cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the Effects of Mexico's Retaliatory Tariffs on Selected U.S. Agricultural Exports

This article estimates the trade-reducing effects of the retaliatory import tariffs imposed by Mexico on selected U.S. agricultural products from March 2009 to October 2011 as part of the U.S.-Mexico trucking dispute. Using an autoregressive distributed-lag time series model of the targeted agricultural exports, we find that the tariffs reduced U.S. sales of these products to Mexico by $984 million (22%). We find no evidence that reduced exports to Mexico were offset by increased sales of these same goods to other countries. The large impact of the tariffs underscores the importance of the duty-free provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement, as well as the potentially high costs of retaliatory trade measures.
DFT studies of Cr(VI) complex adsorption on hydroxylated hematite (11¯02) surfaces

Abstract The adsorption structures of Cr(VI) species on hydroxylated α-Fe2O3( 1 1 ¯ 0 2 ) were investigated using density functional theory within a periodic slab model. A broad structural survey of H2CrO4, HCrO 4 - and CrO 4 2 - adsorbed on different surface sites was carried out. Chromate species adsorb on the hydroxylated surface via an outer-sphere mechanism through H-bonding and ion–dipole attraction. The most stable structure for H2CrO4 reveals strong H-bonding to surface and between adsorbates. For HCrO 4 - , a configuration that shows both H-bonding and Cr–O···H–O–Fe ion–dipole interaction is the most favored. In the case of CrO 4 2 - , the most favored adsorption configuration shows the complex standing on the surface with a Cr–O bond aligned on OH, presenting the strongest Cr–O···H–O–Fe interaction. In these three species, CrO 4 2 - displays the strongest interaction with the hydroxylated ( 1 1 ¯ 0 2 ) surface with no tendency toward reduction observed, in accordance with experiment.
Distribution of oxygen, glucose and lactate in degenerated intervertebral disc

Poor nutritional supply has been a major concern for the health of intervertebral disc (IVD) since the IVD is the largest avascular tissue in the human body. The transport of vital nutrients to cells relies on diffusion and convection through the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the IVD. Transport and metabolism of nutrients (e.g., oxygen and glucose) within the IVD depend on many factors, including the material properties of ECM (e.g., permeability, elastic modulus, and solute diffusivity), cellular metabolic rates, nutritional supply at the edge of the IVD, and mechanical loading [1–6]. Tissue degeneration alters the material properties of the IVD, such as an increase in elastic modulus and a decrease in water content, fixed charge density, permeability and solute diffusivity [6]. However, the effect of tissue degeneration on transport and metabolism of nutrients in the IVD under mechanical loading has not been elucidated. The objective of this study was to numerically investigate the distribution of glucose, oxygen and lactate in the degenerated IVD under static unconfined compression using the mechano-electrochemical mixture theory [7].Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Communication and conditioning: Correlated reinforcement

This is the third in a series of studies concerned with various forms of correlated reinforcement discrete-trials DRL) in communication. Speaking in reply functions as a reinforcer. In an experimental conversation modeled on discrete-trials instrumental conditioning, with speed as the dependent variable, subjects learned an instrumental response reinforced by the opportunity to speak in reply. When shorter delay of the opportunity to reply was made contingent upon subjects’ responding slowly, subjects learned to match the cut-off speed, while noncorrelated yoked controls showed an ordinary acquisition curve, as in conditioning studies of correlated delay of reinforcement.
Population Dynamics of Herpetomonas ampelophilae, with a Note on the Systematics of Herpetomonas from Drosophila spp.

SYNOPSIS Previous surveys of feral Drosophila melanogaster in Clarke County, Georgia, indicated 10 to 30% of the flies were parasitized with Herpetomonas ampelophilae. In the present study, herpetomoniasis in D. melanogaster reared in population cages rose from 0.01% to 90% in 14 days. The infection fluctuated between 5% and 100% during the 250 days in which the ageledeme was maintained. Herpetomonas were found endotrophically, peritrophically, and in the Malpighian tubules. In population cages, although there were sporadic rises in percentages, peritrophic and Malpighian tube infections usually remained low. Endotrophic infections often reached 100%, with individual flies being heavily parasitized. Although Chatton felt that several species of Herpetomonas inhabit a single species of Drosophila, we suggest that all the Herpetomonas in D. melanogaster be referred to as H. ampelophilae.
Aspects of development of imaginal discs in a non-pupariating lethal mutant in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract Imaginal discs from a non-pupariating mutant, lethal-1 a , were cultured in vitro. Responses of the discs to B-ecdysone are abnormal, including failure to maintain an increased level of RNA synthesis, depression of protein synthesis and cell death. When lethal-1 a discs are transplanted into wild-type larvae for metamorphosis, almost all bristle-forming regions fail to differentiate, whereas non-bristle-forming regions do so normally. Mutant larvae apparently secrete molting hormone, and can synthesize cuticle within unevaginated discs. The in vitro experiments suggest that abnormal responses of mutant tissue to β-ecdysone in situ result in non-pupariation, failure to disc evagination and death.
Ran GTPase-Independent and Stereochemical Control of Kinesin-1 and Mitochondrial Motility by Domains of Ran-Binding Protein-2

