cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The acquisition of personal pronouns and proper names by an identical twin pair.

Twins have been reported to suffer both identity confusion and language delay as a result of their twinship. Evidence for such difficulties was sought by studying the acquisition of personal pronou...
Coincidence of the Explosive Phase of Solar Flares with 10.7-cm. Solar Noise Bursts

THE observational evidence of an explosive phase in the development of the solar flare, as reported by Athay and Moreton1, is of great interest. This phase appears after the commencement of the flare, is well defined, and thus provides a stage in the evolution of certain flares which may be of significance for examination of flare-related phenomena, such as solar noise bursts, etc. The Athay and Moreton paper lists eleven selected flares with ‘explosive’ phases. Two of these flares occurred outside the normal observing period at Ottawa, but the remaining nine can be compared with 10.7-cm. solar noise bursts observed at Ottawa. These cases, while few in number, sharpen the already well-established close relationship between flares and 10.7-cm. radio bursts which have been derived from other work done on the Ottawa data2.
The Effects of Breeding Stock Productivity on the U.S. Beef Cattle Cycle

The effects of breeding stock productivity on the U.S. beef cattle cycle were econometrically estimated. Growth in output per beef cow was hypothesized to impact inventory response via cattle prices and marketing alternatives. Beef productivity included carcass weights of steers, heifers, and cull cows but excluded carcass weights of dairy cattle and cattle imports. Results indicate that from ten years to an equilibrium period, the beef cow herd averaged 0.5% to 2.5% smaller compared to if zero productivity growth had occurred. In addition, productivity growth decreased the inventory elasticity of supply by 18% between 1960–74 and 1975–96.
Horseshoes, handgrenades, and model fitting: the lognormal distribution is a pretty good model for shot-length distribution of Hollywood films

In an article published in Literary and Linguistic Computing, Redfern argues against the use of a lognormal distribution and summarizes previous work as ‘lacking in methodological detail and statistical rigour’. This response will summarize the article’s methodology and conclusion, arguing that while Redfern finds that films are not ‘perfectly’ lognormal, this is hardly evidence worthy of the ultimate conclusion that a lognormal fit is ‘inappropriate’. Perfection is fleeting, and cannot be expected when modeling real data. Reanalysis of Redfern’s methodology and findings shows that the lognormal distribution offers a pretty good fit.
THE DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF THE ETHICAL CLIMATE INDEX FOR GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL PROGRAMS

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a perceptual instrument to measure the ethical climate of an institution's graduate and professional school programs, the Ethical Climate Index (ECI). The theoretical framework of the ECI involved the application of five ethical principles to three major environments within graduate and professional school programs. Items were developed by meeting with graduate and professional school students and reviewing related environmental instruments and sources. The items' content validity was evaluated by an expert in the university ethical climate area and two item review panels. The 122-item ECI was further validated by distributing it to 852 graduate and professional school students at a large midwestern university. The reliability estimate of the ECI was found to be .97. Students' perceptions of the ethical climate differed significantly across the major academic areas of the institution surveyed. The relationship between these findings and previous research is discussed along with ideas for further research.
The association between corporate governance and earnings quality: Further evidence using the GOV-Score

Abstract This paper reexamines the relation between corporate governance and quality of earnings using a summary governance measure. Prior research has used many surrogates for corporate governance including size and composition of board of directors, existence and composition of audit committee, and extent of institutional ownership. However, the criticism of the extant research has been that corporate governance comprises many facets and is not uni-dimensional. In this study we fill this void by using the Gov-Score developed by Brown and Caylor [Brown, D., and Caylor, M.L., (2006). Corporate governance and firm valuation. Journal of Accounting and Public Policy 25, 409–434.] to measure corporate governance. In the post-Sarbanes–Oxley period, we find evidence of a significant inverse relationship, namely higher levels of corporate governance are associated with lower absolute discretionary accruals and higher quality of earnings. Furthermore, our results suggest that only firms in the highest category of corporate governance experience significantly improved quality of earnings. Finally, as a test of robustness, we document that corporate governance is negatively associated with small earnings surprises. This implies that firms with weak corporate governance are more likely to manage earnings in order to meet or beat analyst forecasts.
Copulatory plugs, restricted mating opportunities and reproductive competition among male garter snakes

REPRODUCTIVE competition for females among males of a given species can take many forms, some of which (like mating plugs) may place constraints on the mating opportunities of males and intensify competition for available females. I have studied the reproductive behaviour of two garter snake species (Thamnophis sirtalis and T. butleri) in the field for 5 years. They do not exhibit pair-bonding, paternal care of offspring, territoriality, or intrasexual combat. Sexual selection in this mating system should favour males which compete to locate, court and mate with the maximum number of females1. Yet I have observed numerous solitary female Thamnophis within the same time periods and areas in which other females were being vigorously courted, often by several males. I have previously observed that the anterior cloaca of any recently mated female Thamnophis contains a copulatory plug which occludes the oviductal orifices2. The plug evidently is formed by the copulating male after sperm transfer. I interpreted this as a form of intrasexual competition in which the successfully copulating male makes the female temporarily unavailable to other males and reduces the likelihood of multiple inseminations. Some reports3,4 indicate that multiple inseminations are possible. I present here evidence from the field that male garter snakes recognise females with a copulatory plug and behave as if these females were unavailable.
Surgery for peptic ulcer disease in children in the post-histamine2-blocker era.

