cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suppression of Growth Hormone (GH) Hypersecretion due to Ectopic GH-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) by a Selective GHRH Antagonist

We have recently demonstrated that a competitive antagonist of GHRH, (N-Ac-Tyr1,d-Arg2)GHRH-(1–29)NH2 (GHRH-Ant), eliminates nearly all nocturnal GH pulsatility in normal subjects, supporting the hypothesis that GH pulsatility is driven by GHRH. In this study, we compared the effects of every 12 h iv boluses of either GHRH-Ant or saline on 24-h GH profiles in a patient with acromegaly due to a metastatic GHRH-secreting carcinoid tumor. Bolus doses of GHRH-Ant (400 μg/kg, iv) acutely suppressed GH concentration to 30–40% of the pretreatment baseline, and this effect lasted 3–4 h. Administration of GHRH (0.33 μg/kg, iv) bolus resulted in a small rise in GH, and this effect was blocked by GHRH-Ant (400μ g/kg). During saline treatment, the secretory patterns of both GH and ectopic GHRH were pulsatile; however, there was no correlation between changes in plasma GHRH and GH concentrations. This lack of correlation was probably due to the majority of circulating GHRH immunoreactivity consisting of nonbiologicall...
swi1 and swi3 Perform Imprinting, Pausing, and Termination of DNA Replication in S. pombe

The developmental program of cell-type switching of S. pombe requires a strand-specific imprinting event at the mating-type locus (mat1). Imprinting occurs only when mat1 is replicated in a specific direction and requires several trans-acting factors. This work shows (1) that the factors swi1p and swi3p act by pausing the replication fork at the imprinting site; and (2) that swi1p and swi3p are involved in termination at the mat1-proximal polar-terminator of replication (RTS1). A genetic screen to identify termination factors identified an allele that separated pausing/imprinting and termination functions of swip. These results suggest that swi1p and swi3p promote imprinting in novel ways both by pausing replication at mat1 and by terminating replication at RTS1.
Hosting Non-University Guests and Party-Related Drinking Behaviors of College Students.

AbstractBackground: Hosting non-university guests is common among college students, especially during sports and traditional party weekends. However, the effect of non-university guests – a common social reference group – on host-students’ drinking behaviors is not well understood.Method: Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey conducted at a public Midwestern university (N = 2951; mean age = 20 years) from 2005 to 2007.Results: Participants who hosted non-university guests tended to be younger in age, male, of white racial background, members of athletic teams, had younger ages of drinking onset, and were more likely to reside off-campus as compared to non-hosts. Host students also had significantly elevated risk for engaging in heavy party-related drinking while hosting non-university guests, and were more likely to report similar risky drinking behaviors among other party-attendees.Conclusions: Preliminary evidence from this study suggests that college-based prevention efforts would benefit from ...
Some Semiconductor Device Physics Considerations and Clarifications

We present some clarifications of band diagrams, quasi-Fermi levels, and the channel shape of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors that are frequently misrepresented in textbooks. We consider both simple first-order calculations and detailed computer simulations to show how these parameters are better represented.
High efficiency PTB7-based inverted organic photovoltaics on nano-ridged and planar zinc oxide electron transport layers

Inverted organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have gained considerable attention as they offer increased device stability and processing advantages. ZnO serves as an effective electron transport layer (ETL) in inverted OPVs while efficiently blocking holes. In this work, the sol–gel precursor concentration, spin coating speed and baking conditions were used to simultaneously control the film thickness and morphology of ZnO ETLs in inverted devices using the active layer of poly thieno[3,4-b]thiophene/benzodithiophene (PTB7):[6,6]-phenyl C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) bulk heterojunction (BHJ). Nano-ridged and planar structures of ZnO films were obtained simply by dynamically and statically baking the precursor films, respectively. Consistently high FFs exceeding 70% and PCEs averaging 7.65–8.01% with a maximum PCE reaching 8.32% were achieved on both nano-ridged and planar ZnO films when the active layer was maintained at ∼94 nm. The effects of ZnO film thickness and morphology, along with the active layer thickness, on the device performance were further investigated using both experimental and transfer matrix optical modeling methods. The results demonstrated that high efficiency PTB7-based inverted OPVs can be achieved on both nano-ridged and planar ZnO ETLs as long as the optimal active layer thickness is maintained.
Crossed fused renal ectopia with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

The patient is an 83-year-old man with a 4-month history of right arm pain. He had no previous history of cancer. Radiographs showed a minimal pathologic fracture of the proximal right humerus with new callus formation atthe fracture site. A bone scan was done but did not demonstrate other areas of involvement. However, it was noted that the patient did not appear to have a left kidney, and there were 2 areas of increased uptake in the region of the right kidney. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis was done and showed a crossed fused ectopic kidney with a 3 X 4 cm mass on its inferior pole. A biopsy of the right humerus lesion confirmed that it was metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and the patient underwent a nephrectomy of the involved kidney.
Curiosity behavior in normal and mentally retarded children

