cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection and molecular characterization of ‘Candidatus phytoplasma asteris’ related phytoplasmas infecting canola in North Dakota

AbstractCanola (Brassica napus) plants with Aster yellows-like symptoms were collected in 2011 and 2012 from canola fields in North Dakota, USA. The presence of phytoplasmas in the symptomatic plants was confirmed by a nested PCR assay using universal primer pairs P1/P7 and R16F2n/R2. Phytoplasmas were identified as ‘Candidatus phytoplasma asteris’ related strains with >99% nucleotide identity to the reference strain M30790 based on in silico analysis of the F2nR2 fragments using the iPhyClassifier online tool. Based on sequence homology searches, RFLP and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rDNA gene, phytoplasmas belonging to two distinct lineages, 16SrI-A and 16SrI-B subgroups, were identified infecting canola in North Dakota. Further characterization of the phytoplasmas based on ribosomal protein operon and secY genes also supported the presence of two distinct lineages. Sequence comparison and RFLP analyses based on the three regions confirmed the presence of mixed infection by phytoplasmas belonging to sub...
Key Exchange Rate Regimes: A Constitutional Perspective

After a decade and a half of experience with the widespread use of flexible exchange rates among the major industrial countries, we have learned a great deal. But disputes about exchange rate policies and calls for international monetary reform are as frequent and heated as ever. The range of views about flexible exchange rates has narrowed somewhat, and the experience clearly has not been as disastrous as feared by many critics who foresaw a repeat of the disasters of the 1930s. Nor have flexible exchange rates been a complete solution to international monetary issues by eliminating the need for international monetary cooperation and by generating international monetary stability as the strongest supporters had hoped.
The inference problem and updates in relational databases

In this paper, we extend the Disclosure Monitor (DiMon) security mechanism (Brodsky et al. [1]) to prevent illegal inferences via database constraints in dynamic databases. We study updates from two perspectives: 1) updates on tuples that were previously released to a user may cause that tuple to be "outdated", thus providing greater freedom for releasing new tuples; 2) observation of changes in released tuples may create cardinality based inferences, which are not indicated by database dependencies. We present a mechanism, called Update Consolidator (UpCon) that propagates updates to the user's history file to ensure that no query is rejected based on outdated data. We also propose a Cardinality Inference Detection (CID) module, that generates all data that can be disclosed via cardinality based attacks. We show that UpCon and CID, when integrated into the DiMon architecture, guarantee confidentiality (completeness property of the data-dependent disclosure inference algorithm) and maximal availability (soundness property of the data-dependent disclosure inference algorithm) even in the presence of updates.
Management of expatriate medical assistance in Mozambique

This paper discusses how Mozambique coped with the health system needs in terms of specialized doctors since independence, in a troubled context of war, lack of financial resources and modifying settings of foreign aid. The Ministry of Health (MOH) managed to make up for its severe scarcity of specialist MDs especially through contracting expatriate technical assistance. Different scenarios, partnerships and contract schemes that have evolved since independence are briefly described, as well as self-reliance option possibility and implications. Lessons learned about donor initiatives aimed at contracting specialists from other developing countries are singled out. The issue of obtaining expertise and knowledge in the global market as cheap as possible is stressed, and realistic figures of cost planning are highlighted, as determined by the overall health system necessities and budget limitations.
Circulation as Placemaking: Late Classic Maya Polities and Portable Objects

What do portable objects have to do with the making of places? Portable objects are seemingly peripheral to understandings of place, as landscape studies often revolve around human experiences in relation to relatively fixed features, such as monumental buildings, agricultural fields, and settlements. Attention to the fleeting movements and intersecting juxtapositions of portable things, people, and landscapes, however, reveals placemaking as relational and dynamic. From a multiscalar perspective, in this article I identify the Late Classic (ca. 600–900 C.E.) Maya Ik’ polity in Peten, Guatemala, as a series of overlapping and relational local, provincial, and regional places. I examine the circulation and social meanings of polychrome vessels and ceramic figurines through paste composition, iconographic, and contextual analyses not only to understand the spatial junctures of the Ik’ polity but also to explore how conceptions of the Ik’ polity were forged by those who used, viewed, and moved these objects.
Expression of Toxoplasma gondii genes in the closely-related apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum

We have established the feasibility of using Neospora caninum as a heterologous system for the expression of genes from the closely-related parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Plasmid constructs containing the lacZ gene from Escherichia coli driven by T. gondii promoters were electroporated into N. caninum parasites, and expression of β-galactosidase (β-Gal) activity was assayed enzymatically. In transient assays, expression of β-Gal driven by the GRA1 promoter was approximately 10-fold higher than the expression obtained with the SAG1 promoter. Enzyme activity was not detected when N. caninum parasites were transfected with a promoterless lacZ construct. Transfection of N. caninum with complete genomic clones of SAG1 or GRA2 from T. gondii yielded parasites that transiently expressed the respective gene products, as detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Additionally, these transiently expressed T. gondii proteins appeared by immunofluorescence localization and Triton X-114 partitioning to be correctly targeted in both extracellular and intracellular N. caninum parasites. Heterologous gene expression should be useful for studying the function of specific gene products and may facilitate the identification of genes responsible for the phenotypic differences observed between these two closely-related apicomplexan parasites.
Semiclassical treatment of excimer spectral line shape for rare gas halides

