cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Information Technology and Corporate Profitability: A Focus on Operating Efficiency

This work involves an empirical analysis, incorporating firm-level investment in information technology and financial statement information, which provides an accurate measure of operating revenue, in a profitability function over the period from 1995-1997. The results indicate that IT can enhance firm level profitability. Factors such as advanced computer processing, the proliferation of PCs to the consumer and business environment, the development of the Internet, and advanced software applications have significantly augmented previously existing information technology. This new IT has provided infrastructure for advanced information networks which facilitate the flow of value added information to decision makers and enable corporate enterprises to more easily operate in the new global ecomomy. As a result, larger companies can provide a variety of goods and services that more effectively meet consumer preferences in a more efficient, cost-effective manner.
Center-based care for language minority students

This paper examines the long-term effect of enrollment in center- or school-based care programs on the academic performance of language minority students in the USA. The study applies a longitudinal multilevel analysis to a nationally representative database, the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS-K). Of particular interest are the differential effects of the programs on the reading performance of language minority students compared with that of native English-speaking students. Language minority students are further divided into 2 groups according to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) status at kindergarten. Results indicate that kindergarten LEP students who regularly attended center-based programs from preschool through the 5th grade demonstrated a significantly higher reading score than those who did not. The study suggests an important potential benefit of arrangement of afterschool care programs for language minority students in the USA and other countries.
Charge-transfer exciton transitions in anthracene-PMDA crystal

Abstract The reflection spectrum of the first singlet charge transfer transition of anthracene-PMDA (pyromellitic dianhydride) crystal has been obtained at temperatures close to 2 K. The spectrum is polarized along the stack axis and consists of a series of vibronic bands, approximately 500 cm−1 wide, with impressed fine structure arising from intermolecular phonon modes. This fine structure is particularly prominent for the 00 band which starts with a zero-phonon line which is the most dominant feature of the entire spectrum. The zero-phonon line has a reflectivity of approximately 0.37 and a line width less than 5 cm−1. This is the first time that an absolute reflection spectrum of a charge transfer transition with such vibronic details has been obtained. A preliminary discussion of the nature of the transition is presented.
Apoptosis as a mechanism of neuronal cell death following acute experimental spinal cord injury

The complex biochemical interactions following acute spinal cord injury have undergone considerable investigation recently. Progress has been made in discovering both primary and secondary injury cascades that combine to produce the ultimate neurologic insult. Traditionally, neuronal and supporting cell death following spinal cord injury have focused on necrotic death pathways resulting passively from the actual mechanical tissue damage and inflammatory processes which follow. However, the occurrence of programmed apoptotic cell death which is an actively mediated cellular process may occur following acute spinal cord injury and, if present, may play a role in the ultimate neurologic insult. In this study, we document a chronologically-specific course of apoptotic cell death by the TUNEL assay technique following an acute experimental spinal cord injury in the rat model. In this manner, apoptotic cell death following acute spinal cord injury may play a pivotal role in the secondary injury cascade which produces the ultimate neurologic insult and may allow potential for mediating neuronal survival via anti-apoptotic factors such as the proto-oncogene Bcl-2.
The application of the job severity index to job design for the control of manual materials-handling injury.

This paper discusses the job severity index method for the design of manual materials handling tasks. The development and testing of the method are reviewed. In addition, a complete application procedure is presented with a numerical example.
Common property, information, and cooperation: Commercial fishing in the Bering Sea

Abstract A substantial theoretical and experimental literature has focused on the conditions under which cooperative behavior among actors providing public goods or extracting common-pool resources arises. The literature identifies the importance of coercion, small groups of actors, or the existence of social norms as conducive to cooperation. This research empirically investigates cooperative behavior in a natural resource extraction industry in which the provision of a public good (bycatch avoidance) in the Alaskan flatfish fishery is essential to the duration of the fishing season, and an information provision mechanism exists to relay information to all individuals. Using a mixed logit model of spatial fishing behavior our results show that conditionally cooperative behavior is prevalent but deteriorates as bycatch constraints tighten.
Validity and reactivity of a system of self-monitoring suicide ideation.

The present study describes the rationale and validation of a self-monitoring approach for suicide ideation. A sample of 49 severely ideating 18- to 24-year-old college students volunteering for a treatment study for chronic ideators served as subjects. A three-item self-monitoring scale designed to assess the strength, duration, and level of control relative to suicide ideation was designed and utilized. Positive correlations with previously validated measures of suicide ideation support the validity of the use of self-monitoring. In addition, positive relationships with measures of depression and hopelessness provide evidence of concurrent validity. There was no evidence that self-monitoring and concomitant increased attention to ideation increased suicidality. In fact, decreases were noted in measures of suicide ideation following a 2-week period of self-monitoring. Together these findings support the addition of self-monitoring to the list of dependent measures for addressing suicidal behavior.
Effects of light deprivation on recovery from neglect and extinction induced by unilateral lesions of the medial agranular cortex and dorsocentral striatum

