cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PUBLIC INVESTMENT, TAX EVASION, AND THE WELFARE EFFECTS OF A TARIFF REFORM

Contrary to the case considered in literature, the experience of developing countries indicates that the tariff reforms have not been revenue neutral due to the heavy dependence of developing countries on trade taxes and pervasive tax evasion. In contrast to the plausibility of a welfare loss shown by the current literature, when the adverse effect of the loss of tariff revenue on public investment is factored in, the welfare outcome of the tariff reforms of past few decades turns out to be much more pessimistic. The constraints imposed by tariff dependence and tax evasion imply that future tariff reforms in these countries should be undertaken after strengthening their domestic tax system and augmenting the ability of their governments to fight tax evasion. For countries of sub-Saharan Africa, where such reforms are likely to be concentrated, this would need planning and capacity building over a longer time horizon. (JEL D61, D62, F13, H26)
Comment on "Low-temperature resistivity and thermoelectric ratio of copper and gold"

Electron-electron scattering can be observed in the transport properties of simple metals both at low temperatures, where it dominates the temperature-dependent resistivity $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$, and at high temperatures where it dominates the deviation of the Lorenz function from the Lorenz number. Comparison of low- and high-temperature data supports the recent tentative identification of an electron-electron term in $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ for Cu. The same analysis also supports a similar identification in Ag and leads us to predict the magnitude of the as yet unobserved effect in Au. The analysis is also applied to the other simple metals for which the low-temperature $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ has been carefully examined, namely K and Al. In K, a measure of consistency can be achieved on the basis of some reasonable assumptions. In Al, the relation between the observed low- and high-temperature data is inconsistent with present theory. A possible mechanism for this inconsistency is suggested.
The Unconscionable Gap Between What We Know and What We Do

Mental disorders have high aggregate prevalence, are responsible globally for nearly a quarter of all years lived with disability, and represent the largest cause of lost economic output among all classes of noncommunicable disease worldwide. Cost-effective treatments, including both generic drugs and brief, manualized cognitive therapies are available to address this burden. Nonetheless, treatment of mental disorders remains a low priority worldwide-disproportionately so in low- and middle-income countries. Here, I focus on possible reasons for the failure of policy-makers to respond effectively, and I suggest corrective approaches.
A general solution of 3-D quasi-steady-state problem of a moving heat source on a semi-infinite solid

Abstract The well-known Jaeger–Rosenthal asymptotic particular solution for the quasi-steady-state problem of moving heat source is proven to be inconsistent with the source constant intensity, especially at dimensionless trailing edge coordinates vx/a
Population-based outreach for Chlamydia screening in men: results from a randomized trial.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of population-based outreach strategies to improve genital Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) screening in men. Study Design: In a randomized trial, male enrollees ages 21-25 (n = 8820) were selected from the automated files of Group Health Cooperative and randomized to: a letter + test-request card for a CT urine home sampling kit (arm 1, n = 2940); a letter + mail-back sampling kit (arm 2, n = 2940); or a usual care control (arm 3, n = 2940). One reminder was sent to arms 1 and 2. The outcome was CT testing rates in the 4 months postrandomization. Results: 105 of 2940 (3.6%) men in arm 1 and 230 of 2940 (7.8%) in arm 2 returned mailed specimens. All 335 respondents were sexually experienced, 43% had >2 sex partners in the past year, and 80% reported no genitourinary symptoms. Compared to arm 3, the relative risk of being tested was 5.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.6-8.7) for arm 1 and 11.1 (95% CI 7.3-16.9) for arm 2. Arm 2 was significantly more likely to be tested than arm 1. CT prevalence for mailed-back specimens was 1.0% (1 of 105) for arm 1 and 2.6% (6 of 230) for arm 2; 70% of all positive intervention tests were from mailed samples. Conclusions: Both strategies resulted in significantly higher CT testing than usual care, but the intervention response rate was low (5.7% overall). Direct kit mailing performed best. In US populations, the value of mailed outreach strategies to men must be considered in the context of other CT screening priorities.
Social intelligence: The new science of human relationships

By Daniel Goleman New York: Bantam Dell, 2006. 403 pp. ISBN 978-0-553-38449-9. $14.00 Reviewed by Gina Hernez-Broome, PhD
Purification of the Drosophila Kc cell juvenile hormone binding protein

The juvenile hormone binding protein (JHBP) from the cytosol of Drosophila melanogaster Kc cells has been purified with the use of a juvenile hormone photoaffinity analog, 10,11-epoxy (2E, 6E) farnesyl diazoacetate (EFDA). The purification procedure consists of five chromatographic steps and the end product of the purification procedure showed homogeneity by means of both native and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Furthermore, using a racemic mixture of the natural hormone, [3H]juvenile hormone III (JH III), as the radioligand in this purification procedure, we demonstrate that the purified protein is likely the authentic intracellular JHBP.
Functionalism about Truth and the Metaphysics of Reduction

