cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of environmental regulations on world grain trade.

International trade and global environmental protection have become the objects of intense debate. One aspect of this debate concerns the effects of environmental regulations on international competitiveness. In this article, the impact of environmental regulations on grain trade patterns is examined using Heckscher-Ohlin-Vanek (HOV) equations in which net trade is explained by relative factor endowments. The HOV equations are extended to include proxies for environmental regulations which are tested for significance. The results indicate that grain trade patterns are well explained by national factor endowments. Environmental regulations appear to have little impact on comparative advantage in grains. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Knowledge Argument and Objectivity

In this paper I argue that Frank Jackson’s Knowledge Argument is better considered not as an argument against physicalism, but as an argument that objective theories must be incomplete. I argue that despite the apparent diversity of responses to the knowledge argument, they all boil down to a response according to which genuine epistemic gains are made when an individual has an experience. I call this the acquaintance response. I then argue that this response violates an intuitive stricture on the objectivity of theories. Therefore, the knowledge argument does show that objective theories cannot provide a complete understanding of the world. The result, however, is that both objective dualism and objective physicalism are refuted by the argument. In the end it is suggested that the notion of “subjective physicalism” is one that should be pursued.
A transportable turnkey gas chromatograph-ion trap detector for field analysis of environmental samples

Abstract A transportable gas chromatograph—ion trap detector has been developed for the in situ characterization of chemical waste sites. This instrument is based on a modular design and can be readily modified in the field for air, water, or soil sampling. A purge-and-trap gas chromatograph developed for this instrument is used for the separation of volatile organic compounds before their introduction to the ion trap for mass spectral analysis. A daughter microprocessor has been developed for the control of ancillary hardware via the ion trap software. Most analyses are accomplished in an automated 20 min procedure. The detection limit for trichloroethylene in water is in the low part-per-trillion range. The analysis of soil and water samples is demonstrated by using surrogate samples spiked with 24 volatile organic compounds. The instrument has been used under field conditions for soil analysis at a chemical waste site.
The Stability and Genesis of Rossby Vortices

Abstract The stability and genesis of the vortices associated with long solitary divergent Rossby waves-the Rossby vortices–are studied numerically using the single-layer (SL) model with Jovian parameters. Vortex behavior depends on location and on balances among the translation, twisting, steepening, dispersion and advection processes. Advection is the main preserver of vortices. The solutions provide an explanation for the origin, uniqueness and longevity of the Great Red Spot (GRS). In midlatitudes, stable anticyclones exist in a variety of sizes and balances: from the large planetary-geostrophic (PG) and medium intermediate-geostrophic (IG) vortices that propagate westward, to the small quasi-geostrophic (QG) vortices that migrate equatorward. These vortices all merge during encounters. Geostrophic vortices in the f0-plane system adjust toward symmetry by rotating; those on the sphere adjust by rotating and propagating. Stable cyclones exist mainly at the QG scale or on the f0-plane. In low latitudes ...
Demystifying the Rise of Hamas

Most scholarly and popular writings portray Hamas as either extremist or anti- systemic and as a threat to democracy. Expected utility theory assumes that voters will reward centrist parties becaus...
Generalized Multiparameters Fractional Variational Calculus

This paper builds upon our recent paper on generalized fractional variational calculus (FVC). Here, we briefly review some of the fractional derivatives (FDs) that we considered in the past to develop FVC. We first introduce new one parameter generalized fractional derivatives (GFDs) which depend on two functions, and show that many of the one-parameter FDs considered in the past are special cases of the proposed GFDs. We develop several parts of FVC in terms of one parameter GFDs. We point out how many other parts could be developed using the properties of the one-parameter GFDs. Subsequently, we introduce two new two- and three-parameter GFDs. We introduce some of their properties, and discuss how they can be used to develop FVC. In addition, we indicate how these formulations could be used in various fields, and how the generalizations presented here can be further extended.
How lapse and slip errors influence head-of-bed angle compliance rates as measured by a portable, wireless data collection system

The recommended protocols to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia include keeping ventilated patients' head and upper body elevated to an angle between 30 and 45 degrees. These recommendations are largely based on a study that has been difficult to replicate, because studies that have attempted to replicate the original conditions have failed to achieve the necessary bed angles consistently. This work suggests the possibility that two specific types of human error, slips and lapses, contribute to non-compliant bed angles. A novel device provided 83,655 samples of bed angles over a period of 1579 hours. The bed angle was out of compliance 64.2% of the time analyzed. Slips, the accident of raising the bed to an angle slightly less than the desired angle, accounted for most of the out-of-compliance measurements, or 55.9% of the time analyzed. It appears that stochastic variation in the bed adjustments results in the bed being out of compliance. Interventions should be investigated such as increasing the target angle and providing feedback at the moment the bed is raised to close to, but less than, the target angle.
Viral suppression among young adults in a US outpatient clinic

HIV infection has become a chronic disease for populations with access to medical care and treatment. Regardless of medical advancements, new infections persist. With young adults being those that are most often newly infected, research needs to be conducted to assess medication adherence barriers, specific to young adults with HIV.
The effect of automated calls with telephone nurse follow-up on patient-centered outcomes of diabetes care: a randomized, controlled trial.