A number of previous studies have indicated that an environmental manipulation, 48 h of light deprivation (LD), produces virtually complete and permanent behavioral recovery of function from neglect induced by medial agranular cortex (AGm) lesions. LD-induced behavioral recovery from neglect is correlated with physiological changes in the dorsolateral striatum, an area that contains the projection zone of AGm efferents in the dorsocentral striatum (DCS). In this study, the behavioral effects of 48 h of LD on subjects with either unilateral DCS, AGm, or combined AGm/DCS lesions were investigated to examine whether the integrity of the DCS is crucial for behavioral recovery from neglect and whether LD will have a therapeutic effect on extinction deficits. Subjects were tested for extinction to bilateral simultaneous stimulation of the forepaws, and visual, auditory and tactile neglect. Forty-eight hours of LD failed to produce behavioral recovery from neglect in rats with DCS lesions, or a therapeutic affect on extinction deficits in any of the groups. The results of this study further support the crucial role of the DCS in recovery from neglect induced by AGm lesions and suggests that the DCS may be the crucial site for the mechanisms leading to LD-induced recovery. Further, the ineffectiveness of LD on extinction suggests that components of the neglect syndrome are dissociable and may require different therapeutic interventions.
Doppler-shifted acoustic cyclotron resonance in aluminum

Doppler-shifted cyclotron resonances (DSCR) have been observed with longitudinal and transverse acoustic waves propagating along the [001], [111], and [110] axes of pure aluminum crystals. One to three distinct series of resonance peaks have been observed in each field direction. The harmonic numbers of most DSCR series follow the selection rules for propagation along high symmetry axes. Except in the case ofB parallel to [110], the peak fields of the harmonics are inversely proportional to the harmonic numbers. Most of the DSCR series are identifiable with known DSCR zones on the Fermi surface, the area derivatives of which are then deduced. The area derivative data obtained are either more accurate or are complementary to those measured by helicon DSCR and magnetomorphic size-effect experiments. Values for Fermi surface area derivatives are compared with those calculated from two current models for the aluminum Fermi surface. Both the caps in [001] and [111] directions are shown to be free-electron-like.
Clinical trials: CSDRG overview.

Abstract Recent importance placed upon efficacy research has spawned the development of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Clinical Trials Research Group (CSDRG). This group, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was organized by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association to address the need for more treatment efficacy research in the domains of evaluation and treatment of communication disorders. This paper outlines the functions of the CSDRG and answers commonly asked questions pertaining to efficacy research. Learning outcomes: Readers will: (1) understand how the CSDRG functions within our profession; (2) understand the process through which trials are designed by the CSDRG.
Effect of lifestyle intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors: results of the POWER-UP trial

To investigate the effects of three weight loss interventions on cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure, lipids, glucose and markers of insulin resistance and inflammation. We also examined whether categories of incremental weight change conferred greater improvements on these parameters. This 2-year trial was conducted in a primary care setting and included 390 obese participants who were randomly assigned to one of three interventions: (1) Usual Care (quarterly primary care provider (PCP) visits that included education about weight management); (2) Brief Lifestyle Counseling (quarterly PCP visits plus monthly behavioral counseling provided by a trained auxiliary health-care provider); or (3) Enhanced Brief Lifestyle Counseling (the same care as described for the previous intervention, plus weight loss medications or meal replacements). The primary outcome was change in cardiometabolic risk factors among groups. At month 24, participants in Enhanced Brief Lifestyle Counseling lost significantly more weight than those in Usual Care (4.6 vs 1.7 kg), with no other significant differences between groups. Enhanced Brief Lifestyle Counseling produced significantly greater improvements in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels at one or more assessments, compared with the other two interventions. Markers of insulin resistance also improved significantly more in this group throughout the 2 years. Collapsing across the three groups, greater weight loss was associated with greater improvements in triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and markers of insulin resistance and inflammation at month 24, but was not significantly associated with reductions in blood pressure, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at any time. Enhanced Brief Lifestyle Counseling, which produced the largest weight loss, was generally associated with the greatest improvements in cardiovascular risk factors. These findings suggest that an intensive weight loss intervention, delivered in a primary care setting, can help obese individuals improve some cardiometabolic risk factors.
A Distributed-Parameter Model of Black Liquor Falling Film Evaporators. Part I. Modeling of a Single Plate

Phenomenological modeling of black liquor evaporators, found in the pulp and paper industry, presents a very challenging task. The physicochemical phenomena that occur do not lend themselves readily to known mechanisms, and in many instances, data to support these hypotheses are difficult to obtain. In this work, a distributed-parameter model (a system of partial differential equations) based on first-principles knowledge about the fluid dynamics and heat-transfer processes is developed for a falling film lamella type evaporator. Primarily, the model describes falling film evaporation on one lamella. The model is solved using orthogonal collocation on finite elements in the presence of scaling and disturbances in the mass feed rate, feed dry solids content, and wall temperature.
Psychotherapy for health and lifestyle change.

