cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A note on market power in ITQ fisheries

Abstract Individual transferable quotas, ITQs, in fisheries are analogous to transferable pollution permits in environmental policy. However, they are different in that the right to produce is for the final product, the fish, whereas pollution permits are for a non-market joint product (i.e., sulfur dioxide) of the good produced for sale. In both cases, the actual economic efficiency effects of creating the property rights depend upon the workings of the market for both the final product and the rights. There has been considerable work on market failures for pollution permits, and this paper extends the analysis to ITQs. It is shown that the difference between pollution permits and ITQs can change the type and occurrence of failure in the market for the final product, but it does not affect the potential for failure in the market for permits.
Red and White Fiber Content and Associated Post‐Mortem Properties of Seven Porcine Muscles

SUMMARY The red fiber content of several porcine muscles was estimated by a histochemical method (affinity for Sudan Black B due to high intracellular lipid content) and a biochemical method (high succinic dehydrogenase activity). Even though the muscles varied widely in total lipid content, the histochemical method was comparable to the biochemical method in categorizing porcine muscles as red or white. Red muscles (> 40% red fibers) contained greater myoglobin concentrations and generally had longer post-rigor sarcomeres than white (< 30% red fibers) muscles. Interrelationships of percent red fibers, succinic dehydrogenase activity, fat content, glycolytic rate, and post-rigor contraction state were discussed.
Springs, steroids, and slingshots: the roles of enhancers and constraints in animal movement.

Whole-body movement is an essential part of life for many animal species, and is used to evade predators, capture prey, and perform many other behaviors. In many cases, the ability to perform rapid movements may be crucial to fitness as doing so may allow animals to do things like effectively capture an elusive prey or to elude a chasing predator. A significant body of research has been devoted toward the musculoskeletal and neurobiological basis of animal movement, with large reviews and volumes written on locomotion and feeding. Biologists have also defined how movement can be quantified and compared among different species. Arnold (Am Zool 23:347–361, 1983) first clearly explained that the ability to perform an ecologically important task could be labeled and quantified as maximum performance abilities, a point that is elaborated upon later (Garland and Losos, Ecological morphology: integrative organismal biology. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1994; Irschick et al., Evol Ecol Res 10:177–196, 2008). Some commonly examined performance traits include maximum sprint speed, maximum acceleration or deceleration, maneuverability, maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max), bite force, and rapidity of tongue projection, among other examples. Although the ability to perform such movements can be limited by muscle physiology, there are several situations in which the limits of muscle physiology are circumvented with a range of specializations. Here, we synthesize the literature dealing with movement (primarily ballistic) enhancers. Our goal is both to encapsulate the current state of knowledge of enhancers, and also to provide a broader evolutionary framework that might explain in which ecological contexts they have evolved, and how they can be studied in the future. Some common mechanisms for enhancing movement include elastic energy storage (e.g., tendons and other materials) in vertebrates and invertebrates, or hormonal changes (e.g., increased testosterone levels).
A follow-up study of beliefs held by parents of children with pervasive developmental delay.

Problem Little is known about the effects of parental beliefs on children with disorders such as pervasive developmental delay (PDD). Methods A six-question, semistructured, videotaped interview was used to gather preliminary descriptive data from 44 caregivers regarding beliefs about their PDD children (ages 3-15 years). Children and caregivers were selected by purposive sampling from a preadmission waiting list for a child psychiatric inpatient unit. Findings While responses varied, most caregivers shared concerns about delayed child development, appropriateness of school placement, and future planning. In addition, some indicated they possess inaccurate beliefs regarding the intention of child behavior as well as the PDD diagnosis. All indicated a need for direction in how to effectively help the children. Conclusions Parental responses to the interview questions support the author's clinical observations regarding the need for nurse-conducted parent training programs. Parent training should focus on correcting inaccurate parental beliefs and teaching effective ways to promote child development and manage maladaptive behaviors.
Fish-Mediated Nutrient and Energy Exchange between a Lake Superior Coastal Wetland and its Adjacent Bay

Little has been done to quantify fluxes of organisms, nutrients, and energy between freshwater coastal habitats and adjacent offshore waters or to evaluate the ecological implications of these exchanges on a whole-lake basis. To test the hypothesis that fish-mediated transport might play an important role in the flux of nutrients and energy between coastal wetlands and adjacent lake waters, net carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and energy fluxes were estimated in forage fish between a Lake Superior coastal wetland and an adjacent bay. This was accomplished by sampling fish at the inlet/outlet of Bark Bay Slough for 1 week per ice-free month in 1995. Average carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content of the 20 species analyzed was 45.1, 11.3, and 2.45% of dry-weight, respectively. Estimates of organism, nutrient, and energy movement revealed a net export from the slough to the adjacent Bark Bay, due largely to emigration of YOY yellow perch, Perca flavescens (> 40,000 individuals), YOY northern pike, Esox lucius (> 600 individuals), and yearling emerald shiner, Notropis atherinoides (> 8,000 individuals) in June and July, and YOY brown bullhead, Ameiurus nebulosus (> 500 individuals) in October. Since these fish movements resulted in relatively small fluxes of nutrients (1,376 g carbon, 335 g nitrogen, 73 g phosphorus) and energy (65,100 kJ) from the wetland to the lake, the most significant influence of forage fish emigration on Lake Superior may be through subsequent trophic interactions in nearshore habitats. However, assessment of the significance of the nutrient and energy results awaits a more complete budget for these ecosystems.
The Relationship between the Career Maturity Inventory and Appropriateness of Career Choices of Black Adolescents

