cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Localized algorithms and their applications in ad hoc wireless networks

An ad hoc wireless network is a special type of wireless multi-hop network without infrastructure or centralized administration. As a result of the mobility of their nodes, ad hoe wireless networks are characterized by dynamically changing topologies. A localized algorithm is a special distributed algorithm where each node performs an exceedingly simple task based on local information, with no information sequentially propagated globally in tile network. The importance of localized algorithms is their scalability in mobile environments. Decisions made based on localized algorithms are adjustable to tile change (such as a topological one) due to the mobile node. We discuss a generic framework that can capture many existing localized broadcast algorithms in ad hoc wireless networks. Tile framework can easily integrate other objectives such as energy-efficient design and reliability that ensures broadcast coverage. In addition, tile framework is extensible to cover other collective communication, which includes One-to-many (multicasting), all-to-one (reduction or arregation), and all-to-all (gossiping).
Accommodation to monochromatic and white-light targets.

Purpose. The objective of the current study was to compare accommodation to targets illuminated with monochromatic light from different regions of the visible spectrum with accommodation to white-light targets. Methods. One of 10 narrow-band interference filters (430, 450, 470, 500, 530, 550, 570, 590, 630, and 670 nm) was used to produce monochromatic light from a tungsten-halogen source to illuminate a Maltese cross-target in Maxwellian view. Luminance of each monochromatic light was matched by minimum border photometry against a standard white light (3000 K) that was maintained at 200 cd/m 2 . Chromatic difference of focus of the eye was minimized for all monochromatic targets by the use of an achromatizing lens. A white-light target also was used, and the subject's eye was achromatized or the eye had normal chromatic aberration. The target was moved sinusoidally toward and away from the eye at a temporal frequency of 0.2 Hz over a 1 D amplitude (peak to peak). Accommodation was monitored continuously by an infrared recording optometer, and responses were Fourier analyzed to obtain gain arid phase lag at the temporal frequency of stimulation. Results. Accommodative gain was highest and phase lag was smallest when the target was illuminated by white light in the presence of normal chromatic aberration. The achromatized white-light gain of accommodation was statistically similar to the gain for monochromatic targets, indicating that the presence of chromatic aberration facilitates accommodation. Significant intersubject variability was present in the accommodative tracking ability to monochromatic targets. Conclusions. Accommodation to monochromatic targets is not as accurate as accommodation to a white-light target, and this effect is related to the presence of ocular longitudinal chromatic aberration for the white-light target. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1995;36:2695-2705.
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Recently, interest in minimally invasive cardiac surgery has grown exponentially among both cardiac surgeons and their patients. This shift from traditional techniques can be attributed to expanding surgical technical capabilities, excellent clinical results, and expanding communication. Heretofore, traditional cardiac surgery has been performed through a median sternotomy, which provides generous exposure and easy access to all cardiac structures as well as the great vessels. Since the early 1990s, improvements in endoscopic technology and techniques, as well as surgeon education, have resulted in a substantial increase in the number of minimally invasive non-cardiac surgical procedures performed. In many specialties, endoscopic procedures are now standard. Until recently, a median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass were required in most cardiovascular procedures due to the complexity of the operations. However, in the early 1990s, alternative, less traumatic methods for performing cardiothoracic surgery were developed.
Entry to Marriage and Cohabitation in Russia, 1985-2000: Trends, Correlates, and Implications for the Second Demographic Transition

Recent decades have witnessed declining marriage rates and increasing cohabitation in Russia. Are these trends short-term responses to the economic and political crises accompanying the collapse of the Soviet Union in late 1991 or do they represent a longer-term shift driven by ideational changes like those shaping the “second demographic transition” in many developed countries since the 1960s? Our analyses of individual-level rates of entry to first marriage and cohabitation using 3,510 marital histories spanning 1985–2000 from the Survey of Stratification and Migration Dynamics in Russia show that the precise timing of these trends, the patterns of association between marriage and cohabitation rates and individual and contextual covariates, and the relationship between cohabitation and marriage entry mostly confirm the “transition” perspective. However, although Russia’s retreat from marriage, an especially radical departure from historically predominant patterns, involves ideational changes, the mechanisms driving these changes in Russia differ from those identified in accounts of the second demographic transition in other countries.
The flexibility of low molecular weight double-stranded DNA as a function of length. I. Light scattering measurements and the estimation of persistence lengths from light scattering, sedimentation and viscosity.