Normal and mentally retarded preschool children were tested for curiosity behavior and general activity. Although general activity was not found to be related to IQ scores, the results did indicate that the normal children’s level of curiosity behavior was greater than that of the mentally retarded ones. It was suggested that previous investigators have not reported a relationship between curiosity behavior and intelligence because of their use of Ss having a restricted range of IQ scores.
Downtime procedures for a clinical information system: a critical issue

As computers become embedded in clinical workflow processes, disruptions to access can have serious consequences. The Health Evaluation through Logical Processing system at LDS Hospital is a computerized hospital information system that has been under continuous development for more than 30 years. The system maintains a 99.85% uptime and averages more than 17,000 logons per day. The first formal downtime plan for this system was developed in 1992 in anticipation of a major hardware installation. In early 2000 after a series of planned downtimes from which we did not recover smoothly, our Software Oversight Committee became interested in understanding downtime procedures. A downtime plan for clinical users was developed and tested and is discussed. A March 2000 downtime survey of 103 clinical staff provided additional information to refine the plan. The downtime plan now includes explicit instructions about the clinical data that must be reentered after a downtime and also includes a plan for a regularly scheduled downtime practice drill similar to a fire drill.
Acoustooptic processor for adaptive radar noise environment characterization

A new 2-D acoustooptic processor that estimates the angular as well as spectral distributions of jammers in the far field of an adaptive phased array radar is described. The operating modes of the system are discussed together with the estimation accuracy achieved. Experimental results are presented to illustrate the operation of the processor, and different acoustooptic cell operating modes are discussed.
Affinity purification of human deoxycytidine kinase: avoidance of structural and kinetic artifacts arising from limited proteolysis

Homogeneous deoxycytidine kinase has been isolated from leukemic human T-lymphoblasts by affinity chromatography based on a multisubstrate analog, deoxycytidine 5′-adenosine 5‴-P 1 ,P 4 -tetraphosphate (dCp 4 A). Chromatography of extract treated with protease inhibitors yielded a monomeric polypeptide, inasmuch as the M r of the native protein, 59,300, is comparable to the value of 52,000 from sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The isoelectric pH was 6.1. But, enzyme isolated without protease inhibitors exhibited two fragments of M r = 30,000 and 33,000, suggesting that proteolytic cleavage of the parental polypeptide had occurred during affinity chromatography. Both the parental and proteolyzed enzymes phosphorylated deoxyadenosine and deoxyguanosine, as well as deoxycytidine. However, the proteolyzed enzyme had an increased apparent K m for deoxycytidine. In consequence of this, a mixture of the two forms produced bimodal kinetic plots, whereas linear kinetics were displayed by each form alone.
Binding of proflavine by and photoinactivation of poliovirus propagated in the presence of the dye.

Abstract Proflavine was bound within poliovirus particles, presumably to the ribonucleic acid, when the dye was present up to concentrations of 5 μg/ml in the tissue culture medium in which the virus was propagated. The quantity of dye bound was dependent upon the concentration in the medium, reaching a maximum of about 200 molecules per particle. The poliovirus-proflavine complex was photosensitive, the action spectrum corresponding approximately to the absorption spectrum of the free dye. Photoinactivation was oxygen dependent and relatively independent of temperature, pH, and salt concentration. Kinetics of photoinactivation were complex. At higher dye concentrations an initial single-hit, first-order curve was observed, followed by a slower inactivation rate which was also apparently first order. The quantum efficiency of the initial slope was approximately 10 −2 . With low dye concentrations an initial curvilinear semilogarithmic plot, followed by an apparent linear slope, was obtained. The protein coat of the virus was apparently impermeable to the dye since bound proflavine was not removed without disruption of the particles, and mature virus did not bind proflavine nor was it photosensitive in the presence of added proflavine under ordinary conditions.
Building the Authority of Experience in Communities of Practice: The Development of Preservice Teachers' Practical Knowledge through Coteaching in Inquiry Classrooms

Secondary science methods students' thinking on coteaching practice was studied for the development of conscious elements of practical teacher knowledge supporting the use of structured inquiry. Reflective dialogue on practice in an electronic forum was analyzed for elements of formal learning and biography (past and present) that informed thinking on practice. Changes in thinking over time were considered in light of observed practice, including methods students' thinking about inquiry through use of STC curriculum. Three concepts related to experience in learning to teach in this model emerged from the data: (a) movement from cultural acclimation to reflection on inquiry practice, (b) thinking through past educational knowledge and experience, and (c) integrating knowledge and experience in practice. Discussion highlights the integration of formal knowledge, biography, and peripheral participation with development of “knowledge of students'' in learning to teach in this model. Implications for preservice teacher education highlight the important aspects of learning to teach in practice in order to begin developing practical teacher knowledge for teaching using structured inquiry. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed89:470–491, 2005
Managing computer integrated manufacturing (CIM): A review of themes, issues, and practices

