cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intravenous Valproate Treatment of Generalized Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus

Status Epilepticus (SE) is a medical emergency warranting prompt treatment with rapidly-acting antiepileptic drugs. For immediate effect, benzodiazepines are the drugs of choice, but may result in morbidity due to respiratory suppression and hypotension. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus usually does not have significant neurological sequelae, and there is little evidence that generalized nonconvulsive status epilepticus (GNSE) causes lasting neurologic deficits. The risk versus benefit of potentially morbid medications must, therefore, be weighed against the "adverse effects" of GNSE. A patient with frequent episodes of GNSE lasting 4-48 hours had previously been treated with benzodiazepines, but required admission for consequent somnolence. Following intravenous valproate given during EEG monitoring, GNSE broke after 30 minutes. The confused patient returned to a normal cognition and returned home without sequelae. Intravenous valproate may provide an effective treatment alternative to benzodiazepines in GNSE without their associated morbidity.
Permanent Mooring System for Large Construction and Support Vessels in the Piper Field

The need for support vessels alongside the platform during construction programmes offshore has focused attention to the problems of mooring and maintaining station in this service. In the past, mooring systems under storm situations have been primarily designed for open ocean applications and have not catered for the requirements of operating and surviving alongside a fixed platform. In addition, anchor handling and dragging of anchors have been the primary cause of damage to submarine pipelines. This problem becomes more acute as the number of vessels around the platform increase and the number of moorings over time becomes significant enough to constitute a hazardous situation. The Piper field, located in the 58 degree north section or the North Sea, experienced these mooring difficulties compounded by poor top soil conditions, which led to the design and installation of a fixed permanent anchor pile mooring system around the platform.
Genetic association with overall survival of taxane-treated lung cancer patients - a genome-wide association study in human lymphoblastoid cell lines followed by a clinical association study

Background Taxane is one of the first line treatments of lung cancer. In order to identify novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that might contribute to taxane response, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for two taxanes, paclitaxel and docetaxel, using 276 lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), followed by genotyping of top candidate SNPs in 874 lung cancer patient samples treated with paclitaxel.
Central elements for quantum affine algebras and affine Macdonald’s operators

We describe a generalization of Drinfeld's description of the center of a quantum group to the case of quantum affine algebras. We use the obtained central elements to construct the affine analogue of Macdonald's difference operators.
Dynamics of Rational Surface Automorphisms: Linear Fractional Recurrences

We consider the family fa,b(x,y)=(y,(y+a)/(x+b)) of birational maps of the plane and the parameter values (a,b) for which fa,b gives an automorphism of a rational surface. In particular, we find values for which fa,b is an automorphism of positive entropy but no invariant curve. The Main Theorem: If fa,b is an automorphism with an invariant curve and positive entropy, then either (1) (a,b) is real, and the restriction of f to the real points has maximal entropy, or (2) fa,b has a rotation (Siegel) domain.
A scalable scan-path test point insertion technique to enhance delay fault coverage for standard scan designs

In this paper, an automatic test pattern generator (ATPG)-based scan-path test point insertion technique, which can achieve high delay fault coverage for scan designs, is proposed. In the proposed technique, the shift dependency between adjacent scan flip-flops, which causes some delay faults to be untestable in the standard scan environment, is broken by inserting test points, which can be combinational gates as well as flip-flops. Instead of topology-based approaches used in prior publications, the proposed technique uses a special ATPG to identify pairs of adjacent scan flip-flops between which test points are inserted to improve fault coverage. Since the proposed technique inserts test points only where they are necessary, it can drastically reduce hardware overhead compared to circuit topology-based techniques. One hundred percent transition delay coverage was attained for all ISCAS 89 benchmark circuits except one. This is achieved with very small numbers of test points. On average, about 40% reduction in scan chain length against a prior approach was achieved by the proposed method for benchmark circuits with default scan chain order.
Who Benefits from Deregulating the Separation of Banking Activities? Differential Effects on Commercial Bank, Investment Bank, and Thrift Stock Returns

We analyze the deregulation impact on commercial banks, investment banks, and thrifts associated with four major events progressively integrating commercial and investment banking activities in the United States during the 1990s. We find that commercial banks are the only group to react favorably to Federal Reserve announcements relaxing firewalls and easing restrictions on commercial bank revenues from investment banking activities. These regulations primarily benefit large banks. The Bankers Trust acquisition announcement of investment bank Alex Brown is associated with increased wealth for each of the three types of financial service institutions. At the eventual deregulation of the financial services industry, with the passage of the Financial Services Modernization Act in 1999, the values of commercial banks and investment banks increase significantly although thrifts are not affected.
A method of orbital navigation using optical sightings to unknown landmarks.