Abstract Background/Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the presentation, treatment, and outcome of children requiring surgery for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in the post–histamine 2 -blocker era. Methods The charts of all children undergoing surgery for PUD in our institution since 1980 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected regarding clinical presentation, operative details, postoperative course, and outcome. Results Twenty-nine children (7.2 ± 7.5 years) required surgery for complications of PUD. Indications for operation were bleeding (n = 11), pneumoperitoneum (n = 13), peritonitis (n = 3), and gastric outlet obstruction refractory to medical therapy (n = 2). For those children with bleeding, 8 had simple oversew of the bleeding ulcer(s), 2 had oversew with vagotomy and pyloroplasty, and 1 required vagotomy and antrectomy. All patients with perforation (n = 16) were treated with simple closure with or without omental patch. One child with gastric outlet obstruction underwent vagotomy and antrectomy and 1 had vagotomy and pyloroplasty. Preoperative risk factors or comorbidities were present in 27 of 29 patients and included steroid or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug medications in 13 children (only 3 of whom were receiving antiulcer prophylaxis). Postoperative complications occurred in 11 of 29 patients. Three (10%) children required reoperation for persistent or recurrent ulcer disease and 4 children died. Conclusions PUD remains a highly morbid and mortal condition in children despite the availability of effective acid-reducing medications. Effective prophylaxis of children receiving steroids and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs may play a role in decreasing the risk of PUD.
Vulnerability as a Key to Authenticity

Purpose: Vulnerability is explored as a human trait that gives nurses an opportunity to engage in authentic nursing. Vulnerability in both nurse and patient is necessary for the practice of nursing with caring as its basic premise. Organizing Framework: Philosophic discourse. Scope: Vulnerability is explored in terms of its traditional connotation and existential meaning. Conclusions: To be authentic, nurses must be aware of their own vulnerability, recognize themselves in others, and be willing to enter into mutual vulnerability. If nurses deny the opportunity to be vulnerable, they deny the opportunity to participate in humanness and are more likely to dehumanize others.
Covariate Selection in Propensity Scores Using Outcome Proxies.

This study examined the practical problem of covariate selection in propensity scores (PSs) given a predetermined set of covariates. Because the bias reduction capacity of a confounding covariate i...
Characterization of dextrans by size-exclusion chromatography on unmodified silica gel columns, with light-scattering detection, and capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection

Unmodified silica gel size-exclusion columns were used in an on-line combination with light-scattering detection for a size characterization of dextrans. The influence of electrostatic interactions on analyte retention was briefly investigated. Size-exclusion chromatography was also used for evaluation of the fluorescence labeling procedure for dextrans with 8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid. The derivatives obtained through this procedure were used for electrophoretic measurements with laser-induced fluorescence detection. A comparison between the size-exclusion data and capillary electrophoresis indicates that the effectiveness of fluorescent labeling decreases with molecular mass of the dextran analytes.
Cicero on decorum and the morality of rhetoric

This paper explores an important problem in political theory and a central issue in the study of Cicero’s thought: the tension between philosophy and rhetoric. Through an exploration of the virtue ...
MS/MS by time-resolved magnetic dispersion mass spectrometry

Abstract The modification of a magnetic sector mass spectrometer to provide measurement of Ion flight time results in a novel instrument which can provide all the data presently obtained from tandem MS/MS instrumentation. The combination of ion momentum and velocity analysis provides unambiguous mass assignments for parent and daughter ions while flight time comparison establishes parent-daughter relationships. Data has been obtained from a modified LKB-9000 which demonstrates the feasibility of this technique. Suggestions for an upgraded instrument wlth automated scanning are made and the possibility of achieving full MS/MS data collection on the chromatographic time scale through the use of an integrating transient recorder is presented.
The role of fixational eye movements in visual perception

Our eyes continually move even while we fix our gaze on an object. Although these fixational eye movements have a magnitude that should make them visible to us, we are unaware of them. If fixational eye movements are counteracted, our visual perception fades completely as a result of neural adaptation. So, our visual system has a built-in paradox — we must fix our gaze to inspect the minute details of our world, but if we were to fixate perfectly, the entire world would fade from view. Owing to their role in counteracting adaptation, fixational eye movements have been studied to elucidate how the brain makes our environment visible. Moreover, because we are not aware of these eye movements, they have been studied to understand the underpinnings of visual awareness. Recent studies of fixational eye movements have focused on determining how visible perception is encoded by neurons in various visual areas of the brain.
Immunolocalization and quantitation of a novel nerve terminal protein in spinal cord development

