cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Globalization and Economic Policy: What Has Changed?

Capitalism, Not Globalism: Capital Mobility, Central Bank Independence, and the Political Control of the Economy. By William Roberts Clark. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2003. 192 pp., $60.00 (ISBN: 0-472-11293-7). How many attacks on the conventional wisdom does it take before the wisdom is no longer conventional? The so-called globalization hypothesis (the notion that increasing integration of the world economy is fatally undermining state autonomy) has undergone so much criticism in recent years that it is becoming difficult to find any adherents left in the scholarly literature. Recent work by a number of authors (for example, Boix 1998; Garrett 1998; Weiss 1998; Swank 2002) has demonstrated the continued resilience of the state and the considerable scope that policymakers retain in attempting to control economic policies and outcomes. Nonetheless, the question of state control over the economy remains fundamental to the study of international and comparative political economy, and unresolved questions remain. William Roberts Clark's new book— Capitalism, Not Globalism —significantly advances this debate. Clark agrees that globalization's effects have often been exaggerated and that governments can still select their own economic policies. But he takes issue with the revisionists on a number of points. His arguments are original, often counterintuitive, and well supported by his careful analysis of empirical evidence. Much of the revisionist scholarship has endeavored to show that global economic forces have not in fact undermined partisan differences in economic policies and performance. In short, despite economic globalization, parties of the left still pursue policies aimed at achieving faster growth and higher employment, whereas parties of the right still emphasize price stability. Clark shows that the existing evidence does not support such a claim. However, this apparent conformity across parties is not the result of globalization eroding partisan differences. Rather, Clark argues, these partisan divisions were …
Photophysics and intramolecular excimer formation in a constrained anthracenyl diadduct

Abstract The photophysical properties of N , N ′-di(9-anthracylmethyl)hexahydropyrimidine 1 and its analogues are reported. The electronic spectra and kinetics of these compounds are studied over a range of solvent and temperature conditions. It is shown that the unique structure of 1 leads to the formation of a very stable ( τ = 120 ns) anthracenyl diadduct. The results also suggest that the viscosity, but not the polarity, of the solvent plays an important role in excimer formation.
Polymorphisms in eight host genes associated with control of HIV replication do not mediate elite control of viral replication in SIV-infected Indian rhesus macaques

Polymorphisms in several host genes in HIV-infected individuals facilitate slow progression to AIDS. We have identified several SIV-infected Indian rhesus macaques that naturally control viral replication. We investigated whether spontaneous control of SIV in any of these animals could be explained by mutations in host genes. Such variables could confound studies of associations between MHC class I alleles and control of viral replication. We searched for polymorphisms in CCR5, CXCR6, GPR15, RANTES, IL-10, APOBEC3G, TNF-α, and TSG101 and looked for associations with decreased viral replication. We did not detect any correlations between plasma viral concentration and polymorphisms in host genes examined in this study. In addition, we did not find the polymorphisms present in humans in any of our macaques.
Coordination modes of N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)methyl-bis-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine with copper (I) and (II) halides

Abstract The title ligand, N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)methyl-bis-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, was prepared via a condensation–reduction synthetic route. The compounds, CuCl(C19H19N3O) and [CuBr(C19H19N3O)]+Br− · 3H2O, were readily synthesized from the reaction of CuCl or CuBr2 and the ligand in acetonitrile. The title copper(I) compound is an O–H ⋯ Cl hydrogen-bonded linear chain of tetrahedrally coordinated copper centers, and the title copper(II) compound exists as two strongly tetragonally distorted dibromide bridged metal cations in a dimer with the phenol hydroxyl groups weakly bound in a trans-fashion to one of the bridging bromides. In the copper(I) complex the phenoxy group acts only as a hydrogen bond donor, whereas in the copper(II) complex it acts both as a ligand and a hydrogen bond donor.
The Nutrient Dynamics of a Submersed Macrophyte Community in a Stream Ecosystem Dominated by Potamogeton pectinatus L.

ABSTRACT The nutrient dynamics of a submersed macrophyte community dominated by Potamogeton pectinatus L. in a stream receiving sewage effluent was studied for one calendar year. A mass balance approach demonstrated that this plant community was unimportant (less than 1%) to annual N, P and K dynamics. In addition, these nutrients did not limit macrophyte productivity. Tissue nutrient concentrations for three nutrients examined averaged: N (4.16%), P (0.723%), and K (1.66%). Tissue nutrient concentrations were above critical concentrations. Macrophytes were not a significant seasonal reservoir of nutrients, with daily community uptake rates always less than 5% of daily nutrient loading rates.
The role of individual values in the process of economic growth