The method of recursive space navigation and its application to navigating in a near orbit of a planet by means of measuring the directions to known landmarks is discussed. A less restrictive method of recursive orbital navigation in which it is not necessary to identify the landmarks is presented. Navigational data are obtained from two optical sigh tings to the same unknown landmark. The position of the landmark and the two points from which the sightings are made determine a plane. At one position between the two sighting points the velocity vector of the spacecraft has no component perpendicular to the plane. Call this position the normal point. The location of the normal point is obtained as a function of the two sighting points only, and is independent of both the path between the two points and the location of the landmark. The unknown-landmark orbital navigation procedure is then constructed from these results. Computer simulation results of the use of this method for earth orbital navigation are presented.
An improved procedure for the analysis of linkage positions in 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-d-glucopyranosyl residues by the reductive-cleavage method☆

The conditions of the reductive-cleavage method were modified to allow simultaneous analysis of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranosyl residues and monosaccharides of other classes. Methyl 2-deoxy-3,4,6-tri-O-methyl-2-(N-methylacetamido)-beta-D-glucopyran oside was found to undergo transglycosidation under reductive-cleavage conditions when the reaction was quenched with an alcohol. Transglycosidation proceeded via an oxazolinium-ion intermediate, which then acted as a glycosyl donor to form an anomerically pure product. Time-course studies showed that in the presence of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (Me3SiOSO2CF3), 4 h were required for complete conversion of the substrate into this intermediate, which was then trapped with methanol-d4. When the reaction was conducted in the presence of a mixture of trimethylsilyl methanesulfonate (Me3SiOSO2Me) and boron trifluoride etherate (BF3.OEt2) or with BF3.OEt2 alone, 24 h and 48 h, respectively, were required for complete conversion. The alpha anomer was unreactive after 24 h under all conditions, confirming earlier results. Reaction with racemic 2-butanol yielded a pair of diastereomers, in a 1:1 ratio, which were distinguishable by their GLC retention times and their 1H NMR spectra. Reaction with (S)-2-butanol gave only one of the diastereomeric products. These experiments demonstrated the feasibility of using the reductive-cleavage method to determine the absolute configuration of 2-acetamido sugars.
2-Methylenetetrahydropyrans: efficient partners in the carbonyl ene reaction.

The carbonyl ene reaction of 2-methylenetetrahydropyrans provides a rapid, high yielding route for the preparation of β-hydroxydihydropyrans under mild conditions. This process provides a new entry...
Limits on defects formation and hybrid inflationary models with three-year WMAP observations

We confront the predicted effects of hybrid inflationary models on the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) with three years of Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) observations. Using model selection, we compare the ability of a simple flat power-law ΛCDM model to describe the data to that of hybrid inflationary models involving global or local cosmic strings, or global textures. We find that it is statistically impossible to distinguish between these models: they all give a similar description of the data, the maximum ratio of the various Bayesian evidences involved being never higher than e0.1 ± 0.5. We then derive the maximum contribution that topological defects can make to the CMB, and place an upper bound on the possible value of cosmic strings' tension of Gμ ≤ 2.1 × 10−7 (68% confidence limit). Finally, we give the corresponding constraints on the D-term strings' mass scale, as well as limits on the F- and D-term coupling constants (κ and λ) and inflationary scales (M and ).
Price uncertainty and the exhaustive firm

In an earlier edition of this journal, the risk-neutral exhaustive firm's reactions to various tax-subsidy schemes were explored. Sandmo analyzed the output effects of uncertainty on risk-averse competitive firms and derived comparative statics results dependent on attitudes towards risk, In this paper, we examine the risk-averse exhaustive firm and find: (1) some results are independent of risk aversion assumptions; (2) comparative statics results differ from the no resource constraint case; and (3) results depend on the relative magnitude of the discount rate and fixed costs. It is assumed that capital markets are imperfect, or, alternatively, that if perfect capital markets exist, firms do not have access to them; otherwise risk-aversion would not be operative relative to production decisions as firms would simply extract the resource so as to maximize the discounted present value of profits and then go to the capital market to obtain their desired income stream. This assumption seems to closely approximate real world situations for some resource industries; in particular the coal industry is characterized by a predominance of equity funding, particularly for smaller firms, indicating inaccessibility to capital markets. We find here that even in a simple model, lack of access to perfect capital markets leads to ambiguities and qualitative differences vis-a-vis the risk-neutral firn.
Kinetic model of three-component, weakly ionized, collisional plasma with a beam of neutral particles

Kinetic model of three component, weakly ionized, collisional plasma with a beam of neutral particles is developed. New dispersion relations for linear perturbations are derived and analyzed in various limiting cases.
A note on approximate Nash equilibria