The microtubule-based motor proteins, dynein and kinesin-1, mediate fast mitochondrial trafficking, but the mechanisms underlying the regulation of mitochondrial motility are ill-defined. The Ran-binding protein 2 (RanBP2) is a pleiotropic and multimodular protein, which couples directly with the kinesin-1 isoforms, KIF5B/KIF5C, via its tripartite domains, the kinesin-binding domain (KBD) and the Ran GTPase-binding domains, RBD2 and RBD3. The coupling of RBD2-KBD-RBD3 to kinesin-1 activates its ATPase activity ∼30-fold and with activation kinetics that is biphasic and cooperative. Here, we employ structure-function, biochemical, kinetic and cell-based assays with time-lapse live-cell microscopy of over 260,000 mitochondrial motility-related events to probe the interplay between Ran GTPase and RBD2-KBD-RBD3 on kinesin-1 activation and mitochondrial motility. We uncover mutually exclusive subdomains in RBDs toward Ran GTPase binding, kinesin-1 activation and modulation of mitochondria motility. The RBDs exhibit Ran-GTP-independent, subdomain and stereochemical-dependent discrimination on the biphasic activation kinetics of kinesin-1 or regulation of mitochondrial motility. Remarkably, RBD2-KBD-RBD3 and KBD alone exert opposing effects on the equilibrium between the stationary and motile phases of mitochondria and multiple biophysical parameters of mitochondrial motility. Further, the regulation of the bidirectional transport of mitochondria by either RBD2-KBD-RBD3 or KBD is highly coordinated, since their effects are accompanied always by changes in motile biophysical parameters of opposite-polarity. These studies uncover Ran GTPase-independent antagonizing and multimodal mechanisms of kinesin-1 activation and regulation of mitochondrial motility by distinct domains of RanBP2. Further, they open new venues toward the pharmacological harnessing of mechanisms regulating kinesins, mitochondrial motility or RanBP2 in a variety of disparate disorders.
Serial transfer of antibody producing cells on the chorioallantoic membrane.

SummarySerial transfer of foci on the CAM through at least 3 transfers is confirmed. Significant titers of antibody were found in a high percentage of recipient eggs 5 days after inoculation of spleen cells from an immunized chicken. The transfer of cells from the CAM of these eggs to other eggs resulted in development of foci, but the proportion of eggs with detectable antibody declined rapidly after the first transfer. The presence of antigen in the eggs inoculated with spleen cells from immunized chickens did not stimulate antibody formation. Finally, although both spleen cells and buffy coat cells yielded large numbers of foci, formation of antibody on the CAM was consistently greater with the inoculation of spleen cells from immunized donor chickens.
Determination of Residual Stress Profile Using a Strain Gage Technique

A simple beam theory analysis is presented for the determination of residual stress patterns in beams or plates using a strain gage technique. The analysis is valid for a general stress distribution which need not be symmetric with respect to the neural axis. The experimental approach consists of attaching a strain gage on the surface of a beam or a plate and then grinding off the other side. The recorded strain vs thickness ground off data can be used to determine the corresponding stress profile.
An Empirical and Computational Investigation of Perceiving and Remembering Event Temporal Relations

Events have beginnings, ends, and often overlap in time. A major question is how perceivers come to parse a stream of multimodal information into meaningful units and how different event boundaries may vary event processing. This work investigates the roles of these three types of event boundaries in constructing event temporal relations. Predictions were made based on how people would err according to the beginning state, end state, and overlap heuristic hypotheses. Participants viewed animated events that include all the logical possibilities of event temporal relations, and then made temporal relation judgments. The results showed that people make use of the overlap between events and take into account the ends and beginnings, but they weight ends more than beginnings. Neural network simulations showed a self-organized distinction when learning temporal relations between events with overlap versus those without.
Reliability and minimal detectable change of the weight-bearing lunge test: A systematic review

Abstract Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DROM) is often a point of emphasis during the rehabilitation of lower extremity pathologies. With the growing popularity of weight-bearing DROM assessments, several versions of the weight-bearing lunge (WBLT) test have been developed and numerous reliability studies have been conducted. The purpose of this systematic review was to critically appraise and synthesize the studies which examined the reliability and responsiveness of the WBLT to assess DROM. A systematic search of PubMed and EBSCO Host databases from inception to September 2014 was conducted to identify studies whose primary aim was assessing the reliability of the WBLT. The Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies assessment tool was utilized to determine the quality of included studies. Relative reliability was examined through intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and responsiveness was evaluated through minimal detectable change (MDC). A total of 12 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. Nine included studies assessed inter-clinician reliability and 12 included studies assessed intra-clinician reliability. There was strong evidence that inter-clinician reliability (ICC = 0.80–0.99) as well as intra-clinician reliability (ICC = 0.65–0.99) of the WBLT is good. Additionally, average MDC scores of 4.6° or 1.6 cm for inter-clinician and 4.7° or 1.9 cm for intra-clinician were found, indicating the minimal change in DROM needed to be outside the error of the WBLT. This systematic review determined that the WBLT, regardless of method, can be used clinically to assess DROM as it provides consistent results between one or more clinicians and demonstrates reasonable responsiveness.
Crystal Structure and Properties of Dye-Containing Organic-Inorganic Perovskites

