cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social media in second and foreign language teaching and learning: Blogs, wikis, and social networking

This review surveys and synthesizes the findings of 87 focal pieces, published primarily since 2009 and mid 2018, on the formal and informal use of social media—blogs, wikis, and social networking—for second and foreign language teaching and learning (L2TL), including studies on the use of educational sites like Livemocha and Busuu and vernacular sites like Facebook and Twitter. The article frames the review in the development of social media and the history of social computer-assisted language learning (CALL) research. Synthesis identifies common findings, including that social media can afford the development of intercultural, sociopragmatic, and audience awareness, language learner and user identities, and particular literacies. Presentation of the focal pieces and common findings is intertwined with discussion of problematic issues, and each section concludes with a summary and implications for future research and practice.
Achieving accurate energetics beyond (semi-)local density functional theory: Illustrated with transition metal disulfides, Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 , and Na 3 PS 4 related semiconductors

Understanding, designing, and processing functional metal sulfides are significant challenges in part because of the high temperatures and pressures and the number of secondary phases encountered in these complex systems. In particular, the underlying thermochemical properties are not well understood that would allow prediction of equilibrium conditions and driving forces. In addition, obtaining accurate values for the energetics of metal sulfide systems is far from complete, suggesting application of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Here, the results of an examination of 69 phases by DFT using 12 exchange-correlation (X-C) functionals indicate that (i) the key source of error in predicting the Gibbs energy of a phase is the enthalpy calculated at 0 K rather than entropy at finite temperatures from phonon calculations and (ii) an improved prediction of the thermodynamic properties at 0 K relies on the selected nonlocal X-C functional such as the hybrid potential. Regarding metal sulfides, we conclude from the present DFT results that (1) the secondary phase ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}{\mathrm{ZnSn}}_{3}{\mathrm{S}}_{8}$, associated with the desired photovoltaic material ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}{\mathrm{ZnSnS}}_{4}$, is not stable at 0 K, but it becomes slightly stable with increasing temperature (i.e., g800 K), primarily due to the vibrational entropy, which makes it difficult to be detected in a typical thin-film growth process; (2) the hybrid X-C functional improves the predicted energetics for most of the layered transition-metal disulfides such as ${\mathrm{TiS}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{MoS}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{WS}}_{2}$, but not for the nonlayered ${\mathrm{RuS}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{OsS}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{IrS}}_{2}$ as well as the layered ${\mathrm{PdS}}_{2}$; and (3) the formation of the solid-state electrolyte ${\mathrm{Na}}_{3}{\mathrm{PS}}_{4}$ is thermodynamically favored. We further conclude that accurate energetics as a function of temperature for the materials of interest is feasible to be achieved beyond the semilocal DFT calculations with the key being enthalpy predicted at 0 K.
Supersymmetric tensor model at large N and small ε

We study the $O(N{)}^{3}$ supersymmetric quantum field theory of a scalar superfield ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Phi}}}_{abc}$ with a tetrahedral interaction. In the large $N$ limit, the theory is dominated by the melonic diagrams. We solve the corresponding Dyson-Schwinger equations in continuous dimensions below 3. For sufficiently large $N$, we find an IR stable fixed point and computed the $3\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ expansion up to the second order of perturbation theory, which is in agreement with the solution of DS equations. We also describe the $1+\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ expansion of the model and discuss the possibility of adding the Chern-Simons action to gauge the supersymmetric model.
GPCRs in innate and adaptive immune responses

Abstract Immunity allows organisms to protect the integrity of their genomes and core homeostatic functions from infection by other organisms or disruption by tissue damage. Specialized immune effector cells (leukocytes) mediate these protective responses. Innate immune leukocytes (neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and other granulocytes) facilitate rapid protection against acute infection or tissue insult. Adaptive immune leukocytes (multiple subtypes of T lymphocytes/T cells and B lymphocytes) generate sustained protection and also immunological memory toward pathogens that previously infected the host but were successfully eliminated. Because vertebrates have dedicated organs for the generation, differentiation, and activation of leukocytes, precise signals are required to control the constitutive homing or induced recruitment of these leukocytes from the circulation into infected organs or damaged and inflamed tissues. Chemoattractant G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the critical regulators of these movements of immune effector leukocytes between and within tissues. Immunoactive GPCRs also trigger signaling pathways which facilitate the release of antimicrobial mediators from leukocytes and secondarily induce expression of additional chemokines and cytokines that amplify, extend, or terminate immune responses. Four subgroups of class A GPCRs that particularly contribute to innate or adaptive immune leukocyte regulation include 18 GPCRs for chemokine proteins, five GPCRs for inflammatory peptides, 17 GPCRs for various lipid mediators, and 11 GPCRs for nucleotides/nucleosides. Aberrant expression or activation of certain GPCRs underlies the pathogenesis of immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and autoinflammatory syndromes. Pharmacologic agents that target these and other GPCRs have been developed as effective therapies for diseases that involve either inadequate or overactive immune responses.
Representation of Women in Pain Medicine Fellowships in the United States, 2017-2018