Health practitioners use various models for facilitating health or lifestyle change, which entails either stopping an unhealthy behavior or promoting a new healthy behavior. Four models offer evidence-based, systematic, and integrative approaches to lifestyle change. They are: the Transtheoretical Model or Stages of Change; Brief Motivational Interviewing; Prevention Oriented Primary Care; and the ECBIS Psychotherapy Model (Emotion, Cognition, Behavioral, Interpersonal, and System). This article reviews each model and features a case illustration to demonstrate how these models can be integrated and applied clinically to help a patient change multiple health behaviors.
Mission-Extrinsic Public Values as an Extension of Regime Values Examples From the United States and the People’s Republic of China

The academic fields of public administration and public management are diverging. Public management focuses primarily on the orthodox values of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and value for money. ...
IPO Pricing Phenomena: Empirical Evidence Of Behavioral Biases

Does IPO stand for Instant Profit Opportunity or It’s Probably Over-priced? The conundrum is that both answers are generally correct. The answer appears to depend on the investor’s investment horizon. This realization provides an enigma for the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) proponents. It is widely known that initial public offering (IPO) stocks in the past have typically been underpriced, thereby allowing the fortunate purchaser to buy the shares in the primary market and systematically beat the stock market averages. This phenomenon is evidenced by the average one-day returns on IPOs of 15% and presents a puzzle to efficient market advocates. Behavioral finance posits that the same underpriced IPO stocks will under-perform the market and deliver substandard performance during the ensuing one to three years. At a minimum, the “new-issues puzzle” presents a challenge to the EMH and has given rise to many class-action stockholder lawsuits alleging illegal price manipulation. Why under-pricing systematically happens and why issuing firms/major shareholders choose to leave copious amounts of money on the table is not well explained by traditional financial theory. Behavioral finance melds together investor psychology and normative financial theory in an attempt to explain this market enigma.
Diazepam-binding inhibitor33–50 elicits Ca2+ oscillation and CCK secretion in STC-1 cells via L-type Ca2+ channels

We recently isolated and characterized 86-amino acid CCK-releasing peptide from porcine intestinal mucosa. The sequence of this peptide is identical to that of porcine diazepam-binding inhibitor (D...
Absence of matrix-like chondrule rims in CR2 LAP 02342

In numerous past papers, it was concluded that the fine (<1 μm) matrix immediately adjacent to, and radially symmetric around, chondrules in primitive chondrites consists of compact (low-porosity) rims that were attached in the solar nebula. We present here textural and compositional evidence that no matrix-like (or accretionary) rims around chondrules are present in the well-preserved CR2 chondrite LAP 02342. Fine-grained matrix-rich regions (i.e., candidate “rims”) at the edges of chondrules were studied with an electron-microprobe-based matrix-grid technique; comparison of the “rims” data for matrix regions near these chondrules showed the candidate “rims” to be compositionally heterogeneous, inconsistent with origins as radially symmetric, matrix-like rims formed by gradual accretion. This evidence (together with simulations and laboratory studies indicating that accretionary processes produced highly porous aggregates) strongly suggests that nebular processes did not produce compact matrix-like rims around chondrules in any chondrite group.
Alien species in fresh waters: ecological effects, interactions with other stressors, and prospects for the future

Summary 1. Biological invasions are numerous in fresh waters around the world. At least hundreds of freshwater species have been moved outside of their native ranges by vectors such as ballast water, canals, deliberate introductions, and releases from aquaria, gardens, and bait buckets. As a result, many bodies of fresh water now contain dozens of alien species. 2. Invasions are highly nonrandom with respect to the taxonomic identity and biological traits of the invaders, the ecological characteristics of the ecosystems that are invaded, and the geographical location of the ecosystems that supply and receive the invaders. 3. Some invaders have had deep and pervasive effects on the ecosystems that they invade. Classes of ecologically important invaders in fresh waters include molluscs that are primary consumers and disrupt the food web from its base, fishes that disrupt the food web from its apex or centre, decapods that act as powerful omnivores, aquatic plants that have strong engineering effects and affect the quality and quantity of primary production, and diseases, which probably have been underestimated as an ecological force. 4. The number of alien species in freshwater ecosystems will increase in the future as new aliens are moved outside of their native ranges by humans, and as established aliens fill their potential ranges. Alien species create “no-analogue” ecosystems that will be difficult to manage in the future. We may be able to reduce future impacts of invaders by making more serious efforts to prevent new invasions and manage existing invaders. 5. Thematic implications: interactions between alien species and other contemporary stressors of freshwater ecosystems are strong and varied. Because disturbance is generally thought to favour invasions, stressed ecosystems may be especially susceptible to invasions, as are highly artificial ecosystems. In turn, alien species can strongly alter the hydrology, biogeochemical cycling, and biotic composition of invaded ecosystems, and thus modulate the effects of other stressors. In general, interactions between alien species and other stressors are poorly studied.
Cooling rings for TeV colliders

