cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient input and output fiber coupling to a photonic crystal waveguide

The efficiency of evanescent coupling between a silica optical fiber taper and a silicon photonic crystal waveguide is studied. A high-reflectivity mirror on the end of the photonic crystal waveguide is used to recollect, in the backward-propagating fiber mode, the optical power that is initially coupled into the photonic crystal waveguide. An outcoupled power in the backward-propagating fiber mode of 88% of the input power is measured, corresponding to a lower bound on the coupler efficiency of 94%.
The Riemann-Lovelock Curvature Tensor

In order to study the properties of Lovelock gravity theories in low dimensions, we define the kth-order Riemann–Lovelock tensor as a certain quantity having a total 4k-indices, which is kth order in the Riemann curvature tensor and shares its basic algebraic and differential properties. We show that the kth-order Riemann–Lovelock tensor is determined by its traces in dimensions 2k ⩽ D < 4k. In D = 2k + 1 this identity implies that all solutions of pure kth-order Lovelock gravity are ‘Riemann–Lovelock’ flat. It is verified that the static, spherically symmetric solutions of these theories, which are missing solid angle spacetimes, indeed satisfy this flatness property. This generalizes results from Einstein gravity in D = 3, which corresponds to the k = 1 case. We speculate about some possible further consequences of Riemann–Lovelock curvature.
Proposed new antiproton experiments at Fermilab

Fermilab operates the world’s most intense source of antiprotons. Recently various experiments have been proposed that can use those antiprotons either parasitically during Tevatron Collider running or after the Tevatron Collider finishes in about 2010. We discuss the physics goals and prospects of the proposed experiments.
Progress in Clifford Space Gravity

Clifford-space Gravity is revisited and new results are found. The Clifford space (C-space) generalized gravitational field equations are obtained from a variational principle and which is based on an extension of the Einstein-Hilbert-Cartan action. One of the main results of this work is that the C-space connection requires torsion in order to have consistency between the Clifford algebraic structure and the zero nonmetricity condition \({\nabla{\kappa g}^{MN} = 0}\) . A discussion on the field equations, the cosmological constant, dark energy and multi-metric theories of gravity follows. We continue by pointing out the relations of Clifford space gravity to Lanczos-Lovelock-Cartan (LLC) higher curvature gravity with torsion. We finalize by describing the Clifford bundle approach to C-space gravity and by pointing out that C-space gravity involves higher-spins beyond spin 2 and argue why one could view the LLC higher curvature actions, and other extended gravitational theories based on f(R), f(Rμν), . . . actions, for polynomial-valued functions, as effective actions after integrating the C-space gravitational action with respect to all the poly-coordinates, except the vectorial ones xμ.
The effect of local production of cytokines in the pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is an autoimmune disease mediated by self-reactive T cells that induce inflammation and destruction of pancreatic islet β cells. A widely held belief is that T helper lymphocytes carrying a type 1 inflammatory phenotype are the major players in generating IDDM. However, recent evidence shows that cytokines belonging to the Th2 pathway can also induce autoimmune diabetes. The expression of cytokines directly within the pancreatic islets of transgenic mice helped to characterize the modulatory effects that Th1 or Th2 cytokines play on T cell-mediated autoimmune responses and diabetogenesis. This review describes the new information that these transgenic models have provided in understanding the exceedingly complex cytokine network and its role in the pathogenesis of IDDM.
Non-Abelian Anyon Superconductivity

Non-Abelian anyons exist in certain spin models and may exist in quantum Hall systems at certain filling fractions. In this work, we studied the ground state of dynamical SU(2) level-kappa Chern-Simons non-Abelian anyons at finite density and no external magnetic field. We find that, in the large-kappa limit, the topological interaction induces a pairing instability and the ground state is a superconductor with d+id gap symmetry. We also develop a picture of pairing for the special value kappa=2 and argue that the ground state is a superfluid of pairs for all values of kappa.
Aircraft Operating Environments Around High Speed Ships

I an effort to determine possible applications of hydrofoil ships to the overall mission of the U.S. Navy, the Navy is conducting an investigation into the feasibility of launching and recovering remotely piloted vehicles (RPV's) by landing or capturing them on hydrofoils during ship cruise conditions. Such a mission is desirable because of the high-speed capability of the hydrofoil ship and thus the capability of ship/RPV encounter at or near zero relative speed. The feasibility of such an operation has been studied in detail by M.L. Hill of Applied Physics Laboratory and is discussed thoroughly in Ref. 1. As part of the program to determine the feasibility of RPV operations from hydrofoils, tests were run in the Virginia Tech 6 x 6 ft Stability Wind Tunnel to determine the flowfield around a typical hydrofoil ship in a foilborne position and to examine its effect on RPV operations. Tests were run using a 1/20 scale model of the hydrofoil ship Plainview (AGEH-1). Tests were run with the ship at yaw angles from 0 to 15 deg. Flow visualization tests using smoke and tufts, as well as velocity probe surveys with a five-hole pitot probe, were conducted. Tests were also conducted using a spring-mounted model of a large RPV to evaluate its reactions to the flow around the ship.
A multi-scale approach for the stress analysis of polymeric separators in a lithium-ion battery