Functionalism about truth is the view that truth is an explanatorily significant but multiply-realizable property. According to this view the properties that realize truth vary from domain to domain, but the property of truth is a single, higher-order, domain insensitive property. We argue that this view faces a challenge similar to the one that Jaegwon Kim laid out for the multiple realization thesis. The challenge is that the higher-order property of truth is equivalent to an explanatorily idle disjunction of its realization bases. This consequence undermines the alethic functionalists’ non-deflationary ambitions. A plausible response to Kim’s argument fails to carry over to alethic functionalism on account of significant differences between alethic functionalism and psychological functionalism. Lynch’s revised view in his book Truth as One and Many (2009) fails to answer our challenge. The upshot is that, while mental functionalism may survive Kim’s argument, it mortally wounds functionalism about truth.
Survival of Coronaviruses in Water and Wastewater

The advent of severe acute respiratory syndrome and its potential environmental transmission indicates the need for more information on the survival of coronavirus in water and wastewater. The survival of representative coronaviruses, feline infectious peritonitis virus, and human coronavirus 229E was determined in filtered and unfiltered tap water (4 and 23°C) and wastewater (23°C). This was compared to poliovirus 1 under the same test conditions. Inactivation of coronaviruses in the test water was highly dependent on temperature, level of organic matter, and presence of antagonistic bacteria. The time required for the virus titer to decrease 99.9% (T99.9) shows that in tap water, coronaviruses are inactivated faster in water at 23°C (10 days) than in water at 4°C (>100 days). Coronaviruses die off rapidly in wastewater, with T99.9 values of between 2 and 4 days. Poliovirus survived longer than coronaviruses in all test waters, except the 4°C tap water.
Effect of feeding corn modified to contain a unique amylase on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers1

ABSTRACT A new corn hybrid has been developed through genetic modification that expresses a thermotolerant α-amylase (CA3272) that is able to process the corn starch for commercial ethanol production without the need for the addition of exogenous α-amylase. Because this amylase may improve ruminal starch digestibility and subsequently enhance performance of feedlot cattle, the objective of this research was to determine performance responses in feedlot cattle fed different concentrations of CA3272. Seventy-two Angus cross yearling steers (initial BW 349 kg ± 1.1 kg) were allotted by BW to 3 treatments to determine the effect of CA3272 concentration (0, 10, and 20% of dietary DM) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers. Steers were slaughtered after 131 d on feed. Final BW was similar among treatments (P ≥ 0.51). Average daily gain, DMI, and G:F did not differ (P ≥ 0.18) among cattle fed 0, 10, or 20% of dietary DM as CA3272, respectively. Hot carcass weight and dressing percentage did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.48). Longissimus dorsi area, twelfth rib fat thickness, marbling score, and percentage of cattle grading Choice or better did not differ (P ≥ 0.13) among cattle fed 0, 10, or 20% of the diet DM as CA3272. In conclusion, corn genetically modified to contain amylase has no effect on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers when fed at a rate of 10 or 20% of dietary DM.
The role of drug therapy in social phobia

Social phobia is a potentially disabling condition requiring effective and well tolerated treatment. The monoamine oxidase inhibitors, benzodiazepines and, more recently, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have all shown promise as treatments for this disorder. Paroxetine, the most thoroughly studied SSRI, has been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of generalized social phobia in a large-scale, placebo-controlled trial. Paroxetine and the other SSRIs show promise as a new and safe therapeutic choice for patients with social phobia.
Electron Injection Dynamics of RuII(dcbpy)2(SCN)2 on Zirconia

The electron injection dynamics of RuII(4,4‘-dicarboxy-2,2‘-bipyridine)2(SCN)2 (the so-called N3-dye) adsorbed on colloidal ZrO2 particles in room-temperature solution have been studied using time-resolved absorption polarization spectroscopy. The solvents used are acetonitrile and methanol. Electron injection is evidenced by the transient absorption anisotropy and/or the wavelength-dependent unpolarized absorption intensity. The results indicate that 630 nm excitation results in no N3* to ZrO2 electron transfer in both acetonitrile and methanol solvents, 515 nm excitation results in electron injection in acetonitrile, and 495 nm excitation results in electron injection in both acetonitrile and methanol. These results may be understood in terms of simple energetic considerations: 630 nm excitation produces N3* with insufficient energy for electron injection while 495 nm excitation produces N3* with an energy just sufficient for electron injection. In all cases where electron injection is energetically fa...
Lung cancer-initiating cells: a novel target for cancer therapy

Lung cancer is a major public health problem causing more deaths than any other cancer. A better understanding of the biology of this disease and improvements in treatment are greatly needed. Increasing evidence supports the concept that a rare and specialized population of cancer cells, so-called cancer-initiating cells with stem cell-like characteristics, is responsible for tumor growth, maintenance, and recurrence. Cancer-initiating cells also exhibit characteristics that render them resistant to both radiation and chemotherapy, and therefore they are believed to play a role in treatment failure. This has led to the hypothesis that traditional therapies that indiscriminately kill tumor cells will not be as effective as therapies that selectively target cancer-initiating cells. Investigating putative cancer-initiating cells in lung cancer will greatly benefit the understanding of the origins of this disease and may lead to novel approaches to therapy by suggesting markers for use in either further isolating this population for study or for selectively targeting these cells. This review will discuss (1) lung cancer, (2) stem cells, and the role of cancer-initiating cells in tumorigenesis; (3) markers and functional characteristics associated with lung cancer-initiating cells; and (4) the potential to selectively target this subpopulation of tumor cells.
The effects of xenon implantation in ceria with and without lanthanum

