cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gated contact chains for process characterization in FinFET technologies

Contact Chain is a well known element of the diagnostic set of test structures used across many generations of silicon processes. Implementation of such test structures becomes challenging in new technologies with 3D devices, like FinFET. Contacts to active regions of such devices are inherently dependent on the architecture of epitaxial raised source and drain and for proper characterization require the presence of transistor gates, which set the environment for contacts. This paper describes examples of test structures for contact process development for FinFET technologies. Instead of simple chain of contacts, each structure contains a series of active devices with common gate electrode used to turn on the chain of transistors to enable measurement of chain resistance. To discriminate between chain failures caused by an open contact or by other mechanisms (e.g. bad transistor with very high threshold voltage) a series of measurement under various test conditions is performed and analysed to extract the contact failure rate. We also demonstrate the application of such structures in FinFET process characterization.
Subunit structure of chromatin and the organization of eukaryotic highly repetitive DNA: indications of a phase relation between restriction sites and chromatin subunits in African green monkey and calf nuclei.

Abstract The periodicities of the restriction enzyme cleavage sites in highly repetitive DNAs of six mammalian species (monkey, mouse, sheep, human, calf and rat) appear related to the length of DNA contained in the nucleosome subunit of chromatin. We suggest that the nucleosome structure is an essential element in the generation and evolution of repeated DNA sequences in mammals (Brown et al., 1978; Maio et al., 1977). The possibility of a phase relation between DNA repeat sequences and associated nucleosome proteins is consistent with this hypothesis and has been tested by restriction enzyme and micrococcal nuclease digestions of repetitive DNA sequences in isolated, intact nuclei. Sites for four different restriction enzyme activities, EcoRI, EcoRI∗, HindIII and HaeIII have been mapped within the repeat unit of component α DNA, a highly repetitive DNA fraction of the African green monkey. The periodicity of cleavage sites for each of the enzymes (176 ± 4 nucleotide base-pairs) corresponds closely to the periodicity (about 185 nucleotide base-pairs) of the sites attacked in the initial stages of micrococcal nuclease digestion of nuclear chromatin. In intact monkey nuclei, EcoRI-RI∗ sites are accessible to restriction enzyme cleavage; the HindIII and HaeIII sites are not. The results suggest (1) that, in component α chromatin, the EcoRI-RI∗ sites are found at the interstices of adjacent nucleosomes and (2) the HindIII and HaeIII sites are protected from cleavage by their location on the protein core of the nucleosome. This interpretation was confirmed by experiments in which DNA segments of mononucleosomes and nucleosome cores released from CV-1 nuclei by micrococcal nuclease were subsequently treated with EcoRI, EcoRI∗ and HindIII. A major secondary segment of component α, about 140 nucleotide base-pairs in length, was released only by treatment with HindIII, in keeping with the location of the HindIII sites in the restriction map and their resistance to cleavage in intact nuclei. EcoRI reduces calf satellite I DNA to a segment of about 1408 nucleotide basepairs. In contrast, restriction of calf satellite I DNA with EcoRI∗ produces six prominent segments ranging in size from 176 to 1408 nucleotide base-pairs. Treatment of isolated calf nuclei with either EcoRI or EcoRI∗ did not produce segments shorter than 1408 base-pairs, indicating that while canonical EcoRI sites are accessible to attack, the irregularly spaced EcoRI∗ sites are specifically blocked. The results are consistent with a phase relation between the repeat sequence of calf satellite I DNA and an octameric array of nucleosomes.
Phox2b expression in the aldosterone-sensitive HSD2 neurons of the NTS

The transcription factor Phox2b is necessary for the development of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). In this brainstem nucleus, Phox2b is expressed exclusively within a subpopulation of glutamatergic neurons. The present experiments in the adult rat were designed to test whether this subpopulation includes the aldosterone-sensitive NTS neurons, which express the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD2). Nuclear Phox2b was found in virtually all the HSD2 neurons (95-99%, n = 6 cases). Unlike the activity-related transcription factor c-Fos, Phox2b expression in the HSD2 neurons was not influenced by dietary sodium deprivation. The ubiquitous expression of Phox2b by the HSD2 neurons suggests that they are developmentally related to other Phox2b-dependent neurons of the NTS and that they release the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. This finding also suggests that human Phox2b mutations, which cause the central congenital hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS, also known as Ondine's curse), may also produce deficits in central aldosterone signaling and appetitive or autonomic responses to sodium deficiency.
Targeted Catalytic Inactivation of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme by Lisinopril-Coupled Transition-Metal Chelates

