cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The development of poled polyimide dielectric layers for simultaneous testing and light guiding applications in MCM-Ds

Abstract Noninvasive techniques for measuring electric field strengths in multichip module (MCM) substrates can be extremely important in determining ultimate module performance. Certain polymers such as polyimide exhibit an electro-optic response, after appropriate doping and poling, that permits direct measurement of the internal fields with a laser probe. We have built MCM circuit structures using electro-optic polyimides for the dielectric layer. We report thermal, electrical, optical, and electro-optic properties for these dielectric layers. The optical properties of doped and poled polyimides make them attractive for building optical waveguides. We report results for poled polyimide use in both multiple layer structures and optical waveguide formation, and recommend processing guidelines. Further development of doped and poled polyimides may permit optical and electrical interlayers on the same thin-film MCM-D structure.
Structure and dynamics of concentrated dispersions of polystyrene latex spheres in glycerol: Static and dynamic x-ray scattering

X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy and small-angle x-ray scattering measurements are applied to characterize the dynamics and structure of concentrated suspensions of charge-stabilized polystyrene latex spheres dispersed in glycerol, for volume fractions between 2.7% and 52%. The static structures of the suspensions show essentially hard-sphere behavior. The short-time dynamics shows good agreement with predictions for the wave-vector-dependent collective diffusion coefficient, which are based on a hard-sphere model [C. W. J. Beenakker and P. Mazur, Physica A 126, 349 (1984)]. However, the intermediate scattering function is found to violate a scaling behavior found previously for a sterically stabilized hard-sphere suspension [P. N. Segre and P. N. Pusey, Phys. Rev. Lett. 77, 771 (1996)]. Our measurements are parametrized in terms of a viscoelastic model for the intermediate scattering function [W. Hess and R. Klein, Adv. Phys. 32, 173 (1983)]. Within this framework, two relaxation modes are predicted to contribute to the decay of the dynamic structure factor, with mode amplitudes depending on both wave vector and volume fraction. Our measurements indicate that, for particle volume fractions smaller than about 0.30, the intermediate scattering function is well described in terms of single-exponential decays, whereas a double-mode structure becomes apparent for more concentrated systems.
Situationism, Normative Competence, and Responsibility for Wartime Behavior

In April of 2004, about a year after the start of the Iraq War, a story broke in the American media about the abuse of Iraqi detainees by American soldiers at the Abu Ghraib prison outside Baghdad.1 From the beginning, editorialists and science writers noted affinities between what happened at Abu Ghraib and Philip Zimbardo’s 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment.2 Zimbardo’s experiment is part of a body of data composing the situationist research in social psychology, which calls into question common assumptions about the relation between personality and behavior. In particular, situationists claim that the contexts in which agents act have a larger influence on behavior, and that personality traits have a smaller influence, than is ordinarily supposed. Recently, there has been increased interest among philosophers in research like Zimbardo’s and its potential for influencing ethical theories. This increase is due in part to the 2002 publication of John Doris’s Lack of Character, which contains important discussions of the philosophical implications of situationism. More recently, Doris and Dominic Murphy have argued that soldiers, including those at Abu Ghraib, often act under conditions of moral excuse because the situational pressures to which they are exposed impair their capacities for moral judgment. We will see that soldiers can be morally responsible for wartime behavior, even if their moral capacities have been substantially impaired.
Chemical Characterization of Endotoxic Lipopolysaccharide from Three Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

SummaryA chemical characterization of the endotoxin from three strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was undertaken to determine the relationships of the endotoxin of this microorganism to endotoxins from other species of gram-negative bacteria.Hydrolysis of the polysaccharide fraction of the endotoxin of P. aeruginosa yielded glucose, glucosamine, galactosamine, rhamnose, heptose, and ketodeoxyoctonate. Fatty acids identified as methyl esters in the lipid fraction were lauric, palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic; caprylic and capric acids also appeared to be present. Two additional minor fatty acid components which could not be positively identified could have been either fatty acids of 14 and 15 carbon chain lengths or hydroxylated fatty acids, β-Hydroxymyristic acid could not be detected.The endotoxin of P. aeruginosa appeared to have a backbone core polysaccharide similar to the Salmonella-Escherichia group of gram-negative bacteria. The polysaccharide comprising the core side chains of the endotoxin o...
Quantitative analysis of 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannbinol (THC-COOH) in urine by LC-MS/MS following a simple filtration.