A great deal of work was done on the analysis of RgX emission spectra in the decade following the invention of the RgX lasers in 1975. However, high pressure KrI spectral data are still scarce and spectroscopy analysis of KrI spectra is not available. This paper reported the first spectroscopic study of the KrI excimers which agrees with the recent experimental work at high pressure. The spectral line shape was studied with a simple semiclassical model. This model provides semi-quantitative estimates for the governing potential functions associated with the ground and excited states. We compare our simulation results with experimental data of high-pressure KrI*, obtained in a novel 13.56 MHz excimer lamp system. This simulation yields the vibrational frequency of the KrI excited state, 132 cm−1, and the slope of the lower state potential curve in the Franck–Condon region, 0.035 Hartree/a0. In addition, factors that affect the line shapes of excimer spectra are discussed.
Partial regularity for stationary harmonic maps into spheres

In an interesting recent paper [12], F. HI~LEIN has shown that any weakly harmonic mapping from a two-dimensional surface into a sphere is smooth. I present here a kind of generalization to higher dimensions, asserting in effect that a stationary harmonic mapping from an open subset of Nn(n __> 3) into a sphere is smooth, except possibly for a closed singular set of (n 2 ) dimensional Hausdorff measure zero. My proof crucially depends upon several of H~L~IN's observations (as streamlined by P.-L. LIoNs). To state the result precisely let us suppose that m, n => 2, U is a smooth open subset of Nn, and S m-1 denotes the unit sphere in Nm. A function u in the Sobolev space HI (U;Rm) , u = (u 1 . . . . ,urn), belongs to H I ( U ; S ml ) provided t u[ = 1 a.e. in U
Discussion of Papers by Bruce Owen and Christopher Yoo

The ambiguity in allocating economic stages to regulatory stages that arises in some contexts does not prevent either antitrust or regulatory intervention with respect to content and distribution. However, the feasibility of intervening with respect to vertical integration does not by itself make such intervention wise. In general, cases when a dominant distributor over substantial areas tries to integrate with an established content provider that dominates its programming segment, antitrust intervention on potential competition grounds may be warranted. This rationale does not justify an outright ban on ISP investment in content, but such a ban would not stop rapid development of web content and might be worth it if it prevents limitations on ISP pricing flexibility.
The reactions of nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, and nitrogen dioxide with lead dioxide

Abstract Evidence is presented to show that the reactions 2NO + 2PbO2 → Pb(NO2)2 · PbO + 0.5O2, 2NO2 + 2PbO2 → Pb(NO3)2 · PbO + 0.5O2, which have been used for 30 years in conjunction with the micro carbon and hydrogen determinations are probably 2NO + 3PbO2 → 2PbO + Pb(NO3)2, and 2NO2 + PbO2 → Pb(NO3)2.
Validation of FLACS against experimental data sets from the model evaluation database for LNG vapor dispersion

Abstract The siting of facilities handling liquefied natural gas (LNG), whether for liquefaction, storage or regasification purposes, requires the hazards from potential releases to be evaluated. One of the consequences of an LNG release is the creation of a flammable vapor cloud, that may be pushed beyond the facility boundaries by the wind and thus present a hazard to the public. Therefore, numerical models are required to determine the footprint that may be covered by a flammable vapor cloud as a result of an LNG release. Several new models have been used in recent years for this type of simulations. This prompted the development of the “ Model evaluation protocol for LNG vapor dispersion models ” (MEP): a procedure aimed at evaluating quantitatively the ability of a model to accurately predict the dispersion of an LNG vapor cloud. This paper summarizes the MEP requirements and presents the results obtained from the application of the MEP to a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model – FLACS. The entire set of 33 experiments included in the model validation database were simulated using FLACS. The simulation results are reported and compared with the experimental data. A set of statistical performance measures are calculated based on the FLACS simulation results and compared with the acceptability criteria established in the MEP. The results of the evaluation demonstrate that FLACS can be considered a suitable model to accurately simulate the dispersion of vapor from an LNG release.
Minimal complete classes of invariant tests for equality of normal covariance matrices and sphericity

