cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The characteristics and prognostic importance of NT-ProBNP concentrations in critically ill patients.

Abstract Background There are limited data for prognostic and diagnostic use of natriuretic peptides in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We evaluate amino-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the medical ICU, specifically its correlation with noncardiac admission diagnosis and prognosis of critically ill patients. Methods NT-proBNP (pg/mL) was measured in 179 ICU patients without acute decompensated heart failure or acute coronary syndrome. Death during hospitalization (mortality), APACHE II score, laboratory data, echocardiograms, medical history, and demographics were assessed. NT-proBNP concentrations were compared with established cutoffs for congestive heart failure (>450 pg/mL for patients 900 pg/mL for patients 50-70 years of age, and >1800 pg/mL for patients >70 years of age). Predictors of mortality and of NT-proBNP were analyzed by regression analysis. Tertiles were compared by analysis of variance and chi-squared test. Results NT-proBNP was elevated in these ICU patients (median 2139 pg/mL, 25 th percentile 540 pg/mL, 75% percentile 7389 pg/mL). Severity of illness and renal dysfunction (APACHE II score and serum creatinine) increased with rising NT-proBNP. The incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, death, history of coronary artery disease (CAD) or congestive heart failure (all P P P P P ≤.001). Overall hospital mortality was 26%, and log NT-proBNP ( P P ≤.001), and CAD ( P Conclusions For patients admitted to the ICU without decompensated heart failure or acute coronary syndrome, NT-proBNP concentrations are markedly elevated, especially in patients with sepsis. NT-proBNP strongly and independently predicts mortality. However, NT-proBNP should not be used to direct volume management in critically ill patients.
The York Mason Approach to Repair of Iatrogenic Rectourinary Fistulae

Background We report our experience of 8 patients who underwent repair of iatrogenic rectourinary fistulae via the transsphincteric (York Mason) approach. Patients and Methods Eight patients developed rectourinary fistulae in the course of treatment of prostate cancer. Three fistulae developed after radiation therapy alone, three after prostatectomy, and two after both surgery and radiation therapy. Five patients underwent fecal diversion in conjunction with repair. Results All fistulae remained closed after repair. All patients were continent of stool after primary surgery or after colostomy closure if they had been diverted. Two patients had complications associated with urethral catheters that resolved with changing the catheters. Conclusion The transsphincteric (York Mason) approach in the repair of rectourinary fistulae results in successful closure of the fistulae without impairment of continence to stool. This procedure is much simpler than complicated transabdominal or transperineal approaches to these fistulae.
Facile one-pot assembly of imidazotriazolobenzodiazepines via indium(III)-catalyzed multicomponent reactions.

An operationally simple, one-pot multicomponent reaction has been developed for the assembly of 9H-benzo[f]imidazo[1,2-d][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a][1,4]diazepines adorned with three diversification points via an atom-economical transformation incorporating α-diketones, o-azidobenzaldehydes, propargylic amines, and ammonium acetate. This process involves tandem InCl3-catalyzed cyclocondensation and intramolecular azide–alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions; optimization data, substrate scope, and mechanistic insights are discussed.
One-loop finite temperature effective potential in QED in the worldline approach

Abstract The one-loop finite temperature effective potential of QED in an external electromagnetic field is obtained using the worldline method. The general structure of the temperature dependent part of the effective action in an arbitrary external inhomogeneous magnetic field is established. The two-derivative effective action of spinor and scalar QED in a static magnetic background at T≠0 is derived.
Garbage, Recycling, and Illicit Burning or Dumping

Abstract With garbage and recycling as the only two disposal options, we confirm prior results that the optimal curbside fee for garbage collection equals the direct resource cost plus external environment cost. When illicit burning or dumping is a third disposal option that cannot be taxed directly, the optimal curbside tax on garbage changes sign. The optimal fee structure is a deposit-refund system: a tax on all output plus a rebate on proper disposal through either recycling or garbage collection. The output tax helps achieve the first-best allocation even though it affects the choice between consumption and untaxed leisure.
Applications of Mass Spectrometry in Proteomics

Characterisation of proteins and whole proteomes can provide a foundation to our understanding of physiological and pathological states and biological diseases or disorders. Constant development of more reliable and accurate mass spectrometry (MS) instruments and techniques has allowed for better identification and quantification of the thousands of proteins involved in basic physiological processes. Therefore, MS-based proteomics has been widely applied to the analysis of biological samples and has greatly contributed to our understanding of protein functions, interactions, and dynamics, advancing our knowledge of cellular processes as well as the physiology and pathology of the human body. This review will discuss current proteomic approaches for protein identification and characterisation, including post-translational modification (PTM) analysis and quantitative proteomics as well as investigation of protein–protein interactions (PPIs).
Collective Interests and Collective Rights

