cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Matrix method for analyzing structural-acoustic power efficiency

This paper describes a general technique to analyze the radiation impedance and actuator power efficiency of an active structure. Using a modal expansion of the structural vibration, the sound power is conveniently expressed as an integration over the surface of the planar structure. Integrating the finite element analysis into the numerical integral makes this technique applicable to any complex geometrical planar structure under arbitrary boundary conditions. As an example, this technique is applied to study of an actuator driving circular plate with an elastic support, which could be used to simulate a rigid piston. The radiation impedance and power efficiency of this active structure are studied using eigenvalue decomposition. Using general eigenvalue decomposition, the efficiency of air acoustic arrays are also analyzed. A dynamic model of the actuator is introduced to above studies by taking into account the coupling of the actuator and its host structure. Numerical results demonstrate that the radiation impedance of rigid-body motion is comparable to the analytical solution of a baffled rigid piston. Power efficiency studies demonstrate that one or two actuators will generate high efficiency when the rigid- body modes are dominant and more actuators are needed to improve the efficiency if the flexible modes are dominant. The efficiency is related to the structure impedance. A relatively soft actuator will generate a higher efficiency at low frequencies and low efficiency at higher frequencies. In contrast, a relatively stiff actuator will have a moderate efficiency at higher frequencies.
Holography And Four-Wave Mixing To See Through The Skin.

A few schemes will be described in which ultra short pulses are used to see through highly scattering specimens, as typified by biological objects. The information thus obtainable should be similar to X-ray pictures and reveal details about structure in the inside of the object by fleeting shadows on the exit skin. The schemes to be analysed are: The fast Kerr gate followed by photographic film, a holographic approach using high resolution film (the few experiments reported in this paper refer exclusively to this scheme) and various schemes involving non linear effects including four wave mixing. A few remarks will be made about peculiarities resulting from the shape of the wavefronts involved in ultra short pulse imaging and a few very preliminary experimental observations will be reported.
Abstract 3186: Transplacental arsenic exposure modifies the number of hair follicle keratinocytes stem cells and alters their cell-cycle control

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Drinking water contamination with arsenic is a worldwide problem and a concern in some areas of the United States, especially in the West (California, Nevada, Alaska and Utah) and small areas of New England. Inorganic arsenic is considered a human carcinogen with many target tissues such as the skin, urinary bladder and lung; and characterizing its mechanisms of action is key to designing methods of intervention. Arsenic has transplacental carcinogenic activity, and since their fetal abundance, stem cells (SCs) seem to be a main target of arsenic exposure during gestation. We have established that fetal arsenic exposure via the maternal drinking water, leads to a decrease number of keratinocyte's stem cells (KSC) in mouse epidermis of the offspring. Biochemical analysis of these KSCs shows increased mRNA levels of the cell-cycle regulators cyclin D1 and CDK4. Supporting this observation, overexpression of CDK4 in KSCs mimics arsenic exposure as demonstrated by the reduced number of KSCs, and the decreased number of benign skin tumors, and severe rise in the rate of malignant conversion to squamus cell carcinomas. We expect that these studies will enable to determine the consequence of in utero arsenic exposure on the proliferative potential of KSCs and the impact on the selection of KSCs that give origin to skin tumors with high risk of malignant conversion. Therefore, these studies will contribute to understanding how early alterations of somatic stem cells results in functional changes that impact a late stage of tumorigenesis such as malignant progression. Citation Format: Paula L. Miliani de Marval, Sun Hye Kim, Marcelo L. Rodriguez-Puebla. Transplacental arsenic exposure modifies the number of hair follicle keratinocytes stem cells and alters their cell-cycle control. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3186. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3186
Early Activity Rates do not Predict Growth and Future Body Size of Juvenile Eastern Fence Lizards, Sceloporus undulatus

Selection favors larger body size in many taxa. In some species, larger individuals are more active and bolder than smaller conspecifics, but the nature of this relationship is unclear: Is body size a predictor or a consequence of behavior? Any effect of behavior on body size may be through its effect on competitive ability, suggesting that the presence of potential competitors could exaggerate or suppress this relationship. In this study, we tested whether an individual's activity rates early in life predict its future body size by measuring same-aged, sibling eastern fence lizards before (8 d) and after (8 wk) they significantly diverged in body size. We tested for an effect of conspecific presence (potential competition) on the relationship between early behavior and future body size by housing some lizards in sibling groups and others individually, using a split-clutch design. Our results reveal that individuals' activity rates do not significantly differ between 8 d and 8 wk of age. At 8 wk (but not 8 d) of age, more active siblings were also larger in both housing treatments; however, early activity rates did not predict body size later in development for either of these groups. Conversely, body size at hatching did predict size at 8 wk. Although variation in activity rates exists prior to divergence in body size, and activity and body size are correlated later in development, our results suggest that higher activity rates are unlikely to be driving body size divergence in this species. Instead, very small differences in body size at hatching appear to be compounded over time and drive much more exaggerated differences in later body size.
Organic halide-alcohol interactions: Observation by means of the glass transition

