cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prey resource use by bluegill and channel catfish in small impoundments

Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), are commonly stocked into small impoundments that contain bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque, and these species may compete for food resources because both prey on macroinvertebrates. Prey selectivity and diet overlap of sympatric bluegill and channel catfish were evaluated in two small impoundments. Both fish species fed primarily on macroinvertebrates; but diet overlap between the species generally was not extensive because channel catfish consumed a more diverse array of foods, including more crayfish, fish and plant material. The use of foods other than macroinvertebrates increased as channel catfish grew larger. Bluegill also ingested large quantities of plant material at times, and ingestion of plants increased with fish size. Results of this study suggest that food competition between bluegill and channel catfish may occur when small channel catfish are abundant because, like bluegill, they feed almost entirely on macroinvertebrates and may reduce macroinvertebrate abundance. Thus, overstocking channel catfish in small impoundments managed for bluegill should be avoided.
Tethered balloon measurements of biogenic VOCs in the atmospheric boundary layer

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) were measured on tethered balloon platforms in 11 deployments between 1985 and 1996. A series of balloon sampling packages have been used to describe boundary layer dynamics, BVOC distribution, chemical transformations of BVOCs, and to estimate BVOC emission rates from terrestrial vegetation. Measurements indicated a slow decrease of concentration for BVOCs with altitude in the mixed layer when sampling times were greater than average convective turnover time; surface layer concentrations were more variable because of proximity to various emission sources in the smaller surface layer footprint. Mixed layer concentrations of isoprene remained fairly constant in the middle of the day, in contrast to canopy-level isoprene concentrations, which continued to increase until early evening. Daytime emissions, which increase with temperature and light, appear to be balanced by changes in entrainment and oxidation. Daytime measurements of methacrolein and methyl vinyl ketone, reaction products of the atmospheric oxidation of isoprene, showed fairly constant ratio to each other with altitude throughout the mixed layer. BVOC emission flux estimates using balloon measurements and from the extrapolation of leaf level emissions to the landscape scale were in good agreement.
German-jewish history as a paradigm for understanding nationalism

Two forms of nationalism are identified and discussed: one, generally the view of majority groups, is intolerant and favors assimilation of minority groups; the other, generally the view of minority groups, celebrates pluralism. Jews in the Second Reich (1871-1918) were as strongly nationalistic as the Protestant majority; however, they favored the latter form of nationalism. The debates between the proponents of the two forms of nationalism are illustrated by the discussion of three central concepts of the day: Bildung, Jews as pariahs, and the meaning of self-determination. Finally, some contemporary examples of minority nationalism are compared to that of the German Jews of the Second Reich, supporting the hypothesis that the two forms of nationalism are general types across modern societies.
A single-site, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study of YKP10A--a putative, new antidepressant.

Background: YKP10A is a novel, new antidepressant that may affect dopamine neurotransmission. We present results from the first Phase II clinical trial of YKP10A antidepressant activity in patients with major depression. Methods: This was a single-site, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study. Patients with major depression were randomly assigned to one of four double-blind treatment conditions: YKP10A 100–300 mg/day, YKP10A 400–600 mg/day, YKP10A 700–900 mg/day, or placebo for 8 weeks. Results: 43 patients were screened and 35 were randomized. Nineteen patients (54.3%) completed the entire 8-week study. Five YKP10A-treated patients (19%) discontinued treatment for adverse events. Thirty-eight percent of patients in the medium dose YKP10A group had a reduction in baseline HAM-D17 score ≥50% compared with the low-dose (13%), high-dose (13%), and placebo (29%) groups. A similar nonsignificant ‘signal’ for therapeutic activity was also seen in the medium-dose YKP10A group on the HAM-D 28 and the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Headaches, nervousness, agitation, insomnia, and gastrointestinal complaints were the most commonly reported side effects. Two cases of hypomania were observed. Limitations: This preliminary, single-site study was not powered to detect a statistically significant difference from placebo among treatment groups. Conclusion: YKP10A may have antidepressant activity at a daily dose range of 400–600 mg.
Regarding the cardiovascular effects of an herbal ephedra–caffeine weight loss product

