cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metallization of LCE helical antenna used for potential RFID

Shown in the previous paper [1], the LCE can be used as a reconfigurable antenna. In this paper, we investigate the different methods of metalizing the LCE. In an RFID system based on temperature, there are threshold violations which will shift the optimal operating frequency. The change in frequency due to the temperature of the proposed antenna is shown here. We want to investigate whether the reconfigurable antenna has the potential for passive RFID temperature based sensing capabilities.
Affect Studies and Cognitive Approaches to Literature

Offering a brief survey of cognitive literary studies, this chapter traces the field’s emergence from psychological and phenomenological approaches to literary studies, and it describes a variety of influential approaches within the field as well as perspectives on the prospects of the approach. Taken together, cognitive literary theories offer a wide-ranging investigation of the forms and status of knowing in relation to narrative. Turning to affect theory, this chapter explores its studies’ contrasting emphasis on how personal and social experience is shaped by forces not reducible to conscious knowledge. After reviewing a key critique of the theoretical basis of such work, this chapter describes affined political and aesthetic projects between well-known statements about affect theory and the approaches and positions adopted by cognitive literary scholars. Emphasis is placed upon how conceptions of the social, material, and virtual inform the projects of cognitive literary studies. It considers how recent scientific accounts of affect that emphasize the role of emotion in shaping thought and memory, and recent philosophical interest in embodiment and enactivism, might promote linkages between the two fields of inquiry.
Modifiable and Nonmodifiable Factors Associated With Perioperative Failure of Extraglottic Airway Devices

BACKGROUND:Extraglottic airway device (EGA) failure can be associated with severe complications and adverse patient outcomes. Prior research has identified patient- and procedure-related predictors of EGA failure. In this retrospective study, we assessed the incidence of perioperative EGA failure at
Flächenverbrauchsobergrenzen, Flächenhandelssysteme und kommunale Planungshoheit – eine bayerische Perspektive

In einem derart eng besiedelten Staat wie der Bundesrepublik Deutschland stellt sich zwangsweise die Frage nach den Grenzen des Freiflachenverbrauchs. Politisch ist die Einsparung von kostbaren Freiflachen bereits beschlossene Sache und ein Ubergang zur Flachenkreislaufwirtschaft – also einem Flachen-Null-Verbrauch – fur die Zukunft skizziert. Aber mit welchen Instrumenten soll dieses Ziel erreicht werden und wo liegen die rechtlichen Grenzen? Der nachfolgende Beitrag geht dieser Frage nach; sein Ausgangspunkt ist ein Gesetzentwurf, der in den Bayerischen Landtag eingebracht wurde und eine Flachenverbrauchsobergrenze mit einem Flachenhandelssystem verbinden will.
Training Issues Unique to Autism Spectrum Disorders

Intensive early intervention training, discrete trials, transitions to new settings, environments and people, tactile defensiveness, difficulty initiating interactions and other factors specific to ASD will be covered. An emphasis on being aware of these specialized problems and how ABA methods have been developed to address them will be reviewed.
FK506 (Tacrolimus) monotherapy for prevention of graft-versus-host disease after histocompatible sibling allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

FK506 (Tacrolimus) is an immunosuppressive drug that blocks the activation of antigen-specific T lymphocytes, a major component in the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This study was designed to obtain first estimates of the safety and efficacy of FK506 monotherapy in the prevention of GVHD following HLA-identical sibling marrow transplantation. Additionally, a subset of patients was studied to define the pharmacokinetic profile of FK506. Twenty-seven adult patients with leukemia or myelodysplasia received FK506 starting the day before transplant at a dose of 0.04 mg/kg/d by continuous intravenous infusion. When clinically possible, FK506 was given orally in two divided doses starting at five times the daily intravenous dose. FK506 doses were adjusted to target a steady state or trough blood level between 10 to 30 ng/mL. These patients were followed for 6 months posttransplant. All patients had sustained marrow engraftment. Frequently noted adverse events included reversible renal dysfunction, diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Most patients required FK506 dose reductions associated with elevated serum creatinine. Two (7%) patients relapsed, one of whom died of the disease within the 6- month study period. A second patient died due to pulmonary mucor. Whole blood pharmacokinetic parameters indicated a half-life of 18.2 +/- 12.1 hours; volume of distribution of 1.67 +/- 1.02 L/kg; clearance of 71 +/- 34 mL/h/kg; and bioavailability of 32 +/- 24%. Eleven of 27 (41%) patients developed grade II to IV acute GVHD, including 10 grade II and one grade III. Six of 24 (25%) evaluable patients developed chronic GVHD. These data indicate that FK506 monotherapy has activity in preventing GVHD. Further studies of FK506 with lower doses to improve tolerability and in combination with other immunosuppressants to augment efficacy are warranted.
Steps toward automatic theory formation