Large scale changes from traditional to computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) make fundamental alterations in the way work gets done in an organization. The incorporation of sophisticated computerized machinery into the work flow, however, is only the catalyst for a range of human resource and organizational issues. A review of the literature suggests that the management of these issues in the transition from traditional to computerized systems is critical to success. The review is presented within a time frame that encompasses the major themes of a CIM change effort. These themes include the decision phase or automation consideration, the developmental phase, the bridging phase that spans the gap between planning and implementation, and the implementation phase. Important management issues are summarized at each step, including cost justification, management commitment, planning, vendor and union relationships, employee resistance, education and training, job redesign, and organizational restructuring. Wherever applicable, specific practices and real-world examples for effectively managing these issues are presented.
Body Thickness Optimization and Sensitivity Analysis for High Performance FinFETs

This article proposes a device optimization technique to achieve high performance in double-gate MOSFETs by considering the trade-off between on-current and gate capacitance with silicon thickness. It shows that the optimal silicon thickness varies based on the mode of operation (super-threshold or sub-threshold). Even though these devices have intrinsic body thickness variations, the effect of these variations reduces considerably as the number of fins increases.
Effect of Delvinal Sodium on Respiratory Metabolism of the Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta)

SummaryThe average basal heat production of ten normal rhesus monkeys was 30.46 cal/square meter/hour. The O2 consumption was decreased by doses of 30 mg to 45 mg of delvinal sodium/kilo of monkey. The 40 mg and 45 mg doses/kilo produced surgical anesthesia that lasted for about 3 hours to 5 hours.
Genetic and environmental variability in lick rates of mice.

Abstract The hypothesis of lick rate invariance was tested by comparing rates of licking among two inbred strains of mice and their F 1 hybrids across two different fluid regimens. DBA mice licked significantly faster than C57 mice, while the lick rate of both reciprocal F 1 groups was intermediate between that of the two parental strains. This ordered relationship held when either water or a morphine solution was the available fluid. C57 mice, but not others, also displayed transient changes in lick rate with changes in fluid regimens. Thus, rates of licking among mice are neither genetically nor environmentally invariant.
Effect of admixtures on hot-pressed cements

Abstract Types I and III portland cements were hot pressed at 25, 000 psi (170 MPa) pressure and 150°C for 1 2 hour with and without admixtures and further hydrated for different periods in de-ionized water. Results showed that strength and microhardness increase with hydration. The previously described relationship between strength and porosity [P = P o exp (−KS)] si followed in this study as well. Microhardness promises to be a useful non-destructive test. X-ray diffraction analysis, DTA and SEM were used for characterization of final products, for correlation with the other properties. Strength increases were observed due to the action of some admixtures on type III cement, but apparently produced a negative action on type I pastes.
Synaptic and neuritic alterations during the progression of Alzheimer's disease

Extensive synaptic and neuritic alterations in the neocortex and limbic system are characteristically found in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it is not known how early in the development of the disease these alterations occur. For the present study, we compared the synaptic and neuritic alterations among cases classified clinically and neuropathologically as early, mild and advanced AD. In early AD there was a 20% loss of synaptophysin-immunoreactive presynaptic terminals in the outer molecular layer of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (but not in the neocortex and entorhinal cortex), accompanied by increased amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Alz50 immunoreactivity in hippocampal and entorhinal cortex pyramidal neurons. These results suggest that abnormal neuronal expression of APP and cytoskeletal proteins in early stages might be involved in the mechanisms of synaptic pathology in AD.
Prevalence and consequences of nocturnal hypoglycemia among conventionally treated children with diabetes mellitus.

To determine the prevalence and predictors of, and the glucose responses after, nocturnal hypoglycemia, we studied 135 pediatric patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus on 388 nights. The frequencies of blood glucose values less than 60, 50, and 40 mg/dl (3.3, 2.8, and 2.2 mmol/L) at 2 am were 14.4%, 7.0%, and 2.1%, and at 6 am were 6.7%, 2.6%, and 0.5%, respectively. Longer duration of diabetes, higher daily insulin doses, and lower glycosylated hemoglobin values were all significant but weak predictors of 2 am hypoglycemia (glucose ≤60 mg/dl (≤3.3 mmol/L). A 10 pm glucose concentration ≤100 mg/dl (≤5.6 mmol/L) was present on 48% of nights with 2 am glucose values ≤60 mg/dl (≤3.3 mmol/L), but only 24% of nights with 10 pm blood glucose values ≤100 mg/dl (≤5.6 mmol/L) were followed by 2 am hypoglycemia. After treatment of 70 episodes of 2 am glucose concentrations ≤60 mg/dl (≤3.3 mmol/L), mean 6 am glucose concentration was 95±6 mg/dl (5.7±0.3 mmol/L) and ≤100 mg/dl in 68.6%. In only 4.3% of these cases was the 6 am glucose concentration >200 mg/dl (>11.1 mmol/L). Among patients who experienced 2 am hypoglycemia, after-breakfast glucose values were not greater on days with 2 am hypoglycemia than on days without it. These data indicate that 2 am hypoglycemia is relatively common in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is frequently preceded by a 10 pm glucose value ≤5.6 mmol/L, and is less well predicted by other factors. Appropriate treatment of 2 am hypoglycemia seldom results in either before-breakfast or after-breakfast blood glucose values >200 mg/dl (>11.1 mmol/L). Early-morning hypoglycemia is an uncommon cause of otherwise unexplained, prebreakfast hyperglycemia in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Differential Improvement in Student Understanding of Mathematical Principles following Formative Assessment Intervention.

