cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AIS Security Investment to Mitigate Hacking Risk: The Role of Attitudes, Perceived Norms, and Outcomes

Data breaches experienced by companies such as TJX, Equifax, and Target underscore the importance of accounting information system (AIS) security protection. However, the cost of necessary security may be prohibitive, forcing CFOs to make difficult financial and moral tradeoffs. Our 2x2 randomized experiment varies both the scenario CFO’s investment decision (invest/not) and organizational outcomes (positive/negative). Participant managers judge the scenario CFO’s behavior and make intentions to invest in security themselves. Our findings indicate that perceptions about peers and society drive participant investments in AIS. We also find that as organizational outcomes move from unfavorable to favorable, participants are more forgiving of scenario CFO noninvestment gambling, display weakened moral reasoning, and conveniently alter their investment decisions in lockstep with altered perceptions about how peers and society would behave. In contrast, independent thinkers display strengthened moral reasoning and consistent investment in security patterns irrespective of outcomes.
Power, Preference, and Delegation in the Governance of the Internet

I situate the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and its regulatory framework in the broader debate over international organizations in international law. Existing theories of international law often focus on delegation and principal-agent theories to explain both the existence and functions of international organizations. Using these theoretical lenses, I explore the unusual case of ICANN and in particular its “multistakeholder” regulatory model, in which a wide variety of actors, not just governments, regulate central aspects of the complex global resource we know as the Internet. I argue that while ICANN began as a standard story of delegation to a technically-sophisticated agent, it morphed into something much closer to the creation of a trustee. In part, that shift was driven by the fear that multilateral control of the Internet—that is, control via a conventional state-led international organization such as the International Telecommunications Union—would throttle the Internet as we know it. The U.S. government, fearing this multilateral outcome, chose to relinquish its contract and double down on multistakeholder regulation. The experience of ICANN is not only important for understanding the present and future of Internet regulation; it is also relevant for broader shifts underway in international law from multilateral processes to multistakeholder processes.
Exploiting a key transcriptional dependency: ZMYND8 and IRF8 in AML

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Cao et al. (2021) report that AML cells are specifically addicted to an IRF8-MEF2D gene expression network. Furthermore, they identify a chromatin reader, ZMYND8, as the upstream regulator of the IRF8-MEF2D program whose activity is critical for AML cell survival.
The cultural influences of narrative content on consumers’ perceptions of helpfulness:

The rapid development of text analytics enables marketers to obtain the information extracted from the narrative content in user-generated content (UGC). Recent studies have also demonstrated that ...
Do Options Contain Information About Excess Bond Returns

There is strong empirical evidence that risk premia in long-term interest rates are time-varying. These risk premia critically depend on interest rate volatility, yet existing research has not examined the impact of time-varying volatility on excess returns for long-term bonds. To address this issue, we incorporate interest rate option prices, which are very sensitive to interest rate volatility, into a dynamic model for the term structure of interest rates. We estimate three-factor affine term structure models using both swap rates and interest rate cap prices. When we incorporate option prices, the model better captures interest rate volatility and is better able to predict excess returns for long-term swaps over short-term swaps, both in- and out-of-sample. Our results indicate that interest rate options contain valuable information about risk premia and interest rate dynamics that cannot be extracted from interest rates alone.
Bifurcating effects of hope and support in short- and long-term health outcomes among primary care patients without mental illness

Rationale Adverse life events and stressors can lead to symptoms, increased alcohol intake, and impaired functional status, while hope and social support can mitigate such adverse effects. Yet, there is reason to question such simple, linear relationships among healthy adults. The purpose of this study was to assess whether short-term or long-term changes in alcohol intake, psychological symptoms or functional status were better modelled as cusp catastrophic or linear processes among primary care patients without mental illness. Methods This secondary analysis of a study on the stability of psychological symptoms among primary care patients without mental disorders included 38 subjects who completed baseline, and 2-month and/or 6-month assessments of psychological symptoms, functional status and stressors as well as hope and social support. The analyses modelled short-term and long-term changes in alcohol intake, psychological symptoms and functional status using cusp catastrophe (CCM) and linear modelling. Results Overall, four of the nine 2-month analyses found CCM superior to linear models; however, only one 6-month analysis (alcohol intake) found that CCM was superior. The 2-month cusp phenomena included both symptomatology and functional status. The asymmetry variables were often not significant in the CCM models; in fact, only distress was significant at all. While hope was a significant bifurcation variable at both the 2-month and 6-month levels, social support was a significant bifurcation variable for three of the four 2-month CCMs. Conclusion In conclusion, while 6-month outcomes were rarely explained through CCM, half of 2-month outcomes were. Hope and support demonstrated bifurcation effects.
ICFAX, an integrated circuit failure analysis expert system

