cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convergence Properties of the Batch Means Method for Simulation Output Analysis

We examine key convergence properties of the steady-state simulation analysis method of nonoverlapping batch means (NOBM) when it is applied to a stationary, phi-mixing process. For an increasing batch size and a fixed batch count, we show that the standardized vector of batch means converges in distribution to a vector of independent standard normal variates--a well-known result underlying the NOBM method for which there appears to be no direct, readily accessible justification. To characterize the asymptotic behavior of the classical NOBM confidence interval for the mean response, we formulate certain moment conditions on the components (numerator and denominator) of the associated Student'st-ratio that are necessary to ensure the validity of the confidence interval. For six selected stochastic systems, we summarize an extensive numerical analysis of the convergence to steady-state limits of these moment conditions; and for two systems we present a simulation-based analysis exemplifying the corresponding convergence in distribution of the components of the NOBMt-ratio. These results suggest that in many simulation output processes, approximate joint normality of the batch means is achieved at a substantially smaller batch size than is required to achieve approximate independence; and an improved batch means method should exploit this property whenever possible.
Maximization, Whatever the Cost: Race, Redistricting, and the Department of Justice. By Maurice T. Cunningham. Westport, CT: Praeger, 2001. 192p. $62.50.

With the Supreme Court decision in Easley v. Cromartie , the 1990s round of redistricting litigation came to an end just in time for the new decade's round to commence. Looking back upon the Court decisions from the 1990s as well as the extensive scholarly commentary on them, anyone new to the field of voting rights in the United States might wonder how the Voting Rights Act, which was a straightforward attempt to remedy indisputably unjust political practices, could have given rise to the I-85 district in North Carolina.
A randomized controlled trial of high-fidelity simulation versus lecture-based education in preclinical medical students

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of simulation versus lecture-based education among preclinical medical students. Methods: Twenty medical students participated in this randomized, controlled crossover study. Students were randomized to four groups. Each group received two simulations and two lectures covering four different topics. Students were administered a pre-test, post-test and delayed post-test. The mean percentage of questions answered correctly on each test was calculated. The mean of each student’s change in score across the three tests was used to compare simulation- versus lecture-based education. Results: Students in both the simulation and lecture groups demonstrated improvement between the pre-test and post-test (p50.05). Students in the simulation group demonstrated improvement between the immediate post-test and delayed post-test (p50.05), while students in the lecture group did not demonstrate improvement (p40.05). When comparing interventions, the change in score between the pre-test and post-test was similar among both the groups (p40.05). The change in score between the post-test and delayed post-test was greater in the simulation group (p50.05). Conclusions: High-fidelity simulation may serve as a viable didactic platform for preclinical medical education. Our study demonstrated equivalent immediate knowledge gain and superior long-term knowledge retention in comparison to lectures.
Stochastic 3-D signal reconstruction from noisy projection data for heterogeneous instances of objects in electron microscopy imagery

Different instances of a biological macromolecular complex need not share the same 3-D electron scattering distribution function due to stoichiometric variability, flexibility and vibrations, etc. Cryo electron microscopy provides 2-D images of each of many such complexes where each image is roughly a projection. A statistical estimation problem is described and demonstrated for determining a statistical description of the complex from such imagery.
Electromagnetically controlled heart valve

An electromagnetically controlled artificial heart valve is presented both analytically and experimentally. A mathematical model, based on finite-element analysis, was used to analyze electromagnetic forces exerted on the movable permanent magnet attached to the heart valve. The electromagnetically controlled heart valve configuration represents a new family of electromagnetic devices and is based on a concept where an electronically controlled electromagnetic field controls the valve position. A parametric study was conducted to optimize the heart valve geometry and performance to meet requirements. Prototype units of the optimized structure were successfully built and tested. >
Paradigms of growth control: relation to Cdk activation.

The cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play a key role in cell cycle control, and in this review, we focus on the events that regulate their activities. Emphasis is placed on the CDKs that function during the G 1 phase of the cell cycle and on the CDK inhibitor p27 Kip1 . We discuss how CDK activation relates to two basic concepts of cell cycle regulation: (i) the need for multiple mitogens for the proliferation of nontransformed cells and (ii) the inhibitory effect of high culture density on proliferative capacity. We also describe how Cdk2 modulates the expression of the α subunit of the interleukin-2 receptor in T cells, and address the question of whether p27 Kip1 functions as an activator or inhibitor of the CDKs associated with the D cyclins.
Sex hormones and the genesis of autoimmunity.