Abstract In the preceding paper are described the isolation and physical characterization of seven narrowly disperse fractions of calf thymus DNA in the molecular weight range 0.3 to 1.3 × 106 daltons. Herein, we have determined by light scattering the molecular weights and root mean square radii of these fractions in a solvent comprising 0.2 M NaCl, 2 mM EDTA, 2m MNa-PO4, pH 7. Measurements were made in a modified Wippler—Scheibling photometer to a 20° lower limit of scattering angle on solutions rendered virtually dust-free by procedures described. The optical aniso tropics of the DNA fractions were measured permitting the experimental molecular weights and root mean square radii to be corrected to their true values. From these values, with appropriate polydispersity corrections, we calculate a Kratky—Porod persistence length, a, of 54.0 ± 5.6 nm which is invariant over the molecular weight range examined. From the sedimentation coefficients (preceding paper) and the theory of Yamakawa and Fujii, we calculate a to be 66 nm, a value found to apply equally well to several DNA samples of various origins whose sedimentation rates are known in the molecular weight range from about 4 × 104 to 108 daltons. Similarly, from the intrinsic viscosities and the theory of Yamakawa and Fujii, we calculate a to be 59 nm, which again adequately applies to a number of DNA samples whose viscosities have been measured by other workers in the molecular weight range 3 × 105 to 108 daltons. The Flory—Mandelkern parameter, β, was found to vary with molecular weight in the manner predicted by the theory of Yamakawa and Fujii. The average value of a from the three sets of measurements is 60 ± 6 nm, which we believe applies to double-stranded DNA molecules, independent of chain length, over the whole range of molecular weights for which reliable data exist.
Biped gait transitions

Algorithms are described for generating biped run-to-walk and walk-to-run transitions. Simple algorithms were developed for those gait transitions by designing strategies for transforming the set of oscillations corresponding to one gait into the set corresponding to the other. For example, the gait transition from running to walking removed energy from the vertical oscillation by shortening the leg during the stance phase to initiate walking. This approach was tested by implementing run-to-walk and walk-to-run transitions on a planar biped robot. >
Molecular Dynamics Computations for Proteins: A Case Study in Membrane Ion Permeation

Computer simulation can provide an atomic-level view of protein structure and function that is unattainable with experiments alone. In this chapter, we demonstrate how molecular dynamics (MD) simulation can reveal the microscopic mechanisms of biomolecular activity. In particular, we illustrate the quantitative value of MD simulation by exploring ion channel proteins that allow selective permeation of charged molecules across cell membranes to control our nervous systems and chemical activity in the body. We begin by introducing the basic statistical mechanical formulation and methodological aspects of modern day MD simulations. We then discuss how to analyze a simulation to obtain mechanistic insight through calculation of various molecular properties. Special attention is given to quantitative thermodynamic calculations, which are the driving forces of protein function. We explain how to calculate free energies and equilibrium constants using potential of mean force (PMF) and free energy perturbation (FEP) techniques as well as the use of more advanced sampling approaches. These methods are then used to study ion permeation through the gramicidin A (gA) channel as well as the energetics of arginine side chain translocation across a lipid bilayer to assess models of voltage-gated ion channel activation. Keywords: mechanical force fields; MD methods; MD simulation; MD trajectories; MM force fields
THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY IN THE DETERMINATION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES.

Chromatography, in its many forms, has provided the residue chemist with one of the most significant techniques for the separation and subsequent identification of pesticide residues. The growing need for general but systematic analytical procedures for the detection of several pesticides has been largely fulfilled by the introduction of chromatographic techniques.
Transduction of receptor signal into modulation of effector activity by G proteins: the first 20 years or so ....

G proteins are central to the transduction of many receptor signals. I review the "firsts" that have led to our current knowledge and delineate some of the issues being investigated in several laboratories worldwide.--Birnbaumer, L. Transudction of receptor signal into modulation of effector activity by G proteins: the first 20 years or so...FASEB J. 4:3068-3078; 1990.
Design and construction of an active periodic noise cancelling system using FPGAs

The purpose in this presentation is to design and construct a simple active periodic noise cancellation system (APNC) by using FPGAs technology. The design follows a simplified version of the waveform synthesis method, using an adaptive least mean square error technique. The simulation results show a 40 db noise reduction for the case of single frequency noise combined with its three consecutive harmonics. For the hardware implementation TI's TPC1020A FPGAs package with 2000 equivalent gates has been adopted. >
Magnetic resonance imaging and bone anchored hearing implants: pediatric considerations.

Abstract Objective Recent developments in bone conduction hearing systems have seen the introduction of transcutaneous devices comprising of magnetic components. Our aim was to identify the number of children implanted with a traditional, non-magnetic percutaneous bone anchored hearing implant (BAHI) who would not have been eligible for a transcutaneous implant based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) need. Methods A retrospective case review of 206 children who had a percutaneous BAHI at the Birmingham Children's Hospital (January 2009–October 2012) for auditory rehabilitation. Results Twenty-eight percent (56/206) of children required at least one MRI scan after receiving a BAHI and 10 percent of patients (20/206) required two or more MRI scans. The main indication for MRI scanning was for neurological co-morbidities; a MRI brain was the most common scan performed. Conclusion Although transcutaneous hearing devices/middle ear implants have their clear benefits, it may be argued that these relatively more invasive surgical procedures may not be the best option for the child who will require MRI scanning at some point in the future. Clinicians should be mindful of any need for MRI scanning when considering implant choices in the pediatric population.
Axis ring fractures due to simulated head impacts.