This paper describes a theory formation system which can discover a partial axiomization of a data base represented as extensionally defined binary relations.- The system first discovers all possible intensional definitions of each binary relation in terms of the others. It then determines a minimal set of these relations from which the others can be defined. It then attempts to discover all the ways the relations of this minimal set can interact with each other, thus generating a set of inference rules. Although the system was originally designed to explore automatic techniques for theory construction for question-answering systems, it is currently being expanded to function as a symbiotic system to help social scientists explore certain kinds of data bases.
Sulphur Nutrition and Legume Seed Quality

Plants are the major food source for humans and other animals, providing carbohydrates, protein, lipids and vitamins. This chapter describes the very important role plants play in providing the protein required in animal diets. Protein accounts for approximately 10 to 15% of the dry weight of cereal grains, 20 to 25% of the dry weight of many legume seeds, and 40% of the dry weight of a typical soybean seed. Even though cereal grains and legume seeds are excellent sources of protein, many are deficient in at least some of the ten essential amino acids. Maize, for example, is deficient in both lysine and tryptophan, whereas legume seeds are frequently deficient in the sulphur amino acids, methionine and cysteine. Clearly, a plant must coordinate its effort to obtain reduced nitrogen and reduced sulphur if it is to synthesize large quantities of seed protein. On the other hand, the seed must contain sufficient nitrogen to nourish the developing seedling. Nitrogen-fixing legumes have evolved so that they can produce a large quantity of two different classes of seed storage proteins, those that are rich in both nitrogen and sulphur and others that are sulphur-deficient. Glycinins, which account for approximately 40% of soybean seed protein and are rich in both nitrogen and sulphur, represent the former class. On the other hand, the β-chain of soybean (β-conglycinin lacks methionine and cysteine and normally accounts for approximately 10% of soybean seed protein. When a plant is grown on a sulphur-deficient regime, however, the β-chain of β-conglycinin can account for 30% of total seed protein. Mechanisms by which the plant regulates the relative abundance of these two protein classes are proposed. Also, efforts to enhance the relative abundance of the sulphur amino acids in seed storage proteins are described.
Chemotherapy for lung cancer in patients on renal replacement therapy: The Mayo Clinic experience.

e20569Background: The administration of chemotherapy for lung cancer in patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) is a controversial topic. Most of the available data come from case reports and s...
Validation of the PBIS-ACT Full: An Updated Measure of Staff Commitment to Implement SWPBIS:

School-wide positive behavior interventions and supports (SWPBIS) relies on the implementation efforts of frontline service providers such as teachers, administrators, and staff. The full version o...
Dual-layer spectral computerized tomography for metal artifact reduction: small versus large orthopedic devices

Metal artifacts limit the diagnostic utility of computerized tomography (CT) for implant-related complications. Dual-layer spectral detector CT imaging has been suggested for artifact reduction. Our objective was to evaluate the utility of spectral CT in artifact reduction in patients with small and large metal implants. In this prospective study, patients with metallic orthopedic implants underwent CT imaging using a prototype spectral detector CT scanner. Conventional images were generated with iterative reconstruction at 120 kVp, and virtual monochromatic images were generated at 20-keV intervals between 40 to 200 keV. Conventional and monochromatic images were compared quantitatively using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and artifact improvement. Qualitative analysis was performed independently by two musculoskeletal radiologists and included six image quality indicators. A total of 12 patients were scanned. In monochromatic images, as the energy level increased, the artifact size decreased progressively (p < 0.01). When conventional and monochromatic images were compared, maximum reduction was seen at 200 keV. Using qualitative assessments, 160 and 180 keV levels had the best overall diagnostic image quality. With increased energy level, there was improvement in qualitative ratings of bone-metal interface conspicuity (p = 0.002), degree of streak artifact (p = 0.010) and trabecular bone definition at 1 cm from implant (p = 0.023), and a trend towards significance for bone definition at 5 cm, soft tissue detail and overall diagnostic quality. Subgroup analysis revealed superior artifact reduction in small implants compared to large hardware. Our results support the utility of dual-layer spectral CT in metal artifact reduction. Virtual monochromatic images were diagnostically superior, especially for smaller implants. Virtual monoenergetic images at 160–180 keV are ideal for reducing artifacts.
Linear Accelerator-Based Radiosurgery: Technique

Linear accelerator radiosurgery uses a LINAC as the source of highly energetic photons. These photons, called X-rays, are produced electronically rather than through the spontaneous decay of a radioactive isotope (gamma rays), like cobalt in the Gamma Knife. The X-ray beam is collimated and aimed at the stereotactic target point. A variety of treatment planning tools are used to generate highly conformal radiation shapes as well as steep dose gradients toward normal brain tissue.
An integrative approach uncovers genes with perturbed interactions in cancers

