cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A native extension of SQL for mining data streams

ESL1 enables users to develop stream applications in an SQL-like high level language that provides the ease-of-use of a declarative language, which is Turing complete in terms of expressive power [11].
Nonshrinking open covers and K. Morita's Third Conjecture

Abstract For every regular cardinal κ we construct a hereditarily normal, countably paracompact space X κ which has an increasing open cover W = { W μ : μ ϵ ω 1 } such that W has no refinement by ⩽ κ closed sets. By work of Chiba, Przymusinski and Rudin, the existence of such a space proves a conjecture of Morita that σ-locally compact metrizable spaces are precisely the spaces whose product with every normal, countably paracompact space is normal. The spaces X κ are the first known examples of hereditarily normal ω 1 -Dowker spaces.
Development and Implementation of a Series of Laboratory Field Trips for Advanced High School Students To Connect Chemistry to Sustainability

We describe the content and organization of a series of day-long field trips to a university for high school students that connect chemistry content to issues of sustainability. The seven laboratory activities are in the areas of environmental degradation, energy production, and green chemistry. The laboratory procedures have been modified from published procedures so that the length and scope would be appropriate for our format and audience (AP and college preparatory chemistry and environmental science students). While students spend the majority of their time at the university in the laboratory, connections between the chemistry content and sustainability are highlighted in the previsit reading assignments, prelab discussion, and postlab small group discussion. Results of formative assessment are presented, as are considerations for other institutions that may be interested in developing and maintaining a similar program.
New structure in the energy spectrum of reggeon quantum mechanics with quartic couplings

Abstract We find general that the energy spectrum of the reggeon hamiltonian with cubic plus quartic interactions at D=0 is more complicated than previously assumed. We observe the phenomenon of “ground state oscillation”, which suggests, for D ≠ 0, the existence of multiple phases. We find that for certain values of the parameters of the theory complex energy eigenvalues occur. We also find complicated level crossings among higher eigenvalues as the quartic coupling strength is increased.
Structural and molecular characterization of iron-sensing hemerythrin-like domain within F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 5 (FBXL5)

Mammalian cells maintain iron homeostasis by sensing changes in bioavailable iron levels and promoting adaptive responses. FBXL5 is a subunit of an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex that mediates the stability of iron regulatory protein 2, an important posttranscriptional regulator of several genes involved in iron metabolism. The stability of FBXL5 is regulated in an iron- and oxygen-responsive manner, contingent upon the presence of its N-terminal domain. Here we present the atomic structure of the FBXL5 N terminus, a hemerythrin-like α-helical bundle fold not previously observed in mammalian proteins. The core of this domain employs an unusual assortment of amino acids necessary for the assembly and sensing properties of its diiron center. These regulatory features govern the accessibility of a mapped sequence required for proteasomal degradation of FBXL5. Detailed molecular and structural characterization of the ligand-responsive hemerythrin domain provides insights into the mechanisms by which FBXL5 serves as a unique mammalian metabolic sensor.
FlashStream: a multi-tiered storage architecture for adaptive HTTP streaming

Video streaming on the Internet is popular and the need to store and stream video content using CDNs is continually on the rise thanks to services such as Hulu and Netflix. Adaptive HTTP streaming using the deployed CDN infrastructure has become the de facto standard for meeting the increasing demand for video streaming on the Internet. The storage architecture that is used for storing and streaming the video content is the focus of this study. Hard-disk as the storage medium has been the norm for enterprise-class storage servers for the longest time. More recently, multi-tiered storage servers (incorporating SSDs) such as Sun's ZFS and Facebook's flashcache offer an alternative to disk-based storage servers for enterprise applications. Both these systems use the SSD as a cache between the DRAM and the hard disk. The thesis of our work is that the current-state-of-the art in multi-tiered storage systems, architected for general-purpose enterprise workloads, do not cater to the unique needs of adaptive HTTP streaming. We present FlashStream, a multi-tiered storage architecture that addresses the unique needs of adaptive HTTP streaming. Like ZFS and flashcache, it also incorporates SSDs as a cache between the DRAM and the hard disk. The key architectural elements of FlashStream include optimal write granularity to overcome the write amplification effect of flash memory SSDs and a QoS-sensitive caching strategy that monitors the activity of the flash memory SSDs to ensure that video streaming performance is not hampered by the caching activity. We have implemented FlashStream and experimentally compared it with ZFS and flashcache for adaptive HTTP streaming workloads. We show that FlashStream outperforms both these systems for the same hardware configuration. Specifically, it is better by a factor of two compared to its nearest competitor, namely ZFS. In addition, we have compared FlashStream with a traditional two-level storage architecture (DRAM + HDDs), and have shown that, for the same investment cost, FlashStream provides 33% better performance and 94% better energy efficiency.
A Novel Method for Frictional Testing on Adherent Cells

