cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Why give away something for nothing? Investigating virtual goods pricing and permission strategies

With the rapid increase of virtual goods created for virtual world exchanges and the record growth of user-to-user transactions in these in-world economies, an important question is how a creator sets prices for a virtual good so as to maximize her profit from her creation. Virtual goods share similar economic properties (such as substantial production cost and negligible marginal cost) with other types of digital goods. However, one aspect that distinguishes a virtual good is that consumers in a virtual world may want to use multiple copies of the identical good at the same time, and such simultaneous use of multiple copies of the identical good increases a consumer's utility. In this research, we focus on the COPY permission of virtual goods. We develop an economic model to examine under what conditions the COPY permission setting leads to the highest profit for the creator of a virtual good, and what the pricing strategies are in a dynamic setting when such permission choices are present. Theoretical and practical implications of the research are discussed.
Polymorphous geniohyoid muscles of mice, rats and hamsters.

Abstract The geniohyoid has been characterized as a parallel-fibred muscle extending from the mandibular symphysis to the hyoid body. Motor end-plate staining of dissected whole muscles showed that only in the hamster does the geniohyoid architecture correspond to the usual description of simple parallel fibres. In rats and mice, the muscle was complex with two banks of myofibres separated by a tendinous intersection. Geniohyoid was attached mainly to a basihyal raphe shared by the sternohyoid. A septate geniohyoid may be a primitive feature of mammals because it also exists in the opossum and tree shrew. The segmental disposition of the geniohyoid in rats and mice reflects its serial homology with other compound ventral muscles, such as sternohyoid and rectus abdominis. Architectural patterns of myofibres and connective tissue were distinctive for each species.
Desialylation of airway epithelial cells during influenza virus infection enhances pneumococcal adhesion via galectin binding

The continued threat of worldwide influenza pandemics, together with the yearly emergence of antigenically drifted influenza A virus (IAV) strains, underscore the urgent need to elucidate not only the mechanisms of influenza virulence, but also those mechanisms that predispose influenza patients to increased susceptibility to subsequent infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Glycans displayed on the surface of epithelia that are exposed to the external environment play important roles in microbial recognition, adhesion, and invasion. It is well established that the IAV hemagglutinin and pneumococcal adhesins enable their attachment to the host epithelia. Reciprocally, the recognition of microbial glycans by host carbohydrate-binding proteins (lectins) can initiate innate immune responses, but their relevance in influenza or pneumococcal infections is poorly understood. Galectins are evolutionarily conserved lectins characterized by affinity for β-galactosides and a unique sequence motif, with critical regulatory roles in development and immune homeostasis. In this study, we examined the possibility that galectins expressed in the airway epithelial cells might play a significant role in viral or pneumococcal adhesion to airway epithelial cells. Our results in a mouse model for influenza and pneumococcal infection revealed that the murine lung expresses a diverse galectin repertoire, from which selected galectins, including galectin 1 (Gal1) and galectin 3 (Gal3), are released to the bronchoalveolar space. Further, the results showed that influenza and subsequent S. pneumoniae infections significantly alter the glycosylation patterns of the airway epithelial surface and modulate galectin expression. In vitro studies on the human airway epithelial cell line A549 were consistent with the observations made in the mouse model, and further revealed that both Gal1 and Gal3 bind strongly to IAV and S. pneumoniae, and that exposure of the cells to viral neuraminidase or influenza infection increased galectin-mediated S. pneumoniae adhesion to the cell surface. Our results suggest that upon influenza infection, pneumococcal adhesion to the airway epithelial surface is enhanced by an interplay among the host galectins and viral and pneumococcal neuraminidases. The observed enhancement of pneumococcal adhesion may be a contributing factor to the observed hypersusceptibility to pneumonia of influenza patients.
Regulatory mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs in vertebrate central nervous system development and function.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as an important class of molecules that regulate gene expression at epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels through a wide array of mechanisms. This regulation is of particular importance in the central nervous system (CNS), where precise modulation of gene expression is required for proper neuronal and glial production, connection and function. There are relatively few functional studies that characterize lncRNA mechanisms, but possible functions can often be inferred based on existing examples and the lncRNA’s relative genomic position. In this review, we will discuss mechanisms of lncRNAs as predicted by genomic contexts and the possible impact on CNS development, function, and disease pathogenesis. There is no doubt that investigation of the mechanistic role of lncRNAs will open a new and exciting direction in studying CNS development and function.
Putting help where the user is—a desktop computer support strategy

