Native language, spoken language, translation and trade

We construct new series for common native language and common spoken language for 195 countries, which we use together with series for common official language and linguis-tic proximity in order to draw inferences about (1) the aggregate impact of all linguistic factors on bilateral trade, (2) whether the linguistic influences come from ethnicity and trust or ease of communication, and (3) in so far they come from ease of communication, to what extent trans-lation and interpreters play a role. The results show that the impact of linguistic factors, all together, is at least twice as great as the usual dummy variable for common language, resting on official language, would say. In addition, ease of communication is far more important than ethnicity and trust. Further, so far as ease of communication is at work, translation and inter-preters are extremely important. Finally, ethnicity and trust come into play largely because of immigrants and their influence is otherwise difficult to detect.

Reliable acetabular cup orientation with a new gravity-assisted guidance system.

Acetabular cup orientation is a key factor determining hip stability, and standard mechanical guides have shown little help in improving alignment. An in vitro study was carried out to compare the accuracy and precision of a new gravity-assisted guidance system with a standard mechanical guide. Three hundred ten cups were impacted by 5 surgeons, and the final cup orientation was measured. With the new guide, the average error in anteversion was 0.4 degrees , compared with 10.4 degrees with the standard guide and 0.3 degrees and -4.7 degrees , respectively, for abduction angles. The average time required for orienting the cups was similar for both guides. The accuracy and reproducibility obtained with the new guide were better (P < .0001). These good results would require a clinical validation.

Influence of Refrigeration and Formalin on the Floatability of Giardia duodenalis Cysts

Giardia duodenalis cysts obtained from fresh fecal samples, fecal samples kept under refrigeration and fecal samples treated with formalin were studied as to their floatability on sucrose solutions with the following specific gravities: 1,040 kg/m3; 1,050 kg/m3; 1,060 kg/m3; 1,070 kg/m3; 1,080 kg/m3; 1,090 kg/m3; 1,100 kgm3; 1,150 kg/m3; 1,200 kg/m3; and 1,250 kg/m3, contained within counting-chambers 0.17 mm high. Cysts that floated on and those settled down as sediments were counted, and had their percentages estimated. Sucrose solutions of 1,200 kg/m3 specific gravity (the average specific gravity of diluting liquids employed in floatation techniques) caused to float 77.7%, 78.4% and 6.6% of the G. duodenalis cysts obtained, respectively, from fresh fecal samples, fecal samples kept under refrigeration, and fecal samples treated with formalin. Cysts obtained both from fresh fecal samples and fecal samples kept under refrigeration presented similar results concerning floatability. It was observed, however, that the treatment of feces with formalin diminished the cysts floatability under the various specific gravities studied. This results should influence, the recommendations for transport and storage of fecal samples used for parasitological coproscopy.

The metaphysics of quantum gravity : a causal approach

The dissertation investigates some relevant metaphysical issues arising in the context of spacetime theories. In particular, the inquiry focuses on general relativity and canonical quantum gravity. A formal definition of spacetime theory is proposed and, against this framework, an analysis of the notions of general covariance, symmetry and background independence is performed. It is argued that many conceptual issues in general relativity and canonical quantum gravity derive from putting excessive emphasis on general covariance as an ontological prin-ciple. An original metaphysical position grounded in scientific essential- ism and causal realism (weak essentialism) is developed and defended. It is argued that, in the context of general relativity, weak essentialism supports spacetime substantivalism. It is also shown that weak essentialism escapes arguments from metaphysical underdetermination by positing a particular kind of causation, dubbed geometric. The proposed interpretive framework is then applied to Bohmian mechanics, pointing out that weak essentialism nicely fits into this theory. In the end, a possible Bohmian implementation of loop quantum gravity is considered, and such a Bohmian approach is interpreted in a geometric causal fashion. Under this interpretation, Bohmian loop quantum gravity straightforwardly commits us to an ontology of elementary extensions of space whose evolution is described by a non-local law. The causal mechanism underlying this evolution clarifies many conceptual issues related to the emergence of classical spacetime from the quantum regime. Although there is as yet no fully worked out physical theory of quantum gravity, it is argued that the proposed approach sets up a standard that proposals for a serious ontology in this field should meet.

Fine-scale spatial genetic structure and gene dispersal in Silene latifolia.