Understanding the physical interaction between biomaterials and tissues within the body is critical for the development of medical devices. For instance, the coefficient of friction between the two must be low enough to avoid damaging the cells that make up the tissue. Therefore, a method for obtaining friction data on cells is needed. In the present work, human corneal epithelial (HCE-T) cells are cultured within specialized cell holders and friction experiments are performed with a micro-tribometer. Cell damage is assessed via microscopy and a trypan blue viability assay. Preliminary experiments provide data for an intact monolayer of HCE-Ts being abraded by the glass pin of the micro-tribometer. The coefficient of friction for the glass pin rubbing on an intact cell layer is 0.037 ± 0.016. Additionally, these data show a direct correlation between the friction coefficients obtained and the amount of cell damage that occurs. The protocols developed thus far can be used to conduct friction testing on various adherent cell types (e.g.epithelial cells, endothelial cells, etc.). Furthermore, the micro-tribometer set-up can be modified in order to obtain friction coefficient measurements between cells and various biomaterials.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Shift and rotation invariant photorefractive crystal-based associative memory

A shift and rotation invariant photorefractive (PR) crystal based associative memory is addressed. The proposed associative memory has three layers: the feature extraction, inner- product, and output mapping layers. The feature extraction is performed by expanding an input object into a set of circular harmonic expansions (CHE) in the Fourier domain to acquire both the shift and rotation invariant properties. The inner product operation is performed by taking the advantage of Bragg diffraction of the bulky PR-crystal. The output mapping is achieved by using the massive storage capacity of the PR-crystal. In the training process, memories are stored in another PR-crystal by using the wavelength multiplexing technique. During the recall process, the output from the winner-take-all processor decides which wavelength should be used to read out the memory from the PR-crystal.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Biaxial path dependence of deformation substructure of type 304 stainless steel

Although martensitic transformations in austenitic stainless steels have been studied rather thoroughly for uniaxial monotonie and cyclic loading, data are scant for biaxially loaded specimens. In particular, recent nonproportional straining experiments have indicated a significant increase in cyclic hardening beyond that observed in uniaxial tests at equivalent strain levels. In this paper, a link is made between the additional hardening and microstructural uniformity of transformation product. This link is expressed through a micromechanical viewpointvia increased latent hardening associated with rotation of the principal stress and plastic strain rate directions.
Nutrition Beliefs of Men with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease in a Self-Selected Population

Abstract This study measured beliefs about food and nutrition and their influence on dietary intake and supplement use of men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. Interviews were conducted with 35 men, 20 to 50 years, with HIV disease. A Likert scale was used to identify beliefs about nutrition and supplement use. Five belief models were constructed from factor analysis of the Likert scale to determine General Nutrition Beliefs: access to good nutrition, nutrition behaviors adopted since HIV diagnosis, effects of food on well-being, general impact of good nutrition and eating improperly. Mean intakes of energy and most nutrients exceeded the RDA and supplement use was reported by 88.6% of subjects. While subjects attempted to meet nutrient needs with what they perceived as adequate dietary intake and supplements, greater than 50% of subjects had intakes below levels recommended for HIV. Nutrition behaviors adopted since HIV diagnosis was significantly correlated with both supplement use (p = .01) and a change in appetite (p = .03), which may have influenced dietary intake. Stage of HIV was significantly correlated with general impact of good nutrition (p = .02), indicating an increased awareness of nutrition as HIV disease progressed. It may be concluded from this research that nutrition beliefs influence dietary intake and supplement use.
Recent Faces of Moral Nonnaturalism

Despite having occupied a peripheral position in contemporary metaethics, moral nonnaturalism has recently experienced a revival of sorts. But what is moral nonnaturalism? And what is there to be said in favor of it? In this article, I address these two questions. In the first place, I offer an account of what moral nonnaturalism is. According to the view I propose, nonnaturalism is better viewed not as a position, but as a theoretical stance. And, second, I critically engage with three recent arguments for moral nonnaturalism offered by Russ Shafer-Landau, Kit Fine, and Jean Hampton, respectively.
On the possible connection between the central worth discrepancy and the dollar discrepancy

Abstract The dollar discrepancy is the amount by which the extrapolation of the prompt decay constant in a fast critical assembly exceeds the expected intercept at one dollar above delayed critical. At first glance this anomaly seems related to the well-known central worth discrepancy. This paper collates available data on the dollar discrepancy and tests the trends against the characteristics which have been found associated with the central worth discrepancy. The results are inconclusive but an interesting relationship has been found between dollar discrepancy and the disparity in the time characteristics of the core and reflector. The results qualitatively fit a two-region model which was used earlier to described the die-away of neutron pulses in some systems built in ZPR-III. Current research tends to bury the problem in large engineering mockups with complex geometries and a multiplicity of materials; further research is needed in very simple systems.
NMR observation of the interaction of small oligopeptides with phospholipid vesicles