Autor u tekstu nudi argument u prilog postojanja nesvodivo kolektivnih moralnih prava. Autor odbacuje dve koncepcije koje kolektivne interese tretiraju kao "zajednicke" i kao "agregativne", i zalaže se za koncepciju koja kolektivne interese zasniva na zajednickom dobru, za koje veruje da se sastoji od faktora koji doprinose kontinuiranoj saradnji clanova održive i razumne zajednice. Autor dalje dokazuje da određeni individualni interesi pretpostavljaju zadovoljenje određenih kolektivnih interesa. Iz toga sledi zakljucuje autor, da ukoliko neko individualno moralno pravo postoji, tada postoje i kolektivna moralna prava.
MCC/SNAr methodology. Part 1: Novel access to a range of heterocyclic cores

The novel solution-phase syntheses of arrays of biologically relevant indazolinones, benzazepines and benzoxazepines, utilizing multi-component condensation (MCC)/SNAr methodology is reported. Reaction of commercially available 2-fluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid with an aldehyde, isonitrile and a primary amine tethered to a Boc-protected internal amino or hydroxyl nucleophile, affords the Ugi product in good yield. Subsequent acid treatment followed by proton scavenging promotes cyclization of internal amino nucleophiles to a variety of ring sizes. Base treatment alone is sufficient to generate benzoxazepines. Interestingly, this communication also introduces a highly efficient two-step route to benzimidazoles.
Contracts made manifest

Since Findler and Felleisen (Findler, R. B. & Felleisen, M. 2002) introduced higher-order contracts, many variants have been proposed. Broadly, these fall into two groups: some follow Findler and Felleisen (2002) in using latent contracts, purely dynamic checks that are transparent to the type system; others use manifest contracts, where refinement types record the most recent check that has been applied to each value. These two approaches are commonly assumed to be equivalent-different ways of implementing the same idea, one retaining a simple type system, and the other providing more static information. Our goal is to formalize and clarify this folklore understanding. Our work extends that of Gronski and Flanagan (Gronski, J. & Flanagan, C. 2007), who defined a latent calculus λC and a manifest calculus λH, gave a translation I from λC to λH, and proved that if a λC term reduces to a constant, so does its I-image. We enrich their account with a translation I from λH to λC and prove an analogous theorem. We then generalize the whole framework to dependent contracts, whose predicates can mention free variables. This extension is both pragmatically crucial, supporting a much more interesting range of contracts, and theoretically challenging. We define dependent versions of λH and two dialects ("lax" and "picky") of λC, establish type soundness-a substantial result in itself, for λH-and extend I and I accordingly. Surprisingly, the intuition that the latent and manifest systems are equivalent now breaks down: the extended translations preserve behavior in one direction, but in the other, sometimes yield terms that blame more.
Structures, energetics, and vibrational spectra of H2O2...(H2O)n, n = 1-6 clusters: Ab initio quantum chemical investigations.

Hydrogen-bonded heteroclusters of H2O2···(H2O)n, with n varying from 1 through 6, have been investigated herein employing ab initio quantum chemical methods. For a given n, several energetically comparable conformers emerge as local minima on the potential energy surface (PES). All of the conformers obtained at restricted Hartree−Fock (RHF) and Moller−Plesset second-order perturbation (MP2) levels of theory exhibit parallel trends in energy hierarchy. The effect of clustering by water on the modification in the vibrational frequencies has also been investigated and further, a many-body interaction-energy analysis is carried out providing insights into cooperativity in H2O2···(H2O)n clusters.
Coherent states in geometric quantization

Abstract In this paper we study overcomplete systems of coherent states associated to compact integral symplectic manifolds by geometric quantization. Our main goals are to give a systematic treatment of the construction of such systems and to collect some recent results. We begin by recalling the basic constructions of geometric quantization in both the Kahler and non-Kahler cases. We then study the reproducing kernels associated to the quantum Hilbert spaces and use them to define symplectic coherent states. The rest of the paper is dedicated to the properties of symplectic coherent states and the corresponding Berezin–Toeplitz quantization. Specifically, we study overcompleteness, symplectic analogues of the basic properties of Bargmann’s weighted analytic function spaces, and the ‘maximally classical’ behavior of symplectic coherent states. We also find explicit formulas for symplectic coherent states on compact Riemann surfaces.
Teams developing business ideas: how member characteristics and conflict affect member-rated team effectiveness

Team researchers have found that the diversity to effectiveness ratings are mediated by team conflict. Using a sample of 73 teams developing their business ideas, I found direct effects of diversity and conflict on member-rated team effectiveness. Here, I explain how the circumstances under which these teams operate can lead to these findings. For these teams, task conflict was found to relate negatively to member-rated team effectiveness. This finding contrasts with research on organizational teams, where task conflict usually relates positively to team effectiveness ratings. I also found that both diversity and average member experience influence member-rated effectiveness. These findings imply that diversity, conflict, and ratings of team effectiveness may differ for teams developing business ideas as compared to organizational teams. Thus, findings from organizational team research should be applied with caution to teams developing business ideas and possibly to new venture teams in general.
Combinatorial proofs of an identity from Ramanujan's lost notebook and its variations

We give two combinatorial proofs and partition-theoretic interpretations of an identity from Ramanujan's lost notebook. We prove a special case of the identity using the involution principle. We then extend this into a direct proof of the full identity using a generalization of the involution principle. We also show that the identity can be rewritten into a modified form that we prove bijectively. This fits the identity into Pak's duality of partition identities proven using the involution principle and partition identities proven bijectively. The original identity was first proven algebraically by Andrews as a consequence of an identity of Rogers' and combinatorially by Kim, while the modified form of the identity generalizes an identity recently found by Andrews and Warnaar related to the product of partial theta functions.
Cobalt-catalyzed asymmetric olefin aziridination with diphenylphosphoryl azide.

