cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Processing Distributed Transactions in a Predefined Order

Consider distributed transactional memory systems where transactions residing at nodes of a communication graph operate on shared, mobile objects. A transaction requests the objects it needs, executes once those objects have been assembled, and then forwards those objects to other waiting transactions. We study the predefined order scheduling problem of committing transactions according to their priorities. This problem naturally arises in areas, such as loop parallelization and state-machine-based computing, where producing executions equivalent to a priority order is needed to satisfy certain properties. Specifically, we study predefined order scheduling considering two performance metrics fundamental to any distributed system: (i) execution time - total time to commit all the transactions and (ii) communication cost - the total distance messages travel. We design scheduling algorithms that are simultaneously efficient for both the metrics and rigorously evaluate them through several benchmarks on random and grid graphs, validating their efficiency. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of predefined order scheduling in distributed systems.
Democracy Denied: Five Lectures on U.S. Politics: Victor Wallis, (Trenton, NJ: Africa World Press, 2019, xxv + 124 pages, $19.95)

Victor Wallis’s Democracy Denied is an occasional work in that the five lectures which compose it were originally written for actually existing audiences and scheduled events: a series of talks giv...
Occupational Histoplasmosis: Epidemiology and Prevention Measures

In areas where Histoplasma is endemic in the environment, occupations involving activities exposing workers to soil that contains bird or bat droppings may pose a risk for histoplasmosis. Occupational exposures are frequently implicated in histoplasmosis outbreaks. In this paper, we review the literature on occupationally acquired histoplasmosis. We describe the epidemiology, occupational risk factors, and prevention measures according to the hierarchy of controls.
Listing Contract Length and Time on Market

Miceli (1989), in a search for the optimal time to allow a broker to market property, posits that the principal (seller) may use the length of the listing contract to motivate the agent (listing br...
A revised Pitzer model for low-temperature soluble salt assemblages at the Phoenix site, Mars

Abstract The Wet Chemistry Laboratory (WCL) on the Mars Phoenix Lander measured ions in a soil–water extraction and found Na+, K+, H+ (pH), Ca2+, Mg2+, SO 4 2 - , ClO 4 - , and Cl−. Equilibrium models offer insights into salt phases that were originally present in the Phoenix soil, which dissolved to form the measured WCL solution; however, there are few experimental datasets for single cation perchlorates ( ClO 4 - ), and none for mixed perchlorates, at low temperatures, which are needed to build models. In this study, we measure ice and salt solubilities in binary and ternary solutions in the Na-Ca-Mg-ClO4 system, and then use this data, along with existing data, to construct a low-temperature Pitzer model for perchlorate brines. We then apply our model to a nominal WCL solution. Previous studies have modeled either freezing of a WCL solution or evaporation at a single temperature. For the first time, we model evaporation at subzero temperatures, which is relevant for dehydration conditions that might occur at the Phoenix site. Our model indicates that a freezing WCL solution will form ice, KClO4, hydromagnesite (3MgCO3·Mg(OH)2·3H2O), calcite (CaCO3), meridianiite (MgSO4·11H2O), MgCl2·12H2O, NaClO4·2H2O, and Mg(ClO4)2·6H2O at the eutectic (209 K). The total water held in hydrated salt phases at the eutectic is ∼1.2 wt.%, which is much greater than hydrated water contents when evaporation is modeled at 298.15 K (∼0.3 wt.%). Evaporation of WCL solutions at lower temperatures (down to 210 K) results in lower water activities and the formation of more dehydrated minerals, e.g. kieserite (MgSO4·H2O) instead of meridianiite. Potentially habitable brines, with water activity a w > 0.6, can occur when soil temperatures are above 220 K and when the soil liquid water content is greater than 0.4 wt.% ( 100 × g H 2 O g soil - 1 ). In general, modeling indicates that mineral assemblages derived from WCL-type solutions are characteristic of the soil temperature, water content, and water activity conditions under which they formed, and are useful indicators of past environmental conditions.
The Economics of Market Power in a Futures Contract: The Delivery “End Game”

Economists have long known that corners and squeezes result from the exercise of market power during the delivery period of a futures contract but have not rigorously detailed either the factors that make it possible for traders to exercise such power or the implications of this behavior. This chapter examines these issues in detail. It answers several crucial questions about manipulation. How does it work? What structural conditions facilitate it? What are the empirical implications of this conduct? Specifically, what are the effects of manipulation on prices, consumption, production, and storage? What are its welfare effects?
Unconjugated bilirubin, and the hydrolysis of conjugated bilirubin, in gallbladder bile of patients with cholelithiasis

