cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock calculations for nsnp3P states of Rb and Cs negative ions

Abstract The MCHF method, including outer- and inner-shell correlation, was used to study the 5 s 5 p 3 P and 6 s 6 p 3 P negative ion states of Rb and Cs, respectively. In Rb, this calculation shows a shape resonance between 0.039 and 0.052 eV above the ground state. In Cs, a bound 3 P anion state is tentatively predicted with an electron affinity between 0.0012 and 0.011 eV. These calculations included the relativistic shift correction and seem to be in agreement with other evidence.
Excess argon in Mount St. Helens plagioclase as a recorder of magmatic processes

Excess argon in plagioclase crystals from young (<4000 ybp) tephra layers from Mount St. Helens, Washington, illustrates the importance of argon isotopes in understanding magmatic processes. 40Ar/39Ar step-heating identifies two distinct argon reservoirs in the plagioclase; a high Cl/K, low Ca/K reservoir with atmospheric 40Ar/36Ar and a low Cl/K, higher Ca/K reservoir with variable 40Ar/36Ar. The first is probably glass, whereas the second is “true” plagioclase. Felsic dacite plagioclases have little or no excess argon, but those from more mafic layers have significantly higher 40Ar/36Ar, indicating a non-atmospheric source. These variations are seen within a layer that contains both mafic and felsic dacite, and are inconsistent with either xenocrystic or restitic origin for plagioclase. The magma chamber exhibits long-term open-system degassing behavior punctuated by short-term fluctuations from influx of high 40Ar/36Ar basalt. The relative timing between mixing and eruption can affect the amount of excess argon recorded in plagioclase.
The binding of lithium and of anionic metabolites to phosphoglucomutase

Abstract Intercept inhibition of rabbit-muscle phosphoglucomutase (α- d -glucose-1,6-bisphosphate:α- d -glucose-1-phosphate phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.5.1) produced by several nucleotide diphosphates and compounds related to coenzyme A was re-examined in order to re-evaluate an earlier suggestion that this enzyme has an allosteric regulatory site. However, in all cases intercept inhibition constants were much larger than those previously reported, and in all but two cases were too large to assess in the assay system, i.e., were greater than 10 mM. Most of the intercept inhibition previously observed apparently was caused by the use of the Li+ salts of inhibitors. Thus, Li+ binds competitively with the natural activator, Mg2+, and in the presence of glucose phosphates binds almost as well as Mg2+: K d ≈ 10 μ M . The observation that glucose phosphates bind to the Li+ complex of phosphoglucomutase some 900 times more tenaciously than to the corresponding Mg2+ complex could provide a partial rationale for the lack of reactivity of the Li+ form of the enzyme. Attempts to verify the dimeric structure of phosphoglucomutase that was previously reported also produced negative results.
Fluid catalytic cracking selectivities of gas oil boiling point and hydrocarbon fractions

The product selectivities of the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process are strongly dependent on the properties of the petroleum gas oil reactant. In order to elucidate the complex relationship between gas oil chemical composition and product selectivity, a new technique has been developed which experimentally determines the product distribution of specific gas oil fractions in a realistic chemical environment. This incremental yield analysis approach is examined with a representative industrial gas oil. The gas oil is characterized and then divided into boiling point fractions by distillation and into hydrocarbon-type fractions with a chromatographic method. The FCC selectivity of each gas oil fraction is then determined by microactivity testing of blends of each fraction with the original gas oil. Results show that hydrocarbon type is a more significant determinant of the product spectrum than boiling point.
Sedimentary Corg:P ratios, paleocean ventilation, and Phanerozoic atmospheric pO2

The Corg:P ratios of organic-rich facies (TOCN1%) exhibit considerable variation through the Phanerozoic, from b10:1 in the Permian Phosphoria Formation to N1000:1 in some Devonian black shales. Relative to the composition of phytoplankton (C:P ∼106:1), which provide the bulk of organic C and P to organic-rich marine sediments, the range of Phanerozoic sedimentary Corg:P ratios largely reflects the influence of benthic redox conditions on diagenetic pathways of C and P remobilization. Enhanced preservationoforganicCatlowerredoxpotentials combinedwithenhancedsedimentaryretentionofremineralizedorganicPathigher redox potentials results in a strong relationship between benthic redox conditions and sedimentary Corg:P ratios. The strong secular coherence of the Phanerozoic Corg:P record (i.e., limited variation within narrow time slices) suggests that these ratios are controlled primarily by factors influencing benthic redox conditions on a global scale, such as atmospheric pO2. Inversion and scaling of the Phanerozoic Corg:P record yields a new atmospheric pO2 model that has strong similarities to existing models based on elemental and isotopic mass balances, yet differs in some potentially significant respects. In particular, the new model suggests that atmospheric pO2 wasmarkedlylowerduringtheEarlytoMiddlePaleozoicthanpreviouslyinferred.DuringmostoftheDevonian,atmosphericO2levels mayhavebeensufficientlylow(b13%)astopreventthesustainedcombustionofplantmaterial.Thisfeatureofthemodelmayaccount for ananomalous gapinthefossilcharcoalrecordduringtheDevonian.Theredox-dependentburialofPintheoceanresults inpositive and negative feedback mechanisms that tend to stabilize atmospheric oxygen concentrations on geologic timescales. Temporal variations in the burial of P relative to C suggest that the strength of these feedback mechanisms varied over the Phanerozoic. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
How to End the Copyright Wars

