cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospects for B Lifetimes, Oscillations and CP Violation at DØ

In the era of e + e ¯ B factories, the Tevatron \( \bar{p}p \) collider remains a practical and complementary tool for studying the b quark. Beauty hadrons are copiously produced at the Tevatron, where the \( \bar{p}p \to \bar{b}b \) interaction cross section (see Fig. 1 [1]) is predicted to be 150 µbarns at the Run II collision energy of \( \sqrt {s} = 2{\text{TeV}} \) . Compared to the \( {{\text{e}}^{ + }}{{\text{e}}^{ - }} \to \bar{B}B \) interaction cross section of 1 nanobarn at the \( \Upsilon (4S) \) , this represents a large rate of b quark production.
Characterizing latent classes of social support among persons who inject drugs.

Abstract Background Social network members influence risk and health behaviors, yet little is known about the support that persons who inject drugs (PWID) receive from their closest ties. Methods 970 participants from the AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience (ALIVE) study completed a social network survey between April 2016 and June 2017 about their five closest ties. Our analysis: 1) identified latent classes of support received by participants; 2) determined whether class membership differed by current (≤12 months) vs. former (>12 months) injection drug use; 3) compared classes of support by individual and network characteristics. Results 970 participants listed 3,388 network members. We identified three support classes: (1) Moderate (n = 249): probabilities of support Conclusions Support was higher among networks of older ties and more frequent interaction, but differences did not appear to be driven by injection drug use status. Findings point to the importance of the closest social ties.
Targeting microglia L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels for the treatment of central nervous system disorders

Calcium (Ca2+ ) is a ubiquitous mediator of a multitude of cellular functions in the central nervous system (CNS). Intracellular Ca2+ is tightly regulated by cells, including entry via plasma membrane Ca2+ permeable channels. Of specific interest for this review are L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (L-VDCCs), due to their pleiotropic role in several CNS disorders. Currently, there are numerous approved drugs that target L-VDCCs, including dihydropyridines. These drugs are safe and effective for the treatment of humans with cardiovascular disease and may also confer neuroprotection. Here, we review the potential of L-VDCCs as a target for the treatment of CNS disorders with a focus on microglia L-VDCCs. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, have attracted recent attention for their emerging inflammatory role in several CNS diseases. Intracellular Ca2+ regulates microglia transition from a resting quiescent state to an "activated" immune-effector state and is thus a valuable target for manipulation of microglia phenotype. We will review the literature on L-VDCC expression and function in the CNS and on microglia in vitro and in vivo and explore the therapeutic landscape of L-VDCC-targeting agents at present and future challenges in the context of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, neuropsychiatric diseases, and other CNS disorders.
A primal–dual modified log-barrier method for inequality constrained nonlinear optimization

We present a primal–dual modified log-barrier algorithm to solve inequality constrained nonlinear optimization problems. Basically, the algorithm is a Newton-like method applied to a perturbation of the optimality system that follows from a reformulation of the initial problem by introducing a modified log-barrier function to handle inequality constraints. The algorithm uses an outer/inner iteration scheme and the globalization is performed in the primal–dual space by means of a new primal–dual merit function. The robustness and efficiency of the algorithm is improved using quadratic extrapolation. The numerical performance of the new method is illustrated by comparing it with a primal–dual classical log-barrier method and two well-established interior-point solvers on two sets of problems from COPS and Hock–Schittkowski collections, including a set of problems that exhibits degeneracy.
Seasonality and uncertainty in COVID-19 growth rates

Abstract The virus causing COVID-19 has spread rapidly worldwide and threatens millions of lives. It remains unknown if summer weather will reduce its continued spread, thereby alleviating strains on hospitals and providing time for vaccine development. Early insights from laboratory studies of related coronaviruses predicted that COVID-19 would decline at higher temperatures, humidity, and ultraviolet light. Using current, fine-scaled weather data and global reports of infection we developed a model that explained 36% of variation in early growth rates before intervention, with 17% based on weather or demography and 19% based on country-specific effects. We found that ultraviolet light was most strongly associated with lower COVID-19 growth rates. Projections suggest that, in the absence of intervention, COVID-19 will decrease temporarily during summer, rebound by autumn, and peak next winter. However, uncertainty remains high and the probability of a weekly doubling rate remained >20% throughout the summer in the absence of control. Consequently, aggressive policy interventions will likely be needed in spite of seasonal trends.
Diuretic Dose and NYHA Functional Class Are Independent Predictors of Mortality in Patients With Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis.