Abstract Using proton spin-lattice relaxation times, the interaction of small oligopeptides with sonicated vesicles of synthetic β-γ-dimyristoyl L-α-lecithin has been monitored at 29°C in D 2 O. The measured relaxation times for the lecithin choline methyl, alkyl chain, and terminal methyl protons were observed to shorten markedly with increasing concentration of peptide, the relaxation remaining exponential. Noticeable resonance broadening was observed at the highest peptide concentration studied. The data reported are for the effect of the pharmacologically active pentapeptide methionine-enkephalin. Similar results have been observed for the effect of tetraglycine. The relaxation of the observable resonances of the added peptide appear to be unaffected. The results are discussed in terms of peptide-vesicle interactions.
The callistophytales (Pteridospermopsida): Reproductively sophisticated paleozoic gymnosperms

Abstract The Callistophytales nov. order is proposed for a small family of Pennsylvanian and possibly Permian pteridosperms. Plants conform to two species of Callistophyton and their reproductive organs. The small, eustelic sporophytes have a scrambling, shrub-like habit, profuse branching, adventitious roots and pinnately compound fern-like leaves with sphenopterid pinnules. Reproductive organs are borne on the abaxial surface of the pinnules, and consist of cardiocarpalean ovules and synangiate pollen organs with saccate pollen. Gametophyte development and reproductive biology conform closely to those of extant gymnosperms in the Coniferales. Anatomically preserved reproductive organs of the major groups of Paleozoic gymnosperms are compared, and a closer than currently recognized relationship of Paleozoic seed plants is proposed.
Synchronization of Multiple Pulsed Alternators Discharging Into an EM Launcher

As the energy level in the projectile increases, it becomes necessary to use multiple pulsed alternators discharging in parallel into the electromagnetic launcher. Another reason for having more than one machine is that one needs to compensate for the torque and gyroscopic effects of the pulsed alternator. This requires that machines be built in counter-rotating pairs. These machines are identical in all respects except for their direction of rotation. A study was conducted to determine how the machines can be motored so that they stay in lock step in speed and phase as they are motored to full speed. The methods of connecting these multiple machines are discussed. The aim of the connection scheme is to allow the machines to naturally stay locked in speed and phase throughout its operating range. Sensitivity of the performance of these machines to small variations in the machine parameters, which is to be expected in the machines, is discussed. Sensitivity of the discharge performance to small phase angle mismatches due to tolerances is also discussed. To verify the conclusions of the paper, an experiment was performed on two identical 50-kVA machines discharging into a low impedance load. The motoring system that is discussed in this paper was implemented in this experiment, which kept the machines in lock step. This motoring system is described. Thereafter, discharges were made at various speeds and field current levels. Phase angle mismatches were introduced between the two machines to see how it affected current sharing. The results and conclusions of these tests are presented in this paper.
Numerical modeling of coupled seabed scour and pipe interaction

Abstract Scouring of the seabed by ice masses poses great threat to structural integrity and safety of buried structures such as oil and gas pipes. Large ridge motions and large seabed deformations complicate study of the seabed scouring and pipe interaction using classical Lagrangian methods. We present a new numerical approach for modeling the coupled seabed scour problem and its interaction with embedded marine pipes. In our work, we overcome the common issues associated with finite deformation inherently present within the seabed scour problem using a rheological approach for soil flow. The seabed is modeled as a viscous non-Newtonian fluid, and its interface described implicitly through a level-set function. The history-independent model allows for large displacements and deformations of the ridge and seabed, respectively. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the method with regard to seabed scouring and the ensuing large soil deformation.
Video Stabilization with Optimized Motion Estimation Resolution

We propose a video stabilization algorithm that removes camera jitter in complex scenes with moving objects. Our algorithm is based on analyzing the content of the video according to the accumulated motion between the scene and the camera, which provides a simple and robust way of estimating jitter in the presence of camera panning and moving objects. We also describe a method of reducing the computational complexity of our algorithm by using a hierarchical clustering technique that optimizes the motion estimation resolution at different scene locations.
Purification and Cloning of Micrococcus luteus Ultraviolet Endonuclease, an N-Glycosylase/Abasic Lyase That Proceeds via an Imino Enzyme-DNA Intermediate

Abstract Although Micrococcus luteus UV endonuclease has been reported to be an 18-kDa enzyme with possible homology to the 16-kDa endonuclease V from bacteriophage T4 (Gordon, L. K., and Haseltine, W. A.(1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255, 12047-12050; Grafstrom, R. [Abstract] H., Park, L., and Grossman, L.(1982) J. Biol. Chem. 257, 13465-13474), this study describes three independent purification schemes in which M. luteus UV damage-specific or pyrimidine dimer-specific nicking activity was associated with two proteins of apparent molecular masses of 31 and 32 kDa. An 18-kDa contaminant copurified with the doublet through many of the chromatographic steps, but it was determined to be a homolog of Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L6. Edman degradation analyses of the active proteins yielded identical NH2-terminal amino acid sequences. The corresponding gene (pdg, pyrimidine dimer glycosylase) was cloned. The protein bears strong sequence similarities to the E. coli repair proteins endonuclease III and MutY. Nonetheless, traditionally purified M. luteus protein acted exclusively on cis-syn thymine dimers; it was unable to cleave site-specific oligonucleotide substrates containing a trans-syn -I,), or Dewar thymine dimer, a 5,6-dihydrouracil lesion, or an A:G or A:C mismatch. The UV endonuclease incised cis-syn dimer-containing DNA in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited linear kinetics within that dose range. Enzyme activity was inhibited by the presence of NaCN or NaBH4 with NaBH4 additionally being able to trap a covalent enzyme-substrate product. These last findings confirm that the catalytic mechanism of M. luteus UV endonuclease, like those of other glycosylase/AP lyases, involves an imino intermediate.
Cardiac CT: Imaging of and Through Cardiac Devices