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to investigate whether, and, if so, to what extent, the valuation that nations place on individual personality traits change with economic growth and development.Design/methodology/approach – The paper compares the averages of the cross‐country valuations of eight different personality characteristics for various levels of development, and, in addition, employs cross‐country regression analysis to assess the impact of economic growth on the value placed on these characteristics.Findings – In general, the findings of both the comparative analysis and the cross‐country regression analysis indicate that the valuation counties place on individual personality characteristics change with economic growth and development, and for certain characteristics, rather dramatically.Research limitations/implications – A major implication of the findings of the paper is that economic growth may not just act in a neutral fashion by merely providing additional material goods, but may hav...
Perinatal Development of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase-Deficient Mice

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) deficiency on fetal growth, perinatal survival, and limb development in a mouse model with a targeted mutagenesis of the Nos3 gene. Wild-type (Nos3+/+) and eNOS-deficient fetuses (Nos3-/-) were evaluated on Gestational Day (E)15 and E17, and newborn pups were observed on Day 1 of life (D1). The average term duration of pregnancy was 19 days. For the evaluation of postnatal development, a breeding scheme consisting of Nos3+/- x Nos3+/- and Nos3-/- x Nos3-/- mice was established, and offspring were observed for 3 wk. Southern blotting was used for genotyping. No significant differences in fetal weight, crown-rump lengths (CRL), and placental weight were seen between Nos3+/+ and Nos3-/- fetuses on E15. By E17, Nos3-/- fetuses showed significantly reduced fetal weights, CRL, and placental weights. This difference in body weight was also seen throughout the whole postnatal period. In pregnancies of Nos3-/- females, the average number of pups alive on D1 was significantly decreased compared to either E15 or E17. Placental histology revealed no abnormalities. On E15, E17, and D1, Nos3(-/-) fetuses demonstrated focal acute hemorrhages in the distal limbs in 0%, 2.6%, and 5.7%, respectively, of all mutant mice studied on the respective days. Bone measurements showed significantly shorter bones in the peripheral digits of hindpaws of Nos3-/- newborns. We conclude mice deficient for eNOS show characteristically abnormal prenatal and postnatal development including fetal growth restriction, reduced survival, and an increased rate of limb abnormalities. The development of this characteristic phenotype of eNOS-deficient mice dates back to the prenatal development during the late third trimester of pregnancy.
Aortoiliac hemodynamic and morphologic adaptation to chronic spinal cord injury

Background Reduced lower limb blood flow and resistive hemodynamic conditions potentially promote aortic inflammation and aneurysmal degeneration. We used abdominal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computational flow modeling to determine the relationship between reduced infrarenal aortic blood flow in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) subjects and risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) disease. Methods Aortic diameter in consecutive SCI subjects (n = 123) was determined via transabdominal ultrasonography. Aortic anatomic and physiologic data were acquired via magnetic resonance angiography (MRA; n=5) and cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance flow imaging (n = 4) from SCI subjects whose aortic diameter was less than 3.0 cm by ultrasonography. Computational flow models were constructed from magnetic resonance data sets. Results were compared with those obtained from ambulatory control subjects (ultrasonography, n=129; MRA/phase-contrast magnetic resonance flow imaging, n=6) who were recruited at random from a larger pool of risk factor–matched individuals without known AAA disease. Results Age, sex distribution, and smoking histories were comparable between the SCI and control groups. In the SCI group, time since injury averaged 26 ± 13 years (mean ± SD). Aortic diameter was larger ( P P P P Conclusions Characteristic aortoiliac hemodynamic and morphologic adaptations occur in response to chronic SCI. Slower aortic pressure decay and reduced wall shear stress after SCI may contribute to mural degeneration, enlargement, and an increased prevalence of AAA disease.
Interfacial Instabilities in Stratified Shear Flows Involving Multiple Viscous and Viscoelastic Fluids

This article reviews recent developments in the analysis of interfacial instabilities in systems involving multiple viscous and viscoelastic fluids. The scope of the review is limited to three basic problems in stratified shear flows: plane Poiseuille-Couette flow, circular Poiseuille flow, and gravity-driven film flow down an inclined plane. Important advances in this field of study are summarized and areas deserving further development are discussed.
Cardinal Markers of Finland's Identity Politics and National Identity

This paper analyzes geopolitical themes prevailing in dominant sectors of the Finnish government and society that have shaped Finland's national identity from the early 19th century to the present. The focus is on the ways cardinal markers (compass directions) have become geopolitical and identity markers. Notions of "West," "Between East and West," "Neither West nor East," and "North" have been used both to position Finland on the world political map and to forge a Finnish national identity. The influence of Russia and Karelians are examined at some length as part of the eastern dimension of Finnish identity. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O52, Z13. 1 figure, 1 table, 94 references.
Health Related Quality of Life in Adolescents With Abnormal Bladder Function: An Assessment Using the Child Health and Illness Profile-Adolescent Edition