Abstract A combination of in situ and ex situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments was used to study the evolution of defect clusters during implantation of Xe at the energy of 700 keV. Xenon has been implanted into CeO 2 and Ce/LaO 2 single crystal thin films up to doses of 1 × 10 17 ions/cm 2 at room temperature and 600 °C. The evolution of microstructure, especially the formation of solid-state precipitates, during irradiation is found to be a function of material composition, irradiation dose and irradiation temperature. The precipitates are either aggregated Xe in the solid state or metallic Ce due to the active redox reaction in CeO 2 and Ce/LaO 2 . Further investigations with the help of X-ray techniques will be carried out in the future.
An improved adaptive control for robust adaptation

An adaptive control law consisting of an integral and proportional adaptation is suggested. It is shown that the addition of the proportional adaptation term to the control law improves the performance of the adaptive system. Although this is done in the context of a first-order system, it is believed that this may also be the case for higher-order systems. The scalar case is only discussed. Simulation results are presented to complement the theoretical developments. >
A biomechanical perspective on stress fiber structure and function

Stress fibers are actomyosin-based bundles whose structural and contractile properties underlie numerous cellular processes including adhesion, motility and mechanosensing. Recent advances in high-resolution live-cell imaging and single-cell force measurement have dramatically sharpened our understanding of the assembly, connectivity, and evolution of various specialized stress fiber subpopulations. This in turn has motivated interest in understanding how individual stress fibers generate tension and support cellular structure and force generation. In this review, we discuss approaches for measuring the mechanical properties of single stress fibers. We begin by discussing studies conducted in cell-free settings, including strategies based on isolation of intact stress fibers and reconstitution of stress fiber-like structures from purified components. We then discuss measurements obtained in living cells based both on inference of stress fiber properties from whole-cell mechanical measurements (e.g., atomic force microscopy) and on direct interrogation of single stress fibers (e.g., subcellular laser nanosurgery). We conclude by reviewing various mathematical models of stress fiber function that have been developed based on these experimental measurements. An important future challenge in this area will be the integration of these sophisticated biophysical measurements with the field's increasingly detailed molecular understanding of stress fiber assembly, dynamics, and signal transduction. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mechanobiology.
The role of workers’ trust and perceived benefits in lean implementation success

Both the academic and practitioner literature agree upon the importance of employees’ perceived job security in order for lean implementation to succeed. However, anecdotal evidences seem to indicate that too many organisations embark on a lean journey with the implicit and/or explicit goal of reducing labour costs, laying off people when lean implementation success leads to enhanced productivity and efficiency. Such practices would only decrease the level of perceived job security of workers, leading to decreased level of employees’ trust in management and their perception on personal benefits of lean. This research investigates, through a survey of 180 production workers in the Midwest USA, the critical role of perceived job security, trust in management, and lean training in enhancing the perception of personal benefits of lean, which leads to lean implementation success. The results support the notion that lean implementation success depends upon conducive mindset for lean among production workers.
Organic interlamellar layers, mesolayers and mineral nanobridges: Contribution to strength in abalone (Haliotis rufescence) nacre

Abstract The contributions of mesolayers, organic interlamellar layers and nanoasperities/mineral bridges to the strength of nacre from red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) shell nacre are investigated. Samples were demineralized and deproteinized to separate the organic and mineral components, respectively. Tensile tests were performed on both the isolated organic constituent and the isolated mineral. The strength of the isolated organic component suggests that growth bands play an important role in the mechanical behavior as they are thick regions of protein that are a significant fraction (∼0.4) of the total organic content. The thickness variation of the nacre tablets was measured and found to be a small fraction of the mean tablet thickness (0.568 μm); the standard deviation is 26 nm, indicating that the wedge mechanism of toughening does not operate in the nacre investigated. Results obtained from the isolated mineral validate the importance of the organic constituent as the mechanical properties decline greatly when the organic component is removed. The results presented herein add to the understanding of the mechanical response of the organic interlayers and growth bands and their effect on the toughness of the abalone nacre.
Intraspecific phenotypic differences in fish affect ecosystem processes as much as bottom–up factors