We are now familiar1 with the relation for the beam power for a quantum beamstrahlung limited collider: $$ N \approx 1.7 \times 10^{12} \left( {\frac{{\varepsilon _n \beta *\delta ^3 }} {{\sigma '_z }}} \right)^{{\raise0.7ex\hbox{$1$} \!\mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 2}}\right.\kern-\nulldelimiterspace} \!\lower0.7ex\hbox{$2$}}} (mks) $$ (1a) $$ f \approx 3.6 \times 10^{ - 24} \frac{{L\sigma _z }} {{\gamma \delta ^3 }}\quad (mks) $$ (1b) $$ P_{beam} \approx .5 \times 10^{ - 24} \mathcal{L}(\varepsilon _n \beta *\sigma '_z )^{1/2} {\text{ }}\delta ^{ - 3/2} \quad (mks) $$ (1c) Burt Richter and others have rather arbitrarily considered various desirable values for these constants.
Cultural Differences in Interpreting Behavior: Staring and Spitting

Edited by Jacquelyn H. Flaskerud, RN, PhD, FAANUniversity of California—Los Angeles, School of Nursing, Los Angeles, California, USASeveral times recently I've been reminded of the differences in i...
Diagenetic Alteration of Chamositic Clay Minerals to Ferric Oxide in Oolitic Ironstone

ABSTRACT In the Clinton oolitic ironstone (Silurian) of Pennsylvania, ooids that were initially composed of chamositic clay minerals were diagenetically altered to ferric oxide. Evidence for this alteration includes the preservation of intermediate stages in a variety of partly altered ooids, finely laminated chamositic ooids in marginal zones of ferric oxide storm beds, bed-parallel transitions of ooid compositions in bioturbated oolite, and spastolithic shapes of ferric oxide ooids. Electron microprobe analysis demonstrates that this oxic alteration did not leave significant abundances of residual silicon and aluminum. Based on textural characteristics and on a Permian age of remagnetization, the most likely time for the alteration was during early phases of the Alleghany Orogeny. Recognitio that the ooids were initially chamositic clay minerals resolves at least part of the "oxidation-reduction paradox" (Maynard 1986), for ferrous phyllosilicate could presumably accumulate in the low-oxygen conditions associated with the medial Silurian oceanic anoxic event.
Commitment to the environment: the role of subjective norms in college and community samples

We tested a model of antecedents and outcomes of commitment to the environment, defined as psychological attachment and long-term orientation to the natural world, hypothesizing that satisfaction with, investments in, and subjective norms about the environment would predict commitment, which, in turn, would predict willingness to sacrifice for the environment. In two studies, the model was supported in undergraduate and community samples, and for general commitment to the environment as well as commitment to specific proenvironmental behaviors. Individuals who are satisfied with and invested in the natural world, and who believe that those close to them value it as well, are likely to be committed to the environment and be willing to forego selfish interests to behave proenvironmentally.
Disorders of Consciousness

Disorders of consciousness are a spectrum of neurological disorders, encompassing coma, the vegetative state, and the minimally conscious state, in which patients acquire or develop an impairment of the two cardinal elements of consciousness–wakefulness and awareness. One of the main sources of complexity in this context is how to recognize and tell apart patients who retain some level of awareness from patients who do not. Indeed, in the absence of any direct means of assessing one's level of awareness, we are forced to indirectly infer a patient's state on the basis of their ability to perform behaviors that, appearing clearly voluntary, imply the presence of consciousness. In this contribution, we explore recent evidence showing how brain imaging can be harnessed to address the problem of consciousness in patients surviving severe brain injury. First, we focus on recent experiments demonstrating how neuroimaging can be used to detect the presence of voluntary “brain behavior” in otherwise non responsive patients, and to allow a rudimentary form of non muscle-dependent communication strategy based solely on voluntary brain activity. Second, we discuss recent findings concerning network activity at different levels of awareness, and the relationship between thalamo cortical circuits and consciousness. Keywords: disorders of consciousness; vegetative state; coma; minimally conscious state; severe brain injury; magnetic resonance imaging
Daylight exposure has a positive carryover effect on nighttime performance and subjective sleepiness

Two studies were designed to investigate the carryover effects of daylight on performance and self-reports of sleepiness. The effects of daylight and of darkness were compared independent of the effects of simultaneous periodic, 1-hour exposures to narrow-band blue and red lights over the course of 26-hour sessions. Nighttime performance on a 54-minute tracking task, but not subjective sleepiness, was significantly better following exposure to daylight. There was no differential effect on performance or sleepiness from exposure to the blue or red lights. Eight of the participants returned to experience a completely dark session and a replication of the daylight and intermittent blue light session. Nighttime performance and subjective sleepiness were significantly worse for the dark session than for daylight-plus-blue sessions in both studies. 1. Background
Molecular evidence for the broad distribution of anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria in freshwater and marine sediments.