Abstract The oligothiophene derivative, 5,5′′′-bis(aminoethyl) 2,2′:5′,2′′:5′′, 2′′′-quaterthiophene (AEQT), has been incorporated within a lead(II) halide-based perovskite framework. Single crystal X-ray analysis has been used to verify the perovskite framework and examine the ordering of the dye cations within the structure. Thin films of (AEQT)PbX4 (X = Cl, Br, and I) have also been thermally ablated onto quartz substrates and the optical properties of the films have been examined. Strong photoluminescence from the quaterthiophene moiety is observed for X = Cl, with an emission peak at approximately λmax = 532 nm. Similar photoluminescence is observed for the X = Br and I materials, but with progressively less intensity, as the band gap of the inorganic framework gets smaller relative to the LUMO-HOMO gap of the dye molecule. (AEQT)PbCl4 films have also been incorporated as emission layers in light emitting devices (LED) and intense room temperature electroluminescence has been observed.
Non-linear Burnett order thermal stress coefficient

Abstract The formal theory of non-equilibrium statistical is used to obtain the irreversible Burnett order thermal stresses, and time correlation function expressions for both linear and nonlinear transport coefficients are identified. Evaluation of these expressions in the Boltzmann limit shows agreement with the Chapman-Enskog solution of kinetic theory.
Two conformational states of Turkey ovomucoid third domain at low pH: three-dimensional structures, internal dynamics, and interconversion kinetics and thermodynamics.

Turkey ovomucoid third domain (OMTKY3) is shown to exist at low pH as two distinctly folded, interconverting conformations. Activation parameters were determined for the transition, and these were of the type reported previously for cis/trans isomerizations of prolyl peptide bonds. Multidimensional, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy was used to determine the three-dimensional structure of each of the two states of P5-Pro14Asp OMTKY3 at pH 2.5 and 25 °C, under conditions where the two states have equal populations with interchange rates of 0.25 s-1. The results showed that the two states differ by cis/trans isomerization of the P8-Tyr11−P7-Pro12 peptide bond, which is cis in the conformer dominant at neutral pH and trans in the conformer appearing at low pH. The major structural differences were found to be in the region of the reactive site loop. The core of the protein, including the antiparallel β-sheet and a α-helix, is preserved in both structures. The state with the cis peptide bond is similar to previou...
On the ubiquitous Gelfand-Levitan-Marčenko (GLM) equation

We collect a number of derivations and interpretations of Gelfand-Levitan-Marcenko (GLM) equations in various contexts. Relations to Riemann-Hilbert (RH) problems, tau functions and determinants, direct linearization techniques, etc. are discussed and some new results are included. We emphasize the role of spectral pairings of generalized eigenfunctions and exhibit various ways in which inverse scattering techniques arise. The natural extension and generalization of GLM techniques in the format of RH methods and coadjoint orbits in a Lie theoretic context is developed and the hierarchy point of view is explored in terms of spectral ideas. Thus, the roles and some limitations of the GLM and RH methods are exposed to some extent and some bridges are sketched to modern techniques in soliton mathematics involving hierarchies, tau functions, Lie theory, etc.
Pediatric poisonings: recognition, assessment, and management

Poisoning represents one of the most common medical emergencies encountered in young children in the United States, and accounts for a significant proportion of emergency room visits for the adolescent population. Poisoning is a significant and persistent cause of morbidity and mortality in children and adolescents. The scope of toxic substances involved in poisoning is broad, and requires health care providers to have an extensive knowledge of signs and symptoms of poisoning and specific therapeutic interventions and antidotes. Most children who ingest poisons suffer no harm; however, health care providers must recognize, assess, and manage those exposures that are most likely to cause serious injury, illness, or death and initiate appropriate management to minimize the physical injury that may occur.
Morality, consistency, and the self: A lesson from rectification

L'A. propose une evaluation de la these de R. Roberts, concernant la non-reparation des injustices subies par les Noirs aux Etats-Unis, a la lumiere de la psychologie morale. Examinant les notions de valeur morale, respect, investissement psychologique et resistance morale, l'A. substitue a l'explication imperialiste et capitaliste de Roberts une theorie de la persecution inspiree de Flavius Josephe.
A new rotifer from a coastal lake in Southeastern Brazil: Hexarthra longicornicula n. sp.