Evolution of life history traits can occur rapidly and has the potential to infl uence ecological processes, which can also be shaped by abiotic and biotic factors. Few studies have shown that life history phenotype can aff ect ecological processes as much as commonly studied biotic ecological variables, but currently we do not know how the ecological eff ects of life history phenotype compare in size to the eff ects of abiotic factors, or whether the ecological eff ects of phenotypes are sensitive to variability in abiotic conditions. Using a factorial mesocosm experiment we compared the ecosystem eff ects of guppy Poecilia reticulata life history phenotypes in two light treatments representing a four-fold diff erence in light levels, which was comparable to upstream–downstream diff erences in light availability in Trinidadian streams. Light and phenotype had signifi cant eff ects on similar aspects of ecosystem function. Whereas light had a stronger eff ect on ecosystem structure (algal and invertebrate stocks) than phenotype, phenotype and light had nearly equal eff ects on many ecosystem processes (nutrient recycling, nutrient fl uxes, ecosystem metabolism and leaf litter decomposition). Light had a stronger eff ect on most guppy life history traits and guppy fi tness than diff erences between phenotypes. Th e eff ect of light on these traits was consistent with higher availability of food resources in the high light treatments. Interactions between light and phenotype were weak for the majority of response variables suggesting that abiotic variability did not alter the mechanisms by which phenotypes aff ect ecosystem function. We conclude that subtle phenotypic diff erences in consumers can aff ect ecosystem processes as much as meaningful variability in abiotic factors which until recently were thought to be the primary drivers of ecosystem function in nature. However, despite its eff ects on traits and the ecosystem, light did not alter the eff ect of guppy phenotype on ecosystem function.
Monoclonal antibody to human fertilization antigen-1 (FA-1) inhibits bovine fertilization in vitro: application in immunocontraception.

A monoclonal antibody (mAb) to the human sperm plasma membrane protein, fertilization antigen-1 (FA-1), was tested for its reactivity with bovine spermatozoa and its effects on bovine fertilization in vitro. Western blot analysis revealed that the FA-1 mAb reacted with proteins of similar molecular mass (53 +/- 2 kDa) in human and bovine sodium deoxycholate (DOC)-solubilized sperm extracts. Indirect immunofluorescence, using epifluorescence microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy, revealed that the FA-1 antigen is present in the post-acrosomal region of bovine spermatozoa, which is similar to human FA-1 localization. In bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF) trials, using oocytes obtained from slaughterhouse ovaries, addition of 20, 40, or 80 micrograms/ml of FA-1 mAb to the IVF medium resulted in a linear decrease in the fertilization rate from 86.3% in the controls to 54.6%, 21.6%, and 1.8% in the respective experimental groups (p 0.10) of the FA-1 mAb on percent sperm motility or other motility characteristics tested, suggesting that human FA-1 mAb inhibits bovine sperm cell function at some point after capacitation. In conclusion, the evolutionarily conserved antigen FA-1 has a molecular identity in bovine sperm similar to that in human sperm, and mAb to human sperm FA-1 inhibits fertilization of bovine oocytes. These results indicate that FA-1 is a promising candidate for the development of a contraceptive vaccine. The research also suggests that bovine species could be used as a model for investigating the use of FA-1 as an immunovaccine in ruminants.
Die Rolle von Anschauung und Erfahrung

Wenn wir den ganzen Bereich derjenigen Wissenschaften uberblicken, die auf der Betrachtung der leblosen Natur beruhen, dann werden wir vor allem zu denken haben an alle die Tatsachen, die Ergebnisse und Begriffsbildungen, welche den Gebieten der Mathematik, Physik, Chemie, Astronomie, der beschreibenden Naturwissenschaften und der Technik angehoren. Dieser Bereich des Wissens ist ein ganz enorm groser. Er grenzt sich gut ab gegenuber dem biologischen Wissen und demjenigen, welches den Menschen als solchen betrifft. Als die charakteristischen Merkmale, durch welche dieses Wissen ausgezeichnet ist, kann man folgende anfuhren: Erstens ist es alter als die anderen Wissenschaften und daher auch entwickelter, zweitens sind die darin enthaltenen Ergebnisse im grosen und ganzen sicherer und damit hangt drittens zusammen, das sie systematischer geordnet sind.
Association of Type 1 Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor with AKAP9 (Yotiao) and Protein Kinase A

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP(3)R) play a key role in intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) signaling. Three InsP(3)R isoforms are expressed in mammals. Type 1 InsP(3)R (InsP(3)R1) is a predominant neuronal isoform. Neuronal InsP(3)R1 is one of the major substrates of protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation. In our previous study (Tang, T. S., Tu, H., Wang, Z., and Bezprozvanny, I. (2003) J. Neurosci. 23, 403-415) we discovered a direct association between InsP(3)R1 and protein phosphatase 1 alpha (PP1 alpha). In functional experiments we demonstrated that phosphorylation by PKA activates InsP(3)R1 and that dephosphorylation by PP1 alpha inhibits InsP(3)R1. To extend these findings, here we investigated the possibility of InsP(3)R1-PKA association. In a series of biochemical experiments we demonstrate the following findings. 1) InsP(3)R1 and PKA associate in the brain. 2) InsP(3)R1-PKA association is mediated by the AKAP9 (Yotiao) multi-functional PKA anchoring protein. 3) InsP(3)R1-AKAP9 association is mediated via the leucine/isoleucine zipper (LIZ) motif in the InsP(3)R1 coupling domain and the fourth LIZ motif in AKAP9. 4) The InsP(3)R association with AKAP9 is specific for type 1 InsP(3)R. 5) Both the SII(+) and the SII(-) coupling domain splice variants of InsP(3)R1 bind to AKAP9. 6) Binding to AKAP9 promotes association of neuronal InsP(3)R1 with the NR1 NMDA receptor; and 7) neuronal InsP(3)R1 associate with PP1 directly via carboxy-terminus and indirectly via AKAP9. The obtained results advance our understanding of cross-talk between cAMP and InsP(3)/Ca(2+) signaling pathways in the brain.
Performance based channel allocation in IEEE 802.22 networks

