cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethical Considerations in the Psychosocial Process

The author presents and discusses the findings of a research study on ethical issues identified by clinical social workers at all phases of the social work process. Results indicate the need for et...
Disparities in Level of Amputation Among Minorities: Implications for Improved Preventative Care

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between race and level of amputation and to discuss the implications if a disparity was found. Methods From the 2003 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 80 845 (weighted) discharges with a diagnosis of vascular disease and black or white race were evaluated for a disparity in level of amputation. Level of amputation was categorized using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes into above-knee and below-knee amputation. SPSS 15.0 complex samples software (SPSS Inc, Chicago, Illinois) was used for univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. Results Bivariate (p Conclusions Black race is significantly more associated with above-knee amputation when compared to white race. The consequences of higher-level evaluation could lend to disparities in overall health between the black and white races.
Novel Transcription Start Site for Murine AChE

Evidence is accumulating to suggest more than one functional promoter in the gene for murine acetylcholinesterase (Ache). Previously, we detected moderately strong activity (12.5 times background) when a DNA sequence upstream of the established promoter was coupled to a luciferase reporter in neuroblastoma cells. When this sequence and the distal promoter were joined in the same reporter construct, activity was six times greater than with either alone. Elements from the upstream sequence have now been demonstrated in freshly prepared cDNA from mouse brain and in a commercial cDNA preparation designed for RACE (Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends). With both templates, PCR reactions using appropriate primers amplified a transcript whose 5’ end began at position −626 relative to the translation start codon. Strikingly, this cDNA sequence matched that of murine Ache down through position −335 but, beginning with the next nucleotide, switched to the 5’ end of exon 2 (position −22). Thus, the putative alternative promoter appears to drive transcription in a manner that deletes exon 1, substituting a new exon 1a (as in Torpedo Ache). It is worth noting that the nucleotide sequence of exon 1a contains two ATG codons upstream of the open reading frame. However, a stop codon occurs within thirty nucleotides downstream of each potential translation start site. Therefore, exon 1a is unlikely to participate in protein coding or yield variant amino acid sequences.
Acoustic Dosimetry for Sonochemistry

If it is reported that a certain aqueous chemical reaction occurs at, say, 70°C, it is relatively straightforward to replicate reproducibly that aqueous chemical reaction in any other laboratory. If, however, it is reported that the same reaction occurred twice as fast at 70°C when it was also sonicated for 20 minutes in an ultrasonic cleaning bath, it would be quite difficult to duplicate this reaction occurrence. While, similar temperature environments can be easily achieved, similar acoustic environments can be ensured only with elaborate deliberations. The intensive property, temperature, is bulk independent and is easily monitored and maintained; uniform temperatures are easy to thermostat. The acoustic field on the other hand can be complex, context determined and needs careful specification before replication can be attempted. In discussing ultrasonic dosimetry here, we will attempt to provide pointers for specifying and implementing sound fields meaningfully.
Ethical Issues Surrounding Resuscitation

Clinicians and parents often find themselves with difficult decision making problems related to extremely premature birth or fetal malformations. This article examines these issues, the role of parents and clinicians in the decision, and a process from decision making, with medical ethical, social, and legal perspectives. Case examples are used to highlight certain issues. The authors also present practical advice and conclusions for the clinician.
Introduction to suggestion theory

For each decision problem there is a competence set consisting of ideas, knowledge, information and skills for its satisfactory solution. When the decision has actually acquired and mastered the competence set, he/she will be able to solve the problem; on the other hand, when the decision maker thinks he/she has already acquired and mastered the competence set as perceived, he/she will feel confident and comfortable making the decision and/or undertaking the challenge. Therefore, as consultant, how do we suggest to help the decision maker successfully expand his/her competence set with minimal time/cost is very important.
THE PATHOLOGY OF NOSOCOMIAL PNEUMONIA

Of patients who die in the intensive care unit (ICU), the mortality rate is significantly higher in those who develop nosocomial bacterial pneumonias. Pneumonia is difficult to diagnose clinically in patients with acute lung injury, so the "gold standard" for a pneumonia diagnosis has been its histopathologic presence in autopsy lung specimens. The potential pitfalls in the proper sampling of the lung at autopsy and how the histopathological appearance may be altered in a diffusely injured lung are discussed. Pathologists are encouraged to carefully analyze and evaluate bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and protected specimen brush (PSB) specimens obtained from patients before death to help determine if pneumonia is present.
Association of HLA-DQA1 gene polymorphisms with the risk of children primary nephrotic syndrome in Chinese population.

