cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"The guys told us crying that they saw how they were killing her and they could not do anything": psychosocial explorations of migrant journeys to the U.S.

In this article I examine undocumented migrant experiences on their journeys to the U.S. Tens of thousands of Honduran migrants leave their homes in hopes to provide better for their families from afar. In in-depth interviews, 21 migrants from Honduras share the events they endure as they cross Guatemala, Mexico and the borders that divide them. I conducted narrative analyses and specifically used the analytical tools of high points and poises to locate the most salient experiences the migrants narrated as well as identifying particular selves the migrants were presenting. The high points centered around the crossings of the Mexico-U.S. border, encounters with gangs and the police in Mexico, and travels on top of freight trains. Most of these events were highly charged with potential short and long-term effects on the migrants' health. In trying to make sense of their experiences, migrants presented themselves as heroes helping others, victims of the migration systems, good parents, or unaffected bystanders. This research provides insight into the rarely explored psychosocial aspects of undocumented migration, illuminates how Honduran migrants who attempt this journey make sense of their experiences, and proposes interventions to mitigate the potentially tragic consequences of this migration.
Self-consistent field studies of the negative-U Hubbard model.

The phase boundary between normal and superconducting phases of the negative-[ital U] Hubbard model is obtained within a self-consistent weak-coupling approach known as the pseudopotential parquet'' approximation. The shortcomings of simpler self-consistent approaches, including the Hartree-Fock and fluctuation-exchange approximations, are outlined. For intermediate values of [ital U], pseudopotential parquet predicts (i) a maximum in the superconducting transition temperature [ital T][sub [ital c]] at an electron filling [l angle][ital n][r angle] of approximately 0.92; and (ii) a sharp decrease in [ital T][sub [ital c]] for values of [l angle][ital n][r angle] closer to 1. The scale of transition temperatures is consistent with results from quantum simulations.
Charge induced pattern distortion in low energy electron beam lithography

Charge induced pattern distortions in low voltage electron beam lithography in the energy range of 1 to 5 kV were investigated. Pattern distortion on conducting substrates such as silicon was found to be small, while significant pattern placement errors and pattern distortions were observed in the case of electrically insulating substrates caused by charge trapping and deflection of the incident electron beam. The nature and magnitude of pattern distortions were found to be influenced by the incident electron energy, pattern size, electrical conductivity, and secondary electron emission coefficient of the substrate. Theoretical modeling predicts the electron beam deflection to be directly proportional to the trapped surface charge density and inversely proportional to the accelerating voltage.
Diastolic function in children with Kawasaki Disease

Abstract Background Coronary artery dilation (CAD) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction are recognized complications of Kawasaki Disease (KD). Diastolic function assessed by echocardiography in the KD patient population and its interrelationship to the KD course, systolic dysfunction, and CAD is less well characterized. The purpose of this study was to determine whether diastolic function is impaired in KD patients and whether there are any clinical correlates. Design/methods All KD patients with an echocardiogram recording of tissue Doppler velocities were included. Patients were analyzed based on CAD (Group I: patients who had CAD during their disease course; Group II: patients who never had CAD). In addition, we compared measures of diastolic function in patients with echocardiograms 0–30days ( n =35) and >30days ( n =72) post-IVIG treatment. Results 116 patients (80 males) were included (mean age, 7.7±6.7years; mean time since KD onset, 4.0±5.6years). Group I (41 patients, 36%), compared to Group II, had decreased E′ lateral and longer mitral early deceleration time. E′ lateral and E′ septal were significantly decreased in patients 0–30days vs. >30days post-IVIG, whereas mitral early deceleration time was not significantly different. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that there is impaired relaxation in KD patients in the early phase of the disease and in KD patients with CAD during the disease course.
Quantitative characterization of microstructures of plasma-sprayed coatings and their conductive and elastic properties

Abstract Quantitative characterization of microstructures of plasma-sprayed coatings that accounts for their anisotropic and “irregular” character is developed. Dominant microstructural features are identified. It is found, in particular, that small “islands” of partial contacts along microcracks produce a strong effect on the conductive and elastic properties and constitute a major microstructural feature. The role of porosity is two-fold: (1) it has only a minor effect on the conductive and elastic properties, as compared with the effect of cracks (for porosities less than 15%) and (2) higher levels of porosity appear to be an indicator of higher crack density. Effective conductive and elastic properties are given in terms of the proper microstructural parameters. Cross-property connections that interrelate the conductive and the elastic properties are given in an explicit form. They can be used for optimization of the microstructure for the combined conductive and elastic performance. The developed framework is applied to yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) coatings. It is demonstrated that the framework can be directly linked to microstructural data obtained from photomicrographs. Predictions made on the basis of the microstructural analysis were tested against experimental data on elasticity/conductivity. The agreement is generally good.
Pairwise calculation of protein solvent-accessible surface areas.