Plants are sessile organisms, often characterized by limited dispersal. Seeds and pollen are the critical stages for gene flow. Here we investigate spatial genetic structure, gene dispersal and the relative contribution of pollen vs seed in the movement of genes in a stable metapopulation of the white campion Silene latifolia within its native range. This short-lived perennial plant is dioecious, has gravity-dispersed seeds and moth-mediated pollination. Direct measures of pollen dispersal suggested that large populations receive more pollen than small isolated populations and that most gene flow occurs within tens of meters. However, these studies were performed in the newly colonized range (North America) where the specialist pollinator is absent. In the native range (Europe), gene dispersal could fall on a different spatial scale. We genotyped 258 individuals from large and small (15) subpopulations along a 60 km, elongated metapopulation in Europe using six highly variable microsatellite markers, two X-linked and four autosomal. We found substantial genetic differentiation among subpopulations (global F(ST)=0.11) and a general pattern of isolation by distance over the whole sampled area. Spatial autocorrelation revealed high relatedness among neighboring individuals over hundreds of meters. Estimates of gene dispersal revealed gene flow at the scale of tens of meters (5-30 m), similar to the newly colonized range. Contrary to expectations, estimates of dispersal based on X and autosomal markers showed very similar ranges, suggesting similar levels of pollen and seed dispersal. This may be explained by stochastic events of extensive seed dispersal in this area and limited pollen dispersal.

Routine use of self-expanding venous cannulas for cardiopulmonary bypass: benefits and pitfalls in 100 consecutive cases.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the performance of self-expanding venous cannulas for routine use in open-heart surgery. METHODS: Prospective study in 100 unselected consecutive patients undergoing open-heart surgery with either remote or central smart venous cannulation. RESULTS: The study focuses on the 76 consecutive adult patients (mean age 59.2+/-17.3 years; 60 males, 16 females) undergoing surgical procedures with total cardiopulmonary bypass for either valve procedures (42/76 patients=55.3%), ascending aorta and arch repair (20/76 patients=26.3%), coronary artery revascularization (13/76 patients=17.1%) or other procedures (11/76 patients=14.5%) with 14/76 patients (18.4%) undergoing redo surgery and 6/76 patients (7.9%) undergoing small access surgery. The mean pump flow achieved by gravity drainage alone accounted for 5.0+/-0.6l/min (=114% of target) in the entire study population (n=76) as compared to the calculated, theoretical pump flow of 4.4+/-0.5l/min (p<0.0001). For the femoral cannulation sub-group (n=35) pump flow achieved by gravity drainage alone accounted for 4.9+/-0.6l/min (=114% of target) as compared to the calculated theoretical pump flow of 4.3+/-0.4l/min (p<0.0001). The corresponding numbers for trans-subclavian cannulation (n=7) are 5.2+/-0.5l/min (111%) for the pump flow achieved by gravity drainage as compared to the theoretical target flow of 4.7+/-0.4l/min. For the central cannulation sub-group (n=34) mean flow achieved by gravity drainage with a self-expanding venous cannula accounted for 5.1+/-0.7l/min (=116% of target) as compared to the calculated theoretical flow of 4.4+/-0.6l/min (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Full or more than target flow was achieved in 97% of the patients studied undergoing CPB with self-expanding venous cannulas and gravity drainage. Remote venous cannulation with self-expanding cannulas provides similar flows as central cannulation. Augmentation of venous return is no longer necessary.

F+0 renography in neonates and infants younger than 6 months: an accurate method to diagnose severe obstructive uropathy.