Background The sexually dimorphic prevalence of autoimmune disease remains one of the most intriguing clinical observations among this group of disorders. While sex hormones have long been recognized for their roles in reproductive functions, within the past 2 decades scientists have found that sex hormones are integral signaling modulators of the mammalian immune system. Sex hormones have definitive roles in lymphocyte maturation, activation, and synthesis of antibodies and cytokines. Sex hormone expression is altered among patients with autoimmune disease, and this variation of expression contributes to immune dysregulation. Observations English-language literature from the last 10 years was reviewed to examine the relationship between sex hormones and the function of the mammalian immune system. Approximately 50 publications were included in this review, and the majority were controlled trials with investigator blinding that compared both male and female diseased and normal subjects. The review provided basic knowledge regarding the broad impact of sex hormones on the immune system and how abnormal sex hormone expression contributes to the development and maintenance of autoimmune phenomena, with a focus on systemic lupus erythematosus, as models of “lupus-prone” mice are readily available. Conclusions Sex hormones affect the function of the mammalian immune system, and sex hormone expression is different in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus than in healthy subjects. Sex hormones play a role in the genesis of autoimmunity. Future research may provide a therapeutic approach that is capable of altering disease pathogenesis, rather than targeting disease sequelae.
Central but not systemic lipid infusion augments the counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia

This study tests the hypothesis that lipids could act as an alternative fuel source in the brain during insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to hyperinsulinemic (5 ...
Operational experience of the atlas accelerator

Abstract The ATLAS accelerator consists of a HVEC model FN tandem accelerator injecting into a linac of independently-phased niobium superconducting resonators. The accelerator provides beams with masses 6⩽A⩽127 and with energies ranging up to 20 MeV/A for the lightest ions and 4 MeV/A for the heaviest ions. Portions of the linac have been in operation since 1978 and, over the last decade, more than 35000 h of operating experience have been accumulated. The long-term stability of niobium resonators, and their feasibility for use in heavy-ion accelerators is now well established.
High-performance densely packed vertical-cavity photonic integrated emitter arrays for direct-coupled WDM applications

High-performance multiple-wavelength photonic integrated InGaAs-GaAs MQW DBR VCSEL laser emitter arrays with a manufacturable planar scheme are demonstrated for low-cost multimode wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) local-area networks. Each array consists of eight pie-shaped bottom-emitting vertical-cavity lasers (VCL's) enclosed within a 60-/spl mu/m-diameter circle for direct-coupling into a single multimode fiber. The arrays exhibit a wide 32.9-nm lasing wavelength span and relatively high 7.3-mW single-channel output. In particular, we have achieved a differential efficiency as high as 50.2% and a maximum wall-plug efficiency of 11.8%. These devices operate with multilateral modes and have a wide 3-dB spectral bandwidth of 1.7 nm in average, which makes them especially suitable for multimode fiber systems.
Correlation analysis of received echoes from contrast agents in-vitro and in-vivo

Ultrasound contrast agents can be used to receive signals from vessels significantly smaller than the effective resolution of an ultrasound system. The signal from these microbubbles is coherent across pulses as long as the microbubble is intact, looking like a moving reflector that is more echogenic than blood cells and shifted in spectral mean. When the microbubble is destroyed, the received signal decorrelates between pulses. In-vitro optical and acoustical experiments observing single bubble echoes were conducted. Three mechanisms of destruction were observed optically: static diffusion, pressure-driven diffusion, and fragmentation. Fragmentation was often observed at pressures above 1.4 MPa, while static diffusion and acoustical diffusion were most frequently responsible for bubble destruction at low transmitted pressure. Correlation analysis between echoes received from the same bubble provided analytical evidence of bubble destruction; moreover, a detection scheme based on decorrelation was designed and tested.
Subspace partition weighted sum filters for image restoration

The previously proposed partition-based weighted sum (PWS) filters combine vector quantization (VQ) and linear finite impulse response (FIR) Wiener filtering concepts. By partitioning the observation space and applying a tuned Wiener filter to each partition, the PWS is spatially adaptive and has been shown to perform well in noise reduction applications. In this letter, we propose the subspace PWS (SPWS) filter and evaluate the efficacy of the SPWS filter in image deconvolution and noise reduction applications. In the SPWS filter, we project the observation vectors into a subspace using principal component analysis (PCA), or other methods, prior to partitioning. This subspace projection can dramatically reduce the computational burden associated with partitioning, especially for large window sizes. In some cases, performance is also enhanced due to improved partitioning.
Expression of Normal and Mutant Huntingtin in the Developing Brain

