cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Update and treatment of acne vulgaris

Abstract Acne vulgaris is the most common cutaneous disorder seen by dermatologists. Nearly 85% of adolescents will be affected by acne in some degree. Although considered a disorder seen only in teenagers, this condition also affects neonates, prepubescent children, and adults. At least one-third of adult females may develop acne. Most cases are seen by primary care physicians with only a small number referred to skin specialists. It is important not to underestimate the negative emotional, psychosocial impact, and overall quality of life that acne can have on individuals. This paper will review the pathogenesis, clinical aspects, and treatment of this commonly encountered skin condition. Some new topical treatments recently approved for use in acne vulgaris will also be discussed.
Research/Advocacy/Community: Reflections on Asian American trauma, heteropatriarchal betrayal, and trans/gender-variant health disparities research

This article first examines the author’s positionality with reference to the historical and inter-generational transmission of Asian trauma, the contemporary plight of North Koreans, and the betrayal of anatomically-female individuals (including those who are sexual minority/gender-variant) within Asian heteropatriarchal systems. An analysis of the relevance of empirical research on low-income trans/gender-variant people of color is then discussed, along with an examination of HIV and health disparities in relation to the socio-economic positioning of low-income trans/gender-variant people of color and sexual minority women, and how social contexts often gives rise to gender identity, including transmasculine identities. What next follows is an appeal to feminist and queer/trans studies to truly integrate those located on the lowest socio-economic echelons. The final section interrogates concepts of health, well-being, and happiness and how an incorporation of the most highly disenfranchised/marginalized communities and populations challenges us to consider more expansive visions of social transformation.
Value-informed decision-making for communication satellites

We propose that value and value uncertainty are the proper metrics for guiding the design and acquisition of communication satellites in a competitive and uncertain environment. Satellite net present value (NPV) is calculated as a random variable through Monte-Carlo simulation, accounting for the various uncertainties in the satellite cashflow streams. For example, the cash inflow stream includes uncertainty in the satellite revenue model, which results from uncertainties in market conditions, satellite loading dynamics, and transponder lease price. By using value and value uncertainty as design metrics, decision-makers will draw more information about the system in its environment, and in making value-informed design choices, they ultimately make better investment choices. (6 pages)
The Evolution of Government Policy on Widening Participation

This paper examines the evolution of government policy in England on widening participation. It traces government policy on widening participation in relation to social class from Robbins (1963) through Dearing (1997) to ‘The Future of Higher Education’ (2003) and the passing of the Higher Education Act (2004). The paper concludes that there is a lack of participation in policy formulation by certain key groups, particularly those directly affected by widening participation policy. In addition, although the government's widening participation policy has generally progressed, it has done so within an overly bureaucratic system of control that fails to give higher education institutions the autonomy they need. There are also occasions when aspects of policy seem to be taking backward steps. Moreover, while the government adopts a rhetoric of strategic rationality, policy on widening participation often appears to be ad hoc, piecemeal and lacking a cohesive, evidence-based rationale. Finally, there are times when New Labour appears to lack the political will to implement radical policies.
Primary care management of non-English-speaking refugees who have experienced trauma: a clinical review.

Importance Refugees are a vulnerable class of immigrants who have fled their countries, typically following war, violence, or natural disaster, and who have frequently experienced trauma. In primary care, engaging refugees to develop a positive therapeutic relationship is challenging. Relative to care of other primary care patients, there are important differences in symptom evaluation and developing treatment plans. Objectives To discuss the importance of and methods for obtaining refugee trauma histories, to recognize the psychological and physical manifestations of trauma characteristic of refugees, and to explore how cultural differences and limited English proficiency affect the refugee patient–clinician relationship and how to best use interpreters. Evidence Review MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library were searched from 1984 to 2012. Additional citations were obtained from lists of references from select research and review articles on this topic. Findings Engagement with a refugee patient who has experienced trauma requires an understanding of the trauma history and the trauma-related symptoms. Mental health symptoms and chronic pain are commonly experienced by refugee patients. Successful treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach that is culturally acceptable to the refugee. Conclusions and Relevance Refugee patients frequently have experienced trauma requiring a directed history and physical examination, facilitated by an interpreter if necessary. Intervention should be sensitive to the refugee’s cultural mores.
A multiindexed sturm sequence of polynomials and unimodality of certain combinatorial sequences

Abstract With any multiset n we associate the numbers O (n, k) of compositions of n into exactly k parts. The polynomials kn(x) = Σk O(n, k)xk are shown to form a multiindexed Sturm sequence over (−1, 0). As consequences we obtain the unimodality of the sequence {O(n, k)}k for any n, of the generalized Eulerian numbers, and of the number of compositions of n with certain supplementary conditions imposed on the parts. The strong logarithmic concavity of the Stirling numbers of the second kind also follows as a corollary.
Farm Size Evaluation in the El Paso Valley: Comment