Abstract Quantification methods utilizing liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) are common in clinical and forensic toxicology laboratories and the efficiency and rapidity of such methods continues to evolve. In most cases, urine drug confirmation does not require a drug extraction and can quickly and easily be accomplished with a dilution followed by sample filtration. The report describes the validation of a simple confirmation method for 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC–COOH) and compared two types of filter extraction columns for sample clean-up. The method achieved a linear range of 10–3000 ng/mL, acceptable bias (−4.7–2.6%) and precision (0.9–6.9%) and autosampler stability up to 72 h. Universal filter columns offered less variable recovery over the linear range and fewer matrix interferences compared to THC–COOH specific filter columns. Authentic specimens testing positive for THC–COOH by LC–MS/MS were in good agreement with typically used GC–MS methods.
ON THE RANGE OF RANDOM WALK

Let {S n , n=0, 1, 2, …} be a random walk (S n being thenth partial sum of a sequence of independent, identically distributed, random variables) with values inE d , thed-dimensional integer lattice. Letf n =Prob {S 1 ≠ 0, …,S n −1 ≠ 0,S n =0 |S 0=0}. The random walk is said to be transient if $$p = 1 - \sum {_{k = 1}^\infty f_k } > 0$$ and strongly transient if $$\sum {_{n = 1}^\infty } \sum {_{k = n + 1}^\infty f} _k< \infty $$ . LetR n =cardinality of the set {S 0,S 1, …,S n }. It is shown that for a strongly transient random walk with p<1, the distribution of [R n −np]/σ √n converges to the normal distribution with mean 0 and variance 1 asn tends to infinity, where σ is an appropriate positive constant. The other main result concerns the “capacity” of {S 0, …,S n }. For a finite setA inE d , let C(A=Σ x∈A ) Prob {S n ∉A, n≧1 |S 0=x} be the capacity ofA. A strong law forC{S 0, …,S n } is proved for a transient random walk, and some related questions are also considered.
Exemplifying the Inter-Disciplinary Nature of Visualization Research

This paper proposes an interdisciplinary design process for the development of novel visualization techniques and discusses requirements for ensuring that such a process results in effective techniques which meet the demands of a the target user base. In essence, we are attempting to make explicit the process by which many researchers implicitly design visualizations and urge for greater explicit collaborations between fields to improve the effectiveness of visualization design. This process is dependent on the application of cognitive psychology, art and architecture, domain experts, and target users. We discuss how such a wide and disparate group must work together in an integrated fashion within the design process. We lay out the process itself as well as typical design goals. Given the importance of perception, we highlight the impact of perception, and thus cognitive psychology, on the visual interpretation process.
Primal-relaxed dual global optimization approach

A deterministic global optimization approach is proposed for nonconvex constrained nonlinear programming problems. Partitioning of the variables, along with the introduction of transformation variables, if necessary, converts the original problem into primal and relaxed dual subproblems that provide valid upper and lower bounds respectively on the global optimum. Theoretical properties are presented which allow for a rigorous solution of the relaxed dual problem. Proofs of ∈-finite convergence and ∈-global optimality are provided. The approach is shown to be particularly suited to (a) quadratic programming problems, (b) quadratically constrained problems, and (c) unconstrained and constrained optimization of polynomial and rational polynomial functions. The theoretical approach is illustrated through a few example problems. Finally, some further developments in the approach are briefly discussed.
Expression of the Rickettsia prowazekii pld or tlyC Gene in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Mediates Phagosomal Escape

Members of the genus Rickettsia possess the ability to invade host cells and promptly escape from phagosomal vacuoles into the host cell cytosol, thereby avoiding destruction within the endosomal pathway. The mechanism underlying rickettsial phagosomal escape remains unknown, although the genomic sequences of several rickettsial species have allowed for the identification of four genes with potential membranolytic activities (tlyA, tlyC, pat1, and pld). This study was undertaken to determine which of the selected genes of Rickettsia prowazekii mediate the escape process. Quantitative ultrastructural analyses indicated that the period of active phagosomal escape was between 30 and 50 min postinfection. Reverse transcriptase PCR analyses determined that tlyC and pld were transcribed during the period of active phagosomal escape but that tlyA and pat1 were not. The functionality of both tlyC and pld was determined by complementation studies of Salmonella, which replicates within endosomes. Complementation of Salmonella organisms with either tlyC or pld resulted in the escape of transformants from endosomal vacuoles into the host cell cytosol demonstrated by quantitative ultrastructural analyses. These data suggest a role for tlyC and pld in the process of phagosomal escape by R. prowazekii.
The Microcomputer Control of Lyophilization

Un nouvel algorithme simple pour le controle de la lyophilisation a ete propose. Un traitement microinformatique de cet algorithme a ete teste. Il est montre que le temps de dessiccation primaire se trouve considerablement abaisse
Projection iterative reconstruction technique and optoelectronic implementation

An iterative reconstruction technique that is guaranteed to converge to the unique minimum-norm solution is proposed. The iterative algorithm allows the reconstruction of the cross-sectional image by simple projecting images between the image display and detector arrays iteratively without employing computation intensive operations, such as Fourier transforms, convolutions or interpolations. A high speed optoelectronic implementation of the algorithm is also presented. The closed-loop structure reduces distortions introduced in common optoelectronic systems. The structures can be built using off-the-shelf devices and were shown to result in high accuracy reconstructions. >
Ligand-controlled self-assembly of polynuclear lanthanide–oxo/hydroxo complexes: from synthetic serendipity to rational supramolecular design