Huntington’s disease (HD) is caused by a genetic mutation that results in a polyglutamine expansion in huntingtin. The time course of neuronal loss in the HD striatum and other affected brain regions before the onset of symptoms is unknown. To determine the potential influence of huntingtin on brain development, we examined its expression in the developing mouse and in human control and HD brain. By Western blot, huntingtin was detected throughout the adult mouse brain and at all stages of embryonic and postnatal brain development. The protein increased significantly between postnatal day 7 (P7) and P15, which marks a period of active neuronal differentiation and enhanced sensitivity to excitotoxic injury in the rodent striatum. Immunoreactivity was found in neurons throughout the brain and localized mostly to the somatodendritic cytoplasm and to axons in fiber bundles. Staining was variable in different groups of neurons and within the same cell population. In developing brain, huntingtin was limited primarily to neuronal perikarya. Increased immunoreactivity in large neurons followed the gradient of neurogenesis and appeared in the basal forebrain and brainstem by embryonic days 15–17, in regions of cortex by P0–P1, and in the striatum by P7. In human brain at midgestation (19–21 weeks), huntingtin was detected in all regions. The brain of a 10-week-old infant with the expanded HD allele expressed a higher molecular weight mutant form of huntingtin at levels comparable to those of the wild-type protein. Thus, mutant huntingtin is expressed before neuronal maturation is complete. Results suggest that huntingtin has an important constitutive role in neurons during brain development, that heterogeneity in neuronal expression of the protein is developmentally regulated, and that the intraneuronal distribution of huntingtin increases in parallel with neuronal maturation. The presence of mutant huntingtin in the immature HD brain raises the possibility that neurons may be affected during brain development and possibly in the postnatal period when vulnerability to excitotoxic injury is at its peak.
Deterministic path planning for planar assemblies

I present a deterministic path planning algorithm for an assembly of rigid planar parts connected by joints. The part boundaries are comprised of line segments and circular arcs. The algorithm is based on configuration space computation and search. It is complete for one moving part and is heuristic for multiple parts. It is the first complete algorithm that is practical for real-world applications. It is more reliable than randomized algorithms, which are inherently incomplete. It solves problems with many parts, crowded environments, tight part fits, and closed chains.
Familial occurrence of painful subacute thyroiditis associated with human leukocyte antigen-B35.

Resume Introduction La thyroidite subaigue ou thyroidite de De Quervain est une maladie inflammatoire auto-limitee de la glande thyroide. Elle est declenchee par une infection virale, particulierement chez des individus genetiquement predisposes. Une forte association entre l'antigene HLA B-35 et l'evenement de thyroidite subaigue est signalee dans la litterature. Cependant, les cas familiaux de thyroidite subaigue en association avec l'HLA B-35 sont rarement decrits. Observations Nous presentons les cas de 2 freres et leur sœur, vivant dans la meme ville Libanaise, et qui ont successivement developpe une thyroidite subaigue durant une periode de 18 mois. Ils se sont reveles tous 3 porteurs de l'HLA B-35. Discussion Cette famille represente la troisieme publication dans le monde de thyroidite subaigue en association avec l'HLA B-35. Cet article met en relief l'importance de la predisposition genetique, qui est souvent sous-estimee dans les thyroidites subaigues familiales.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Deficiency in a Ubiquitous Protein; a Motor Neuron-Specific Disease

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease in humans and the most common genetic cause of infant mortality. The disease results in motor neuron loss and skeletal muscle atrophy. Despite a range of disease phenotypes, SMA is caused by mutations in a single gene, the Survival of Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Recent advances have shed light on functions of the protein product of this gene and the pathophysiology of the disease, yet, fundamental questions remain. This review attempts to highlight some of the recent advances made in the understanding of the disease and how loss of the ubiquitously expressed survival of motor neurons (SMN) protein results in the SMA phenotype. Answers to some of the questions raised may ultimately result in a viable treatment for SMA.
THE RISE OF AGRICULTURAL ANIMAL WELFARE STANDARDS AS UNDERSTOOD THROUGH A NEO-INSTITUTIONAL LENS

In recent years agricultural animal welfare standards have increasingly been placed on the agenda of international, regional, and national governance bodies, as well as private agrifood organizations. Standards, long the domain of economists, are now recognized as one of the most significant emerging practices for governing food, and as such, a growing number of scholars have focused on the role that powerful actors have in setting standards and the distributional benefits of standards implementation. However, much of the existing literature relies on consumer-demand arguments for explaining the rise of animal welfare standards. This article uses sociological neo-institutionalism, specifically institutional isomorphism, to reveal that agrifood organizations are either forced by large food retailers, or by the demands of interacting with other complex organizations, to adopt animal welfare standards in an effort to maintain access to markets, political power and legitimacy. Further, due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the definition of agricultural animal welfare and the standards and techniques used to ensure compliance, the evidence supports the theory that organizations will model themselves after similar organizations in their field that they perceive to be more legitimate or successful.
Hydration of Germanium Oxide Carnotite

The quaternary invariant point was reached in the CaO–GeO2–P2O5–H2O system by the hydration of germanium oxide carnotite. Complete reaction was achieved although the kinetics were very slow. Three products were identified by X-ray diffraction: calcium germanate hydrate, hydroxyapatite, and calcium hydroxide. Energy dispersive X-ray analyses established the compositions of the three phases present in the heterogeneous microstructure. Calcium germanate hydrate exhibited a fibrous habit and was present as large individual fibers as well as small thin fibers. The small fibers were intermixed with hydroxyapatite. The latter was observed to form feltlike assemblages. Stacked calcium hydroxide plates were unequivocally observed.
Fluid shear stress induction of COX-2 protein and prostaglandin release in cultured MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts does not require intact microfilaments or microtubules

Cultured osteoblasts express three major types of cytoskeleton: actin microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. The cytoskeletal network is thought to play an important role in the ...
STUDIES ON THE PREVENTION OF CHOLESTEROL ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN RABBITS : I. THE EFFECTS OF WHOLE THYROID AND OF POTASSIUM IODIDE.