The separator is a critical component to the durability and safety of a battery. In a Li-ion battery, the dimensional change of the electrodes due to Li insertion/removal and the thermal expansion mismatch between components may induce stresses in the separator. Currently, there is no method to evaluate the stress inside a battery. This paper presents a finite element based multi-scale approach for the stress analysis of the separator in a battery cell. In this approach, the stress and deformation due to Li intercalation in electrode particles and separators is computed with a meso-scale representative volume element (RVE) battery cell sub-model coupled to a 1D macroscopic battery in the multi-physics code COMSOL®. A LiC6/LiPF6/LiyMn2O4 battery cell is analyzed. As the first step, only the effect of dimensional change due to Li insertion/removal is considered. The simulation results revealed that the stress in the separator vary in phase with the battery cycles. Its state and magnitude depended upon the Young's modulus of the separator, electrode particle size, packing, and the pressure of the cell. The results also suggested that the net cyclic dimensional variation of the battery cell accompanied with Li insertion/removal can be controlled by battery design.
Functional Federalism in Political Campaign Debates

Which factors influence the topics addressed by candidates in political debates? This study investigates the question of how the level of elective office influences the content of political debates by employing computer content analysis to investigate the issue emphasis of political campaign debates. Paul Peterson's (1995, The price of federalism. Washington, DC: CQ Press) theory of functional federalism recognizes that political offices at different levels of government have discrete purviews, so that senators are more likely to emphasize national issues than governors. This study confirms the prediction of functional federalism in non-presidential debates and then extends it by demonstrating that presidential campaign messages emphasize federal issues even more than Senate (or gubernatorial) discourse. Copyright 2009, Oxford University Press.
Bio-Inspired Polymer Composite Actuator and Generator Driven by Water Gradients

Here we describe the development of a water-responsive polymer film. Combining both a rigid matrix (polypyrrole) and a dynamic network (polyol-borate), strong and flexible polymer films were developed that can exchange water with the environment to induce film expansion and contraction, resulting in rapid and continuous locomotion. The film actuator can generate contractile stress up to 27 megapascals, lift objects 380 times heavier than itself, and transport cargo 10 times heavier than itself. We have assembled a generator by associating this actuator with a piezoelectric element. Driven by water gradients, this generator outputs alternating electricity at ~0.3 hertz, with a peak voltage of ~1.0 volt. The electrical energy is stored in capacitors that could power micro- and nanoelectronic devices.
Transition and convergence properties of genetic algorithms applied to fitness functions perturbed concurrently by additive and multiplicative noise

We investigate the properties of genetic algorithms (GAs) applied to fitness functions perturbed concurrently by additive noise and multiplicative noise that each take on finitely many values. First we explicitly construct a Markov chain that models GAs in this noisy environment. By analyzing this chain, we establish a condition that is both necessary and sufficient for GAs to eventually find a globally optimal solution with probability 1. Furthermore, we identify a condition that is both necessary and sufficient for GAs to eventually with probability 1 fail to find any globally optimal solution. Interestingly, both of these conditions are completely determined by the fitness function and multiplicative noise, and they are unaffected by the additive noise. Our analysis also shows that the chain converges to stationarity. Based on this property and the transition probabilities of the chain, we derive an upper bound for the number of iterations sufficient to ensure with certain probability that a GA selects a globally optimal solution upon termination.
Geometric dualities in 4d field theories and their 5d interpretation

We study four-dimensional = 1 gauge theories arising on D3-branes probing toric singularities. Toric dualities and flows between theories corresponding to different singularities are analyzed by encoding the geometric information into (p,q) webs. A new method for identifying quiver symmetries of the four-dimensional theories using the brane webs is developed. Five-dimensional theories are associated to the theories on the D3-branes by using (p,q) webs. This leads to a novel interpretation of Seiberg duality, which can be mapped to the crossing of curves of marginal stability in five dimensions.
A Physical Relationship between Electron-Proton Temperature Equilibration and Mach Number in Fast Collisionless Shocks