In the adult spinal cord, the neuron-specific protein NT75 is located in nerve terminals synapsing in the superficial laminae of the dorsal horn. The present study examines the occurrence of NT75 in the developing rat spinal cord. NT75 immunoreactivity is detectable in primary afferent axons at the dorsal root entry zone on embryonic day 15. Subsequently, staining of presumptive nerve terminals appears in the deeper laminae of the dorsal horn, expanding into the superficial laminae during the first postnatal week. NT75 staining also appears in developing corticospinal tract axons in the brainstem at birth, and at lumbosacral levels by postnatal day 5. As NT75-positive nerve terminals approach the adult distribution, staining of primary afferent and corticospinal axons decreases, becoming undetectable by postnatal day 30. Dense transient staining of presumed nerve terminals in the ventral horn is also apparent during early postnatal development. Quantitative analysis of developing spinal cord shows a low level of NT75 immunoreactivity at birth. NT75 activity then increases substantially, reaching values by the third and fourth postnatal weeks up to 2.5 times that seen in adults. The occurrence of NT75 immunoreactivity correlates with the reported time course of synaptic development in the spinal cord. In addition, the results suggest that NT75 immunoreactivity is maintained at high levels in the nerve terminals of certain neural pathways into adulthood, whereas in other systems NT75 immunoreactivity may be detectable only during development.
Posterior pharyngeal wall position in the production of speech.

The posterior pharyngeal wall has been assumed to be stationary during speech. The present study examines this assumption in order to assess whether midsagittal widths in the pharyngeal region can ...
Expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors in peri-implantation mouse embryos

FGF receptor (FGFR) function is essential during peri-implantation mouse development. To understand which receptors are functioning, we tested for the expression of all four FGF receptors in peri-implantation blastocysts. By RT-PCR, FGFR-3 and FGFR-4 were detected at high levels, FGFR-2 at lower levels, and FGFR-1 was detected at background levels compared to control tissues. Because FGFR-3 and FGFR-4 were detected at the highest levels, we studied these in detail. Between 3.5 days after fertilization (E3.5) and E6.0, FGFR-4 mRNA was detected ubiquitously in the peri-implantation embryo, restricted to the inner cell mass (ICM) and its derivatives and primitive endoderm by E6.0, and was not detected at E6.5. FGFR-3 mRNA was detected ubiquitously in the peri-implantation embryo with a tendency towards extraembryonic cells. We tested blastocyst outgrowths, a model for implantation, for FGFR-3 and FGFR-4 protein. FGFR-3 protein was detected in all cells early during the outgrowth. Later, FGFR-3 was detected in the extraembryonic endoderm and trophoblast giant cells (TGC), but not in the ICM. FGFR-4 protein was detected in all cells of the implanting embryo, but was restricted to the ICM/primitive endoderm in later stage outgrowths. The distribution of the receptor proteins in the blastocyst outgrowths is similar to the distribution of the mRNA detected by in situ hybridization of sections of embryos. The data suggest roles for FGFR-3 and FGFR-4 in peri-implantation development.
The fractal response of robust solution techniques to the stationary point problem

Abstract Green, K.A., Zhou, S. and Luks, K.D., 1993. The fractal response of robust solution techniques to the stationary point problem. Fluid Phase Equilibria 84: 49-78. The mathematical nature and physical significance of the stationary point problem, as related to the computation of phase equilibria, is reviewed. Robust (Newton) techniques are used to compute stationary points in composition space for three ternary systems: (1) a simple model of excess Gibbs energy; (2) a Type I van der Waals mixture at a temperature and pressure which does not have any real-root multiplicity when solving the cubic equation-of-state; (3) the same Type I van der Waals mixture at a temperature and pressure which has real-root multiplicity when solving the cubic equation-of-state. All three examples can exhibit fractal behavior with respect to the points of initiation of the robust solution technique. The occurrence and nature of the fractal patterns are a function of the location of the reference point of the solution search in the composition space.
Making Death a Miracle: Audience and the Genres of Martyrdom in Dekker and Massinger's The Virgin Martyr