Objective.We evaluated the impact of automated telephone disease management (ATDM) calls with telephone nurse follow-up as a strategy for improving outcomes such as mental health, self-efficacy, satisfaction with care, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) among low-income patients with diabetes
Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and the faith of our fathers

The faith of our fathers is supposed to have survived what Rudolph Bultmann has called "the crisis in belief."1 Yet what we are to understand by that faith and that crisis has escaped too easily the attention it requires. Bultmann has learned much from Kierkegaard, if not also from Nietzsche, though he reveals the limits of his own understanding in the signal importance he assigns to the project of demythologizing. While the self-will of man is said to be the everpresent crisis in belief, the particular crisis of modern times is the displacement of mythological by scientific thinking. For Bultmann this calls for a new way of thinking about the task of theology and thus about the content of belief itself. Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, however, have provided what is at once a less programmatic and more penetrating way of thinking about this belief and the fate it has suffered in the history of the West. Moreover, at the core of their contribution is a deeper insight into the selfwill of man, an insight which reveals a yet more profound transformation within the history of postbiblical times. Their uncommon ground and intentions notwithstanding, they have opened up an uncommon perspective into what it means for man's moral will and reason to possess the power to determine the true and the good. Before and beneath this power is the faith of Abraham, the paradigm of faith in the biblical world, a disturbing problem for our own world. The good which Abraham possessed in Isaac, his son, even his special son of promise and greatness, was, without complaint, subordinated to a yet higher good. But Abraham or his narrator did not determine for himself what this higher good must be. For Abraham is a creature of "dust and ashes" (Gen. 18:27). He is characterized by his unconditional obedience and faith in the salvific power of a God who reserves for himself the freedom to determine the true and the good. Abraham's highest good was thus the God of his faith and worship. But this God cannot be identified (sans appropriate stipulations) with the highest good of an enlightened moral will and reason. For this highest good must be worthy of worship, a God who would command the sacrifice of a human being only if it were justifiable on (rationally accessible) moral grounds. In the absence of such grounds, the enlightened believer can admire only the God who stayed Abraham's hand, not some demonic deity for
The aromaticity of tungstenacyclobutadiene, Cl3W(–ButC–CMe–CMe–): A DFT/NICS study

Abstract B3LYP and MP2 are used to investigate the geometry and aromaticity of tungstenacyclobutadiene, Cl3W(–ButC–CMe–CMe–). Nucleus-independent chemical shift is used as an index of aromaticity for this experimentally observed metallacyclobutadiene. Additionally, charge effects are explored by characterizing the aromaticity of the tungstenacyclobutadiene fragment ions, WC 3 H 3 + 3 and WC 3 H 3 + 1 . CMO-NICS analysis provides the contribution of each B3LYP orbital to the aromaticity and allows differentiation between orbitals of σ and π symmetries.
ESR and X-ray studies of chalcogenide glasses

Abstract Amorphous mixtures of As 2 Se 3 As 2 Te 3 , As 2 Se 3 Tl 2 Se, As 2 Se 3 Sb 2 Se 3 , and As 2 Se 3 As 2 S 3 have been studied by Electron Spin Resonance and X-ray diffraction as a function of composition and annealing temperature. The ESR signals obtained indicate spin concentrations ranging from 10 14 to 10 18 per cm 3 , depending on composition and thermal treatment. Both Gaussian and Lorentzian derivative line shapes were observed near the free electron g -value with the exception of one set of samples. Annealing experiments show an initial decrease in signal intensity as the sample softens. The signals have been interpreted as arising from broken bonds on the surface and in the bulk of the material. The intensity of the signal also depends on thermal treatment, i.e., whether the samples are slowly cooled or are quenched from the annealing temperature. X-ray and electron diffraction are used to determine the amorphous character of the samples and to determine structural changes which occur with composition and annealing.
Dynamics of wood recruitment in streams of the northeastern US

Abstract Wood is an important component of forested stream ecosystems, and stream restoration efforts often incorporate large wood. In most cases, however, stream restoration projects are implemented without information regarding the amount of wood that historically occurred or the natural rates of wood recruitment. This study uses a space-for-time analysis to quantify large wood loading to 28 streams in the northeastern US with a range of in-stream and riparian forest characteristics. We document the current volume and frequency of occurrence of large wood in streams with riparian forests varying in their stage of stand development as well as stream size and gradient. Linear models relating stream wood characteristics to stream geomorphic and forest characteristics were compared using Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) model selection. The AIC analysis indicated that the volume and frequency of large wood and wood accumulations (wood jams) in streams was most closely associated with the age of the dominant canopy trees in the riparian forest (best models: log10(large wood volume (m3 100 m−1)) = (0.0036 × stand age) − 0.2281, p
Spectroscopic constants and potential energy curves for OsH