As the personal computer becomes a more integral part of the faculty member’s job, the increasing level of day-to-day computer support often without increases in full-time staff becomes an important issue. Bloomsburg University’s Center for Academic Computing addressed the challenge of providing quicker and more individualized support for faculty, by utilizing work-study student resources and some shifts in current staff job duties. A new desktop support system was created using teams which included student consultants, staff members and faculty department liaisons. Student consultants were positioned as a first line of support within each faculty office building. These students were given intensive training and placed in their own offices within the supported building area. Each student consultant now reports to a full-time staff member who guides and oversees him or her. The staff member also provides a second level of support for that area. Designated faculty serve as communications links with each academic department. Overall coordination and management of the program is provided by one of the secondary support personnel. This paper describes the development of the program, the implementation phase, and the results of a satisfaction survey of the faculty that was taken one year after the start of the program.
Waveguide circuits in three-dimensional photonic crystals

Waveguide circuits in three-dimensional photonic crystals with complete photonic band gaps are simulated with finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations, and compared with measurements on microwave scale photonic crystals. The transmission through waveguide bends critically depends on the photonic crystal architecture in the bend region. We have found experimentally and theoretically, a new waveguide bend configuration consisting of overlapping rods in the bend region, that performs better than the simple waveguide bend of terminated rods, especially in the higher frequency portion of the band. Efficient beam splitters with this junction geometry are also simulated.
The nonspecific hypothesis of therapeutic effectiveness: A current assessment.

The hypothesis that the nature of the psychotherapeutic influence consists of specific (technique) and nonspecific or common (interpersonal) factors is examined in the light of accumulating research evidence. The dichotomy is held to be a pseudo-issue bedeviling the field and retarding scientific progress. Issues likely to be more productive in evaluating and promoting therapeutic effectiveness are identified and discussed.
Depolarization-Dependent Contraction Increase after Birth and Preservation following Long-Term Hypoxia in Sheep Pulmonary Arteries:

AbstractMembrane depolarization is critical to pulmonary arterial (PA) contraction. Both L-type Ca2+ channels (CaL) and Rho-kinase are important signaling components of this process and mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial generated superoxides can be part of the signaling process. Maturation and long-term hypoxia (LTH) each can modify depolarization-dependent contraction and the role of superoxides. By the use of wire myography, we tested the hypothesis that maturation and LTH increase pulmonary arterial reactivity to high-K+-induced membrane depolarization through enhancements in the importance of CaL and Rho-kinase-dependent pathways. The data show that maturation, but not LTH, increases contraction to 125 mM KCl (high-K+) without altering the EC50. High-K+-dependent contraction was inhibited to a similar extent in fetal and adult PA by multiple CaL blockers, including 10 μM diltiazem, 10 μM verapamil, and 10 μM nifedipine. Postnatal maturation increased the role for 10 μM nifedipine-sensitive CaL, and ...
Testing equivalence of Spanish and English versions: the LaMonica-Oberst (revised) patient satisfaction with nursing care scale.

Despite recent emphasis on outcome measurement and an increasing proportion of Spanish speakers in the United States, most patient satisfaction studies exclude Spanish-speaking participants because Spanish versions of instruments are not available. A Spanish translation of the 15-item LaMonica–Oberst Patient Satisfaction Scale, completed by 64 Spanish-speaking patients living in the northeast and of predominantly Puerto Rican ancestry, produced two factors explaining 86.3% of score variation (α=.94 and .58). Evidence for equivalence to the English version and concurrent validity is presented. Generalizability and decision studies indicate that four additional items are needed on the dissatisfaction subscale to attain an acceptable dependability coefficient. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 25:438–451, 2002.
Structural reassignment of the peroxide oxidation product of 5-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate.

Abstract Oxidation of 5-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate with hydrogen peroxide at pH 6 gives a derivative containing an extra oxygen atom, which can then be reduced with the uptake of two hydrogen atoms by borohydride or by catalytic hydrogenation. The two compounds were previously suggested to be 4a-hydroxylated pteridines [G. R. Gapski, J. M. Whiteley and F. M. Huennekens, Biochemistry 10 : 2390 (1971)]. In this report 13C NMR studies show the disappearance of the clearly defined C-4a resonance of the folate derivative (−33 ppm relative to p-doxane) during oxidation, with the emergence, in the oxygenated product, of a new downfield resonance in the characteristic carbonyl region of the spectrum. After the reduction step this transposed resonance is in turn replaced by a resonance which corresponds to that of a secondary hydroxyl substituted carbon atom. The results suggest rearrangement of the pteridine nucleus has occurred during oxidation. Comparison with similar oxidation reactions in the simple lumazine and pterin series supports this occurrence. Of several possible isomeric structures 2-amino-8-methyl-4,9-dioxo-7-methyl-p-aminobenzoylglutamate-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-4H-pyrazino (1,2-a)-s-triazine and its 9-hydroxyl analog have been assigned to the isolated products. Reevaluation of the previous experimental findings is in accordance with these assignments.
AND parallelism and nondeterminism in logic programs