We commend Kalman et al.1 for their study on the cardiovascular effects of an herbal ephedra–caffeine weight loss product, because the occurrence of adverse events associated with ephedra ingestion has not been adequately addressed in the literature. However, to definitively answer research questions regarding the cardiovascular effects of ephedra ingestion, we believe that future studies should incorporate the following suggestions: (1) Assess subjects at more than a single time point. Kalman et al1 compared presupplementation cardiovascular parameters and postsupplementation cardiovascular parameters on different days. Given the large within subject variability in heart rate and blood pressure throughout a typical day, it may be difficult to detect changes based on a single time measurement over a several week period. (2) Determine the time points for cardiovascular assessment based on drug absorption. In one study, the maximal increase in systolic blood pressure (14 mm Hg) occurred 90 min after ephedra ingestion, while the maximum change in heart rate (15 beats min-1) occurred 6 h following ingestion.2 Negative effects of ephedra/ephedrine supplements on blood pressure and heart rate have been reported with higher doses3, 4 and lower doses2 than administered by Kalman et al.1 These discrepancies further demonstrate that timing of dose compared to assessment of cardiovascular function is crucial. (3) Rigorous control over the subject-related factors that are known to influence drug metabolism and disposition (ethnicity, gender, physical activity and fitness level, body size and composition, age, caffeine intake, recent food intake, comedication). For instance, caffeine intake was not reported and appears to have been unregulated in both groups (subjects were allowed to consume up to three cups of coffee or caffeine equivalent per day during the study). (4) An analysis of supplement content. The ephedrine content of Ephedra plants can vary widely,5 resulting in as much as 100% variability in ephedrine content between lots of a given supplement.6 Given the reported poor standardization of ephedra products, it seems prudent to provide an analysis of supplement content.
Suspense in the absence of uncertainty

Abstract Anomalous suspense arises when people express uncertainty with respect to outcomes about which they have certain knowledge. In three experiments, we demonstrate that readers can be made uncertain about whether, for example, George Washington was elected first president of the United States, when an obstacle to this well-known outcome is introduced in a short story. Experiment 1 demonstrated impaired verification of such statements when the test came immediately after suspense was created. Experiments 2 and 3 demonstrated prolonged verification times across a brief delay. Experiment 3 also showed that the effect could be eliminated when suspense was resolved. We argue that these results impose a limit on the types of prior knowledge used in discourse processing.
Highest weight categories for Dedekind domains

Abstract This paper examines the concept of a stratified exact category in the context of Dedekind domains and corresponding finite Galois groups. BGG reciprocity and duality are proven for these categories making them highest weight categories. The strong connections between the structure of the category and ramification in the ring are explored.
Susceptibility of Koi and Yellow Perch to Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus by Experimental Exposure

AbstractInfectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is a novirhabdoviral pathogen that originated in western North America among anadromous Pacific salmonids. Severe disease epidemics in the late 1970s resulting from IHNV's invasion into farmed Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in North America, Asia, and Europe emphasized IHNV's ability to adapt to new hosts under varying rearing conditions. Yellow Perch Perca flavescens and Koi Carp Cyprinus carpio (hereafter, “Koi”) are aquaculture-reared fish that are highly valued in sport fisheries and the ornamental fish trade, respectively, but it is unknown whether these fish species are vulnerable to IHNV infection. In this study, we exposed Yellow Perch, Koi, and steelhead (anadromous Rainbow Trout) to IHNV by intraperitoneal injection (106 PFU/fish) and by immersion (5.7×105 PFU/mL) for 7 h, and monitored fish for 28 d. The extended immersion exposure and high virus concentrations used in the challenges were to determine if the tested fish had any level of ...
Prostate PDT dosimetry

We provide a review of the current state of dosimetry in prostate photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT of the human prostate has been performed with a number of different photosensitizers and with a variety of dosimetry schemes. The simplest clinical light dose prescription is to quantify the total light energy emitted per length (J/cm) of cylindrical diffusing fibers (CDF) for patients treated with a defined photosensitizer injection per body weight. However, this approach does not take into account the light scattering by tissue and usually underestimates the local light fluence rate, and consequently the fluence. Techniques have been developed to characterize tissue optical properties and light fluence rates in vivo using interstitial measurements during prostate PDT. Optical methods have been developed to characterize tissue absorption and scattering spectra, which in turn provide information about tissue oxygenation and drug concentration. Fluorescence techniques can be used to quantify drug concentrations and photobleaching rates of photosensitizers.
Egg Consumption Attitudes of Professional and Business Women

Abstract Research was conducted to determine the differences between the egg consumption habits and attitudes of the general population and those of business and professional women. As more women enter the labor force, egg consumption may be affected as habits and attitudes change. Chi-square analysis was used to test the degree of significance between the two groups. It was found that households of working women eat eggs less frequently than households in the general population. Business and professional women are more inclined to postpone egg consumption to lunch and dinner. Working women are not well informed of the advantages of eggs over convenience breakfast foods and they are more critical of the economic value of the egg than the general population of women.
Control of brain neurotransmitter synthesis by precursor availability and nutritional state