Abstract Background With increasing diagnoses and available treatment options for transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), risk stratification of ATTR-CM patients is imperative. Objectives We hypothesized that diuretic dose and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class are independent predictors of mortality in ATTR-CM and would be incrementally additive to existent risk scores. Methods Consecutive ATTR-CM patients referred to a single center were identified. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models determined the association between diuretic dose (furosemide equivalent in mg/kg) at time of diagnosis and the primary outcome of all-cause mortality. The incremental value of adding diuretic dose and NYHA functional class to existing ATTR-CM risk scores was assessed for discrimination and calibration. Results 309 patients were identified, with mean age 73.2 ± 9.8 years, 84.1% male, and 66% wild type. Daily mean diuretic dose was 0.6 ± 1.0 mg/kg and significantly associated with all-cause mortality (unadjusted hazard ratio: 2.12 per 1-mg/kg increase, [95% confidence interval: 1.71 to 2.61] and fully adjusted hazard ratio: 1.43 [95% confidence interval: 1.06 to 1.93]). Testing previously published ATTR risk scores, adding diuretic dose as categories (0 mg/kg, >0 to 0.5 mg/kg, >0.5 to 1 mg/kg, and >1 to 2 mg/kg) improved the area under the curve of the Mayo risk score from 0.693 to 0.767 and the UK risk score from 0.711 to 0.787 while preserving calibration. Adding NYHA functional class further improved the area under the curve to 0.798 and 0.816, respectively. Conclusions Diuretic dose and NYHA functional class are independent predictors of mortality in ATTR-CM patients and provide incremental value to existing ATTR-CM risk scores.
Endonasal resection of orbital cavernous venous malformations with septal preservation.

Abstract Purpose Multiple surgical approaches have been described to maximize visualization and accessibility for resection while minimizing morbidity in the patient with orbital intraconal tumors. Transnasal endoscopic approaches have become increasingly standard in select orbital cavernous venous malformations but often require a partial septectomy. The purpose of this manuscript is to communicate a septal preserving modified transseptal approach. Methods A 37-year old male was found to have an inferomedial intraconal orbital mass, measuring up to 2.6 cm on magnetic resonance imaging. Binarial transseptal access with septal preservation was obtained with a Killian incision on the right and a small incision in the midseptum on the left. Results Successful tumor delivery through the nasal cavity resulted in orbital relaxation. Postoperative evaluation of the septum demonstrated an intact septum with nearly no evidence of septal trauma from surgical manipulation. Conclusion This technique is easily performed and affords adequate visualization and freedom of movement as traditional binarial transseptal approaches without the disadvantages of partial septal loss such as increased crusting, olfactory disturbance, and loss of nasoseptal flaps.
Low-Dose Dextromethorphan for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Pain: Results from a Longitudinal, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial

Objective Fibromyalgia (FM) is a debilitating chronic pain condition with few treatment options. Central sensitization and neuroinflammation have been forwarded as models of FM pathophysiology, both of which indicate dextromethorphan (DXM) as a potential treatment. DXM is an NMDA-receptor antagonist and microglial modulator with anti-neuroinflammatory properties at low doses. It is available for clinical use but has not been tested as a treatment for FM at low dosages. This study evaluated the effectiveness of DXM in treating FM-associated symptoms. Methods In a single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 14 women meeting the 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria for FM received a placebo for five weeks, followed by 20 mg DXM for ten weeks, while providing daily symptom reports on a 0-100 scale. Pain and physical activity were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Daily symptom ratings during the last four weeks of placebo were contrasted with ratings during the last four weeks of the active treatment using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Results DXM was well tolerated, and treatment adherence was high. Baseline pain was reduced by at least 20% in six participants. Self-reported daily pain and physical activity in the entire cohort were not significantly different between the placebo and DXM conditions, and the primary hypotheses were not supported. Exploratory analyses using the entire placebo and DXM data showed that pain was significantly lower in the DXM condition than in the placebo condition (b=-9.933, p=0.013). Discussion A strong clinical effect of DXM was not observed at the 20mg/day dosage.
Mathematical Proof of the Carathéodory Theorem and Resulting Interpretations; Derivation of the Debye–Hückel Equation

This chapter discusses mathematical proof of the Caratheodory Theorem and the resulting interpretations. It provides the derivation of the Debye-Hiickel Equation. It introduces functions of state that are mathematical analytic functions of the general form. The integral function is discussed in this chapter. The mathematical proof of Holonomicity and Integrability of Linear Forms of Many Variables is given. The chapter also discusses the necessary Condition for establishing the Caratheodory theorem.
A Pedagogy of Community Building: Re-Imagining Parent Involvement and Community Organizing in Popular Education Efforts.

Where dominant models of urban school reform often regard immigrant communities as obstacles that must be managed or reduced, the two projects analyzed in this study (Alianza and the Project) regard the community as a powerful source of knowledge and as partners working towards educational improvement (Nygreen, 2009). This paper analyses the ways in which Latino parents involved in these projects, come together to learn about their communities and engage in a process of community building that strengthens their capacity to resist, if not overcome, dominant ideologies and institutions. Latino parents in these projects do more than simply challenge the narrative of reform that continues to position them at the margins; they establish their own spaces of learning and solidarity that enable them to crystallize their perspectives and become agents of change in their local context. We posit that community building is key to creating sustained long-term relationships that can survive and withstand the struggle towards institutional change and open doors for Latino community empowerment in schools and the broader society.
Continuous variable transformation in anesthesia: useful clinical shorthand, but threat to research.

