cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An improved fast multipole method for electrostatic potential calculations in a class of coarse-grained molecular simulations

This paper presents a novel algorithm to approximate the long-range electrostatic potential field in the Cartesian coordinates applicable to 3D coarse-grained simulations of biopolymers. In such models, coarse-grained clusters are formed via treating groups of atoms as rigid and/or flexible bodies connected together via kinematic joints. Therefore, multibody dynamic techniques are used to form and solve the equations of motion of such coarse-grained systems. In this article, the approximations for the potential fields due to the interaction between a highly negatively/positively charged pseudo-atom and charged particles, as well as the interaction between clusters of charged particles, are presented. These approximations are expressed in terms of physical and geometrical properties of the bodies such as the entire charge, the location of the center of charge, and the pseudo-inertia tensor about the center of charge of the clusters. Further, a novel substructuring scheme is introduced to implement the presented far-field potential evaluations in a binary tree framework as opposed to the existing quadtree and octree strategies of implementing fast multipole method. Using the presented Lagrangian grids, the electrostatic potential is recursively calculated via sweeping two passes: assembly and disassembly. In the assembly pass, adjacent charged bodies are combined together to form new clusters. Then, the potential field of each cluster due to its interaction with faraway resulting clusters is recursively calculated in the disassembly pass. The method is highly compatible with multibody dynamic schemes to model coarse-grained biopolymers. Since the proposed method takes advantage of constant physical and geometrical properties of rigid clusters, improvement in the overall computational cost is observed comparing to the tradition application of fast multipole method.
Electrophysiological studies of language and language impairment

The organization of language-relevant brain systems was examined in normally developing and language-impaired children. Atypical patterns of brain activity were observed in subsets of children with specific language impairment (SLI) for both sensory (auditory and visual) and language processing. However, it was not the same groups of children who displayed abnormalities across the different tasks. The results supported a multiple-factors and multiple-subtypes framework for interpreting the neurobiology of SLI. The roots of SLI were also considered in normal infants and late talkers in studies of primary language acquisition. These studies suggest that the organization of neural systems important in language acquisition display dramatic changes during this time. Some of these are linked to the attainment of language milestones and appear to be independent of chronological age. Moreover, abnormalities in the lateral organization of electrophysiological activity may help predict which late talkers will catch up and who will later display SLI. More generally, the event-related potential technique is a powerful tool in studying the neurobiology of language and language impairment.
Characterization of postribosomal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Abstract Postribosomal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases from cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells are found in forms of defined size. Sedimentation distribution profiles on calibrated 10–30% (w/v) exponential sucrose gradients in two different buffer systems show that the number and nature of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complexes vary in a defined manner. Synthetases sediment in three general size classes in buffer B (10 mM KCl, 10 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4 at 25°C), 1.0 mM MgCl 2 and 0.1 mM dithiothreitol) sucrose gradients. Alanyl-, asparaginyl-, seryl-, tryptophanyl- and tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases have a single activity peak that sediments at 6–10 S; cysteinyl-, histidyl-, phenylalanyl- and valyl-tRNA synthetases have a 15–21 S form plus an 8–10 S form; and aspartyl-, arginyl-, glutaminyl-, glutamyl-, isoleucyl-, leucyl-, lysyl-, methionyl-, prolyl- and threonyl-tRNA synthetases have a 30 S form plus, in some cases, one or more slower sedimenting forms. In buffer A (same as buffer B except containing 100 mM KCl and 1.5 mM MgCl 2 ), alanyl-, asparaginyl-, and tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetases have very similar distribution profiles as those in buffer B sucrose gradients. Arginyl-, cysteinyl-, glutaminyl-, glutamyl-, isoleucyl-, leucyl-, lysyl-, methionyl-, prolyl-, seryl-, threonyl-, tyrosyl-, and valyl-tRNA synthetases have similarly shaped distribution profiles in both buffer systems, but appear to shift to a slightly slower sedimentation rate from buffer B to buffer A. Aspartyl-, histidyl-, and phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase profiles differ quite markedly in the two buffer systems providing evidence all three are in separate complexes. The synthetase distributions are compared with the distribution of total RNA and total protein in the postribosomal particles. Observations are discussed in terms of the number and nature of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complexes that exist.
Reduction of Middle-Atmospheric Forecast Bias through Improvement in Satellite Radiance Quality Control

Abstract This article discusses a practical problem faced in operational atmospheric forecasting and data assimilation, and efforts to improve forecast quality through the choice of quality control parameters. The need to utilize as much data as possible must be carefully balanced against the need to reject observations deemed erroneous because they are far from the background value. Alleviation of forecast bias in the middle atmosphere for a global atmospheric prediction system is attempted via improvement of the quality control and bias correction of the satellite radiance data; in particular, the sensitivity of the analysis to the satellite radiance outlier check parameters for the Naval Research Laboratory’s three-dimensional variational data assimilation system [Naval Research Laboratory Atmospheric Variational Data Assimilation System (NAVDAS)] is investigated. A series of forecast experiments are performed with an extended-top (0.04 hPa or ∼65 km) version of the U.S. Navy’s Operational Global Atmos...
Relationships between religiosity, spirituality, and personality: A multivariate analysis