In a study of 47 Black ninth-grade students, scores on the Self-Appraisal subtest of the Career Maturity Inventory Competence Test did not correlate significantly with scores on a measure of appropriateness of career choices. Although not consistent with theoretical expectation, the data are consistent with previous research.
Soliton Energetics in Peierls-Hubbard Models

We study the effect of electron-electron correlations on the energetics of solitons in electron-phonon models of quasi one-dimensional materials. In these combined Peierls-Hubbard models, by use of quantum Monte Carlo techniques, we (1) establish that the ground state of an odd chain, singly charged or neutral, is a soliton; (2) calculate neutral-soliton creation energies; and (3) prove that ''soliton doping'' persists in the presence of correlations. We discuss the relevance of our results for trans-polyacetylene.
Vitamin B-6, kynurenines, and central nervous system function: developmental aspects

Vitamin B-6 refers collectively to six metabolically interconvertable water-soluble vitamers (Figure 1). The physiologically active forms, pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) and pyridoxamine phosphate (PMP), are generated from their dietary precursors, pyridoxine (PN), pyridoxal (PL), and pyridoxamine (PM), by the action of pyridoxine oxidase and pyridoxine kinase (Figure 1). Formation of the major excretory product, pyridoxic acid, is catalyzed by various non-specific phosphatases and/or aldehyde oxidase, depending on the particular precursor vitamer. Pyridoxal phosphate acts as a cofactor at the active sites of enzymes catalyzing a great number of reactions critical to the metabolism of amino acids. These include transamination reactions, decarboxylations, and ~and 13addition and elimination reactions. In 1968, Sauberlich I catalogued over 50 enzymes, most involved in amino acid metabolism, which require PLP as a cofactor. There are now over 100 enzymes requiring vitamin B-6 as a cofactor. In view of its central role in intermediary metabolism, it is not surprising that vitamin B-6 is present in all animal and in many plant tissues. 2,3 Although there are no particularly rich sources of this vitamin, it is widely available in foods. 4,s Clinical presentation of frank vitamin B-6 deficiency is rare. However, many investigations have indicated that vitamin B-6 nutrition is suboptimal in significant portions of the United States population. A study of the dietary intake of vitamin
Improved health-relevant functionality in dark germinated Mucuna pruriens sprouts by elicitation with peptide and phytochemical elicitors.

Abstract The health-relevant functionality of Mucuna pruriens was improved by priming the seeds with elicitors of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) such as fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs), lactoferrin (LF) and oregano extract (OE) followed by dark germination. FPH elicited the highest phenolic content of 19 mg/g FW on day 1, which was 38% higher than control sprouts. OE enhanced Parkinson’s disease-relevant L-DOPA content by 33% on day 1 compared to control sprouts. Anti-diabetes-relevant α-amylase inhibition percent (AIP) and α-glucosidase inhibition percent (GIP) were high in the cotyledons and decreased following elicitation and sprouting. For potential anti-diabetic applications, low AIP and high GIP with moderate L-DOPA content on day 4 of dark germination could be optimal. Improved L-DOPA concentrations in a soluble phenolic and antioxidant-rich M. pruriens background on day 1 sprouts have potential for Parkinson’s disease management.
Genome-wide Screen Identifies Pathways that Govern GAA/TTC Repeat Fragility and Expansions in Dividing and Nondividing Yeast Cells

Triplex structure-forming GAA/TTC repeats pose a dual threat to the eukaryotic genome integrity. Their potential to expand can lead to gene inactivation, the cause of Friedreich's ataxia disease in humans. In model systems, long GAA/TTC tracts also act as chromosomal fragile sites that can trigger gross chromosomal rearrangements. The mechanisms that regulate the metabolism of GAA/TTC repeats are poorly understood. We have developed an experimental system in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that allows us to systematically identify genes crucial for maintaining the repeat stability. Two major groups of mutants defective in DNA replication or transcription initiation are found to be prone to fragility and large-scale expansions. We demonstrate that problems imposed by the repeats during DNA replication in actively dividing cells and during transcription initiation in nondividing cells can culminate in genome instability. We propose that similar mechanisms can mediate detrimental metabolism of GAA/TTC tracts in human cells.
Towards Quantum Process Tomography of an Optical Quantum Gate