The main challenge in resource allocation in cognitive radio based IEEE 802.22 networks is the absence of predefined control channels. Moreover, the fleeting nature of the available spectrum also hinders the communication as the radios must relinquish the acquired channels once the primary users of those channels return. In this paper, we propose a performance metrics based data channel allocation scheme for IEEE 802.22 networks where the base station allocates interference free channels to the consumer premise equipments using a spectrum map. The base station creates the spectrum map by using the raw spectrum usage data that are shared by a small subset of consumer premise equipments. The usage data are fused at the base station using a modified version of Shepard's interpolation technique. We construct a continuous and differentiable spatial distribution of spectrum usage that the base station consults to estimate the spectrum occupancy vector at any arbitrary location in its cell. Such spectrum usage is then utilized to proactively evaluate some key network and radio performance metrics which in turn help allocating the best candidate channel to a given consumer premise equipment ensuring highest achievable performance.
Conserving biodiversity using risk management: hoax or hope?

Biodiversity has been called a form of ecosystem insurance. According to the “insurance hypothesis”, the presence of many species protects against system decline, because builtin redundancies guarantee that some species will maintain key functions even if others fail. The hypothesis might have merit, but calling it “insurance” promotes an ambiguous understanding of risk management strategies and underlying theories of risk. Instead, such redundancy suggests a strategy of diversification. A clearer understanding of risk includes comprehending the important distinction between risk assessment and risk management, acknowledging the existence of undiversifiable risk, and recognizing that risk and uncertainty are not synonymous. A better grasp of risk management will help anyone interested in assessing the merits of different biodiversity conservation strategies. At stake is the adequacy of conservation strategies for mitigating human-caused biodiversity losses.
Development of multigene and regulated lentivirus vectors.

Previously we described safe and efficient three-component human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-based gene transfer systems for delivery of genes into nondividing cells (H. Mochizuki, J. P. Schwartz, K. Tanaka, R. O. Brady, and J. Reiser, J. Virol. 72:8873–8883, 1998). To apply such vectors in anti-HIV gene therapy strategies and to express multiple proteins in single target cells, we have engineered HIV-1 vectors for the concurrent expression of multiple transgenes. Single-gene vectors, bicistronic vectors, and multigene vectors expressing up to three exogenous genes under the control of two or three different transcriptional units, placed within the viral gag-pol coding region and/or the viral nef and env genes, were designed. The genes encoding the enhanced version of green fluorescent protein (EGFP), mouse heat-stable antigen (HSA), and bacterial neomycin phosphotransferase were used as models whose expression was detected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, fluorescence microscopy, and G418 selection. Coexpression of these reporter genes in contact-inhibited primary human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) persisted for at least 6 weeks in culture. Coexpression of the HSA and EGFP reporter genes was also achieved following cotransduction of target cells using two separate lentivirus vectors encoding HSA and EGFP, respectively. For the regulated expression of transgenes, tetracycline (Tet)-regulatable lentivirus vectors encoding the reverse Tet transactivator (rtTA) and EGFP controlled by a Tet-responsive element (TRE) were constructed. A binary HIV-1-based vector system consisting of a lentivirus encoding rtTA and a second lentivirus harboring a TRE driving the EGFP reporter gene was also designed. Doxycycline-modulated expression of the EGFP transgene was confirmed in transduced primary HSFs. These versatile vectors can potentially be used in a wide range of gene therapy applications.
WLC24-6: An Analytical Model of Block Acknowledgement and Selective Retransmission in an 802.11e WLAN Network

The 802.11e amendment to IEEE 802.11 standard defines a block acknowledgement (ACK) mechanism to reduce the overhead required by a station to acknowledge the receipt of multiple frames. This paper presents an analytic model for estimating the overhead required to selectively retransmit data frames when using the block ACK mechanism in a noisy channel. This model is applicable both to the present block ACK mechanism and further refinements that could be proposed in a future standards amendment, such as the 802.11n high throughput task group.
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Stages of Mastery/Self-Regulation in Vygotsky's Cultural-Historical Theory