The glass-transition temperature (T g) in binary mixtures of the primary alkanols with CBr 4 and CHBr 3 has been measured as a function of composition. The results are compared with earlier studies on alkanol solutions of organic chlorides. The initial molar slope (IMS) of theT g vs. composition curve at the pure alkanol indicates formation of a 1:1 halide-alkanol complex stabilized by a specific halogen-oxygen interaction. The IMS values decrease in the order CBr 4 >CHBr 3 >CCl 4 >CHCl 3 >CH 2 Cl 2 , reflecting decreasing stability of the complex.
Reduction in newborn screening metabolic false-positive results following a new collection protocol.

Reduction in newborn screening metabolic false-positive results following a new collection protocol
Sensory preconditioning of cats in a shuttle box avoidance situation

The existence of sensory preconditioning is demonstrated in cats trained to respond to a visual stimulus at the 50% level in a hurdle-box, shock avoidance situation. A comparison is made of the paradigm and apparatus used in this study with other sensory preconditioning studies.
Hydrodynamic Stellar Interactions in Dense Star Clusters

Highly detailed HST observations of globular-cluster cores and galactic nuclei motivate new theoretical studies of the violent dynamical processes which govern the evolution of these very dense stellar systems. These processes include close stellar encounters and direct physical collisions between stars. Such hydrodynamic stellar interactions are thought to explain the large populations of blue stragglers, millisecond pulsars, X-ray binaries, and other peculiar sources observed in globular clusters. Three-dimensional hydrodynamics techniques now make it possible to perform realistic numerical simulations of these interactions. The results, when combined with those of N-body simulations of stellar dynamics, should provide for the first time a realistic description of dense star clusters. Here I review briefly current theoretical work on hydrodynamic stellar interactions, emphasizing its relevance to recent observations.
Quantifying brood predation in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) associated with catch-and-release angling of nesting males

Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) is a highly popular and widely exploited sport fish that provides paternal care to its offspring during the reproductive season each spring. During a catch-and-release angling event, brood predators (e.g. genera Lepomis and Ambloplites) can enter Largemouth Bass nests and consume embryos, reducing the parental male’s reproductive success. While the negative impacts of angling nesting bass have been well documented, factors affecting the rate at which embryos are consumed by nest predators have not been studied at either the individual or population scale. We conducted field observations in nine lakes in southeastern Ontario and southwestern Quebec with abundant Largemouth Bass populations and varying brood predator densities to assess what factors affect how quickly brood predation begins once the male is removed, how quickly a male returns to his nest after release, and which males abandon their nests. Brood predator densities varied among lakes, and when predation occurred (65 % of all nests), it began sooner after the male was angled in nests with higher densities of brood predators nearby. The mean return time of a male was 30.0 min after being held in a live well for 15 min. The mean consumption rate (on a per-predator basis) for all nests that experienced predation was 20.9 free swimming fry predator−1 min−1, and the rate was higher in nests with higher mating success. The number of free swimming fry consumed was positively correlated with brood predator densities near the nest prior to angling, and the change in brood size was predictive of whether the male abandoned its nest. Predator density, parental male quality, and mating success were not associated with differences in abandonment decisions.
Van't Hoff analysis of K° (T): How good…or bad?

Abstract Binding constant data K ° ( T ) are commonly subjected to van't Hoff analysis to extract estimates of Δ H °, Δ S °, and Δ C P ° for the process in question. When such analyses employ unweighted least-squares fitting of ln K ° to an appropriate function of the temperature T , they are tacitly assuming constant relative error in K °. When this assumption is correct, the statistical errors in Δ G °, Δ H °, Δ S °, Δ C P °, and the T -derivative of Δ C P ° (if determined) are all independent of the actual values of K ° and can be computed from knowledge of just the T values at which K ° is known and the percent error in K °. All of these statistical errors except that for the highest-order constant are functions of T , so they must normally be calculated using a form of the error propagation equation that is not widely known. However, this computation can be bypassed by defining Δ H ° as a polynomial in ( T – T 0 ), the coefficients of which thus become Δ H °, Δ C P °, and 1 / 2 dΔ C P ° / d T at T = T 0 . The errors in the key quantities can then be computed by just repeating the fit for different T 0 . Procedures for doing this are described for a representative data analysis program. Results of such calculations show that expanding the T range from 10–40 to 5–45 °C gives significant improvement in the precision of all quantities. Δ G ° is typically determined with standard error a factor of ∼30 smaller than that for Δ H °. Accordingly, the error in T Δ S ° is nearly identical to that in Δ H °. For 4% error in K °, the T -derivative in Δ C P ° cannot be determined unless it is ∼10 cal mol − 1 K − 2 or greater; and Δ C P ° must be ∼50 cal mol − 1 K − 1 . Since all errors scale with the data error and inversely with the square root of the number of data points, the present results for 4% error cover any other relative error and number of points, for the same approximate T structure of the data.
Inhalation of carbon monoxide reduces skeletal muscle injury after hind limb ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to determine if inhaled carbon monoxide (CO) can ameliorate skeletal muscle injury, modulate endogenous heme oxygenase-1 expression, and improve indexes of tissue integrity and inflammation after hind limb ischemia reperfusion. Methods C57BL6 mice inhaling CO (250 ppm) or room air were subjected to 1.5 hours of ischemia followed by limb reperfusion for either 3 or 6 hours (total treatment time, 4.5 or 7.5 h). After the initial period of reperfusion, all mice breathed only room air until 24 hours after the onset of ischemia. Mice were killed at either the end of CO treatment or at 24 hours' reperfusion. Skeletal muscle was subjected to histologic and biochemical analysis. Results CO treatment for 7.5 hours protected skeletal muscle from histologic and structural evidence of skeletal muscle injury. Serum and tissue cytokines were reduced significantly ( P Conclusions Inhaled CO protected muscle from structural injury and energy depletion after ischemia reperfusion.
Hydroxamic Acids IV: Hydroxide Effect in Hydroxylaminolysis of Ethyl Acetate