Abstract Complete active space (CASSCF) followed by first-order configuration interaction (FOCI) and second-order CI (SOCI) are carried out on 21 low-lying electronic states of OsH. Spin-orbit effects are investigated using the relativistic CI (RCI) methodology. The ground state of OsH is found to be 4 Π symmetry with R e = 1.606 A , ω e = 2138 cm −1 , D e = 2.317 eV, and μ e = −1.651 D in the absence of spin-orbit interactions, while the ground state is found to be a strong mixture of 4 Π ( 5 2 ) and 4 Δ ( 5 2 ) including spin-orbit coupling. Potential energy surfaces for 21 low-lying electronic states are reported. Allowed electronic transitions from the ground X 4 Π and some other low-lying states are predicted. The nature and bonding of the low-lying electronic states are analyzed through Mulliken populations.
Reproductive Dominance of Pasture Trees in a Fragmented Tropical Forest Mosaic

Tropical forest fragmentation threatens biodiversity, yet basic information on population responses for major groups such as plants is lacking. Hypervariable genetic markers were used to reconstruct a population-level pedigree in fragmented tropical forest for the tree Symphonia globulifera. Though seedlings occurred only in remnant forest, the pedigree showed that most seedlings had been produced by sequentially fewer adults in pasture, creating a genetic bottleneck. The pedigree also implicated shifts in the foraging of animals that disperse pollen and seed in a secondary constriction of the bottleneck. These results suggest that tropical conservation strategies should anticipate complex, cryptic responses to fragmentation.
Rate of Accretion of Cosmic Dust on the Earth

As guest professor of geophysics at the University of Hawaii, I have had opportunities for collecting cosmic dust by filtering large volumes of air through fine-pored filters at Mauna Loa Observatory on Hawaii (11,000 ft.) and from the summit of Mt. Haleakala on Maui (10,000 ft.), localities where the air is generally free from terrestrial dust to a remarkable degree. The filters were analysed for the radioactive fall-out products, strontium-89 and strontium-90, in the laboratories of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission in New York, and for iron, nickel and cobalt in the II Chemisches Institut der Universitat, Vienna. I am indebted to Mr. John H. Harley for the strontium analyses, which will be published elsewhere, and also to Prof. F. Hecht and his collaborator Dr. E. Tomic of Vienna for carrying out the analyses for the ferrides.
Inhibition of mast cell secretion by oxidation products of natural polyamines.

Abstract Mast cells secrete many biologically active compounds upon stimulation by immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific antigen (Ag), anaphylatoxins, as well as a number of cationic compounds which include drugs, kinins and neuropeptides. The effects of the two naturally occurring polyamines, spermine (SP) and spermidine (SPD), on mast cell secretion were studied because they have been implicated in the modulation of cellular processes, possibly through their cationic charge or the regulation of calcium ions. SP and SPD over the range of 10 −7 to 10 −4 M inhibited the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) triggered by compound 48 80 (C48/80) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, as long as at least 2% calf serum (CS) was present. SP also inhibited secretion of both histamine and serotonin stimulated immunologically by using IgE and anti-rat IgE. This inhibition was not accompanied by cytotoxicity. The major available polyamine metabolites tested, N 1 -acetyl spermine (N 1 -acSP) and N 8 -acetyl spermidine (N 8 acSPD), also showed inhibition in the presence of CS, whereas putrescine, N 8 , N 1 -hexamethylene-bis-acetamide (HMBA) and benzylamine did not. Fetal bovine serum (FBS), as well as human and rat serum, which do not contain polyamine oxidase, did not result in any inhibition with the polyamines tested. Inhibitors of the polyamine oxidase blocked the polyamine effect, indicating that the inhibition of mast cell secretion must derive from aldehydes produced from these polyamines. Addition of the aldehyde inhibitor phenylhydrazine (O-HDZ), simultaneously with, but not following the polyamines, blocked their inhibitory effect, further strengthening the involvement of aldehydes. These results indicate that naturally occurring polyamines may regulate mast cell secretion through metabolic products of polyamine oxidase, a similar enzyme of which is also present in human liver, placenta and pregnant serum.
Partitioning of Separating Edges: A New Approach to Combinational Logic Design

The list of separating edges for a switching function describes the boundary between its 1-cells and its 0-cells on the n-cube. It is shown how combinational logic can be designed by partitioning this list. The technique works from the output of the gates toward their inputs and is particularly suited for design with inverting gates (NAND, NOR). Fan-in limits are handled systematically. A necessary constraint for partitioning and a steepest descent technique for the choice of partitions are introduced. Examples for design with fan-in limits of 2 and 3 and for the classical two-stage design problem are given.
Using oyster tissue toxicity as an indicator of disturbed environments

