cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantum Processes, Systems, and Information: Spin and rotation

Spin-s systems Angular momentum is one of the fundamental quantities of Newtonian physics, and in quantum physics its importance is at least as great. In quantum mechanics we often distinguish between two types of angular momentum: orbital angular momentum , which a system of particles possesses due to particle motion through space; and spin angular momentum , which is an intrinsic property of a particle. The distinction will be important later, but for now we will ignore it. We will here refer to angular momentum of any sort as “spin” and develop general-purpose mathematical tools for its description. We have already dealt with spin systems, particularly the example of a spin-½ particle. Our approach began with the empirical observation that a measurement of any spin component of a spin-½ particle could yield only the results +ħ/2 or −ħ/2. We introduced the basis states | z ±〉 for the two-dimensional Hilbert space ℋ. We also gave other basis states such as {| x ±〉} and {| y ±〉} in terms of the | z ±〉 states. From basis states and measurement values we constructed operators for the spin components S x , S y , and S z . With the operators in hand, we could then examine the algebraic relations between them (such as the commutation relation in Exercise 3.56). Our job here is to generalize our analysis to systems of arbitrary spin. To do this, we will reverse our chain of logic.
A new structure-property connection in the skeletal elements of the marine sponge Tethya aurantia that guards against buckling instability.

We identify a new structure-property connection in the skeletal elements of the marine sponge Tethya aurantia. The skeletal elements, known as spicules, are millimeter-long, axisymmetric, silica rods that are tapered along their lengths. Mechanical designs in other structural biomaterials, such as nacre and bone, have been studied primarily for their benefits to toughness properties. The structure-property connection we identify, however, falls in the entirely new category of buckling resistance. We use computational mechanics calculations and information about the spicules’ arrangement within the sponge to develop a structural mechanics model for the spicules. We use our structural mechanics model along with measurements of the spicules’ shape to estimate the load they can transmit before buckling. Compared to a cylinder with the same length and volume, we predict that the spicules’ shape enhances this critical load by up to 30%. We also find that the spicules’ shape is close to the shape of the column that is optimized to transmit the largest load before buckling. In man-made structures, many strategies are used to prevent buckling. We find, however, that the spicules use a completely new strategy. We hope our discussion will generate a greater appreciation for nature’s ability to produce beneficial designs.
Abstract MP095: Pregnancy as a Window to Racial Disparities in Hypertension

Background: Black women in the United States have 50% higher rates of hypertension (HTN) than white women. This disparity persists after accounting for many known HTN risk factors. Evidence indicat...
Frequency-agile RF filters using microfluidically reconfigurable selectively metallized plates

This paper presents the recent progress in frequency-agile RF bandpass filters using microfluidically reconfigurable selectively metallized plates. As compared to liquid metals, selectively metallized plates enable high conductivity metals within microfluidic channels to provide advantages in insertion loss (IL) and power handling capabilities. Ultra-thin (< 25 μm) low loss (tanδ < 0.0025) insulators have also been employed over printed circuit boards (PCBs) as microfluidic channel walls to enhance frequency tuning range. As particular examples, designs and performances of 4th order bandpass filters exhibiting ∼5% fractional bandwidth within ∼2:1 (0.8 GHz to 1.5 GHz) frequency tuning range are reviewed. To enhance the tuning range without increasing IL, a novel resonator configuration is also presented. The frequency tuning principle of this resonator relies on redefining the physical length of half wavelength open ended microstrip line resonators. Consequently, the resonator maintains an unloaded quality factor (Qu) of ∼200 over a significantly larger tuning range (2.7:1, 1.5 GHz to 4 GHz).
Randomized Trial of Sternal Closure for Low Risk Patients: Rigid Fixation versus Wire Closure.

BACKGROUND A previous retrospective analysis of our cardiac surgery patients showed shortened ventilation time and hospital stay among patients receiving rigid sternal fixation compared to sternal wire fixation. We performed a prospective randomized study to further investigate these outcomes and determine if rigid closure can provide reduced pain after cardiac surgery. METHODS Patients undergoing cardiac surgery between July 2011 and May 2014 were prospectively randomized into wire closure (Group C) or rigid fixation using sternal plates (Group R) groups. Age above 80, emergency surgery, redo sternotomy, and immunosuppression were among major exclusion criteria precluding randomization. Intubation time was recorded for all patients. Pain scores were determined daily from postoperative day 1 until day 5 at 6 a.m. using a numeric rating scale. Narcotic pain medication requirements from day 1 to 5 were collected and converted into intravenous morphine equivalents. RESULTS Of 80 patients, 39 patients were in Group R (average age 65 ± 8; 31 male and 8 female) and 41 patients were in Group C (average age 66 ± 9; 34 male and 7 female). Group R patients had a higher body mass index than patients in Group C (Group R: 31 ± 5; Group C: 29 ± 5; P = .04). No significant differences in the end points of intubation time and postoperative pain were observed. Conclusion: This randomized study of cardiac surgery patients showed no significant benefits of rigid fixation over conventional sternal wire closure with regard to intubation time, postoperative pain, or length of hospital stay.
Flow patterns of oil–water two-phase flow during pressure-driven process in nanoscale fluidic chips

