cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deterministic and Efficient Quantum Key Distribution Using Entanglement Parity Bits and Ancillary Qubits

In this paper, we propose an efficient and deterministic quantum key distribution protocol for establishing a secret key between two untrusted users. In this protocol, a secret key is distributed to a sender and a receiver who share entangled states with a third trusted party but not with each other. This secret key is distributed by the means of special pure quantum states using remote state preparation and controlled gates. In addition, we employ the parity bits of the entangled pairs and the ancillary states to assist in preparing and measuring the secret states. Distributing a state to two users requires two maximally entangled pairs as the quantum channel and a two-particle von Neumann projective measurement. The proposed protocol is exact and deterministic. It distributes a secret key of $ d $ qubits by the means of $ 2d $ entangled pairs and, on average, $ d $ bits of classical communication. We demonstrate the security of this protocol against entanglement attacks and present a method of privacy amplification.
Dual-phase mass balance modeling of small mineral particle losses from sedimentary rock-derived soils

Abstract Losses of small mineral particles can be a significant physical process that affects the elemental composition of soils derived from sedimentary rocks. Shales, in particular, contain abundant clay-sized minerals that can be mobilized by simple disaggregation, and solutional weathering is limited because the parent rock is composed primarily of recalcitrant minerals previously subjected to continental weathering. Here, the dual-phase mass balance model is employed to quantify losses of small mineral particles as water dispersible colloids (WDCs) from three previously studied soil profiles along a hill slope at the Susquehanna Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory (SSHO). WDCs were isolated from soil in the laboratory to determine their mineralogical and elemental compositions. Clay minerals dominated WDCs, including illite, vermiculite, and chlorite inherited from the parent shale, along with neoformed kaolinite. Quartz present in bulk soil was generally excluded from WDCs. Elements of low solubility and/or bound in recalcitrant forms, like Rb in illite, were employed in tracer ratios in the dual-phase model. Aluminum, Ga, and Rb were enriched in WDCs, and Zr and Hf were partially excluded. Six different combinations of elements into tracer ratios (Al/Zr, Ga/Zr, Rb/Zr, Al/Hf, Ga/Hf, Rb/Hf) each yielded similar model results. Mass losses of WDCs were large, ranging from − 68 ± 7% to − 15 ± 5% relative to soil parent material in different parts of the profiles. Mass losses via solution were smaller, ranging from − 7 ± 2% to a gain of 6 ± 1% in part of one profile. Losses of WDCs account for > 90% of total mass loss, surpassing chemical dissolution, and therefore dominate the weathering portion of denudation at SSHO. Zirconium concentrations were 97–158 ppm in the generally ≤ 1 μm WDCs, suggesting colloidal, Zr-bearing phases. Model-quantified losses of Zr via WDCs were large, with a median loss of 41% relative to parent material. Such losses indicate systematic underestimates of weathering by traditional mass balance that uses Zr as an index element. Losses of Ca, Mg, and K via WDCs exceeded losses via solution, countering assumptions of base cation losses primarily via mineral dissolution. The results illustrate a geochemical fingerprint of physical weathering and the ability of the dual-phase model to quantify that weathering process.
Introduction to the special section on positive neuropsychology.

While neuropsychology has a rich history of assessing, studying, and clarifying cognitive dysfunction, considerably less work has been devoted to understanding and promoting cognitive health. The f...
Quantum Monte Carlo Studies of the Holstein Model

In this paper we study the competition between superconducting and charge density wave (CDW) formation in a system of interacting electrons and phonons by solution of the Eliashberg equations and by quantum Monte Carlo. We show that within the Eliashberg formalism, self energy corrections suppress the pair field susceptibility at high temperatures and that only below a certain cross-over temperature does one see enhancement. By conducting simulations at these low temperatures, we report the first observation of enhanced superconducting susceptibilities in numerical simulations of a model with dynamic electron-electron interactions.
Estrogens and Carcinogenicity: An Overview of Information from Studies in Experimental Animal Systems

It has long been known that sex steroid hormones regulate the growth and differentiation of many normal reproductive tissues. This review will focus on the role of estrogen in several animal tumor systems. Information will be presented on the role of estrogenic hormones in tumor induction as well as their role as regulators of tumor growth and maintenance in a variety of relatively well characterized experimental animal tumor systems. In particular, an attempt is made to relate these effects on tumor induction and tumor maintenance to the general growth stimulatory effects of estrogenic hormones. The systems described include dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumors in Sprague-Dawley rats, several other experimental mammary tumor systems that differ in their responsiveness to hormones, estrogen induced pituitary tumors in Fischer rats, estrogen induced Leydig cell tumors in Balb/C mice, and estrogen induced renal tumors in hamsters.
The Political and Economic Consequences of Nationalist Protest in China: Repercussions of the 2012 Anti-Japanese Demonstrations

