cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An ESD protection scheme for deep sub-micron ULSI circuits

The paper describes a robust scheme for on-chip protection of sub-micron ULSI circuits against ESD stress using a novel (low voltage) zener-triggered SCR, and a zener-triggered thin gate oxide MOSFET. The devices are implemented in state of the art, 3.3 V, 0.5 /spl mu/m feature site dual-poly, full-SALICIDE technology. The trigger and holding voltages of the described ESD protection elements are tunable over wide operating ranges and the devices trigger consistently and predictably at pre-determined values suitable for sub-micron technologies. The effectiveness of this methodology in providing ESD protection up to 15 kV is successfully demonstrated.
Multiple Criteria Decision Making: A Case Study of the Columbia River Salmon Recovery Plan

A common problem faced by decision makers is choosing the best alternative from among many. Traditionally, such decisions in the public arena were made using benefit-cost analysis, which involves the conversion of all costs and benefits associated with a project into monetary terms. But public projects often have a variety of economic, ecological, social and political objectives, many of which cannot or perhaps should not be converted to monetary terms. In such projects decisions must be made based on multiple, even conflicting objectives. Multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods are widely used for such decisions. However, a common disadvantage among many such methods available in the literature is that they require input from a real decision maker. This paper presents the development and application of an expert system based on fuzzy set theory and IF-THEN rules. The system mimics a real decision maker. Along with two conventional MCDM methods the developed expert system was applied on a data set from the Columbia River Basin salmon recovery plan to assess its potential usefulness as a decision-making tool for natural resource projects. The results suggest that the fuzzy expert system is easy to develop and makes better decisions than the other two conventional MCDM methods used.
Stimulation of deoxyribonucleic acid replication fork movement by spermidine analogs in polyamine-deficient Escherichia coli.

Abstract We examined the rate of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication fork movement in polyamine-deficient cells of Escherichia coli by two independent techniques. DNA autoradiography was used to directly visualize the length of DNA produced during a given time interval, and replication rates were calculated. The amount of DNA synthesized after blocking protein synthesis also allowed calculation of replication rates. We found that the DNA chain elongation rate in polyamine-deficient cells was about half that of putrescine- or spermidine-supplemented cells. We also found that spermidine homologs of increasing chain length, when present at equal intracellular concentrations, exhibited a decreasing ability to support growth and the rate of DNA replication fork movement. The kinetics of recovery of DNA synthesis from the polyamine-deficient state were also investigated. A new rate of DNA synthesis was reached about 20 min after addition of spermidine to polyamine-limited cells. The rise in the rate of DNA synthesis was preceded by a rise in the intracellular concentration of spermidine.
Ring of Masters (ROM), a New Ring Structure for Bluetooth Scatternets

The introduction of the Bluetooth wireless technology represented a long-awaited breath by offering short-range radio communication to replace the cumbersome cable connections for mobile devices. In this paper, we propose a new ring structure for Bluetooth scatternets, the defined option for local area networks (LANs). This new ring topology, called ring of masters (ROM), opens the possibility for achieving more robust Bluetooth networks through decentralized control and smaller number of hops, together with dynamic allocation of time slots according to network conditions. We present the different characteristics of ROM and use a number of performance criteria to compare it to other proposed scatternet topologies.
An Examination of Retirement Income Adequacy Measures and Factors Affecting Retirement Preparedness

This article uses a consistent methodology to estimate several retirement income adequacy measures for households that participate in two national surveys. In addition, we examine the impact of a variety of factors on retirement preparedness. We find that Survey of Consumer Finances households have higher income replacement rates, but lower consumption replacement rates, than Health and Retirement Survey households. We also find that replacement rate estimates are sensitive to the treatment of home equity and assumed retirement age. Finally, the impact of household characteristics on the likelihood of being better prepared for retirement differs depending on the survey data and retirement income adequacy measure used.
Image sharpening using permutation weighted medians

A class of robust weighted median (WM) sharpening algorithms is developed in this paper. Unlike traditional linear sharpening methods, weighted median sharpeners are shown to be less sensitive to noise or to image artifacts introduced by compression algorithms. The WM sharpening structure is extended to include data dependent weights under the framework of permutation weighted medians leading to sharpeners that have tunable robustness properties. A statistical analysis of the various algorithms is presented. Experiments illustrate the sharpening of images with compression artifacts and of images with background film-grain noise.
An instrumental variables approach to measuring the effect of body weight on employment disability.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To measure the effect of body weight on employment disability. DATA SOURCES: Female respondents to the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY), a nationally representative sample of American youth, surveyed from 1979 to 1998, merged with data from the child sample of the NLSY. STUDY DESIGN: A series of probit models and probit models with instrumental variables is estimated with the goal of measuring the effect of body weight on employment disability. The two outcomes of interest are whether a woman reports that her health limits the amount of work that she can do for pay, and whether she reports that her health limits the kind of work that she can do for pay. The models control for factors that affect the probability of health limitations on employment, such as education, cognitive ability, income of other family members, and characteristics of children in the household. Self-reports of height and weight are corrected for reporting error. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: All else being equal, heavier women are more likely to report employment disability. However, this overall correlation may be due to any or all of the following factors: weight causing disability, disability causing weight gain, or unobserved factors causing both. Instrumental variables estimates provide no evidence that body weight affects the probability of either type of employment disability. CONCLUSIONS: This study finds no evidence that body weight causes employment disability. Instead, the observed correlation between heaviness and disability may be due to disability causing weight gain or unobservable factors causing both disability and weight gain.
VigNet: Grounding Language in Graphics using Frame Semantics