A new rotifer is described from among samples taken from coastal lakes in southeastern Brazil. Comparisons to related rotifers are made. This new animal belongs to the Hexarthra mira-intermedia species group by way of its general morphological configuration, the number of teeth in the trophi (5), and the two club-shaped caudal appendages (CSCA's). An extremely long dorsal antenna and very long setae extending from the bend in the ventro-lateral arm characterize this animal's speciation.
Allegiance to company or conscience: The case of harding engineering corporation

Employees are sometimes forced to choose between meeting professional responsibilities or following their conscience. Following is a situation where an employee must decide upon a course of action that could potentially cause personal and professional damage to a fellow employee, or possibly harm the company. Several important issues arise as a result of the dilemma-confidentiality, professionalism, legal rights, agency loyalty, personal values, business ethics, to name some. A thorough analysis of the situation will provide a rich opportunity for discussion and learning.
Taconian orogeny in the New England Appalachians: Collision between Laurentia and the Shelburne Falls arc

Tectonic models of the Ordovician Taconian orogeny in western New England usually invoke a collision between the Laurentian margin and a magmatic arc identified as the Bronson Hill arc. However, in central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, rocks in the Bronson Hill arc are 454 to 442 Ma and therefore younger than much of the Taconian deformation and metamorphism in western New England and eastern New York, which began by 470 Ma. U-Pb and single-grain evaporation zircon ages combined with geochemical analyses reveal the presence of an older magmatic arc, the Shelburne Falls arc, that formed west of the Bronson Hill arc at 485 to 470 Ma. The Shelburne Falls arc formed above an east-dipping subduction zone by the Early Ordovician. The Taconian orogeny was the result of the collision between Laurentia and the Shelburne Falls arc beginning ca. 475 to 470 Ma. The younger Bronson Hill arc formed above a west-dipping subduction zone that developed along the eastern edge of the newly accreted terrane during the final stages of and subsequent to the Taconian orogeny. The Taconian orogeny ended when plate convergence between Laurentia and Iapetus was accommodated by the newly developed west-dipping subduction zone instead of by crustal shortening in the Taconian thrust belt. The tectonic history of the New England Appalachians is inconsistent with a Middle Ordovician collision between Laurentia and the proto-Andean margin of Gondwana.
Flexible teaching for inflexible schedules: an online resident curriculum in acute ambulatory care.

The authors report on a work in progress: a web-based curriculum for residents working shifts, addressing management of common acute outpatient problems. All components of the curriculum are available online, and residents may complete modules and submit tests at any time and from any location. There are few reports of web-based curricula in postgraduate training. Our interactive model avoids scheduling conflicts, is easily updated, encourages self-directed learning and facilitates resident assessment.
Implications of new technology for the reviewing process

Abstract The process employed in refereeing and peer review is fundamentally the same as the scientific method of investigation desired in all activities we characterize as research. Reviewing of manuscripts and proposals involves the acquisition, organization, and logical evaluation of evidence relating to factors such as appropriateness, originality, relative quality, and conformance to specific standards of content and presentation. In practice, and for good reasons, reviewers often deliver only “quick and dirty” research when they review, thus giving cause for complaints about the dependability and even the necessity of reviewing. Abandonment of reviewing would not be a solution. New technology does not yet offer much hope for replacing human reviewers with automated and superior reviewing processes. However, there are various ways in which technology might be applied to assist and supplement the human reviewer. Further progress might come through the extension of efforts to achieve automated identification of the parts of texts that correspond to desired elements of scientific activity.
Ferrous Carbonyl Dithiolates as Precursors to FeFe, FeCo, and FeMn Carbonyl Dithiolates

Reported are complexes of the formula Fe(dithiolate)(CO)2(diphos) and their use to prepare homo- and heterobimetallic dithiolato derivatives. The starting iron dithiolates were prepared by a one-pot reaction of FeCl2 and CO with chelating diphosphines and dithiolates, where dithiolate = S2(CH2)22– (edt2–), S2(CH2)32– (pdt2–), S2(CH2)2(C(CH3)2)2– (Me2pdt2–) and diphos = cis-C2H2(PPh2)2 (dppv), C2H4(PPh2)2 (dppe), C6H4(PPh2)2 (dppbz), C2H4[P(C6H11)2]2 (dcpe). The incorporation of 57Fe into such building block complexes commenced with the conversion of 57Fe into 57Fe2I4(iPrOH)4, which then was treated with K2pdt, CO, and dppe to give 57Fe(pdt)(CO)2(dppe). NMR and IR analyses show that these complexes exist as mixtures of all-cis and trans-CO isomers, edt2– favoring the former and pdt2– the latter. Treatment of Fe(dithiolate)(CO)2(diphos) with the Fe(0) reagent (benzylideneacetone)Fe(CO)3 gave Fe2(dithiolate)(CO)4(diphos), thereby defining a route from simple ferrous salts to models for hydrogenase active sit...
Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Collagen Mrna Levels in Short Term Chondrocyte Cultures