Abstract To assess the role in pigment gallstone formation of hydrolysis of conjungated (CB) to unconjugated (UCB) bilirubin, 52 samples of human gallbladder bile were aspirated at laparotomy. On each bile sample, the concentrations of CB and UCB were determined, using a new thin layer chromatographic method, and the rate of hydrolysis of CB to UCB was measured during incubation at 37 °C, performed under nitrogen and in the dark to prevent oxidation of the bile pigments. Nine control biles without gallstones contained no more than 1.87 mg per dl of UCB (less than 1.2% of total bilirubin), and showed no significant hydrolysis of CB to UCB. Among 24 biles containing cholesterol gallstones, only 3 showed significant hydrolysis of CB, and only 1 of these exhibited increased concentrations of UCB. By contrast, 10 of 19 biles containing pigment precipitates or gallstones revealed increased concentrations of UCB and/or significant hydrolysis of CB to UCB. Biles containing pigment calculi were best distinguished by their supersaturation with the poorly soluble, nonionized form of UCB at the measured bile acid concentration of each sample. Total bilirubin concentrations were not elevated except in 4 of the 5 biles containing pigment precipitates. Among 15 biles cultured both aerobically and anaerobically, only 2 grew any bacteria ( Escherichia coli ), and there was no relationship between the presence of bacteria and hydrolysis of CB to UCB. It is concluded that some UCB is normally secreted into bile, and that hydrolysis of CB, and excessive concentrations of UCB, especially its nonionized form, are associated with pigment gallstones, although related to factors other than bacterial infection.
Changes in gravitational force affect gene expression in developing organ systems at different developmental times

Little is known about the affect of microgravity on gene expression, particularly in vivo during embryonic development. Using transgenic zebrafish that express the gfp gene under the influence of a β-actin promoter, we examined the affect of simulated-microgravity on GFP expression in the heart, notochord, eye, somites, and rohon beard neurons. We exposed transgenic zebrafish to simulated-microgravity for different durations at a variety of developmental times in an attempt to determine periods of susceptibility for the different developing organ systems. The developing heart had a period of maximum susceptibility between 32 and 56 hours after fertilization when there was an approximately 30% increase in gene expression. The notochord, eye, somites, and rohon beard neurons all showed periods of susceptibility occurring between 24 and 72 hours after fertilization. In addition, the notochord showed a second period of susceptibility between 8 and 32 hours after fertilization. Interestingly, all organs appeared to be recovering by 80 hours after fertilization despite continued exposure to simulated-microgravity. These results support the idea that exposure to microgravity can cause changes in gene expression in a variety of developing organ systems in live embryos and that there are periods of maximum susceptibility to the effects.
Conceptual Progress and Word/World Relations: In Search of the Essence of Natural Kinds

The problem of natural kinds forms the busy crossroads where a number of larger problems meet: the problem of universals, the problem of induction and projectibility, the problem of natural laws and de re modalities, the problem of meaning and reference, the problem of intertheoretic reduction, the question of the aim of science, and the problem of scientific realism in general.1 Nor do these exhaust the list. Not sur-
Growth of Znx,Cd(1−x′)Se∕ZnxCdyMg(1−x−y)Se–InP quantum cascade structures for emission in the 3–5μm range

The molecular beam epitaxial growth and electroluminescence (EL) properties of Zn0.48Cd0.52Se∕Zn0.24Cd0.18Mg0.58Se quantum cascade (QC) structures are reported. The samples were composed of 30 repeats of a three-well active region. Cladding layers were inserted to isolate the core of the EL structure from the heavily doped contact region and to obtain optical confinement. Electroluminescence was observed in the 4–5μm range. The observed narrowing of the electroluminescence linewidth was tentatively attributed, in part, to the incorporation of the ZnCdMgSe waveguide layers. A test sample consisting of multiple asymmetric coupled quantum well active regions separated by quaternary barrier layers was also investigated. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectroscopy measurements suggest that QC structures with EL emission in the 3–4μm range can be achieved with these materials.
Men's values-based factors on prostate cancer risk genetic testing: a telephone survey.

Background While a definitive genetic test for Hereditary Prostate Cancer (HPC) is not yet available, future HPC risk testing may become available. Past survey data have shown high interest in HPC testing, but without an in-depth analysis of its underlying rationale to those considering it.
The other partition: religious and secular education in British Palestine

The recent critical turn toward post-secularism, particularly on behalf of theorists working from the perspective of Christian societies, has highlighted the difficulty of approaching the history of the Middle East through the binary of religion and secularism. This article argues that such terms are of little explanatory value in and of themselves, but rather must themselves be explained as unique historical objects. Through an analysis of the Arab public school system created by the government of Mandatory Palestine, this study demonstrates how the transformation of Islamic education occurred within a matrix of colonial domination that promoted its unique understanding of religion as a universal standard. By tracing the emergence of ‘religion’ as a distinct category of knowledge and human experience in modern Palestine, this article draws attention to the factors that distinguish the development of colonial secularism from phenomena observed in the Euro-American context.
Differences Between Male and Female Juvenile Of fenders as Measured by the BASC

Abstract Female juvenile delinquency has largely been ignored throughout the juvenile justice field. Juvenile justice research, programming and interventions have focused al most exclusively on male delinquency with little attempt to understand the gender specific needs of female juvenile offenders. The present study is an initial examination of behavioral and emotional differences between male and female juvenile offenders using an omni bus self-report personality inventory. Differences between male and female juvenile offenders were found on six of fourteen comparisons. Of the six, fourwere clinical scales (Anxiety, Depression, Social Stress and Locus of Control) and two were adaptive scales (Relations with Parents and Self-Esteem). A greater frequency of females in the at-risk/clinical range were found than males on three scales (Anxiety, Locus of Control, and Social Stress). The findings provide support for differential treatment planning in addressing the needs of female juvenile offenders.
NDE Observations of Hydrogen Effects in 4340 Steel