A high-profile copyright activist is fighting for traditional publishers to stop criminalizing their own readers, explains Jonathan Zittrain.
RECTANGULAR MIXED FINITE ELEMENTS FOR ELASTICITY

We present a family of stable rectangular mixed finite elements for plane elasticity. Each member of the family consists of a space of piecewise polynomials discretizing the space of symmetric tensor fields in which the stress field is sought, and another to discretize the space of vector fields in which the displacement is sought. These may be viewed as analogues in the case of rectangular meshes of mixed finite elements recently proposed for triangular meshes. As for the triangular case the elements are closely related to a discrete version of the elasticity differential complex.
Experimental Validation of Ankrd17 and Anapc10, Two Novel Meiotic Genes Predicted by Computational Models in Mice

Prophase is a critical stage of meiosis, during which recombination—the landmark event of meiosis—exchanges information between homologous chromosomes. The intractability of mammalian gonads has limited our knowledge on genes or interactions between genes during this key stage. Microarray profiling of gonads in both sexes has generated genome-scale information. However, the asynchronous development of germ cells and the mixed germ/somatic cell population complicate the use of this resource. To elucidate functional networks of meiotic prophase, we have integrated global gene expression with other genome-scale datasets either within or across species. Our computational approaches provide a comprehensive understanding of interactions between genes and can prioritize candidates for targeted experiments. Here, we examined two novel prophase genes predicted by computational models: Ankrd17 and Anapc10. Their expression and localization were characterized in the developing mouse testis using in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. We found ANKRD17 expression was predominantly restricted to pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. ANKRD17 was diffusely distributed throughout the nucleus of pachytene cells but excluded from the XY body and other heterochromatic regions. ANAPC10 was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia and leptotene and pachytene spermatocytes. These experiments support our computational predictions of Ankrd17 and Anapc10 as potential prophase genes. More importantly, they serve as a proof of concept of our integrative computational and experimental approach, which has delivered a larger candidate gene set to the broader reproductive community.
Perceived value of the american board of surgery certificate : A survey of 2,000 fellows of the american college of surgeons

Abstract Background: This study was undertaken to identify perceptions of surgeons of the value of the American Board of Surgery (ABS) certificate. Study Design: Two-thousand Fellows of the American College of Surgeons received a 30-item survey designed to identify their demographics and their assessments of the functional and financial value of the certificate. Functional value was assessed using a 5-point scale in the areas of professional recognition, personal satisfaction, court proceedings, job security, mobility, and advancement, whether the certificate was necessary to obtain an academic or a clinical position, and whether it served as an indicator of depth or breadth of surgical knowledge or of clinical competence. Perceived professional lifetime financial value of the certificate was also assessed. Results: Return response rate was 37.2%. The ABS certificate was perceived to be most valuable in obtaining an academic or a clinical position and playing a significant role in court proceedings. It was perceived as least valuable in indicating breadth of knowledge and clinical competence. Sixty-seven percent responded that certified surgeons should earn more, and 49% estimated the certificate's lifetime financial value as more than $500,000. Sixty-two percent of surgeons approved of continuing the recertification process every 10 years. Conclusions: The ABS certificate is perceived as an objective credentialing instrument that affords diplomates power, status, an opportunity to obtain an academic or clinical position, job mobility, protection in court proceedings, and greater income. Although it is perceived as an instrument that could aid a career, it is not viewed as an indicator of a person's clinical competence.
Time varying approach to adaptive control of nonlinear systems

This work investigates a stabilizing control law for a plant with not necessarily known nonlinearities under the assumption that the dynamics of the system are slow relative to the sample period. We treat the coefficients of an affine model of the dynamics as unknown parameters. It is shown that it is feasible to construct an adaptive control law provided that the plant is pointwise stabilizable. We investigate the general applicability of this technique by quantifying the restrictions required for closed loop stability of the adaptive system.
DSAP: a protocol for coordinated spectrum access

The continually increasing number of wireless devices operating in the unlicensed frequency bands makes the freely-available wireless spectrum a scarce commodity. Under such circumstances, efficient wireless spectrum management is necessary to minimize the effects of overcrowding and maximize quality of service. In this paper we present the design, implementation and evaluation of dynamic spectrum access protocol (DSAP), a centralized method for managing and coordinating spectrum access
P-56: Characteristics of Triangular Color pixel Arrangement TCA Structure AC Plasma Display Panel with Fine Pixel Pitches

The static and dynamic characteristics of Triangular Color pixel Arrangement TCA structure Alternating Current Plasma Display Panel AC PDP were observed with the variation of the discharge gas. We observed the characteristic changes of operation voltages, brightness and luminous efficacy with required addressing time for TCA structure AC PDP. And the performance was verified in a 42-in. diagonal WXGA PDP of 1024×768 format.
Outcomes of screening mammography by frequency, breast density, and postmenopausal hormone therapy.

