cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Cross-Border Cooperation on Enforcement and Earnings Attributes

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, prompted sweeping cross-border coordination efforts for securities regulators around the globe. After 9/11, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) forged an arrangement—the Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Consultation and Cooperation and the Exchange of Information (MMOU)—that standardizes the protocol for information sharing among participating securities regulators. I link this arrangement to the ability of the SEC to pursue U.S.-listed foreign firms by showing that the probability of enforcement increases by a factor of two or more in firms whose home countries enlist in the MMOU. A much more limited effect on enforcement is observed for similar but bilateral information-sharing agreements, indicating that a broader network creates powerful incentives that are difficult to replicate bilaterally. Because different countries enter the MMOU at different times, their enlistments create a set of staggered shocks to the SEC’s enforcement capacity for U.S.-listed foreign firms. These shocks are associated with predictable improvements in U.S. GAAP-reconciled earnings properties; this helps resolve questions about why the earnings quality of U.S.-listed foreign firms diverged from U.S. firms during pre-MMOU periods.
Right-Ear Advantage for Speech-in-Noise Recognition in Patients with Nonlateralized Tinnitus and Normal Hearing Sensitivity

Despite having normal hearing sensitivity, patients with chronic tinnitus may experience more difficulty recognizing speech in adverse listening conditions as compared to controls. However, the association between the characteristics of tinnitus (severity and loudness) and speech recognition remains unclear. In this study, the Quick Speech-in-Noise test (QuickSIN) was conducted monaurally on 14 patients with bilateral tinnitus and 14 age- and hearing-matched adults to determine the relation between tinnitus characteristics and speech understanding. Further, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), tinnitus loudness magnitude estimation, and loudness matching were obtained to better characterize the perceptual and psychological aspects of tinnitus. The patients reported low THI scores, with most participants in the slight handicap category. Significant between-group differences in speech-in-noise performance were only found at the 5-dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) condition. The tinnitus group performed significantly worse in the left ear than in the right ear, even though bilateral tinnitus percept and symmetrical thresholds were reported in all patients. This between-ear difference is likely influenced by a right-ear advantage for speech sounds, as factors related to testing order and fatigue were ruled out. Additionally, significant correlations found between SNR loss in the left ear and tinnitus loudness matching suggest that perceptual factors related to tinnitus had an effect on speech-in-noise performance, pointing to a possible interaction between peripheral and cognitive factors in chronic tinnitus. Further studies, that take into account both hearing and cognitive abilities of patients, are needed to better parse out the effect of tinnitus in the absence of hearing impairment.
Possible classification of finite-dimensional compact Hausdorff topological algebras

The time may be right to ask for an enumeration or classification of all the reasonably small topological algebras. Here the terrain is surveyed, and a program of investigation is proposed.
Low-frequency acoustoelastic-based stress state characterization: Theory and experimental validation

Abstract The acoustoelastic theory has been widely utilized for nondestructive stress measurements in structural components. Most of the currently available techniques operate at the high-frequency, weakly-dispersive portions of the dispersion curves and rely on time-of-flight measurements to quantify the effects of stress state on wave speed. High-frequency elastic waves are known to be less sensitive to the state-of-stress of the structure. As a result of such low sensitivity, calibration at a known stress state is required to compensate for material uncertainties, texture effects, and geometry variations of the structure under test. In this work, a new model-based stress measurement technique is developed. The technique integrates the acoustoelastic theory with numerical optimization and allows the utilization of the highly-stress-sensitive, strongly-dispersive, low-frequency flexural waves for reference-free stress measurements. The technique is experimentally validated on a long, rectangular aluminum beam, where accurate stress measurements have been achieved at low excitation frequencies. For instance, with a 500 Hz excitation signal, the error in the measured state-of-stress is found to be in the order of 1 MPa for the different loading scenarios considered in this study. Experimental results show that the developed technique is capable of measuring the state-of-stress without the need for calibration at a known stress state, which makes it ideal for in-service structures.
Treatment of acute kidney injury secondary to oak intoxication with hemodialysis in a miniature zebu.