Chondrocytes isolated from 16 day chicken embryo sterna and adult (18 month) bovine metacarpal-phalangeal joint cartilage were grown in monolayer culture for up to 5 days in the presence and absence of ascorbate (50ug/ml). RNA was isolated from these cultures and the steady-state levels of α1(I), α2(I) and α1(II) mRNAs were assayed using cloned DNA prohes encoding the respective procollagen mRNAs. Both ascorhate-treated and control chicken chondrocytes maintained the characteristic morphology and phenotype synthesizing the same levels of type II procollagen mRNA observed for sternal chondrocytes. The chicken chondrocytes., with or without ascorhate, did not synthesize increased levels of α1(I) or α2(I) mRNA. In contrast, when bovine articular chondrocytes were cultured with ascorbate. an increase in type II procollagen mRNA and, more interestingly, an increase in type I procollagen mRNA was observed during the 5 day culture period. Low levels of type I procollagen mRNA were detected in untreated chicken a...
Clinical Pharmacists Prescribing Drug Therapy in a Geriatric Setting: Outcome of a Trial

Clinical pharmacists, under the supervision of a family practitioner physician, assumed responsibility for drug management of geriatric patients in a Los Angeles skilled nursing facility. In a quasi-experimental, pretest-post-test control group design, outcome criteria were measured. Compared with the control group which received traditional patient care, the prescribing clinical pharmacists' group had a significantly lower number of deaths (P = 0.05), a significantly higher number of patients being discharged to lower levels of care (P = 0.03), and a significantly lower average number of drugs per patient (P = 0.04). The lower number of patients hospitalized approached significance (P = 0.06) in the prescribing clinical pharmacists' group. The practice of having clinical pharmacists prescribe drug therapy and render general care, under the supervision of a physician, has the potential for saving the health care system approximately $70,000 per year per 100 skilled nursing facility beds.
Incorporating Network RAM and Flash into Fast Backing Store for Clusters

We present Nswap2L, a fast backing storage system for general purpose clusters. Nswap2L implements a single device interface on top of multiple heterogeneous physical storage devices, particularly targeting fast random access devices such as Network RAM and flash SSDs. A key design feature of Nswap2L is the separation of the interface from the underlying physical storage, data that are read and written to our ``device" are managed by our underlying system and may be stored in local RAM, remote RAM, flash, local disk or any other cluster-wide storage. Nswap2L chooses which physical device will store data based on cluster resource usage and the characteristics of various storage media. In addition, it migrates data from one physical device to another in response to changes in capacity and to take advantage of the strengths of different types of physical media, such as fast writes over the network and fast reads from flash. Performance results of our prototype implementation of Nswap2L added as a swap device on a 12 node Linux cluster show speed-ups of over 30 times versus swapping to disk and over 1.7 times versus swapping to flash. In addition, we show that for parallel benchmarks, Nswap2L using Network RAM and a flash device that is slower than Network RAM can perform better than Network RAM alone.
An experimental study of slip flow in capillaries and semihyperbolically converging dies

Slip velocity is measured in straight-walled capillary dies and semihyperbolically converging dies (SHCDs) in three industrial polymer melts, with and without the presence of a viscosity reducing stearic acid (SA) additive. Data taken in shear flow through capillary dies indicated a substantial increase in the slip velocity caused by the addition of the SA. Data taken in the SHCDs showed much less of an increase in the slip velocity of the polymer/additive system relevant to the neat polymer. One possible explanation of this observation is that the magnitude of the slip velocity is directly related to the degree of orientation within the flowing polymeric material. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:159–167, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Relaxation of the clean, Cu- and H-covered Ru(0001) surface

Abstract We have obtained and analyzed LEED- IV data for a cleaned Ru(001) surface and Ru(0001) covered with one monolayer of Cu. The analysis implies a 2.1% contraction of the first interlayer spacing of the cleaned surface. For Cu/Ru(0001), counter-intuitively, the first Ru interlayer spacing is found to contract by an additional 0.7% . Linearized augmented plane wave (LAPW) calculations suggest that this surprising result can be attributed to H contamination of the reference “cleaned” surface. For (1 × 1) clean, Cu- and Hcovered Ru(0001) slabs, the LAPW predicts 4.0%, 3.5% and 1.5% contractions, respectively, of the outermost Ru-layer separation. The agreement of these predictions with the LEED results is reasonably close if the experimental “cleaned” surface is identified with the H-covered slab of the calculations.
Evidence of Optic Pathway Gliomas after Previously Negative Neurolmaging

Abstract Purpose: The authors emphasize the potential for the development of anterior visual pathway gliomas, evidenced by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients who previously had normal neuroimaging studies. Methods: The clinic charts and CT and MRI scans were retrospectively reviewed for all patients evaluated at the neurofibromatosis clinic of one referral center over a period of 7 years. Patients with neuroimaging studies demonstrating anterior visual pathway gliomas who previously had normal scans were identified, and their cases are described in detail. A similar, previously reported series, from the pediatric literature, was also reviewed. Results: Eight percent (28/360) of patients had CT or MRI scans revealing optic gliomas. Two of these patients had normal neuroimaging studies previously. Conclusion: A negative neuroimaging study in an NF1 patient does not exclude the future development of an optic glioma.
Geostatistical integration of rock physics, seismic amplitudes, and geologic models in North Sea turbidite systems