Abstract Background We investigated mechanisms of axis ring fractures due to simulated head impacts. Methods Our model consisted of a human upper cervical spine specimen (occiput through C3) mounted to a surrogate torso mass on a sled and carrying a surrogate head. We divided 13 specimens into 3 groups based upon head impact location: upper forehead in the midline, upper lateral side of the forehead, and upper lateral side of the head. Post-impact fluoroscopy and anatomical dissection documented the injuries. Average occurrence times of the peak loads and accelerations were statistically compared ( P Findings Of the 13 upper cervical spines tested, 5 specimens sustained axis ring fractures with the most common mechanism being impact to the upper left lateral side of the forehead. The first local force peaks at the impact barrier and neck and all peak head accelerations occurred between 18.0 and 22.8 ms, significantly earlier than the absolute force peaks. The average peak neck loads reached 1761.2 N and the axis ring fractures occurred within 50 ms. Interpretation We observed asymmetrical fractures of the axis ring including fractures of the superior and inferior facets, laminae, posterior wall of the vertebral body, pars interarticularis, and pedicles. The fracture patterns were related to the morphology of the axis as a transitional vertebra of the upper cervical spine. Understanding the mechanisms of axis ring fractures may help in choosing the optimal reduction technique and stabilization method based upon the specific fracture pattern.
Degradation kinetics of 4-dedimethylamino sancycline, a new anti-tumor agent, in aqueous solutions

Abstract The kinetics of degradation of the new anti-tumor drug, 4-dedimethylamino sancycline (col-3) in aqueous solution at 25 o C were investigated by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) over the pH-range of 2–10. The influences of pH, buffer concentration, light, temperature, and some additives on the degradation rate were studied. The degradation of col-3 was found to follow first order kinetics. A rate expression covering the degradation of the various ionic forms of the drug was derived and shown to account for the shape of the experimental pH-rate profile. Under basic conditions, the degradation of col-3 involves oxidation, which is catalyzed by metal ions and inhibited by EDTA and Sodium bisulfite.
Inflation Differentials between Spain and the EMU: A DSGE Perspective

This paper estimates a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model of a currency union with nominal rigidities to explain the sources of inflation differentials between the Economic Monetary Union (EMU) and one of its member countries, Spain. The paper finds that productivity shocks account for 85% of the variability of the inflation differential. Demand shocks explain a large fraction of output growth volatility but not variability in inflation differentials. In addition, the estimated model finds evidence that inflation dynamics are different across countries in the nontradable sector only. Finally, the Balassa–Samuelson effect does not appear to be an important driver of the inflation differential during the EMU period.
Evidence for dispersion relation corrections in inelastic nucleon scattering to the 3- state in 208Pb.

Inelastic scattering of 5\char21{}11 MeV neutrons to the ${3}_{1}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ state in $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ is reanalyzed in the distorted wave Born approximation using phenomenological potentials and form factors that explicitly reflect the ``threshold anomaly'' effects observed in the elastic scattering channel. A previously reported energy dependence of the deformation length ${\ensuremath{\delta}}_{3}$ is largely removed by this analysis. We conclude that dispersion corrections to the one-channel optical potentials are important in the off-diagonal elements of the potential matrix.
Evolving the Nation's Energy Infrastructure: A Challenging System Issue for the Twenty-First Century

Over the next several decades, a profound transformation of the global energy enterprise will occur driven largely by population growth and economic development. How this growing demand for energy is met poses one of the most complex and challenging issues of our time. The current national energy dialogue reflects the challenge in simultaneously considering the social, political, economic, and technical issues as the energy system is defined, technical targets are established, and programs and investments are implemented to meet those technical targets.
The chemical thermodynamics of nuclear materials VIII. The high-temperature heat capacity of unalloyed plutonium metal

Abstract The heat capacity of pure plutonium metal has been determined from 330 to 700 K by adiabatic calorimetry. This includes measurements on the α-, β-, γ-, and δ-phases. A large contribution to the heat capacity, especially in the δ-phase, is due to the electronic heat capacity. A negative anharmonic heat capacity is found for the α-phase. The enthalpies and temperatures of the transitions between these phases were also determined. With the use of thermodynamic quantities on the δ′-, ϵ-, and (l)-phases available from the literature, the thermal functions for pure plutonium metal were calculated to 1000 K.
The perils of top-down design

Classic top-down design, which defines the system as a set of subsets of progressively more detailed functions, is the primary technique used in defining software components during requirements definition. This early "design", enforced by two major standards, is frequently used to assign work to development teams, which sometimes has a DISASTROUS effect on the overall system development effort.
Use of radiorespirometry to evaluate in rats the effects of feeding and fasting on the decarboxylation of 14C histidine.

