cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental determination of solubilities of sodium tetraborate (borax) in NaCl solutions, and a thermodynamic model for the Na-B(OH)3-Cl-SO4 system to high-ionic strengths at 25 °C

In this study, solubility experiments on sodium tetraborate (NaB 4 O 7 ·10H 2 O, borax) are conducted in NaCl solutions up to 5.0 m at room temperature (22.5 ± 1.5 °C). In combination with solubility data of sodium tetraborate in Na 2 SO 4 solutions from the literature, the solubility constant (log K sp ) for sodium tetraborate for the following reaction (1) Na 2 B 4 O 7 · 10 H 2 O = 2 Na + + 4 B ( OH ) 4 - + 2 H + + H 2 O (l) is determined as −24.80 ± 0.10 based on the Pitzer model. In conjunction with the relevant Pitzer parameters, based on the above log K sp for borax, and log β 1 (0.25 ± 0.01) evaluated from the literature for the following complex formation reaction (2) Na + + B ( OH ) 4 - = NaB ( OH ) 4 ( aq ) a thermodynamic model with high precision is established for the Na + -B(OH) 3 -Cl − -SO 4 2− system at high-ionic strengths up to saturation of halite (NaCl), mirabilite (Na 2 SO 4 ·10H 2 O), and thenardite (Na 2 SO 4 ). The model is validated by comparison of model predicted equilibrium compositions for the assemblages of borax alone, borax + halite, borax + mirabilite, borax + halite + thenardite, and borax + mirabilite + thenardite in the mixtures of NaCl+Na 2 SO 4 to ionic strengths of 8.0 m, with independent experimental values from the literature. The differences in concentrations of major ions, e.g., Na + , Cl − , and SO 4 2− , between model predicted and experimental values are generally The revised thermodynamic model is applied to the potential recovery of borax from boron-enriched brines via evaporation at 25 °C, using the two brines from China as examples. The reaction path calculations suggest that the brine from the Zhabei Salt Lake in Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region, is suitable to recovery of borax via evaporation at 25 °C, whereas the brine from the western Sichuan Province, although it is enriched in boron, is not suitable to extraction of boron as borax, but is suitable to extraction of potassium as sylvite, via evaporation at 25 °C.
GENETIC VARIATION AND COVARIATION IN RESPONSES TO HOST PLANTS BY ALSOPHILA POMETARIA (LEPIDOPTERA: GEOMETRIDAE)

Progeny of uncommon parthenogenetic genotypes of the polyphagous geometric Alsophila pometaria were reared on four host plant species representing the same genus, different confamilial genera, and different families. On the supposition that uncommon asexual genotypes have arisen recently from the sympatric sexual population, they may be viewed as a representation of variation in the sexual population that has been captured by parthenogenesis. In both the laboratory and the field, significant effects of genotype, host, and their interaction were found for survival. Live weight displayed significant effects of genotype, host, and genotype x host interaction in the laboratory, and significant main effects in the field. The broad heritability of live weight within hosts was significantly greater than zero in all cases, ranging from 0.18 to 0.33. Heritability values in the field were similar to those in the laboratory. Genetic correlations between weight attained on pairs of host plants, calculated from uncorrected family means, were all positive and many were statistically significant. When the data were corrected for differences in generalized vigor by taking the deviations from genotype means on a standard host plant, one of nine genetic correlations was significant and positive, and one was significant and negative. Within their limits of precision, these data suggest that genetic factors enhancing performance on one host do not generally have strong antagonistic pleiotropic effects on performance on the other hosts in this population. The relevance of these observations to the evolution of resource specialization in general and host specialization by phytophagous insects in particular is discussed. The common assumption that trade-offs in efficiency of utilization cause the evolution of specialized resource use requires more empirical evidence than seems to exist.
The Synthesis of Polycrystalline Chalcopyrite Semiconductors by Microwave Irradiation

Polycrystalline samples of the chalcopyrites CuInS2, CuInSe2, AgInS2, and AgInSe2 have been prepared from stoichiometric mixtures of the pure elements using microwave irradiation. The reactions were performed in sealed quartz tubes in as few as three minutes. The products were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface morphology and shape of the particles produced by this method suggests that the products are formed from liquid melts.
Research on Rolling Force Model for 1580 Hot Skin Pass Mill at Baosteel

A mathematical model for on site determining rolling force of the hot skin pass mill is established through theoretical analysis and regression analysis of the rolling force calculation.The model can be further applied to improving the strip shape quality and comprehensive mechanical properties.It can preliminarily decide the minimum elongation which is helpful for the strip shape and mechanical properties.
Noninvasive assessment of tumor vasculature response to radiation-mediated, vasculature-targeted therapy using quantified power Doppler sonography: implications for improvement of therapy schedules.