An expert system to aid in the analysis of failed integrated circuits has been developed. The integrated circuit failure analysis expert system (ICFAX) captures a substantial portion of the procedural knowledge necessary to successfully analyze CMOS integrated circuit failures. ICFAX is designed to apply generically to all types of CMOS ICs. ICFAX also contains general information on how to analyze components as well as product specific information, including schematics, layout plots, product specifications, and fabrication data. The expert system centralizes textual and graphical knowledge about failure analysis, increasing the analyst's productivity and ability to determine the failure. >
Information hiding, anonymity and privacy: a modular approach

We propose a new specification framework for information hiding properties such as anonymity and privacy. The framework is based on the concept of a function view, which is a concise representation of the attacker's partial knowledge about a function. We describe system behavior as a set of functions, and formalize different information hiding properties in terms of views of these functions. We present an extensive case study, in which we use the function view framework to systematically classify and rigorously define a rich domain of identity-related properties, and to demonstrate that privacy and anonymity are independent. The key feature of our approach is its modularity. It yields precise, formal specifications of information hiding properties for any protocol formalism and any choice of the attacker model as long as the latter induce an observational equivalence relation on protocol instances. In particular, specifications based on function views are suitable for any cryptographic process calculus that defines some form of indistinguishability between processes. Our definitions of information hiding properties take into account any feature of the security model, including probabilities, random number generation, timing, etc., to the extent that it is accounted for by the formalism in which the system is specified. Partially supported by ONR grants N00014-02-1-0109 and N00014-01-1-0837 and DARPA contract N66001-00-C-8015.
Temperature and moisture transient flow electrification measurements of transformer pressboard/oil insulation using a Couette facility

To simulate the flow electrification processes in transformers, a 'Couette facility' has been developed, where transformer oil fills the annulus between coaxial cylindrical electrodes which can be bare metal or covered with transformer pressboard. Rotation of the inner cylinder provides controlled turbulent flow. This turbulent mixing transports electric charge from the electrical double layer at the liquid/solid interfaces to the oil volume. Measurements of the volume charge density are performed using an absolute charge sensor, which brings a sample of fluid from the turbulent core into a Faraday cage. In this facility, the temperature can be controlled from 15 degrees C to 140 degrees C and vacuum drying is used to reduce the moisture level below 1% in the pressboard. The oil conductivity and moisture content can be monitored continuously. Transient measurements with a step change in temperature have shown that the volume charge density follows the temperature. >
Chiral superfluid States in hybrid graphene heterostructures.

We study the ``hybrid'' heterostructure formed by one sheet of single-layer graphene (SLG) and one sheet of bilayer graphene (BLG) separated by a thin film of dielectric material. In general, it is expected that interlayer interactions can drive the system to a spontaneously broken-symmetry state characterized by interlayer phase coherence. The peculiarity of the SLG-BLG heterostructure is that the electrons in the two layers have different chiralities. We find that this difference causes the spontaneously broken-symmetry state to be $N$-fold degenerate. Moreover, we find that some of the degenerate states are chiral superfluid states, topologically distinct from the usual layer ferromagnetism. The chiral nature of the ground state opens the possibility to realize protected midgap states. The $N$-fold degeneracy of the ground state makes the physics of SLG-BLG hybrid systems analogous to the physics of $^{3}\mathrm{He}$, in particular given the recent discovery of chiral superfluid states in this system.
In Vivo Imaging of Caenorhabditis elegans Glycans

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an excellent model organism for studies of glycan dynamics, a goal that requires tools for imaging glycans in vivo. Here we applied the bioorthogonal chemical reporter technique for the molecular imaging of mucin-type O-glycans in live C. elegans. We treated worms with azidosugar variants of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), and N-acetylmannosamine (ManNAc), resulting in the metabolic labeling of their cell-surface glycans with azides. Subsequently, the worms were reacted via copper-free click reaction with fluorophore-conjugated difluorinated cyclooctyne (DIFO) reagents. We identified prominent localization of mucins in the pharynx of all four larval stages, in the adult hermaphrodite pharynx, vulva and anus, and in the tail of the adult male. Using a multicolor, time-resolved imaging strategy, we found that the distribution and dynamics of the glycans varied anatomically and with respect to developmental stage.
Relation of linguistic communication abilities of Alzheimer's patients to stage of disease

A battery of linguistic communication (L-C) tasks was administered to 152 Alzheimer's disease patients in different stages of the disease and 60 normal elders. Subject performance data are used to construct a profile of L-C deficits by disease stage, as determined by ratings on the Global Deterioration Scale. Specification also is made of the L-C tasks on which mild Alzheimer's patients perform like normal elders, the relative difficulty of various L-C processes, the disease stage in which the greatest change occurs in L-C functions, and the degree of variation in L-C for individuals at a particular level of dementia severity.
Roses are red, violets are blue... [sky colour]