Lanthanide ions and complexes occupy a special position in developing synthetic nucleases capable of catalyzing the hydrolytic cleavage of RNA or DNA. Stimulated by a number of serendipitous lanthanide complexes that feature the common active-site structure of dinuclear metallo-phosphodiesterases, rational design and synthesis of polynuclear lanthanide–hydroxo species via ligand-controlled hydrolysis of the lanthanide ions were attempted. The efforts yielded a series of highly sophisticated yet structurally well-defined lanthanide–hydroxo complexes. These materials are potentially applicable to the study of biomimetic catalysis of phosphate diester cleavage. Research highlights are described in this Feature Article.
Limitations on stratigraphic analyses due to incomplete age control and their relevance to sedimentary paleomagnetism

Abstract A major limitation in the analysis of physical quantities measured from a stratigraphic core is incomplete knowledge of the depth to age relationship for the core. Records derived from diverse locations are often compared or combined to construct records that represent a global signal. Time series analysis of individual or combined records is commonly employed to seek quasi-periodic components or characterize the timescales of relevant physical processes. Assumptions that are frequently made in the approximation of depth to age relationships can have a dramatic and harmful effect on the spectral content of records from stratigraphic cores. A common procedure for estimating ages in a set of samples from a stratigraphic core is to assign, based on complementary data, the ages at a number of depths (tie points) and then assume a uniform accumulation rate between the tie points. Imprecisely dated or misidentified tie points and naturally varying accumulation rates give rise to discrepancies between the inferred and the actual ages of a sample. We develop a statistical model for age uncertainties in stratigraphic cores that treats the true, but in practice unknown, ages of core samples as random variables. For inaccuracies in the ages of tie points, we draw the error from a zero-mean normal distribution. For a variable accumulation rate, we require the actual ages of a sequence of samples to be monotonically increasing and the age errors to have the form of a Brownian bridge. That is, the errors are zero at the tie points. The actual ages are modeled by integrating a piecewise constant, randomly varying accumulation rate. In each case, our analysis yields closed form expressions for the expected value and variance of resulting errors in age at any depth in the core. By Monte Carlo simulation with plausible parameters, we find that age errors across a paleomagnetic record due to misdated tie points are likely of the same order as the tie point discrepancies. Those due to accumulation rate variations can be as large as 30 kyr, but are probably less than 10 kyr. We provide a method by which error estimates like these can be made for similar stratigraphic dating problems and apply our statistical model to an idealized marine sedimentary paleomagnetic record. Both types of errors severely degrade the spectral content of the inferred record. We quantify these effects using realistic tie point ages, their uncertainties and depositional parameters.
Early Philadelphia Prisons: Amour, Alcohol, and Other Forbidden Pleasures

Philadelphia from the end of the Revolution until the mid-19th century was known worldwide for its innovations and ideals in the treatment of offenders. This article examines conditions, albeit for...
INSECT HERBIVORY INCREASES LITTER QUALITY AND DECOMPOSITION: AN EXTENSION OF THE ACCELERATION HYPOTHESIS

Herbivore alteration of litter inputs may change litter decomposition rates and influence ecosystem nutrient cycling. In a semiarid woodland at Sunset Crater National Monument, Arizona, long-term insect herbivore removal experiments and the presence of herbivore resistant and susceptible pinyon pines (Pinus edulis) have allowed characterization of the population- and community-level effects of herbivory. Here we report how these same two herbivores, the mesophyll-feeding scale insect Matsucoccus acalyptus and the stem-boring moth Dioryctria albovittella alter litter quality, dynamics, and decomposition in this ecosystem. We measured aboveground litterfall, litter chemical composition, and first-year litter decomposition rates for trees resistant and susceptible to both herbivores and for susceptible trees from which herbivores had been experimentally removed for 16–18 years. Both herbivores significantly increased nitrogen concentration and decreased lignin:nitrogen and carbon:nitrogen ratios of abovegrou...
Tidal volume and respiratory timing derived from a portable ventilation monitor.

Study objectives: To determine the accuracy of a portable magnetometer designed to measure tidal volume (VT), inspiratory time (TI), and expiratory time (TE). Participants: Fourteen healthy subjects. Design: Subjects breathed over a sixfold range of VTs while at rest (sitting and standing) and during treadmill exercise. We then compared VT ,T I, and TE measured by magnetometry (VTmag, TImag, and TEmag) with VT ,T I, and TE measured by spirometry (VTspiro, TIspiro, and TEspiro, respectively). Setting: Pulmonary function and exercise physiology laboratories. Measurements and results: The sternal-umbilical distance and the anteroposterior displacements of the rib cage and abdomen were measured with two pairs of magnetometer coils. VT was calculated from the sum of these three signals, and was simultaneously measured using a spirometer or flow meter. A total of 1,111 breaths were analyzed for the resting condition, and 1,163 breaths were analyzed for the exercise condition. We found that VTmag was highly correlated with VTspiro at rest (R 2 0.90) and during exercise (R 2 0.79) for pooled data. The slope of this relationship approached the line of identity. The mean percentage differences between VTmag and VTspiro were 10.1 6.6% at rest and 13.5 8.6% with exercise. By Bland-Altman analysis, the mean differences between VTmag and VTspiro were 38 mL at rest with changes in posture, and 182 mL during exercise. TImag and TIspiro values and TEmag and TEspiro values also were highly correlated (R 2 0.97 and R 2 0.95, respectively) for pooled data. Conclusion: A portable magnetometer system can give useful measures of VT ,T I, and TE over a wide range of VTs in sitting, standing, and exercising subjects. (CHEST 2002; 122:684 – 691)
Polymers in Preservation and Restoration: Two Examples