The kinetics and yields of acetohydroxamic acid from ethyl acetate were studied in order to assess the ability of excess hydroxide to decrease the sensitivity of the hydroxamic acid assay of a simple ester. Apparent first-order rate constants for hydroxylaminolysis of ethyl acetate were calculated from pH-stat data in the pH range 9.5–11.0 in the presence of 0.2–0.75 M hydroxylamine at 40°. First-order rate constants for ethyla cetate hydrolysis in the absence of hydroxylamine were determined under similar experimental conditions. The percent yields of acetohydroxamic acid were calculated as a function of pH and hydroxylamine concentration using the colorimetric assay of the hydroxamic acid-iron complex at 515 nm. Excess hydroxide was shown to increase the rate of reaction without decreasing hydroxamic acid yields. Based on these data, a rapid assay for ethyl acetate, acetylcholine, methacholine, and pilocarpine was developed, with high yields of the corresponding hydroxamic acids. Proposed mechanisms for participation by hydroxide ion in hydroxamic acid formation from simple esters are discussed.
Evaluating fair trade consumption: politics, defetishization and producer participation

This paper combines a critical review of the scholarly literature on fair trade with an analysis of data gathered during 19 months of ethnographic research conducted between 2001 and 2003 among the members of a Guatemalan fair trade coffee co-operative and fair trade coffee roasters and advocates in the US. It explores three common claims made about fair trade consumption that: first, fair trade consumption emerges from the political choices and conscious reflexivity of Northern consumers; second, it defetishizes coffee by revealing the social and environmental conditions of the coffee production; and third, it forges equitable trade relationships between producers and consumers. While the research results demonstrate that there is some validity to each of the three claims, they also highlight two negative trends: the reinforcement of producer–consumer differences and low levels of farmer participation in fair trade networks beyond the realm of commodity production. In conclusion, the paper argues that overstating the exceptional nature of fair trade consumption weakens the market’s transformative potential. In order to nurture equitable trade partnerships fair trade must expand to accommodate a substantially higher degree of producer participation in administrative decision making and goal setting.
Overproduction of extracellular protease activity by Streptomyces C5-A13 in fed-batch fermentation

Streptomyces C5-A13, a non-sporulating, pleiotropic mutant of the anthracycline-producing strain, Streptomyces C5, overproduces extracellular proteolytic activity against the substrate azocasein. This extracellular protease activity was produced primarily during the stationary phase. This appears to be an effect related to growth rate rather than to glucose repression, because only very high concentrations of glucose appear to inhibit protease synthesis. Production of extracellular protease activity was stimulated by the presence of carbonate anions in the medium. The optimal concentration of soluble carbonate was 60–80 mM and the stimulation by carbonate was shown not to be due to a pH effect. Approximately 3200–3500 units of extracellular azocaseinase activity were produced per millititre of culture broth using partially optimized fed-batch fermentation processes. This value represents about ninefold greater activity than produced under shake flask conditions.
The Use of Wavelet Analysis in Detecting Dispersion and Groupings of Waves during a Mistral Event

Abstract A mistral event is considered to be the most dangerous of all Mediterranean winds. Its effects can generate high waves, which consequently can affect shipping. In this study the continuous wavelet is used to detect the dispersion and groupings characteristics of waves during a mistral event. During the process of wind–wave interaction, waves are dispersed into groups with respect to their periods and wave growth is taking place within the wave group. The wavelet power spectrum of the time series of a wind wave shows that the energy at different scales varies considerably with time. Furthermore, the narrowing of the frequencies in the phase of wavelet transforms suggests the dispersion of waves.
From Barnyards to Learning Communities: Student Perceptions of Teachers' Immediacy Behaviors