ABSTRACT The authors describe results from a study of a middle school mathematics formative assessment strategy. They employed a randomized, controlled design to address the following question: Does using our strategy improve student performance on assessments of key mathematical ideas relative to a comparison group? Eighty-five teachers and 4,091 students were included. Students took a pretest and a transfer measure at the end of the year. Treatment students completed formative assessments. Treatment teachers had exposure to professional development and instructional resources. Results indicated students with higher pretest scores benefited more from the treatment compared to students with lower pretest scores. In addition treatment students significantly outperformed control students on distributive property items. This effect was larger as pretest scores increased. Results, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
A new member of the endonuclease III family of DNA repair enzymes that removes methylated purines from DNA

Abstract DNA is constantly exposed to endogenous andexogenous alkylating agents that can modify its bases,resulting in mutagenesis in the absence of DNA repair [1,2]. Alkylation damage is removed by the action of DNA glycosylases, which initiate the base excision repair pathway and protect the sequence information of the genome [3–5]. We have identified a new class of methylpurine DNA glycosylase, designated MpgII, that is a member of the endonuclease III family of DNA repair enzymes. We expressed and purified MpgII from Thermotoga maritima and found that the enzyme releases both 7-methylguanine and 3-methyladenine from DNA.We cloned the MpgII genes from T. maritima and from Aquifex aeolicus and found that both genes could restore methylmethanesulfonate (MMS) resistance to Escherichia coli alkA tagA double mutants, which are deficient in the repair of alkylated bases. Analogous genes are found in other Bacteria and Archaea and appear to be the only genes coding for methylpurine DNA glycosylase activity in these organisms. MpgII is the fifth member of the endonuclease III family of DNA repair enzymes, suggesting that the endonuclease III protein scaffold has been modified during evolution to recognize and repair a variety of DNA damage.
Use of track tubes to detect changes in abundance of beach mice

Track tubes may help measure impacts of disturbances on small mammals by providing information about the magnitude and timing of fluctuations in relative abundance. We evaluated live-capture and track-tube data from 8 trapping grids to test the utility of track tubes for monitoring abundance of beach mice (Peromyscus polionotus) through time and for comparing relative abundance of beach mice among sites. When averaged across grid sites, track indexes and abundance estimates exhibited strong covariation through time. Associations between the track index and estimated abundance on different grids varied from strong to very poor depending on sample period. Associations between track indexes and abundance estimates were strong when mouse densities on all grids were relatively low, but they were weak during other sample periods when densities were highly variable among grids. This study points to the need to understand factors that influence the relationship between indexes from track tubes and mouse abundance before track tubes can be used to compare abundances among sites.
Non-linear attenuation of sound in circular lined ducts

Abstract The attenuation of high intensity sound in circular ducts lined with fibrous material has been investigated. With no mean flow, the sound pressure levels are varied to illustrate the linear and non-linear absorption characteristics of the liner. Effects of liner thickness, perforation ratio of the duct wall and the d t ratio are analysed. Optimum combinations of the perforation geometry and liner thickness are found to be of stable attenuation characteristics over a wide frequency range and at high sound levels.
Information anxiety, information behavior, and minority graduate students

Increasing numbers of minority students now attend American graduate programs, however, attendance does not guarantee graduation, and graduation rates for minority students in masters and doctoral programs are low. This poster presents the preliminary findings from an ongoing study examining the information behavior of black graduate students. It suggests that students are affected by information anxiety, which creates a barrier to obtaining and using information for academic work. The study also considers participants' views on how race may affect information gathering, access, and sharing.
A Numerical Method for Solving Integral Equations of Neutron Transport

In a recent paper it was pointed out that the weakly singular integral equations of neutron transport can be quite conveniently solved by a method based on subtraction of singularity. This previous paper was devoted entirely to the consideration of simple one-dimensional isotropic-scattering and one-group problems. The present paper constitutes interesting extensions of the previous work in that in addition to a typical two-group anisotropic-scattering albedo problem in the slab geometry, the method is also applied to an isotropic- scattering problem in the x-y geometry. These results are compared with discrete S/sub N/ (ANISN or TWOTRAN-II) results, and for the problems considered here, the proposed method is found to be quite effective. Thus, the method appears to hold considerable potential for future applications. (auth)
Phase II study of daunorubicin in previously untreated patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma

Fourteen patients with advanced measurable colorectal cancer were treated with daunorubicin hydrochloride (DNR). The drug was administered at a dose of 15 mg/m2 on day 1 through 3 and 8 through 10. After a 4-day rest period DNR was given in weekly injections of 15 mg/m2. There were no partial or complete responses. This study failed to confirm the previously reported therapeutic activity of this agent in colorectal carcinoma, using an identical dose and schedule. We have initiated a phase 1 study of daunorubicin to identify a maximum tolerated dose using an every 3-week schedule for future phase II trials in solid tumors.
Biochemical polymorphism in char ( Salvelinus alpinus L.) from Llynnau Peris, Padarn, Cwellyn and Bodlyn

Biochemical polymorphism in char ( Salvelinus alpinus L.) from Llynnau Peris, Padarn, Cwellyn and Bodlyn
Natural vs. plantation forests: A case study of land reclamation strategies for the humid tropics

Biomass and productivity were compared in two plantations and in one stand of natural regeneration on similar sites in a premontane moist forest region of Puerto Rico. While initial growth rates of plantation species were higher, after four decades productivity of the natural regeneration plots was equal to or greater than productivity of the plantations. For the first 44 years, aboveground biomass of natural regeneration increased at an average annual rate of 3.8t·ha−1·yr−1, but the last year of the study it was 14.7t·ha−1. Biomass increment of a pine plantation averaged between 8 and 10.5t·ha−1·yr−1 except for one year when the rate was much lower, possibly because of hurricane damage. A tropical hardwood plantation averaged close to 4t·ha−1·yr−1 for 41 years. It is suggested that in countries where funds for land reclamation are limited, intensive plantations may not always be the best strategy. Natural regeneration or shelterbelt plantations may be suitable alternatives.
Contemporary issues in watershed and water quality modeling for eutrophication control

Three issues are discussed: controllability of nonpoint nutrient loadings using watershed models; the sometimes counter intuitive results from eutrophication models from nutrient controls for coastal waters; and the potential significant interaction of improvement in habitat for suspension feeding bivalves. For the Chesapeake Bay watershed model, and for Limit of Technology (LOT) controls, a 16% and 45% reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively, is calculated. For the Bay, it is concluded that removal of phosphorus only is less effective than nitrogen in improving bottom water DO because of differential transport of nitrogen downstream. For the Delaware estuary, a significant decline in phytoplankton chlorophyll has been observed in the absence of any nutrient controls but in the presence of improved DO. A simple model is offered that hypothesized an increase in benthic bivalve filtration of overlying water as a result of improvement in DO.
A Flexible and Extensible Component-Oriented Middleware for Creating Context-Aware Applications

In this paper, we describe a middleware system, called J2CS (Java 2 Context Service), that provides support to most of the tasks involved in designing context-aware applications in Java. The J2CS system can be classified as a lightweighted, flexible, extensible and component-oriented middleware. In the proposed platform, containers manage the life cycle of components called contextlets which are used to infer high-level events from. low-level sensed data. Containers are also in charge of handling communication details with sensors and other sources of context information. In this paper, we discuss the software architecture, the programming interface, the run-time performance and the implementation of J2CS. We also present some examples of context-aware applications based on the proposed middleware
Tandem stop codons in ciliates that reassign stop codons.

Tandem stop codons are extra stop codons hypothesized to be present downstream of genes to act as a backup in case of read-through of the real stop codon. Although seemingly absent from Escherichia coli, recent studies have confirmed the presence of such codons in yeast. In this paper we will analyze the genomes of two ciliate species—Paramecium tetraurelia and Tetrahymena thermophila—that reassign the stop codons TAA and TAG to glutamine, for the presence of tandem stop codons. We show that there are more tandem stop codons downstream of both Paramecium and Tetrahymena genes than expected by chance given the base composition of the downstream regions. This excess of tandem stop codons is larger in Tetrahymena and Paramecium than in yeast. We propose that this might be caused by a higher frequency of stop codon read-through in these species than in yeast, possibly because of a leaky termination machinery resulting from stop codon reassignment.
The Regime Debate Revisted: A Sensitivity Analysis of Democracy's Economic Effect

Some studies find that democracy inhibits growth while other studies find that democracy facilitates growth. Which conclusion is correct? To help resolve this debate, a variety of sensitivity analyses is conducted to answer two basic questions. First, why has the literature yielded contradictory results? Secondly, how believable are these results? The existing contradictions can be explained by analysts' choice of time period, with democracy having a negative effect on growth in the 1960s, a positive effect in the 1980s and no effect at all in the 1970s and 1990s. More generally, however, it is shown here that the statistical significance of these findings varies radically depending upon which control variables one utilizes and how one measures both growth and democracy.
The production and allocation of information as a good that is enhanced with increased use