Background The association between gene polymorphisms and the risk of primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) is uncovering recently. This study aims to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on HLA-DQA1 gene and the risk of PNS. Methods In this study, we genotyped eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HLA-DQA1 gene in 501 PNS patients and 532 healthy people in Chinese population. Then we analyzed associations of these SNPs with the clinical features in primary nephrotic syndrome of children in Chinese population. Results Significant associations with PNS were found on missense SNP rs1129740 (GG vs AA, odds ratio (OR) = 1.987, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.468-2.652, P = 0.00177049) and rs1047992 (AA vs GG, OR = 1.857, 95% CI = 1.325-2.391, P = 1.1073E-10) of the HLA-DQA1 gene. Conclusions This work suggests SNPs of HLA-DQA1 are risk factors for PNS in Chinese population, which implies roles of immune response in the pathogenesis of PNS.
The Design of Renewable Fuel Mandates and Cost Containment Mechanisms

Policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels often take the form of renewable fuel mandates rather than taxes or cap-and-trade programs. Delays in the development and deployment of new technologies when binding mandates exist for their use may lead to situations with high compliance costs. We study the effects and efficiency of two mandates, a renewable share mandate and a carbon intensity standard, with and without a cost containment mechanism. Using both a theoretical model of a regulated fuel industry and a numerical model of the U.S. fuel market, we show that cost containment mechanisms can have the benefit of both constraining compliance costs and limiting deadweight loss. According to our numerical results, an optimally set mandate alone leads to only modest gains over business as usual welfare levels. The efficiency of both policies, especially carbon intensity standards, can increase substantially when combined with a cost containment mechanism.
Environmental reactivity of solid-state hydrogen storage systems: Fundamental testing and evaluation

Abstract In order to enable the commercial acceptance of solid-state hydrogen storage materials and systems it is important to understand the risks associated with the environmental exposure of various materials. In some instances, these materials are sensitive to the environment surrounding the material and the behavior is unique and independent to each material. The development of testing procedures to evaluate a material’s behavior with different environmental exposures is a critical need. In some cases material modifications may be needed in order to reduce the risk of environmental exposure. We have redesigned two standardized UN tests for clarity and exactness; the burn rate and self-heating tests. The results of these and other UN tests are shown for ammonia borane, NH3BH3, and alane, AlH3. The burn rate test showed a strong dependence on the preparation method of aluminum hydride as the particle size and trace amounts of solvent greatly influence the test results. The self-heating test for ammonia borane showed a failed test as low as 70 °C in a modified cylindrical form. Finally, gas phase calorimetry was performed and resulted in an exothermic behavior within an air and 30%RH environment.
Repair of the Blood Brain Barrier with Neutrophil Recovery Following HSCT for Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy

Introduction Cerebral leukodystrophy is an X-linked peroxisomal disease characterized by mutations in the ABCD1 gene, resulting in the lack of very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) transport into peroxisomes. Resultant VLCFA build up in the blood and tissues leads to adrenal gland insufficiency in 95% of boys and an inflammatory cerebral demyelinating process in 40% of patients, which is progressive and most often fatal (cALD). A key clinical feature of cALD is disruption of the blood brain barrier (BBB) illustrated by gadolinium (gad) contrast enhancement on brain MRI at diagnosis and as an indicator of "active" cerebral disease. Only hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) has been shown to halt cerebral disease progression. After HSCT, gad enhancement resolves in 90% of cases by 100 days post HSCT in our experience. Objective A seminal question in the field is how recovery of donor-derived hematopoiesis relates to BBB repair and gad resolution. Methods We evaluated the pre-HSCT characteristics and 1-year post-HSCT outcomes in 66 boys undergoing marrow or umbilical cord blood HSCT for cALD. Results The median total nucleated cell (TNC) dose was 0.8 × 108 cells/kg and CD34+ cell dose was 1.27 × 106 cells/kg. Pre-HSCT characteristics included: cALD on MRI quantified using the Loes scoring system, neurologic disability using the neurologic function scale (NFS), plasma and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) chitotriosidase level, and intensity of gadolinium on pre-HSCT MRI (gad score). We found 77% boys had gad resolution by day +28 (early) post-HSCT and 90% had gad resolution by day +100 (later) post-HSCT. Patients with gad resolution by day +60 post-HSCT had lower Loes scores at 1-year (p = 0.008), lower absolute NFS (p = 0.004), and less progression of neurologic symptoms (post-HSCT NFS – pre-HSCT NFS, p = 0.02). Importantly, we found neutrophil recovery occurred at a mean of 16 days in the patients with day +60 gad resolution compared to 20 days in those without gad resolution (p = 0.008). Other factors associated with early gad resolution were: lower Loes score (p = 0.003), lower NFS (p = 0.003), lower plasma chitotriosidase (p = 0.02), lower CSF chitotriosidase (p = 0.02), and lower gad score (p = 0.02). On multivariate analysis, only the day of neutrophil recovery post-HSCT remained significant with p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in cell dose between the groups. In patients with graft failure, day +60 gad resolution occurred in only 8% (n = 18, p = 0.01). Conclusion This is the first study to link neutrophil recovery following HSCT and early repair of the BBB (gadolinium resolution). This is an important observation, as gad resolution is thought to be an indicator of cerebral disease arrest and activity of neuroinflammation. This observation may also serve as a useful biomarker as new therapies for cALD are being developed, including gene therapy and CD34 expansion.
COMMON ISSUES, LIMITED OPTIONS: CHALLENGES FACED AND LESSONS LEARNED IN THE OUTPATIENT AND INPATIENT MANAGEMENT OF PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS: Session 309