Two ‘families’ of polymers applicable to preservation and restoration are discussed: (i) polysiloxane networks generated by platinum catalyzed addition of vinyl silane precursors to hydrogenosilane precursors; and (ii) acrylic compositions generated by redox initiated polymerization of acrylic monomers in the presence of fine spherical acrylic polymer particles. In both cases the end result is achieved at temperatures between ambient and 60°C, and with negligible volumetric shrinkage.
The ecology of Paraphysomonas imperforata based on studies employing oligonucleotide probe identification in coastal water samples and enrichment cultures

The geographical distribution and seasonal abundance of the cosmopolitan heterotrophic flagellate Paraphysomonas imperforata in several coastal waters was examined using species-specific oligonucleotide hybridization probes which target small subunit ribosomal RNA. P. imperforata was found to occur in several coastal environments, but at very low abundances (typically ,50 cells ml 21 ). The seasonal abundance of P. imperforata examined at one sampling site remained consistently low and constituted no more than 1% of the total nanoplankton at any time during a 17-month sampling period. In contrast to the low abundances observed in natural water samples, P. imperforata frequently dominated heterotrophic enrichment cultures prepared from these same samples, comprising up to 98% of the total nanoplankton. Based on these findings, we conclude that P. imperforata is an opportunistic species capable of growing rapidly to high abundances when prey concentrations are high. Water and enrichment temperature as well as the temperature tolerance range of P. imperforata appear to have played a role in the seasonal differences observed in P. imperforata dominance. Experiments with enrichment cultures indicated that the absolute abundances of P. imperforata in the water samples and the activity of consumers of nanoplankton also influenced the degree to which P. imperforata dominated the heterotrophic nanoplankton assemblages of enrichment cultures. Seasonal changes in water temperature might also affect these latter factors, and, as a consequence, indirectly influence the ability of P. imperforata populations to dominate enrichments. Our results support the notion that enrichment cultivation of heterotrophic flagellates, and perhaps incubations in general, can select for species such as P. imperforata that may not be representative of nanoplanktonic protists that numerically dominate natural assemblages.
The Role of Vicarious and Anticipated Strain on the Overlap of Violent Perpetration and Victimization: A Test of General Strain Theory

Numerous studies have documented a relationship between criminal offending and violent victimization. That is, people who commit criminal behavior are also more likely to be victimized. As such, criminological theories traditionally used to explain criminal behavior have now been applied to explain victimization. The current study examines whether Agnew’s general strain theory can explain the offender-victim overlap using a nationally representative sample of males. Results show that vicarious strain is positive and significant in predicting both victimization and perpetration. Anticipated strain was found only to be significant and positive in predicting victimization, but not perpetration. The study’s limitations and future research are discussed.
Parallel task scheduling using the order graph method

This paper proposes a new approach for task scheduling of fully specified flow graphs (FSFG) on parallel processing systems. This new approach is based on the enumeration and manipulation of linear extensions identified from a FSFG. The objective is to obtain a multiprocessor schedule which meets a set of admissibility conditions (iteration period, number of processors, precedence, and non-preemption). Feedback and a system-wide iteration period for multiple input data streams are investigated. In addition, flexible models for communications and network topology are introduced to improve the reliability of generated multiprocessor schedules. The resulting order graph method for parallel task scheduling provides an effective, generalized mapping methodology for DSP multiprocessor systems. >
Rethinking the Role of the Middle Longitudinal Fascicle in Language and Auditory Pathways

The middle longitudinal fascicle (MdLF) was originally described in the monkey brain as a pathway that interconnects the superior temporal and angular gyri. Only recently have diffusion tensor imaging studies provided some evidence of its existence in humans, with a connectivity pattern similar to that in monkeys and a potential role in the language system. In this study, we combine high-angular-resolution fiber tractography and fiber microdissection techniques to determine the trajectory, cortical connectivity, and a quantitative analysis of the MdLF. Here, we analyze diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) studies in 6 subjects (subject-specific approach) and in a template of 90 DSI studies (NTU-90 Atlas). Our tractography and microdissection results show that the human MdLF differs significantly from the monkey. Indeed, the human MdLF interconnects the superior temporal gyrus with the superior parietal lobule and parietooccipital region, and has only minor connections with the angular gyrus. On the basis of the roles of these interconnected cortical regions, we hypothesize that, rather than a language-related tract, the MdLF may contribute to the dorsal "where" pathway of the auditory system.
Effects of GM1 Ganglioside Treatment on Dopamine Innervation of the Striatum of MPTP-treated Mice