Importance Controversy exists about the frequency women should undergo screening mammography and whether screening interval should vary according to risk factors beyond age. Objective To compare the benefits and harms of screening mammography frequencies according to age, breast density, and postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) use. Design Prospective cohort. Setting Data collected January 1994 to December 2008 from mammography facilities in community practice that participate in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) mammography registries. Participants Data were collected prospectively on 11 474 women with breast cancer and 922 624 without breast cancer who underwent mammography at facilities that participate in the BCSC. Main Outcomes and Measures We used logistic regression to calculate the odds of advanced stage (IIb, III, or IV) and large tumors (>20 mm in diameter) and 10-year cumulative probability of a false-positive mammography result by screening frequency, age, breast density, and HT use. The main predictor was screening mammography interval. Results Mammography biennially vs annually for women aged 50 to 74 years does not increase risk of tumors with advanced stage or large size regardless of women's breast density or HT use. Among women aged 40 to 49 years with extremely dense breasts, biennial mammography vs annual is associated with increased risk of advanced-stage cancer (odds ratio [OR], 1.89; 95% CI, 1.06-3.39) and large tumors (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.37-4.18). Cumulative probability of a false-positive mammography result was high among women undergoing annual mammography with extremely dense breasts who were either aged 40 to 49 years (65.5%) or used estrogen plus progestogen (65.8%) and was lower among women aged 50 to 74 years who underwent biennial or triennial mammography with scattered fibroglandular densities (30.7% and 21.9%, respectively) or fatty breasts (17.4% and 12.1%, respectively). Conclusions and Relevance Women aged 50 to 74 years, even those with high breast density or HT use, who undergo biennial screening mammography have similar risk of advanced-stage disease and lower cumulative risk of false-positive results than those who undergo annual mammography. When deciding whether to undergo mammography, women aged 40 to 49 years who have extremely dense breasts should be informed that annual mammography may minimize their risk of advanced-stage disease but the cumulative risk of false-positive results is high.
Serum Bacteriostasis of Staphylococcus aureus.

Serum bacteriostasis of Staphylococcus aureus was characterized quantitatively and quantitatively. Bacteriostasis was proportional to the concentration of serum. Reproducibility was good; freezing and thawing did not materially affect the end point. Four of six different strains, including the propagating S. aureus strain for phage 73 which does not produce coagulase, were susceptible to serum bacteriostasis in similar titers; two were not susceptible at all. All six strains were effective inhibitors of bacteriostasis. Active and inactive coagulase were also inhibitors. In contrast to sensitive S. aureus, S. epidermidis and Streptococcus salivarius were not uniformly susceptible to bacteriostasis by different serums. Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella montevideo, S. zymogenes, and Diplococcus pneumoniae were not susceptible. Among gram-positive bacteria, only D. pneumoniae inhibited S. aureus bacteriostasis. Agglutinins of S. aureus and nonspecific substances such as lysozyme, β-lysin, C-reactive protein, and transferrin were not responsible for S. aureus serum bacteriostasis. After diethylaminoethyl column fractionation of serum, the bacteriostatic principle was eluted in proximity to blood group antibody; immunoglobulins A, G, and M appeared to be present in bacteriostatic fractions. It is suggested that S. aureus bacteriostasis by serum is due to natural antibody and that inhibitory reactions with pneumococci and coagulase are due to common antigens.
Optical detection of molecular beacons in microfluidic devices

Hybridization and detection of E. coli ribosomal RNA with molecular beacons labeled with a fluorescent dye is achieved in a microfluidic device. The device consists of a four ports mixing chamber, where the probes and the target molecules mix by diffusion. The weak fluorescent signal is detected by two large core optical fibers that are placed on both sides of the channel and collect the light emitted in both directions. The fibers are coupled to a spectrophotometer. The detection limit for the system is 0.2 fmol.
Ytterbium(III) Trifluoromethanesulfonate & Ytterbium(III) Trifluoromethanesulfonate Hydrate