Unconventional oil reservoirs have great potential to become significant sources of petroleum production in the future. Many shale oil systems consist of nanoscale pores and fractures that are significantly smaller than those from conventional reservoirs, and pore sizes are only slightly more than one order of magnitude of those of the saturating fluid molecules. This difference will cause abnormal wettability effect and typical fluid flow mechanisms in unconventional oil systems. Therefore, it is increasingly important to investigate fluid flow behaviours in nanoscale porous media. In this work, a lab-on-chip approach for the direct visualization of the water–oil flow in nanoscale channels was developed by using an advanced laser microscopy system combined with a nanofluidic chip. For the micro-scale study of interface transmission during the drainage and imbibition processes, parallel linear nanofluidic chips were used. A comprehensive study of water–oil flow behaviours is presented. During the drainage process, liquids tend to have a piston-like flow in nanoscale channels; both residual phase saturation and configuration affect the flow behaviour on such small scale; during the imbibition process, a fading-out phenomenon was observed. For a macroscale study of pressure and recovery relationships, unusual entrance pressure was discovered by using network nanofluidic chips comparing to conventional results.
Ascites: A marker for increased surgical risk unaccounted for by the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score for general surgical procedures.

Background Ascites and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score have both been shown to independently correlate with surgical morbidity and mortality. We evaluated if incorporating the presence of ascites changed postoperative risk as assessed by the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score. Methods Data originated from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2005−2014. Patients undergoing hernia repair, adhesiolysis, and cholecystectomy were included. Univariate analysis and logistic regression stratified by Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score and presence of ascites was performed. Results A total of 30,391 patients were analyzed. When compared to low Model for End-Stage Liver Disease stratum without ascites, the presence of ascites predicted increased risk for complications (low Model for End-Stage Liver Disease with ascites odds ratio 3.22, 95% confidence interval [2.00−5.18], moderate Model for End-Stage Liver Disease with ascites odds ratio 3.70, 95% confidence interval [2.64−5.19], high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease with ascites odds ratio 6.38, 95% confidence interval [4.39−9.26]). These findings hold true for mortality as well (low Model for End-Stage Liver Disease with ascites odds ratio 9.40 95% confidence interval [3.53−25.01], moderate Model for End-Stage Liver Disease with ascites odds ratio 15.24 95% confidence interval [8.17−28.45], high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease with ascites odds ratio 28.56 95% confidence interval [15.43−52.88]). Conclusions Ascites increased the risk of morbidity and mortality across multiple general surgery operations. Model for End-Stage Liver Disease may underestimate surgical risk in patients with ascites. Predictive models inclusive of ascites may more accurately predict the perioperative risk of these complex patients.
Compressive failure of a carbon nano-tesseract: Sci-Fi inspired materials and the strength of thanos

Abstract Inspired by the super-materials of science fiction (“sci-fi”), here we probe the stability and strength of a proposed all-carbon nano-tesseract or hypercube projected into 3D space, a so-called hypercubyne. The nanostructure is compared to other, similar carbon geometries of similar size, including a fullerene, a hypercubane, and a pentatope. The hypercube configurations provide high compressive strength and elastic toughness with an open lattice structure. For the all-carbon hypercubyne, initial failure is characterized by a buckling instability. Using the ultimate strength of hypercubyne as a basis, we proceed to predict the lower bound of the strength of the supervillain Thanos, who has been depicted destroying the Tesseract in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Thanos has a minimum grip strength of over 40,000 tons, which is approximately 750,000 times that of a typical man. While such comic-inspired analysis is whimsical by design, the study sheds light into the behavior of future exotic carbon constructs and geometries, and illustrates the potential field of “sci-fi” inspired materials.
Transformation of Nitrogen Fixation Genes in Azotobacter

The genus, Azotobacter, is one of the few genera of N2-fixing bacteria that are obligate aerobes. These organisms are widely distributed in the soil and some species have been reported to be associated with the rhizosphere of certain tropical grasses (6). Azotobacter sp. are capable of utilizing a wide variety of carbon sources.
Time Discretization on Time-Grids with Structure — from Euler and Trapezoidal Method to Revised Projection Schemes

The analyses of projection schemes of higher order in the preceding chapters have highlighted the difficulties of these numerical schemes to cope with highly incompatible flows. As results, we proved an optimal behavior of convergence for the classical Van Kan scheme for problem constellations that satisfy the regularity assumptions demanded in Postulate B 2, cf. page 145. The sharpness of this restrictive limitation of applicability is shown by numerical experiments leading to a global reduction of the convergence order in the case of violation, i.e., in case of incompatible flows.
Gold(I)-Catalyzed Reactions of 1,6-Enynes with Aldehydes: Cycloaddition Versus Metathesis-Type Reactions

