cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding Trust amid Delays in Crowdfunding

Trust is essential for beginning and maintaining relationships online where assessing uncertainties and risks is difficult. While product delays have been shown to reduce trust in e-commerce settings, we understand little about the effect of delays on trust in the increasingly popular context of crowdfunding. In a mixed method study, we examine what factors influence backers' trust in crowdfunding when rewards are delayed. Based on in-depth interviews with crowdfunding participants, we found that a rich set of factors influenced backers' trust including backers' role identity and domain knowledge, backer's research on a creator's background, creators' communication during delays, and duration of delays. To better understand the factors affecting delays, we conducted a regression analysis with 4,089 delayed projects and found that the funding goal, number of backers, percent raised, number of reward levels, and creator's previous crowdfunding experience are associated with the duration of delay. We discuss design implications for managing delays and maintaining trust in crowdfunding.
The Status of the Conversation

This chapter analyzes the results of the three studies conducted in this book in the context of sports journalism’s “toy department” reputation, with attention to the substance and quality of the reporting about Jason Collins and Michael Sam’s coming out stories. Comments and insights from two prominent Sports Journalists, Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune and Cyd Zeigler of Outsports, are also included. Overall, the studies offer some evidence that Sports Journalists did attempt to address issues inherent with being a gay male professional athlete in a major team sport. However, being gay was also often presented as a distraction, especially in coverage of Sam.
Photophysical and Photoacoustic Properties of Quadrupolar Borondifluoride Curcuminoid Dyes

The synthesis and characterization of a series of donor-π-acceptor-π-donor (D-A-D) curcuminoid molecules is presented herein that incorporates π-extended aryl and electron-donating amino terminal functionalization. Computational evaluation shows these molecules possess quadrupolar character with the lowest energy transitions displaying high molar extinction coefficients with broad tunability through manipulation of terminal donating groups. Consistent with their quadrupolar nature, these molecules show varying degrees of solvatochromic behavior in both their absorption and emission spectra, which has been analyzed by Lippert-Mataga and Kamlet-Taft analysis. Photophysical and photoacoustic (PA) properties of these molecules have been investigated by the optical photoacoustic z-scan (OPAZ) method. Selected curcuminoid molecules display nonlinear behavior at a high laser fluence through excited state absorption that translates to the production of an enhanced photoacoustic emission. A relative comparison of "molar PA emission" is also presented with the crystal violet linear optical absorbing/linear PA emitting system being utilized as a standard reference material for OPAZ experiments. Furthermore, PA tomography experiments are presented to illustrate the enhanced PA contrast obtainable via an excited state absorption.
Automatic multicell identification using a compact lensless single and double random phase encoding system

We investigate the use of compact, lensless, single random phase encoding (SRPE) and double random phase encoding (DRPE) systems for automatic cell identification when multiple cells, either of the same or mixed classes, are in the field of view. A microscope glass slide containing the sample is inputted into the single or double random phase encoding system, which is then illuminated by a coherent or partially coherent light source generating a unique opto-biological signature (OBS) that is captured by an image sensor. Statistical features such as mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, entropy, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient are extracted from the OBSs and used for cell identification with the random forest classifier. With the exception of the correlation coefficient, all features were extracted in both the spatial and frequency domains. Experiments are performed with single random phase encoding and double random phase encoding, and system analysis is presented to show the robustness and classification accuracy of the random phase encoding cell identification systems. The proposed systems are compact, as they are lensless and do not have spatial frequency bandwidth limitations due to the numerical aperture of a microscope objective lens. We demonstrate that cell identification is possible using both the SRPE and DRPE systems. While DRPE systems have been extensively used for image encryption, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on using DRPE for automated cell identification.
Teachers' Emotions and Teaching: A Review of the Literature and Directions for Future Research

The purpose of this study is to review the limited literature on the emotional aspects of teachers' lives. First, a multicomponential perspective on emotions is described, then the existing literature on teachers' positive and negative emotions is reviewed and critiqued. Next is a summary of the literature suggesting that teachers' emotions influence teachers' and students' cognitions, motivation, and behaviors. Four areas for future research are proposed: management and discipline, adoption and use of teaching strategies, learning to teach, and teachers' motivation. An overview of research methods used in a multicomponential perspective on emotions is provided. This review draws on a variety of research literatures: educational psychology, social and personality psychology, educational sociology, and research on teachers and teaching.
Detection of endogenous 12-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid in human tear film.