GM1 ganglioside has been shown to stimulate repair of the nigrostriatal dopamine system after injury. This has been particularly evident in the mouse MPTP model of Parkinsonism. Systemic administration of GM1 has been shown to increase striatal dopamine levels and lead to increased density of substantia nigra pars compacta neurons after MPTP administration versus mice treated with MPTP and saline. The purpose of the present study was to assess regional changes in dopaminergic innervation of the striatum of mice treated with MPTP then GM1. Studies consisted of [3H] mazindol binding of dopamine uptake sites, postmortem striatal tissue dopamine levels, and peak dopamine release in response to KCl stimulation measured in vivo. Results showed that measures of dopamine innervation were significantly increased in most striatal areas in MPTP+GM1-treated mice compared to MPTP+saline-treated controls. The results indicate that GM1 treatment increases measures of dopaminergic innervation after an MPTP lesion, possibly through sprouting of new terminals or increased dopamine production and release from remaining terminals.
Specifying the correctness properties of model transformations

The correctness of a model transformation is central to the success of a model-driven software development process. A transformation can be said to have executed correctly if it resulted in the desired output model, but this requires a specification of what constitutes a desirably correct output. If we have this specification, and a framework to verify that it holds on a specific execution of the transformation, then that execution instance may be "certified correct". In this paper, we explore a technique to specify such a correctness, using a language framework that can easily be incorporated into a variety of domains. We will also see how these correctness criteria can be verified on instance models.
The impact of neonatal breast-feeding on growth trajectories of youth exposed and unexposed to diabetes in utero: the EPOCH Study

The impact of neonatal breast-feeding on growth trajectories of youth exposed and unexposed to diabetes in utero : the EPOCH Study
Magnesium isotope fractionation during precipitation of inorganic calcite under laboratory conditions

Abstract The Mg isotope composition of biogenic and inorganic carbonate bears on paleoclimate and paleooceanography studies because of the potential for constraining temperatures, so-called “vital” effects, and marine Mg fluxes. Previous work has shown that marine organisms produce a wide range of Mg isotope compositions that are species dependent, where Δ26/24Mgcarb-sol fractionations vary from −1‰ to −5‰ (e.g., Hippler et al., 2009 , GCA). Constraining Mg isotope fractionation during inorganic carbonate precipitation is important because this serves as a baseline with which to compare biogenic samples, as well as constrain Mg cycling in natural environments. We report Mg isotope fractionation factors between Mg-bearing calcite and aqueous Mg (Mg/Ca molar ratio between 3:1 and 13:1) from 20 free-drift and one chemo-stat experiment conducted at temperatures between 4 °C and 45 °C, for solutions buffered at P CO 2 between 0.038% and 3%. Pure CaCO3 seed crystals were used to promote the heterogeneous growth of carbonate from solution, and to minimize kinetic isotope effects associated with nucleation and rapid precipitation from strongly super-saturated solutions. Under these conditions, calcite overgrowths that contained 0.8–14.9 mol% MgCO3 precipitated on the seed crystals. The measured 26Mg/24Mg fractionation factors between Mg-calcite and solution (Δ26Mgcal-sol) are modestly correlated with temperature, changing from −2.70‰ at 4 °C to −2.22‰ at 45 °C. The fractionation factors are not correlated with experimental conditions (chemo-stat vs. free drift), Mg content of the overgrowth, P CO 2 , or the Mg/Ca ratio of the solution. The temperature-dependence of the Mg isotope fractionation is: Δ26Mgcal-sol=(−0.158±0.051)×106/T2−(0.74±0.56), where T is temperature in Kelvin. Fractionation of Mg isotopes in calcite is much less sensitive to temperature than oxygen isotope fractionation, which limits its application as a geothermometer. In contrast, the Mg isotope fractionations for biogenically precipitated Mg calcite vary greatly, suggesting its potential to discern “vital” effects in natural samples. Finally, the relatively small temperature effect on Mg isotope fractionation greatly simplifies use of Mg isotopes in modern or ancient marine systems to constrain Mg fluxes, including continental weathering.
White-collar fundamentalism: interrogating youth religiosity on Nigerian university campuses

Home historically to a politically engaged youth sector, Nigeria has, over the past two decades, witnessed a growing incidence of religious extremism involving educated youth, especially within university campuses. For all its important ramifications, and despite the continued infusion of social and political activity in the country by religious impulse, this phenomenon has yet to receive a systematic or coherent treatment in the relevant literature. This paper aims to locate youthful angst displayed by Nigerian university students within the context of postcolonial anomie and the attendant immiseration of civil society. Youth religious extremism on Nigerian campuses reflects both young people's frustration with national processes, and their perceived alienation from modernity's 'cosmopolitan conversation'.
Rapid determination of procainamide and its N‐acetyl derivative in human plasma by high‐pressure liquid chromatography