The intermolecular gold(I)-catalyzed addition of carbonyl compounds to 1,6-enynes of type I-15 possessing a tri-substituted olefinic group has been studied. Products of [2+2+2] cycloaddition I-16 and/or 1,3-dienes I-17 were obtained selectively, depending on the substitution pattern of the alkene, the heteroatom in the tether (Z) or the ligand in the gold complex (L).
Urban Flood Mitigation and Stormwater Management

Effective urban drainage to manage stormwater and control flooding depends on good engineering, especially when an environmentally sustainable approach is being applied. This new text focuses on green methods and modelling techniques. It covers the principles of hydrology and drainage, low-impact-development (LID) designs, computer modelling techniques, the evaluation of existing systems, and planning for both new development and urban renewal. It outlines design procedures using examples, spreadsheet models, photos, and real-world design examples. Unlike other books, which focus on extreme events, this book covers hydrologic designs for both extreme and frequent events, and reflects the latest revolution in stormwater LID management, and takes a quantitative as well as a qualitative approach. PowerPoint® presentations and Excel® computer models are provided to follow and build on the exercises in the book. It is written especially for students on urban watershed courses, and also for those studying urban planning, landscaping, water resources, hydrology and hydraulics.
Nonlinear model reduction of solute transport models

Abstract Computer simulations of groundwater flow and solute transport are often burdened by long runtimes. The simulations are necessarily complex to capture the system dynamics and finely discretized spatial and temporal domains are often needed for solution accuracy and stability. Model reduction allows for the approximation of system state by solving equations in a reduced dimensional space. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) is an effective way to reduce the dimensionality of systems of differential equations that are discretized by finite difference or finite element methods. If the problems are nonlinear in nature, the discrete empirical interpolation method (DEIM) has been shown to supplement POD by further reducing the dimension of nonlinear calculations. Here, the combined POD-DEIM approach is shown to work on a problem of 2-dimensional groundwater flow with solute transport exhibiting nonlinear sorption. The application is restricted to largely dispersive problems (low Peclet number). Results show areas of high concentration are effectively identified with mean errors less than 2% of the full model.
Characteristics, Management, and Short-Term Outcomes of Adults ≥65 Years Hospitalized With Acute Myocardial Infarction With Prior Anemia and Heart Failure.

Our study objectives were to examine the impact of anemia and heart failure (HF) on in-hospital complications, and postdischarge outcomes (7 and 30-day rehospitalizations and mortality) in adults ≥65 years hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We used multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models to examine the association between the presence of anemia and/or HF, and the examined outcomes. The study population consisted of 3,863 patients ≥65 years hospitalized with AMI at the 3 major medical centers in Worcester, MA, during 6 annual periods between 2001 and 2011. Individuals were categorized into 4 groups based on the presence of previously diagnosed anemia (hemoglobin ≤10 mg/dl) and/or HF: Those without these conditions (n = 2,300), those with anemia only (n = 382), those with HF only (n = 837), and those with both conditions (n = 344). The median age of the study population was 79 years and 49% were men. Individuals who had been previously diagnosed with anemia and HF had the highest proportion of older adults (≥85 years) and the lowest proportion of those who had received any cardiac interventional procedure during hospitalization. After multivariable adjustment, individuals who presented with both previously diagnosed conditions were at the greatest risk for experiencing adverse events. Patients who presented with HF only were at higher risk for developing several clinical complications during hospitalization, whereas those with anemia only were at slightly higher risk of being rehospitalized within 7-days of their index hospitalization. In conclusion, anemia and HF are prevalent chronic conditions that increased the risk of adverse events in older adults hospitalized with AMI.
Modeling a Neurexin-3α Human Mutation in Mouse Neurons Identifies a Novel Role in the Regulation of Transsynaptic Signaling and Neurotransmitter Release at Excitatory Synapses