Here, we investigate the slowdown of low-light intensity pulses under the conditions of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) using homodyne tomography measurement techniques. This technique is necessary for performing quantum process tomography for characterizing quantum systems.
Research on combustion instability in liquid propellant rockets

Nonlinear combustion instabilities in liquid propellant rockets, considering various combustion models and experimental techniques
Parent-Led, Therapist-Assisted, First-Line Treatment for Young Children After Trauma A Case Study

Due to the prevalence of childhood posttraumatic stress disorder and barriers to treatment, novel service delivery approaches such as parent-led, therapist-assisted, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (PTA-TF-CBT) within a stepped care model are needed. This case study presents the treatment of a 4-year-old boy with posttraumatic stress symptoms whose parent led the treatment with therapist assistance and empirically supported materials. Findings from this case study indicated that: (a) PTA-TF-CBT was an acceptable and satisfactory treatment to the parent, (b) therapist time delivering the treatment was limited thereby conserving resources, and (c) clinically significant improvements in child and parent distress were reported posttreatment and at 5 weeks follow-up. Additional research on the feasibility and efficacy of PTA-TF-CBT within a stepped care model is warranted.
Protein chemistry-nuclear magnetic resonance approach to mapping functional domains in single-stranded DNA binding proteins.

DNA binding proteins that bind preferentially to single-stranded DNA with relatively little sequence specificity are widely distributed in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. These proteins function in DNA replication and recombination and are synthesized in high enough copy number to suggest that they act in vivo by forming stoichiometric complexes with exposed single-stranded regions of DNA. Some proteins of this class also have significant affinity for single-stranded RNA and may thus influence translation as well. The single-stranded DNA binding proteins coded for by gene 32 of bacteriophage T4 and by gene 5 of the filamentous bacteriophage fd (M13) are the most extensively investigated examples of this class of proteins. The location of the DNA binding domains in the primary structure, the thermodynamics of DNA binding and the specific amino acid residues responsible for the nucleotide-protein interactions have been successfully determined for these proteins by a variety of physicochemical techniques, which include limited proteolysis to determine minimum DNA binding domains, chemical modification to detect specific types of amino acid side chain involved in DNA binding, and a number of oneand two-dimensional 'H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques to detect proteinoligonucleotide interactions. A crystal structure is available for the unliganded gene 5 protein, facilitating the detailed study of these interactions. Recently, a program of site-directed mutagenesis has been untertaken to detect specific residues participating in DNA binding and to assign the 'H-NMR spectra residue by residue. Examples of the information obtained by these methods and the synthesis of the findings into models for the binding of single-stranded DNA by these proteins are covered in this review.
The Interline Heat Transfer of Evaporating Thin Films Along a Micro Grooved Surface

An analytical investigation of the heat transfer characteristics for evaporating thin liquid films in V-shaped microgrooves with nonuniform input heat flux was conducted. This investigation assumed that the capillary pressure difference caused by the receding of the meniscus is responsible for the axial liquid flow along the groove, and that the disjoining pressure difference along the groove side wall provided the driving force for the flow up the groove wall. The combined heat transfer mechanisms of both liquid conduction and interfacial vaporization were used to describe the local interfacial mass flux in the interline region. Based on this approach, a local heat transfer coefficient was defined. The local and average heat transfer coefficients were both found to be sensitive to the characteristic thermal resistance ratio. In addition, when the film superheat was constant, the primary factor affecting the length of the evaporating interline region was found to be the heat flux supplied to the bottom plate, and for high heat flux conditions, the highest heat transfer coefficient did not necessarily exist at the axial dryout point. The expression developed for the evaporating film profile was shown to assume an exponential form if the heat flux distributed on the active interline region was assumed to be uniform.
Dosimetry characteristics of metallic cones for intraoperative radiotherapy

Dosimetry data were obtained on the first dedicated linear accelerator of its type designed for electron intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) within an operating room. The linear accelerator uses a high dose rate, 9 Gy.min-1, to reduce the treatment time. Its chrome-plated brass treatment cones, designed with straight ends and 22.5 degrees beveled ends, are not mechanically attached to the collimator head, but are aligned using a laser projection system. Dosimetry measurements were made for each combination of energy (6, 9, 12, 15, and 16 MeV), cone size (diameters range from 5 to 12 cm), and cone type (22.5 degrees beveled or straight). From these data, depth-dose curves, cone output, and air-gap correction factors were generated that allow the calculation of the monitor setting for delivering a prescribed dose at any depth for any irradiation condition (energy, cone, air gap). Isodose data were measured for every cone using film in a solid water phantom. Scatter off the inside wall of the cone resulted in peripheral dose horns near the surface that were energy and cone dependent, being as large as 120%.
Origin and Evolution of a Chimeric Fusion Gene in Drosophila subobscura, D. madeirensis and D. guanche

