency encoding at high frequencies due to the rolloff in AN phase locking above 2 kHz. This rolloff is thought to eliminate temporal information at high frequencies. Contrary to this belief, results of this analysis show that rate-place predictions for frequency discrimination are inconsistent with human performance in the dependence on frequency for high frequencies and that there is significant temporal information in the AN up to at least 10 kHz. In fact, the all-information predictions match the functional dependence of human performance on frequency, although optimal performance is much better than human performance. The use of computational AN models in this study provides new constraints on hypotheses of neural encoding of frequency in the auditory system; however, the method is limited to simple tasks with deterministic stimuli. A companion article in this issue ("Evaluating Auditory Performance Limits: II") describes an extension of this approach to more complex tasks that include random variation of one parameter, for example, random-level variation, which is often used in psychophysics to test neural encoding hypotheses.
McEwen-Induced Modulation of Endocrine History: A Partial Review

In endless facets of physiology, there are points of homeostatic balance, such that too much or too litttle of something can both be deleterious (i.e., an "inverse U" pattern). This is particularly true when considering glucocorticoids (GCs), the adrenals steroid secreted during stress. In the first part of this paper, I review a number of realms in which a paucity and an excess of GCs are both damaging. Some findings are classical (for example, concerning GC effects upon body weight), while some are quite recent and have considerable implications for both physiology and pathophysiology (for example, inverse U's of GC actions in the realm of immunity and neuronal survival). The second part of the review considers the far thornier issue of how such inverse U's of GC actions are generated on a cellular and molecular level. One solution that has evolved, primarily in the hippocampus within the nervous system, involves the presence of two different types of receptors for GCs within the same cells; so long as the two receptors have very different affinities and mediate opposing effects on some cellular endpoint, an inverse U will emerge. The second solution, found in a number of peripheral tissues, involves GCs having opposing effects on the amount of some signal being generated (e.g., an immune cytokine) and the sensitivity of target tissues to that signal; under conditions that appear to be physiologically relevant, inverse U's emerge from this pattern as well. The final section of this review considers the enormous role played by Bruce McEwen in the emergence of this literature. I suggest that while much of this obviously has to do with the facts that have come from his group, another substantial contribution is from his steadying and supportive personality, the veritable embodiment of homeostatic balance.
Enhancing role-based trust management with a reputation system for MANETs

We start with role-based trust management (RBTM) and address some of the challenges associated with using RBTM in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). We then enhance RBTM with reputation systems (RSs), and propose a new hybrid trust management system (HTMS). In HTMS, the privilege level of an entity is determined not only by its role in the system, but also by its reputation score, which in turn is based on its behavior. If a privileged node becomes compromised and conducts several malicious or risky transactions, then its privilege level is quickly reduced to limit its access to resources and minimize the damage it can inflict further. The system uses a global, network-wide perspective to thwart global attacks. Such fine-grained variations of access control and dynamically assigning privilege levels would be very difficult to accomplish manually. We evaluated HTMS by comparing an implementation of it against an ideal response. We show that HTMS performs very close to the ideal if we can accurately estimate the proportion of malicious nodes in the network. We suggest using sampling to estimate this proportion. However, even if this estimate is not accurate, the results are still much better than using RBTM by itself. EDICS: SYS-ARCH; SYS-PROT; FOR-DETE; SYS-INTR.
Development Outcomes from IT Adoption in Micro-Enterprises

The ability of micro-enterprises to adopt IT can potentially increase their growth by 3.4% according to a World Bank expert. However these gains do not always take place as the challenges are many. In order to identify how IT adoption can lead to growth in micro-enterprises, this paper develops upon the IT adoption categories discovered in a prior research effort in order to arrive at development outcomes. Following an open coding analysis of the results of a focus group session in which a group of micro-enterprises participated, this paper discovers the relationships between the IT adoption categories and development outcomes. The contribution of this paper is in the discovery of the relationships between IT adoption and development outcomes in the form of a conceptual model.
Possible Roles of the Hereditary Hemochromatosis Protein, HFE, in Regulating Cellular Iron Homeostasis