This paper introduces Vignette Semantics, a lexical semantic theory based on Frame Semantics that represents conceptual and graphical relations. We also describe a lexical resource that implements this theory, VigNet, and its application in text-to-scene generation.
Dissociative attachment of electrons to N2O

Cross sections for the production of O(-) from N2O by the process of dissociative electron attachment have been measured for electron-impact energies ranging from 0 to 50 eV. Three new O(-) peaks are observed. The present data above 5-eV electron-impact energy differ considerably from the previous measurements.
Headspace gas chromatographic determination of residual 1,3-butadiene in rubber-modified plastics and its migration from plastic containers into selected foods.

Technique de dosage des residus de ce monomere utilise dans divers materiaux d'emballage des produits alimentaires
An adaptive partial state feedback controller for RLED robot manipulators

In this paper an adaptive partial state feedback controller is designed for a rigid-link electrically-driven (RLED) robot manipulator. The controller is based on structural knowledge of the electromechanical dynamics of the RLED robot and measurements of link position and electrical winding current in each of the link actuators. The proposed controller is designed to adapt for parametric uncertainty in the electromechanical dynamics while utilizing a dynamic filter to generate velocity tracking error information. The design of the controller, adaptation laws, and the pseudo-velocity filter are done through a Lyapunov approach, the benefit of which is that at the end of the design procedure the controller can be mathematically shown to produce semiglobal asymptotic link position tracking. >
Teacher Version of the My Class Inventory—Short Form: An Accountability Tool for Elementary School Counselors

This article reports on a psychometric study examining the validity and reliability of the My Class Inventory-Short Form for Teachers, an accountability measure for elementary school counselors to use as they evaluate aspects of their school counseling programs. As a companion inventory to the student version of the My Class Inventory-Short Form (Sink & Spencer, 2005), this instrument assesses teachers' perceptions of the classroom climate as they relate to five scales: overall student satisfaction with the learning experience, peer relations, difficulty level of classroom materials, student competitiveness, and school counselor impact on the learning environment. Implications for practice are included.
A mistaken account of the age-crime curve: response to Males and Brown (2013)

The present article responds to Males and Brown's "Teenagers' High Arrest Rates: Features of Young Age or Youth Poverty?" which claims that the widely observed pattern of crime rates peaking in late adolescence or early adulthood is an artifact of age differences in poverty. We note that the authors' interpretation of their aggregated data is an example of the ecological fallacy. Drawing inferences about individual behavior from macro-level data can lead to erroneous conclusions and does so in the case of Males and Brown's analysis. Moreover, the authors overlook research that has used more appropriate methods to examine age-related change in criminal behavior while accounting for the effects of economic factors and still found a robust age-crime curve. Males and Brown's characterization of the literature and their claims about the relationship between age and crime should be regarded with a great deal of skepticism. Language: en
The application of electroporation to transfect hematopoietic cells and to deliver drugs and vaccines transcutaneously for cancer treatment.

Abstract Electroporation and the associated phenomenon of electrofusion have been widely adapted as tools to a broad range of biomedical research and therapy. In this article, we summarize our adaptation of the electroporation and electrofusion technology in two fronts of cancer research and treatment. The first is genetic manipulation of hematopoietic cells for the purpose of cancer treatment. High efficiency transfection methods have been developed to transfect NK cells, peripheral blood stem cells, and bone marrow derived dendritic cells. Hybrids of tumor cells and bone marrow derived dendritic cells have been formed by electrofusion for the purpose of tumor vaccines. The second front is the use of transcutaneous electroporation to deliver anticancer drugs and vaccines across the skin. Methods to extend the upper molecular weight limit of transcutaneous electroporation have been developed. The pro-photosensitizer drug, delta-amino levulinic acid, the anticancer drug methotrexate, and peptide vaccines designed for cancer prevention and immunotherapy have been delivered transcutaneously by electroporation. These studies hold promise for the treatment of cancers in human.
An algorithmic involution for p(n)