Through this study the author represents an ethnographic portrayal of effective immediacy behaviors exhibited by teachers serving in large lecture courses. Four teachers were observed and 77 student interviews were conducted to investigate how immediacy behaviors related to student perceptions of the teacher and the course. Students notice immediacy behaviors in teachers rated as effective and notice a lack of immediacy behaviors in teachers rated as ineffective.
A test for preference of association in a color polymorphic poeciliid fish: laboratory study

The ecological and evolutionary forces maintaining genetic polymorphism within populations is of continuing interest to evolutionary biologists. Male pygmy swordtails,Xiphophorus pygmaeus, are polymorphic at a Y-linked locus controlling body color. Fish with the + and cp alleles have blue bodies; those with the con allele have bright gold bodies. Male and female fish were tested in the laboratory to determine if there were any preferences for association with groups of male fish based on color. Single test fish were presented with two groups of males of different phenotypes, and times in which the test fish spent in proximity to each group were recorded. Males of different phenotypes showed no differences in preference, nor did phenotype of the males in the groups affect the behavior of the test fish. Females also showed no preference for males of a particular phenotype. Finally, female test fish showed no preference for groups containing a male with the ‘rare’ phenotype compared to a group containing all males of the same phenotype.
Face-Coordinated C60 Complexes with Carbido Pentaruthenium Cluster Cores Including a Bimetallic Platinum−Pentaruthenium Complex

Interaction of Ru5C(CO)15 with C60 in refluxing chlorobenzene followed by PPh3 or dppe (1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) forms Ru5C(CO)11(PPh3)(μ3-η2,η2,η2-C60) (1) or Ru5C(CO)10(μ-η1,η1-dppe)(μ3-η2,η2,η2-C60) (2), isolated in 19% and 14% yields, respectively, after chromatography. An analogous reaction of Ru5C(CO)15 with C60 followed by dppf (1,1‘-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) initially forms both Ru5C(CO)11(η1-dppf)(μ3-η2,η2,η2-C60) (3) and Ru5C(CO)10(μ-η1,η1-dppf)(μ3-η2,η2,η2-C60) (4), but further thermolysis of 3 in refluxing chlorobenzene converts it to 4. Direct interaction of Ru5C(CO)14(PPh3) (5), Ru5C(CO)13(dppe) (6), and Ru5C(CO)13(dppf) (7) with C60 in refluxing chlorobenzene also provides 1, 2, and 4 in isolated yields of 21%, 27%, and 20%, respectively. Interaction of PtRu5C(CO)16 or PtRu5C(CO)14(COD) with C60 followed by dppe in refluxing chlorobenzene forms PtRu5C(CO)11(η2-dppe)(μ3-η2,η2,η2-C60) (8) (7% and 23% yields, respectively). Substitution of the COD ligand in PtRu5C(CO)14(COD) by...
TRIGGERING AND ARRESTING AT FINITE-POTENTIAL OF RADIAL EXPANDING SOLITARY WAVES ON OIL FILMS

Abstract When a thin oil film atop a ground-backed dielectric sheet is electrified by a corona wire tip, a wavelike phenomenon occurs under some circumstances. Typically, triggering is brought about by tip-grounding. Recently, the scheme has been generalized to accommodate finite-potential triggering. Results show that waves of a similar nature can be repeatedly produced provided that the altered potential lies beyond a definite threshold value. In this work, we report on a phenomenon hitherto unobserved: If the reset potential is beyond, but sufficiently near, the threshold, a solitary wave can still be generated. However, propagation of its wavefront typically comes to rest at a maximum but finite radial position. The investigation examines the relationship between the resulting maximum domain size and the separation of the set potential from its corresponding threshold value.
The Impact of Tellurium Supply on Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaics

For decades, the material associated with photovoltaic (PV) cells has been silicon. However, after many years of development, cadmium telluride (CdTe) PV modules have become the lowest-cost producer of solar electricity, despite working at lower efficiency than crystalline silicon cells. CdTe sales are growing rapidly, but there is concern about projecting hundredfold increases in power production relative to current production with CdTe PV modules. One reason is that Te, a humble nonmetal that is actually abundant in the universe, is as rare as many of the precious metals recovered from Earth's crust ( 1 ). Furthermore, current technology now uses Te at rates that are substantial fractions of its supply. Here, I argue that the long-term potential for CdTe PV modules need not be bleak, given realistic developments in module technology and Te recovery.
Integration of imaging functionality into the healthcare enterprise using DICOM

The US Department of Veterans Affairs is integrating imaging functionality into the healthcare enterprise using the Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) standard protocols. The VA’s VistA Hospital Information System (HIS) is installed at all 170 VA medical centers across the country. Image management is supported by the VistA HIS in several ways. Some VA sites have commercial Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) interfaced to the VistA HIS, while other sites use the direct image acquisition and diagnostic display capabilities of VistA itself. By supporting a small set of DICOM services, VistA can transmit patient and study text data to the image producing modalities and the commercial PACS, and enable images and study data to be transferred back. Images can be displayed on low-cost clinician’s workstations or high-resolution diagnostic quality multi-monitor workstations located within a facility or elsewhere on the healthcare enterprise wide area network.
Effects of Ion Pairing on the EPR Spectrum of the Naphthalene Anion in Solution