Previously available primer sets for detecting anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria are inefficient, resulting in a very limited database of such sequences, which limits knowledge of their ecology. To overcome this limitation, we designed a new primer set that was 100% specific in the recovery of ∼700-bp 16S rRNA gene sequences with >96% homology to the “Candidatus Scalindua” group of anammox bacteria, and we detected this group at all sites studied, including a variety of freshwater and marine sediments and permafrost soil. A second primer set was designed that exhibited greater efficiency than previous primers in recovering full-length (1,380-bp) sequences related to “Ca. Scalindua,” “Candidatus Brocadia,” and “Candidatus Kuenenia.” This study provides evidence for the widespread distribution of anammox bacteria in that it detected closely related anammox 16S rRNA gene sequences in 11 geographically and biogeochemically diverse freshwater and marine sediments.
The effects of syntactic complexity on the human-computer interaction

Three divided-attention experiments were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of a syntactic analysis of the primary task of editing flight route-way-point information. For all editing conditions, a formal syntactic expression was developed for the operator's interaction with the computer. In terms of the syntactic expression, four measures of syntactic were examined. Increased syntactic complexity did increase the time to train operators, but once the operators were trained, syntactic complexity did not influence the divided-attention performance. However, the number of memory retrievals required of the operator significantly accounted for the variation in the accuracy, workload, and task completion time found on the different editing tasks under attention-sharing conditions.
Analysis and Calculation of the Art of Internal High Pressure Forming

nternal high pressure forming is a new technology producing hollow light components. Due to the process of internal high pressure forming is very complicated with many factors, the dissertation will focus on the use of plastic-elastic force theory to acquire the hydraulic pressure needed and the tubes wall thickness in the final forming fillet. Based on the assumption of volume's incompressibility condition, we analyze and calculate the stress and strain of the tubes wall. Finally we estimate the formula of the hydraulic pressure needed in the forming process. The whole work can offer a concise formula to engineer in the infancy of designing. And it also is the great theoretical support to the development of the internal high pressure forming.
Resveratrol prevents embryonic oxidative stress and apoptosis associated with diabetic embryopathy and improves glucose and lipid profile of diabetic dam.

Scope Diabetic embryopathy, a consequence of diabetic pregnancy is associated with increase in embryonic oxidative stress and apoptosis which lead to severe embryonic damage at early stage of organogenesis.
Steam and Waterpower in the Early Nineteenth Century

The use of steam power in manufacturing has long been recognized as an important part of the English industrial revolution, but in studies of the United States the role of the steam engine in manufacturing has been overshadowed by its application in railroads. This paper attempts partially to redress the balance by examining the use of stationary steam engines in America about 1840. Section I explores the characteristics of the supply of stationary engines in America, contrasting the engines used in America with those used in Britain. Section II discusses the demand for steam engines, that is, the factors underlying the choice between steam and waterpower in different industries.
Neuro-oculocutaneous Syndromes (Phakomatoses)

The term phakomatoses is derived from a Greek word phakomata which means “birth mark.” In 1923, Van der Hoeve grouped together von Hippel-Lindau disease, tuberous sclerosis, and neurofibromatosis and called them phakomatoses because of their presence at birth, autosomal dominant inheritance, and the involvement of multiple systems [1]. Subsequently encephalofacial angiomatosis (Sturge-Weber syndrome) was added, although there have been no instances of clear-cut inheritance of this condition. Other common features of the phakomatoses include a predominance of neural and ocular involvement with variable cutaneous and visceral manifestations (Table 9.1). Wyburn-Mason syndrome, retinal cavernous hemangioma, and ataxia telangiectasia have also been grouped with the phakomatoses and have been included in this chapter. Phakomatosis pigmentovascularis and neurocutaneous melanosis are briefly described.
Noncoding RNAs of Plant Viruses and Viroids: Sponges of Host Translation and RNA Interference Machinery

Noncoding sequences in plant viral genomes are well-known to control viral replication and gene expression in cis. However, plant viral and viroid noncoding (nc)RNA sequences can also regulate gene expression acting in trans, often acting like 'sponges' that bind and sequester host cellular machinery to favor viral infection. Noncoding sequences of small subgenomic (sg)RNAs of Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) and Red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV) contain a cap-independent translation element that binds translation initiation factor eIF4G. We provide new evidence that a sgRNA of BYDV can globally attenuate host translation, probably by sponging eIF4G. Subgenomic ncRNA of RCNMV is generated via 5' to 3' degradation by a host exonuclease. The similar noncoding subgenomic flavivirus (sf)RNA, inhibits the innate immune response, enhancing viral pathogenesis. Cauliflower mosaic virus transcribes massive amounts of a 600-nt ncRNA, which is processed into small RNAs that overwhelm the host's RNA interference (RNAi) system. Viroids use the host RNAi machinery to generate viroid-derived ncRNAs that inhibit expression of host defense genes by mimicking a microRNA. More examples of plant viral and viroid ncRNAs are likely to be discovered, revealing fascinating new weaponry in the host-virus arms race.
Valuing Interest Rate Swaps UsingOvernight Indexed Swap (OIS) Discounting