Objective To describe the successful management of acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to oak intoxication using hemodialysis in a miniature zebu. Case summary A 1-year-old male intact miniature zebu was presented for evaluation of a 2-day history of lethargy, anorexia, decreased urine production, and dry, firm stool. Initial diagnostics revealed severe azotemia and the bull was presumptively diagnosed with AKI secondary to oak intoxication due to free access to oak trees in the pasture. Despite conventional management with IV fluids and supportive therapy, the degree of azotemia progressively worsened, and the bull became oliguric and fluid overloaded. Two treatments with hemodialysis resulted in reduction of azotemia and ketonemia, and resolution of fluid overload and oliguria. The zebu was discharged from the hospital after 10 days of hospitalization. New or unique information provided To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case using hemodialysis for AKI in a bovid. Treatment with hemodialysis was effective in this case resulting in rapid resolution of azotemia, fluid overload, and oliguria. Hemodialysis may hasten the recovery and decrease morbidity and mortality in bovids with AKI.
Lysosomal leukodystrophies: Krabbe disease and metachromatic leukodystrophy

Abstract Genetic deficiencies of lysosomal catabolic pathways lead to storage disorders with multiple organ abnormalities or to degeneration of purely nervous structures. Krabbe disease and metachromatic leukodystrophy are caused by metabolic errors concerning lipids of neural membranes. They are characterized by demyelination of the central nervous system and, variably, the peripheral nerves. Their clinical presentation is a relentlessly progressive motor and mental deterioration starting at any age between infancy and adolescence. MRI demonstrates characteristic lesions of brain white matter. In Krabbe disease, deficient galactocerebroside β-galactosidase activity causes accumulation of lipids in “globoid” macrophages and of psychosine, which is toxic to oligodendrocytes. Diagnosis depends on demonstration of the enzyme deficiency. Experimental treatment is limited to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which can favorably alter the course of disease in certain situations. In metachromatic leukodystrophy, deficient activity of arylsulfatase A, or lack of a cofactor, causes accumulation of sulfatide in various tissues and diffuse demyelination. Symptoms are neurological, but gallbladder dysfunction may be present. Diagnosis depends on demonstrating the enzyme deficiency and elevated urinary sulfatide. In a rare variant, multiple sulfatases are deficient. Stem cell transplantation may prevent disease progression in selected cases. Enzyme replacement is being evaluated, and gene therapies are being developed.
Auditioning for the Rhetorical Presidency: Presidential Nomination Acceptance Speeches as "Presidential" Documents

Scholars have identified various genres of presidential speech and developed interesting and varying arguments about the nature and effectiveness of presidential rhetoric. One area of scholarship that deserves attention is a thorough examination of the content of pre-presidential speeches, specifically presidential nomination acceptance speeches. A candidate’s acceptance speech launches the general election campaign and provides each party’s nominee with a significant rhetorical opportunity. We examine the nature of the rhetoric used in nomination acceptance speeches given by Democratic and Republican presidential candidates since 1948. During this time period there have been many significant changes in the electoral and institutional landscapes. Nomination acceptance speeches offer a glimpse as to how candidates have chosen to rhetorically respond, or not, to electoral and institutional changes. Did candidates adjust their rhetoric in response to these changes? Specifically, how do candidates present themselves personally, particularly how do they portray their personal biography and partisanship? Did the use of religious rhetoric in acceptance speeches change over time as the Religious Right became more of an electoral force? Finally, as the institution of the presidency changed and the public’s expectations of presidents’ legislative responsibilities increased it is important to examine the policy substance nominees have chosen to incorporate in these speeches, especially how they claim credit for past policy accomplishments and how they take positions on policy. With this data, we can examine changes that have occurred over time in this form of speech that is unique to the era of the modern presidency. Our results indicate that in some instances, candidates were very adaptive with their rhetorical approach. In response to electoral and institutional changes, candidates begin incorporating more biographical sentences while de-emphasizing partisan references. Republican nominees respond beginning in 1980 by incorporating significantly more religious rhetoric than in the previous time period, however, Democrats did not. Candidates also begin progressively including more policy substance in their speeches by claiming credit for collective accomplishments and ratcheting up the amount of position taking in which they engage. Overall, we find that this genre of speech is a surprisingly adaptable one that has evolved into a speech that is much more “presidential” than it was initially, thus providing each nominee with a chance to audition for the rhetorical presidency.
Retrospective Evaluation of Oral Health Services for Underserved Children in Clark County, Nevada

Background: Epidemiological investigations have demonstrated disparities in the utilization of oral health services, preventative dental care and treatment, are associated with demographic and insurance variables. Many Southern and Southwestern states have disproportionately large percentages of low-income and minority families and relative disparities in both preventative dental care and unmet dental need. In Nevada, the majority of children five years or less resides within Clark County. To decrease oral health disparities, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas-School of Dental Medicine (UNLV-SDM) recently opened a pediatric dental residency program. The goal of this study is to determine if UNLV-SDM pediatric clinic is providing care to the needy and underserved children of Clark County, Nevada. Methods: Selected demographic information for all pediatric patients of record at UNLVSDM was collected for analysis. Demographic and insurance information from Nevada was compared with the overall demographic profile of the UNLV-SDM pediatric patient pool (N = 2,446) using a chi-square (χ2) test, to determine if any characteristic (gender, race, age, Medicaid/CHIP status) was different than expected.
Zur chemischen Bekämpfung der Haselknospen-Milben (Acari, Eriophyoidea)

Verschiedene chemische Substanzen wurden als Bekampfungsmittel gegen die Haselnusknospen-MilbenPhytoptus avellanae undCecidophyopsis vermiformis getestet. Sie wurden wahrend der Milbenwanderung nur einmal verwendet. Ihre Wirksamkeit wurde durch Zahlung der infizierten Knospen bestimmt. Endosulfan, in einer Dosis von 1,2 g/l zeigte die besten resultate. Dicofol, Ethion und Plictran® dagegen erzielten nur masige bis geringe Wirkungen.
Differential secretion of proteins and glycoproteins by livers of immature and adult rats. Effect of antimicrotubule drugs.