Objective. Stereotactic radiotherapy (ablative radiation) is a modality that holds considerable promise for effective treatment of intracranial and extracranial malignancies. Although tumor vasculature is relatively resistant to small fractionated doses of ionizing radiation, large ablative doses of ionizing radiation lead to effective demise of the tumor vasculature. The purpose of this study was (1) to noninvasively monitor and compare tumor physiologic parameters in response to ablative radiation treatments and (2) to use these noninvasive parameters to optimize the schedule of administration of radiation therapy. Methods. Lewis lung carcinoma tumors were implanted into C57BL/6 mice and treated with ablative radiation. The kinetics of change in physiologic parameters of a response to single-dose 20-Gy treatments was measured. Parameters studied included tumor blood flow, apoptosis, and proliferation rates. Serial tumor sections were stained to correlate noninvasive Doppler assessment of tumor blood flow with microvasculature histologic findings. Results. A single administration of 20 Gy led to an incomplete tumor vascular response, with subsequent recovery of tumor blood flow within 4 days after treatment. Sustained reduction of tumor blood flow by administering the successive ablative radiation treatment before tumor blood flow recovery led to a 3-fold tumor growth delay. The difference in tumor volumes at each measurement time point (every 2 days) was statistically significant (P = .016). Conclusions. This study suggests a rational design of schedule optimization for radiation-mediated, vasculature-directed treatments guided by noninvasive assessment of tumor blood flow levels to ultimately improve the tumor response.
Selection In Vitro of Allosteric Ribozymes

The capacities of RNA for both catalysis and molecular recognition have been appreciated for some time. Recently, a number of studies have shown that these distinct functional classes may be combined to generate multipartite ribozymes in which the catalytic and ligand-binding elements act coordinately. In this chapter, we describe a procedure known as allosteric selection, in which an RNA catalyst in conjunction with a random sequence domain is subjected to iterative in vitro selection in order selectively to recover ligand-dependent ribozymes.
Chinese in the Woods: Logging and Lumbering in the American West. By Sue Fawn Chung

Chinese in the Woods: Logging and Lumbering in the American West. The Asian American Experience Series. By Sue Fawn Chung. (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2015. Xiii + 249 pp. Illustrations, maps, tables, notes, bibliography, index. $55.00). Sue Fawn Chung with two monographs published in the past six years has definitely been able to claim her expertise in the study of Chinese immigrants in Nevada. Chinese exceptional contributions to western mining and railroad industries in the nineteenth century are well recognized. These two major economic engines in propelling the speedy settlement of the American West would not have steamed without an enormous amount of timber. To connect mining and railroad to timber industry, Chinese in the Woods shows how less noticed Chinese woodchoppers and craftsmen made western mining and railroad construction possible. … lzhu{at}ewu.edu
Stress Separation Using Thermoelastic Data

Stress analysis of engineering artifacts and structures is a routine and essential component of the design process that is often performed using computation tools. Such tools require verification using experimental data and for complex structures the stress analysis must be validated via experiment. In addition to its applicability for assessing the reliability of other solutions, thermoplastic stress analysis (TSA) can be used to analyze cases for which other methods are difficult not feasible. The technique is based on the small temperature changes that occur when a material is subject to a time-varying strain. In thermoelastic stress analysis, it is common practice to employ cyclic loading and to measure the resultant temperature changes using an infrared sensor or camera. For an isotropic material under plane stress, the relationship between the principal stresses, σp and σq and the signal generated by the sensor, S* can be simplified to $$S^ * = K\left( {\Delta \sigma _p + \Delta \sigma _q } \right)$$ (1) where K is the thermoelastic coefficient. Equation (1) suggests neither a state of pure shear stress nor static stresses produces any thermoelastic response for an isotropic material. Interpretation of thermoelastic stress analysis signals can therefore require some insight based on the loading and geometry of the component being analyzed. For zero mean stresses, Eq. (1) provides isopachic information and therefore locates the center of Mohr’s circle. If there is non-zero proportional cyclic loading about some mean stress, TSA provides only the change in isopachic stress. Under orthotropy, S* depends on a linear combination of the changes in normal stresses in the directions of material symmetry. Thermoelastic stress analysis methods have been developed to smooth measured temperature data, formulate approaches for three-dimensional components and to obtain individual components of stress (or strain) in isotropic and orthotropic composite materials. This paper reviews these methods, provides an update on progress and highlights the areas where further research is needed.
Social Sequence Analysis: Sequence Analysis in the Social Sciences

