cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decoherence through superradiance in quantum computers

Normally, the spontaneous emission of photons due to transitions between functional levels of a qubit is not an important decohering factor because of low probability. However, when the distance between the levels corresponds to frequencies below 100GHz, the wavelength of the photons is in the millimeter range or longer. If this range includes N identical qubits, the probability of the photon emission goes up by a factor N due to Dicke superradiance. This can drastically increase the decoherence rate. Numerical examples with spin and SQUID based qubits are given to illustrate this effect.
Use of Nanoparticles for the Development of High-Performance Nanoresins

In this study, a brittle epoxy resin has successfully been toughened by very small concentrations of SiC and diamond nanoparticles. The tensile stress-strain response (based on the ASTM tensile tests for polymers) and the fracture energy release rate, GIC , (based on the ASTM Single-Edge-Notched-Bending, SENB, tests for polymers) of neat and nano-reinforced epoxy were characterized over a range of nanoparticle concentrations. The maximum elevation of the fracture toughness, GIC , occurred at a very small particle concentration of about 0.2% by weight, for both diamond and SiC nanoparticles). This was also manifested as higher tensile failure stress and strain. The elevation of fracture toughness is most likely due to crack front trapping of the particles that promoted subsequent local plastic deformation. Scanning electron micrographs of the fracture surfaces for samples tested in tension and fracture showed the transition of epoxy behavior from brittle-to-ductile-to-brittle with increasing weight percentage of nanoparticles. At higher particle concentrations, flaky fracture surface was observed and the fracture toughness dropped, attaining values similar to the unreinforced polymer, which is attributed to agglomeration of the nanoparticles.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Rare endocrine tumours of the GI tract

Functional pancreatic endocrine tumors other than gastrinoma and insulinoma are quite rare. The principles of management include the diagnosis and management of the functional hormonal syndrome, and management of the potentially malignant tumor. Optimally, control of the hormonal syndrome is achieved preoperatively to stabilize the patient status for the operation, however, resection may be an important part of the control of the hormonal syndrome. Ultimately, the only curative treatment for these neoplasms is complete tumour resection, when feasible.
Developing cross-cultural/cross-national instruments: Using cross-national methods and procedures

Abstract The first section of this chapter deals with the development of the two cross-cultural/cross-national instruments used in the five international studies included in this monograph. One of these instruments (Inventory of Parental Influence) measures five family processes; the second instrument (Self-Concept attribute attitude Scale—SaaS) isolates children's confidence in their math abilities (math self-concept scale). The second section of this chapter describes the cross-sectional methods and procedures common to the five studies.
Double-diffusion models from a highly-heterogeneous medium☆

A distributed microstructure model is obtained by homogenization from an exact micro-model with continuous temperature and flux for heat diffusion through a periodically distributed highly-heterogeneous medium. This composite medium consists of two flow regions separated by a third region which forms the doubly-porous matrix structure. The homogenized system recognizes the multiple scale processes and the microscale geometry of the local structure, and it quantifies the distributed heat exchange across the internal boundaries. The classical double-diffusion models of Rubinstein (1948) and Barenblatt (1960) are obtained in non-isotropic form for the special case of quasi-static coupling in this homogenized system.
Global X‐ray observations of magnetospheric convection‐driven auroral disturbances

Global observations of the auroral x-ray emissions during three large magnetic storms in 1998 are presented from the Polar Ionospheric X-ray Imaging Experiment (PIXIE). The cross-polar-cap potential drop (ΔΦPC) remained large (>100 kV) throughout most of the stormtime periods, and most of the x-ray emissions observed were associated with enhanced earthward convection and dawnward drift of electrons caused by substantial cross-tail electric fields. Large increases in ΔΦPC drove impulsive disturbances termed convection enhancements that showed signatures inconsistent with substorm activity, including substantial auroral emissions in the morning sector and little activity in the premidnight sector.
Nonverbal Discrimination of More and Fewer Elements by Children.

Abstract Fifty-six prekindergarten and 174 kindergarten children learned to choose either the card with more or the card with fewer elements in simultaneous discrimination problems. Learning was faster when the card with more elements was positive, particularly when a zero-element card was involved. This difference appeared to be attributable in part to an initial preference for “more.” On transfer trials involving all possible pairings of the training cards, subjects generally performed as though their choices were governed by the concept “more” or “fewer”. This tendency increased with age and with experience in the situation, even though conditions made verbal mediation appear unlikely.
Tilt-Induced Anisotropic Phases in Wide GaAs Quantum Wells

Tilt induced anisotropic transport is observed in a series of three wide GaAs quantum wells. In the absence of tilt the transport is isotropic and well developed quantum Hall states are observed. For large values of tilt (θ>60°) the quantum Hall states at ν = 5 and 7 are replaced by strongly anisotropic states in the two widest wells, occurring at slightly lower values of θ for the widest well. A similar transition is also seen at ν = 9 in the widest quantum well. This transition is not observed in the narrowest quantum well up to the largest tilt angle measured.
Compositions of Formosan basalts and aspects of their petrogeneses