Richardson and Condra (RC) have focused on the key issue in the debate over the 160 acre-limitation (320 with spouse) of the Reclamation Act of 1902: the long-run economic viability of farms that satisfy the acreage limitation. If farms that satisfy the acreage limitation are not viable, enforcement becomes a passive issue. The basic RC conclusion is that" a farm with less than the minimum situation (640 acres owned with 100% beginning equity) likely will not survive the next ten years" (p. 436).1 This note (a) contrasts RC results with those of other studies on the same issue in other geographic areas (b) compares the RC results with trends in census data, and (c) outlines RC model assumptions that may account for empirical results which appear to be contrary to both other studies and observed trends.
Learning About Teaching from the Traditions We Teach: Reflections on an Undergraduate Buddhism Course

. Can one engage in pedagogical reflection from within the worldviews and practices of the religious traditions that one teaches? This essay explores the possibility of generating comparative models for teaching and learning via the Buddhist concepts of no-self (anātman), skilful means (upāya-kauśalya), and awakening (bodhi).
Residual Fields in Superconducting Dipole and Quadrupole Magnets

This paper discusses the magnetic measurements of residual field in superconducting dipole and quadrupole magnets. The technique used to measure residual fields is described herein. The results of the measurement are presented and compared with a simplified theory, which predicts the basic nature of residual fields. The theory and experiment agree reasonably well despite the simplifying assumptions made in the theory. The residual fields generated in a superconducting magnet do affect the uniformity of the field generated in such a magnet. The effects of residual field are worst at low field, which is precisely where one wants the most magnet uniformity in a superconducting synchrotron. The theory suggests that one can reduce the magnitude by: (1) reducing the strand diameter in the material (smaller strands require more twist to eliminate coupling); and (2) reducing the low-field critical current of the material, which also reduces ac loss and instabilities. The theory also suggests that superconducting synchrotrons with injection inductions as low as 1 kG must have superconductor strands as small as 1 to 2 ?m.
Synthesis, structures, and properties of 1,2,4,5-benzenetetrathiolate linked group 10 metal complexes.

Dimetallic compounds [(P−P)M(S2C6H2S2)M(P−P)] (M = Ni, Pd; P-P = chelating bis(phosphine), 3a-3f) are prepared from O═CS2C6H2S2C═O or nBu2SnS2C6H2S2SnnBu2, which are protected forms of 1,2,4,5-benzenetetrathiolate. Selective monodeprotections of O═CS2C6H2S2C═O or nBu2SnS2C6H2S2SnnBu2 lead to [(P−P)Ni(S2C6H2S2C═O)] or [(P−P)Ni(S2C6H2S2SnnBu2)]; the former is used to prepare trimetallic compounds [(dcpe)Ni(S2C6H2S2)M(S2C6H2S2)Ni(dcpe)] (M = Ni (6a) or Pt (6b); dcpe = 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane). Compounds 3a-3f are redox active and display two oxidation processes, of which the first is generally reversible. Dinickel compound [(dcpe)Ni(S2C6H2S2)Ni(dcpe)] (3d) reveals two reversible oxidation waves with ΔE1/2 = 0.66 V, corresponding to Kc of 1.6 × 1011 for the mixed valence species. Electrochemical behavior is unstable to repeated scanning in the presence of [Bu4N][PF6] electrolyte but indefinitely stable with Na[BArF24] (BArF24 = tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate), suggesting that the ...
Internal Gravity Waves Generated by Penetrative Convection

Abstract Penetrative convection is modeled by a series of idealized disturbances at the base of an atmospheric temperature inversion. Internal gravity waves excited in the inversion by the disturbances are theoretically found to drain away a fraction of the initial energy of the disturbances. The portion of energy lost upward is significant when the temperature inversion is weak. Vertical energy fluxes due to internal gravity waves are mathematically described using wave group approaches.
Nitrous oxide-induced B12 deficiency myelopathy: Perspectives on the clinical biochemistry of vitamin B12

Beginning with a case report of nitrous oxide (N₂O)-induced B₁₂ deficiency myelopathy, this article reviews the clinical biochemistry of vitamin B₁₂, and examines the pathogenetic mechanisms by which B₁₂ deficiency leads to neurologic damage, and how this damage is potentiated by N₂O exposure. The article systematically examines the available experimental data relating to the two main coenzyme mechanisms that are usually suggested in clinical articles, particularly the deficient methylation hypothesis. The article demonstrates that neither of these mechanisms is fully consistent with the available data. The article then presents a novel mechanism based on new data from the neuroimmunology basic science literature which suggests that the pathogenesis of B₁₂ deficiency myelopathy may not be related to its role as a coenzyme, but rather to newly discovered functions of B₁₂ in regulating cytokines and growth factors.
Measuring Protein Structural Heterogeneity with Two-Dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy