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is the most common inherited disorder in people of Northern European descent. Over 83% of the cases of HH result from a single mutation of a Cys to Tyr in the HH protein, HFE. This mutation causes a recessive disease resulting in an accumulation of iron in selected tissues. Iron overload damages these organs leading to cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, and arthritis. The mechanism by which HFE influences iron homeostasis in cells and in the body remains elusive. Lack of functional HFE in humans produces the opposite effects in different cell types in the body. In the early stages of the disease, Kupffer cells in the liver and enterocytes in the intestine cells are iron depleted and have low intracellular ferritin levels, whereas hepatocytes in the liver are iron overloaded and have high intracellular iron levels. This review gives the background and a model as to possible mechanisms of how HFE could exert different effects on iron homeostasis in different cell types. Key terms: hereditary hemochromatosis, HFE, iron overload, iron homeostasis
Suppression of Marangoni Convection With Oxide Films

This research is an effort to determine whether surface tension driven convection in molten tin can be eliminated by the formation of one to several monolayers of oxide on the molten tin surface. Initial work is presented describing Auger and electron loss spectroscopies used to detect SnO and SnO/sub 2/ on molten tin surfaces in a UHV system. Progress on efforts to produce and monitor controlled oxide layers of 8 to 20 A upon floating zones in a disk geometry is presented.
SLICC: a low latency interface for collective communications

Several recent parallel computers have implemented logically shared, physically distributed memory systems which allow processors to directly access memory in other processors without interrupting the referenced processing element. Because this kind of architecture provides greater flexibility for interprocessor communications than private address space computers, different software models can be developed to take advantage of these machines. In this paper, we describe a low-level collective communications interface called SLICC (Shared address-space Library Interface for Collective Communications), that is specifically tailored for shared memory parallel computers. We also provide performance results for an implementation on the Cray T3D and compare its performance to Cray's PVM implementation. These results show that SLICC can be more than 10 times faster than PVM on the T3D. >
Saving Face or Saving Society

This paper examines private sector models imported to the public sector in the context of nonprofit fundraising. A review of current literature finds “bottomline” approaches to management ineffective in nonprofit organizations, but indicates prescriptive benefits of public relations/marketing strategies. Research cautions that nonprofits must not conduct excessive fundraising and should carefully manage donor-fundraiser relationships. Future studies are needed to explore fundraising and should carefully manage donor-fundraiser relationships.
Psychopathology as an outcome of development

When maladaptation is viewed as development rather than as disease, a transformed understanding results and a fundamentally different research agenda emerges. Within a developmental perspective, maladaptation is viewed as evolving through the successive adaptations of persons in their environments. It is not something a person "has" or an ineluctable expression of an endogenous pathogen. It is the complex result of a myriad of risk and protective factors operating over time. Key research questions within this framework center on discovery of factors that place individuals on pathways probabilistically leading to later disturbances and factors and processes which maintain individuals on, or deflect them from, such pathways once enjoined. There is an interest in recognizing patterns of maladaptation which, while not properly considered disorder themselves, commonly are precursors of disorder and also in conditions of risk that lie outside of the individual, as well as any endogenous influences. Likewise, there is a focus on factors and processes that lead individuals away from disorder that has emerged, which goes beyond interest in management of symptoms. Finally, many topics that currently are capturing attention in the field, such as "comorbidity" and "resilience," are seen in new ways from within the perspective of development.
Low plasma concentrations of retinol and α-tocopherol in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: the effect of mucositis and the risk of infection