Thomas Dekker and Philip Massinger's protestant saint’s play, The Virgin Martyr (1620), represents the competition over the significance of the execution of the title character not only in terms of pagan vs. Christian understandings of the world but also in terms of theatrical vs. doctrinal understandings of spectacle. In presenting signs of spiritual authenticity in explicitly theatrical terms, The Virgin Martyr puts its audience in the position of recognizing the truth of both the pagan characters who argue that the seemingly miraculous events surrounding Dorothea’s torture and execution are counterfeits and the Christian characters who claim that her death is true martyrdom. This understanding of interpretation as a product of the conventions of genre rather than the transparent significance of the spectacle raises important questions about the nature of the relationship between spectator and spectacle on both the public stage and the public scaffold: an issue the article considers in the context of antitheatrical assumptions about the power of spectacle, the discourses of treason and martyrdom surrounding the executions of protestant and catholic divines in the reigns of Mary and Elizabeth respectively, and the changing expectations of the audiences at the Red Bull in 1619-20.
Citrus flavanone naringenin enhances melanogenesis through the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling in mouse melanoma cells

Citrus fruits are the major source of flavonoids for humans, and flavanones are the main flavonoids in the Citrus species. Among the Citrus flavanones, the glycoside derivatives of naringenin, naringin and narirutin, are the most abundant in grapefruit. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular events of melanogenesis induced by naringenin in murine B16-F10 melanoma cells. Melanin content, tyrosinase activity and Western blot analysis were performed to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms. Exposure of melanoma cells to naringenin resulted in morphological changes accompanied by the induction of melanocyte differentiation-related markers, such as melanin synthesis, tyrosinase activity, and the expression of tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). We also observed an increase in the intracellular accumulation of β-catenin as well as the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) protein after treatment with naringenin. Moreover, the activity of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) was up-regulated by naringenin since the phosphorylated level of downstream Akt protein was enhanced. Based on these results, we concluded that naringenin induced melanogenesis through the Wnt-β-catenin-signalling pathway.
Current velocity influences the facilitation and removal of algae by stream grazers

The modification of flows in lotic ecosystems can have dramatic effects on abiotic and biotic processes and change the structure of basal trophic levels. In high-gradient streams, most of the biota are benthic, and decreased flow may homogenize and reduce benthic current velocity, potentially changing stream ecosystem function. Grazing by macroinvertebrates is an important component of stream function because grazers regulate energy flow from primary producers to higher trophic levels. We conducted an experiment to examine how macroinvertebrate grazers facilitated or removed algal biomass across a gradient of benthic current velocity (0–40 cm s−1). We chose three grazers (Drunella coloradensis, Cinygmula spp., and Epeorus deceptivus) from a montane stream and conducted our experiment using 24 artificial stream channels that had three treatments: no grazers (control), single-grazer, and combined-grazer treatments. In the absence of grazers, algal biomass increased with benthic current velocity. Grazer treatments differed from the control in that more algal biomass was removed at higher velocities, whereas algal accrual was largely facilitated at low velocities. The transition from facilitation to removal ranged from 4.5 to 5.9 cm s−1 for individual grazer treatments and occurred at 11.7 cm s−1 for the combined-grazer treatment. Our data suggest that velocity plays a significant role in the facilitation and removal of algae by macroinvertebrate grazers. Additionally, the patterns revealed here could have general implications for algal accrual in systems where flow is reduced.
A new species of Ranunculus from North Carolina

Ranunculus subcordatus is described as new. The plant has been collected from two locations in North Carolina where its closeness to seaports and local aggressiveness, as well as its morphological relationship to South American taxa, indicates that it is not native.
Design and analysis of the stacked-Banyan ATM switch fabric

Abstract ATM switches in future broadband networks will be required to support multigigabits/sec port speeds. At such high switching speeds, space-division switch architectures are more competitive than currently implemented shared-memory switch architectures. In this paper, we present the design and analysis of a new switch architecture, named Stacked-Banyan (SB), which utilizes parallel Banyan planes and supports K QoS levels with output queuing. The Banyans are composed of 2 × 4 switching elements (SEs). The SE is implemented by 0.35 μ CMOS logic gates. Circuit simulations of the SE show satisfactory performance at 1 Gbps. The non-blocking behavior of the SB fabric is verified by VHDL. The proposed fabric uses output queuing to resolve contention. In general, the output buffer handles K QoS levels by K virtual queues. Focusing on the case K=2, we propose a buffer management and channel allocation strategy that can be adjusted to meet the delay and loss requirements of the two types of traffic. The output buffer is managed as two virtual queues, each handling a different traffic type. To meet the delay QoS of one traffic type, the channel is allocated to the respective queue with a probability that depends on the congestion level in that queue. We present a model and analysis of the output queues and calculate the waiting time and loss performance under two specific allocation strategies. The results indicate that the proposed channel allocation strategy is quite effective in maintaining a balance between the QoS objectives of the two traffic types.
Primary and Secondary Publication of Physics Research Results

The concept of a discipline- and user-oriented information system founded on a strong publication program of quality, refereed primary journals is described. The emphasis on quality input gives the mechanism for controlling the information flood at the source, and the computerized secondary services naturally follow from, and are based on, this foundation. The advantages of such a system to primary journals in the areas of costs and dissemination are illustrated with reference to the publication and information programs of the American Institute of Physics.
Shortening MR image acquisition time for volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination with a recently developed parallel imaging reconstruction technique: clinical feasibility.