An understanding of the mutational and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the emergence of novel genes is critical to studies of phenotypic and genomic evolution. Here we describe a new example of a recently formed chimeric fusion gene that occurs in Drosophila guanche, D. madeirensis, and D. subobscura. This new gene, which we name Adh-Twain, resulted from an Adh mRNA that retrotransposed into the Gapdh-like gene, CG9010. Adh-Twain is transcribed; its 5′ promoters and transcription patterns appear similar to those of CG9010. Population genetic and phylogenetic analyses suggest that the amino acid sequence of Adh-Twain evolved rapidly via directional selection shortly after it arose. Its more recent history, however, is characterized by slower evolution consistent with increasing functional constraints. We present a model for the origin of this new gene and discuss genetic and evolutionary factors affecting the evolution of new genes and functions.
A Bibliography of Suicide Notes: 1856–1979

A bibliography of suicide notes, arranged chronologically, from 1856 to the present (1979) is presented without comment.
Message-passing for Graph-structured Linear Programs: Proximal Methods and Rounding Schemes

The problem of computing a maximum a posteriori (MAP) configuration is a central computational challenge associated with Markov random fields. There has been some focus on "tree-based" linear programming (LP) relaxations for the MAP problem. This paper develops a family of super-linearly convergent algorithms for solving these LPs, based on proximal minimization schemes using Bregman divergences. As with standard message-passing on graphs, the algorithms are distributed and exploit the underlying graphical structure, and so scale well to large problems. Our algorithms have a double-loop character, with the outer loop corresponding to the proximal sequence, and an inner loop of cyclic Bregman projections used to compute each proximal update. We establish convergence guarantees for our algorithms, and illustrate their performance via some simulations. We also develop two classes of rounding schemes, deterministic and randomized, for obtaining integral configurations from the LP solutions. Our deterministic rounding schemes use a "re-parameterization" property of our algorithms so that when the LP solution is integral, the MAP solution can be obtained even before the LP-solver converges to the optimum. We also propose graph-structured randomized rounding schemes applicable to iterative LP-solving algorithms in general. We analyze the performance of and report simulations comparing these rounding schemes.
Transformers with Load Ratio Control

Voltage regulation on transformers under sustained load has made rapid strides in the last eight years and found very wide application in extended power systems and on industrial loads. Originally it was found economical to equip only very large transformers for load ratio control, using apparatus designed for high currents. This paper describes, and compares with earlier developments, a novel equipment of low current rating, that has been devised especially to control small blocks of power, thereby greatly widening the economic field of application of load ratio control. The electromechanical features of this equipment are stressed particularly.
A Review of Turbine Blade Tip Heat Transfer

This paper presents a review of the publicly available knowledge base concerning turbine blade tip heat transfer, from the early fundamental research which laid the foundations of our knowledge, to current experimental and numerical studies utilizing engine-scaled blade cascades and turbine rigs. Focus is placed on high-pressure, high-temperature axial-turbine blade tips, which are prevalent in the majority of today's aircraft engines and power generating turbines. The state of our current understanding of turbine blade tip heat transfer is in the transitional phase between fundamentals supported by engine-based experience, and the ability to a priori correctly predict and efficiently design blade tips for engine service.
Vascular Risk Factors and Midlife Cognition Rethinking the Exposure Window

The connection between cerebrovascular health and cognition has been of empirical interest to scientists for over a century. In 1894, Swiss neurologist, Otto Binswanger, described an association between postmortem cerebrovascular changes, including atherosclerosis, and cognitive impairment preceding death in middle-aged and older adults.1 One-hundred and twenty years later, the field has evolved beyond Binswanger’s seminal work to include midlife systemic vascular health factors as potential mechanistic drivers in abnormal cognitive aging, including the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease.2,3 Article see p 1560 In this issue of Circulation , Yaffe and colleagues push the envelope further by reporting that longitudinal exposure to one or more vascular risk factors in early and midadulthood is associated with worse midlife cognitive performance.4 Participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study who were 18 to 30 years of age at baseline underwent vascular risk factor assessments every 2 to 5 years over a 25-year period. Cognitive assessment, conducted at the end of the follow-up period, included delayed episodic memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test), information processing speed (Digit Symbol Coding), and 1 key aspect of executive functioning (inhibition assessed by the Stroop Test). In unadjusted models, cumulative exposure of each vascular risk factor (with the exception of total cholesterol) was individually associated with poorer performance on all 3 cognitive measures at midlife. However, in models adjusting for or excluding participants with incident cardiovascular events (eg, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, congestive heart failure), findings were less consistent, and the significant effects that remained were diminished. Normal levels of each risk factor (defined by American Heart Association guidelines)5 were unrelated to midlife cognitive performance …
Assessment of assemblage‐wide temporal niche segregation using null models