Purpose Increased production of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [12(R)-HETE] and 12-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid [12(R)-HETrE] positively correlates with the in vivo progression of ocular surface inflammation in rabbits. Tear film was collected from human subjects with inflamed eyes to determine whether these eicosanoids could be detected from endogenous sources. Methods Control and inflamed eyes were assessed and assigned a subjective inflammatory score. Tears were collected and extracted with an internal standard. Single-ion-monitoring gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SIM-GC-MS) was performed to quantitate endogenous levels of 12-HETE and 12-HETrE. Results 12-HETrE was detected in the tear film of both control and inflamed eyes, with the mean level being seven times higher in inflamed tears. 12-HETE was not detected in control tears and was detected in only 6 of 38 inflamed-eye tear samples. Conclusions The current findings demonstrate that the human eye produces detectable amounts of 12-HETrE, which is released into the tear flow. The increased levels of 12-HETrE associated with ocular surface inflammation suggest that this eicosanoid may contribute to inflammation of the ocular surface in humans.
THE MECHANISMS OF ENERGIZATION OF SOLUTE TRANSPORT IN FUNGI

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the experimental developments that led to the present state of understanding of the mechanisms of energization of solute transport in fungi. In the plasma membrane of fungi, the primary cation pump is an electrogenic, proton-translocating ATPase, and most of the porters are protonspecific. Studies with everted plasma membrane vesicles isolated from Neurospora crassa have helped to establish this picture by demonstrating the existence of an electrogenic H+-ATPase and a Ca2+s/H+ antiporter in the isolated Neurospora plasma membranes. The progress toward understanding the transport mechanisms at the molecular level came with the development of a method for isolating Neurospora plasma membranes essentially free of other cellular constituents. It is difficult to devise a high-yield method for separating plasma membrane vesicles from all of the other cellular organelles and organellar fragments present in a typical cell lysate. With the fungi, which possess notoriously tough cell walls, this problem is compounded because of the harsh conditions that must be employed to break the cells. An additional problem arises from the unreliability of enzymatic markers for identifying the plasma membranes of a previously uncharacterized organism. In earlier studies, for Neurospora, these problems did not prove to be insurmountable. Plasma-membrane identification was accomplished using an impermeant surface-labeling reagent, the rigid cell-wall problem was solved by the use of a cell wall-less mutant, and the plasma-membrane vesicle heterogeneity problem was solved by stabilizing the plasma membrane against fragmentation and vesiculation with concanavalin A prior to cell lysis.
The Problematic of The Querist: Cynical Content and the Agistment Tithe Crisis:

The Querist is Berkeley’s main text in the field of political economy. It brilliantly previsions a new form of money, class relations, and banking, but it was an immediate political failure. Unlike the failure of his Proposal to found a College on Bermuda, he did not spend a decade struggling against its dismissal by the Anglo-Irish and English ruling circles. Immediately after the publication of The Querist’s third and final part of in 1737, Berkeley wrote some letters and an article in defense of the National Bank scheme The Querist’s pamphlets suggested, hoping to stir a debate in the Irish Parliament. He personally went to Dublin in the winter/spring of 1738 to lead a campaign for his Bank proposal in Parliament, but it was not even formally proposed as a bill. Aside from this single episode of absentee residence away from Cloyne, he made no “heroic” efforts for The Querist’s sake. By the winter of 1739–40, he had apparently renounced any attempt to influence Ireland’s political economy, and turned to a new scheme that saw him in the role of tar-water shaman for a suffering humanity.
Measurement and Predictive Value of Susceptibility to Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, Cigars, and Hookah Among Texas Adolescents

Susceptibility to cigarette smoking, defined as the lack of a firm commitment not to smoke in the future, begins in childhood and is a phase in the transition from never to ever use of cigarettes. While a consistent and validated predictor of cigarette use, little research has assessed whether the susceptibility construct applies equally well across other tobacco products. Baseline data were collected in 2014-2015 from a representative sample of (n = 2844) middle and high school students in five counties surrounding the four largest cities in Texas, (49% female and mean age 13.13 years, with subsequent waves at 6, 12, and 18 months. Confirmatory factor analysis examined the appropriateness of a three-item susceptibility measure (product-specific curiosity, intention to use, and peer influence) across product types and ethnic groups (Hispanic versus non-Hispanic). Logistic regression examined whether product specific susceptibility at baseline predicted future product initiation. At baseline, 11.5%, 17.0%, 17.4% and 29.4%, of adolescent never users were susceptible to cigars, cigarettes, hookah and e-cigarettes, respectively; significantly more Hispanic than non-Hispanic adolescents were susceptible to e-cigarettes (32.4% versus 26%, p < 0.01) and cigarettes (19.9% versus 13.9%, p < 0.05). Product-specific items were significantly and consistently associated with the respective underlying susceptibility product construct and across ethnic groups (p < 0.001 for all). Susceptibility to e-cigarettes (AOR = 2.28-6.64) or any combustible product (cigarettes, hookah, cigars; AOR = 3.38-5.20) significantly predicted subsequent ever use. This study confirms the appropriateness of the susceptibility construct across four tobacco product types and ethnic groups, and the utility of susceptibility in predicting future product use among adolescents.
Resolution of Symptomatic Lumbar Synovial Cyst After Traumatic Event.