Summary The use of a new technic of radiorespirometry in evaluating whole animal decarboxylation of 14 C histidine is reported. This technic permits the continuous recording of radioactivity of expired 14 CO 2 and the assessment of both the time intervals and peak elevations of decarboxylation activity. Sequential studies may be carried out in the same animal on successive days. In this study the effect on total body decarboxylation of 14 C (carboxyl-labeled) histidine was evaluated in overnight fasted rats and in overnight fasted rats after one hour of ad libitum refeeding. A significant production of 14 CO 2 in the expired air was found minutes after intraperitoneal injection of the isotope. Despite the short interval of refeeding, the decarboxylation of 14 C histidine as measured by 14 CO 2 in the expired air was significantly greater in the fasted and refed rats than in the fasted rats with respect to both the shorter time interval to peak elevation in 14 CO 2 activity (P A greater variation in data was found in fed rats than in fasted ones at standard intervals after injection. This finding suggests the more appropriate use of fasted rats in evaluating total body decarboxylation of histidine in a variety of circumstances, such as transplantation, drug administration, and stress, in which it is desirable to minimize and standardize the gastric contribution to total body histidine decarboxylation.
The effect of endotoxin on neonatal erythrocyte intracellular calcium concentration

Erythrocyte membrane deformability is dependent on the maintenance of "normal" intracellular calcium (Ca) levels. Red cell flexibility is known to be altered in the septic neonate. In turn, this adversely affects viscosity and compromises flow in the microcirculation. It has been suggested that this may play a role in the mesenteric hypoperfusion associated with necrotizing enterocolitis. This study was designed to determine the effect of endotoxin on erythrocyte Ca homeostasis in the neonate. Paired specimens were obtained from the umbilical cord of 10 healthy neonates. The samples were incubated with either buffered saline (control) or 2 micrograms/mL of Escherichia coli endotoxin (LPS). Erythrocytes were then isolated, washed, and loaded with the fluorescent Ca chelator, FURA-2. The free cytosolic Ca concentration was determined by spectroscopic analysis of the ratio of fluorescent intensities at 340 nm and 380 nm. Results were obtained every 1.8 seconds for 1 minute, and the mean value was used for analysis. In 10 additional neonates, the white blood cells were removed before incubation in saline and LPS, and the erythrocytes were evaluated as described above. Differences were analyzed statistically by the paired t test. In the presence of white blood cells, endotoxin resulted in a significant increase in free cytosolic Ca concentration (LPS, 42.602 +/- 5.166 nmol; control, 31.661 +/- 4.002 nmol; P < .02). However, no significant difference were detected when cells were incubated in the absence of white blood cells (LPS, 32.374 +/- 2.479 nmol; control, 34.021 +/- 2.549 nmol). Endotoxin induces a significant increase in neonatal free cytosolic Ca concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Guanine Cation Radical: Investigation of Deprotonation States by ESR and DFT

This work reports ESR studies that identify the favored site of deprotonation of the guanine cation radical (G•+) in an aqueous medium at 77 K. Using ESR and UV−visible spectroscopy, one-electron oxidized guanine is investigated in frozen aqueous D2O solutions of 2‘-deoxyguanosine (dGuo) at low temperatures at various pHs at which the guanine cation radical, G•+ (pH 3−5), singly deprotonated species, G(−H)• (pH 7−9), and doubly deprotonated species, G(−2H)•- (pH > 11), are found. C-8-deuteration of dGuo to give 8-D-dGuo removes the major proton hyperfine coupling at C-8. This isolates the anisotropic nitrogen couplings for each of the three species and aids our analyses. These anisotropic nitrogen couplings were assigned to specific nitrogen sites by use of 15N-substituted derivatives at N1, N2, and N3 atoms in dGuo. Both ESR and UV−visible spectra are reported for each of the species: G•+, G(−H)•, and G(−2H)•-. The experimental anisotropic ESR hyperfine couplings are compared to those obtained from DFT ...
Emerging protein kinase inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer.

Introduction: In the current paradigm of precision medicine in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the therapeutic strategy is determined by the molecular characteristics. The best examples of this approach are the kinase inhibitors that selectively target tumors bearing an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation or an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement. Emerging protein kinase inhibitors may enhance our ability to effectively treat these and other genomic subtypes of NSCLC. Areas covered: This article reviews the next-generation kinase inhibitors targeting EGFR and ALK-positive NSCLC. In addition, targeted kinase inhibitors in clinical development for other specific molecular subtypes of NSCLC are covered, including ROS1, BRAF, RET, HER2, KRAS (upstream of the MEK kinase), MET, PIK3CA, FGFR1, DDR2, VEGFR and AAK. Expert opinion: In EGFR-mutant NSCLC, there are several kinase inhibitors with promising activity, most notably dacomitinib and CO-1686 in tumors with acquired resistance to...
Assimilating Radar, Surface, and Profiler Data for the Sydney 2000 Forecast Demonstration Project