Abstract The problem of testing equality of two normal covariance matrices, Σ 1 = Σ 2 is studied. Two alternative hypotheses, Σ 1 ≠ Σ 2 and Σ 1 − Σ 2 > 0 are considered. Minimal complete classes among the class of invariant tests are found. The group of transformations leaving the problems invariant is the group of nonsingular matrices. The maximal invariant statistic is the ordered characteristic roots of S 1 S 2 −1 , where S i , i = 1, 2, are the sample covariance matrices. Several tests based on the largest and smallest roots are proven to be inadmissible. Other tests are examined for admissibility in the class of invariant tests. The problem of testing for sphericity of a normal covariance matrix is also studied. Again a minimal complete class of invariant tests is found. The popular tests are again examined for admissibility and inadmissibility in the class of invariant tests.
The Impact of NEO PI-R Gender-Norms on the Assessment of Personality Disorder Profiles

Many personality assessment inventories provide gender-specific norms to allow comparison of an individual’s standing relative to others of the same gender. In some cases, this means that an identical raw score produces standardized scores that differ notably depending on whether the respondent is male or female. Thus, an important question is whether unisex-normed scores or gender-normed scores more validly assess personality. We examined the gender-normed and unisex-normed scores from the NEO Personality Inventory – Revised (NEO PI-R; Costa & McCrae, 1992) in a large clinical sample, using two measures of personality disorder as validating criteria. Gender-normed scores did not obtain significantly higher correlations. In fact, for two personality disorders, antisocial and narcissistic, gender-normed scores yielded significantly lower correlations, suggesting that personality disorder pathology relates most closely to one’s absolute level of a personality trait rather than one’s standing relative to others of the same gender. We discuss ramifications of this finding for personality research and clinical assessment.
A facilitative effect of prior shocks on: I. Subsequent resistance to consistent shocks

Abstract An attempt was made to obtain a facilitative effect by interspersing occasional shocks among rewards in a bar pressing situation. It was shown that a group, which was given experience with interspersed shocks (increasing gradually in frequency) among rewards during acquisition and was tested with consistent punishments, was more resistant than the group which was not given any such experience. In Experiment I, the experimental group was given prior experience with shocks and tested with consistent shocks while these shocks were not accompanied by rewards. In another (preliminary) study, however, these shocks were always accompanied by rewards. Results were seen as supportive, at least indirectly, of the counterconditioning hypothesis.
Regulation of progesterone receptor gene expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells : a comparison of the effects of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate, estradiol, insulin-like growth factor-I, and serum factors

We have compared regulation of progesterone receptor (PR) gene expression in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells by cAMP and that by estradiol (E2) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Treatment of cells with 8-bromo-cAMP or agents known to activate protein kinase-A, namely cholera toxin plus 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (CT plus IBMX; which increased intracellular cAMP > 10-fold) evoked an increase in PR protein levels as did treatment with IGF-I or E2. Increases in PR caused by IGF-I were not accompanied by increases in PR mRNA, whereas PR mRNA levels were markedly induced by E2 and CT plus IBMX, showing regulation at different levels by these agents. The increases in PR mRNA evoked by E2 or CT plus IBMX were almost completely abolished by treatment with antiestrogen. Treatment with cycloheximide inhibited CT- plus IBMX-mediated PR mRNA stimulation, but not the induction of E2, indicating that the PR mRNA response to cAMP is not a primary one and probably requires de novo protein synthesis. Distinct effects of serum were observed on the expression of PR in MCF-7 cells. PR mRNA and protein were consistently elevated when cells were cultured under low serum conditions (0-0.5% charcoal dextran-treated calf serum) and were reduced as the serum concentration was increased, suggesting that a serum factor(s) repress constitutive PR levels. Also, the ability of CT plus IBMX to stimulate PR declined markedly for cells grown in medium containing higher (5%) serum levels; by contrast, the ability of E2 to induce PR was increased at the higher serum concentration. Thus, unknown serum factors interfere with the action of cAMP in up-regulating PR, whereas serum factors are important for the effectiveness of E2 in stimulating PR. These observations indicate that regulation of PR occurs at different levels by several factors (cAMP, E2, and IGF-I) and imply that cAMP, serum factors, and growth factors, such as IGF-I, in addition to E2 will be of importance in determining PR levels and, hence, cell sensitivity to progestins.
Innovative Strategies for Improving MIS Utilization

In this article the authors examine management information systems and discuss how they have failed to meet the expectations of individuals in the business world. They outline an approach similar to marketing that would make these systems more effective by directing the orientation of goods and services towards the consumer. They suggest that this would allow managers to more effectively utilize these systems and help in their decision making processes. They note that the process would start by focusing on the user of the system and what their managerial goals are. Next they develop strategies for product development, distribution, communication, costs and feedback. The authors assert that this marketing style approach will improve the usage of management information systems.
Analysis and detection of motion artifact in photoplethysmographic data using higher order statistics