Many variables (outcome or predictor) in anesthesia are measured on a continuous scale: age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), duration of surgery or anesthesia are but a few common examples. However, for routine clinical use and clinical research, continuous variables are often transformed to categorical variables through dichotomization or in some cases the values are converted to more than two categories. For example, BMI (a continuous variable) is frequently transformed into an ordinal variable using age and sex-specific cut-points in children (1). In some circumstances, cut-points are determined by using arbitrary values to dichotomize continuous variables (2,3). Much has been written on the subject of dichotomization in the statistical literature (4–6), and indeed statisticians are quite vociferous about discouraging the practice of continuous variable dichotomization (6). There is some debate about the wisdom of sacrificing correct statistical practice at the altar of clinical simplicity (7). Clinical sense argue that swaths of our practice involve dichotomous decisions (disease present/disease absent, at risk/not at risk, treat/do not treat). On the other hand, some argue that this approach confuses clinical measurement with clinical decision-making (8). The logical progression in many situations is that clinical measurements precede decision making. The more precise the clinical measurement, the better decision we can make (8). Common problems associated with continuous variable dichotomization include, reduction in the statistical power of the analysis (6), loss of information and potentially biased effect estimates (5). Investigators in other clinical specialties have addressed the problems associated with continuous variable dichotomization (7–9). However, to our knowledge, no prior such discussions exists in the anesthesia literature. Here we discuss the clinical and research drawbacks of dichotomizing continuous variables in anesthesia, illustrating these drawbacks with common examples.
Golgi retention mechanism of beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase. Membrane-spanning domain-dependent homodimerization and association with alpha- and beta-tubulins.

Recent studies on proteins residing in the Golgi complex revealed that the membrane-spanning domain of these proteins are largely responsible for their retention in the Golgi complex. We show here that β-1,4-galactosyltransferase (GT) forms homodimers and large oligomers in vivo, and the formation of the homodimers is dependent on cysteine and histidine residues within the transmembrane domain. Double mutations of these residues, Cys29→ Ser and His32→ Leu, abolish homodimerization and simultaneously reduce the Golgi retention. Co-immunoprecipitation of GT and various GT chimeras with anti-GT and anti-reporter molecule antibodies revealed that large aggregates of GT are associated with α- and β-tubulins and also with other cellular proteins. This association between tubulins and GT suggests a supportive role of the cytoskeleton in the Golgi retention mechanism.
Disambiguating discriminatory acts of typical versus atypical perpetrators: the moderating role of need for cognitive closure

Three studies tested the interaction of the prototype effect, the notion that ambiguous behavior is more likely to be perceived as discriminatory when the executor is prototypical; and the need for cognitive closure, the tendency to seize on an answer. Study 1 provided bolstering evidence of the prototype effect's moderation by need for cognitive closure. Ambiguously sexist behavior enacted by a prototypical (male) executor was perceived as more discriminatory than the same behavior exhibited by a nonprototypical (female) executor, and this effect was exacerbated by higher trait levels of need for cognitive closure. In Studies 2 and 3, via situational induction, prototype reliance again was exacerbated, such that it overrode the influence of individual-difference levels of need for cognitive closure.
Malignant Mesothelioma With CD30-Positivity

Abstract The activation marker CD3O is useful in the diagnosis of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. It has also been described in nonhematopoietic tumors, including pancreatic carcinomas, salivary gland tumors, and embryonal carcinomas. We report a case of malignant mesothelioma with intense CD30 positivity. This finding has not previously been described and is important in broadening the differential diagnosis of a CD30+ cohesive large cell malignancy.
μ + N → τ + N at a muon or neutrino factory

The experimental discovery of large �µ �� mixing indicates that analogous mixing in the charged lepton sector could be substantial. We consider the possibility that if a high intensity muon beam, perhaps at the early stages of a muon or neutrino factory, strikes a nuclear target, then conversion of some of the muons into tau leptons could occur (similar to the conversion of muons to electrons at MECO). Using current experimental limits on rare tau decays to bound the size of the relevant operators, we find that a 50 GeV muon beam, with 10 20 muons on target per year, could yield as many as 10 7 µ + N ! � + N events per year. Backgrounds could be substantial, and we comment on the possibility of detection of this process.
Does Deposit Insurance Retard the Development of Financial Markets

Using a panel of 87 countries, we find that the introduction of deposit insurance retards the development of nonbank financial markets, the banking sector, and, hence, the overall financial market. This effect is less severe in the short run and can be mitigated by strong law and order, but is generally not positive even with the strongest law and order. Further, design features that benefit depositors influence the negative effect on nonbank markets. Our results suggest that externalities arising from deposit insurance make concerns about its effects more pressing than those arising solely from the evidence for the banking sector.
Determining thymic output quantitatively: using models to interpret experimental T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) data