The analysis of Balmer-dominated optical spectra from nonradiative (adiabatic) SNRs has shown that the ratio of the electron to proton temperature at the blast wave is close to unity at v(s) approximate or smaller than 400 km s(-1) but declines sharply down to the minimum value of m(e) /m(p) dictated by the jump conditions at shock speeds exceeding 2000 km s(-1). We propose a physical model for the heating of electrons and ions in non-cosmic-ray-dominated, strong shocks (v(s) 400 km s(-1)) wherein the electrons are heated by lower hybrid waves immediately ahead of the shock front. These waves arise naturally from the cosmic ray pressure gradient upstream from the shock. Our model predicts a nearly constant level of electron heating over a wide range of shock speeds, producing a relationship (T(e)/T(p))sub 0 proportional to v(-2/s) (proportional to M(-2)) that is fully consistent with the observations.
Creative Assets and the Changing Economy

This paper evaluates recent claims that art and culture have become more valuable assets in the new economy. Based on conversations with several prominent cultural economists, the author argues that advocates and scholars should be more cautious in their attempts to draw out the implications of the changing economy on culture. Rather than spend time calculating the impact or size of the "creative economy," the author argues that we should direct our analytical and policy energies toward better understanding how creative work and institutions are changing and what might be done to foster a more robust, creative and diverse cultural life.
Alliance type, alliance experience and alliance management capability in high-technology ventures

Abstract We investigate a high-technology venture's alliance management capability. Thus, we develop a model that links differential demands of alliance type and the benefits of alliance experience to an observable outcome from a firm's alliance management capability. We test our model on a sample of 2226 R&D alliances entered into by 325 global biotechnology firms. We find that alliance type and alliance experience moderate the relationship between a high-technology venture's R&D alliances and its new product development. These results provide empirical evidence for the existence of an alliance management capability and its heterogeneous distribution across firms.
Reactions of α-Boranophosphorus Compounds with Electrophiles: Alkylation, Acylation, and other Reactions

The homologation of phosphorus carbenoids with organoboranes leads to α-boranophosphorus compounds, which can be further functionalized through reactions with various electrophiles, either directly or after activation to the corresponding borate. A variety of substituted organophosphorus compounds can be obtained in one pot via reaction with many electrophiles. Complex structures are prepared in a single step using simple building blocks.
Inelastic scattering from amorphous solids

The potential of inelastic neutron scattering techniques for surveying various aspects of the dynamics of amorphous solids is briefly reviewed. The recent use of the Intense Pulsed Neutron Source to provide detailed information on the optical vibrations of glasses is discussed in more detail. The density of states represents an averaged quantity which gives information about the general characteristics of the structure and bonding. More extensive information can be obtained by studying the detailed wavevector dependence of the dynamic structure factor.
The Uses of Neoliberalism

Abstract: The term “neoliberalism” has come to be used in a wide variety of partly overlapping and partly contradictory ways. This essay seeks to clarify some of the analytical and political work that the term does in its different usages. It then goes on to suggest that making an analytical distinction between neoliberal “arts of government” and the class-based ideological “project” of neoliberalism can allow us to identify some surprising (and perhaps hopeful) new forms of politics that illustrate how fundamentally polyvalent neoliberal mechanisms of government can be. A range of empirical examples are discussed, mostly coming from my recent work on social policy and anti-poverty politics in southern Africa.
The Periodic Oscillation of an Adiabatic Piston in Two or Three Dimensions

We study a heavy piston of mass M that separates finitely many ideal, unit mass gas particles moving in two or three dimensions. Neishtadt and Sinai previously determined a method for finding this system’s averaged equation and showed that its solutions oscillate periodically. Using averaging techniques, we prove that the actual motions of the piston converge in probability to the predicted averaged behavior on the time scale M1/2 when M tends to infinity while the total energy of the system is bounded and the number of gas particles is fixed.
Locomotion of articulated bodies in a perfect fluid

This paper is concerned with modeling the dynamics of N articulated solid bodies submerged in an ideal fluid. The model is used to analyze the locomotion of aquatic animals due to the coupling between their shape changes and the fluid dynamics in their environment. The equations of motion are obtained by making use of a two-stage reduction process which leads to significant mathematical and computational simplifications. The first reduction exploits particle relabeling symmetry: that is, the symmetry associated with the conservation of circulation for ideal, incompressible fluids. As a result, the equations of motion for the submerged solid bodies can be formulated without explicitly incorporating the fluid variables. This reduction by the fluid variables is a key difference with earlier methods, and it is appropriate since one is mainly interested in the location of the bodies, not the fluid particles. The second reduction is associated with the invariance of the dynamics under superimposed rigid motions. This invariance corresponds to the conservation of total momentum of the solid-fluid system. Due to this symmetry, the net locomotion of the solid system is realized as the sum of geometric and dynamic phases over the shape space consisting of allowable relative motions, or deformations, of the solids. In particular, reconstruction equations that govern the net locomotion at zero momentum, that is, the geometric phases, are obtained. As an illustrative example, a planar three-link mechanism is shown to propel and steer itself at zero momentum by periodically changing its shape. Two solutions are presented: one corresponds to a hydrodynamically decoupled mechanism and one is based on accurately computing the added inertias using a boundary element method. The hydrodynamically decoupled model produces smaller net motion than the more accurate model, indicating that it is important to consider the hydrodynamic interaction of the links.
Pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy : Treatment with pulmonary vasodilators