A recently developed parallel magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique, parallel imaging with an augmented radius in k space, was used to accelerate the volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) performed in 20 patients referred for clinical liver imaging. Nonaccelerated MR images were also acquired in these patients. A five-point scale was used to score the quality of the images. The acceleration resulted in reduced image quality: The nonaccelerated images had a significantly higher (P < .05) mean score—3.8 ± 0.3 (SD), indicating good quality—than the accelerated images—3.0 ± 0.3, indicating acceptable quality. However, for three patients who could not hold their breath for the duration necessary for nonaccelerated imaging, less severe breathing artifacts on the accelerated images resulted in improved quality compared with the quality of the nonaccelerated images. Parallel MR imaging–accelerated VIBE may be beneficial for patients who have difficulty sustaining a breath hold for the duratio...
Large-scale analysis of thermostable, mammalian proteins provides insights into the intrinsically disordered proteome.

Intrinsically disordered proteins are predicted to be highly abundant and play broad biological roles in eukaryotic cells. In particular, by virtue of their structural malleability and propensity to interact with multiple binding partners, disordered proteins are thought to be specialized for roles in signaling and regulation. However, these concepts are based on in silico analyses of translated whole genome sequences, not on large-scale analyses of proteins expressed in living cells. Therefore, whether these concepts broadly apply to expressed proteins is currently unknown. Previous studies have shown that heat-treatment of cell extracts lead to partial enrichment of soluble, disordered proteins. On the basis of this observation, we sought to address the current dearth of knowledge about expressed, disordered proteins by performing a large-scale proteomics study of thermostable proteins isolated from mouse fibroblast cells. With the use of novel multidimensional chromatography methods and mass spectromet...
Egestion Time in Two Species of Caterpillars1

The egestion times of 2 instars of the salt-marsh caterpillar, Estigmene acrea (Drury), and 3 instars of the variegated cutworm, Peridroma saucia (Hubner), were studied by feeding 2 vegetables alternately. The mean egestion times observed ranged from 1½ to 8¼ hours. Differences between the 2 vegetables for a certain instar and the differences among the instars for a given vegetable were evaluated.
Monthly oxygen and carbon budgets of the New York Bight Apex

Abstract A relationship between surface oxygen flux and particulate organic carbon as a means of estimating mean benthic respiration is proposed and examined using data from the Apex of the New York Bight for 1973—1974. A mean water column mass balance for oxygen involving mean surface oxygen flux, mean benthic and water column respiration and photosynthetic oxygen production is used to give a first approximation of the carbon and oxygen budgets of the Apex annually. The carbon budget is compared with known organic carbon inputs to the Apex and found to be balanced. The major source of particulate organic carbon is demonstrated to be in situ primary production, with no other single source of POC providing more than 10% of the annual total. High production of POC by primary production is always accompanied by high evasive surface oxygen flux and generally by higher levels of water column respiration. Benthic respiration is controlled primarily by temperature, but at times by rapid supply of new substrate. It is postulated that one such source of supply is resuspended estuarine sediment as a result of high runoff. The possibility of anoxic conditions in the Apex is examined, and it is concluded that major organic loading events as a result of high river runoff, could generate small anoxic regions near the estuary. However, more wide scale anoxic conditions could only occur if mechanisms other than those responsible for the property distribution reflected in the data used in this paper were operative.
Ovarian torsion: Case-control study comparing the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography and computed tomography for diagnosis in the emergency department.