Background: The tractability of many algorithms for determining the energy state of a system depends on the pairwise nature of an energy expression. Some energy terms, such as the standard implementation of the van der Waals potential, satisfy this criterion whereas others do not. One class of important potentials that are not pairwise involves benefits and penalties for burying hydrophobic and/or polar surface areas. It has been found previously that, in some cases, a pairwise approximation to these surface areas correlates with the true surface areas. We set out to generalize the applicability of this approximation. Results: We develop a pairwise expression with one scalable parameter that closely reproduces both the true buried and the true exposed solvent-accessible surface areas. We then refit our previously published coiled-coil stability data to give solvation parameters of 26 cal/mol a 2 favoring hydrophobic burial and 100 cal/mol a 2 opposing polar burial. Conclusions: An accurate pairwise approximation to calculate exposed and buried protein solvent-accessible surface area is achieved.
Recursive Optical Notching Filter

A Recursive Optical Notching Filter(RONF)7 was developed to eliminate narrow band interference (NBI) experienced by RF receiver systems such as those used in radar and communications. Electromagnetic interference(EMI) can drastically reduce the effective range of radars and cause intermodulation products in the receiver and subsequent demodulation. The RONF functions to identify the interferers, their numbers and locations, as well as adaptively construct a notch filter structure which uniquely excises the NBI from the RF signal spectrum. Further, by the use of a novel recursive architecture it is possible to develop notch depths approaching the signal dynamic range. The RONF operations are accomplished by impressing the unprocessed RF signal onto a laser carrier by means of an acousto-optic modulator(Bragg cell). The modulated laser beam is then optically Fourier transformed to produce a real-time frequency spectrum. At the carrier optical wave length, the frequency translated RF signal with NBI appears in spatial coordinates for parallel processing with spatial intercepts of the EMI provided by programmed amplitude and phase "blockers" constructed by the Programmable Spatial Filter(PSF). It is at the PSF that optical recursion is used to obtain superior notching depth.8 With the NBI removed, the optical signal is then inverse Fourier transformed and the original radio frequency signal is recovered by optical heterodyne conversion. Laboratory tests with radar systems as well as various related stimuli have been conducted under field and on-site conditions. The RONF test systems have demonstrated notch depths greater than 40 dB using the recursive architecture.
The History of Surgery in Vermont

In 1609, while exploring the lake that now bears his name, Samuel de Champlain looked to the east and exclaimed, “Voila les vert monts.” The Green Mountain State was an inhospitable place at that time; few dared to settle there until after the end of the French and Indian War, in 1763. By 1771, the population of Vermont was 4667 people. They led a difficult existence, and the earliest surgeons were true pioneers. Most doctors of the time practiced in widespread areas and had to endure difficult conditions to reach their patients. Many anecdotes about these individuals have survived. 1-3 Dr Adam Johnson thwarted an attack by wolves by throwing his saddlebags at them. Dr Steven Powers of Woodstock was physically adapted to the challenges of the countryside. He wore buckskin trousers for their durability and as a convenient way to sharpen his surgical instruments. Vermont’s surgical history is inextricably linked to the political history of New England, New York, and southern Canada. Like many Vermont surgeons, Dr Powers participated in the American Revolution and was a surgeon during the Battle of Bunker Hill. 1 Dr Silas Hodges of Clarendon served with George Washington’s Continental Army. However, not all Vermont surgeons were loyal to the new republic. Dr Frederick Aubrey of Bradford served as a surgeon in the British Army and was credited with caring for General Wolfe’s wounds at Quebec. Dr Jacob Roebuck of Grand Isle was a surgeon for the German contingent of King George III’s army. In 1741, Vermont’s land area was claimed by New Hampshire. 4 New York disputed New Hampshire’s claim, and in 1764, the English Crown decided that the land west of the Connecticut River belonged to New York. The citizens of Vermont were upset over the rules imposed by the New York County courts against local government. Ethan Allen, leader of the New Hampshire settlers in Vermont, organized the Green Mountain Boys to protect their interests, the same group who fought so ardently at the battles of Bennington, Ticonderoga, and Crown Point.
Evaluation of Three Types of Instructional Strategy for Learner Acquisition of Intervals.