This paper defines an abstract interpreter for logic programs based on a system of asynchronous, independent processors which communicate only by passing messages. Each logic program is automatically partitioned and its pieces distributed to available processors. This approach permits two distinct forms of parallelism. OR parallelism arises from evaluating nondeterministic choices simultaneously. AND parallelism arises when a computation involves independent, but necessary, subcomputations. Algorithms like quicksort, which follow a divide and conquer approach, usually exhibit this form of parallelism. These two forms of parallelism are conjointly achieved by the parallel interpreter.
Single-Cavity Wavelength-Switched Fiber Ring Laser Based on Fiber Bending Effect in Mach-Zehnder Interferometer

The author has experimentally demonstrated a wavelength switching single cavity fiber ring laser incorporating a Mach–Zehnder interferometer with two optical wavelength thin film filters. By changing the radius of the fiber bending in one path, the wavelength gradually shifts from one wavelength to another or forms a dual-wavelength operation due to the laser gain competition depending on the path loss.
A combined photoacoustic, pulse echo ultrasound and optical coherence tomography endoscopy

Photoacoustic imaging and optical coherence tomography are two emerging imaging modalities which provide complementary optical absorption and scattering contrasts for biological tissues. While photoacoustic imaging provides tissue vasculature information, optical coherence tomography offers micron-scale morphological imaging with penetration depths of 1~3 mms. Pulse-echo ultrasound is readily available from photoacoustic system and it provides tissue structure information at deeper depths with resolutions scalable with the transducer frequency. We present a prototype endoscope that consists of a ball lensed optical coherence tomography probe, a right-angled multimode fiber for delivering the laser beam for photoacoustic imaging, and a high frequency ultrasound transducer of 35 MHz center frequency. The overall diameter is 5mms. Porcine ovaries were imaged ex vivo to demonstrate the capability of this new combined endoscopy. The microvascular and high resolution structural images at subsurface and deeper tissue range demonstrate the synergy of the combined endoscopy over each modality alone.
A 200GHz power mixer in 130nm-CMOS employing nonlinearity engineering

CMOS high-mmWave/sub-mmWave sources leverage device nonlinearity, either in oscillators or frequency multipliers, to generate harmonics beyond the technology f max . We propose a power mixer topology that exploits non-linearity engineering to enhance the output harmonic content. By engineering the amplitude and phase of the fundamental and second-harmonic content in the mixer device voltage waveforms, the output third harmonic power is enhanced significantly beyond that achievable in conventional frequency triplers. A 200 GHz power mixer in 130 nm CMOS generates 50 μW of output power at a frequency 1.5× higher than f max .
Role of Surface/Interfacial Cu2+ Sites in the Photocatalytic Activity of Coupled CuO−TiO2 Nanocomposites

Coupled CuO−TiO2 nanocomposite photocatalysts were prepared by a deposition precipitation method and were characterized with a variety of techniques. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was employed to study the local structures of surface/interfacial Cu2+ sites using Cu2+ as a sensitive paramagnetic probe. The addition of bulk CuO to TiO2 led to decreased photocatalytic efficiency in the degradation of methylene blue. However, doping with a very small amount of CuO (0.1 wt % copper loading) significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. EPR study of the TiO2 surface revealed the presence of both highly dispersed CuO clusters and substitutional Cu2+ sites (Ti−O−Cu linkages) at 0.1 wt % copper loading. The data suggest that the Ti−O−Cu linkages contributed to the improved photooxidative activity of the 0.1% CuO−TiO2 nanocomposite. In contrast, at higher loadings the bulk form of CuO created charge recombination centers lowering the photoactivity of the composites.
Separation of polyphosphates by anion exchange thin layer chromatography.

Abstract A rapid and simple anion exchange thin layer chromatographic technique for the separation of polyphosphates is described. The method allows separation of several linear and cyclical phosphates by one-dimensional development of thin layer plates and also permits estimation of the approximate chain lengths of the components of polyphosphates glasses.
HISTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION OF CHANGES IN LIVER CELL ENZYMES FOLLOWING INFECTION WITH MOUSE HEPATITIS VIRUS.