Abstract A major challenge in cancer genomics is to identify genes with functional roles in cancer and uncover their mechanisms of action. Here, we introduce a unified analytical framework that enables rapid integration of multiple sources of information in order to identify cancer-relevant genes by pinpointing those whose interaction or other functional sites are enriched in somatic mutations across tumors. Our accompanying method PertInInt combines knowledge about sites participating in interactions with DNA, RNA, peptides, ions or small molecules with domain, evolutionary conservation and gene-level mutation data. When applied to 10,037 tumor samples across 33 cancer types, PertInInt uncovers both known and newly predicted cancer genes, while simultaneously revealing whether interaction potential or other functionalities are disrupted. PertInInt’s analysis demonstrates that somatic mutations are frequently enriched in binding residues and domains in oncogenes and tumor suppressors, and implicates interaction perturbation as a pervasive cancer driving event. (Software at http://github.com/Singh-Lab/PertInInt.)
A Review and Analysis of the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines

This spring, the Kansas Legislature will consider the most significant changes in criminal law in a generation. The Kansas Sentencing Commission, created in 1989, will submit its proposed guidelines to the legislature. If enacted, the guidelines will fundamentally alter our state's sentencing philosophy, sentencing lengths, and sentencing procedures. This article examines the draft of the preliminary recommendations of the Sentencing Commission.
Computational Study of 3d Metals and Their Influence on the Acidity of Methane C-H Bonds.

CCSD(T) methods in conjunction with correlation consistent basis sets are used to predict the pKa for the deprotonation of methane in a 3d metal ion adduct, [M···CH4]+ (M = Sc–Cu), in dimethyl sulf...
Effects of supplementing ruminal-bypass unsaturated fatty acids during late gestation on beef cow and calf serum and colostrum fatty acids, transfer of passive immunity, and cow and calf performance

ABSTRACT Objective Our objective was to determine the effects of ruminally protected UFA supplementation during late gestation on fatty acid (FA) profiles in colostrum and maternal and offspring serum, and transfer of passive immunity in beef cattle. Materials and Methods Crossbred Angus cows (n = 58) were blocked by parity and then randomly assigned to supplements for the last 90 d of gestation: control (1.5 kg of corn gluten feed; n = 29) or an isocaloric and isonitrogenous supplement containing 200 g of bypass EFA (RBEFA; Essentiom, Church and Dwight Co., Princeton, NJ; n = 29) 5 d per week. Maternal blood was collected on d 45 of treatment and at parturition. Colostrum samples were collected at parturition. Calf blood was collected at birth and 1 and 5 d of age. Serum and colostrum samples were analyzed for FA and IgG concentrations. Data were analyzed via ANOVA with repeated measures when appropriate. Results and Discussion Total FA concentrations in cows on RBEFA were increased (P Implications and Applications Late-gestation supplementation of EFA increased serum FA concentrations, colostrum IgG, and calf serum IgG and increased calf growth up to weaning.
Synthesis and Surface Chemistry of 2D TiVC Solid-Solution MXenes.

MXenes are emerging two-dimensional (2D) materials for energy-storage applications and supercapacitors. Their surface chemistry, which determines critical properties, varies due to different synthe...
Factors Influencing Physician Practices' Adoption of Behavioral Health Integration in the United States: A Qualitative Study.

Mental and substance use disorders are common, but access to behavioral health services is often challenging for patients and their clinicians. Despite financial incentives and the encouragement of...
Sectioned processing of compaction self-assembly of an ultralow-binder-content particulate composite

Abstract “Green cement” has been extensively studied to reduce the carbon emission and the energy consumption associated with the construction materials production. In this research, we developed a sectioned compaction system to produce bricks of ultralow-binder-content (UBC) composite, which consisted of ~96 wt% sand and ~4 wt% epoxy binder. After premixing, the material was compressed in nine sections and two steps. Upon compaction, the small amount of binder self-assembled into polymer micro-agglomerations (PMA), which efficiently bonded the sand grains into a structurally integral solid. The so-produced material was uniform and quite strong. The modulus of rupture was ~23.5 MPa, much higher than the typical flexural strength of steel-reinforced concrete.
Benzalkonium chloride: A systematic review of its environmental entry through wastewater treatment, potential impact, and mitigation strategies

Benzalkonium chloride is a concern because of its widespread use combined with environmental impacts. It has been found throughout the built and natural environment in wastewater influent, effluent...
Co-Occurring Trauma and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among People With Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review.