Abstract Late-life psychosis presents clinicians with a unique set of treatment challenges. Compared to younger adults, older adults face more treatment barriers related to cognitive decline that can result in decreased medication adherence, a crucial component for successful management of psychotic disorders. With the use of LAI agents increasing to address issues related to adherence, clinicians are often faced with the challenge of managing these regimens in the absence of specific guidelines. Given there is limited data on the comparative safety/efficacy of individual antipsychotic agents in older adults, it is important to shed awareness on the types of clinical challenges providers may encounter and discuss treatment strategies currently being used in practice.
Predator-Prey Interactions in the Anthropocene: Reconciling Multiple Aspects of Novelty.

Ecological novelty, when conditions deviate from a historical baseline, is increasingly common as humans modify habitats and communities across the globe. Our ability to anticipate how novelty changes predator–prey interactions will likely hinge upon the explicit evaluation of multiple forms of novelty, rather than a focus on single forms of novelty (e.g., invasive predators or climate change). We provide a framework to assess how multiple forms of novelty can act, alone or in concert, on components shared by all predator–prey interactions (the predation sequence). Considering how novelty acts throughout the predation sequence could improve our understanding of predator–prey interactions in an increasingly novel world, identify important knowledge gaps, and guide conservation decisions in the Anthropocene.
Significantly lower annual rates of neoplastic progression in short- compared to long-segment non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background Although shorter lengths of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) have been associated with a lower risk of neoplastic progression, precise estimates have varied, especially for non-dysplastic BE (NDBE) only. Therefore, current US guidelines do not provide specific recommendations on surveillance intervals based on BE length. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature to examine neoplastic progression rates of NDBE based on BE length. Methods PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Embase were comprehensively searched. Studies reporting progression rates in patients with NDBE and > 1 year of follow-up were included. The number of patients progressing to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and high grade dysplasia (HGD)/EAC in individual studies and the mean follow-up were recorded to derive person-years of follow-up. Pooled rates of progression to EAC and HGD/EAC based on BE length ( Results Of the 486 initial studies identified, 10 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. These included a total of 4097 NDBE patients; 1979 with short-segment BE (SSBE; 10 773 person-years of follow-up) and 2118 with long-segment BE (LSBE; 12 868 person-years). The annual rates of progression to EAC were significantly lower for SSBE compared with LSBE: 0.06 % (95 % confidence interval 0.01 % – 0.10 %) vs. 0.31 % (0.21 % – 0.40 %), respectively; odds ratio (OR) 0.25 (0.11 – 0.56); P Conclusion The results demonstrate significantly lower rates of neoplastic progression in NDBE patients with SSBE compared with LSBE. BE length can easily be used for risk stratification purposes for NDBE patients undergoing surveillance endoscopy and consideration should be given to tailoring surveillance intervals based on BE length in future US guidelines.
Characterization of Near-Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy for In-Line Monitoring of a Low-Drug Load Formulation in a Continuous Manufacturing Process.

Reflectance spectroscopy is an excellent candidate for process analytical technology (PAT) applications in continuous manufacturing of pharmaceutical tablets. Spectroscopic methods provide a real-t...
Ethical Aspects of Psychotherapy

Major ethical issues in psychotherapy relate to its values and goals, and to the powerful and private nature of the therapeutic relationship.
How 16,000 people used a smartphone magnifier app in their daily lives.

Smartphone video magnifier apps are being used by millions of people to assist their vision. To understand the behaviour of app users, an exploratory investigation was conducted based on ‘big data’...
Dissolution and Vertical Transport of Uranium from Stable Mineral Forms by Plants as Influenced by the Co-occurrence of Uranium with Phosphorus.

Plants could mobilize (dissolution followed by vertical transport) uranium (U) from mineral forms that are otherwise stable. However, the variability of this plant-mediated mobilization of U as a f...
Gas-Driven Tensile Fracturing in Shallow Marine Sediments

The flow of gas through shallow marine sediments is an important component of the global carbon cycle and affects methane release to the ocean and atmosphere as well as submarine slope stability. S...
Robotic-Assisted versus Manual Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Crossover Cohort: What Did Patients Prefer?