In view of the intractability of finding a Nash equilibrium, it is important to understand the limits of approximation in this context. A subexponential approximation scheme is known [Richard J. Lipton, Evangelos Markakis, Aranyak Mehta, Playing large games using simple strategies, in: EC, 2003], and no approximation better than 14 is possible by any algorithm that examines equilibria involving fewer than logn strategies [Ingo Althofer, On sparse approximations to randomized strategies and convex combinations, Linear Algebra and its Applications (1994) 199]. We give a simple, linear-time algorithm examining just two strategies per player and resulting in a 12-approximate Nash equilibrium in any 2-player game. For the more demanding notion of approximately well supported Nash equilibrium due to [Constantinos Daskalakis, Paul W. Goldberg, Christos H. Papadimitriou, The complexity of computing a Nash equilibrium, SIAM Journal on Computing (in press) Preliminary version appeared in STOC (2006)] no nontrivial bound is known; we show that the problem can be reduced to the case of win-lose games (games with all utilities 0 or 1), and that an approximation of 56 is possible, contingent upon a graph-theoretic conjecture. Subsequent work extends the 14 impossibility result of Ingo Althofer's paper, as mentioned above, to 12 [Tomas Feder, Hamid Nazerzadeh, Amin Saberi, Approximating nash equilibria using small-support strategies, in: EC, 2007], making our 12-approximate Nash equilibrium algorithm optimal among the algorithms that only consider mixed strategies of sublogarithmic size support. Moreover, techniques similar to our techniques for approximately well supported Nash equilibria are used in [Spyros Kontogiannis, Paul G. Spirakis, Efficient algorithms for constant well supported approximate equilibria in bimatrix games, in: ICALP, 2007] for obtaining an efficient algorithm for 0.658-approximately well supported Nash equilibria, unconditionally.
GROUPS OF LOCALLY-FLAT DISK KNOTS AND NON-LOCALLY-FLAT SPHERE KNOTS

The classical knot groups are the fundamental groups of the complements of smooth or piecewise-linear (PL) locally-flat knots. For PL knots that are not locally-flat, there is a pair of interesting groups to study: the fundamental group of the knot complement and that of the complement of the "boundary knot" that occurs around the singular set, the set of points at which the embedding is not locally-flat. If a knot has only point singularities, this is equivalent to studying the groups of a PL locally-flat disk knot and its boundary sphere knot; in this case, we obtain a complete classification of all such group pairs in dimension ≥6. For more general knots, we also obtain complete classifications of these group pairs under certain restrictions on the singularities. Finally, we use spinning constructions to realize further examples of boundary knot groups.
Optimization of high throughput virtual screening by combining shape-matching and docking methods.

Receptor flexibility is a critical issue in structure-based virtual screening methods. Although a multiple-receptor conformation docking is an efficient way to account for receptor flexibility, it is still too slow for large molecular libraries. It was reported that a fast ligand-centric, shape-based virtual screening was more consistent for hit enrichment than a typical single-receptor conformation docking. Thus, we designed a “distributed docking” method that improves virtual high throughput screening by combining a shape-matching method with a multiple-receptor conformation docking. Database compounds are classified in advance based on shape similarities to one of the crystal ligands complexed with the target protein. This classification enables us to pick the appropriate receptor conformation for a single-receptor conformation docking of a given compound, thereby avoiding time-consuming multiple docking. In particular, this approach utilizes cross-docking scores of known ligands to all available recep...
Modes of Multiple Star Formation

This paper argues that star-forming environments should be classified into finer divisions than the traditional isolated and clustered modes. Using the observed set of Galactic open clusters and theoretical considerations regarding cluster formation, we estimate the fraction of star formation that takes place within clusters. We find that less than ~10% of the stellar population originates from star-forming regions destined to become open clusters, confirming earlier estimates. The smallest clusters included in the observational surveys (having at least N ~ 100 members) roughly coincide with the smallest stellar systems that are expected to evolve as clusters in a dynamical sense. We show that stellar systems with too few members N N*). Many—if not most—stars form through the intermediate mode in stellar groups with 10 < N < 100. Such groups evolve and disperse much more rapidly than do open clusters; groups also have a low probability of containing massive stars and are unaffected by supernovae and intense ultraviolet radiation fields. Because of their short lifetimes and small stellar membership, groups have relatively little effect on the star formation process (on average) compared to larger open clusters.
Polylogarithm identities in a conformal field theory in three dimensions

Abstract The N = ∞ vector O(N) model is a solvable, interacting field theory in three dimensions (D). In a recent paper with Chubukov and Ye, we have computed a universal number, c ∼ , characterizing the size dependence of the free energy at the conformally invariant critical point of this theory. The result for c can be expressed in terms of polylogarithms. Here, we use non-trivial polylogarithm identities to show that c ∼ N = 4 5 , a rational number; this result is curiously parallel to recent work on dilogarithm identities in D = 2 conformal theories. The amplitude of the stress-stress correlator of this theory, c (which is the analog of the central charge), is determined to be c N = 3 4 , also rational. Unitary conformal theories in D = 2 always have c = c ∼ ; thus such a result is clearly not valid in D = 3.
Testing for Constant Hedge Ratios in Commodity Markets: A Multivariate GARCH Approach