Abstract A variational scheme for the analysis of low-level wind data is presented, and its performance during a recent field experiment is described. The analysis scheme finds an optimal fit to the data and a background field under the constraints of a dry boundary layer model. The scheme was run at the Sydney 2000 Forecast Demonstration Project and assimilated data from two Doppler radars, a surface mesonet, and a boundary layer profiler. With a few exceptions, the analysis system ran reliably over the 6-month period of the project, providing wind fields every 10 min. Described herein is the performance of the system in tracking a number of different phenomena, including sea breezes, a southerly change, and the low-level convergence associated with a severe tornadic hailstorm. Finally, the analyzed wind fields are verified using independent aircraft data and compared with winds calculated by the more traditional dual-Doppler approach.
Phenobarbital stimulation of housefly chromatin template activity

Abstract The effect of phenobarbital on the chemical composition and template activity for Escherichia coli RNA polymerase of housefly chromatin is examined. Chromatin isolated from the resistant Fc housefly strain after administration of phenobarbital has a much higher template activity as compared to control chromatin. The effect is minimal in a susceptible housefly strain. Phenobarbital treatment alters the composition of the RNA polymerase product which results in an increase of the (A + U) (C + G) ratio with chromatin from the Fc strain as template, while the (A + G ) ( C + U) and (A + U ) ( C + G) ratios are decreased when chromatin of the susceptible strain is used. A substantial portion of the intracellular phenobarbital is physically bound to nuclei and microsomes, but most of it is associated with cytosolic macromolecules. Less than 0.2% is covalently bound to cellular macromolecules. Phenobarbital apparently binds to a small mol. wt cytosolic macromolecule(s) as shown by sucrose density gradient centrifugation and Sephadex G-25 column chromatography.
Discovering topical structures of databases

The increasing complexity of enterprise databases and the prevalent lack of documentation incur significant cost in both understanding and integrating the databases. Existing solutions addressed mining for keys and foreign keys, but paid little attention to more high-level structures of databases. In this paper, we consider the problem of discovering topical structures of databases to support semantic browsing and large-scale data integration. We describe iDisc, a novel discovery system based on a multi-strategy learning framework. iDisc exploits varied evidence in database schema and instance values to construct multiple kinds of database representations. It employs a set of base clusterers to discover preliminary topical clusters of tables from database representations, and then aggregate them into final clusters via meta-clustering. To further improve the accuracy, we extend iDisc with novel multiple-level aggregation and clusterer boosting techniques. We introduce a new measure on table importance and propose an approach to discovering cluster representatives to facilitate semantic browsing. An important feature of our framework is that it is highly extensible, where additional database representations and base clusterers may be easily incorporated into the framework. We have extensively evaluated iDisc using large real-world databases and results show that it discovers topical structures with a high degree of accuracy.
Distribution of dietary octadecenoate isomers at the 1- and 2-positions of hepatoma and liver phospholipids.

Phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines were isolated from hepatoma 7288CTC, normal liver, and host liver of rats fed one of the following diets: fat-free diet; fat-free diet supplemented with safflower oil, safflower oil fatty acids, or partially hydrogenated safflower oil fatty acids; and commercial chow. Thecis andtrans octadecenoate fatty acids were isolated from the 1- and 2-positions of both phosphoglycerides and analyzed quantitatively for chain positional isomers. Octadecenoates from hepatoma and liver phosphoglycerides of animals fed fat-free or natural fatsupplemented diets contained almost exclusively twocis isomers: oleic and vaccenic acids. Oleic acid predominated in the 2-position octadecenoates of both phosphoglycerides from hepatoma and liver. In contrast, vaccenic acid predominated in the 1-position of normal liver phosphatidylcholine and, to a lesser extent, phosphatidylethanolamine. Host liver and hepatoma exhibited a shift to a higher percentage of oleic acid at the 1-position. Dietarytrans fatty acids were incorporated predominately in the 1-position of both phosphoglycerides of hepatoma and liver. Except for thecis Δ10 octadecenoate isomer, all of the unnatural dietarycis isomers between Δ8 and Δ14 were incorporated into the 1-position of the phospholipids, while the unnaturalcis octadecenoates at the 2-position consisted primarily of the Δ12 isomer. Hepatoma phosphoglycerides contained higher percentages of thetrans Δ10 isomer that was nearly excluded from the 1-position of the two liver phosphoglycerides. All the othertrans octadecenoate isomers were incorporated into the 1-position of both phosphoglycerides, but the small amount oftrans fatty acids incorporated into the 2-position of liver and hepatoma phosphatidylcholine consisted of four isomers, Δ9 to Δ12, including the Δ10 isomer. Phosphatidylethanolamine exhibited a similar distribution, except for the presence of the Δ13 and Δ14 isomers at the 2-position. A combination of evidence suggests that the 1-position fatty acids in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine are of similar origin. The octadecenoates at the 2-position of these two phosphoglycerides appear to be of the same origin in hepatoma but not in liver. It was also revealed that the 2-position of hepatoma phosphatidylcholine contained much higher percentages of palmitate than liver.
Static Approximation Algorithms for Regularity-based Resource Partitioning