Changes in liver enzymes of Weanling CDF1 mice inoculated with mouse hepatitis virus (MHV3) were studied by histochemical techniques for the demonstration of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and esterase. Marked changes were observed in the distribution of these enzymes 22 to 70 hours after infection. These included a generalized increase in peribiliary alkaline phosphatase together with a localized increase in acid phosphatase and a decrease in esterase associated with parenchymal damage and subsequent necrosis. Thus the effect of a virus infection upon a given tissue can be revealed and characterized by histochemical techniques.
Using interactive technology in a short java course: an experience report

Keeping students alert and responsive during lectures is a challenge even for experienced teachers in small group settings. Research has shown the importance of student participation and involvement in the learning process. Many ideas and strategies have been proposed to promote these two vital education elements [5]. Among them is the use of interactive technology where the instructor asks a question to the class and each student answers individually. These answers are tallied and the professor can get immediate, quantitative, and real-time feedback information that can be used to detect and address comprehension problems and to adapt the lecture plan accordingly. In this paper we report our experiences using a wireless interactive system named the Classroom Performance System (CPS) [9] in a fast-paced, short but comprehensive Java programming course. We present the challenges we faced and the lessons we learned in designing and delivering lectures using this type of technology.
Autonomic Nervous System Recovery and Psychopathology

Abstract A theory of avoidance learning with regard to the autonomic nervous system (ANS) for psychopathology is suggested. In schizophrenia, avoidance learning is facilitated, with an ANS which responds 1/ quickly and to a great extent, and 2/ an abnormally quick rate of recovery. The avoidance learning deficit in asocial behaviour is characterized by a hyporeactive ANS and a slow recovery rate. The reinforcement value in relation to recovery rate is discussed, and also that recovery rate of ANS may be inherited.
Southern clerics and the passing of Lee: Mythic rhetoric and the construction of a sacred symbol

Robert E. Lee, Confederate general, remains the quintessential heroic figure for the American South. The mythic image of Lee, and his role as a sacred symbol, were first developed by the southern clergy in their eulogies after his death in 1870. This essay examines the clerical discussion of Lee's immortality and the redemptive power of audience unity which were the foundation for later mythic discourse on the general's life.
The theory of andragogy applied to police training

Police‐training is an important tool in the process of facilitating change within police organizations. With the further implementation of community‐oriented policing strategies in US police agencies, training becomes a critical centerpiece. Traditionally, the majority of subjects in the police‐training environment have been taught utilizing behavioral approaches which may not be effective when teaching an evolving police curriculum which has been implemented under the axiom of community‐policing. Trainers have also relied heavily on teacher‐centered approaches when teaching both neophyte and veteran police. Authorities who train police might benefit from a more student‐centered instructional format. This manuscript examines incorporating the theory of andragogy into police‐training and identifies particular characteristics about the learning transaction in the police‐training classroom. Given the theory‐to‐practice gap that haunts police‐training authorities, andragogy holds much promise in closing this gap.
The burden of IBS: looking at metrics.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent and expensive condition that significantly impairs health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and reduces work productivity. Based on strict criteria, 7% to 10% of people have IBS worldwide. Community-based data indicate that IBS-diarrhea and IBS-mixed subtypes are more prevalent than IBS-constipation, and that patients may switch among subtype groups. IBS is 1.5 times more common in women than in men, more common in lower socioeconomic groups, and more commonly diagnosed in patients younger than 50 years of age. Patients with IBS visit the doctor more frequently, use more diagnostic tests, consume more medications, miss more workdays, have lower work productivity, are hospitalized more frequently, and consume more overall direct costs than those without IBS. Resource utilization is highest in patients with severe symptoms and poor HRQOL. Treatment decisions should be tailored to the severity of each patient’s symptoms and HRQOL decrement.
Neonatal mortality following transfusion of red cells with high plasma potassium levels

The death of a neonatal infant following cardiac surgery and the transfusion of packed red cells (RBCs) with high plasma potassium levels is reported. The patient had been diagnosed at 2 weeks of age as having multiple cardiac malformations. During cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, multiple units of packed RBCs less than 5 days old were transfused. In response to a "stat" order and after depletion of stock units prepared for neonatal usage, a 32-day-old unit of packed RBCs was issued for transfusion. After approximately 60 mL was rapidly transfused from this unit, the patient experienced cardiac arrest. Serum potassium concentration after transfusion and before death was 8.9 mmol per L. Plasma potassium concentration in the remainder of the transfused packed RBC unit was approximately 60 mmol per L. A model was created to calculate the posttransfusion plasma potassium concentration, and close correlation was found between the model and the observed potassium concentration, which assumes that the potassium load had not yet been distributed to the extravascular and intracellular fluid compartments. It is concluded that the transfusion of relatively large volumes of RBCs be limited to fresh packed RBCs or to packed RBCs that have been saline washed, to minimize the complications of electrolyte disturbances.
Survey Response and its Relationship to Educational Outcomes among First-Year College Students