[54761-04-5] C3F9O9S3Yb (MW 620.28) InChI = 1S/3CHF3O3S.Yb/c3*2-1(3,4)8(5,6)7;/h3*(H,5,6,7);/q;;;+3/p-3 InChIKey = AHZJKOKFZJYCLG-UHFFFAOYSA-K [314041-23-1] C3F9O9S3Yb·xH2O (x = 1–2) (MW 620.28) (organometallics derived from addition of organolithiums or organomagnesiums to Yb(OTf)3 display enhanced diastereoselectivities in the carbonyl addition to chiral ketones and aldehydes;2 functions as a Lewis acid in promoting a variety of reactions including aldol, hydroxymethylation, allylation, Mannich-type, cycloaddition, and Friedel–Craft and radical reactions.4 Due to the stability of Yb(OTf)3 in water, several of the above reactions can be performed efficiently in aqueous media) Alternate Name: ytterbium(III) triflate. Preparative Methods: prepared by addition of an excess of ytterbium(III) oxide (commercially available, 99.9%) to an aqueous solution of Trifluoromethanesulfonic Acid (50% v/v) followed by heating at boiling for 0.5–1 h. The mixture is then purified by filtration to remove unreacted ytterbium oxide; residual water is removed under reduced pressure. The resultant hydrate is dried by heating under vacuum (1 mmHg) at 180 to 200 °C for 48 h. The reagent is then used without further purification.1 The organoytterbium reagent is prepared at −78 °C from Yb(OTf)3 and organolithiums or organomagnesiums.2 Chiral ytterbium complex can be prepared in situ by mixing Yb(OTf)3 and a chiral ligand in an appropriate solvent. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: subject to hydrate formation in aqueous media in the presence of amines;1 however, it survives mild aqueous workup.4
Consensus statement on inert gas washout measurement: at the threshold of clinical use

Inert gas washout tests including single breath washout (SBW) and multiple breath washout (MBW) have been used for several decades across a wide age range spanning from early infancy to late adulthood. In the past, these lung function tests were typically applied in research settings, assessing lung volume and ventilation distribution in order to gain insight into presence, severity and progression of a multitude of diseases, such as chronic lung disease of infancy [1–4], cystic fibrosis [5–9], asthma [10–12] and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [13–15]. Importantly, inert gas washout detects poor ventilation distribution in the presence of normal spirometry [16]. Until recently, inert gas washout testing was characterised by highly specific and at times incompletely validated hardware environments, customised software for data acquisition and analysis, and a general lack of consensus on criteria for processing and quality control of washouts across age groups. Thus, comparison and generalisability of study results from different laboratories testing patients with different diseases at different ages was extremely difficult. In this issue of the European Respiratory Journal , an international expert group of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and American Thoracic Society (ATS) takes an important step forward towards overcoming some of the most demanding issues, by publishing a comprehensive statement on inert gas washout measurements [17]. The consensus statement represents an enormous collaborative effort. It is relevant to manufacturers, researchers, …
Remote Electrochemical Sensor for Monitoring Trace Mercury

A newly designed remote probe has been developed for stripping measurements of trace mercury at large sample-instrument distances. Various gold electrodes, stripping modes, and operation conditions have been optimized to meet the requirement of remote monitoring of mercury. The favorable stripping potentiometric response obtained following 0.5–1.0 min deposition, leads to a rapid detection of low ppb mercury concentrations, and offers a fast warning capability. The optimized protocol offers a low detection limit ( of 0.3/mu;g/L with 5 min deposition) and good precision (RSD of 3.9 % for n = 100). Due to its inherent sensitivity, simplicity, stability, and smaller dimensions the new probe is well suited for in situ monitoring of trace mercury in natural waters.
Unusual isotopic composition of solar energetic particles observed in the November 6, 1997 event

Using the Solar Isotope Spectrometer on the Advanced Composition Explorer, we have measured the isotopic composition of solar energetic particles (SEPs) with energies of tens of MeV/nucleon during the November 6, 1997 solar event, including isotopes never before reported in SEPs, such as ^(34)S, ^(38)Ar, ^(44)Ca, ^(54)Fe, and ^(60)Ni, as well as isotopes of C, N, O, Ne, Mg, and Si. Abundances are found to be enhanced by factors of ∼2 relative to the standard solar system values for ^(22)Ne/^(20)Ne and ^(26)Mg/^(24)Mg. Overall, the enrichments of the isotope ratios show a correlation with the ratio of masses, M_2/M_1, scaling approximately as (M_2/M_1)^7, although significant deviations from this trend are evident.
VIOMAP, 16QAM and Spectral Regrowth: Enhanced Prediction and Predistortion based on Two-Tone Black-Box Model Extraction

Modeling a nonlinear device, based on measurements at the carrier frequency only, it is possible to predict its response to narrow-band signals like 16QAM. Using an inverse of this model to predistort the IQ signal may result in poor reduction of spectral regrowth due to unmodeled subtle side-effects. Based on two-tone measurements a better model can be extracted enhancing both the prediction and the reduction of spectral regrowth. This article focuses on the achieved results. An extended version does exist which also highlights some theoretical aspects.
Query-flood DoS attacks in gnutella

We describe a simple but effective traffic model that can be used to understand the effects of denial-of-service (DoS) attacks based on query floods in Gnutella networks. We run simulations based on the model to analyze how different choices of network topology and application level load balancing policies can minimize the effect of these types of DoS attacks. In addition, we also study how damage caused by query floods is distributed throughout the network, and how application-level policies can localize the damage.
Climate change, fluorescent lighting, and eye disease: a little too light on the science.