The role of LIBOR in interest rate swaps and other financial derivatives is to be the effective “riskless” rate, based on the premise that while banks that could borrow in the market at LIBOR flat were not completely risk-free, the rate corresponded to a high credit quality, approximately AA. The 2008 financial crisis left most banks financial weakened, including the largest banks, which provide the quotes from which LIBOR is computed. LIBOR spiked upward following the Lehman bankruptcy and was well above other “riskless” rates, notably the overnight indexed swap (OIS) rate. Since that time, much of the over-the-counter (OTC) interest rate derivatives market has shifted over to discounting at OIS rates. Since these are lower than LIBOR, one result is that when the floating leg of a LIBOR-based swap is repriced, it will not be valued at par with OIS discounting. This issue is becoming increasingly important, as swaps and other interest rate derivatives are transitioning to central clearing. In this article, Smith clarifies the issues and works through some examples to illustrate the size of the effects involved.
Modified water regimes affect photosynthesis, xylem water potential, cambial growth and resistance of juvenile Pinus taeda L. to Dendroctonus frontalis (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

We modified soil water supply to two groups of juvenile loblolly pines, Pinus taeda L., by sheltering or irrigating root systems in early summer or in late summer and measured oleoresin flow (primary defense), net photosynthesis, xylem water potential, and cambial growth throughout the growing season. When consistent significant differences in oleoresin flow and water potentials were detected between treatments, we induced attack by the southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann. Compared with irrigated trees, sheltered trees had lower xylem water potentials, reduced cambial growth, reduced photosynthesis, and reduced resin flow. In terms of response to beetle attack, sheltered trees had fewer attacks and less total gallery constructed, but those beetles that did attack sheltered trees were more successful (50–100% more eggs per attacking pair). However, the success of attacking beetles was generally very low, even in sheltered trees (only three to eight eggs per attacking pair). This performance, along with water deficits that strongly affected tree physiology, growth, and development, indicates that juvenile loblolly pine can make internal adjustments that limit the success of southern pine beetle attack.
Role of the federal government in support of biomedical research.

to examine the question. Dr. Chandler A. Stetson, Jr. wanted to know what proportion of cells in the peritoneal cavity were of the A type. According to Dr. Allison, this proportion varied with the species and state of the animal. As an example, he claimed that relatively clean mice had about 4% of such cells in their peritoneal cavity, whereas chronically infected mice had about 10%-12%. The final question dealt with induction of interferon, and Dr. Monto Ho was asked what tissues besides thymus could be induced to produce interferon with endotoxin. Dr. Ho replied that, other than thymus and peritoneal macrophages, there were no other tissues in which any consistent effect was observed.
Exact coherent structures at extreme Reynolds number

Exact coherent structures (ECS), unstable three-dimensional solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations, play a fundamental role in transitional and turbulent wall flows. Dempsey et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 791, 2016, pp. 97–121) demonstrate that at large Reynolds number reduced equations can be derived that simplify the computation and facilitate mechanistic understanding of these solutions. Their analysis shows that ECS in plane Poiseuille flow can be sustained by a novel inner–outer interaction between oblique near-wall Tollmien–Schlichting waves and interior streamwise vortices.
The trouble with frames: Insights from India on the challenge of using collective action frames to persuade state agents

ABSTRACTCollective action frames are a key strategy of human rights activists and educators, and central to this strategy is the ability to connect frames to a population's extant beliefs. But two dilemmas plague framing efforts directed at state agents such as police officers, who are seen as potential violators of rights. First, these actors may be less likely than members of the general public to share the beliefs in terms of which human rights workers frame rights; and second, frames by their very nature simplify reality, and fail to take into account factors that constrain state agents' actions. This article explores these issues through a case study of human rights education involving police officers in India. Educators may be able to mitigate such obstacles by basing their framing efforts on research on the specific populations with which they are working, and using frames as only one part of an approach that takes into account the limited ability of frames to encompass all aspects of the situation...
Solving Mixed Multi-Step Problems

Learning Outcome: Be able to solve mixed multi-step problems (mixed additive and multiplicative problems) Materials Needed: Diagrams PPW, AC, EG, and MC Diagram Equation Models Posters PPW, AC, EG, and MC Word Problem Story Grammar Posters DOTS Checklist Poster Overhead Modelling Modelling Mixed Problem Solving 1–4 Student Worksheets Modelling Mixed Problem Solving 1–4 Try-it-Out and Independent Worksheet–Solving Mixed Problems 5–8 Reference Guide Reference Guide–Solving Mixed Problems 1–8
Crystallization of amorphous Na2Si2O5 as a Na-ion conductor