A series of compounds that target reactive transition-metal chelates to somatic angiotensin converting enzyme (sACE-1) have been synthesized. Half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) and rate constants for both inactivation and cleavage of full-length sACE-1 have been determined and evaluated in terms of metal chelate size, charge, reduction potential, coordination unsaturation, and coreactant selectivity. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA), and tripeptide GGH were linked to the lysine side chain of lisinopril by 1-ethyl-3-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide coupling. The resulting amide-linked chelate–lisinopril (EDTA–lisinopril, NTA–lisinopril, DOTA–lisinopril, and GGH–lisinopril) conjugates were used to form coordination complexes with iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper, such that lisinopril could mediate localization of the reactive metal chelates to sACE-1. ACE act...
Varenicline versus Bupropion XL for Smoking Cessation in Older Adolescents: A Randomized, Double-Blind Pilot Trial

Introduction: Despite tremendous potential public health impact, little work has focused on development of evidence-based smoking cessation treatments for adolescents, including pharmacotherapies. No prior studies have explored the feasibility and safety of varenicline and bupropion XL, 2 potentially promising pharmacotherapies, as smoking cessation treatments in adolescents.
Analysis of manufacturing systems via single-class, semi-open queuing networks

Although semi-open queuing networks (SOQNs) more accurately represent many problems encountered in manufacturing and logistical applications, they have not been as widely studied as open or closed queuing networks. The SOQN is a more realistic model of a system in many instances because it includes the time a customer waits outside the system. In this paper, we provide solutions for various single-class, SOQN models assuming multiple servers and general interarrival and service time distributions. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Economic impacts of extended grazing systems

Extended grazing is a management system in which the usual grazing season is lengthened by utilization of hay fields for pasture. Extended grazing systems are a low-input alternative to conventional systems to the extent that they decrease the reliance on inputs such as machinery and energy to harvest forage. Substituting pasturing for harvested forage can therefore potentially decrease production costs and enhance the profitability of livestock production. However, the farm-level economic impacts of such a substitution are not well known. This analysis quantifies these impacts for beef cow/calf production. Specifying alternative meadow management systems for different grasses and using an economic-engineering approach, we have found that extended grazing can be a more profitable option for cow/calf production. Other findings suggest that, in an extended grazing system, the type of meadow, the hay baling method and the associated hay spoilage level also have important effects on production costs and profitability.
Wetting and interfacial phenomena in relation to joining of alumina via Co/Nb/Co interlayers

Abstract When designing multilayer metallic interlayers for transient-liquid-phase (TLP) bonding of ceramics, the phenomena that occur at the interface between the liquid metal alloy formed at the joining temperature and the solid ceramic to be joined have a major effect on the success or failure of the joining process. To assess the behavior of liquids that could develop when using Co/Nb/Co trilayers to bond Al2O3 ceramics, the wettability and interfacial behavior of pure Co and Co–Nb alloys on sapphire and polycrystalline Al2O3 were studied. Contact angles were measured at 1500 °C using the sessile-drop technique, and the microstructures of the resulting metal/ceramic interfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Observations were assessed and evaluated in the context of predictions of thermodynamic properties. Additions of Nb to Co reduced the contact angle and thus improved the adhesion between the ceramic and metal. Nb additions also enhanced dissolution of Al2O3.
A spine layout design method for semiconductor fabrication facilities containing automated material‐handling systems

A bay configuration arranged along a central spine and served by an automated monorail material‐handling system are common designs for the layout and material‐handling system in new semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities. Investigates the facility design problem in semiconductor fabrication facilities and proposes a procedure to determine the optimal spine layout design, given a design of the material‐handling system. Explains and tests the procedure to demonstrate the use of the model for solving semiconductor facility design problems. The procedure is applicable for the important semicondutor industry as well as in other facilities that use a central spine layout configuration.
Gender Differences in Drinking Motivations and Outcomes

ABSTRACT To investigate gender differences in the dynaijiics of alcohol use, we gathered self-report data from male and female college students. Results of our experiment showed that dominance power motivations were correlated with negative drinking outcomes for both men and women; assertiveness power motivations were associated with negative outcomes only for women. For both sexes, a higher proportion of positive social motivations was associated with fewer negative drinking outcomes. We expect that, in addition to the more traditionally defined needs for dominance power shown to be important for drinking among men, women may use alcohol in relation to needs for assertiveness and self-expression.
Ways of looking ahead: Hierarchical planning in language production

It is generally assumed that language production proceeds incrementally, with chunks of linguistic structure planned ahead of speech. Extensive research has examined the scope of language production and suggests that the size of planned chunks varies across contexts (Ferreira & Swets, 2002; Wagner & Jescheniak, 2010). By contrast, relatively little is known about the structure of advance planning, specifically whether planning proceeds incrementally according to the surface structure of the utterance, or whether speakers plan according to the hierarchical relationships between utterance elements. In two experiments, we examine the structure and scope of lexical planning in language production using a picture description task. Analyses of speech onset times and word durations show that speakers engage in hierarchical planning such that structurally dependent lexical items are planned together and that hierarchical planning occurs for both direct and indirect dependencies.
My money or yours: house money payment effects