Turbidite reservoirs, deepwater clastic systems often characterized by complex sand distribution, stretch the limits of conventional seismic and geostatistical modeling and analysis. Nevertheless, such reservoirs must produce at a high rate to cover large drilling and production costs. Hence, reservoir heterogeneity must be accurately quantified and the associated uncertainty measured to determine the investment risk.
Anisotropy of the Coulomb Interaction between Folded Proteins: Consequences for Mesoscopic Aggregation of Lysozyme

Toward quantitative description of protein aggregation, we develop a computationally efficient method to evaluate the potential of mean force between two folded protein molecules that allows for complete sampling of their mutual orientation. Our model is valid at moderate ionic strengths and accounts for the actual charge distribution on the surface of the molecules, the dielectric discontinuity at the protein-solvent interface, and the possibility of protonation or deprotonation of surface residues induced by the electric field due to the other protein molecule. We apply the model to the protein lysozyme, whose solutions exhibit both mesoscopic clusters of protein-rich liquid and liquid-liquid separation; the former requires that protein form complexes with typical lifetimes of approximately milliseconds. We find the electrostatic repulsion is typically lower than the prediction of the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek theory. The Coulomb interaction in the lowest-energy docking configuration is nonrepulsive, despite the high positive charge on the molecules. Typical docking configurations barely involve protonation or deprotonation of surface residues. The obtained potential of mean force between folded lysozyme molecules is consistent with the location of the liquid-liquid coexistence, but produces dimers that are too short-lived for clusters to exist, suggesting lysozyme undergoes conformational changes during cluster formation.
Remote Sensing of Temperature Profiles from a Combination of Observations from the Satellite-Based Microwave Sounding Unit and the Ground-Based Profiler

Abstract Temperature profiles are derived from ground- and satellite-based microwave radiometric observations. Data taken by the NOAA Profiler during December 1981 to December 1982, at Stapleton International Airport, Denver, Colorado, are combined with NOAA 6/7 Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU) observations over Denver. The results of 460 retrievals by the Profiler, the MSU, and the Profiler + MSU are compared with soundings by National Weather Service radiosondes (RAOBs). From the surface to 300 mb, maximum rms differences between the combined retrievals and RAOBs are less than about 2 K. For 17 cases in March 1981, radiometric data from the Profiler and MSU were combined with tropopause height measurements obtained from a VHF radar. The combined retrievals using the tropopause height information were improved in the vicinity of the tropopause by about 2 K rms relative to the pure passive ones.
Putting Agency and Integrity to the Test

This article examines recent claims about the necessity of integrity in agency relationships by putting agents with preferences that reflect integrity in an evolutionary competition with opportunistic agents. Corporate culture is modeled through a process of assortative matching between principal and agent types (via industry or group effects). This leads to a characterization of corporate governance where integrity is linked with value creation.
Non-rayleigh first-order statistics of ultrasonic backscatter from normal myocardium

Abstract Historically, it has been assumed that the first-order envelope statistics of ultrasonic backscatter from myocardium are best described by the Rayleigh probability distribution function (PDF); however, few studies have tested this assumption. This study compares the ability of five PDFs, including the Rayleigh, to describe high-frequency (5–15 MHz) ultrasonic backscatter from in vivo canine myocardium and in vitro human myocardium. The PDFs used have all been previously proposed as descriptions of backscatter from parenchymal tissue or other random media. In this study goodness-of-fit testing of backscatter recorded at several frequencies and insonification angles shows that only in a minority of cases is the envelope Rayleigh-distributed. In most cases, the K distribution provides the best fit. In addition, computer simulation shows that sparse Poisson scattering can produce K -distributed backscatter. Scattering of this type may contribute to the observed non-Rayleigh character of myocardial backscatter. We conclude that the Rayleigh distribution is not an adequate description of backscatter from myocardium. Non-Rayleigh distributions may offer an additional approach to myocardial tissue characterization.
Effect of Sex, Inferred Sex-Role and Occupational Sex-Linkage on Perceptions of Occupational Success:

In a 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 (subject's sex, stimulus-person's sex, stimulus-person's sex-role as inferred from sex-related clothing, and stimulus-person's sex-linked occupation) complete factorial between-s...
Photorefractive Materials For Optical Computing And Image Processing

Photorefractive materials have been used as the nonlinear optical media in various optical computing and image processing applications. Devices such as passive phase conjugate mirrors, image subtractors, optical limiters and thresholders can be constructed with materials whose index of refraction is a function of light intensity. It is the purpose of this paper, then to describe some of these materials on the basis of their nonlinear optical response.
Trichius sexualis Bedel, 1906 – nomen protectum (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Trichiinae)

Trichius sexualis Bedel, 1906 is declared to be a nomen protectum. The name's availability is suggested by accepting the original reference “Reitt.” as cumulative bibliographic reference (indication). Evidence for usage according to ICZN Art. 23.9.1. is presented. The senior synonyms Trichius abdominalis var. bipartitus Heyden, 1889, Trichius gallicus var. bipunctatus Kraatz, 1891, and Trichius gallicus bivittulatus Kraatz, 1891 are nomina oblita. Other potential senior synonyms are either unavailable or of unclear specific identity and also nomina oblita. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Advanced technological education in semiconductor manufacturing: preparing for the 21st century