For patients with cardiac devices, cardiac computed tomography (CT) remains the mainstay for imaging due to its superior resolution as compared with echocardiography and nuclear studies and no contraindication to metal as with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. This review focuses on the evaluation and pitfalls of coronary arterial imaging in patients with devices, such as pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), as well as complications such as lead perforation and safety concerns of CT interference. We discuss both pre- and post-procedural CRT assessment for coronary venous imaging and pre-procedural myocardial scar assessment to localize regions of scar and peri-infarct zone to facilitate ventricular tachycardia ablation in patients with devices. We describe potential new research on dyssynchrony and integration with myocardial scar and site of latest activation for patients with or being considered for CRT. We detail the utility of CT for the assessment of proper function and complications in patients with left ventricular assist device implantation.
Interaction of the envelope glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus with C1q and fibronectin under conditions present in human saliva.

Human saliva has been shown to reduce the infectivity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) particles in vitro. The factors in human saliva involved in this inhibition of HIV infectivity are unknown, although the salivary sediment of normal individuals has the major HIV neutralizing activity. Interestingly, the first complement component (C1) has been detected on the surface of the salivary sediment in the whole saliva of normal individuals. At the relatively low ionic strength of saliva, we determined that purified human C1q bound with high affinity to the envelope glycoprotein of HIV. Normally, the interaction of the C1q globular heads with immune complexes causes C1 activation. However, direct interactions between C1 and rgp120 (or rgp160) did not lead to C1 fixation, as determined by hemolytic studies with rate-limiting levels of C1, nor did rgp120 cause C1 activation as determined by activated C1s-mediated C4 conversion in normal human serum. Using ELISA, it was observed that intact C1, with the C1r2C1s2 tetramer associated with the collagen-like stem of C1q, did not bind to immobilized rgp120, whereas free C1q did bind. In addition, digestion of the C1q stem portion with collagenase completely eliminated its binding to rgp120. These findings suggest that the collagen-like stem region of C1q, rather than the globular heads, may participate in the binding to the envelope glycoprotein of HIV. Fibronectin, which is present in submandibular saliva, appeared to bind to rgp120 and to enhance the interaction of C1q with rgp120. It is conceivable that C1q and fibronectin, in binding and sequestering HIV particles (i.e. to the salivary sediment), may play an important role in the reduction of HIV transmission via saliva. Further studies will be needed to test the latter speculation.
On estimating the photoelectron yield and the resultant inefficiency of a photomultiplier-based detector

Abstract We present three methods for estimating the photoelectron yield from a photomultiplier illuminated by an LED. We show that the three estimates are consistent. These estimates disagree by ∼ 25% from the popular but incorrect assumption that the pulse height distribution is Poisson-like in the number of photoelectrons. Further, computations involving Gaussian spreading and/or Landau fluctuations are then performed. These computations should model the behavior of actual scintillator or Cherenkov counters. These computations enable us to estimate how often a counter will miss a count.
Methyl transfering enzyme system of microsomes in the biosynthesis of lecithin (phosphatidylcholine)

Abstract The formation of choline from S-[Me-14C]adenosylmethionine in isolated microsomes has been studied. The enzyme system was found to be inhibited by mercury compounds, showing that free sulfhydryl groups are requied. Choline formation is inhibited by BAL and by mercaptoethanol. This inhibition is due to the presence of an enzyme system in microsomes catalyzing a transmethylation from S-adenosylmethionine to these “nonphysiological” sulfhydryl compounds. S-adenosylethionine inhibits choline formation as a competitive inhibitor of S-adenosylmethionine. Choline formation is stimulated by the addition of d,l(N,N-dimethyl)distearyl-α-cephalin in vitro, but not by dipalmitoyl-α-cephalin. The incorporation of the first methyl group is found to be the rate limiting step in choline biosynthesis. The choline-synthesizing enzyme system is found in several tissues of the rat and in the liver of 8 different animal species investigated. These results are discussed in relation to choline biosynthesis in vivo.
Fad Diets: A Review for the Primary Care Provider