What are the consequences of nationalist unrest? This paper utilizes two original datasets — covering 377 city-level anti-Japanese protests during the 2012 Senkaku/Diaoyu Island crisis and the careers of municipal leaders — to analyse the downstream effects of nationalist unrest at the subnational level. We find both political and economic consequences of China’s 2012 protest demonstrations against Japan. Specifically, top party leaders in cities that saw relatively spontaneous, early protests were less likely to be promoted to higher office, consistent with the widely-held but rarely tested expectation that social instability is punished in the Chinese Communist Party’s cadre evaluation system. We also see a negative effect of nationalist protest on foreign direct investment (FDI) growth at the city level. However, the lower promotion rates associated with relatively spontaneous protests appear to arise through political rather than economic channels. By taking into account data on social unrest in addition to economic performance, these results add to existing evidence that systematic evaluation of leaders’ performance plays a major role in the Chinese political system. These findings also illuminate the dilemma that local leaders face in managing popular nationalism amid shifting national priorities.
Patient-controlled Analgesia For Vaso-Occlusive Crisis: A Cohort Study.

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) accounts for over 68,000 hospital admissions each year in the United States, with long inpatient length of stays (LOS) and frequent readmission common. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) has been used to treat patients admitted with vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), but it is unknown if PCA is associated with shorter LOS and reduced risk of readmission. Methods We examined all admissions for acute VOC treated with parenteral opioids to an urban, academic health system over 3 years. We compared LOS, 30-day readmission, and discharges against medical advice between admissions treated with PCA versus standard therapy in unadjusted and adjusted analyses using generalized estimating equations to adjust for demographic and clinical characteristics. Results Of 823 admissions included, 536 (65.1%) were treated with PCA and 287 (34.9%) were treated with standard nurse-administered opioid therapy. Treatment with PCA was associated with significantly shorter LOS in the unadjusted analyses (7.46 vs. 9.42 d, P=0.001), but the difference was not significant after adjustment (adjusted difference: 1.47 d, P=0.06). Treatment with PCA was also associated with significantly decreased risk of 30-day readmission in unadjusted analysis (odds ratio [OR]unadj: 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-0.89, P=0.004), but after adjustment the association was no longer significant (ORadj: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.54-1.06, P=0.11). Finally, treatment with PCA was not associated with increased risk of discharge against medical advice in Generalized Estimating Equation modeled unadjusted (ORunadj: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.69-1.76, P=0.68), or adjusted analysis (ORadj: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.73-1.94, P=0.49). Conclusions Treatment with PCA may be associated with shorter LOS and may be considered as the primary modality for opioid-based pain control for patients with SCD who are admitted with painful VOC.
Fulminant group B Streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis in a patient with undiagnosed malignancy: a case report.

Abstract Group A Streptococcus is well established as the most common pathogen causing necrotizing fasciitis. In contrast, Group B Streptococcus (GBS, or Streptococcus agalactiae) is a rare cause of necrotizing fasciitis, particularly in adults. We present the case of a patient who developed a fulminant case of GBS necrotizing fasciitis on a backdrop of a previously undiagnosed malignancy, and review the relevant literature.
A WiFi Based Electromagnetic Visual Aid

This paper details the design of a demonstration device for visualizing electromagnetic wave behavior in educational contexts. The tool uses a grid of WiFi tracking nodes with RGB LEDs to display the field strength over a region.
Negative Cognitive Style and Cortisol Reactivity to a Laboratory Stressor: a Preliminary Study

According to the hopelessness theory of depression, some individuals have a cognitive vulnerability (i.e., negative cognitive style) that interacts with stressful life events to produce depression. A negative cognitive style is associated with a maladaptive cognitive response to stress (i.e., increased negative attributions); however, no study has assessed whether this cognitive vulnerability is also associated with a maladaptive endocrine (e.g., cortisol) response to stress. If shown to be related, individual differences in cognitive style may potentially explain why the literature on the association between cortisol stress reactivity and depression is mixed, as cortisol responses to stress may vary as a function of attributional style. The aim of the present study was to provide a preliminary test of whether cognitive vulnerability was related to cortisol reactivity to an acute laboratory stressor among a sample of young adults (n = 20; Mage = 23.1 years; 10 females). Negative cognitive style and depressive symptoms were assessed via the Cognitive Style Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire, respectively. All participants also completed the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Salivary cortisol was collected before, during, and after the TSST. Results showed a significant association between negative cognitive style and cortisol stress reactivity, such that a greater negative cognitive style was related to a larger cortisol response to the TSST. Post hoc analyses revealed that this association was moderated by gender (i.e., effect observed in males only). Cortisol responses to the TSST, in general, were lower among females, but this relationship was not moderated by cognitive style. These findings may be related to underlying gender differences in stress vulnerability, which may have clinical implications for understanding the interactive effect of cognitive and neuroendocrine processes on vulnerability and resiliency to depression.
A germline PALB2 pathogenic variant identified in a pediatric high-grade glioma.