Abstract We develop a new multivariate generalized ARCH (GARCH) parameterization suitable for testing the hypothesis that the optimal futures hedge ratio is constant over time, given that the joint distribution of cash and futures prices is characterized by autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (ARCH). The advantage of the new parameterization is that it allows for a flexible form of time-varying volatility, even under the null of a constant hedge ratio. The model is estimated using weekly corn prices. Statistical tests reject the null hypothesis of a constant hedge ratio and also reject the null that time variation in optimal hedge ratios can be explained solely by deterministic seasonality and time to maturity effects.
The nucleon sigma term from threshold parameters

Abstract A new sum rule determines the nucleon sigma term by the πN elastic scattering threshold parameters alone. This “threshold” value of σ (2 μ 2 ) provides an independent check of existing values obtained from global dispersive analyses, and also provides a realistic error assignment. Employing a recent analysis of low energy ( T π πN data our sum rule implies σ (2 μ 2 )=71±9 MeV.
Geoporphyrin structure determination using chemical ionization-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry

Abstract The utility of NH 3 chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (NH 3 CI-MS) for determining the pyrrole sequence of porphyrins is reviewed. Mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry [metastable ion spectra and high energy (5 keV) collision induced dissociation (CID) spectra] is used to obtain structurally significant spectra of the individual ions in the NH 3 CI mass spectra of porphyrins. The MS/MS spectra of the monopyrrolic fragment ions are shown to be of use in determining the structure of the substituent groups on the pyrroles. MS/MS spectra of the protonated porphyrinogen, formed via a reduction of the porphyrin in the ion source of the mass spectrometer, supplies the same structural information as the CI mass spectrum. Thus, pyrrole sequencing of porphyrins within simple mixtures or analyzing samples containing chemical noise that obscures the pyrrolic ion region of the spectrum is possible. Porphyrin structural analysis using NH 3 CI-MS/MS/MS is discussed.
The migration of Egyptian human capital to the Arab oil-producing states: a cost-benefit analysis.

The rate of return analysis is utilized to evaluate the profitability of exporting human capital from Egypt to the Arab oil-producing states from two alternative perspectives. A preliminary estimate of the internal rate of return from the perspective of the welfare of Egyptian nationals is extremely high in the case of Egyptian teachers in Saudi Arabia. From the alternative perspective of economic development in Egypt existing gaps in the data make impossible at this time an accurate estimate of the rate of return. However if Egyptians employed in the Gulf States were required to remit fixed portions of their income to Egypt and significant foreign transfer payments were received from the host countries the migration of educated Egyptians would almost certainly be profitable from the second perspective as well. (authors)
Respect my authority!: HITS without hyperlinks, utilizing cluster-based language models

We present an approach to improving the precision of an initial document ranking wherein we utilize cluster information within a graph-based framework. The main idea is to perform reranking based on centrality within bipartite graphs of documents (on one side) and clusters (on the other side), on the premise that these are mutually reinforcing entities. Links between entities are created via consideration of language models induced from them.We find that our cluster-document graphs give rise to much better retrieval performance than previously proposed document-only graphs do. For example, authority-based reranking of documents via a HITS-style cluster-based approach outperforms a previously-proposed PageRank-inspired algorithm applied to solely-document graphs. Moreover, we also show that computing authority scores for clusters constitutes an effective method for identifying clusters containing a large percentage of relevant documents.
Interferometric imaging condition for wave-equation migration

The fidelity of depth seismic imaging depends on the accuracy of the velocity models used for wavefield reconstruction. Models can be decomposed in two components, corresponding to large-scale and small-scale variations. In practice, the large-scale velocity model component can be estimated with high accuracy using repeated migration/tomography cycles, but the small-scale component cannot. When the earth has significant small-scale velocity components, wavefield reconstruction does not completely describe the recorded data, and migrated images are perturbed by artifacts. There are two possible ways to address this problem: (1) improve wavefield reconstruction by estimating more accurate velocity models and image using conventional techniques (e.g., wavefield crosscorrelation) or (2) reconstruct wavefields with conventional methods using the known background velocity model but improve the imaging condition to alleviate the artifacts caused by the imprecise reconstruction. Wedescribe the unknown component o...
Quantum process tomography quantifies coherence transfer dynamics in vibrational exciton.

Quantum coherence has been a subject of great interest in many scientific disciplines. However, detailed characterization of the quantum coherence in molecular systems, especially its transfer and relaxation mechanisms, still remains a major challenge. The difficulties arise in part because the spectroscopic signatures of the coherence transfer are typically overwhelmed by other excitation relaxation processes. We use quantum process tomography (QPT) via two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy to quantify the rate of the elusive coherence transfer between two vibrational exciton states. QPT retrieves the dynamics of the dissipative quantum system directly from the experimental observables. It thus serves as an experimental alternative to theoretical models of the system-bath interaction, and can be used to validate these theories. Our results for coupled carbonyl groups of a diketone molecule in chloroform, used as a benchmark system, reveal the non-secular nature of the interaction between the exciton and the Markovian bath and open the door for the systematic studies of the dissipative quantum systems dynamics in detail.
Secure relay beamforming over cognitive radio channels