Today's high prevalence of obesity, combined with less than satisfactory results using traditional weight-control methods, has helped foster the popularity of fad diets. Popular fad diets currently range from very low carbohydrate to very low fat, and from well-circumscribed eating patterns to grazing. This paper reviews the spectrum of fad diets in terms of rationale, claims, efficacy, and risks. Menus based on author's recommendations were compiled and assessed for macronutrients. To date, researchers have failed to reach a consensus on the potential benefits of these diets for weight loss, for preserving lean body mass during weight loss, for improving compliance with a hypocaloric diet, for preventing or treating disease, or for sustaining long-term maintenance of lost weight.
Model predictive control of large scale processes

Abstract Model predictive control is a receding horizon control policy in which a linear or quadratic program with linear constraints is solved on-line at each sampling instance. An algorithm is developed that allows quick computation of suboptimal control moves. The linear constraint set is approximated by an ellipsoid and a change of variables is performed so that a solution may be computed efficiently via bisection. The ellipsoid is rescaled on-line to reduce conservatism. This allows the implementation of model predictive control algorithms to large scale processes using simple control hardware.
The effect of occlusive dressings on collagen synthesis and re-epithelialization in superficial wounds

The effects on superficial wounds in domestic pigs of (1) two different occlusive dressings, (2) non-occlusive wet to dry gauze dressings, and (3) air exposure were compared. Collagen synthesis and re-epithelialization were increased in the wounds treated with occlusive dressings. Re-epithelialization was increased beneath both the oxygen-impermeable and the oxygen-permeable dressing. When they were removed the wet to dry gauze dressing and one of the occlusive dressings often damaged the new epidermis.
Markdown for Librarians and Academics

Markdown is simple syntax that makes it easy to build documents using basic markup. Users format a document using Markdown and the document can then be transformed into a wide variety of document f...
Digital synthesis of correlated stationary noise

In this note we propose a method of generating stationary noise with a prescribed auto-covariance function by digital methods. The need for such a technique often arises in testing the performance of data processing and engineering systems, where inputs corrupted with correlated noise (of a known form) are required.The technique is quite simple and produces strict-sense stationary noise which agrees approximately with R(t), the prescribed auto-covariance function (acf), over an interval [- T0, T0]. The method consists of approximating the spectral density by a periodic process with spectral lines, and then synthesizing the periodic noise with random phases and appropriate amplitudes.In order to simplify discussion of the statistical properties of the noise generated, the technique is first presented in terms of exact harmonic analysis. In practice, discrete harmonic analysis as presented in the third section is used.
Economic rents and mutual fund performance: An empirical investigation

We investigate the monthly returns of 377 open-end mutual funds during the September 1981–1994 period to learn whether economic rents can be garnered through the judicious selection of the advertising and sales method in the mutual fund industry. Specifically, we seek to learn whether direct sales or mass marketing produces economic rents under the assumption that those rents would be passed on to consumers to build a “high quality” image to differentiate the product line. Results suggest that no-load funds produce superior net returns except in the aggressive growth category.
Sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity to the kidney in carotid occlusion pressor reflex.

Renal vascular circulation in carotid occlusion pressor reflex by vasoconstriction in absence of renal autoregulation
Interference between Coulomb and nuclear excitation in the inelastic scattering of $sup 11$B ions from $sup 208$Pb

ABS>The elastic and inelastic scattering of 72.2-MeV /sup 11/B ions from /sup 208/ Pb were studied. The angular distributions for transitions to the 3/ sup -/, 5/sup 2/sup +/, and 4/sup +/ states at 2.61, 3.20, 4.10, and 4.31 MeV, respectively, s how pronounced effects due to interference between Coulomb and nuclear excitation. The data are well reproduced by distorted-wave calculations provided that the phase of the nuclear excitation form factor is altered by 5 deg from that given by the collective model. (auth)
Friendship, proximity, and self-disclosure.

Patterns of self-disclosure were explored by means of a questionnaire administered to pairs of roommates and hallmates (non-roommates living on the same floor) in freshman dormitories. It was predicted and found that friendship was more highly related to self-disclosure in intimate than in non-intimate topic areas, whereas proximity was more highly related to disclosure in non-intimate than in intimate areas. It was also found that friendship and intimate disclosure were more highly related among women than among men. These findings emphasize the interplay of personal, role-related, and environmental factors which underlie patterns of friendship and self-disclosure. They also point to the importance of viewing self-disclosure in differentiated terms, rather than as a single monolithic entity. Other findings of both substantive and methodological interest are reported. For example, there was a strong tendency for respondents to overemphasize the degree to which their patterns of giving and receiving personal information were symmetrical. There was also a tendency for respondents to report giving more disclosure than they received in non-intimate areas, but not in intimate areas.
Effect of Sequential Learning Experiences on Searching Responses and Sex Ratio Allocations of the Gregarious Insect Parasitoid, Cotesia congregata (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