Summary 1. Although time can be subdivided to promote species coexistence, quantitative examination of assemblage-wide temporal niche overlap has seldom been explored with appropriate null models. Because of the sequential and continuous nature of time, it requires a different kind of randomization model than those used to assess subdivision of discrete and non-sequential resources (e.g. food types and microhabitats). 2. For two common niche overlap indices (Pianka and Czekanowski), we compared the responses of two common randomization models and a newly developed model (ROSARIO) to different levels of temporal autocorrelation, specialization and coincidence of activity. 3. Although qualitatively similar results characterized overlap indices, results differed depending on randomization model. Temporal resolution of the data and amount of temporal specialization in an assemblage can have large effects on model outcomes. ROSARIO is as powerful as the models used for analyses of overlap of nominal and unordered resources, but it is more appropriate for ranked and interval data, as it maintains the empirical temporal autocorrelation within species. 4. ROSARIO can be a useful tool for exploration of assemblage-wide patterns of overlap in the use of resources that occur as cyclical phenomena, such as diel phases, yearly seasons, lunar tides and climate oscillations.
Bankruptcy and the Resolution of Financial Distress

This chapter reviews empirical research on the use of private and court-supervised mechanisms for resolving default and reorganizing companies in financial distress. Starting with a simple framework for financial distress and a quick overview of the theoretical research in this area, we proceed to summarize and synthesize the empirical research in the areas of financial distress, asset and debt restructuring, and features of the formal bankruptcy procedures in the United States and around the world. Studies of out-of-court restructurings (workouts and exchange offers), corporate governance issues relating to distressed restructurings, and the magnitude of the costs and the efficiency of bankruptcy reorganizations are among the topics covered.
ITER generic diagnostic Upper Port Plug nuclear heating and personnel dose rate assesment Neutronics analysis using the ATTILA discrete ordinates code

Neutronics analysis to find nuclear heating rates and personnel dose rates were conducted in support of the integration of diagnostics in to the ITER Upper Port Plugs. Simplified shielding models of the Visible-Infrared diagnostic and of a large aperture diagnostic were incorporated in to the ITER global CAD model. Results for these systems are representative of typical designs with maximum shielding and a small aperture (Vis-IR) and minimal shielding with a large aperture. The neutronics discrete-ordinates code ATTILA® and SEVERIAN® (the ATTILA parallel processing version) was used. Material properties and the 500 MW D-T volume source were taken from the ITER “Brand Model” MCNP benchmark model. A biased quadrature set equivelant to Sn=32 and a scattering degree of Pn=3 were used along with a 46-neutron and 21-gamma FENDL energy subgrouping. Total nuclear heating (neutron plug gamma heating) in the upper port plugs ranged between 380 and 350 kW for the Vis-IR and Large Aperture cases. The Large Aperture model exhibited lower total heating but much higher peak volumetric heating on the upper port plug structure. Personnel dose rates are calculated in a three step process involving a neutron-only transport calculation, the generation of activation volume sources at pre-defined time steps and finally gamma transport analyses are run for selected time steps. ANSI-ANS 6.1.1 1977 Flux-to-Dose conversion factors were used. Dose rates were evaluated for 1 full year of 500 MW D-T operation which is comprised of 3000 1800-second pulses. After one year the machine is shut down for maintenance and personnel are permitted to access the diagnostic interspace after 2-weeks if dose rates are below 100 µSv/hr. Dose rates in the Visible-IR diagnostic model after one day of shutdown were 130 µSv/hr but fell below the limit to 90 µSv/hr 2-weeks later. The Large Aperture style shielding model exhibited higher and more persistent dose rates. After 1-day the dose rate was 230 µSv/hr but was still at 120 µSv/hr 4-weeks later.
The Arabidopsis PBS1 resistance gene encodes a member of a novel protein kinase subfamily

Specific recognition of Pseudomonas syringae strains that express the avirulence gene avrPphB requires two genes in Arabidopsis, RPS5 and PBS1. Previous work has shown that RPS5 encodes a member of the nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat class of plant disease resistance genes. Here we report that PBS1 encodes a putative serine-threonine kinase. Southern blot analysis revealed that the pbs1-1 allele contained a deletion of the 3' end of the PBS1 open reading frame. DNA sequence analysis of the pbs1-2 allele showed it to be a missense mutation that caused a glycine to arginine substitution in the activation segment of PBS1, a region known to regulate substrate binding and catalytic activity in many protein kinases. The identity of PBS1 was confirmed using both transient transformation and stable transformation of mutant pbs1 plants. Comparison of the predicted PBS1 amino acid sequence with other plant protein kinases revealed that PBS1 belongs to a distinct subfamily of protein kinases that contains no other members of known function. The Pto kinase of tomato, which is required for specific resistance to P. syringae strains expressing avrPto, did not fall in the same subfamily as PBS1 and is only 42% identical in the kinase domain. These data suggest that PBS1 and Pto may fulfil different functions in the recognition of pathogen avirulence proteins. We discuss several possible models for the roles of PBS1 and RPS5 in AvrPphB recognition.
Electromagnetic modeling of subsurface 3D structures