The body synthesizes two families of compounds that it uses to carry signals from one cell to another the hormones and the neurotransmitters. Hormones are distributed ubiquitously by the circulation, but only cells containing specific receptors can "'decode" them. In addition, hormones include a considerable variety of chemicals, covering a wide range of polarity and molecular weight. Neurotransmitters, in contrast, are distributed only to cells that are anatomically close to their neurons of origin. They are relatively homogeneous: all of the presently accepted group are low molecular weight, water-soluble compounds that are charged at physiological pH and are closely related to amino acids or to such other dietary constituents as choline. The studies that are summarized in this brief review provide evidence for another major difference between most neurotransmitters and all hormones, i.e. their different dependencies on precursor availability. The rates at which serotonin, acetylcholine, and perhaps other neurotransmitters are synthesized in the brain depend in part on "open-loop" control systems: synthesis increases or decreases as a consequence of diet-induced changes in the plasma concentrations of their precursors. The production of some hormones can be modified by imposing grossly unphysiologic limitations on the availability of their precursors (for example, the virtual absence of dietary iodine or lack of ultraviolet light exposure will limit production of thyroxine or vitamin D 3 respectively). To our knowledge, however, no evidence exists that normal variations in precursor levels ever control the rates at which glands produce or secrete steroids, peptides, or other hormones. In contrast, the simple choice between eating an apple or a chicken leg may determine how much serotonin the brain will make during the postprandial period, and a week of luncheon omelettes would probably elevate acetylcholine levels in the basal ganglia. This susceptibility of neurotransmitter synthesis to the availability of precursors probably reflects an interplay of three biochemical mechanisms: (a) the propensity of rate-limiting biosynthetic enzymes (such as tryptophan hydroxylase and choline acetyltransferase) to require, for full saturation, higher concentrations of their substrates than are normally present in brain [1,2] ; (b) the inability of the brain to synthesize or store large amounts of these substrates and its consequent dependence on the circulation for obtaining them I-3, 4]; and (c) the tendency for substrate levels in plasma to vary within a considerable dynamic
Modeling of bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) behavior by electrochemical equivalent cells

We have modeled and tested experimentally by cyclic voltammetry the possible ionic and electronic mechanisms of charge transfer across the membrane interior for their current-voltage characteristics. It was shown that these two mechanisms give practically identical voltammogram shapes for the same redox couples present in the aqueous phases. However, the ionic model differs from the electronic one in the characteristic potentials of peak currents which are shifted along the potential axis toward more negative (cathodic peak) and positive (anodic peak) values as compared to the corresponding peaks in the electronic model. This is mainly due to the difference in the resistance of the membrane interior in these two models. Moreover, it was observed that both sides of the membrane separating the two redox couples in aqueous solutions may contribute to the voltammogram shape.
Erratum to “An intersection theory count of the SL(2, C )-representations of the fundamental group of a 3-manifold” [Topology 40 (2001) 773–787]

In An intersection theory count of the SL(2;C)-representations of the fundamental group of a 3-manifold, the semi-norm of De0nition 4.4 is incorrectly de0ned. Speci0cally, the semi-norm ‖ · ‖Y corresponding to the 1-dimensional component Y of X (N ) should be de0ned to be (1=2)deg(Ĩ e( )−2) rather than deg(Ĩ e( ) − 2). With the notation of the proof of Theorem 4.8, the order of vanishing mx of Ĩ e(pM+qL) − 2 at a point x in AY is twice the intersection multiplicity of x at a point in the intersection cycle Ỹ · Lp=q, rather than equal to the intersection multiplicity as asserted in the proof of Theorem 4.8. Rede0ning the semi-norm as described adjusts for this inconsistency, so that the statements of Theorem 4.8 and Corollary 4.9 are valid as written.
When Information Fails Disruptive Effects of Expectancy Confirmation on Frustration Tolerance

We exposed 72 subjects to 23 95d BA unpredictable noise bursts, and assigned them to one of four experimental conditions: full information-perceived control, standard information-perceived control, full information-no control, and standard information-no control. All subjects completed arithmetic problems during the noise exposure and attempted Feather's (1961) line puzzles after hearing the noise. Contrary to predictions, the data revealed that subjects given full information about the experimental procedures experienced more frustration than subjects given standard information. The control manipulation decreased frustration only for subjects given full information. Possible explanations to account for the present findings are discussed.
Adherence to hepatitis B virus vaccination at syringe exchange sites.

Injection drug users (IDUs) are at high risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV); however, they often do not receive preventive vaccination. ‘IDUs who use mobile health care services linked to a syring exchange program in New Haven were routinely screened for HBV, hepatitis C virus, and syphilis. Individuals without prior exposure to HBV were offered three-part vaccination series. Of the 212 IDUs screened for HBV infection, 134 (63%) were eligible (negative for HBV surface and core antibodies) for vaccination and 10 (4.7%) had evidence of chronic HBV infection. Compared to those with previous exposure to HBV, vaccine-eligible patients were significantly more likely to be younger and use heroin and less likely to be black, homeless, daily injectors, and cocaine users. Of the 134 vaccine-eligible subjects, 103 (77%) and 89 (66%) completed two and three vaccinations, respectively. Correlates of completing all three vaccinations included older age (OR=1.06, 95% CI=1.04–1.07). injecting daily (OR=2.12,95% CI=1.36–6.73), and being homeless (OR=1.98,95% CI=1.14–12.27). These results suggest that IDUs remain at high risk for acquiring HBV infection. Programs that link health care to a syringe exchange program are effective ways to provide preventive health care services to IDUs, particularly HBV vaccination. Trust engendered by and mutual respect afforded by such programs result in repeated encounters by active IDUs over time.
Medical Follow-Up Study of High Voltage Linemen Working in AC Electric Fields