This paper reports the results of an experiment designed to study how subjects’ decision making may be affected by the timing of participation payments (or show-up fees). The experiment follows Davis et al. (J. Econ. 30:69–95, 2004) where subjects were asked to make a sequential purchase decision and were given the opportunity to purchase information about the value of a good prior to a decision to purchase the good itself. There, subjects purchased information less often than expected which was interpreted as risk-seeking behavior. Here, we test a payment hypothesis by varying the timing of the participation payment. Payment of a show-up fee before the decision-making stages of the experiment increases information purchase, which we interpret as an increase in risk-averse behavior.
Thyroid nodule classification using ultrasound elastography via linear discriminant analysis

The non-surgical diagnosis of thyroid nodules is currently made via a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. It is estimated that somewhere between 250,000 and 300,000 thyroid FNA biopsies are performed in the United States annually. However, a large percentage (approximately 70%) of these biopsies turn out to be benign. Since the aggressive FNA management of thyroid nodules is costly, quantitative risk assessment and stratification of a nodule's malignancy is of value in triage and more appropriate healthcare resources utilization. In this paper, we introduce a new method for classifying the thyroid nodules based on the ultrasound (US) elastography features. Unlike approaches to assess the stiffness of a thyroid nodule by visually inspecting the pseudo-color pattern in the strain image, we use a classification algorithm to stratify the nodule by using the power spectrum of strain rate waveform extracted from the US elastography image sequence. Pulsation from the carotid artery was used to compress the thyroid nodules. Ultrasound data previously acquired from 98 thyroid nodules were used in this retrospective study to evaluate our classification algorithm. A classifier was developed based on the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and used to differentiate the thyroid nodules into two types: (I) no FNA (observation-only) and (II) FNA. Using our method, 62 nodules were classified as type I, all of which were benign, while 36 nodules were classified as Type-II, 16 malignant and 20 benign, resulting in a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 75.6% in detecting malignant thyroid nodules. This indicates that our triage method based on US elastography has the potential to substantially reduce the number of FNA biopsies (63.3%) by detecting benign nodules and managing them via follow-up observations rather than an FNA biopsy.
Processability of flax plant stalks into functional bast fibers

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an agricultural crop that is being considered as cost effective alternative to glass in composites. Flax is nature's composite with strong bast fibers held together in bundles and located in the outer regions of the plant stem between the outermost cuticle-epidermis layer and the innermost, woody tissues. Agricultural production of this crop is environmentally beneficial because it is produced through photosynthesis and considered a naturally renewable and sustainable material. Its use in bio-based composites could help lessen our dependence on fossil fuels today and into the future. Despite the longevity of flax in world markets, particular problems exist to provide flax fiber economically for markets in the US and North America. Barriers to such provisions include consistent, high-quality retting methods, efficient processing of whole stems into cottonized fibers, and development of standards to judge fiber quality. Processability of plant stalks into usable fiber requir...
THE POTENTIAL OF MUNICIPAL YARD WASTE TO BE DENITRIFICATION BIOREACTOR FILL

The use of denitrification bioreactors to mitigate nitrate in agricultural drainage has recently gained much interest in the US Midwest and in other agricultural regions around the world. However, because this is a new technology, there are still many questions regarding bioreactor design and construction including uncertainty about denitrification carbon source material. The physical, chemical and biological properties of the utilized carbon media effect overall bioreactor performance through factors such as hydraulic conductivity, porosity, carbon: nitrogen ratio, and microbially available carbon. In selecting a carbon source material, there is an important balance between the optimal media properties, practicality, and material cost. The use of free material may help minimize material cost, but may not provide other sufficient media properties. To investigate this, pilot scale bioreactors were used to compare nitrate removal efficiency and media longevity of hardwood chips (summer #1) with free, municipal chipped storm debris (summer #2). Bromide tracer tests allowed comparisons between reactor hydraulics and buried bags of carbon media allowed for pre- and post-operation observations of the media. Initial results were confounded by flooding and operational problems in summer #2, but generally indicated the storm debris provided nitrate removal but also degraded over the period.
Transcription factors PU.1 and IRF4 regulate activation induced cytidine deaminase in chicken B cells