Objective To quantify the representation of women trainees and faculty and to explore associations between them at Pain Medicine (PM) fellowship programs in the United States. Setting PM fellowship programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Methods All PM programs approved for at least four fellows as of December 2017 were identified. Websites of these programs were reviewed to determine the number and gender of current fellows and faculty, and programs were contacted to verify the information. Results A total of 56 PM programs were eligible; of these, 48 PM programs (86%) provided information about the gender distribution of fellows. Women comprised ∼25% of PM fellows. PM programs with a female rather than male fellowship program director (PD) had 2.40 times increased odds of a female trainee. Proportion of female faculty and division chief gender were not significantly associated with trainee gender composition. The adjusted odds of a faculty member being female was 1.99 times greater for PM programs with a female vs male PD and 3.13 times greater for programs with a female vs male division chief. Conclusions Women are underrepresented throughout all levels of academic pain medicine. The presence of women in leadership roles is associated with higher proportions of female trainees and faculty, highlighting the need for more female role models in academic pain medicine.
Essays in nonparametric measures of changes in taste and hedging behavior with options

This dissertation consists of three self contained essays. The first develops and implements a method for measuring taste change that does not require any parametric estimation. The second essay shows how expected utility maximization problems can be solved when the distribution of prices or revenue is truncated. The third essay examines optimal hedging behavior of a firm faced with both price and output uncertainty, and who has access to both futures and options markets.
Numerical approximation to the general kinetic model for ASL quantification.

PURPOSE To develop a numerical approximation to the general kinetic model for arterial spin labeling (ASL) quantification that will enable greater flexibility in ASL acquisition methods. THEORY The Bloch-McConnell equations are extended to include the effects of single-compartment inflow and outflow on both the transverse and longitudinal magnetization. These can be solved using an extension of Jaynes' matrix formalism with piecewise constant approximation of incoming labeled arterial flow and a clearance operator for outgoing venous flow. METHODS The proposed numerical approximation is compared with the general kinetic model using simulations of pulsed labeling and pseudo-continuous labeling and a broad range of transit time and bolus duration for tissue blood flow of 0.6 mL/g/min. Accuracy of the approximation is studied as a function of the timestep using Monte-Carlo simulations. Three additional scenarios are demonstrated: (1) steady-pulsed ASL, (2) MR fingerprinting ASL, and (3) balanced SSFP and spoiled gradient-echo sequences. RESULTS The proposed approximation was found to be arbitrarily accurate for pulsed labeling and pseudo-continuous labeling. The pulsed labeling/pseudo-continuous labeling approximation error compared with the general kinetic model was less than 0.002% (<0.002%) and less than 0.05% (<0.05%) for timesteps of 3 ms and 35 ms, respectively. The proposed approximation matched well with customized signal expressions of steady-pulsed ASL and MR fingerprinting ASL. The simulations of simultaneous modeling of flow, T2 , and magnetization transfer showed an increase in steady-state balanced SSFP and spoiled gradient signals. CONCLUSION We demonstrate a numerical approximation of the "Bloch-McConnell flow" equations that enables arbitrarily accurate modeling of pulsed ASL and pseudo-continuous labeling signals comparable to the general kinetic model. This enables increased flexibility in the experiment design for quantitative ASL.
The Spectrum of Unschooling

In this chapter, the basic definition and core philosophy of unschooling is explained. The spectrum of unschooling is introduced, and the three main classifications of unschooling are considered. These classifications have been termed Relaxed Homeschooling, Unschooling, and Radical Unschooling. The growth of unschooling and how that has affected those who have already made the choice to unschool is discussed. Major criticisms and stereotypes regarding unschooling are also reviewed.
Robust stabilization at uncertain equilibrium by output derivative feedback control.

Abstract The problem of stabilizing dynamic systems with unknown or uncertain equilibrium states is studied. Derivative control schemes are proposed for both state and output feedback for the local stabilization at the true equilibrium states. The case where norm-bounded uncertainties are present in the system model is considered to derive robust stability conditions in linear matrix inequality form. The proposed control solutions drive the closed-loop system exponentially to its equilibrium states as shown via simulation on the chaotic Rossler and Lorenz attractors, when the equilibrium states are unknown and model uncertainties are present. A practical example involving a magnetic levitation system, in which two disks are to be levitated at an unknown magnetic equilibrium, demonstrates the effectiveness of the output derivative feedback controller.
A case report of a primary cardiac lymphoma causing superior vena cava obstruction: the value of multimodality imaging in the clinical workup.