Cathodic charging of hydrogen into 4340 steel produces drastic deterioration of mechanical properties such as the notch tensile strength, depending on current density, charging time, and the poison used as an inhibitor of hydrogen recombination and bubble formation at the specimen surface. Fusion of charged samples permitted hydrogen content to be measured and revealed a linear increase in the latter with charging current density. The change in the Doppler spectrum sharpness parameter Δ(P/W) deviates negatively with cathodic charging time but inversely with the charging current density (fugacity). Thus a low-fugacity hydrogen charging appears merely to screen existing positron trap sites, whereas a high-fugacity charge also creates new defect traps. This would result in a lesser net screeninig effect which would be seen as a smaller negative deviation in Δ(P/W) as observed. For cumulative charging, however, one finds oscillatory behavior in (P/W) as in earlier cumulative charging experiments with Ni. This behavior indicates that hydrogen screening of positron traps was followed by new positron trap site creation and that this sequence of events occurred repeatedly and in that order.
Alpha-lipoic acid effects on brain glial functions accompanying double-stranded RNA antiviral and inflammatory signaling

Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) serve as viral ligands that trigger innate immunity in astrocytes and microglial, as mediated through Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and dsRNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR). Beneficial transient TLR3 and PKR anti-viral signaling can become deleterious when events devolve into inflammation and cytotoxicity. Viral products in the brain cause glial cell dysfunction, and are a putative etiologic factor in neuropsychiatric disorders, notably schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's, and autism spectrum. Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) has been proposed as a possible therapeutic neuroprotectant. The objective of this study was to test our hypothesis that LA can control untoward antiviral mechanisms associated with neural dysfunction. Utilizing rat brain glial cultures (91% astrocytes:9% microglia) treated with PKR- and TLR3-ligand/viral mimetic dsRNA, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (polyI:C), we report in vitro glial antiviral signaling and LA reduction of the effects of this signaling. LA blunted the dsRNA-stimulated expression of IFNα/β-inducible genes Mx1, PKR, and TLR3. And in polyI:C treated cells, LA promoted gene expression of rate-limiting steps that benefit healthy neural redox status in glutamateric systems. To this end, LA decreased dsRNA-induced inflammatory signaling by downregulating IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, iNOS, and CAT2 transcripts. In the presence of polyI:C, LA prevented cultured glial cytotoxicity which was correlated with increased expression of factors known to cooperatively control glutamate/cystine/glutathione redox cycling, namely glutamate uptake transporter GLAST/EAAT1, γ-glutamyl cysteine ligase catalytic and regulatory subunits, and IL-10. Glutamate exporting transporter subunits 4F2hc and xCT were downregulated by LA in dsRNA-stimulated glia. l-Glutamate net uptake was inhibited by dsRNA, and this was relieved by LA. Glutathione synthetase mRNA levels were unchanged by dsRNA or LA. This study demonstrates the protective effects of LA in astroglial/microglial cultures, and suggests the potential for LA efficacy in virus-induced CNS pathologies, with the caveat that antiviral benefits are concomitantly blunted. It is concluded that LA averts key aspects of TLR3- and PKR-provoked glial dysfunction, and provides rationale for exploring LA in whole animal and human clinical studies to blunt or avert neuropsychiatric disorders.
Properties of Laminar Premixed CO/H/Air Flames at Various Pressures

Effects of positive  ame stretch on the laminar burning velocities of CO/H2/air mixtures were studied both experimentally and computationally for outwardly propagating spherical laminar premixed  ames having concentrations of hydrogen in the fuel mixture of 3 – 50% by volume, fuel-equivalence ratios of 0.6 – 5.0, and pressures of 0.5 – 4.0 atm. Both measured and predicted ratios of unstretched to stretched laminar burning velocities varied linearly with Karlovitz numbers, yielding constant Markstein numbers for each reactant mixture and pressure. Effects of stretch on laminar burning velocities were modest at low hydrogen concentrations, but approached earlier results for hydrogen/air  ames as hydrogen concentrations increased. Predicted and measured  ame properties were in reasonably good agreement using several contemporary chemical reaction mechanisms.
Enhancement of dissolution of glyburide by solid dispersion and lyophilization techniques