In this paper, a cognitive relay channel is considered, and amplify-and-forward (AF) relay beamforming designs in the presence of an eavesdropper and a primary user are studied. Our objective is to optimize the performance of the cognitive relay beamforming system while limiting the interference in the direction of the primary receiver and keeping the transmitted signal secret from the eavesdropper. We show that under both total and individual power constraints, the problem becomes a quasiconvex optimization problem which can be solved by interior point methods. We also propose two sub-optimal null space beamforming schemes which are obtained in a more computationally efficient way.
Pulsar Kicks and Spin Tilts in the Close Double Neutron Stars PSR J0737–3039, PSR B1534+12, and PSR B1913+16

In view of the recent measurement of the scintillation velocity for PSR J0737-3039, we examine the complete set of constraints imposed on the pulsar B natal kicks (magnitude and orientation) and predict the most favorable pulsar kick velocity and spin tilt for both isotropic and polar kicks. Our analysis takes into account both currently unknown parameters: the orientation of the orbital plane on the sky (Ω) and the radial component of the systemic velocity (Vr). Assuming that the system's peculiar velocity is entirely due to the second supernova explosion, we find that the system may have crossed the Galactic plane multiple times since the birth of the second neutron star and that the postsupernova peculiar velocity could have been as high as 1200 km s-1. We also confirm the absolute lower and upper limits on the physical parameters derived in our earlier study. For specific combinations of the two unknown parameters Ω and Vr, however, we find much tighter constraints on the presupernova binary configuration and natal kicks imparted to pulsar B, as well as on the age of system. Once Ω is measured in the coming year, it will be straightforward to use the results presented here to further constrain the natal kicks and the spin-tilt predictions. We complete our comprehensive study and derive similar constraints and spin-tilt predictions for PSR B1534+12, for which the only free parameter is Vr. Finally, for PSR B1913+16 we update the progenitor and kick constraints using the measured pulsar spin tilt and allowing for Roche lobe overflow from the progenitor of the pulsar companion.
Molecular structure of tetra-tert-butyltetrahedrane, bitetrahedryl, and hexa-tert-butylbitetrahedryl: experiment and theory (MM3)

Abstract MM3 calculations have been carried out on tetra-tert-butyltetrahedryne and on bitetrahedryl; they give results which are in good agreement with experiment and ab initio calculations. The structure of hexa-tert-butylbitetrahedryl is then predicted and discussed.
Nitrodiazomethane as a source of nitrocarbene

Abstract Nitrodiazomethane reacts with olefins in the presence of rhodium(II) acetate to form nitrocyclopropanes. Ab Initio calculations predict that singlet nitrocarbene has little or no barrier to rearrangement to nitrosoformaldehyde.
Effect of surface diffusion on the selectivity of catalytic reactions

Abstract Analysis is made on the effect of surface diffusion on the selectivity of a catalyst for a consecutive reaction A → B → C in a well-mixed stirred tank reactor. The catalyst is composed of an α region despersed on the β region. A → B is assumed to occur on the α region and B → C on the β region. Migration of B from α to B proceeds both by surface diffusion and gas phase transport. Influence of the flow rate through the reactor, the crystallite size of α, and the loading of the catalyst on the selectivity for C in the presence of surface diffusion are discussed. Under otherwise identical conditions, selectivity is increased by surface diffusion. The optimum condition for the production of C is also discussed.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Associated Neural Defects: Complex Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, can result in craniofacial dysmorphism, cognitive impairment, sensory and motor disabilities among other defects. FASD incidences are as high as 2% to 5 % children born in the US, and prevalence is higher in low socioeconomic populations. Despite various mechanisms being proposed to explain the etiology of FASD, the molecular targets of ethanol toxicity during development are unknown. Proposed mechanisms include cell death, cell signaling defects and gene expression changes. More recently, the involvement of several other molecular pathways was explored, including non-coding RNA, epigenetic changes and specific vitamin deficiencies. These various pathways may interact, producing a wide spectrum of consequences. Detailed understanding of these various pathways and their interactions will facilitate the therapeutic target identification, leading to new clinical intervention, which may reduce the incidence and severity of these highly prevalent preventable birth defects. This review discusses manifestations of alcohol exposure on the developing central nervous system, including the neural crest cells and sensory neural placodes, focusing on molecular neurodevelopmental pathways as possible therapeutic targets for prevention or protection.
Minimum length from first principles

We show that no device or gedanken experiment is capable of measuring a distance less than the Planck length. By "measuring a distance less than the Planck length" we mean, technically, resolve the eigenvalues of the position operator to within that accuracy. The only assumptions in our argument are causality, the uncertainty principle from quantum mechanics and a dynamical criteria for gravitational collapse from classical general relativity called the hoop conjecture. The inability of any gedanken experiment to measure a sub-Planckian distance suggests the existence of a minimal length.
Status of federal-state cooperative tuberculosis eradication.