Protein structure and heterogeneity is particularly difficult to measure due to lack of experimental techniques that combine structural sensitivity and sub-microsecond time resolution. Two dimensional spectroscopy is a new optical technique that measures protein structure and dynamics with ultrafast time resolution. The delocalized backbone C=O (Amide-I) vibrations reflect the global secondary structure of the protein. A 13C=18O isotope label on a residue red-shifts its frequency by ∼60 cm-1, isolating the site from the main amide band. The label provides a unique spectroscopic handle on the structure (distances), heterogeneity, and hydrogen-bonding environment (solvent exposure) of the labeled residues, and the ultrafast time resolution is able to distinguish between different fast-exchanging conformational states.We apply this new method to NTL9, a 39-residue α/β mini protein, by isotope labeling five different sites, including a dual-label across a type-I beta-turn. The structural interpretation is enabled by spectral simulations based on a recent Markov state model (MSM) built from millisecond-long molecular dynamics trajectories. Structures are assigned by matching the measured frequencies and lineshapes to simulated spectra for each Markov state. The excellent qualitative agreement between theory and experiment provides a solid set of structural constraints. We find a number of sub-states with different configurations, particularly in flexible regions of the protein, such as the type-I beta turn. Specifically, we find a significant population of bulged turn configurations. The results show that residues in the first and last turns of the helix exhibit multiple hydrogen-bonding environments reflecting the greater solvent-exposure within these regions of the backbone. Finally, the lineshapes serve to characterize the flexibility and stability of the backbone at the different sites. We find that β-strands remain relatively rigid whereas the turn and helix regions show increased flexibility, qualitatively matching b-factors extracted from crystallography.
Portable tissue equivalent calorimeter.

A portable tissue equivalent calorimeter has been constructed and employed to measure absorbed dose in a mixed fast‐neutron and γ-ray field. Design details and measurement techniques are described along with the limits of precision and absolute accuracy. Experiments have been carried out with a cyclotron produced neutron beam using the 9Be(d,n)10B reaction at dose rates ranging from 3 to 25 rad/min. A series of ten measurements at a dose rate of approximately 10 rad/min were performed with a precision of ±2% (standard deviation about the mean). The compact design of this calorimetric dosimeter system facilitates transport to other laboratories for the measurement of absorbed dose in several complex radiation fields.
Synthesis and characterization of a highly topologically constrained tetraazamacrocyclic ligand

Abstract A macrocyclic ligand with two 1,5-diazacyclooctane (daco) subunits joined by two ethylene bridges (1,4,8,11-tetraazatricyclo[9.3.3.34,8]eicosane) has been prepared and characterized. Each of the daco subunits takes on the chair/boat conformation in the free ligand.
Evaluation of Three-Coat Stucco Installations on Commercial Buildings

Three-coat stucco (Portland cement plaster) has been successfully used as an exterior finish and weather barrier on residential structures for over a hundred years. Residential stucco is considered a highly durable material with typical lifespans in the range of 50 to 75 years. The authors have noted that in the last 20 years three-coat stucco has been increasingly used on commercial building, including mid-rise and high rise buildings. This trend may be related to the competitive aspects of stucco as an exterior finish as well as the reluctance of some architects to design with EIFS (synthetic stucco). However the performance of the stucco on commercial buildings has been, in the author’s experience, rather mixed. The authors have investigated a number of commercial buildings where significant water intrusion problems have been related to the design and application of the stucco system. This paper presents a summary of problems we have observed with stucco performance on commercial buildings and explores the reasons for the difference in performance between residential and commercial stucco applications. We also make suggestions for improved stucco performance on commercial buildings.
Standardized Perioperative Care Protocols and Reduced Length of Stay After Colon Surgery

Abstract Background: Recent studies have suggested that critical pathways and standard order sets decrease hospital length of stay and improve quality of care. A recently conducted prospective, randomized study at our institution found that patients undergoing elective colon resections had earlier return of bowel function if perioperative epidural anesthesia and analgesia were provided. All patients in the study were also placed on a standardized perioperative regimen. We hypothesized that the standardized perioperative protocol used in this study contributed to early return of bowel function and hospital discharge compared with similar patients managed off protocol. Study Design: To test this hypothesis, we performed a case-controlled study comparing the hospital courses of 36 study patients to 36 control patients undergoing colorectal surgery by the same surgeons during the same calendar year. The distribution of types of operations and anesthetic techniques was similar in both groups. Results: As dictated by the protocol, all study patients had their nasogastric tubes removed, were started on a low fat liquid diet, and ambulated in the first postoperative day. Nasogastric tubes were removed in control patients and study patients 2.2 ± 0.9 (mean value ± SD) and 1.0 ± 0.0 days postoperatively, respectively. Control patients were started on an oral diet, usually clear liquids, an average of 2.9 ± 1.1 days postoperatively, a specific liquid diet was started 1.0 day postoperatively in study patients (p Conclusions: Our results suggest that the return of bowel function and the length of stay of patients undergoing colon surgery are improved if patients are entered into a standardized protocol that eliminates variation in intraoperative and postoperative anesthesia and postoperative surgical care. We believe these results can be reproduced in routine clinical surgery by having a clearly outlined protocol for perioperative care similar to that used in this study.
Systems Survivor: A Program for House Staff in Systems-Based Practice