T cells develop in the thymus and then are exported to the periphery. As one ages, the lymphoid mass of the thymus decreases, and a concomitant decrease in the ability to produce new T cells results. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects CD4(+) T cells and, hence, can also affect thymic function. Here we discuss experimental techniques and mathematical models that aim to quantify the rate of thymic export. We focus on a recent technique involving the quantification of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs). We discuss how proper interpretation of TREC data necessitates the critical development of appropriate mathematical models. We review the theory for interpretation of TREC data during aging, HIV infection, and anti-retroviral treatment. Also, we show how TRECs can be used to accurately quantify thymic output in the context of thymectomy experiments. We show that mathematical models are not only useful but absolutely necessary for these analyses. As such, they should be taken as just another tool in the immunologist's arsenal.
Individual Variability in Muller-Lyer Illusion Difference Thresholds: Moderating Influences of Hypnotic Susceptibility in Waking and Hypnosis

This study investigated the differential influences of hypnotic susceptibility on Muller-Lyer illusion difference thresholds in waking and hypnosis using the psychophysical method of constant stimu...
Approximate large N method for lattice chiral models

An approximation is used that permits one to explicitly solve the two-point Schwinger-Dyson equations of the U(N) lattice chiral models. The approximate solution correctly predicts a phase transition for dimensions $d$ greater than two. For $d \le 2 $, the system is in a single disordered phase with a mass gap. The method reproduces known $N=\infty$ results well for $d=1$. For $d=2$, there is a moderate difference with $N=\infty$ results only in the intermediate coupling constant region.
Compositional analysis for verification of parameterized systems

Many safety-critical systems that have been considered by the verification community are parameterized by the number of concurrent components in the system, and hence describe an infinite family of systems. Traditional model checking techniques can only be used to verify specific instances of this family. In this paper, we present a technique based on compositional model checking and program analysis for automatic verification of infinite families of systems. The technique views a parameterized system as an expression in a process algebra (CCS) and interprets this expression over a domain of formulas (modal mu-calculus), considering a process as a property transformer. The transformers are constructed using partial model checking techniques. At its core, our technique solves the verification problem by finding the limit of a chain of formulas. We present a widening operation to find such a limit for properties expressible in a subset of modal mu-calculus. We describe the verification of a number of parameterized systems using our technique to demonstrate its utility.
Advanced diffuser technology helps reduce vent-up times while maintaining wafer integrity on vacuum tools loadlock chambers

Wafer throughput and particle counts are key metrics for any semiconductor manufacturer's yield enhancement programs. Recent advancements in diffuser technology have helped manufacturers enhance these metrics while improving the attributes for most vacuum processes. These processes include dry etch, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), rapid thermal processing (RTP) and Epitaxial deposition (Epi). Execution of membrane diffuser technology dramatically decreases required vent time and has become a highly effective tool upgrade option. An early implementation of this technology was used on 200mm batch-style loadlocks that had an inherently large internal volume. The loadlock was prone to long vent cycles to prevent particle contamination. As the industry transitioned to a 300mm wafer platform, factories increased their development of single-wafer loadlocks (SWLL) in an effort to boost tool throughput. Gas diffusers with ultra fine filtration membranes solved these issues. Compared to the 200mm batch-style loadlocks, the SWLLs had extremely low internal volumes and were designed to cycle vacuum to atmosphere very quickly. With the low volumes inherent in the SWLL, the velocity of the incoming vent gas became critical, since any particles on the bottom of the loadlock chamber would easily sweep onto the wafer should they be hit with a high velocity gas. Particles are typically present in the loadlock due to mechanical wafer handling devices and environmental exposure. Gas diffusers allowed a large, uniform volumetric flowrate of gas into the loadlock chamber at low downstream gas velocities. While now standard on most 300mm loadlocks, the majority of 200mm tools in the field do not utilize membrane diffusers. Typically a screen, frit and/or soft vent procedure is used to control the flow into the loadlock. However, these tools can now be retrofitted with membrane diffuser technology. The result is a large reduction in particle count while maintaining throughput levels at a low cost with minimal downtime.
An experimental study of some NMR methods for the measurement of slow exchange rates

The rates of interconversion of the cis and trans rotational isomers of N-trifluoroacetyl-N-methylbenzylamine have been determined by a variety of NMR lineshape experiments and by several double resonance methods. Comparison of the results for the slow exchange region suggests that a Fourier transform version of the transfer of saturation method of Forsen and Hoffman, as well as transfer of magnetization after selective 180° inversion of the resonance of one rotamer, give rate constants nearly as reliable as lineshape methods. Use of the rate of signal recovery after saturation of the resonance of one rotamer gave results which were less accurate. The available data produced the following activation parameters for amide rotation in this compound: ΔG‡, 18.9 kcal mol−1; ΔH‡, 22.3 kcal mol−1 and ΔS‡, 9.8 e.u. when the solute was 2 M in 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane-d2.
Affordable MWIR staring sensor