In this work, we present novel methods for detecting the presence of motion artifact in photoplethysmographic (PPG) measurements based on higher order statistical information present in the data. We analyze both clean and corrupt PPG data in the time and frequency domains. In the time domain, skew and kurtosis measures of the signal are used as distinguishing metrics between clean and motion- corrupted data. In the frequency domain, the presence of random components due to motion artifact is analyzed using a frequency domain kurtosis measure. Additionally, bispectral analysis of PPG data indicates the presence of strong quadratic phase coupling (QPC) and more specifically self coupling in the case of clean PPG data. Though quadratic phase coupling is found in data corrupted by motion artifact, the self coupling feature is absent. A Neyman-Pearson (NP) detection rule is formulated for each of the measures. Additionally, treating each of the measures as observations from independent sensors, the Varshney-Chair rule is used to fuse individual decisions to form a global system decision.
Immune recognition of insulin by H-2b mice: the mutation in the I-Aβb gene of the B6•C-H-2bm12 mouse alters the self-I-A-restricted T cell repertoire

The response to heterologous insulin in H-2b mice is restricted to the A chain loop determinant(s) of beef insulin. The recognition of this specificity requires the expression of the immune response (Ir) gene epitope Ia. W39 which is absent from the I-Ab mutant B6.C-H-2bm12 (bm12) mice. This restriction could reflect the inability of H-2b antigen-presenting cells (APC) to present other insulin determinants or may reflect “self-major histocompatibility complex”-dependent influences on the generation of the T cell repertoire. To assess these possibilities we analyzed the genetic control and fine specificity of the insulin-specific T cell repertoire of H-2b mice by fusing the AKR thymoma BW5147 with T cells of C57BL/6 mice which had been immunized in vivo and challenged in vitro with beef insulin. The cloned hybridomas that we have produced respond to APC either alone or in conjunction with insulin by the production of interleukin 2. The insulin-specific hybridomas vary in their fine specificity such that some clones recognize a determinant(s) shared by beef, sheep and pork insulin and the isolated B chain, while other clones recognize a determinant(s) shared by beef and sheep insulin only, likely to involve amino acids 8 and/or 10 of the A chain loop. The presentation of insulin to these hybridomas is restricted by I-Ab, but not by Ia.W39. This analysis revealed that the insulin-specific immune potential in H-2b mice is of greater scope than previously defined and led us to consider, whether insulin nonresponder bm12 mice also possess a latent insulin-specific immune potential. Our study of the insulin-specific immune recognition by bm12 mice shows that these nonresponders do possess insulin-specific T cell clones. Despite the fact that the I-Ab and I-Abm12 gene products differ only by 3 amino acids, insulin-specific C57BL/6 and bm12 hybridomas are restricted to recognize exogenous antigen only in the context of C57BL/6 and bm12 APC, respectively. Furthermore, upon direct analysis of autoreactive subclones, a similar although not complete, restriction was observed. The implications of these findings for understanding the mechanism of Ir gene control are discussed.
Manipulating Complex Light with Metamaterials

Recent developments in the field of metamaterials have revealed unparalleled opportunities for “engineering” space for light propagation; opening a new paradigm in spin- and quantum-related phenomena in optical physics. Here we show that unique optical properties of metamaterials (MMs) open unlimited prospects to “engineer” light itself. We propose and demonstrate for the first time a novel way of complex light manipulation in few-mode optical fibers using optical MMs. Most importantly, these studies highlight how unique properties of MMs, namely the ability to manipulate both electric and magnetic field components of electromagnetic (EM) waves, open new degrees of freedom in engineering complex polarization states of light at will, while preserving its orbital angular momentum (OAM) state. These results lay the first steps in manipulating complex light in optical fibers, likely providing new opportunities for high capacity communication systems, quantum information, and on-chip signal processing.
Communities of legal memory in Medieval Poland, c. 1200–1240

Abstract An important feature of the legal system of medieval Poland in the later twelfth and earlier thirteenth centuries was the role of several kinds of local groups in legal transactions, especially transfers of landed property. Such groups were varied and fluid, but their membership, mobilization, and functions comprise coherent patterns, which can be traced from lists of witnesses present at legal transactions presided over by Piast dukes, and from the collective activities whereby high clergy, ducal officials, and local groups effected, reiterated, and remembered legal transactions. The local groups included (among others) ‘neighbourhoods’ of settlers near the places that were affected by the legal transactions; inhabitants of local centres of population, exchange, and lordship; and familiae of the high clergy, ducal officials, or parties to the transactions. This paper reconstructs the collective activities whereby such groups recognized and remembered legal transactions, as well as the physical, personal, and environmental anchors of their collective memory. It is a local study of how communities of legal memory functioned as a source of legal knowledge and record.
An in vitro study of bacterial response to inert and reactive metals and to methyl methacrylate