It has been purported that univariate analyses may be too simplistic when studying correlates of religiosity and spirituality (Thoresen & Harris, 2002). Consequently, the current study evaluated the relationships between religiosity, spirituality, and personality at both the univariate and multivariate levels. Our results suggest strong relationships between these constructs at both levels. At the univariate level, all religiosity and spirituality variables, excluding the Extrinsic orientation, demonstrated significant associations with the Big Five. However, at the multivariate level, the Extrinsic orientation, in conjunction with the Quest orientation and the Intrinsic orientation, demonstrated a significant association with the Big Five. These findings support the supposition that religious and spiritual constructs ought to be examined at a multivariate level and further explicates the nature of religious and spiritual constructs by grounding them within a comprehensive taxonomy of personality.
Acquired blood pressure control: A status report

Abstract The studies summarized in this paper were part of an on-going series of experiments on acquired blood pressure control designed to fill some of the gaps in the existing experimental data and resolve some related unsettled issues. In the former case, studies with animals, normotensive and hypertensive humans were reviewed within the context of instrumental conditioning; and in the latter instance, other studies dealing with such possible confounding factors as relaxation and instructional sets were integrated into a data base. From the data generated by these studies and by others, it was concluded that blood pressure may be conceptualized as a visceral operant, but that many more data are needed before its comparability to motor operants can be clarified.
Pathogenesis of Traveler's Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the most common medical complication among persons venturing into tropical and semitropical regions of the developing world from industrialized regions. The illness is characteristically caused by one of a variety of bacterial agents, of which enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli is the most important. Intestinal electrolyte fluid movement explains the pathophysiology of most cases while in certain situations osmotic diarrhea or altered intestinal motility may lead to passage of unformed stools. In 1-2% of traveler, diarrhea lasts more than 1 month. Most of the patients will have diarrhea that is eventually self-limiting. The cause and mechanisms of diarrhea in these settings are largely unknown although a focal intestinal inflammation lesion may be found.
Synthesis and characterization of (Ga 1−x Zn x )(N 1−x O x ) and (In 1−x−y Ga x Zn y )(N 1−y O y ) nanotubes for solar water splitting

(Ga1-xZnx)(N1-xOx) and (In1-x-yGaxZny)(N1-yOx) nanotubes were synthesized by depositing GaN or InGaN onto ZnO nanowire templates. These nanotubes absorb visible light, have high surface area, and are single-crystalline, making them promising materials for solar water splitting.
Focal adhesion kinase signaling at sites of integrin-mediated adhesion controls axon pathfinding

Extracellular matrix (ECM) components regulate neurite outgrowth in tissue culture and in vivo. Live imaging of phosphotyrosine (PY) signals revealed that Xenopus laevis growth cones extending on permissive ECM substrata assemble adhesive point contacts containing enriched levels of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. Whereas focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling is dispensable for the assembly of focal adhesions in non-neuronal cells, FAK activity is required for the formation of growth cone point contacts. FAK-dependent point contacts promote rapid neurite outgrowth by stabilizing lamellipodial protrusions on permissive ECM substrata. Moreover, local FAK activity is required for ECM-dependent growth cone turning in vitro, suggesting that FAK may control axon pathfinding in vivo. Consistent with this possibility, proper growth and guidance of Rohon-Beard sensory neurons and spinal commissural interneurons requires FAK activity. These findings identify FAK as a key regulator of axon growth and guidance downstream of growth cone-ECM interactions.
Commitment and Emotional Closeness in the Sibling Relationship

This study explored commitment in the sibling relationship by examining whether sibling commitment (a) varies across the lifespan and (b) is associated with siblings' use of affectionate communication and communication-based emotional support. Participants were 448 individuals ranging in age from 18–92 who completed the Measure of Commitment scale (Stafford & Canary, 1991), the Affectionate Communication Index (Floyd & Morman, 1998), and the Communication-Based Emotional Support scale (Weber & Patterson, 1996). Results indicated that sibling commitment (a) remains stable across the lifespan and (b) is associated with communication-based emotional support, the supportive communication dimension of affectionate communication, and sibling birth order.
Neural network for retrieval of indirectly measured information