Abstract An involution φ, is given on the set of all integer partitions of n . The cardinality of the fixed point set of φ, is n 2 and has the same parity as p ( n ). Moreover, φ(λ) can found in polynomial time.
Functional Multilayered Transparent Conducting Oxide Thin Films for Photovoltaic Devices

In this study, we present a thermally stable multilayered transparent conducting oxide (TCO) functionalized for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Nb-doped TiO2 (NTO) layers deposited on conventional Sn-doped In2O3 (ITO) substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) enhanced the optical-to-electrical conversion efficiency of the DSSCs by as much as 17% compared to that of bare ITO-based DSSCs. The electrical properties and J−V characteristics of the multilayered NTO/ITO films showed that the improved cell performance was due to the facilitated charge injection from TiO2 to ITO that resulted from the formation of an ohmic contact with ITO, as well as the conserved high conductivity of ITO after the oxidizing annealing process. Moreover, the NTO/ITO-based DSSC exhibited higher efficiency than a F-doped SnO2(FTO)-based one, which demonstrates that optimization of multilayered NTO-based TCOs is a realistic approach for achieving highly efficient photoenergy conversion devices.
Mariner 9 Ultraviolet Spectrometer Experiment: Mars Airglow Spectroscopy and Variations in Lyman Alpha

Mariner 9 ultraviolet spectrometer observations show the Mars airglow consists principally of emissions that arise from the interaction of solar ultraviolet radiation with carbon dioxide, the principal constituent of the Mars atmosphere. Two minor constituents, atomic hydrogen and atomic oxygen, also produce airglow emissions. The airglow measurements show that ionized carbon dioxide is only a minor constituent of the ionosphere. Using the airglow measurements of atomic oxygen, it is possible to infer that the major ion is ionized molecular oxygen. The escape rate of atomic hydrogen measured by Mariner 9 is approximately the same as that measured two years earlier by Mariner 6 and 7. If the current escape rate has been operating for 4.5 billion years and if water vapor is the ultimate source, an amount of oxygen has been generated that is far in excess of that observed at present. Mariner 9 observations of Mars Lyman alpha emission over a period of 120 days show variations of 20%.
High Speed, Radiation Hard CMOS Pixel Sensors for Transmission Electron Microscopy

Abstract CMOS monolithic active pixel sensors are currently being established as the technology of choice for new generation digital imaging systems in Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). A careful sensor design that couples μm-level pixel pitches with high frame rate readout and radiation hardness to very high electron doses enables the fabrication of direct electron detectors that are quickly revolutionizing high-resolution TEM imaging in material science and molecular biology. This paper will review the principal characteristics of this novel technology and its advantages over conventional, optically-coupled cameras, and retrace the sensor development driven by the Transmission Electron Aberration corrected Microscope (TEAM) project at the LBNL National Center for Electron Microscopy (NCEM), illustrating in particular the imaging capabilities enabled by single electron detection at high frame rate. Further, the presentation will report on the translation of the TEAM technology to a finer feature size process, resulting in a sensor with higher spatial resolution and superior radiation tolerance currently serving as the baseline for a commercial camera system.
Effects of surface roughness on two Shuttle Orbiter models

The study addressed the effects of roughness on longitudinal and lateral stability and performance. In addition, asymmetric flow separation (or attachment) due to roughness, vehicle pitch rate, or large, rapid elevon motion was studied. Tests were made using 0.01875and 0.012-scale Shuttle Orbiter models over a Mach number range from 0.20 to 6.0 in wind tunnels at Langley and in the Vought High-Speed Tunnel. Data indicate that even large asymmetrically placed roughness had little effect on the longitudinal and lateral stability of the models across the Mach range and performance was affected only at subsonic speeds. An empirical performance-estimating technique using the wind-tunnel data gave lift-drag values in the range of values obtained from Shuttle flights. Attempts to cause the flow to separate asymmetrically over the wings of the model were unsuccessful.
Homogeneity and σ-discrete sets

Abstract All countable dense homogeneous spaces and all densely homogeneous spaces satisfy the T1- separation axiom. Such spaces may, in the presence of standard separation axioms, fail to satisfy stronger ones. Some results are given which pertain to the notion of homogeneity with respect to σ-discrete dense sets that are homeomorphic to one another.
False Aneurysm of the Ascending Aorta from an Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) Aortopulmonary Shunt

A false aneurysm of the ascending aorta developed in a 25-month-old male infant with tetralogy of Fallot because of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) shunt that had been inserted between the ascending aorta and right pulmonary artery when the patient was 3 months of age. Surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot with ligation of the PTFE graft was performed at 19 months of age. The false aneurysm at the site of the systemic anastomosis to the shunt was discovered 6 months later and was successfully repaired. Because of the potential for graft dehiscence secondary to growth, we recommend that PTFE shunts be removed completely or, at least, ligated and divided at the time of corrective surgical intervention.
Judicial politics in Belgium