PALB2 (partner and localizer of BRCA2) gene encodes a protein that colocalizes with BRCA2 in nuclear foci and likely permits the stable intranuclear localization and accumulation of BRCA2 PALB2 plays a critical role in maintaining genome integrity through its role in the Fanconi anemia and homologous recombination DNA repair pathways. It has a known loss-of-function disease mechanism. Biallelic PALB2 pathogenic variants have been described in autosomal recessive Fanconi anemia. Heterozygous pathogenic variants in PALB2 are associated with increased risk for female and male breast cancer and pancreatic cancer (Science 324: 217; Cancer Res 71: 2222-2229; N Engl J Med 371: 497-506). Heterozygous germline PALB2 mutations have also been observed in patients with medulloblastoma (Lancet Oncol 19: 785-798). However, PALB2-related cancer predisposition to high-grade gliomas has not been reported. Here we report a germline PALB2 pathogenic variant (c.509_510delGA, p.Arg170Ilefs*14, NM_024675.3) found in a pediatric patient with high-grade glioma. This variant was first identified by tumor sequencing using the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Comprehensive Solid Tumor Panel and then confirmed to be a germline change using the CHOP Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Panel on DNA from a blood sample of this patient. Parental studies showed that this variant was paternally inherited. Further studies are needed to illustrate if pathogenic variants in PALB2 convey increased risk to developing brain tumor. This case also highlights the potential of identifying germline mutation through tumor sequencing.
Isolation and Culture of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cerebral Organoid Cells

The advent of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived three-dimensional (3D) cerebral organoids provides unprecedented opportunities of modeling human brains in states of health and disorder. Emerging data supports that cerebral organoids allow for more relevant in vitro systems for studying the human brain system and diseases than the current widely used 2D monolayer cell culture. Thus, the ability to isolate, culture, and maintain human brain cells from cerebral organoids is highly needed, particularly for studies on organoid-derived cell-type-specific signaling and their electrophysiological properties. Here we present a protocol to isolate and culture brain cells from 2-month human iPSC-derived cerebral organoids. The dissociation and plating of cells from organoids takes 3-4 h. The dissociated cells can be maintained in culture for up to at least 3 weeks. Some cells expressed the neuron-specific marker microtubule-associated protein 2 and exhibited spontaneous action potentials.
The response of plants to elevated CO2 : II. Competitive interactions among annual plants under varying light and nutrients.

Communities, consisting of six co-occurring, disturbed site annuals, were subjected to CO2 unenriched (300 ppm) and to CO2 enriched (450 and 600 ppm) atmospheres at different levels of light and nutrient availability. In general, total community production increased with CO2 enrichment to 450 ppm, but a further increase in CO2 to 600 ppm had little or no effect. The response of community production to CO2 level was not affected by nutrient availability but was affected by light level.Of the six species, four display C3 metabolism. The proportion of total community production contributed by these species increased as a result of CO2 enrichment, and was dependent upon both light and nutrient availability. The relative success of some species, particularly in terms of reproduction (total seed biomass), was significantly altered by CO2 concentration depending on the level of nutrients. There were not only changes in reproductive success (seed biomass) and shoot biomass but also changes in the proportion of biomass allocated to seed.These experiments demonstrate that CO2 enrichment does affect annual plant communities both in terms of productivity and species composition and that the affect of CO2 on such system may depend upon other resources such as light and nutrients.
Supracerebellar Infratentorial Infratrochlear Trans-Quadrangular Lobule Approach to Pontine Cavernous Malformations.

Background Brainstem cavernous malformations with symptomatic hemorrhage have a poor natural history. Those without a pial or ependymal presentation are often observed given the morbidity of resection. Surgical removal is considered only in patients with accessible lesions that have repeated symptomatic hemorrhagic. Objective To describe a novel supracerebellar infratentorial infratrochlear trans-quadrangular lobule approach to safely resect lesions in the upper pons. Methods We use a hybrid paramedian/lateral suboccipital craniotomy in the gravity-dependent supine position. Opening the cerebellomesencephalic fissure over the tentorial surface of the cerebellum brings the trochlear nerve, branches of the superior cerebellar artery, and the quadrangular lobule of the cerebellum into view. Removal of small a portion of the quadrangular lobule defines an entry point on the superomedial aspect of the middle cerebellar peduncle, and a surgical trajectory aimed superior to inferior. Results A total of 6 patients underwent this approach. All presented with symptomatic hemorrhage and all cavernous malformations were completely resected. Five patients were improved or unchanged with modified Rankin scale scores of 1 or 2. Conclusion The trans-quadrangular lobule approach allows safe resection of upper pontine cavernous malformations along a superior to inferior trajectory.
A Review of the Year in Family Law: State Courts React to Troxel

This article provides a brief review of pertinent cases in family law. It appears that the volume of cases involving disputes over children expands annually. New family formations, equal rights for mothers and fathers-whether married or not-and an increased desire of parents to be involved in their children's lives have led to more conflicts over custody. The willingness of courts to fashion remedies using inherent equitable powers, especially for de facto parents, have allowed more persons access to courts to litigate custody. The mobility of the population has led to large numbers of cases involving relocation and child abduction. The advent of DNA testing with its ability to pinpoint paternity has forced courts to re-examine presumptions created before such certainty was possible. Mandated child support guidelines continue to need judicial interpretation, and unvested stock options have become a hot property item. It does not appear that the flood of cases will slow any time soon.
Revisiting Chaitin’s Incompleteness Theorem