Abstract Glyburide (GLY) is an oral hypoglycemic agent that is poorly soluble in water. The present study describes the preparation of solid dispersions and lyophilization of the dispersions designed to increase the solubility. Solid dispersions of GLY were prepared using polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000), PEG 6000 and a mixture of PEG 4000 and PEG 6000 (h1 mixture). The effect of melt and solvent methods of preparation of solid dispersion on dissolution behavior was also investigated. Dissolution studies indicated a significant increase in dissolution of GLY when dispersed in PEGs. Physical mixtures containing PEGs also showed improved dissolution of GLY as compared with that of pure drug, indicating the solubilizing effect of PEGs. Solid dispersions containing GLY/PEG 6000, 1:8, showed a 14-fold increase in dissolution after 60 min (D60) and another dispersion containing GLY/PEG 4000, 1:10, showed an 8-fold increase in the phosphate buffer system. The dispersion containing six parts of the PEG mixture (PEG 4000/PEG 6000, 1:1 mixture) showed a 12-fold increase in D60 as compared with pure drug. When multi-carrier solid dispersion containing six parts of mixture was prepared by the solvent method, the D60 value was about 2-fold that of the same dispersion prepared by the melt method. The dissolution of lyophilized solid dispersions further increased the dissolution of GLY significantly.
Demystifying triglycerides: A practical approach for the clinician

Because the landmark trials of lipid-lowering statin drugs excluded patients with very high triglyceride levels, the optimal management of hypertriglyceridemia for atherosclerosis prevention is unknown. The third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel (ATP-III) provides a much-needed strategy for managing patients with high triglycerides, based on the best available evidence.
Application Of Laser Rangers To Submunitions

Two new capabilities offered by the application of laser rangers to submunitions are (1) range to the target and (2) target height profiles. This additional information enhances submunition performance by improving the probability of detection and reducing false alarms. Laser rangers using new semiconductor laser diodes offer the potential to meet the severe size, weight, and power constraints of advanced submunition concepts. The feasibility of using laser rangers in a submunition application is explored and trade-offs identified.
The Phase Behavior of Simple Salt-Tolerant Sulfonates

Alkane and /alpha/-olefin sulfonates can be utilized to produce optimal microemulsion formulations which have very high salinity (including divalent ion) tolerance while maintaining large solubilization parameters and low interfacial tensions. Such molecules require elevated temperatures or higher alcohol concentrations to suppress liquid crystal formulation. As found for other species, solubilization is inversely related to width of the three phase regime, and interfacial tension and solubilization are strongly coupled. 18 refs.
The Effect of Supplemental Dietary Taurine on Tinnitus and Auditory Discrimination in an Animal Model

Loss of central inhibition has been hypothesized to underpin tinnitus and impact auditory acuity. Taurine, a partial agonist at inhibitory glycine and γ-amino butyric acid receptors, was added to the daily diet of rats to examine its effects on chronic tinnitus and normal auditory discrimination. Eight rats were unilaterally exposed once to a loud sound to induce tinnitus. The rats were trained and tested in an operant task shown to be sensitive to tinnitus. An equivalent unexposed control group was run in parallel. Months after exposure, 6 of the exposed rats showed significant evidence of chronic tinnitus. Two concentrations of taurine in drinking water were given over several weeks (attaining average daily doses of 67 mg/kg and 294 mg/kg). Water consumption was unaffected. Three main effects were obtained: (1) The high taurine dose significantly attenuated tinnitus, which returned to near pre-treatment levels following washout. (2) Auditory discrimination was significantly improved in unexposed control rats at both doses. (3) As indicated by lever pressing, taurine at both doses had a significant group-equivalent stimulant effect. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that taurine attenuates tinnitus and improves auditory discrimination by increasing inhibitory tone and decreasing noise in the auditory pathway.
Attempts to modify the sleep patterns of the rat

Abstract Attempts were made to modify the sleep patterns of rats by three extensive behavior control procedures: restriction of activity from weaning for three months; prevention of sleep during a set six hr period per day by water wheel enforced movement for 30 days; shock contingently associated with the onset of sleep during a set and well cued six hr period per day for ten days. Little or no modification of any enduring character was found when compared with control conditions. The data suggest a strong inherent control of the sleep response in the rat.
The presidency of James Madison

Henry Adams portrayed James Madison as a weak president who lacked both decisiveness and administrative skills. For a century, most historians accepted Adams's assessment. In this new study of the fourth presidency, distinguished historian Robert Allen Rutland paints a more complicated portrait. Rutland, former editor-in-chief of the Madison Papers, sees Madison as a bookish, practical statesman who worked furiously to avoid conflicts in his cabinet and in Congress. When he finally realized England would not be swayed by economic pressure, he boldly led the nation into a second war for independence that allowed the United States to emerge with a renewed sense of dignity and purpose. Madison made some serious errors in judgment, according to Rutland. In time, though, he filled his cabinet with competent men, and, by some unexpected vetoes, renewed his commitment to republican ideals within a constitutional framework. During his last years in office Madison helped fashion a government that would luxuriate during the Era of Good Feeling and withstand the hard knocks of Andrew Jackson's democratic surge. Rutland's lively narrative covers all major events of the Madison administration, including the War of 1812 and the push for national expansion. It provides a fresh interpretation not only of the contribution of Madison's presidency, but also of the "master builder of the Constitution" himself. Madison emerges neither as the weakling painted by Henry Adams nor as a demigod, but rather as a man who attempted to be the president envisioned at the Constitutional Convention and who achieved his highest priority, to strengthen the Union.
A simplified GIS approach to modeling global leaf water isoscapes.