Abstract Twenty-three basalts from northwestern Formosa were analyzed for Si, Ti, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, K, Rb, Sr, Hf, Co, Sc, Cr, Th, and 7 REE. Formosan alkalic basalts are generally similar to most alkalic basalts, and Formosan tholeiites are somewhat similar to island arc and continental tholeiites in terms of trends in K/Rb, Rb/Sr, K/Sr, and Ca/Sr ratios. Compared to most submarine tholeiites, Formosan tholeiites are enriched in Rb relative to K and Sr, and enriched in Sr relative to K and Ca. Both types of Formosan basalts show, relative to chondritic proportions, enrichments in light REE which smoothly decrease through the heavy REE. Their REE patterns are similar to those observed in Dogo-Oki alkalic basalts, Hawaiian basalts, and Deccan Plateau basalt, but differ strikingly from those of Japanese tholeiites and oceanic ridge basalts. These relationships and contrasts suggest that Formosan basalts originated in a plagioclase-free portion of the upper mantle and at greater depths that did Japanese tholeiites and oceanic ridge basalts.
Studies toward the total synthesis of eletefine: an efficient construction of the AB ring system

Synthetic studies toward eletefine, a novel stephaoxocane alkaloid, were undertaken in an attempt to provide a general methodology to aid in the synthesis of other novel stephaoxocanes. An efficient construction of the AB ring system with increased functionality is described which presents a flexible approach to synthesizing the C and D rings of eletefine.
Both Texting and Eating Are Associated With Impaired Simulated Driving Performance

Objective: Distracted driving is a known contributor to traffic accidents, and many states have banned texting while driving. However, little is known about the potential accident risk of other common activities while driving, such as eating. The objective of the current study was to examine the adverse impact of eating/drinking behavior relative to texting and nondistracted behaviors on a simulated driving task. Methods: A total of 186 participants were recruited from undergraduate psychology courses over 2 semesters at Kent State University. We utilized the Kent Multidimensional Assessment Driving Simulation (K-MADS) to compare simulated driving performance among participants randomly assigned to texting (N = 45), eating (N = 45), and control (N = 96) conditions. Multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) were conducted to examine between-group differences on simulated driving indices. Results: MANOVA analyses indicated that groups differed in simulated driving performance, F(14, 366) = 7.70, P < .001. ...
“You Wouldn't Take a Seven-Year-Old and Ask Him All These Questions”: Jurors' Use of Practical Reasoning in Supporting Their Arguments

In ordinary conversation, speakers are often called on to defend their assertions. In talk that takes place in institutional settings, speakers must often account for their claims as well. This study concerns the methods of argumentative support employed by participants in a particular institutional setting: jury deliberations. Micro-interactional analysis of transcripts of two actual deliberations-using the theoretical and methodological perspectives of ethnomethodology and conversation analysis-reveals that when jurors present defenses or accounts of their positions, they often reference mundane experience and practical reasoning. Jurors do not, then, merely weigh strictly "legal" considerations. Three of the jurors' discursive methods are scrutinized: Normative assertions, claims of expertise, and declarations of knowledge. These techniques serve not only to establish "evidence" in support of a juror's position but also to deflect other jurors' disagreement.
Design and construction of a microdensitometer computer interface

This project consisted in modifying the output of a scanning microdensitometer so that a computer could accept and process the (optical) density versus position information gathered from radiographic film. The system functions were separated into two parts: the actual datagathering process, which required real-time response, and the calculation associated with the data. Separation of functions allowed a less expensive system overall while still preserving flexibility. For the real-time control computer, a relatively slow microprocessor-based system (Motorola MC6800) was chosen. The microdensitometer was modified to allow computer control of the scan. The density versus position information was digitized using optical shaft encoders. Cassette tape was used as a mass-storage medium for complete scans. Using an acoustic coupler, the microprocessor was cofigured to transmit accumulated data to a timeshare system for analysis. The results were retransmitted and displayed on a TV screen or printed on a line printer or teletype. The total cost of the microprocessor system was a little less than $5,000. The time required to produce the software was 50 to 100 hrs (approximately 1 week).
1.6- $\mu$ m Multiwavelength Emission of an InAs–InGaAsP Quantum-Dot Laser

A multiwavelength laser with maximum signal-to-noise ratio up to 62 dB was demonstrated on the basis of a 461-m-long InAs-InGaAsP quantum-dot waveguide Fabry-Perot cavity chip. It has 24 channels with 0.8-nm channel spacing and 8.0-dB maximum channel intensity nonuniformity over a wavelength range from 1612 to 1632 nm. Its channel spacing irregularity due to linear intracavity waveguide dispersion was also investigated.
Our “Nation of Immigrants”: Conflict and Citizenship in a Refugee Relocation Program

Abstract: This paper explores the controversy surrounding the proposed settlement of a group of Somali Bantu refugees in Cayce, South Carolina, in 2003. Focusing primarily on letters to the editor of a local newspaper, analysis emphasizes how community members debated and constructed issues of difference, race, culture, citizenship, and belonging.
Synthesis of Isoindolo[2,1-a]indoles by the Palladium-Catalyzed Annulation of Internal Acetylenes