The cobalt(II) complexes of D2-symmetric chiral porphyrins, such as 3,5-DitBu-ChenPhyrin P5, can catalyze asymmetric olefin aziridination with diphenylphosphoryl azide (DPPA) as a nitrene source. Acceptable asymmetric inductions were observed for the [Co(P5)]-based catalytic system, forming the desired N-phosphorus-substituted aziridines in moderate to high yields and good enantioselectivities.
A BAYESIAN MULTINOMIAL PROBIT MODEL FOR THE ANALYSIS OF PANEL CHOICE DATA

A new Bayesian multinomial probit model is proposed for the analysis of panel choice data. Using a parameter expansion technique, we are able to devise a Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm to compute our Bayesian estimates efficiently. We also show that the proposed procedure enables the estimation of individual level coefficients for the single-period multinomial probit model even when the available prior information is vague. We apply our new procedure to consumer purchase data and reanalyze a well-known scanner panel dataset that reveals new substantive insights. In addition, we delineate a number of advantageous features of our proposed procedure over several benchmark models. Finally, through a simulation analysis employing a fractional factorial design, we demonstrate that the results from our proposed model are quite robust with respect to differing factors across various conditions.
Mechanism study of skin tissue ablation by nanosecond laser pulses

Understanding the fundamental mechanisms in laser tissue ablation is essential to improve clinical laser applications by reducing collateral damage and laser pulse energy requirements. In this dissertation, skintissue ablation by nanosecond laser pulses has been studied from near infrared to ultraviolet for a clear understanding of the mechanism that can be used to enhance future design of pulsed lasers for dermatology and plastic surgery. Multiple laser and optical configurations have been constructed to generate 9–12 ns laser pulses at 1064, 532, 266, and 213 nm. Through histology and optical transmission measurements of ablation depth as a function of laser pulse energy, the 589 nm spectral line in the secondary radiation from ablatedskin tissue samples was identified as the signature of the occurrence of ablation. Subsequently, this spectral signature has been used to investigate the probabilistic process of the ablation near the threshold at the four wavelengths. In addition, optical breakdown and backscattering in water were investigated along with a nonlinear refraction index measurement using a z-scan technique. Preliminary studies on ablation of a gelatin based tissue phantom are also presented. The current theoretical models describing soft tissue ablation by short laser pulses were critically reviewed. A new plasma-mediated model has subsequently been developed and a laser-induced localized thermal ionization pathway has been investigated. It was found to have significant influence on the initial free electron density during plasma formation due to the combination of strong light absorption and subsequent confined temperature rise in chromophores. Good agreement has been found between the model and experimental results.
A DMAP-functionalized oligocholate foldamer for solvent-responsive catalysis

A hexameric cholate foldamer functionalized with a 4-dialkylaminopyridyl group displayed solvent-sensitive catalysis for the acetylation of alcohols. The catalyst folded in carbon tetrachloride containing a low percentage (<4%) of DMSO and unfolded as more DMSO was added. By increasing the effective concentration of the substrate near the catalytic group, the folded catalyst was more active than the unfolded catalyst toward small, hydrophilic alcohols. The longer and hydrophobic n-octanol, however, was more reactive in the presence of the unfolded catalyst. The highest selectivity (21:1) was observed for methanol/n-octanol with the folded oligocholate catalyst.
Management of Early and Late Complications of Ileocolonic Continent Urinary Reservoir (Miami Pouch)