Expansion in the semiconductor industry is creating a large demand for technicians. Community colleges are hard-pressed to meet this demand through existing programs and courses. This paper presents a new curriculum model for associate of applied science degree programs in semiconductor manufacturing and suggests a model for precursor programs at the high school level. Implementations of new curricula in semiconductor manufacturing are presented.
Frequency of Alternative Immunization Schedule Use in a Metropolitan Area

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have described an increase in parental hesitancy regarding vaccines as well as increases in parental adoption of vaccine schedules that delay or limit receipt of recommended vaccines. This study quantifies potential prevalence and trends in alternative schedule compliance by measuring consistent shot-limiting in a metropolitan area of Oregon. METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis using the Oregon ALERT Immunization Information System to track children born between 2003 and 2009 in the Portland metropolitan area. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze prevalence trends in consistent shot-limiting during that time period. The 2007–2009 Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine shortage and increased availability of combination vaccines were also examined for their effects on shot-limiting rates. RESULTS: A total of 4502 of 97 711 (4.6%) children met the definition of consistent shot-limiters. The proportion of consistent shot-limiters in the population increased from 2.5% to 9.5% between 2006 and 2009. Compared with those with no or episodic limiting, consistent shot-limiters by 9 months of age had fewer injections (6.4 vs 10.4) but more visits when immunizations were administered (4.2 vs 3.3). However, only a small minority of shot-limiters closely adhered to published alternative schedules. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of children consistently receiving 2 or fewer vaccine injections per visit between birth and age 9 months increased threefold within a 2-year period, suggesting an increase in acceptance of non–Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices vaccine schedules in this geographic area. * Abbreviations: ACIP — : Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices CDC — : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CI — : confidence interval DTaP — : diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis HepB — : hepatitis B Hib — : Haemophilus influenzae type b IIS — : Immunization Information System MPC — : monthly percentage change RR — : relative risk
Product-form distributions and network algorithms (abstract only)

The "product-form" characterization of the stationary distribution make a queueing network analytically a lot more tractable. This has been the primary source of inspiration in the search for "productform" characterization. In this talk, I will discuss implications of "product-form" distributions for algorithm design by means of two examples: (i) intra-queue scheduling and (ii) inter-queue scheduling in a constrained queueing network. Near the end of the talk, by means of a novel comparison result between stationary distributions of Markov chains, I will briefly discuss notion of "approximate" product-form distributions.
Analysis of Sararan Dust Observations by Calipso in the Context of CRAM

Since its first collection of lidar data in June of 2006, the Cloud Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) lidar instrument aboard CALIPSO has observed numerous Saharan dust events in Western Africa and the Atlantic, predominantly during the boreal summer months of late May through early September. A tremendous amount of data is currently available from which to begin analysis. With CALIOP's sensitivity to polarization at 532 nm, such dust layers are easily identified by significant amounts of depolarization relative to other aerosol types due to the non-sphericity of dust particles. Dust aerosols represent an interesting basis upon which to examine the performance of the CRAM technique, and in particular its dust model, due to the fact that dust is distinctly identifiable from depolarization. The results from this analysis aim to demonstrate the capability of aerosol modeling as a solution to the retrieval problem, where independent verification of aerosol type (i.e., from 532 nm depolarization and known dust transport paths) may be made to facilitate the investigation.
Carotenoid dose level and protection against UV-B induced skin tumors.

— Two groups of workers have reported that low levels of carotenoids (0.07 and 0.01%) were effective in preventing tumor development in experimental animals. To see whether these low concentrations were effective in preventing the development of UV-B induced skin tumors, groups of hairless mice were fed beta-carotene beadlets or canthaxanthin beadlets or the equivalent weight of placebo beadlets at these two final concentrations of carotenoid, and also at a final concentration of 2%, the amount found effective by us in past experiments. The mice received their pigments either for 4 days (the group receiving 0.01%), one month (the group receiving 0.07%) or for 12 weeks (the group receiving 2%) before irradiation started, in order to duplicate the conditions used in the previously reported experiments, and continued to receive their respective diets during the irradiation and observation period. All groups received a total dose of 10.8 J/cm2 of UV-B radiation. At 2 and 0.07%, beta-carotene and canthaxanthin each conferred significant protection against skin tumor development. However, at 0.01 %, neither carotenoid offered protection against tumor development.
Impact of Public Policy and Societal Risk Perception on U.S. Civilian Nuclear Power Plant Construction

AbstractDue to the increasing demand for energy in the United States, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is currently reviewing permit applications for 26 new nuclear power reactors. However, the previous generation of U.S. civilian nuclear plant construction experienced significant cost and schedule overruns. Previous research identified “regulatory ratcheting” (continuous, retroactive change in nuclear plant regulations) as one of the primary causes of this poor performance. Regulatory ratcheting was enabled by the nuclear industry’s two-step permitting and licensing process for civilian power plant construction, which allowed society’s perception of the risks associated with nuclear plant operation to impact nuclear plant construction. How will public policy and societal risk perception affect the next generation of U.S. civilian nuclear plant construction? This question is investigated using a dynamic simulation model of the public policy and social feedback processes that impact U.S. nuclear plant con...
Seasonal flight activity by the Asian citrus psyllid in east central Florida