Purpose: We studied the impact of abnormal bladder function due to congenital urological disorders on health related quality of life in children. A reliable patient based method is needed to assess the impact of these conditions in children and the interventions used to treat them.Materials and Methods: Participants 11 to 17 years old with bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex, spina bifida or other causes of abnormal bladder function self-administered the Child Health and Illness Profile-Adolescent Edition, a generic health related quality of life instrument. They also responded to questions about incontinence, catheterization status and bother level. Mean scores on the profile were compared to population based norms.Results: Mean age of the 50 participants was 14.9 years, 62% were male and 82% were white. Diagnoses included bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex in 37 patients, spina bifida in 10 and other in 3. The mean ± SD score on the disorders domain of 14.2 ± 6.3 was significantly worse than the popu...
Prediction of the steady-state relative gains by use of the total reflux model

Abstract The total reflux model is used to predict the relative gains for the steady states of a conventional distillation column both before and after an upset, gains for the control schemes wherein purity specifications on both the distillate and bottoms are evaluated by use of the reflux model and by use of the numerical solutions for an exact model of the column. A comparison of these results shows that the gains obtained by use of the predictive model are of sufficient accuracy to choose the most desirable control system.
Organizational citizenship behaviour in IT professionals: an expectancy theory approach

Purpose – Previous research has found that information technology (IT) professionals exhibit significantly lower organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) than non‐IT professionals. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine how an IT professional's job stress, trust, and commitment affect the valence of job satisfaction, which in turn influences his or her OCB.Design/methodology/approach – A snowball sampling approach was used as it was the best available approach. The authors first sent out email invitations to IT professionals at a large mid‐western university and used their personal referrals to locate other IT professionals. After deleting unusable responses, 85 responses were obtained. The hypotheses were tested using partial least squares and multiple regression techniques.Findings – The results confirmed the significant relationship between valence of job satisfaction and OCB and the relationship between OCB and actual job satisfaction. Additionally, commitment to organization and profession c...
The effect of wavelength on the area-intensity function of the human fovea1

Abstract Seven 10 μ passbands of monochromatic light centered on seven wavelengths equally spaced from 430 to 670 μ were employed as stimuli for 17 circular test fields. These fields ranged from 1·48 to 51·48 minutes of arc in diameter. Each field was set so that its centre coincided with the centre of the fovea. Threshold values were obtained for each field size with each wave-length from two subjects. The data were treated in three ways. In each case the independent variable was the logarithm of the retinal area. The dependent variables were: (1) logarithm of brightness values in arbitrary units (2) logarithm of retinal quanta per second values (3) quanta per cone values. The results are discussed in terms of Ricco's and Piper's laws and in relation to some anatomical findings of Polyak regarding retinal structure.
MEMORY FOR SEQUENCES OF STIMULI AND RESPONSES

Abstract Two experiments sought to determine if pigeons could discriminate and remember recent sequences of stimuli and responses. A variant of Konorski's short-term memory procedure involving successive presentation of sample and test stimuli was used. The samples were stimulus-response pairs of the form, (S-R)1–(S-R)2. Differential test responding disclosed memory of the two-item samples, with birds showing earlier and greater control by the second item than the first (Experiment 1). When the retention interval separating the second item of the sample sequence from the test stimulus was lenghtened from .5 to 2.0 or 4.0 sec, a systematic loss of stimulus control resulted; however, when varied over the same temporal range, the interval between the two items of the sample sequence had a much smaller effect, or none at all (Experiment 2). These results support an account of response-sequence differentiation that stresses short-term memory of organized behavior patterns.
Placental-site trophoblastic tumor (trophoblastic Pseudotumor): Case report demonstrating failure of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy to control metastatic disease

Abstract A case of metastatic placental-site trophoblastic tumor (trophoblastic pseudotumor) is presented and compared to four previously reported cases. Chemotherapy with MAC (methotrexate, dactinomycin, cyclophosphamide), aggressive surgical debulking, and radiotherapy were ineffective in producing disease regression. Only two of the four similar cases in the literature showed short responses (4–7 months) to several different aggressive multiagent chemotherapy regimens. Optimal therapeutic outcome is likely to result from an early diagnosis and aggressive surgical treatment of localized tumor.
Subitizing: direct apprehension or serial processing?

Tasks involving the judgment of numerosity in the subitizing range (1–5 elements) typically yield small but significant variations in performance as a function of the number of elements. Such a result is consistent with the existence of a serial component of numerosity processing in the subitizing range. In 1985, Sagi and Julesz reported the results of a subitizing task in which performance remained virtually constant as numerosity was varied. Three experiments are reported that explore this discrepancy. The results indicate that the discrepancy is not due to the nature of the stimuli, presentation mode, dependent measure, or level of practice used by Sagi and Julesz. All conditions showed variations in performance as a function of target numerosity. Our results are consistent with models that assume that there is a serial component to subitizing.
Optimal Distributed Data Collection for Asynchronous Cognitive Radio Networks