Crassostrea virginica (the Eastern or American oyster) bioaccumulates pollutants from the water column, and therefore, its tissues can be used as bioindicators of past and present estuarine health. In this pilot project, we decided to investigate whether its tissues would be a suitable medium for toxicity testing using tissues from a variety of southern Texas locations of known and suspected anthropogenically impacted and unimpacted areas. We also conducted toxicity tests on sediments adjacent to oyster reefs using standard protocols for sediment toxicity. We tested the toxicity of tissues and sediments on the luminescent bacteria Vibrio fischeri, whose bioassays are commonly referred to by the trade name Microtox®. Microtox tests are quick, relatively inexpensive and sensitive to a range of contaminants. Evidence from this preliminary study suggests that conducting toxicity tests on oyster tissues may predict localized contamination better than when conducting toxicity tests on subtidal sediment. The refinement of these methods to use oyster tissues to detect contamination may be especially useful for environmental impact studies and/or studies where rapid and inexpensive information is needed.
Virus-Inspired Approach to Nonviral Gene Delivery Vehicles

The basic TAT peptide, responsible for translocation of the HIV-TAT protein, has been conjugated to a variety of artificial nanoscopic materials to transport them across the cellular membrane. However, attempts to translocate genes using the TAT-peptide had met with limited success. We hypothesized that the cationic nature of the peptide does not allow for displaying these peptides on the surface of the polyplex. To circumvent this potential issue, we have developed a new molecular design strategy where the TAT-peptide can be effectively displayed on the surface of the polyplex, thus enhancing gene expression.
Predictive relationship of hiatal hernia to reflux esophagitis.

The relationship between hiatal hernia and reflux esophagitis was compared in 93 patients who underwent both radiographic and endoscopic examination of the esophagus. In 46 patients with a normal esophagus shown endoscopically, hiatal hernia was present in 59%, while 94% of 47 patients with reflux esophagitis had hiatal hernia. The positive and negative predictive values for hiatal hernia in diagnosing or excluding esophagitis were 62% and 86%, respectively. Extrapolation of these data and review of the literature suggest that much of the confusion concerning the relationship between hiatal hernia and reflux esophagitis is based on reports of populations with considerable variation in the prevalence of esophagitis and in which the radiographie criteria for diagnosing hiatal hernia have not been uniformly applied.
An Experimental Distributed Visualization System for Petascale Computing

The coming era of petascale computing and heterogeneous platforms calls for fundamental changes in perspective on how we design distributed visualization software.
Charge symmetry and the reaction d+d→4He+π0

The isospin forbidden reaction d+d→4He+π0 provides a very sensitive test of the existence of charge symmetry breaking nuclear interactions. In the δ(3,3) energy region, the forward differential cross section dσ(0°)/dΩ of the reaction is calculated to be in the range of 0.1 pb/sr to 0.01 pb/sr.
Eddy-driven pulses of respiration in the Sargasso Sea

Abstract An analysis of 9 years of data from the NW subtropical Atlantic reveals that variability in heterotrophic processes associated with (sub)mesoscale features has a major impact on the balance between photosynthesis and respiration. Higher indirect estimates of net community production (NCPe) are associated with the center of Mode Water Eddies (MWE) and frontal regions between cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies (CA). The increase in NCPe observed at the center of MWE is driven mainly by an increase in autotrophic production, whereas in CA enhanced NCPe rates are the result of an important reduction in bacterial respiration. Both features also exhibit a decrease in nitrate concentration, consistent with nutrient consumption, and relative increases in oxygen anomaly and particulate and dissolved organic carbon in the upper 200 m. Plankton community composition in CA and MWE is characterized by the reduction in bacterial biomass, and the dominance of Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus in CA, and diatoms and dinoflagellates in MWE. Contrary to a common assumption, these results show for the first time that in ecosystems influenced by (sub)mesoscale dynamics, respiration can be as variable as photosynthesis.
Vertical-structure effects on planetary microwave brightness temperature measurements: Applications to the lunar regolith

An attempt to constrain the effects of vertical variations in dielectric properties on lunar microwave observations is presented. A numerical approach for deriving the reflectivity and microwave weighting function of a vertically varying half-space is used, assuming variance in the dielectric properties with depth only, and negligible magnetic effects. The cases of continuous and stratified models of vertical structures are discussed, and a concentration of emitted energy in upper layers is found. The total emitted energy oscillates, varying with the thickness of the upper soil layer, but averaging out interference effects due to random variations in the substrate depth. Consideration is also given to the vertical structure effects on the lunation-mean disk-center brightness temperature, its variations, and the regolith electrical loss, and predicted reflectivity effects by feasible models of the lunar regolith dielectric profile.
Photonic Power: Delivering Power Over Fiber for Optical Networks

Photonic power harnesses the power of light to offer a new means of power delivery over non-conductive fiber. It is well suited for delivering power in all-optical networks by utilizing available fiber bundles for driving low power switches or actuators while assuring immunity to lightning, sparking, and cross talk effects. It could be a means of assuring path diversity in upstream data delivery in PON architectures, and for providing battery backup power in case of power outages.
Integrated Response to a Meal

The article presents a brief overview of the responses of the GI tract and its associated pancreatic and biliary systems to a meal. These responses are specifically regulated by complex and interacting neural, hormonal, and parcrine pathways. Stimuli for various responses are multiple and include anticipation, senses of olfaction, taste and hearing, and chemical and mechanical stimuli of meal constituents. The overall result of the integrated response is assimilation of nutrients and elimination of wastes from the GI tract.
Early onset and rapid progression of dominant nonsyndromic DFNA36 hearing loss.