programmed text, mastery learning using computer-assisted instruction (CAI), and self-practice using a textbook-study approach. This study also explored the variable of information retention over time. The delayed-retention test was given 48 hours after the test of immediate retention. Results on the dependent measure of retention indicated that mastery learning-CAI was a significantly better instructional strategy for learning music intervals than programmed instruction or self-practice. The results indicated a significantly higher performance score for mastery learning-CAI and programmed instruction over self-practice. The self-practice condition was left at a disadvantage in this regard because the learner had to decide what was relevant and what must be learned from what should be ignored. The attitude measure result indicated that learners prefer instructional information to be well organized. The learner's cognitive or mental manipulations on to-be-learned information forms a major determinant in the potential effectiveness of his or her processing of information (Dansereau, Actkinson, Long, & McDonald, Note 1). The effective cognitive organization of newly encountered information is the basis for successful information processing. Effective cognitive organization means that the learner has gone beyond mere rote learning of data and has successfully assimilated new information into his or her existing knowledge structure. The effective information processing of to-be-learned information can be significantly facilitated when the learner uses a learning strategy that aids his or her cognitive organization of to-be-acquired information (Hilgard & Bower, 1975). It has now been shown that learners can be taught information processing strategies that facilitate their cognitive organization of academic material and thus improve learning (Bower, 1973). Some
Adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy in prostate cancer

While surgery and radiation therapy remain the only definitive treatments for prostate cancer, single modality therapy has been associated with high failure rates in patients with aggressive disease. Although hormonal therapy has been effective in cases of metastatic disease, the timing of treatment with respect to definitive therapy remains controversial. This review will explore the efficacy of hormonal and chemotherapy in both the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings. A MEDLINE search was performed to identify pertinent articles regarding both adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy in prostate cancer. Articles of historical relevance in addition to those using large patient numbers with a randomized design were reviewed preferentially. Since hormonal therapy has been considered standard treatment at the time of cancer progression after definitive therapy, many of the randomized trials essentially compared adjuvant therapy to delayed therapy. Historical trials using adjuvant hormonal therapy have been limited due to difficulties in clinical staging, as well as toxicities attributed to the formulations used. More recently, hormonal therapy has been found to delay disease progression, increase disease-free survival, and decrease mortality when given immediately after prostatectomy or radiation therapy in selected patients. Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy can improve disease-free survival and local control when given before radiation therapy; it has only decreased positive surgical margins when given prior to radical prostatectomy. Although hormonal therapy given immediately after either radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy is highly effective, the side effects of persistent long-term use must be weighed for each patient. While the use of chemotherapy has been limited by the lack of active agents, newer combinations have shown effectiveness in patients with hormone refractory disease, raising the possibility of their use in the adjuvant setting.
Rao's degree sequence conjecture

Let us say two (simple) graphs G,G^' are degree-equivalent if they have the same vertex set, and for every vertex, its degrees in G and in G^' are equal. In the early 1980's, S.B. Rao made the conjecture that in any infinite set of graphs, there exist two of them, say G and H, such that H is isomorphic to an induced subgraph of some graph that is degree-equivalent to G. We prove this conjecture.
ELEVATED PLASMA GLUTAMATE LEVELS WITHOUT HYPOTHALAMIC LESIONS

Three male infants have been reported with elevated plasma glutamate levels, mental retardation and brain atrophy. We have observed a fourth male infant with elevated plasma glutamate (10 X normal). CSF glutamate was normal. The infant was hypotonic without Moro, suck or grasp. His clinical course was complicated by seizures (not the “shuddering syndrome” type), intolerance to feedings, hypocalcemia, and hypernatremia. EEC was abnormal. Chromosomal analysis was normal. At death (53 days), moderately severe atrophy of the cerebral hemispheres with greater atrophy of the cerebellum and mildly dilated ventricles were noted. The hypothalamus was embedded in celloidin and serially sectioned at 40 u. Cellular morphology was normal throughout; no evidence of dendritic swelling, pyknotic nuclei or other manifestations of the lesion induced by glutamate in the rodent were noted. The elevated plasma glutamate may represent a rare enzymatic abnormality of glutamate metabolism either directly or indirectly associated with mental retardation and cerebral atrophy. However, the infant's chronically elevated plasma glutamate levels were not associated with the type of gross hypothalamic lesions reported in the infant rodent with high glutamate levels. An oral glutamate challenge to the child's parents was given. The father showed an abnormal tolerance curve and reported the symptoms of the Chinese Restaurant Syndrome.
SU‐GG‐I‐25: An Image Quality Comparison Study Between XVI and OBI CBCT Systems