A rapid, specific, high-pressure liquid chromatographic method for the determination of procainamide and its N-acetyl derivative in plasma was developed. The procedure is fast enough (15 min from receipt of blood to reporting value) to be used for emergency determinations. The sensitivity, precision, and accuracy are sufficient for routine monitoring of therapeutic levels in patients. The assay is specific enough to be valid in the presence of a number of drugs and dietary substances present in clinical samples.
Classifying requirements: towards a more rigorous analysis of natural-language specifications

Requirements play a pivotal role in planning, selection, development, testing and operation of NASA's missions. Starting from mission objectives, requirements are successively decomposed into finer detail and ultimately allocated to individual components. This decomposition process is sometimes referred to as "requirements flowdown" between successive levels. The correctness of this decomposition is obviously critical to mission success: if a higher level requirement is improperly decomposed into lower level requirements, the subsequent development from that stage onwards will be jeopardized. A task to determine how to improve the rigor of requirements flowdown analyses has recently been completed. Since requirements continue to be written in natural language, the task focused on examining only natural language specifications for a JPL space mission system. One particular aspect of flowdown analysis examined was classifying requirements by type -subsetting a collection of requirements in this fashion may significantly reduce the effort required to analyze a flowdown by restricting the number of requirements analyzed at any one time, and may increase the accuracy of the flowdown analysis. The application of natural language processing techniques and machine learning techniques has resulted in classifiers that perform well in distinguishing between temporal and non-temporal requirements written in natural language. Such a capability could reduce the effort required to analyze requirements of a given type. Current plans call for extending this capability to improving automated tracing of related requirements and checking a set of related requirements for consistency
Tysnes Island - An unusual clast composed of solidified, immiscible, Fe-FeS and silicate melts

An inclusion found in the Tysnes Island gas-rich H4 chondrite is described. The clast consists of two distinct portions, separated by a smooth boundary; the portions are a tear-drop shaped Fe-FeS eutecticlike intergrowth (0.5 cm greatest dimension) and a silicate consisting primarily of olivine in glass. Nickel enrichment is found in the metal at the metal-sulfide boundaries and in nodules within the metal. It is thought that the portions separated from one another as immiscible liquids and that the modal composition of each portion agrees with the compositions predicted for a total melt of an H-group chondrite. The inclusion is discussed in terms of the process of metal-silicate fractionation suggested by Fodor and Keil (1976).
Slow Learning in the Market fopr Lemons: A Note on Reinforcement Learning and the Winner's Circle

A common result of experiments involving the “winner’s curse” is that it is very persistent; subjects tend to overbid repeatedly, even when this causes them to lose money. Why do people keep making the same mistakes over and over again? We consider a class of one–player decision problems which are a generalization of Akerlof’s [1] market–for–lemons model. We show that if decision makers learn via reinforcement, specifically by the reference point model of Erev and Roth [8], their behavior typically changes very slowly, and persistent mistakes are likely. We also develop testable predictions regarding when individuals ought to be able to learn quickly.
Climate Change: Overview of Data Sources, Observed and Predicted Temperature Changes, and Impacts on Public and Environmental Health

This chapter addresses the societal and the environmental impacts of climate change related to increasing surface temperatures on air quality and forest health. Increasing temperatures at and near the earth’s surface, due to both a warming climate and urban heat island effects, have been shown to increase ground-level ozone concentrations in cities across the U.S. In terms of forest health, elevated surface air temperatures and increased water stress are raising the possibility that forests world-wide are increasingly responding to warming climate conditions, which may lead to widespread tree mortality. The importance of climate datasets is also addressed, specifically as it relates to understanding the observed and predicted changes in surface temperatures at the global, regional and local scale.
Defects in mouse mammary gland development caused by conditional haploinsufficiency of Patched-1

In vertebrates, the hedgehog family of cell signaling proteins and associated downstream network components play an essential role in mediating tissue interactions during development and organogenesis. Loss-of-function or misexpression mutation of hedgehog network components can cause birth defects, skin cancer and other tumors. The mammary gland is a specialized skin derivative requiring epithelial-epithelial and epithelial-stromal tissue interactions similar to those required for development of other organs, where these interactions are often controlled by hedgehog signaling. We have investigated the role of the Patched-1 (Ptc1) hedgehog receptor gene in mammary development and neoplasia. Haploinsufficiency at the Ptc1 locus results in severe histological defects in ductal structure, and minor morphological changes in terminal end buds in heterozygous postpubescent virgin animals. Defects are mainly ductal hyperplasias and dysplasias characterized by multilayered ductal walls and dissociated cells impacting ductal lumens. This phenotype is 100% penetrant. Remarkably, defects are reverted during late pregnancy and lactation but return upon involution and gland remodeling. Whole mammary gland transplants into athymic mice demonstrates that the observed dysplasias reflect an intrisic developmental defect within the gland. However, Ptc1-induced epithelial dysplasias are not stable upon transplantation into a wild-type epithelium-free fat pad, suggesting stromal (or epithelial and stromal) function of Ptc1. Mammary expression of Ptc1 mRNA is both epithelial and stromal and is developmentally regulated. Phenotypic reversion correlates with developmentally regulated and enhanced expression of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) during pregnancy and lactation. Data demonstrate a critical mammary role for at least one component of the hedgehog signaling network and suggest that Ihh is the primary hedgehog gene active in the gland.
Dynamic changes in the transcriptome and methylome of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii throughout its life cycle