1. Whole thyroid gland when administered simultaneously with cholesterol prevented the atheromatous changes produced by the latter in the aorta of rabbits in 17 of 19 animals. 2. In this series thyroxin was less effective, as atherosclerosis occurred in 8 of 11 rabbits. 3. Potassium iodide also exerted a strong protective action as aortic lesions were present in only 1 of a series of 12 rabbits fed cholesterol and potassium iodide concurrently. 4. The effectiveness of potassium iodide was not shared by potassium bromide or potassium chloride. 5. A relationship was noted between the level of the cholesterol in the blood and the development of atherosclerosis. In general, the aortic lesions accompanied a hypercholesterolemia.
Tua Ji Peh: The Intricacies of Liminality in the Deification of Chinese non-Buddhist Supernatural Beings in Chinese-Malaysian Communities

The pragmatic, responsive, and syncretic nature of popular Chinese religion is well known and is thought to result, in part, from the religion’s close connection to the fluxes of the social system in which its adherents live. These characteristics often result in considerable change when the social fabric is greatly disrupted, such as in the immigration of Chinese to new and unfamiliar places. This process of change is commonly seen among Chinese deities. Tua Peh大伯 and Ji Peh 二伯 (in Hokkien dialect “First Uncle” and “Second Uncle”), two ghostly deities of popular Chinese Malaysian religion, are understood to have an ambiguous status in the Chinese pantheon as they possess characteristics of both gods and ghosts. In China, these figures were simply part of the otherworldly bureaucracy of the hell realm with a very limited role and were worshipped infrequently. In the past 20 years, their worship has become extremely ubiquitous, with many shrines and temples proliferating. Now a variety of people come to them for wealth, for healings, and for protection. This coincides during a time in which the economic situation of Chinese Malaysians has become more difficult which parallels a significant rise in political tensions between Malays and non-Malays. This has caused a shift towards favorability in the deities’ reputation, the demographics of their worshippers, and the reasons patrons seek their assistance. Overall, the elevation of Tua Ji Peh seems to work towards lending legitimacy to those desperately seeking efficacious aid in a increasingly discriminatory and poltically unstable environment with harsher realities.
In Patients With Cirrhosis, Driving Simulator Performance Is Associated With Real-life Driving

Background & Aims Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) has been linked to higher real-life rates of automobile crashes and poor performance in driving simulation studies, but the link between driving simulator performance and real-life automobile crashes has not been clearly established. Furthermore, not all patients with MHE are unsafe drivers, but it is unclear how to distinguish them from unsafe drivers. We investigated the link between performance on driving simulators and real-life automobile accidents and traffic violations. We also aimed to identify features of unsafe drivers with cirrhosis and evaluated changes in simulated driving skills and MHE status after 1 year. Methods We performed a study of outpatients with cirrhosis (n = 205; median 55 years old; median model for end-stage liver disease score, 9.5; none with overt hepatic encephalopathy or alcohol or illicit drug use within previous 6 months) seen at the Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center, from November 2008 through April 2014. All participants were given paper-pencil tests to diagnose MHE (98 had MHE; 48%), and 163 patients completed a standardized driving simulation. Data were collected on traffic violations and automobile accidents from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and from participants' self-assessments when they entered the study, and from 73 participants 1 year later. Participants also completed a questionnaire about alcohol use and cessation patterns. The driving simulator measured crashes, run-time, road center and edge excursions, and illegal turns during navigation; before and after each driving simulation session, patients were asked to rate their overall driving skills. Drivers were classified as safe or unsafe based on crashes and violations reported on official driving records; simulation results were compared with real-life driving records. Multivariable regression analyses of real-life crashes and violations was performed using data on demographics, cirrhosis details, MHE status, and alcohol cessation patterns, at baseline and at 1 year. Results Drivers categorized as unsafe had more crashes and made more illegal turns on the driving simulator than drivers categorized as safe; a higher proportion of subjects with MHE were categorized as unsafe drivers at baseline (16%) than subjects without MHE (7%; P = .02), and at 1-year follow-up (18% vs 0%; P = .02). Alcohol cessation within Conclusions In a study of 205 patients with cirrhosis, we associated results from driving simulation tests with real-life driving records and MHE. Traffic safety counseling should focus on patients with cirrhosis who recently quit consuming alcohol and perform poorly on driving simulation.
A Kinetic-Model-Based Approach to Identify Malfunctioning Components in Signal Transduction Pathways from Artificial Clinical Data