Purpose of review Trauma and posttraumatic stress are common among individuals with chronic pain and contribute to increased morbidity and impairment. Individuals with trauma and chronic pain may be prone to non-suicidal self-injury, a relatively common yet risky self-regulatory behavior. There is a dearth of research on the intersection of trauma, chronic pain, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). We conducted a systematic review of the extant literature. Recent findings Five quantitative and eight case reports were identified. Only one quantitative study reported specifically on NSSI. Self-harm rates varied across studies, though appeared elevated among patients with chronic pain. Childhood trauma was linked to this co-occurrence. Causal links between trauma, NSSI, and pain are proposed, highlighting the need for a comprehensive theoretical model. We recommend assessing for childhood trauma when treating patients with chronic pain and querying regarding NSSI when patients present with indicators of NSSI risk and to treat or refer such patients to specialized treatment.
Segmenting the Retail Market Using Shoppers’ Participation in Consumer Logistics, Self-Perception, and Demographics

Recognizing the value of understanding shoppers’ participation in distribution, scholars have conceptualized this domain of activity and called it consumer logistics (CL), consumers’ participation in the movement and handling of goods from the point of acquisition to the point of consumption or final disposal. At the present stage of research into CL, it is appropriate to empirically investigate the relationship between participation in the functions of CL and various characteristics of shoppers. Therefore, this study uses survey data to (1) portray retail market segments jointly in terms of shoppers’ CL participation and their personal characteristics and (2) suggest implications of the findings for retailers. In particular, this study considers consumers’ self-perception as shoppers and their involvement in food preparation, supplemented by demographics relevant to retail strategy.
Assessing Precision in Formula Dating

Since the advent of pipe stem-bore diameter and mean ceramic date formulas in the 1960s and 1970s, formula dating has been a widely accepted technique for the accurate estimation of median occupation dates of historical sites. The methods are based on fundamental concepts of archaeological analysis: horizon, tradition, and testing by repeated application. These principles allow extension of the methods to prehistoric cases in some circumstances. The formulas, however, produce single numbers that may be misleading in their apparent precision. Datasets from historical sites around the Chesapeake Bay and a synagogue site in Jamaica allow an assessment of the statistical precision of formula dates. The results suggest that archaeologists should report these dates with their standard deviations and not as single-number results.
Characteristics of Associative Potentiation/Depression

Studies of the monosynaptic, bilateral entorhinal cortex (EC) — dentate gyrus (DG) responses are being used to choose among the numerous synaptic modification rules suggested in neurodynamic theories of concept formation and pattern recognition. The EC-DG system has many advantages, including (a) numerous available controls [1], (b) the wealth of anatomical and physiological knowledge about the system [2], and (c) the use of bilaterally placed, widely separated stimulating electrodes [1]. In addition, there is the fact that the requisite stimulation intensity and response amplitude of the contralateral EC-DG pEPSP have no lower limits that restrict the phenomenology of associative potentiation/depress ion. That is, so long as a contralateral response is measurably above noise levels and a powerful converging ipsilateral response is available, then all of our reported results for long-term potentiation and depression hold for the weak contralateral response. These results encourage an extrapolation in which only a single EC-DG fiber is activated. This extrapolation, the specificity and individuality of contralateral modifiability [1,3,4,5], the synaptic modification correlates of LTP revealed by electron microscopy [6,7], and the existence of a suitable molecular mechanism to explain associative potentiation (i.e. the voltage-controlled NMDA receptor [8]), further encourage us to study synaptic modification in the EC-DG system in order to properly formalize the rule of associative modification.
Young Patients With Diabetes Have Decreased Cerebrovascular Reactivity Under Hypercapneic Conditions

Abstract Objective Adult diabetic patients have an abnormal cerebrovascular response to hypercapnia, but there are few studies focused on diabetes mellitus type 1 and cerebral blood flow in pediatric or adolescent patients. We hypothesize that young patients with diabetes exhibit a different response to hypercapnia than normal control counterparts. Methods Using transcranial Doppler techniques, we compared young diabetic patients with healthy controls by measuring cerebral blood velocity before and during carbon dioxide challenge. Results Subjects with diabetes had decreased cerebral blood velocity reactivity when compared with the control group ( P = 0.005). Conclusion Our results suggest cerebrovascular dysfunction in diabetic patients beginning at an early age. The possibility of long-term implications for cerebrovascular disease demonstrates the need for further studies in the pediatric and adolescent diabetic population to better understand this prevalent condition.
Parliamentary Influence in a New Democracy: The Spanish Congress

This study, based on elite interviews and quantitative data, examines the public policy‐making influence of the Spanish Congress since the formation of its new democracy (1979–96). Three of the factors considered in this study are derived from previous comparative legislative studies: (1) the size of or absence of majority representation of the government party in the legislative body; (2) the degree of party unity and party discipline; and (3) the existence of a specialised committee system. In new democracies, we must also take into account the malleable circumstances of the new regime. In Spain, the following also appear to have an impact on parliamentary influence especially: (1) the special requirements of the process of democratic consolidation; (2) the nature of legislation; (3) the formal rules affecting parliament; (4) the impact of membership in the European Union; and (5) Spain's asymmetric federal structure.
The role of secondhand smoke in allergic rhinitis: a systematic review