SUMMARY 1.The progress that has been made in bovine tuberculosis eradication has lead to complacency and a general feeling that the disease has been eradicated. We should revitalize our efforts to eradicate tuberculosis. Our past victories should serve to show that we can reach our goal of complete eradication. 2.A majority (69 per cent) of the tuberculosis reactors found during the period 1917-1957 inclusive came from nine States. During the past three years (1955-1957 inclusive) the same nine States yielded 75 per cent of the total reactors. 3.Five fundamental points must be given special attention. They are: 1.Reaffirm our confidence in the tuberculin test, which when properly applied and interpreted is recognized as one of the most dependable disease detection tests we have. All too frequently, undue concern is expressed because some animals that react to the tuberculin test do not show up with gross lesions of tuberculosis on post-mortem inspection. The best scientific evidence and observations of millions of carcasses clearly show that the tuberculin test is more reliable than the customary post-mortem examination as a means of detecting tuberculosis. 2.We must give close attention to the proper quarantine of infected herds, and make certain that no known infected or known-exposed animal is the cause of spreading the disease. 3.We must assure ourselves that all premises that have harbored tuberculous animals are properly cleaned and disinfected under vigilant supervision. 4.We have had tremendous success in locating many centers of infection as a result of epizootiological investigations. Periodic testing alone is not enough. We must trace to their herds of origin all animals that show lesions of tuberculosis on regular kill. We must determine the origin of animals that react to tuberculin tests, and we must follow-up on exposed animals removed from infected herds. More effort should be directed toward the eradication of tuberculosis in poultry and swine. 5.We must redistribute funds to pursue a more concentrated program in those States where most of the infected animals are now being found.
Stellar Populations in Local Star-Forming Galaxies

We present the integrated properties of the stellar populations in the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) Survey galaxies. Based on the extensive dataset available for the sample -which comprises a great deal of observations, both photometric and spectroscopic-, we have derived ages, burst masses and metallicities of the newly-formed stars in our sample galaxies. The population of young stars is responsible for the Ha emission used to detect the objects in the UCM Survey. We also infer total stellar masses and star formation rates in a consistent way taking into account the evolutionary history of each galaxy. We find that an average UCM galaxy has a total stellar mass of ~ 1010M⊙, of which about 5% has been formed in an instantaneous burst occurred about 5 Myr ago, and sub-solar metallicity. Less than 10% of the sample shows massive starbursts involving more than half of the total mass of the galaxy. Several correlations are found among the derived properties. The burst strength is correlated with the extinction and with the integrated optical colours for galaxies with low obscuration. The current star formation rate is correlated with the gas content. A stellar mass-metallicity relation is also found. Our analysis indicates that the UCM Survey galaxies span a broad range in properties between those of galaxies completely dominated by current/recent star formation and those of normal quiescent spirals. We also find evidence indicating that star-formation in the local universe is dominated by galaxies considerably less massive than L*.
Sb-MOx-C (M = Al, Ti, or Mo) Nanocomposite Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Sb-MOx-C (M = Al, Ti, and Mo) nanocomposites have been synthesized by a mechanochemical reduction of Sb2O3 with, respectively, Al, Ti, and Mo, in the presence of carbon (acetylene black). X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) data reveal that these nanocomposites are composed of uniformly dispersed nanostructured antimony in the amorphous Al2O3, TiO2, or MoO3 matrix, along with conductive carbon. These composite electrodes exhibit excellent electrochemical cycling performance and rate capability in lithium cells, compared to pure antimony. Among the three Sb-MOx-C systems studied, the M = Al system with Al2O3 as the amorphous phase exhibits the best electrochemical performance, offering a capacity of >430 mAh/g after 100 cycles. The improvement in the cycling performance, compared to that of pure antimony, is attributed to a homogeneous distribution of the electrochemically active Sb nan...
A fixed point theorem for a general epidemic model

Abstract Epidemic type models typically undergo a phase transition when the infection rate surpasses the epidemic threshold. However for networks having degree–degree correlations, the epidemic threshold has never formally been defined and there is a shortage of rigorous mathematics describing epidemic phase transitions. In the context of disease spreading on top of a complex network, this paper provides a set of necessary and sufficient conditions for the occurrence of a persistent infected state. As a proof of principle we demonstrate that the percolation and SIS/SIR epidemic models on complex correlated networks satisfy the assumptions necessary for a single phase transition. This paper attempts to highlight commonalities in a variety of different interacting particle systems.
WFPC2 LRF Imaging of Emission-Line Nebulae in 3CR Radio Galaxies*