This study was initiated to re-examine reported differences in the action of antimicrotubule agents on plasma protein secretion from livers of immature versus adult rats. The aim was (1) to determine the composition and to monitor the secretion of various plasma proteins and glycoproteins from liver slices labeled in vitro with specific amino acids and sugar residues, and (2) to correlate observed differences in secretion of these proteins with structural changes in the hepatocytes of the different aged animals. For the most part, slices of liver from fetal (term), neonatal (4- to 5 days old), and adult rats (70 days old) were incubated with radioactive amino acids or various tritiated sugars specific for N-linked core oligosaccharide and/or N-linked terminal oligosaccharide chains. Our findings indicate that liver slices of fetal and neonatal rats are efficient in synthesizing plasma proteins including fully glycosylated glycoproteins. The secretion of glycosylated and nonglycosylated proteins believed to be processed through Golgi complexes was inhibited to the same extent (approximately 70-80%) by antimicrotubule agents, regardless of the age of the host animal. However, other proteins and glycoproteins secreted by livers of immature rats were found to be relatively insensitive (i.e. inhibited to only 30-40%) to the action of various antimicrotubule drugs. The glycoproteins were found to lack N-linked terminal sugars (although the glycoproteins did contain N-linked core sugars), and it is likely that the drug-insensitive proteins bypassed critical glycosylating sites in the Golgi compartment prior to release. Overall, these findings support earlier data showing that antimicrotubule drugs have a special impact on Golgi-associated events in liver cells. To what extent these findings are related to the action of microtubules remains to be seen.
A Medical Sublime.

Inspired by a passage from Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, this article considers the possibility of a “medical sublime.” It works through a history of the sublime in theory and in the arts, from ancient times to the present. It articulates therapeutic dimensions of the sublime and gives contemporary examples of its medical relevance. In addition, it develops the concept of sublime-based stress-reduction workshops and programs. These workshops bring the sublime out of the library and the museum into the lives of the healthcare community—patients, families, clinicians, staff, concerned others—in the service of better navigating human vulnerability and finitude. Opening the cannon of aesthetic theory and the arts as resources for the human condition is at the heart of health humanities. The sublime can be an invaluable tool in this task.
Genital HIV-1 Shedding With Dolutegravir (DTG) Plus Lamivudine (3TC) Dual Therapy.

Detection of HIV RNA in the genital tract is correlated with sexual transmission [1–4], and is best predicted by the degree of plasma viremia [5]. Although there is a near-linear relationship between blood and genital HIV RNA, episodic genital HIV RNA expression occurs in some individuals with suppressed viremia possibly due to genital viral compartmentalization with poor drug penetration [6, 7], or stimulation of virus replication by sexually transmitted infections and genital inflammation [8–10]. Further, discordant viral resistance patterns in blood and genital samples occur in some individuals [11], supporting the possibility of differential virus evolution in these anatomic compartments. While genital HIV RNA shedding has been reported in 2–20% of individuals on standard three-drug ART [8, 9, 12, 13], there is no evidence that such shedding leads to new infections in the context of suppressed viremia, hence the recent consensus statement, “undetectable equals untransmittable” or “U=U” [14]. Several two-drug regimens are being studied because of potential benefits of reduced antiretroviral exposure and costs. Enthusiasm for two-drug regimens may be limited if they lead to increased genital HIV shedding. Thus, we investigated genital HIV RNA shedding with dolutegravir (DTG) plus lamivudine (3TC), which is under investigation for initial and maintenance therapy.
Exploring the Impact of Technology Use with Cosmetic Science Guest-Speakers: A Qualitative Study