Purpose: To evaluate image quality on the X‐ray Volumetric Imager (XVI®, Elekta Medical Systems) and the On‐Board Imager (OBI®, Varian Medical Systems) using a CatPhan® phantom in a single institution setting. Method and Materials: We evaluated four major image quality indices, including high and low contrast resolution, noise, and contrast‐to‐noise (CNR) ratio. For the XVI unit, the four manufacturer‐supplied protocols were measured. For the OBI unit, full bow‐tie and half bow‐tie filters were used in combination with the “full‐fan” and “half‐fan” modes. The mAs was varied for each protocol. High contrast resolution was evaluated using number of line pairs visible per cm and low contrast resolution was evaluated using the visibility of low resolution disks. Noise was computed over circular regions of interest (ROIs) on the uniformity module. CNR was calculated using a polystyrene insert and the background of module CTP404. The images were analyzed using MATLAB. Results: Up to 10 line pairs per cm are visible on OBI for high mAs settings and so are most low contrast discs. 2 line pairs per cm and none of the low contrast discs are visible on XVI. Noise values fall from 35 to 6 on OBI and vary between 10 and 3 for “prostate” protocol on XVI with increasing mAs. On OBI, CNR steadily increased from 4 to 20 with increasing mAs. For the “prostate” protocol on XVI, CNR varies from 10 to 23 and generally increases with mAs. For the four XVI protocols evaluated, mean pixel values in ROIs are found to decrease with mAs. Conclusion:Image quality parameters are generally found to be better on OBI as compared with XVI for clinical protocols. However, this is important to be viewed in the context of the observation that OBI generally delivered higher doses than XVI. Research sponsored by Elekta Inc.
Registration and restoration of objects in images subjected to shear using wavelets

Registration is the process of mapping one image onto another image. This is done quite often in the area of Medical Imaging for clinical as well as diagnostic reasons. Registration of images is useful from a medical perspective to detect growth of tumors, locate tumors with respect to bone structure, determine how well a bone graft is taking. Registration is also the first step in object recognition algorithms and has applications in the areas of aerial surveillance, automatic target recognition, etc.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Optimal boundary control of the heat equation with target function at terminal time

We consider the problem of optimally fitting a solution of the heat equation to a prescribed target function. We assume boundary control of the heat equation on a bounded domain. The problem arises in constructing the response surface to a two-dimensional set of experimental data.
Infantile myoclonic seizures

Summary 1. Fifty-one of eighty children whohad a hypsarhythmia on their electroencephalogram had infantile myoclonic seizures either alone or with some other convulsive disorder. 2. The presence of infantile myoclonic seizures suggests that the child will be significantly retarded in his intellectual abilities. 3. Although meprobamate (Miltown)has shown some promise, drug therapy for the control of infantile myoclonic seizures is unsatisfactory. 4. Some infants who manifest myoclonic seizures have a history of normal motor development during early infancy. In later life the capacity of these children to relate to their environment is much more limited than are their motor abilities. 5. Although a large number of infantilemyoclonic seizures seem to be prenatally determined, some would appear to have their origin in encephalopathies of various etiologies. In the latter group, pertussis immunization should be considered as an etiological possibility.
Radical prostatectomy versus expectant primary treatment in stages I and II prostatic cancer A fifteen-year follow-up

A fifteen-year follow-up of a prospective, randomized study comparing placebo with radical prostatectomy as the primary treatment of early prostatic cancer is presented. A total of 111 patients with clinical Stage I or II prostatic cancer, normal acid phosphatase levels, and negative findings on skeletal x-ray film were evaluable. Thirty Stage I patients and 20 Stage II patients received placebo only; 31 Stage I and 30 Stage II patients underwent radical prostatectomy. The survival status for 95 patients (86%) was established at the fifteen-year follow-up. No significant differences in crude survival occurred in either stage or in both stages combined. Moreover, the survival curves closely followed reference curves based on expected U.S. mortality for men of comparable ages and races. A statistically significant association between a high Gleason histologic score and poor survival was established. In this study, initial treatment with radical prostatectomy did not yield longer survival than initial placebo treatment alone. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution, since sample size was small and staging procedure was simplified.
Entropic force between membranes reexamined

Lipid bilayers serve as model surfaces that are often used to understand the behavior of actual cell membranes. Cell adhesion (1, 2), membrane fusion (1), binding-unbinding transition (3), self-assembly, and related phenomena govern an astounding array of biological functions; for example, sperm-egg fusion is the basis of mammalian reproducion (1). These phenomena are dictated by a complex interplay between the various attractive and repulsive forces that mediate between biological membranes. The key role is played by a repulsive force termed “steric hindrance,” or simply entropic pressure, the origins of which lie in the thermally excited fluctuations of membranes. Nearly four decades ago, in a landmark paper, Wolfgang Helfrich (4) proposed both the concept and the quantitative nature of this force. Freund (5) reexamines this paradigm in PNAS, and finds that the entropic force is of a remarkably different character than hitherto believed.
Two-stage equilibration in high energy heavy ion collisions

Using the (lowest-order) perturbative QCD, we argue that high energy heavy-ion collisions proceed via two stages: equilibration of gluons takes time ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}_{\mathit{g}}$\ensuremath{\sim}1/2 fm/c, while production and equilibration of quarks needs time at least ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}_{\mathit{q}}$\ensuremath{\sim}2 fm/c. If so, the initial gluon plasma is much hotter than usually estimated, ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{g}}$\ensuremath{\sim}400 MeV, which leads to enhanced charm production and significant modifications of other proposed signals.
Major peripheral arterial occlusion due to malignant tumor embolism: histologic recognition and surgical management.