The chicken immunoglobulin (Ig) variable region is preceded by multiple pseudo genes. During B cell maturation, the Ig variable region is converted into various pseudo gene sequences, and the diversity of antigen binding site is expanded as a consequence. Ig gene conversion is initiated by a B cell-specific enzyme, activation induced cytidine deaminase (AID). The mechanisms that regulate AID expression and function during Ig gene conversion in chicken B cells are not fully elucidated. In this report, we show that the transcription factor PU.1 and its functional partner, IRF4, are involved in the expression of AID gene in chicken B cells, and the regulation may be mediated in part through a composite PU.1/IRF4 binding site near the AID promoter. Relative to IRF4, PU.1 appears to be more important for AID expression, implying additional IRF4 independent roles for PU.1. Besides regulating AID expression, PU.1 and IRF4 also bind to two composite PU.1/IRF4 binding sites in the Iglambda locus, and mutations in these binding sites reduce AID-mediated gene conversion. Moreover, AID-mediated gene conversion is impaired in IRF4 deficient cells, and the defect may be a consequence of both reduced AID expression and lack of IRF4 interaction at the Iglambda locus. Based on these observations, we propose that PU.1 and IRF4 regulate AID at two levels in chicken B cells: the expression of AID as well as its gene conversion function at the Iglambda locus.
On turbulent mass transfer near a liquid—fluid interface

Abstract The main contributions of the paper are: 1. 1. A renewal model is proposed in which one considers that the elements of liquid in contact with the interface have a micro hydrodynamic structure and are not ‘solid’ as in Danckwerts' theory. Instead of Higbie's penetration theory, the generalised penetration theory proposed by the author is used for obtaining information concerning the rate of mass transfer in each element of liquid. 2. 2. Arguments are adduced in support of a roll cell model superposed on the average motion. By using a time dependent velocity distribution compatible with such a description and solving the time dependent convective—diffusion equation, one obtains for the mass transfer coefficient an expression similar to that obtained by means of the renewal model. The renewal assumption is no longer made, but is a result of the assumed velocity distribution. 3. 3. A deterministic approach of turbulent mass transfer, by using for the time dependent velocity distribution almost periodical functions, is proposed. The approach is suggested by the fact that such types of functions have the disordered feature of turbulent fluctuations. The similarity between such a treatment and the statistical one (based on the distribution of times of contact with the interface) is stressed.
A frequentist approach to mapping under uncertainty

An asynchronous stochastic approximation based (frequentist) approach is proposed for mapping using noisy mobile sensors under two different scenarios: (1) perfectly known sensor locations and (2) uncertain sensor locations. The frequentist methodology has linear complexity in the map components, is immune to the data association problem and is provably consistent. The frequentist methodology, in conjunction with a Bayesian estimator, is applied to the Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) problem of Robotics. Several large maps are estimated using the hybrid Bayesian/Frequentist scheme and results show that the technique is robust to the computational and performance issues inherent in the purely Bayesian approaches to the problem.
The official journal for the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science (CANS).

As the current chair of the Steering Committee for CANS, I am thrilled to introduce Nursing Outlook as our official journal. CANS is an open membership entity of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), with the goals to: (1) be a strong voice of nurse scientists at the national and international levels; (2) support the development, conduct, and utilization of nursing science; and (3) facilitate lifelong learning opportunities for nurse scientists. Strategic direction for the Council is provided by a Steering Committee made of representatives from the 4 regional nursing research societies, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), the American Nurses Foundation (ANF), and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) (ex-officio). In light of the American Nurses Association’s decision to disband the Council of Nurse Researchers, AAN board members in the late 1990s recognized the need to create a national nursing research organization. Thus, CANS was established in 2000 to foster better health through nursing science. Conceived as a partnership with existing research groups or groups providing substantive researcher support, a consortium-type steering committee was convened to guide the Council. The founding steering committee from 2000-2002, chaired by Dr. Bill Holzemer (University of CaliforniaeSan Francisco), included representation from the 4 regional nursing research societies (Eastern, Midwest, and Southern Nursing Research Societies, and Western Institute of Nursing); the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; ANF; STTI; and the NINR (ex-officio). The Council agenda and operating logistics have evolved steadily through steering committee deliberations under the guidance of leading nurse scientists, including Lauren Aaronson, Marilyn Sommers, Margaret Heitkemper, and myself as AAN board-appointed
Enterocolic fistula due to a rectal stent: Case report and literature review

Abstract Introduction Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are successfully being used to acutely relieve obstructing colorectal cancers; yet, their use does not come without complications. Presentation of case We present a case in which a patient with a recurrent obstructing sigmoid carcinoma underwent colonic stenting for acute decompression. Two months after stent placement, an enterocolic fistula formed from erosion of the upper end of the stent. Discussion An extensive literature review revealed that fistula formation, as a complication of stent placement, is rarely reported. Presentation of the case is followed by a review of complications that may arise following SEMS placement, with a focus on enterocolic fistulae. To our knowledge, this work provides the most extensive review of the subject to date. Conclusion SEMS provide an effective, safe, and less invasive option for patients when used in the appropriate clinical context. Further reports of enterocolic fistulae as a complication of SEMS placement are necessary in order to better understand this potential adverse event.
Polyethylene crystallized under the orientation and pressure of a pressure capillary viscometer. Part I

High-density commercial polyethylenes have been crystallized under the combined orientation and pressure effects available in the Instron capillary rheometer. The samples so formed were found to ha...
Comparison of scenario reduction techniques for the stochastic unit commitment