Microwave radiation emitted by the atmosphere contains information about the composition and temperature structure of the atmosphere. Given the vertical temperate profile and humidity structure of the atmosphere, it is possible to compute the microwave radiance received by an upward-looking surface-based radiometer operating in the 20 - 60 GHz range. The inverse problem is ill-posed and requires additional information for its solution. We have found a method for solving this problem using the techniques of neural networks. In our calculation, the network has as inputs the set of microwave brightness temperature measurements made at the surface, surface temperature, and surface pressure, or surface altitude, or both. The output is the atmospheric temperature as a function of height. The neural network computes the outputs from the inputs using its internal weights which have been established by a training process. The training consists of presenting the system with input brightness temperatures calculated from radiosonde observations, and comparison of the resulting outputs with the radiosonde temperature profiles using a backpropagation training rule. The trained system was then tested on a separate set of brightness temperatures. Similar techniques should work with many types of inverse problems.
The Impact of Discrimination and Support on Developmental Competencies in Latino Adolescents

Discrimination is considered a contextual risk factor for ethnic minority youth, but social support provided in the same context may function to offset the risk or encourage adaptive responses. Per the integrative model of child development (Garcia Coll et al., 1996), experiences in the school, familial, and community settings can foster the development of cognitive, social, and emotional competencies in the presence of racism and discrimination. The current study evaluated how perceptions of discrimination and support in the school setting influenced school belonging, college-going self-efficacy, and depressive symptoms in a sample of Latino youth (N = 179). We distinguished between peers and nonparental adults as the sources of discrimination and support. Overall, peer support was associated with all three outcomes, suggesting peers as a positive resource. Adult support was only significant in the school belonging model. Findings supported a limited moderating role for peer support on peer discrimination, but only for the depressive symptoms outcome. Implications and suggestions for mental health practitioners are offered.
Generation of CO2 pulses by free induction decay in KCI:KReO4☆

Abstract Subnanosecond pulses have been produced by optical free induction decay in KCI:KReO4. Here the ν3 vibrational mode of the perrhenate ion (ReO-4) acts as a resonant absorber for the 10.6μm, P(26) CO2 laser line. As the phase relaxation time T2 of the substitutional molecule ion is very small, efficient picosecond pulses can be produced by this medium if faster shuttering can be devised.
Endoscopic Orbital Fracture Repair

Orbital fractures involving the middle or posterior third of the orbital floor are difficult to visualize with traditional surgical approaches. The authors describe their method of combining a transconjunctival incision with an endonasal endoscopic approach in the repair of orbital fractures. In their experience, this technique is especially useful in the treatment of posterior fractures or secondary repairs for residual enophthalmos. Besides better visualization, advantages include increased illumination; video projection for the rest of the surgical team and for documentation and recording; confirmation of correct implant placement; and, most importantly, precise and complete reduction of herniated orbital soft tissues.
Economic Aspects of Transesophageal Echocardiography and Atrial Fibrillation

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of complications and death in the United States, affecting nearly 60 million Americans in 1998 and costing an estimated $274.2 billion. A major contributor to the costs of cardiovascular disease is atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is the most common sustained arrhythmia and affects > 2.2 million people and approximately 5% of all persons over the age of 60. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with short-term anticoagulation has been proposed as a viable strategy to guide patients with AF. Here, we (1) review the current environmental context for a TEE-guided approach, (2) summarize the existing literature on the economic aspects of TEE, and (3) outline an economic framework for an economic analysis of TEE investigation or any major clinical therapy. We conclude that more powerful analytical tools are evolving to analyze the important economic, clinical, and social aspects of a patient's medical encounter.
Abdominal wall fascial disruption after blunt trauma: a case report and review of the literature.

Traumatic abdominal wall fascial disruption is not a common injury, despite the high prevalence of blunt abdominal trauma. It has been described sporadically in the literature since 1906 when Selby reported a case of a traumatic abdominal wall hernia in a patient who fell 6 feet onto a wheelbarrow handle. We present our experience with a 61-year-old man who sustained a traumatic abdominal wall hernia after a fall of approximately 10 feet.
Searching the sky with CONFIGR-STARS

CONFIGR-STARS, a new methodology based on a model of the human visual system, is developed for registration of star images. The algorithm first applies CONFIGR, a neural model that connects sparse and noisy image components. CONFIGR produces a web of connections between stars in a reference starmap or in a test patch of unknown location. CONFIGR-STARS splits the resulting, typically highly connected, web into clusters, or ''constellations''. Cluster geometry is encoded as a signature vector that records edge lengths and angles relative to the cluster's baseline edge. The location of a test patch cluster is identified by comparing its signature to signatures in the codebook of a reference starmap, where cluster locations are known. Simulations demonstrate robust performance in spite of image perturbations and omissions, and across starmaps from different sources and seasons. Further studies would test CONFIGR-STARS and algorithm variations applied to very large starmaps and to other technologies that may employ geometric signatures. Open-source code, data, and demos are available from http://techlab.bu.edu/STARS/.
Topology preserving compression of 2D vector fields

We present an algorithm for compressing 2D vector fields that preserves topology. Our approach is to simplify the given data set using constrained clustering. We employ different types of global and local error metrics including the earth mover's distance metric to measure the degradation in topology as well as weighted magnitude and angular errors. As a result, we obtain precise error bounds in the compressed vector fields. Experiments with both analytic and simulated data sets are presented. Results indicate that one can obtain significant compression with low errors without losing topology information.
Sex-dependent parameters related to electrolyte, water and glycoprotein secretion in rabbit lacrimal glands.