Abstract Information has some unique characteristics. Unlike most other goods and services, it is neither rival (use by one prevents use by others) nor non-rival (use by one does not affect use by others), but is enhanced with increased use, or ‘additive’. Therefore a unique allocation system for both the production and consumption of information is needed. Under the current market-based allocation system, production of information is often limited through the exclusive rights produced by patents and copyrights. This limits scientists' ability to share and build on each other's knowledge. We break the problem down into three separate questions: (1) do markets generate the type of information most important for modern society? (2) are markets the most appropriate institution for producing that information? and (3) once information is produced, are markets the most effective way of maximizing the social value of that information? We conclude that systematic market failures make it unlikely that markets will generate the most important types of information, while the unique characteristics of information reduce the cost-effectiveness of markets in generating information and in maximizing its social value. We then discuss alternative methods that do not have these shortcomings, and that would lead to greater overall economic efficiency, social justice and ecological sustainability. These methods include monetary prizes, publicly funded research from which the produced information is released into the public domain, and status driven incentive structures like those in academia and the “open-source” community.
Pancreatic and multiorgan resection with inferior vena cava reconstruction for retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma.

Background Inferior vena cava (IVC) leiomyosarcoma is a rare tumor of smooth muscle origin. It is often large by the time of diagnosis and may involve adjacent organs. A margin-free resection may be curative, but the resection must involve the tumor en bloc with the affected segment of vena cava and locally involved organs. IVC resection often requires vascular reconstruction, which can be done with prosthetic graft.
Prolapsed Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Rare Cause of Biliary Obstruction and Acute Pancreatitis

77-year-old woman presented with abdominal Apain and early satiety. Computed tomography of the abdomen (Figure A) showed a 6-cm submucosal mass (white arrow) on a stalk (black arrow) arising from the gastric fundus as well as several benignappearing liver lesions. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (Figure B) demonstrated the same non-friable, nonobstructing gastric mass (white arrow) and its stalk (black arrow). While biopsy results were pending, the patient presented to the emergency department with acutely worsening abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. Laboratory evaluation was significant for the following: alanine aminotransferase 83 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase 117 U/L, total bilirubin 4 mg/dL, and lipase 5315 U/L. Computed tomography imaging (Figure C) showed that the aforementioned mass had prolapsed into the duodenum (white arrow) and obstructed the ampulla of Vater, resulting in dilation of the common bile duct (white arrowhead), pancreatic duct (black arrow), and gallbladder. The mass was resected surgically, and microscopic evaluation (Figure D) revealed a low-grade spindle-cell neoplasm expressing CD117 (KIT), which is consistent with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The patient recovered well from surgery. Her serum bilirubin and lipase levels normalized, and postoperative imaging showed resolution of the pancreatobiliary ductal dilation. Because this GIST carried a low (<5%) risk for recurrence on the basis of its size (5–10 cm), location (stomach), and low mitotic rate ( 5 mitoses/50 high-power field), we did not recommend any adjuvant therapy. Comprising fewer than 1% of all gastrointestinal tumors, GISTs are intramucosal spindle-cell neoplasms that can arise throughout the gastrointestinal tract but are most commonly found in the stomach. Although they are frequently discovered incidentally, GISTs may cause early satiety, bloating, bleeding, pain, or frank bowel obstruction. Our patient presented with pancreatitis and biliary obstruction (manifested by elevated serum lipase and bilirubin levels and a radiographic “double-duct” sign) because of a prolapsed GIST obstructing the ampulla of Vater. Although gastric GISTs or polyps may infrequently prolapse through the pylorus into the duodenum, to our knowledge there are only 2 published case reports of gastric GIST causing pancreatitis and no published reports of gastric GIST causing both pancreatitis and biliary obstruction. After resection of a GIST, the consulting oncologist can assess recurrence risk on the basis of tumor size, mitotic rate, and anatomic location and, in turn, determine whether to recommend imatinib, which has been shown to improve recurrence-free survival in patients with resected intermediate or highrisk GIST.
Expression and Function of Fas Antigen Vary in Bovine Granulosa and Theca Cells During Ovarian Follicular Development and Atresia