The author considers why the sky appears blue. Features of Rayleigh scattering are mentioned as are features of the human visual system. A demonstration for classroom use is also mentioned briefly.
Optically induced inductance modulation of a Nb coil

We have designed and tested an optically driven inductance modulator, for use as part of a 1/f noise reduction scheme for SQUID magnetometers. The modulated element is a Nb coil photolithographically patterned on a 6x6 mm silicon chip. The coil is covered by three cocentric superconducting washers, patterned from a layer of PbInAu deposited above the Nb. Leads from the washers extend to a meander region directly below an optical fiber, which is coupled to a diode laser. With the laser off, the superconducting washer loops diamanetically shield the coil, and the coil has a low effective inductance. With the laser on, the meander is driven normal and the superconducting washer loops are open, greatly reducing the shielding. The coil then has a high effective inductance. The inductance is measured using a SQUID connected to the coil. Using this method, we have modulated the coil inductance from 2 (mu) H to nearly 20 (mu) H. By using four of these inductance modulators, we plan to fabricate a low- noise chopping network at the input of a SQUID, which can be used to reduce the 1/f noise in SQUID measurements.
Irrational exuberance and stock market valuations: evidence from China

This paper evaluates the fundamental efficiency of stock market valuations in China. Utilizing a panel data set constructed by the author of all Chinese listed firms for the 1992-1999 period, this study finds that stock valuations in China deviate significantly from underlying firm-level fundamentals. Specifically, the worse that firms perform, the higher are their valuation ratios. Given the significance of the stock market for allocating investment funds in China, the findings from this paper suggest that China's stock market development might produce an inefficient resource allocation and cause detrimental effects on the real economy.
Compelling Yet Unreliable Theories of Sustainability

Abstract Theories of sustainability in American architecture are contingent upon a number of compelling yet unreliable claims that condition the discourse and practice of sustainability. This article identifies illustrative examples of these claims and discusses their importance today. The intent is to emphasize the cogent aspects of these claims while also discerning other approaches to sustainability. The major conclusion is that teaching technics and the expansion of the concept of context constitutes the most productive means for the advancement of sustainable practices.
Epilithic and epipelic diatoms in the Sandusky River, with emphasis on species diversity and water pollution

Benthic diatom communities were collected seasonally from silty and rocky substrates to survey the water quality of the Sandusky River. Even though species composition was highly variable along the river, recurrent changes in relative abundance of specific diatom taxa and changes in overall community composition delineated areas where discharge of treated sewage affected water quality of the river. Changes in species diversity (Shannon formula), not decreases in diversity, marked the site where greatest pollution had occurred. Problems with using species diversity indices to indicate pollution tend to be related to predicting decreases in diversity in response to decreases in water quality. Evidence in the Sandusky River and the theories of diatom community dynamics suggest that species diversity can be greater in polluted areas than less polluted areas.
Microtubule Binding Proteins CLIP-170, EB1, and p150Glued Form Distinct Plus-End Complexes

Microtubule plus-end proteins CLIP-170 and EB1 dynamically track the tips of growing microtubules in vivo. Here we examine the association of these proteins with microtubules in vitro. CLIP-170 binds tubulin dimers and co-assembles into growing microtubules. EB1 binds tubulin dimers more weakly, so no co-assembly is observed. However, EB1 binds to CLIP-170, and forms a co-complex with CLIP-170 and tubulin that is recruited to growing microtubule plus ends. The interaction between CLIP-170 and EB1 is competitively inhibited by the related CAP-Gly protein p150Glued, which also localizes to microtubule plus ends in vivo. Based on these observations, we propose a model in which the formation of distinct plus-end complexes may differentially affect microtubule dynamics in vivo.
High-order non-reflecting boundary conditions for dispersive waves in polar coordinates using spectral elements

Abstract High-order non-reflecting boundary conditions are introduced to create a finite computational space and for the solution of dispersive waves using a spectral element formulation with high-order time integration. Numerical examples are used to demonstrate the synergy of using high-order spatial, time, and boundary discretization. We show that by balancing all numerical errors involved, high-order accuracy can be achieved for unbounded domain problems in polar coordinate systems.
The logic of decision defended

The approach to decision theory floated in my 1965 book is reviewed (I), challenged in various related ways (II–V) and defended, firstad hoc (II–IV) and then by a general argument of Ellery Ells's (VI). Finally, causal decision theory (in a version sketched in VII) is exhibited as a special case of my 1965 theory, according to the Eellsian argument.
Adolescent deviation and age