In 1993, FLIR SYStems, Inc. developed and established production of an MWIR staring sensor based upon affordable and reliable platinum silicide staring focal plane array technology. This sensor incorporates many new features in addition to the FPA technology that makes it well suited for a wide variety of applications. The FPA is a 240 X 320 area array of Schottky detectors read out in a snap shot progressive scan mode. The FPA architecture is a hybrid bump bonded detector to a CCD readout for high sensitivity and uniformity. The sensor uses a new miniature linear cooler with an integral dewar; this approach provides unsurpassed reliability and low power at affordable cost. The sensor electronics contain electronically programmable logic to read out the FPA and format the detector gain and offset nonuniformity correction circuitry. The video output can be controlled by manual gain/level or by automatic mode. The optics are designed to be low cost, light weight and easily interchangeable to serve a wide variety of applications. The sensor is designed to support all video formats and be user friendly. The compact size and low power is well suited for portable applications.
Pseudobinary phase diagram and existence regions for PbS 1−x Se x

The pseudobinary phase diagram of the PbS1−xSex system has been re-determined by using thermal analysis to measure the liquidus temperatures and electron microprobe analysis of the first-to-freeze portions of Bridgman-grown ingots to establish the solidus points. The minimum in the liquidus occurs at x = 0.73 and 1076° C. The separation between our solidus and liquidus curves is considerably less than Simpson reports. For PbS1=xSex alloys with 0. 35 ≼ x≼ 0.41, the existence region between 300 and 800° C has been determined by means of Hall coefficient measurements at 77K on Bridgman-grown crystals that were either Pb-saturated or chalcogen-saturated by isothermal annealing and then quenched. Both the Pb-rich and chalcogen-rich solidus lines are retrograde, and the existence region is nearly symmetrical about the stoichiometric composition. New data for the retrograde S-rich solidus of PbS have also been obtained.
The problem of visual excitation

This paper attempts to come to grips with the problem, how the action of light on a visual pigment results in a nervous excitation. The only action of light in vision is to isomerize retinene, the chromophore of the visual pigments, from the 11-cis to the all-trans configuration. This change triggers a progressive opening-up of the protein structure, exposing new reactive groups. Since the absorption of one photon by one molecule of visual pigment may stimulate a dark-adapted rod, some large amplification process is needed between the act of absorption and the response. This may be an enzymatic catalysis, or the consequence of puncturing a critical membrane. A microspectrophotometric study of retinas and single rods shows the outer segment to have a quasi-crystalline structure, in which the visual pigments are almost perfectly oriented, and even “free” molecules capable of diffusion maintain a degree of orientation. Examination of mud puppy retinas in the electron microscope has revealed several new aspects of structure: (1) A system of cytoplasmic filaments (“dendrites”) springing from the inner segments of the rods and cones and standing like palisades around the outer segments. These may facilitate exchanges of material between the inner and outer segments. (2) Systems of particles in the membranes of the dendrites and pigment epithelium processes, which may be involved in interchanges of material with the outer segments. (3) A system of particles in crystalline array in the rod lamellae, which may contain the visual pigment. If so, measurements of the visual pigment in situ show that each particle should contain about 50 molecules of pigment. Such typically solid-state processes as exciton migration and photoconduction probably have at most very limited scope in the outer segments of rods and cones. The seat of excitation is probably the plasma membrane which envelops rod outer segments and composes also the lamellae in cones.
Seed dispersal by Geochelone carbonaria and Geochelone denticulata in northwestern Brazil

The role of red-footed tortoises (Geochelone carbonaria) and yellow-footed tortoises (G. denticulata) as seed dispersal agents was investigated in northwestern Brazil from 5 to 26 January 2002 by analyzing fecal samples for frequency and viability of seed species and estimating daily displacement of tortoises from recaptured and thread-trailed individuals. Fourteen of 19 fecal samples contained a total of 646 seeds represented by 11 plant species. The most abundant species was Ficus sp. (N = 400) with 100 percent of seeds viable, followed by Aechmea sp. (N = 88) with 93 percent of seeds viable, and Genipa americana (N = 59) with 91 percent of seeds viable. Mean minimum retention time of seeds was 1.6 d and mean daily displacement of tortoises based on recaptured (N = 7) and thread-trailed tortoises (N = 2) was 57 m. Thus, the diversity and proportion of viable seeds consumed by tortoises, combined with the seed retention times and daily movements, suggest they may be effective dispersal agents. These preliminary findings warrant further investigation into the ecological role of these tortoises in Neotropical ecosystems and their contribution to the maintenance of species diversity and forest structure.
Okefenokee marshland before, during and after nutrient enrichment by a bird rookery