Objective:To characterize the auditory and vestibular phenotype of autosomal dominant nonsyndromic DFNA36 hearing loss.Study Design:Clinical evaluation of individuals with DFNA36 hearing loss linked to the D572N mutation of transmembrane channel-like gene 1 (TMC1). Medical history interviews, physic
A nuclear protein associated with human cancer cells binds preferentially to a human repetitive DNA sequence

Abstract A protein (Rp66) of 66 kDa was shown by DNA-binding protein blot assay to bind to a human repetitive DNA sequence (low-repeat sequence; LRS) in each of 10 transformed human cell lines examined. This protein-DNA interaction was not observed in 11 normal human cell cultures or in the Chinese hamster cell line CHO-K1. Gel retardation assay confirmed the specificity of the protein-DNA binding between Rp66 and LRS. In a histiocytic lymphoma human cell line, U937, that can be induced to differentiate in the presence of phorbol ester, this binding disappeared after cell differentiation. These together with other results cited suggest a regulatory role for these repetitive sequences in the human genome, with particular application to cancer.
State of the Art of Robotic Surgery in Organ Transplantation

Within the last two decades the application of minimally invasive surgical technologies has shown significant benefits when it comes to complex surgical procedures. Lower rates of complications and higher patient satisfaction are commonly reported. Until recently these benefits were inaccessible for patients with solid organ transplantation, because conventional laparoscopy was seen as nonapplicable in such technically demanding procedures. The introduction of the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, with its inherent advantages, has expanded the ability to complete solid organ transplantation in a minimally invasive fashion. Robotic applications in kidney, pancreas, and liver transplantation have been reported. The initial results showed the viability of this technique in the field. The most extensive experience has been described in kidney transplantation. Over 700 donor nephrectomies and more than 70 renal transplants have been performed successfully with the robotic system. The proven advantage of the robotic technique, especially in obese kidney recipients, is a significantly lower rate of surgical site infection, which in these highly immunosuppressed patients is reflected in superior outcomes. The first results in pancreas transplantation and living donor hepatectomy are very promising; however, larger series are needed in order to address the value of the robotic surgery in these areas of solid organ transplantation.
Stridor in neonates.

Stridor in neonates and infants is a symptom that indicates partial obstruction of the large diameter airways. Its presence should prompt a thorough examination and workup. Steps in evaluating stridor include a careful history and physical examination and rapid assessment of the severity of the clinical situation. Infants with respiratory distress and severe stridor should be safely and urgently transported to a tertiary care center, and colleagues from the departments of otolaryngology and anesthesia-critical care should be alerted. An essential component of the physical examination is auscultation. The phase of respiration in which the stridor is heard best provides important clues to help localize its cause. Radiographs, including plain films, dynamic fluoroscopic airway films, contrast esophagography, CT, and MR imaging are useful in specific clinical situations, based on the likely differential diagnosis. The anatomic causes for stridor in infants and neonates are vast. Successful management depends on expert consultation, proper equipment, and a staff that is experienced in the management of pediatric airway problems. The trend over the past decade has been to significantly decrease morbidity and mortality and also to decrease the number of tracheotomies necessary to stabilize pediatric airways. The best treatment outcomes result when there is good cooperation and communication among pediatricians, otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, and anesthesiologists.
Reversible photocontrol of self-assembled peptide hydrogel viscoelasticity

Peptide hydrogels are promising biomaterials for applications ranging from drug delivery to tissue engineering. Peptide hydrogels that change their physical properties in response to an exogenous stimulus are advantageous as biomaterials that can be temporally controlled. Herein, we report the use of an azobenzene turn mimetic, [3-(3-aminomethylphenylazo)phenyl]acetic acid (AMPP), to engineer a light-responsive β-hairpin into the center of a hydrogel-forming peptide. In the trans state, AMPP exists in a β-arc conformation, and the peptide forms a rigid self-supporting gel. The peptide hydrogel rigidity is reduced upon trans–cis azobenzene isomerization, which promotes formation of putative β-hairpin assemblies. This process is reversible in that hydrogel viscoelasticity is restored upon reverse cis–trans photoisomerization. TEM imaging and spectroscopic data reveal that the loss in rigidity is a result of disruption of the well-ordered macromolecular structure and not due to disassembly of the constituent self-assembled β-sheet fibrils. These findings provide insight into the effect of β-arc and β-hairpin turns on the emergent properties of self-assembled peptide hydrogels and provide a basis for temporal control of hydrogel rigidity using near-UV light.
Assessing the Effect of Bilateral Collaborations on Learning Outcomes