As a promising communication paradigm, Cognitive Radio Networks (CRNs) have paved a road for Secondary Users (SUs) to opportunistically exploit unused licensed spectrum without causing unacceptable interference to Primary Users (PUs). In this paper, we study the distributed data collection problem for asynchronous CRNs, which has not been addressed before. First, we study the Proper Carrier-sensing Range (PCR) for SUs. By working with this PCR, an SU can successfully conduct data transmission without disturbing the activities of PUs and other SUs. Subsequently, based on the PCR, we propose an Asynchronous Distributed Data Collection (ADDC) algorithm with fairness consideration for CRNs. ADDC collects data of a snapshot to the base station in a distributed manner without any time synchronization requirement. The algorithm is scalable and more practical compared with centralized and synchronized algorithms. Through comprehensive theoretical analysis, we show that ADDC is order-optimal in terms of delay and capacity, as long as an SU has a positive probability to access the spectrum. Finally, extensive simulation results indicate that ADDC can effectively finish a data collection task and significantly reduce data collection delay.
Tropicamide eyedrops cannot be used for reliable diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Objective To evaluate the mydriatic effect of tropicamide eyedrops as a diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease. Material and Methods In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we assessed pupillary responses in 22 normal control subjects, 23 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease, 4 patients with isolated memory difficulty, and 6 patients with nonAlzheimer's dementia. Three separate studies were performed, the second and third on a subset of the original group. With use of infrared binocular pupillography, after 5 minutes of dark adaptation, we averaged pupil size during a 1-minute interval for baseline determinations. We then instilled 0.01 % tropicamide into one eye. In the first two studies, we averaged pupil size for a 1-minute period at 5-minute intervals for 30 minutes, followed by a pupil light reflex test. In the third study, we measured pupil size every 5 minutes for 45 minutes and omitted the light reflex test. Results No significant difference was noted in pupil dilatation between normal subjects and patients with Alzheimer's disease and between patients with non-Alzheimer's dementias and the Alzheimer's disease group in all three studies. Furthermore, on reperformance of the test in the same patients, more than 50% changed from a group above or below 13% pupil dilatation (a cutoff reported to distinguish Alzheimer's disease from normal control subjects) to the opposite group. Conclusion Results of this study indicate that pupil measurement after instillation of tropicamide cannot be used as a reliable diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, test-retest reliability with use of dilute tropicamide eyedrops is questionable.
REV-ERB and ROR nuclear receptors as drug targets

This Review highlights recent progress in the development of ligands to target two classes of nuclear receptors — the REV-ERBs and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors (RORs) — and describes how such ligands might be useful for treating disorders related to metabolism, immune function and the circadian rhythm.
Effects of hydrostatic pressure, agitation and CO2 stress on Phytophthora nicotianae zoospore survival.

BACKGROUND:Phytophthora nicotianae Breda de Haan is a common pathogen of ornamental plants in recycled irrigation systems. In a previous study, annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus Don) inoculated with zoospore suspensions using a CO2-pressurized sprayer had less foliage blight than plants inoculated using a hand sprayer. Here, the impact of hydrostatic pressure, agitation and aeration with CO2 on the survival of P. nicotianae zoospores was examined. RESULTS: Exposure of zoospores to 840 kPa hydrostatic pressure for 8 min or agitation at a mixing intensity (G) of 6483 s−1 for 4 min at 22–23 °C did not kill zoospores, but resulted in viable cysts. Motile and forcefully encysted zoospores of P. nicotianae were equally infectious on vinca or lupine (Lupinus polyphylus Lindl.). Bubbling CO2 into zoospore-infested water at 110.4 mL (0.2 g) min−1 for 5 min caused 81% reduction in the number of germinated zoospores. Pressure at 630 kPa (16.3 g CO2) or 70 kPa (3.85 g CO2) facilitated CO2 injection and shortened the zoospore inactivation time to 30 s. When air was bubbled through the suspension, germination was similar to the control. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to CO2 killed P. nicotianae zoospores in water. Neither pressure nor agitation had an effect on zoospore viability or infectivity. Based on results of this study, the authors designed a recycling CO2 water treatment system that is currently under evaluation. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Coefficient of variation: a critical factor in maintenance float policy

Abstract This study investigates the effects of equipment failure variability on the performance of a maintenance float system. Existing maintenance float policy models assume the rates of equipment failure and repair to follow an exponential(β) distribution. This assumption implies a coefficient of variation of 1 (CV = 1). In this paper, the gamma(α,β) and the Weibull(α,β) failure distributions are used to generate a wide range of values for the coefficient of variation. The effect of these values on the average equipment utilization, server utilization, and on the average waiting time to repair are assessed via experimental simulation with subsequent statistical analysis. The results indicate significant departures in the performance measures of the maintenance float system under both a decreasing failure rate (DFR) and an increasing failure rate (IFR). Thus, there is a need to generate new sets of models for these cases. A full factorial experimental design is followed and the simulation output used to generate metamodels for the gamma and Weibull distributions. The limits of these models are also discussed and it is shown how they can be used to reach optimum decisions. The model also showed a significant interaction between the coefficient of variation and the number of servers in determining average equipment utilization (EU). The number of standbys (F) was not found significant in determining EU.
Problem drinking and intimate partner violence.