BACKGROUND Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty represents an increasingly utilized surgical technology; however, there remains clinical question whether the technique produces improved clinical and patient-reported outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate early clinical outcomes and patient preference of robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) versus manual TKA (mTKA) in a direct crossover cohort of patients who underwent consecutive TKAs by each technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective chart review and telephone interview was performed on 36 patients who underwent both rTKA and mTKA by a single surgeon between 2012-2018. Perioperative outcomes-complications/reoperations and patient-preferred technique-were collected with mean clinical follow up of 4.8 and 2.0 years for mTKA and rTKA, respectively. RESULTS mTKA were performed significantly (p<0.01) more quickly than rTKA, including shorter tourniquet time (56 versus 73 minutes) and total operating room time (93 versus 116 minutes). rTKA patients length of stay (LOS) was significantly (p<0.01) decreased (1.8 days) compared to mTKA (2.3 days). For rTKA and mTKA, respectively, there was no difference in final range of motion (119 versus 122 degrees), Visual Analog Scale (1.6 versus 0.9), or Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Jr (85 versus 87). Twenty (56%) reported rTKA as the preferred technique over mTKA. CONCLUSION In same patient direct comparison, rTKA required longer operative time but improved LOS compared to mTKA. There was no difference in final outcomes with only slightly more patients preferring rTKA.
Quantifying rail transit investments with appropriate measures and metrics

An evaluation is carried out to quantify measures for an on-going rail transit investment project. The project involves enhancing the connectivity between San Onofre to Pulgas in the Southern California Region. In this project, a single track is expanded into double line second track construction with a planned completion in the year 2022. The line currently serves both freight and passenger rail at present. With an investment of $30 million in the San Onofre to Pulgas Double Track Phase 2, the following percentage changes would be noted in the short term: the increase in stop-level accessibility along the route of 200%, GHG emission reduction of 1.22%, percentage ridership and boarding increase along the route of 15.8%, travel time reduction of 36%, and resource utilisation increase of 32.3%. The findings are useful for policy makers in assessing investment outcome on intercity passenger rail transportation in California.
Game-based movement facilitates acute priming effect in stroke.

Cortical priming is an emerging strategy to enhance motor recovery after stroke, however, limited information exists on the neuromodulatory effects of lower limb movement-based priming to facilitat...
A Patient in Need of a Red Cell Exchange

Author(s): Perez-Alvarez, Ingrid; Crews, Bridgit O; Woo, Jennifer S; Rezk, Sherif; Tran, Minh-Ha
Conformational Switching through the One-Electron Reduction of an Acridinium-based, γ-Cationic Phosphine Gold Complex

Our efforts in the chemistry of gold complexes featuring ambiphilic phosphine-carbenium L/Z-type ligand have led us to consider the reduction of the carbenium moiety as a means to modulate the gold-carbenium interaction present in these complexes. Here, we show that the one-electron reduction of [( o -Ph 2 P(C 6 H 4 )Acr)AuCl] + (Acr = 9- N -methylacridinium) produces a neutral stable radical, the structure of which shows a marked increase in the Au - Acr distance. Related structural changes are observed for the phosphine oxide analog [( o -Ph 2 P(O)(C 6 H 4 )Acr] + , the reduction of which also interferes with the P=O - carbenium interaction. These structural effects, driven by a reduction-induced change in the electrostatic potential profile of the compounds, show that the charge and accepting properties of the carbenium unit can be modulated. These results highlight the redox-noninnocence of carbenium Z-type ligand, a feature that can be exploited to induce specific conformational changes.
Academic skills, self-perceptions, and grades in university students with a history of multiple concussions: the mediating roles of processing speed and psychological symptoms.

This study determined if university students with a history of multiple concussions may be at risk for academic difficulties and poor academic performance. We investigated if executive functioning, processing speed, and/or psychological symptoms might partially account for differences in academic performance of students with and without a history of multiple concussions. University students with a history of three or more concussions (n = 58), one concussion (n = 57), or no concussion (n = 57) completed academic, cognitive, and psychological assessments. Students with a history of multiple concussions read fewer words per minute and reported more learning difficulties than the no concussion group. Processing speed mediated the association between concussion status and reading rate. Psychological symptoms mediated the association between concussion status and self-reported learning difficulties. University students with a history of multiple concussions may be at risk for poor academic outcomes due, at least in part, to slower processing speed and psychological symptoms.Treatment of psychological symptoms, cognitive rehabilitation to augment processing speed, and academic accommodations might improve academic outcomes for students with a history of three or more concussions.
Temperature Control of an Air Shower

Accuracy and repeatability in measurement is a primary concern in improving and maintaining the quality of a product in an industry. In the case of coordinate measuring machines, these factors are affected due to the ambient conditions. Specifically, change in temperature affects machine geometry and causes positioning errors. As a result, temperature and humidity control inside the housing has become an important and integrated concern of measuring machine. This research concentrates on the modeling, design, control and validation of an air shower to meet a 20 ± 0.1 oC specification. The air shower researched here was initially analyzed manually by comparing it with previous models thereby determining problems with air intake duct, drip pan, temperature and humidity sensor, and the radiators. To address these areas the existing setup was modified by (1) changing the volumetric flow rate of air into the air shower, (2) changing the location of the temperature and humidity sensor, and (3) constraining the flow of air only through the dehumidifier radiator. The cooling radiator which was the primary source of thermal load owing to its size was tested statically to facilitate its redesign using the values of the input and output temperatures, of cooling water and air thereby estimating the new length of the radiator to be approximately 3.5m as compared to the current length of 60m.
A new scoring system for predicting survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