Background Synovial cysts are most commonly found in the lumbar spine and are associated with low back pain and radiculopathy. Frequent use of imaging modalities has led to an increase in intraspinal synovial cyst identification. Treatment typically ranges from conservative measures to surgical decompression, but spontaneous resolution has previously been reported. Here, we present the first report of symptomatic lumbar synovial cyst resolution after a traumatic fall. Case Description We present a case of a symptomatic synovial cyst between the fourth (L4) and fifth (L5) lumbar vertebrae identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient presented with right paramedian back pain and right-sided L5 radiculopathy. She underwent unsuccessful trials of antiinflammatory agents and physical therapy. Less than 1 year since initial diagnosis, the patient sustained a mechanic fall followed by resolution of prior symptoms. A subsequent lumbar MRI revealed complete resolution of the intraspinal synovial cyst. Conclusions The diagnosis of synovial cysts are increasing in frequency due to their ease of identification with computed tomography and MRI. For cases of refractory pain and/or neurologic deficits, surgical decompression is usually necessary. In rare instances, synovial cysts may spontaneously regress or resolve secondary to other events. This is the first description of resolution after a traumatic fall. Due to limited data on this topic, this report may provide additional insight into the pathophysiology of synovial cyst formation and resolution.
Portal-drained visceral flux of nutrients in lambs fed alfalfa or maintained by total intragastric infusion.

An experiment was performed using lambs fitted with chronic indwelling catheters in appropriate blood vessels for portal-drained visceral (PDV) flux measurements. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate PDV nument flux in alfalfa-fed and intragastrically infused lambs and to evaluate the effects of amount of energy and N infused on PDV nument metabolism. Lambs were fed alfalfa or infused with 1.64 and 10.9; 1.82 and 12.3; or 2.37 and 15.0 Mcal GE and g N/d, respectively. Arterial concentrations and PDV fluxes of glucose, L-lactate, acetate and portal blood flow were not different (P > .lo) between alfalfa-fed and infused lambs. Net flux of a-amino N, ammonia N and branched-chain VFA were lower (P e .05) and net flux of propionate, butyrate and total VFA were higher for intragastric infusion vs alfalfa. No consistent differences in PDV fluxes were noted among the three levels of energy and N infused, although the energy and N levels tested were near maintenance requirements. Nitrogen retention increased as level of energy and N infusion increased. Approximately 47, 70 and 22% of ruminally infused acetate, propionate and butyrate, respectively, were found on a net basis in portal blood as VFA. Measurements of net nument utilization by the PDV that eliminate the influence of ruminal fermentation are possible. How the changes in PDV tissues due to intragasaic infusion influence these estimates is unknown.
“I Am a Conversation”: Gem Fusion, Privilege, and Intersectionality

Zolciak explores Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe in the context of intersectionality, specifically analyzing its depiction of gender, race, and sexuality. Using Jack Halberstam’s notion of Pixarvolt and Colin and Bilge’s definition of intersectionality, Zolciak suggests that although the show’s subject matter and themes are groundbreaking for a children’s show, it nevertheless employs a variety of stereotypes while meeting its progressive agenda. Considering race in conjunction with queerness, she analyzes specific episodes of Steven Universe in order to argue that the show still conforms to the type of suggested, rather than explicit, revolt defined by Halberstam. Zolciak demonstrates the failure of intersectionality in these episodes, and how the show ultimately reinforces and complicates stereotypes of Black women.
APA-Style Citations Can Create a Roadblock to Textbook Comprehension for Less Skilled Readers:

We examined the effect of in-text American Psychological Association (APA)-style citations on quiz performance as a function of structure building ability, measured by the Multi-Media Comprehension...
Genetic evidence for reconfiguration of DNA polymerase θ active site for error-free translesion synthesis in human cells

The action mechanisms revealed by the biochemical and structural analyses of replicative and translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerases (Pols) are retained in their cellular roles. In this regard, DNA polymerase θ differs from other Pols in that whereas purified Polθ misincorporates an A opposite 1,N6-ethenodeoxyadenosine (ϵdA) using an abasic-like mode, Polθ performs predominantly error-free TLS in human cells. To test the hypothesis that Polθ adopts a different mechanism for replicating through ϵdA in human cells than in the purified Pol, here we analyze the effects of mutations in the two highly conserved tyrosine residues, Tyr-2387 and Tyr-2391, in the Polθ active site. Our findings that these residues are indispensable for TLS by the purified Pol but are not required in human cells, as well as other findings, provide strong evidence that the Polθ active site is reconfigured in human cells to stabilize ϵdA in the syn conformation for Hoogsteen base pairing with the correct nucleotide. The evidence that a DNA polymerase can configure its active site entirely differently in human cells than in the purified Pol establishes a new paradigm for DNA polymerase function.
MetaGeneHunt for protein domain annotation in short-read metagenomes