The lacrimal glands of males and females of various species differ with respect to several morphological, biochemical and functional characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sexual maturation on Na+,K+-ATPase, muscarinic cholinergic receptors and β-adrenergic receptors, which are closely related to the secretion of electrolytes and fluid by the gland, and on other membrane-associated enzymes, specifically galactosyltransferase and alkaline and acid phosphatase. Soluble and total membrane fractions were obtained from lacrimal glands of prepubertal (1.0 kg), pubertal (2 kg), and mature (4 kg) New Zealand white rabbits of both sexes. Prepubertal and pubertal rabbits exhibited no sex differences in the total amount of lacrimal gland protein or in any of the enzymes or receptors, with the exception of galactosyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Galactosyltransferase had higher total and specific activities in prepubertal and pubertal males, and alkaline phosphatase had high...
Crowding: its effects on the elevation of blood pressure in a prison setting.

Abstract Overcrowding in several mammalian species has been shown to induce hypertension, adrenal gland hyperactivity, and excessive mortality rates. Data on German prisoners of war in World War II and an extrapolation of Harburg's studies in high and low stress census tracts in Detroit suggest a similar relationship in man. This cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the acute and, to some extent, long-term relationship between overcrowding, as defined by housing mode, on the one hand and blood pressure levels and pulse rate on the other. The work employed 412 male inmates and was carried out within three correctional institutions. Each of these institutions had several modes of housing inmates, including single occupancy cells and dormitories. The major research hypothesis that there would be an association between degree of crowding and blood pressure, systolic and diastolic; and pulse rate was strongly supported. Blood pressure was found to be curvilinearly related to duration of confinement, with higher levels in the first 2 weeks of confinement and following the end of the first month. This curvilinear relationship between blood pressure and duration of confinement may indicate the presence of two mechanisms involved with blood pressure elevation: the first, a reaction to acute stress or fright; the second, a response due to overcrowding.
Self-Avoiding Walk in 5 or More Dimensions

Using an expansion based on the renormalization group philosophy we prove that for aT step weakly self-avoiding random walk in five or more dimensions the variance of the endpoint is of orderT and the scaling limit is gaussian, asT→∞.
TH-A-19A-12: A GPU-Accelerated and Monte Carlo-Based Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy Optimization System

Purpose: To develop a clinically applicable intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) optimization system that utilizes more accurate Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculation, rather than analytical dose calculation. Methods: A very fast in-house graphics processing unit (GPU) based MC dose calculation engine was employed to generate the dose influence map for each proton spot. With the MC generated influence map, a modified gradient based optimization method was used to achieve the desired dose volume histograms (DVH). The intrinsic CT image resolution was adopted for voxelization in simulation and optimization to preserve the spatial resolution. The optimizations were computed on a multi-GPU framework to mitigate the memory limitation issues for the large dose influence maps that Result from maintaining the intrinsic CT resolution and large number of proton spots. The dose effects were studied particularly in cases with heterogeneous materials in comparison with the commercial treatment planning system (TPS). Results: For a relatively large and complex three-field bi-lateral head and neck case (i.e. >100K spots with a target volume of ∼1000 cc and multiple surrounding critical structures), the optimization together with the initial MC dose influence map calculation can be done in a clinically viable time frame (i.e. less than 15 minutes) on a GPU cluster consisting of 24 Nvidia GeForce GTX Titan cards. The DVHs of the MC TPS plan compare favorably with those of a commercial treatment planning system. Conclusion: A GPU accelerated and MC-based IMPT optimization system was developed. The dose calculation and plan optimization can be performed in less than 15 minutes on a hardware system costing less than 45,000 dollars. The fast calculation and optimization makes the system easily expandable to robust and multi-criteria optimization. This work was funded in part by a grant from Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
Radiation-Induced Phenomena In Air: Ionization and Fluorescence

Abstract Gamma rays induce ionization and fluorescence in the surrounding air. On the premise that the radiation may therefore be detected using these radiation-induced phenomena, we perform a Monte Carlo simulation to find out how the electron-emitting and photon-emitting molecular sites are distributed around the source. Focusing on the second positive and the first negative UV photons from the nitrogen molecules, the fluorescing sites are distributed following the pattern of r − β with β =1.4 for 0 r β =2.04 for 1 m r r >120 m, the distribution falls more rapidly than can be described with a power law. Nearly the same pattern of distribution prevails for the ionizing molecular sites.
Variability of Histopathological Changes in Childhood Celiac Disease