Background: Although vitamin deficiencies are rare in the United States, acute reductions in concentrations of plasma retinol (vitamin A) or � -tocopherol (vitamin E) have been associated with impaired immune responses in some clinical settings. Objective: The objectives were to determine the plasma concentrations of retinol and � -tocopherol in patients undergoing doseintensive therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplant and to examine the association of plasma concentrations with clinical outcomes reflecting immunity. Design: This was an observational trial of 120 consecutive recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplant and a multivariate analysis of plasma vitamin concentrations, mucositis, infections in the first 30 d, and herpes zoster infections in the first year after hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Results: Plasma retinol and � -tocopherol concentrations declined from baseline to day 7, typically recovering without specific replacement toward baseline by day 14. The severity of mucositis was a strong predictor of low plasma retinol on day 7 ( P= 0.001). Eighty-two patients (68%) had at least one plasma retinol concentration ≤ 1.05 � mol/L, a concentration previously determined to be of immunologic significance, during the peritransplant period (day � 8 to day 14). Men more frequently acquired herpes zoster than women, and men who developed hyporetinolemia (≤ 1.05 � mol/L) had a significantly higher risk of herpes zoster (OR: 6.6; 95% CI: 1.5, 29.6). Plasma � -tocopherol was not associated with any clinical event measured in this study. Conclusion: Hyporetinolemia is common, particularly in subjects with severe mucositis, and is associated with an increased risk of herpes zoster infection in recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Additional investigations are required to determine whether these findings indicate a causal relation. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:1358‐66.
The strategic implications of sunk costs: A behavioral perspective

Abstract This paper examines some of the strategic implications of the sunk cost phenomenon in sequential allocation decisions. Drawing from psychology and behavioral decision theory, we first present a taxonomy of possible causes for the ‘sunk cost effect’, the tendency of many managers to throw good money after bad. We then present the analysis of some implications of this behavior in strategic situations. A two-period strategic game is developed and analyzed to derive optimal allocations as a function of one player's sunk cost behavior. We establish when this behavior can be used as a successful precommitment strategy by the sunk cost player, and when it is exploitable by an opponent. Welfare implications are also explored. The sunk cost effect constitutes a form of strategic preference manipulation, in which a credible preference change can be induced to provide a strategic advantage to one of the players.
Does fuels management accomplish restoration in southwest oregon, usa, chaparral? insights from age structure

Fuels management is often intended to both reduce fire hazard and restore ecosystems thought to be impacted by fire suppression. Objectives to reduce fire hazard, however, are not compatible with restoration in many vegetation types. Application of ecologically incompatible treatments to poorly understood ecosystems can drain management resources and contribute to ecosystem degradation. Extensive areas of chaparral on Bureau of Land Management lands in southwest Oregon, USA, are annually targeted for fuels treatment. However, the fire ecology of this ecosystem is not well understood and the assumptions guiding treatment need and design are based on extrapolations from other ecosystems. We studied patterns in age structure of two obligate-seeding chaparral shrubs, sticky whiteleaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos viscida Parry) and buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus [Hook.] Nutt.) and assessed relationships with environment, fire, and potential livestock disturbance. Results indicate that chaparral of obligate seeding species encompasses a wide range of structures and responses to environment and fire throughout its range. While Mediterranean climate obligate-seeding shrub populations are typically even-aged, most stands unburned >30 yr were uneven-aged due to both recruitment in the absence of fire and to persistence of shrubs that predated the last fire. Fire suppression does not seem to have altered chaparral structure or fire severity, and current fuels treatments appear unlikely to reproduce stand structures observed in mature chaparral or in post-wildfire stands. Results underscore that effective fuels management should be both sensitive to regional variability and founded on ecosystem-specific data.
The reference point for liquid relaxation processes. II. Melt viscosity of polyisobutylene