Presynaptic α-neurexins are highly expressed and more frequently linked to neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders than β-neurexins. However, how extracellular sequences specific to α-neurexins enable synaptic transmission is poorly understood. We identified a mutation in an extracellular region of neurexin-3α (A687T), located in a region conserved among α-neurexins and throughout vertebrate evolution, in a patient diagnosed with profound intellectual disability and epilepsy. We systematically interrogated this mutation using a knockdown-replacement approach, and discovered that the A687T mutation enhanced presynaptic morphology and increased two critical presynaptic parameters: (1) presynaptic release probability, and (2) the size of the readily releasable pool exclusively at excitatory synapses in mixed sex primary mouse hippocampal cultures. Introduction of the mutation in vivo and subsequent analysis in ex vivo brain slices made from male and female mice revealed a significant increase in excitatory presynaptic neurotransmission that occluded presynaptic but not postsynaptic LTP. Mechanistically, neurexin-3αA687T enhanced binding to LRRTM2 without altering binding to postsynaptic neuroligin-1. Thus, neurexin-3αA687T unexpectedly produced the first neurexin presynaptic gain-of-function phenotype and revealed unanticipated novel insights into how α-neurexin extracellular sequences govern both transsynaptic adhesion and presynaptic neurotransmitter release.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Despite decades of scientific scrutiny, how precise α-neurexin extracellular sequences control synapse function remains enigmatic. One largely unpursued avenue to identify the role of precise extracellular sequences is the interrogation of naturally occurring missense mutations. Here, we identified a neurexin-3α missense mutation in a compound heterozygous patient diagnosed with profound intellectual disability and epilepsy and systematically interrogated this mutation. Using in vitro and in vivo molecular replacement, electrophysiology, electron microscopy, and structure-function analyses, we reveal a novel role for neurexin-3α, unanticipated based on α-neurexin knock-out models, in controlling presynaptic morphology and neurotransmitter release at excitatory synapses. Our findings represent the first neurexin gain-of-function phenotype and provide new fundamentally important insight into the synaptic biology of α-neurexins.
A scalable and green one-minute synthesis of substituted phenols

A mild, green and highly efficient protocol was developed for the synthesis of substituted phenols via ipso-hydroxylation of arylboronic acids in ethanol. The method utilizes the combination of aqueous hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant and H2O2/HBr as the reagent under unprecedentedly simple and convenient conditions. A wide range of arylboronic acids were smoothly transformed into substituted phenols in very good to excellent yields without chromatographic purification. The reaction is scalable up to at least 5 grams at room temperature with one-minute reaction time and can be combined in a one-pot sequence with bromination and Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling to generate more diverse, highly substituted phenols.
Innate Immunity and Biological Therapies for the Treatment of Sjögren's Syndrome.

Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder affecting approximately 3% of the population in the United States. This disease has a female predilection and affects exocrine glands, including lacrimal and salivary glands. Dry eyes and dry mouths are the most common symptoms due to the loss of salivary and lacrimal gland function. Symptoms become more severe in secondary SS, where SS is present along with other autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. It is known that aberrant activation of immune cells plays an important role in disease progression, however, the mechanism for these pathological changes in the immune system remains largely unknown. This review highlights the role of different immune cells in disease development, therapeutic treatments, and future strategies that are available to target various immune cells to cure the disease.
Comparative Effectiveness of Risk-Adjusted Cumulative Sum and Periodic Evaluation for Monitoring Hospital Perioperative Mortality.

BACKGROUND National surgical quality improvement (QI) programs use periodic, risk-adjusted evaluation to identify hospitals with higher than expected perioperative mortality. Rapid, accurate identification of poorly performing hospitals is critical for avoiding potentially preventable mortality and represents an opportunity to enhance QI efforts. METHODS Hospital-level analysis using Veterans Affairs (VA) Surgical Quality Improvement Program data (2011-2016) to compare identification of hospitals with excess, risk-adjusted 30-day mortality using observed-to-expected (O-E) ratios (ie, current gold standard) and cumulative sum (CUSUM) with V-mask. Various V-mask slopes and radii were evaluated-slope of 2.5 and radius of 1.0 was used as the base case. RESULTS Hospitals identified by CUSUM and quarterly O-E were identified midway into a quarter [median 47 days; interquartile range (IQR): 24-61 days before quarter end] translating to a median of 129 (IQR: 60-187) surgical cases and 368 (IQR: 145-681) postoperative inpatient days occurring after a CUSUM signal, but before the quarter end. At hospitals identified by CUSUM but not O-E, a median of 2 deaths within a median of 5 days triggered a signal. In some cases, these clusters extended beyond CUSUM identification date with as many as 8 deaths undetected using O-E. Sensitivity and negative predictive values for CUSUM relative to O-E were 71.9% (95% confidence interval: 66.2%-77.1%) and 95.5% (94.4%-96.4%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS CUSUM evaluation identifies hospitals with clusters of mortality in excess of expected more rapidly than periodic analysis. CUSUM represents an analytic tool national QI programs could utilize to provide participating hospitals with data that could facilitate more proactive implementation of local interventions to help reduce potentially avoidable perioperative mortality.
A continuous flow cell culture system for precision cell stimulation and time-resolved profiling of cell secretion

Cells absorb and secrete substances to-and-from their surroundings as part of metabolism, signaling, and other functions. These fluxes are dynamic, changing over time in response to external cues and internal programs. Static cultures are inadequate for measuring these dynamics because the environments of the cells change as substances accumulate or are depleted from medium, which affects cell behavior in unintended ways. Static cultures also offer limited time resolution due to the impracticality of frequent or prolonged manual timepoint sampling, and cannot expose cells to smooth, transient changes in stimulus concentrations. Perfusion cultures overcome these challenges by constantly replenishing medium to maintain cellular environments, while continuously sampling the effluent stream. However, many perfusion culture implementations are microfluidic devices, which cannot culture large tissue constructs and require specialized equipment and expertise to use. Previously published macrofluidic devices often use custom parts that are difficult to replicate, do not support both solute input control and measurement, and do not account for effects of dispersion on measured signals. In this study, a multiplexed macrofluidic perfusion culture platform was developed to measure secretion and absorption rates of substances by cells in a temporally controlled environment. The modular platform can handle up to 31 streams with automated sample collection using a fraction collector. This paper presents the assembly of this dynamic bioreactor and a method for quantitatively handling the effects of dispersion using residence time distributions. The system is then applied to monitor the secretion of a circadian clock gene-driven reporter from transfected cells. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Relative vices and absolute virtues: How size labeling affects size preferences for vices and virtues