Walls et al. are undoubtedly well intentioned, but ill informed on lighting technologies and practices. Consequently statements in their recent article on fluorescent lighting and eye disease were technically incorrect and unnecessarily alarming to the public.1 We offer some corrections: high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps are typically more efficacious than fluorescent ones and about equally so when comparing similar wattages; light-emitting diodes (LEDs) appear brighter than fluorescent lamps—brightness is dimensionally equivalent to luminance, not total luminous flux; fluorescent lamps are available in a range of correlated color temperatures (CCTs) from 2700 K to 6500 K and above. The most popular ranges of CCTs used in the United States are between 3500 K and 4100 K for commercial and industrial use and between 2700 K to 3000 K for residential use, the latter figure being mainly from compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs); fluorescent lamps are operated using a ballast that drives one or multiple (up to four) lamps. Running multiple lamps per ballast improves system efficacy, but does not reduce flicker since most ballasts today operate the lamps at very high frequencies (> 20 kHz); CCT is completely independent of actinic dangers from light sources because a CCT designation is not unambiguously related to the spectral power distribution of the source. Indeed it is dangerously misleading to characterize actinic effects in terms of CCT; and there is no scientific consensus that lamps with higher CCTs improve concentration. Although this letter cannot cover all of the half-truths in the article by Walls et al., we do strongly recommend that the authors, as well as interested readers, familiarize themselves with the potential health risks of optical radiation from fabricated and natural light sources. Towards this goal, we suggest the following resources. In the first resource, Bullough describes retinal damage from prolonged viewing of intense short-wavelength radiation (i.e., blue light hazard).2 In the second one, Bergman et al. offer quantitative evaluations of the ultraviolet (UV) actinic dangers from common lamps.3 Finally, the current standards for optical radiation safety provide key references to the literature.4,5
G Protein–Dependent and G Protein–Independent Signaling Pathways and Their Impact on Cardiac Function

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) signal through a variety of mechanisms that impact cardiac function, including contractility and hypertrophy. G protein-dependent and -independent pathways each have the capacity to initiate numerous intracellular signaling cascades to mediate these effects. G protein-dependent signaling has been studied for decades and great strides continue to be made in defining the intricate pathways and effectors regulated by G proteins and their impact on cardiac function. G protein-independent signaling is a relatively newer concept that is being explored more frequently in the cardiovascular system. Recent studies have begun to reveal how cardiac function may be regulated via G protein-independent signaling, especially with respect to the ever-expanding cohort of β-arrestin-mediated processes. This review primarily focuses on the impact of both G protein-dependent and β-arrestin-dependent signaling pathways on cardiac function, highlighting the most recent data that illustrate the comprehensive nature of these mechanisms of GPCR signaling.
Gasdynamic Mirror Fusion Propulsion Experiment

A gasdynamic mirror (GDM) fusion propulsion experiment is currently being constructed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to test the feasibility of this particular type of fusion device. Because of the open magnetic field line configuration of mirror fusion devices, they are particularly well suited for propulsion system applications since they allow for the easy ejection of thrust producing plasma. Currently, the MSFC GDM is constructed in three segments. The vacuum chamber mirror segment, the plasma injector mirror segment, and the main plasma chamber segment. Enough magnets are currently available to construct up to three main plasma chamber segments. The mirror segments are also segmented such that they can be expanded to accommodate new end plugging strategies with out requiring the disassembly of the entire mirror segment. The plasma for the experiment is generated in a microwave cavity located between the main magnets and the mirror magnets. Ion heating is accomplished through ambipolar diffusion. The objective of the experiment is to investigate the stability characteristics of the gasdynamic mirror and to map a region of parameter space within which the plasma can be confined in a stable steady state configuration. The mirror ratio, plasma density, and plasma "b" will be varied over a range of values and measurements subsequently taken to determine the degree of plasma stability.
An approach to multilayer microfluidic systems with integrated electrical, optical, and mechanical functionality

A general solution is presented for the realization of microfluidic systems containing multiple compartments with sequential functions. The approach utilizes multilayer plastic/glass/silicon microfluidic system configurations with integrated electrical, optical, and fluid control functionalities. The approach allows for the integration of on-column, on-chip electrical conductivity/impedance detectors and driving electrodes, as well as for the integration of on-column, off-chip optical detection using resonance light scattering. A process-compatible latex microvalve is demonstrated and characterized. The procedure utilizes a novel packaging technique for realizing integrated fluid and electrical interfaces between the microsystem and conventional tubing/instrumentation. The microfluidic system demonstrated in this work contains some of the most commonly used components in bioanalysis systems and can be used as a platform to fabricate more sophisticated microscale bioanalysis systems for a variety of applications.
Fixed-phase retiming for low power design