Background: The Systems-Based Practice competency expanded the scope of graduate medical education. Innovative approaches are needed to teach this material. Purpose: We have designed and implemented a rotation in Systems-Based Practice focused on the interrelationships of patient care, clinical revenue, and the physician's role within health care systems. Methods: Experiential learning occurs during a 5-day rotation through 26 areas encompassing the clinical revenue cycle, guided by “expert” staff. Using a reversal of the TV show Survivor, house staff begin conceptually “alone” and discover they are members of a large, dedicated team. Assessment results, including a system knowledge test and course evaluations, are presented. Results: Twenty-five residents from four clinical departments participated in Year 1. An increase in pretest to posttest knowledge scores of 14.8% (p ≤ 0.001) was observed, with high program evaluations. Conclusions: “Systems Survivor” is successful in providing an innovative opportu...
Cardiovascular changes following DOCA/NaCl or conditioning in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated rats

Abstract Two intracisternal injections of 200 μg 6-hydroxydopamine reduced brain catecholamine levels 90% and significantly lowered resting heart rate and blood pressure. In a classical aversive conditioning paradigm, 6-hydroxydopamine-treated rats displayed little or no conditioned heart rate response in anticipation of shock, but a potentiated unconditioned response to shock itself. The alteration in heart rate responses may have been due in part to alterations in general activity. Although 6-hydroxydopamine treatment did not abolish the hypertension caused by DOCA/NaCl treatment following uninephrectomy, the increase in blood pressure was significantly less than the blood pressure increase in control rats receiving this treatment. The 6-hydroxydopamine treatment, however, concomitantly reduced the amount of NaCl consumed after DOCA. Since peripheral tyrosine hydroxylase activity and amine levels were not significantly altered by 6-hydroxydopamine treatment, the alterations in cardiovascular responses following 6-hydroxydopamine must result from its central actions. Although 6-hydroxydopamine administration markedly altered the cardiovascular responses to conditioned stimuli, shock, and DOCA/NaCl treatment, it is difficult to ascribe these alterations to ablation of central catecholamine fibers participating directly in cardiovascular control. The link between destruction of catecholamine fibers and changes in cardiovascular responses may be secondary to changes in activity or ingestive behavior.
Isolation and Characterization of Superdormant Spores of Bacillus Species

Superdormant spores of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium were isolated in 4 to 12% yields following germination with high nutrient levels that activated one or two germinant receptors. These superdormant spores did not germinate with the initial nutrients or those that stimulated other germinant receptors, and the superdormant spores' defect was not genetic. The superdormant spores did, however, germinate with Ca(2+)-dipicolinic acid or dodecylamine. Although these superdormant spores did not germinate with high levels of nutrients that activated one or two nutrient germinant receptors, they germinated with nutrient mixtures that activated more receptors, and using high levels of nutrient mixtures activating more germinant receptors decreased superdormant spore yields. The use of moderate nutrient levels to isolate superdormant spores increased their yields; the resultant spores germinated poorly with the initial moderate nutrient concentrations, but they germinated well with high nutrient concentrations. These findings suggest that the levels of superdormant spores in populations depend on the germination conditions used, with fewer superdormant spores isolated when better germination conditions are used. These findings further suggest that superdormant spores require an increased signal for triggering spore germination compared to most spores in populations. One factor determining whether a spore is superdormant is its level of germinant receptors, since spore populations with higher levels of germinant receptors yielded lower levels of superdormant spores. A second important factor may be heat activation of spore populations, since yields of superdormant spores from non-heat-activated spore populations were higher than those from optimally activated spores.
Development of glass pH sensors for use at temperatures of 200−250 °C

Abstract A glass pH-sensing electrode made from a Pyrex glass tube has been investigated at temperatures of 200−250 °C. Due to the decrease in the electrical resistance of the glass, it is possible to use thick-wall Pyrex tubing as a pH sensor in a form that can withstand high pressures. A Nernstian pH response of the sensor is observed at sufficiently high temperatures (T>235 °C) in acid solutions.
Cobalt activation of fatty-acid synthesis in yeast homogenates.