The judiciary in Belgium is an independent branch of government and has succeeded in maintaining its independence against many odds. Not being bound by any particular method of inter‐pretion and able to control to a certain extent the machinery of government, the judges have been, whenever needed, cautiously innovative. The public is certainly not hostile, as far as such innovations are concerned. Constitutional law, morals, human rights and particularly economic law have been the areas in which judges have been most willing or compelled to take creative steps. Because these individual decisions are drafted as applications of existing general principles and statutes and largely reflect the prevailing views of society, very little criticism has been voiced about this hidden and cautious legal activism.
The surprisingly low motivational power of future rewards: Comparing conventional money-based measures of discounting with motivation-based measures

Temporal discount rates are often poor predictors of behaviors that we expect will be motivated by the future. The current research suggests this may be because conventional discounting measures are poor measures of the motivational value of future rewards. In six studies, I develop motivation-based measures of the present value (PV) of future rewards and compare the PVs obtained with those obtained using conventional money-based discounting measures. Conventional money-based PVs consistently overestimate motivation-based PVs and are discriminable from them. I explore explanations for this mismatch, including timing of effort exertion (Study 2) and loss aversion (Study 3), both features of the motivation-based measures. In Study 5, I use self-reports of valuation strategies and a time pressure manipulation to demonstrate that participants use different valuation strategies in the conventional money-based and the motivation-based measures that, in part, determine the difference in PVs obtained and the relatively low correspondence between them.
Effects of a student pharmacist consultation on patient knowledge and attitudes about vaccines

OBJECTIVE To measure the impact of student pharmacists' consultation on participant knowledge and attitudes about influenza and tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines. DESIGN Pre- and post-consultation surveys. SETTING Free health care service and immunization clinics in Vallejo and Martinez, CA. PARTICIPANTS Children and adults 13 years of age or older. INTERVENTION A convenience sample of participants completed a preintervention survey (PrIs) on basic vaccine knowledge and attitudes. Student pharmacists then delivered the intervention, which consisted of a 5-minute consultation on vaccines. A postintervention (PoIs) survey was administered immediately after the intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cumulative scores for eight knowledge-based questions and four attitude-based questions. RESULTS 198 participants completed both PrIs and PoIs. Compared with the PrI scores, the PoI scores showed significant improvement in basic vaccine knowledge and attitudes toward receiving vaccinations. Participants also were more likely to view pharmacists as a source of information about vaccines after the intervention. Student pharmacists administered 109 total vaccinations during the study, including 68 influenza vaccinations and 41 Tdap vaccinations. CONCLUSION A short, 5-minute consultation by a student pharmacist may increase vaccination rates and help serve as a vehicle to change the public's view of vaccines as well as pharmacists and their role in primary and preventive care.
Development of behavioral tolerance to Δ9-THC without alteration of cannabinoid receptor binding or mRNA levels in whole brain

The effect of repetitive administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in mice on behavioral and biochemical tolerance was determined in this study. Mice were injected twice daily with 10 mg/kg Δ9-THC for 6.5 days. On day 8, spontaneous activity was assessed or whole-brain homogenates were prepared for the cannabinoid receptor binding and mRNA studies. Although a twenty-sevenfold tolerance to Δ9-THC was observed in the behavioral assay, there was no significant alteration in receptor binding or mRNA levels.
Virtual Teaching: Library Instruction via the Web

Instruction librarians are developing Web-based instruction tools, including interactive tutorials, to teach remote users and students enrolled in distance education programs. This mode of teaching requires a different approach than the traditional in-class bibliographic instruction, since face-to-face interaction is absent. Special attention is required during planning stages to compose quality library instruction Web resources. This article outlines strategies librarians can incorporate to develop effective and functional Web-based tools. Topics that are addressed include page design and layout, technical and copyright issues, usability and evaluation, and site maintenance. Examples from the University at Albany's User Education Department are used to highlight these themes. The Texas Information Literacy Tutorial (TILT), a model interactive information literacy Web-based tutorial, is also reviewed.
Ion identification with detector telescopes

Abstract This paper discusses the identification of ions produced in nuclear reactions. The use of detector telescopes to provide energy loss information and the manipulation of the ΔE and E signals to identify the ions is emphasized. The value of combining this method with measurement of mass by time of flight between the detectors, and thereby producing a two-dimensional M vs MZ 2 picture is illustrated.
High Speed Data across Sliding Electrical Contacts