A wide variety of substituted isoindolo[2,1-a]indoles have been prepared via annulation of internal alkynes by imines derived from o-iodoanilines in the presence of a palladium catalyst. This methodology provides an extremely efficient route for the synthesis of these tetracyclic heterocycles from readily available starting materials. The mechanism of this interesting annulation process appears to involve (1) oxidative addition of the aryl iodide to Pd(0), (2) alkyne insertion, (3) addition of the resulting vinylic palladium intermediate to the C−N double bond of the imine, (4) either electrophilic palladation of the resulting σ-palladium intermediate onto the adjacent aromatic ring derived from the internal alkyne or oxidative addition of the neighboring aryl carbon−hydrogen bond, and (5) reduction of the tetracyclic product and Pd(0). A variety of internal acetylenes have been employed in this annulation process in which the aromatic ring of the alkyne contains either a phenyl or a heterocyclic ring.
Venue and outcome in ecological experiments : manipulations of larval anurans

The choice of venue is believed to be a critical decision for ecologists conducting experiments, yet the existence of tradeoffs in design and the impact of venue on outcome have not been quantitatively evaluated. To these ends we reviewed a set of 227 comparisons from 52 studies designed to quantify the effect of density on the growth performance of larval anurans. We predicted that both design and outcome would be related to experimental venue (laboratory, mesocosm, and field). We found that, in contrast to our predictions, laboratory experiments did not include more factors or yield more precise estimates of responses compared with mesocosm and field manipulations. In partial support of our prediction, we found that laboratory experiments did utilize somewhat larger numbers of replicates and included more levels per factor compared to the alternative venues. In addition we found that, as predicted, raising tadpoles at higher densities of conspecifics, or in the presence of heterospecifics tended to decrease growth. This effect, consistent with competition, was strongly dependent on experimental venue. In particular, we found that interspecific effects were much stronger in mesocosm versus field manipulations. This result is particularly relevant because conceptions of amphibian assemblages have included interspecific competition as integral to natural patterns of amphibian distribution. We conclude that hypothesized tradeoffs among experimental venues have not acted in a particularly strong way in shaping the design of tadpole density manipulations. However, venue may mediate strong effects on the outcome of such experiments. Quantification of such methodology based biases will help ecologists more effectively match the goals of their experiments with decisions regarding venue.
Capillary response at a dropping mercury electrode

Abstract A solution film inside the capillary is the principal locus of shielding at a D.M.E. A graphical method for obtaining the true double-layer capacitance is presented, and a model is given which represents the electrical characteristics of the solution film.
Style and Function; Conceptual Issues in Evolutionary Archaeology.

Style and Function; Conceptual Issues in Evolutionary Archaeology. Teresa D. Hurt and Gordon F. M. Rakita. eds. Westport, CT: Bergin and Garvey, 2001. 240 pp.
Quantification of Jκ signal end breaks in developing B cells by blunt-end linker ligation and qPCR

Abstract Introduction of a double-strand DNA break at the junction between a rearranging gene segment and its flanking recombination signal sequence (RSS) is the first step of V(D)J recombination. Such DNA breaks can be detected by either Southern blot hybridization or ligation-mediated PCR. While Southern blotting is easily quantifiable, it is often insufficiently sensitive and while LM-PCR is far more sensitive, it is poorly quantifiable. Reported here is a LM-qPCR assay which relies on real-time qPCR to provide an absolute measure of recombinase-mediated, or any other specific, double-strand DNA break in genomic DNA. The efficiency of the initial ligation reaction was found to be relatively low with just 3% of potential targets undergoing linker ligation. Using this assay, approximately 16% of murine bone marrow pre-B cells were determined to contain a dsDNA break adjacent to the Jκ1 gene segment. In addition, the kinetics of JΚκ1 dsDNA breaks in a temperature-sensitive cell line induced to recombine its κ locus was determined.
Implicit cognition as a moderator of brief motivational interventions for alcohol

Hazardous alcohol use is a function of implicit cognition, i.e., nonconscious influences on appetitive behavior stemming from memory associations that are automatically activated upon exposure to alcohol cues. Implicit cognition is typically not addressed by alcohol brief intervention (BI), which targets explicit or conscious processes underlying alcohol restraint (e.g., readiness-to-change). The potential role of implicit cognition in BI outcomes has not been well-studied. Eighty-nine hazardous drinking college students (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test [AUDIT] score > 8) participated in a general health study for course credit. Students were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: assessment only or a 10-15 minute motivational intervention. Students completed measures of alcohol use and readiness-to-change at baseline and at 6-week follow-up. In addition, they completed an alcohol-specific implicit association test (a response-time measure of alcohol approach). The motivational intervention resulted in a significant increase in readiness-to-change immediately following the intervention. However, the effect of the intervention on change in quantity of alcohol use per drinking occasion at follow-up was significantly moderated by implicit cognition. Simple slopes analyses showed that those with low implicit appetitive responses showed significantly less drinking when exposed to the intervention condition, while those with high implicit cognition did not. Similarly, readiness-to-change scores predicted declines in drinking for those low in implicit cognition but not for those who showed high levels of implicit cognition. These results suggest that the effect of brief motivational intervention may be less effective among those with strong implicit alcohol-approach associations, and that implicit cognition may be important to address in subsequent BI development.
Socioeconomic factors in adolescents' oral health: are they mediated by oral hygiene behaviors or preventive interventions?