In this paper we introduce fixed-phase retiming, an optimization technique for reducing the power dissipation of digital circuits without sacrificing their performance. In fixed-phase retiming, we first transform any given edge-triggered circuit into a two-phase level-clocked circuit by replacing each flip-flop by two level-sensitive latches. Subsequently, while keeping the latches clocked on one of the phases fixed, we relocate the remaining latches onto interconnections with high glitching activity and capacitive load. We formulate fixed-phase retiming as a Boolean monotonic linear program and give an O(V/sup 6/ log V)-time algorithm for solving it, where V is the number of combinational blocks in the circuit.
Survival of Exotic Newcastle Disease Virus in Commercial Poultry Environment Following Removal of Infected Chickens

During the first weeks of 2003, after exotic Newcastle disease (END) was confirmed in commercial layer flocks in Southern California, it became apparent that the virus survival information in the literature varied widely and was difficult to extrapolate to current local conditions. The END Task Force used the information available in the literature and the recommendations of research scientists to establish protocols for safely handling manure from infected and depopulated premises. In an attempt to gain more applicable knowledge in the management of contaminated poultry manure in the course of the END outbreak, this virus survival study was designed and implemented. Environmental drag swabs were tested for END virus from two of the early-infected commercial ranches that consisted of several houses following immediate removal of the infected flocks. A total of 293 samples, composed of 168 manure drag swab pools, 72 dropping board swab pools, and 38 compost swab pools from 3 houses (ranch 1), and 180 manure belt scraper swab pools from ranch 2 were analyzed for ND virus isolation and characterization for 21 consecutive days postdepopulation. Thirteen manure drag swab pools (from houses 1 and 3) and two manure dropping board swab pools (from house 3) collected from ranch 1 were positive for END virus at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 12, and 16 days postdepopulation. No END virus was isolated after the 16th day following depopulation from any of the samples. All samples from ranch 2 were negative during the entire observation period.
Spatial structure of cone inputs to cortical color cells

The spatial structure of primate cortical color-cell receptive fields is controversial. In this study, spots of light that selectively modulate one class of cones (L, M or S, or loosely red, green or blue) were flashed in and around the receptive fields of V-1 color cells to map the spatial structure of the cone inputs. The maps generated using these cone-isolating stimuli, together with an eye-position corrected reverse correlation technique, produced four findings. First, the receptive fields were Double-Opponent, an organization of spatial and chromatic opponency that, when complemented by other cues in the natural world (e.g. spectral highlights and 3-D shape, Kraft and Brainard, 1999), likely contributes to color constancy and color contrast. Optimally stimulating both center and surround subregions simultaneously with adjacent red and green spots excited the cells more than stimulating a single subregion. Second, red-green cells responded in a luminance-invariant way. For example, red-on-center cells were excited equally by a stimulus that increased L-cone activity (appearing bright red) and by a stimulus that decreased M-cone activity (appearing dark red). This implies that the opponency between L and M is balanced and argues that these cells are encoding a single chromatic axis. Third, most color cells responded to stimuli of all orientations and had circularly symmetric receptive fields. Some cells, however, showed a coarse orientation preference. This was reflected in the receptive fields as oriented Double-Opponent subregions. Fourth, red-green cells often responded to S-cone stimuli. Responses to M- and S-cone stimuli were usually aligned, suggesting these cells might be best described as red-cyan. In sum, red-green (or red-cyan) cells, along with blue-yellow and black-white cells, establish three chromatic axes that are sufficient to describe all of color space.
Tax Aversion in Labor Supply

Abstract In a real-effort laboratory experiment, labor supply decreases more with the introduction of a tax than with a financially equivalent drop in wages. This “tax aversion” is large in magnitude: when we decompose the productivity decrease that arises from taxation, we estimate that 40% is due to the lower net wage and the remaining 60% to tax aversion. This tax aversion affects labor supply more on the extensive margin (working less) than on the intensive margin (being less productive while working). The aversion is equally strong whether tax revenue goes to the U.S. government or back to the experimenter (a “laboratory tax”). We discuss the implications of our results for the relationship between labor supply and taxation.
The Status of Computerized Accounting Software in Small American Businesses

A telephone survey of 123 companies in the Cincinnati SM SA with 30 or Jess employe as taken for the purpose of determining the extent of computerization, the level of intere n accounting software, and the type of computerized accounting system selected for use. ere also interested in the method of selection and level of utilization of computerized a ounting soft ware. The types of accounting software are classified as the off-the-shelf no odifiable, off-the-shelf modifiable, and custom designed .This pa per will examine how the companies chose their present system, how the mployees were trained on that system, and the extent to which the accounting function maller companies is now computerized . The reality of the system vs. expectations and t vel of utilization of the system will also be examined . The data will be tabulated so that tren an be identified . The result is that our body of knowledge about accounting software use for small companies will be increased .
Possible Link Between Chronic Periodontal Disease and Central