Traditional theories of delinquency causation generally fail to consider delinquency in the context of norms and age-role transitions peculiar to adolescence. Hence, in this study, an age-based theory of delinquency causation is developed, which assumes the importance of norms and roles specific to adolescence. This theory draws upon the assumption that socialization is recurrent, in contrast to the premises regarding socialization which underlie traditional theories of adolescent deviance. The recurrent model of socialization and that assumed by traditional theorists are discussed, and their implications for the causes of delinquent behavior are examined. Some effort is made to show that the recurrent model of socialization suggests an anomie of age as the basis for delinquent acts. It is suggested that this age-based anomie stems from conditions of normlessness associated with certain role transitions in adolescence and the pacing of these transitions. Further, it is suggested that certain groups are especially prone to an anomic age transition. The role transitions most likely to be subject to such anomic conditions and the adolescent subgroups most prone to experience anomie as a result of the pacing of their age-role transitions are identified.
The Chemical Polishing of Sapphire and MgAl Spinel

Based on air annealing studies at 1500°C, it appears that bulk and surface mechanical damage in sapphire and spinel may be greatly minimized. Such annealed surfaces can then be effectively polished chemically leaving essentially featureless surfaces. Preannealed sapphire orientations can be polished at 285°C in a mixture for 15 min while spinel orientations may be treated in a mixture at 250°C for the same length of time. (111) spinel and sapphire cannot be chemically polished by the procedures described but are presumably amenable to removal of most surface and mechanical saw and polish induced bulk damage via the high‐temperature annealing process.
Integrity tests: Critical issues

Abstract This paper reviews the issues related to the use of overt integrity tests as a pre-employment screening technique. We offer a critical examination of the research on integrity testing; and we come to the conclusion that there are serious consequences to the application of these tests. First, the tests raise validity issues on what these tests actually measure. Second, the tests seem to lead to bad consequences such as the high percentage of false positives. Third, there is a body of literature on faking, coaching, and retaking tests which should result in lower criterion-related validities and an increase in decision errors. Finally there is a discussion on fairness and privacy concerns.
Solution verification, goal-oriented adaptive methods for stochastic advection-diffusion problems

Abstract A goal-oriented analysis of linear, stochastic advection–diffusion models is presented which provides both a method for solution verification as well as a basis for improving results through adaptation of both the mesh and the way random variables are approximated. A class of model problems with random coefficients and source terms is cast in a variational setting. Specific quantities of interest are specified which are also random variables. A stochastic adjoint problem associated with the quantities of interest is formulated and a posteriori error estimates are derived. These are used to guide an adaptive algorithm which adjusts the sparse probabilistic grid so as to control the approximation error. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the methodology for a specific model problem.
Modifications and applications of the Acinetobacter venetianus RAG-1 exopolysaccharide, the emulsan complex and its components.

Since its discovery in the late 1970s, emulsan has been the subject of significant interest for fundamental biosynthesis and structure–function relationships as well as for its potential industrial applications. These studies initially examined the emulsification properties of the compound, while more recent efforts have focused on potential biomedical applications. As a result of this change of focus, it became necessary to more completely characterize the structure of the emulsan molecule and to develop a more reproducible purification process. We review previous studies with emulsan and explain how prior notions were recently shown to be incorrect through the development of a new purification process. More recent genetic modification of the relevant operon is also reviewed. Finally, the potential applications for the new purified polymer will be discussed.
Critical appraisal of pazopanib as treatment for patients with advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma

The management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has undergone significant changes during the past 10 years, with the treatment of metastatic RCC undergoing the most radical changes. These developments reflect an enhanced understanding of this tumor’s underlying biology, which was then translated into the development of a new treatment paradigm. Current therapeutic approaches for the management of patients with metastatic RCC utilize knowledge of histology, molecular abnormalities, clinical prognostic factors, the natural history of this malignancy, and the treatment efficacy and toxicity of available agents. The treatment options available for patients with metastatic RCC have changed dramatically over the past 6 years. Interferon-α and interleukin-2 were the previous mainstays of therapy, but since December 2005, six new agents have been approved in the US for the treatment of advanced RCC. Three are multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) including sunitinib, sorafenib, and pazopanib, two target the mammalian target of rapamycin (temsirolimus and everolimus), and one is a humanized monoclonal antibody (bevacizumab in combination with interferon-α). The current review focuses on the newest TKI available to treat patients with metastatic RCC, pazopanib. The development of this agent both preclinically and clinically is reviewed. The efficacy and safety data from the pivotal clinical trials are discussed, and the potential role of pazopanib in the treatment of patients with metastatic RCC in comparison to other treatment alternatives is critically appraised. This agent has a favorable overall risk benefit, and the available data demonstrate efficacy in patients with metastatic RCC who are either treatment-naive or cytokine refractory. It therefore represents another alternative for treatment of metastatic RCC patients.
Scale dependence in species turnover reflects variance in species occupancy.