The annotation of short-reads metagenomes is an essential process to understand the functional potential of sequenced microbial communities. Annotation techniques based solely on the identification of local matches tend to confound local sequence similarity and overall protein homology and thus don't mirror the complex multidomain architecture and the shuffling of functional domains in many protein families. Here, we present MetaGeneHunt to identify specific protein domains and to normalize the hit-counts based on the domain length. We used MetaGeneHunt to investigate the potential for carbohydrate processing in the mouse gastrointestinal tract. We sampled, sequenced, and analyzed the microbial communities associated with the bolus in the stomach, intestine, cecum, and colon of five captive mice. Focusing on Glycoside Hydrolases (GHs) we found that, across samples, 58.3% of the 4,726,023 short-read sequences matching with a GH domain-containing protein were located outside the domain of interest. Next, before comparing the samples, the counts of localized hits matching the domains of interest were normalized to account for the corresponding domain length. Microbial communities in the intestine and cecum displayed characteristic GH profiles matching distinct microbial assemblages. Conversely, the stomach and colon were associated with structurally and functionally more diverse and variable microbial communities. Across samples, despite fluctuations, changes in the functional potential for carbohydrate processing correlated with changes in community composition. Overall MetaGeneHunt is a new way to quickly and precisely identify discrete protein domains in sequenced metagenomes processed with MG-RAST. In addition, using the sister program "GeneHunt" to create custom Reference Annotation Table, MetaGeneHunt provides an unprecedented way to (re)investigate the precise distribution of any protein domain in short-reads metagenomes.
Decreasing rate of inpatient pediatric bipolar disorder diagnosis between 2005 and 2015

Abstract Introduction The rate of bipolar disorder (BD) diagnosis in youth increased between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s in the U.S. and remained low in other countries. The discrepancy resulted in concerns regarding misdiagnosis of BD. However, the longitudinal trajectory of BD diagnosis subsequent to the mid-2000s was unclear. Therefore, the current study assessed longitudinal changes in the rate of inpatient BD diagnosis in the state of Nevada between 2005 and 2015. Methods Data included Medicaid administrative billing claims (n = 48,108 unique admissions) for youth 5-17 hospitalized at one of five psychiatric inpatient hospitals in Nevada. Regressions assessed changes in the rate of diagnosis over time for BD and compared to depressive disorders (DD). Results The rate of BD diagnosis declined between 2005 and 2015. The rate of DD diagnosis remained stable for boys and increased substantially for girls during the same time period. Limitations Some individuals may have been repeatedly hospitalized throughout the study period and contribute more than one unique admission. Findings from this study were limited to a sample of Medicaid-insured youth in a single state. Conclusions The rate of mood disorder diagnosis in inpatient units is changing. The use of BD as a diagnosis is decreasing in Nevada which may reflect US trends nationally, though still high by international comparison. In contrast, DD increased for girls but not boys. Awareness of the current diagnostic trends for BD may assist inpatient administrators and clinicians in preparing for anticipated service utilization and planning allocation of resources.
Rendezvous Approach Guidance for Uncooperative Tumbling Satellites

The development of a Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) guidance algorithm for approaching uncooperative tumbling satellites has multiple purposes including on-orbit satellite servicing, space debris removal, asteroid mining, and on-orbit assembly. This paper develops a guidance algorithm within the framework of on-orbit satellite servicing, but is extendable to other mission scenarios. The author tests the algorithm in an RPO simulation with an uncooperative tumbling satellite near Geostationary Orbit (GEO) starting at a relative distance of 50 m and ending at a relative distance of 5 m. Due to the low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of autonomous (RPO) missions, first missions prefer to use flight proven technologies. This paper implements a guidance algorithm based on the flight proven Clohessy-Wiltshire (CW) and space shuttle glideslope equations which command a sequence of burns to close the distance between the servicer and client while matching the client satellite's rotation rate. The author validates the guidance algorithm through Monte Carlo (MC) analysis in a Three Degrees of Freedom (3DOF) simulation. Fuel use metrics characterize the sensitivity of the algorithm. Fuel consumption is measured by the total velocity changes, or ΔV, needed to complete the maneuvers. Cumulative ΔV sensitivity is measured against navigational uncertainty in the rotational axis to summarize the key requirements and trade-offs associated with implementing this algorithm.
Mass spectrometric based detection of protein nucleotidylation in the RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2

Summary Coronaviruses, like SARS-CoV-2, encode a nucleotidyl transferase in the N-terminal NiRAN domain of the non-structural protein (nsp) 12 protein within the RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) 1-3. Though the substrate targets of the viral nucleotidyl transferase are unknown, NiRAN active sites are highly conserved and essential for viral replication 3. We show, for the first time, the detection and sequence location of GMP-modified amino acids in nidovirus RdRP-associated proteins using heavy isotope-assisted MS and MS/MS peptide sequencing. We identified lys-143 in the equine arteritis virus (EAV) protein, nsp7, as a primary site of nucleotidylation in vitro that uses a phosphoramide bond to covalently attach with GMP. In SARS-CoV-2 replicase proteins, we demonstrate a unique O-linked GMP attachment on nsp7 ser-1, whose formation required the presence of nsp12. It is clear that additional nucleotidylation sites remain undiscovered, which includes the possibility that nsp12 itself may form a transient GMP adduct in the NiRAN active site that has eluted detection in these initial studies due to instability of the covalent attachment. Our results demonstrate new strategies for detecting GMP-peptide linkages that can be adapted for higher throughput screening using mass spectrometric technologies. These data are expected to be important for a rapid and timely characterization of a new enzymatic activity in SARS-CoV-2 that may be an attractive drug target aimed at limiting viral replication in infected patients.
Robustness of quantized transport through edge states of finite length: Imaging current density in Floquet topological versus quantum spin and anomalous Hall insulators