Polk DE, Weyant RJ, Manz MC. Socioeconomic factors in adolescents’ oral health: are they mediated by oral hygiene behaviors or preventive interventions? Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 1–9. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Objectives: To determine whether there is a socioeconomic status (SES) disparity in caries experience (i.e., DMFT) in an adolescent sample from Pennsylvania and to determine whether differences in oral hygiene behaviors and preventive interventions account for this disparity. Methods: A cross-sectional clinical assessment was conducted on a representative sample of 9th grade and 11th grade students across Pennsylvania. These students also completed a brief questionnaire regarding their oral hygiene behaviors. From this group of students, a random subsample of 530 parents completed a questionnaire assessing SES, fluoride exposure, and recency of receipt of dental services. DMFT was examined at two thresholds of severity: simple prevalence (DMFT > 0) and severe caries (DMFT > 3). Results: Using structural equation modeling, we found that lower SES was associated with higher prevalence of DMFT and higher prevalence of severe caries. Although lower SES was associated with lower rates of brushing, less use of sealants, and less recent receipt of dental services, these oral health behaviors and preventive interventions did not account for the disparities in DMFT defined by SES. Conclusions: There is an SES gradient in caries experience in adolescents in Pennsylvania. Disparities in caries experience, however, cannot be accounted for by SES-associated differences in brushing, flossing, sealant use, fluoride exposure, or recency of use of dental services. To facilitate the design of preventive interventions, future research should determine the pathways through which SES-associated disparities occur.
Spiritual care of families in the intensive care unit.

Objectives:There is growing recognition of the importance of spiritual care as a quality domain for critically ill patients and their families, but there is a paucity of research to guide quality improvement in this area. Our goals were to: 1) determine whether intensive care unit (ICU) family membe
A Lateral Microfluidic Cell for Imaging Electrodeposited Zinc near the Shorting Condition

The morphology evolution of zinc electrodeposited from alkaline ZnO/KOH is imaged in situ using a microfluidic cell. Working and counter electrodes are in a lateral configuration, separated by a flow channel with a height of 90 m, resulting in quasi-twodimensional zinc layers. At a flow rate of 0.3 cm/s, zinc packing in the channel is highest at a current density just above the transition from porous to dense zinc, i 170 mA/cm 2 . When deposited, compact zinc is approximately 3 times as dense as porous zinc, as determined by image analysis of the layer. The dense mode invariably leads to ramifications and critical growth, causing cell shorting. Greater zinc packing is possible at a flow rate of 3.1 cm/s, although flow rates of this order are impractical for flow-assisted zinc batteries. Ramified zinc tips approach a kinetically limited rate, independent of electrolyte flow rate. Therefore, increased flow rate cannot control critical growth once it begins. Increased flow rate results in a higher density of ramified tips at equivalent cell potential. The zinc deposition reaction has a Tafel slope of 130 mV below 10 mA/cm 2 and 50 mV
Reducing clock skew variability via crosslinks

Increasingly significant variational effects present a great challenge for delivering desired clock skew reliably. Nontree clock network has been recognized as a promising approach to overcome the variation problem. Existing nontree clock routing methods are restricted to a few simple or regular structures, and often consume excessive amounts of wirelength. This paper suggests to construct a low-cost nontree clock network by inserting crosslinks in a given clock tree. The effects of the link insertion on clock skew variability are analyzed. Based on the analysis, this paper proposes two link insertion schemes that can quickly convert a clock tree to a nontree with significantly lower skew variability and very limited wirelength increase. In these schemes, the complicated nontree delay computation is circumvented. Further, they can be applied to the recently popular nonzero skew routing easily. The effectiveness of the proposed techniques has been validated through SPICE-based Monte Carlo simulations
Preparation of ZnO thin films by plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition for the application to thin film transistors

We investigated the effect of the deposition temperature during plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition (PA-ALD) on the performance of ZnO TFTs. The ZnO TFTs with the channel layers deposited at 300°C exhibited high on-current compared with the TFTs with the channel layers deposited at 100°C. X-ray diffraction measurement, the 300°C-ZnO TFTs films have high crystallinity compared with the 100°C-ZnO films. It suggests that improvement of crystallinity of ZnO films leads to the increase of the on-current.
On step sizes, stochastic shortest paths, and survival probabilities in reinforcement learning