Abstract Field measurements and data from the literature were used to construct a trophic model of Okefenokee Swamp marshland. Seasonal data were used to check dynamics of the model before, during and after simulated nutrient input from wading bird guano. The model gives reasonable estimates of the effects of enrichment on benthic detritus, aquatic macrophytes and phytoplankton, and conservative estimates of the increase of zooplankton and fish stocks. Simulated levels of the above components decreased toward nominal states after simulated abandonment by birds, and the rates of decrease generally followed field trends that were measured. The model indicates that nesting wading birds can have considerable effects on aspects of an aquatic ecosystem that are not normally associated with them (such as benthic detritus and fish). Significant links between components of aerial and aquatic systems are thus brought to light.
A 5.9-GHz voltage-controlled ring oscillator in 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS

This paper presents the design of three- and nine-stage voltage-controlled ring oscillators that were fabricated in TSMC 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS technology with oscillation frequencies up to 5.9 GHz. The circuits use a multiple-pass loop architecture and delay stages with cross-coupled FETs to aid in the switching speed and to improve the noise parameters. Measurements show that the oscillators have linear frequency-voltage characteristics over a wide tuning range, with the three- and nine-stage rings resulting in frequency ranges of 5.16-5.93 GHz and 1.1-1.86 GHz, respectively. The measured phase noise of the nine-stage ring oscillator was -105.5 dBc/Hz at a 1-MHz offset from a 1.81-GHz center frequency, whereas the value for the three-stage ring oscillator was simulated to be -99.5 dBc/Hz at a 1-MHz offset from a 5.79-GHz center frequency.
Prehospital Management of the Difficult Airway: A Prospective Cohort Study

The role of prehospital endotracheal intubation (ETI) remains controversial, with significant national variability in practice. The purpose of this project was to evaluate ETI management in a system of advanced life support (ALS) providers experienced in ETI and other advanced airway techniques, and describe management and outcomes of patients with a "difficult airway." Data were collected prospectively for all ETIs performed by the fire department over a 4-year period (2001-2005), and included demographics, number of laryngoscopy attempts, airway procedures, complications, and outcomes. Of 80,501 ALS patient contacts, 4091 (5.1%) underwent attempted oral ETI, with a 96.8% success rate in four or fewer attempts. The difficult airway cohort included 130 patients (3.2%), whose airway management consisted of oral ETI after more than four attempts (46%), bag-valve-mask ventilation (33%), cricothyroidotomy (8%), retrograde ETI (5%), and digital ETI (1%). Procedural success rates ranged from 14% (digital ETI) to 91% (cricothyroidotomy). Nine patients (7%) had failed airway management, of whom 5 were found in cardiac arrest. The two most common reasons subjectively reported by ALS providers for airway difficulty were anterior trachea (39%) and small mouth (30%). Overall mortality for the difficult airway cohort was 44%. Prehospital ETI can be performed with a high success rate by experienced ALS providers, but may still require advanced airway techniques in a small subset of patients. Patient anatomy is a primary factor in failed ETI. Among the advanced procedures, cricothyroidotomy had the highest success rate and should not be delayed by other interventions.
Sucrose ether- and ester-linked surfactants

Several effective nonionic surface-active agents in which a single sucrose moiety is the only solubilizing group were described. Alkylsucroses, preparedvia sodium sucrate in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and higher alkyl bromides, are believed to be the first sugar-based surfactants which are at least equivalent to the best anionics and nonionics in cloth detergency on the basis of laboratory data; they were also active lime-soap disperstants. Another ether-linked type, the (3-alkoxy-2-hydroxypropyl) and (2-hydroxyalkyl) sucroses, derived from glycidyl ethers or olefin oxides, although second in detergency to the first type, included exceptional nonionic lathering agents, t-Dodecyl-benzylsucrose, from dodecylbenzyl chloride, was also a rather active detergent and lime-soap dispersant. Less active but easily prepared sucrose half-esters from alkenylsuccinic anhydrides were described. One sucrose moiety in ether-linked surfactants was an effective hydrophile for alkyl hydrophobes at least as large as hexadecyl, but tridecyl derivatives were superior in activity. Major importance was attached to the choice of solvent, catalyst, and time/temperature factors. Evidence was presented to show that sucrose derivatives were partially degraded by the alkaline conditions required in this work and that this degradation was both detrimental to detergeney and initially beneficial to lather in specific cases. An improved procedure involving the use of DMSO for the alkaline dehydrochlorination of higher alkoxychloropropanols to glycidyl ethers was described.
M1725 Food Intake and Interdigestive Gastrointestinal Motility in Ghrelin Receptor Mutant Rats

Background Ghrelin is the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). Ghrelin regulates feeding activity and interdigestive contractions of the stomach in rodents. To investigate the role of endogenous ghrelin in the digestive system, we have developed GHSR-mutant rats, named FHH-Ghsrm1Mcwi, using the Fawn-Hooded Hypertensive (FHH) parental strain.
Preferential incorporation of glucosamine into the galactosamine moieties of chondroitin sulfates in articular cartilage explants.