A 3D frequency domain electromagnetic numerical solution has been implemented for sensing buried structures in a lossy Earth. Because some structures contain metal, it is necessary to treat them as very good conductors residing in a complicated lossy Earth background. To model these scenarios and to avoid excessive gridding in the numerical solution, the authors assume the structures to be perfectly conducting, which forces the total electric field to zero within the conductor. This is accomplished by enforcing internal boundary conditions on the numerical grid. The numerical solution is based on a vector Helmholtz equation for the scattered electric fields, which is approximated using finite differences on a staggered grid. After finite differencing, a complex-symmetric matrix system of equations is assembled and preconditioned using Jacobi scaling before it is iteratively solved using the quasi-minimum residual (qmr) or bi-conjugate gradient (bicg) methods. For frequencies approaching the static limit (<10 kHz), the scheme incorporates a static-divergence correction to accelerate solution convergence. This is accomplished by enforcing the divergence of the scattering current within the Earth as well as the divergence of the scattered electric field in the air.
Photochemistry of fumaronitrile radical anion and its clusters.

The photodetachment and photochemistry of the radical anion of fumaronitrile (trans-1,2-dicyanoethylene) and its clusters are investigated using photoelectron imaging and photofragment spectroscopy. We report the first direct spectroscopic determination of the adiabatic electron affinity (EA) of fumaronitrile (fn) in the gas phase, EA = 1.21 ± 0.02 eV. This is significantly smaller than one-half the EA of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE). The singlet–triplet splitting in fumaronitrile is determined to be ΔES–T ≤ 2.6 eV, consistent with the known properties. An autodetachment transition is observed at 392 and 355 nm and assigned to the 2Bu anionic resonance in the vicinity of 3.3 eV. The results are in good agreement with the predictions of the CCSD(T) and EOM-XX-CCSD(dT) (XX = IP, EE) calculations. The H2O and Ar solvation energies of fn– are found to be similar to the corresponding values for the anion of TCNE. In contrast, a very large (0.94 eV) photodetachment band shift, relative to fn–, is observed for (fn)...
A Putative ABC Transporter, HatABCDE, Is among Molecular Determinants of Pyomelanin Production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pyomelanin overproduction is a common phenotype among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates recovered from cystic fibrosis and urinary tract infections. Its prevalence suggests that it contributes to the persistence of the producing microbial community, yet little is known about the mechanisms of its production. Using transposon mutagenesis, we identified factors that contribute to melanogenesis in a clinical isolate of P. aeruginosa. In addition to two enzymes already known to be involved in its biosynthesis (homogentisate dioxygenase and hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase), we identified 26 genes that encode regulatory, metabolic, transport, and hypothetical proteins that contribute to the production of homogentisic acid (HGA), the monomeric precursor of pyomelanin. One of these, PA14_57880, was independently identified four times and is predicted to encode the ATP-binding cassette of an ABC transporter homologous to proteins in Pseudomonas putida responsible for the extrusion of organic solvents from the cytosol. Quantification of HGA production by P. aeruginosa PA14 strains missing the predicted subcomponents of this transporter confirmed its role in HGA production: mutants unable to produce the ATP-binding cassette (PA14_57880) or the permease (PA14_57870) produced substantially less extracellular HGA after growth for 20 h than the parental strain. In these mutants, concurrent accumulation of intracellular HGA was observed. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR revealed that intracellular accumulation of HGA elicits upregulation of these transport genes. Based on their involvement in homogentisic acid transport, we rename the genes of this operon hatABCDE.
Angular sensitivity of a vacuum photodiode, or does a photodetector always count absorbed photons?

The response of a vacuum photoemissive photodiode to a light beam has been investigated as a function of the angle of incidence in order to check whether the response is always proportional to the absorbed number of photons. By working mainly in the region of total internal reflection and measuring the reflected beam with an auxiliary detector at near-normal incidence, we were able to determine the absorptivity and to compare it with the measured photoelectric current. We found that the ratio of the two quantities is constant and independent of the angle of incidence for TE waves but not for TM waves. The results suggest that there exists an extra loss mechanism for TM waves, which may be connected with plasmon generation. Because of this extra loss, the response of the detector to TM waves is not a direct measure of the number of absorbed photons.
An Examination of the Effects of Price Supports and Federal Crop Insurance Upon the Economic Growth, Capital Structure, and Financial Survival of Wheat Growers in the Northern High Plains

This study examines the effects of both farm price support programs and federally subsidized crop insurance programs upon the profitability, capital structure, and financial survival rates of High Plains wheat producers. The alternative farm programs are analyzed in an intertemporal dynamic setting. Results indicate that the producer's first response to risk is to restrict the use of debt. Price support programs and crop insurance are substitutes in reducing producer risk. The availability of crop insurance in a setting with price supports allows producers to service higher levels of debt with no increase in risk.
The parallel-Gaussian watermarking game