Background This is a case report of a primary cardiac lymphoma with an unusual clinical presentation. We hereby illustrate the characteristic features of cardiac lymphomas by multimodality imaging and particularly cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) that can help reach a timely diagnosis non-invasively and guide treatment decisions. Case summary A 58-year-old woman, without significant past medical history, presented with a 3-week history of shortness of breath associated with facial and neck swelling. Transthoracic echocardiogram confirmed the presence of a cardiac mass in the right atrium. Cardiac magnetic resonance helped to characterize the mass, assess its haemodynamic significance and relation to cardiac structures, and reach a non-invasive diagnosis that was crucial for guiding treatment decisions and interventions. Discussion Cardiac masses have distinct imaging features that can help differentiate malignant from benign cardiac tumours. More specifically, primary cardiac lymphomas can be relatively easy diagnosed by CMR in most cases thanks to their characteristic imaging appearance.
Religion, Gender, and Representation in American Politics

Several recent analyses have examined the effects of religious beliefs, belonging, and behaviors on the representation of women in American politics. Taken collectively, these studies present an interesting puzzle. Specifically, they demonstrate that religious adherents express attitudes that are less supportive of women in positions of political leadership and that at every stage of the process, from primary candidacy to general-election victory, women are less likely to run and win in districts with greater numbers of religious adherents. However, this does not appear to be the result of even the most devout voters’ unwillingness to support women candidates in general elections. This body of work, therefore, suggests that the effect of religion on the representation of women manifests at earlier stages of the process, including individual vote choice in primary elections, party and elite recruitment, and potential candidates’ strategic entry decisions.
Trends of Publication in the Education and Practice Sections of the IJTMB: a Call to Action

The scope of the IJTMB includes not only publishing scientific research studies, but also to publish education innovation and practice-oriented approaches for all allied health providers whose practice include manually applied therapeutic massage and bodywork. The aims of the Practice and Education sections of the Journal are described in this editorial. The Education section covers topics including curriculum and competencies development, instructional design and delivery, instructional technology, distance learning, and testing/evaluative procedures for both initial education as well as continuing education. Planning, organization, marketing, and management of a successful practice, the incorporation of new scientific findings and methods into clinical practice, new clinical approaches to prevention and treatment of specific health conditions, and ethical issues are included in the Practice section. In an effort to increase publication within these sections we have put forth this call to action. We invite educators and practitioners to submit manuscripts discussing innovations in massage therapy education, how schools and students dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic, practitioners and clients adapted to the pandemic, investigations of the massage therapy profession and about massage therapists, as well as interesting case studies.
Carfilzomib-Induced Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in a Patient With Heterozygous CFHR3/CFHR1 Deletion Treated With Eculizumab.

Clinical Practice Points • Carfilzomib (CFZ) has rarely been associated with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). • Patients with heterozygous complement factor H related protein 3 (CFHR)/CFHR1 deletions may be predisposed to CFZ-induced aHUS. • The benefit of eculizumab in the treatment of CFZ-induced aHUS that fails to improve with drug withdrawal and supportive care remains uncertain.
When Are Therapists’ Efforts to Bring About Cognitive Change Effective? Considering Interpersonal Vulnerabilities as Contextual Factors

We examined interpersonal variables as moderators of the relation between therapists’ use of cognitive change (CC) strategies and CC in a sample of 125 adults who participated in cognitive behavioral therapy for depression. We measured self-reported maladaptive personality characteristics, interpersonal problems, and social skills at intake. Observers rated therapist adherence to cognitive methods for the first five sessions. Patients reported in-session CC following each session. Cognitive methods predicted greater CC. The relation between cognitive methods and CC was moderated by maladaptive personality traits; this relation was stronger for patients with greater maladaptive personality traits. We encourage future research investigating moderators of therapist interventions of putative therapeutic mechanisms.
Diagnostic ultrasound imaging of the lung: A simulation approach based on propagation and reverberation in the human body.

Although ultrasound cannot penetrate a tissue/air interface, it images the lung with high diagnostic accuracy. Lung ultrasound imaging relies on the interpretation of “artifacts,” which arise from the complex reverberation physics occurring at the lung surface but appear deep inside the lung. This physics is more complex and less understood than conventional B-mode imaging in which the signal directly reflected by the target is used to generate an image. Here, to establish a more direct relationship between the underlying acoustics and lung imaging, simulations are used. The simulations model ultrasound propagation and reverberation in the human abdomen and at the tissue/air interfaces of the lung in a way that allows for direct measurements of acoustic pressure inside the human body and various anatomical structures, something that is not feasible clinically or experimentally. It is shown that the B-mode images beamformed from these acoustical simulations reproduce primary clinical features that are used in diagnostic lung imaging, i.e., A-lines and B-lines, with a clear relationship to known underlying anatomical structures. Both the oblique and parasagittal views are successfully modeled with the latter producing the characteristic “bat sign,” arising from the ribs and intercostal part of the pleura. These simulations also establish a quantitative link between the percentage of fluid in exudative regions and the appearance of B-lines, suggesting that the B-mode may be used as a quantitative imaging modality.
Ultrasound Tissue Characterization for Quality Grading of Beef Carcasses