Social actors of all kinds – individuals, families, organizations – are connected to each other and to larger society through ordered elements, states, and events. To be socially connected is to experience fluctuating environments, evolving relationships, shifting preferences and strategies, changing statuses, and constant flows of information and resources. As several important social science theories suggest, examining the timing and order of these elements of social life is the only way to understand social structure (e.g., Bales 1951; Blumer 1969; Bourdieu 1984; Gershuny 2000; Giddens 1984; Parsons 1951; Sacks 1995; Schutz [1932] 1967; Strauss 1993; White 2008; Zerubavel 1981). And yet, in contemporary social science, the effort to describe and analyze the sequential nature of social reality is often regarded as somewhat of an “offshore operation” (Abbott 2000:66) – something that is done by a few enthusiasts who are engaged in peripheral or exotic research. The overarching goal of this book is to change that perception. It does this both by pointing out that many scholars are already engaged in sequence analysis (often without realizing it) and by promulgating conventional and new sequence approaches. Researchers are becoming both increasingly interested in and capable of analyzing sequential social phenomena. This book describes some of the most widely used methods that have been developed to study these dynamics and introduces some new techniques and applications as well. Sequence analysis takes a variety of forms in the social sciences, ranging from statistical Markovian and survival analysis approaches to conversation analysis techniques. These are all extraordinarily valuable approaches. This book will focus primarily on another class of sequence methods, which treat whole sequences, as well as larger networks of sequences, as units of study. These approaches allow researchers to study, measure, classify, and visualize sequences of social phenomena. I view these methods – which include sequence description techniques, optimal matching analysis, cluster analysis, sequence-network analysis, event structure analysis, and social microsequence analyses – as one part of the larger body of social sequence analysis methods.
Autologous Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells as Post-Transplant Cellular Immunotherapy.

Abstract Disease relapse remains a major cause of treatment failure following autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for patients with high-risk malignancies. Cellular immunotherapy using activated autologous effector cells to recognize and kill tumor targets in a minimal disease state after transplant is a novel strategy to reduce relapse and improve survival. In this phase I/II study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of administering ex-vivo expanded autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells as post-transplant cellular immunotherapy. Patients with high risk recurrent or refractory Hodgkin's disease (HD)- defined as B symptoms at relapse, pulmonary or bone marrow disease at relapse and more than minimal disease at the time of transplantation- and patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and acute myelogenous leukemia undergoing single autologous HCT were eligible. The autologous CIK cells were ex-vivo expanded from an aliquot of the patient's autologous apheresis product for 21–28 days in the presence of IFN-γ, IL-2, and OKT-3 to a maximal cell dose of 2×108 CIK cells/kg. The CIK cell population is uniquely characterized by having the functional and phenotypic properties of both T cells and NK cells, (i.e. expressing CD3 and CD56 molecules) and kills tumor targets through an NKG2D-mediated mechanism. A single infusion of CIK cells was given on day 42–63 following autologous transplantation. Monitoring for infusion-related toxicities was performed for the first 28 days. Disease response assessments were done at day 90, 180, one year and annually. Correlative studies on cytokine profile, primary tumor cytotoxicity and NKG2D ligand expression are being performed. Thirteen patients (ages 19–64) have received autologous CIK cell infusions to date. Nine patients have high risk HD; four patients have MM with a single autologous HCT. The median CIK cell dose for infusion was 0.9×108 cells/kg (range 0.2–2×108/kg). The only infusional toxicities observed have been one grade 1 headache and one grade 1 nausea- both were transient and resolved. Hematologic parameters have not been affected by the infusion. In vitro cytotoxicity of cultured CIK cells was assessed against a panel of leukemia and lymphoma cell lines including Jurkat, DB, OCI-Ly8 and SUDHL4. Median 51-Cr release at 40:1 (E:T) ranged from 71% killing against Jurkat cells to 21% against DB. The first patient on the trial with high risk HD involving the lung and bone marrow is one year from HCT without evidence of disease relapse. Four other patients (all high risk HD) have completed day 180 disease response assessments and have no evidence of disease relapse. One HD patient had progressive disease at day 100. The three evaluable MM patients have no disease progression at day 90–180. In this first phase of study, we have confirmed the safety of administering autologous CIK cells at a single maximal dose at day 42–63 post-transplant. Maintenance of disease response in these high risk patients is encouraging in the first year following transplantation.
Information summarization and transcoding of biomedical information resources for mobile handheld devices

Small screen mobile devices such as PDAs and smart-phones have been popular among healthcare practitioners in the last few years, with a higher penetration rate compared to the general population. The availability of the device allows healthcare practitioners to access online biomedical resources anywhere at anytime. Previous studies have found that the integration of PDAs into clinical practice has lead to the decreased medication error rates and the improvement in physician's adherence to a clinical practice guideline. However, presenting a vast amount of information in the limited space of the PDA display has been the major barrier to the realization of PDA's potential. To overcome the small screen display limitation, we developed a multi-modal transcoder system. The transcoder system adapts information to the limitation of the user's device. Our current project focuses on transcoding full-text biomedical information resources to support mobile devices for healthcare professionals. We developed novel algorithms to understand the structure of biomedical resources through the use of visual template matching and pagelet detection process. The system utilizes simplification and summarization techniques to deliver compact information to the mobile user. A usability study conducted on the system revealed that the simplification and summarization techniques improve the usability of the system.
Identification of low, high, and super gelers and barriers to hand hygiene among intensive care unit nurses.