The incorporation of acetate into lipids in homogenates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was inhibited at low concentrations of ethylenediaminetetraacetate, under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Of various cations tested, none could effectively reverse this inhibition. However, Co ++ completely restored the synthesis of fatty acids, but not of nonsaponifiable lipids.
Health monitoring of bolted joints via electrical conductivity measurements

The use of electrical resistance as a diagnostic parameter in structural health monitoring of bolted joints is discussed in the paper. The proposed method is based on the phenomenon that the electrical constriction resistance of the rough contact interface between two conductive members clamped by a bolt is a sensitive indicator of bolted joint integrity. A simple formula for relationship between relative electrical conductance changes and relative tightening torque changes is analytically obtained. Based on this formula, a methodology is described for detecting a loosening failure of conductive bolted joints.
Phragmites australis Expansion in a Restored Brackish Marsh: Documentation at Different Time Scales

Invasive plants in restored habitats can alter the system such that restoration goals are not met. Non-native lineages of Phragmites australis (hereafter Phragmites) are invasive in North American wetlands, and their presence can be problematic because of decreased species diversity and altered physicochemical processes. Phragmites is a challenging species for restoration because both native and non-native lineages can co-occur. We documented Phragmites expansion in a brackish marsh in Louisiana, USA that was restored with dredged sediments. Invasive Phragmites clones were inadvertently planted at the site. Phragmites expansion was documented through field measurements and aerial imagery. No growth differences were apparent between lineages during the first growing season. Horizontal expansion of 2.27 ± 0.15 m (mean ± 1SE) 5 months after planting occurred through rhizome growth. Seven years after planting, three patches with a combined aerial cover of about 0.7 ha were delineated. The study verified that Phragmites can grow relatively rapidly and persist on dredged sediments. Long-term rapid growth of invasive Phragmites may be a positive attribute in areas subject to high erosion and subsidence rates, despite reductions in species diversity. Acceptability of the presence of invasive Phragmites will depend on restoration goals.
Large-scale fabrication of metallic Zn nanowires by thermal evaporation

Abstract Metallic Zinc (Zn) nanowires in large quantity are synthesized by thermal evaporation and vapor transport methods at low substrate temperature (100–200 °C) in the furnace tube placed in a conventional furnace in flowing Ar gas. A mixture of ZnO and graphite powder (ratio 2:1 by weight) is heated at nearly 1000 °C in the tube. Zn nanowires and other Zn nanostructures are formed at the end of the furnace tube at low temperatures. Upon annealing the as-made Zn nanowires at 500 °C for 1 h, oxidation occurred to form ZnO nanowires. Transmission electron microscopy images confirm that the annealed material is good-quality crystalline ZnO nanowires. Cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence spectra also show the band edge ultra violet peak emission at 381 nm and a broad band centered at 495 nm, which are the characteristics of ZnO material.
Estimation of the Transmission Probability of Lyme Borreliosis

Whether physicians should prophylactically treat tick bites in areas endemic for Lyme disease has been debated. The high rates of tick infection (10–50%) found in Lyme disease-endemic areas suggest that tick bites should be treated; conversely, the low rates of Lyme disease (1–4%) found in recent clinical trials of untreated tick-bite victims suggest caution in treatment. Medical advice given from Lyme-disease World Wide Web sites is equally contradictory, ranging from suggesting that all tick bites should be treated to suggesting that no tick bites be treated. To clarify this issue, we estimate the transmission probability of the causative agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, for different durations of tick attachment. The data used to estimate this transmission probability is obtained from previously published animal studies. The accuracy of these estimates is assessed by comparing model predictions of the number of Lyme disease cases to that actually observed in clinical studies of Lyme disease. Our results suggest that tick bites should be treated only when it is known that the duration of tick attachment is longer than 48 hours.
Viral Hepatitis Transmission in Ambulatory Health Care Settings

In the United States, transmission of viral hepatitis from health care-related exposures is uncommon and primarily recognized in the context of outbreaks. Transmission is typically associated with unsafe injection practices, as exemplified by several recent outbreaks that occurred in ambulatory health care settings. To prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens, health care workers must adhere to standard precautions and follow fundamental infection-control principles, including safe injection practices and appropriate aseptic techniques. These principles and practices need to be made explicit in institutional policies and reinforced through in-service education for all personnel involved in direct patient care, including those in ambulatory care settings. The effectiveness of these measures should be monitored as part of the oversight process. In addition, prompt reporting of suspected health care-related cases coupled with appropriate investigation and improved monitoring of surveillance data are needed to accurately characterize and prevent health care-related transmission of viral hepatitis.
The impossible interview with the man of the neuron doctrine. Interview by Edward G Jones.