Four cases of major peripheral arterial occlusion due to malignant tumor emboli are reported. All of the emboli originated from primary lung carcinomas, three following resection of the lung tumor, and the fourth occurring spontaneously before discovery of the lung primary. Each patient underwent successful embolectomy and was discharged without any related deficits. Their survival ranged from three to seven months. These cases emphasize the possibility of tumor embolism either spontaneously or following surgical manipulation. Early pulmonary vein ligation and, if indicated, intrapericardial ligation should be performed at the time of resection to try to prevent this complication. Cancer 42:2009-2014) 1978.
Properties of cremophor EL micelles probed by fluorescence.

— Using 1-anilino,8-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) as a probe, we examined properties of micelles of Cremophor EL, an amphipathic agent which can solubilize hydrophobic photosensitizing agents and promote their distribution to plasma lipoprotein. In aqueous solution, Cremophor micelles persisted for several hours after dilution below the critical micellar concentration (CMC). After equilibrium was reached, we found a CMC of 0.009% (wt/vol). Fluorescence data suggest that the micellar environment of ANS binding has a dielectric constant of approximately 27. Cremophor also reverses examples of multi-drug resistance associated with impaired accumulation of anti-tumor agents, e.g. daunorubicin. Although the latter drug is relatively hydrophilic, fluorescence spectroscopy and anisotropy studies indicate an association with Cremophor. Moreover, resistance reversal occurred only at Cremophor concentrations above the CMC.
Non-avoidance of hydrocarbon laden sediments by juvenile flatfishes

Behavioural tests were used to determine whether juvenile flatfishes were capable of detecting and avoiding sediment containing various concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons. Three species of juvenile Alaskan flatfishes: rock sole (Pleuronectes bilineatus), yellowfin sole (P. asper), and Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) were tested in laboratory chambers containing contaminated mud or sand offered in combination with clean mud, sand or granule. The flatfishes were able to detect and avoid heavily oiled (2%) sediment, but they did not avoid lower concentrations of oiled sediment (0.05%). Oiled sediment was favoured over unoiled sediment if the unoiled sediment was of the grain size not preferred by that species. Oiled sand or mud was always preferred unoiled granule. The observed lack of avoidance at concentrations likely to occur in the environment may lead to long-term exposure to contaminated sediment following a spill. Recruitment of juveniles may be affected if the exposure to oil is long enough to affect growth and survival.
Characteristics of Signal Strength and Dipole Antenna at VHF Near and in the Ground

The effects of a finitely conducting earth on the field attenuation and on the radiation impedance and radiation pattern of a half-wave dipole antenna in and near the earth are investigated and reported. The measurements were made at two frequencies, f = 93.7 Mcps and f = 179.76 Mcps. The signals were horizontally polarized and measurements were made for antenna heights varying in 0.1 wavelength increments from one wavelength above ground to 0.3 wavelength below ground.
Searching for CPT violation in \mth{{\it t}\skew3\overline{\it t}} production

We analyze the possibility of observing CPT violation in the top sector by looking for a mass difference between top and anti-top. We present current bounds on CPT violation in this sector from the Tevatron data, and analyze the prospects of improving these bounds at the LHC. We show that bounds at level of a percent can be obtained at future colliders.
Iterated nearest neighbors and finding minimal polytypes

We introduce a new method for finding several types of optimalk-point sets, minimizing perimeter, diameter, circumradius, and related measures, by testing sets of theO(k) nearest neighbors to each point. We argue that this is better in a number of ways than previous algorithms, which were based on high-order Voronoi diagrams. Our technique allows us for the first time to maintain minimal sets efficiently as new points are inserted, to generalize our algorithms to higher dimensions, to find minimal convexk-vertex polygons and polytopes, and to improve many previous results. We achieve many of our results via a new algorithm for finding rectilinear nearest neighbors in the plane in timeO(n logn+kn). We also demonstrate a related technique for finding minimum areak-point sets in the plane, based on testing sets of nearest vertical neighbors to each line segment determined by a pair of points. A generalization of this technique also allows us to find minimum volume and boundary measure sets in arbitrary dimensions.
Determination of Waterwheel Alternator Steady-State Reactances from Flux Plots

In the steady-state analysis of salient pole alternators the reactances Xd and Xq are generally assumed to be constant. This is not the case in saturated machines. The reactances are functions of the operational regime of the alternators, and for an exact analysis of the alternator's behavior the appropriate values of Xd and Xq have to be used. The magnetic induction is found in the cross section of the alternator by difference methods established at the Universityl and then saturated Xd and Xq are determined from flux plots. The results confirm that Xd and Xq are load dependent. The analysis is applied to a General Electric alternator with nameplate data 82.5 MVA, 16.5 kV, wye-connected, 40 poles and 60 Hz.
Learning on a budget: posted price mechanisms for online procurement