The stable hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope ratios of organic and inorganic materials record biological and physical processes through the effects of substrate isotopic composition and fractionations that occur as reactions proceed. At large scales, these processes can exhibit spatial predictability because of the effects of coherent climatic patterns over the Earth's surface. Attempts to model spatial variation in the stable isotope ratios of water have been made for decades. Leaf water has a particular importance for some applications, including plant organic materials that record spatial and temporal climate variability and that may be a source of food for migrating animals. It is also an important source of the variability in the isotopic composition of atmospheric gases. Although efforts to model global-scale leaf water isotope ratio spatial variation have been made (especially of δ18O), significant uncertainty remains in models and their execution across spatial domains. We introduce here a Geographic Information System (GIS) approach to the generation of global, spatially-explicit isotope landscapes ( = isoscapes) of “climate normal” leaf water isotope ratios. We evaluate the approach and the resulting products by comparison with simulation model outputs and point measurements, where obtainable, over the Earth's surface. The isoscapes were generated using biophysical models of isotope fractionation and spatially continuous precipitation isotope and climate layers as input model drivers. Leaf water δ18O isoscapes produced here generally agreed with latitudinal averages from GCM/biophysical model products, as well as mean values from point measurements. These results show global-scale spatial coherence in leaf water isotope ratios, similar to that observed for precipitation and validate the GIS approach to modeling leaf water isotopes. These results demonstrate that relatively simple models of leaf water enrichment combined with spatially continuous precipitation isotope ratio and climate data layers yield accurate global leaf water estimates applicable to important questions in ecology and atmospheric science.
Similarities and differences of epoxide, aldehyde and peroxide initiators for Cp2TiCl-catalyzed styrene living radical polymerizations

Abstract Cp2TiCl is the first example of a single electron transfer (SET) agent that both provides initiating radicals from three different types of functionalities (i.e. radical ring opening of epoxides and reduction of aldehydes and peroxides) and doubles as mediator for the living radical polymerization of styrene (St) by reversibly endcapping the growing polymer chains. An initiator (I) comparison was performed using 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDE), benzaldehyde (BA) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as models. The investigation of the effect of reaction variables was carried out over a wide range of experimental conditions ([Cp2TiCl2]/[I] = 0.5/1–4/1; [Zn]/[Cp2TiCl2] = 0.5/1–3/1, [St]/[I] = 50/1–400/1 and T = 60–130 °C) to reveal living polymerization features such as a linear dependence of molecular weight on conversion and narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) for each initiator class. However, progressively lower polydispersities and larger initiator efficiencies are obtained with increasing the [Cp2TiCl2]/[I] and [Zn]/[Cp2TiCl2] ratios and with decreasing temperature. Accordingly, optimum conditions correspond to [St]/[I]/[Cp2TiCl2]/[Zn] = [50–200]/[1]/[2–3]/[4–6] at 70–90 °C. By contrast to peroxides, aldehydes and the more reactive epoxides provide alcohol end groups useful in block or graft copolymers synthesis.
Analysis and Optimization of a Series-Elastic Actuator for Jumping in Robots With Articulated Legs

This paper presents the analysis and optimization of a series-elastic actuator (SEA) for jumping with an articulated leg. Analytical and simulation results are validated with experimental results from a prototype leg. Similar to the series-elastic elements in muscles, an SEA decouples the dynamic limitations of a DC actuator from the joint, allowing larger liftoff velocities than with a directly driven joint. Detailed analysis of the complex dynamic SEA response during the thrust phase yields insights into its performance. The maximum impulse occurs when the motor speed is approximately half the no-load speed at the moment of peak motor torque. This proposed criterion is used to develop a simple analytical design equation for an optimal SEA.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Mass spectra of tert-butyldimethylsilyl ether derivatives of the major metabolite of prostaglandin F

The EI mass spectra of four tert-butyldimethylsilyl ether derivatives of the major metabolite of prostaglandins F1 alpha and F2 alpha (PGF-M) are presented and discussed. Proposed ion assignments and fragmentation pathways are based on substituent shifts, on data from a deuterium-labeled methoxime analog, and on the analysis of collision-induced dissociation spectra of selected ions. Fragment ions suitable for identification and quantification work are proposed.
Fluid Mechanics in Crystal Growth—The 1982 Freeman Scholar Lecture

An attempt is made to unify the current state of knowledge in crystal growth techniques and fluid mechanics. After identifying important fluid dynamic problems for such representative crystal growth processes as closed tube vapor transport, open reactor vapor deposition, and the Czochralski and floating zone melt growth techniques, research results obtained to date are presented. It is noted that the major effort to date has been directed to the description of the nature and extent of bulk transport under realistic conditions, where bulk flow determines the heat and solute transport which strongly influence the temperature and concentration fields in the vicinity of the growth interface. Proper treatment of near field, or interface, problems cannot be given until the far field, or global flow, involved in a given crystal growth technique has been adequately described.
Hemopoiesis in diffusion chambers in strontium-89 marrow-ablated mice