In the Unites States, beef carcasses are subjectively graded by certified inspectors from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The primary factors in determining beef quality grades are the amount and distribution (or marbling) of intramuscular fat. The intramuscular fat level is estimated by visual inspection of texture pattern in a cross-sectional area of the Longissimus dorsi (ribeye) muscle between 12th and 13th ribs. The four primary grades, from high to low marbling, are Prime, Choice, Select, and Standard. There is a growing demand in the meat industry for an objective system of evaluating the quality of beef carcasses as well as live animals. With some sort of instrument grading system, the beef industry could move towards a long desired goal of value-based marketing.
Superando la crisis financiera global: una visión general de la experiencia canadiense

Los signos iniciales de un hundimiento del mercado estadounidense de hipotecas de alto riesgo han demostrado ser mas que la punta del iceberg de dudosas practicas y productos financieros que conducen a la actual crisis economica. En estos momentos de gran investigacion y reforma financiera, vale la pena examinar el impacto de la crisis financiera en la economia canadiense, ya que esta ha sido marcadamente diferente a la experiencia americana. Es de destacar el hecho de que los sistemas financieros canadienses parecen haber estado muy aislados de gran parte de la tormenta financiera. Este articulo argumenta que la resistencia de Canada es atribuible en gran parte a un entorno regulatorio mas conservador, que redujo gran parte de la conducta problematica que ha llevado al mundo al borde de la crisis financiera. Sin ser un estudio exhaustivo, este trabajo ofrece una vision general de los impactos de la crisis economica en Canada y pone de relieve los factores claves que han contribuido a la experiencia canadiense.
Preparation and Characterization of α-Gliadin

A procedure for the isolation of α-gliadin by ultracentrifugation and gel filtration is based on the specific, reversible aggregation of α-gliadin which forms soluble, high particle weight aggregates. Good yields of α-gliadin are obtained which are pure according to the criteria of starch gel electrophoresis and gel filtration. The particle weight of α-gliadin has been estimated to be approximately 50,000 by gel filtration and light scattering.
Regulating Private Placements in China: A Principled Approach

As China’s economy continues to grow and mature, the market for private placements will also grow. Economic prosperity will result in a greater number of investors seeking investment opportunities. Prosperity will also result in the greater demand for goods and services, fueling the creation of more businesses that require capital. As China confronts this market reality, it must decide its legal response to the private-placement market. China is still in the early stages of deciding what sort of legal regime should govern its private-placement market. As it stands now, private placements in China are effectively governed by one provision in the Securities Law of the People’s Republic of China. This article explores what approach China should take in regulating its private placements. In the end, this article can provide no ultimate truths as to whether China should approach securities regulations with a heavy hand or a light one. The author recommends erring on the side of less regulation, rather than more. Whether that path is the correct one for China requires more reflection and consideration by Chinese policy-makers. For any approach Chinese policy-makers adopt to regulate private placements, they should adhere to certain principles: First, private-placement laws and interpretations must be based on a careful understanding and balancing of the costs and benefits of the proposed regulation. Second, private-placement laws must be drafted clearly and made easily accessible to the public to reduce compliance costs. Third, interpretations of laws must be intellectually legitimate – they must logically follow from the language and purpose of the law.
Environmental biochemistry of arsenic.

Arsenic has both metallic and nonmetallic properties and is a member of the nitrogen family. It occurs as a free element and combined form being widely distributed in sulfide ores. The poisonous character of arsenic allowed for its use as a herbicide, cattle and sheep dips, and insecticides. The ubiquity of arsenic in the environment, its biological toxicity, and its redistribution are factors evoking public concern. This review will cover the chemistry of arsenic and methods curently used to speciate the prevalent chemical forms in various environments. The major focus of this review is on the biological transformations of arsenic in both the terrestrial and aquatic systems.
Coronary artery spasm and its relationship to exercise in patients without severe coronary obstructive disease

Coronary artery spasm is reported to occur with exercise. In patients without severe coronary atherosclerosis, the evidence for exercise-induced coronary artery spasm is limited. Three patients with positive exercise tests but no severe coronary atherosclerosis are presented. Coronary artery spasm was provoked and verified by angiography in all three, but coronary angiography during exercise failed to demonstrate spasm. The literature is reviewed and the value of a routine protocol for evaluation is discussed.
Optimizations for Efficient Array Redistribution on Distributed Memory Multicomputers