We study online procurement markets where agents arrive in a sequential order and a mechanism must make an irrevocable decision whether or not to procure the service as the agent arrives. Our mechanisms are subject to a budget constraint and are designed for stochastic settings in which the bidders are either identically distributed or, more generally, permuted in random order. Thus, the problems we study contribute to the literature on budget-feasible mechanisms as well as the literature on secretary problems and online learning in auctions.Our main positive results are as follows. We present a constant-competitive posted price mechanism when agents are identically distributed and the buyer has a symmetric submodular utility function. For nonsymmetric submodular utilities, under the random ordering assumption we give a posted price mechanism that is O(log n)-competitive and a truthful mechanism that is O(1)-competitive but uses bidding rather than posted pricing.
Forest fragmentation predicts local scale heterogeneity of Lyme disease risk

Fragmentation of the landscape has been proposed to play an important role in defining local scale heterogeneity in Lyme disease risk through influence on mammalian host density and species composition. We tested this observed relationship in a suburban region around Lyme, Connecticut, where we collected data on the density of the tick vector, Ixodes scapularis and prevalence of the Lyme bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi at 30 sites. Analysis of the landscape pattern of forest patches was performed using satellite imagery. The calculated landscape indices, which included patch size and isolation, revealed a positive link between fragmentation and both tick density and infection prevalence in ticks. In spite of higher entomologic risk, human incidence of Lyme disease is lower in fragmented contexts suggesting that entomologic risk is not the critical driver of human infections. These results represent a departure from the prior claims that fragmentation and human Lyme disease risk are positively linked. A complete understanding of the influence of landscape fragmentation will allow for improved risk mapping and potential environmental management of Lyme disease.
Electrographic Studies of Cardiac Activity of the Cladoceran, Daphnia

Les auteurs decrivent l'electrocardiogramme de la Daphnie enregistre a l'aide de microelectrodes. La forme des ondes varie. La frequence du cœur varie entre 3 et 9 battements par seconde, et l'amplitude entre 100 et 500 μV. Les effects de l'acide gamma-aminobutyrique (GABA) et de la picrotoxine ont ete enregistres. L'administration de GABA a diminue la frequence des battements, tandis que la picrotoxine a semble l'augmenter.
The effects of acute exposure to ethanol on neurotensin and guanine nucleotide-stimulation of phospholipase C activity in intact NIE-115 neuroblastoma cells.

Abstract Both ethanol and neurotensin produce sedation and hypothermia. When administered in combination the behavioral effects of these two substances are potentiated. In order to better understand the biochemical nature of this interaction, the direct effects of ethanol on neurotensin receptors and an associated signal transduction process were determined in NIE-115 neuroblastoma cells. Ethanol in physiologically relevant concentrations (50mM) significantly reduced neurotensin stimulated [ 3 H] inositol phosphate production while having no effect on the specific binding of [ 3 H] neurotensin. In addition, ethanol up to 200 mM had no effect on GTPYS mediated [ 3 H] inositol phosphate production. The results indicate that acute exposure to ethanol partially disrupts the normal coupling of activated neurotensin receptors to the guanine nucleotide binding protein associated with phospholipase C.
Application of the dual active set algorithm to quadratic network optimization

A new algorithm, the dual active set algorithm, is presented for solving a minimization problem with equality constraints and bounds on the variables. The algorithm identifies the active bound constraints by maximizing an unconstrained dual function in a finite number of iterations. Convergence of the method is established, and it is applied to convex quadratic programming. In its implementable form, the algorithm is combined with the proximal point method. A computational study of large-scale quadratic network problems compares the algorithm to a coordinate ascent method and to conjugate gradient methods for the dual problem. This study shows that combining the new algorithm with the nonlinear conjugate gradient method is particularly effective on difficult network problems from the literature.
Exploit unstructured data using deep analytics to optimise enterprise IT asset management

Unstructured data pose a huge risk towards supporting critical goals of sustainable reconciliation of inventory due to over spending and audit exposure. They are inherently fragmented, incomplete and without restriction. Hence domain specific explicit information extracted from unstructured data may not be complete or contextually accurate or both for reconciliation. It requires inference to extract implicit information to make the extracted information usefully complete. Domain reconciliation modelled in relational database is static, requires deep domain knowledge prior to modelling and depends on surface commonalities of data labels and values between source and target. These design constraints make relational model-based reconciliation unfit for reconciling entities extracted from unstructured data. In this paper we propose an ontology-based semantic information model and semantic reconciliation mediator to extract valid entity information from unstructured data in knowledge format and reconcile them using pattern-based reconciliation. This agile, superior way of integrating information makes it possible to support unstructured information processing through inference and incorporates effects of temporal events that impact the ownership and usage rights of resources as well.
Mapping transcription start points on cloned genomic DNA with T4 DNA polymerase: a precise and convenient technique.