Abstract Purpose. The object of this study is to review our experience and formulate a plan for early recognition and effective management of early and late complications seen in patients who have undergone construction of the ileocolonic continent urinary reservoir. Method. Charts of patients who underwent continent urinary diversion at the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Miami School of Medicine, from 1988 to 1996 were reviewed. We analyzed our data in terms of early and late (beyond 6 weeks) complications resulting directly from the operation or from this form of urinary diversion. Results. Urinary diversion via the continent ileocolonic reservoir has been performed at our institution since February 1988. Sixty-six women have undergone construction of the Miami pouch over the past 81 years. Sixty-three of 66 patients needed a reservoir as a part of total pelvic exenteration for persistent or recurrent gynecologic malignancy. Three patients underwent reservoir construction for repair of vesicovaginal fistula. Sixty-two of 66 patients (95%) have a history of prior pelvic radiation. A total of 35 patients (53%) suffered early complications resulting in an operative mortality rate of 9% (6 of 66 patients). Early complications related to the construction of the reservoir included ureteral stricture/obstruction [10], anastomotic leak [4], reservoir-cutaneous fistula [4], difficulty in catheterization [5], pyelonephritis [10], sepsis [6], DIC [2], and ARDS [1]. Nonsurgical management strategies used for reservoir-related complications in these cases included percutaneous nephrostomy, peripheral hyperalimentation, intravenous antibiotics, and ultrasound-guided catheter placement. Eighty-four percent (16/19) of functional complications of the reservoir resolved with conservative management, whereas 3/19 patients needed surgical revision. One or more late complications (beyond 6 weeks) occurred in 25 patients (37%). Late complications seen included ureteral stricture/obstructions [6], incontinence [8], difficulty in catheterization [7], and urinary stones [4]. Nonsurgical management strategies used included percutaneous nephrostomy, balloon dilation, scheduled catheterization, ultrasound-guided catheter placement, and endoscopic/percutaneous lithotripsy. Four of 25 patients needed reoperation, whereas in 84% (21/25) of patients problems resolved with initial conservative management. Conclusion. Successful conservative therapy constitutes establishment of drainage, adequate nutrition, avoidance of sepsis, close observation, and patience. This article reviews the complications of the continent ileocolonic form of urinary diversion and formulates a treatment outline emphasizing an initial conservative approach that offers optimal management of early and late complications seen in this patient group.
Flow Structure and Enhanced Heat Transfer in Channel Flow With Dimpled Surfaces: Application to Heat Sinks in Microelectronic Cooling

The use of dimple technology for improvement in friction factors and enhancement of heat transfer has been attracting the attention of many scientists and engineers. Numerical and experimental studies have shown there is a positive improvement (two-fold on average) in Nusselt number when dimpled surfaces are compared to flat plates, and this improvement is achieved with pressure drop penalties that are small when compared to other more intrusive types of turbulence promoters. When arrays of specific dimple geometry are used, pressure drop penalties are roughly equivalent to the heat transfer improvement. This, at least theoretically, will enable the design of smaller heat transfer devices such as heat sinks, which are especially appealing in those applications where size is an important design factor. A literature review of numerical modeling and experiments on flow over dimpled surfaces was performed, and key parameters and flow structure were identified and summarized. With these premises, a numerical model was developed. The model was validated with published experimental data from selected papers and fine tuned for channel flow within the laminar flow regime. Subsequently, the model was employed for a specific application to heat sinks for microelectronic cooling. This paper, then, provides a comparative evaluation of dimple technology for improving heat transfer in microelectronic systems.
Quantum Hall states as matrix Chern-Simons theory

We propose a finite Chern-Simons matrix model on the plane as an effective description of fractional quantum Hall fluids of finite extent. The quantization of the inverse filling fraction and of the quasiparticle number is shown to arise quantum mechanically and to agree with Laughlin theory. We also point out the effective equivalence of this model, and therefore of the quantum Hall system, with the Calogero model.
Stability of the surface area preserving mean curvature flow in Euclidean space

The surface area preserving mean curvature flow is a mean curvature type flow with a global forcing term to keep the hypersurface area fixed. By iteration techniques, we show that the surface area preserving mean curvature flow in Euclidean space exists for all time and converges exponentially to a round sphere, if initially the L2-norm of the traceless second fundamental form is small (but the initial hypersurface is not necessarily convex).
A convenient synthesis of diaminoglyoxime and diaminofurazan: Useful precursors for the synthesis of high density energetic materials

Abstract : The reaction of glyoxime (4) and hydroxylamine hydrochloride in aqueous sodium hydroxide was found to be a safe and inexpensive method for the preparation of multigram quantities of diaminoglyoxime (5). Potassium hydroxide mediated dehydration of 5 furnished diaminofurazan (1) in good yield of exceptional purity. The ready availability of 1 and 5 has facilitated the synthesis of new energetic furazan derivative MNOTO (B). jg
On the factors affecting the fretting-wear risk of PWR fuel assemblies

Abstract Key factors affecting the rod-to-grid fretting-wear risk of fuel assemblies operated in pressurized water reactors (PWR) are evaluated. The analysis is part of a comprehensive approach to predict fretting-wear risk based on the fuel assembly operating conditions. The assembly wear damage is determined by a non-linear vibration model of the nuclear fuel rod exposed to a turbulent flow. The study evaluates the sensitivity of the wear damage to the grid support forces, fuel rod-to-grid gap size, assembly grids misalignment, rod structural damping and stiffness, assembly bow shape, friction coefficients and turbulence force spectrum. The results of the numerical simulations show that the grid cell clearance and the turbulence forces are key factors in the wear process. Since a good correlation exists between these two parameters and the assembly location in the core, it is recommended to include consideration of the wear risk minimization as an additional criterion for the design of the core loading pattern.
A ONE-STEP PROTOCOL FOR THE N-CHLOROMETHYLATION OF HETEROCYCLIC IMIDES