The authors use computational quantum transport to obtain images of charge current density within irradiated graphene as the realization of a time-dependent Floquet topological insulator.
Co-Evolution of Opioid and Adrenergic Ligands and Receptors: Shared, Complementary Modules Explain Evolution of Functional Interactions and Suggest Novel Engineering Possibilities.

Cross-talk between opioid and adrenergic receptors is well-characterized and involves second messenger systems, the formation of receptor heterodimers, and the presence of extracellular allosteric binding regions for the complementary ligand; however, the evolutionary origins of these interactions have not been investigated. We propose that opioid and adrenergic ligands and receptors co-evolved from a common set of modular precursors so that they share binding functions. We demonstrate the plausibility of this hypothesis through a review of experimental evidence for molecularly complementary modules and report unexpected homologies between the two receptor types. Briefly, opioids form homodimers also bind adrenergic compounds; opioids bind to conserved extracellular regions of adrenergic receptors while adrenergic compounds bind to conserved extracellular regions of opioid receptors; opioid-like modules appear in both sets of receptors within key ligand-binding regions. Transmembrane regions associated with homodimerization of each class of receptors are also highly conserved across receptor types and implicated in heterodimerization. This conservation of multiple functional modules suggests opioid–adrenergic ligand and receptor co-evolution and provides mechanisms for explaining the evolution of their crosstalk. These modules also suggest the structure of a primordial receptor, providing clues for engineering receptor functions.
Selenium isotope ratios, redox changes and biological productivity across the end-Permian mass extinction

Abstract The causes of the greatest mass extinction in Earth's history, in the latest Permian, remain actively debated. Here we use Se isotopes and abundances in marine sediments from an outer-shelf environment to test one of the most common hypotheses for the collapse of the biosphere, i.e. widespread euxinia in the open ocean. Our data show a small positive excursion in δ 82/78 Se prior to the extinction, consistent with local euxinia. However, this is followed by a significant negative excursion with a minimum of −1.8‰ (relative to NIST SRM 3149), immediately preceding the principal extinction horizon. A net fractionation of this magnitude likely resulted from partial reduction of Se oxyanions dissolved in the water column. Due to their low abundance, Se oxyanions are rapidly scavenged in anoxic basins or regions of high biological productivity with little net isotopic fractionation. We therefore interpret the uniquely negative fractionations in this section as an indicator for relatively oxygenated conditions in this marine basin at the time when biological productivity declined. The offset between the peak excursion and the major extinction horizon possibly reflects a slow-down in ocean circulation leading to nutrient limitation, which may thus have prohibited a rapid recovery of the local biosphere in the early Triassic. Although we are unable to extrapolate to the global ocean due to the short residence time of Se in seawater, our data are consistent with the newly emerging view that euxinia developed along ocean margins and in oxygen minimum zones before the extinction, but was probably replaced by (sub-)oxic conditions during the ~ 1 kyr peak productivity decline and was thus not solely responsible for the extinction event.
Circuit design techniques for on-chip power supply noise monitoring system

This paper describes the novel design of an on-chip noise-monitoring device, which can measure the power supply noise of each individual macro and determine the noise interference between different macros. A hierarchical noise-monitoring system is proposed to monitor and store the power supply noise information for core-based design, as part of the built-in-self-test system. The method can be further extended from system-on-chip to system-on-package to provide a complete coverage of noise testing methodology. The circuit of a properly-sized noise monitor has been simulated with the actual VDD and GND noise waveforms of a 4-GHz benchmark microprocessor to verify its functionality.
Web Usability Study: A Review