A number of scenario reduction techniques have been proposed to make possible the practical implementation of stochastic unit commitment formulations. These scenario-reduction techniques aggregate similar scenarios based on their metrics, such as their probability, hourly magnitudes, or the cost resulting from each scenario. This paper compares these different scenario reduction techniques in terms of the resulting operating cost and the amount of time required to complete computation of the stochastic UC. This comparison is based on Monte Carlo simulations of the resulting generation schedules for a modified version of the 24-bus IEEE-RTS.
Generative Systems in Design

Generative research in design investigates compact representations that facilitate the rapid exploration of large design spaces. It includes among other things: rule-based systems, feature structures, and genetic algorithms. Generative systems are being applied to a variety of design problems from various disciplines including engineering, product design, and architecture. The objective is to further our understanding of the design operations and manipulations to create systems that better support the designers' activity.
Role of inferior temporal cortex in interhemispheric transfer.

Summary Neurons in inferior temporal cortex of the rhesus monkey usually have large receptive fields that extend well across the midline into both visual half-fields. The responsiveness of these neurons to stimuli in the ipsilateral visual half-field depends on the splenium and anterior commissure, the same pathways necessary for interhemispheric transfer of visual habits. Since inferior temporal neurons have the same trigger features in both half-fields and are usually binocular, they may be the site of the interhemispheric neural convergence that underlies interhemispheric transfer. If so, bilateral removal of inferior temporal cortex should interfere with interhemispheric transfer even when the commissures are intact. To test this, monkeys were trained on pattern discriminations with one eye and then tested for transfer with the other eye. Five experimental monkeys received bilateral inferior temporal lesions and, to restrict input from each eye to one hemisphere, section of the optic chiasm. Ten controls received either bilateral temporal lesions alone, chiasm section alone or remained unoperated. Only the experimental animals showed impaired transfer. These results suggest that inferior temporal neurons mediate interhemispheric transfer by providing perceptual equivalence for patterns in the left and right visual fields, and by implication, perhaps also for patterns in different parts of the same field.
The influence of pelagic habitat selection and interspecific competition on productivity of juvenile walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and capelin (Mallotus villosus) in the Gulf of Alaska

Here we investigate processes affecting productivity of capelin and walleye pollock in the Gulf of Alaska. We examine pelagic habitat selection by comparing the distribution of juvenile fish and their prey with oceanographic properties and we evaluate the potential for interspecific competition by comparing diets and measures of foraging. The primary field study was conducted in Barnabus Trough, Kodiak Island, Alaska, during September 2005. The distribution of fish was assessed acoustically and trawls were used to collect individual fish for stomach content analyses. Physical and biological data were collected with conductivity‐ temperature‐depth probes and zooplankton tows. Age0 pollock were distributed in cool waters offshore of a mid-trough front, coincident with the distribution of euphausiids, their preferred prey. In contrast, capelin and their prey (copepods) were distributed throughout the trough. We observed that sympatric capelin (occurring with pollock) often had reduced foraging success compared to allopatric capelin (occurring alone). Results of a bioenergetic model also suggest that the exclusion of capelin from foraging on euphausiids can have negative consequences for capelin growth.
Facebook Data Storage Centers as the Archive’s Underbelly

As the quintessential digital archive, Facebook no longer requires an introduction; its user-base is currently estimated at one billion profiles. On the front end, it is the epitome of the postmode...
Monte Carlo simulations of double-gate MOSFETs

A fullband Monte Carlo simulator has been used to analyze the performance of scaled n-channel double-gate (DG) MOSFETs. Size quantization in the channel is accounted for by using a quantum correction based on Schrodinger equation. Scattering induced by the oxide interface is included with a model calibrated with measurements for bulk devices. The detailed self-consistent treatment of quantum effects leads to several interesting observations. We observe that the sheet charge in DG devices does not decrease as much as expected in bulk devices when quantum-mechanical effects are included. The average carrier velocity in the channel is also somewhat reduced by quantum effects, as a second-order effect. In the test cases studied here, application of quantum effects causes a reduction in simulated current not exceeding 15%. In a DG structure, quantum effects tend to concentrate the charge density in the center of the channel, where transverse fields are lower. Because of this, interface scattering appears to be less pronounced when quantum effects are included.
Using Teacher Praise and Opportunities to Respond to Promote Appropriate Student Behavior

Teachers' successful provision of levels of support to prevent and reduce problem classroom behaviors requires skillful application of research-based classroom and behavior manage- ment strategies. Among others, 2 teacher-centered strategies have been shown to decrease students' inappropriate behaviors and increase their appropriate behaviors: the delivery of teacher praise as positive reinforcement for students' appropriate behavior and the provision of high rates of opportunities for students to respond (OTR) correctly to academic questions, tasks, or demands. Consis- tent and appropriate use of teacher praise and increased OTR may serve as an important 1st step to establish predictable and positive classroom contexts that promote successful primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention and intervention supports. The authors present guidelines for increasing teachers' effective use of praise and OTR as a preventative measure for reducing problem behavior and increasing appropriate behavior in urban classroom settings.
Efficient Solution of the Wigner–Poisson Equations for Modeling Resonant Tunneling Diodes