OBJECTIVES: Adult studies of celiac disease (CD) have shown that duodenal mucosal histopathological changes may be patchy, and the diagnostic utility of duodenal bulb biopsies is believed to be limited. Few related pediatric data exist. METHODS: We assessed the prevalence of variable biopsy findings and duodenal bulb involvement in children with CD, as well as its association with clinical parameters. A total of 198 consecutive cases of CD diagnosed at the Children's Hospital during 2001-2005 were analyzed. All biopsies were scored by a pathologist blinded to the clinical data using the Marsh criteria. Mucosal changes were classified as focal if changes consistent with CD and normal mucosa were found within a single biopsy fragment. Patchiness was defined as variation of at least one Marsh grade between separate fragments in a biopsy set. RESULTS: The median age was 9.3 years; 62% were female. An average of 3.6 biopsy samples was obtained per case. In 101 cases, biopsy samples were obtained from the duodenal bulb and the second portion of the duodenum. Focality was present in biopsy samples collected from 36 (18%) cases. Patchiness was found in 105 (53%) cases, and at least 1 normal biopsy fragment was present in 71 (36%) cases. In 10 cases, only the bulb biopsies were diagnostic of CD. There was no association with the clinical features examined. CONCLUSIONS: Duodenal involvement in pediatric CD is frequently patchy and may show variable severity even within a single biopsy fragment. Variability cannot be predicted by clinical characteristics. Multiple endoscopic biopsies, including the duodenal bulb, should be obtained in suspected pediatric CD cases to maximize diagnostic yield.
Cyclic Plasticity in AS4/PEEK Composite Laminates:

The cyclic stress-strain behavior in notched and unnotched [±45]3s AS4/ PEEK thermoplastic composite laminates was studied. A plasticity model for cyclic deformation developed for unidirectional thermoplastic composites was used to describe the behavior of each lamina, and the laminate behavior was obtained by using the classical lamination theory. Model predictions of stress-strain curves were compared with ex perimental results.
An Improved Bait for Flies (Diptera: Muscidae, Calliphoridae)

A formulated bait proved as attractive as baits of fermented grain or hydrolized protein for house flies, Musca domestica L., and as attractive as citrated bovine blood for stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), under most conditions. Heating the bait increased its attraction for stable flies. Also, the bait was more attractive than either fermented grain or hydrolized protein for blow flies, Phaenicia pallescens (Shannon). The bait is easy to store and transport and does not produce offensive odors.
Psychophysiological and cognitive responses to stressful stimuli in subjects practicing progressive relaxation and clinically standardized meditation

Abstract Thirty-six volunteer subjects were assigned to one of three conditions: progressive relaxation, clinically standardized meditation, or a waiting list control group asked to relax daily (without specific instruction). Subjects were given paper and pencil tests two times, separated by 5 weeks during which time the two treatment groups received 4 weekly sessions of group training. All subjects were tested in the psychophysiology laboratory at the end of the 5-week period, during which time they were exposed to 5 very loud tones. While relaxing as deeply as possible using the techniques they had learned and anticipating the loud tones, the meditation group exhibited higher heart rates and higher integrated frontalis EMG activity, but they also showed greater cardiac decelerations following each tone, more frontal alpha, and fewer symptoms of cognitive anxiety than the other two groups. The relaxation group reported more sensations of muscular relaxation than the other groups, but also some symptoms of hyperventilation. The results are generally consistent with Davidson and Schwartz's (1976) categorization of meditation as a ‘cognitive’ technique, and suggest that frontal EEG alpha may be a physiological marker for the absence of cognitive anxiety. Physiological findings also support Goleman and Schwartz's (1976) suggestion that meditation prepares people to cope with stress.
Finding Fault with Nature

As might be expected, the discussion of the parts attempts to get at some knowledge of cause (646a8–13). In this effort, it appears as if the movement of the argument keeps getting pushed towards function. There are distinctions to be made within function: we can distinguish common functions of parts, functions that cut across kinds, but we also recognize functions that are particular, functions that are not cross-kind; this follows the general pattern set out in PA I (645b25), which indicates a unity to the book. Take teeth as an example. With regard to teeth, the common function lies in the working (ergasian) on the food, while some organisms have specialized functions that differ according to kind (kata gene).
Liberalism and the Aids Crisis

The AIDS crisis has provoked a debate about the drug evaluation and approval process in the United States. This debate includes an intramural disagreement among liberals about whether or not the primacy of the individual patient entails virtually unlimited patient sovereignty over treatment decisions. Some think it does; others argue that such a policy would seriously undermine responsible drug evaluation and medical research. I argue that underlying this disagreement is a serious rift between what I call radical and traditional liberalism, and that the former represents a significant threat to medical research.
Are Household Production Decisions Cooperative? Evidence on Pastoral Migration and Milk Sales from Northern Kenya