Abstract Objective: To describe the clinical course of pregnancies complicated by pulmonary hypertension and treated with the pulmonary vasodilators nifedipine and prostacyclin. Methods: Four pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension were treated with pulmonary vasodilators. Therapy with oral nifedipine and intravenous prostacyclin was guided by right pulmonary artery catheterization and Doppler measurements of cardiac output. Results: Three of four women responded to vasodilator therapy and successfully completed their pregnancies. Two who conceived at least 1 year after successful treatment and normalized right ventricle function carried three uncomplicated pregnancies. The woman who did not respond died. Delay in diagnosis contributed to her outcome. Noninvasive measurement of cardiac output helped diagnosis of right ventricular failure and offered reassurance in women who remained compensated. Postpartum decompensation in one woman was characterized by a negative Starling response as central venous pressure increased from 4 to 11 mmHg. She responded positively to diuresis. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is critical. Volume overload postpartum might significantly contribute to decompensation. We recommend a year of successful therapy after a response to vasodilator therapy and near-normal right ventricular function before pregnancy is considered. In complicated pregnancies, women must balance the best estimate of risk with the value they put on pregnancy.
The broader effects of transportation infrastructure: Spatial econometrics and productivity approaches

The importance of "broader" economic effects of transportation infrastructure has recently become apparent. "Broader" refers to impacts beyond the geographic boundaries within which the infrastructure investments are undertaken. Approaches to estimate "broader" impacts in production and cost function models are evaluated. A contribution of this paper is the empirical demonstration with a cross-section of US states' manufacturing data that ignoring broader effects of a spatially lagged dependent variable can lead to mis-statements of the overall productive impacts of public infrastructure. These inaccuracies can arise because of missing indirect effects and from specification bias that may directly impact the infrastructure elasticity.
Non-quasi-projective moduli spaces

We show that every smooth toric variety (and many other algebraic spaces as well) can be realized as a moduli space for smooth, projective, polarized varieties. Some of these are not quasi-projective. This contradicts a recent paper (Quasi-projectivity of moduli spaces of polarized varieties, Ann. of Math. 159 (2004) 597?639.).
How did highly indebted poor countries become highly indebted? : reviewing two decades of debt relief

How did highly indebted poor countries become highly indebted after two decades of debt relief efforts? A set of theoretical models predict that countries with unchanged long-run savings preferences will respond to debt relief with a mixture of asset decumulation and new borrowing. A model also predicts that a high-discount-rate government will choose poor policies and impose its inter-temporal preferences on the entire economy. Reviewing the experience of highly indebted poor countries, compared with that of other developing countries, the author finds direct and indirect evidence of asset decumulation and new borrowing associated with debt relief. The ratio of the net present value of debt to exports rose strongly over 1979-97 despite the debt relief efforts. Average policies in highly indebted poor countries were generally worse than those in other developing countries, nor were wars more likely in highly indebted poor countries. Over time there has been an important shift in financing for highly indebted poor countries, away from private and bilateral nonconcessional sources to the International Development Association and other sources of multilateral concessional financing. But this implicit form of debt relief also failed to reduce debt in net present value terms. Although debt relief is done in the name of the poor, the poor are worse off if debt relief creates incentives to delay reforms needed for growth.
Ligand Effects on Negishi Couplings of Alkenyl Halides

Negishi couplings at olefinic centers do not always occur with the anticipated maintenance of stereochemistry. The source of erosion has been traced to the ligand, and a modified method has been developed that solves the stereochemical issue and significantly improves yields of Negishi couplings in general.
Ultrasound Localization of Left Ventricular Outflow Obstruction in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

Simultaneous recordings of reflected ultrasound from the anterior mitral leaflet and left ventricular outflow, the ECG, the phonocardiogram, and a recording of the carotid artery pulse were obtained in six patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Abnormal sharp systolic anterior movement (SAM) of the mitral leaflet was observed. This movement began with the onset of ventricular ejection and reached a peak with the initial peak in the arterial pulse. The leaflet was apposed to the interventricular septum up to 60% of the ejection period. In the latter part of systole as the mitral leaflet moved away from the interventricular septum, the arterial pulse showed a second systolic wave. Onset of SAM coincided with onset of the systolic murmur. Spontaneous variations in amplitude of SAM coincided with alterations in contour of the arterial pulse and in the intensity of the murmur. Administration of methoxamine to four patients resulted in disappearance of SAM. In one patient following surgery, the ...
The structure–function relationships in selective oxidation reactions over metal oxides