We investigated the effects of sequential adult learning experiences (postemergence + ovipositional) with two host foodplants (tomato and/or tobacco) on searching responses, clutch size, and sex ratio allocations of Cotesia congregata, a gregarious endoparasitoid of Manduca sexta. Sequential experiences with one host foodplant resulted in a stronger searching response to the plant experienced and a higher proportionate allocation of females to hosts offered with this plant. Sequential experiences with both plants resulted in similar searching responses to the two plants and similar proportionate allocations of females, irrespective of the order in which plants were experienced. Ovipositional experience resulted in a stronger searching response to the plant experienced but effects on sex ratio allocations were not definitive. Clutch size was not modified by experience. Results demonstrate that parasitic wasps can learn multiple host-associated plant cues and suggest that sequential learning experiences serve to define the effective host foodplant range.
The nanoscratch hardness of a gold–nickel nanocrystalline nanolaminate at high strain rate

Abstract The use of triboindentation testing enables a dynamic range of testing that can span more than eight orders of magnitude in strain rate. The mechanical response of a gold–nickel nanocrystalline nanolaminate is investigated as it is subjected to high strain-rate conditions using the nanoscratch test method. The scratch hardness measurements are compared for scratch widths above which the contributions from grain size and layer pair spacing reaches a plateau and representative interface spacing. It is found that the strain-rate sensitivity increases rapidly beyond a 10+ 3 s− 1 strain rate indicative of superplastic behavior.
System dynamics of supply chain network organization structure

Information technology is providing manufacturers with additional flexibility with regard to their supply chain network choices. Our research studies supply chain network organization structures categorized by the organic and mechanistic management control structures. The structural impacts on cost and fill rate performance are studied in two-echelon and two-supply-chain network organization models under different market coordination conditions using system dynamic simulations. Our results show significant effects of demand and network structural factors, and their interactions, on these measures. As demand becomes dynamic, the cooperative interaction model, where supply chains cooperate to satisfy customer demand, is found to have better system performance than the competitive supply chain model. The analysis also suggests that increasing the responsiveness at the downstream plant is particularly important to the overall system performance improvement.
Cycloadditions of ketenes with cyclic carbodiimides

The cycloaddition of ketenes with cyclic carbodiimides yields β-lactams in good to excellent yields. The cycloaddition of equal molar amounts of diphenyl-, phenylethyl- and phenylketenes with cyclic carbodiimides produced a 1:1 cycloaddition product, the expected β-lactams. However, the cycloaddition of a 2:1 molar ratio of diphenyl- and phenylketenes with 1,3-diazacycloocta-1,2-diene respectively, gave the 2:1 cycloadducts, the tricyclodi-β-lactams. The cycloaddition of methylchloro- and dichloroketenes yielded β-lactams that were very susceptible to hydrolysis to the N-substituted cycloureas. A trapping experiment suggests that these reactions proceed through a stabilized dipolar intermediate.
Analysis of transient wave scattering from rigid bodies using a Burton–Miller approach

Transient scattering from closed rigid bodies can be analyzed using a variety of time domain integral equations, e.g., the Kirchhoff integral equation and its normal derivative. Unfortunately, when the spectrum of the incident field includes one or more of the resonance frequencies of the corresponding interior problem, the solutions to these time domain integral equations become corrupted with spurious interior modes. In this article, this phenomenon is demonstrated via numerical experiments, and a Burton–Miller-type time domain combined field integral equation is proposed as a remedy. To verify that the solutions to this Burton–Miller-type equation are not corrupted by interior modes, various numerical results are presented. It is anticipated that this equation, when used in conjunction with fast time domain integral equation solvers (e.g., plane wave time domain algorithms), will enable the accurate analysis of transient wave scattering from acoustically large bodies.
Effect of changes in environmental temperature on stomach emptying in rats.

Summary1. Transfer of rats from room (22°C) to either low (3°C) or high (37°C) environmental temperature immediately following a protein meal delays emptying of stomach. 2. After adaptation to changed surrounding temperature stomach emptying was found to be again similar to that observed at room temperature.
Ethanol and furfural production from corn stover using a hybrid fractionation process with zinc chloride and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF)

Abstract A two-stage hybrid fractionation process was investigated to produce cellulosic ethanol and furfural from corn stover. In the first stage, zinc chloride (ZnCl 2 ) was used to selectively solubilize hemicellulose. During the second stage, the remaining treated solids were converted into ethanol using commercial cellulase and Saccharomyces cerevisiae or recombinant Escherichia coli , KO11. This hybrid fractionation process recovered 93.8% of glucan, 89.7% of xylan, 71.1% of arabinan, and 74.9% of lignin under optimal reaction conditions (1st stage: 5% acidified ZnCl 2 , 7.5 ml/min, 150 °C (10 min) and 170 °C (10 min); 2nd stage: simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) using S. cerevisiae ). The furfural yield from the hemicellulose hydrolysates was 58%. The SSF of the treated solids resulted in 69–98% of the theoretical maximum ethanol yields based on the glucan content in the treated solids. After fermentation, the solid residues contained primarily lignin. Based on the total lignin in untreated corn stover, the lignin recovery yield was 74.9%.
Ramifications of tool magazine size on the makespan and routing flexibility of flexible manufacturing systems