Market-based development efforts frequently create opportunities to generate income from goods previously produced and consumed within the household. Production within the household is often characterized by a gender and age division of labor. Market development efforts to improve wellbeing may lead to unanticipated outcomes if household production decisions are noncooperative. We develop and test models of household decision making to investigate intrahousehold decision making in a nomadic pastoral setting from Kenya. Our results suggest that household decisions are contested, with husbands using migration decisions to resist wives’ ability to market milk.
Radius of Gyration of Polystyrene Combs and Centipedes in a ϑ Solvent

The molecular weight dependence of the radii of gyration R{sub g} in a {var_theta} solvent (trans-decalin) of one regular branched comb and three regular centipede polystyrenes was studied using a gel permeation chromatography system equipped with a two-angle light scattering detector and a refractive index detector. R{sub g} in trans-decalin for each sample of particular molecular weight was about 25% smaller than that in a good solvent (tetrahydrofuran, THF). On the other hand, they are 20--40% larger than the theoretical values from the Gaussian chain model. This difference can be explained with the wormlike comb model developed by Nakamura et al. (Macromolecules 2000, 33, 8323-8328). Persistence lengths thus obtained for each sample were about half of that determined in THF solution. However, they are significantly larger than that for linear polystyrene. These results suggest that a main chain stiffening effect exists in comb polystyrenes even in a {var_theta} solvent.
Njama's Supper: The Consumption and Use of Literary Potency by Mau Mau Insurgents in Colonial Kenya

In this essay I hope to come closer to an understanding of how Mau Mau insurgents created a world in the Aberdares forest composed of individuals and groups who contested the means for which positive social value could be attained.' The world they created was replete with power, and this power was congealed in certain objects and the ability to use them. Many of these objects were literally stolen from the institutions which made up the colonial regime (schools and offices, for example). They circulated within and among groups of insurgents (itungati) in the forest and in some way represented and embodied the enchanted power of the colonial state apparatus.2 Yet the circulation of these objects into new social space (Mau Mau camps), whose constitution they contributed to, both changed the meaning of these objects and clarified and accelerated divisions within the movement. The circulation of literary-bureau-
Battery charge and discharge control for energy management in EV and utility integration

Electric drive vehicles (EDVs) have got many benefits as compared to normal petrol or gas cars. Moreover, the electrification of transportation systems would enable increased electricity generation from carbon-free and renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydro. However, due to highly distributed and mobile nature as well as high charge and discharge power demand of EDVs, it is important to investigate how to manage EDV charge and discharge to enhance the usage of renewable resources in the future smart grid framework. This paper presents an energy control study in a charging station, a typical integrated EDV and utility system. The charging station consists of an ac/dc converter for grid interface and multiple dc/dc converters for EDV battery management. For the grid-side converter, a direct-current control mechanism is employed for reactive power, ac system bus voltage, and dc-link voltage control. For the EDV-side converters, constant-current and constant voltage control mechanisms are developed for charging and discharging control. The paper considers energy management need for charge and discharge of multiple EDVs simultaneously as well as V2G and G2V requirements. A realtime simulation system is developed and the performance of the integrated EDV and utility system is investigated.
Virulence Potential of Ehrlichia chaffeensis Strains of Distinct Genome Sequences

Human monocytic ehrlichiosis, one of the most frequent life-threatening tick-borne zoonoses, is caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis that lacks endotoxin and peptidoglycan. While sequence polymorphisms in several genes in E. chaffeensis strains have been reported, global genomic divergence and biological differences among strains are unknown. The objectives of the present study were to compare the genome sequences of strains of E. chaffeensis and to examine the virulence potentials of the strains with defined genome sequences. Genomic DNA was extracted from purified E. chaffeensis strains Wakulla and Liberty, and comparative genome hybridization was performed using a densely tiled microarray of 147,027 chromosome positions of the E. chaffeensis strain Arkansas genome. The results revealed that 4,663 and 5,325 positions in the chromosomes of strains Wakulla and Liberty, respectively, were different from those in the chromosome of strain Arkansas, including three common major polymorphic chromosomal regions. Of various functional categories, the differences were most concentrated in genes predicted to encode cell envelope proteins. Of all the open reading frames (ORFs), 21 omp-1 (p28 gene) paralogs, nine genes encoding hypothetical proteins, two genes encoding ankyrin repeat proteins, and hemE contained the most differences. Several highly polymorphic ORFs were confirmed by sequencing. When the E. chaffeensis strains were inoculated into severe combined immunodeficiency mice, the order of the severity of clinical signs and the bacterial burden detected in mice was Wakulla > Liberty > Arkansas. Severe diffuse inflammation and granulomatous inflammation were evident in the livers of mice infected with strains Wakulla and Arkansas, respectively, but not in the livers of mice infected with strain Liberty. These results revealed distinct virulence phenotypes of E. chaffeensis strains with defined genome sequences.
Modulation classification via hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis

Automatic recognition of digital modulation schemes (identification of the symbol constellation) is increasingly important in both overt and covert operations. Previous approaches have exploited specific characteristics of the signaling schemes in order to distinguish between members of a limited set of constellation types. When the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is high, the received symbol sequence (i.e., after carrier, timing, and baseband recovery) forms natural clusters in the I-Q plane; hence, the clusters can be easily detected. This is the basis of pattern (template) matching schemes. However, the situation is not so nice when SNR is low, or in the presence of carrier and phase offsets and inter-symbol interference. We propose to use a hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis algorithm (HACA) which, for a specified number of clusters, will yield the virtual constellation which best describes the data. The number of clusters can be estimated from plots of the cluster separation distance. By proper choice of the dissimilarity measure used in HACA, problems due to frequency offset and phase jitter can be handled. We note that a specific advantage of HACA is that it can be used to detect an unknown constellation. Pattern matching schemes can also be used to decide between different constellations with the same number of symbols and the virtual constellation estimated by HACA. Preliminary classification can be accomplished by using elementary higher-order statistics (HOS). Simulation results illustrating the performance of the proposed algorithms are included.
A Burkholderia pseudomallei outer membrane vesicle vaccine provides protection against lethal sepsis

The environmental Gram-negative encapsulated bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, a disease associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in areas of Southeast Asia and northern Australia in which the disease is endemic. B. pseudomallei is also classified as a tier I select agent due to the high level of lethality of the bacterium and its innate resistance to antibiotics, as well as the lack of an effective vaccine. Gram-negative bacteria, including B. pseudomallei, secrete outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) which are enriched with multiple protein, lipid, and polysaccharide antigens. Previously, we demonstrated that immunization with multivalent B. pseudomallei-derived OMVs protects highly susceptible BALB/c mice against an otherwise lethal aerosol challenge. In this work, we evaluated the protective efficacy of OMV immunization against intraperitoneal challenge with a heterologous strain because systemic infection with phenotypically diverse environmental B. pseudomallei strains poses another hazard and a challenge to vaccine development. We demonstrated that B. pseudomallei OMVs derived from strain 1026b afforded significant protection against septicemic infection with B. pseudomallei strain K96243. OMV immunization induced robust OMV-, lipopolysaccharide-, and capsular polysaccharide-specific serum IgG (IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3) and IgM antibody responses. OMV-immune serum promoted bacterial killing in vitro, and passive transfer of B. pseudomallei OMV immune sera protected naive mice against a subsequent challenge. These results indicate that OMV immunization provides antibody-mediated protection against acute, rapidly lethal sepsis in mice. B. pseudomallei-derived OMVs may represent an efficacious multivalent vaccine strategy against melioidosis.
A formula for weathering correction

It is a well-known fact that practically everywhere the outer portion of the Earth's crust is composed of weathered material. The thickness of this weathered it may vary from zero to 50, or more, feet within short distances. The velocity of seismic waves in this material is not uniform but varies in a very marked manner from top to bottom, as is readily seen on the weathered-zone time-distance chart. As a consequence, it has been found necessary in seismic reflection-work to base all calculations from the bottom of the weathered zone. An average velocity can be used be lot the weathered zone, since the velocity becomes more uniform in this part of the section.
THE LIFE AND WORKS OF RAOUL BOTT

Raoul Bott passed away on December 20, 2005. In a career spanning five decades, he has wrought profound changes on the landscape of geometry and topology. It is a daunting task to improve upon his own reminiscences [B3], [B4], [B1] and commentaries on papers [B5], punctuated as they are by insight, colorful turns of phrases, and amusing anecdotes. This article is an updated reprint of one that first appeared in the book The Founders of Index Theory: Reminiscences of Atiyah, Bott, Hirzebruch, and Singer (edited by S.-T. Yau, International Press, 2003). Taking a personal interest in the project, Raoul Bott introduced me to some of his friends and gave me access to his files. After the original article was completed in June 2000, he read it and verified the essential correctness of the accounts of both his life and his works. In the interest of preserving its official imprimatur as an authorized biography, the only changes I made to the 2003 version consist of this introductory paragraph, an update of the awards he received, and the suppression of a bibliography of his works not referenced in the article.
Strontium concentrations in whole human saliva.