In the mid-1970s, Gregory Chaitin proved a novel incompleteness theorem, formulated in terms of Kolmogorov complexity, a measure of complexity that features prominently in algorithmic information theory. Chaitin further claimed that his theorem provides insight into both the source and scope of incompleteness, a claim that has been subject to much criticism. In this article, I consider a new strategy for vindicating Chaitin’s claims, one informed by recent work of Bienvenu, Romashchenko, Shen, Taveneaux, and Vermeeren that extends and refines Chaitin’s incompleteness theorem. As I argue, this strategy, though more promising than previous attempts, fails to vindicate Chaitin’s claims. Lastly, I will suggest an alternative interpretation of Chaitin’s theorem, according to which the theorem indicates a trade-off that comes from working with a sufficiently strong definition of randomness—namely, that we lose the ability to certify randomness.
The material conditions of non-domination: Property, independence, and the means of production:

While it is a point of agreement in contemporary republican political theory that property ownership is closely connected to freedom as non-domination, surprisingly little work has been done to elu...
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the appendix: case report and review of the literature

Abstract Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, but are rare in the appendix with only 14 cases reported. Here we report an additional case in the oldest patient to date and review the histologic, immunohistochemical, molecular and clinical findings.
Effects of Crossed Brassiere Straps on Pain, Range of Motion, and Electromyographic Activity of Scapular Upward Rotators in Women With Scapular Downward Rotation Syndrome

Abstract Background Scapular downward rotation syndrome manifests as an abnormally downward-rotated scapula at rest or with arm motion and typically results in neck and shoulder pain. The brassiere strap has been suggested as a possible contributing factor to scapula downward rotation and pain in the upper trapezius because of increased downward rotational force on the lateral aspect of the scapula. No study, however, has examined the influences of a modified brassiere strap on pain in and the function of the scapular muscles. Objective To examine the effects of crossed brassiere straps on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the upper trapezius, neck rotation range of motion (ROM), and electromyographic activity of the scapular upward rotators in females with scapular downward rotation syndrome. Design Cross-over design. Setting Laboratory. Participants In total, 15 female subjects with scapular downward rotation syndrome were recruited at hospitals and a local university. Methods All participants performed neck rotation and humeral elevation under 2 different conditions: parallel and crossed brassiere straps. Main outcome measurements The PPT of the upper trapezius was measured using an analog algometer, whereas neck rotation ROM was quantified with a 3-dimensional ultrasonic motion analysis system. The electromyographic activities of the upper trapezius, serratus anterior, and lower trapezius during humeral elevation were assessed with a surface electromyography system. Outcome measures were assessed under parallel and crossed brassiere strap conditions, and differences in outcomes between the conditions were analyzed using a paired t -test. Results The PPT and neck rotation ROM were increased when the subject was wearing the brassiere with crossed versus parallel straps ( P P Conclusions These findings provide useful information for clinicians when designing management programs to decrease pain and improve biomechanical function for females with scapular downward rotation syndrome.
Ethnic and gender wage disparities in Sri Lanka

The authors examine wage inequalities in Sri Lanka's formal sector using data from the Sri Lanka Integrated Survey 1999-2000. The study aims to: a) investigate whether the labor market is characterized by wage disparities among ethnic and gender groups; b) identify the determinants of wages and the factors that affect the wage differential; c) analyze the determinants of wages across the conditional wage distribution; and d) disaggregate the ethnic or gender wage disparities where observed into a component affected by the endowment of productive characteristics, as well as a component affected by the returns to those productive characteristics in the labor market. The authors find that ethnicity is not a significant determinant of wages. The result is robust to different specifications. In addition, ethnicity is not significant in any of the emotional quantiles estimated. However, there is gender disparity in wage rates in Sri Lanka. The magnitude of this disparity varies depending on the worker's ethnicity. This gender wage disparity varies by about 10 percent for Tamils and 48 percent among other ethnicities. In addition, the authors find that much of the gender disparity is not explained by productive characteristics, implying that discrimination against women may play a role. The quantile regression estimates indicate that the premium paid to male workers in the labor force is more pronounced in the upper conditional wage rate distribution.
Optimizing refresh of a set of materialized views

In many data warehousing environments, it is common to have materialized views (MVs) at different levels of aggregation of one or more dimensions. The extreme case of this is relational OLAP environments, where, for performance reasons, nearly all levels of aggregation across all dimensions may be computed and stored in MVs. Furthermore, base tables and MVs are usually partitioned for ease and speed of maintenance. In these scenarios, updates to the base table are done using Bulk or Partition operations like add, exchange, truncate and drop partition. If changes to base tables can be tracked at the partition level, join dependencies. functional dependencies and query rewrite can be used to optimize refresh of an individual MV. The refresh optimizer, in the presence of partitioned tables and MVs, may recognize dependencies between base table and the MV partitions leading to the generation of very efficient refresh expressions. Additionally, in the presence of multiple MVs, the refresh subsytem can come up with an optimal refresh schedule such that MVs can be refreshed using query rewrite against previously refreshed MVs. This makes the database server more manageable and user friendly since a single function call can optimally refresh all the MVs in the system.
Resumption of high-dose methotrexate after acute kidney injury and glucarpidase use in pediatric oncology patients