This paper presents the final results of the effects upon the health of linemen engaged in the maintenance of energized electrical transmission over a period of nine years. An initial report1,2 was presented in 1966 at the IEEE Summer Meeting in New Orleans, and the study has been continued to 1972. The evaluation was begun in December 1962 with ten linemen, four from the Ohio Power Company and six from the Appalachian Power Company (American Electric Power System).
Application and design of lead-core base isolation for reducing structural demands in short stiff and tall steel buildings and highway bridges subjected to near-field ground motions

The performance of nonlinear lead-core-rubber base isolators (LCR) to passively control highly nonlinear vibrations in two steel buildings and a prestressed concrete bridge under various ground motion inputs is evaluated. The Bouc and Wen model is used to predict the behavior of the lead-core component of the LCR base isolator. Members of the steel buildings that may have yielded are analyzed according to a highly nonlinear constitutive rule used to model the smooth stiffness degradation in the damaged members. The previously developed constitutive rule analyzes kinematically strain-hardened materials under cyclic conditions. The ability of the LCR to reduce displacement, velocity, and acceleration demands is demonstrated numerically using an algorithm developed herein called BISON (base isolation in nonlinear time history analysis). The performance of the LCR isolation is measured for a two story isolated building excited by the El Centro ground motion, a nonstationary signal, and the Northridge ground motion. An eight-story building exhibiting higher-mode influence is also analyzed, and finally the overpass bridge on Highway 99 in Selma, CA is modeled, outfitted with LCR isolation, and also analyzed. The hysteresis of the force-displacement relationships of the structures and the LCR isolators are analyzed parametrically through two LCR design parameters. The results indicate that with an appropriate tuning of these parameters, which affect the inelastic stiffness of the LCR isolator, an appropriate LCR system may be designed to behave with a stationary-like hysteresis and that can very adequately reduce the structural demands under the various excitations.
Publications of the United Nations Statistical Office

Abstract The article describes the functions of the United Nations Statistical Office, particularly its publishing and dissemination activity. Special features covered include problems of international comparability, problems faced by researchers, data provided in machine-readable form, classifications used, and recent and future enhancements. The article is intended not as a comprehensive summary of publications available but rather as a general coverage of the features of material available and how it might be properly used.
Testing Efficiency Across Markets: Evidence from the NCAA Basketball Betting Market

This study utilizes the National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball point spread betting market to investigate whether differences in information availability across markets result in different relative efficiencies of price formation within those markets. Using intra-conference games of various conferences as clearly defined markets, we show that these markets are efficient given the information available in those markets. However, we also show that regression error variances are significantly smaller (greater) for those conferences with greater (lesser) information availability. This evidence supports previous stock market research suggesting that differential fundamental information availability across stock markets results in differential departures from equilibrium values.
Time course of the GH/IGF axis response to fasting and increased ration in chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Body growth in vertebrates is chiefly regulated by the GH/IGF axis. Pituitary growth hormone (GH) stimulates liver insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) production. During fasting, plasma IGF-I levels decline due to the development of liver GH resistance, while GH levels generally increase. In mammals, decreased insulin during fasting is thought to cause liver GH resistance. However, the sequence of events in the GH/IGF axis response to fasting is not well characterized, especially in non-mammalian vertebrates. We assessed the time course of the GH/IGF axis response to fasting and increased ration in chinook salmon. Fish were placed on Fasting, Increased, or Control rations, and sampled daily for 4 days and at more widely spaced intervals through 29 days. Plasma IGF-I, GH, insulin, and 41 kDa IGF binding protein (putative salmon IGFBP-3), and liver IGF-I gene expression were measured. Control and Increased ration fish did not differ strongly. Plasma IGF-I and 41 kDa IGFBP were significantly lower in Fasted versus Control fish from day 4 onward, and liver IGF-I gene expression was significantly lower from day 6 onward. Liver IGF-I gene expression and plasma IGF-I levels were correlated. Plasma insulin was lower in Fasted fish from day 6 onward. There was a trend toward increased GH in Fasted fish on days 1-2, and GH was significantly increased Fasted fish from day 3 onward. Fasted GH first increased (days 1-3) to a plateau of 10-20 ng/ml (days 4-12) and then increased dramatically (days 15-29), suggesting that the GH response to fasting had three phases. The early increase in GH, followed by the decrease in plasma IGF-I after 4 days, suggests that GH resistance developed within 4 days.
OUTCOMES OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY IN A MILITARY POPULATION. † 1695