Background The objective of this work was to systematically review existing literature on the association between allergic rhinitis (AR) and secondhand smoking (SHS) in children and adults. Methods We performed a literature search encompassing the last 25 years in PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. Inclusion criteria included English language papers containing original human data with greater than 6 subjects. Data was systematically collected on study design, patient demographics, clinical characteristics/outcomes, and level-of-evidence (Oxford Center of Evidence-Based Medicine). Quality assessment of the studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Two investigators independently reviewed all manuscripts. Results The initial search yielded 590 abstracts, of which 40 articles were included. 12 (37.5%) of the 32 articles studying children and 5 (62.5%) of the 8 articles studying adults showed a statistically significant association between AR and SHS. One article was a prospective cohort study (Level 2b) and all other articles were case-control studies (Level 3b). For characterizing AR, 10 (25%) studies included skin-prick testing and 5 (12.5%) used in vitro testing. For determining presence of SHS, 39 (97.5%) of the studies used questionnaires and 1 article used a cotinine/creatinine ratio. Conclusion This review demonstrated a majority of adult studies vs a minority of children studies found a significant association between AR and SHS. However, the percent difference between age groups was not statistically significant. Further higher-quality studies with validated methods for diagnosing AR and quantifying SHS exposure should be performed to better evaluate the relationship between AR and SHS in adults and children.
On the relation between two approaches to combining evidence: Ordered Abelian Groups and uninorms

In this paper, we develop a relationship between two approaches to combining evidence: the Ordered Abelian Group (OAG) approach and the uninorm approach. We show that while there exist uninorms that are not extended OAG's it turns out that for operations which are continuous (in some reasonable sense), these two approaches coincide.
Hominid Brain Evolution

Hypotheses regarding the selective pressures driving the threefold increase in the size of the hominid brain since Homo habilis include climatic conditions, ecological demands, and social competition. We provide a multivariate analysis that enables the simultaneous assessment of variables representing each of these potential selective forces. Data were collated for latitude, prevalence of harmful parasites, mean annual temperature, and variation in annual temperature for the location of 175 hominid crania dating from 1.9 million to 10 thousand years ago. We also included a proxy for population density and two indexes of paleoclimatic variability for the time at which each cranium was discovered. Results revealed independent contributions of population density, variation in paleoclimate, and temperature variation to the prediction of change in hominid cranial capacity (CC). Although the effects of paleoclimatic variability and temperature variation provide support for climatic hypotheses, the proxy for population density predicted more unique variance in CC than all other variables. The pattern suggests multiple pressures drove hominid brain evolution and that the core selective force was social competition.
Fracture and embolization of a totally implanted venous access catheter

Patients who need long-term chemotherapy, intravenous antibiotics, or total parenteral nutrition must have dependable venous access. A few significant complications have been reported in association with the use of these catheters. We have observed embolization of a fractured catheter in a pediatric patient. Possible explanations for this major complication are presented.
Variance increases following large stock distributions: the role of changing bid-ask spreads and true variances

Abstract In this study we examine two factors affecting variance increases following stock distributions: changing bid-ask spreads and the true variability of the underlying value of the firm. Employing data from the CRSP NASDAQ and NMS files, we find a relatively minor role for changing spreads. Increases in true variances are the major component of variance increases with changes in return autocorrelations playing an important role.
A coupled-stability index for ENSO

(1) Based on the simple framework of the recharge oscillator for El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), this paper describes the formulation of a coupled stability index for the large-scale tropical ocean-atmosphere interactions in the equatorial Pacific region. This index, referred to as the Bjerknes (BJ) stability index, takes its negative contributions from the mean upwelling and thermal damping and its positive contributions from the thermocline, the zonal advection, and the Ekman feedbacks. The validity of the BJ stability index formula is tested through a detailed eigen- analysis of an intermediate-coupled model, which shows that the BJ stability index captures the dependence of growth rate of the leading coupled ENSO-like mode on various climate conditions. The general formula of the BJ stability index may be useful for assessing the coupled stability of ENSO and its sensitivity to changes in tropical climate conditions. Citation: Jin, F.-F., S. T. Kim, and L. Bejarano (2006), A coupled-stability index for ENSO, Geophys. Res. Lett., 33, L23708, doi:10.1029/2006GL027221.
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS No. 133): Implications for Profitability Measures and Stock Prices