Objective: This study examined the role of problem drinking in intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization for men and women. We assessed (1) whether the relationship between problem drinking and IPV was spurious and (2) if relationship dissatisfaction and partner drinking mediated the effects of problem drinking on IPV. Method: Five waves of longitudinal data from a nonclinical sample (N = 725; 400 women), aged 12 through 31 years, were analyzed to determine the effects of problem drinking on IPV after controlling for eight common risk factors. Regression analyses were conducted to determine whether relationship dissatisfaction and partner drinking patterns mediated the effects of problem drinking on IPV after controlling for these same risk factors. Results: With controls, problem drinking significantly predicted perpetration and victimization for men and women. Partner drinking was not related to perpetration or victimization for men. For women, partner drinking was strongly related ...
Cloning and characterization of a heat-stable CMP-N-acylneuraminic acid synthetase from Clostridium thermocellum

In this study, we report the cloning, recombinant expression, and biochemical characterization of a heat-stable CMP-N-acylneuraminic acid (NeuAc) synthetase from Clostridium thermocellum ATCC 27405. A high throughput electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS)-based assay demonstrates that the enzyme has an absolute requirement for a divalent cation for activity and reaches maximum activity in the presence of 10 mM Mn(2+). The enzyme is active at pH 8-13 in Tris-HCl buffer and at 37-60 degrees C, and maximum activity is observed at pH 9.5 and 50 degrees C in the presence of 0.2 mM dithiothreitol. In addition to NeuAc, the enzyme also accepts the analog N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc) as a substrate. The apparent Michaelis constants for cytidine triphosphate and NeuAc or NeuGc are 240 +/- 20, 130 +/- 10, and 160 +/- 10 microM, respectively, with corresponding turnover numbers of 3.33, 2.25, and 1.66 s(-1), respectively. An initial velocity study of the enzymatic reaction indicates an ordered bi-bi catalytic mechanism. In addition to demonstration of a thermostable and substrate-tolerant enzyme, confirmation of the biochemical function of a gene for CMP-NeuAc synthetase in C. thermocellum also opens the question of the biological function of CMP-NeuAc in such nonpathogenic microorganisms.
Volume integrals of the products of spherical harmonics and their application to viscous dissipation phenomena in fluids

The equations governing the conversion of kinetic energy into heat in moving viscous media are formulated as volume integrals of products of spherical harmonics. Although the formulation of the fundamental equations is classical, difficulties in the integration of certain products of generalized spherical harmonics over a sphere have permitted heretofore the treatment of only two cases. The closed, form evaluation of eight fundamental types of definite integrals of the product of spherical harmonics, some of them new, or at least missing in the literature, makes possible for the first time the evaluation of these volume integrals in closed form for arbitrary order and index. Explicit details are given for the rates of energy dissipation produced by viscous motions characterized by spheroidal as well as toroidal symmetry.
Mass transfer by free convection at horizontal electrodes

Limiting currents were measured in an unstirred cell at horizontal cathodes facing upward. Electrolyte composition ranged from 0·01 to 0·7 M CuSO4 in 1·5 M H2SO4. Cathode sizes varied from 0.1–30 by 10 cm, and the free height above the electrode from 1–16 cm. Limiting currents for deposition of copper ranged from 0·68–129 mA/cm2. For electrode width larger than 20 mm the data is well represented by the general correlation Nu′ = 0.19 (Sc. Gr)13, where Nu′, Sc, and Gr are the Nusselt number for mass transfer, the Schmidt, and Grashof numbers, respectively. The experimental range used in the correlation included 108 < (Sc. Gr) < 1·4 × 1012 The results indicate that the boundary layer is turbulent, as it is in the case of the analogous heat-transfer model.
Comparing and Contrasting: Stories of Competition.

Competition plays an important role in the lives of gifted adolescents. Some research suggests that schools encourage competition simply by the nature of assigning grades and that students learn very early about the winners and losers. This study investigated how a group of 11 successful high school female students described the impact of competition on their academic and social lives. Qualitative methodology was used to identify themes that described how the participants maintained a competitive profile while still sustaining social contacts and friendships. Competition was viewed by participants as a negative behavior and comparing was a preferred word to describe their own competitive actions.
Determination of carrier recombination lifetime in InGaAs quantum wells from external quantum efficiency measurements