Abstract Oxidation catalysis over metal oxide surfaces continues to pose major challenges for catalysis researchers. The surface of a metal oxide catalyst under reaction conditions is a dynamic one, with multiple adsorption–desorption, reduction–oxidation steps taking place. Lattice oxygen diffusion, formation of defects and surface restructuring may all be important molecular processes that play a role in determining the catalytic performance. Although, catalytic activity is often thought of in terms of a single active site, the determining factor for activity and selectivity may be a combination of several competing phenomena, involving multiple active sites and/or their interaction and proximity to each other. Some of the earlier work that addressed the questions regarding structural specificity, synergy, role of promoters, and support effects are reviewed in an effort to provide examples of structure–function relationships of metal oxide catalysts in oxidation reactions.
Resonances in barred galaxies

The inner parts of many spiral galaxies are dominated by bars. These are strong non-axisymmetric features which significantly affect orbits of stars and dark matter particles. One of the main effects is the dynamical resonances between galactic material and the bar. We detect and characterize these resonances in N-body models of barred galaxies by measuring angular and radial frequencies of individual orbits. We found narrow peaks in the distribution of orbital frequencies with each peak corresponding to a specific resonance. We found five different resonances in the stellar disc and two in the dark matter. The corotation resonance (CR) and the inner and outer Lindblad resonances are the most populated. The spatial distributions of particles near resonances are wide. For example, the inner Lindblad resonance is not localized at a given radius. Particles near this resonance are mainly distributed along the bar and span a wide range of radii. On the other hand, particles near the CR are distributed in two broad areas around the two stable Lagrange points. The distribution resembles a wide ring at the corotation radius. Resonances capture disc and halo material in near-resonant orbits. Our analysis of orbits in both N-body simulations and simple analytical models indicates that resonances tend to prevent the dynamical evolution of this trapped material. Only if the bar evolves as a whole, resonances drift through the phase space. In this case particles anchored near resonant orbits track the resonance shift and evolve. The criteria to ensure a correct resonant behaviour discussed by Weinberg and Katz can be achieved with few millions particles because the regions of trapped orbits near resonances are large and evolving.
Internationalization Efforts in United States Community Colleges: A Comparative Analysis of Urban, Suburban, and Rural Institutions

With community colleges educating up to one-half of all U.S. undergraduates, more focus on internationalization is warranted in order to ensure student competitiveness in today's global labor pool. This ex post facto study of 2006 survey data from the American Council on Education (ACE) found a low level of internationalization occurring at most community colleges. Delineating community colleges according to their urban, suburban, or rural Carnegie classification found classification to impact overall institutional internationalization: rural community colleges are experiencing significantly less internationalization than their urban and suburban counterparts. Of the four dimensions of internationalization examined, (a) institutional support; (b) academic requirements, programs, and extracurricular activities; (c) faculty policies and opportunities; and (d) international students, institutional support was the most important indicator of internationalization.
Thermal scale modeling of a modified prototype of the Mariner spacecraft.

Thermal scale modeling of modified prototype of Mariner Mars 64 spacecraft used to predict inside temperature of spacecraft
Shear-Induced "Melting" of an Aqueous Foam.

Abstract We present diffusing-wave spectroscopy measurements of bubble dynamics in a continuously sheared aqueous foam. At slow strain rates, isolated clusters of bubbles intermittently rearrange from one solidly packed configuration to another, even though the macroscopic flow appears continuous. At fast rates, bubbles instead move smoothly and continuously throughout the entire foam. In other words, shear flow that appears macroscopically laminar is similarly laminar down to the bubble scale; effectively the foam “melts.” The crossover to this regime can be understood in terms of elastic energy accumulation and viscous dissipation mechanisms. In particular, the strain rate needed for shear-induced melting to occur is set by the ratio of a yield strain to the rearrangement event duration. To explore the implications for macroscopic flow, we compare these bubble-scale dynamics directly with viscosity measurements.
Modulation of adipose tissue thermogenesis as a method for increasing energy expenditure.