Abstract The Na 2 Si 2 O 5 in the amorphous state exhibits a fast Na + -conduction at elevated temperatures. However, it is metastable, gradually transforming into the insulating Na 2 Si 2 O 5 in the crystalline state with temperatures. The present work shows that the presence of H 2 and Al-doping can suppress the harmful amorphous-to-crystalline transformation in Na 2 Si 2 O 5 . A systematic investigation was carried out to understand the fundamental aspects of the amorphous-to-crystalline transformation through a suite of advanced experimental techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Raman spectroscopy and multi-nucleus nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR).
The Communicative Work of Biology-Journal Captions: Lessons for Technical and Professional Communication

ABSTRACTThe authors examined a corpus of figure captions from technical and professional communication (TPC)-journal articles to test their sense that TPC captions do not fulfill their communicative potential as well as, they sensed, journals in science often do. The authors performed a content analysis on captions from biology-journal articles and iteratively tested a coding scheme of caption content. The resulting scheme can help in analyzing caption content, developing captions, and imparting a variety of TPC-related skills to students.
A qualitative study of dietary discussions as an emerging task for cancer clinicians.

Objectives:Improvements in cancer detection and treatment create a need for care that prioritizes acute treatment and ongoing needs. There have been calls to include health promotion in cancer care, but little empirical consideration of the work involved in such an expansion of services. In this article, we adopt a constructionist position to explore clinicians’ perspectives on capacity for health promotion, specifically dietary counseling.Methods:Our data result from 33 semi-structured qualitative interviews with members of cancer care teams. All interviewees were affiliated with one of two contrasting medical systems located in Baltimore, MD, USA. Interviews focused on professional roles and responsibilities around health promotion for cancer survivors. We employed both purposive and snowball sampling. We conducted a thematic analysis informed by the sociology of professions literature of discussions of dietary change by provider type.Results:We discuss four emergent themes that relate to the work of pr...
Communicative Tensions of Meaningful Work: The Case of Sustainability Practitioners

This study, based on in-depth interviews with 45 practitioners in the emerging field of environmental sustainability, argues for a more nuanced approach to studying the meaningfulness of work. Drawing from the tension-centered approach, we posit that sustainability practitioners derived meaningfulness in tensional ways from circumstances and factors that were both enabling and constraining, stemming from various organizational, professional and political structures. This occurs through ongoing negotiation that spans everyday work processes, the perceived impact of such work, and participants’ career positioning. In addition to examining meaningfulness as a dynamic and contested negotiation, rather than a purely positive outcome, the political implications of such meaning-making are traced. We close by discussing some implications for future research on meaningfulness of work.
Legally Queer: The Construction of Sexuality in LGBQ Asylum Claims

Using court decisions, interviews with legal actors, and ethnographic observations, this paper analyzes the development of sexual identity classifications for sexual minorities seeking asylum in the United States and argues that the adjudication of such claims works to consolidate and regulate sexual identities but also creates possibilities for recognizing marginalized queer identities. Asylum seekers must prove their sexual identities, and immigration officials must classify claimants as belonging to a protected group. At the inception of queer asylum law in 1990, protected categories were highly circumscribed, but the indeterminacy of the law allowed advocates and asylum seekers to challenge existing categories and stake out new claims based on their sexualities. Against the backdrop of extant criticisms of the asylum process for queers, this paper suggests that the way asylum law has been elaborated, adapted, and interpreted, particularly in approximately the past decade, offers possibilities for making unique identity claims that are not recognized in existing scholarship.
Approximate High-Dimensional Indexing with Kernel

Indexing high-dimensional data for efficient nearest-neighbor searches poses challenges. It is well known that when data dimension is very high, the search time can exceed the time required for performing a linear scan on the entire dataset. To alleviate this dimensionality curse, indexing schemes such as locality sensitive hashing (LSH) and M-trees were proposed to perform approximate searches. In this chapter,\(^\dagger\) we present a hypersphere indexer, named \({\sf SphereDex},\) to perform such searches. \({\sf SphereDex}\) partitions the data space using concentric hyperspheres. By exploiting geometric properties, \({\sf SphereDex}\) can perform effective pruning. Our empirical study shows that \({\sf SphereDex}\) enjoys three advantages over competing schemes for achieving the same level of search accuracy. First, \({\sf SphereDex}\) requires fewer disk-seek operations. Second, \({\sf SphereDex}\) can maintain disk accesses sequential most of the time. And third, it requires fewer distance computations. More importantly, \({\sf SphereDex}\) can be extended to support hyperplane queries for Support Vector Machines (SVMs) or the kernel methods. In classification problems using SVMs, the data instances closest to the hyperplane are considered to be most ambiguous, and the ones farthest away from the hyperplane to be most certain (or most confident) regarding their class membership. Hyperplane queries, rather than point queries, are essential to supporting fast retrieval of applications using SVMs. In the end of this chapter, we illustrate how \({\sf SphereDex}\) can be extended to support both nearest and farthest neighbor hyperplane query processing.
CupraEtch FH™: New advanced low-etch depth soldermask and photoresist pretreatment