Improvements in current classroom technology such as video conferencing have allowed geographically-distant guest-speakers to participate in teaching. However, is time and effort that faculty may spend coordinating guest-speakers helpful for their students’ learning? Relevance is key to motivation and learning, and therefore, it would seem that professionals who can share industry applications and their experiences should help promote relevance. During the core application-based cosmetic science coursework in an undergraduate cosmetic science and formulation design degree at the University of Toledo, multiple industry experts come in as guest-speakers. The majority of them join remotely via a real-time video conferencing tool. The purpose of this study was to both explore the impact of guest-speakers on these students’ learning, as well as to understand how guest-speakers might also value these experiences. Twenty-two students and sixteen guest-speakers participated. Using a qualitative approach, authors used an inductive thematic analysis of transcripts from focus-groups of students and interviews of guest-speakers. Twenty-one codes were identified, and five themes were constructed for both the student and guest-speaker groups. Themes from both groups were integrated and distilled into an essence related to teaching and learning. Our results indicated that students greatly appreciated the relevance from guest-speakers to augment their introductory/foundational instruction from faculty. From guest-speakers’ perspectives, teaching students was formative towards developing informed future coworkers for the cosmetic industry. Technology enabled much of this. Overall, we believe that professional, experienced guest-speakers can make an impact on students. We hope that other higher education institutions might consider technology to foster use of guest-speakers within their programs. Article Type: Original Research
Modeling Tropical Diversity in the Undergraduate Classroom: Novel Curriculum to Engage Students in Authentic Scientific Practices

A feature of science is its production of evidence-based explanations. Scientific models can both provide causal explanations and be predictive of natural phenomena. Modeling-based inquiry (MBI) is a pedagogical strategy that promotes students' deep learning about phenomena via engagement in authentic scientific practices. Some university instructors have begun to facilitate MBI in their courses, notably those aimed at aspiring K–12 science educators who, per the Next Generation Science Standards, are encouraged to implement MBI. Yet exploration of curriculum and teaching with MBI in postsecondary environments is scarce. We detail a novel MBI curriculum implemented in a postsecondary ecology course that included students interested in future careers in education. The curriculum engages students in modeling why there is greater biological diversity in tropical than in temperate regions. This biological phenomenon continues to be of great interest to the scientific community. We briefly detail how the curriculum impacted students' understanding of participation in aspects of scientific practices and their comfort with facilitating MBI.
Eight new species and three new records of Neotropical cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from Venezuela

Eight new species of Neotropical cicadas from Venezuela are described and illustrated along with the first records of three additional species for the country. Ariasa venezuelaensis sp. nov., Guyalna pygmaea sp. nov., Parnisa castanepronotum sp. nov., Parnisa licina sp. nov., Calyria minutopercula sp. nov., Carineta maracayensis sp. nov., Carineta seriemaculata sp. nov., and Herrera quadroacuminata sp. nov. are described as new. The first records for Guyalna bogotana (Distant, 1892), Taphura sauliensis Boulard, 1971, and Carineta socia Uhler, 1875 and the genus Herrera Distant, 1905 are provided for Venezuela. Additional information is provided to distinguish these species from related Venezuelan cicadas. Key words: Taxonomy, Ariasa, Guyalna, Taphura, Parnisa, Calyria, Carineta, Herrera, Neotropics, South America
Cysteine metabolism in periportal and perivenous hepatocytes: perivenous cells have greater capacity for glutathione production and taurine synthesis but not for cysteine catabolism.

Hepatocyte preparations highly enriched in cells from either the periportal or the perivenous zone of the liver acinus were prepared using a digitonin/collagenase perfusion method. Five enzymes of cysteine metabolism were assayed in both periportal and perivenous preparations. The ratios of periportal to perivenous activity were 0.76, 0.60, 0.81, 1.62, and 1.01 for cysteine dioxygenase, cysteinesulfinate decarboxylase, γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, cystathionase, and asparate (cysteinesulfinate) aminotransferase, respectively. Only cysteinesulfinate decarboxylase activity was significantly different between periportal and perivenous cells. In incubations with 2 mmol/L [35S]cysteine, total cysteine catabolism ([35S]taurine plus [35S]sulfate) between periportal and perivenous cells was not different, which is consistent with the observation of similar cysteine dioxygenase activity across the hepatic acinus. Consistent with the lower cysteinesulfinate decarboxylase activity in periportal cells, 16% of the total catabolism of [35S]cysteine in periportal cells resulted in taurine synthesis compared to 28% in perivenous cells. A lower rate of [35S]glutathione synthesis was observed in periportal cells compared to perivenous cells, but γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase activity was not significantly different between perivenous and periportal cells. Cysteinesulfnate decarboxylase can be added to the list of enzymes whose activities are markedly enriched in perivenous cells.
Can an Emergency Department-Initiated Intervention Prevent Subsequent Falls and Health Care Use in Older Adults? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Study objective We determine whether an emergency department (ED)–initiated fall-prevention intervention can reduce subsequent fall-related and all-cause ED visits and hospitalizations in older adults. Methods The Geriatric Acute and Post-acute Fall Prevention intervention was a randomized controlled trial conducted from January 2018 to October 2019. Participants at 2 urban academic EDs were randomly assigned (1:1) to an intervention or usual care arm. Intervention participants received a brief, tailored, structured, pharmacy and physical therapy consultation in the ED, with automated communication of the recommendations to their primary care physicians. Results Of 284 study-eligible participants, 110 noninstitutionalized older adults (≥65 years) with a recent fall consented to participate; median age was 81 years, 67% were women, 94% were white, and 16.3% had cognitive impairment. Compared with usual care participants (n=55), intervention participants (n=55) were half as likely to experience a subsequent ED visit (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.47 [95% CI 0.29 to 0.74]) and one third as likely to have fall-related ED visits (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.34 [95% CI 0.15 to 0.76]) within 6 months. Intervention participants experienced half the rate of all hospitalizations (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.57 [95% CI 0.31 to 1.04]), but confidence intervals were wide. There was no difference in fall-related hospitalizations between groups (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.99 [95% CI 0.31 to 3.27]). Self-reported adherence to pharmacy and physical therapy recommendations was moderate; 73% of pharmacy recommendations were adhered to and 68% of physical therapy recommendations were followed. Conclusion Geriatric Acute and Post-acute Fall Prevention, a postfall, in-ED, multidisciplinary intervention with pharmacists and physical therapists, reduced 6-month ED encounters in 2 urban EDs. The intervention could provide a model of care to other health care systems aiming to reduce costly and burdensome fall-related events in older adults.
The sharing economy dilemma: the response of incumbent firms to the rise of the sharing economy