Background The purpose of this article was to provide information identified during hand hygiene (HH) surveillance periods at 5 intensive care units (ICUs) (4 hospitals) in Texas. Methods Using room entry and room exit, overt observation periods were 8 consecutive hours for 3-5 days on 64 ICU nurses. Results A total of 3,620 HH opportunities were recorded during 18 days of observation (144 hours). The average hand hygiene compliance (HHC) rate was 64%, with 19% of the nurses participating in HH in the 60%-69% range. Male nurses had a rate of 67%, whereas female nurses had a rate of 62%. Having a HHC rate of Conclusions Average HHC rates recorded during 10- to 20-minute periods with random sampling may not show the complete picture of HHC. Barriers to HHC were identified that can be used as teaching interventions.
The Mechanics of the Issuance Process

This chapter describes the phases of the issuance process and the mechanics that normally apply to a public offering following the traditional registration method for a negotiated issue in the United States. The material is organized along the sequence of tasks and activities associated with the origination, underwriting, marketing, pricing, and placement stages of the issuance process. The chapter describes the tasks concerning the registration obligations of issuers; the structure and responsibilities of syndicates; marketing and bookbuilding; and the allocation and distribution of new issues. The chapter also reviews the pertinent empirical findings and highlights their implications for the various underwriting activities to which they apply.
The experience of spasticity after spinal cord injury: perceived characteristics and impact on daily life.

Cross-sectional survey. Determine the impact of motor control characteristics attributed to spasticity, such as spasms, stiffness, and clonus on the daily life of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Nationwide, United States. Internet-administered questionnaire, the Patient Reported Impact of Spasticity Measure (PRISM) and items describing characteristics of spasticity including stiffness, spasms, clonus, and pain. Of the 145 respondents, 113 (78%) reported a PRISM score of at least 5/164, indicating spasticity had some impact on their daily lives. Stiffness impact was highly correlated (ρ = 0.84; p < 0.01) with the PRISM negative impact on Daily Activities subscale and moderately correlated with the other PRISM subscales (ρ = 0.55–0.63; p < 0.01). Spasm presence had a negligible or low correlation with PRISM negative impact subscales (ρ = 0.29–0.47; p < 0.01). Trunk muscle stiffness and spasms had a low correlation with PRISM Need for Assistance and Daily activities (ρ = 0.42 and ρ = 0.41, p < 0.01, respectively). Anti-spasticity medications were ineffective for 58% of respondents. Pain in the legs was reported by 57% of respondents. The experience of spasticity is highly individualized, and is often distributed differently across arms, trunk, and legs. Despite the fact that traditional definitions of spasticity focus on reflex responsiveness, the stiffness associated with spasticity appears to be more problematic than spasms or clonus. The self-described characteristics of spasticity and its physiological presentation are complex and related to pain. This varied presentation lends support to the concept that management of spasticity may be best achieved by multimodality strategies.
Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring in Robotic-Assisted Resection Of Presacral Ganglioneuroma: Operative Technique.

Background Robotic-assisted techniques have been implemented in the surgical treatment of tumors in the pelvis, abdomen, and thorax. In pelvic tumors, robotic-assisted techniques evade the need for sizable surgical exposure, but make stimulation of the nerves of the sacral plexus very difficult. Objective To describe how laparoscopic robotic-assisted surgery can couple with tools such as the nerve stimulator to aid in the resection of presacral masses emanating from the neural elements and potentially improve neurological outcome by preventing inadvertent injury to involved nerves. Methods A patient with a large presacral ganglioneuroma underwent resection using the DaVinci system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, California) for robotic assistance. A nerve stimulator was coupled to the bipolar cautery instrument of the DaVinci robot to define the presence of functional nerves in the surroundings of the tumor. Results By coupling a nerve stimulator to the bipolar cautery instrument of the DaVinci robot (Intuitive Surgical), it was possible to identify important neural structures in close proximity to the tumor. After identifying functional nerves, the surgeon was able to preserve them and preserve neurological function avoiding motor dysfunction. Conclusion The use of a nerve stimulator coupled to the bipolar cautery instrument of the DaVinci robot (Intuitive Surgical) during laparoscopic, robotic-assisted surgery for resection of presacral masses is safe and feasible. In addition to the preoperative evaluation, intraoperative monitoring and stimulation of nerves in close proximity to the tumor and also exiting through neural foramina involved by the tumor allowed the surgeon to understand the anatomy and preserve neurological function while obtaining optimal surgical resection.
12,13C(p