Abstract Objective Evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of pelvic ultrasound (US) and abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) for the identification of ovarian torsion in women presenting to the emergency department with acute lower abdominal or pelvic pain. Materials and methods This is a retrospective study of 20 cases of ovarian torsion and 20 control patients, all of whom had both US and CT performed in the emergency department. Two radiologists who were blinded to clinical data interpreted all studies as (1) demonstrating an abnormal ovary or not, and (2) suggestive of torsion or not. Sensitivity, specificity and interobserver variation were calculated for each imaging modality. Results Pelvic US was interpreted as demonstrating an abnormal ovary in 90.0% of ovarian torsion cases by reader 1, and in 100.0% by reader 2, whereas CT was interpreted as revealing an abnormal ovary in 100.0% of torsion cases by both readers. Pelvic US for ovarian torsion was 80.0% sensitive (95% CI, 58.4–91.9%) and 95.0% specific (95% CI, 76.4–99.1%) for reader 1, while 80.0% sensitive (95% CI, 58.4–91.9%) and 85.0% specific (95% CI, 64.0–95.0%) for reader 2. Interobserver agreement for pelvic US was fair (Kappa = 0.60). Abdominopelvic CT for ovarian torsion was 100.0% sensitive (95% CI, 83.9–100.0%) and 85.0% specific (95% CI, 64.0–94.5%) for reader 1, while 90.0% sensitive (95% CI, 69.9–97.2%) and 90.0% specific (95% CI, 69.9–97.2%) for reader 2. Interobserver agreement was excellent (Kappa = 0.85). Conclusion The diagnostic performance of CT is not shown to be significantly different from that of US in identifying ovarian torsion in this study. These results suggest that when CT demonstrates findings of ovarian torsion, the performance of another imaging exam (i.e. US) that delays therapy is unlikely to improve preoperative diagnostic yield.
Potential impacts of imposing methyl bromide phaseout on US strawberry growers: a case study of a nomination for a critical use exemption under the Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer requires developed countries to phaseout methyl bromide production and non-quarantine uses by 2005 and developing countries to do the same by 2015. Exemptions to phaseout have been significant in slowing the process of abatement; many countries have applied for exemptions for some uses, partly on grounds that phaseout is economically infeasible. Data on the US strawberry market are used to investigate grower costs arising from substitution away from methyl bromide, the impact of trends in and characteristics of the demand for fresh strawberries, and characteristics of trade with countries not yet required to eliminate use of the compound. It appears that actual net costs to growers will be much smaller than the simple increase in production costs cited in the US nomination for exemption.
The Role of the Allegiance Effect in Psychotherapy Research: Controlling and Accounting for It

The allegiance effect is by now a well-established phenomenon in psychotherapy research. It is of interest both because of its potential for contaminating between-group comparisons and because no definitive explanation for it has been generally accepted by the field. This commentary underscores the need to control for allegiance effects but also speculates on ways to account for it. Because of difficulties in eliminating the allegiance effect, we might consider it a phenomenon worthy of study in its own right, so we can at least understand it.
INFLUENCE OF VITAMIN A AND D FORTIFICATION ON THE FLAVOR OF INSTANT NONFAT DRY MILK

Abstract Twenty-one experimental batches of instant nonfat dry milk (NDM) were prepared in cooperation with four commercial manufacturers and three suppliers of vitamins. Vitamins A and D were added to yield levels of 10,000 and 2,000 IU/lb of NDM, respectively, in fortified batches. Flavor evaluations by a trained panel (triangle difference test) were made initially and periodically during storage at 100 and 70 F up to 5 and 12 months, respectively. All samples, including nonfortified controls, exhibited significant deterioration in flavor during storage. Staling was evident in one month in samples stored at 100 F and in three months in those stored at 70 F. Staling was associated with increased protein-reducing substances. In only one sample at one storage period (nine months at 70 F) was a hay-like flavor, presumably typical of vitamin A deterioration, evident to a degree sufficient to justify a conclusion that the sample containing vitamin A was different from the nonfortified control. No correlation between vitamin retention and flavor was evident. It is concluded that although a flavor associated with vitamin A deterioration doubtless develops on storage of NDM containing vitamin A of the types and levels added in this study, other changes are of at least equal significance and, in general, overshadow it in importance.
Corrigendum to “Comparative shelf life study of blackberry fruit in bio-based and petroleum-based containers under retail storage conditions” [Food Chem. 126 (2011) 1734–1740]

0308-8146/$ see front matter 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.07.026 DOI of original article: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2010.12.071 ⇑ Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 517 355 3603; fax: +1 517 353 8999. E-mail address: ealmenar@msu.edu (E. Almenar). Line 15: ‘‘242.9 ± 13.2 vs. 32.3 ± 7.3 cc CO2/m day) at 23 C and 0% RH’’ should read ‘‘3890.2 ± 95.6 vs. 505.0 ± 115.9 cc CO2/m day) at 23 C and 0% RH’’. Line 18: ‘‘17.8 and 19.8 for OPLA andOPS, respectively. Higher O2 transmis’’ should read ‘‘8.3 and 8.7 for OPLA and OPS, respectively. Higher O2 transmis’’.
Evidence for effective mass reduction in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells

We have performed microwave photoresistance measurements in high mobility GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells and investigated the value of the effective mass. Surprisingly, the effective mass, obtained from the period of microwave-induced resistance oscillations, is found to be about 12% lower than the band mass in GaAs, ${m}_{\mathrm{b}}^{\ensuremath{\star}}$. This finding provides strong evidence for electron-electron interactions which can be probed by microwave photoresistance in very high Landau levels. In contrast, the measured magnetoplasmon dispersion revealed an effective mass which is close to ${m}_{\mathrm{b}}^{\ensuremath{\star}}$, in accord with previous studies.
Invasion and metastasis of a mammary tumor involves TGF‐β signaling