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the use of prenatal care, incidence of pregnancy complications, and selected pregnancy outcomes (i.e., incidence of prematurity, low birth weight, and survival) in adolescent mothers with that of older mothers in a military population with access to a tertiary care center. METHODS: We reviewed data from the neonatal data base of a military tertiary care center, for the time period 1990-1994. All singleton births ≥ 20 weeks estimated gestational age (EGA) or ≥ 500 grams were included. All maternal transfers were excluded. Mothers were divided by age into four groups: 1) 13-17 years, 2) 18-19 years, 3) 20-29 years, and 4) ≥ 30 years. Use of prenatal care was assessed by the Kessner index. Data was analyzed by chisquare, t-test, Mann-Whitney U, logistical regression techniques, and One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction.RESULTS: There were 7017 infants included in the study (240 in Group 1; 629 in Group 2; 4474 in Group 3; 1674 in Group 4). Utilization of prenatal care was significantly improved as maternal age increased for each successive age group. Hispanic mothers utilized prenatal care less adequately than black and white mothers. Of the nine pregnancy complications reviewed, the only difference noted was a higher incidence of diabetes in Group 4 when compared to the other three groups. There was no difference between Group 1 and each of the other three groups in the incidence of prematurity, low birth weight infants, or infant survival. However, Group 2 had a significantly greater risk of preterm birth at < 33 weeks EGA than Group 3, and Group 4 had a significantly greater risk of preterm birth at < 37 weeks than Group 3. Additionally, rates for birthweight < 2500 grams were significantly greater in Group 2 when compared to Groups 3 and 4. Admission rates to higher level of neonatal care were no different between groups.
Predispositions and the Comparative Effectiveness of Rational, Emotional and Discrepant Appeals for Both High Involvement and Low Involvement Products

Advertising effectiveness is often measured by its ability to impact attitudes and purchase intentions among those positively predisposed and negatively predisposed toward the brand. As a consequence, selecting the appropriate appeal is crucial. Information processing theory suggests that the choice should reflect both consumer’s predispositions and their level of involvement. The espoused theories together with prior empirical evidence promoted six sets of hypotheses relating to the comparative effectiveness of rational, emotional, and discrepant appeals. The respective appeals were administered to positively predisposed and negatively predisposed subjects for both high involvement and low involvement products. A MANOVA analysis of the data from a 3×2×2 within-subjects experimental design revealed significant main effect differences in terms of both predisposition and type of appeal.
Narrowband external cavity laser diode arra

A laser diode array line narrowing using an external cavity with a holographic grating is demonstrated. A linewidth of 11 GHz is obtained at an operating wavelength of 852 nm with an output power of about 10 W. Narrow linewidth high-power diode arrays can be used to pump alkali lasers and to produce spin polarised noble gases.
Serogroups of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the immune response of patients with cystic fibrosis.

It is well known that patients with cystic fibrosis are prone to chronic infections of the respiratory tract [1,2]. Increasingly often Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the responsible microorganism in both its nonmucoid and mucoid forms [2, 3]. Its contribution to the pathogenesis of the lung involvement has not been definitely ascertained [3]. It is assumed that active infection rather than surface colonization must take place in order to elicit a specific immune response. Therefore, in this study the antibody response of patients with cystic fibrosis harboring P. aeruginosa was determined and, in addition, all isolates were grouped serologically according to O antigens.
Segmenting the export marketing activities of small manufacturers for public policy planners

Small- and medium-sized U.S. manufacturing firms are very important to the U.S. economy and to U.S. trade. Yet most of these firms have shown minimal interest in export marketing in spite of some apparent advantages compared to larger firms. An extensive survey of these smaller manufacturers was undertaken in the state of Oregon within the lumber industry. Two groups, exporters and nonexporters, were studied as to firm characteristics, export marketing motivators, export marketing information sources, export marketing attitudes, and degree of marketing orientation. Because of the possible strategic advantages for public policy planners, nonexporters were further segmented into “active” and “passive” companies. For both exporters vs. nonexporters and active vs. passive companies, five hypotheses were tested. Results were then compared to existing studies, followed by a discussion of public policy implications.
Glacial tectonics: a deeper perspective