One key application for the manufacturing of MLB and HDI printed circuit boards are pretreatment systems aimed at providing the optimum adhesion of organic coatings such as Photoimagable Resists (such as Dry Films [DF] and Liquid Photo Imageable Resists [LPIR]) or Solder Mask's (SM). The most common way for this optimum adhesion to be achieved is to use an etching solution to roughen the copper surface to give the highest possible increase in surface area with the minimum removal of copper. Probably the most challenging of these applications is the adhesion promotion for SM. This is because the improvement in adhesion here must be on a "permanent" basis as once the SM is applied, the good adhesion of the SM to the copper surface must continue through the life of the panel through all downstream processes. This includes application of final solderable finishes such as Immersion Tin and ENIG (both of which can damage the SM integrity and can attack the SM to Copper interface) and throughout final assembly where repeated high temperature soldering applications must be withstood. The industry demand for finer lines and spaces, higher signal integrity and above all lower etch depth requirements for the above described DF, LPIR and SM pretreatments have to be balanced with the performance demands for the application in question the OEM performance demands to the final panel. In this regard, Atotech here present a new ferric-sulfate based process CupraEtch FH™ which is both technically and commercially superior to existing POR pretreatment chemistries.
Phase II clinical trial of zileuton in persons with bronchial dysplasia

A105 Eicosanoids derived from the arachidonic acid cascade have been implicated in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. The most compelling data involve the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway. Animal studies found that LO inhibitors have chemopreventive activity in lung carcinogenesis. Therefore, we have conducted a placebo controlled, double-blind, randomized, two-arm phase II chemoprevention trial with zileuton, an asthma drug which inhibits 5-LO, in humans with biopsy proven bronchial dysplasia. Our primary hypothesis was that treatment with zileuton would be associated with regression of bronchial dysplastic lesions and, therefore, with reduced risk of lung cancer. Our secondary hypothesis was that zileuton would modulate biomarkers of cell proliferation and apoptosis, Ki67, Cyclin D1, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase 3, and lipoxygenase metabolites, 5-HETE and LTB4 in bronchial biopsies, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, brushings and sputum and these changes would be associated with regression of bronchial dysplasia. Study population included current or former smokers who have smoked >30 pack-years and who were over the age of 35. A total of 1041 subjects were screened for study entry. Eighty-six laser induced fluorescence endoscopy (LIFE) bronchoscopies were performed; 47 were negative for dysplasia, 39 had dysplasia. Thirty-eight eligible subjects were entered on the study and 8 subjects dropped out. Thirty-seven subjects were randomly assigned to receive zileuton (n=20) 600 mg or placebo (n=17) po 4 times daily for 6 months, after which they were switched to the opposite arm for 6 months. LIFE bronchoscopies were performed at baseline, 6 months and 12 months and biopsies were taken from pre-designated and abnormal appearing areas and BAL and blood specimens were collected for biomarker studies. Bronchial biopsy readings were consensus opinions of two experienced lung pathologists (LF and AG) and Ki67, Cyclin D1, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase 3, were evaluated with immunohistochemistry. Serum and BAL levels of 5-HETE and LTB-4 were measured by LC-MS-MS. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to number and severity of bronchial dysplastic lesions at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. There were no significant differences in any of the immunohistochemical or metabolic biomarkers measured. The study shows that zileuton is inactive in this population of subjects. However the study is underpowered due to small number of subjects. Most adverse events (AE) were mild and did not require interruption of the study drug. There were 174 grade 1, 43 grade 2, 5 grade 3, 4 grade 4 and 2 grade 5 AEs. Most of the grade 1-2 events and all of the grade 3-5 events were felt to be unrelated or unlikely to be related to the study drug. Supported by NCI contract NO1-CN-05022.
An Adaptable Chelating Diphosphine Ligand for the Stabilization of Palladium and Platinum Carbenes

Group 10 metal carbenes are proposed in catalytic transformations; however, their isolation remains difficult without the presence of a heteroatom donor. The adaptable cis and trans coordinating ligand PterP (1,2-bis(2-(diisopropylphosphino)phenyl)benzene) is key in stabilizing two-coordinate palladium and platinum(0) precursors. Reacting these precursors with di-p-tolyldiazomethane ((p-tol)2CN2) leads to the formation of the unprecedented trigonal-planar diarylcarbenes [(PterP)M═C(p-tol)2] (M = Pd, Pt), upon transformation of the trans coordinating ligand into a wide-bite, cis-coordinating ligand. Both palladium and platinum diarylcarbenes were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The unusual stability of the platinum analogue allowed its characterization via X-ray crystallography. Furthermore, the reactivity of the palladium and platinum diarylcarbenes with Ph2SiH2 and CH3I was investigated.