The results of a comparative study of the $^{13}(\mathit{p}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$,${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$) and $^{12}(\mathit{p}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$,${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$) reactions at ${T}_{p}$=200 MeV and 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\ensuremath{\le}${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{lab}{}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\le}}150\mathrm{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}}$ are reported. The isospin-dependence of the NN\ensuremath{\rightarrow}NN\ensuremath{\pi} processes inside nuclei is investigated by comparing cross sections and analyzing powers for the $^{13}(\mathit{p}$,${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$) continuum production to those for corresponding NN\ensuremath{\rightarrow}NN\ensuremath{\pi} processes in the free case. The comparison favors the dominance of a quasifree two-nucleon mechanism in nuclear pion production. Relative populations of discrete final states in the $^{13}(\mathit{p}$,${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$) spectra are compared, confirming the dominance of the two-nucleon mechanism and suggesting the identification of some high-spin states in the mirror nuclei $^{14}\mathrm{C}$ and $^{14}\mathrm{O}$. Cross-section and analyzing power angular distributions are presented for discrete final states populated strongly in $^{13}(\mathit{p}$,${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$) and $^{12}(\mathit{p}$,${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$) up to 24 MeV excitation energy. Cross-section data for a number of $^{12}$,13C(p,${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$) transitions are compared to (p,${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$) shell-model calculations employing the elementary pp\ensuremath{\rightarrow}d${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ amplitude along with realistic nuclear wave functions. Isolated anomalous features exhibited by strong $^{12}$,13C(p,${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$) transitions to two highly excited discrete states in $^{13}\mathrm{C}$ and $^{14}\mathrm{C}$ are discussed and alternative possible interpretations for these states are presented.
Molecular Mechanisms of Alcohol Neurotoxicity

Heavy alcohol consumption over a period of years can lead to cognitive and neurological impairments. Studies have indicated that alcoholics have greatly reduced brain volume. Computer tomographic studies of the brains of alcoholics have indicated that chronic alcoholism leads to enlargement of the ventricles, decreases in tissue volume and increases in cerebral spinal fluid volume, i.e. brain shrinkage (Pfefferbaum et al. 1992). Although changes are somewhat similar to those that occur during normal aging, the increase in size of the lateral ventricles and the increase in the cortical space between sulci clearly indicate that the brain of alcoholics have a decrease in cellular mass above that found in age matched non-alcoholics (Pfefferbaum et al., 1992; Jernigan et al., 1992). The increases in cerebral spinal fluid spaces are particularly associated with loss of the gray matter with some reduction also occurring in white matter. These losses in cortical tissue are possibly an acceleration of age-induced effects as well as the cumulative toxicity that occurs during a lifetime of chronic alcohol exposure.
Equal to the Demands of Justice in the World

In welcoming freshman classes to Georgetown University, I have more than once, after introducing them to the defining traditions of Jesuit education, posed the following series of questions: When you have reached your Georgetown journey’s end, where will you find yourselves? You will, of course, be ‘educated,’ as your diplomas will attest. But what will that mean? Will you have shaped for yourself growing habits of inquiry and reflection? Will you understand responsibility? Will you recognize suffering and work to lessen it? Will you be, in the words of a great Jesuit who explored the whole world of late 20th century experience, ‘men and women for others’?
A fractional phase-field model using an infinitesimal generator of α stable Lévy process

Abstract We study a space-fractional Allen-Cahn phase-field model in which the fractional Laplacian is defined to be an infinitesimal generator of an α-stable Levy process with 0 α 2 . Compared with the Allen-Cahn model using the Riemann-Liouville (R-L) fractional derivatives in the literature, the current model enjoys the following advantages: (1) it can control the sharpness and the decaying behavior of the interface via the tunable order parameter α as the Riemann-Liouville fractional model does; (2) it generates numerical solutions with sharper interfaces than the Riemann-Liouville fractional Allen-Cahn model with the same 1 α 2 , and it can generate numerical solutions with even sharper interfaces as it also applies to the case for 0 α 1 ; (3) as α → 2 − , it provides good approximations to the classical Allen-Cahn model as the fractional Riemann-Liouville model does; (4) it is rotational invariant; and (5) it has a much slower mass decaying rate than the Riemann-Liouville fractional model. We also propose and analyze a first order in time and second order in space energy stable finite difference scheme.
International trade policies: An evolutionary perspective

Abctract. Cross-border trade has had a long history. It has enriched the lives of trading partners since the rise of ancient civilizations although it was the cause of some conflicts and even wars among trading partners; and between empires, colonies, and nation-states. It has increased cooperation due to harmony of interest between buyers and sellers, but occasionally has intensified rivalry, power-playing, destructive hegemonic impulses and cut- throat competition among neighbors. However, the fact that it has grown steadily through the centuries indicates that its impact on trading partners, near or distant, has been more positive than negative. One indicator of its growth, particularly in recent centuries and decades, is its size as a percentage of total world output. For example, exports, which constituted less than 5% of world GDP until the 1870s, grew to over 17% of world GDP by 1998, according to the World Bank, OECD, and WTO. This paper explores the rise of trade and changes in trade policies from the time of ancient civilizations to the present. It also examines some old and some recent trade disputes/wars. It adds to the literature by providing an overview of the foreign trade environment as well as trade patterns from different perspectives, particularly the perspectives of high versus low wage countries, the North versus the South. Keywords. Free trade, Mercantilism, Protectionism, Balance of trade, Tariffs, WTO, Trade war. JEL. F10, F11, F13.
The Status of Distance Education in Personnel Preparation Programs in Visual Impairment