SummaryThe numbers of pluripotent stem cells (CFU-S) and of the more differentiated granulocyte/macrophage elements in diffusion chambers (DCs) implanted into the peritoneal cavities of radio-89Sr-marrow-ablated mice are increased as compared to those in DCs implanted into cold-88 Sr-mar-row-ablated mice. These findings suggest that there is a systemic humoral response capable of stimulating hemopoiesis even in mice with aplastic marrows and whose hemopoiesis is localized to their spleens. The magnitude of this response and the promptness with which the response is manifest in DC growth suggests that marrow aplasia induced by 89Sr provides a stronger stimulus for proliferation of cells in DCs than does either cyclophosphamide or lethal external whole-body irradiation.
Bismuth-dithizone equilibria and hydrolysis of bismuth ion in aqueous solution

Abstract The reaction of bismuth with dithizone and the hydrolysis of bismuth ion in dilute solution were studied. Bismuth is extracted from aqueous solutions with carbon tetrachloride solutions of dithizone as the primary complex, Bi(HD z )3 ; the molar absorptivities of dithizone and bismuth dithizonate have been determined. The extraction constant of the bismuth-dithizone system, Kext= [Bi(HD z )3]o [H+]3 /-[Bi3+][H2D z ]o3, has values of 8.2·1010 and 5.8·1010 at ionic strengths 0.1 and 1.0 respectively. The partition coefficient of bismuth dithizone, PBi= [Bi(HD z )3]o /-[Bi(HD z )3] W , between carbon tetrachloride and water is 2.5·104 (μ=0.1). In dilute solution, bismuth ion hydrolysis results in the formation of the mononuclear species BiOH2+...Bi(OH)4-. The cumulative formation constants for three of these species at 25° are: β1=2.3·1012 (μ=0.1), β3=8.8·1031 (μ=0.1), and β4=7.9·1032 (μ= variable), where βn= [Bi(OH) n 3- n ]/[Bi3- n +][OH n ]n The formation of Bi(OH)+2 was not studied. No evidence for the formation of polynuclear species in bismuth solutions ⩽10-5M was found.
FRESHWATER SHRIMP EFFECTS ON DETRITAL PROCESSING AND NUTRIENTS IN A TROPICAL HEADWATER STREAM

In this paper, we report on a whole-pool manipulation of leaf litter decomposition in a tropical stream following a hurricane. The study was designed to distinguish how decapod species comprising two functional feeding guilds alter rates and magnitudes of leaf litter processing and nutrient release linking the detrital food web with the overall producer–consumer food web. Streams of the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico, are dominated numerically by two freshwater shrimp species (Atya lanipes and Xiphocaris elongata). To determine how these shrimp affected detrital processing following large leaf inputs associated with a hurricane, we manipulated the presence or absence of two species of shrimp in six fenced pools of a headwater stream with hurricane levels of Cecropia leaf litter over a 23-d period. The experiment was designed to determine how the two different shrimp affected: (1) the rate and amount of size fractionation of leaf material; (2) the localized nutrient concentrations in the pools; ...
Is Alexithymia a Disconnection Syndrome? A Neuropsychological Perspective

Efforts to relate the syndrome of alexithymia to cerebral dysfunction have generally taken the form of comparing the literal, concretistic, nonimaginative and affect-impoverished cognitive and communicative style of alexithymic patients to similar types of behavior seen in individuals with right-hemisphere damage or commissural disconnection. It is argued that the formulation of a neuropsychological typology of psychiatric syndromes like alexithymia has much heuristic merit as long as appropriate theoretical and methodological caution is exercised in drawing inferences about patterns of cerebral organization in nonneurological populations.
Male and female gluteal muscle activity and lower extremity kinematics during running.

article i nfo Background: Patellofemoral pain is one of the most common lower extremity overuse injuries in runners and is significantly more common in females. This study evaluated differences in the timing and magnitude of gluteal muscle activity as well as hip and knee joint frontal and transverse plane kinematics between male and female runners in the context of this gender bias. Methods: Twenty healthy male and 20 healthy female runners were participants. Three-dimensional lower extremity kinematics, and gluteus medius and gluteus maximus muscle activation were recorded using mo- tion analysis and electromyography as subjects ran at 3.7 m/s (+/�5%). Comparisons of hip and knee joint kinematic and gluteus muscle activation data were made using independent t-tests (α=0.05). Findings: Females ran with 40% greater peak gluteus maximus activation level (P=0.028, effect size=0.79) and 53% greater average activation level (P=0.013, effect size=0.93) than males. Female runners also displayed greater hip adduction (P=.001, effect size=1.20) and knee abduction (P=0.011, effect size= 0.87) angles at initial contact, greater hip adduction at peak vertical ground reaction force (Pb0.001, effect size=1.31), and less knee internal rotation excursion than males (P=0.035, effect size=0.71). Interpretation: Greater gluteus maximus activation levels during running may predispose females to earlier gluteus maximus fatigue, promoting altered lower extremity running kinematics thought to be associated with the etiology of patellofemoral pain. Gender differences in transverse and frontal plane hip and knee ki- nematics observed in this study may also contribute to the gender bias for patellofemoral pain among females.
Mutual impedance between two parallel thin linear antennas in chiral medium

The problem of mutual coupling between two parallel thin linear antennas in chiral medium is addressed in this article. Expressions for self- and mutual impedances are presented. The effect of chirality of the radiating medium on the mutual resistance and reactance is discussed. It is found that with proper choice of parameters the chirality of the medium may considerably reduce the mutual impedance effect. Also discussed is the role of chirality on the projected values of the self- minus mutual resistance of the antenna, which is important in antenna array design. It may be concluded that under certain conditions the self- minus mutual resistance is considerably smaller than in the achiral case, so that an array made with chiral antenna elements may produce higher gain.
The effect of intact and lysed leukocytes on murine tumor growth and host survival.