Abstract Although tool magazine capacity is considered to affect the relative cost of the system, no study exists that examines its impact on the day-to-day performance of FMSs. Tool magazine capacity plays a vital role in part grouping, which subsequently affects tool loading and part routing. These, in turn, affect the makespan and routing flexibility. A key issue is how does makespan and routing flexibility of a system that requires part grouping due to inadequate tool magazine capacity compare with that of a system that doesn't require part grouping. Further, how do factors such as changes in part mix, production volumes, and operational policies chosen to run an FMS influence the foregoing effects? Alternately, the procedure developed can be used in solving FMS production planning problems, with the aim of achieving a performance level closer to that of an ideal FMS. In an ideal FMS, each machine is capable of performing all operations of all parts scheduled for production and it has the requisite tools in its tool magazine. The above issues are addressed while considering two levels of tool magazine size: limited and unlimited. By developing and using two relevant models which concurrently solve part grouping, tool loading, and part routing problems, two FMSs are modelled and their results are statisttically compared. Results show that for an FMS with limited tool magazine capacity, the makespan increases by as much as 18%, and routing flexibility decreases by as much as 17%. In addition, the production environment and operating policies also are found to influence makespan and routing flexibility.
Isolation and characterization of a low phytic acid rice mutant reveals a mutation in the rice orthologue of maize MIK

Using a forward genetics approach, we isolated two independent low phytic acid (lpa) rice mutants, N15-186 and N15-375. Both mutants are caused by single gene, recessive non-lethal mutations, which result in approximately 75% (N15-186) and 43% (N15-375) reductions in seed phytic acid (inositol hexakisphosphate). High-performance liquid chromatography and GC–MS analysis of seed extracts from N15-186 indicated that, in addition to phytic acid, inositol monophosphate was significantly reduced whereas inorganic phosphorus and myo-inositol were greatly increased when compared with wild-type. The changes observed in N15-186 resemble those previously described for the maize lpa3 mutant. Analysis of N15-375 revealed changes similar to those observed in previously characterized rice lpa1 mutants (i.e. significant reduction in phytic acid and corresponding increase in inorganic phosphorus with little or no change in inositol phosphate intermediates or myo-inositol). Further genetic analysis of the N15-186 mutant indicated that the mutation, designated lpa N15-186, was located in a region on chromosome 3 between the microsatellite markers RM15875 and RM15907. The rice orthologue of maize lpa3, which encodes a myo-inositol kinase, is in this interval. Sequence analysis of the N15-186 allele of this orthologue (Os03g52760) revealed a single base pair change (C/G to T/A) in the first exon of the gene, which results in a nonsense mutation. Our results indicate that lpa N15-186 is a mutant allele of the rice myo-inositol kinase (OsMIK) gene. Identification and characterization of lpa mutants, such as N15-186, will facilitate studies on the regulation of phytic acid biosynthesis and accumulation and help address questions concerning the contribution of the inositol lipid-dependent and independent biosynthetic pathways to the production of seed phytic acid.
The effects of temperature, photoperiod, and vernalization on regrowth and flowering competence in Euphorbia esula (Euphorbiaceae) crown buds.

The herbaceous perennial weed Euphorbia esula L. (Euphorbiaceae) reproduces by vegetative and sexual means, characteristics that are key to its persistence and survival. In this study, we examined ...
Post-hurricane forest damage assessment using satellite remote sensing

This study developed a rapid assessment algorithm for post-hurricane forest damage estimation using moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) measurements. The performance of five commonly used vegetation indices as post-hurricane forest damage indicators was investigated through statistical analysis. The Normalized Difference Infrared Index (NDII) was identified as the optimal damage indicator among these vegetation indices. An approach for detecting forest damage at a regional scale, without relying on ground inventory or sampling, was designed and validated. The validation showed that the relative change of pre- and post-hurricane NDII was linearly related to the damage severity estimated by the ground inventory with the coefficient of determination 0.79. This approach was applied to evaluate forest damage severity and the impacted region caused by Hurricane Katrina. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Spontaneous mutation at codon 61 of the Ha-ras gene in the nascent liver of B6C3F1, C3H/He and C57BL/6 mice.