As a hierarchical real-time system framework, the Regularity-based Resource Partition Model allocates physical resources in time intervals determined by integral numbers of a time unit to tasks in different applications. A Regularity-based Resource Partition is characterized by its regularity and availability factor. An important problem is how to schedule a group of resource partitions with the specification of their regularities and availability factors. Mok and Feng have provided the AAF-Single algorithm which works only on a single-resource platform. Li and Cheng have recently extended AAF-Single to AAF-Multi for multiresource platforms without violating the schedulability bound given by Feng. However, the resource utilization of these two algorithms could be significantly improved. This paper is dedicated to developing optimized resource partitioning algorithms for the Regularity-base Resource Partition Model. We first decompose the resource partitioning problem into two sub problems, and invoke the Pfair algorithm to solve the first sub problem. Then we introduce a category of approximation algorithms called Static Approximation Algorithms (SAA) to solve the second sub problem. An SAA adjusts the availability factors of the resource partitions with a specific boundary sequence. We prove that the schedulability bound of any feasible SAA is at most 0.5. Furthermore, we develop an optimal SAA called Magic7. Simulation shows that Magic7-enhanced algorithms improve the resource utilization by 10% or more.
Digital Simulation with Multiple Logic Values

Multiple-valued logics have long been used, often in intuitive fashion, for simulating transients, errors, unknown states, variable-strength signals, etc., in binary digital circuits. This paper presents a rigorous algebraic method for analyzing such logics, and for systematically constructing new ones. Starting with a basis such as 2-valued Boolean algebra, new algebras suitable for a broad range of practical simulation tasks are obtained systematically via a small set of expansion operations. This approach is applied in detail to the construction of families of simulation algebras for gate-level logic circuits; switch-level simulation is also considered. It is concluded that current simulation programs frequently lack essential logic values, and occasionally have superfluous ones. Some major discrepancies in the number of distinct logic values claimed by commercial simulators are also explained.
The production of organic nitrates from atmospheric oxidation of ethers and glycol ethers

The production of organic nitrates from OH reaction (in the presence of NO) with methoxy propane, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, ethoxy butane, and 2-butoxyethanol was studied. The measured total organic nitrate yields were 1.8 (±0.4)%, 0.98 (±0.2)%, 7.7 (±2)%, and 9.6 (±1)%, respectively. The total organic nitrate yield for methoxypropane is 26% of that (7.0%) for n-butane. The organic nitrate yield for ethoxy butane is 55% of that (14%) for n-hexane. The peroxy radicals produced from OH reaction with the methylene groups α to the ether linkage have an organic nitrate branching ratio (k3b/k3) value ∼50% of those in analogous n-alkanes. On the other hand, k3b/k3 values for peroxy radical functional groups not adjacent to the ether linkage (in γ and δ positions) are on average 1.7 times greater than for the analogous n-alkyl peroxy radicals. The organic nitrate formation yield for 1-methoxy-2-propanol is almost half that of methoxy propane, while for 2-butoxyethanol it is 21% greater than that of butoxyethane. Our data lead us to the conclusion that the ether linkage imparts an inductive effect that decreases the value of k3b/k3 for peroxy radicals adjacent to it, yet has a stabilizing effect, from the additional vibrational modes for those peroxy radicals not adjacent to it, increasing their k3b/k3 values. The effect of both the O and OH groups in these molecules and the importance of their position relative to the peroxy group are discussed in this paper. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 686–699, 2005
High-Temperature Defect Structure of Cobalt-Doped α-Alumina

Room-temperature optical absorption spectra, electron spin resonance spectra at 15° to 18°K, electrical conductivity, and emf measurements on concentration cells at 1620°C are analyzed and used to determine the defect structure of Codoped α-Al2O3. The crystals are mixed ionic and electronic conductors at 1620°C: ionic conduction occurs at 10-8 atm< p O2 < 10-3 atm, with triply charged interstitial Al ions as the major charge carriers, and electronic conduction occurs at 10-3 atm < p O2 < 1 atm, with holes as the major charge carriers. A defect model based on the charge compensation of divalent Co at Al sites by triply charged Al interstitials is proposed. The mobilities and activation energy of ions and holes, the oscillator strengths of Co2+ and Co3+ absorption bands, parameters for electron spin resonance spectra, level positions of substitutional Co2+ and an unknown donor, and equilibrium constants for defect formation reactions are determined.
Research on Teaching the Psychology of Women

Research into the impact of psychology of women courses (and women's studies, generally) has been conducted only infrequently. The literature consists largely of anecdotal reports of changes in attitudes toward women as a function of participating in such courses. Existing quantitative studies are usually limited to measures of pre-course to post-course attitude changes, and occasionally such changes are related to demographic factors. The purpose of this article is to review current studies and to suggest additional research approaches in this area. At least three methods are recommended for studying the effect of psychology of women courses. First, there is a need for comparative studies of two types: psychology of women course vs. other course comparisons, and psychology of women course vs. other related experiences (consciousness-raising groups, feminist therapy, etc.). Second, there is a need for follow-up assessment of students in these courses. Finally, in both the comparative and follow-up studies, behavioral measures should be used.
Stability of orthorhombic MgSiO3 perovskite in the earth's lower mantle