Usability study yields fruitful results. Many researchers have contributed to the various perspectives of usability study on information systems (Dzida, 1996; Fisher, 1999; Huang and Windsor, 1998). Usability is a field of research that investigates how easy it is to accomplish a variety of tasks with a specific tool or system. As the Web has penetrated into our daily life, Web usability has become a topic of concern. Although usability study on the Web does not have a long history compared to traditional usability study, some insightful and useful findings have been produced in this stream of research. Usability study of the Web is essential for business success and Web users’ satisfaction. Because the adequate amount of Web usability study exists, it allows us to think aloud about what we have learned in Web usability. In this study, we intend to gather articles pertaining to Web usability study in the past several years, synthesize them, identify research patterns, and point out gaps which can be used to further our knowledge in Web usability study. The study uses two methods to identify studies related to Web usability: abstract scanning and key-world search. The collection process is conducted using online journal databases, including ABI Inform, Business Index, Academic Index, EBOSCO, Business Search Premier, ACM Digital Library, and independent databases of publishers that publish relevant journals. The first method used to identify Web usability studies was abstract scanning. This is a time-consuming process, in which the authors painstakingly scanned every article title in MIS, Web, E-Commerce, Computer Sciences, and related journals published since 1997. The year 1997 was used as a cut-off point, because almost no relevant studies were found before 1997 in preliminary search of several major journals. The abstract scanning process involves two steps. The authors first read the title of an article to determine its relevancy. If the title seems to be related to Web usability, the abstract of the paper will be retrieved and read by the authors to make a determination. Due to the possibility that some Web usability studies may appear in journals not selected in the abstract scanning process, the authors also conducted a key word search on all the online databases used. As with any search engines, wording differences in keyword search will result in different outcomes. Thus, the selection of key words is critical. The initial key words used are obtained from the key word sections of articles identified using the abstract scanning method. Synonyms of the initial key words were also used. After articles were identified, we classified articles into the following categories: task, cultural differences, user satisfaction, and social relationships. Specifically, there are twenty articles are relating to the task issue in Web usability; eight papers are in the area of cultural difference in Web usability; nine works are devoted to user satisfaction and four papers fall in the category of on social relationship. Key findings in each of the four categories will be reported at the conference.
The White Earth Nation: Ratification of a Native Democratic Constitution

Review of: "The White Earth Nation: Ratification of a Native Democratic Constitution," by Gerald Vizenor and Jill Doerfler.
A Stochastic Analysis of a Brownian Ratchet Model for Actin-Based Motility and Integrate-and-Firing Neurons

In recent single-particle tracking (SPT) measurements on {\it Listeria monocytogenes} motility {\em in vitro}, the actin-based stochastic dynamics of the bacterium movement is analyzed statistically (Kuo and McGrath, 2000). The mean-square displacement (MSD) of the detrended trajectory exhibit a linear behavior; it has been suggested that a corresponding analysis for the Brownian ratchet model (Peskin, Odell, & Oster, 1993) leads to a non-monotonic MSD. A simplified version of the Brownian ratchet, when its motion is limited by the bacterium movement, is proposed and analyzed stochastically. Analytical results for the simple model are obtained and statistical data analysis is investigated. The MSD of the stochastic bacterium movement is a quadratic function while the MSD for the detrended trajectory is shown to be linear. The mean velocity and effective diffusion constant of the propelled bacterium in the long-time limit, and the short-time relaxation are obtained from the MSD analysis. The MSD of the gap between actin and the bacterium exhibits an oscillatory behavior when there is a large resistant force from the bacterium. The stochastic model for actin-based motility is also mathematically equivalent to a model for integrate-and-firing neurons. Hence our mathematical results have applications in other biological problems. For comparison, a continuous formalism of the BR model with great analytical simplicity is also studied.
Results and risk factors for recurrence following single-level tubular lumbar microdiscectomy.

Object The use of minimally invasive surgical techniques, including microscope-assisted tubular lumbar microdiscectomy (tLMD), has gained increasing popularity in treating lumbar disc herniations (LDHs). This particular procedure has been shown to be both cost-efficient and effective, resulting in outcomes comparable to those of open surgical procedures. Lumbar disc herniation recurrence necessitating reoperation, however, remains an issue following spinal surgery, with an overall reported incidence of approximately 3–13%. The authors' aim in the present study was to report their experience using tLMD for single-level LDH, hoping to provide further insight into the rate of surgical recurrence and to identify potential risk factors leading to this complication. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 217 patients who underwent tLMD for single-level LDH performed identically by 2 surgeons (J.B., R.H.) between 2004 and 2008. Evaluation for LDH recurrence included detailed medical chart revi...
A high efficiency 10 kWe microcogenerator based on an Atkinson cycle internal combustion engine

Abstract The paper focuses on the design and the overall performance of a 10 kW electric power microcogeneration plant suitable for local energy production, based on an Atkinson-cycle internal combustion engine prototype and entirely set by Istituto Motori of the Italian National Research Council. The engine was originally a wide-spread Diesel automotive unit, then converted into a methane spark ignition system and finally modified to perform an Atkinson/Miller cycle with an extended expansion, capable of a higher global efficiency and low gaseous emissions. The paper starts by defining the ratio which leaded to this specific choice among many other automotive and industrial engines, in order to obtain a reliable, long endurance, cost effective, high efficiency base, suitable for microcogeneration in residential or commercial applications. The new engine has been coupled with a liquid cooled induction generator, a set of heat exchangers and finally placed in a sealed containing case, to reduce both noise emission and heat losses. Then the plant has been tested as an electricity and heat production system, ready for grid connection thanks to a new designed management/control system. During endurance test a complete description of its functioning behaviour has been given.
Fracture mechanics parameters for compact bone—Effects of density and specimen thickness☆