Appropriate data distribution has been found to be critical for obtaining good performance on distributed memory multicomputers such as the Thinking Machines CM-5, Intel Paragon, and IBM SP-1/SP-2. It has also been found that some programs need to change their distributions during execution for better performance (redistribution). This work focuses on automatically generating efficient routines for redistribution. We present a new mathematical representation for regular distributions called FALLS and then discuss algorithms for redistribution based on this representation. One of the significant contributions of this work is being able to handle arbitrary source and target processor sets while performing redistribution. Another important contribution is the ability to handle an arbitrary number of dimensions for the array involved in the redistribution in a scalable manner. Our implementation of these techniques is based on the MPI communication library. The results presented show the efficiency and scalability of our redistribution algorithm.
An approach to the synthesis of separate surface automatic flight control systems.

A method is presented for the analysis of separate surface automatic flight control systems. The feasibility of such systems is demonstrated by the analysis of an example system, a separate surface wing-leveler for a Cessna 172. This example system employs a separate surface aileron with 15% of the basic airplane roll control power. A 90% reduction in bank-angle gust response can be obtained when compared with the basic airplane. The system does not feed back to the pilot's wheel. When failed (even hardover) the pilot retains more than adequate control of the airplane.
Combined-modality therapy for esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancers

The optimal management of locoregional esophageal cancer is controversial. Preoperative concomitant chemoradiotherapy (two courses of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil plus 50 Gy of radiation) may provide benefit in survival and local control compared with surgery alone and is a reasonable alternative to surgery alone in stages IIB, III, and possibly stage IVa disease. This benefit is less clear in stages I and IIA, for which surgery alone is thus a reasonable option. Preoperative chemotherapy without radiation also provides a survival benefit compared with surgery alone, but data are insufficient to conclude it is superior to preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Control of distant disease remains a problem with preoperative chemotherapy and preoperative chemoradiotherapy.
Precision measurements of the 182Ta gamma-ray spectrum and the levels in 182W☆

Abstract Measurements have been made on the γ-ray spectrum of 182Ta using a Ge(Li) detector to determine accurate energies and intensities, primarily of the 182Ta γ-rays above 1 MeV. The electronics logic was designed to allow comparison of the second-escape peaks of the high energy γ-rays with the low energy full-energy peaks. The resulting γ-ray energies are 1189.045±0.040, 1221.418±0.025, 1230.970±0.030, 1257.470±0.050, 1273.75±0.06, and 1289.17±0.07 keV. Additional runs were taken of the complete spectrum, resulting in precise energy values of the observed transitions. A FORTRAN computer code LEVEL is described which fits the γ-rays to the proposed level scheme by linear least-squares methods, after correcting for nuclear recoil. Final least-squares adjusted values are given for 182W energy levels and transition energies.
Measurements of radio noise at 0.700 mc and 2.200 mc from a high-altitude rocket probe

Abstract Radio noise observations at frequencies of 0·700 Mc and 2·200 Mc were made at altitudes between 3000 and 11,000 km from a Blue Scout Jr. high-altitude rocket probe on 30 July 1963. A steady background flux of (7·5 −3 +6 ) × 10 −19 W m −2 )(c/s) −1 at 0·700 Mc and (1·8 +1.0 −0.5 × 10 −19 W m −2 (c/s) −1 at 2·200 Mc was observed. Assuming a galactic origin of the observed fluxes at both frequencies, the averaged sky brightnesses are b (0·700 Mc) = (6 −3 +5 ) × 10 −20 W m −2 (c/s) −1 sr −1 b (2·200 Mc) = (1.4 +1.0 −0.5 × 10 −20 W m −2 (c/s) −1 sr −1 The observed brightness at 2·200 Mc is in reasonable agreement with the results of other observers. The apparent brightness at 0·700 Mc is, however, greater than was expected from previous observations. An alternative source of the 0·700 Mc flux in the terrestrial exosphere, as well as characteristics of several noise bursts observed during the flight, is briefly discussed.
Migration of excitation energy from thionine to methylene blue in micelles.