A convenient single step methodology for the N-chloromethylation of heterocyclic imides using a mixture of formaldehyde sodium bisulfite adduct and thionyl chloride is described.
Caution and Conservatism in the Making of Monetary Policy

Does society benefit from the delegation of monetary policy to cautious and conservative central bankers? We offer a critical view on the delegation literature and relax seemingly innocuous assumptions about uncertainty and preferences. First, caution improves credibility but does not obviate the need for central-bank conservatism. Second, previous models of delegation have focused on suboptimal forms of conservatism. We derive optimal concepts of conservatism that mitigate, or eliminate, any residual problem of credibility. Third, we rationalize why credible monetary policy may be conducive to stable inflation and output.
Oxaziridine-Mediated Intramolecular Amination of sp3-Hybridized C−H Bonds

We describe a new oxaziridine-mediated approach to the amination of sp3-hybridized C−H bonds. In the presence of a copper(II) catalyst, N-sulfonyl oxaziridines participate in efficient intramolecular cyclization reactions to afford a variety of piperidine and tetrahydroisoquinoline structures. The aminal intermediates provide a convenient functional handle for further elaboration of these structures, demonstrating the utility of this new methodology for the rapid construction of structurally complex nitrogen-containing heterocycles.
Structural and spectroscopic characterization of plutonyl(VI) nitrate under acidic conditions.

The plutonyl(VI) dinitrate complex [PuO2(NO3)2(H2O)2]·H2O (1) has been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopically characterized by solid-state vis-NIR and Raman spectroscopies. Aqueous solution spectroscopic studies indicate only weak plutonyl(VI) nitrate complexation, with the mononitrate complex dominating and negligible dinitrate formation, even in concentrated nitric acid.
Why is there so much disagreement among economists

(1994). Why is there so much disagreement among economists? Journal of Economic Methodology: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 1-14.
Drag Measurement and Dynamic Simulation of Martian Wind Driven Sensor Platform Concepts

The purpose of this work is to (a) determine the drag coefficient of three wind-driven systems (referred to as tumbleweeds) in a simulated Martian atmospheric boundary layer; two concepts from NASA Langley (LaRC) and one from Texas Tech University (TTU), and (b) perform a dynamic analysis of the TTU tumbleweed to establish the feasibility of operation in a simulated Martian environment. The TTU Wind Tunnel is used in order to determine the drag coefficient for the tumbleweeds in both the aerodynamic and atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) test sections. A comparison of the two mean drag coefficients for each tumbleweed model reveals the extent to which an ABL affects drag on the models. It appears that no transformation exists that can be used to transform aerodynamic-based drag coefficients into boundary-layer-based drag coefficients; therefore, reliance upon ABL tests is important. It is generally accepted that a complete ABL test under conditions of neutral atmospheric stability requires knowledge of the incoming (approach) mean velocity and turbulent intensity profile, spectral distribution, roughness height, and Reynolds number. Given the fact that limited data exists for the Martian flows, physical simulations of an atmospheric surface layer with knowledge of the mean velocity and general turbulence characteristics was developed in order to obtain drag coefficients for several tumbleweed wind platform designs. The tumbleweeds drag coefficients were effectively constant with the boundary layer affected coefficient less than the respective aerodynamically obtained coefficient. Of particular interest in this study is the TTU tumbleweed, which underwent extensive testing in order to obtain a force function to describe its aerodynamic characteristics in any orientation relative to the wind.
Closed string tachyon condensation: an overview

These notes are an expanded version of a review paper on closed string tachyon condensation at the RTN workshop in Copenhagen in September 2003. We begin with a lightning review of open string tachyon condensation, and then proceed to review recent results on localized closed string tachyon condensation, focusing on two simple systems, C/Z n orbifolds and twisted circle compactifications.
Highly satisfactory alkynylation of alkenyl halides via Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling with alkynylzincs and its critical comparison with the sonogashira alkynylation.

The Pd-catalyzed alkynylation of various alkenyl halides and triflates with alkynylzincs proceeds well even with alkynyl derivatives containing electron-withdrawing groups. The reaction appears to ...
Complexation of Oppositely Charged Polyelectrolytes: Effect of Ion Pair Formation

Complexation in symmetric solutions of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes is studied theoretically. We include polyion cross-linking due to formation of thermoreversible ionic pairs. The electrostatic free energy is calculated within the random phase approximation taking into account the structure of thermoreversible polyion clusters. The degree of ion association is obtained self-consistently from a modified law of mass action, which includes a long-range electrostatic contribution. We analyze the relative importance of the three complexation driving forces: long-range electrostatics, ion association, and van der Waals attraction. The conditions on the parameters of the system that ensure stability of the complex with addition of salt are determined.
Branes, fluxes and duality in M(atrix)-theory