Reinforcement learning (RL) is a simulation-based technique useful in solving Markov decision processes if their transition probabilities are not easily obtainable or if the problems have a very large number of states. We present an empirical study of (i) the effect of step-sizes (learning rules) in the convergence of RL algorithms, (ii) stochastic shortest paths in solving average reward problems via RL, and (iii) the notion of survival probabilities (downside risk) in RL. We also study the impact of step sizes when function approximation is combined with RL. Our experiments yield some interesting insights that will be useful in practice when RL algorithms are implemented within simulators.
LOWER BOUNDS FOR THE HELMHOLTZ FUNCTION

A mathematical theorem is established for traces of products of bounded Hermitian and definite operators, a and b: $\mathrm{Tr}{(\mathrm{ab})}^{{2}^{p+1}}l~\mathrm{Tr}{({\mathrm{a}}^{2}{\mathrm{b}}^{2})}^{{2}^{p}}$ for $p$ a non-negative integer. This theorem is applied to the equilibrium partition function by exploiting an infinite-product representation of the exponential function of the sum of two operators. As a result, a set of inequalities is established which yields a set of upper bounds for the partition function. This result is invariant to the particle statistics of the system. A general argument yields the result that the classical Helmholtz free-energy function serves as a lower bound to the corresponding quantum result.
Multivariable decision feedback equalizer for space diversity in multi-input/output channel

The recent results of multiple antennas show that a substantial capacity improvement can be achieved. In particular, space-time spreading is a good example combining space-time coding and multiple antennas. To explore this, this paper proposes a multivariable DFE (decision feedback equalizer) which performs ISI (intersymbol interference) rejection by multiple transmit and receive antennas. Different multiple channels and paths are assumed between different transmit and receive antennas. Using the expression of multivariable DFE in a MIMO (multi-input multi-output) channel, we investigate the performance of multivariable DFE according to the number of Tx and Rx antennas by the effective average SNR in the discrete-time multipath channels.
Apical potassium channels in the rat connecting tubule.

Apical membrane K channels in the rat connecting tubule (CNT) were studied using the patch-clamp technique. Tubules were isolated from the cortical labyrinth of the kidney and split open to provide...
Effect of Simulated Insect Herbivore Damage on Survival of Tree Leaves

Leaf abscission caused by herbivores is well documented, yet the relationship between abscission and amount of damage required to initiate abscission is poorly known. This relationship was investigated in a southern Appalachian forest by mechanically damaging (0,25,50, and 75% area removed) leaves from red maple, Acer rubrum L., flowering dogwood, Comus florida L., tuliptree, Liriodendron tulipifera L., and chestnut oak, Quercus prinus L., and monitoring leaf survival. Leaf survival was negatively related to percentage leaf area removed in 1985 and 1986. Timing of leaf abscission was not significantly different among tree species in 1985. In 1986, there were, however, significant differences among species, which coincided with a severe drought. Damage by herbivorous insects after treatment was measured in 1986 and differed significantly among treatment levels in tuliptree only. Despite significant effects of treatment damage on leaf survival, abscission of damaged leaves occurred at the beginning of normal autumn senescence and leaf fall (except tuliptree in 1986). These results are interpreted with respect to insect-mediated litterfall and its potential influence on the activities of forest floor decomposer organisms.
On the stored energy of planar apertures

The volume integrals in the complex Poynting theorem are usually assumed to represent stored magnetic and electric energy. But for a planar aperture radiating into a lossless homogeneous medium it is shown that the only physically observable part of the volume integrals is twice that produced in the invisible region of the pattern space factor by those field components that vanish in the plane outside of the aperture. The inductive and capacitive reactive powers corresponding to the observable parts \langle W_{m} \rangle and \langle W_{e} \rangle , respectively, of the volume integrals are found to be given by the following integrals over the invisible region k_{y}^{2} + k_{z}^{2} > k^{2} , 2\omega\langle W_{m} \rangle = \frac{(2\pi)^{2}}{2kZ_{0}} \int \int_{k_{y}^{2}+k_{z}^{2} >k^{2}} \frac{|k_{z}F_{y}-k_{y}F_{z}|^{2}} {\sqrt{k_{y}^{2}+k_{z}^{2}-k^{2}} dk_{y}dk_{z} , 2\omega\langle W_{e} \rangle = \frac{(2\pi)^{2}}{2kZ_{0}} \int \int_{k_{y}^{2}+k_{z}^{2} >k^{2}} \frac{k^{2}}(|F_{y}|^{2}+|F_{z}|^{2})} {\sqrt{k_{y}^{2}+k_{z}^{2}-k^{2}} dk_{y}dk_{z} , for an arbitrary aperture consisting of holes in a conducting plane. They are expressed in terms of the rectangular components F_{y} and F_{z} of the pattern space factor obtained from the tangential components E_{y} and E_{z} of electric field over the holes S , F_{y}(k_{y},k_{z},k) = \frac{1}{(2\pi)^{2}} \int \int\_{s} E_{y}(0,y,z,k)e^{i (k_{y}y+k_{z}z)}dydz F_{z}(k_{y},k_{z},k) = \frac{1}{(2\pi)^{2}} \int \int\_{s} E_{z}(0,y,z,k)e^{i (k_{y}y+k_{z}z)}dydz where Z_{0} = \sqrt{\mu/\epsilon} , and k_{y} and k_{z} are two components of the vector propagation constant of magnitude k=\omega\sqrt{\mu\epsilon} . For the complementary aperture whose space factor is obtained from Z_{0} times the tangential components of magnetic field in the aperture, the formulas for inductive and capacitive reactive power simply interchange. The new formulas are used to make the first known test of the widely held assumption that the reciprocal relationship between Q and bandwidth of nonradiating systems applies also to radiating systems. By direct computation of Q and of bandwidth independently it is shown that the reciprocal relationship does hold for the test case treated (the planar dipole).
Toeplitz Corona Problem for Algebras of Almost Periodic Functions