GaAs cells containing multiple quantum wells (MQW) of strained InGaAs/GaAsP can enhance efficiency in multijunction solar cells. Determination of carrier recombination lifetime in the InGaAs well is useful to understand material quality and carrier transport across the structure. GaAs p-i-n structures with and without strain balanced In0.17Ga0.83As wells and GaAs0.25P0.75 barriers were grown by MOCVD on p-type GaAs substrates. The GaAsP barrier thickness was varied between devices to intentionally influence carrier transport. A decrease in EQE was observed as barrier width was increased, which was attributed to an increase in tunneling lifetime, τtn. While this EQE decrease is undesirable in practical devices, it is useful for determining the recombination lifetime, τr, of the InGaAs wells. The decrease in EQE was observed only at wavelengths of light greater than 600 nm, indicating that minority carrier electrons generated in the base are responsible for the reduction in EQE. Shorter wavelengths (<;600 nm) of light are almost completely absorbed before reaching the base and primarily generate holes in the emitter. The tunneling lifetime and the currents generated in the p-i-n structures were modeled to calculate the EQE of a GaAs control and both thick and thin barrier MQW devices. The probability of transport through the entire MQW structure, Ptot, was varied until the calculated EQE fit the experimental data. The value of Ptot was then correlated to the only unknown parameter, the recombination lifetime. Using this method the recombination lifetime in In0.17Ga0.83As in the QW was determined to be 110 ns, which agrees with values found in previous time resolved photoluminescence measurements of metamorphic InGaAs films.
Controlling the metabolic flux through the carotenoid pathway using directed mRNA processing and stabilization.

A synthetic operon containing the crtI and crtY genes, encoding the phytoene desaturase and the lycopene cyclase, respectively, was placed under the control of the araBAD promoter. DNA cassettes encoding mRNA secondary structures were placed at the 5' and 3' ends of the genes and a putative RNase E site was placed between the genes. This construct was transformed into Escherichia coli cells harboring the genes for phytoene production. By varying the mRNA secondary structures, we were able to modulate the flux through the carotenoid pathway, resulting in a 300-fold variation in the production of beta-carotene relative to lycopene. In addition, intermediates in the pathway from phytoene to beta-carotene production that are not observed in cells expressing the recombinant operon were observed when the engineered operons were used, indicating that changes in levels of the enzymes affected the formation of intermediates. These results indicate that it is possible to coordinately regulate the genes encoding the enzymes of a metabolic pathway and balance the production of the intermediates.
Immigration and the earnings of youth in the U.S..

This article reports findings that have emerged from an effort made at statistically measuring the effects of immigration on the earnings of U.S.-born youth. The presence of immigrants arriving before 1965 has a positive impact on youth earnings. Recently arrived immigrants impact negatively however. These results are consistent with recent findings that the skill level of immigrants arriving within the last two decades is lower relative to that of immigrants arriving earlier. The results also show that the negative effects diminish as the youth ages reflecting skill acquisition and job mobility of the young worker into jobs less vulnerable to competition from immigrant workers. (EXCERPT)
Avoiding harm on the farm: Human factors

The high accident rate in agricultural work, especially for older farmers, indicates a need for increased safety and prevention research. This can contribute to increased safety on the farm, from engineering to human factors and ergonomics. Methods The current set of studies used two distinctly different research approaches to identify areas most linked to agricultural safety incidents. Focus groups including older farmers and an analysis of archived data produced descriptions of where, when, and how accidents occur, and what hazards contributed to these accidents. The database used was the Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) database of fatal farm-related accidents. This database contains a structured narrative account of each accident. Cases were coded to capture the demographics of the victim, the environmental conditions during the accident, the machinery involved, and other variables related to the accident. The average age of farmers involved in fatal accidents was over fifty years and many of them were using decades-old equipment when they died. These data are presented in terms of frequencies and a cluster analysis was performed to identify patterns of accident types. Focus group discussions identified the knowledge and attitudes of older farmers related to their work and equipment. Results In general, older farmers understood that they had slower reaction times than when they were younger; however, the prevailing attitude was that a task must be accomplished by any means necessary. This included working in poor visual conditions, past the point of fatigue, and using equipment for tasks other than for which it was designed. Last, older farmers were aware of numerous accidents related to their profession and expressed an acceptance of risk as well as the attitude that those who had accidents were not careful enough. Conclusion The findings from these studies can be used to motivate influential safety research. Older farmers stand to benefit greatly from applied work in this area once their general behavior patterns with farming technology are understood. The goal of the current studies was to link the information from farming accidents with the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of older farmers to direct the solving of safety problems through engineering, human factors, and industrial design.
The complete oxidation of acetonitrile on Ag(110): catalytic oxidation of -CH2CN

Abstract The oxidation of -CH 2 CN intermediates on Ag(110) results in the formation of CO 2 , NO and H 2 O produced apparently via surface formate and nitrile groups. With the use of isotopic labeling and temperature-programmed reaction spectroscopy, it has been shown that the formate is formed via attack of the methylene carbon of -CH 2 CN by adsorbed atomic oxygen. For this transformation a metallacyclic intermediate, CHOCN, is proposed. Several possible routes to this intermediate are suggested, involving either OCH 2 CN (a) or =CHCN, either of which is subsequently attacked by oxygen at the methylene carbon. The conversion of -CH 2 CN to the formate occurs by reaction with adsorbed atomic oxygen at least 130 K below the temperature at which -CH 2 CN itself reacts on the otherwise clean surface. The results obtained in ultra-high vacuum for the stability of -CH 2 CN in the presence of coadsorbed oxygen atoms successfully predict the stability of -CH 2 CN in a high pressure oxygen environment.
Association of allogeneic red-blood cell transfusion with surgeon case-volume.