MAGNESIUM-rich silicate perovskite is thought to be the primary constituent of the Earth's lower mantle: experiments have shown1 MgSiO3 perovskite to be stable at lower-mantle pressures, and the elastic properties of perovskite-dominated assemblages agree well with seismological observations2–4. It has also been suggested5–8 that the observed orthorhombic structure will undergo displacive phase transitions to higher-symmetry structures at lower-mantle conditions. The presence of such transitions would have important consequences for mantle convection9, and could provide an explanation for some of the weak seismic discontinuities observed10–12 in the lower mantle. However, the determination of the phase behaviour of MgSiO3 perovskite at lower-mantle conditions has so far eluded both experimental and theoretical efforts. Here we report the results of electronic-structure calculations of the energetics of displacive phase transitions in MgSiO3 perovskite, and demonstrate that the lower-symmetry orthorhombic phase should be highly favoured throughout the lower mantle. Our results are consistent with recent experiments13on MgSiO3 perovskite encompassing the temperatures and pressures of the uppermost regions of the lower mantle.
Free-streamline analysis of deformation and dislodging by wind force of drops on a surface

Free‐streamline theory is used to analyze the deformation and dislodging by wind pressure of drops of liquid adhered by surface tension to a solid surface. The critical Weber number for droplets to be dislodged is determined as a function of advancing and receding contact angle. Graphical results for drop shape are in good agreement with observation.
Hydrogen embrittlement of an aligned γ/γ′-δ eutectic alloy

The effects of internal H, introduced by cathodic charging, on the room temperature tensile behavior of an aligned Ni, Al, Nb eutectic alloy were investigated. It was found that the aligned ..gamma../..gamma..'-delta eutectic alloy is susceptible to reversible hydrogen embrittlement. Cracking along interphase boundaries and along slip or twin bands in the nickel-rich ..gamma.. phase is facilitated by hydrogen. (JRD)
Thiol-modified cellulose nanofibrous composite membranes for chromium (VI) and lead (II) adsorption

Abstract Oxidized cellulose nanofibers (CNF), embedded in an electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibrous scaffold, were grafted with cysteine to increase the adsorption capability for chromium (VI) and lead (II). Thiol-modified cellulose nanofibers (m-CNF) were characterized by titration, FT-IR, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and SEM techniques. Static and dynamic Cr(VI) and Pb(II) adsorption studies of m-CNF nanofibrous composite membranes were carried out as a function of pH and of contact time. The results indicated these membranes exhibited high adsorption capacities for both Cr(VI) (87.5 mg/g) and Pb(II) (137.7 mg/g) due to the large surface area and high concentration of thiol groups (0.9 mmol of –SH/gram m-CNF). The morphology and property of m-CNF nanofibrous composite membranes was found to be stable, and they could be used and regenerated multiple times with high recovery efficiency.
Jurassic technology? Sustaining presumptions of intersubjectivity in a disruptive environment

While the problem of intersubjectivity has motivated a great deal of sociological research, there has been little consideration of the relationship between intersubjectivity-sustaining practices and the physical environment in which these are enacted. The Museum of Jurassic Technology (MJT) is a strategic site for exploring this relationship. With its labyrinthine layout and bewildering exhibits, the MJT provides a natural “breaching experiment” in which concrete elements of the space disrupt normal competencies for sustaining presumptions of intersubjectivity. Using ethnographic data on visitor interaction, this article specifies two disruptive aspects of the physical environment and identifies four methods of repair on which visitors rely to reestablish presumptions of intersubjectivity. The analysis of spatially situated processes of intersubjective disruption and repair in an extreme case such as the MJT is a first step toward “emplacing” the intersubjectivity problem in more everyday settings.
Dual energy computed tomography for quantification of tissue urate deposits in tophaceous gout: help from modern physics in the management of an ancient disease

Gout has been recognized for centuries but is also a modern day scourge. It is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis in men and appears to be increasing in both incidence and prevalence (Arromdee et al. in J Rheumatol 29(11):2403-2406, 2002). Despite these facts, few advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of gout for over 50 years. Difficult cases of gout challenge available therapeutic options. It is only recently that the Food and Drug Administration has approved febuxostat as a treatment option for patients intolerant of allopurinol. We describe a difficult case of tophaceous gout notable for several reasons: utilization of rasburicase as uricolytic treatment to dramatically reduce tissue urate burden; treatment of gout flares with interleukin-1β inhibition; and quantification of tissue urate with novel dual energy computed tomography technology before and after uricolytic therapy.
The effect of sulfate on aluminum concentrations in natural waters: some stability relations in the system Al2O3-SO3-H2O at 298 K