ABSTRACT-The transmission of high speed data has become increasingly important in systems that utilize slip rings for the transmission of data from rotating to stationary platforms. Traditional evaluation metrics for the suitability of sliding contacts to carry signals or data have evolved from the D.C. and analog world and do not accurately predict performance with high speed data. Contact "noise", or variation in contact resistance, is universally used to evaluate contact quality, but this standard method requires extensive re-definition and augmentation to accurately predict the efficacy of a high data speed sliding contact system. This paper presents both experimental and analytical data to show the critical characteristics of a sliding contact system that can transmit digital data up to 3 gigabits per second (Gbps). Digital data signal characteristics are reviewed and compared with the features of sliding electrical contacts to identify the potential areas of concern. Data is presented to show performance of a sliding contact system designed expressly for the transmission of high speed data. The influences of micro and macro contact environments are examined and key tribological factors are reviewed.
Spatiotemporal Chaos in a Simulated Ring of Cardiac Cells

We recently presented evidence that cardiac fibrillation is a form of spatiotemporal chaos arising via a quasiperiodic transition. To investigate the origin of this quasiperiodicity, we studied reentrant excitation in a ring of cardiac cells. We modified the Beeler-Reuter model, changing the action potential duration (APD) restitution so that it agreed qualitatively with experimental studies. We found that chaos could occur by reentrant excitation, in a transition from quasiperiodicity to spatiotemporal chaos. This occurred only when the APD restitution curve was nonmonotonic.
Expression of the AmphiTcf gene in amphioxus: insights into the evolution of the TCF/LEF gene family during vertebrate evolution.

T-cell factor (TCF) and lymphoid enhancer factors (LEF) genes encode proteins that are transcription factors mediating β-catenin/Wnt signaling. Whereas mammals have four such genes, the Florida amphioxus (Branchiostoma floridae) apparently has only one such gene (AmphiTcf). From cleavage through early gastrula, cytoplasmic maternal transcripts of this gene are localized toward the animal pole. In gastrulae, AmphiTcf expression begins in the mesendoderm. In neurulae, there is expression in the pharynx, hindgut, anterior notochord, somites, and at the anterior end of the neural plate. In early larvae, expression is detectable in the floor of the diencephalon, notochord, tail bud, forming somites, pharynx, and ciliated pit (a presumed homolog of the vertebrate adenohypophysis). Phylogenetic analysis of TCF/LEF proteins placed AmphiTcf as the sister group of a clade comprising vertebrate Tcf1, Lef1, Tcf3, and Tcf4. Comparison of developmental expression for amphioxus AmphiTcf and vertebrate TCF/LEF genes indicates that this gene family has undergone extensive subfunctionalization and neofunctionalization during vertebrate evolution. Developmental Dynamics 235:3396–3403, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
“Rosie the Realtor” and the Re-Gendering of Real Estate Brokerage, 1930–1960

Rapidly increasing numbers of women entered the field of real estate brokerage from the 1930s through the 1950s. “Rosie the Realtor” took advantage of the postwar building boom to create an expanding career niche, capturing residential brokerage as a female domain. In the process, she stretched gendered boundaries in the masculine world of brokerage to the breaking point. Employing a complex and internally antagonistic mix of liberal feminist and conservative ideologies, female realtors created their own professional space, expanding career opportunities for women at the same time that their economic and political practices reinforced the constraints of domesticity.
Delta lobe degradation and hurricane impacts governing large-scale coastal behavior, South-central Louisiana, USA

A large deficit in the coastal sediment budget, high rates of relative sea-level rise (~0.9 cm/year), and storm-induced current and wave erosion are forcing barrier shoreface retreat along the periphery of the Mississippi River delta plain. Additionally, conversion of interior wetlands to open water has increased the bay tidal prism, resulting in degradation of barrier islands due to inlet widening, formation of new inlets, and sediment sequestra- tion at ebb-tidal deltas. Single-beam bathymetric surveys along a 165-km stretch of south-central Louisiana barrier coast, from Raccoon Point in Terrebonne Parish to Sandy Point in Plaquemines Parish, were conducted in 2006. These data, combined with historical bathymetry from three time periods (dating to the 1880s), provide a series of digital elevation models that were used to calculate sediment volumetric changes and determine long-term erosional-depositional trends. Dominant patterns during the 125-year period include (1) erosion of ~1.6×10 9 m 3 from the shoreface, forcing up to 3 km of shoreface retreat, (2) sediment deposition in coastal bights and at ebb-tidal deltas, and (3) a combined increase in tidal inlet cross- sectional area from ~41,400 m 2 to ~139,500 m 2 . Bathy- metric and shoreline change datasets separated by shorter time periods (sub-annual) demonstrate that these long-term trends are driven by processes associated with major hurricane impacts, and that rates of shoreface erosion are an order of magnitude greater during active hurricane seasons compared to long-term trends.
BON cells display the intestinal pattern of neurotensin/neuromedin N precursor processing