BACKGROUND: High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX)-induced acute kidney injury is a rare but life-threatening complication. The methotrexate rescue agent glucarpidase rapidly hydrolyzes methotrexate to inactive metabolites. The authors retrospectively reviewed glucarpidase use in pediatric cancer patients at their institution and evaluated whether subsequent resumption of HDMTX was tolerated. METHODS: Clinical data and outcomes of all patients who received glucarpidase after HDMTX administration were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 1141 patients who received 4909 courses of HDMTX, 20 patients (1.8% of patients, 0.4% of courses) received 22 doses of glucarpidase. The median glucarpidase dose was 51.6 U/kg (range, 13-65.6 U/kg). At the time of administration, the median plasma methotrexate concentration was 29.1 μM (range, 1.3-590.6 μM). Thirteen of the 20 patients received a total of 39 courses of HDMTX therapy after glucarpidase. The median time to complete methotrexate excretion was 355 hours (range, 244-763 hours) for the HDMTX course during which glucarpidase was administered, 90 hours (range, 66-268 hours) for the next HDMTX course, and 72 hours (range, 42-116 hours) for subsequent courses. The median peak serum creatinine level during these HDMTX courses was 2.2 mg/dL (range, 0.8-9.6 mg/dL), 0.8 mg/dL (range, 0.4-1.6 mg/dL), and 0.6 mg/dL (range, 0.4-0.9 mg/dL), respectively. One patient experienced nephrotoxicity upon rechallenge with HDMTX. Renal function eventually returned to baseline in all patients, and no patient died as a result of methotrexate toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that it is possible to safely resume HDMTX therapy after glucarpidase treatment for HDMTX-induced acute kidney injury. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
How to continue Kant's Perpetual Peace with Addams' Newer Ideals of Peace

Aquest article examina alguns dels arguments a favor de considerar la pau com una obligacio politica que es pot trobar en una de les fundadores mes rellevants del moviment pacifista, Jane Addams. El focus principal es troba en el seu llibre de 1907, Newer Ideals of Peace, que sovint ha estat llegit com idealista i obsolet i, sobretot, mes com un manifest activista que una contribucio seriosa tant a la filosofia com a la teoria politica. Aqui argument que aixo es deu principalment a una ambiguitat de les critiques de Addams a la defensa tradicional i kantia - cosmopolita de la pau pel que fa a ideal politic, a l'ambiguitat entre problemes practic - politics i conceptuals. Tot i aixo, Addams aconsegueix identificar un profund problema en els ideals de pau tradicionals, o fins i tot en els ideals il · lustrats centrats en les institucions, es a dir, el col · lapse d'aquest ideal en casos de violacions de tractats de pau explicits entre nacions, ja que les violacions d'aquests acords equivalen a la perdua de tot compromis amb els drets de l'altra nacio. Aixo revela que les condicions imposades per aquests ideals son com molt necessaries, pero no suficients, per a la pau, i per tant el concepte basat en elles no es un concepte complet de les condicions per a la pau duradora entre humans. Un cop s'hagi considerat el treball de Addams (i en particular la seva atencio als recursos de solidaritat ia les practiques de concessio de drets mes enlla i fora d'acords explicits entre governs) com dedicat a resoldre els problemes que comporta aquest problema fonamental, la seva tasca pot ser entesa com el desenvolupament d'una concepcio de la pau mes adequada, coherent, comprensiva i alhora mes practica. En el curs d'aquest desenvolupament tambe es pot veure com Addams fa us d'eines epistemologiques crucials i filosoficament mes tecniques que estan mes estretament relacionades amb el pragmatisme classic pero que apareixen en part (encara que majoritariament de forma obliqua durant la seva aplicacio a un cas particular) i per primera vegada en el tractat de Addams. Per als filosofs, doncs, el treball de Addams te mes que un simple interes activista i politic. No obstant aixo, aquest article tambe explica l'estatus de Addams com una contribuent important a concepcions adequades de pau mundial i la comprensio de certs fenomens en l'organitzacio de la formacio de la voluntat publica precisament indicant que sense alguna de les seves propostes orientades cap al futur, com la inseparabilitat de politiques per a la pau i el desenvolupament o la necessitat de protegir i promoure institucionalment l'accio solidaria espontania, la millor obra contemporaniasobre la pau no hagues estat possible.
Integrability and Applications of the Exactly-Solvable Haldane-Shastry One-Dimensional Quantum Spin Chain