The green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii undergoes gametogenesis and mating upon nitrogen starvation. While the steps involved in its sexual reproductive cycle have been extensively characterized, the genome-wide transcriptional and epigenetic changes underlying different life cycle stages have yet to be fully described. Here, we performed transcriptome and methylome sequencing to quantify expression and DNA methylation from vegetative and gametic cells of each mating type and from zygotes. We identified 361 gametic genes with mating type-specific expression patterns and 627 genes that are specifically induced in zygotes; furthermore, these sex-related gene sets were enriched for secretory pathway and alga-specific genes. We also examined the C. reinhardtii nuclear methylation map with base-level resolution at different life cycle stages. Despite having low global levels of nuclear methylation, we detected 23 hypermethylated loci in gene-poor, repeat-rich regions. We observed mating type-specific differences in chloroplast DNA methylation levels in plus versus minus mating type gametes followed by chloroplast DNA hypermethylation in zygotes. Lastly, we examined the expression of candidate DNA methyltransferases and found three, DMT1a, DMT1b, and DMT4, that are differentially expressed during the life cycle and are candidate DNA methylases. The expression and methylation data we present provide insight into cell type-specific transcriptional and epigenetic programs during key stages of the C. reinhardtii life cycle.
Voices from the Shadows: The Lives of Korean War Brides

(1991). Voices from the Shadows: The Lives of Korean War Brides. Amerasia Journal: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 15-30.
Mass measurements of Mg 22 and Si 26 via the Mg 24 ( p , t ) Mg 22 and Si 28 ( p , t ) Si 26 reactions

Using a 33 MeV proton beam with our Enge split-pole spectrograph, we measured the ${Q}_{0}$ values of the $^{24}\mathrm{Mg}(p,t)^{22}\mathrm{Mg}$ and $^{28}\mathrm{Si}(p,t)^{26}\mathrm{Si}$ reactions relative to that of the $^{16}\mathrm{O}(p,t)^{14}\mathrm{O}$ reaction. Data were obtained at scattering angles of ${15}^{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}$ and ${25}^{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}$. Based on the masses of $^{24}\mathrm{Mg}$, $^{28}\mathrm{Si}$, $^{16}\mathrm{O}$, ${}^{14}O,p$, and t, we determined the mass excesses of $^{22}\mathrm{Mg}$ and $^{26}\mathrm{Si}$ to be \ensuremath{-}400.5(1.0) and \ensuremath{-}7139.5(1.0) keV, respectively. Our result for the mass of $^{22}\mathrm{Mg}$ is in excellent agreement with recent high-precision measurements.
Numerical Simulation of Hypersonic Boundary Layer Receptivity and Stability on Blunt Circular Cones

The accurate prediction of laminar-turbulent transition in hypersonic boundary layers is a critical part of the aerodynamic heating analyses on hypersonic vehicles. Since 1950s, extensive wind-tunnel and flight-test experiments on boundary layer transition and a number of stability experiments have been conducted for hypersonic flows over circular cones [1, 2]. Schneider [1, 2] did an extensive review of the existing literature on these experiments for both flight test and wind tunnel experiments. Though many of these experiments did not measure transition mechanisms and were carried out in noisy wind tunnels, the experimental studies have led to better understanding of the effects on transition of many parameters, including nose bluntness, Mach number, freestream noise, surface and stagnation temperatures, freestream unit Reynolds numbers, cone half angles, angles of attack, and surface roughness, etc. Nevertheless, so far, the effects of many of these parameters on transition are still not well understood.
In situ X-ray near-edge absorption spectroscopy investigation of the state of charge of all-vanadium redox flow batteries.