Detection of malfunctioning reactions or molecules from clinical data is essential for disease treatments. In order to find an alternative to the existing oversimplistic mathematical models, a kinetic model is developed in this work to infer the malfunctioning reactions/molecules by quantifying the similarity between the clinical profile and the output profiles predicted from the model in which certain reactions/molecules malfunction. The new approach was tested in IL-6 and TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway, for four abnormal conditions including up/downregulation of single reaction rate constants and up/downregulation of single molecules. Since limited quantitative clinical data were available, the IL-6 ODE model was used to generate artificial clinical data for the abnormal steady-state value shown in two key molecules: nuclear STAT3 and SOCS3. Similarly, the TNF-α/NF-κB model was used to obtain the data in which abnormal oscillation dynamic was shown in the profile of NF-κB. The results show that the approach developed in this study was able to successfully identify the malfunctioning reactions and molecules from the clinical data. It was also found that this new approach was noise-robust and that it managed to reveal unique solution for the faulty components in a network.
A Transdiagnostic Intervention for Youth Sleep and Circadian Problems

Abstract Sleep disturbance is an important contributor to, and maybe even cause of, vicious cycles of escalating vulnerability and increased risk among youth as they prepare to, and transition into, adulthood. The aim of this paper is to describe the scientific derivation of, and components of, the Youth version of the Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention (TranS-C-Youth) to improve sleep. TranS-C-Youth draws from sources that are informed by basic sleep/circadian principles and aims to help clinicians address the broad range of sleep disturbances that are often experienced during adolescence and the transition to adulthood years. The advantages of developing a transdiagnostic treatment are outlined and include that this approach may reduce the "too many empirically supported treatments problem" (Weisz, Ng, & Bearman, 2014, p. 68). TranS-C-Youth is comprised of both core and optional modules and thus promotes maximum flexibility as well as efficiency.
Self-Determination, Statehood, and the Refugee Question under International Law in Namibia, Palestine, Western Sahara, and Tibet

The chapter addresses the significance of the legal framework established by the UN for resolution of the core issues underlying the conflicts in South West Africa/Namibia, Palestine, Western Sahara and Tibet. The chapter examines what elements were present in the UN framework for self-determination in Namibia that contributed to Namibia's ultimate independence and the solution of its refugee problem that are present or absent in the cases of Palestine, W. Sahara and Tibet. The chapter will conclude with examining which of these elements appears necessary to resolving the ongoing refugee problem in each of these cases, suggesting the utility of various strategies to build on the Namibia precedent.
Evaluation of Football Helmets to Prevent Concussions

Football players experience impacts to the head, some of which cause mild traumatic brain injuries known as concussions. Players wear helmets to reduce injury risk, and this study compares two helmets to determine their effectiveness in reducing potential concussions. The helmets analyzed are a “classic” type made of large foam pad pieces, and a “new” type made of small honeycomb pads. Both helmets share the same external polycarbonate shell & padding materials. Three helmet to helmet collisions are studied: case one: “classic on classic,” case two: “classic on new,” & case three: “new on new.” Using finite element analysis method, stresses and contact pressures are calculated. For three collisions with the same forces applied, a player in case one experiences 0.96 MPa contact pressure at the skull, while a player in case three experiences 0.87 MPa. In case two the player wearing the “new” helmet is exposed to 0.9 MPa at the skull, while the player wearing the “classic” is exposed to 0.95 MPa at the skull. It is concluded that if a player uses a “classic” instead of “new” helmet, pressure on the skull is reduced by 9.4%, reducing the risk of that player sustaining a concussion.© 2014 ASME
Clinical and Sociodemographic Factors Predict Coping Styles Among Adults With Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) presents a significant physical and psychological burden for persons with this chronic disease; however, little is known about how individuals with SCD— adult patients in particular—cope with disease-related stressors. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize factors that may influence the styles of coping among adults with SCD. Methods The study sample included 46 adult patients with SCD—20 men and 26 women—with an average age of 32.04 years (range, 18-59). Patients completed a computer-based questionnaire that included measures of sociodemograph-ics and the COPE, a measure of coping styles. End organ damage disease severity scores and frequency of hospital-izations were obtained from patients’ medical records. Results Education was negatively associated with use of denial (r = -0.35; p = .017) and positively associated with use of planning (r = .29, p = .045). However, age, type of SCD, end organ damage, and frequency of hospitalizations were not associated with patient coping. There were significant gender differences in coping, with women reporting greater use of venting, positive reframing, and religion as coping strategies than men (all p p Discussion These findings suggest that in patients reporting similar experiences with SCD, coping differs by education and gender. Moreover, these differences in coping cannot be explained by clinical factors such as end organ damage and health care utilization.
Third World Development and Trade: Discussion