Abstract We use the T - duality transformation which relates M-theory on T 3 to M-theory on a second T 3 with inverse volume to test the Banks-Fischler-Shenker-Susskind suggestion for the matrix model description of M-theory. We find evidence that T - duality is realized as S - duality for U (∞) N = 4 Super-Yang-Mills in (3 + 1) D . We argue that Kaluza-Klein states of gravitons correspond to electric fluxes, wrapped membranes become magnetic fluxes and instantonic membranes are related to Yang-Mills instantons. The T - duality transformation of gravitons into wrapped membranes is interpreted as the duality between electric and magnetic fluxes. The identification of M-theory T - duality as SYM S - duality provides a natural framework for studying the M-theory 5-brane as the S - dual object to the unwrapped membrane. Using the equivalence between compactified M(atrix)-theory and SYM, we find a natural candidate for a description of the light-cone 5-brane of M-theory directly in terms of matrix variables, analogous to the known description of the M(atrix)-theory membrane.
Noncommutative geometry and D-branes

Abstract We apply noncommutative geometry to a system of N parallel D-branes, which is interpreted as a quantum space. The Dirac operator defining the quantum differential calculus is identified to be the zero-momentum mode of the supercharge for strings connecting D-branes. As a result of the calculus, Connes' Yang-Mills action functional on the quantum space reproduces the dimensionally reduced U(N) super Yang-Mills action as the low energy effective action for D-brane dynamics. Several features that may look ad hoc in a noncommutative geometric construction are shown to have very natural physical or geometric origin in the D-brane picture in superstring theory.
Non-price determinants of automotive demand: Restyling matters most

Abstract This paper analyzes market share changes in automobile and light truck submarkets. We find that new product, as measured by restyling, represents the most consistent, dominant determinant of demand. On average a 10% reduction in relative price would yield only one-tenth the market share impact of a restyling. Alternatively, one would have to double one's relative advertising expenditures to match the impact of a restyling. Several demand determinants not previously modeled, including rebranding and warranty curtailments, were detrimental to domestic manufacturer market shares. Safety appliance adoptions and changes in vehicle reliability had minimal impact on demand.
PTEN inhibitor bisperoxovanadium protects oligodendrocytes and myelin and prevents neuronal atrophy in adult rats following cervical hemicontusive spinal cord injury

Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) damages axons and motor neurons responsible for ipsilateral forelimb function and causes demyelination and oligodendrocyte death. Inhibition of the phosphatase and tensin homologue, PTEN, promotes neural cell survival, neuroprotection and regeneration in vivo and in vitro. PTEN inhibition can also promote oligodendrocyte-mediated myelination of axons in vitro likely through Akt activation. We recently demonstrated that acute treatment with phosphatase PTEN inhibitor, bisperoxovanadium (bpV)-pic reduced tissue damage, neuron death, and promoted functional recovery after cervical hemi-contusion SCI. Evidence suggests bpV can promote myelin stability; however, bpV effects on myelination and oligodendrocytes in contusive SCI models are unclear. We hypothesized that bpV could increase myelin around the injury site through sparing or remyelination, and that bpV treatment may promote increased numbers of oligodendrocytes. Using histological and immunofluorescence labeling, we found that bpV treatment promoted significant spared white matter (30%; p<0.01) and relative Luxol Fast Blue (LFB)(+) myelin area rostral (Veh: 0.56 ± 0.01 vs. bpV: 0.64 ± 0.02; p<0.05) and at the epicenter (Veh: 0.42 ± 0.03 vs. bpV: 0.54 ± 0.03; p<0.05). VLF oligodendrocytes were also significantly greater with bpV therapy (109 ± 5.3 vs. Veh: 77 ± 2.7 mm(-2); p<0.01). In addition, bpV increased mean motor neuron soma area versus vehicle-treatment (1.0 ± 0.02 vs. Veh: 0.77 ± 0.02) relative to Sham neuron size. This study provides key insight into additional cell and tissue effects that could contribute to bpV-mediated functional recovery observed after contusive cervical SCI.
Quasar X-Ray Jets: Gamma-Ray Diagnostics of the Synchrotron and Inverse Compton Hypotheses: The Case of 3C 273

The process responsible for the Chandra-detected X-ray emission from the large-scale jets of powerful quasars is a matter of ongoing debate. The two main contenders are external Compton scattering off the cosmic microwave background photons (EC/CMB) and synchrotron emission from a population of electrons separate from those producing the radio-IR emission. So far, no clear diagnostics have been presented to distinguish which of the two, if any, is the actual X-ray emission mechanism. Here we present such diagnostics based on a fundamental difference between these two models: the production of synchrotron X-rays requires multi-TeV electrons, while the EC/CMB model requires a cutoff in the electron energy distribution below TeV energies. This has significant implications for the γ-ray emission predicted by these two models, which can be tested through GeV and TeV observations of the nearby bright quasar 3C 273. We show how existing and future GeV and TeV observations can confirm or refute one or both of the above hypotheses.
The Impact of Net International Capital Inflows on Nominal Long-Term Interest Rates in France