Several studies have correlated escape from TGF-beta-mediated cell cycle arrest with the tumorigenic phenotype. Most often, this escape from growth control has been linked to dysfunctional TGF-beta receptors or defects in the TGF-beta-mediated SMAD signaling pathway. In this report, we found that highly metastatic 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells express functional TGF-beta receptors capable of initiating SMAD-mediated transcription, yet are not growth inhibited by TGF-beta1. We further observed that TGF-beta directly contributes to the metastatic behavior of this cell line. Exposure to TGF-beta caused 4T1 cells to undergo morphological changes associated with the metastatic phenotype and invade more readily through collagen coated matrices. Furthermore, expression of a dominant negative truncated type II receptor diminished TGF-beta signaling and significantly restricted the ability of 4T1 cells to establish distant metastases. Our results suggest that regardless of 4T1 resistance to TGF-beta-mediated growth inhibition, TGF-beta signaling is required for tumor invasion and metastases formation.
Distribution of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in the equatorial Pacific

Optical properties of dissolved and particulate matter were measured in the surface waters of the Equatorial Pacific between 165 degrees E and 150 degrees W. In this area upwelling provided nutrient-rich water creating a mesotrophic environment. Below the surface mixed layer runs the Equatorial Undercurrent, which was marked by increases in salinity and absorption by CDOM. The magnitude of the absorption appears to be correlated with salinity even though there are no terrigenous inputs into this region. In the surface water the CDOM absorption is an important portion of the total absorption in the blue portion of the spectrum. Below the mixed layer the dissolved component absorption was the dominant non-water optical component.
Synthesis and characterization of ethylic biodiesel from animal fat wastes

Abstract This study optimized the conversion of animal fat wastes into ethylic biodiesel by alkali-catalyzed process under mild conditions. A mix of chicken and swine fat residues was used as feedstock for biodiesel production. A full 3 3 factorial design was used to optimize process parameters for maximum fatty acid ethyl esters yield. Factors were evaluated at three different levels: temperature (30; 50; 70 °C), ethanol:fat molar ratio (6:1; 7:1; 8:1) and catalyst concentration (0.44; 0.88; 1.32 wt.%). Effects of the process variables were analyzed using response surface methodology. Moreover, optimum conditions were applied in a bench-scale reactor and biofuel produced was characterized. It was observed that at high temperatures (50 and 70 °C), phase separation between biodiesel and glycerol was impaired. Although high conversion was achieved (96.2%) at 70 °C, this condition is not recommended because no spontaneous phase separation was verified. On the other hand, 30 °C was identified as the best temperature for biodiesel ethanolysis, using 0.96 wt.% catalyst and 7:1 ethanol:fat molar ratio. With these conditions, it is possible to achieve around 83% conversion. Despite the oxidative stability and total glycerin, biodiesel measured properties agreed with quality requirements established by Official Regulations (ASTM 6751 and EN 14214).
Constructing a minimal-cost spanning tree subject to resource constraints and flow requirements

Abstract : Consider a network in which one node is a source having an infinite supply of a commodity, and every other node is a sink having a known constant demand. Furthermore, associated with each potential arc of the network are the following known constants: the cost of constructing the arc, the amount of each scarce resource consumed during the construction of the arc, and the flow capacity of the arc. Given the above known constants as well as the available supply of each of the scarce resources, the problem is to construct a minimal cost spanning tree subject to the limitations on the consumption of the scarce resources and the requirement that there exists a flow from the source satisfying the demands at the sinks without exceeding any arc capacity. This paper discusses the solution of such a problem by a branch-and-bound algorithm base on Lagrangean relaxation. Also included are applications of the problem, extensions to the problem, and a report on preliminary computational experience with a computer implementation of the algorithm. (Author)
Speech enhancement using Bayesian estimators of the perceptually-motivated short-time spectral amplitude (STSA) with Chi speech priors

In this paper, the authors propose new perceptually-motivated Weighted Euclidean (WE) and Weighted Cosh (WCOSH) estimators that utilize more appropriate Chi statistical models for the speech prior with Gaussian statistical models for the noise likelihood. Whereas the perceptually-motivated WE and WCOSH cost functions emphasized spectral valleys rather than spectral peaks (formants) and indirectly accounted for auditory masking effects, the incorporation of the Chi distribution statistical models demonstrated distinct improvement over the Rayleigh statistical models for the speech prior. The estimators incorporate both weighting law and shape parameters on the cost functions and distributions. Performance is evaluated in terms of the Segmental Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SSNR), Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality (PESQ), and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) Loss objective quality measures to determine the amount of noise reduction along with overall speech quality and speech intelligibility improvement. Based on experimental results across three different input SNRs and eight unique noises along with various weighting law and shape parameters, the two general, less-complicated, closed-form derived solution estimators of WE and WCOSH with Chi speech priors provide significant gains in noise reduction and noticeable gains in overall speech quality and speech intelligibility improvements over the baseline WE and WCOSH with the standard Rayleigh speech priors. Overall, the goal of the work is to capitalize on the mutual benefits of the WE and WCOSH cost functions and Chi distributions for the speech prior to improvement enhancement.
U.S.-China Economic and Political Relations: Youths' Perceptions