This analysis was performed to create a scoring system to estimate the survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Data from 1274 NSCLC patients were analyzed to create and validate a scoring system. Univariate (UV) and multivariate (MV) Cox models were used to evaluate the prognostic importance of each baseline factor. Prognostic factors that were significant on both UV and MV analyses were used to develop the score. These included quality of life, age, performance status, primary tumor diameter, nodal status, distant metastases, and smoking cessation. The score for each factor was determined by dividing the 5-year survival rate (%) by 10 and summing these scores to form a total score. MV models and the score were validated using bootstrapping with 1000 iterations from the original samples. The score for each prognostic factor ranged from 1 to 7 points with higher scores reflective of better survival. Total scores (sum of the scores from each independent prognostic factor) of 32–37 correlated with a 5-year survival of 8.3% (95% CI = 0–17.1%), 38–43 correlated with a 5-year survival of 20% (95% CI = 13–27%), 44–47 correlated with a 5-year survival of 48.3% (95% CI = 41.5–55.2%), 48–49 correlated to a 5-year survival of 72.1% (95% CI = 65.6–78.6%), and 50–52 correlated to a 5-year survival of 84.7% (95% CI = 79.6–89.8%). The bootstrap method confirmed the reliability of the score. Prognostic factors significantly associated with survival on both UV and MV analyses were used to construct a valid scoring system that can be used to predict survival of NSCLC patients. Optimally, this score could be used when counseling patients, and designing future trials.
Teaching Iterativ & Collaborative Design: Lessons and Directions

We describe the motivation for an ongoing series of experiments to enhance a team-based object-oriented software engineering course with a collaborative design tool. The course, which is taught in a single semester to senior undergraduates has achieved success in several dimensions, in particular in its application of object-oriented methods for analysis and design to the associated course project. We have recently started to increase the realism of the course by involving the students increasingly in iterative development, in particular on the system design level. We analyze some of the problems emerging from this decision and identify the key issues that must be addressed to allow for iteration in a single project course. A specific prototype information modeling environment supporting collaborative design is described and its applicability in the classroom is illustrated based on actual material from a recent version of the course.
Fredrick C. Brown, Soft X-ray Science Pioneer: Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Project—The First Years, 1973–1975

Frederick Calvin Brown (1924–2011) pioneered soft X-ray science and enabling instrumentation. A personal recollection is here presented [1] of the story of two worlds in 1973–1975, in which Fred led the initiative which created the foundation for significant scientific contributions enabled by new instrumentation. One world was the industrial sponsorship by the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center under the leadership of Dr. George Pake of our research group in the General Science Lab and the funding, in the other world, of the development at the Stanford Synchrotron Research Project of the 4° Beamline, the world's first dedicated synchrotron source for Soft X-ray Science.
Regionalismo abierto en la Comunidad Andina. ¿Creación o desviación de comercio?

This paper evaluates the extent to which the establishment of the Andean Free Trade Zone (AFTZ) has led to intra-regional trade creation, as promised by open regionalism, or to trade diversion. Open regionalism is a dynamic process in which economic agreements are intermediate steps towards integration with the world economy. The reduction of both policy and natural barriers to intra-regional trade decreases transaction cost, increases returns and levels of investment, and leads to trade creation. This paper calculates ex post income elasticities of import demand, the intensity of trade index , and the propensity to export intra and extra- regionally before (1980-1992) and after (1993-2000) the establishment of the AFTZ. The analysis of ex post income elasticities of import demand shows that the establishment to the AFTZ led to trade creation and to gross trade creation, as the open regionalism view proposes, and not to trade diversion. These results are confirmed by the intensity of trade index and the propensity to export intra and extra-regionally. Additionally, the Andean Community has supported the agenda of becoming part of wider economic agreements such as Mercosur and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), in keeping with the open regionalism approach, to be consistent with the GATT-WTO principles.// Este articulo evalua si el establecimiento de la Zona de Libre Comercio de la Comunidad Andina (ZLCCA) ha llevado a creacion de comercio, como lo propone el regionalismo abierto, o a la desviacion de comercio. El analisis de las elasticidades ingreso de demanda de importaciones ex post antes (1980-1993) y despues (1993-2000) del establecimiento de la ZLCCA indica que esta ha contribuido a creacion de comercio, a desviacion bruta de comercio y no a desviacion de comercio en la Comunidad Andina. Estos resultados son confirmados por el indice de intensidad de comercio y la propension a exportar intra y extrarregionalmente. Ademas, la Comunidad Andina ha apoyado el programa de ser parte de acuerdos amplios de comercio como el Mercosur y el Area de Libre Comercio de las Americas (ALCA), congruente con los principios del GATT-OMC.
Process maps for plasma spray: Part 1: Plasma-particle interactions