Abstract While gibbsite and kaolinite solubilities usually regulate aluminum concentrations in natural waters, the presence of sulfate can dramatically alter these solubilities under acidic conditions, where other, less soluble minerals can control the aqueous geochemistry of aluminum. The likely candidates include alunogen, Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 · 17H 2 O, alunite, KAl 3 (SO 4 ) 2 (OH) 6 , jurbanite, Al(SO 4 )(OH) · 5H 2 O, and basaluminite, Al 4 (SO 4 )(OH) 10 · 5H 2 O. An examination of literature values shows that the log K sp = −85.4 for alunite and log K sp = −117.7 for basaluminite. In this report the log K sp = −7.0 is estimated for alunogen and log K sp = −17.8 is estimated for jurbanite. The solubility and stability relations among these four minerals and gibbsite are plotted as a function of pH and sulfate activity at 298 K. Alunogen is stable only at pH values too low for any natural waters ( pH up to the range of 3–5 depending on sulfate activity. Alunite is stable at higher pH values than jurbanite, up to 4–7 depending on sulfate activity. Above these pH limits gibbsite is the most stable phase. Basaluminite, although kinetically favored to precipitate, is metastable for all values of pH and sulfate activity. These equilibrium calculations predict that both sulfate and aluminum can be immobilized in acid waters by the precipitation of aluminum hydroxysulfate minerals. Considerable evidence supports the conclusion that the formation of insoluble aluminum hydroxy-sulfate minerals may be the cause of sulfate retention in soils and sediments, as suggested by Adams and Rawajfih (1977), instead of adsorption.
20,000 In League Under the Sea: Anonymous Communication, Trust, MLATs, and Undersea Cables

Abstract : Motivated by the effectiveness of correlation attacks against Tor, the censorship arms race, and observations of malicious relays in Tor, we propose that Tor users capture their trust in network elements using probability distributions over the sets of elements observed by network adversaries. We present a modular system that allows users to efficiently and conveniently create such distributions and use them to improve their security. To illustrate this system, we present two novel types of adversaries. First, we study a powerful, pervasive adversary that can compromise an unknown number of Autonomous System organizations, Internet Exchange Point organizations, and Tor relay families. Second we initiate the study of how an adversary might use Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) to enact surveillance. As part of this, we identify submarine cables as a potential subject of trust and incorporate data about these into our MLAT analysis by using them as a proxy for adversary power. Finally, we present preliminary experimental results that show the potential for our trust framework to be used by Tor clients and services to improve security.
The effectiveness of a peer-mentored older adult fitness program on perceived physical, mental, and social function.

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to compare changes in perceived physical, mental, and social function measured by the Short Form-36 (SF36vr2) in a group of older adults who were trained by peer mentors (PMs) versus a similar group trained by qualified kinesiology student mentors (SMs). Data sources: We conducted a two-arm repeated measures longitudinal intervention and collected data for 87 PM and 44 SM participants. Pre- and post-training subscale scores were computed for all eight subscales and the two summary physical and mental component scores. The percentage differences in the 10 scores were used as the response variables. Conclusions: After a 14-week physical fitness intervention, perceived physical, mental, and social functioning improved significantly (p .06). Thus, older adults who participated in a physical fitness program with peer support perceived (a) overall improvement in physical and mental well-being; (b) better social functioning, (c) enhanced ability to carry out physical and emotional roles, (d) improved general health, and (e) increased level of vitality. Thus, we conclude that peer-mentored exercise programs for older adults are superior to programs mentored by young professionals and may lead to increased adherence. Implications for practice: Nurse practitioners routinely prescribe exercise while educating older adults about the benefits of an active lifestyle; however, older adults often remain sedentary and exhibit poor adherence to exercise. One potential solution is to use peer support. Two factors that can improve adherence are availability of structured exercise programs for the older adult and peer mentoring.
GENERALIZED 3-D PAVING : AN AUTOMATED QUADRILATERAL SURFACE MESH GENERATION ALGORITHM

This paper discusses the extension of the paving algorithm for all quadrilateral mesh generation to arbitrary three-dimensional trimmed surfaces. Methods of calculating angles, projecting elements, and detecting collisions between paving boundaries, for general surfaces are presented. Extensions of the smoothing algorithms for three dimensions are set forth. Advances in the use of scalar sizing functions are presented. These functions can be used to better approximate internal mesh density from boundary densities and surface characteristics.
Positron lifetime experiments in low temperature 3He gas

Abstract Positron lifetime spectra were measured in 3 He for temperatures 3–16 K and densities 120–432 amagat. Free positron and positron- 3 He clusters, as well as positronium induced cavities in the gas, are observed. Data are compared with previous work in 4 He.
An interactive UNIX shell for low-end sensor nodes with LiteOS

This demonstration highlights an interactive Unix-like shell for operating wireless sensor networks, where the user uses familiar Unix commands to complete tasks ranging from wireless installation of user applications to retrieval of data reports with the help of a built-in Unix-like file system.