A more efficient and accurate discretization of the Wigner-Poisson model for double barrier resonant tunneling diodes is presented. This new implementation uses nonuniform grids and higher order numerical methods to improve the accuracy of the solutions at a significantly lower computational cost. Using the new implementation, devices with short and long contact regions are analyzed as well as the effect of a correlation length parameter that defines the degree of nonlocality effects. The results show that devices with longer contact regions reduce numerical inconsistencies present when modeling shorter devices, and that longer correlation lengths generally improve the correspondence of the numerical solutions with those typically expected from experimental measurement. These new numerical simulation tools will enable researchers to successfully apply the Wigner-Poisson model to describe electron transport in nanoscale semiconductor tunneling devices. More specifically, the computationally more efficient numerical algorithms presented will be shown to allow for the quantum-based studies of resonant tunneling devices useful as sources and detectors at very high frequencies (e.g., THz regime). These types of devices are very important for use in sensors and sensing systems where very long wavelength characterization capabilities are important (e.g., interrogation of chemical and biological systems) as well as an array of other electronics applications.
NOVEL TEMPLATED POLYPHENOL FOR IONIC CONDUCTIVITY

Phenolic polymers and phenol formaldehyde resins are of great interest for a number of electronic and industrial applications. Unfortunately, the toxic nature of the starting materials (formaldehyde) and harsh reaction conditions required for the synthesis of these polymers have severely limited their use in today’s markets. We present here an alternative, biocatalytic approach where the enzyme horseradish peroxidase is used to polymerize phenol in the presence of a template such as polyethylene oxide. Here the template serves as a surfactant that can both emulsify the phenol and polyphenol chains during polymerization and maintain water/solvent solubility of the final polyphenol/template complex. The reactants and the reaction conditions of this approach are mild and result in high molecular weight, electrically and optically active, water-soluble complexes of polyphenol and the template used. High molecular weight water-soluble polyphenol/polyethylene oxide complexes were formed. The ionic conductivity and potential use of these polymers as polyelectrolytes for battery and solution cell applications will be discussed.
Hunting of Mammals Reduces Seed Removal and Dispersal of the Afrotropical Tree Antrocaryon klaineanum (Anacardiaceae)

Throughout the tropics, mammalian seed dispersers are being driven to local extinction by intense hunting pressure, generating concern not only about the loss of these species, but also about the consequences for the plants they disperse. We compared two rain forest sites in Cameroon—one with heavy hunting pressure and one protected from hunting—to appraise the loss of mammalian seed dispersers and to assess the impact of this loss on seed removal and seed dispersal of Antrocaryon klaineanum (Anacardiaceae), a mammal-dispersed tree. Surveys of arboreal frugivores indicate that three of the five monkey species, as well as chimpanzee and gorilla, have been extirpated from the hunted forest. Diaspore counts underneath A. klaineanum adults (six trees per site) indicate that seed removal is severely reduced in the hunted forest. Finally, genetic maternity exclusion analysis (using 3–7 nuclear microsatellite loci) of maternally inherited endocarp tissue from diaspores collected under the canopies of 12 fruiting “mother” trees (six trees per site) revealed that seed dispersal in the hunted forest is also greatly reduced. In the hunted forest with reduced mammal dispersal agents, only 1 of the 53 assayed endocarps (2%) did not match the mother and was determined to be from a dispersed diaspore. By contrast, in the protected forest, 20 of the 48 assayed endocarps (42%) were from dispersed diaspores. This study provides strong evidence that loss of dispersal agents can lead to reduced seed removal and loss of seed dispersal, disrupting the seed dispersal cycle.
Time Flies When You’re Having Approach-Motivated Fun: Effects of Motivational Intensity on Time Perception

Time flies when you're having fun, but what is it about pleasant experiences that makes time seem to go by faster? In the experiments reported here, we tested the proposal that approach motivation causes perceptual shortening of time during pleasant experiences. Relative to a neutral state or a positive state with low approach motivation (Experiment 1), a positive state with high approach motivation shortened perceptions of time. Also, individual differences in approach motivation predicted shorter perceptions of time. In Experiment 2, we manipulated approach motivation independently of the affective state and showed that increasing approach motivation caused time to be perceived as passing more quickly. In Experiment 3, we showed that positive approach motivation, as opposed to arousal, shortens perception of time by comparing a highly arousing positive state with a highly arousing negative state. Shortening of time perception in appetitive states may prolong approach-motivated behavior and increase the likelihood of acquiring appetitive objects or goals.
Variability in the performance of the 7‐d Ceriodaphnia dubia survival and reproduction test: An intra‐ and interlaboratory study