This is the first paper of a two part series based on an integrated study carried out at Sandia National Laboratories and the State University of New York at Stony Brook. The aim of the study is to develop a more fundamental understanding of plasma-particle interactions, droplet-substrate interactions, deposit formation dynamics and microstructural development as well as final deposit properties. The purpose is to create models that can be used to link processing to performance. Process maps have been developed for air plasma spray of molybdenum. Experimental work was done to investigate the importance of such spray parameters as gun current, auxiliary gas flow, and powder carrier gas flow. In-flight particle diameters, temperatures, and velocities were measured in various areas of the spray plume. Samples were produced for analysis of microstructures and properties. An empirical model was developed, relating the input parameters to the in-flight particle characteristics. Multi-dimensional numerical simulations of the plasma gas flow field and in-flight particles under different operating conditions were also performed. In addition to the parameters which were experimentally investigated, the effect of particle injection velocity was also considered. The simulation results were found to be in good general agreement with the experimental data.
Thermal conductivity of argon in the temperature range 350 to 2500 K

The thermal conductivity of argon is determined in the temperature range 350–2500 K in a carefully designed conductivity column and is given by within an estimated uncertainty of about ±1·5 per cent. These values, which are derived from heat transfer measurements in the continuum range, are compared with conductivity values obtained from similar data taken in the temperature-jump regime. The k values are also compared with other available conductivity and viscosity data, and with the predictions based on kinetic theory in conjunction with intermolecular potentials, and the principle of corresponding states. These comparisons have led to many interesting conclusions concerning the quality of other experimental data and the appropriateness of different intermolecular potentials. The predictions based on corresponding states appear most reliable.
An analogue of the Riesz–Haviland theorem for the truncated moment problem

Abstract Let β ≡ β ( 2 n ) = { β i } | i | ⩽ 2 n denote a d-dimensional real multisequence, let K denote a closed subset of R d , and let P 2 n : = { p ∈ R [ x 1 , … , x d ] : deg p ⩽ 2 n } . Corresponding to β, the Riesz functional L ≡ L β : P 2 n → R is defined by L ( ∑ a i x i ) : = ∑ a i β i . We say that L is K-positive if whenever p ∈ P 2 n and p | K ⩾ 0 , then L ( p ) ⩾ 0 . We prove that β admits a K-representing measure if and only if L β admits a K-positive linear extension L ˜ : P 2 n + 2 → R . This provides a generalization (from the full moment problem to the truncated moment problem) of the Riesz–Haviland theorem. We also show that a semialgebraic set solves the truncated moment problem in terms of natural “degree-bounded” positivity conditions if and only if each polynomial strictly positive on that set admits a degree-bounded weighted sum-of-squares representation.
Vasopressin excites ventromedial hypothalamic glucose-responsive neurons In vitro

Effects of vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin (OXY), norepinephrine (NE), and glucose on the single-unit activity of hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMN) in tissue slices were studied. While AVP was exclusively excitatory on 58% of the neurons, OXY could be excitatory or inhibitory and affected only 42% of the neurons. There was no correlation between the responses to these two peptides. Each of these two peptides could desensitize neuronal response to itself, but did not cross-desensitize responses to each other. These results indicate that AVP and OXY do not act on the same population of VMN neurons through the same cellular mechanism. Furthermore, only the responses to AVP were correlated to responses to glucose and NE, two agents relevant to central regulation of feeding. This correlation with responses to feeding-relevant agents and the exclusively excitatory action on the VMN, which is involved in the regulation of feeding, suggest that AVP can play a role in the regulation of feeding, particularly the feeding induced by the injection of NE into the paraventricular nucleus, that is known to alter AVP release.
Direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry of fused ring heterocyclic organometallic compounds

Direct analysis in real time (DART) was able to desorb/ionize a series of fused-ring heterocyclic organometallic compounds to allow molecular analysis using a linear ion-trap mass spectrometer. Limited data is available pertaining to the use of ambient ionization with organometallic compounds but the developed analytical method allowed direct sampling of solutions prepared from pure organometallic compounds in dichloromethane to generate signals in the positive mode. A protonated molecule was detected (even when a charged ring structure was present) but signal intensity was dependent on the organometallic compound with respect to the specific metal–ligand interaction of the molecule as well as the helium gas temperature in the DART ion source. In addition, dimer formation for compounds was also observed. Tandem mass spectrometry was also possible to verify the tricarbonyl groups from the organometallic compound and show relative differences with respect to metal coordination. The desorption/ionization of these heterocyclic organometallic compounds with DART potentially gives synthetic chemists another ionization choice for rapid reaction product monitoring.
Heavy Traffic Approximations of a Queue with Varying Service Rates and General Arrivals