The clinical use of inert materials for internal fixation and joint replacement devices is increasing rapidly; studies on the effect of these materials on bacteria and host resistance to infection have not kept apace. Any substance placed within the body may interfere with host-parasite interaction, either by its physical presence or by physiochemical activity at its interface with the surrounding tissue. Either mechanism, by altering the normal host defense mechanism, may promote or retard bacterial growth. Bacterial growth may also be altered if a trace element essential to or inhibitory to the bacteria or an element that antagonizes or potentiates humoral antibacterial systems is leached from the substance. We have tested bacterial growth and inhibition in vitro in the presence of substances used as implant materials: surgical silver, iron, zinc-coated galvanized iron, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, Vitallium, and methyl methacrylate. Our results showed: 1) metals that have low grades of tissue reactivity and little bacteriotoxic effect provided a framework along which bacterial growth and propagation occurred; 2) metals that have higher levels of cellular reactivity, specifically aluminum and galvanized wire, caused selective bacterial toxicity. The in vitro response of bacteria to methyl methacrylate was similar to that of Vitallium and other inert substances, i.e., growth and propagation were abundant adjacent to methyl methacrylate. These studies led us to speculate that, if similar phenomena occur in vivo, bacterial growth and dissemination might be increased when an inert implant material was used and decreased when the implant material was more reactive.
Dechlorination activity (cross‐acclimation) of freshwater sediments adapted to whom it may concern: It may concern: Mono‐ and di‐chlorophenols

Abstract The reductive dechlorination of chlorophenols (CPs) in sediment slurries (10% solids) adapted to dechlorinate mono‐ and di‐CPs (DCP) was investigated to define the regiospecificity of the dechlorination reaction. Unadapted sediment slurries amended with various ortho‐substituted CPs exhibited lag periods ranging from 8 to 12 days before the onset of dechlorination. In contrast, 2‐ and 3‐CP as well as 2,3‐ and 2,4‐DCP were dechlorinated without a lag period by sediments adapted to transform 2‐CP. Dechlorination of 4‐CP was not observed after incubation for 35 days. Adaptation to 2‐CP, therefore, enhanced the onset of dechlorination of 3‐CP and all ortho‐substituted CPs tested. Dechlorination of 2‐CP, 3‐CP, 2,3‐DCP, and 3,4‐DCP was also effected without a lag period by sediments adapted to transform 3‐CP. Sediments adapted to dechlorinate individual DCPs (2,3‐, 2,4‐, and 3,4‐DCP) exhibited dechlorination of 2‐CP, 2,3‐, 2,4‐, and 3,4‐DCP without a lag phase. The preference for dechlorination by 2,3‐...
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 caused streptococcal toxic shock syndrome(STSS) in a patient

Abstract Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic coccus that has been implicated as the cause of a wide range of clinical disease syndromes in swine and other domestic animals. S. suis has also been implicated in disease in humans, especially among abattoir workers, swine and pork handlers. Here we report a case of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome(STSS) caused by S. suis in a 59-year-old man. Despite of intensive treatment, the patient died of shock with multiple organ failure 14 h after admission. One bacterial isolate obtained from blood culture was identified to the species level by biochemical tests and serological tests as S. suis serotype 2. Identification was confirmed by PCR amplification of genes encoding 16sRNA of S. suis and the capsule of S. suis serotype 2(cps 2J). Genes encoding virulence factors were also detected. An investigation to identify the source of S. suis revealed that several days before admission the affected man had been handling sick pigs or their meat. Transmission may occur through breaks in the skin of feet with tinea due to that no measures for personal protection was taken. This case should highten awareness of the potential for occupational exposure and human infection with S. suis.
Cholecystokinin-induced suppression of feeding: an evaluation of the generality of gustatory-cholecystokinin interactions.

Abstract Previous findings in this laboratory suggest that the cholecystokinin-induced decrease in food intake may be the result of a modulation of the orosensory factors controlling feeding. More recently we have presented evidence indicating that in sated animals the magnitude of cholecystokinin-induced inhibition of intake is proportional to the concentration of sucrose feeding solutions. The present study examined the generality of this finding by determining the effect of the synthetic octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-8) on the intake of solutions varying in both taste intensity and taste quality. To eliminate the need to consider CCK-8 effects on food deprivation and to more precisely address the effect of CCK-8 on the component of feeding maintained by taste stimuli, the effect of CCK-8 was evaluated in animals being maintained on an ad lib feeding schedule. The ingestion of water, glucose, NaCl and quinine was induced with intraperitoneal injections of hypertonic saline. It was found that although CCK-8 injections did not inhibit intake when water was being consumed, the addition of tastents to water resulted in inhibitions of intake that were positively related to the tastent concentration. These data add further support to the earlier finding of a covariation between the magnitude of the CCK-8 decrease in ingestive behavior and the concentration of sucrose feeding solutions. Furthermore, these findings indicate that this covariation relation is seen using a different motivating stimulus than in our previous studies (hypertonic saline-induced consumption) and across a number of taste modalities including those on the negative side of the so-called “hedonic” continuum.
The Northridge, California, earthquake of 1994: fire ignition by strong shaking