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a 7-day Ceriodaphnia dubia survival and reproduction test for measuring the toxicity of effluents. This study evaluated the ease of performance and the intra- and interlaboratory variability of this 7-d test, using two reference toxicants (sodium chloride and potassium dichromate), two pulp and paper effluents, and two utility effluents Eleven different laboratories, representing academia, private industry, contractors, and the state EPA and federal EPA, participated in the study. The reference toxicants were tested twice during two separate test periods, and each industrial effluent was tested once. Using the EPA's criteria for a successful test (®80% survival and ® 15 young per female in controls), 56% of the 116 planned tests were completed as valid tests. Most tests were invalid because the laboratories were unable to initiate the tests successfully or because control survival was <80%. Seventy-eight percent of the tests that were initiated were successfully completed. Reproduction no-observed-effect-concentration (NOEC) values were generally somewhat lower than those for survival but had greater variability than survival NOEC values. The interlaboratory variability of the survival (LC50) and reproduction (IC50) results, expressed as the C V., ranged between 29.8 and 30.8% and between 28.9 and 39.0%, respectively. The study demonstrated that about half (56%) of the laboratories participating in the study were able to routinely complete the test successfully. Some of the laboratories experienced with other effluent toxicity tests were less prepared to complete this test successfully. Overall, the variability of the 7-d Ceriodaphnia tests that were completed was similar to the variability observed with other toxicity tests and with analytical chemistry measurements of environmental samples.
In vivo selective expression of thyroid hormone receptor α1 in endothelial cells attenuates myocardial injury in experimental myocardial infarction in mice

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the single most common cause of death. New approaches to enhance myocardial perfusion are needed to improve outcomes for patients with IHD. Thyroid hormones (TH) are known to increase blood flow; however, their usefulness for increasing perfusion in IHD is limited because TH accelerates heart rate, which can be detrimental. Therefore, selective activation of TH effects is desirable. We hypothesized that cell-type-specific TH receptor (TR) expression can increase TH action in the heart, while avoiding the negative consequences of TH treatment. We generated a binary transgenic (BTG) mouse that selectively expresses TRα1 in endothelial cells in a tetracycline-inducible fashion. In BTG mice, endothelial TRα1 protein expression was increased by twofold, which, in turn, increased coronary blood flow by 77%, coronary conductance by 60%, and coronary reserve by 47% compared with wild-type mice. Systemic blood pressure was decreased by 20% in BTG mice after TRα1 expression. No effects on heart rate were observed. Endothelial TRα1 expression activated AKT/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway and increased A2AR adenosine receptor. Furthermore, hearts from BTG mice overexpressing TRα1 that were submitted to 20 min ischemia and 20 min reperfusion showed a 20% decline in left ventricular pressure (LVP) compared with control mice where LVP was decreased by 42%. Studies using an infarction mouse model demonstrated that endothelial overexpression of TRα1 decreased infarct size by 45%. In conclusion, selective expression of TRα1 in endothelial cells protects the heart against injury after an ischemic insult and does not result in adverse cardiac or systemic effects.
‘Vs for to wepe no man may lett’: Accommodating Female Grief in the Medieval English Lazarus Plays

This article argues that the medieval English Lazarus plays attempt to resolve the inherent opposition between the residual practice of lament and the dominant Christian eschatology, redirecting and containing the potentially subversive ethos of this construction of female grief. The N-Town and Towneley plays construct mourning as a form of confinement, akin to sin, from which Christian faith provides release. The York play similarly acknowledges the centrality of the sisters’ mourning, even as it re-inscribes their grief as excessive and contrary to faith. In contrast, the Chester version characterizes the sisters as models of Christian humility, whose helplessness paradoxically endows them with the power to summon the son of God himself. Perhaps the most ambivalent representation of female grief, however, is in the characterization of the heroine of the Digby Mary Magdalene as tearless and firm in the face of her only brother’s death. As an aristocratic heroine, this stoic lady claims her superior social and spiritual status by not weeping. Instead, she acquiesces to the custom of hiring weepers to carry Lazarus to the grave, a practice that she places herself above. As the plays attempt to assimilate residual mourning practices to Christian eschatology, they also perform resistance to that teleology. On the one hand the cultural work done by these plays reinforces the gendered assumption that women are naturally more prone to excessive sorrow than men, and that grief itself is an excessive, feminine emotion. On the other hand, they acknowledge the resistant power of female grief, constructing it upon the underlying paradox that women’s tears are not only excessive and subversive, but also necessary and efficacious.
The Inhibitory Effect of Ghrelin on Sepsis Induced Inflammation is Mediated by the MAPK phosphatase-1