The upper 5–10 km of the lithosphere is sensitive to slight changes (<0.1 MPa) in local stress caused by differential loading, fluid flow, the mechanical transfer of strain between faults, and viscoelastic relaxation in the aesthenosphere. Lithospheric stresses induced by mass and fluid transfers associated with Quaternary ice sheets affected the tectonic regimes of stable cratons and active plate margins. In the latter case, it is difficult to differentiate glacially induced fault displacements from nonglacial ones, particularly if residual glacial stresses are considered. Glaciotectonics, a sub-subdiscipline within Quaternary geology is historically focussed on reconstructing past glacier regimes and, by definition, does not include these effects. The term “glacial tectonics” is hereby suggested for investigations focussed on the past and continuing influences of ice sheets on contemporary tectonics.
Double-Integral Fourier Analysis of Interleaved Pulse Width Modulation

Double-integral Fourier analysis is utilized in this paper to study steady-state and dynamic characteristics of interleaved buck converters. The method presented is general and does not assume commensurability of the perturbation and the switching frequency. The resulting PWM model captures the complete spectrum of the PWM output and predicts the time-varying effect at all frequencies where it may occur. The PWM model is further used to explain the effect of interleaving on harmonic cancellation in steady-state operation, and to prove that there is an optimum interleaving angle that results in minimum residual harmonics. Cancellation of sideband components among interleaved converters under dynamic conditions, and the possibility to extend control bandwidth beyond the conventional limit of half the switching frequency are also discussed
The Economic Effects of Anti-takeover Gimmicks; An American View

Should companies be allowed to protect themselves from takeover? Robert McGee, of Seton Hall University, outlines the case against ‘poison pills’ and other restrictions on takeovers and mergers.
EVALUATION OF RAPE VICTIM BY MEN AND WOMEN WITH HIGH AND LOW BELIEF IN A JUST WORLD

Men with high belief in a just world evaluated a videotaped rape victim more negatively than did men with low belief in a just world. Women with high belief in a just world were less negative toward the rape victim than women with low belief in a just world. Participants with low belief in a just world recommended significantly longer prison sentences for the rapist. Evaluations of the rapist and rape victim were not influenced by information about the outcome of the case (the rapist was never caught, the rapist was caught and sentenced to either 1 or 15 years in prison). Implications for just-world beliefs of jurors in rape trials were discussed.
Ventricular response in atrial fibrillation: random or deterministic?

The ventricular response in atrial fibrillation is often described as “chaotic,” but this has not been demonstrated in the strict mathematical sense. A defining feature of chaotic systems is sensit...
An operator aid for monitoring and trend detection

Monitoring of current system status and trends in system performance is addressed. In particular, the development of an aid that would provide on a single display gauge an integrated composite representation of the current values of several sensors is discussed. The current values of a set of sensors are viewed as a point in multidimensional space. The technique of multidimensional scaling is proposed as a method for producing a two-dimensional representation of that space. Points in this derived space could then serve as the desired integrated sensor display. The use of this approach for both current state and trend monitoring is examined. >
The Impacts of Efficiency and Bargaining Power on Contract Structure: Evidence from Franchising

The strategy literature is paying increasing attention to contract structure, but has largely followed transaction cost and agency approaches that emphasize efficiency. Bargaining power effects have been investigated much less though they are fundamental to the influential Porterian tradition in strategy. We investigate whether bargaining power impacts provisions in franchise contracts after controlling for efficiency impacts. We find the bargaining power does affect the important provisions regarding contract duration and non-compete period length. However, neither efficiency nor bargaining power variables help explain franchisor termination rights in our data.
Low-complexity blind detection of DS/CDMA signals: auxiliary-vector receivers

A fresh look on the design of practical low-complexity direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS/CDMA) receivers is proposed from the Wiener reconstruction-filter point of view. The natural outcome is the emergence of a new class of linear scalar-parameterized auxiliary-vector receivers (filters). Then, the blind optimization of these receivers in the maximum signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio (SINR) sense becomes a straightforward procedure. The conceptual and computational simplicity of this general approach promises immediate practical utility. This new generation of receivers exhibits minimal optimization requirements and near-matched-filter (MF) operational complexity. Yet, theoretical arguments supported by numerical and simulation results included in this work suggest that the blind auxiliary-vector receiver compares favorably, both complexity-wise and performance-wise, to multiuser (MU) detectors such as the minimum output energy (MOE) and the decorrelating receiver (although the latter utilizes the assumed known spreading codes of all interfering users).
Insertion of the βGeo Promoter Trap into the Fem1c Gene of ROSA3 Mice