The inhibitory effect of sensitized lymph-node cells on transplanted tumor growth in the mouse is well documented. The efficacy of peripheral lymphocytes is disputed. Lysed lymphocyte extracts (“transfer factor”), although effective in transferring several types of delayed hypersensitivity in man, have had equivocal results in animals, particularly in tumor immunity. Fifty 129SV mice were sensitized over 1 month with multiple injections of a transplantable tumor that had arisen in the strain as a spontaneous testicular teratoma. These lymphocyte donor mice were sacrificed and lymphocytes pooled. Half of the lymphocytes were given intact to the 25 mice of experimental group A. Remaining lymphocytes were lysed and given to the 25 mice of group B. The control group C of 25 mice received intact lymphocytes from unsensitized donors. All mice were then challenged with 106 tumor cells subcutaneously. Two weeks after challenge no animals in the treated groups (A and B) had palpable tumors, whereas 32% in the control group C had palpable tumors. After 3 weeks 25% of group A, 42% of group B, and 63% of group C had tumors. Tumors ultimately grew in 60% of group A, 76% of group B, and 88% of group C. The effect of treatment on rate of tumor growth after appearance was variable, showing inhibition in some and enhancement in others. The ability of intact, sensitized lymphocytes and lymphocyte extracts to confer relative tumor immunity was demonstrated.
Laser communication system design for the Google Lunar X-Prize

Laser communications systems offer a significant advantage over traditional radio frequency systems due to the shorter wavelength of laser light. Data can be sent at higher rates for less power with proportionally smaller transmitters and receivers. A laser communications system has never been demonstrated in a moon to Earth link at MBps data rates This paper presents a model of a laser downlink from the moon, developed to rapidly explore various system architectures. Modeling and analysis shows that the target data rates of above 2 Mb/s are possible with 300mW of transmitter power using a 3.5 mm aperture, a 1.5 m receiver diameter and a minimum gimbal resolution (maximum step size) of 78 µrad. 19.89 Mb/s data rates are possible using a 1 cm transmit aperture but with a much stricter minimum gimbal resolution (maximum step size) of 27 µrad.
Determinants That Specify the Integration Pattern of Retrotransposon Tf1 in the fbp1 Promoter of Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons are closely related to retroviruses and, as such, are important models for the study of viral integration and target site selection. The transposon Tf1 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe integrates with a strong preference for the promoters of polymerase II (Pol II)-transcribed genes. Previous work in vivo with plasmid-based targets revealed that the patterns of insertion were promoter specific and highly reproducible. To determine which features of promoters are recognized by Tf1, we studied integration in a promoter that has been characterized. The promoter of fbp1 has two upstream activating sequences, UAS1 and UAS2. We found that integration was targeted to two windows, one 180 nucleotides (nt) upstream and the other 30 to 40 nt downstream of UAS1. A series of deletions in the promoter showed that the integration activities of these two regions functioned autonomously. Integration assays of UAS2 and of a synthetic promoter demonstrated that strong promoter activity alone was not sufficient to direct integration. The factors that modulate the transcription activities of UAS1 and UAS2 include the activators Atf1p, Pcr1p, and Rst2p as well as the repressors Tup11p, Tup12p, and Pka1p. Strains lacking each of these proteins revealed that Atf1p alone mediated the sites of integration. These data indicate that Atf1p plays a direct and specific role in targeting integration in the promoter of fbp1.
Multivalued logic integral calculus

In this paper, the concept of integration for Multi-Valued Logic (MVL) algebra is introduced and techniques for obtaining an MVL function whose desired changes are given in terms of changes in its arguments are developed. Two types of integrals, namely exact and compatible intergrals, are defined. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of compatible integrals for a given differential expression and ways of realizing these integrals are presented here. Integral calculus has application in the design of an MVL digital system.
Views of Intimate Partner Violence in Same- and Opposite-Sex Relationships

Attitudes toward same-sex intimate relationships and intimate partner violence (IPV) are changing. Little research, however, has examined norms about IPV in same-sex relationships. Using a fractional factorial (experimental vignette) design, we conducted random-digit-dialed interviews in four languages with 3,679 community-residing adults. Multivariate analyses of responses to 14,734 vignettes suggest that IPV against gay male, lesbian, and heterosexual women is more likely than that against heterosexual men to be considered illegal and that it should be illegal, police called, and a stay-away order issued. Regardless of gender and sexual orientation, the type of abuse and whether a weapon was displayed are the strongest predictors of respondents’ judgments about whether a behavior is illegal and merits a range of societal interventions.
Forward-backward asymmetry of top quark pair production