This survey found that over half the personnel preparation programs for teachers of children with visual impairments, orientation and mobility specialists, and rehabilitation teachers included a di...
Toward a Metaphysical Empirical Psychology

As evidenced by textbook definitions and descriptions, modern academic psychology emphasizes the empirical side of the field, that is the experimental and data driven analysis that allow one to generate knowledge claims. Although empirical methods and data are central to the scientific enterprise, so too is the broad conceptual system and vocabulary employed to understand the data and draw conclusions from the experimental enterprise. Indeed, a major and longstanding critique of psychology is that it does not have a conceptual system for defining its key terms (i.e., behavior, mind, and consciousness). This chapter advances theoretical psychology by introducing a continuum of analysis that stretches from the empirical through theoretical explanations into the major paradigms and then into meta-theoretical and finally metaphysical systems that provide the foundational concepts and categories. The argument made is that the field of psychology has struggled since its inception because it has lacked an effective metaphysical system to define its subject matter. The Tree of Knowledge System provides a framework that can serve as that metatheoretical system and be used to bridge the science of psychology to the practice of psychotherapy. As such, it offers a “Metaphysical Empirical” vision for the field.
The ergonomic impact of a mattress lift tool and bottom sheet type on hotel room cleaners while making beds

Abstract The purpose of this study was to quantify biomechanical and cardiovascular exposure while making beds with and without interventions (mattress lift tool and fitted sheet). Sixteen female hotel room cleaners participated in this multifactorial (tool and sheet) laboratory study of crossover design. Exertion in the upper extremity (
Spatiotemporal patterns of US drought awareness

Drought is a creeping climatological phenomenon with persistent precipitation deficits. Unlike rapid onset natural hazards such as floods and wildfires, the intangible and gradual characteristics of drought cause a lack of social response during the onset. The level of awareness of a local drought increases rapidly through mass media reports and online information searching activities when the drought reaches its peak severity. This high level of local drought awareness drives concerns for water shortage and support for water policy. However, spatiotemporal patterns of national-scale drought awareness have never been studied due to constraints imposed by time-consuming and costly survey data collection and surveys’ limited sample sizes. Here, we present the national-scale study to reveal the spatiotemporal patterns of drought awareness over the contiguous United States (CONUS) using Google Trends data and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results show that the first two PC modes can explain 48% (38% for PC1 and 10% for PC2) of the total variance of state-level drought awareness. We find that the PC1 mode relates to a national pattern of drought awareness across the CONUS. The spatiotemporal patterns further imply that residents in the Northeastern US region are the most aware of the emergence of drought, regardless of the geographic location of the occurrence. The results illustrate how big data, such as search query and social media data, can help develop an effective and efficient plan for drought mitigation in the future.
On Direct and Indirect Scattering Approaches for Homogenization of Particulate Composites

Theoretical formalisms for the homogenization of particulate composites are identified as following either the direct scattering approach (DSA) or the indirect scattering approach (ISA). Both approaches can take inclusion size-dependence and distribution statistics into account. However, the DSA is generally limited to mediums with direction-independent constitutive properties and inclusions with simple shapes, but the ISA is not hobbled thus.
Measurement of patients’ acceptable symptom levels and priorities for symptom improvement in advanced lung cancer

Little research has assessed cancer patients’ success criteria and priorities for symptom improvement to inform patient-centered care. Thus, we modified and tested a measure of these constructs for advanced lung cancer patients. We compared acceptable severity levels following symptom treatment across eight symptoms and identified patient subgroups based on symptom importance. Advanced lung cancer patients (N=102) completed a one-time survey, including the modified Patient-Centered Outcomes Questionnaire (PCOQ), standard symptom measures, and other clinical characteristics. The modified PCOQ showed evidence of construct validity through associations with theoretically related constructs. Symptom severity and importance were moderately correlated. Levels of acceptable symptom severity were low and did not differ across the eight symptoms. Four patient subgroups were identified: (1) those who rated all symptoms as low in importance (n=12); (2) those who rated bronchial symptoms and sleep problems as low in importance and all other symptoms as moderately important (n=29); (3) those who rated nausea and emotional distress as low in importance and all other symptoms as moderately important (n=23); and (4) those who rated all symptoms as highly important (n=33). Subgroups were unrelated to clinical characteristics, except for functional status. The modified PCOQ showed evidence of construct validity. Patients considered low symptom severity to be acceptable, irrespective of the symptom. Findings suggest that symptom severity and importance are related yet distinct aspects of the advanced lung cancer symptom experience. Patients have heterogeneous priorities for symptom improvement, which has implications for tailoring treatment.
Knowing Your Value for Academic Career Negotiations

Academic positions are highly competitive and rare in the field of Apparel and Textiles, especially in comparison to other disciplines such as science, engineering, and English. Negotiating for that position can be an overwhelming, yet an exciting part, of the application process. Many academicians, particularly women, have a difficult time knowing, communicating, and negotiating their respective personal value for a competitive salary, benefits, and start-up package that is commensurate to their research, industry and teaching experiences (Kjeldal, Rindfleish, & Sheridan, 2005; Wade, 2001). It is challenging to tactfully assure adequate compensation and positive perceptions related to the value of one’s professional work and experience.
Cortisol Reactivity and Socially Anxious Behavior in Previously Institutionalized Youth.