Rates of reliable transmission of hidden information are derived for watermarking problems involving parallel Gaussian sources, which are often used to model host images and audio signals. Constraints are imposed on the average squared-error distortion that can be introduced by the information hider and by the attacker. When distortions are measured with respect to the original host data, the optimal covert and attack channels are two banks of Gaussian test channels. The solution to the watermarking game involves an optimal allocation of distortions by the information hider and by the attacker to the different channels. A fast algorithm is given for computing the optimal solution based on duality theory. For each channel, we derive analytical expressions for two asymptotic regimes: weak and strong host signals. Finally, we extend these results to the class of stationary Gaussian host signals with bounded, continuous spectral density. The analysis also provides an upper bound on watermarking capacity for nonGaussian host signals.
Safety of computed tomography in patients with cardiac rhythm management devices: assessment of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory in clinical practice.

Objectives To assess the safety of computed tomography (CT) imaging in patients with cardiac rhythm management (CRM) devices, which was subject to an advisory from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008. Background The FDA warned about potential interference of CT imaging with CRM devices and made recommendations for clinical practice despite only limited evidence. Methods All 516 CT scans that involved direct radiation exposure of CRM devices (332 defibrillators, 184 pacemakers) at 2 large-volume centers between July 2000 and May 2010 were included. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of death, bradycardia or tachycardia requiring termination of the scan or an immediate intervention, unplanned hospital admission, reprogramming of the device, inappropriate defibrillator shocks, or device replacement/revision thought to be due to CT imaging. Significant changes in device parameters were sought as a secondary outcome (control group 4:1 ratio). Results The main finding was that none of the CTs were associated with the primary outcome. With serial device interrogations, there were no differences in changes in battery voltage or lead parameters between devices exposed to radiation and their controls. Potentially significant changes in device parameters were observed in a small group of devices (both the CT group and control group), but no definitive link to CT was confirmed, and there were no associated clinical consequences. Conclusions The findings suggest that the presence of CRM devices should not delay or result in cancellation of clinically indicated CT imaging procedures, and provide evidence that would be helpful when the FDA advisory is re-evaluated.
Fractionation and some properties of the ribosomal proteins in Escherichia coli ribosomes

Abstract 1. 1. In order to study the activity and structure of the ribosomal protein, a method of purification of the ribosomes of Escherichia coli was evolved that gives particularly active ribosomes free from endogenous messenger RNA and contaminating soluble proteins. 2. 2. These were then separated into RNA and protein by LiCl-urea and fractionated on CM-cellulose. Three major and two minor fractions were obtained and all were studied by acrylamide gel electrophoresis, Sephadex gel filtration and amino acid analysis. 3. 3. One fraction was found to contain 5-S RNA and possibly a new RNA. This fraction was found to be entirely removed by sedimentation in CsCl or mild LiCl-urea treatment. 4. 4. Finally a proteolytic activity was found associated with the ribosomal proteins. This activity was stable to the extraction procedures and could cause changes in the primary structure.
Properties of electronic current induced by nuclear motion: Interaction with radiation

The induction of electronic motion by nuclear motion is described for the particular case of the absorption of infrared radiation by chiral molecular systems. The description is in terms of an effective vector potential, which is obtained by averaging over the electronic coordinates. This effective vector potential can be visualized in a number of ways. Nine of these are tabulated and discussed. Strong evidence is presented that the interaction of rings with radiation can be treated in the same way as the interaction with chains. Evidence is also obtained that the bulk of the induced electronic motion can be determined semiclassically.
Targeting mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenesis

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for ventilator-acquired pneumonia, acute lower respiratory tract infections in immunocompromised patients and chronic respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis patients. High incidence, infection severity and increasing resistance characterize P. aeruginosa infections, highlighting the need for new therapeutic options. One such option is to target the many pathogenic mechanisms conferred to P. aeruginosa by its large genome encoding many different virulence factors. This article reviews the pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapies targeting these mechanisms in P. aeruginosa respiratory infections.
Aspects of S2

We present in this paper the essential aspects of the S2 system. This is the internet realization of SEMPER, an active, multi-domain, space-based, object oriented design environment for integrated building performance modeling. The key features of the S2 environment are as follows: A user can access the system regardless of the computer hardware, operating system or the location on a network; geographically distributed users can asynchronously generate a building model through the user interface; this building model can then be simultaneously evaluated with multiple simulation applications running on remote simulation servers; persistent storage is provided for project data and evaluation results; designers using the system have access to multiple libraries that contain building information such as material data, construction types, schedules, and weather data.
Housing, Taxation, and Urban Land Development in China