Abstract The Northridge earthquake contributed unprecedented detail and quality of data on strong ground motion and on its effects on man-made structures. About 110 fires have been attributed directly to the effects of this earthquake. Two hypotheses for the principal causative agents leading to fire ignition were examined: differential motion and strains in the soil, and inertial forces. The fire-ignition frequency is described with respect to: (1) simple measures of strain in the soil (via density of water pipe breaks, n ), (2) occurrence of severely damaged buildings (via density of red-tagged buildings, N ), (3) site intensity of shaking, ( I MM ), and (4) inertial forces (via peak horizontal ground velocity, v m ). It is shown that the rate of fires (per unit area) ignited by earthquake shaking can be predicted by several empirical equations of comparable accuracy and in terms of common scaling parameters of strong ground motion.
Analyzing the social ties and structure of contributors in open source software community

We conduct a statistical analysis on the social networks of contributors in Open Source Software (OSS) communities using datasets collected from two most fast-growing OSS social interaction sites, Github.com and Ohloh.net. Our goal is to analyze the connectivity structure of the social networks of contributors and to investigate the effect of the different social tie structures on developers' overall productivity to OSS projects. We first analyze the general structure of the social networks, e.g., graph distances and the degree distribution of the social networks. Our analysis confirms that the social networks of OSS communities follow power-law degree distributions and exhibit small-world characteristics. However, the degree mixing pattern shows that high degree nodes tend to connect more with low degree nodes, suggesting collaborations between experts and newbie developers. Second, we study the correlation between graph degrees and the productivity of the contributors in terms of the amount of contribution and commitment to OSS projects. The analysis demonstrates evident influence of the social ties on the developers' overall productivity.
Assessing the Drivers of Short- and Long-Term Outcomes at Business Trade Shows

The trade show industry attracts millions of attendees every year, offering enormous opportunities for buyer–seller interactions and potential revenues for exhibitors. Business-to-business firms invest more than 20 % of their marketing budgets on trade shows, with a heavy emphasis on pre- and at-show marketing efforts to generate booth traffic, as well as post-show marketing efforts to close sales leads. However, a comprehensive overview of the impact and effectiveness of trade show marketing efforts on lead generation and sales conversion is missing. Extant models consider only single stages of the buying process and fail to account for heterogeneous marketing effectiveness across customers. This study therefore addresses the incremental effects of pre-, at-, and post-show marketing efforts on short- and long-term outcomes, with customer type as a potential moderator of marketing effectiveness. Attendee-level data from multiple shows attended by a Fortune 500 corporation provide initial empirical evidence of the joint effects of marketing activities during the three different phases. By documenting the impact of various marketing activities across purchase stages and customer types, this study can help managers assess the effectiveness of their trade show marketing activities.
Use of Local Group Information to Identify Communities in Networks

The recent interest in networks has inspired a broad range of work on algorithms and techniques to characterize, identify, and extract communities from networks. Such efforts are complicated by a lack of consensus on what a “community” truly is, and these disagreements have led to a wide variety of mathematical formulations for describing communities. Often, these mathematical formulations, such as modularity and conductance, have been founded in the general principle that communities, like a G(n, p) graph, are “round,” with connections throughout the entire community, and so algorithms were developed to optimize such mathematical measures. More recently, a variety of algorithms have been developed that, rather than expecting connectivity through the entire community, seek out very small groups of well-connected nodes and then connect these groups into larger communities. In this article, we examine seven real networks, each containing external annotation that allows us to identify “annotated communities.” A study of these annotated communities gives insight into why the second category of community detection algorithms may be more successful than the first category. We then present a flexible algorithm template that is based on the idea of joining together small sets of nodes. In this template, we first identify very small, tightly connected “subcommunities” of nodes, each corresponding to a single node’s “perception” of the network around it. We then create a new network in which each node represents such a subcommunity, and then identify communities in this new network. Because each node can appear in multiple subcommunities, this method allows us to detect overlapping communities. When evaluated on real data, we show that our template outperforms many other state-of-the-art algorithms.
Court Ordered Disclosure of Historical CellSite Location Information: The Argumentfor a Probable Cause Standard