Abstract Antisera towards the bioactive peptides, neurotensin (NT, 13 residues) and neuromedin N (NMN, 6 residues), as well as towards three regions of their 147-residue canine precursor were used to identify and to quantitate precursor-derived peptides in extracts of human BON cells. This cell-line, which was obtained from a human pancreatic carcinoid tumor, constituitively expresses NT/NMN mRNA and secretes NT. Quantitation of seven precursor-derived peptides led us to conclude that BON cells display the intestinal pattern of NT/NMN precursor processing, which is primarily characterized by the production of a large molecular (125 amino acid) form of NMN. Four large molecular components, identified by immunochemical analyses and Western blotting, displayed physico-chemical properties which, for the most part, were consistent with the structures predicted from the partially-known human mRNA sequence. However, as shown previously for these peptides in canine gut, the empirically determined M r and p I values were slightly higher than those predicted solely from the amino acid content, perhaps due to the presence of additional substituents. These results suggest that BON cells may provide a good in vitro model in which to study the regulation of intestinal NT/NMN precursor processing and the nature of the enzyme(s) involved.
The Behavioral Foundations of Retaliatory Justice

Norms of positive and negative reciprocity constitute important constraints that affect human behavior. While much attention has been devoted to the economics of reciprocity in cooperation, the stylized fact that humans have a natural predisposition towards negative reciprocity and retaliation has received little consideration in the literature. In this study we investigate the behavioral foundations of retaliatory justice by considering the conditions under which norms of retaliation may constitute instruments for promoting desirable cooperation. The results suggest that human instincts for revenge may an important ingredient for the sustainability of peaceful social behavior.
On the intensity of horizontal ocean currents

Abstract Ocean currents on both the east and west sides of the Atlantic, near Bermuda, and in the Mediterranean Sea show similar mean kinetic energy and mean speeds from long-term current measurements. At a given depth, there is less than a factor of two in the range of speeds and a factor of four in kinetic energy. In spite of intermittency in time and location in space there is remarkable uniformity in the intensity of the currents. A notable exception is a set of high values of speed and kinetic energy NNE of Bermuda that are possibly associated with a Gulf Stream meander. Both moored current meters and neutrally buoyant (Swallow) floats have been used for measurement of currents. Speed and total kinetic energy are similar with the two methods, but estimates of the kinetic energy of the fluctuating component of motion are generally lower when Swallow floats are used.
Osmotic Pressure of Salt-Free Polyelectrolyte Solutions: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study

The osmotic pressure of salt-free polyelectrolyte solutions is studied using Monte Carlo simulations. The polymer molecules are modeled as freely jointed chains of charged hard spheres, the counterions are modeled as charged hard spheres, and the solvent is a dielectric continuum. In dilute solutions, the dominant contribution to the excess part of the osmotic pressure comes from electrostatic interactions, resulting in an osmotic coefficient that decreases with increasing concentration. In concentrated solutions, the hard sphere contribution is dominant, and the osmotic coefficient is an increasing function of concentration. By considering different terms in the pressure equation, the excess part of the osmotic coefficient is decomposed into polymer−polymer, polymer−counterion, and counterion−counterion contributions. (The electrostatic contribution can only be decomposed into two contributions because of charge neutrality.) The polymer−counterion contribution is dominant over polymer or counterion contr...
Characterization of a neutral, divalent cation-sensitive endopeptidase: a possible role in neuropeptide processing

A trypsin-like endopeptidase which cleaves the synthetic substrate Dansyl-Phe-Leu-Arg-Arg-Ala-Ser-Leu-Gly-COOH (Dansyl-Phe-Kemptide) primarily at the Arg4-Ala5 bond has been partially purified from bovine adrenal chromaffin granules, brain and liver. The enzyme appears to have a relatively homogeneous tissue distribution, although highest levels were found in brain regions such as the hippocampus and corpus striatum. Sucrose density gradient fractionation established that enzyme activity assayed at pH 8.5 is not associated with lysosomes. Purified enzyme displays a dimeric structure with subunit molecular weights of 40 kDa and 42 kDa and a native molecular weight of 85,000 Da. The endopeptidase has a neutral pH optimum, is sensitive to divalent cations and thiol reagents, and can cleave on either the amino or carboxyl side of some but not all internal basic amino acids.
Interactions of target population size, population parameters, and program management on viability of captive populations