Abstract In the present work, we draw upon construal level theory and appraisal theory to propose a link between two vital elements of consumption that can influence product size preferences: the vice or virtue nature of products and types of size labeling. Three experiments demonstrate that by labeling a vice product with relative size labels (i.e., small/medium/large) and a virtue product with absolute size labels (i.e., ounces), consumer size preferences can be increased. These alignments lead consumers to experience more positive affect generated by imagining the good they are doing for their bodies (with absolute labeling of virtues) or focusing on the positive feelings of indulgence (with relative labeling of vices), leading to larger preferred sizes. Further, these effects are suppressed by increasing the ambiguity of size labeling, with ambiguous size labels leading to size preferences that appear to be based on a compromise effect (i.e., picking the middle size option).
What Factors Lead to Racial Disparities in Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most commonly performed, major elective surgeries in the USA. African American TKA patients on average experience worse clinical outcomes than whites, including lower improvements in patient-reported outcomes and higher rates of complications, hospital readmissions, and reoperations. The mechanisms leading to these racial health disparities are unclear, but likely involve patient, provider, healthcare system, and societal factors. Lower physical and mental health at baseline, lower social support, provider bias, lower rates of health insurance coverage, higher utilization of lower quality hospitals, and systemic racism may contribute to the inferior outcomes that African Americans experience. Limited evidence suggests that improving the quality of surgical care can offset these factors and lead to a reduction in outcome disparities.
Radiation Belt Remediation Using Space-Based Antennas and Electron Beams

Relativistic electrons can oscillate above the Earth trapped in the radiation belts (known as the Van Allen Belts). These electrons, which can originate from the solar wind or a high-altitude nuclear explosion, have the potential to damage satellites in low-Earth orbit. For example, in 1962, the US detonated the Starfish warhead at an altitude of about 400 km. The unexpected resulting enhancement of the radiation belts disabled several satellites within a few months and energetic electrons remained in the radiation belts for up to several years. In order to address this potential vulnerability, schemes have been proposed to drain electrons from the radiation belts, with the most promising based on using high-power very-low frequency (VLF) waves to change the transverse energy of the electrons, allowing them to precipitate into the Earth's atmosphere. This talk will provide an overview of the radiation belts and their electron distribution as well as approaches to VLF wave belt remediation including the use of either antennas or relativistic electrons beams in space to generate the VLF waves.
Space-Time Methods for Hyperbolic Conservation Laws

Two major challenges for computational fluid dynamics are problems that involve wave propagation over long times and problems with a wide range of amplitude scales. An example with both of these characteristics is the propagation and generation of acoustic waves, where the mean-flow amplitude scales are typically orders-of-magnitude larger than those of the generated acoustics. Other examples include vortex evolution and the direct simulation of turbulence. All of these problems require greater than second-order accuracy, whereas for nonlinear equations, most current methods are at best second-order accurate. Of the higher-order (greater than second-order) methods that do exist, most are tailored to high-spatial resolution, coupled with time integrators that are only second or third-order accurate. But for wave phenomena, time accuracy is as important as spatial accuracy.
Visualization of large complex datasets using virtual reality

Major advances in high performance computing software and hardware have made it possible for designers and analysts to obtain detailed information about the behavior of complex systems. However, this has lead to a proliferation of vast amounts of data which is beyond the ability of humans to easily comprehend using traditional visualization methods. The method presented combines emerging visualization tools with data filtering and data mining techniques. This method uses virtual reality (VR) coupled with multimedia techniques to display information within an environment that allows non-expert users to understand and interpret the data. A prototype visualization tool was developed under a NASA SBIR Phase II effort. This paper builds on the results of this work and suggests a visualization framework that can be used to examine, comprehend and interpret results in any complex data set, particularly those used in support of decision making activities.
α2 ADRENERGIC AGONISTS: Neurochemistry, Efficacy, and Clinical Guidelines for Use in Children

The alpha 2 adrenergic agonists are used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders and their usage has been increasing. This article presents the rationale and neurochemical basis for treatment of psychiatric disorders with alpha 2 agents, reviews studies examining clinical efficacy, and develops guidelines for usage. Case vignettes are presented to illustrate how the alpha 2 agents can successfully be used in practice.
Does the Share Price Anomaly Explain the Market's Apparent Under-Weighting of Financial Analysts' Earnings Forecasts?