The current study investigated the association between cortisol stress reactivity to a social stressor and observed socially anxious behaviors both concurrently and over time among previously institutionalized (PI) (N = 132; ages 7–17) youth and a comparison non-adopted (NA) sample (N = 176). Cortisol reactivity was captured during the Trier Social Stress Test for Children (TSST-C; Yim et al., 2015) and youths’ social anxiety behaviors were coded during the speech portion of the TSST-C. Autoregressive cross-lagged panel models with structured residuals showed that for PI youth, greater cortisol reactivity predicted increases in socially anxious behavior during the TSST-C across three sessions. However, greater cortisol reactivity was negatively associated with concurrent social anxiety behavior. Thus, increases in cortisol reactivity across adolescence may aid in behavioral control in social situations in the short-term but may exacerbate PI youths’ socially anxious behavior over time. No significant associations emerged for NA youth.
Dermal Fillers in Ethnic Skin

Growth in the ethnic patient population has been driven by growing diversity of skin types and shifting trends in US demographics. In addition, products and procedures that target the ethnic market are also bringing more ethnic patients into the clinic. Moreover, nearly one-third of ethnic patents indicated in a recent survey that they would consider having cosmetic surgery and many cosmetic surgeries are being performed in ethnic patients. According to recent surveys, 13 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2010, an overall increase of 110% in minimally invasive procedures since 2000.
Spermatozoa quality assessment: a combined holographic and Raman microscopy approach

Semen analysis is widely used as diagnostic tool for assessing male fertility, controlling and managing the animal reproduction. The most important parameters measured in a semen analysis are the morphology and biochemical alterations. For obtaining such information, non-invasive, label-free and non-destructive techniques have to be used. Digital Holography (DH) combined with Raman Spectroscopy (RS) could represent the perfect candidate for a rapid, non-destructive and high-sensitive morphological and biochemical sperm cell analysis. In this study, DH-RS combined approach is used for a complete analysis of single bovine spermatozoa. High-resolution images of bovine sperm have been obtained by DH microscopy from the reconstruction of a single acquired hologram, highlighting in some cases morphological alterations. Quantitative 3D reconstructions of sperm head, both normal and anomalous, have been studied and an unexpected structure of the post-acrosomal region of the head has been detected. Such anomalies have been also confirmed by Raman imaging analysis, suggesting the protein vibrations as associated Raman marker of the defect.
I Versus B-I Color-Magnitude Relation for Galaxies and I Band Distances

The great success of the Hubble-Sandage system of galaxy classification indicates that galaxies as a whole are remarkably similar. As a result, the global properties of galaxies have proven to be extremely useful as diagnostic tools for examining their stellar and gaseous content. This fortunate occurrence has allowed the formulation of the Tully-Fisher (T-F) relationships for estimating the distances to galaxies (Tully and Fisher 1977; Aaronson et al. 1979). The difference in the slopes of the blue and infrared Tully-Fisher relations implies that correlations must exist between color and 21-cm line width as well as color and absolute magnitude (Tully et al. 1982).
The Effect of Physical Aging on the Dissolution Rate of Anionic Polyelectrolytes

The effect of physical aging on the dissolution and mechanical properties of hydroxypropyl methyl-cellulose phthalate (HPMCP) was investigated. Dissolution rate measurements were performed on films which, initially above the glass transition temperature, Tg, were quenched to a sub-Tg storage temperature, aged at that temperature for a period of time and then quenched again to 25°C. Within the time scale of observation, reductions in the dissolution rate to a limiting value were observed. HPMCP was also found to age in the same storage temperature range as determined by a creep compliance technique. These mechanical results indicate a change in glass structure and show that a limiting density was approached. Parallel changes were observed in the dissolution rate studies suggest that dissolution rate is governed in part by glass density. Therefore, mechanical changes of glassy films can yield pharmaceutically relevant information about the extent of physical aging and serve as an indicator of the effect of aging on dissolution rate.
The Continuity Gauge - Does It Work?