When established conservation programs expand and evolve, management practices may become inconsistent with program goals. In the past decade, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association expanded species conservation programs by increasing the number of Species Survival Plans (SSP) and establishing more than 300 new Population Management Plan (PMP) programs. However, limited space in captive breeding facilities forces a competition among SSPs and less intensively managed PMPs. Regional Collection Plans establish priorities and allocate space accordingly by setting target population size for each species; species of high conservation priority (SSPs) are allocated space at the expense of lower priority species (PMPs). Because population size and genetic composition interact to impact population viability, target population size is a significant factor to a population’s prospects for long-term survival. We examined four population parameters (current population size, target population size, current gene diversity, and mean generation time) for 46 mammalian SSPs and 17 PMPs. Relative to SSPs, PMPs combine smaller current and target population sizes, lower levels of current gene diversity, and shorter mean generation times than SSPs. Thus, the average PMP population can expect to lose gene diversity more rapidly than the average SSP population. PMPs are projected to lose 10% or more of their founding gene diversity, within only 2 years. In contrast, the average SSP population is projected to lose 10% in 40 years. Populations with small current or target population sizes require intensive management to avoid extinction. More intensive genetic management of populations typically designated as PMPs, through recruitment of potential founders and equalization of founder representation, could increase gene diversity and improve viability. Less rigorous population management should be reserved for populations whose long-term survival is either secure or that can be readily replenished from the wild. Because PMP populations need intense genetic management similar to that currently in effect for SSPs, there should be neither a management-level distinction between programs nor an arbitrary difference in space allocated to programs. Zoo Biol 20:169–183, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Stimulation of Innate Immunity by In Vivo Cyclic di-GMP Synthesis Using Adenovirus

The bacterial second messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) stimulates inflammation by initiating innate immune cell recruitment and triggering the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. These properties make c-di-GMP a promising candidate for use as a vaccine adjuvant, and numerous studies have demonstrated that administration of purified c-di-GMP with different antigens increases protection against infection in animal models. Here, we have developed a novel approach to produce c-di-GMP inside host cells as an adjuvant to exploit a host-pathogen interaction and initiate an innate immune response. We have demonstrated that c-di-GMP can be synthesized in vivo by transducing a diguanylate cyclase (DGC) gene into mammalian cells using an adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vector. Expression of DGC led to the production of c-di-GMP in vitro and in vivo, and this was able to alter proinflammatory gene expression in murine tissues and increase the secretion of numerous cytokines and chemokines when administered to animals. Furthermore, coexpression of DGC modestly increased T-cell responses to a Clostridium difficile antigen expressed from an adenovirus vaccine, although no significant differences in antibody titers were observed. This adenovirus c-di-GMP delivery system offers a novel method to administer c-di-GMP as an adjuvant to stimulate innate immunity during vaccination.
Temperature-Dependent Structure of the Emission Spectra of Two Crystalline Forms of the Zinc Silicate: Mn Phosphor

The emission-spectra (excited by short ultraviolet) of two crystalline forms of the zinc-silicate:Mn phosphor have been recorded photographically. A number of operating temperatures were used. The rhombohedral form, normally green-emitting, develops a yellow band at elevated temperatures. The high-temperature-quenched form, normally yellow-emitting, develops two green bands at lowered operating temperatures. Analysis indicates the possibility that the same bands are potentially present in both forms, but the effect of the different configurations is to emphasize different bands, especially with regard to their response to changes in temperature of operation. In addition to the “band” structure, “fine” structure was found for both forms at the lowest operating temperature (−196°C).
Optic nerve aspergillosis.

We report a 55-year-old woman with optic nerve Aspergillosis. Aspergillus is an ubiquitous airborne saprophytic fungus. Inhaled Aspergillus conidia are normally eliminated in the immunocompetent host by innate immune mechanisms; however, in immunosuppressed patients, they can cause disease. The woman had a past medical history of hypertension and migraines. She presented 1 year prior to death with a new onset headache behind the left eye and later developed blurred vision and scotoma. A left temporal artery biopsy was negative for giant cell arteritis. One month prior to the current admission, she had an MRI showing optic nerve thickening with no other findings. Because of the visual loss and a positive antinuclear antibody test, she was given a trial of high dose steroids and while it significantly improved her headache, her vision did not improve. At autopsy, the left optic nerve at the level of the cavernous sinus and extending into the optic chiasm was enlarged in diameter and there was a 1.3 cm firm nodule surrounding the left optic nerve. Histologically, an abscess surrounded and involved the left optic nerve. Acute angle branching, angioinvasive fungal hyphae were identified on Grocott’s methenamine silver stained sections, consistent with Aspergillus spp. No gross or microscopic evidence of systemic vasculitis or infection was identified in the body. The literature on optic nerve Aspergillosis is reviewed.
An efficient Monte Carlo event generation method for multiperipheral models

Abstract A Monte Carlo event generation method is presented that integrates multiperipheral models with good efficiency for all energies and all multiplicities up to 18.
Pressentials: a flexible middleware for presence-enabled applications