Despite recent interest in the effects of student-driven collaborations on learning outcomes, little or no empirical investigations examine the potential benefits from collaboration between instructors of separate, but related, courses. This study proposes a learning intervention that explicitly accounts for interdependencies across courses and extends the traditional definition of collaborative learning to include the synthesis of teaching and learning in four courses through bilateral, group activities between instructors and among students. A student-performance measure assesses the intervention. Statistical results suggest that the collaborative learning intervention improved student-writing performance. Copyright 2009 Agricultural and Applied Economics Association
Mating behavior in the female dog and the effects of estrogen on sexual reflexes

Abstract Sexual responses of adult female beagle dogs under the conditions of both natural and induced estrus consisted of lateral curvature of the rear quarters towards the male, looping or arching the tail to the side and vertical movement of the genital orifice when the male began pelvic thrusting. Following complete intromission by the male and engorgement of the glans penis resulting in the genital lock, most females exhibited vigorous twisting and turning lasting 5–30 sec. Seven spayed females in which the spinal cord had been transected in the midthoracic region were studied for sexual reflexes. Electromyography was used to monitor contraction of the constrictor vestibuli (CV) muscle which encircles the vulva and posterior vagina. In 5 out of 7 spinal subjects, administration of estradiol cypionate facilitated the responses of lateral curvature of the rear quarters and unilateral contraction of the CV muscle when the skin on one side of the vulva was stroked. The estrogen did not influence a reaction characterized by rhythmic contraction of the CV muscle, moderate ventral flexion of the pelvis and stepping of the back legs when the clitoris was stimulated. The relation of these sexual reflexes in the female dog to mating behavior is discussed. When estradiol cypionate was administered to adult spinal male beagles, a lateral curvature reflex was facilitated in 5 out of 6 subjects.
Thermodynamic Properties of Multifunctional Oxygenates in Atmospheric Aerosols from Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Dynamics: Dicarboxylic Acids

Ambient particulate matter contains polar multifunctional oxygenates that partition between the vapor and aerosol phases. Vapor pressure predictions are required to determine the gas−particle partitioning of such organic compounds. We present here a method based on atomistic simulations combined with the Clausius−Clapeyron equation to predict the liquid vapor pressure, enthalpies of vaporization, and heats of sublimation of atmospheric organic compounds. The resulting temperature-dependent vapor pressure equation is a function of the heat of vaporization at the normal boiling point [ΔH_(vap)(T_b)], normal boiling point (T_b), and the change in heat capacity (liquid to gas) of the compound upon phase change [ΔC_p(T_b)]. We show that heats of vaporization can be estimated from calculated cohesive energy densities (CED) of the pure compound obtained from multiple sampling molecular dynamics. The simulation method (CED) uses a generic force field (Dreiding) and molecular models with atomic charges determined from quantum mechanics. The heats of vaporization of five dicarboxylic acids [malonic (C_3), succinic (C_4), glutaric (C_5), adipic (C_6), and pimelic (C_7)] are calculated at 500 K. Results are in agreement with experimental values with an averaged error of about 4%. The corresponding heats of sublimation at 298 K are also predicted using molecular simulations. Vapor pressures of the five dicarboxylic acids are also predicted using the derived Clausius−Clapeyron equation. Predicted liquid vapor pressures agree well with available literature data with an averaged error of 29%, while the predicted solid vapor pressures at ambient temperature differ considerably from a recent study by Bilde et al. (Environ. Sci. Technol. 2003, 37, 1371−1378) (an average of 70%). The difference is attributed to the linear dependence assumption that we used in the derived Clausius−Clapeyron equation.
CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER

In time, mental health professionals will understand the etiology of BPD more fully. Although enormous strides have been made in the past decade, research into the multifactorial basis of BPD is still in its infancy. In particular, studies of children at high risk for developing BPD are needed. For now, the author suggests that one can admire patients with BPD for the integrity with which they have dealt with their pain. After all, not many people remain so loyal to and so respectful of such disheartening childhood experiences.
The Sparse Tableau Approach to Network Analysis and Design

The tableau approach to automated network design optimization via implicit, variable order, variable time-step integration, and adjoint sensitivity computation is described. In this approach, the only matrix operation required is that of repeatedly solving linear algebraic equations of fixed sparsity structure. Required partial derivatives and numerical integration is done at the branch level leading to a simple input language, complete generality and maximum sparsity of the characteristic coefficient matrix. The bulk of computation and program complexity is thus located in the sparse matrix routines; described herein are the routines OPTORD and 1-2-3 GNSO. These routines account for variability type of the matrix elements in producing a machine code for solution of Ax=b in nested iterations for which a weighted sum of total operations count and round-off error incurred in the optimization is minimized.
Fuel cells for tactical battlefield power

Basic fuel cell concepts are presented. The various types of fuel cells used by the US Army are described. The technological problems encountered are discussed. >
CrowdLab: An architecture for volunteer mobile testbeds