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (FAS 133), Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, is one of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) most complex and controversial pronouncements. Its complexity stems from the underlying financial derivative instruments (derivatives) themselves. Its controversy arises from the accounting and reporting requirements that it sets for all entities using derivatives. The new requirements prescribe specific accounting treatment for derivatives that differ significantly from previous practice. Our study researches the impact that adopting FAS 133 had on firms that use derivatives. We focus on the magnitude of the impact of FAS 133 as measured by the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle (cumulative effect) reported on the income statement in the year of adoption, the market reaction to the earnings announcement, and the effect on key financial ratios. We derive two key conclusions. First, the actual dollar amount of the cumulative effect of adopting one of the most publicized and controversial Standards promulgated came as a surprise. For the firms in our sample, footnote disclosures of anticipated non-material effects of adopting the new rules for hedge accounting belie the reported amounts. The firms in our sample reported an absolute cumulative effect on income of $6.8 billion, 65% of which was negative. Significant negative unexpected returns were observed around the Wall Street Journal earnings announcement dates. The abnormal returns were correlated with the cumulative effect, rather than with the change in earnings per share from operations, providing evidence that the surprise was related to the accounting change. Convergence towards International Accounting Standards has resulted in new accounting rules (SFAS 154) that eliminate the reporting of the accounting change on the income statement. Our research results are particularly relevant at this time as they suggest the new rule may reduce the expected information value of financial reports. Second, we find that the adoption of FAS 133 had a significant impact on non-financial firms. The results of the ratio analyses and regressions provide evidence that the firms in our sample had material amounts of recorded unrealized gains and losses related to hedging with derivative instruments. Earnings-related ratios, ROA, ROE and measures of other comprehensive income decreased significantly from 2000-2001, after experiencing significant increases during the prior period.
The enforcement of the precautionary principle by German, French and Belgian courts

With the precautionary principle having growing success in the international legal order, several national legislators in Europe have followed its success by increasingly setting it out in the recitals of environmental codes of law or in framework laws. In German law, the principle has for some time now implicitly followed on from sectoral laws relating to listed installations, biotechnology, nuclear energy and water management. In France and in Belgium, it has been introduced more recently by framework laws which initiated the codification of environmental law. When looking for substantive indications of its existence, one finds that the principle is more clearly present in national legal regimes than one might think. By giving increasing importance to uncertainty, several legislative systems have already brought the principle into play without expressly referring to it. The doctrine acknowledges that national biotechnology laws represent one of its most important advances. It is, however, at the level of litigation that the principle has been most successful. As will be demonstrated by discussing case law from Germany, France and Belgium, some legal regimes have already made a breakthrough by integrating uncertainty into their reasoning, thus applying the precautionary principle without necessarily being aware of it. Since the objective of the principle is to govern decision making under conditions of uncertainty in an all-encompassing manner, the principle is also advancing, in a perhaps more striking manner, in other fields of law, such as health law.
Roles of Fe2+, Fe3+, and Cr3+ Surface Sites in the Oxidation of NO on the (Fe,Cr)3O4(1 1 1) Surface Termination of an α-(Fe,Cr)2O3(0 0 0 1) Mixed Oxide

The oxidation and photooxidation reactions of nitric oxide were explored on a mixed Fe and Cr mixed oxide surface using temperature programmed desorption (TPD). The mixed oxide surface examined initially had a corundum (0001) structure with a nominal cation composition of 75% Fe and 25% Cr, but after sputter/anneal cleaning was transformed into a magnetite-like (111) surface structure enriched with Cr (~40%). TPD studies of nitric oxide on the (Fe,Cr)3O4(111) surface revealed two main desorption states at 220 and 370 K, along with a third minor desorption state at ~310 K. Similarly, O2 TPD occurred in two main TPD states (100 and 230 K) and a minor state (155 K). The more strongly and weakly bound NO and O2 molecules were assigned to adsorption at Fe2+ and Fe3+ sites, respectively, with the minor desorption states assigned to Cr3+ sites. No thermal decomposition or surface chemistry was detected in TPD for adsorbed NO (e.g., no N2 or N2O formation), whereas ~10% of the adsorbed O2 irreversibly dissociated at Fe2+ sites. These dissociated oxygen species did not react with coadsorbed NO, but instead blocked NO adsorption at the Fe2+ sites, but had no effect on NO adsorption at Fe3+ sites. In contrast,more » NO reacted with preadsorbed O2 molecules to generate an adsorbed nitrate/nitrite species that decomposed in TPD to liberate NO at 425 K, leaving an O atom on the surface. Coadsorption of 15N18O with 16O2 suggests the oxidized species was a nitrate based on the detected level of oxygen scrambling. Preadsorption of O2 was required for nitrate formation as preadsorbed NO blocked both O2 adsorption and the oxidation reaction. Irradiation of adsorbed NO with 460 nm light at 40 K resulted in rapid photodesorption of NO without generation of any new surface species. Irradiation of the coadsorbed NO+O2 system did not promote additional NO oxidation, but limited the extent of thermal NO oxidation (in subsequent TPD) by photodepleting the surface of adsorbed NO. Preheating the NO+O2 adlayer to 250 K prior to 460 nm light irradiation restored the level of thermal NO oxidation, revealing both that thermal activation is required for NO oxidation on the (Fe,Cr)3O4(111) surface and that the nitrate product was insensitive to 460 nm light. The author thanks Drs. Sara Chamberlin and Scott Chambers for supplying the film used in this work. This work was supported by the US Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a multiprogram national laboratory operated for DOE by Battelle. The research was performed using EMSL, a national scientific user facility sponsored by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research and located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.« less
The effect of a unilateral upper extremity load (backpack) on the resulting spinal posture.