Recently, the one dimensional model of $N$ spins with $S=\frac{1}{2}$ on a circle, interacting with an exchange that falls off with the inverse square of the separation: $H_{\rm ISE} =\sum_{i\neq j} \frac{1}{[\frac{N}{\pi} \sin(\frac{i-j}{N}\pi)]^2}(\svec_i\cdot \svec_j-\frac{1}{4})$, or ISE-model, has received ample attention. Its special features include: relatively simple eigenfunctions, non-interacting elementary excitations that obey semionic statistics (spinons), and a large ``quantum group'' symmetry algebra called the Yangian. This model is fully integrable, albeit in a slightly different sense than the more traditional nearest neighbor exchange (NNE) Heisenberg chain. This thesis comes in 4 chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the model and presents the construction of a subset of the eigenfunctions. The other eigenfunctions are shown to be generated by the action of the Yangian symmetry algebra of $H_{\rm ISE}$. Chapter 2 presents a method to construct the set of constants of the motion of the ISE-model. The ISE-model is tractable enough to obtain its zero-magnetic-field dynamical structure factors. Chapter 3 attempts to extend this to a non-zero magnetic field, where, due to the presence of spinons in the groundstate, more complicated excitations contribute: small numbers of magnons and spinons. discuss the relation to the more complicated NNE-model. Finally chapter 4 illustrates how a recently conjectured new form of Off Diagonal Long Range Order in antiferromagnetic spin chains can be reinterpreted as a spinon propagator in the ISE-model, and verified numerically. We briefly comment on its relevance to stabilizing superconductivity in the layered cuprates.
Broad search for trajectories from Earth to Callisto–Ganymede–JOI double-satellite-aided capture at Jupiter from 2020 to 2060

Employing multiple gravity-assist flybys of Jupiter’s Galilean moons can save a substantial amount of \(\varDelta V\) when capturing into orbit about Jupiter. Using Callisto and Ganymede, the most massive and distant of the Galilean moons, as gravity-assist bodies reduces the Jupiter orbit insertion \(\varDelta V\) cost, while allowing the spacecraft to remain above the worst of Jupiter’s radiation belts. A phase-angle approach is used to find initial guesses for a Lambert targeter to find patched-conic Callisto–Ganymede transfers. A B-plane targeter using grid search methodology is used to backward target Earth to find launch conditions. Twenty-nine distinct patched-conic trajectories were found from Earth to Callisto–Ganymede–JOI capture throughout the search space from 2020–2060. Five promising trajectories were found that launch from Earth between July 11, 2023 and July 20, 2023, and arrive at Jupiter between February and September 2026. These trajectories were numerically integrated using GMAT and, in the author’s opinion, are excellent candidates for use on NASA’s planned Europa Clipper mission.
OWL: Optimized weighted localization for vehicular ad hoc networks

Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) allows the exchange of messages between neighboring vehicles or roadside units (RSU). The performance of VANET applications is subject to the ability of determining the location of the vehicles at anytime and anywhere within the network, and thus demands real-time, precise position of vehicles. Accordingly, a number of methods and protocols have been proposed to fulfill this requirement, however, the accuracy of the obtained location is not sufficient for VANET safety applications. We propose an enhancement to our previous localization method, weighted localization using distance information (WLD), that uses signal to interference-noise ratio (SINR) obtained from the exchange messages, and distance between the neighboring vehicles to assist vehicles in estimating their positions. Our proposed optimized weighted localization (OWL) uses the heading information shared by the neighboring vehicles in addition to the SINR and distance information. Our proposed method is an extension to centroid localization (CL) with a weight assigned to each of the neighboring vehicles' coordinates, based on SINR values, distance and heading. We implement a simulation program to evaluate the proposed method against CL, WLD and relative span weighted localization (RWL). The results show the proposed method to have better performance and consistently less average location errors in varying densities.
Understanding combination of evidence using generative probabilistic models for information retrieval (abstract only)

Structured documents, rich information needs, and detailed information about users are becoming more pervasive within everyday computing usage. Applications such as Question Answering, reading tutors, and XML retrieval demand more robust retrieval on richly annotated documents. In order to effectively serve these applications, the community will need a better understanding of the combination of evidence. In this work, I propose that the use of simple generative probabilistic models will be an effective framework for these problems. Statistical language models, which are a special case of generative probabilistic models, have been used extensively within recent Information Retrieval research. Their flexibility has been very effective in adapting to numerous tasks and problems. I propose to extend the statistical language modeling framework to handle rich information needs and documents with structural and linguistic annotations. Much of the prior work on combination of evidence has had few well-studied theoretical contributions, so I also propose to develop a sounder theoretical basis which gives more predictable results.
Evaluating spoken language interaction

To study the spoken language interface in the context of a complex problem-solving task, a group of users were asked to perform a spreadsheet task, alternating voice and keyboard input. A total of 40 tasks were performed by each participant, the first thirty in a group (over several days), the remaining ones a month later. The voice spreadsheet program used in this study was extensively instrumented to provide detailed information about the components of the interaction. These data, as well as analysis of the participants's utterances and recognizer output, provide a fairly detailed picture of spoken language interaction.Although task completion by voice took longer than by keyboard, analysis shows that users would be able to perform the spreadsheet task faster by voice, if two key criteria could be met: recognition occurs in real-time, and the error rate is sufficiently low. This initial experience with a spoken language system also allows us to identify several metrics, beyond those traditionally associated with speech recognition, that can be used to characterize system performance.
Evidence for structural instability in edges of A1 and A1−0.3% Mg thin films

Abstract Resistance measurements of the superconducting transition have presented evidence for structural instabilities in the edges of enhanced thin-film superconductors.
Therapy: Blockade of IGF-1R-not effective in neuroendocrine tumours.