Previous research on the impact of net international capital inflows on domestic interest rates has been almost exclusively founded in regression analysis and has yielded mixed results. Some studies find that net capital inflows reduce domestic interest rates, whereas others find no such impact. The present study, which applies cointegration techniques to quarterly data over the 1973–93 period, finds that such capital inflows to a major industrialized nation, France, may not only reduce longer term interest rates in that nation but may also offset a large portion of the longer term interest rate impact of that nation's central government budget deficit.
Politics and the Fed

In the standard economic model of policy choice, choices are made by analyzing the social welfare implications to find welfare optimizing policy choices. In this paper, I argue that in a democratic government, and perhaps elsewhere, policy choices emerge from a political process. People vote; the voting process chooses elected representatives. With their appointees the representatives make policy choices. The appropriate model for policy analysis is a political economy model. This conclusion is reinforced by my fifteen years of studying the history of the Federal Reserve. 1 From the start, that study reflected the influence of James Buchanan and many others who followed him by analyzing policy choices made by individuals or committees motivated by considerations other than optimal welfare. Some of my prior work with Alex Cukierman and Scott Richard is fully in that tradition. (Meltzer, Cukierman and Richard, 1991) Consider recent Federal Reserve policy. The Federal Reserve has more than doubled the size of its balance sheet. It has more than $1 trillion of excess reserves and more than $1 trillion of long-term, relatively illiquid mortgage-backed securities. No central bank in a developed country ever had so much long-term debt. In 1932, a much less informed Federal Reserve Board refused a request from Congress to support the mortgage market. Congress responded by creating the Home Loan Banks, a fiscal solution. The current Board undertook the fiscal operations. This is a political decision. Who would claim it is optimal policy? In the late 1970s, Congress gave the Federal Reserve a dual mandate. Except for the years of “moderation”, it has acted lexicographically. From 1979 to 1982, it pursued disinflation, letting unemployment rise to 10.8 percent. Before 1979, it concentrated on 1
Bond and Néel order and fractionalization in ground states of easy-plane antiferromagnets in two dimensions

We describe the zero-temperature phases and phase boundaries of an effective lattice model for frustrated, easy plane, spin $S=1/2$ quantum antiferromagnets. The model contains states with N\'eel and bond-centered charge order and fractionalization in different limiting regimes, and we describe how these orders compete at intermediate coupling. The complex Berry phase terms render this model unsuitable for direct simulation, however, a duality mapping leads to a model of interacting current loops with positive weights, which is then studied by Monte Carlo simulations.
Analysis of FM demodulator output noise with applications to FM telemetry

We present an analysis for evaluating the probability density function (pdf) of the noise at the output of the frequency demodulator. It is shown that the noise is non-Gaussian and that for low to medium signal-to-noise power ratios, its pdf differs very significantly from the Gaussian pdf commonly assumed in simplified analysis. These results are very important for analyzing the performance of the PCM/FM type of modulation schemes used in telemetry systems as illustrated in the paper.
Synthesis and properties of bridged 2,2′-bithiazolium salts

Abstract Bridged and methylated bithiazolium salts have been prepared by alkylation of 2,2′-bithiazole. The electronic absorption spectra and reduction potentials have been measured and stable radical cations of the di- and trimethylene bridged species have been prepared.
Is it Labor's Turn to Globalize? Twenty-first Century Opportunities and Strategic Responses

Neoliberal globalization is commonly seen as the nemesis of labor. A counter-thesis is offered here. Neoliberal capitalism threatens labor at every level, from the local to the national to the global, but rather than assuming that the global level is labor’s Achilles heel, it makes sense to explore how mobilization at the global level can contribute to contestation at the local and national level. Like any reorganization of production, global neoliberal capitalism creates opportunities for counter-organization. Capital is thoroughly globalized. Could it now be labor’s turn? Labor's response to these opportunities has involved an interconnected diversity of mutually reinforcing organizational forms and strategies. They range from restructured global confederations to new networks of transnational labor NGOs to new orientations toward the global arena on the part of national unions. Synergies among old and new organizational forms have the potential to make the twenty-firstcentury 'labor's turn to globalize.'
Parallel implementation of BLAS: general techniques for Level 3 BLAS

In this paper, we present straight forward techniques for a highly efficient, scalable implementation of common matrix-matrix operations generally known as the Level 3 Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms (BLAS). This work builds on our recent discovery of a parallel matrix-matrix multiplication implementation, which has yielded superior performance, and requires little work space. We show that the techniques used for the matrix-matrix multiplication naturally extend to all important level 3 BLAS and thus this approach becomes an enabling technology for efficient parallel implementation of these routines and libraries that use BLAS. Representative performance results on the Intel Paragon system are given.
Quantum Information and Entropy

Thermodynamic entropy is not an entirely satisfactory measure of information of a quantum state. This entropy for an unknown pure state is zero, although repeated measurements on copies of such a pure state do communicate information. In view of this, we propose a new measure for the informational entropy of a quantum state that includes information in the pure states and the thermodynamic entropy. The origin of information is explained in terms of an interplay between unitary and non-unitary evolution. Such complementarity is also at the basis of the so-called interaction-free measurement.
Diels-Alder reactions in ethylammonium nitrate, a low-melting fused salt

Abstract Relative to nonpolar organic solvents, ethylammonium nitrate gave endo stereoselectivity enhancements for the Diels-Alder reactions of cyclopentadiene with methyl acrylate and methyl vinyl ketone.
Near-neighbor defect contribution to the hyperfine field of Fe in Fe.