Table of ContentsI. Introduction 1746II. The Technology of Cell Site Location Information 1752III. The Law Governing the Disclosure of CSLI 1754A. Statutory Framework 17541. The Pen Register Statute 17542. The Stored Communications Act 17553. The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act 1758B. Relevant Fourth Amendment Jurisprudence 17601. The Fourth Amendment Definition of "Search" ......... 17602. Assumption of the Risk 17613. The Tracking Beeper Cases 1763C. Real-time CSLI Jurisprudence: Widespread Rejection of the Hybrid Theory 1768IV. Historical CSLI: Arguments Surrounding the Proper Standard 1775A. Statutory Arguments 17751. Applying the SCA Alone to Historical CSLI 1775a. Applying the "Tracking Device" Definition 1775b. Is Historical CSLI "Records or Other Information" Under § 2703(c)? 17772. Revisiting the Hybrid Theory 17793. Understanding the CALEA and Its Legislative History 1780B. Fourth Amendment Jurisprudential Arguments 17821 . Is the Fourth Amendment Even Implicated? 1 7822. Assumption of the Risk 17843. The Tracking Beeper Cases 1786V. Proposed Solution: A Call to Congress 1788VI. Conclusion 1790I. IntroductionAlthough the inherent tension between technological development and individual privacy has long been a familiar source of legal conflict, the passage of time has intensified, rather than alleviated, this tension. Justice Brandeis, writing over eighty years ago in dissent in Olmstead v. United States,1 correctly predicted the progressive exacerbation of this tension, noting his expectation that the continued growth of electronic surveillance ultimately would undermine the protection of individual privacy:"[T] ime works changes, brings into existence new conditions and purposes." Subtler and more far-reaching means of invading privacy have become available to the Government. Discovery and invention have made it possible for the Government, by means far more effective than stretching upon the rack, to obtain disclosure in court of what is whispered in the closet.2Since then, this prediction has been vindicated - law enforcement agencies have continued to develop and take advantage of new technologies to assist their investigations, resulting in more intrusive invasions upon individual privacy.3 One of the most prevalent modem incarnations of this phenomenon is the availability and use of cell site location information (CSLI).CSLI derives from the process by which cellular phones communicate with nearby service towers.4 This process occurs continuously while aphone is turned on5 and without any action on the part of the phone's user.6 From this process, cellular service providers (CSPs) receive details regarding the tower locations relied upon by users, which in tum can provide a relatively detailed picture of those users' geographic whereabouts. …
Microdose computed tomographic cardiac angiography in normal cats

Abstract Objectives To determine if microdose contrast-enhanced multi-detector computed tomographic angiography (MDCTA) allows characterization of cardiac chambers in lightly sedated normal cats. Animals Seven healthy domestic cats. Methods Lightly sedated normal cats were imaged pre-contrast and with microdose (0.22 ml/kg of non-ionic iodinated contrast medium, 300 mg I/ml) triple-phase MDCTA in a motion restriction device. Results On pre-contrast images, the aorta (median: 52.43 Hounsfield units [HU], range 27.35–76.74 HU) was outlined by significantly ( p = 0.015) lower attenuating periaortic fat (−66.16 HU, −42.62 to −92.77 HU). On post-contrast images, median peak contrast enhancement in the right ventricle (111.77 HU, 36.09–141.60 HU) was achieved in 3.1 s (range 2.9–7.3 s), in the aorta (149.30 HU, 99.43–319.60 HU) and left atrium (180.83 HU, 88.53–266.84 HU) in 6.4 s (range 5.6–7.7 s) and in the left ventricle (147.89 HU, 57.23–245.77 HU) in 7.10 s (range 6.2–11.2 s). Significantly higher attenuation was measured between all chambers and walls, the right ventricular lumen and interventricular septum (median ratio 53.78 HU, range 0.21–83.20 HU), left ventricular lumen and left ventricular free wall (89.32 HU, 38.81–185.95 HU) and aorta and periaortic fat (190.43 HU, 143.22–425.44 HU) on post-contrast images. Conclusions Sufficient biological contrast is available on survey CT to discriminate between the aorta and the left atrium, and microdose MDCTA provides sufficient contrast enhancement for adequate visualization of the heart chambers in normal cats.
Three-dimensional dielectric photonic crystal structures for laser-driven acceleration

We present the design and simulation of a three-dimensional photonic crystal waveguide for linear laser-driven acceleration in vacuum. The structure confines a synchronous speed-of-light accelerating mode in both transverse dimensions. We report the properties of this mode, including sustainable gradient and optical-to-beam efficiency. We present a novel method for confining a particle beam using optical fields as focusing elements. This technique, combined with careful structure design, is shown to have a large dynamic aperture and minimal emittance growth, even over millions of optical wavelengths.
Blockade of the discriminative effects of morphine in the rat by naltrexone and naloxone.

The capacity of the specific narcotic antagonists naltrexone and naloxone to block the discriminative effects produced by morphine in the rat were evaluated using a two-choice, discrete-trial avoidance task. The antagonists produced a dose-dependent and time-dependent blockade of morphine's effects as measured by responding on the morphine-appropriate choice lever. Naltrexone and naloxone were equipotent when given subcutaneously concomitantly with subcutaneously administered morphine. However, when the antagonists were administered orally at 0, 2, 4 or 8 h prior to s.c. morphine, naltrexone was more potent than naloxone at every time point and had a duration of action at least twice that of oral naloxone. The discriminitive effects of the narcotic analgesics morphine and methadone were also compared after oral and subcutaneous administration. Both drugs produced dose-related discriminative effects and were one-tenth as potent by the oral as by the subcutaneous route of administration. These results suggest that the discriminative effects produced by morphine in the rat can provide an animal model for the quantitative evaluation of the narcotic antagonist properties of drugs that might be considered for use in narcotic antagonist maintenance programs for the treatment of narcotic addiction.
Psychology in the Public Service