A phase II trial has demonstrated that insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) blockade in advanced neuroendocrine tumours has no efficacy, despite promising preclinical and phase I clinical trial evidence. These results highlight the challenge of interpreting response results from early phase I safety studies.
Holland's Theory: Its Relevance for Lesbian Women and Gay Men.

Abstract This article will examine the relevance of Holland's theory for lesbian women and gay men. Holland's focus on individual personality type, work environment type, and the congruence between these types will be discussed and related to Cass's (1979) model of lesbian and gay identity development. In addition, Holland's central ideas and their related working assumptions and background principles will be discussed as related to the workplace environment's attitudes toward lesbians and gays. It is suggested that both Holland's “congruence” and Cass's “interpersonal congruency” need to be considered in assisting lesbian and gay career clients. Finally, seven research hypotheses have been generated to encourage empirical contributions to the growing knowledge base on lesbian and gay career choice and development.
Ligand effects on the phosphoesterase activity of Co(II) Schiff base complexes built on PAMAM dendrimers

Abstract Two types of cobalt complexes were created on polyamidoamine dendrimer generation four (PAMAM G4) as potential hydrolytic catalysts. The first types were simple aqueous mixtures of Co(II)–G4 or Co(III)–G4, and the second type were Co(II)–Schiff-base complexes made from template reactions of the terminal amines on G4 with different dialdehyde compounds. The simple Co(III)–G4 mixtures gave only ligand exchange reactions with inorganic phosphate (or with the phosphate esters) based on changes in the visible spectra. The Co(II) Schiff base complexes catalyzed the hydrolysis of bis-nitrophenylphosphate (BNPP) and nitrophenylphosphate (NPP). The Schiff base complex derived from glyoxal (gly), Co(II)[PAMAM G4–gly] (A), was very effective for the hydrolysis of the phosphate monoester, NPP [kbi (=kcat/Km)=0.15±0.02 M−1 s−1 at 50°C, pH 7.3]. The other complex derived from 2,6-pyridine dialdehyde (PDA), Co(II)[PAMAM G4–PDA] (B), followed Michaelis–Menten kinetics with both substrates (Km=0.13 and 0.15 mM; kcat=5.8×10−6 and 6.2×10−6 s−1 for BNPP and NPP, respectively). Reactions with A did not show any saturation effects. The pH–rate profiles for A and B peak over a narrow pH range implicating a metal-hydroxide form of the catalyst as the active species. The rate enhancements here are compared to an analogous set of catalysts, Co(II)–PEI–glyoxal and Co(II)–PEI–2,6-diacetylpyridine, where PEI is poly(ethylenimine) (N. Kim, J. Suh, J. Org. Chem. 59 (1994) 1561). The ability of the PAMAM platform to yield more homogeneous Co(II) sites than the Co(II)–PEI complexes is discussed.
Allosteric regulation of the conformational dynamics of a cavitand receptor.

Inspired by allostery in nature, we synthesized cavitand 1 and investigated regulation of its conformational dynamics. Quantitative 1H NMR studies have revealed that the rate of the conformational isomerization of 1 can be modulated using the external addition of acid. As 1 maintains its vase-like conformation in an acidic environment, ample opportunities for controlling the kinetics of molecular recognition, and thus reactivity, in this and related receptors have arisen.
Emotional Characteristics of Learning Disability

An investigation based on a sample of 394 public school children and designed to explore relationships between emotional disturbance and learning disability is presented and briefly discussed. Two hundred and twenty-six third and fourth graders, 170 boys and 56 girls, rigidly defined and selected as having a learning disability, were compared with a control group of 168. Factorial analysis of variance disclosed that children with learning disabilities exhibited greater emotional stress on only 4 out of 14 scores on the Children's Personality Questionnaire. Despite marked deficiencies in verbal learning and cognitive functions, they were comparable to normal children in emotional status. It is suggested that deficits in social (nonverbal) perception may be more critical to the onset of autism. Further implications for the study of autism are made by questioning the validity of equating learning disabilities with emotional disturbance.
An Ecological Examination of Teachers' Emotions in the School Context.

Abstract This qualitative case study discusses teachers' emotions, in particular two elementary teachers in a school serving a high-poverty, high-minority population. Using Bronfenbrenner's ecological system framework, we examined how these teachers' internal psychological characteristics transact with external environments to produce emotions. Both teachers experienced unpleasant emotions such as disappointment and frustration in their daily work. However, instead of dwelling on the unpleasant emotions, they shifted their thinking to consider ways they could achieve more favorable outcomes. Our findings showed that these coping strategies were deeply connected to their individual psychological biographies, specifically their pedagogical beliefs and well-developed professional identity.
Renal, hepatic, pulmonary and adrenal tumors induced by prenatal inorganic arsenic followed by dimethylarsinic acid in adulthood in CD1 mice.