Background A frequent question from parents of adolescents is whether there are risk factors that could make a scoliosis curve increase, specifically whether carrying a heavy backpack on one shoulder could be detrimental to an existed curve. There has been very little research published to answer whether a unilateral upper extremity load would have an effect on spine position, let alone scoliosis progression (Chow, 2006).
Performance indicators in online distance learning courses: a study of management education

Examines student performance indicators in online distance learning courses offered on the Internet at a mid‐sized private college in the USA. A sample of 74 undergraduate and 147 graduate business students in ten courses were selected for statistical analysis of their grade performance and the relationship with various indicators. The research results include findings that gender and age are related differently for undergraduate and graduate students to performance in distance learning courses, and that undergraduate grades, age, work experience, and discussion board grades are significantly related to overall course performance. However, standardized test scores (SATs, GMATs) and organization position level are not related to the performance in distance learning courses. Makes recommendations for further qualitative and empirical research on distance learning student performance in online computer‐mediated courses and programs.
New Examples of Tyrannosaurus rex from the Lance Formation of Wyoming, United States

ABSTRACT The dinosaur remains from the Upper Cretaceous Lance Formation of Wyoming, USA, have been known since 1870. Most of the fossils that are attributed to theropod dinosaurs are fragmentary skeletons consisting of cranial, axial and appendicular elements, and many isolated teeth are also known. The largest known theropod of the Lance Formation dinosaur fauna is Tyrannosaurus rex. Numerous specimens of this taxon are known from the Maastrichtian strata of the northwestern United States and southwestern Canada. In 1890 and 1892, two pedal phalanges of the left foot and several isolated teeth identified here as belonging to Tyrannosaurus were discovered near Lusk, Wyoming, by John Bell Hatcher and the prospecting party from Yale Univeristy's Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. The discovery of these fossils is significant. One of the first discoveries of Tyrannosaurus from Wyoming, it predates all other discoveries and naming of this taxon in the coeval Hell Creek Formation...
Image analysis and ultrasound techniques for prediction of intramuscular fat of live beef animals

Real-time ultrasound technique, image processing and analysis were applied to develop predition models for interamuscular fat (marbling) in live beef animals in genetic evaluation program. Ultrasound equipment Aloka 500v with a 3.5 Mhz 17 cm linear array transducer was used to do scans for live beef animals. Two scan images were collected on diferrent locations for each animal. The animals were slaughtered within one day after scanning and then a USDA marbling score was recorded and an ether extract (EE) analysis was performed to get a percent fat for each animal. Gray scale histogram, texture and movement analysis were applied to all the scan images. Fourier spectrum statistics variables and movement descriptors were used to develop prediction models. The prediction results demonstrate that the image analysis and real-time ultrasound techniques may be a valuable tool to estimate intramuscular fat for use in sorting feedlot cattle and in genetic evaluation programs for body composition in live beef animals. Key words: Ultrasonics, Image Analysis, Prediction Models, Genetic Improvement, Live Beef Animals
Intracardiac and extracardiac markers of inflammation during atrial fibrillation.

Background A decrease in inflammation after cure of atrial arrhythmias suggests that such arrhythmias are proinflammatory, and lower inflammatory marker levels in the coronary sinus suggest that atrial arrhythmias result in intracardiac appropriation of inflammatory cytokines. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of atrial fibrillation on inflammatory markers drawn from intracardiac and extracardiac chambers. Methods We performed a case-control study of 167 AF patients and 207 controls. Blood from intracardiac and extracardiac sites was obtained from a subset of patients undergoing curative AF ablation (n = 46). Results No significant differences in C-reactive protein (CRP) or interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were seen between patients with and those without a history of AF. Both levels were significantly higher when blood was drawn during AF than during sinus rhythm: median CRP 3.1 mg/dL (interquartile range [IQR] 1.0–6.0) versus 1.7 mg/dL (IQR 0.7–3.9, P = .0005); median IL-6 2.3 ng/mL (IQR 1.5–3.9) versus 1.5 ng/mL (IQR 0.7–2.5, P = .007). This finding persisted after adjusting for potential confounders. AF ablation patients in AF exhibited a positive median left atrial minus coronary sinus gradient CRP (0.3 mg/dL, IQR −0.03–1.1), whereas those in sinus rhythm had a negative median left atrial minus coronary sinus gradient CRP (−0.2, IQR −0.8–[−0.02], P = .01). Femoral artery minus femoral vein gradients in AF versus sinus rhythm did not show any differences. Conclusion AF at the time of the blood draw, rather than a history of AF, was independently associated with inflammation. Differences in transcardiac gradients suggest that AF results in sequestration of inflammatory cytokines in the heart.
[Software patents] The good, the bad, and the messy