Patterns of species turnover may reflect the processes driving community dynamics across scales. While the majority of studies on species turnover have examined pairwise comparison metrics (e.g., the average Jaccard dissimilarity), it has been proposed that the species–area relationship (SAR) also offers insight into patterns of species turnover because these two patterns may be analytically linked. However, these previous links only apply in a special case where turnover is scale invariant, and we demonstrate across three different plant communities that over 90% of the pairwise turnover values are larger than expected based on scale-invariant predictions from the SAR. Furthermore, the degree of scale dependence in turnover was negatively related to the degree of variance in the occupancy frequency distribution (OFD). These findings suggest that species turnover diverges from scale invariance, and as such pairwise turnover and the slope of the SAR are not redundant. Furthermore, models developed to explain the OFD should be linked with those developed to explain species turnover to achieve a more unified understanding of community structure.
The pathogenesis of hemorrhage in the lung of the hamster during acute leptospirosis.

The pathogenesis of lung hemorrhage in hamsters was studied during the early stage of leptospirosis. Hemorrhage was seen in all hamsters at 48 h when the count was only 2.3×104 leptospires/g of lung tissue. The lungs showed a much lower count/g of tissue than either the liver or blood throughout moat of the 96 h observation period. The formation of blebs characteristically caused by toxic substances was seen in the capillary endothelium and occasionally in the capillary epithelium. The low number of leptospires in the lungs as determined by culture, light and electron microscopy and the bleb formation of the lung capillaries support the concept that a toxic factor(s) is responsible for the hemorrhagic manifestations of leptospirosis.
Going Backstage Gaining Access to Observe Household Work

This paper draws on initial field experiences of the authors as participant observers of family members engaged in household work. Negotiating access and establishing rapport provided more than unu...
Metathesis of methyl soyate with ruthenium catalysts

Abstract Three ruthenium catalysts were investigated for the metathesis reaction of methyl soyate. Dichlorotris (triphenylphosphine) ruthenium II and bis (tricyclohexyl phosphine) benzylidine ruthenium (IV) dichloride displayed no reactivity at 40 °C and atmospheric pressure. However, ruthenium [1,3-bis-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-2-imidazolidinylidene] dichloro (phenylmethylene) tricyclohexylphosphine, Grubbs second generation catalyst, exhibited high activity at these mild conditions. After 2 h, 46% of the unsaturated methyl esters in a commercial methyl soyate were metathesized. This suggests a method to modify the structure of methyl soyate to improve diesel fuel performance properties.
A non-uniform three-dimensional perfusion model of rat tail heat transfer.

Previous models of rat tail heat transfer have assumed that the tail is uniformly perfused along its length and have introduced questionable assumptions about the heat transfer role of the major axial arteries and the venous blood shunting between the superficial and deep veins. The recent experiments of Lemons and Wu (1994) have shown that (i) perfusion of the tail tip is more than tenfold higher than that in the tail base and (ii) the perfusion of the middle region of the tail increases eightfold during heat stress compared to threefold to fourfold in the base and tip. The authors' anatomical studies have shown that the lateral arteries are a series of radially arcading connections from the ventral artery and probably do not serve as major axial conduit vessels. These observations indicate that current views and models for the blood flow distribution and heat transfer in the major axial arteries and veins and in the rat tail cutaneous circulation need substantial revision. Based on these new experimental findings a new three-dimensional model is developed to determine the heat transfer function of the rat tail at different local and central temperatures. The predictions of the model show good agreement with the axial surface temperature distribution in the rat tail reported by Lemons and Wu. These results, when combined with the authors' anatomical studies, indicate that there is very little shunting of blood between the superficial lateral veins and the deep ventral vein as proposed by Raman et al. (1987). Although this model is based on the rat tail anatomy, it can be modified to treat the human limb and digit.
Quantitative, Dynamic Fuel Distribution Measurements in Combustion-Related Devices Using Laser-Induced Fluorescence Imaging of Biacetyl in Iso-Octane