Philip G. Zimbardo outlines the challenges and opportunities he faces as the American Psychological Association's (APA's) 110th president. This article expands on remarks made in his introduction to Patrick H. DeLeon's presidential address at the APA's 2001 annual convention in San Francisco, California. Appearing now, mid-term in his presidency, that vision is a working blueprint of his activities and what he hopes to accomplish in his remaining tenure: enhancing psychologists' pride in psychology; developing more productive relationships with all media as gatekeepers to the public; publishing the standard high school psychology textbook; developing a compendium of all psychological research that illustrates how psychologists have made a significant difference in improving various aspects of the quality of life of individuals, groups, communities, and the United States; and encouraging greater unity of purpose and respect among psychologists across their many diverse domains and specialties.
Mood and Cognition in Leucine-rich Repeat Kinase 2 G2019S Parkinson’s Disease

INTRODUCTION The behavioral and cognitive features of the leucine-rich repeat kinase G2019S mutation in Parkinson’s disease in the Ashkenazi Jewish population are not well described; therefore we sought to more systematically characterize these features using a semi-structured psychiatric interview and neuropsychological testing.
Trading Down: Africa, Value Chains, and the Global Economy. By Peter Gibbon and Stefano Ponte

(2006). Trading Down: Africa, Value Chains, and the Global Economy. By Peter Gibbon and Stefano Ponte. Economic Geography: Vol. 82, No. 4, pp. 453-454.
Sampling Biases in Studies of Gender and Schizophrenia

Gender differences in schizophrenia are of great interest to researchers, and some have recently concluded that female patients suffer from a more benign form of the illness. However, the research findings do not support this conclusion consistently, and some reports suggest greater impairment in female patients. In this article, we discuss the potential effects of sampling biases on the findings from studies that compare male and female patients. More specifically, we assume that females do manifest a less severe schizophrenic illness than males, and we propose that sex differences in severity thresholds for voluntary and involuntary treatment are contributing to inconsistencies in the research findings. Some other sources of sampling bias that may influence findings on gender differences are also discussed.
Incorporation of Metal Related Materials into Electrically Neutral Polymers

Developments in the field of metal-containing polymers are reviewed with emphasis on neutral polymers incorporating dissolved metal salts, metal complexes, organometallic compounds, and metals. Polymer systems discussed include: polyamides, polyimides, polyalcohols, polyesters, polyacetylene, polyethylene, and polysiloxane. Most of the studies focus on the modification of polymer properties such as adhesive properties, thermal behavior, electrical conductivity, polymer flammability, and mechanical properties.
The ultrastructure and enzymatic activity of the boa constrictor (Constrictor constrictor) skin during the resting phase.

The epithelium of the boa constrictor is shown to have five ultrastructurally distinct layers. These are a basal layer of relatively undifferentiated germinal cells and intermingled melanocytes; a differentiating layer of spinous cells, similar to mammalian spinous cells and containing specialized clear cells which may be in the process of maturation to α-layer cells; an α-layer composed of tightly packed 70 A filaments; a μɛσoc layer composed of amorphous material and electron lucent material which probably represents filaments; and a pigmented β-layer, consisting of tightly packed filaments and amorphous material with a sculptured outer layer (the Oberhautchen). The two lower layers contain mitochondria, ribosomes, occasional sacs of granular endoplasmic reticulum, small Golgi apparatuses, and bundles of 70 A filaments. The outer three layers contain only the specialized cell products. Enzymatic activity is limited to the two lower viable layers and the α-layer. Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, isocitric dehydrogenase, TPNH diaphorase, lactic dehydrogenase, and DPNH diaphorase show an intense activity in the clear cells. Dihydroorotic acid dehydrogenase is limited to the basal layer.
The use of plethysmography in determining the severity of lung pathology in a mouse model of minimally lethal influenza virus infection

To characterize the impact on lung function, we assessed plethysmography parameters in a course of infection with mouse-adapted A/Pennsylvania/14/2010 (H3N2) influenza virus. Several parameters, represented by enhanced pause (penh) and ratio of inspiratory/expiratory time (Ti/Te), were observed that had early (1-7dpi) and robust changes regardless of virus challenge dose. Other parameters, characterized by tidal volume (TV), breathing frequency (freq) and end inspiratory pause (EIP), changed later (7-15dpi) during the course of infection and had a virus challenge dose effect. A third category of lung function parameters, such as peak inspiratory flow, had early, virus challenge-independent changes followed by later changes that were challenge dependent. These parameters changed in a similar manner after infection with a non-mouse adapted virus, although the time-course of many parameters was delayed somewhat when compared with mouse-adapted virus. Histopathological assessment of lung samples corresponded with changes in lung function parameters. This study demonstrates the utility of plethysmography in assessing disease in a mouse model of mild influenza virus infection.