Objective To determine the metabolic fate of glucosamine (GlcN) in intact articular cartilage tissue. Methods Intact articular cartilage explants were cultured for up to 13 days in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 1) 1-13C–labeled GlcN, 2) 1-13C–labeled glucose (Glc), or 3) no labeling. Every 3–4 days, samples were removed and frozen in liquid nitrogen for carbon-13 magnetic resonance spectroscopic (MRS) analysis. The metabolic products of the labeled precursors were determined from the MRS data based on resonance positions and comparison with known standards and published values. Results GlcN was taken up by the chondrocytes and incorporated selectively into the hexosamine, but not the hexuronic acid, components of the glycosaminoglycan chains of articular cartilage proteoglycan. The data also demonstrated that GlcN is the substrate of choice for the galactosamine moieties of the chondroitin sulfates, incorporating at levels 300% higher than with an equivalent amount of labeled Glc. Conclusion The results indicate that GlcN facilitates the production of proteoglycan components that are synthesized through the hexosamine biochemical pathway.
Soliton defects in trans-(CH)x and dangling bond defects in a-Si:H; A surprising analogy

Abstract We have used the steady state and transient photomodulation (PM) spectroscopies for studying photocarriers dynamics in trans-(CH) x a prototype 1D conducting polymer, and in aSi:H a prototype 3D amorphous semiconductor, in their doped and undoped states. The PM spectrum of each of the undoped materials is dominated at high temperatures and long times by a photoinduced absorption band associated with neutral native defects. These are soliton defects in trans-(CH) x and dangling-bonds (DB) defects in aSiH. The PM spectrum of each of the doped materials is dominated at all temperatures and times by a photoinduced bleaching band associated with doping induced defects: charged solitons in (CH) x and charged DB defects in aSi:H. The analogy between the doping mechanism and the main defects in the two prototype semiconductors is pointed out and discussed.
Driving the high-latitude ionosphere with variable time resolution “K-like” geomagnetic indices☆

Abstract The 3-h Kp index is widely used as a measure of geomagnetic activity for ionospheric studies. Specifically, it is the planetary index used to determine the geomagnetic dependence of statistical auroral patterns and the convection electric field for certain models. Its quasi anti-logarithm, the Ap index, is similarly used in statistical models of the neutral atmosphere and neutral wind. Physics-based ionospheric models, such as the Utah State University (USU) Time-Dependent Ionospheric Model (TDIM), use these statistical models as magnetospheric and thermospheric inputs. However, the 3-h time interval between index computations is now considered a shortfall with regard to specifying and forecasting phenomena known to have faster time constants, e.g., auroral electrojet variations during a substorm. Therefore, these indices have been targeted for high-time resolution development; we have developed such indices in Della-Rose et al. (1999) . We now use our 15-minute station “K-like” index to determine the effect of introducing high-time resolution magnetic fluctuations into the TDIM inputs. This study represented the high-latitude ionosphere by a grid of 1484 locations, and was carried out for a geomagnetic storm period during solar maximum and “simulated” winter solstice conditions. We found that, for fixed Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) By/Bz ratio, driving the TDIM with our 15-minute “K-like” index altered the average high-latitude NmF2 value by as much as 8% (vs. the average NmF2 obtained using a 3-h index to drive the TDIM). More significantly, the standard deviation of the NmF2 variations was up to 35%. Under some conditions, the average NmF2 was changed by up to 30% with a standard deviation of over 60%. However, the effect of selecting different convection patterns that represented three southward IMF Bz orientations led to larger effects. The high-latitude average NmF2 changed by 10% or less, but the spread in the distribution always ranged from standard deviations of 29 to 68%. These results indicate that there is a substantial need to consider both short-term magnetic fluctuations and inclusion of real-time IMF data in the inputs to ionospheric models.
The Development and Implementation of Discrete Texture for the Improvement of Tribological Performance

The bearing area of conventional texture on magnetic recording disk surfaces shows a tendency of increase with a decrease in surface height. this is believed to be a major reason for the increase of head/disk friction wiht the accumulation of CSS cycles. In view of this, a novel type of texture is developed in this study. This type of texture consists of discrete pillar-shaped asperities, whose height and shape can be aptimized to reduce friction build-up and wear depth during CSS operation. It also allows lower asperity height to reduce take-off velocity and glide height. In addition, it is suitable for landing zone texturing. The discrete texture remarkably out performs mechanical texture during Css tests
Uranium geochemistry in groundwater from tertiary sediments

Abstract Dissolved U concentrations and activity ratios (ARs) of the U isotopes in the 238 U decay series were measured in ground and surface waters as part of an investigation to delineate the water quality in a proposed uranium mining area of northwest Nebraska. In oxidizing groundwaters from 67 wells completed in the Tertiary sediments, increasing U concentrations in the direction of groundwater flow generally were associated with a maturation of the formation water as evidenced by evolutionary trends in major ion character. The increased U levels probably are associated with leaching as shown by the positive correlation between U concentrations and total dissolved solids (TDS) ( r = +0.83). The inverse relationships between TDS and U ARs ( r = −0.73) and U levels and ARs ( r = 0.72) indicate that the decay of excess U-234 is related to maturation of the formation water and to sediment leaching along the flowpath. The data are described by a model which incorporates etching, decay and recoil and suggests that aquifer residence time can be estimated from the TDS level. The levels of soluble U in a reducing uraniferous hydrogeologic unit near Crawford, Nebraska are affected by the proximity of the sample collection to ore. In groundwater samples having similar chemistries (Na-SO 4 + Cl type), similar Ehs, and collected from a close-knit pattern, U concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 2,037 μg l −1 and ARs ranged from 0.75 to 12.6. This high variability in U levels and ARs is indicative of uranium ore in small areal studies where low ARs almost always are associated with high U concentrations.
Adaptive sampling of intracellular and extracellular cardiac potentials with the fan method.