We studied the response to F+0 renography and the relative and absolute individual kidney function in neonates and &lt; 6-mo-old infants before and after surgery for unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UJO). METHODS: The results obtained at diagnosis and after pyeloplasty for 9 children (8 boys, 1 girl; age range, 0.8-5.9 mo; mean age +/- SD, 2.4 +/- 1.5 mo) with proven unilateral UJO (i.e., affected kidney [AK]) and an unremarkable contralateral kidney (i.e., normal kidney [NK]) were evaluated and compared with a control group of 10 children (6 boys, 4 girls; age range, 0.8-2.8 mo; mean age, 1.5 +/- 0.7 mo) selected because of symmetric renal function, absence of vesicoureteral reflux or infection, and an initially dilated but not obstructed renal pelvis as proven by follow-up. Renography was performed for 20 min after injection of (123)I-hippuran (OIH) (0.5-1.0 MBq/kg) immediately followed by furosemide (1 mg/kg). The relative and absolute renal functions and the response to furosemide were measured on background-subtracted and depth-corrected renograms. The response to furosemide was quantified by an elimination index (EI), defined as the ratio of the 3- to 20-min activities: An EI &gt; or = 3 was considered definitively normal and an EI &lt; or = 1 definitively abnormal. If EI was equivocal (1 &lt; EI &lt; 3), the response to gravity-assisted drainage was used to differentiate AKs from NKs. Absolute separate renal function was measured by an accumulation index (AI), defined as the percentage of (123)I-OIH (%ID) extracted by the kidney 30-90 s after maximal cardiac activity. RESULTS: All AKs had definitively abnormal EIs at diagnosis (mean, 0.56 +/- 0.12) and were significantly lower than the EIs of the NKs (mean, 3.24 +/- 1.88) and of the 20 control kidneys (mean, 3.81 +/- 1.97; P &lt; 0.001). The EIs of the AKs significantly improved (mean, 2.81 +/- 0.64; P &lt; 0.05) after pyeloplasty. At diagnosis, the AIs of the AKs were significantly lower (mean, 6.31 +/- 2.33 %ID) than the AIs of the NKs (mean, 9.43 +/- 1.12 %ID) and of the control kidneys (mean, 9.05 +/- 1.17 %ID; P &lt; 0.05). The AIs of the AKs increased at follow-up (mean, 7.81 +/- 2.23 %ID) but remained lower than those of the NKs (mean, 10.75 +/- 1.35 %ID; P &lt; 0.05). CONCLUSION: In neonates and infants younger than 6 mo, (123)I-OIH renography with early furosemide injection (F+0) allowed us to reliably diagnose AKs and to determine if parenchymal function was normal or impaired and if it improved after surgery.

Latest Miocene - Pliocene Larger Foraminifera and depositional environments of the carbonate bank of La Désirade Island, Guadeloupe (French Antilles)

In this paper we present first results of the study of planktonic Foraminifera, large benthic Foraminifera and carbonate facies of La Désirade, aiming at a definition of the age and depositional environments of the Neogene carbonates of this island. The study of planktonic Foraminifera from the Detrital Offshore Limestones (DOL) of the Anciènne Carrière allows to constrain the biochronology of this formation to the lower Zone N19 and indicates a latest Miocene to early Pliocene (5.48 - 4.52 Ma) age. Large benthic Foraminifera were studied both as isolated and often naturally split specimens from the DOL, and in thin sections of limestones from the DOL and the Limestone Table (LT). The assemblages of Foraminifera include Nummulitidae, Amphisteginidae, Asterigerinidae, Peneroplidae, Soritidae, Rotalidae (Globigerinidae: Globigerinoides, Sphaeroidenellopsis, Orbulina) and incrusting Foraminifera (Homotrema and Sporadotrema). The genera Amphistegina, Archaias and Operculina are discussed. Concerning the Nummulitidae we include both "Paraspiroclypeus" chawneri and "Nummulites" cojimarensis, as well as a newly described species, Operculina desiradensis new species, in the genus Operculina, because the differences between these 3 species are rather on the specific than the generic level, while their morphology, studied by SEM, is compatible with the definition of the genus Operculina (D'Orbigny1826, emend. Hottinger 1977). The three species can be easily distinguished on the basis of their differences in spiral growth: while O. desiradensis has an overall logarithmic spiral growth, O. cojimarensis and especially O. chawneri show a tighter and more geometric spiral growth. O. cojimarensis and O. chawneri were originally described from Cuba in outcrops originally dated as Oligocene and later redated as early Pliocene. Therefore, O. chawneri was considered until now as restricted to the early Pliocene. However, in the absence of a detailed morphometric and biostratigraphic study of the Caribbean Neogene nummulitids, it is difficult to evaluate the biochronologic range of these species.The history of the carbonates begins with the initial tectonic uplift and erosion of the Jurassic igneous basement of La Désirade, that must have occurred at latest in late Miocene times, when sea-level oscillated around a long term stable mean. The rhythmic deposition of the Désirade Limestone Table (LT) can be explained by synsedimentary subsidence in a context of rapidly oscillating sea-level due to precession-driven (19-21 kyr) glacio-eustatic sea-level changes during the latest Miocene- Pliocene. Except for a thin reef cap present at the eastern edge of the LT, no other in-place reefal constructions have been observed in the LT. The DOL of western Désirade are interpreted as below wave base gravity deposits that accumulated beneath a steep fore-reef slope. They document the mobilisation of carbonate material (including Larger Foraminifera) from an adjacent carbonate platform by storms and their gravitational emplacement as debris and grain flows. The provenance of both the reefal carbonate debris and the tuffaceous components redeposited in the carbonates of La Désirade must be to the west, i. e. the carbonate platforms of Marie Galante and Grande Terre.