A version of the Toeplitz corona problem is solved in the class of Hermite subalgebras of Wiener algebras of almost periodic functions. A linear fractional formula for solutions of the suboptimal problem is obtained. The proofs are based on algebraic properties of Hermitian rings, almost periodic factorization, and Krein space techniques.
Dopamine D1 receptors regulate the light dependent development of retinal synaptic responses.

Retinal synaptic connections and function are developmentally regulated. Retinal synaptic activity plays critical roles in the development of retinal synaptic circuitry. Dopamine receptors have been thought to play important roles in the activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in central nervous system. The primary goal of this study is to determine whether dopamine D1 receptor regulates the activity-dependent development of retinal light responsiveness. Accordingly, we recorded electroretinogram from wild type mice and mice with genetic deletion of D1 dopamine receptor (D1−/− mice) raised under cyclic light conditions and constant darkness. Our results demonstrated that D1−/− mice have reduced amplitudes of all three major components of electroretinogram in adulthood. When the relative strength of the responses is considered, the D1−/− mice have selective reduction of the amplitudes of a-wave and oscillatory potentials evoked by low-intermediate intensities of lights. During postnatal development, D1−/− mice have increased amplitude of b-wave at the time of eye-opening but reduced developmental increase of the amplitude of b-wave after eye opening. Light deprivation from birth significantly reduced the amplitudes of b-wave and oscillatory potentials, increased the outer retinal light response gain and altered the light response kinetics of both a- and b-waves of wild type mice. In D1−/− mice, the effect of dark rearing on the amplitude of oscillatory potentials was diminished and dark rearing induced effects on the response gain of outer retina and the kinetics of a-wave were reversed. These results demonstrated roles of dopamine D1 receptor in the activity-dependent functional development of mouse retina.
The Politics of Redistribution

A comparatively new line of research in political science involves the systematic investigation of political, social, and economic factors important in the formation of public policy. So far, such research has yielded temptingly persuasive evidence that political variables exert little or no independent influence on policy outcomes; that policy outcomes are governed overwhelmingly by socio-economic factors. Stated more succinctly, these findings have raised the question: Does politics make a difference in the policy formation process?We suggest in the following analysis that these prior findings have been the result of the examination of a measure of public policy in which the influence of the political system is likely to be negligible, that is levels of public revenues and expenditures. To examine this proposition empirically, our study shifts attention to the allocation of the burdens and benefits of state revenue and expenditure policies across income classes. In redirecting analysis to allocations rather than levels of state revenues and expenditures, we focus on a province we believe to be more predictably political.We have taken as our dependent variable the net redistributive impact of revenues and expenditures as represented by the ratio of expenditure benefits to revenue burdens for the three lowest income classes in each state. The major hypothesis of our study is that, in regard to the allocation of the burdens and benefits of state government revenues and expenditures, political variables will have a stronger influence on policy outcomes than will socio-economic variables.
Taking stock of the international arrangement on forests

The nonlegally binding international arrangement on forests (IAF) was established by countries in 2000 to promote management, conservation, and sustainable development of all types of forests and to strengthen long-term political commitment to this end. In 2005, its convening body, the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), reviews the effectiveness of the IAF and deliberates on next steps. The review is likely to find that some of the most effective parts of the arrangement have occurred outside the negotiating chambers of the UNFF. Increasing the effectiveness and lasting impact of the arrangement requires that countries integrate forests into the broader international agenda for sustainable development, emphasize the contributions of forests to poverty alleviation and economic development, and, most importantly, translate policy into concrete actions.
A group encoding technique for set partitioning problems

In this paper, we describe an efficient GA representation scheme for solving the set-partitioning problem (SPP). The SPP is an important class of combinatorial optimization problem that may be found in many industrial/business applications. The paper introduces a group representation scheme in a genetic search where columns of the partition matrix (problem space) with the same characteristics are grouped together. We gave some theoretical analysis to argue that the proposed grouping representation reduces the search space substantially. We used a steady-state GA in conjunction with a repair operator to search for the optimal solution in the representation space. The performance is tested on a set of scheduling problems – airline flight crew scheduling. The results of these experiments are reported with some concluding remarks.
Molecular Determinants Directing HIV-1 Gag Assembly to Virus-Containing Compartments in Primary Macrophages.