We adopt a Markov chain Monte Carlo method to examine various new physics models which can generate the forward-backward asymmetry in top quark pair production observed at the Tevatron by the CDF Collaboration. We study the following new physics models: (1) exotic gluon ${G}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, (2) extra ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ boson with flavor-conserving interaction, (3) extra ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ with flavor-violating $u\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}t\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}{Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ interaction, (4) extra ${W}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ with flavor-violating $d\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}t\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}{W}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ interaction, and (5) extra scalars $S$ and ${S}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ with flavor-violating $u\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}t\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}S$ and $d\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}t\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}{S}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ interactions. After combining the forward-backward asymmetry with the measurement of the top pair production cross section and the $t\overline{t}$ invariant mass distribution at the Tevatron, we find that an axial vector exotic gluon ${G}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ of mass about 1 TeV or 2 TeV or a ${W}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ of mass about $2\mathrm{TeV}$ offer an improvement over the standard model. The other models considered do not fit the data significantly better than the standard model. We also emphasize a few points that have been long ignored in the literature for new physics searches: (1) heavy resonance width effects, (2) renormalization scale dependence, and (3) next-to-leading order corrections to the $t\overline{t}$ invariant mass spectrum. We argue that these three effects are crucial to test or exclude new physics effects in the top quark pair asymmetry.
Functional interaction between the Arabidopsis orthologs of spindle assembly checkpoint proteins MAD1 and MAD2 and the nucleoporin NUA

In eukaryotes, the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) ensures the fidelity of chromosome segregation through monitoring the bipolar attachment of microtubules to kinetochores. Recently, the SAC components Mitotic Arrest Deficient 1 and 2 (MAD1 and MAD2) were found to associate with the nuclear pore complex (NPC) during interphase and to require certain nucleoporins, such as Tpr in animal cells, to properly localize to kinetochores. In plants, the SAC components MAD2, BUR1, BUB3 and Mps1 have been identified, but their connection to the nuclear pore has not been explored. Here, we show that AtMAD1 and AtMAD2 are associated with the nuclear envelope during interphase, requiring the Arabidopsis homolog of Tpr, NUA. Both NUA and AtMAD2 loss-of-function mutants have a shorter primary root and a smaller root meristem, and this defect can be partially rescued by sucrose. Mild AtMAD2 over-expressors exhibit a longer primary root, and an extended root meristem. In BY-2 cells, AtMAD2 is associated with kinetochores during prophase and prometaphase, but not metaphase, anaphase and telophase. Protein-interaction assays demonstrate binding of AtMAD2 to AtMAD1 and AtMAD1 to NUA. Together, these data suggest that NUA scaffolds AtMAD1 and AtMAD2 at the nuclear pore to form a functional complex and that both NUA and AtMAD2 suppress premature exit from cell division at the Arabidopsis root meristem.
The effect of 20-hydroxyecdysone and protein on granule formation in the in vitro cultured fat body of Drosophila

Abstract The larval fat body of Drosophila melanogaster when cultured in a medium containing 20-hydroxyecdysone and foetal calf serum produces protein granules in the cytoplasm in a region-specific manner similar to that found in vivo. If ecdysteroid is omitted from this medium, the tissue continues to produce the granules at the same time, in the same region-specific manner, but in lower amounts. Only the high molecular weight fraction of the calf serum has the granule-inducing effect. Bovine serum albumin, herring protamine and bovine haemoglobin will also induce the granules to form. The degree of granule formation is directly proportional to the concentration of protein in the medium. Protein-free medium produces no granules, and protein concentrations in the medium above 3 mg/ml produce no further increase in granule formation. Although the medium containing foetal calf serum and 20-hydroxyecdysone induces more granule formation than medium containing only serum, the extent of granule formation does not differ at concentrations of hormone above 10−6 M with any given concentration of serum. A minimal amount of serum (3.75%) permits measuring the effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone at concentrations below 10−6 M. At this serum level the inducing effects of the hormone could be detected at concentrations of 10−7 M.
Desing and Optimization of a Programmable Instruction Decoder for DSP Architecture

A hardware/software co-reconfiguration technique is introduced to design a programmable instruction decoder for DSP systems that do not employ field-programmable gate-array. This technique allows software developers to swiftly and accurately retarget their DSP systems. In order to present the reconfiguration procedures and performance evaluations of the technique, a reconfigurable instruction decoder (RID) for Texas Instruments' TMS320C55 DSPs was implemented and optimized.
Energy assistance for the poor: An evaluation and alternative allocation procedure

Abstract During the past decade, sharp increases in the prices of all forms of energy have more severely burdened the poor and near poor than the remainder of the population. Government has responded by initiating several assistance programs. But the programs have been social policy failures, owing in large part to weaknesses in the programs' design and distribution systems. In this paper, a method to overcome several shortcomings of previous government efforts is presented. For a sample of 40 American cities, an index of energy assistance need is calculated and spatial units with similar energy requirements are grouped. If these procedures were to be utilized in allocating available funds, the result would be a more socially and spatially equitable energy program.