Data are presented for the proton and cation hyperfine coupling constants and g values of the naphthalene anion as a function of solvent, cation, and temperature. The variation of the proton coupling with solvent and cation is comparatively small and somewhat irregular. The temperature coefficient of the proton coupling constants depends upon the cation. Cation coupling constants are reported for the five alkali ions, as well as the temperature dependence in some cases. The g value of ion pairs containing Rb or Cs differ considerably from that of the free anion, and is temperature dependent. These observations are discussed qualitatively in terms of the formation and structure of ion pairs, and of the effects of the electrostatic field and spin–orbit coupling of the cation.
EXPERIMENTAL RICKETS IN RATS : I. A DIET PRODUCING RICKETS IN WHITE RATS, AND ITS PREVENTION BY THE ADDITION OF AN INORGANIC SALT.

1. A simple diet is presented which regularly induced rickets in young rats. 2. The substitution of 0.4 per cent secondary potassium phosphate for a small part of calcium lactate in this diet completely inhibited the development of rickets. 3. Quantitative determinations of calcium in the bodies of parallel rats showed a marked increase of calcium content in the rats receiving the added phosphate over those which developed rickets. 4. While it is thus shown by x-rays and by histological examinations and by quantitative chemical analysis that added potassium phosphate increased the assimilation and normal deposition of calcium, it may be the quantitative relationship between the inorganic ions rather than actual deficiency of any one of them which was here the determining factor in the cause or prevention of rickets. Our experiments and conclusions do not exclude the possibility of other causes of rickets than those here discussed.
Decentralization in growth and decline: A catastrophe theory approach

Catastrophe theory provided a framework to consider the centralization or decentralization of organizational decision-making. The specific concern was the relationship of centralization to the growth or decline in organizational size. Three bodies of literature contributed to the development of hypotheses. First, catastrophe theory suggested a general framework for studying organizational processes. Second, previous theoretical and empirical evidence regarding the relationships between centralization and size suggested the applicability of a cusp catastrophe model. Third, further implications for centralization were drawn from the literature dealing with evolutionary and revolutionary changes in organizational structure. Based on these reviews, catastrophe theory hypotheses were developed concerning the relationship of changes in size to evolutionary and revolutionary changes in the centralization or decentralization of organizational decision-making.
Silver Lake Farms, Inc.

The decision case "Silver Lake Farms, Inc." is intended to provide an example of how marketing channels are important to agriculture. In this case, a small catfish farmer is faced with a marketing dilemma—ponds of mature fish, but nowhere to market the fish. Instructors can use this case to teach topics such as marketing channels, vertical integration, and the effect of an infant industry. As with other case studies, many issues could be explored, ranging from food safety to market power to the aquaculture industry.
Role of Sec61p in the ER-associated degradation of short-lived transmembrane proteins

Misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are identified and degraded by the ER-associated degradation pathway (ERAD), a component of ER quality control. In ERAD, misfolded proteins are removed from the ER by retrotranslocation into the cytosol where they are degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome system. The identity of the specific protein components responsible for retrotranslocation remains controversial, with the potential candidates being Sec61p, Der1p, and Doa10. We show that the cytoplasmic N-terminal domain of a short-lived transmembrane ERAD substrate is exposed to the lumen of the ER during the degradation process. The addition of N-linked glycan to the N terminus of the substrate is prevented by mutation of a specific cysteine residue of Sec61p, as well as a specific cysteine residue of the substrate protein. We show that the substrate protein forms a disulfide-linked complex to Sec61p, suggesting that at least part of the retrotranslocation process involves Sec61p.
Panel Evidence on Corporate Hedging

This study presents large sample panel data evidence on the corporate use of derivative securities. Both parametric and nonparametric methods are used to avoid mis-specification in binary-choice models. The results are weakly consistent with models rationalizing derivatives use based on the hedging of economic exposure. Using time series evidence on firms that switch their derivatives use during the sample period, the relationship between economic exposure, discretionary exposure, and derivatives use is analysed. The findings indicate that firms are either not attempting or not achieving hedges of economic exposure. The findings are consistent with the notion that firms are hedging discretionary exposure rather than economic exposure. Resume L'article cherche a faire la lumiere sur l'utilisation des produits derives par les entreprises, a partir de l'exa-men des donnees obtenues d'un grand echantillon de compagnies. Le traitement statistique des donnees fait appel a des methodes parametriques et non-parametriques afin d'eviter toute mauvaise specification des modeles de decision binaires utilises. Les resultats de ces tests corroborent difficilement les modeles qui justifient l'utilisation des produits derives par la couver-ture du risque economique. Par ailleurs, les donnees serielles se rapportant aux entreprises qui ont reoriente leurs operations sur les produits derives durant la perio-de d'etude, peuvent egalement fournir des renseigne-ments sur l'usage fait des produits derives, a savoir, comme instruments de couverture discretionnaire ou comme instruments de couverture du risque economique. Il ressort de cette analyse que les entreprises ne cherchent pas, ou ne reussissent pas, a couvrir leur exposition au risque economique, mais ont plutot recours aux produits derives pour effectuer des couver-tures discretionnaires.
Measuring Fractional Cover and Leaf Area Index in Arid Ecosystems: Digital Camera, Radiation Transmittance, and Laser Altimetry Methods