This paper follows the form of that by Mazzarello that precedes it (Mazzarello, 2006) and presents an imaginary interview with Santiago Ramon y Cajal in December 1906. A few days earlier Cajal had been awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, an award that he shared equally with Professor Camillo Golgi. Golgi had been recognized for his work as a pioneer into investigations of the nervous system, primarily on account of his discovery of the "black reaction" of silver chromate impregnation of whole nerve cells and their processes. Cajal had been recognized for his implementation of that method and for laying with it the foundations of what was to become modern neuroanatomical science. Paradoxically, the two awardees had been led by their researches to diametrically opposed views of the organization of the nervous system. Golgi believed in a continuous network of axons that formed the basis of all the integrative properties of the nervous system, while Cajal had provided the information that led to the formulation of the neuron doctrine that saw the nervous system as being made up of chains of discontinuous cells joined by polarized functional contacts that we now call synapses. The paper takes the form of an interview with Professor Cajal in the Grand Hotel Stockholm. His responses to questions posed by the imaginary interviewer are all taken from Cajal's own writings.
High-performance distributed digital libraries: building the Interspace on the grid

The Net of the 21st Century will radically transform interaction with knowledge. Users will navigate in the Interspace, across logical spaces of semantic indexes, rather than in the Internet, across physical networks of computer servers. Correlation across indexed collections is the most important feature of this infrastructure. Over ten years of research, the author has developed scalable technology for generating the necessary semantic indexes. Construction of large scale models of the Interspace is feasible now under controlled laboratory conditions. Community repositories for entire scientific disciplines have been constructed using supercomputer simulations on millions of documents. A model Interspace is a set of community repositories, interconnected by concept switching networks to support information analysis across subject domains. CANIS has constructed several model testbeds with increasingly better infrastructure technology. We propose a PACI Interspace for the NSF flagship efforts of the HPDC community. The Interspace would provide concept switching for the users while the Grid would provide object switching for the sources.
Grounding Immigrant Generations in History: Cuban Americans and Their Transnational Ties.

The two paradigms for analyzing immigrant experiences, “assimilationist” and “transnationalist,” leave unanalyzed important differences in immigrant adaptation rooted in different historical generational experiences. This article analyzes the importance of a historically grounded generational frame of analysis. It captures differences in views and involvements between two cohorts of first generation emigres. Empirically, the study focuses on different Cuban-American cohort crossborder ties. The first cohort, comprised of emigres who left between 1959 and 1979 primarily for political reasons, publicly oppose travel to Cuba because they believe it helps sustain a regime they wish to bring to heel. The second cohort, who emigrated largely for economic reasons, is enmeshed in transnational ties that, paradoxically, are unwittingly doing more to transform Cuba than first wave isolationism. The cohort comparison is based on interviews with emigres in Union City, New Jersey and Miami, Florida. The analysis of ef...
A retrospective view of network address translation

Today, network address translators, or NATs, are everywhere. Their ubiquitous adoption was not promoted by design or planning but by the continued growth of the Internet, which places an ever-increasing demand not only on IP address space but also on other functional requirements that network address translation is perceived to facilitate. This article presents a personal perspective on the history of NATs, their pros and cons in a retrospective light, and the lessons we can learn from the NAT experience.
Radiation characteristics of microstrip dipole antennas over a high-impedance metamaterial surface made of Hilbert inclusions

We analyze numerically the radiation characteristics of center-fed microstrip short dipoles and half-wave dipoles near a high-impedance surface made of Hilbert shape flat inclusions. We study the input impedance, pattern and gain of such radiating structures. We show that the radiation resistance of a microstrip dipole increases noticeably at certain frequencies near the resonant frequency of the Hilbert surface. Moreover, antenna gain enhancement at certain frequencies is observed for all dipole sizes we have analyzed.
Optic flow helps humans learn to navigate through synthetic environments.

Self-movement through an environment generates optic flow, a potential source of heading information. But it is not certain that optic flow is sufficient to support navigation, particularly navigation along complex, multi-legged paths. To address this question, we studied human participants who navigated synthetic environments with and without salient optic flow. Participants used a keyboard to control realistic simulation of self-movement through computer- rendered, synthetic environments. Because these environments comprised series of identically textured virtual corridors and intersections, participants had to build up some mental representa- tion of the environment in order to perform. The impact of optic flow on learning was examined in two experiments. In experiment 1, participants learned to navigate multiple T-junction mazes with and without accompanying optic flow. Optic flow promoted faster learning, mainly by preventing disorientation and backtracking in the maze. In experiment 2, participants found their way around a virtual city-block environment, experiencing two different kinds of optic flow as they went. By varying the rate at which the display was updated, we created optic flow that was either fluid or choppy. Here, fluid optic flow (as compared with choppy optic flow) enabled participants to locate a remembered target position more accurately. When other cues are unavail- able, optic flow can be a significant aid in wayfinding. Among other things, optic flow can facilitate path integration, which involves updating a mental representation of place by combining the trajectories of previously travelled paths.
The bit-operation complexity of matrix multiplication and of all pair shortest path problem

Abstract An N × N matrix product can be evaluated with precision E > 0 in O ( N s + ϵ log ( M / E ) log log ( M / E ) log log log ( M / E )) bit-operations, ϵ > 0 arbitrary, M the maximum absolute value of the entries of given matrices, O ( n s ) the arithmetic complexity of n × n matrix multiplication, s H can be solved in O ( N sϵ + H ) bit-operations.
Using Random Forests in the Structured Language Model