The magnetic hyperfine fields at isomeric $^{54}\mathrm{Fe}$ nuclei have been measured in Fe and Ni at 85 and 295 K by observation of the spin precession time-differentially with high time resolution following recoil implantation. In iron at 85 K a unique defect structure has been detected by its well-resolved magnetic hyperfine field which differs considerably from the value for the substitutional site. This defect is tentatively assigned to be a monovacancy in the next-nearest neighborhood of the probe atom. The change of the hyperfine field by such a vacancy is similar to the change caused by adjacent impurity atoms in dilute Fe alloys.
Subsonic Vortex-Flow Design Study for Slender Wings

A theoretical study describing the effects of spanwise camber on the lift dependent drag of slender delta wings having leading-edge vortex flow is presented. The earlier work by Barsby, using conical flow, indicated that drag levels similar to those in attached flow could be obtained. This is re-examined and then extended to the more practical case of nonconical flow by application of the vortex-lattice method coupled with the suction analogy and the recently developed Boeing free-vortex-sheet method. Lastly, a design code is introduced which employs the suction analogy in an attempt to define "optimum" camber surfaces for minimum lift dependent drag for vortex flow conditions.
State mineral production taxes and mining law reform

Abstract Fuel and leasable minerals mined in the United States have historically been subject to federal royalties while locatable minerals have not. In recent years there have been multiple attempts to alter this policy and subject locatable minerals to federal royalties as well; most recently the preliminary 2012 Obama budget included a gross royalty on hard-rock mining on public lands. This paper analyzes the issue of imposing such federal royalties from both a legal and economic perspective. From a legal perspective, it is argued that the state of western property rights precludes royalties on currently extant claims so revenues from a royalty would not be realized for many years. From an economic perspective, it is argued that the effect on revenue would be smaller than one might anticipate due to such a royalty crowding out state levies or encouraging vertical disintegration on the part of mining firms to avoid much of the burden of the royalty.
The governance and management of effective community health partnerships: a typology for research, policy, and practice

Community health partnerships (CHPs) are voluntary collaborations of diverse community organizations that have joined forces in order to pursue a shared interest in improving community health. Although these cross-sectoral collaborations represent a way to address social determinants of health and disease in society, they suffer from governance and management problems associated with interorganizational relationships in general and health care challenges specifically. A typology of effective governance and management characteristics provides a systematic, theoretically based way of addressing dimensions of governance and management and serves as a guide in constructing, maintaining, and measuring successful partnerships. It offers a multidisciplinary perspective for classifying important organizational issues, identifying barriers to successful development and sustainability, and facilitating the attainment of goals.
Time-Series Predictability in the Disaster Model

Abstract This paper studies whether the Rietz–Barro “disaster” model, extended for a time-varying probability of disaster, can match the empirical evidence on predictability of stock returns. It is shown that when utility is CRRA, the model cannot replicate this evidence, regardless of parameter values. This motivates extending the disaster model to allow for Epstein–Zin utility. Analytical results show that when the probability of disaster is i.i.d., the model with Epstein–Zin utility can match the evidence on predictability qualitatively if the intertemporal elasticity of substitution is greater than unity. The case of a persistent probability of disaster is studied numerically, with partial success.
Diastereoselective synthesis and spin-dependent photodecarbonylation of di(3-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinon-3-yl)ketones: synthesis of nonadjacent and adjacent stereogenic quaternary centers

A diastereoselective procedure to obtain N-para-methoxybenzyl bis-α,α′-3-(3-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone)yl substituted ketones with non-adjacent quaternary stereocenters, DL-2 and meso-3 was followed by a photoinduced, spin-dependent, and diastereoselective decarbonylation to give compounds DL-4 and meso-5, with adjacent all-carbon quaternary stereogenic centers.
Cooperative Origin of Low-Density Domains in Liquid Water

We study clusters formed by water molecules possessing large enough tetrahedrality with respect to their nearest neighbors. Using Monte Carlo simulation of SPC/E water and Voronoi tessellation, we find that regions of lower density than the bulk are formed by accretion of molecules into clusters exceeding a minimum size. Clusters are predominantly linear objects and become less compact as they grow until they reach a size beyond which further accretion is not accompanied by a density decrease. The results suggest that the formation of "icelike" regions in liquid water is cooperative.
Making molehills out of mountains: bringing security research to the classroom

Security research published in academic journals rarely finds its way to the business community or into the classroom. Even though the research is of high quality, it is written in a manner that is difficult to read and to understand. This paper argues that one way to get this academic research into the business community is to incorporate it into security classrooms. To do so, however, academic articles need to be adapted into a classroom-friendly format. This paper suggests ways to do this and provides an example of an academic article that was adapted for use in a security management class.