The primary focus of the papers presented at this session is the empirical question of whether agricultural development in third world countries contributes to increased or reduced agricultural exports from the United States. The studies cited by the authors and the papers by Kellogg, Kodl, and Garcia and by de Janvry and Sadoulet reflect a consensus among agricultural economists that agricultural productivity gains in developing countries generally do not harm U.S. farm interests and may even be necessary for increased U.S. agricultural exports. A second theme of the session, addressed by Paarlberg, concerns the reasons farm organizations continue to oppose development assistance despite evidence that their fears are unfounded. In fact, the evidence is somewhat mixed, as Paarlberg notes. Kellogg, Kodl, and Garcia estimate the relationship between all agricultural imports and income, concessionary food sales, and an index of agricultural production. Their results indicate that production increases are much less important in determining the level of imports than income. The correlation between income and agricultural growth may render the significance tests somewhat unreliable. In addition, the concessionary food sales variable may be incorrectly measured since it includes only U.S. food aid. Between the early 1970s and the early 1980s, U.S. concessional sales increased more
Visions of Automation and Realities of Certification [invited]

Quite a lot of people envision automation as the solution to many of the problems in aviation and air transportation today, across all sectors: commercial, private, and military. This paper explains why some recent experiences with complex, highly-integrated, automated systems suggest that this vision will not be realized unless significant progress is made over the current state-of-the-practice in software system development and certification.
Solid-state 91Zr NMR spectroscopy studies of zirconocene olefin polymerization catalyst precursors.

91Zr (I = 5/2) solid-state NMR (SSNMR) spectra of the zirconocene compounds, Cp2ZrCl2, Cp*2ZrCl2 (1), Cp2ZrBr2 (2), (Me3SiC5H4)2ZrBr2 (3), O(Me2SiC5H4)2ZrBr2 (4), (1,3-C5H3)(SiMe2OSiMe2)2(1,3-C5H3)ZrBr2 (5), Ind2ZrCl2 (6), Cp2ZrMeCl (7), Cp2ZrMe2 (8), and [Cp2ZrMe][MeB(C6F5)3] (9) have been acquired. Static 91Zr SSNMR spectra have been acquired for all complexes at magnetic fields of 9.4 and 21.1 T. Cp2ZrCl2 and complexes 1 to 5 possess relatively narrow central transition powder patterns which allows for magic-angle spinning (MAS) 91Zr solid-state NMR spectra to be acquired at a moderate field strength of 9.4 T. Complexes 6 to 9 possess ultrawideline central transition SSNMR spectra necessitating piece-wise acquisition techniques. From the static and MAS 91Zr SSNMR spectra, it is possible to measure 91Zr electric field gradient (EFG) and chemical shift (CS) tensor parameters, as well as the Euler angles which describe their relative orientation. Basis sets and methods for the accurate quantum chemical ca...
Silurian radiolarians of the genus Ceratoikiscum from the Canadian Arctic

Four new species of radiolarians in the genus Ceratoikiscum are described from samples of carbonate concretions in the Cape Phillips Formation on Comwallis Island, Canadian Arctic. These are Ceratoikiscum extratriangulum, C. leonoides, C. octopleura, and C. supratriangulum. These Silurian species are some of the oldest to be documented and are known only from the Wenlockian.
Annealing Effects On The Microstructure Of Electrodeposited Cu/Ag Multilayered Nanocomposites

TEM was used to investigate the annealing effects on the microstructure of two electrodeposited Cu/Ag multilayered nanocomposites with bi-layer thickness values of 110nm and 330nm, respectively, as well as electrodeposited pure copper. It was found that silver layers limited the lateral growth of columnar copper grains and possibly acted as sites for nucleation of new copper grains in the as-deposited composites. The refinement of copper grains in this condition is one reason for the much higher strength of these materials in comparison to pure copper. Annealing at 100 °C did not change the microstructure significantly. After annealing at 150 °C, recrystallization occurred in all samples. The degree of recrystallization was dependent on the extent of internal stresses. Recrystallization was complete in the 110nm bi-layer thick composite, which had the highest internal stresses owning to its large Cu/Ag interfacial area. The recrystallization and growth of copper grains can be one reason for the drastic drop of the composites yield strength after annealing at 150°C
The Practice of Reintegrative Shaming in Mental Health Court

Scholars and practitioners have renewed their interest in recognizing and designing restorative justice programs. Although these programs often provide successful outcomes, we know relatively little about why they work. Reintegrative shaming theory provides a lens by which to explain successful outcomes. This study uses over three years of direct observations to examine the practice of reintegrative shaming in a mental health court (MHC). We organize our findings around four primary components of reintegrative shaming outlined by Makkai and Braithwaite: respectful disapproval, disapproving the behavior rather than the individual, rejecting deviance as a master status, and ceremonial decertifications of deviance. Our data demonstrate that reintegrative shaming in MHC is largely accomplished through interactions with the judge, although the unique organization of the MHC, including their small caseloads, use of separate dockets, and pre-court team meetings, advance the court’s use of reintegrative shaming.
Putting yourself in the picture with an ‘ECONSelfie’: Using student-generated photos to enhance introductory economics courses