This study focused on survey response, which was defined simply as the completion of a survey. It examined connections between survey response and college student characteristics. It also investigated whether survey response predicted educational outcomes, including retention. The study focused on a cohort of first-year students at a mid-size, 4-year public university. Eighty percent of the students responded to a survey administered during their first semester. Survey response was linked with high school percentile rank and sex. Survey response was also a significant predictor of first semester grade point average and retention to the second year. The findings suggest that survey non-response may be an early warning indicator for first-year students. Also, the findings suggest that research based on surveys may be overlooking a sub-population (non-responders) that could affect the validity of those models.
Effect of thrustor arcing on ion rocket system design

Arcing between the electrodes of an ion rocket thrustor is investigated for the effect it will have on the overall design of ion rocket systems. The effect of generator, transformer, and inserted impedances on system stability and efficiency, and on operating lifetime of thrustor components are considered. Rate of arcing, preferential arc paths, speed of arc interruption, and response of thrustors to voltage transients are also discussed. The study indicates that arcing is a system hazard and that arcing rates are of prime importance in the design and development of thrustors, thrustor arrays, and system components. Two system models for reducing the hazard are proposed, based on principles developed herein, published data, and experience available from operation of nine-module electron-bombardment thrustor array. Experimental investigation of these models is presently underway.
Development of glomerular synaptic complexes and immunohistochemical differentiation in the superficial dorsal horn of the embryonic primate spinal cord

Development of glomerular synapses in the superficial dorsal horn has been studied in the embryonic macaque spinal cord using light and electron microscopic techniques including Golgi impregnation, 3H-thymidine radioautography and pre-embedding immunohistochemistry of substance P (SP), calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), calbindin D-28 K (CB) and parvalbumin (PV). The study revealed that substantia gelatinosa cells of the primate dorsal horn are generated last, but unlike in rodents, synaptogenesis in this region starts at early embryonic (E) stages of the 165-day long gestation. Already by E30, both Type 1 (light) and 2 (dark) dorsal root axons and their growth cones are identifiable within the oval bundle of His, before they form synaptic contact with their final target cells. Subsequently they invade the dorsal horn and enter the bisecting interfaces formed by orderly programmed cell death. Each type of scalloped (sinusoid) central primary afferent terminal (i.e. DSA, RSV and LDCV) have well defined pre- and post-synaptic specializations already by E40. Among the neuropeptides studied, SP appears first at E67 and CGRP at E70 in the lateral position but within a few days both of them are spread to the entire superficial dorsal horn. Both SP and CGRP are present in the thin dorsal root axons and their growth cones, giving rise to scalloped and simple axon terminals. PV is transiently present in the entire length of the thick dorsal root afferents before becoming concentrated in the synaptic boutons. CB is displayed mainly in neurons of the lamina I and III. Dendrites of CB-immunoreactive cells establish synaptic connection with each type of dorsal root afferents, including glomerular synaptic complexes. These data reveal that the superficial dorsal horn in the primate spinal cord develops its characteristic synaptic complexes much earlier in gestation than in any other mammalian species studied. Furthermore, characteristic cytological features of the prospective glomerular complex emerge before establishment of the final synaptic contacts.
Novel sources of stem cells for brain repair

Abstract Neural cell replacement is a promising strategy for the experimental treatment of a variety of central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and CNS demyelination. In vitro stem cell technology may provide the means to overcome the limited availability of suitable donor cells. Stem cells are able to proliferate extensively and differentiate into multiple cell types, representatives of which can be harnessed for tissue repair. We have described the successful derivation of midbrain dopamine neurons from rodent and human fetal brain precursor cells as well as from mouse embryonic stem cells. Alternative sources of stem cells are being sought to provide an unlimited and autologous tissue source.This paper will compare the suitability of various potential sources of stem cells for brain repair in experimental models of Parkinson's disease. It will also provide criteria for the phenotypic and functional characterization of stem cell derived neurons and present novel findings on the derivation and differentiation of nuclear transfer and parthenogenetic stem cells in mouse and primates. These novel types of stem cells will provide powerful tools for regenerative medicine and provide unique insight into the basic mechanisms of brain development.
A goal programming approach to the cell formation problem