This paper provides an overview of land and housing market developments in modern China since 1949. Key milestones in China’s land allocation system are documented along with a description of the amazing transformation that has taken place. In particular, with the advent of transferable development rights and long-term land leases real estate markets have emerged and supported phenomenal urban development. In addition, the paper employs a standard dynamic model of urban land development and uses that model to analyze several current policy issues in China. Those issues include: improper pricing of land use rights, optimal development, agricultural land conversion, threats to development, development fees, and ad valorem taxes. In each policy case, the model is used to gain insight regarding both the timing of urban development and the optimal capital intensity of development. Model insights are used to inform the policy debates.
California’s Tax System in Crisis and Beyond: Testimony Before the California State Assembly, Committee on Revenue and Taxation

Testimony and presentation by David Gamage, Assistant Professor at the UC Berkeley School of Law, before the California State Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation on March 23rd, 2009. The topic of the hearing was: Academic Perspectives on Reforming California's Tax System in Crisis and Beyond. The hearing was televised on the California Channel. Professors Alan Auerbach and Charles McClure also testified.
Slag resistance of refractories for evacuators

Resultats d'essais comparatifs de resistance aux scories de divers refractaires employes dans le traitement sous vide de l'acier
The Fir Shoot-boring Sawflies of the Genus Pleroneura in North America (Hymenoptera: Xyelidae)

Five species of Pleroneura are found in North America, one in eastern Canada and United States and the others in the Rocky Mountains west to the Pacific coast. Larvae of species of this genus bore and feed in the developing buds and new shoots of true firs, Abies spp. A key and descriptions are given for the North American species.
Integration of Plant Resistance, Insecticides, and Planting Date for Management of the Hessian Fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Winter Wheat

The Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), can cause severe damage to soft red winter wheat, Triticum aestivum L. em Theil, in the southeastern United States. The efficacy and cost effectiveness of in-furrow applications of disulfoton and phorate as alternatives to planting date modification and plant resistance for controlling Hessian fly damage in winter wheat was studied during the 1987-1988 and 1988-1989 seasons near Midville and Plains, Ga. The study consisted of a split-split plot design of two planting dates, three insecticide treatments, and four or six cultivars of soft red winter wheat. Populations were small and damage was minimal during the first season, but populations were large and damage was severe during the second season. Planting before the recommended planting date increased the severity of Hessian fly injury, but planting at the recommended date did not necessarily avoid Hessian fly damage during the fall. Applications of phorate and disulfoton were equally effective in controlling infestations in the fall and winter. Spring infestations also tended to be lower in treated than untreated plots. Plant resistance controlled Hessian fly damage throughout the season. Phorate reduced wheat seedling establishment in some trials, but this reduction did not adversely affect wheat productivity and economic returns. Low populations had little effect on wheat yield, test weight, and economic returns in 1987-1988. Hessian fly damage in 1988-1989 reduced grain yield, test weight, and straw weight in untreated susceptible cultivars. Use of a systemic insecticide at planting on Hessian fly susceptible cultivars provided a positive economic return regardless of planting date, and disulfoton and phorate provided similar economic benefits. When infestations were large, resistant cultivars provided a large economic benefit compared with an untreated susceptible cultivar. Insecticide use on a resistant cultivar was not economically justified. Planting a high-yielding, resistant cultivar without an insecticide provided similar or better economic returns than other management options. However, if high-yielding resistant cultivars are not available, use of a systemic insecticide at planting on susceptible cultivars in conjunction with proper cultural practices is a cost-effective alternative approach to managing the Hessian fly in wheat.
Endotoxin and the Liver. I. Toxicity in Rats with Choline Deficient Fatty Livers

SummaryBecause previous reports have demonstrated that intestinal bacterial suppression retards the development of cirrhosis in rats on choline deficient diets, the sensitivity of these animals to the lethal and sublethal effects of E. coli lipopolysaccharide was studied. Rats with fatty livers of choline deficiency had a marked reduction in the LD 50 to endotoxin. In addition, serum transaminase levels of these animals were raised by doses of the endotoxin that were too small to affect the enzyme levels in controls. It is suggested that rats on a choline-deficient cirrhotogenic diet, experience tissue necrosis from amounts of endotoxin that are ordinarily rendered harmless.
Optical and Nanomechanical Characterization of an Omnidirectional Reflector Encompassing 850 nm Wavelength

We demonstrate that multilayers composed of nineteen alternating layers of tin sulfide and silica can function as omnidirectional reflectors. These materials exhibit omnidirectional reflectivity for a range of frequencies in the near infra-red (NIR) encompassing the 850 nm wavelength. A refractive index contrast of 2.7/1.46 is achieved, one of the highest values demonstrated until now in NIR photonic bad gaps. In addition, new nanoindentation procedures have been developed to measure mechanical properties of these fine laminate materials, and demonstrate that tin sulfide-silica multilayers are mechanically stable for practical applications.