During the late 1970s and 1980s, as interest in Lev Vygotsky's work was growing rapidly, most of his writings were unavailable in English. Translations of Vygotsky's work that reflect the breadth and depth of his thinking became available in the mid-to late 1990s. However, this work has yet to become an integral part of educational psychology. This article first presents Vygotsky's unique view of cognitive development, followed by the central framework of his theory—the stages of sign use/concept development. These stages are also the stages of self-regulation/mastery of one's thinking and they culminate in the development of higher mental functions. Also discussed are current conceptions of self-regulation, a comparison with Vygotsky's view, and the implications of Vygotsky's thinking for curriculum and instruction.
Supporting anti-terrorist analyst teams using agents with shared RPD process

Antiterrorist analysts often need to work in teams with the requirement to analyze voluminous amounts of dynamic information in order to assess potential terrorist threats. Analysts have a high cognitive demand complicated by factors that typically the information has restrict access and requires special expertise for interpretation. The goal of this research is to enhance team performance by modeling and implementing a cognitive agent architecture capable of proactively seeking, linking and sharing information using knowledge and experience distributed among team members. The agent architecture is empowered by a collaborative RPD model - a novel team-based naturalistic decision making process derived from Klein's recognition-primed decision framework.
Implications of Ethnic Diversity

Ethnically differentiated societies are often regarded as dysfunctional, with poor economic performance and a high risk of violent civil conflict. The author distinguishes between dominance, in which one group constitutes a majority, and fractionalization, in which there are many small groups. In terms of overall economic performance, the research shows that both theoretically and empirically, fractionalization is normally unproblematic in democracies, although it can be damaging in dictatorships. In terms of the risk of civil war, the author shows that both theoretically and empirically fractionalization actually makes societies safer, while dominance increases the risk of conflict. A policy implication is that fractionalized societies are viable and secession should be discouraged.
Raman Spectroscopy and Chemometrics for Identification and Strain Discrimination of the Wine Spoilage Yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Zygosaccharomyces bailii, and Brettanomyces bruxellensis

The yeasts Zygosaccharomyces bailii, Dekkera bruxellensis (anamorph, Brettanomyces bruxellensis), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are the major spoilage agents of finished wine. A novel method using Raman spectroscopy in combination with a chemometric classification tool has been developed for the identification of these yeast species and for strain discrimination of these yeasts. Raman spectra were collected for six strains of each of the yeasts Z. bailii, B. bruxellensis, and S. cerevisiae. The yeasts were classified with high sensitivity at the species level: 93.8% for Z. bailii, 92.3% for B. bruxellensis, and 98.6% for S. cerevisiae. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that it is possible to discriminate between strains of these species. These yeasts were classified at the strain level with an overall accuracy of 81.8%.
Category management, product assortment, and consumer welfare

In this article, we endogenize product assortment decisions under a category management (CM) framework in a channel setup. We find that (1) product assortment is polarized more under CM than under a non-CM regime; (2) the price of a high-end (low-end) product in an assortment increases (decreases) under CM than under a non-CM regime; and (3) a high-quality manufacturer makes more profit than a low-quality manufacturer. In our model, the manufacturer’s choice of quality and its polarization is driven by the existence and the decisions of the retailer (CM or non-CM). Finally, we have an interesting result on consumer welfare. We find that the total consumer welfare, as measured by consumer surplus, worsens under CM only when there is sufficient heterogeneity in consumers’ tastes.
The Epidemiological Profile of Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome in the United States, 1998–2004: The Evidence for Absence of Endemic Transmission

In 1969, the United States established its national rubella vaccination program. With the success of the program, 32 years later, reports of rubella reached record low numbers. To assess the achievement of elimination of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in the United States, 7 epidemiological criteria were used. Rubella cases reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System from 1998 through 2004 and CRS cases reported to the National Congenital Rubella Syndrome Registry from 1998 through 2004 were analyzed. During 1998-2000, the median number of reported rubella cases was 272, whereas, during 2001-2004, the median number reported was 13. The incidence of rubella decreased significantly, from 0.1/100,000 population in 1998 to 0.005/100,000 population in 2004. Since 2001, 5 infants with CRS have been reported--3 were born in 2001, 1 was born in 2003, and 1 was born in 2004. The epidemiological evidence strongly supports the claim that rubella is no longer endemic in the United States. To prevent future rubella outbreaks and CRS cases, current strategies must be maintained.
Mechanism of smoldering of cellulosic materials

A coordinated theoretical and experimental investigation of the mechanism of smoldering in cellulosic materials has been conducted. Both steady and transient smoldering have been observed for single cylindrical cellulosic elements, mounted horizontally in quiescent oxygen/nitrogen environments of varying pressures and compositions. An extinguishment limit, separating the steady from transient regions, is observed at well-defined combinations of oxygen mole fraction and partial pressure. In the region of steady smoldering, the measured propagation speed and maximum temperature in the smoldering zone depend on the oxygen partial pressure and mole fraction in the environment. However, independent of the environmental conditions, the speed is uniquely related to the maximum temperature. It is postulated that cellulose, upon heating, decomposes to yield char and volatiles. The char then reacts with oxygen, diffusing from the surroundings, to provide the heat flux needed to sustain pyrolysis. On the basis of this mechanism, the predicted characteristics of steady smoldering and of the extinguishment limit are found to be in good agreement with the experimental results, thus demonstrating the validity of the proposed mechanism.
Gender, structure, and war: what Waltz couldn't see