Objective of the Study : This paper explores whether and to what degree incumbent firms innovate in response to competition from the sharing economy. Methodology/Approach : Data on incumbents’ actions related to the sharing economy between 2011 and 2015 was collected from multiple resources. Two conceptual frameworks, the OECD Oslo Manual and Pisano’s Innovation Landscape Map, were jointly used to determine whether incumbents’ actions could be considered as innovation and their level of innovativeness. Originality/Relevance : As the sharing economy has grown rapidly in the last decade, offering new ways to create value, so has the discourse about its disruptive capacity. Yet, not enough is known about the sharing economy’s impact on incumbent firms beyond the disruptive capacity narrative. Main Results : The study identified 187 actions related to the sharing economy that were taken by 134 incumbent firms between 2011 and 2015. Less than half of these actions are considered innovative, and the majority among them are at the lowest end of the innovation continuum. Theoretical/Methodological Contribution : This study contributes to the literature on the sharing economy by developing a synthesized innovation-based framework to evaluate incumbent firms’ response to sharing economy entrants. Social/management contributions : The results of this study and the methodology it uses provide benchmarking opportunities for incumbents in similar circumstances, and also puts into question the disruptive narrative around the sharing economy.
Topical and Device-Based Treatment of Toenail Onychomycosis.

Topical antifungal drugs, including efinaconazole 10% solution (Jublia), tavaborole 5% solution (Kerydin), and ciclopirox 8% lacquer and hydrolacquer, are beneficial in treating mild to moderate toenail onychomycosis. Potential adverse effects are mild and include dermatitis and vesicles.
The epidemiology of non-suicidal self-injury: lifetime prevalence, sociodemographic and clinical correlates, and treatment use in a nationally representative sample of adults in England.

Background Although the clinical importance of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has received increasing recognition, relatively little is known about its epidemiology. The objective of this study was to estimate the lifetime prevalence of NSSI in adults and its association with sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric disorders, and lifetime treatment for NSSI. Methods A nationally representative face-to-face survey was conducted with 7192 adults aged ≥18 years in England. Respondents were interviewed about engagement in NSSI, psychiatric illness, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and treatment history for this behavior. Results The estimated lifetime prevalence rate of NSSI was 4.86%. Younger age, growing up without biological parents in the household, being unmarried, and impoverished backgrounds were associated with NSSI. The majority of respondents with lifetime NSSI (63.82%) had at least one current psychiatric disorder. Most psychiatric conditions were associated with greater odds of lifetime NSSI in multivariate models. NSSI was strongly associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, respectively, even after accounting for psychiatric disorders and sociodemographic covariates. A substantial proportion of respondents with NSSI history (30.92%) have engaged in medically severe self-harm, as indexed by requiring medical attention for this behavior. The majority of respondents with NSSI (56.20%) had not received psychiatric care for this behavior. Conclusions NSSI is prevalent in the general population and associated with considerable psychiatric comorbidity. A high rate of unmet treatment needs is evident among those with this behavior. Those at the greatest lifetime risk for NSSI may also be particularly limited in their resources to cope with this behavior.
Water stress and disruption of mycorrhizas induce parallel shifts in phyllosphere microbiome composition