This paper re-examines recent evidence of securities market mispricing that is associated with share-price scaled measures of financial analysts' earnings forecasts reported in Elgers, et al. (2001). The paper is motivated by inferences in Brown and Pfeiffer (2002) that a well known "share price anomaly," which entails substantial unconditional abnormal returns to share price, subsumes the evidence in Elgers, et al. (2001) of delayed securities returns associated with early-in-the-year price-scaled analysts' earnings forecasts. We find that the evidence of market mispricing reported in Elgers, et al. (2001) is robust to the incorporation of appropriate control for abnormal returns to share prices. Moreover, for firm-years with lower analyst coverage, both the analysts' forecasts and share prices have significant incremental relations to size-adjusted returns. These findings indicate that the share price anomaly does not underlie the market's under-weighting of financial analysts' forecasts. Rather, the share-price anomaly and the delayed returns to analysts' forecasts are distinct sources of abnormal returns, and are complementary rather than redundant inputs to a profitable hedge portfolio trading strategy, for firms with lower analyst coverage.
A Review of “Nazi Empire: German Colonialism and Imperialism from Bismarck to Hitler”: Baranowski, Shelly New York: Cambridge University Press 368 pp., $25.99, ISBN 978-0-521-67408-9 Publication Date: August 2011

Nazi Empire is a bold attempt to create an undergraduate-level textbook on the Third Reich that explores German history as a problem of empire. Written by the distinguished historian Shelly Baranow...
Neutrino mass constraints on mu decay and pi0--> nunu.

In this Letter, we show that upper limits on the neutrino mass translate into upper limits on the class of neutrino-matter interactions that can generate loop corrections to the neutrino mass matrix. We apply our results to {mu} and {pi} decays and derive model-independent limits on six of the ten parameters used to parametrize contributions to {mu} decay that do not belong to the standard model. These upper limits provide improved constraints on the five Michel parameters, {rho},{xi}{sup '},{xi}{sup ''},{alpha},{alpha}{sup '}, that exceed Particle Data Group constraints by at least one order of magnitude. For {pi}{sup 0}{yields}{nu}{nu} we find, for the branching ratio, B({pi}{sup 0}{yields}{nu}{nu})<10{sup -10}.
Antoine Berman ou l'absolu critique

S’il y a recherche d’absolu chez Antoine Berman, c’est la recherche de l’absolu critique, l’ideal d’une position d’intellectuel engage par sa matiere. Berman a etabli l’actualite de la traductologie comme pensee critique.
Averaging methods for force controlled and acceleration controlled Lagrangian systems

Recent research has shown that for the class of controlled Lagrangian systems having fewer control inputs than configuration variables, one may blur the distinction between directly controlled states and the corresponding input variables in analyzing the response to oscillatory forcing. Following this approach, stable responses are associated with local minima of an energy-like quantity which we have called the averaged potential. Construction of the averaged potential involves first constructing a reduced Lagrangian to which a Hamiltonian is associated by means of a restricted Legendre transformation. The Hamiltonian is time varying, but by simple averaging one obtains a canonical averaged Hamiltonian from which the averaged potential is immediately determined. Also possible is an averaging analysis of the full (unreduced) system under high-frequency oscillatory forcing. Under suitable symmetry conditions, the averaged effect of an oscillatory input may also be studied in terms of a certain averaged potential which in general differs from the one obtained for the reduced system. In the present paper we discuss the differences between these two approaches and the resulting averaged potentials.
Representative critical reliability paths for low-cost and accurate on-chip aging evaluation

Aging of transistors degrades circuit performance and can potentially lead to functional failure in the field. This has become a major reliability concern especially when technology further scales to 45 nm and below. It is thus necessary to design on-chip structures that can provide accurate aging evaluation with no performance penalty. In this paper, we propose a novel methodology to accurately evaluate aging in the field. Representative Critical Reliability Paths (RCRP-s) are synthesized as a stand-alone circuit to represent the aging of critical reliability paths, which are defined as paths that can potentially become critical at some point in time due to aging. By monitoring the RCRPs, aging of the critical reliability paths can be efficiently and accurately evaluated with no impact on the normal operation of the chip. The aging evaluation results can then be exploited to guide on-chip performance calibration to ensure lifetime reliability. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed structure.
Discovery of a potent and short-acting oral calcilytic with a pulsatile secretion of parathyroid hormone.