Abstract Field measurement of shrubland ecological properties is important for both site monitoring and validation of remote sensing information. During the May 1997 NASA Earth Observing System Jornada Prototype Validation Exercise, we calculated plot-level plant area index, leaf area index, total fractional cover, and green fractional cover with data from four instruments: (1) a Dycam Agricultural Digital Camera (ADC), (2) a LI-COR LAI-2000 plant canopy analyzer, (3) a Decagon sunfleck Ceptometer, and (4) a laser altimeter. Estimates from the LAI-2000 and Ceptometer were very similar (plant area index 0.3, leaf area index 0.22, total fractional cover 0.19, green fractional cover 0.14), while the ADC produced values 5% to 10% higher. Laser altimeter values, depending on the height cutoff used to establish total fractional cover, were either higher or lower than the other instruments' values: a 10-cm cutoff produced values
Recognizing disfluencies in conversational speech

We present a system for modeling disfluency in conversational speech: repairs, fillers, and self-interruption points (IPs). For each sentence, candidate repair analyses are generated by a stochastic tree adjoining grammar (TAG) noisy-channel model. A probabilistic syntactic language model scores the fluency of each analysis, and a maximum-entropy model selects the most likely analysis given the language model score and other features. Fillers are detected independently via a small set of deterministic rules, and IPs are detected by combining the output of repair and filler detection modules. In the recent Rich Transcription Fall 2004 (RT-04F) blind evaluation, systems competed to detect these three forms of disfluency under two input conditions: a best-case scenario of manually transcribed words and a fully automatic case of automatic speech recognition (ASR) output. For all three tasks and on both types of input, our system was the top performer in the evaluation
Are revenue forecasts rational? Evidence surrounding Reg FD

I test the rationality of analysts' revenue forecasts for a sample of value and growth stocks, which have been shown to have different valuation properties in previous research. Using one-quarter-ahead revenue forecasts and actual sales figures in a firm-by-firm and panel setting in the period 1997 to 2007, I find that all revenue forecasts are rational and actually improved after the introduction of regulation fair disclosure, albeit in larger proportion for value stocks.
The Contribution of the Mouse in Hazard Identification Studies

Because three is usually more extensive toxicity, metabolism, and pharmacokinetic information for pharmaceuticals as opposed to environmental agents, including pesticides, the argument has been made that carcinogenicity testing in two rodent species may not have been necessary for carcinogenicity testing of pharmaceuticals. On the basis of numerical data only, it may be argued that carcinogenicity testing of pharmaceuticals in one species, typically the rat, is sufficient to identify potential human carcinogens. The argument that testing in a second species, typically the mouse, is redundant overlooks the value added by the second species carcinogenicity study. Bioassay data from the second species allows balance and perspective in evaluating the observed effects, and this is especially critical when there is a marginal, questionable, or inconclusive response in one species. Utilization of two species for carcinogen identification is the principal means for identifying trans-species carcinogens-those mostly likely to be carcinogenic in humans. Given that neither rat nor mouse are ideal surrogates for humans, concordant data from both species strengthens the ability to extrapolate findings to humans. We believe that testing in two species should continue to be the default approach used for carcinogen hazard identification whenever scientifically indicated until such time that acceptable and suitable alternatives are available. To utilize only one species for this important means of protecting human health is premature at this time.
Surface lipids of Trifolium species

Abstract Fatty acids comprised 27.7 and 30.3% of the surface lipids of Trifolium pratense and T. resupinatum , respectively. The hydrocarbons contained 1
Estuarine circulation and predicted oyster larval dispersal among a network of reserves