Uniform sampling rates of 5000 samples s−1 and 15000 samples s−1 or more are required to accurately represent intracellular and extracellular cardiac electrograms. These high rates are necessary because of short intervals where rapid deflections occur; thus uniform sampling results in far too many samples from slow phases when voltages change little between consecutive samples. Adaptive sampling with the fan algorithm selects samples with an irregular temporal spacing that specifies each waveform with the minimum number of samples required for a given maximum error or tolerance e. This paper describes the performance of the fan as a function of tolerance on cardiac action potentials and electrograms simulated with the Beeler-Reuter model or measured directly from the heart, including examples showing signal quality, average sampling rate and intervals between samples. With low tolerances of ɛα = 100 μV (intracellular) or ɛα = 25 μV (extracellular), the average fan sampling rates were about 8000 samples s−1 for measured waveforms, and about 200 samples s−1 for simulated ones. With higher tolerances of ɛβ = 1 mV (intracellular) or ɛβ = 60 μV (extracellular) average fan sampling rates near 200 samples s−1 were found in all cases. The results suggest that good quality measurements of action potentials and electrograms can be obtained with remarkably low average sampling rates.
Intestinal Calcium Transport: Stimulation by Low Phosphorus Diets

Rats maintained on a low phosphorus diet supplemented with 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) show high intestinal calcium transport activity as compared to rats similarly treated but fed a diet containing adequate phosphorus. This increased transport activity is correlated with an increased biosynthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), the probable metabolically active form of the vitamin in the intestine.
On the boundary-value problem for a class of equations of mixed type in an unbounded domain

In this paper, we study the boundary-value problem for an equation of mixed type with singular coefficient. The uniqueness of the solution of the problem is proved using the extremum principle and the existence of a solution to the problem is established by the method of integral equations.
Two Issues for Economic Sociologists to Think About

Even though economic sociology is currently seen as a highly successful and dynamic subfield of sociology, there still exist a number of issues for economic sociologists to address. In this brief essay I point to two of these: the role of reflexivity in economic sociology and the question of whether economic sociology can also be a policy science. As to the former issue, I note that economic sociologists rarely ask questions about reflexivity, that is, to what extent their own understanding of the economy is related to the fact that they themselves are part of the reality that they analyze. The issue of reflexivity, I also argue, should preferably be understood in a broad sense and include the production of economic knowledge and economic theory more generally. Few economic sociologists have discussed whether economic sociology should be a policy science, with a few exceptions. One of these is Pierre Bourdieu, who also has many interesting ideas about economic suffering and the role of theodicy in the eco...
Visual Function Assessment in Simulated Real-Life Situations in HIV-Infected Subjects

Visual function abnormalities are common in people living with HIV disease (PLWH) without retinitis, even after improvement in immune status. Abnormalities such as reduced contrast sensitivity, altered color vision, peripheral visual field loss, and electrophysiological changes are related to a combination of retinal dysfunctions, involving inner and outer retinal structures. The standard protocol for testing vision performance in clinical practice is the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart. However, this method poorly correlates with activities of daily living that require patients to assess visual stimuli in multiple light/contrast conditions, and with limited time. We utilized a novel interactive computer program (Central Vision Analyzer) to analyze vision performance in PLWH under a variety of light/contrast conditions that simulate stressful and real-world environments. The program tests vision in a time-dependent way that we believe better correlates with daily living activities than the non-timed ETDRS chart. We also aimed to correlate visual scores with retinal neuro-fiber layer thickness on optical coherence tomography. Here we show that visual acuity is more affected in PLWH in comparison to HIV-seronegative controls in varying contrast and luminance, especially if the nadir CD4+ T-cell count was lower than 100 cells/mm3. Visual impairment reflects the loss of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness especially of the temporal-inferior sector. In PLWH the ETDRS chart test led to better visual acuity compared to the Central Vision Analyzer equivalent test, likely because patients had indefinite time to guess the letters. This study confirms and strengthens the finding that visual function is affected in PLWH even in absence of retinitis, since we found that the HIV serostatus is the best predictor of visual loss. The Central Vision Analyzer may be useful in the diagnosis of subclinical HIV-associated visual loss in multiple light/contrast conditions, and may offer better understanding of this entity called "neuroretinal disorder".