Water and nutrient acquisition are key drivers of plant health and ecosystem function. These factors impact plant physiology directly as well as indirectly through soil- and root-associated microbial responses, but how they in turn affect aboveground plant-microbe interactions are not known. Through experimental manipulations in the field and growth chamber, we examine the interacting effects of water stress, soil fertility, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on bacterial and fungal communities of the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) phyllosphere. Both water stress and mycorrhizal disruption reduced leaf bacterial richness, homogenized bacterial community composition among plants, and reduced the relative abundance of dominant fungal taxa. We observed striking parallelism in the individual microbial taxa in the phyllosphere affected by irrigation and mycorrhizal associations. Our results show that soil conditions and belowground interactions can shape aboveground microbial communities, with important potential implications for plant health and sustainable agriculture.
Theory of Water-Wave Refraction

Publisher Summary Gravity waves on the surface of oceans and lakes have a propagation speed dependent on the water depth. For long waves, dependence may be strong and such waves are directly modulated by the changes in water depth they encounter during propagation over natural water bodies. For shorter waves, the dependence of propagation speed on the depth may be tenuous, but natural seabed slopes are generally very small and as the waves travel over long distances, for instance, above a continental shelf, the locally minute modulation by changes in the depth often accumulates to bring about important, even dominant effects. Water–wave refraction is a member of a large family of wave modulation subjects in science, and many members of the family interact. The chapter also provides a brief outline of the framework of the classical linear theory of surface wave and the introduction and discussion of the refraction equation. The original ray theory is then derived from it in the elegant and efficient geometrical optics version, and its extension to a uniform ray theory is also discussed.
Seed Development: A Comparative Overview on Biology of Morphology, Physiology, and Biochemistry Between Monocot and Dicot Plants

By and large, the most valuable crops and thoroughly investigated model angiosperm species belong to dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants. In both groups, development of the seed plays a fundamental role in the reproduction and in determining the economic value of different species. While investigation of seed development is far from being applied to every monocot and dicot species, the available information indicates that a large degree of variability in seed developmental patterns exists within both monocots and dicots. At the same time, however, specific features characterizing the morphology, physiology, and biochemistry of the seed can be identified in these two large taxa. In this chapter, a comparative assessment of the salient features characterizing seed development in monocots and dicots is presented.
S-NPP VIIRS instrument telemetry and calibration data trend study

The Suomi National Polar Orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) employs a large number of temperature and voltage sensors (telemetry points) to monitor instrument health and performance. We have collected data and built tools to study telemetry and calibration parameters trends. The telemetry points are organized into groups based on locations and functionalities. Examples of the groups are: telescope motor, focal plane array (FPA), scan cavity bulkhead, radiators, solar diffuser and Solar Diffuser Stability Monitor (SDSM). We have performed daily monitoring and long-term trending studies. Daily monitoring processes are automated with alarms built into the software to indicate if pre-defined limits are exceeded. Long-term trending studies focus on instrument performance and sensitivities of Sensor Data Record (SDR) products and calibration look-up tables (LUTs) to instrument temperature and voltage variations. VIIRS uses a DC Restore (DCR) process to periodically correct the analog offsets of each detector of each spectral band to ensure that the FPA output signals are always within the dynamic range of the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC). The offset values are updated based on observations of the On-Board Calibrator Blackbody source. We have performed a long-term trend study of DCR offsets and calibration parameters to explore connections of the DCR offsets with onboard calibrators. The study also shows how the instrument and calibration parameters respond to the VIIRS Petulant Mode, spacecraft (SC) anomalies and flight software (FSW) updates. We have also shown that trending studies of telemetry and calibration parameters may help to improve the instrument calibration processes and SDR Quality Flags.
Semiholographic model revisited

In a recent work Zhang, Li and Noh [Phys. Lett. B {\bf 694}, 177 (2010)]proposed a model for dark energy assuming this component strictly obeys the holographic principle. They performed a dynamical system analysis, finding a scaling solution which is helpful to solve the coincidence problem. However they need explicitly a cosmological constant. In this paper we derive an explicit analytical solution, without $\Lambda$, that shows agreement with the Supernovae data. However this solution is not physical because violate all the energy conditions.
Anatomic basis for delivery of right ventricular blood into localized segments of the systemic arterial system. Relation to differential cyanosis

Abstract Delivery of right ventricular blood into localized segments of the systemic arterial system depends upon “reversal of flow” through a patent ductus arteriosus. Obstruction of the aorta, either in the form of coarctation or interruption of the arch, is frequently an associated lesion. Variations in the site of origin of the subclavian arteries underlie variations in perfusion to the arms. Delivery of right ventricular blood to localized systemic arterial segments is readily evident in angiocardiograms and may be associated with differential cyanosis. The latter feature is not always recognized clinically, however. Lack of identification of differential cyanosis is explained by the fact that a ventricular septal defect and associated left to right shunt are commonly present when there is an anatomic basis for differential cyanosis.
History and status of standards relating to alkalies in hydraulic cements