Background Surgeon case-volume predicts a variety of patient outcomes. We hypothesize that surgeon case-volume predicts RBC transfusion across different surgical procedures. Methods We performed a cohort study of 372,670 in-patient surgical cases in the 52 non-federal hospitals in Maryland between 2004 and 2005. The main outcome measure was relative risk of receiving a transfusion. Results Overall, 13.9% of patients received a transfusion. Patients seen by the highest case-volume surgeons (>161 cases/y) were more likely to receive a transfusion (16% versus 11%, P Conclusions Surgeon case-volume is independently associated with the likelihood of RBC transfusion across a broad range of surgical procedures. Future efforts should be directed towards studying and standardization of transfusion practices.
Extrinsic Precursor-Assisted Synthesis of 1,5-Hexadiene on Cu(100)

The reaction between allyl bromide and previously chemisorbed η3-allyl to form 1,5-hexadiene on Cu(100) at cryogenic temperatures has been examined using reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy and temperature-programmed desorption. Above 110 K, the 1,5-hexadiene formation rate decreases with increasing temperature and is controlled by the residence time of dosed allyl bromide, whereas below 100 K, the rate increases with temperature and is controlled by the reaction of weakly adsorbed allyl bromide with chemisorbed η3-allyl. Above 110 K, a precursor state model is used to interpret the data. The activation energy difference, Ed − Er, between desorption and reaction of allyl bromide with η3-allyl is 12 kJ mol-1.
Unsymmetrical monoprotected α-diketones via the palladium-catalyzed vinylation of acid chlorides with organotin compounds

Abstract Under benzyl(chloro) bis triphenylphosphinepalladium(II) catalysis, α-oxygenated vinyltin compounds undergo clean cross coupling with acid chlorides to give α-oxygenated enones which are converted to unsymmetrical α-diketones, butadienyl ethers or substituted methyl vinyl ketones.
Islands of Fertility: A Byproduct of Grazing?

Empirical work in arid shrubland systems has documented a distinct spatial pattern of soil nutrient distribution, with higher concentrations of nutrients under shrub canopies compared to bare ground interspaces between shrubs. This “fertile island” pattern is considered characteristic of arid ecosystems. However, recent work at a desertified shrubland site reported no island of fertility pattern for nitrogen inside a long-term grazing exclosure despite a strong fertile island pattern outside the exclosure, leading to a hypothesis that the pattern may be associated with grazing. In this paper we examine this hypothesis in two ways. First, we collected soil nitrogen data inside and outside two long-term livestock exclosures. Second, we examined published work on the fertile island pattern for nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon, and its association with livestock grazing. At the field sites, there was a strong fertile island pattern for soil nitrogen in the grazed area outside each exclosure but no fertile island pattern in the ungrazed area inside the fence. From the literature, we identified 49 studies, which represent 99 cases that examine differences in soil nutrients under and between shrubs (that is, tests of the fertile island pattern). In 92 cases, fertile islands were present for at least one of the nutrients. All cases where livestock grazing was present exhibited fertile island patterns for nitrogen and most did so for carbon and phosphorus. In contrast, fertile islands were less consistent where livestock grazing was absent; all nine cases that had been ungrazed for more than 30 years did not exhibit fertile islands for nitrogen. Our empirical data and literature review suggest that the fertile island pattern may be an artifact of grazing rather than an inherent property of arid shrublands. Further, we suggest that the grazing history of a site needs to be explicitly considered when documenting spatial patterns of soil nutrients in arid systems. This has significant implications for our understanding of soil nutrient dynamics in arid systems, the management of rangelands, and the potential for reversal of desertification.
ORDER EXPEDITION IN MULTI-ECHELON PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

In this paper we study a multi-echelon production/distribution system where the retail centers are allowed to replenish their inventory through a normal resupply channel or an expedited resupply channel by incurring an additional cost. An approximation scheme to find the operating characteristics of such systems is developed. The results of a numerical study indicate that significant cost savings can be achieved by using the policy suggested in this paper.
The impact of using the Bethesda System for reporting thyroid cytology diagnostic criteria on the follicular lesion of undetermined significance category