Abstract We have developed a precise and convenient mapping technique for determining transcription start points (tsp) on cloned genomic DNA using T4 DNA polymerase. This method uses single-stranded (ss) M13 DNA and therefore is, unlike S1 and Exo VII nuclease mapping methods, independent of the restriction endonuclease sites present in the insert. Essentially the protocol involves the following steps: (1) hybridizing an mRNA to an ss M13 vector containing an antisense genomic DNA sequence spanning the presumptive tsp (cap site); (2) annealing a DNA primer (M13 sequencing primer) to the M13 DNA at a site on this DNA upstream from the 5' end of the mRNA on the template DNA; (3) extending the DNA primer with T4 DNA polymerase towards the 5' end of the mRNA. Since T4 DNA polymerase will not displace the mRNA : DNA hybrid, synthesis is blocked at the first nucleotide of the mRNA molecule. The length of the extended DNA products can then be determined with single nucleotide resolution on denaturing sequencing gels in parallel with a sequencing ladder. We have used this approach to map the tsp of the mouse skeletal a-actin gene. The sensitivity of the method allows precise mapping of transcripts present as 0.02–0.05% of the total RNA. This method is particularly valuable for mapping the tsp of genes which are known to contain a large intron between the first and second exons. It can also be applied to map the 5 ' border of any given exon of a gene in an M13 vector or in other vectors that give ss DNAs.
Amplification of intrinsic fluctuations by the Lorenz equations.

Macroscopic systems (e.g., hydrodynamics, chemical reactions, electrical circuits, etc.) manifest intrinsic fluctuations of molecular and thermal origin. When the macroscopic dynamics is deterministically chaotic, the intrinsic fluctuations may become amplified by several orders of magnitude. Numerical studies of this phenomenon are presented in detail for the Lorenz model. Amplification to macroscopic scales is exhibited, and quantitative methods (binning and a difference‐norm) are presented for measuring macroscopically subliminal amplification effects. In order to test the quality of the numerical results, noise induced chaos is studied around a deterministically nonchaotic state, where the scaling law relating the Lyapunov exponent to noise strength obtained for maps is confirmed for the Lorenz model, a system of ordinary differential equations.
Stochastic sampling based data association

This paper considers how to determine the origin of a single measurement originating from one of a group of objects moving in close proximity. During the time in which measurements are being received, the dynamics of the various objects are the same except for initial conditions. We present a method that uses techniques from filtering theory to represent a distribution using a finite number of parameters. This method, which we call stochastic sampling based data association (SSBDA), is similar to a particle filter but differs in that we use a modified probabilistic data association filter (PDAF) in the propagation of the distribution associated with the object's location. Using the PDAF it is possible to see the effect that the addition of each measurement has on the covariance of the posterior distribution. We discuss how the covariance of the posterior can be used for making decisions on whether or not a particular measurement originated from a predetermined object of interest.
Infrared Spectra of Photoinduced Species on Hydroxylated Titania Surfaces

We detect transient and persistent diffuse reflectance infrared signals from surface intermediates generated by band gap irradiation of polycrystalline, hydroxylated TiO_2 under controlled atmospheres. Irradiation in vacuo or in the presence of CD_3OD(ads) leads to a new absorbance at 3716 cm^(-1), the decline of a 3647 cm^(-1) band, and a reflectivity loss. Overall reflectivity, which gauges mobile charge, partially recovers in the dark after a few minutes but fully recovers upon exposure to O_2. The 3716 cm^(-1) feature persists for days in a vacuum or dry O_2 but is bleached by the action of (O_2 + H_2O + hν). It is assigned to a Ti(III)O−H^- vibration resulting from electron trapping at acidic Ti(IV)OH centers. Irradiation under O_2 yields a new band at 3683 cm^(-1), ascribed to surface-bound OH radicals that last indefinitely in a vacuum. None of the above events occur on thermally generated TiO_(2-γ) specimens subsequently exposed to H_2O(g). We infer that (1) O_2 is an efficient scavenger of conduction band electrons at the gas−solid interface, (2) the competition for holes between lattice oxygen photodesorption and OH^- oxidation depends on gas pressure and composition, and (3) the trapped carrier buildup eventually results in extended surface reconstruction involving Ti−OH functionalities, giving rise to restructuring hysteresis.
GROWTH OF SOFTSTEM BULRUSH (SCIRPUS VALIDUS) IN MICROCOSMS WITH DIFFERENT HYDROLOGIC REGIMES AND MEDIA DEPTHS