Students in economics classrooms are increasingly digital natives, raised in a culture of engagement, expression and learning through online interactions using technological devices. We have turned the concept of a ‘selfie’ into an instructional tool for students to demonstrate their understanding of economic concepts, as well as to engage personally with those concepts. A student self-assessment survey supports the expectations of the literature that our ECONSelfie assignment leverages the power of visuals and narratives to help students link themselves with introductory economics material for improved learning outcomes.
Integrated use of surface geophysical methods for site characterization — A case study in North Kingstown, Rhode Island

A suite of complementary, non-invasive surface geophysical methods was used to assess their utility for site characterization in a pilot investigation at a former defense site in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The methods included frequency-domain electromagnetics (FDEM), ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and multi-channel analysis of surface-wave (MASW) seismic. The results of each method were compared to each other and to drive-point data from the site. FDEM was used as a reconnaissance method to assess buried utilities and anthropogenic structures; to identify near-surface changes in water chemistry related to conductive leachate from roadsalt storage; and to investigate a resistive signature possibly caused by groundwater discharge. Shallow anomalies observed in the GPR and ERT data were caused by near-surface infrastructure and were consistent with anomalies observed in the FDEM data. Several parabolic reflectors were observed in the upper part of the GPR profiles, and a fairly continuous reflector that was interpreted as bedrock could be traced across the lower part of the profiles. MASW seismic data showed a sharp break in shear wave velocity at depth, which was interpreted as the overburden/bedrock interface. The MASW profile indicates the presence of a trough in the bedrock surface in the same location where the ERT data indicate lateral variations in resistivity. Depths to bedrock interpreted from the ERT, MASW, and GPR profiles were similar and consistent with the depths of refusal identified in the direct-push wells. The interpretations of data collected using the individual methods yielded non-unique solutions with considerable uncertainty. Integrated interpretation of the electrical, electromagnetic, and seismic geophysical profiles produced a more consistent and unique estimation of depth to bedrock that is consistent with ground-truth data at the site. This test case shows that using complementary techniques that measure different properties can be more effective for site characterization than a single-method investigation.
Study of the ac Stark effect for the Q(0) and Q(1) vibrational Raman transitions in H 2

The optical Stark shifts of the Q(0) and Q(1) vibrational Raman transitions in molecular hydrogen have been investigated using a quasi-CW stimulated Raman gain spectrometer and a high-intensity, nonresonant pulsed optical field. Results include the effect of various applied field geometries on transition lineshapes and spectral shifts.
Experiences teaching mixed mode systems administration courses using decentralized virtual machines

Systems Administration courses are typically taught as upper level courses in Information Technology (IT) programs. Since these courses are focused on learning and applying skills, they require considerable hands-on practice in environments designed to simulate real-world business environments. In practice, however, factors such as time, money, and space limit the ability of institutions to offer students these opportunities and at our institution, Roosevelt University, we suffer from an additional factor, namely mixed-mode courses. Our mixed-mode classes have traditional students who meet face-to-face during class and distance-learning students who meet using meeting software simultaneously. One of the primary issues in teaching mixed-mode classes is delivering similar experiences to both sets of students and we solve these issues by using virtual machines (VMs) in a decentralized model to provide students with environments which simulate real-world business environments for hands-on learning and practice. The primary focus and contribution of this paper is the description of the experiences gained through using a decentralized VM model in the development and teaching of three courses focused on systems administration topics, specifically our System Administration, Network Administration, and Internet Security courses.
Clarifying the confusion: old-growth savannahs and tropical ecosystem degradation

Ancient tropical grassy biomes are often misrecognized as severely degraded forests. I trace this confusion to several factors, with roots in the nineteenth century, including misinterpretations of the nature of fire in savannahs, attempts to reconcile savannah ecology with Clementsian succession, use of physiognomic (structural) definitions of savannah and development of tropical degradation frameworks focused solely on forests. Towards clarity, I present two models that conceptualize the drivers of ecosystem degradation as operating in both savannahs and forests. These models highlight how human-induced environmental changes create ecosystems with superficially similar physiognomies but radically different conservation values. Given the limitation of physiognomy to differentiate savannahs from severely degraded forests, I present an alternative approach based on floristic composition. Data from eastern lowland Bolivia show that old-growth savannahs can be reliably distinguished by eight grass species and that species identity influences ecosystem flammability. I recommend that scientists incorporate savannahs in tropical degradation frameworks alongside forests, and that savannah be qualified as old-growth savannah in reference to ancient grassy biomes or derived savannah in reference to deforestation. These conceptual advances will require attention not only to tree cover, but also to savannah herbaceous plant species and their ecologies. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Tropical grassy biomes: linking ecology, human use and conservation’.
Scientist Spotlight Homework Assignments Shift Students’ Stereotypes of Scientists and Enhance Science Identity in a Diverse Introductory Science Class