— The main absorption bands of thionine (Th+) and methylene blue (MB+) in aqueous solution lie at 598 nm and 664 nm, respectively. This position permits excitation energy transfer from Th+ to MB+, but not vice versa. We describe here studies of such transfer between these molecules adsorbed on micelles of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), imitating, at least to some extent, the state of pigments in chloroplasts. The SLS concentration was varied from 3.0 to 11 × 10-3M. In the presence of dye, aggregation to micelles, each containing 70–100 detergent molecules, begins at about 3.0 × 10-3M SLS. Practically all dye ions are adsorbed on these micelles as soon as their formation begins. Energy transfer from adsorbed Th+ ions to adsorbed MB+ ions can be demonstrated by observing the quenching of the fluorescence of thionine and the sensitization of that of methylene blue. At [Th+] = [MB+] = 1 × 10-5M, the most efficient energy transfer (82 per cent efficiency, as derived from measurements of the quenching of Th+ fluorescence, or 90 per cent, as derived from sensitization of MB+ fluorescence) is observed at the lowest SLS-concentration (3.0 × 10-3M), when the only micelles present are those formed by aggregation of dye-carrying low molecular complexes of SLS with dye cations. Each micelle carries, under these conditions, 10–14 molecules of the two dyes, and the distance between two closest dye ions is about 16 A. Transfer becomes less efficient as the SLS-concentration increases, causing pigment molecules to distribute themselves among a greater number of micelles.
An innovative global management staffing system: A competency-based perspective

Significant demands are imposed on corporate management of multinational corporations (MNCs) to develop a strategic orientation of their global human resource management systems (SGHRM). This strategic orientation, which should balance the need for both global stability and local flexibility, necessitates a more pronounced multicultural management membership. The competency- based SGHRM system proposed in this paper combines an innovative global management staffing practice of inpatriating foreign managers with the extant practice of expatriating domestic managers. The competency-based criteria are used to identify global manager candidate pools capable of executing an integrated global management system © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mechanism of the carbon catalyzed reduction of nitrobenzene by hydrazine

The reduction of nitroaromatics to anilines by hydrazine is catalyzed by carbons. The carbon serves as an adsorbent and electrical conductor to enable the reaction to occur. Hydrazine is a two-electron reducing agent as shown by trapping the diimide intermediate with norbornene. The nitrobenzene reduction is a four-electron process proceeding first to phenylhydroxylamine which was observed in low concentrations in the reacting system by NMR. Phenylhydroxylamine is reduced to aniline in a second step. The two-electron intermediate, nitrosobenzene, gave different products than nitrobenzene under the reaction conditions and could not be trapped, supporting the expected four-electron pathway. By serving as an adsorbent and collecting hydrazine on their surfaces, carbons make it possible to execute a four-electron reduction using a two-electron reducing agent. This role of carbon was confirmed by successfully operating an emf cell using graphite or carbon paste electrodes immersed in solutions of hydrazine and nitrobenzene. The initial rates of reduction of substituted nitrobenzenes showed only a tiny substituent effect and proceed at nearly the same rate as the carbon-catalyzed decomposition of hydrazine leading to the conclusion that hydrazine reaction at the carbon surface is the rate determining step.
Carbon nanotube based biomimetic membranes: mimicking protein channels regulated by phosphorylation

Membranes based on an array of aligned carbon nanotubes were used to mimic biological protein channels by functionalizing the open tips of the nanotubes with a synthetic peptide to obtain a biomimetic system where phosphorylation regulates the flow.
Genetic variation within and between Iliamna corei and I. remota (Malvaceae): implications for species delimitation

Iliamna corei and I. remota are classified as endangered species; however, their designation as separate species has been questioned. In order to address this problem, intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) data were generated to examine patterns of genetic differentiation within and between these two taxa. ISSRs were used to screen individuals for genetic diversity of I. corei from the single known natural population and two garden populations, and individuals of I. remota from the six natural populations and four garden populations. Using ten primers, 140 informative markers were generated. Ninety-four percent of loci detected revealed polymorphisms. Cluster analysis (neighbour-joining, NJ) revealed that the two species are genetically distinct and that the Illinois populations of I. remota were genetically distinct from the Virginia populations of I. remota. Ordination by Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) supported the findings of the NJ, with a separation of I. corei and I. remota. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) revealed that the majority of variation detected was within populations, which is consistent with other self-incompatible plants. The results indicate a correlation between the geographical distributions of the species and gene flow. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 151, 345–354.
Model Experiments on the Impact of Pacific Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies on Blocking Frequency

Abstract Sensitivity experiments with a perpetual January version of a low-resolution general circulation model are conducted to investigate the influence of Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies on blocking in the Northern Hemisphere. Six 1200-day integrations, each of which contains a different specified SST anomaly superimposed upon a fixed climatological SST distribution, are compared with a 1200-day control simulation to examine the impact of both equatorial Pacific and midlatitude North Pacific anomalous forcing. An ensemble of eight independent 90-day realizations is extracted from each simulation. Distributions of the ensemble-mean differences in the total number of blocking days from the control simulation are presented, along with estimates of the statistic significance of these differences. Pacific SST anomalies do not strongly affect the total number of days in which a block is present anywhere over the North Pacific basin, but they apparently can affect the preferred regions over th...
The trout cod, Maccullochella macquariensis, a rare freshwater fish of Eastern Australia

Abstract Maccullochella macquariensis is a rare freshwater percichthyid fish that was formerly found in many localities throughout the Murray-Darling River system of eastern Australia. It is now restricted to two isolated habitats in Victoria. This paper gives an account of the species and its distribution, catalogues the known museum specimens, and provides photographs of representative individuals.
Move over Madonna: The crossover career of Gospel artist Amy Grant

(1993). Move over Madonna: The crossover career of Gospel artist Amy Grant. Popular Music and Society: Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 47-68.
Self-calibrating quantum efficiency measurement technique and application to Pr(3+)-doped sulfide glass.