Heavy traffic limit theorems are established for a class of single server queueing models including those with heavy-tailed or long-range dependent arrivals and time-varying service rates. The models are motivated by wireless queueing systems for which there is an increasing evidence of the presence of heavy-tailed or long-range dependent arrivals, and where the service rates vary with the changes in the wireless medium. The main focus of the paper is to obtain the different possible limit processes that can arise depending on the relationship between scalings for both the arrival and departure processes. The limit processes obtained here are driven by either Brownian motion (when the contribution from the departure process dominates the limit) or the limits of properly scaled arrivals (when the contribution from the arrival process dominates the limit), typical examples being stable Levy motion or fractional Brownian motion. In particular, for the case where arrival process is given by the infinite sourc...
A network-related nuclear power model with an intelligent branch-and-bound solution approach

This paper presents a network model with discrete requirements for a nuclear power plant. The model determines the batch size and timing for nuclear unit refueling and how much energy should be produced by nuclear and non-nuclear units for each time period to satisfy forecasted demand with minimum total operating costs over the planning horizon. Efficient modeling and solution strategies are developed which constitute a merger of operations research and artificial intelligence. A branch-and-bound solution approach is combined with a pattern recognition component, involving non-parametric discrimination analyses, to select branching variables and directions. By coupling this approach with network optimization techniques to exploit the underlying network structure of the problem, substantial improvements are obtained both in solution quality and solution efficiency.
Photosynthetic water oxidation: insights from manganese model chemistry.

ConspectusCatalysts for light-driven water oxidation are a critical component for development of solar fuels technology. The multielectron redox chemistry required for this process has been successfully deployed on a global scale in natural photosynthesis by green plants and cyanobacteria using photosystem II (PSII). PSII employs a conserved, cuboidal Mn4CaOX cluster called the O2-evolving complex (OEC) that offers inspiration for artificial O2-evolution catalysts.In this Account, we describe our work on manganese model chemistry relevant to PSII, particularly the functional model [MnIII/IV2(terpy)2(μ-O)2(OH2)2](NO3)3 complex (terpy = 2,2′;6′,2″-terpyridine), a mixed-valent di-μ-oxo Mn dimer with two terminal aqua ligands. In the presence of oxo-donor oxidants such as HSO5–, this complex evolves O2 by two pathways, one of which incorporates solvent water in an O–O bond-forming reaction. Deactivation pathways of this catalyst include comproportionation to form an inactive MnIVMnIV dimer and also degradatio...
CARDIAC MYOSIN-BINDING PROTEIN C PHOSPHORYLATION ENHANCES CARDIAC RELAXATION

Cardiac myosin-binding protein-C (MyBPC3), a thick filament protein that inhibits myosin-actin interaction to slow cross-bridge cycling, has been implicated in diastolic dysfunction. MyBPC3 phosphorylation releases this inhibition; thus, we hypothesize that MyBPC3 phosphorylation promotes lusitropy
Domain of validity of HRR fields in ductile crystals

Abstract A finite element model based on single crystal plasticity was adopted to examine the domain of validity of HRR fields (J.W. Hutchinson, 1968, J. Mech. Phys. Solids 16, 13–31; J.R. Rice and G.F. Rosengren 1968, J. Mech. Phys. Solids, 16, 1–12.). The finite element solution shows that the domain of validity of HRR fields increases as the hardening exponent n increases, from 0.4% of the overall plastic zone size for n = 3, to 5% of the overall plastic zone size for n = 20. Both the finite element and the asymptotic solution of M. Saeedvafa and J.R. Rice (1989, J. Mech. Phys. Solids, 37, 673–691) converge to the discontinuous stress field of J.R. Rice's (1987, Mech. Mater. 6, 317–335.) solution for ideally plastic material as n gets large. Even though both the strains and displacements of the HRR singular field remain continuous in the ideally plastic limit (as opposed to Rice's solution for ideally plastic material in which the strains were limited to zones of highly concentrated shearing across sector boundaries) the contours of constant total slip on all systems show various peaks and troughs at sector boundaries, with the width of these contours getting narrower as the hardening exponent increases, and thus approaching the highly concentrated shearing zones of Rice's field.
The Imperative of Influenza Vaccines for Elderly Individuals—An Evolving Story

If past history is predictive, during the 2009–2010 influenza season ~1 out of every 8333 Americans will die as a result of influenza and its complications. Although influenza kills ~36,000 Americans every year, >90% of those deaths occur among individuals aged ≥65 years [1]. A long-standing recommendation in the United States has been to administer influenza vaccine to those aged ≥65 years on an annual basis. Antiviral drugs also provide prophylaxis and/or treatment for this high-risk age group, but influenza A viruses (i.e., the type most likely to cause morbidity and mortality in this age group) demonstrate worrisome resistance patterns to both the class of adamantane drugs, and more recently, to oseltamivir [2]. Influenza in elderly individuals also leads to substantial morbidity, diminution of the capacity to perform the usual activities of daily living, and excess medical costs. This leads to increases in influenza-related health care costs, as well as increased morbidity and mortality rates, which are of particular concern as population demographics reveal an increasingly older population. The estimated annual direct and indirect influenza-related costs in the United States are estimated at $90 billion, with almost 611,000 life-years lost annually [3]. Influenza has also become a more virulent disease with rising levels of associated mortality, despite increasing rates of influenza vaccination [1]. For all these reasons, serious and sustained scientific and public health policy attention must be placed on the prevention of influenza in the elderly population by use of vaccines.
Anthrax edema toxin inhibits Nox1-mediated formation of reactive oxygen species by colon epithelial cells