The evolution of ASTM standards relating to alkalies, specifically sodium and potassium, in portland and blended hydraulic cements is described. The standards include analytical methods for the determination of alkalies in cements, optional specification limits for alkalies in portland cements for use with aggregates that may be deleteriously reactive, and tests for potential alkali reactivity of aggregates. Some shortcomings of the standards are mentioned, and, where they do not treat portland and blended cements in comparable ways, this fact is pointed out. Finally, changes which might be made in the standards to make them responsive to national needs for conservation of energy and materials are suggested.
Looking good by doing good: The antecedents and consequences of stakeholder attention to corporate disaster relief

Stakeholder theory suggests a relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate financial performance (CFP) because certain stakeholders reward certain types of CSR. This argument assumes that stakeholders attend to firms' CSR activities—an assumption that has yet to be examined. We fill this gap by extending stakeholder theory to the context of stakeholder attention to firm CSR and exploring the antecedents and consequences of stakeholder attention to corporate disaster relief CSR. We test the resulting hypotheses on a sample of public companies that engaged in natural disaster relief efforts, finding that stakeholder attention partially mediated the relationship between disaster relief and CFP and that stakeholder attention to corporate disaster relief was driven by the legitimacy, urgency, and enactment of disaster relief CSR initiatives.
A Global Market for Judicial Services

The world's nations vary widely in the quality of their judicial systems. In some jurisdictions, the courts resolve disputes quickly, fairly, and economically. In others, they are slow, inefficient, biased, incompetent, or corrupt. These differences are important not just for litigants, but for nations as a whole: effective courts are important for economic development. A natural implication is that countries with underperforming judiciaries should reform their courts. Yet reform is both difficult and slow. Another way to deal with a dysfunctional court system is for litigants from afflicted nations to have their cases adjudicated in the courts of other nations that have better-functioning judicial systems. We explore here the promise of such cross-jurisdictional litigation, and the reforms needed to make it succeed. The issue is timely. The increasing pace of global commerce is creating pressures for legal reforms that will dramatically improve the legal environment for litigating across borders. Moreover, advances in transportation and telecommunications are making it increasingly practical for parties to litigate in remote courts. Just as residents of New York City now commonly obtain assistance with utility bills and computer software telephonically from service personnel in Bangalore, it should become possible for merchants in Bangalore to have their disputes decided in New York courts via the internet.
The Wisconsin Pharmacy Quality Collaborative - A Statewide Network of Community Pharmacists to Improve Heart Failure Outcomes

(FU) and graded on the severity: no dyspnea (NoD), dyspnea on exertion (DoE), or dyspnea at rest (DaR). Daily median RRT (medRRT) was trended and 3-day averages before each FU were calculated if there were more than 1 valid measure. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare the averages in all pairs in the 3 groups, while adjusting for multiple observations from a patient. Statistical significance was defined as p ! 0.017, based on a conservative Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results: Of the 532 pts enrolled, 493 pts had 2971 dyspnea assessments with sufficient data for the analysis. MedRRTwas 17.762.5, 18.162.7 and 19.563.4 breaths/minute in the 3 groups, respectively. All paired comparisons were statistically significant. Patients with reported dyspnea had a significantly higher medRRT than those without dyspnea and patients with a more severe dyspnea (DaR) had a significantly higher medRRT than those with a less severe dyspnea (DoE). Conclusions: Ambulatory respiratory rate measured from intra-thoracic impedance of an implantable device are significantly higher in dyspneic HF patients. The more severe the dyspnea symptoms, the higher the daily median RRT. This observation could be useful in managing heart failure patients in conjunction with other clinical tools.
Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Elements under Cyclic Shear. I: Experiments

In order to design reinforced concrete (RC) structures in earthquake regions, it is necessary to understand the behavior of RC panel elements subjected to reversed cyclic loading. This paper reports the testing of 12 reinforced concrete panels subjected to reversed cyclic shear stresses. The tests were carried out to evaluate the effects of two main variables: (1) the orientation of steel bars, and (2) the percentage of steel reinforcement. The test results showed that both variables have strong effects on the shear stiffness, the shape of the hysteresis loop, the shear ductility, and the energy dissipation capacity of a panel. Thus it is possible to design shear-dominant structures that are strong, stiff, and yet ductile by controlling the orientation of the steel bars and the percentage of steel in a panel.
Clinical studies on gonococcal arthritis and reiter's syndrome and measurement of gonococcal and bedsonia antibodies