In this paper, we explore the use of Random Forests (RFs) in the structured language model (SLM), which uses rich syntactic information in predicting the next word based on words already seen. The goal in this work is to construct RFs by randomly growing Decision Trees (DTs) using syntactic information and investigate the performance of the SLM modeled by the RFs in automatic speech recognition. RFs, which were originally developed as classifiers, are a combination of decision tree classifiers. Each tree is grown based on random training data sampled independently and with the same distribution for all trees in the forest, and a random selection of possible questions at each node of the decision tree. Our approach extends the original idea of RFs to deal with the data sparseness problem encountered in language modeling. RFs have been studied in the context of n-gram language modeling and have been shown to generalize well to unseen data. We show in this paper that RFs using syntactic information can also achieve better performance in both perplexity (PPL) and word error rate (WER) in a large vocabulary speech recognition system, compared to a baseline that uses Kneser-Ney smoothing.
Substrain specific response to cardiac pressure overload in C57BL/6 mice

The C57BL/6 mouse strain is one of the most commonly used in experimental research. It is known to differ from other strains in baseline cardiovascular phenotypes as well as in response to pressure overload induced by aortic constriction. Since the generation of the C57BL/6 mouse line over a century ago, multiple substrains have been generated from the original. To identify potential substrain specific differences in response to pressure overload, we evaluated the effects of transverse aortic constriction (TAC) on survival, cardiac function, and expression of hypertrophic markers in three commonly used C57BL/6 substrains: C57BL/6J (JL), C57BL/6NCrl (CL), and C57BL/6NTac (TF). Survival and cardiac function were significantly lower in the CL and TF substrains compared with JL mice after TAC. Furthermore, the heart weight and lung weight as well as the expression of the hypertrophic marker Bnp were significantly greater in the CL mice compared with the JL. Histological assessment revealed marked left ventricular dilatation of CL and TF hearts while JL hearts showed increased wall thickness without dilatation. Our data demonstrate that cardiac response to pressure overload is distinct among the three commonly used C57BL/6 substrains of mice, which raises a cautionary note in study design and data interpretation.
Improving prediction for procedure returns with return-address-stack repair mechanisms

This paper evaluates several mechanisms for repairing the return-address stack after branch mispredictions. The return-address stack is a small but important structure for achieving better control-flow prediction accuracy and therefore better performance. But wrong-path execution after mispredictions frequently corrupts the return-address stack, making repair mechanisms necessary. If the processor implements multipath execution-simultaneously executing both sides of a branch-the contention among different paths makes the problem more severe. For conventional, single-path processors, this paper proposes saving both the top-of-stack pointer and the top-of-stack contents for later restoration in case of a misprediction. This simple technique achieves nearly 100% hit rates and improves performance by up to 8.7% compared to a stack with no repair mechanism. For multipath processors, providing each path with its own return-address stack completely eliminates contention, improving performance by over 25%.
Foresight versus simulation: construction planning using graphical constraint-based modeling

Planning construction projects typically makes use of the activity network-based Critical Path Method (CPM) since it is simple to use and reasonably versatile. Most other planning techniques are either aimed at specialized types of construction work (such as linear scheduling) or are peripheral tools to be used conjunctively (such as nD-CAD). Discrete-event simulation has also been used for construction planning, and while it is extremely versatile, it lacks the simplicity in use of CPM and so has not been widely adopted within the industry. This paper goes back to first principles, identifying the needs of construction project planning and how existing tools meet (or fail to meet) these requirements. Based on this, it proposes a new modeling paradigm, Foresight, better suited to contemporary construction project planning. The principles of the method and its relative merits are demonstrated relative to conventional simulation in a series of construction case studies.
A new species of muntjac, Muntiacus putaoensis (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) from northern Myanmar

A new species of barking deer (Muntiacus spp.) is described from northern Myanmar. Diagnostic DNA character data are presented along with preliminary information on morphology, distribution, and phylogenetic relationships. This discovery contributes significantly to our knowledge of this poorly studied group and highlights the importance of continued field surveys in remote regions. Similar studies have resulted in a significant increase in conservation efforts in other parts of South-east Asia, and argue for additional conservation efforts for this region.
Fault-tolerant computing with biased-noise superconducting qubits: a case study

We present a universal scheme of pulsed operations suitable for the IBM oscillator-stabilized flux qubit comprising the controlled-sigma(z) (CPHASE) gate, single-qubit preparations and measurements. Based on numerical simulations, we argue that the error rates for these operations can be as low as about 0.5% and that noise is highly biased, with phase errors being stronger than all other types of errors by a factor of nearly 10^3. In contrast, the design of a controlled σ(x) (CNOT) gate for this system with an error rate of less than about 1.2% seems extremely challenging. We propose a special encoding that exploits the noise bias allowing us to implement a logical CNOT gate where phase errors and all other types of errors have nearly balanced rates of about 0.4%. Our results illustrate how the design of an encoding scheme can be adjusted and optimized according to the available physical operations and the particular noise characteristics of experimental devices.
Mouse Macrophages Are Permissive to Motile Legionella Species That Fail To Trigger Pyroptosis