This article theorizes Waltz's ‘third image,’ international system structure, through feminist lenses. After briefly reviewing International Relations (IR) analysis of the relationship between anarchy, structure, and war, it introduces gender analysis in IR with a focus on its theorizing of war(s). From this work, it sketches an approach to theorizing international structure through gendered lenses and provides an initial plausibility case for the argument that the international system structure is gender-hierarchical, focusing on its influence on unit (state) function, the distribution of capabilities among units, and the political processes which consistently govern unit interaction. It outlines the implications of an account of the international system as gender-hierarchical for theorizing the causes of war generally and wars specifically, with a focus on potentially testable hypotheses. The article concludes with some ideas about the potential significance of a theorizing gender from a structural perspective and of theorizing structure from through gendered lenses.
Oceanographic and sound speed fields for the ESME workbench

The authors describe the effort to provide three-dimensional global thermohaline and sound speed fields for use in the effects of sound in the marine environment (ESME) workbench suite of programs. The primary fields used are from the modular ocean data assimilation system (MODAS), developed by Fox et al. The system provides global thermohaline and sound speed fields on a daily basis using environmental inputs from the U.S. Navy as well as remote sensing of sea surface temperature and sea surface height. To examine the MODAS fields, the authors also used data from the Southern California Bight collected by the California Cooperative Fisheries Investigations as well as high-resolution hydrographic data collected over the continental shelf south of New England as part of the shelfbreak PRIMER experiment. MODAS performs well for features such as large-scale boundary currents and eddies but is more limited in resolving features such as shelfbreak and coastal fronts, which have small spatial and temporal correlation scales. Because of the considerable computational needs of other ESME modules and its use as a planning tool, the authors present a pragmatic approach for future applications
Stability of sub‐micron‐thick CdTe solar cells

Sputtered CdS/CdTe cells with only 0.75 µm of CdTe have reached AM1.5 efficiencies over 12.5%. But the use of very thin absorber layers of CdTe raises questions about the possible impact on long-term stability when the back contact is very close to the main junction. In this study, we have performed accelerated life testing (ALT) on unencapsulated CdTe dot cells with absorber thickness ranging from 0.7 to 2.1 µm. After 900 h of ALT at 85°C under continuous one-sun illumination, with open circuit biasing and no encapsulation, we find that any decrease in stability as CdTe thickness decreases is within the ~10% statistical uncertainty shown by the sample sets of more than 20 cells each. Cells of all thicknesses exhibited some decrease in performance under these stress conditions, and open-circuit voltage appears to be the key factor in decreased efficiency. These changes in performance under ALT at 85°C are found to be consistent with a projected field lifetime of about 40 years in typical conditions. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy depth profiles of several elements including Cu showed no evidence of ALT-driven diffusion in these sputtered CdTe cells. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fundamental Feedback: Öyvind Fahlström's Kisses Sweeter than Wine

The article analyzes Oyvind Fahlstrom's (1928–1976) performance Kisses Sweeter Than Wine, which took place as part of the festival 9 Evenings: art&engineering in New York (1966). It situates the pe...
Creep of outlet pigtail tubes of steam reformer and grain size effect on Creep of an Incoloy 800H material

AbstractDuring the inspection of a scheduled turnaround of one of the Steam Reformers in a Methanol Plant, a diameter increase was observed on the outlet pigtail tubes. Original dimension of the outlet pigtail tubes is; 1¼ × 0.2 inch wall thickness & Sch. 80 (42.2 mm OD). The material of the tubes was Incoloy 800H. The outlet pigtail tubes of the steam reformer are connected to a manifold header which used to transport the process fluid. It was requested to conduct a failure analysis on damages in the outlet pigtail tubes that occurred in the form of a diametral expansion. The failure analysis study is described in details and the mechanism of the diametral expansion damage is identified. The grain size effect of different increases in the strain of the tube OD was studied to correlate its effect on the material’s creep. It was also concluded that the tertiary creep phase (instable behaviour) starts around 7% increase in the strain of the tube OD. The 7% is set as the creep limit and the criterion of end-...
A Method for the in Vivo Quantitation of Angiogenesis in the Rabbit Corneal Model

Angiogenesis is stimulated by a variety of factors and underlies the pathology of many disease states, including cancer and blinding eye disease. It is often necessary to quantitate the angiogenic response to various stimuli and determine the efficacy of putative inhibitory agents. We describe a non-invasive method for measuring angiogenesis in a rabbit corneal model with precision and ease, regardless of geometrical irregularities in the vessel growth pattern.
Growth in the Steller Sea Lion