The goal of improving patent quality remains elusive both from an economic and process perspective.
Control in Centred Worlds

This paper extends the framework of Lasersohn (2005) to give an updated semantic approach to control. On the view proposed here, all clausal constituents express (have as their semantic intensions) sets of centred worlds. In control constructions, the subject of the lower clause (‘PRO’) is identified with the ‘centre’ of a centred world. This view allows for a uniform semantic analysis of clauses, including those with and without null subjects, and for propositional attitude predicates.
Stability of spatial digital filters

Abstract The paper discusses the extension of the well-known stability theorem for digital filters to two-dimensions. Several independent proofs of the stability theorem, which were first obtained by Shanks and Justice in the context of Banach algebras and z-transforms, are also discussed.
Spatial coding of position and orientation in primary visual cortex

We examined the spatial distribution of population activity in primary visual cortex (V1) of tree shrews with optical imaging and electrophysiology. A line stimulus, thinner than the average V1 receptive field, evoked a broad strip of neural activity of nearly constant size for all stimulus locations tested within the central 10° of visual space. Stimuli in adjacent positions activated highly overlapping populations of neurons; nevertheless, small changes in stimulus position produced orderly changes in the location of the peak of the population response. Statistically significant shifts in the population response were found for stimulus displacements an order of magnitude smaller than receptive field width, down to the limit of optical imaging resolution. Based on the pattern of population activity, we conclude that the map of visual space in V1 is orderly at a fine scale and has uniform coverage of position and orientation without local relationships in the mapping of these features.
Maximum likelihood estimation of target acceleration

Maximum Likelihood Failure Detection (MLFD) theory is used to estimate the acceleration of a moving target performing an evasive maneuver during an air-to-air interception. Target acceleration is shown to introduce a bias in the residual of the navigation (Kalman) filter. The MLFD algorithm processes this biased residual to detect acceleration transitions, estimate the acceleration subsequent to the transition, and provide a correction term that approximately cancels the error due to target acceleration in estimating the projected miss distance. Also presented are simulation results demonstrating for a particular case that the rms terminal miss distance is reduced from 6.8 to 0.9 feet by application oF the MLFD algorithm.
Quantum Structured Solar Cells

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses quantum structured solar cells. The relaxation dynamics of photo-excited electrons in semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) can be greatly modified compared to the bulk form of the semiconductor. The cooling dynamics of highly energetic (hot) electrons created by absorption of supra-bandgap photons can be slowed. This slowed cooling is caused by a so-called “phonon bottleneck” when the energy spacing between quantized levels in the QD is greater than the LO-phonon energy thus, inhibiting hot-electron relaxation (cooling) by electron–phonon interactions. To produce the slowed hot-electron cooling via the phonon bottleneck, it is necessary to block an Auger process that could bypass the phonon bottleneck and allow fast electron cooling. The Auger cooling process involves the transfer of the excess electron energy to a hole, which then cools rapidly because of its higher effective mass and closely-spaced energy levels. Slowed cooling in QDs could lead to their use in solar cell configurations wherein impact ionization (the formation of two or more electron–hole pairs per absorbed photon) or hot-electron separation, transport, and transfer can become significant, thus producing enhanced photocurrents or photovoltages and corresponding enhanced conversion efficiencies with thermodynamics limits of 66% (one sun). Three configurations for QD solar cells are described in the chapter that can produce either enhanced photocurrent or photovoltage.
R-Mode Factor Analysis of Cincinnatian (Upper Ordovician) Limestones: ABSTRACT

An R-mode factor analysis based on 20 petrographic variables observed in thin sections of 60 Cincinnatian biomicrosparrudites was made to determine genetic relations among several limestone classes. Thin sections were used for point-count estimates of whole and broken brachiopod grains, whole and broken bryozoan grains, disarticulated crinoid columnals, whole gastropods, and broken trilobite carapaces, as well as matrix (micrite and enclosed dolomite) and sparite. The correct volume of each measured variable lies within 5 per cent on each side of the obtained value with a 95 per cent confidence. The weight percentage of insoluble residue contained in each limestone sample also was determined. These measurements were combined into a 20 × 60 data matrix. The product-mo ent correlation coefficient was computed for each pair of variables, and the results were arranged in a 20 × 20 correlation matrix. Five statistically significant factors were extracted from the correlation matrix, which account for 82 per cent of the total variance. The geologic interpretations of the factor axes in order of extraction (decreasing significance) are: (1) mechanical energy gradient at the depositional site, (2) substrate firmness, (3) degree of lithification, (4) relative contributions of carbonate mud and skeletal grains to the sediment, and (5) Eh at or slightly below the depositional interface. End_of_Article - Last_Page 477------------