Legionella pneumophila, a motile opportunistic pathogen of humans, is restricted from replicating in the lungs of C57BL/6 mice. Resistance of mouse macrophages to L. pneumophila depends on recognition of cytosolic flagellin. Once detected by the NOD-like receptors Naip5 and Ipaf (Nlrc4), flagellin triggers pyroptosis, a proinflammatory cell death. In contrast, motile strains of L. parisiensis and L. tucsonensis replicate profusely within C57BL/6 macrophages, similar to flagellin-deficient L. pneumophila. To gain insight into how motile species escape innate defense mechanisms of mice, we compared their impacts on macrophages. L. parisiensis and L. tucsonensis do not induce proinflammatory cell death, as measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) secretion. However, flagellin isolated from L. parisiensis and L. tucsonensis triggers cell death and IL-1beta secretion when transfected into the cytosol of macrophages. Neither strain displays three characteristics of the canonical L. pneumophila Dot/Icm type IV secretion system: sodium sensitivity, LAMP-1 evasion, and pore formation. Therefore, we postulate that when L. parisiensis and L. tucsonensis invade a mouse macrophage, flagellin is confined to the phagosome, protecting the bacteria from recognition by the cytosolic surveillance system and allowing Legionella to replicate. Despite their superior capacity to multiply in mouse macrophages, L. parisiensis and L. tucsonensis have been associated with only two cases of disease, both in renal transplant patients. These results point to the complexity of disease, a product of the pathogenic potential of the microbe, as defined in the laboratory, and the capacity of the host to mount a measured defense.
Corticosterone Can Act at the Posterior Paraventricular Thalamus to Inhibit Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Activity in Animals that Habituate to Repeated Stress

Glucocorticoids released by stress bind to glucocorticoid (GR) and/or mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) to exert negative feedback of subsequent hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) responses to stress. Feedback inhibition is implicated in habituation of HPA activity to repeated exposure to the same (homotypic) stressor. We hypothesized that the posterior paraventricular thalamus (pPVTh) is a site where corticosterone acts to exert negative feedback during repeated stress and that is important for habituation. As previously reported, the pPVTh inhibits HPA responses to homotypic and heterotypic stressors in repeatedly, but not acutely, stressed rats. We conducted a series of experiments involving intra-pPVTh administration of MR and/or GR agonists or antagonists during different time frames over 8 d of restraint. MR exist in the pPVTh, as do GR as shown by our immunocytochemical results. Acute intra-pPVTh injection of MR and/or GR antagonist before the eighth restraint did not alter expression of habituation. Because habituation may develop before d 8, we manipulated GR and MR in the pPVTh throughout 8 d of stress using intra-pPVTh corticosterone implants, which enhanced habituation on d 8 without affecting acute stress responses. Conversely, daily intra-pPVTh injections of GR and MR antagonists on d 1-7 of restraint prevented habituation on d 8. These data suggest that corticosterone released during repeated stress can act at GR and MR in the pPVTh to inhibit HPA responses to homotypic stress. We also found that some GR-containing cells in the pPVTh project to the medial prefrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala, suggesting that pPVTh-induced inhibition of HPA activity is potentially mediated by its projections to these select limbic structures.
Application of Recent Red Abalone HALIOTIS RUFESCENS Surveys to Management Decisions Outlined in the California Abalone Recovery and Management Plan

The management section of California's recently adopted Abalone Recovery and Management Plan (ARMP) uses results of fishery independent transect surveys at eight index sites to regulate total allowable catch (TAC) for the recreational red abalone, Haliotis rufescens (Swainson), fishery. The ARMP uses abalone densities over all depths, densities in deep water (8.4- 19.7 m), and successful recruitment (>4,500 abalone/hectare in the 100-177 mm size class) to decide whether changes need to be made in the TAC (see Table 1 later). The catch is estimated from telephone surveys and returned abalone permit report cards. Recent surveys in 2003 and 2005 at four of the eight index sites show red abalone densities in the range of the baseline densities established by surveys in 1999 and 2000. Applying the results of the 2003 and 2005 surveys to the ARMP criteria indicates no change is needed in the current TAC. Two-way ANOVA showed there were no significant differences in density between sites (Van Damme and Salt Point; df ¼ 1, F ¼ 0.06, P > 0.8) and time periods (df ¼ 1, F ¼ 1.33, P > 0.25) for all depths combined. Likewise there were no significant differences at deep depths between the two sites (df ¼ 1, F ¼ 0.23, P > 0.63) and the two time periods (df ¼ 1, F ¼ 0.10, P > 0.75).