Abstract There is a renewed interest in the role of adipose tissue in energy utilization and thermogenesis and its potential application in the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. The last few years have seen the identification of brown adipose tissue capable of metabolic activation in adult humans, the possibility of recruiting ‘beige’ adipocytes to increase energy expenditure, and the implication of molecules such as FGF21 and irisin in inducing increases in energy expenditure in adipose tissue. The translation of these findings into human trials to deliver safe, efficacious medicines remains a challenge.
Boundary Layer Calculation for Analysis and Design

A simple, semiempirical method for calculating the laminar, transition, and turbulent boundary layer with arbitrary free stream pressure gradient is developed. Good correlation is obtained with data on general two dimensional turbulent flows, diffuser flows, and the cylinder in cross-flow. However only for the diffuser has the boundary layer flow been coupled with the potential core so that only the inlet conditions and geometry are required. In other cases the free stream velocity distribution must be known or calculable. Skin friction coefficient, momentum thickness Reynolds number, and free stream pressure gradient parameter correlation employs a simple lag theory. With the integral momentum equation the complete boundary layer parameters are obtained as functions of the distance along a surface.
A Data Acquisition and Experiment Control System for High-Data-Rate Experiments at the National Synchrotron Light Source

A data acquisition and experiment control system for experiments at the Biology Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Station at the National Synchrotron Light Source has been developed based on a multiprocessor, functionally distributed architecture. The system controls an x-ray monochromator and spectrometer and acquires data from any one of three position-sensitive x-ray detectors. The average data rate from the position-sensitive detector is ~ 106 events/sec. Data is stored in a one megaword histogramming memory. The experiments at this Station require that x-ray diffraction patterns be correlated with timed stimuli at the sample. Therefore, depending on which detector is in use, up to 103 time-correlated diffraction patterns may be held in the system memory simultaneously. The operation of the system is functionally distributed over four processors communicating via a multiport memory.
DISCOVERY OF A COMPANION AT THE L/T TRANSITION WITH THE WIDE-FIELD INFRARED SURVEY EXPLORER

We report the discovery of a substellar companion to the nearby solar-type star HD 46588 (F7V, 17.9 pc, τ ~ 3 Gyr). HD 46588 B was found through a survey for common proper motion companions to nearby stars using data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) and the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS). It has an angular separation of 79".2 from its primary, which corresponds to a projected physical separation of 1420 AU. We have measured a spectral type of L9 for this object based on near-infrared spectroscopy performed with TripleSpec at Palomar Observatory. We estimate a mass of 0.064^(+0.008)_(-0.019) M_☉ from a comparison of its luminosity to the values predicted by theoretical evolutionary models for the age of the primary. Because of its companionship to a well-studied star, HD 46588 B is one of the few known brown dwarfs at the L/T transition for which both age and distance estimates are available. Thus, it offers new constraints on the properties of brown dwarfs during this brief evolutionary phase. The discovery of HD 46588 B also illustrates the value of the WISE for identifying brown dwarfs in the solar neighborhood via their proper motions.
Flavonoids and cardiovascular disease

Diets high in flavonoids have long been associated with nutritional recommendations, a healthy lifestyle, and the prevention of chronic diseases. However, identification of specific beneficial effects from specific flavonoids and flavonoid-rich foods has been a challenging area, probably due to a nonessential or conditional role for flavonoids in human nutrition. Nonetheless, recent efforts in the area of high flavonoid–containing foods and cardiovascular disease have begun providing the first demonstrations of specific effects and mechanisms of action in well-controlled studies. The early studies have shown that flavonoids have several anti-atherosclerotic activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antiplatelet, and provessel function activities. Cholesterol-lowering and antihypertensive effects of flavonoids have been studied and appear minimal in humans. The studies also demonstrate several possible mechanisms and pleiotropic effects of flavonoids that may be active in redu...
Human Rights and the Limits of Constitutional Theory

The question of what is truly just in the matter of a country's currently established human-rights interpretations appears not to be the same as the question of what it is morally right to do by way of coercively effectuating a given set of such interpretations. There are grounds for contending that acts of support for a coercive political regime can be justified morally on the condition that the regime's prevailing human-rights interpretations are made continuously available to effective, democratic critical re-examination. However, it is not possible ever finally to know whether that condition is satisfied.
A fault-tolerant avionics suite for an entry research vehicle

A highly-reliable avionics suite has been designed for an Entry Research Vehicle. The autonomous spacecraft would be deployed from the Space Shuttle Orbiter and perform a variety of aerodynamic and propulsive maneuvers which may be required for future space transportation system vehicles. The flight electronics consist of a central fault-tolerant processor, which is resilient to all first failures, reliably cross-strapped to redundant and distributed sets of sensors and effectors. This paper describes the preliminary design and analysis of the architecture which resulted from a fifteen month study by the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory for the NASA Langley Research Center. After a brief introduction to the design task, the architecture of the central flight computer and its interface to the vehicle are discussed. Following this, the method and results of the baseline reliability study for the avionic suite are presented.
On the feasibility of checking temporal integrity constraints