Systemic infection and/or inflammation has been related with an increased risk of brain abscesses, cerebrovascular disease, cognitive impairment and other pathological states of the brain. Therefore, it is plausible, that a chronic infection and inflammation disease, such as periodontitis, may affect the central nervous system (CNS). Chronic periodontal disease is a condition that causes breakdown of the supporting tissues of the teeth, alveolar bone and soft tissues. Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial disease caused by dental plaque composed of pathogenic bacteria that triggers the immune response in susceptible hosts. Oral pathogenic bacteria is a source of chronic infection that can induce local and peripheral production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1s, IL-6 and TNF- , inflammatory mediators, as well as bacterial products such as lipopolysaccaride endotoxin. Viruses, such as herpes and Epstein-Barr, can also be found in periodontal pockets. It is well established that oral pathogenic microorganisms may cause systemic infection by transient or persistent bacteremia, disseminating within the body, and infiltrate distal sites and organs. It has been proposed that in vulnerable populations and under certain circumstances, bacterial and viral infections may enter the brain from the bloodstream. Once in the brain, infectious pathogens and inflammatory products may compromise vascular integrity. Thus, the potential role of the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis in the development and progression of cerebral infection and inflammation can have a link. There is no direct evidence that determines whether oral diseases have a causal association with CNS pathologies, nonetheless there are several reports that have found oral periodontal pathogens lodged in the brain. Both inflammatory states may just share a casual connection with common risk factors and complex multifactorial etiologies. However, the possibility that pathogenic oral microorganisms disseminate to the bloodstream and reach the brain, initiating or exacerbating existing cerebral lesions, cannot be disregarded. In addition, not only periodontal pathogens may be involved in invading the brain, but also, the pro-inflammatory factors induced systemically by periodontitis, may play a role in CNS pathologies. This oral systemic link will be discussed in this paper.
ELLIPTIC FLOW FLUCTUATIONS IN AU+AU COLLISIONS AT $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200\, {\rm GeV}$

This paper presents a measurement of event-by-event fluctuations of charged particle elliptic flow in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200\, {\rm GeV}$ as a function of collision centrality. The relative non-statistical fluctuations of the elliptic flow coefficient, v2, are found to be approximately 40%. The magnitude of the observed relative fluctuations in v2 agrees with predictions based on spatial fluctuations of the participating nucleons in the initial nuclear overlap region. These results are consistent with a scenario where v2 is directly proportional to the eccentricity of the initial matter distribution on an event-by-event basis. The subsequent evolution of the system does not change this in any measurable way, consistent with hydrodynamic evolution with a very low viscosity. The agreement of the results with event-by-event eccentricity calculations indicates that matter in the initial stage of the collision is produced with a transverse granularity similar to that of the participant nucleons.
A cancer pain primer.

Abstract Opportunities exist for improving cancer pain management. Medical-surgical nurses must partner with patients and families to achieve optimal pain management. They must use valid tools to assess patients and be knowledgeable about pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures to manage pain.
Asymmetric Responses of Investors within Foreign Exchange Markets to Political Events: Evidence from Nigeria

I find evidence that while a political event which has implications for Central Bank Autonomy (CBA event) induces currency depreciation that is accompanied by an increase in currency inventory risk, a political event that can be interpreted as evidence of partisanship (partisanship event) induces depreciation that is evidence of an increase in currency valuation uncertainty. Asymmetries in investors' responses are evident in my finding that while exchange rate volatility decreases in response to a CBA event, a partisanship event induces an increase in exchange rate volatility. Also, while CBA events are accompanied by a decrease in currency information risk (regardless of increase in inventory risk), partisanship events are accompanied by an increase in currency information risk. Given both CBA and partisanship events result in currency depreciation, my findings provide evidence of significant losses in purchasing power or social welfare from political events.
Membrane currents in canine bronchial artery and their regulation by excitatory agonists.

The bronchial vasculature plays an important role in airway physiology and pathophysiology. We investigated the ion currents in canine bronchial smooth muscle cells using patch-clamp techniques. Su...
Finite Element Analysis of Solidifying Processes in Rapid Freeze Prototyping

Rapid Freeze Prototyping (RFP) can generate three-dimensional ice patterns from CAD models by depositing and solidifying water droplets layer by layer. One important issue of the RFP process is how to fabricate the ice pattern to desired accuracy in an acceptable short time. The waiting time between two successive layers is a critical factor. A waiting time that is too short will lead to unacceptable part accuracy, while a waiting time that is too long will lead to an excessive build time. Finite Element Analysis is employed in the study, as described in the present paper, to predict the solidification time of a newly deposited water layer and to develop a better understanding of heat transfer during the RFP process. ANSYS is utilized to develop software for the prediction of solidification time. Effect of various process parameters on the solidification time of an ice column and a vertical ice wall is investigated. These parameters include environment temperature, heat convection coefficient, initial water droplet temperature, layer thickness, and waiting time between two successive layers.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Pharmacotherapy of Borderline States

Our current state of knowledge regarding the pharmacologic management of BDs is at an early point in its evolution, exceeded only marginally by our ability to define the nosologic boundaries of these disorders. As the boundaries become better defined, especially those shared with the AD spectrum, and concurrently there is an effort to define nosologic subgroups based on differential drug treatment response, we gradually will be able to prospectively make better prescribing decisions and thereby reduce the trial-and-error aspect, with its potential for further sensitizing this population who already deal poorly with inconstancy.
Arteriovenous shunts and fistulas for hemodialysis.