UNLABELLED The subcellular sites of HIV-1 assembly, determined by the localization of the structural protein Gag, vary in a cell-type-dependent manner. In T cells and transformed cell lines used as model systems, HIV-1 assembles at the plasma membrane (PM). The binding and localization of HIV-1 Gag to the PM are mediated by the interaction between the matrix (MA) domain, specifically the highly basic region, and a PM-specific acidic phospholipid, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2]. In primary macrophages, prominent accumulation of assembling or assembled particles is found in the virus-containing compartments (VCCs), which largely consist of convoluted invaginations of the PM. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of HIV-1 Gag targeting to the VCCs, we examined the impact of overexpression of polyphosphoinositide 5-phosphatase IV (5ptaseIV), which depletes cellular PI(4,5)P2, in primary macrophages. We found that the VCC localization and virus release of HIV-1 are severely impaired upon 5ptaseIV overexpression, suggesting an important role for the MA-PI(4,5)P2 interaction in HIV-1 assembly in primary macrophages. However, our analysis of HIV-1 Gag derivatives with MA changes showed that this interaction contributes to Gag membrane binding but is dispensable for specific targeting of Gag to the VCCs per se We further determined that deletion of the NC domain abolishes VCC-specific localization of HIV-1 Gag. Notably, HIV-1 Gag localized efficiently to the VCCs when the NC domain was replaced with a leucine zipper dimerization motif that promotes Gag multimerization. Altogether, our data revealed that targeting of HIV-1 Gag to the VCCs requires NC-dependent multimerization. IMPORTANCE In T cells and model cell lines, HIV-1 Gag localizes to the PM in a manner dependent on the MA-PI(4,5)P2 interaction. On the other hand, in primary macrophages, HIV-1 Gag localizes to convoluted intracellular membrane structures termed virus-containing compartments (VCCs). Although these compartments have been known for decades, and despite the implication of viruses in VCCs being involved in virus reservoir maintenance and spread, the viral determinant(s) that promotes Gag targeting to VCCs is unknown. In this study, we found that the MA-PI(4,5)P2 interaction facilitates efficient Gag membrane binding in macrophages but is not essential for Gag targeting to VCCs. Rather, our results revealed that NC-dependent multimerization promotes VCC targeting. Our findings highlight the differential roles played by MA and NC in HIV-1 Gag membrane binding and targeting and suggest a multimerization-dependent mechanism for Gag trafficking in primary macrophages similar to that for Gag localization to uropods in polarized T cells.
Spallation and Charged-Particle Induced Fission

With the continuous development of accelerators delivering a wide range of nuclides at higher energies and more intensity it became possible to induce and explore more violent nuclear collisions. The population of the over 400 new isotopes produced in these so-called spallation reactions is described in the present chapter.
The Skills of Communicating Clearly

Although communication skills are often overlooked in clinical training, they are vital to the development of a good clinician. Since most of us speak from childhood, we assume that speaking is an innate skill, but communication is not the same as simply talking. As clinicians, all must learn how to talk to patients as well as our fellow professionals in ways that ensure the message we send is clear, coherent, and heard. This is a skill, not unlike being a good diagnostician or surgeon. It is precise and intuitive, and requires practice like any other art form.
Descending thoracic aortic mural thrombus presentation and treatment strategies

Abstract Background Thoracic aortic mural thrombus (TAMT) of the descending aorta is rare but can result in dramatic embolic events. Early treatment is therefore crucial; however, there is not a consensus on ideal initial treatment. Methods A review of the literature using PubMed was conducted, and all relevant publications describing descending TAMT of the past 15 years were reviewed. Variables included for this analysis were presentation, initial treatment strategy employed, outcome measures of thrombus resolution or regression, recurrence of symptomatic emboli, and mortality. Results Seventy-four patients were included in this analysis. Women were significantly more likely to be described with descending TAMT. The majority (82.4%) of cases reported were diagnosed after an embolic event. Patients were equally likely to receive medical, open surgical, or endovascular therapy as the initial treatment modality. However, there is a trend within the past 5 years to report cases describing successful thoracic endovascular aortic repair for initial management. Of patients who initially underwent medical management, nine patients (34.6%) had persistent thrombus. Of the patients who initially underwent open surgical repair, six patients (31.6%) had persistent thrombus; of these patients, four underwent endovascular repair. Twenty-nine patients (39.2%) with descending TAMT initially underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Twenty-seven (93.1%) had fully excluded thrombus at the time of the procedure, with no recurrence or evidence of repeated embolic phenomena at follow-up. Conclusions Whereas mural thrombus of the thoracic aorta is uncommon, it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of embolic events. Although endovascular therapy may be a useful first-line option for TAMT with reports of positive outcomes in select literature, further study of this treatment option is required.
Competitive Promoter-Associated Matrix Attachment Region Binding of the Arid3a and Cux1 Transcription Factors