Abstract A critical component to understanding connectivity of isolated populations of marine organisms (i.e., metapopulations) is quantifying hydrodynamic paths of dispersal, and variation in the strength of these hydrodynamic connections. We replicated 3-dimensional wind-driven circulation patterns in Pamlico Sound (PS), North Carolina, USA using a numerical hydrodynamic model (ADCIRC, ADvanced CIRCulation) in conjunction with a particle-tracking model (PTM) to predict larval dispersal of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) and estimate connectivity among a network of ten no-take oyster broodstock reserves in PS to inform restoration efforts. ADCIRC was forced with wind observations, which were predominately southwesterly during May–November 2007 when oyster larvae were dispersing in PS. Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers and surface drifters were used to validate ADCIRC-predicted current velocities and PTM-predicted larval dispersal, respectively. ADCIRC reliably predicted current velocities at different locations in PS, especially currents near-surface (R = 0.6, lags 0.5) the total and net distance transported by drifters, which ranged from 1 to 63 km and 0.3–42 km, respectively over ≤7 days. Potential oyster larval connectivity was not uniform among broodstock reserves in PS. Of the 100 possible connections, 24 were present. Eight of the 10 reserves provided ≥ one inter-reserve connection, with 4 being the most. Self-recruitment occurred at all but one reserve. Spatial variation in the degree of potential oyster larval connectivity in PS, combined with evidence for spatiotemporal dynamics of oyster populations, provides strong evidence for an oyster metapopulation and possibly source-sink dynamics within the network of no-take reserves.
Enhanced on-wafer time-domain waveform measurement through removal of interconnect dispersion and measurement instrument jitter

We have measured the output waveshape and rise time of two high-speed digital circuits on a wafer using a 50-GHz prototype of a new instrument. The instrument uses vector error correction to de-embed the component under test like a network analyzer, but reads out in the time domain after the fashion of an equivalent-time oscilloscope. With the calibration plane of the instrument set at the tips of the wafer probes, errors arising from dispersion in the connection hardware are removed. We show that the random jitter in the measurement system is removed without the convolution penalty usually incurred by averaging so that anomalies such as pattern-dependent jitter are exposed. The system rise time is 7 ps, compared to a system rise time of 12-13 ps for a conventional equivalent-time oscilloscope of the same bandwidth in the presence of wafer probes, bias networks, and cables.
Layering strategies for creating exploitable structure in linear and integer programs

The strategy of subdividing optimization problems into layers by splitting variables into multiple copies has proved useful as a method for inducing exploitable structure in a variety of applications, particularly those involving embedded pure and generalized networks. A framework is proposed in this paper which leads to new relaxation and restriction methods for linear and integer programming based on our extension of this strategy. This framework underscores the use of constructions that lead to stronger relaxations and more flexible strategies than previous applications. Our results establish the equivalence of all layered Lagrangeans formed by parameterizing the equal value requirement of copied variables for different choices of the principal layers. It is further shown that these Lagrangeans dominate traditional Lagrangeans based on incorporating non-principal layers into the objective function. In addition a means for exploiting the layered Lagrangeans is provided by generating subgradients based on a simple averaging calculation. Finally, we show how this new layering strategy can be augmented by an integrated relaxation/restriction procedure, and indicate variations that can be employed to particular advantage in a parallel processing environment. Preliminary computational results on fifteen real world zero-one personnel assignment problems, comparing two layering approaches with five procedures previously found best for those problems, are encouraging. One of the layering strategies tested dominated all non-layering procedures in terms of both quality and solution time.
ICSI‐generated mouse zygotes exhibit altered calcium oscillations, inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor‐1 down‐regulation, and embryo development

ICSI bypasses not only fusion of the gametes but also a series of signalling events that occur in the sperm prior to and during interaction with the oocyte's vestments. The effect of this altered encounter of the gametes on the fertilization-associated intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) oscillations has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, ICSI and IVF were performed using gametes from two mouse strains, B6D2F1 and CD1, and in-vitro development, pattern of [Ca2+]i oscillations and down-regulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-1 (IP3R-1) in the produced embryos were compared. ICSI and IVF resulted in comparable rates of activation and pre-implantation development. However, ICSI-generated zygotes cleaved at a slower rate, had lower cell numbers and lower hatching rates. The deleterious effects of ICSI could not be exclusively attributed to the injury by the injection since sham-injected IVF zygotes only exhibited delayed progression to the blastocyst stage. ICSI and IVF induced similar initial [Ca2+]i responses, although ICSI zygotes exhibited shorter durations of [Ca2+]i oscillations and showed diminished degradation of IP3R-1. Importantly, sperm manipulation affected the pattern of oscillations, which further decreased pre-implantation developmental rates. Our results demonstrate that ICSI-induced [Ca2+]i responses are not equivalent to those initiated by IVF and that this may have developmental consequences.
A Broad-Host-Range, Generalized Transducing Phage (SN-T) Acquires 16S rRNA Genes from Different Genera of Bacteria

Genomic analysis has revealed heterogeneity among bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences within a single species; yet the cause(s) remains uncertain. Generalized transducing bacteriophages have recently gained recognition for their abundance as well as their ability to affect lateral gene transfer and to harbor bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences. Here, we demonstrate the ability of broad-host-range, generalized transducing phages to acquire 16S rRNA genes and gene sequences. Using PCR and primers specific to conserved regions of the 16S rRNA gene, we have found that generalized transducing phages (D3112, UT1, and SN-T), but not specialized transducing phages (D3), acquired entire bacterial 16S rRNA genes. Furthermore, we show that the broad-host-range, generalized transducing phage SN-T is capable of acquiring the 16S rRNA gene from two different genera: Sphaerotilus natans, the host from which SN-T was originally isolated, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In sequential infections, SN-T harbored only 16S rRNA gene sequences of the final host as determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The frequency of 16S rRNA gene sequences in SN-T populations was determined to be 1 x 10(-9) transductants/PFU. Our findings further implicate transduction in the horizontal transfer of 16S rRNA genes between different species or genera of bacteria.
Atomistic and Coarse-Grained Models for Biomolecular Simulations