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is an important invasive citrus pest in the USA because it vectors a bacterium responsible for huanglongbing, a devastating disease of citrus. Information was lacking on seasonal aspects of flight activity by D. citri, which could have ramifications on psyllid management as well as our understanding of epidemiology of the disease. Of interest from a pest management standpoint would be whether D. citri regularly disperses to or away from citrus on a predictable schedule. In research presented here, seasonal flight activity by D. citri was investigated using yellow sticky traps deployed in citrus trees and in fallow areas adjacent to citrus. Results indicated that flight activity by both male and female D. citri away from citrus can occur at any time of the year with consistent dispersal activity during the spring. The research further indicated citrus is continually subject to infestation by immigrating adults and that there is no time during the year that a citrus grower could be assured immigration would not occur. Growers should be aware that adult dispersal occurs regularly during spring and they should time management tactics accordingly. Adult flight activity 2 m from a citrus tree was more pronounced at 1 m above ground than at 2 or 3 m high. At distances of 8–60 m from trees, numbers of adults on traps were similar among the three heights. Males and females were similar with respect to seasonal flight activity. Numbers of adults captured on traps distant from citrus were not correlated with wind speed, sunlight, or air temperature, but there was some evidence that relative humidity influenced flight activity. Although the D. citri life cycle is dependent on flush, data from these studies did not confirm that psyllid dispersal from citrus consistently increases as citrus flush abundance decreases.
Do language disorders in childhood seal the mental health fate of grownups

he association of language disorders (LDs) with mental disorders in children and adoT lescents has been well documented. Studies to date have focusedmostly on childrenwho speak English and other European languages, with our work documenting similar overlaps in Spanishspeaking and dual-language children. The evidence for this association is broad, spanning from clinical to epidemiologic, and from cross-sectional to longitudinal studies. Longitudinal studies have shown that LDs in the early school years predict (i.e., are risk factors for)psychopathology inmiddle childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. The overlap between psychiatric disorders and LDs in childhood presents a conundrum to the practicing child and adolescent psychiatrist with minimal to no training in child language development anddisorders, as psychiatrists rely heavily on linguistic exchange for their work, and their patients’ level of language competence often closely influences their success in therapy and adaptation. According to definitions of the American Speech Language Hearing Association and the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5, communication disorders include LDs and speech sound disorders (SSDs). By adding social (pragmatic) communication disorder, the DSM-5 communication disorders capture deficits in the four core domains of child language development. These developmental domains are: phonology and grammar (the “form” of language), semantics including vocabulary (the “content” of language), and pragmatics (the social “use” of language). TheDSM-5 defines LDs as persistent difficulties in the acquisition and use of language owing to deficits in comprehending or producing language in terms of vocabulary, grammar, or discourse. These individuals present with language abilities that are “substantially and quantifiably” below age expectations, typically documented through standardized language testing, with scores decreasing 1.25, 1.5, or (as defined by the International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision) 2 standard
Muscle LIM Proteins Are Associated with Muscle Sarcomeres and Require dMEF2 for Their Expression during Drosophila Myogenesis

A genetic hierarchy of interactions, involving myogenic regulatory factors of the MyoD and myocyte enhancer-binding 2 (MEF2) families, serves to elaborate and maintain the differentiated muscle phenotype through transcriptional regulation of muscle-specific target genes. Much work suggests that members of the cysteine-rich protein (CRP) family of LIM domain proteins also play a role in muscle differentiation; however, the specific functions of CRPs in this process remain undefined. Previously, we characterized two members of the Drosophila CRP family, the muscle LIM proteins Mlp60A and Mlp84B, which show restricted expression in differentiating muscle lineages. To extend our analysis of Drosophila Mlps, we characterized the expression of Mlps in mutant backgrounds that disrupt specific aspects of muscle development. We show a genetic requirement for the transcription factor dMEF2 in regulating Mlp expression and an ability of dMEF2 to bind, in vitro, to consensus MEF2 sites derived from those present in Mlp genomic sequences. These data suggest that the Mlp genes may be direct targets of dMEF2 within the genetic hierarchy controlling muscle differentiation. Mutations that disrupt myoblast fusion fail to affect Mlp expression. In later stages of myogenic differentiation, which are dedicated primarily to assembly of the contractile apparatus, we analyzed the subcellular distribution of Mlp84B in detail. Immunofluorescent studies revealed the localization of Mlp84B to muscle attachment sites and the periphery of Z-bands of striated muscle. Analysis of mutations that affect expression of integrins and a-actinin, key components of these structures, also failed to perturb Mlp84B distribution. In conclusion, we have used molecular epistasis analysis to position Mlp function downstream of events involving mesoderm specification and patterning and concomitant with terminal muscle differentiation. Furthermore, our results are consistent with a structural role for Mlps as components of muscle cytoarchitecture.