Fas antigen is a receptor that triggers apoptosis when bound by Fas ligand (FasL). A role for Fas antigen in follicular atresia was studied in follicles obtained during the first wave of follicular development during the bovine estrous cycle (estrus is Day 0). Granulosa and theca cells were isolated from healthy dominant follicles and the two largest atretic subordinate follicles on Day 5, atretic dominant follicles on Days 10‐12, and preovulatory follicles on Day 1. Fas antigen mRNA levels were highest in granulosa cells from subordinate as compared to other follicles, and lowest in theca cells from healthy Day 5 dominant as compared to other follicles. FasL alone had no effect on viability of granulosa or theca cells but became cytotoxic in the presence of interferon-g (IFN). IFN has been shown to induce responsiveness to Fas antigen-mediated apoptosis in other cell types. In the presence of IFN, killing of granulosa cells by FasL was greater in subordinate compared to healthy dominant follicles on Day 5, did not differ between healthy and atretic dominant follicles, and was similar in theca among all follicles. Granulosa cells from preovulatory follicles, which had been exposed to the LH surge in vivo, were completely resistant to FasL-induced killing. In summary, Fas antigen expression, and responsiveness to Fas antigen-mediated apoptosis, vary during follicular development.
Electrical performances of low resistive W buried gate using B 2 H 6 -reduced W nucleation layer technology for 30nm-based DRAM devices

Low resistive tungsten (W) interconnects using chemical vapor deposited W (CVD-W) films deposited on B 2 H 6 -reduced W nucleation layers have been successfully developed for the buried gate electrode of sub-30nm dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The low resistive W film showed excellent gap fill performance and larger grain size than that of the conventional CVD-W film at the 30nm shallow trench pattern. The gate resistance of low resistive W film was ∼25% reduced even at the 30nm trench pattern, which is due to the larger grain at the shallow trench. In addition, the gate oxide integrity and reliability were drastically improved, compared to the conventional CVD-W buried gate. However, the properties of transistor including saturation threshold voltage (Vt sat ) and saturation drain current (Id sat ) were degraded due to the penetration of boron into channel at the B 2 H 6 -reduced W nucleation layer. In order to adjust the transistor characteristics, the optimization of channel implantation condition is suggested.
Parent-adolescent interaction: influence on the academic achievement of African American adolescent males.

Abstract As the achievement gap between African American and white students persists, an examination of factors outside the school setting are essential. Acknowledging the dynamics of family environment as perceived by African American adolescent males is apposite to understanding the relationship between family environment and academic achievement. Utilizing an ecological perspective, this study describes the characteristics of family process variables and analyzes the adolescents’ perception of parent-adolescent interaction and its influence on their psychological well-being. Results indicate that a substantial proportion of the 179 adolescent males who perceived parent-adolescent interaction as positive and were identified as having a stable psychological well-being, were more likely to have average to above-average grade point averages, high Stanford Nine scores and high achievement group membership, than those adolescent males who did not perceive parent-adolescent interaction as positive.
Effect of dietary fatty acids on the body tissues of larval and juvenile cobia and their prey

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been used as biomarkers in pelagic ecosystems although previous studies have failed to quantify the timing of conservation of dietary PUFAs in pelagic fishes and invertebrates. Here we investigated the influence of diet upon the timing of conservation of PUFAs throughout multiple trophic exchanges in larval and juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum) and their prey. Cobia, rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis), and Artemia (A. franciscana) were fed laboratory processed or natural diets resembling prey and dietary modification of fatty acid signatures was quantified using twosource mixing models. Specimens were collected throughout the experiment to track dietary influences over time. Cobia larvae underwent significant dietary modification of PUFAs after 24 h and conserved N90% of dietary PUFAs after an average of 6 days. Similar results were identified in juvenile cobia as significant dietary modification of PUFAs took place after 3 days and N90% were conserved after an average of 12 days. In addition, no significant ontogenetic changes in PUFA signatures were identified in juvenile cobia throughout the 30-day experiment. PUFA signatures in prey items (rotifers and Artemia) underwent significant dietary modification in 24 h, with over 90% incorporation after 5–7 days. Results from this study support the premise that fatty acids are promising dietary indicators and may be useful for future studies examining trophic relationships in marine ecosystems and habitat use of marine fishes. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Enabling a transforming army at war: analysis to improve logistics network efficiency and effectiveness

This paper introduces and summarizes a comprehensive systems approach guiding an ongoing project addressing these significant challenges confronting logistics transformation. Currently sponsored by the Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), this project involves several supporting organizations both within and external to the army and DOD. Although initially focused on aviation-specific Class IX (spare parts and components) as a test bed, the goal is to develop a prototype that will provide the foundational "analytical architecture" to support, guide and accelerate army logistics transformation. Conditions which motivate this research and analysis include (1) the changed nature of our geopolitical landscape resulting in the army's transition to a "capabilities-based" force, (2) the opportunity to consider, adapt and extend, where appropriate, integrating "supply chain" design, management and analysis concepts that have been driven by increasing competition in the corporate world, and (3) the enabling potential of information technology.
Internal object loading for multiple cooperating robot manipulators

For an object being rigidly grasped and manipulated by multiple robotic mechanisms, the internal loading characteristics at a common coordinate set within the object are considered. It is demonstrated that representation of internal forces and moments in these common coordinates give insight into force and load distribution schemes developed previously. In particular, it is shown how internal loads may be created in some end-effector force distribution schemes even when no component in the null-space of the grasp matrix is included. It is further shown that a particular pseudoinverse of the grasp matrix, which can be shown to be consistent with the kinematic constraints, may be used to eliminate this situation. The case of a two-arm system is used to illustrate the concepts introduced. >
3D packaging architecture using paper as a dielectric medium