We analyze the computational feasibility of checking temporal integrity constraints formulated in some sublanguages of first-order temporal logic. Our results illustrate the impact of the quantifier pattern on the complexity of this problem. The presence of a single quantifier in the scope of a temporal operator makes the problem undecidable. On the other hand, if no quantifiers are in the scope of a temporal operator and all the quantifiers are universal, temporal integrity checking can be done in exponential time.
Fractal measures and their singularities: The characterization of strange sets

We propose a description of normalized distributions (measures) lying upon possibly fractal sets; for example those arising in dynamical systems theory. We focus upon the scaling properties of such measures, by considering their singularities, which are characterized by two indices: \ensuremath{\alpha}, which determines the strength of their singularities; and f, which describes how densely they are distributed. The spectrum of singularities is described by giving the possible range of \ensuremath{\alpha} values and the function f(\ensuremath{\alpha}). We apply this formalism to the ${2}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}$ cycle of period doubling, to the devil's staircase of mode locking, and to trajectories on 2-tori with golden-mean winding numbers. In all cases the new formalism allows an introduction of smooth functions to characterize the measures. We believe that this formalism is readily applicable to experiments and should result in new tests of global universality.
Reversal of Fortune: Immiserizing Technical Change in Agriculture

Several recent studies have reported the possibility of immiserizing technical change in agriculture. In these studies, the interaction of government commodity policy and technical change has been shown potentially to lead to a loss of national welfare, a negative rate of return to research. The purpose of this paper is to tie these recent results to the earlier results of Bhagwati and Johnson on immiserizing growth (technical change), and to offer a more general condition for describing the impacts of distortions on the benefits from technical change.
Universal circles for quasigeodesic flows

We show that if M is a hyperbolic 3–manifold which admits a quasigeodesic flow, then π1(M) acts faithfully on a universal circle by homeomorphisms, and preserves a pair of invariant laminations of this circle. As a corollary, we show that the Thurston norm can be characterized by quasigeodesic flows, thereby generalizing a theorem of Mosher, and we give the first example of a closed hyperbolic 3–manifold without a quasigeodesic flow, answering a long-standing question of Thurston.
Probabilistic Drilling Cost Estimating

The use of risk analysis has become an integral part of the decision-making process within the Petroleum Industry. Today, petroleum engineers, geoscientists and project managers are using risking tools to evaluate the economic viability of both exploration and development projects. Conoco drilling engineers have combined a drilling cost spread-sheet along with a forecasting and risk analysis program to predict the range of both cost and days necessary to drill a well. The model utilizes risk analysis and incorporates Monte Carlo simulation along with regional cost data to generate drilling cost and time requirements for a well. Using this model, the Conoco drilling engineers effectively evaluate multiple drilling alternatives. Subsequently, more informed risk related recommendations from the drilling engineers aids management in the decision-making process of drilling a prospect or developing a project. This paper describes the spreadsheet and the risk analysis program used to generate the range of costs and days for a given well. In addition, the paper offers an example of the output data generated from the programs with an interpretation for a sample well.
Rates of Decline in Lung Function Among Subjects Who Restart Cigarette Smoking

Several studies have demonstrated that smokers who are able to break the habit generally experience reductions in respiratory symptoms and improvement in pulmonary function; however, far less attention has been given to smokers who are unsuccessful in their attempts at quitting. Recent reports have suggested that these subjects (restarters) may have steeper rates of decline in pulmonary function than subjects never attempting to quit smoking. In this study, we compared rates of decline in FEV 1 between restarters and subjects who remained current, ex-smokers, or never-smokers throughout the observation period. The resuits showed that, in both sexes, subjects who attempt to quit the habit and then restart have significantly steeper rates of decline in their FEV 1 than subjects who continue smoking uninterrupted. Female restarters also have significantly steeper rates of decline in FEV 1 than ex-smokers. These effects were independent of the amount smoked and respiratory diseases.
Structured contraceptive counseling--a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the addition of structured contraceptive counseling to usual care on choice, initiation, and continuation of very effective contraception after uterine aspiration. Methods We conducted a RCT of a version of the WHO Decision-Making Tool for Family Planning Clients and Providers with women having a procedure for a spontaneous or induced abortion. Our intervention provided structured, standardized counseling. We randomized women to usual care or usual care with structured counseling. Our outcomes included choosing a very effective contraceptive method and 3 months continuation. Results Fifty-four percent of all participants chose a very effective method. Women in the intervention group were no more likely to choose a very effective method (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.44, 1.26) or to initiate their method compared to the usual care group (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.31, 1.34). In multivariate models, structured counseling was not associated with using a very effective method at 3 months (AOR 1.06, 95% CI 0.53, 2.14). Conclusion In this setting, structured counseling had little impact on contraceptive method choice, initiation, or continuation. Practice implications Adding structured counseling did not increase the proportion choosing or initiating very effective contraception in a practice setting where physicians already provide individualized counseling.
La Crisis del Sistema de Partidos Políticos En Bolivia: Causas y Consecuencias