We present Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 Linear Ramp Filter images of high surface brightness emission lines (either [O II], [O III], or H alpha + [N II]) in 80 3CR radio sources. We overlay the emission-line images on high-resolution VLA radio images (eight of which are new reductions of archival data) in order to examine the spatial relationship between the optical and radio emission. We confirm that the radio and optical emission-line structures are consistent with weak alignment at low redshift (z < 0.6) except in the compact steep-spectrum (CSS) radio galaxies where both the radio source and the emission-line nebulae are on galactic scales and strong alignment is seen at all redshifts. There are weak trends for the aligned emission-line nebulae to be more luminous and for the emission-line nebula size to increase with redshift and/or radio power. The combination of these results suggests that there is a limited but real capacity for the radio source to influence the properties of the emission-line nebulae at these low redshifts (z < 0.6). Our results are consistent with previous suggestions that both mechanical and radiant energy are responsible for generating alignment between the radio source and emission-line gas.
Determining the Nature of Dark Matter with Astrometry

We show that measurements of stellar proper motions in dwarf spheroidal galaxies provide a powerful probe of the nature of dark matter. Allowing for general dark matter density profiles and stellar velocity anisotropy profiles, we show that the log slope of the dark matter profile at about twice the stellar core (King) radius can be measured to within ±0.2 when the proper motions of 200 stars are added to standard line-of-sight velocity dispersion data. This measurement of the log slope provides a test of cold and warm dark matter theories at a sensitivity not possible with line-of-sight velocity dispersion measurements alone. The upcoming SIM PlanetQuest will have the sensitivity to obtain the required number of proper motions in Milky Way dwarf spheroidal galaxies.
Spitzer observations of low-luminosity isolated and low surface brightness galaxies

We examine the infrared properties of five low surface brightness galaxies (LSBGs) and compare them with related but higher surface brightness galaxies, using Spitzer Space Telescope images and spectra. All the LSBGs are detected in the 3.6 and 4.5 μm bands, representing the stellar population. All but one are detected at 5.8 and 8.0 μm, revealing emission from hot dust and aromatic molecules, although many are faint or pointlike at these wavelengths. Detections of LSBGs at the far-infrared wavelengths of 24, 70, and 160 μm are varied in morphology and brightness, with only two detections at 160 μm, resulting in highly varied spectral energy distributions. Consistent with previous expectations for these galaxies, we find that detectable dust components exist for only some LSBGs, with the strength of dust emission dependent on the existence of bright star-forming regions. However, the far-infrared emission may be relatively weak compared with normal star-forming galaxies.
Ca II resonance lines in non-homogeneous chromospheres

K line profiles of Ca II for two component chromosphere, obtaining line source function and optical depth from steady state and radiative transfer equations
TUNNELING BETWEEN BILAYER QUANTUM HALL STRUCTURES IN A STRONG MAGNETIC FIELD

We calculate the tunneling current in a quantum Hall bilayer system in the strong magnetic field limit. We model the bilayer electron system as two Wigner crystals coupled through interlayer Coulomb interactions, treated in the continuum limit. We generalized the Johansson and Kinaret (JK) model? and were able to study the effect of the low energy out-of-phase magnetophonon modes produced as a result of tunneling events. We find the same scaling behavior of the tunneling current peak with the magnetic field as found by JK but were able to find the tunneling current scaling behavior with interlayer distance as well.
Vertices of Gelfand--Tsetlin Polytopes

This paper is a study of the polyhedral geometry of Gelfand---Tsetlin polytopes arising in the representation theory of ${\frak gl}_n \Bbb C$ and algebraic combinatorics. We present a combinatorial characterization of the vertices and a method to calculate the dimension of the lowest-dimensional face containing a given Gelfand---Tsetlin pattern. As an application, we disprove a conjecture of Berenstein and Kirillov about the integrality of all vertices of the Gelfand---Tsetlin polytopes. We can construct for each $n\geq5$ a counterexample, with arbitrarily increasing denominators as $n$ grows, of a nonintegral vertex. This is the first infinite family of nonintegral polyhedra for which the Ehrhart counting function is still a polynomial. We also derive a bound on the denominators for the nonintegral vertices when $n$ is fixed.
The Performance of Incumbent firms in the Face of Radical Technological Innovation

A persistent theme in the academic literature on technological innovation is that incumbent enterprises have great difficulty crossing the abyss created by a radical technological innovation and, thus, go into decline, while new entrants rise to market dominance by exploiting the new technology. However, this tendency is not universal. There are outliers in any population, and much can be learned from examining this group. Here we identify a number of factors that help to explain incumbent performance in markets shaken by a radical technological innovation.
Ceramics Reliability: Statistical Analysis of Multiaxial Failure Using the Weibull Approach and the Multiaxial Elemental Strength Model

Methodology for designing reliable ceramic components requires a precise evaluation and correlation of strengths in different stress states. The present paper compares the merits of the Weibull approach and the multiaxial elemental strength model on an experimental case involving mixed-mode failure in the presence of bimodal flaw populations (surface and volume flaws). The experimental data were obtained using flexure specimens of Si3N4 tested at various spans, with the purpose of enhancing shearing effects. The analysis of data was refined by developing an advanced postprocessor program to finite-element codes for failure probability determination based upon the Barnett-Freudenthal approximation of the Weibull approach and the multiaxial elemental strength model. In a second step, the strengths of the specimens exhibiting failures from the two concurrent populations of flaws (intermediate span) were predicted using both approaches from data obtained with different span lengths (long and short spans). Comparison with experimental data showed that the multiaxial elemental strength model is an improvement over the Weibull approach. It also allowed the short-span bending test to be assessed. Finally, important implications for structural design with ceramics are discussed.
On algebraic integrability of Gelfand-Zeitlin fields