Researchers investigating mobile and wireless systems can run experiments on many testbeds, but no existing option supports experimentation “in the wild“ without sacrificing features such as access to low-level wireless state and efficient scheduling of co-local guests. To fill this void, we present a new architecture for mobile testbeds called CrowdLab. CrowdLab allows researchers to run guest virtual machines on volunteer mobile nodes and ensures efficient use of testbed resources through a new dual-mode networking abstraction and a weakly-consistent, replicated state store called a site directory. We have implemented two CrowdLab prototypes, one for x86 laptops and one for ARM-based Nokia N810 Internet Tablets, and evaluated them using power measurements, micro-benchmarks, and trace-driven emulation. Our evaluation demonstrates that handheld users can contribute 2.5 hours per day to CrowdLab and still have over 12.5 hours of idle time remaining. In addition, emulated mobility-trace replays show that CrowdLab's fault-tolerance mechanisms allow experiments to run uninterrupted, even in the face of high churn rates.
Formation of gas bubbles at submerged orifices

The formation of air bubbles at constant pressure at submerged orifices was investigated for several liquids. The frequency of formation of the bubbles was determined by the use of a stroboscope, and the rate of gas flow was measured with conventional rotameters. Several orifices having diameters ranging from 0.0794 to 0.397 cm. were employed, and the gas flow rate was varied from about 0.1 cc. (at standard conditions)/sec. to about 150 cc./sec. It was found that the formation of bubbles could be correlated with the physical variables of the system by the application of Newton's second law of motion to the bubble at the instant just prior to its release from the orifice.
Regulation of root elongation under phosphorus stress involves changes in ethylene responsiveness.

We characterized the growth of the primary root of Arabidopsis under phosphorus sufficiency (1 mm phosphate) and deficiency (1 μm phosphate), focusing on the role of ethylene. We quantified the spatial profile of relative elongation with a novel method based on image processing, as well as the production rates of cortical cells, trichoblasts, and atrichoblasts. Phosphorus deficiency moderately decreased the maximal rate of relative elongation, shortened the growth zone, and decreased the production rate of both epidermal cell types but not of cortical cells. Inhibiting ethylene production (with aminoethoxyvinyl-glycine) or action (with 1-methylcyclopropene) increased elongation in high phosphorus and decreased it in low phosphorus. That these effects were specific to ethylene was confirmed by negating the effect of inhibited ethylene production with simultaneous treatment with an ethylene precursor (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid). Under both phosphorus regimes, ethylene regulated the maximal rate of relative elongation rather than the size of the growth zone. In addition, inhibiting ethylene action in high versus low phosphorus elicited opposite responses for the position of root hair initiation and for the production rates of cortex cells and atrichoblasts. We conclude that the root system acclimates to phosphorus deficiency by changing the signal transduction pathway connecting ethylene levels to growth and division.
Persistence of lymphoblasts in bone marrow on day 15 and days 22 to 25 of remission induction predicts a dismal treatment outcome in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

We determined the prognostic importance of morphologically identifiable persistent disease at day 15 and days 22 to 25 of remission induction in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Among 546 patients entered on 2 consecutive protocols, 397 patients had evaluable bone marrow (BM) examinations on day 15 (± 1 day) and 218 on days 22 to 25 (± 1 day). Fifty-seven patients (14%) had persistent lymphoblasts (≥ 1%) in the BM on day 15 and 27 patients (5.5%) had persistent lymphoblasts on days 22 to 25. The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) was significantly worse for patients with lymphoblasts on day 15 (40% ± 6%) or on days 22 to 25 (4% ± 3%) as compared to those without lymphoblasts on these dates (78% ± 2% and 76% ± 2%, respectively, P < .001 for both comparisons). A worse prognosis was observed even for patients with a low percentage of lymphoblasts (ie, 1%-4%) at either day 15 (5-year EFS = 56% ± 8%) or days 22 to 25 (5-year EFS = 0%) compared to those without morphologically identifiable persistent lymphoblasts at these times ( P < .001 for both comparisons). The prognostic impact of persistent lymphoblasts on both dates remained significant after adjusting for other known risk factors, including treatment protocol, age, white blood cell count, DNA index, cell lineage, and central nervous system status, and National Cancer Institute/Rome criteria simultaneously. Hence, persistence of lymphoblasts (even 1%-4%) on day 15 of remission induction was associated with a poor prognosis and on days 22 to 25 signified a particularly dismal outcome; these very high-risk patients require novel or more intensive therapy to improve outcome.
Enterobacteria in Feedlot Waste and Runoff