This paper is a study of the perceptions of young adults in the U.S. and China on the relations between the two nations. We conducted a case study by distributing a 17 question survey to 201 American undergraduate students (NYC) and 164 Chinese undergraduate students (Shanghai). The questions probed their views of U.S. and China’s economic and political systems, the future economic growth and political power in the world of the two nations, and the future political and economic relations between the two powers. The results of our study reveal a number of important perceptions that both U.S. and Chinese students have, some being similar and others being in sharp contrast. Most students in both countries view future political and economic relations between the U.S. and China predominantly as cooperative but only based on each nation’s self-interests. Both Chinese and American students agree that China is gaining political strength and economic influence among the advanced and the emerging nations of the world. While most of the U.S. students believe that China has been and will continue to grow at a much faster rate than the U.S., Chinese students are more likely to believe that this rate of growth is unsustainable. The results from our survey are compared and contrasted to the findings of national surveys for both countries. We believe that the study provides valuable insights into the similarities and differences in viewpoints of the next generation of adults in both nations about future U.S.-China relations.
Imagined interactions, family money management patterns and coalitions, and attitudes toward money and credit

This study explores the imagined interactions college students have with their parents about money and credit, their attitudes toward credit and money, the ways they say their parents deal with financial decisions, and the communication coalitions regarding finances they perceive existing within their family. Students’ imagined interaction pleasantness is greatest when parents jointly form a plan for paying off credit card debt and lowest when parents argue. When family coalitions exist, students report more frequent imagined interactions. Imagined interaction frequency and pleasantness are related to credit and money attitudes.
Changes in Peripheral Blood Leukocyte Percentages and Function of Neutrophils in Stressed Channel Catfish

Abstract Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus were subjected to a simulated handling (including bleeding) and transport stress. Using flow cytometry in conjunction with monoclonal antibodies to channel catfish B and T lymphocytes (minimal cross-reaction with thrombocytes) and neutrophils coupled with routine hematological methods, we demonstrated significant decreases in the percentage of B lymphocytes and increases in T lymphocytes and neutrophils of transported fish, yet there was no change in neutrophil phagocytic function. These data suggest that the length of the stressing event or the duration of exposure of the neutrophils to cortisol could determine if immune responses become suppressed. These data prompted us to expose channel catfish in vivo, and isolated neutrophils in vitro, to cortisol at various concentrations and for various time periods. Exposure of neutrophils to cortisol concentrations of 100 μg/dL for 2 h did not suppress phagocytosis; however, significant decreases in the percent phagoc...
Mutational Analysis of Endonuclease V from Thermotoga maritima

Endonuclease V nicks damaged DNA at the second phosphodiester bond 3' to inosine, uracil, mismatched bases, or abasic (AP) sites. Alanine scanning mutagenesis was performed in nine conserved positions of Thermotoga maritima endonuclease V to identify amino acid residues involved in recognition or endonucleolytic cleavage of these diverse substrates. Alanine substitution at D43, E89, and D110 either abolishes or substantially reduces inosine cleavage activity. These three mutants gain binding affinity for binding to double-stranded or single-stranded inosine substrates in the absence of a metal ion, suggesting that these residues may be involved in coordinating catalytic metal ion(s). Y80A, H116A, and, to a lesser extent, R88A demonstrate reduced affinities for double-stranded or single-stranded inosine substrates or nicked products. The lack of tight binding to a nicked inosine product accounts for the increased rate of turnover of inosine substrate since the product release is less rate-limiting. Y80A, R88A, and H116A fail to cleave AP site substrates. Their activities toward uracil substrates are in the following order: H116A > R88A > Y80A. These residues may play a role in substrate recognition. K139A maintains wild-type binding affinity for binding to double-stranded and single-stranded inosine substrate, but fails to cleave AP site and uracil substrate efficiently, suggesting that K139 may play a role in facilitating non-inosine substrate cleavage.
Implicit motor-sequence learning in humans following unilateral stroke: the impact of practice and explicit knowledge

Learning and memory are sub-served by two interrelated systems - explicit and implicit. Explicit memory involves facts, while one form of implicit memory involves perceptual-motor processes. The purpose of this series of experiments was to investigate the ability of individuals with stroke-related brain damage to demonstrate implicit motor-sequence learning and the relative impacts of (1) extended practice, or (2) explicit knowledge prior to practice. Implicit learning was severely impaired without explicit knowledge and even under conditions of extended practice. However, when explicit knowledge was provided prior to practice, participants with stroke demonstrated implicit motor-sequence learning. These data suggest that following unilateral stroke, providing explicit information about the task and sequence can attenuate implicit motor learning deficits.