Abstract Inorganic arsenic, an early life carcinogen in humans and mice, can initiate lesions promotable by other agents in later life. The biomethylation product of arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), is a multi-site tumor promoter. Thus, pregnant CD1 mice were given drinking water (0 ppm or 85 ppm arsenic) from gestation day 8 to 18 and after weaning male offspring received DMA (0 ppm or 200 ppm; drinking water) for up to 2 years. No renal tumors occurred in controls or DMA alone treated mice while gestational arsenic exposure plus later DMA induced a significant renal tumor incidence of 17% (primarily renal cell carcinoma). Arsenic plus DMA or arsenic alone also increased renal hyperplasia over control but DMA alone did not. Arsenic alone, DMA alone and arsenic plus DMA all induced urinary bladder hyperplasia (33–35%) versus control (2%). Compared to control (6%), arsenic alone tripled hepatocellular carcinoma (20%), and arsenic plus DMA doubled this rate again (43%), but DMA alone had no effect. DMA alone, arsenic alone, and arsenic plus DMA increased lung adenocarcinomas and adrenal adenomas versus control. Overall, DMA in adulthood promoted tumors/lesions initiated by prenatal arsenic in the kidney and liver, but acted independently in the urinary bladder, lung and adrenal.
Time-dependent deterioration of active transport in duodenal segments of rat intestine.

Abstract In this study, a time-dependent deterioration of the active transport in duodenal segments of rat intestine was observed. The everted gut-sac technique was used to quantitate both calcium and glucose transport in intestinal segments. The results indicate that both calcium and glucose transport decreased significantly in intestinal segments of animals killed by cervical dislocation 10–20 min prior to tissue removal. It was further determined that animal anesthesia permitted excision of intestinal segments prior to death and thus avoided transport deterioration.
Robotic Assisted Rectal Cancer Surgery

The intended application of robotics in surgery was in the field of cardiac surgery. The addition of robot was thought to improve surgeon dexterity in a small field with the added advantage of a minimal invasive approach. Shortly thereafter, urologists recognized that this modality could be used in the deep pelvis and brought the robot to its current most widely used application, the robotic prostatectomy. In the subsequent years, the use of this technology for other "pelvic organs" such as the uterus, rectum, and bladder evolved. Similarly, during this time period, minimally invasive surgical techniques were being studied in colorectal surgery. The results of the Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Therapy trial in 2004 concluded that laparoscopic approaches to colon cancer could be performed without compromise of oncological or quality of life outcomes (Fleshman J, Sargent DJ, Green E, et al; for the Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Therapy Study group: Ann Surg 246:655-662, 2007). Current meta-analyses have yet to show a significant oncological advantage to laparoscopic colon surgery; however, many studies have demonstrated short-term benefits with early mobilization, reduced pain, and early discharge (Kuhry E, Schwenk WF, Gaupset R, et al: Cochrane Database Syst Rev 3:CD003145, 2005). Recent data have shown that between 6% and 10% of colon surgeries are performed using laparoscopic techniques in the United States (Kemp JA, Finlayson SR: Surg Endosc 22:1181-1187, 2008). With wider acceptance of these techniques, the natural evolution within the field of colorectal surgery was to apply them to rectal cancer surgery.
A Modified Atkins Diet Is Effective for the Treatment of Intractable Pediatric Epilepsy

Summary: Purpose: The Atkins diet may induce ketosis as does the ketogenic diet, without restrictions on calories, fluids, protein, or need for an inpatient fast and admission. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a modified Atkins diet for intractable childhood epilepsy. Methods: Twenty children were treated prospectively in a hospital-based ambulatory clinic from September 2003 to May 2005. Children aged 3‐18 years, with at least three seizures per week, who had been treated with at least two anticonvulsants, were enrolled and received the diet over a 6-month period. Carbohydrates were initially limited to 10 g/day, and fats were encouraged. Parents measured urinary ketones semiweekly and recorded seizures daily. All children received vitamin and calcium supplementation. Results: In all children, at least moderate urinary ketosis developed within 4 days (mean, 1.9). Sixteen (80%) completed the 6-month study; 14 chose to remain on the diet afterward. At 6 months, 13 (65%) had >50% improvement, and seven (35%) had >90% improvement (four were seizure free). Mean seizure frequency after 6 months was 40 per week (p = 0.005). Over a 6-month period, mean serum blood urea nitrogen increased from 12 to 17 mg/dl (p = 0.01); creatinine was unchanged. Cholesterol increased from 192 to 221 mg/dl, (p = 0.06). Weight did not change significantly (34.0‐33.7 kg); only six children lost weight. A stable body mass index over time correlated with >90% improvement (p = 0.004). Conclusions: A modified Atkins diet is an effective and well-tolerated therapy for intractable pediatric epilepsy. Key Words: Atkins diet—Ketogenic diet—Epilepsy—Children.