ResumenEste articulo se propone abordar algunas de las causas que han provocado la crisis actual de los partidos politicos en Bolivia. En primer lugar, se analizan los cambios del sistema de partidos politicos ocurridos en las elecciones de 2002, asi como sus principales consecuencias. En segundo lugar, se trata de detectar las tendencias de descomposicion del sistema de partidos y del liderazgo politico en el nuevo escenario que emergio con el derrumbe del gobierno de Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada en octubre de 2003. Finalmente, el articulo analiza el gobierno apartidista de Carlos Mesa e intenta explorar las perspectivas mas probables que se derivan de este escenario para los partidos politicos. Se plantea que el problema crucial es el de atacar la descomposicion interna de las organizaciones partidarias y de la atomizacion del sistema de partidos. Asi, los partidos y liderazgos politicos han perdido credibilidad y autoridad y los politicos tienden a camuflarse como antipoliticos.
The effect of laser welding process parameters on the mechanical and microstructural properties of V-4CR-4TI structural materials.

V-Cr-Ti alloys are among the leading candidate materials for the frost wall and other structural materials applications in fusion power reactors because of several important advantages including inherently low irradiation-induced activity, good mechanical properties, good compatibility with lithium, high thermal conductivity and good resistance to irradiation-induced swelling and damage [1]. However, weldability of these alloys in general must be demonstrated, and laser welding, specifically, must be developed. Laser welding is considered to be an attractive process for construction of a reactor due to its high penetrating power and potential flexibility. This paper reports on a systematic study which was conducted to examine the use of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser to weld sheet materials of V-Cr-Ti alloys and to characterize the microstructural and mechanical properties of the resulting joints. Deep penetration and defect-free welds were achieved under an optimal combination of laser parameters including focal length of lens, pulse energy, pulse repetition rate, beam travel speed, and shielding gas arrangement. The key for defect-free welds was found to be the stabilization of the keyhole and providing an escape path for the gas trapped in the weld. An innovative method was developed to obtain deep penetration and oxygen contamination free welds. Oxygen and nitrogen uptake were reduced to levels only a few ppm higher than the base metal by design and development of an environmental control box. The effort directed at developing an acceptable postwelding heat treatment showed that five passes of a diffuse laser beam over the welded region softened the weld material, especially in the root region of the weld.
Consumers and Their Animal Companions

Despite the widespread practice of keeping companion animals, virtually no consumer behavior studies have been conducted on this phenomenon. The present inquiry uses detailed depth interviews with consumers to expand three a priori themes—animals as friends, animals as self, and animals as family members—and to discuss two emergent themes: (1) companion animals' mediation between nature and culture, and (2) the socialization of consumers' companion animal preference patterns. Building on this knowledge, several directions for future research on companion animals are discussed.
New perspectives on Yang-Mills theories with sixteen supersymmetries

We describe various approaches that give matrix descriptions of compactified NS five-branes. As a result, we obtain matrix models for Yang-Mills theories with sixteen supersymmetries in dimensions 2,3,4 and 5. The equivalence of the various approaches relates the Coulomb branch of certain gauge theories to the moduli space of instantons on T4. We also obtain an equivalence between certain six-dimensional string theories. Further, we discuss how various perturbative and non-perturbative features of these Yang-Mills theories appear in their matrix formulations. The matrix model for four-dimensional Yang-Mills is manifestly S-dual. In this case, we describe how electric fluxes, magnetic fluxes and the interaction between vector particles are realized in the matrix model.
Titanium enhanced Raman microcavity laser

Due to their long photon lifetimes, ultra high quality factor (Q) silica microcavities form an ideal platform for microlaser development. Previous work verified that these devices exhibit Raman lasing, because the high Q compensates for the low Raman gain of silica. However, only devices with Q>1E8 are able to achieve microwatt thresholds, limiting the application space. One approach for overcoming this barrier is to increase the inherent Raman gain of the material without degrading the optical performance of the device. To address this challenge, we synthesize a series of titanium (Ti) doped silica sol-gels with different concentrations of Ti, including a null. The refractive indices of the coatings are characterized using spectroscopic ellipsometry and increase linearly with the concentration of Ti from 1.44 to 1.51. We apply the sol-gel as a conformal coating on silica toroidal microcavities and characterize the basic cavity properties (Q) and the lasing behavior, including the lasing threshold and the slope efficiency. All measurements are performed in ambient conditions. Although the cavity Q’s are modest (5E6), comparable lasing thresholds (microwatt) to higher Q silica devices are achieved because of the reduction in mode volume and the increase in Raman gain due to the presence of the Ti. Additionally, the efficiency of the laser increases with increasing Ti concentration.