Research into science identity, stereotype threat, and possible selves suggests a lack of diverse representations of scientists could impede traditionally underserved students from persisting and succeeding in science. We evaluated a series of metacognitive homework assignments ("Scientist Spotlights") that featured counterstereotypical examples of scientists in an introductory biology class at a diverse community college. Scientist Spotlights additionally served as tools for content coverage, as scientists were selected to match topics covered each week. We analyzed beginning- and end-of-course essays completed by students during each of five courses with Scientist Spotlights and two courses with equivalent homework assignments that lacked connections to the stories of diverse scientists. Students completing Scientist Spotlights shifted toward counterstereotypical descriptions of scientists and conveyed an enhanced ability to personally relate to scientists following the intervention. Longitudinal data suggested these shifts were maintained 6 months after the completion of the course. Analyses further uncovered correlations between these shifts, interest in science, and course grades. As Scientist Spotlights require very little class time and complement existing curricula, they represent a promising tool for enhancing science identity, shifting stereotypes, and connecting content to issues of equity and diversity in a broad range of STEM classrooms.
La cultura material en las literaturas y culturas iberoamericanas de hoy

El presente dosier es fruto de la colaboracion sostenida de un grupo de estudiosos de la literatura contemporanea, de multiples nacionalidades y diversas trayectorias academicas, afincados en instituciones de Estados Unidos y Europa occidental. La composicion de este grupo, algo azarosa y bastante fructifera, se conviene con su objeto de estudio, que es la globalizacion y sus efectos sobre la literatura y cultura actuales, principalmente en lengua castellana. El grupo se ha propuesto construir un aparato critico y bibliografico de literatura contemporanea en tiempo real. Para ello, desarrolla varias lineas de investigacion, pues los autores, de diversas generaciones, se desempenan dentro del campo literario de multiples maneras que incluyen, entre otras, la reflexion teorica e historiografica, la gestion cultural y los estudios de traduccion.
Transfer of Human HPRT Gene Sequence into Neuronal Cells by a Herpes Simplex Virus Derived Vector

The purine salvage enzyme, hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltrans-ferase (HPRT), catalyzes the conversion of hypoxanthine and guanine to the mononucleotides, IMP and GMP, respectively. Complete deficiency of HPRT activity in humans causes the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, a devastating disease characterized by overproduction of uric acid and severe neurological dysfunction.1, 2 For a variety of reasons, attention has focused on the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome as one of the initial candidates for therapy by somatic cell gene transfer.3
Integrated hardware and software for improved flatness measurement: ATC4.1 flip chip assembly case studies

Over the past four decades, electronic packaging technology has evolved from peripheral, through-hole, and bulk configurations to area-array. surface-mount, and small-profile approaches. Among these approaches, flip chip attachment has become the favorable choice for its capability of high volume of input/output and short path of signal distribution. Given the projection that the chip size and power of a single chip package will increase dramatically. substrate warpage of flip-chip packages during assembly and usage has become one of the main concerns. Warpage could cause misalignment between the chip and the substrate, prevent the solder balls from making contact with the substrate flip chip pads during the reflow soldering process, or induce crack nucleation at the board underfill interface in long-term usage. In this research, the authors developed an integrated shadow moire system for improved warpage analysis. The hardware is designed to carry out warpage measurement with a resolution on the order of microns. Combined with software, the integrated system is fully automated and highly accurate. As case studies, the system is used to characterize the substrate warpage of flip chip on organic board assemblies. Warpage of the substrates at the initial bare-board stage, post-reflow, and post-underfill are measured at room temperature. It is found that by properly selecting initially warped substrates, warpage can be diminished during the assembly processes. In addition, warpage measurements at elevated temperatures during thermal cycling and power cycling show that power cycling poses a smaller impact on substrate warpage.
Photoexcitation of the triplet exciton in single wall carbon nanotubes

The carbon nanotube photoexcitation spectrum is dominated by excitonic transitions, rather than interband transitions between continuum states. There are eight distinct excitonic transitions (four singlet and four triplet), each with two-fold degeneracy. Because the triplet excitons are spin polarized with electron and hole spins both pointing in the same direction, they are optically inactive, and optical spectroscopy has revealed no evidence for their existence. Here, we show that by the interaction with a spin filter ferromagnetic semiconductor, photoexcitation of the carbon nanotube triplet exciton is possible, and its contribution to the photocurrent can be detected. The perturbation provided by the spin filter allows for inter-system mixing between the singlet and triplet excitonic states, and relaxes the spin selection rules. This supplies the first evidence for the existence of the triplet exciton, and provides an avenue for the optical excitation of spin polarized carriers in carbon nanotubes.