A measurement technique is described in which the radiative quantum efficiency of certain transitions in rare-earth–doped glasses can be determined based only on relative fluorescence measurements. We calibrate the emission from the level of interest by measuring emission into that level from a higher excited level. Application of the technique to Pr3+-doped sulfide glasses yields quantum efficiencies for the 1G4 → 3H5 transition as high as 60%, in good agreement with measurements using the integrating sphere technique. Calculated efficiency values based on the Judd–Ofelt technique are shown to be subject to inherent uncertainties.
Law as Father: Metaphors of Family in Nineteenth-Century Law

Although metaphor is commonly recognized as an important force in public discourse, this article argues that a subtle shift in metaphor is part of what can create the inventional possibilities for legal change. This article focuses on subtle shifts in judicial appeals to coverture, which were an important part of the struggle for nineteenth-century women's rights. Coverture was the concept in which women were legally and politically “covered” by the male head of household. This article argues that changes in coverture were enabled through a subtle shift in legal language, where the metaphor of family-as-government came to be replaced by the metaphor of government-as-family. This movement is traced through the case studies of spousal abuse law, child custody law, and juvenile court.
Probabilistic discrimination learning with dimensionalized stimuli

Abstract Two groups of subjects served in a probabilistic discrimination experiment where the stimuli contained four binary dimensions and the individual stimuli varied in II values. One group of subjects could use either individual cues (dimensions) which varied in their validity, combinations of cues, or the entire stimulus pattern as the basis of responding, but the other could only use the entire stimulus pattern. The performance of the first group was superior. More detailed examination of the data and fits of several different types of models to the data support the conclusion that subjects in the first group used primarily the single most valid dimension or perhaps the combination of the two most valid dimensions as the basis for responding. An expectancy model presented by Castellan and Edgell fit the data from both groups quite well.
Effects of Variety and Spacing on Percentage (%) Emergence and Grain Weight of Maize in Asaba Area of Delta State

This study was carried out in the Teaching and Research Farm of Delta State University, Asaba Campus from March 2008 to December 2009 to evaluate the response of maize varieties to three different plant spacings. It was a factorial experiment carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Ten maize varieties were evaluated under three different plant spacings for their percentage emergence and grain weight. The results of percentage emergence showed that open-pollinated variety BR9922-DMRSF2 which had 93.2% in 2008 and 93.8% in 2009 had highest percentage emergence. The results obtained from the grain weights indicated that hybrid variety 9022-13 that was sown at 75cm x 15cm which yielded 6.3 tha-1 in 2008 and 6.4 tha-1 in 2009 was superior, followed by open-pollinated variety BR9922-DMRSF2 which yielded 4.7tha-1 in 2008 and 4.9tha-1 in 2009. The effects of interaction showed that variety and space were significantly (p<0.05) different and positively affected maize grain weight. Based on the study, it is recommended that (i) Hybrid maize variety 9022-13 which was outstanding in grain weight be grown in the study area. Alternatively, farmers who prefer open-pollinated varieties could grow BR9922-DMRSF2. (ii) Spacing of 75cm x 15cm which resulted in better percentage emergence and highest grain weight be adopted in maize production.
Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia: The Pharmacist's Perspective:

Pharmacists are in a critical position when pharmaceutical agents are prescribed for the purpose of physician-assisted suicide and/or euthanasia and they may need to decide whether dispensing a lethal dose of a medication is ethically and morally acceptable for a patient. In many cases, pharmacists may not even be aware that prescriptions are intended for physician-assisted suicide and/or euthanasia. Pharmacists have a special responsibility to protect patients who are contemplating end-of-life decisions such as physician- assisted suicide and euthanasia. Pharmaceutical care (“Responsible provision of drug therapy for the purpose of achieving definite outcomes that improve a patient's quality of life … ”) requires that the pharmacist not only understands the medications but also the individual patient and the complexities of their lives and suffering. Only in this way can pharmacists provide safe and effective use of medications for the patients they serve.
Vacuum arc ion sources: A review