Radio frequency identification (RFID) can be utilized for the tagging of a wide variety of application. A planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) for real time locating has been designed, built and characterized on paper substrate. In specific the PIFA for tagging of metallic objects such as containers in ports or automotive applications is designed, fabricated, and characterized on a paper substrate. The antenna interconnect, or simply the shorting via A via, was drilled though the paper substrate using laser in one of the corners of the structure and, and is characterized by plotting S parameters. Agreement between simulation and measurements provide the proof of concept that paper is a good candidate for a multilayer low cost substrate. This effort proves for the first time, the feasibility of building 3D structure on paper with z-interconnects.
The non-Gaussian halo mass function with fNL, gNL and τNL

Primordial non-Gaussianity has emerged as one of the most promising probes of the inflationary epoch. While the cosmic microwave background and large-scale halo bias currently provide the most stringent constraints on the non-Gaussian parameter fNL, the abundance of dark matter halos is a complementary probe which may allow tests of Gaussianity which are independent of the precise form of non-Gaussian initial conditions. We study the halo mass function in N-body simulations with a range of non-Gaussian initial conditions. In addition to the usual fNL model, we consider gNLΦ3-type non-Gaussianity and models where the 4-point amplitude τNL is an independent parameter. We introduce a new analytic form for the halo mass function in the presence of primordial non-Gaussianity, the ``log-Edgeworth'' mass function, and find good agreement with the N-body simulations. The log-Edgeworth mass function introduces no free parameters and can be constructed from first principles for any model of primordial non-Gaussianity.
A testbed for quantitative assessment of intrusion detection systems using fuzzy logic

The current intrusion detection system (IDS) technology is a major investment for a firm and its evaluation is desired prior to a commitment. A testbed compares different IDSs on a common platform. A major challenge in evaluating IDSs stems from the fact that they are generally tested in specific environments. A real-world environment could be different from the environment designed for a testbed. The results obtained, from such testbeds, may not be accurate and reliable. Hence, a quantitative and metrics based evaluation of IDSs is desired. We propose testbed for evaluating intrusion detection systems (TIDeS), that allows a user to select the best IDS for a specific customized environment. A quantitative analysis is provided by TIDeS, using fuzzy logic, under varying network loads. We also propose robust metrics to evaluate an IDS. We follow up with recommendations, based on our experience, on the general practices in the field of IDSs.
Hawaii Rainfall Anomalies and El Niño.

Abstract An analysis of composite, seasonal rainfall anomalies in Hawaii shows that deficient rainfall tends to occur frequently in winter and spring of the year following an El Nino. The reliability of the El Nino composite has been tested using a Monte Carlo simulation technique. Upper-air circulation patterns during the recent three El Nino events are discussed in relation to drought winters in Hawaii. The more eastward elongated subtropical jet stream in the North Pacific and the thermally induced local Hadley circulation in the central North Pacific, characteristics of El Nino winters, are unfavorable for rainfall in Hawaii.
Globalization And Convergence-Divergence Debate: Strategic Perspectives For Emerging Markets

Globalization calls for a strategic business model that supports creation and sustaining of competitive advantage internationally. Here, we highlight the significance of a transvergence perspective, which is a transformative reinterpretation and application of the indigenous cultural perspective. Two case studies of Chinese enterprises highlight the perspective.
Macular structural characteristics in children with Down syndrome

This prospective study aimed to investigate macular structural characteristics in children with Down syndrome compared to those in healthy children. Two groups of children (aged 6–16 years) were enrolled: children with Down syndrome (Down syndrome group, N = 17) and age-matched healthy children who were full-term at birth (control group, N = 18). Eligible patients had visual acuity of 20/100 or better and gestational age at birth of ≥ 36 weeks. Fourier domain optical coherence tomography was used for imaging of the macular retinal structure, and retinal volume scans centered on the macula were obtained. Central subfield thickness (CST) and the thickness of the inner and outer retinal layer regions were analyzed using the instrument’s segmentation software. The analysis of data is provided for the right eye only, since there was no significant difference between right and left eyes for either the Down syndrome or control groups. Children in the Down syndrome group generally had identifiable retinal structure. The CST for the full retina and inner and outer retinal layers were all significantly greater in the Down syndrome group than the control group (independent t test, all p < 0.05). Despite the significantly thicker macula, only about 29 % (5 of 17) of the right eyes of patients with Down syndrome had macular thickness outside the normal range. Visual acuity in the Down syndrome group was not directly correlated with increased CST (t = 1.288, r = 0.326, p = 0.202). On average, CST in the Down syndrome group was greater than that in the control group, suggesting abnormal macular development in children with Down syndrome.