Do labour mobility and networks foster geographical knowledge diffusion? The case of European regions

The goal of this paper is twofold: first, we aim to assess the role played by inventors’ cross-regional mobility and networks of collaboration in fostering knowledge diffusion across regions and subsequent innovation. Second, we intend to evaluate the feasibility of using mobility and networks information to build cross-regional interaction matrices to be used within the spatial econometrics toolbox. To do so, we depart from a knowledge production function where regional innovation intensity is a function not only of the own regional innovation inputs but also external accessible R&D gained through interregional interactions. Differently from much of the previous literature, cross-section gravity models of mobility and networks are estimated to use the fitted values to build our ‘spatial’ weights matrices, which characterize the intensity of knowledge interactions across a panel of 269 regions covering most European countries over 6 years.

Additional compact formulas for vibrational dynamic dipole polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities

Compact expressions, complete through second order in electrical and/or mechanical anharmonicity, are given for the dynamic dipole vibrational polarizability and dynamic first and second vibrational hyperpolarizabilities. Certain contributions not previously formulated are now included

Anharmonicity contributions to the vibrational second hyperpolarizability of conjugated oligomers

Restricted Hartree-Fock 6-31G calculations of electrical and mechanical anharmonicity contributions to the longitudinal vibrational second hyperpolarizability have been carried out for eight homologous series of conjugated oligomers - polyacetylene, polyyne, polydiacetylene, polybutatriene, polycumulene, polysilane, polymethineimine, and polypyrrole. To draw conclusions about the limiting infinite polymer behavior, chains containing up to 12 heavy atoms along the conjugated backbone were considered. In general, the vibrational hyperpolarizabilities are substantial in comparison with their static electronic counterparts for the dc-Kerr and degenerate four-wave mixing processes (as well as for static fields) but not for electric field-induced second harmonic generation or third harmonic generation. Anharmonicity terms due to nuclear relaxation are important for the dc-Kerr effect (and for the static hyperpolarizability) in the σ-conjugated polymer, polysilane, as well as the nonplanar π systems polymethineimine and polypyrrole. Restricting polypyrrole to be planar, as it is in the crystal phase, causes these anharmonic terms to become negligible. When the same restriction is applied to polymethineimine the effect is reduced but remains quantitatively significant due to the first-order contribution. We conclude that anharmonicity associated with nuclear relaxation can be ignored, for semiquantitative purposes, in planar π-conjugated polymers. The role of zero-point vibrational averaging remains to be evaluated

Determination of vibrational polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities using field-induced coordinates

An analytical set of field-induced coordinates is defined and is used to show that the vibrational degrees of freedom required to completely describe nuclear relaxation polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities is reduced from 3N-6 to a relatively small number. As this number does not depend upon the size of the molecule, the process provides computational advantages. A method is provided to separate anharmonic contributions from harmonic contributions as well as effective mechanical from electrical anharmonicity. The procedures are illustrated by Hartree-Fock calculations, indicating that anharmonicity can be very important

Nuclear relaxation contribution to static and dynamic (infinite frequency approximation) nonlinear optical properties by means of electrical property expansions: Application to HF, CH4, CF4, and SF6

Electrical property derivative expressions are presented for the nuclear relaxation contribution to static and dynamic (infinite frequency approximation) nonlinear optical properties. For CF4 and SF6, as opposed to HF and CH4, a term that is quadratic in the vibrational anharmonicity (and not previously evaluated for any molecule) makes an important contribution to the static second vibrational hyperpolarizability of CF4 and SF6. A comparison between calculated and experimental values for the difference between the (anisotropic) Kerr effect and electric field induced second-harmonic generation shows that, at the Hartree-Fock level, the nuclear relaxation/infinite frequency approximation gives the correct trend (in the series CH4, CF4, SF6) but is of the order of 50% too small

Calculation of Franck-Condon factors including anharmonicity: simulation of the C2 H4+ X̃2B 3u←C2 H4X̃1 Ag band in the photoelectron spectrum of ethylene

Our new simple method for calculating accurate Franck-Condon factors including nondiagonal (i.e., mode-mode) anharmonic coupling is used to simulate the C2H4+X2B 3u←C2H4X̃1 Ag band in the photoelectron spectrum. An improved vibrational basis set truncation algorithm, which permits very efficient computations, is employed. Because the torsional mode is highly anharmonic it is separated from the other modes and treated exactly. All other modes are treated through the second-order perturbation theory. The perturbation-theory corrections are significant and lead to a good agreement with experiment, although the separability assumption for torsion causes the C2 D4 results to be not as good as those for C2 H4. A variational formulation to overcome this circumstance, and deal with large anharmonicities in general, is suggested