My talk will describe various theoretical approaches that allow for analysis and interpretation of hydration properties of peptides, bulk water structure properties, and biomolecular crowding. I will also introduce new theoretical models and methods that include direct and mutual polarization of aqueous solvent and how they can be used for computing relevant experimental observables for high quality interpretations of those experiments.
Visual Attention Circuitry in Schizophrenia Investigated With Oddball Event-Related Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objective: Schizophrenia patients have problems directing attention. Sustained attention requires ensuring that brain resources are focused on a selected target (top-down task) while ignoring irrelevant distractors (bottom-up interference). Whether patients have too little ability to focus or too much interference from distraction has not been clarified. The oddball paradigm embeds infrequent targets and distractors into the stimulus train, and schizophrenia deficits have been linked to diminished responses to both. Cerebral activity underlying abnormal attention can be examined with event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging. Method: A visual oddball task was presented to 22 patients with schizophrenia and 28 comparison subjects. Statistical probability maps reflecting blood-oxygenation-level-dependent changes were generated for infrequent targets and novel distractors relative to frequent standard stimuli. Activation was related to performance and symptoms. Results: Activation specific to targe...
Lectotypifications of ten names of North American taxa in Clusiaceae, Elatinaceae, Ericaceae, Primulaceae, and Violaceae

Lectotypes are selected for 10 names inHypericum (Clusiaceae),Elatine (Elatinaceae),Arctostaphylos andVaccinium (Ericaceae),Androsace (Primulaceae), andViola (Violaceae).
The Impact of 9/11 and Other Terrible Global Events on Tourism in the United States and Hawaii:

This article reviews recent trends in travel and tourism in the United States and Hawaii to ascertain how the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and subsequent terrible global events affected tourism flows. United States tourism has not recovered fully from 9/11 and other international shocks; indeed, recovery may be a long way off. By contrast, Hawaii tourism is enjoying robust growth in the aftermath of 9/11 as growth in tourist arrivals from the mainland has offset declines in international visitors. We suggest that Hawaii’s current tourism boom is explained in part by the diversion of United States travel from foreign travel. The article demonstrates the usefulness of vector error correction models to generate dynamic visitor forecasts, which we use to determine whether tourism in Hawaii has recovered fully from 9/11 and other terrible international events. The article considers policy options for facilitating the recovery of international tourism to the United States.
Ingestive Behavior of Day-Old Chicks

Abstract Although the common husbandry practice is to have both feed and water available when chicks are placed in the pen, they may be presented either successively (at different times) or simultaneously (in the form of a choice). Dawkins (1968 Dawkins (1969) has discussed the theory of these procedures on the pecking and ingestive behavior of chicks. This note includes findings from preliminary trials on the ingestive behavior of day-old clicks that may have application to husbandry practices. Meat-type chicks were hatched individually and maintained in visual isolation without food or water until testing at 24 ± 6 hours posthatching. Testing was in a 21×28 cm. compartment with shavings on the floor and brown walls that were 15 cm. high. The temperature of the room was maintained at approximately 34°C. Food and water were supplied in identical containers which were opaque white cups 5.7 cm. in diameter and 5.7 cm. high. When. . .
Climate affects symbiotic fungal endophyte diversity and performance

Premise of the study Fungal endophytes are symbionts that inhabit aboveground tissues of most terrestrial plants and can affect plant physiology and growth under stressed conditions. In a future faced with substantial climate change, endophytes have the potential to play an important role in plant stress resistance. Understanding both the distributions of endophytes and their functioning in symbiosis with plants are key aspects of predicting their role in an altered climate. Methods Here we characterized endophytes in grasses across a steep precipitation gradient to examine the relative importance of environmental and spatial factors in structuring endophyte communities. We also tested how 20 endophytes isolated from drier and wetter regions performed in symbiosis with grass seedlings under high and low soil moisture in the greenhouse. Key results Environmental factors related to historical and current precipitation were the most important predictors of endophyte communities in the field. On average, endophytic fungi from western sites also reduced plant water loss in the greenhouse compared to fungi from eastern sites. However, there was substantial variability in how individual endophytic taxa affected plant traits under high and low water availability, with up to two orders of magnitude difference in the plasticity of plant traits conferred by the different fungal taxa. Conclusions While species sorting appears to largely explain local endophyte community composition, their function in symbiosis is not predictable from local environmental conditions. The development of a predictive framework for endophyte function will require further study of individual fungal taxa and genotypes across environmental gradients.