Abstract Whole unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 91 male, 14-yr-old school children in seven Wisconsin (U.S.A.) communities with varying strontium levels in their drinking water (0.22–33.6 mg/l). There was a mean concentration of 0.035 mg/l (± 0.001 SEM) with a range of 0.02 to 2.93 mg/l of strontium. Saliva-strontium concentrations were weakly associated with drinking-water concentrations. A negative relationship between saliva-strontium concentrations and caries prevalence was found. Strontium concentrations in saliva were related to time of ingestion of the element and levels of strontium as high as 15 mg/l occurred in saliva within 1 hr of ingesting 30 mg strontium as a single dose.
Geographic distribution and socio-economic determinants of women's nutritional status in Mali households.

Objective: Mali is one of the poorest countries in Africa, with 72 % of its population surviving on less than $US 1?00 per day. Health and demographic indicators are bleak. With few exceptions, studies related to the health of women in Mali have largely been under-represented. In addition, in recent years a new type of malnutrition stemming from weight gain and obesity has been observed throughout Africa. The present study aimed to (i) describe geographic and health variations of women of reproductive age, (ii) describe geographic variations of household salt iodine levels and (iii) investigate potential factors associated with women’s anthropometric status and use of adequately iodized salt among households in Mali. Design: Demographic and Health Survey data, multistage-stratified cluster sampling methodology. Setting: Rural and urban areas of Mali. Subjects: Non-pregnant women (n 6015) between the ages of 19 and 44 years. Results: Nineteen per cent of the women were overweight or obese while 11 % were underweight. Seventy-eight per cent of the households utilized adequately iodized salt. Underweight women were more prevalent in southern Mali, while obesity was more frequent in the north-east and within the major urban areas. Households located within the southern parts of Mali were more likely to utilize adequately iodized salt. Education, age, modern contraceptive use, breast-feeding status at time of the survey and household wealth index were significantly associated with the women’s BMI or households’ use of adequately iodized salt. Conclusions: The combined use of statistical and geographic system analysis contributes to improve targeting of interventions among vulnerable populations.
Precise identification of composition relationships for UML class diagrams

Knowing which associations are compositions is important in a tool for the reverse engineering of UML class diagrams. Firstly, recovery of composition relationships bridges the gap between design and code. Secondly, since composition relationships explicitly state a requirement that certain representations cannot be exposed, it is important to determine if this requirement is met by component code. Verifying that compositions are implemented properly may prevent serious program flaws due to representation exposure.We propose an implementation-level composition model based on ownership and a novel approach for identifying compositions in Java software. Our approach uses static ownership inference based on points-to analysis and is designed to work on incomplete programs. In our experiments, on average 40% of the examined fields account for relationships that are identified as compositions. We also present a precision evaluation which shows that for our code base our analysis achieves almost perfect precision---that is, it almost never misses composition relationships. The results indicate that precise identification of interclass relationships can be done with a simple and inexpensive analysis, and thus can be easily incorporated in reverse engineering tools that support iterative model-driven development.
The Tera project: a hybrid queueing ATM switch architecture for LAN

The Tera ATM LAN project at Carnegie Mellon University addresses the interconnection of hundreds of workstations in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department via an ATM-based network. The Tera network architecture consists of switched Ethernet clusters that are interconnected using an ATM network. This paper presents the Tera network architecture, including an Ethernet/ATM network interface, the Tera ATM switch, and its performance analysis. The Tera switch architecture for asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) local area networks (LAN's) incorporates a scalable nonblocking switching element with hybrid queueing discipline. The hybrid queueing strategy includes a global first-in first-out (FIFO) queue that is shared by all switch inputs and dedicated output queues with small speedup. Due to hybrid queueing, switch performance is comparable to output queueing switches. The shared input queue design is scalable since it is based on a Banyan network and N FIFO memories. The Tera switch incorporates an optimal throughput multicast stage that is also based on a Banyan network. Switch performance is evaluated using queueing analysis and simulation under various traffic patterns. >
Prevention of colorectal cancer and dietary management.

Objectives: This systematic review focuses on dietary and lifestyle risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention and chemoprevention among high-risk populations. Methods and materials: We searched PubMed for English-language articles about dietary components, lifestyle risk factors, and chemoprevention agents in relation to colorectal cancer and their references published from 1980 through 2013. We reviewed articles jointly for the most clinically important information, emphasizing randomized trials and meta-analyses where available. Results: There is convincing evidence that intake of garlic, vitamin B6 and magnesium, active living, maintaining a healthy weight and waist, avoiding or reducing red meat, alcohol, and smoking, as well as hormone replacement therapy among women may significantly protect against developing colorectal cancer. There is less consistent evidence for fruit and vegetable intake (fiber and folate), fish and Omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, dairy, calcium and vitamin D. For high-risk populations, aspirin have been shown to protect against the development of colonic adenomas and CRC, while a minimal effective dose remains unclear. Conclusions: Colorectal cancer can be prevented in general population through dietary and lifestyle interventions, and aspirin may be a good choice of chemoprevention agent among high risk individuals.