Short-acting oral calcilytics, calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) antagonists, have been considered as alternatives for parathyroid hormone (PTH), an injectable bone anabolic drug used in the treatmen...
Evaluation of retrofit crankcase ventilation controls and diesel oxidation catalysts for reducing air pollution in school buses

Abstract This study evaluates the effect of retrofit closed crankcase ventilation filters (CCFs) and diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) on the in-cabin air quality in transit-style diesel school buses. In-cabin pollution levels were measured on three buses from the Pueblo, CO District 70 fleet. Monitoring was conducted while buses were driven along their regular routes, with each bus tested three times before and three times after installation of control devices. Ultrafine number concentrations in the school bus cabins were 33–41% lower, on average, after the control devices were installed. Mean mass concentrations of particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) were 56% lower, organic carbon (OC) 41% lower, elemental carbon (EC) 85% lower, and formaldehyde 32% lower after control devices were installed. While carbon monoxide concentrations were low in all tests, mean concentrations were higher after control devices were installed than in pre-retrofit tests. Reductions in number, OC, and formaldehyde concentrations were statistically significant, but reductions in PM2.5 mass were not. Even with control devices installed, during some runs PM2.5 and OC concentrations in the bus cabins were elevated compared to ambient concentrations observed in the area. OC concentrations inside the bus cabins ranged from 22 to 58 μg m −3 before and 13 to 33 μg m −3 after control devices were installed. OC concentrations were correlated with particle-bound organic tracers for lubricating oil emissions (hopanes) and diesel fuel and tailpipe emissions (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and aliphatic hydrocarbons). Mean concentrations of hopanes, PAH, and aliphatic hydrocarbons were lower by 37, 50, and 43%, respectively, after the control devices were installed, suggesting that both CCFs and DOCs were effective at reducing in-cabin OC concentrations.
Cytochalasin B: effect on mammalian cardiac muscle cells in culture.

Abstract The effect of cytochalasin B on mammalian cardiac cells in culture was studied at 1 μg/ml and 5 μg/ml cytochalasin B. When cells were grown in the presence of cytochalasin B their morphology was altered and cytokinesis inhibited, but the cells continued to contract, often at an increased rate. The adhesiveness of the cells to the culture dish was increased, suggesting a membrane effect of cytochalasin B, rather than an effect on the contractile machinery.
Improved reflectivity fitting using SERF (Spreadsheet Environment Reflectivity Fitting)

Abstract Specular reflectivity is a powerful technique for determining composition depth profiles. In general, extraction of profiles from reflectivity data requires model fitting, the inverse scattering problem. Fitting software exists to calculate reflectivity from profiles, but typically the profiles used are constructed from independent layers. Profiles based on mathematical functions are often more useful, but require interdependent layers, typically not allowed, or requiring source code modification. A new reflectivity fitting package, SERF (Spreadsheet Environment Reflectivity Fitting), is demonstrated, which uses a spreadsheet as the host environment for calculation and data plotting. SERF simplifies the insertion of function-dependent profiles using interdependent layers. SERF uses additional spreadsheet features to improve reflectivity fitting, including reduced command structure via automatic recalculation and easier evaluation of fit quality via simultaneous display of graphical and numerical ...
Effect of neutrons, electrons and gamma radiation on grafting of benzylalcohol onto nylon (6)

Abstract Grafting of benzyl alcohol onto nylon (6) polymer samples irradiated with Cf-252 neutrons, 1 MeV electrons and Co-60 γ-rays was studied. Initially the percentage change in sample weight was found to increase with the time period of immersion of nylon (6) into benzyl alcohol, but later on had a tendency to saturate. For the same radiation fluence, the relative increase in sample weight was found to be maximum with Co-60 γ-rays, moderate with 1 MeV electrons and minimum with Cf-252 neutrons, and also had dependence on sample thickness. These results are in accordance with the nature of defects created in polymer by neutrons, electrons and γ-rays.
Multitiered 2D π-Stacked Conjugated Polymers Based on Pseudo-Geminal Disubstituted [2.2]Paracyclophane

Interchain interactions between π-systems have a strong effect on the electronic structure of conjugated organic materials. This influence has previously been explored by the spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization of molecules in which pairs of conjugated oligomers are held in a stacked fashion by attachment to a rigid scaffold. We have prepared a new polymer which uses a pseudo-geminal disubstituted [2.2]paracyclophane scaffold to hold 1,4-bis(phenylethynyl)-2,5-dialkoxybenzene (PE3) chomophores in a π-stacked fashion over their entire length and in an extended multitier arrangement. Solutions of this new polymer display a Stokes shift of 171 nm, compared to just ca. 30 nm for previous models in which only the terminal phenyl rings of the PE3 chromophore are held in a stacked arrangement. This suggests that interchain interactions of π-systems over their entire length in a multitier assembly provides for relaxation of the excited state to a stable “phane” electronic state which is responsible...
Dependence of Renal Clearance on Urine Flow: A Mathematical Model and its Application

A mathematical model is developed to explain the dependence of renal clearance on urine flow rate. The model is tested using human data from the literature on compounds that are neither secreted nor reabsorbed by active or pH-sensitive mechanisms. The physiologically derived model explains and predicts the relationship between renal clearance and urine flow for a broad spectrum of compounds (i.e., butabarbital, chloramphenicol, creatinine, ethanol, theophylline, and urea) for which appropriate data are available.
Water Molecules in Short‐ and Long‐Distance Proton Transfer Steps of Bacteriorhodopsin Proton Pumping

The proton pumping cycle of bacteriorhodopsin consists of five consecutive proton transfer steps, in all of which water molecules are likely to play critical roles. Here we review the role of water molecules in bacteriorhodopsin function, with emphasis on computations of the retinal Schiff base deprotonation reaction and the open questions regarding the participation of water molecules in the longer-distance proton transfer reactions.
Structure of the first silicate molecular sieve with 18-ring pore openings, ECR-34.