Abstract Knowledge of in-situ fuel distributions in practical combustion devices, such as internal combustion engines, is crucial for research and devlopment purposes. Numerous imaging techniques, mostly based on laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), have been developed and yield high levels of 2-D spatial information, but generally lack the temporal resolution (frame rates) necessary to resolve important timescales at sub-millisecond levels for sustained times. A planar LIF technique for quantitatively visualizing fuel distribution is presented which gives not only high spatial resolution, but also high temporal resolution. Using a high-speed CMOS camera, a lens-coupled image intensifier, and frequency-tripled diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser allows for capturing LIF images of biacetyl that is used as a fluorescence tracer at 12 kHz (one crank-angle resolution at 2000 RPM) for hundreds of consecutive engine cycles. The LIF signal strength of biacetyl doped in iso-octane is shown to vary substantially over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. The low absorption coefficient at 355 nm and a longpass filter in the detection path exclude bias errors due to laser beam attenuation and fluorescence trapping. An intensifier gate time of 350 ns is shown to suppress the detection of phosphorescence signals under practical conditions. An example for a quantitative high-speed measurement of fuel concentration at varying pressure and temperature conditions is presented. Quantitative equivalence ratio maps are shown for the fuel injection event within a single cycle in a spark-ignition direct-injected engine, showing the ability of the technique to not only reveal static fuel concentration maps, but also the motion of the fuel cloud along with very steep gradients. Spray velocities determined from the moving fuel cloud are in agreement with previous particle image velocimetry measurements.
MR Microimaging of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease transgenic mice

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurological condition affecting industrialized nations and will rapidly become a healthcare crisis as the population ages. Currently, the post-mortem histological observation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles is the only definitive diagnosis available for AD. A pre-mortem biological or physiological marker specific for AD used in conjunction with current neurological and memory testing could add a great deal of confidence to the diagnosis of AD and potentially allow therapeutic intervention much earlier in the disease process. Our group has developed MRI techniques to detect individual amyloid plaques in AD transgenic mouse brain in vivo. We are also developing contrast-enhancing agents to increase the specificity of detection of amyloid plaques. Such in vivo imaging of amyloid plaques will also allow the evaluation of anti-amyloid therapies being developed by the pharmaceutical industry in pre-clinical trials of AD transgenic mice. This short review briefly discusses our progress in these areas.
Which Design and Biomaterial Factors Affect Clinical Wear Performance of Total Disc Replacements? A Systematic Review

Background Total disc replacement was clinically introduced to reduce pain and preserve segmental motion of the lumbar and cervical spine. Previous case studies have reported on the wear and adverse local tissue reactions around artificial prostheses, but it is unclear how design and biomaterials affect clinical outcomes.
Design and implementation of a swapper for the MINIX operating system

The University of Vermont does not offer a course which provides practical experience working with the internals of operating systems. To remedy this, an independent study course was undertaken during the Spring 1989 semester which involved working with the internals of a real operating system. The goal of the project was to design and implement a major component of an operating system known as the swapper.The basis for the project was the MINIX operating system, which is a message--passing operating system that runs on microcomputers and whose user interface mimics Version 7 UNIX2. The structure, algorithms, and implementation of a swapper will be analyzed in detail. Finally, the practical value of the research experience is discussed.
Sex Role Identity and Jealousy as Correlates of Abusive Behavior in Lesbian Relationships

Abstract This article presents the findings of a study from a cross-sectional sample of 105 lesbians taken from a non-clinical setting to investigate to what extent they exhibited abusive behavior toward an intimate female partner and whether the abuse was physical, psychological, or both. This study examined whether an association exists between a lesbian's sex role identity, particularly the dimension of femininity, and her abusive behavior. The hypothesis that jealousy in the relationship would be positively associated with reported incidences of abusive behavior was also examined. The results show that when abuse is broadly defined a sizable minority report high incidences of overall abuse and psychological abuse at some time during their current relationship. The most salient finding of this study was the strong evidence of a relationship between jealousy and abusive behavior. The implications of these findings underscore the need for continued and enhanced delivery of services. Other implications of...
Packaging of nanostructured microelectromechanical systems microtriode devices

Combining the world of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) with that of nano can lead to new devices with unique or advanced functionalities. Carbon nanotubes are fascinating new nanomaterials with many interesting physical, chemical, and electronic properties and potential new applications. We have incorporated nanotubes into the MEMS structure as patterned, cold-cathode field emitters to create on-chip, miniature vacuum tubes of microtriodes that can be useful for high-frequency microwave communications. Proper bonding and assembly processes were essential in providing reliable electrical connections and improved amplification performances.
Emotional regulatory function of Receptor Interacting Protein 140 revealed in the ventromedial hypothalamus