Published (Fox and Flory) viscosity—temperature data for polyisobutylene are expressed by a modified Arrhenius equation: log η = log A + B′/(T - T0). For higher molecular weight fractions (M > 2000) with estimated glass temperatures in the range Tg = −64 to −79°C., the derived reference temperature T0 is −150 (±10)°C., and B′ = 1240°. By comparison with Fox and Flory's empirical equations, the molecular weight dependency of the A parameter, below and above the “chain-entanglement” point (M = 17000), is derived. The modified Arrhenius equation can also be expressed with WLF (Williams-Landel-Ferry) constants, where T0 = Tg − C and B′ = CC. The melt viscosity—temperature behavior is consistent with free−volume concepts if vf ⋍ (T − T0), as suggested by the Cohen-Turnbull theory.
Silvex (2,4,5-TP)

Silvex [2-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)propionic acid], also known as fenoprop, 2,4,5-TP, and Kurosal®, was used as a herbicide (Meister 1987). Its structure and properties are shown in Table 1.
Plasmon-Enabled Study of Self-Assembled Alkanethiol Ordering on Roughened Ag Substrates

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been employed for years on plasmonic nanostructured substrates to facilitate surface-enhanced Raman detection of nontraditional molecules. To date, no experiments have been conducted to study the monolayer formation or crystallinity on traditional roughened silver film over nanosphere (AgFON) substrates or to clarify what fundamental properties make a partition layer effective. The work presented herein utilizes surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) band analysis and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) monitoring to examine formation of alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers on AgFONs, with SERS band analysis yielding structural information and LSPR spectral shifts yielding insight about the SAM formation and thickness. Herein, two short chain monolayers and two long chain monolayers were employed to look for SAM thickness and ordering effects over a 72 h time period and under potential control. Overall, the results demonstrate that both the distance a mole...
Observations on the Oviposition Sites and Laboratory Development of the Fundatrix and Virginopara of the Aphid Eulachnus agilis

Field observations on the site of oviposition by Eulachnus agilis (Kaltenbach) showed that the majority of eggs were deposited singly in leaf scars on branches of Scotch pine, Pinus sylvestris L. The development of the fundatrices and virginoparae under controlled laboratory conditions was investigated. The times required for the fundatrices to complete a full generation were 11.5, 19.2, and 26.7 clays at the respective temperatures of 21.1°, 15.6°, and 10.0°C and a photoperiod of 12 hours. A generation of the virginoparae was completed in 13.3, 21.6, and 45.3 days at the same respective temperatures as the fundatrices and a photoperiod of 14 hours. The mean number of nymphs produced by the fundatrices was 23.5, 17.8, and 16.7 at the respective temperatures of 21.1°, 15.6°, and 10.0°C. At the same temperatures, the virginoparae produced 8.3, 13.5, and 6.2 nymphs. At each temperature, the fundatrices produced a significantly greater number of progeny than the virginoparae.
Raman Analysis of Mode Softening in Nanoparticle CeO2−δ and Au-CeO2−δ during CO Oxidation

Oxygen vacancy levels are monitored during the oxidation of CO by CeO2−δ nanorods and Au-CeO2−δ nanorods, nanocubes, and nanopolyhedra by using Raman scattering. The first-order CeO2 F2g peak near 460 cm–1 decreases when this reaction is fast (fast reduction and relatively slow reoxidation of the surface), because of the lattice expansion that occurs when Ce3+ replaces Ce4+ during oxygen vacancy creation. This shift correlates with reactivity for CO oxidation. Increases in the oxygen deficit δ as large as ∼0.04 are measured relative to conditions when the ceria is not reduced.
Rapid GC Method for Quantitation of Nifedipine in Serum Using Electron Capture Detection

For studying the pharmacokinetics of nifedipine after single doses, a rapid, specific, reliable gas chromatographic assay procedure for nifedipine in serum is developed. Using a single-step solvent extraction or a bonded-phase column extraction and electron capture detection, an assay sensitivity of 10 to 25 ng/ml can be achieved using 0.25 ml of serum. The assay quantitates intact nifedipine and separates it reproducibly from its nitro- and nitrosopyridine derivatives.