Introduction The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (TBSRTC) refines the definition of and provides specific diagnostic criteria for the category of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS). This study was conducted to review our institutional experience with thyroid nodules interpreted as FLUS using TBSRTC diagnostic criteria. Materials and methods A SNOMED (Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine) search of the electronic pathology database in our institution for the period of January 2011 to June 2012 was conducted to identify thyroid aspirates previously interpreted as FLUS using TBSRTC diagnostic criteria. All cases were followed for at least 6 months. Follow-up information including clinical/imaging monitoring, repeat fine-needle aspiration, and/or subsequent surgical intervention, along with the corresponding cytologic diagnosis and/or histologic diagnosis were collected for each case. Cytology-histology concordance was evaluated for aspirates with surgical follow-up. Results We identified a total of 122 FLUS cases and follow-up information was available in 100 cases. Among the 100 cases, 31 appeared clinically stable and showed no size change on ultrasonographic imaging; 9 were reclassified as benign non-neoplastic by a repeat fine-needle aspiration; and 60 received surgical treatments. The follow-up histology revealed 26.7% (16 of 60) papillary thyroid carcinoma, 25% (15 of 60) follicular adenoma, and 48.3% (29 of 60) non-neoplastic nodules (nodular hyperplasia or lymphocytic thyroiditis). Conclusions Compared with historical control subjects from our institution, the current study demonstrates that adhering to TBSRTC diagnostic criteria yields a higher prediction of histology-proven neoplasia (25% versus 14.9%) and malignancy (26.7% versus 9.2%) for the FLUS category.
Altered T cell memory and effector cell development in chronic lymphatic filarial infection that is independent of persistent parasite antigen.

Chronic lymphatic filarial (LF) infection is associated with suppression of parasite-specific T cell responses that persist even following elimination of infection. While several mechanisms have been implicated in mediating this T cell specific downregulation, a role for alterations in the homeostasis of T effector and memory cell populations has not been explored. Using multiparameter flow cytometry, we investigated the role of persistent filarial infection on the maintenance of T cell memory in patients from the filarial-endemic Cook Islands. Compared to filarial-uninfected endemic normals (EN), microfilaria (mf) positive infected patients (Inf) had a reduced CD4 central memory (TCM) compartment. In addition, Inf patients tended to have more effector memory cells (TEM) and fewer effector cells (TEFF) than did ENs giving significantly smaller TEFF ∶ TEM ratios. These contracted TCM and TEFF populations were still evident in patients previously mf+ who had cleared their infection (CLInf). Moreover, the density of IL-7Rα, necessary for T memory cell maintenance (but decreased in T effector cells), was significantly higher on memory cells of Inf and CLInf patients, although there was no evidence for decreased IL-7 or increased soluble IL7-Rα, both possible mechanisms for signaling defects in memory cells. However, effector cells that were present in Inf and CLInf patients had lower percentages of HLA-DR suggesting impaired function. These changes in T cell populations appear to reflect chronicity of infection, as filarial-infected children, despite the presence of active infection, did not show alterations in the frequencies of these T cell phenotypes. These data indicate that filarial-infected patients have contracted TCM compartments and a defect in effector cell development, defects that persist even following clearance of infection. The fact that these global changes in memory and effector cell compartments do not yet occur in infected children makes early treatment of LF even more crucial.
Laser processing for thin-film photovoltaics

Over the past decade major advances have occurred in the field of thin- film photovoltaics (PV) with many of them a direct consequence of the application of laser processing. Improved cell efficiencies have been achieved in crystalline and polycrystalline Si, in hydrogenated amorphous silicon, and in two polycrystalline thin-film materials. The use of lasers in photovoltaics includes laser hole drilling for emitter wrap-through, laser trenching for buried bus lines, and laser texturing of crystalline and polycrystalline Si cells. In thin-film devices, laser scribing is gaining increased importance for module interconnects. Pulsed laser recrystallization of boron-doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon is used to form highly conductive p-layers in p-i-n amorphous silicon cells and in thin-film transistors. Optical beam melting appears to be an attractive method for forming metal semiconductor alloys for contact formation. Finally, pulsed lasers are used for deposition of the entire semiconductor absorber layer in two types of polycrystalline thin-film cells-those based on copper indium diselenide and those based on cadmium telluride. In our lab we have prepared and studied heavily doped polycrystalline silicon thin films and also have used laser physical vapor deposition (LPVD) to prepare 'all-LPVD' CdS/CdTe solar cells on glass with efficiencies tested at NREL at 10.5%. LPVD is highly flexible and ideally suited for prototyping PV cells using ternary or quaternary alloys and for exploring new dopant combinations.
Single trial hemodynamic response estimation in a block anagram solution study using fNIR spectroscopy

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRs) has shown great potential in examining functional brain activity during cognitive tasks by enabling the measurement of changes in the concentration of deoxygenated and oxygenated hemoglobin. It has attracted great interest due to its portability, low cost, safety and non-invasiveness. We present a novel single trial hemodynamic response estimation algorithm in an anagram solution study using functional NIRs (fNIRs). The temporal profile of the hemodynamic response to each single trial stimulus is estimated by minimizing the error between the oxygenation data measured by fNIRs and a linear model. No prior assumption on the amplitude, latency, or variance of the hemodynamic response is required other than its shape to be a /spl gamma/ function. Once the estimates of single trial hemodynamic responses gathered from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are obtained, features, such as maximum amplitude, rise time, etc., are extracted and compared for different difficulty levels of the test.