Abstract Cellular manufacturing is employed to achieve efficiencies in production by exploiting similarities inherent in the production of parts. Specifically, parts with similar processing requirements are identified and the equipment necessary to process these groups of parts is identified and located together. Several important design objectives associated with cellular manufacturing are to: 1) reduce setup times, 2) produce parts cell complete, i.e., minimize intercellular movements of parts, 3) minimize investment in new equipment, and 4) maintain acceptable machine utilization levels. The goal of this research was to develop a cell formation procedure that directly addressed these design objectives. To achieve this, three goal programming models were developed corresponding to three unique situations: (1) setting up an entirely new system and purchasing all new equipment, (2) reorganizing the system using only existing equipment, and (3) reorganizing the system using existing equipment and some new equipment. Several assumptions were made in the development of the goal programming models. First, it was assumed that each part had a fixed routing. Also, it was assumed that the processing times for the parts at each machine, the demand for each part, and the capacity and cost of each machine were known. In addition it was assumed that a given machine type could be placed in more than one cell and that the sequence in which the parts are processed affects setup times. Finally, it was assumed that a batch of each part is produced every production cycle and that only one batch of parts is processed in a particular cell at any given time. Clearly defining the objectives and constraints associated with the cell formation problem is the major contribution of the three formulations. Correct identification of the problem and the relationships inherent to cellular manufacturing is a necessary first step in the decision process that heretofore has not received adequate attention. However, because of the large number of 0 1 variables contained in the goal programming formulations they are very difficult to solve for realistically-sized problems. Thus, a heuristic solution procedure is presented. The heuristic solution procedure involved partitioning the goal programming formulations into two Subproblems and solving them in successive stages. A numerical example is presented that illustrates the two-stage heuristic procedure.
Assignment of the human peroxisomal palmitoyl-CoA oxidase gene to chromosome 17q23-qter by PCR technique.

Human peroxisomal palmitoyl-CoA oxidase plays a pivotal role in the β-oxidation of fatty acids. Its importance is reflected by the severity of the disease associated with its deficiency in man. The gene was previously mapped to chromosome 17q25 with a FISH technique and is now confirmed using a PCR technique.
Investigations on microloading effect: a parallel approach to PGSD (proximity gap suction development)

The move towards smaller feature size continuously requires more accurate lithography models. Part of models improvement comes from a better understanding of involved physics and chemistry. State of the art models assume development rate to be dependent on level of de-protection of resist film while development kinetics is not taken into account. Model refinements consist in getting a good model of development rate versus de-protection level. Recent studies have put in evidence the importance and the influence of development kinetics. Based on this, a new development process concept has been developed: the Proximity Gap Suction Development (PGSD). This paper presents a parallel approach to PGSD using megasonic agitation in order to improve development process understanding. Analysis has been performed by focusing on microloading effect characterization, also taking into account Critical Dimension (CD) linearity, CD iso-dense bias. Interpretation and analysis were achieved through use of DOE techniques. Results are then discussed with respect to previous PGSD studies but also to current development models. It is believed that improvement of development process could be also achieved in wafer making through the use of high flow rate development techniques such as PGSD or megasonic development.
USING LINEAR PROGRAMMING FOR PLANNING LIFE INSURANCE PURCHASES

In this paper a linear programming model is developed to address problems that arise in estate planning and personal life insurance management. The objective is to maximize net present value resulting from the optimal combination of life insurance and self-insurance, subject to a budget constraint in each period of a finite horizon. In addition, a death-benefit requirement must be satisfied in each period. The model is sufficiently flexible to include both term and whole life (cash value) insurance, self-insurance (alternative investment), policy loans, and buy back (cancellation) amounts in each period. By modifying the budgets and requirements, the model provides useful information related to interest-adjusted cost and marginal rate of return which can then be used to compare different policies. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the technique.
Phasic Nucleus Accumbens Dopamine Encodes Risk-Based Decision-Making Behavior

Background To optimize behavior, organisms evaluate the risks and benefits of available choices. The mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system encodes information about response costs and reward delays that bias choices. However, it remains unclear whether subjective value associated with risk-taking behavior is encoded by DA release. Methods Rats ( n = 11) were trained on a risk-based decision-making task in which visual cues predicted the opportunity to respond for smaller certain (safer) or larger uncertain (riskier) rewards. Following training, DA release within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) was monitored on a rapid time scale using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry during the risk-based decision-making task. Results Individual differences in risk-taking behavior were observed as animals displayed a preference for either safe or risky rewards. When only one response option was available, reward predictive cues evoked increases in DA concentration in the NAc core that scaled with each animal's preferred reward contingency. However, when both options were presented simultaneously, cue-evoked DA release signaled the animals preferred reward contingency, regardless of the future choice. Furthermore, DA signaling in the NAc core also tracked unexpected presentations or omissions of rewards following prediction error theory. Conclusions These results suggest that the dopaminergic projections to the NAc core encode the subjective value of future rewards that may function to influence future decisions to take risks.
Looking through the HIPPO: Nucleus and Dust in Comet 2P/Encke