Receptor-interacting protein (RIP140) is a transcription co-regulator highly expressed in macrophages to regulate inflammatory and metabolic processes. However, its implication in neurological, cognitive and emotional conditions, and the cellular systems relevant to its biological activity within the central nervous system are currently less clear. A transgenic mouse line with macrophage-specific knockdown of RIP140 was generated (MΦRIPKD mice) and brain-region specific RIP140 knockdown efficiency evaluated. Mice were subjected to a battery of tests, designed to evaluate multiple behavioral domains at naive or following site-specific RIP140 re-expression. Gene expression analysis assessed TNF-α, IL-1β, TGF-1β, IL1-RA and neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression, and in vitro studies examined the effects of macrophage's RIP140 on astrocytes' NPY production. We found that RIP140 expression was dramatically reduced in macrophages within the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and the cingulate cortex of MΦRIPKD mice. These animals exhibited increased anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. VMH-targeted RIP140 re-expression in MΦRIPKD mice reversed its depressive- but not its anxiety-like phenotype. Analysis of specific neurochemical changes revealed reduced astrocytic-NPY expression within the hypothalamus of MΦRIPKD mice, and in vitro analysis confirmed that conditioned medium of RIP140-silnenced macrophage culture could no longer stimulate NPY production from astrocytes. The current study revealed an emotional regulatory function of macrophage-derived RIP140 in the VMH, and secondary dysregulation of NPY within hypothalamic astrocyte population, which might be associated with the observed behavioral phenotype of MΦRIPKD mice. This study highlights RIP140 as a novel target for the development of potential therapeutic and intervention strategies for emotional regulation disorders.
Upregulation of arginase-II contributes to decreased age-related myocardial contractile reserve.

Arginase-II (Arg-II) reciprocally regulates nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and offsets basal myocardial contractility. Furthermore, decreased or absent myocardial NOS activity is associated with a depression in myocardial contractile reserve. We therefore hypothesized that upregulation of Arg-II might in part be responsible for depressed myocardial contractility associated with age. We studied arginase activity/expression, NOS expression, NO production in the presence and absence of the arginase inhibitor S-(2-boronoethyl)-l-cysteine (BEC) in old (22 months) and young (3 months) rat hearts and myocytes. The spatial confinement of Arg-II and NOS was determined with immuno-electron-miocrographic (IEM) and immuno-histochemical studies. We tested the effect of BEC on the force frequency response (FFR) in myocytes, as well as NOS abundance and activity. Arginase activity and Arg-II expression was increased in old hearts (2.27 ± 0.542 vs. 0.439 ± 0.058 nmol urea/mg protein, p = 0.02). This was associated with a decrease in NO production, which was restored with BEC (4.54 ± 0.582 vs. 12.88 ± 0.432 μmol/mg, p < 0.01). IEM illustrates increased mitochondrial density in old myocytes (51.7 ± 1.8 vs. 69 ± 2.2 × 106/cm2, p < 0.01), potentially contributing to increased Arg-II abundance and activity. Immunohistochemistry revealed an organized pattern of mitochondria and Arg-II that appears disrupted in old myocytes. The FFR was significantly depressed in old myocytes (61.42 ± 16.04 vs. −5.15 ± 5.65%), while inhibition of Arg-II restored the FFR (−5.15 ± 5.65 vs. 70.98 ± 6.10%). NOS-2 is upregulated sixfold in old hearts contributing to increased production of reactive oxygen species which is attenuated with NOS-2 inhibition by 1400 W (4,735 ± 427 vs. 4,014 ± 314 RFU/min/mg protein, p = 0.005). Arg-II upregulation in aging rat hearts contributes to age-related decreased contractile function.
Problems related to diet management of maternal phenylketonuria.

Provision of nutritionally complete elemental diets for pregnant women with PKU requires greater knowledge of ‘conditionally’ essential nutrient requirements than is presently available as well as application of known information. Formulation of elemental products needs to be improved to enhance aroma and taste and to decrease osmolality. Designers of the metal and vitamin components should keep in mind that a major portion (70–80%) of most of these nutrients must be obtained from the elemental products. Thus deletion of suspected essential minerals or vitamins could cause serious deficiencies. On the other hand, knowledge of appropriate ratios that make for improved trace metal absorption should be applied. Clinical nutritionists need to assist patients in selection of foods that are low in binding substances and provide ‘conditionally’ essential nutrients in adequate amounts. Closer cooperation between clinical nutritionists, nutrition scientists and food technologists should result in improved elemental products for care of pregnant women with PKU.
Compensation for effects of linear motion in MR imaging

Various compensation methods for different types of motion during MR image acquisition have been proposed. Presented here is a postprocessing scheme for eliminating artifacts due to linear, intra-slice motion of known velocity. The data for each phase encoding or "view" acquired from a moving object are shown to differ from those which would be measured from the stationary object by a phase factor which depends on the object's displacement from a reference point. This derivation is then used to propose a correction scheme for linear motion in which all phase encodings measured at different positions of the moving object are collapsed onto the same reference position. After subsequent reconstruction, the object appears perfectly "focused." By selection of different reference positions, the method permits positioning of the compensated object as desired within the field of view of the image. This property allows the method to be extended to create sequences of corrected images with smooth object motion between frames of the sequence. The basic correction scheme and its variations were tested experimentally in phantom studies with velocities as large as 8 cm/s.
Two Dimensional Transport Characteristics of Surface Stabilized Zero-valent Iron Nanoparticles in Porous Media