The three-dimensional microporosity of zeolite frameworks have allowed their widespread use in industry as heterogeneous catalysts, absorbents, and ion-exchangers. While the phosphate analogues of zeolites having up to 24 tetrahedral atoms in the pore openings are known, silicate-based zeolites have, until now, been limited to 14-membered ring pore openings. We now disclose the structure and characterization of the synthetic zeolite ECR-34, which can be prepared from a mixed alkali metal reaction gel containing tetraethylammonium (TEA) cations. Its structure has been determined from powder diffraction data and shows ECR-34 to be hexagonal with the dimensions a, b = 21.030(1) A, c = 8.530(1) A, containing one-dimensional, 18-ring pores with 10 A diameter free openings. ECR-34 is stable to 800 °C and is able to absorb and ion-exchange large organic molecules. The existence of ECR-34 suggests the potential of preparing other thermally stable silicate molecular sieves with extra-large pores.
Greenway planning and growth management : partners in conservation ?

Abstract Greenway s have been developed in the US A in conjunction with an array of private and public processes. Growth management laws are one method in the public planning process, which have included regulatory goals or objectives related to conservation measures often found in greenways. There were already greenway projects planned or in existence in the eight states which have enacted growth management legislation. The question is raised: has growth management affected greenway development in these eight states? Four growth management states are assessed as representative examples of the interaction of greenways and growth management planning processes. The paper focuses on Washington State's Growth Management Act (GMA) and greenway projects. An overview is given of Washington State's long and diverse history of greenway development. Several of the most prominent greenways are discussed to show the results of greenway planning prior to enactment of the Growth Management Act. Proposed greenways in two Washington counties are contrasted: one county required to do comprehensive planning under the Act and one not required to do so. The case studies demonstrate the importance of enacting environmentally supportive laws which apply at the state, regional and local levels for greenway grassroot efforts to be realized.
Sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for 4'-hydroxyflurbiprofen and flurbiprofen in human urine and plasma.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic assay has been developed for the simultaneous quantitation of flurbiprofen and its major metabolite, 4′-hydroxyflurbiprofen, in urine and plasma. No extraction procedure was necessary for analysis of these compounds, which reduced time involved in sample preparation. The analytes were separated on a Brownlee Spheri-5® C18 column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile–20 mM dibasic potassium phosphate pH 3 buffer (40:60, v/v). Fluorescence detection was utilized with an excitation wavelength of 260 nm and an emission wavelength of 320 nm, providing excellent sensitivity. The limit of quantitation for 4′-hydroxyflurbiprofen and flurbiprofen was 0.25 μg/ml in urine and 0.05 μg/ml and 0.25 μg/ml, respectively, in plasma. All components were eluted within 16 min. Intra-day, inter-day, freeze–thaw, and in process stability were tested for both compounds and the coefficient of variation was less than 14% in all cases. This method provides a sensitive and specific assay for the detection of flurbiprofen and 4′-hydoxyflurbiprofen in urine and plasma and is suitable for use in in vivo studies evaluating the regulation of CYP2C9 activity.
Age as a modifying factor of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary carcinogenesis in the lewis rat.

The influence of age at DMBA administration on (1) susceptibility to mammary tumor development, (2) the proportion of tumors which are ovary-dependent, and (3) the frequency of spontaneous tumor regression was examined in female Lewis rats between 25 and 200 days of age. Tumor development was monitored for a 12-month period after carcinogen administration. Age at carcinogen administration affected (1) the number of tumors induced, (2) the latent period of tumor development, and (3) the number of tumors which regressed spontaneously. More tumors developed in young rats; however, a large fraction of these tumors regressed spontaneously. The frequency of spontaneous tumor regression was strongly age-related, being highest in rats treated up to 70 or after 150 days of age. Mean latent period of development of tumors which regressed spontaneously (SRT) was significantly shorter than that of tumors which grew progressively (PGT). Furthermore, mean latent period of SRT development was significantly shorter in rats treated at 25 or 50 days of age. In contrast, all age-groups were equally susceptible to the development of progressively growing tumors (PGT). PGT incidence, mean latent period of PGT development, mean numbers of PGT per PGT-bearing rat and the relative proportion of PGT which were ovary-dependent were similar for all age-groups at the end of 12 months. These results indicate that, in the Lewis rat strain, age does not confer significant or permanent refractoriness. Furthermore, spontaneous tumor regression is a frequent and strongly age-related phenomenon.