Arid3a/Bright/Dril1 is a B cell-specific transactivator that regulates immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene transcription by binding promoter and enhancer-associated matrix attachment regions (MARs) within the IgH gene locus. Promoter MAR-mediated Arid3a transactivation is antagonized by direct competition of MAR binding by Cux1/CDP—a ubiquitously expressed repressor originally termed NF-μNR. We report that the NF-μNR complex includes Arid3a in B cells but not in non-B cells through mobility shift assays. The binding activity of NF-μNR and Arid3a in B cells is reciprocally altered during the cell division cycle and by the B cell mitogen lipopolysaccharide LPS. LPS treatment had no effect on Arid3a localization but increased its total abundance within the nucleus and cytoplasm. We show that this increased level of Arid3a is capable of displacing Cux from the MARs to facilitate IgH gene transcription. Finally, we showed that the MARs (termed Bf150 and Tx125) associated with the VH1 rearranged variable region expressed in the S107 murine plasmacytoma, can repress reporter gene transcription in non-B cells and that they can relieve the repression mediated by Eμ enhancer in B cells. These results have significant implications for early human development and demonstrate that MARs in IgH locus, NF-µNR and Arid3a regulate IgH gene expression in a concerted fashion. This paves the way for future studies examining the misregulation of this pathway in pediatric disease.
Obesity and asthma

Obesity is a vast public health problem and both a major risk factor and disease modifier for asthma in children and adults. Obese subjects have increased asthma risk, and obese asthmatic patients have more symptoms, more frequent and severe exacerbations, reduced response to several asthma medications, and decreased quality of life. Obese asthma is a complex syndrome, including different phenotypes of disease that are just beginning to be understood. We examine the epidemiology and characteristics of this syndrome in children and adults, as well as the changes in lung function seen in each age group. We then discuss the better recognized factors and mechanisms involved in disease pathogenesis, focusing particularly on diet and nutrients, the microbiome, inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation, and the genetics/genomics of obese asthma. Finally, we describe current evidence on the effect of weight loss and mention some important future directions for research in the field.
Reassessing Charitable Immunity in Virginia

One central principle of substantive tort law is that each individual assumes responsibility for the harm which the person negligently causes. Moreover, compensation was one significant, and perhaps the major, purpose of tort law throughout much of the twentieth century. Across many doctrinal areas, most state supreme courts in the United States fashioned new law or reworked existing precedent to facilitate the vindication of these tort law concepts, while numerous state legislatures passed statutes which promote the tort goals’ vindication. Illustrative is the judicial or legislative abolition of immunities, which relieve defendants from tort liability because of certain relationships between the defendants and plaintiffs. Therefore, at the outset of the twenty-first century, the immunities which govern charities, families and governmental entities have long been, and increasingly are, on the wane.
How does quasi-indexer ownership affect corporate tax planning?

Abstract We study whether, and more importantly, through what mechanisms, quasi-indexers affect portfolio firms’ tax planning by employing the discontinuity in quasi-indexer ownership around the Russell 1000/2000 index cutoff. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find that higher quasi-indexer ownership leads to greater tax saving. With respect to the mechanisms, we find that the greater tax saving is a result of a focus on improved overall firm performance, not a specific focus on improved tax planning. We further find that the documented tax saving effect is partially due to quasi-indexers’ influences on executive equity incentives, corporate governance, and information environment.
Cardiac Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a wide range of clinical features and variable clinical course. SLE tends to affect women during childbearing years and is characterized by multi-organ involvement. Cardiac complications in SLE, which have been described to occur in about 50% of the cases, contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in this population. We describe a patient with SLE and established lupus nephritis who subsequently developed cardiac manifestations including valvular abnormalities, arrythmia and end stage heart failure. The clinical features, work up and management will be discussed. Case presentation: A 35 year-old African American woman diagnosed with SLE in her twenties presented to our hospital for evaluation of shortness of breath. After SLE diagnosis, the patient had been prescribed hydrochloroquine and low dose steroids for joint and skin manifestations. Four years after initial presentation, she developed biopsy proven lupus nephritis for which standard induction therapy was administered. She was placed on maintenance immunosuppression with stable renal function. On admission, the patient’s symptoms included dyspnea on exertion, chest pain, palpitations, and a non-productive cough. Initial evaluation identified atrial fibrillation and new onset of heart failure given elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) of 15% by echocardiogram. Cardiac catheterization revealed global hypokinesis and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). The patient was deemed not a suitable candidate for cardiac transplant and was offered a life vest as bridging to an implantable cardioverter (ICD). Twenty-four months after discharge, the patient continued to be managed medically and has not had any subsequent hospitalizations. Conclusion: Cardiac complications, reported in about 50% of SLE patients, are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Pericarditis is the most common, however conduction defects, valvular damage and heart failure are also observed among SLE patients. The pathogenesis of cardiac involvement seems to be multifactorial. The management of heart failure in SLE entails medical therapy and implantable device use. Further research is needed to explore new options to arrest the development and progression of cardiac disease among lupus patients.