Abstract Linear elastic fracture mechanics was used to study longitudinal crack propagation in bovine compact bone. The resistance to crack initiation in slotted specimens was examined by measuring both the critical stress intensity factor, K c , and the critical strain energy release rate, G c . A change in specimen thickness (from 0.185 to 0.380 cm) did not affect the value of K c (or G c ). A significant positive correlation ( P K c (or G c ) and dry density. A comparison of the experimentally determined effective modulus (relating K c and G c ) with an effective modulus calculated from the transversely isotropic model for bone showed good agreement.
Age-specific reference ranges for serum prostate-specific antigen.

Abstract Objectives To assess the relationship of the distribution of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to age in a population of subjects for whom PSA levels were determined as part of a health fair. Methods Between March 19 and March 28, 1993, 1716 men aged 40 to 79 years from eastern Nebraska who participated in “The Health Fair of the Midlands” provided blood for serum PSA determination. Results Serum PSA concentration was correlated with patient age, with the observed 95th percentile increasing from 1.5 ng/mL for subjects 40 to 44 years of age to 7.7 ng/mL for subjects 75 to 79 years of age. Variability in serum PSA concentrations increased with increasing age. Taking this heteroscedasticity into account provided the following upper limits of normal (95th percentiles) for serum PSA: age 40 to 49, 1.5; age 50 to 59, 2.6; age 60 to 69, 4.4; age 70 to 79, 7.5. Conclusions Previously published age-specific reference ranges did not consider the increasing variability of PSA concentration with age and have upper limits of normal that are too high for subjects under age 60 and may be too low for subjects aged 70 to 79. Upper reference ranges of 1.5 ng/mL for subjects aged 40 to 49, 2.5 ng/mL for subjects aged 50 to 59, 4.5 ng/mL for subjects aged 60 to 69, and 7.5 ng/mL for subjects aged 70 to 79 years provide specificity near 95%.
Use of Different Parameters and Equations for Calculation of IC50 Values in Efflux Assays: Potential Sources of Variability in IC50 Determination

Drug interactions due to efflux transporters may result in one drug increasing or decreasing the systemic exposure of a second drug. The potential for in vivo drug interactions is estimated through in vitro cell assays. Variability in in vitro parameter determination (e.g., IC50 values) among laboratories may lead to different conclusions in in vivo interaction predictions. The objective of this study was to investigate variability in in vitro inhibition potency determination that may be due to calculation methods. In a Caco-2 cell assay, the absorptive and secretive permeability of digoxin was measured in the presence of spironolactone, itraconazole and vardenafil. From the permeability data, the efflux ratio and net secretory flux where calculated for each inhibitor. IC50 values were then calculated using a variety of equations and software programs. All three drugs decreased the secretory transport of digoxin in a concentration-dependent manner while increasing digoxin’s absorption to a lesser extent. The resulting IC50 values varied according to the parameter evaluated, whether percent inhibition or percent control was applied, and the computational IC50 equation. This study has shown that multiple methods used to quantitate the inhibition of drug efflux in a cell assay can result in different IC50 values. The variability in the results in this study points to a need to standardize any transporter assay and calculation methods within a laboratory and to validate the assay with a set of known inhibitors and non-inhibitors against a clinically relevant substrate.
Effects of NMDA and calcium channel antagonists on regional cerebral blood flow

Abstract N- Methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) antagonists and voltage-dependent calcium channel antagonists were tested to determine potential effects on regional cerebral blood flow in the normal rabbit brain. Ketamine had no effects on cortical or hippocampal blood flow, but was found to significantly decrease blood flow in the inferior colliculus. MK-801 decreased blood flow in almost all regions of the brain tested. On the other hand, nimodipine significantly increased flow in the cortex, hippocampus, and tegmentum. Dextromethorphan and dextrorphan, which have been shown to act at the NMDA receptor as well as the dihydropyridine calcium channel, decreased blood flow in the inferior colliculus, but showed no effects in the cortex or hippocampus. These results suggest that the neuroprotective NMDA antagonists do not increase blood flow primarily in the normal brain.
Chronic electroshock: Effects on brain weight, brain chemistry, and behavior!