Abstract DNA was isolated from the liver of young B6C3F1, C3H/He and C57BL/6 mice, 6–9 weeks old. A portion of exon 2 of Ha- ras was amplified by PCR allele-specific amplification. The PCR product was identified by (a) size, (b) presence of a diagnostic restriction site, and (c) direct sequencing. Our results indicate that nascent mouse liver bears a subpopulation of cells which contain a mutation in codon 61 of Ha- ras -, specifically an A to G transition at position 2. Therefore, the detection of this mutation in chemically induced mouse liver tumors does not demonstrate that the chemical in question acts as a mutagen. It might act by a nongenotoxic mechanisms, i.e., by facilitating a clonal expansion of cells bearing this spontaneous mutation.
RIE-induced damage and contamination in silicon

Abstract Reactive ion etching always causes a dynamic radiation effect to crystalline silicon, beacause of an energetic particle bombardment. RIE induced radiation effects are mostly confined to the near surface within a projected range of impinging ions, but point defects, which are highly mobile at room temperatures, can migrate further into the bulk before a damaged surface layer is etched away. Competition between etch rates and damage rates ultimately determines a degree of the RIE damage residue: the slower the etch rate, the heavier the damage may be accumulated at the near surface, eventually leading to amorphization of the surface region. Also, a removal of the surface layer due to etching or sputtering enhances a chemical reaction between a bare surface and incoming radicals. This easily forms a foreign material on the surface which gives rise to a serious contamination problem. A post-cleaning at a low temperature is highly desirable whenever the surface of active devices must be exposed to rea...
The histologic fetoplacental inflammatory response in fatal perinatal group B-streptococcus infection

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of histologic fetoplacental inflammation in fetuses and newborns with fatal perinatal Group B-Streptococcus (GBS) infection. STUDY DESIGN: Autopsy files (1990 to 2002) were searched for fetuses and newborns with GBS-positive post-mortem blood and/or lung cultures. The rate of histological fetoplacental inflammation in preterm (<36 weeks gestational age) and term (≥36 weeks) fetuses/infants was compared using χ2 test. RESULTS: GBS infection was diagnosed in 4.9% (61/1236) of perinatal autopsies and was considered the exclusive cause of death in 58 cases (16 to 41 weeks gestation, median: 26 weeks). A total of 43 fetuses/infants (74%) were preterm, 24 (41%) were male and 33 (57%) stillborn. The histologic fetoplacental inflammatory response was age-dependent for the following variables: acute chorioamnionitis (seen in 67% of preterm vs 33% of term fetuses/infants, p < 0.05), multiple-vessel umbilical vasculitis (37 vs 7%, p < 0.05), funisitis (37 vs 13%, p < 0.05), and the presence of neutrophils in the gastrointestinal tract (35% vs none, p < 0.05). Neutrophils in the pulmonary airspaces (47 vs 33%) and pneumonia (16 vs 27%) were found with similar frequency in both groups. CONCLUSION: Histologic fetoplacental inflammation is a poor indicator of perinatal GBS infection; the sensitivity is 67% in preterm and 33% in term fetuses/newborns (overall sensitivity 59%). The higher rate of histologic inflammation in preterm fetuses/newborns suggests age-specific interactions between microorganism, host and placenta.
Evaluation of the bond mediated by eight DBA's to enamel and dentin.

Abstract It is well-established that the bonding strength between resin and acid-etched enamel is considered clinically adequate. The tensile bonding strength mediated by a group of dentinal bonding agents (DBA's) to both dentin and acid-etched enamel was measured after one hour and the results compared. For all the DBA's tested, the bonding strength to enamel was higher than that to dentin. These differences were significant for all DBA's except for Gluma/Clearfil F-II. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences between material-specific means to either enamel or dentin. For enamel, the significant differences were due to relatively low bonding strength value measured with the Prisma Bond. The bonding strength of all DBA's tested to acid-etched enamel would secure clinically high retention rate and adequate marginal quality. For dentin, these differences were due mainly to the high mean values for strength of bonds when the Gluma/Clearfil F-II combination was used. The low values and the large variations of the bonds to dentin measured with the commercial systems would affect the two major functions of DBA's, namely, retention of the restoration and prevention of marginal gaps. The Gluma/Clearfil combination should be recommended for clinical trials.
Farthest points in reflexive locally uniformly rotund Banach spaces

IfS is a bounded and closed subset of a Banach spaceB, which is both reflexive and locally uniformly rotund, then, except on a set of first Baire category, the points inB have farthest points inS.
A Scalable Bandwidth Aware Architecture for Connected Component Labeling

Recent literature on fast realizations of Connected Component Labeling has proposed single-pass algorithms and architectures that are particularly suited to hardware implementation. These architectures, however, impose input constraints unsuitable for real-time systems that have diverse interface specifications and bandwidth considerations. In this paper we present a streaming Connected Component Labeling architecture that includes a scalable processor that can be tuned to match the I/O bandwidth available in modern embedded computing platforms.
Joint Computation and Communication Scheduling to Enable Rich Mobile Applications

Increasing interest in sensor networking and ubiquitous computing has created a trend towards embedding more and more intelligence into our surroundings. This enables thin wireless clients to support powerful applications by using processing resources that are available around them. One of the major challenges is how to schedule both the embedded computing and wireless communication resources to support a broad set of client nodes. This scheduling has to take into account the constraints on the wireless capacity, as well as the resource limitations on the processing elements. We have developed a set of fast algorithms to perform this scheduling, based on an LP-approachand a greedy solution. These algorithms are able to perform the scheduling with a performance close to the optimal exhaustive solution, but with an execution time that is reduced by three or more orders of magnitude (from hours to seconds).