The vacuum arc ion source is unique among the arsenal of ion sources available to the experimenter in its capabilities for producing high current beams of metal ions, thereby providing a tool valuable especially for ion implantation and for accelerator injection applications. The source also provides a convenient approach to the investigation of fundamental vacuum arc phenomena via analysis of the ions formed within the metal plasma. First introduced several decades ago, this kind of ion beam generator is by now a relatively mature and widely used technology. Here we review the basic approach to vacuum arc ion source design, source embodiments that have been made and used around the world, their applications in several fields, and the vacuum arc plasma physics that has been explored using this kind of device as a diagnostic tool.
HYPONATREMIA IS ASSOCIATED WITH DIURETIC RESISTANCE AND A HIGHER INCIDENCE OF WORSENING RENAL FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE DECOMPENSATED HEART FAILURE

Although hyponatremia has prognostic implications in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), its influence on patient clinical course, including response to diuretics and renal function, has not been reported. Our objective was to evaluate the incidence of hyponatremia in ADHF and its association
Quality and fermentation of enzyme-treated alfalfa silages at three moisture concentrations.

Abstract Second harvest alfalfa was cut at the early bud stage, wilted in the field to approximately 45% moisture, and chopped to a theoretical length of 0.95 cm. Herbage was reconstituted to moisture concentrations of 50, 60, and 70% prior to enzyme treatment. Treatments consisted of control, 0.5 or 1 g kg −1 of an enzyme preparation having cellulolytic and amylolytic activity. Herbage was ensiled in small experimental silos for 1, 7 or 21 days. Organic acid content and pH reflected both the time of fermentation and moisture concentration of alfalfa. Rapid acidification occurred by Day 7 in the 70% moisture silage and remained constant to Day 21 of fermentation. Lactate concentrations remained relatively high and butyrate low in high moisture silages. Lactate concentration in alfalfa silages was apparently affected by moisture and enzyme treatment. Increases in lactate concentration were noted in the 60 and 70% moisture silages treated at a rate of 1 g kg −1 enzyme preparation. Crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility of alfalfa silages were not affected by moisture concentration or addition of enzyme. Cell wall components remained fairly stable during ensiling. The cellulase preparation did not have a beneficial effect in this experiment.
Intrathoracic goiter: Approaching the posterior mediastinal mass

The surgical management of posterior mediastinal goiters can pose considerable technical difficulty. We illustrate a method of sterile spoon extraction that can facilitate the cervical or limited cervicomediastinal approach to these lesions.
Ultrasound in the diagnosis of small bowel obstruction secondary to an incarcerated jejunal loop in Morison’s pouch

A few authors have published articles on unusual cases of internal hernias; however, there are no reports in the literature of a hernia arising from a right-sided retroperitoneal defect resulting in the incarceration of small bowel in Morison’s pouch. This case illustrates how point-of-care ultrasound was used to diagnose a small bowel obstruction in an atypical location.
Molecular Complexity via C–H Activation: A Dehydrogenative Diels-Alder Reaction

Traditionally, C–H oxidation reactions install oxidized functionality onto a preformed molecular skeleton, resulting in a local molecular change. The use of C–H activation chemistry to construct complex molecular scaffolds is a new area with tremendous potential in synthesis. We report a Pd(II)/bis-sulfoxide-catalyzed dehydrogenative Diels–Alder reaction that converts simple terminal olefins into complex cycloadducts in a single operation.
Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer.

Background and Objectives Simple methods to identify colorectal cancer patients at risk of recurrence are needed. This study aimed to determine if neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) predicts survival in colorectal cancer patients. Methods Two-hundred thirty patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer over a two-year period were identified from a prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database. NLR was calculated from pre-operative full blood counts. In the case of patients who did not undergo surgery, the full blood count from their out-patient visit was used. Known prognostic factors were recorded. Overall and cancer-specific survival were calculated. Results Pre-operative NLR greater than 5 correlated with overall and cancer-specific survival in univariate analyses. NLR was not independent of Dukes stage. Conclusions Pre-operative NLR may represent a simple method of identifying colorectal cancer patients with a poor prognosis pre-operatively. J. Surg. Oncol. 2005;91:181–184. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Consistency rules: a critical exploration of a universal principle of school discipline

The current study explores the principle of consistency and its relevance in the discipline cultures of three middle and two high schools in a Midwest US school district. We explore how educators (1) evoke consistency as a necessity for school discipline and (2) attempt to be consistent in practice to develop disciplined students, encourage academic-oriented school cultures, and maintain safe and orderly schools. We found that while consistency is important for collegiality’s sake and provides a cognitive frame for teachers to think about how to improve discipline, it may undermine the decision-making and discipline practices of individual teachers who are more apt to rely on relational rather that behaviourist discipline approaches.