Zero-valent iron nanoparticles (INP) were synthesized and stabilized using poly acrylic acid (PAA) to yield stabilized INP (S-INP). A two-dimensional physical model was used to study the fate and transport of the INP and S-INP in porous media under saturated, steady-state flow conditions. Transport data for a nonreactive tracer, INP, and S-INP were collected under similar flow conditions. The results show that unstabilized INP cannot be transported into groundwater systems. On the other hand, the S-INP can be transported like a tracer without significant retardation. However, the S-INP plume migrated downward as it moved horizontally in the physical model, indicating that small density gradients have significant influence on two-dimensional transport. The variable-density groundwater flow model SEAWAT was used to model the observed density-driven transport patterns. This is the first time a two-dimensional transport data set is reported for demonstrating the multidimensional transport characteristics of n...
Piezoceramic macro-motion actuator: analytical synthesis and prototype investigations

In this research, a synthesis methodology is presented for the development of a large- displacement piezoceramic actuator. The proposed designs combine piezoceramic actuation and large deflection of elastic members to bring about the required displacements. Configurations of series and parallel stacks of actuator elements and their options on excitation schemes for such actuators will be discussed. Bimorphial actions in these actuator layers are quantified via shell finite elements. A demonstrative prototype based on this concept has also been built and tested. Strokes up to 2.5 mm have been observed during the operation of this device. The level of performance of the prototype was found to be in good agreement with the theoretical calculations. Response of the prototype in the time and frequency domains have been studied. Both the analytical and experimental investigations are detailed in this paper.
In vivo exposure of female rats to toxicants may affect oocyte quality.

A potential endpoint for female reproductive toxicants is fertilizability of the oocytes. This endpoint has not been adequately examined for mammalian females. The objective of these studies was to evaluate fertilizability of rat oocytes following in vivo exposure to known male reproductive toxicants that exert effects via pathways that do not include endocrine disruption and to 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide, known to interfere with early follicular development. Oocytes were obtained from females following exposure and quality assessed by in vitro fertilization rate. One study evaluated fertilizability following 2 weeks exposure of females to inhaled tetrachloroethylene (2 h/day, 5 days/week). The remaining studies evaluated fertilizability immediately following 2 weeks exposure via drinking water to tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, the fuel oxidants methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE), tertiary amyl methyl ether (TAME), and a metabolite of the first two ethers 2-methyl-1,2-propanediol (2M2P), and to 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide. The percentage of oocytes fertilized was reduced following inhalation exposure to tetrachloroethylene, or consumption of trichloroethylene or TAME. Fertilizability was not altered by exposures to the other reproductive toxicants or to the other fuel oxidants. Consistent with the reduced oocyte fertilizability following exposure to trichloroethylene, oocytes from exposed females had a reduced ability to bind sperm plasma membrane proteins. Female reproductive capability assessed by the endpoint, oocyte fertilizability, was reduced by exposure to trichloroethylene and inhaled tetrachloroethylene.
Expression of Delta-Like Protein 4 in the Human Endometrium

Activation of Delta-Notch signaling pathway promotes the development of the vascular system in embryo, normal adult tissues, and cancerous lesions. Delta and Notch genes are known to be expressed in endothelial cells, and little is known of their expression beyond the vascular system. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Delta gene would be expressed in cells of the uterine endometrium. In this study, we found that the human endometrial cells expressed one of the Delta ligands, Delta-like 4 protein (Dll4). Dll4 was expressed in human endometrium in a spatiotemporal fashion. Immunohistochemistry studies showed the cytoplasm as well as membrane staining with apical localization both in the luminal and glandular epithelium and moderate diffuse staining in the cytoplasm of the stromal cells. Western blot analysis showed that the size of the endometrial Dll4 was identical to that in the human umbilical endothelial cells. The expression of Dll4 mRNA in human endometrial cells was quantitatively determined by real-time PCR. Dll4 mRNA expressed in the glandular epithelium showed large variations, and it was significantly elevated in the mid and late proliferative and early secretory endometrium. Endometrial stromal cells contained less Dll4 mRNA and had no clear correlation with the menstrual cycle. The effect of hormones was studied in the primary culture of isolated glandular epithelial and stromal cells. In glandular cells, estradiol had little effect, and medroxyprogesterone acetate significantly reduced the mRNAs compared with that of control. Relaxin induced the Dll4 mRNA. In stromal cells, both estradiol and medroxyprogesterone acetate reduced the Dll4 mRNA. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the expression of Dll4 in the endometrium. We propose that endometrial Dll4 may enhance the development of the endometrial microvascular system and facilitate the implantation of blastocyst in a fertile cycle.