The infrequent incidence of infection and thrombosis in arteriovenous fistulas, as well as the freedom from the restrictions of activity imposed by the arteriovenous shunt, has led to the great popularity of arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis. Techniques for and advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed.
Second Anniversary as JACC's Editor-in-Chief: Maintaining Focus Through Simplicity and Insightfulness, With a Look Toward Advocacy.

![Figure][1] “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”—Elie Wiesel [(1)][2] Milestones always cause me to reflect not on what has been accomplished, but rather on what else needs to be completed
Developments in membranes, catalysts and membrane electrode assemblies for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs)

Abstract: Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are particularly attractive as portable power sources because they use liquid methanol fuel which is easily manageable and has a high energy storage density. However, DMFCs present certain major challenges: the sluggish methanol oxidation reaction at the anode and oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode and methanol crossover through the membrane from the anode to the cathode, all of which lead to dramatic performance losses. The commercialization of DMFC has been hindered by these factors, as well as the high costs of the Pt-based catalyst and perfluorinated membrane currently used. This chapter, after outlining the fundamental aspects of DMFC operation, focuses on the design and developments of membranes, electrocatalysts, catalyst layer and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) structure to address these technical challenges and reduce the cost.
Understanding watershed hydrogeochemistry: 2. Synchronized hydrological and geochemical processes drive stream chemostatic behavior.

Why do solute concentrations in streams remain largely constant while discharge varies by orders of magnitude? We used a new hydrological land surface and reactive transport code, RT-Flux-PIHM, to understand this long-standing puzzle. We focus on the nonreactive chloride (Cl) and reactive magnesium (Mg) in the Susquehanna Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory (SSHCZO). Simulation results show that stream discharge comes from surface runoff (Qs), soil lateral flow (QL), and deeper groundwater (QG), with QL contributing >70%. In the summer, when high evapotranspiration dries up and disconnects most of the watershed from the stream, Cl is trapped along planar hillslopes. Successive rainfalls connect the watershed and mobilize trapped Cl, which counteracts dilution effects brought about by high water storage (Vw) and maintains chemostasis. Similarly, the synchronous response of clay dissolution rates (Mg source) to hydrological conditions, maintained largely by a relatively constant ratio between “wetted” mineral surface area Aw and Vw, controls Mg chemostatic behavior. Sensitivity analysis indicates that cation exchange plays a secondary role in determining chemostasis compared to clay dissolution, although it does store an order-of-magnitude more Mg on exchange sites than soil water. Model simulations indicate that dilution (concentration decrease with increasing discharge) occurs only when mass influxes from soil lateral flow are negligible (e.g., via having low clay surface area) so that stream discharge is dominated by relatively constant mass fluxes from deep groundwater that are unresponsive to surface hydrological conditions.
Retrospectively supervised click decoder calibration for self-calibrating point-and-click brain-computer interfaces.

Abstract Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) aim to restore independence to people with severe motor disabilities by allowing control of a cursor on a computer screen or other effectors with neural activity. However, physiological and/or recording-related nonstationarities in neural signals can limit long-term decoding stability, and it would be tedious for users to pause use of the BCI whenever neural control degrades to perform decoder recalibration routines. We recently demonstrated that a kinematic decoder (i.e. a decoder that controls cursor movement) can be recalibrated using data acquired during practical point-and-click control of the BCI by retrospectively inferring users’ intended movement directions based on their subsequent selections. Here, we extend these methods to allow the click decoder to also be recalibrated using data acquired during practical BCI use. We retrospectively labeled neural data patterns as corresponding to “click” during all time bins in which the click log-likelihood (decoded using linear discriminant analysis, or LDA) had been above the click threshold that was used during real-time neural control. We labeled as “non-click” those periods that the kinematic decoder’s retrospective target inference (RTI) heuristics determined to be consistent with intended cursor movement. Once these neural activity patterns were labeled, the click decoder was calibrated using standard supervised classifier training methods. Combined with real-time bias correction and baseline firing rate tracking, this set of “retrospectively labeled” decoder calibration methods enabled a BrainGate participant with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (T9) to type freely across 11 research sessions spanning 29 days, maintaining high-performance neural control over cursor movement and click without needing to interrupt virtual keyboard use for explicit calibration tasks. By eliminating the need for tedious calibration tasks with prescribed targets and pre-specified click times, this approach advances the potential clinical utility of intracortical BCIs for individuals with severe motor disability.