We present high-resolution continuum imaging of comet 2P/Encke taken using the Hawaii Imaging Photo-Polarimeter (HIPPO). We measure the brightness, color, and polarization of the dust coma and nucleus at 22°, 93°, and 100° phase angles. At 22° phase angle and 1.4 AU heliocentric distance, the comet appears pointlike in narrowband continuum filters and is unpolarized. In contrast, at phase angles 93° and 100° and ~0.9 AU heliocentric distance the nucleus appears embedded in a fan-shaped coma that is highly polarized. We find that the nucleus is redder and less polarized than the adjacent coma, and that it is a highly phase-darkened object. The polarization of the coma increases with projected distance from the nucleus, suggesting a change in the mean scattering properties of the grains on a time-of-flight timescale of ~1 hr. We suggest that disaggregation of composite, porous grains in the heat of the Sun is a likely cause. The high coma polarization of this optically dust-poor comet violates a previously reported correlation between polarization and optical dust content. We briefly discuss the nature of this correlation.
Compiling for energy efficiency on timing speculative processors

Timing speculation is a promising technique for improving microprocessor yield, in field reliability, and energy efficiency. Previous evaluations of the energy efficiency benefits of timing speculation have either been based on code compiled for a traditional target [2] — a processor that produces no errors, or code that relies on additional hardware support [6]. In this paper, we advocate that binaries for timing speculative processors should be optimized differently than those for conventional processors to maximize the energy benefits of timing speculation. Since the program binary determines the utilization pattern of the processor, which in turn influences the error rate of the processor and the energy efficiency of timing speculation, binary optimizations for timing speculative processors should attempt to manipulate the utilization of different microarchitectural units based on their likelihood of causing errors. An exploration of targeted and standard compiler optimizations demonstrates that significant energy benefits are possible from TS-aware binary optimization.
How can we improve oral contraceptive success in obese women

A rapid increase in obesity rates worldwide further underscores the importance of better understanding the pharmacokinetic alterations in this sub-population and the subsequent effects on pharmacotherapeutics. Pharmacokinetics of contraceptive steroids is altered in obese oral contraceptive users, which may in turn impact efficacy. Our study has identified several dosing strategies that offset these pharmacokinetic changes and may improve effectiveness for obese oral contraception users.
Noncontingent reinforcement and competing stimuli in the treatment of pseudoseizures and destructive behaviors

Individuals diagnosed with epilepsy have sometimes also been observed to display ‘pseudoseizures’, or clinical events that mimic those observed during epileptic seizures, but are not associated with abnormal cortical electrical discharges. Several investigators have hypothesized that pseudoseizures, in some proportion of those individuals that display them, may be maintained through operant contingencies. In the present study, this sort of hypothesis was tested in a 10-year-old boy with severe mental retardation and a seizure disorder. Informal observations, and later, response-reinforcer contingencies, revealed that the pseudoseizures, as well as other destructive behaviors, occurred at high rates when they resulted in attention from caregivers. Subsequently, a treatment package consisting of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) and competing stimuli was used to decrease levels of seizure-like activity and other problem behaviors. This study adds to the literature that suggests that seizure-like activity may come under operant control and extends the use of NCR and competing stimuli to a novel target behavior. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Context of Interdisciplinary Science

If we could visually trace how the entire stock of knowledge has expanded over the past half century, the spread of the exterior boundaries and the increase in overall mass would be considerable. An equally striking change would be seen in the internal geography. Knowledge has been in a state of flux—a continual process of reconfiguration, with existing subject domains merging and seceding, and new ones emerging. As the structure of knowledge grows i n both scope and specificity, the conduct of research is also changing. Increasingly researchers are importing and exporting information, techniques, and tools across disciplinary boundaries and working together to apply more powerful and sophisticated approaches to the questions they ask. They manage to continue to solve important research problems by adapting their methods of inquiry to the breadth and complexity of knowledge.
Resonances near the orbit of 2003 VB$_{12}$ (Sedna)

2003 VB $_{12}$ (Sedna) is as much distinguished by its considerable size as by its extremely unusual orbit, which has perihelion at about $q=76$ AU with semi-major axis $a=533$ AU (Brown et al . 2004, JPL Horizons). Thus it is effectively decoupled from both Neptune and the Galactic tide (Fernandez 1997). Brown et al . (2004) and Morbidelli & Levison (2004) maintain that only scattering by a so-far-unobserved “Planet X” or by an errant star could produce such a high-perihelion orbit for a scattered-disk KBO. While a close encounter is plausible, given the Sun's likely birth in an open cluster, such an interaction would profoundly disturb the Oort cloud and would require fundamental revision to the present theories of its formation. Although the planets cannot significantly affect VB $_{12}$ 's orbit through close approaches, resonant perturbations could conceivably produce secular effects on it. To explore this possibility, we have numerically integrated test particles with $480 AU and a fixed $q=76$ AU. Including the four giant planets, but ignoring the Kuiper Belt and the inner Oort Cloud, as well as the Galactic tide, we find multiple resonances, some of which perturb significantly the test particles' eccentricity more strongly than the leading secular terms. We identify these resonances as variants of the very high-order ( $n_N > 60 \n$ ) mean-motion commensurabilities between Neptune and VB $_{12}$ . Although unprecedented, these extremely high-order resonances can be significant due to VB $_{12}$ 's very high eccentricity ( $e=0.86$ ). Even powers of eccentricity beyond sixty are still on the order of $10^{-4}$ , which is comparable to the strength of low-order resonances involving near-circular orbits. We extrapolate the possible long-term drift rate and estimate the likelihood of such resonances producing an “inner Oort cloud” population consistent with VB $_{12}$ over the age of the Solar System. Finally we discuss how planetary migration and the Kuiper-Belt's depletion might have affected VB $_{12}$ 's putative resonance. To search for other articles by the author(s) go to: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abstract_service.html
The Phase-Bistable Transistor Circuit