One major route of intoxication by Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores is via their ingestion and subsequent uptake by the intestinal epithelium. Anthrax edema toxin (ETx) is an adenylate cyclase that causes persistent elevation of cAMP in intoxicated cells. NADPH oxidase enzymes (Nox1–Nox5, Duox1 and 2) generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) as components of the host innate immune response to bacteria, including Nox1 in gastrointestinal epithelial tissues. We show that ETx effectively inhibits ROS formation by Nox1 in HT-29 colon epithelial cells. This inhibition requires the PKA-mediated phosphorylation of the Nox1-regulatory component, NoxA1, and the subsequent binding of 14-3-3ζ. Inhibition of Nox1-mediated ROS formation in the gut epithelium may be a mechanism used by B. anthracis to circumvent the innate immune response.
Effect of Additives on Fermentation of Corn Silage Containing Different Amounts of Added Nitrate Nitrogen

Abstract Ammonium hydroxide, urea, calcium carbonate, and microbial inoculant were added to chopped whole corn plant containing different amounts of added nitrate. Chopped corn was ensiled in .002-mm plastic bags and fermented for 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 d. In Experiment 1, chopped whole corn plant was treated with ammonium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, microbial inoculant, or no additive. Potassium nitrate was added to each treatment to obtain 0, .200, .400, or .600% nitrate N in DM. In Experiment 2, chopped corn plant was treated with urea, calcium carbonate, or no additive. Nitrate N was added to each treatment at 0, .238, .477, and .953% of DM. Control and microbial-inoculated silages had similar concentrations of lactic acid, acetic acid, and ammonia and similar pH. Addition of urea and ammonia increased initial pH and slowed the decrease in pH compared with the control and with silage treated with microbial inoculant. Calcium carbonate increased concentrations of lactic and acetic acids compared with the control during Experiment 1 but had no effect on concentrations of these acids in Experiment 2. Treatments were ineffective in reducing nitrates. Addition of nitrates tended to increase silage pH but had only minor effects on concentration of lactic acid, acetic acid, and ammonia.
Stress in childhood and adulthood: Effects on marital quality over time

We work from a stress and life course perspective to consider how stress affects trajectories of change in marital quality over time. Specifically, we ask whether stress is more likely to undermine the quality of marital experiences at different points in the life course. In addition, we ask whether the effects of adult stress on marital quality depend on childhood family stress experiences. Growth curve analysis of data from a national longitudinal survey (Americans' Changing Lives, N = 1,059 married individuals) reveals no evidence of age differences in the effects of adult stress on subsequent trajectories of change in marital experiences. Our results, however, suggest that the effects of adult stress on marital quality may depend on childhood stress exposure. Stress in adulthood appears to take a cumulative toll on marriage over time-but this toll is paid primarily by individuals who report a more stressful childhood. This toll does not depend on the timing of stress in the adult life course.
Ocean Wave Energy Converters and Control Methodologies

Ocean wave energy is an indirect form of solar energy with great potential worldwide. Technologies on extracting energy from the ocean wave have been explored for centuries and are still undergoing with challenges. The nature of ocean wave and ocean wave energy are introduced with their mathematical models in this paper. The features and working principles of three forms of mainstream ocean wave energy converters (OWEC), including floating bodies (point absorber, attenuator, and terminator), oscillating water column (OWC) and wave overtopping, are presented together with their hydrodynamic performances. The corresponding control methodologies for these ocean wave energy converters, such as latching control, declutch control, reactive control, model predictive control (MPC), etc., are analyzed in a comprehensive manner thereafter. Optimal conditions for maximum power absorption are also introduced with mathematical modeling and derivations.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A Study of Teaching Reading Skills to the Young Child Using Microcomputer Assisted Instruction

The major purpose of this study was to determine if the five-year-old child could be taught reading skills through the computer. Fourteen children attending a preschool for low income families received specific reading skills instruction exclusively on the microcomputer. The curriculum used at the preschool was designed to eliminate any drill and practice on isolated reading skills. The study was a pretest/posttest single group design. All subjects were administered the Metropolitan Readiness Test and the results were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (p < .01). A secondary purpose was to determine if the children could learn basic computer literacy skills without direct instruction and drill. Through an analysis of the observation notes it was determined that the computer literacy skills were learned by the children while involved in the academic skills instructional program.