ROSA3 mice were developed by retroviral insertion of the βGeo gene trap vector. Adult ROSA3 mice exhibit widespread expression of the trap gene in epithelial cells found in most organs. In the central nervous system the highest expression of βGeo is found in CA1 pyramidal cells of the hippocampus, Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, and ganglion cells of the retina. Characterization of the genomic insertion site for βGeo in ROSA3 mice shows that the trap vector is located in the first intron of Fem1c, a gene homologous to the sex-determining gene fem-1 of Caenorhabditis elegans. Transcription of the Rosa3 allele (R3) yields a spliced message that includes the first exon of Fem1c and the βGeo coding region. Although normal processing of the Fem1c transcript is disrupted in homozygous Rosa3 (Fem1cR3/R3) mice, some tissues show low levels of a partially processed transcript containing exons 2 and 3. Since the entire coding region of Fem1c is located in these two exons, Fem1cR3/R3 mice may still be able to express a putative FEM1C protein. To this extent, Fem1cR3/R3 mice show no adverse effects in their sexual development or fertility or in the attenuation of neuronal cell death, another function that has been attributed to both fem-1 and a second mouse homolog, Fem1b. Examination of βGeo expression in ganglion cells after exposure to damaging stimuli indicates that protein levels are rapidly depleted prior to cell death, making the βGeo reporter gene a potentially useful marker to study early molecular events in damaged neurons.
Learned Integration of Visual, Vestibular, and Motor Cues in Multiple Brain Regions Computes Head Direction During Visually Guided Navigation

Effective navigation depends upon reliable estimates of head direction (HD). Visual, vestibular, and outflow motor signals com- bine for this purpose in a brain system that includes dorsal tegmental nucleus, lateral mammillary nuclei, anterior dorsal thalamic nucleus, and the postsubiculum. Learning is needed to combine such different cues to provide reliable estimates of HD. A neural model is developed to explain how these three types of signals combine adaptively within the above brain regions to generate a consistent and reliable HD esti- mate, in both light and darkness, which explains the following experi- mental facts. Each HD cell is tuned to a preferred head direction. The cell's firing rate is maximal at the preferred direction and decreases as the head turns from the preferred direction. The HD estimate is con- trolled by the vestibular system when visual cues are not available. A well-established visual cue anchors the cell's preferred direction when the cue is in the animal's field of view. Distal visual cues are more effective than proximal cues for anchoring the preferred direction. The introduction of novel cues in either a novel or familiar environment can gain control over a cell's preferred direction within minutes. Turning out the lights or removing all familiar cues does not change the cell's firing activity, but it may accumulate a drift in the cell's preferred direc- tion. The anticipated time interval (ATI) of the HD estimate is greater in early processing stages of the HD system than at later stages. The model contributes to an emerging unified neural model of how multiple proc- essing stages in spatial navigation, including postsubiculum head direc- tion cells, entorhinal grid cells, and hippocampal place cells, are cali- brated through learning in response to multiple types of signals as an animal navigates in the world. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Launching a Research Career: T‐15 Years and Counting

This invited reflection paper offers suggestions for early career researchers—both graduate students and new assistant professors—that are grounded in my own experiences during my quest to launch a research career. Topics include developing both topical and methodological expertise, identifying informal and formal mentors who have experience leading others toward research-based careers, cultivating a network of colleagues capable of offering insights for improving one's research, and managing other responsibilities in ways that do not supplant productive research activities. Recommendations for graduate students and new assistant professors are offered throughout.
Discrete stochastic optimization using linear interpolation

We consider discrete stochastic optimization problems where the objective function can only be estimated by a simulation oracle; the oracle is defined only at the discrete points. We propose a method using continuous search with simplex interpolation to solve a wide class of problems. A retrospective framework provides a sequence of deterministic approximating problems that can be solved using continuous optimization techniques that guarantee desirable convergence properties. Numerical experiments show that our method finds the optimal solutions for discrete stochastic optimization problems orders of magnitude faster than existing random search algorithms.
Effects of the Antiestrogens Tamoxifen, Toremifene, and ICI 182,780 on Endometrial Cancer Growth

Background Tamoxifen has been shown to promote the growth of human endometrial tumors implanted in athymic mice, and it has been associated with a twofold to threefold increase in endometrial cancer. Toremifene, a chlorinated derivative of tamoxifen, and ICI 182,780, a pure antiestrogen, are two new antiestrogens being developed for the treatment of breast cancer. The effects of these drugs on endometrial cancer are currently unknown. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of toremifene and ICI 182,780 on the growth of human endometrial cancer in athymic mice. Methods Athymic, ovariectomized mice were implanted with human endometrial tumors and treated with estrogen, tamoxifen, or the new antiestrogens. Results The effects of tamoxifen and toremifene on the growth of either tamoxifen-stimulated or tamoxifen-naive endometrial tumors in athymic mice were not substantially different. ICI 182,780 inhibited the growth of tamoxifen-stimulated endometrial cancer, in both the presence and the absence of estrogen. Conclusions Toremifene and tamoxifen produce identical effects in our endometrial cancer models. Therefore, it is possible that toremifene, like tamoxifen, may be associated with an increased incidence of endometrial cancer. In contrast, ICI 182,780 inhibited tamoxifen-stimulated endometrial cancer, both in the presence and in the absence of estrogen, suggesting that this drug may be safe with regard to the endometrium, even if it is used following tamoxifen, and that it may not result in an increased incidence of endometrial cancer. Indeed, it is even possible that ICI 182,780 may prove useful as an adjuvant agent in early stage endometrial cancer.
PingPongPlus: design of an athletic-tangible interface for computer-supported cooperative play