A synchronized transistor switching circuit has been designed for use in computer applications. The circuit is phase bistable rather than amplitude bistable. The basic unit of the circuit is a commutating ring which is operated by clock pulses and which is sampled at one-half the repetition rate of the clock. An input pulse changes the phase of the ring with respect to the sample pulses. This is analogous to a change in the output amplitude of a conventional amplitude bistable device caused by introduction of an input pulse. The basic transistor circuit used is the one-shot multivibrator. The latter device has proved to be more reliable than any amplitudebistable transistor circuit. In section I are presented some features of a transistor switching circuit. Section II contains a simplified description of the phase-bistable circuit and its mode of operation. In section III is described the transistor circuitry, while in section IV some general applications to digital computers are discussed.
Muscarinic receptor-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover in human SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells: Differential inhibition by agents that elevate cyclic AMP

: The possibility that an increased intracellular concentration of cyclic AMP (cAMP) can regulate the extent of muscarinic receptor-stimulated phosphoinositide (PPI) turnover in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH was examined. Addition of either forskolin (or its water-soluble nalog, L-85,8051), theophylline, isobutylmethylxanthine, or Liolera toxin, agents that interact with either the catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase, cAMP phosphodiesterase, or the guanine nucleotide binding protein linked to adenylate cyclase activation, resulted in a 45–181% increase in cAMP concentration and a 27–70% inhibition of carbachol-stimu-lated inositol phosphate release. Through the use of digitonin-permeabilized cells, the site of inhibition was localized to a step at, or distal to, the guanine nucleotide binding protein that regulates phospholipase C activity. In contrast, when intact SK-N-SH cells were exposed to prostaglandin E1, the ensuing increases in cAMP were not accompanied by an inhibition of stimulated PPI turnover. These differential effects of increased cAMP concentrations on stimulated PPI turnover may reflect the compartmentation of cAMP within SK-N-SH cells.
Activation analysis of heavy metals in surface waters using ion exchange filter papers and cyanide complexing

This paper describes a simple, reasonably rapid, and accurate technique developed for the multielement analysis of heavy metals in surface waters using ion exchange filter papers and cyanide complexing in conjunction with neutron activation analysis. The method employs large water volume irradiation for improved sensitivity.130Te was used as an internal flux monitor to correct for neutron flux variations in the samples. Proof of the value of this technique was obtained by the analysis of 10 surface water samples previously analyzed using conventional methods by the U. S. Geological Survey of the U. S. Department of Interior. Good agreement resulted from this comparison.
Noninvasive imaging of oral premalignancy and malignancy.

Early detection of cancer and its precursors remains the best way to ensure patient survival and quality of life. Our specific aim is to test a multimodality approach to noninvasive diagnostics of oral premalignancy and malignancy. In the hamster cheek pouch model 120 hamsters, in vivo optical coherence tomography OCT and op- tical Doppler tomography ODT map epithelial, subepithelial, and vascular change throughout carcinogenesis. In vivo multiwavelength multiphoton MPM and second-harmonic generated SHG fluores- cence techniques provided parallel data on surface and subsurface tissue structure, specifically collagen presence and structure, cellular presence, and vasculature. Images are diagnosed by two blinded, pre- standardized investigators using a scale from 0 to 6 for all modalities. After sacrifice, histopathology is evaluated on a scale of 0 to 6. Imag- ing data are reproducibly obtained with good accuracy. Carcinogenesis-related structural and vascular changes are clearly vis- ible to tissue depths of 2m m. Sensitivity OCT/ODT alone, 71 to 88%; OCT+MPM/SHG ,7 9 to 91% and specificity OCT alone, 62 to 83%; OCT+MPM/SHG ,6 7 to 90% compare well with conven- tional techniques. Our conclusions are that OCT/ODT and MPM/SHG are promising noninvasive in vivo diagnostic modalities for oral dys- plasia and malignancy. © 2005 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. DOI: 10.1117/1.2098930