We generalize a result of Kostant and Wallach concerning the algebraic integrability of the Gelfand-Zeitlin vector fields to the full set of strongly regular elements in \( \mathfrak{g}\mathfrak{l} \)(n, ℂ). We use decomposition classes to stratify the strongly regular set by subvarieties \( {X_\mathcal{D}} \). We construct an etale cover \( {\hat{\mathfrak{g}}}_\mathcal{D} \) of \( {X_\mathcal{D}} \) and show that \( {X_\mathcal{D}} \) and \( {\hat{\mathfrak{g}}}_\mathcal{D} \) are smooth and irreducible. We then use Poisson geometry to lift the Gelfand-Zeitlin vector fields on \( {X_\mathcal{D}} \) to Hamiltonian vector fields on \( {\hat{\mathfrak{g}}}_\mathcal{D} \) and integrate these vector fields to an action of a connected, commutative algebraic group.
Risks older drivers pose to themselves and to other road users

PROBLEM: Studies have shown that older drivers have high death rates and lower rates of involvement in crashes that kill others; but most studies have not considered drivers' responsibility for their crashes, and many have considered only one particular measure of risk. METHOD: This study examines risks that drivers of various ages pose to themselves and to others on per-driver, per-trip, and per-mile bases, taking responsibility for crashes into account, using United States fatal crash data from 1999 through 2003 and travel estimates from 2001. RESULTS: Relative to other age groups, drivers aged 85 and older face the highest risk of their own death, whereas teens pose the greatest risk to passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and non-motorists. DISCUSSION: The oldest drivers pose more risk to other road users than middle-aged drivers do; the degree of their excess risk depends strongly upon how risk is measured. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: These results demonstrate the importance of keeping clear the meaning and implications of various risk measures. Language: en
Establishment of lal-/- myeloid lineage cell line that resembles myeloid-derived suppressive cells.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in mouse are inflammatory cells that play critical roles in promoting cancer growth and metastasis by directly stimulating cancer cell proliferation and suppressing immune surveillance. In order to facilitate characterization of biochemical and cellular mechanisms of MDSCs, it is urgent to establish an “MDSC-like” cell line. By cross breeding of immortomouse (simian virus 40 large T antigen transgenic mice) with wild type and lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) knock-out (lal-/-) mice, we have established a wild type (HD1A) and a lal-/- (HD1B) myeloid cell lines. Compared with HD1A cells, HD1B cells demonstrated many characteristics similar to lal-/- MDSCs. HD1B cells exhibited increased lysosomes around perinuclear areas, dysfunction of mitochondria skewing toward fission structure, damaged membrane potential, and increased ROS production. HD1B cells showed increased glycolytic metabolism during blockage of fatty acid metabolism to fuel the energy need. Similar to lal-/- MDSCs, the mTOR signal pathway in HD1B cells is overly activated. Rapamycin treatment of HD1B cells reduced ROS production and restored the mitochondrial membrane potential. HD1B cells showed much stronger immunosuppression on CD4+ T cell proliferation and function in vitro, and enhanced cancer cells proliferation. Knockdown of mTOR with siRNA reduced the HD1B cell ability to immunosuppress T cells and stimulate cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, the HD1B myeloid cell line is an “MDSC-like” cell line that can be used as an alternative in vitro system to study how LAL controls various myeloid cell functions.
Partially Quenched QCD with Non-Degenerate Dynamical Quarks

Abstract We discuss the importance of using partially quenched theories with three degenerate quarks for extrapolating to QCD, and present some relevant results from chiral perturbation theory.
The kinetics of photochemical deconjugation reactions of methyl geranate

Abstract The photochemical transformations of methyl geranate are analyzed in terms of the dependence of quantum yield upon base, 1,2-dimethylimidazole, concentration. The dependence of quantum yield of deconjugated esters methyl (3Z)-3,7-dimethy1-3,6-octadienoate (12), methyl 3-methy1ene-7-methyl-6-octenoate (13) and methyl (3E)-3,7-dimethyl-3,6-octadienoate (14) and the ratio of (13)/(12) and (13)/(14) upon base concentration, as well as the dependence of the ratios (methyl 2-isopropenyl-5-methy1cyc1opentanecarboxy1ate (15): deconjugated ester) (10)/(12), (10)/(13) and (10)/(14) upon the reciprocal of the base concentration, are consistent with relative rate constant ratios for ([1,5] sigmatropic shift)/(dienol deprotonation) for photodienols 15, (precursor of 13), 17 (precursor of 12) and 19 (precursor of 14) of 72, 1.0 and 85.