Synchrotron-based in situ X-ray near-edge absorption spectroscopy (XANES) has been used to study the valence state evolution of the vanadium ion for both the catholyte and anolyte in all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRB) under realistic cycling conditions. The results indicate that, when using the widely used charge–discharge profile during the first charge process (charging the VRB cell to 1.65 V under a constant current mode), the vanadium ion valence did not reach V(V) in the catholyte and did not reach V(II) in the anolyte. Consequently, the state of charge (SOC) for the VRB cell was only 82%, far below the desired 100% SOC. Thus, such incompletely charged mix electrolytes results in not only wasting the electrolytes but also decreasing the cell performance in the following cycles. On the basis of our study, we proposed a new charge–discharge profile (first charged at a constant current mode up to 1.65 V and then continuously charged at a constant voltage mode until the capacity was close to the the...
Survey of Research and Literature Related to the Competitive Advantage of the Commercial Space Industry in the Global Market

As the space industry transforms from a government-driven to market-driven industry, it is increasing critical that the U.S. retain not only an indigenous space manufacturing and operations capability, but also a globally competitive industry. The commercial space industry is an essential component of the U.S. economy as a whole with the Federal Aviation Administration Office of Commercial Space Transportation reporting that the commercial space transportation and enabled industries generated $208.3 billion in economic activity and employed over one million workers in 2009. Initial interest in the development of spacebased systems and vehicles focused on enhanced national security capabilities and exploration initiatives for national prestige during the Cold War-era. Space technologies rapidly evolved into "dual-use" technologies that are vital enablers of commercial functions as well as products sold in the global market. The focus of this paper is an analysis of existing research and literature related to the competitive advantage of the U.S. commercial space industry. Existing studies and literature explore and assess a range of variables influencing the competitive nature of U.S. space firms in the areas of space transportation, satellite manufacturing, ground systems, telecommunications, remote sensing, and related industries. Variables studied to date include international and domestic agreements and regulation, government policies related to industry development through acquisition, import and export restrictions (e.g. International Traffic in Arms Regulations), privatization of government systems for commercial operation, and labor concerns related to the availability of space experts. It is critical to the continued success of the U.S. commercial space industry that predictor variables influencing industry growth and competitiveness outcomes in the global market are identified and characterized such that firms may appropriately manage business threats and opportunities. This paper will present an overview of existing literature and identify knowledge gaps.
Functional Flexibility in Women's Commitment-Skepticism Bias

If a woman overestimates her romantic partner's commitment, the cost to her fitness—reproduction without an investing partner—can be considerable. Error Management Theory predicts that women have an evolved bias to be skeptical of men's commitment in a relationship, which reduces the likelihood of making a costly false positive error. However, because error probabilities are inversely related, this commitment-skepticism bias simultaneously increases the likelihood of missed opportunities, or false negatives. False positives when gauging a partner's commitment are the more costly error for women, but missing an opportunity to secure a genuinely high-quality mate can also be quite costly. We predicted and found that women's mating cognitions are functionally flexible, such that women do not exhibit the commitment-skepticism bias when faced with behavioral evidence that a male partner is willing to commit (Study 1). This suggests that relationship-enhancing behaviors are one contextual cue that may lessen th...
Explaining Political Knowledge: The Role of Procedural Quality in an Informed Citizenry

While much is known about the micro-level predictors of political knowledge, there have been relatively few efforts to study the potential macro-level causes of knowledge. Seeking to improve our un...
Despite Pyhsicists, Proof is Essential in Mathematics.

Soulevant la question du statut de la preuve mathematique, l'A. montre que la decouverte et la justification d'importants resultats mathematiques ont ete realisees avant d'en etablir la preuve reelle. Mesurant l'interraction des mathematiques avec la physique theorique et la theorie du champ quantique, l'A. etablit un lien entre le caractere prometheen des mathematiques dans le domaine des sciences et le caractere essentiel de la preuve pour les mathematiques
Coming Out into a Hostile World: The Politics of Adult Queer Visibility and Power

Chapter 4 discusses the state of contemporary queer America and, in light of vastly expanded legal rights, what it may mean for adult queers.
Reporting Crimes to the Police Depends on Relationship Networks: Effects of Ties Among Victims, Advisors, and Offenders.

A victim’s decision to report a crime to the police is typically made after talking with someone else, usually a friend or relative, but sometimes a stranger. The advice this person gives depends p...
The impact of system factors on patient perceptions of quality of care

The Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program is a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative that rewards hospitals with incentive payments for the quality of care they provide to patients with Medicare instead of the quantity of procedures they perform. Although the VBP program has direct implications toward both patients and hospitals, no research has been reported in the literature addressing how hospitals can enhance patients' experience of care. This research uses systems modeling to improve the patient experience of care considering the eight dimensions in the Hospital VBP. A case study is presented that considers three intensive care units from a hospital located in central Texas. The simulation results show that strategies such as having a quick patient discharge process greatly benefit the hospital in terms of how patients perceive quality of care as measured by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey.
Participatory risk network analysis: A tool for disaster reduction practitioners

Abstract Disaster risk is the product of a complex set of networked processes. Development professionals often use participatory tools to help understand disasters. However, such tools are not designed to capture the interconnections that shape risk. Using flooding in the slums of Freetown, Sierra Leone, as a case study, this article demonstrates how the tools of network analysis can be employed to develop network maps using participatory datasets and discusses the utility of such displays in designing interventions to reduce risk. The article suggests that networked approa ches to risk analysis are uniquely suited to capturing the intricate processes that shape disaster risk and can provide a path forward for developing policies and interventions that seek to address complex phenomena. The article includes an Appendix A with instructions for those seeking to conduct participatory network analysis.