Clinical and serologic studies on 94 patients suspected of having gonococcal arthritis or Reiter's syndrome are reported. Twenty-eight patients had arthritis due to a Neisserian organism. Causative organisms were identified as gonococci in 19 instances. The species of the remaining 9 organisms was not identified. Seven patients exhibited the complete Reiter's syndrome. Neither clinical features nor measurement of gonococcal or Bedsonia antibodies were sufficient to establish a diagnosis in those cases that had sterile blood and synovial fluid cultures and lacked the Reiter's triad.
Pharmacogenomics in advanced pharmacy practice experiences

Abstract Pharmacogenomics (PG) knowledge and the ability to apply PG are expanding. The goals of this study were: (1) to identify practice/practitioner characteristics associated with PG use, (2) to identify current levels/types of PG knowledge used at advanced pharmacy practice experience sites, (3) determine whether preceptors considered their own PG knowledge levels adequate, (4) identify what types of PG knowledge current practitioners believe are most useful for professional pharmacy students, and (5) identify perceptions of the importance of PG knowledge in the future. A total of 286 Pharmacy Experiential Education Consortium preceptors were invited to participate in the online survey. The response rate was 33%. Approximately 34% of respondents used PG in practice, including 13 hospital and five community preceptors. The most frequently used PG topics were drug metabolism and drug side effects. Nearly 67% of PG users reported they had been asked questions that requires PG knowledge by physicians and 25% reported such questions from nurses. Preceptors considered their own PG training inadequate, with a mean value of 2.0 ± 1.2 (1 = very inadequate, 5 = very adequate). Only two PG-using preceptors felt students had adequate training. Both enzymes responsible for drug metabolism and the pharmacogenomics of specific diseases were ranked among the five most important PG areas. More PG training is needed. If PG use expands as anticipated, the need will be even greater.
Small RNA Regulators of Gene Expression

This year, the Lasker Foundation recognizes Victor Ambros, Gary Ruvkun, and David Baulcombe for their pioneering work elucidating the role of short RNA species in the posttranscriptional regulation of eukaryotic gene expression.
Plant-pathogen interactions

Abstract Recent studies have advanced our understanding of the molecular biology of plant—pathogen interactions. Most of the progress over the past year concerns plant responses to specific and non-specific molecules derived from pathogens, and the genetic basis of these responses.
Macro based systems for information retrieval

The concept of a macro is an old one in computing. Brown [2] gives a bibliography of some of the more noteworthy developments in this area stretching over many years. Basically, a macro generates source code in-line in a computer program from a single statement. It is most commonly used in assembly languages to generate a whole sequence of assembly instructions from a single instruction. Most assembly languages allow for both library macros and for user-defined macros. Many early computer languages (such as IBM's Autocoder) were macro-based languages that allowed for the intermixing of both machine code and library macros to produce complex and powerful programs with a minimum of programmer effort.
Evaluating manufacturing machine control language standards: an implementer's view

The focus of this paper is: how can standards for manufacturing machine control languages be evaluated? What is required of a standard defining one of these languages so that implementations will interoperate? The paper provides a set of specific questions to ask about a control language standard. Reasons why the questions should be asked are given. Four machine control languages are used as examples:EIA-274-D, BCL, DMIS, and STEP-NC.
Progress in the molecular biology of ewing tumors.

Purpose/results/discussion. Rearrangement of the EWS gene with an ETS oncogene by chromosomal translocation is a hallmark of the Ewing family of tumors (EFT). Detectability, incidence, tumor specificity and variability of this aberration have been matters of intense investigation in recent years. A number of related alterations have also been found in other malignancies. The common consequence of these gene rearrangements is the generation of an aberrant transcription factor. In EFT, the ETS partner is responsible for target recognition. However, synergistic and possibly tissue-restricted transcription factors interacting with either the EWS or the ETS portion may influence target selection. Minimal domains of both fusion partners were defined that have proved necessary for the in vitro transformation of murine fibroblasts. These functional studies suggest a role for aberrant transcriptional regulation of transforming target genes by the chimeric transcription factors. Also, fusion of the two unrelated protein domains may affect overall protein conformation and consequently DNA binding specificity. Recent evidence suggests that EWS, when fused to a transcription factor, interacts with different partners than germ-line EWS. Variability in EWS–ETS gene fusions has recently been demonstrated to correlate with clinical outcome. This finding may reflect functional differences of the individual chimeric transcription factors. Alternatively, type and availability of specific recombinases at different time-points of stem cell development or in different stem cell lineages may determine fusion type. Studies on EFT cell lines using EWS–ETS antagonists do suggest a rate-limiting essential role for the gene rearrangement in the self-renewal capacity of EFT cells. The presence of additional aberrations varying in number and type that may account for immortalization and full transformation is postulated. Knowledge about such secondary alterations may provide valuable prognostic markers that could be used for treatment stratification.