This paper introduces a novel interface for digitally-augmented cooperative play. We present the concept of the athletic-tangible interface, a new class of interaction which uses tangible objects and full-body motion in physical spaces with digital augmentation. We detail the implementation of PingPongPlus, a reactive ping-pong table, which features a novel sound-based ball tracking technology. The game is augmented and transformed with dynamic graphics and sound, determined by the position of impact, and the rhythm and style of play. A variety of different modes of play and initial experiences with PingPongPlus are also described.
Effect of Externally-Imposed Radial Strain on the Piezoelectric Response of MOCVD-Grown Gallium Nitride

The large piezoelectric constants of GaN suggest possible application of GaN-based materials in piezoelectric sensors, among other areas. GaN’s wide band gap implies that these sensors will fare well over a broad temperature range and/or in a harsh environment. In this work, films of gallium nitride approximately 0.75 micron thick and grown by MOCVD were subject to an externally-imposed radial stress condition. Deposition was performed in a commercial MOCVD reactor (CVD, Inc.) at 1323K using trimethylgallium and ammonia as the chemical precursors. The substrate was one-inch diameter silicon (111). After deposition, titanium dots were deposited in various locations, including the wafer center, by evaporation. Stress was applied to the film/substrate system using a modified micrometer head (Mitutoyo) mounted to an Ionic Systems Basic Stressgauge (model 30285). Stress levels were calculated based on the magnitude of the imposed deflection as read from the micrometer head display, and the piezoelectric response at any particular dot with respect to the center dot was measured by measuring the voltage difference using a digital multimeter (Keithley 175). The micrometer head impinged on the center dot and served as one electrical contact point. Effective piezoelectric coefficients were measured as a function of imposed radial stress. Applied stresses in the range of 1 to 5 GPa resulted in effective piezoelectric coefficients ranging from -0.6 to -2.0 × 10-5 C/m2
Diagnostic Decision Support

In 1763, the Reverend Thomas Bayes published “a method by which we might judge concerning the probability that an event has to happen, in given circumstances, upon supposition that we know nothing concerning it but that, under the same circumstances, it has happened a certain number of times, and failed a certain other number of times.”1 This is Bayes' Law, which in 1959, was applied to medical diagnosis2 to form the basis of diagnostic decision support.3, 4 Because almost all computer-based medical diagnostic decision support systems (MDDSS) use some application of Bayes' Law, it is instructive to review basic principles.
Implementation Concerns in Seam Tracking Systems

The detailed analysis of the seam tracking process was discussed in Chapter 5. Equally important are the implementation concerns of this theory. To learn and weld the seam in the same pass, the operational requirements of this system include (i) interpreting the seam information from the weld joint image in realtime, (ii) adaptively generating models of both the seam geometry and the seam environment, and (iii) computing the control input to guide the welding torch and the sensor along the seam.
Limits on output power in a fiber amplifier

The signal output power in a fiber amplifier has been limited to date by the available pump power.1,2 We consider here the limits on signal output power when arbitrarily large pump power is available.
Does Mood Influence Moral Judgment?: An Empirical Test with Legal and Policy Implications

Despite recurring interest in the potential for affect to influence "rational" reasoning, in particular the effect of emotion on moral judgments, legal scholars and social scientists have conducted far less empirical research directly testing such questions than might be expected. Nevertheless, the extent to which affect can influence moral decisions is an important question for the law. Watching a certain sort of movie, for instance, can significantly influence responses to opinion polls conducted shortly after that movie. Legislative action based on public opinion as so expressed, or media reports of public opinion based on such polls, could thus inaccurately reflect that public sentiment. This is especially so for social and policy issues that are heavily emotional, such as capital punishment or affirmative action. Most discussion on law and emotions has been theoretical, addressing philosophical approaches to law and emotion. What psychological data exist are mixed, and virtually none appears in the legal literature. Thus, to bring the legal academic discussion into the realm of the empirical, and to provide further data on the question of affective influences on moral and legal decision-making, I conducted two experimental studies examining mood's influence on moral judgments. After clarifying what I mean by "moral judgment" and how I measured it, I report the methodologies and results of those studies. Briefly, the data support other empirical research showing that individuals in a positive mood (here, happiness) tend to process information more superficially than those in a negative mood (here, anxiety). I then discuss the results' implications for the legal system, including implications for trials (e.g., victim impact statements or graphic testimony), and implications for public policy-making (e.g., the context of public opinion polls and surveys). Most broadly, the data contribute to the developing legal literature on the role of emotions in the law. They highlight the importance of conducting empirical research, and of the translation of such empirics to specific legal and policy applications.