Presence, broadly defined as an event publish-notification infrastructure based on unified communication protocols such as SIP or XMPP, is a key enabler for rich, contextual communication and collaboration. This paper presents the design, implementation and experimental evaluation of Pressentials - a large-scale presence federation and virtualization middleware for enabling context-aware applications. This middleware provides a programmatic interface for aggregating presence from various sources and for composing base presence information into abstract, functionally richer entities for enabling applications. An underlying design consideration is to leverage capabilities of protocols that are being widely deployed today. We present scaling algorithms used within the platform to re-use data and computation commonalities across multiple applications. To highlight the flexibility of the proposed framework, we discuss use-case scenarios (across multiple domains) built using this platform.
Viscous liquid flow on Martian dune slopes

Abstract The observed temporary dark streaks on some dune slopes on Mars may be due to thin sheets of water (or some other liquid) trickling downhill. This note corrects conceptual errors in a previous paper (Mohlmann and Kereszturi, 2010, Icarus 207, 654–658) which affect the velocity profile of such flows, and produce over-estimates of their depths and mass fluxes by factors of almost two.
Posting, Lurking, and Networking: Behaviors and Characteristics of Consumers in the Context of User-Generated Content

While user-generated content (UGC) and social media have generated interest from researchers and practitioners, many facets of users and producers of such content remain undocumented. This research presents a classification of UGC participants, which includes posters, lurkers, and networkers, identified by their behavior patterns at UGC-based websites. By performing a post hoc analysis, similarities and differences among the three UGC user types in demographics, personality types, and key consumer characteristics are uncovered. Implications for advertisers are noted.
Genetic testing for breast cancer: where are health care providers in the decision process?

Purpose: To identify BRCA1/2 knowledge, genetic testing intentions, and communication patterns in breast cancer survivors (survivors). Methods: A population-based survey was conducted of 276 female survivors diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 49 and living 5 to 10 years postdiagnosis. Results: Of the 79% who responded, 8% spoke with health care providers and 53% spoke with relatives about testing. Few (26%) correctly answered over half the BRCA knowledge questions. Intention to obtain testing varied (26–67%), depending on insurance coverage. Conclusion: Health care providers and survivors seldom discuss BRCA testing. Providing information to survivors would increase their ability to make informed testing decisions.
A Surface-Tension-Driven Propulsion and Rotation Principle for Water-Floating Mini/Micro Robots

This paper describes development and experimental verifications of a novel propulsion and rotation technique for water-floating objects. As opposed to mechanical paddling, this technique electrically controls surface tension forces acting on water-floating objects without any moving parts (so-called electrowetting-on-dielectric, EWOD). As a proof of concept, a mini water-floating boat of centimeter size is fabricated from a thin plastic foil of which outer surfaces are covered with microfabricated EWOD electrodes. Applying a voltage to the electrodes changes the symmetric configuration of surface tension on the boat, resulting in generation of propulsion and rotation in the boat. By energizing the frontal or rear EWOD electrode, linear propulsion of the boat is achieved. The maximum speed is measured to be 5 mm/s. In addition, energizing two diagonal side EWOD electrodes on the boat surface generates rotational motion at the maximum rotational speed of 20 rpm. Finally, by combining the linear propulsion and rotational actuation, a curvilinear motion with controllability is demonstrated. This novel propulsion and rotation mechanism is simple yet efficient possibly being applied to propel and maneuver water-floating mini/micro robots and boats.
Personal computers in high energy physics

Abstract The role of Personal Computers within HEP is expanding as their capabilities increase and their cost decreases. Already they offer greater flexibility than many low-cost graphics terminals for a comparable cost and in addition they can significantly increase the productivity of physicists and programmers. This talk will discuss existing uses for Personal Computers and explore possible future directions for their integration into the overall computing environment.
Stent Induced Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation: An In Vitro System for Rapid Evaluation

The clinical efficacy of vascular stents is evaluated through long and expensive trials. Pre-clinical studies, where stents are tested in animal models, further contribute to the expense of bringing new devices to market. The purpose of pre-clinical studies is to assess stent induced thrombus formation, inflammatory response, neointimal hyperplasia, and late thromobosis. Whether the trial is pre-clinical or clinical, the biologic responses to stents are, in large part, due to the surface and structural characteristics of the stent being tested.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Mast cells and postnatal topographic anomalies in mammalian subfornical body and supraoptic crest.

In the central nervous system of 22 animal species, mast cells occur (1) in both the subfornical body and the supraoptic crest in chimpanzee, stumpatailed monkey, agouti and flying squirrel and in cynomolgus monkey from 1 day of age; (2) in the subfornical body in paca, ground squirrel, woodchuck and prairie dog; and (3) in the supraoptic crest in cats from 2 days of age through the fourth month, and capybara. The medial habenular nucleus and the area postrema contain mast cells in many of the animals, but differences in number with species and with age do not follow the same pattern as in the above regions. Not infrequently, the thalamus has a considerable number of mast cells, and occasionally other regions, such as the dentate nuclei and the medulla oblongata, have a few mast cells.