Hepatocellular dysfunction occurs early in sepsis and this appears to be caused by Kupffer cell derived TNF-α production from the liver as a result of the increased release of the sympathetic neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, from the gut. Ghrelin, a novel stomach-derived peptide, is downregulated in sepsis and administration of ghrelin into rodents decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, attenuates hepatic and other organ injuries and improves survival. Ghrelin’s beneficial effect in sepsis is mediated by the inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), as evidenced by the reduced gut-derived norepineprine (NE) release in sepsis after ghrelin treatment. Recent data suggest that MKP-1, the MAPK phosphatase-1, is involved in the innate immune responses. To determine that ghrelin’s beneficial effect in sepsis is mediated by MKP-1, rats were subjected to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) alone, or treated with ghrelin, beginning at 5h post-CLP and liver tissues were harvested and examined for MKP-1 mRNA and protein expression. CLP alone produced a significant decrease in MKP-1 gene expression in liver tissues at 20h after CLP (P<0.05). MKP-1 mRNA was decreased by 30–40% at 2h and 5h after CLP, but not statistically significant. MKP-1 protein expression was significantly decreased as early as 2h after CLP and remained low at 5–20h after CLP. While septic rats treated with vehicle produced significant decreases from sham rats, ghrelin treatment improved both mRNA and protein from vehicle group (0.58 ± 0.069 vs. 0.91 ± 0.16, P <0.05; 0.14 ± .027 vs. 0.22 ± 0.017, P=0.013), respectively. Since ghrelin’s inhibitory effect is mediated by the SNS, we hypothesized that NE treatment in Kupffer cells may downregulate MKP-1. Kupffer cells were treated with NE and examined for MKP-1. Treatment with NE for 60 min showed an average 46.9% decrease in MKP-1 mRNA expression compared to untreated cells (P<0.001). Likewise, NE treatment in RAW 264.7 cells produced significantly lower MKP-1 mRNA than that of control cells. To further confirm the effect of NE on MKP-1, normal rats were infused with NE for 2h through the portal vein and MKP-1 mRNA from the liver was examined. Infusion with NE produced a significant 73.7% decrease in MKP-1 mRNA. Therefore, ghrelin’s inhibitory effect on gut-derived NE release in sepsis leading to the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines is mediated by MKP-1.
Relative Dispersion of Catalytic Nanoparticle Additives and AP Particles in Composite Solid Propellant and the Effect on Burning Rate

This paper presents current work using nanoparticle metal oxides as catalytic additives in composite solid propellant. The nanoparticles were processed into agglomerated powders and incorporated into ammonium perchlorate (AP) and hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) propellants. Additive effectiveness was evaluated for different AP mass loadings and distribution. Burning rates were evaluated in a strand bomb at incremental pressures between 500-2000 psi for baseline formulations and formulations enhanced with 1% titanium oxide (titania). Additive effectiveness was found to be most sensitive to AP size distribution. Propellants containing portions of fine AP showed a smaller increase in burning rate from the additions of catalytic additives. The theory of relative dispersion between the dispersion of reactions created by the changing AP size and the dispersion of catalytic particles based on the agglomeration of the additives is introduced to explain the presented differences in additive effectiveness.
Theologies of Sexuality in English ‘Lollardy’

Using the records of heresy trials as well as the vernacular texts composed by English dissenters during the period 1381–1521, this article chronicles the development of Wycliffite and Lollard views about sexuality and lay and clerical marriage. John Wyclif's Latin writings reveal that he both professed caution about clerical marriage and articulated a culturally traditional theology of sexuality. Whereas his hesitation at the prospect of a married clergy gave way to enthusiasm among later dissenters, his ideas about lay sexuality resonated with dissenting and mainstream writers alike. The evidence calls further into doubt the view that Lollardy was an innovative movement with respect to issues of gender and sexuality.
Improving MAV pose estimation using visual information

We present a system to improve the estimation of MAV location and attitude by combining GPS, IMU and visual information in an unscented Kalman filter framework. Feature points are tracked and combined to create a homography matrix which is used as the measurement input to the filter. We present a novel method to transform uncertainty in feature tracking to uncertainty in the homography. Using a system developed with this framework, we present results which show that this method can substantially increase the accuracy of pose estimation, compared to GPS/IMU alone.
Containing the Outrage: How Police Power Tames the Occupy Movement

Published by Boston Review (web), November 2011. American protests about the economic crisis have been muted by comparison to those in Europe. The Occupy Wall Street protest that began in mid-September has inspired similar demonstrations throughout the country, and the movement as a whole may have helped to sharpen public opinion over the financial crisis and its consequences. But it has also demonstrated how hostile American politics has become to the very idea of mass, angry protest. After decades of increasingly sophisticated policing and changing notions about the boundaries of legitimate protest, public demonstration in the United States today is not only tamer than in Europe, but perhaps also tamer than at any time in the nation’s history.