Minimum or maximum electroshock convulsions administered chronically to rats resulted in increased brain weight, total brain cholinesterase activity, total protein, and total acetylcholinesterase activity depending upon whether or not full convulsions were induced and on the frequency of their induction over a 17–20 week period. Convulsed rats made more errors in an underwater T-maze than rats given subconvulsive shocks or sham controls.
Protecting Kernel Code and Data with a Virtualization-Aware Collaborative Operating System

The traditional virtual machine usage model advocates placing security mechanisms in a trusted VM layer and letting the untrusted guest OS run unaware of the presence of virtualization. In this work we challenge this traditional model and propose a collaboration approach between a virtualization-aware operating system and a VM layer to prevent tampering against kernel code and data. Our integrity model is a relaxed version of Biba's and the main idea is to have all attempted writes into kernel code and data segments checked for validity at VM level. The OS-VM collaboration bridges the semantic gap between tracing low integrity objects at OS-level (files, processes, modules, allocated areas) and architecture-level (memory and registers). We have implemented this approach in a proof-of-concept prototype and have successfully tested it against 6 rootkits (including a non-control data attack) and 4 real-world benign LKM/drivers. All rootkits were prevented from corrupting kernel space and no false positive was triggered for benign modules. Performance measurements show that the average overhead to the VM for the OS-VM communication is low (7%, CPU benchmarks). The greatest overhead is caused by the memory monitoring module inside the VM: 1.38X alone and 1.46X when combined with the OS-VM communication. For OS microbenchmarks the slowdown for the OS-VM communication was 1.16X on average.
Prophylaxis against hepatitis B reactivation among patients with lymphoma receiving rituximab

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation occurs commonly in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, receiving rituximab-based therapeutic regimen. Guidelines from different organizations are not all in agreement with regard to screening and antiviral prophylaxis, given the limited evidence. Antiviral prophylaxis has been recommended for all HBV surface antigen-positive patients. Evidence for benefit from prophylaxis has recently been recognized among HBV surface antigen-negative/HBV core antibody-positive patients. Incidence of HBV reactivation varies in different geographical locations and the decision to start antiviral prophylaxis should consider local incidence data. Given the increased rates of rituximab-associated HBV reactivation and potentially fatal outcome, it is prudent that all patients who receive rituximab should be screened for HBV markers.
An Information Systems Design Theory for Collaborative ePortfolio Systems

An educational ePortfolio usually contains work that a student has collected, reflected on, constructed, and published to demonstrate personal learning and growth over time. This paper proposes Information Systems Design Theory for ePortfolio systems following the methodology by Walls et al. (1992). A new eportfolio system is designed based on the proposed ISDT. The research model is discussed and the evaluation is planned to examine users' perceived value of the new system, measured by usefulness as a tool, effectiveness in achieving users' goals, knowledge, learning, and social effects.
Relative performance of body fitted and fictitious domain simulations of flow through fixed packed beds of spheres

Abstract The relative performance of two numerical approaches involving body conforming and non-conforming grids for simulating porescale flow in complex configurations of fixed packed beds of spheres at moderate pore Reynolds numbers (12 ⩽ Re ⩽ 600) is examined. In the first approach, an unstructured solver is used with tetrahedral meshes which conform to the boundaries of the porespace. In the second approach, a fictitious domain formulation is used which employs non-body conforming Cartesian grids and enforces the no-slip conditions on the pore boundaries implicitly through a rigidity constraint force. Sphere to sphere contact points, where the fluid gap between solid boundaries becomes infinitesimal, are not resolved by either approach, but this is shown to have a negligible effect on the local flow field at the Reynolds numbers considered. Detailed grid convergence studies of both steady and unsteady flow through simple cubic packings indicate that for a fixed level of uncertainty, significantly lower grid densities may be used with the fictitious domain approach which also does not require complex grid generation techniques. This translates into large savings for simulation of flow through realistic packed beds, which is shown by both analytic estimates and actual CPU timings. The applicability of the fictitious domain approach is demonstrated by simulating unsteady flow through a randomly packed bed of 51 spheres at a pore Reynolds number of 600. The results are used to examine the dominance of helical vortices in the porescale flow field.
Introduction of new techniques for matching overlay enhancement

This paper discusses two new techniques that have been developed to improve overlay matching accuracy over multiple wafer scanners: Super Distortion Matching system (SDM) and Grid Compensation for Matching (GCM), and actual data from experiments performed using the techniques. Overlay matching errors can be divided into the two basic categories, intra-shot error and inter-shot error, which can be improved by SDM and GCM, respectively.
Spectrum line profiles: A generalized Voigt function including collisional narrowing

Abstract Reduction of collision-narrowed line profile functions to dimensionless form analogous to the standard form of the Voigt profile simplifies mathematical treatment. New quadratures are given which allow the efficient calculation of collision-narrowed profiles over the full physically realizable range of both collisional broadening and narrowing.
High speed photographic observation of flow patterns during flow boiling in single rectangular minichannel

The present study extends the range of flow patterns observed during boiling of water in a single minichannel of height 197 μm and width 1054 μm. The calculated hydraulic diameter of the channel is 333 μm. High-speed photography is used to obtain video images of the flow field. The top covers of the channels are made of Lexan to permit visual observation, while the minichannel is machined in a copper block heated with cartridge heaters. The flow patterns are studied as a function of mass flux, heat flux, and location along the flow channel length. The results provide important information regarding the boiling behavior in a single channel.Copyright © 2003 by ASME