This paper reviews the electromagnetic gauges and discusses the new continuity gauge in detail. It is shown that by introducing a complex Laplace's equation instead of a real Poisson's equation, the new gauge circumvents the difficulty of dealing with an unknown charge density as in the case of the Coulomb gauge. Justification is given for employing a differential rather than an integral equation formulation when working with the new gauge. Two problem scenarios are described in the formalism of the continuity gauge to explain how the new gauge can be used to solve low and high frequency electromagnetic field problems.
InAsSb/AlAsSb double-heterostructure and InAsSb/InAlAs quantum-well diode lasers emitting at /spl sim/4 /spl mu/m

Studies InAsSb/AlAsSb double-heterostructure lasers emitting at 3.9 /spl mu/m which operated pulsed up to 170 K and CW up to 105 K, with CW power of 30 mW at 70 K. InAsSb/InAlAs quantum-well lasers emitting at 4.5 /spl mu/m operated pulsed up to 85 K.
A Performance Analysis of Coded Frequency - Hopped OFDMA with Pilot-Assisted Channel Estimation

We investigate the performance of frequency-hopped OFDMA (FH-OFDMA), where subcarriers are assigned to users according to predetermined hopping patterns. Some of the patterns carry pilot symbols, which the users track to estimate their channel and perform coherent detection. We develop a simple theoretical framework in order to evaluate the bit error probability (BEP) over each data pattern, when trellis-coded modulation (TCM) is employed for error protection. Our analytical results illustrate that appropriately constructing the patterns, given the channel parameters, can have a significant effect on the performance experienced by different users of this OFDMA system. An intuitively pleasing trade-off between channel estimation quality and performance enhancement due to frequency diversity is also revealed, as the channel becomes more frequency selective
Theoretical analysis of measurement crosstalk for coupled Josephson phase qubits

We analyze the crosstalk error mechanism in measurement of two capacitively coupled superconducting flux-biased phase qubits. The damped oscillations of the superconducting phase after the measurement of the first qubit may significantly excite the second qubit, leading to its measurement error. The first qubit, which is highly excited after the measurement, is described classically. The second qubit is treated both classically and quantum mechanically. The results of the analysis are used to find the upper limit for the coupling capacitance thus limiting the frequency of two-qubit operations for a given tolerable value of the measurement error probability.
Molecular cloning and expression of Ehf, a new member of the ets transcription factor/oncoprotein gene family.

Abstract The ets family is a large multigene family of transcription factors that share a conserved DNA-binding “ETS” domain and include several oncoproteins that induce tumorigenesis when overexpressed. Here we report the cDNA cloning from mouse pituitary somatotroph tumors, sequence characterization and tissue-specific expression pattern in mice of a novel ets family gene, “Ehf” (“ets homologous factor”). The putative 300 amino acid Ehf protein is a highly divergent ets family member, but is most related to the recently identified oncoprotein ESX (36% overall and 84% ETS domain amino acid identity). Thus, Ehf and ESX comprise a new ets subfamily. Ehf is a single-copy gene, but produces four distinct mRNA transcripts. Ehf transcripts are abundant in mouse kidney and lung, less so in muscle and liver, and not detected in brain, spleen or testes. Because of its presence in somatotroph tumors and its relationship to ESX, Ehf may represent a new oncoprotein.
Chiral perturbation theory for vector mesons.

We derive a heavy vector-meson chiral Lagrangian in which the vector mesons are treated as heavy static matter fields. The unknown couplings of the chiral Lagrangian are further related using the 1/N_c expansion. Chiral perturbation theory is applied to the vector-meson mass matrix. At one loop there are large corrections to the individual vector-meson masses, but the singlet-octet mixing angle remains almost unchanged. The parity-violating s-wave φ→ρπ weak decay amplitude is derived in the combined chiral and large N_c limits. Rare φ decays provide a sensitive test of nonleptonic neutral current structure.
Lithium differs from anticonvulsant mood stabilizers in prefrontal cortical and accumbal dopamine release: Role of 5-HT1A receptor agonism

Abstract Anticonvulsant mood stabilizers, e.g., valproic acid and carbamazepine, and atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs), e.g., clozapine, quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone, have been reported to preferentially increase dopamine (DA) release in rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), an effect partially or fully inhibited by WAY100635, a selective 5-HT1A antagonist. These atypical APDs have themselves been reported to be effective mood stabilizers, although the importance of increased cortical DA release to mood stabilization has not been established. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether zonisamide, another anticonvulsant mood stabilizer, as well as lithium, a mood stabilizer without anticonvulsant properties, also increases prefrontal cortical DA release and, if so, whether this release is also inhibited by 5-HT1A antagonism. As with valproic acid and carbamazepine, zonisamide (12.5 and 25 mg/kg) increased DA release in the mPFC, but not the NAC, an increase abolished by WAY100635 (0.2 mg/kg). However, lithium (100 and 250 mg/kg) decreased DA release in the NAC, an effect also attenuated by WAY100635 (0.2 mg/kg). Lithium itself had no effect in the mPFC but the combination of WAY100635 (0.2 mg/kg) and lithium (100 and 250 mg/kg) markedly increased DA release in the mPFC. Furthermore, M100907 (0.1 mg/kg), a selective 5-HT2A antagonist, abolished this increase in DA release in the mPFC. These results indicate that not all mood-stabilizing agents but only those, which have anticonvulsant mood-stabilizing properties, increase DA release in the cortex, and that the effect is dependent upon 5-HT1A receptor stimulation. However, the combination of lithium and 5-HT1A blockade may result in excessive 5-HT2A receptor stimulation, relative to 5-HT1A receptor stimulation, both of which can increase prefrontal cortical DA release.