Samples of beef cattle feedlot waste (FLW), runoff from the pens, and water from a large drainage ditch at the feedlot were examined for Enterobacteriaceae. The drainage ditch receives the runoff but contains primarily subsurface drainage from fields on which FLW is spread for disposal. Planting and enrichment techniques with seven different media were used to isolate 553 cultures of enterobacteria. FLW contains about 50 million enterobacteria/g dry weight. More than 90% of these were Escherichia coli, none of which were enteropathogenic types as determined with multivalent sera. Citrobacter and Enterobacter cloacae were other organisms present in moderate numbers. Application of enrichment techniques broadened the spectrum of enterobacteria isolates to include the four Proteus spp., both Providencia spp., Klebsiella, Enterobacter aerogenes, Arizona, and a single isolate of Salmonella (serological group C2). Shigella was not isolated. The wide spectrum of enterobacteria in FLW may be a hazard if unsterilized waste is refed. Fewer enterobacteria occurred in the runoff and in the drainage ditch; the most numerous species in FLW also were most numerous at these sites. However, neither Salmonella nor Arizona was isolated from runoff or drainage-ditch waters.
Sleep and Circadian Rhythms in Spousally Bereaved Seniors

A laboratory study of sleep and circadian rhythms was undertaken in 28 spousally bereaved seniors (> or =60 yrs) at least four months after the loss event. Measures taken included two nights of polysomnography (second night used), approximately 36 h of continuous core body temperature monitoring, and four assessments of mood and alertness throughout a day. Preceding the laboratory study, two-week diaries were completed, allowing the assessment of lifestyle regularity using the 17-item Social Rhythm Metric (SRM) and the timing of sleep using the Pittsburgh Sleep Diary (PghSD). Also completed were questionnaires assessing level of grief (Texas Revised Inventory of Grief [TRIG] and Index of Complicated Grief [ICG]), subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), morningness-eveningness (Composite Scale of Morningness [CSM]), and clinical interview yielding a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score. Grief was still present, as indicated by an average TRIG score of about 60. On average, the bereaved seniors habitually slept between approximately 23:00 and approximately 06:40 h, achieving approximately 6 h of sleep with a sleep efficiency of approximately 80%. They took about 30 min to fall asleep, and had their first REM episode after 75 min. About 20% of their sleep was in Stage REM, and about 3% in Stages 3 or 4 (slow wave sleep). Their mean PSQI score was 6.4. Their circadian temperature rhythms showed the usual classic shape with a trough at approximately 01:00 h, a fairly steep rise through the morning hours, and a more gradual rise to mid-evening, with an amplitude of approximately 0.8 degrees C. In terms of lifestyle regularity, the mean regularity (SRM) score was 3.65 (slightly lower than that usually seen in seniors). Mood and alertness showed time-of-day variation with peak alertness in the late morning and peak mood in the afternoon. Correlations between outcome sleep/circadian variables and level of grief (TRIG score) were calculated; there was a slight trend for higher grief to be associated with less time spent asleep (p=0.07) and reduced alertness at 20:00 h (p=0.05). Depression score was not correlated with TRIG score (p>0.20). When subjects were divided into groups by the nature of their late spouse's death (expected/after a long-term chronic illness [n=18] versus unexpected [n=10]), no differences emerged in any of the variables. In conclusion, when studied at least four months after the loss event, there appears to be some sleep disruption in spousally bereaved seniors. However, this disruption does not appear to be due to bereavement-related disruptions in the circadian system.
Role of Reflection-Impulsivity in Time to Learn a Sequential Movement Task:

27 children who were classified as reflective and 30 classified as impulsive showed significant differences on an obstacle course requiring specific movements in sequential order. Mean trials to criterion was lower for the reflective group, but there was no difference in running speed after criterion had been reached. Boys (n = 27) were faster than girls (n = 30) after criterion.
Monitoring heart failure hemodynamics with an implanted device: its potential to improve outcome.

The introduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and subsequently beta-blockers marked an important advance in the management of most forms of heart failure (HF). Recently, nonpharmacologic methods have been added to the armamentarium; these include surgical remodeling of the left
The CFO and Investment Decisions - Introduction to Real Options

I have been teaching corporate finance at the graduate level (MBAs and PhDs) for almost 30 years, first for 14 years at UCLA, then at New York University for 10, then at MIT and now at Harvard Business School. The use of real options to analyze major investment decisions is, in my opinion, the single most important idea in corporate finance since I began my career 30 years ago. This article introduces the fundamentals.
Patent Reviews: 5,898,495; 5,898,509; 5,898,530; 5,903,356; 5,903,358; 5,907,431

The patent number, date of issuance by the U.S. Patent Office, and classification are shown on the first line. The filing date is that of the first application (although some patents may derive from earlier applications with earlier claim dates). Any opinions expressed are those of the reviewers and do not reflect the opinions of the organizations with which they are associated, the Optical Society of America, or this journal. Printed copies of these patents may be ordered from the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, DC 20231: telephone (703) 557-3158. Inquiries about patents should be addressed to the Patents Office, not to this journal or to OSA.
Robotic Sensors: Acoustic and Optical Options

This article addresses the topic of the current state of the art of underwater vision sensors. Both visual and sonar sensor technology are surveyed and the performance of an assortment of currently available commercial technology is surveyed. Also described is a 3-dimensional sonar imaging system (FTV) that is currently under development.