Factors affecting growth of softstem bulrush (Scirpus validus), an obligate wetland plant frequently used in subsurface-flow constructed wetlands in North America, were studied in a controlled environmental chamber. Effects of media depth (30-and 46-cm), hydraulic retention time (HRT) (2- and 6-day), and water-level drawdown (drawdown vs. no drawdown) on plant growth in 24 microcosms were investigated. Weekly root and stem growth was measured and stem health assessed to determine effects of treatments on plant vigor. Water-level drawdown was detrimental to plant growth, increasing the percentage of dead stems. Stem production was higher in microcosms with a 46-cm media depth than those with a 30-cm depth and also higher in microcosms that were permanently flooded than in those with fluctuating water levels. Root production was greater in microcosms with a 30-cm media depth than in those with a 46-cm depth, and root production was also greater in microcosms that were constantly flooded than in those drawn down. Scirpus validus is a robust plant that grows well in gravel media microcosms; however, problems are experienced when rhizomes and roots dry out during water drainage.
Gingival recession is likely associated with tongue piercings.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Association between periodontal condition and use of tongue piercing: A case-control study. Pires IL, Cota LO, Oliviera AC, Costa JE, Costa FO. J Clin Periodontol 2010;37(8):712-8. Reviewer Mark A. Reynolds, DDS, PhD Purpose/Question To assess the relation between tongue piercings (jewelry), including other potential risk factors, and periodontal conditions such as gingival recession. Source of Funding No external source of funding Type of Study/Design Cross-sectional study Level of Evidence Level 3: Other evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
Linked probabilistic finite automata: A model for the temporal interaction of speakers

Abstract A speaker is modeled as a probabilistic finite automaton with four internal states and input and output alphabets of 0 (silence) and 1 (sound). With identically zero input the model generates a two-state Markov chain that accounts for the on-off pattern of monologue. Two such automata, possessing the same type of decision rules, are coupled so that the output of each is input to the other. The six-state deep structure of the linked system, projected as a four-state observable sequence, can be accounted for using only three parameters per speaker. Consequences of the model yield testable predictions about the relations between monologue, dialogue, and speech under delayed auditory feedback.
Characterization of mre11 loss following HSV-1 infection

Herpes simplex virus induces the activation of the cellular DNA double strand break response pathway dependent upon initiation of viral DNA replication. The MRN complex, consisting of Mre11, Rad50 and Nbs1, is an essential component of the DNA double strand break response and other reports have documented its presence at sites of viral DNA replication, interaction with ICP8 and its contribution to efficient viral DNA replication. During our characterization of the DSB response following infection of normal human fibroblasts and telomerase-immortalized keratinocytes, we observed the loss of Mre11 protein at late times following infection. The loss was not dependent upon ICP0, the proteasome or lysosomal protease activity. Like activation of the DSB response pathway, Mre11 loss was prevented under conditions which inhibited viral DNA replication. Analysis of a series of mutant viruses with defects in cleavage and packaging (UL6, UL15, UL17, UL25, UL28, UL32) of viral DNA or in the maturational protease (UL26) failed to identify a viral gene product necessary for Mre11 loss. Inactivation of ATM, a key effector kinase in the DNA double strand break response, had no effect on Mre11 loss and only a moderate effect on HSV yield. Finally, treatment of uninfected cells with the topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin, to induce generation of free DNA ends, also resulted in Mre11 loss. These results suggest that Mre11 loss following infection is caused by the generation of free DNA ends during or following viral DNA replication.
Ag ribbons in Bi2212 powder-in-tube tape

Abstract For an optimum particle size, silver particles added to Bi2212 powder for powder-in-tube tape fabrication stretch into long, thin ribbons during rolling, but not during drawing. This ceramic/metal composite has excellent properties during deformation. Tapes are rolled as thin as 51 μm with a 23 μm core with necking, sausaging, or cracking in the superconductor core. The Ag ribbons also provide additional Ag/superconductor interfaces to help Bi2212 phase deformation and grain alignment. Improved critical current densities are reported both at 4 K and 26.2 K.
Optimization of biphasic waveforms for human nonthoracotomy defibrillation.

BACKGROUNDBiphasic waveforms reduce defibrillation threshold (DFT) in a wide variety of models. Although there are several human studies of long-duration, high-tilt biphasic waveform defibrillation, the specific biphasic waveform shape required to achieve optimal DFT reduction is unknown.METHODS AND RESULTSThis study tested the effect of single capacitor biphasic waveform tilt modification on DFT using a paired study design in 18 patients undergoing nonthoracotomy defibrillator implantation. Baseline DFT was obtained using a 65% tilt, simultaneous pulse, bidirectional monophasic shock from a right ventricular cathode to a coronary sinus or superior vena cava lead and a subscapular patch. The single-capacitor biphasic waveform shocks, delivered over the same pathways, consisted of either both phases at 65% tilt (65/65 biphasic waveform) to produce an overall tilt of 88% and a delivered energy 11% greater than monophasic shock or both phases at 42% tilt (42/42 biphasic waveform) to produce an overall tilt o...