A discontinuity (growth line) is formed annually in dentin and cementum of the teeth of Eumetopias jubata . In a sample of 59 individuals, the oldest male showed 19 growth lines, the oldest female 22. Maximum body length and girth were, for males, 325 and 229 cm, for females, 269 and 168 cm. On the evidence of 12 skull measurements, the growth rate tends to level off at about 8 years in females and 10 years in males. The basioccipital-basisphenoid suture closes at about age 4 in both sexes. A sagittal crest is strongly developed in the male. Baculum length and weight tend to increase with age; the largest specimen (length 196 mm, weight 55 g) was from a 16-year-old. Of 28 bacula, one had been broken and was partly knit. Of 49 skulls, 6 lacked (from birth) 1 or 2 molariform teeth.
Surface preparation of gold nanostructures on glass by ultraviolet ozone and oxygen plasma for thermal atomic layer deposition of Al2O3

Abstract Thin film deposition to create robust plasmonic nanomaterials is a growing area of research. Plasmonic nanomaterials have tunable optical properties and can be used as substrates for surface-enhanced spectroscopies. Due to the surface sensitivity and the dependence of the near-field behavior on structural details, degradation from cleaning or spectroscopic interrogation causes plasmonic nanostructures to lose distinctive localized surface plasmon resonances or exhibit diminished optical near-field enhancements over time. To decrease degradation, conformal thin films of alumina are deposited on nanostructured substrates using atomic layer deposition. While film growth on homogenous surfaces has been studied extensively, atomic layer deposition-based film growth on heterogeneous nanostructured surfaces is not well characterized. In this report, we have evaluated the impact of oxygen plasma and ultraviolet ozone pre-treatments on Au nanoparticle substrates for thin film growth by monitoring changes in plasmonic response and nanostructure morphology. We have found that ultraviolet ozone is more effective than oxygen plasma for cleaning gold nanostructured surfaces, which is in contrast to bulk films of the same material. Our results show that oxygen plasma treatment negatively impacts the nanostructure and alumina coating based on both scanning electron microscopy analysis of morphology and changes in the plasmonic response.
Anorexic response to rapamycin does not appear to involve a central mechanism

The authors have previously demonstrated that a low and intermittent peripheral dose of rapamycin (1 mg/kg three times/week) to rats inhibited mTORC1 signalling, but avoided the hyperlipidemia and diabetes-like syndrome associated with higher doses of rapamycin. The dosing regimen reduced food intake, body weight, adiposity, serum leptin and triglycerides. mTORC1 signalling was inhibited in both liver and hypothalamus, suggesting some of the actions, in particular the decrease in food intake, may be the results of a central mechanism. To test this hypothesis, rapamycin (30 μg/day for 4 weeks) was infused into 23-25-month-old F344xBN rats by intracerebroventricular (icv) mini pumps. Our results demonstrated that central infusion did not alter food intake or body weight, although there was a tendency for a decrease in body weight towards the end of the study. mTORC1 signalling, evidenced by decreased phosphorylation of S6 protein at end of 4 weeks, was not activated in liver, hypothalamus or hindbrain. Fat and lean mass, sum of white adipose tissues, brown adipose tissue, serum glucose, insulin and leptin levels remained unchanged. Thus, these data suggest that the anorexic and body weight responses evident with peripheral rapamycin are not the result of direct central action. The tendency for decreased body weight towards the end of study, suggests that there is either a slow transport of centrally administered rapamycin into the periphery, or that there is delayed action of rapamycin at sites in the brain.
Laparoscopy in Malignant Disease

The use of laparoscopy in patients with malignant disease is particularly helpful diagnostically and will often impact on future therapy. The indications and complications of this technique in combination with other diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in patients with malignant disease are evaluated and the accuracy of results are compared to laparotomy procedures. Future trends in laparoscopic surgery also are discussed.
Knowledge-based scientific discovery in geological databases

A framework for knowledge-based scientific discovery in geological databases has been developed. The discovery process consists of two main steps: context definition and equation derivation. Context definition properly defines and formulates homogeneous regions, each of which is likely to produce a unique and meaningful analytic formula for the goal variable. Clustering techniques and a suite of visualization and interpretation routines make up a tool box that assists the context definition task. Within each context, muiti-variable regression analysis is conducted to derive analytic equations between the goal variable and a set of relevant independent variables, starting with one or more of the initial base models. Domain knowledge, plus a heuristic search technique called component plus residual plots dynamically guide the equation refinement process. The methodology has been applied to derive porosity equations for data collected from oil fields in the Alaska Basin. Preliminary results demonstrate the effectiveness of this methodology.
Spotlight article: pulse oximetry in the postoperative care of cardiac surgical patients: a randomized clinical trial (Bierman MI, Stein KL, Snyder JV. Chest 1992; 102: 1367-70)

Despite the limitations noted in this critique, the study provides information regarding the usefulness of pulse oximetry in care of postoperative cardiac surgery patients. Similar studies could be done with other groups of critically ill patients. Evaluation of technology in the critical care setting is essential so that care can be rendered in the safest and most efficient, cost-effective, manner.