cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface Modification of Erbium-Doped Silicon Nanocrystals

This work describes a viable route to the surface chemical modification of erbium-doped silicon nanocrystals via their reaction with a capping reagent immediately after their formation in a pyrolysis oven. While the derivatized, doped nanocrystals retain the desired luminescence at 1540 nm associated with the erbium centers, for the −SiMe3- and −Si(CH2)3CN-capped nanocrystals, there is a clear improvement in their solubility in solvents such as butylphenyl ether. In contrast, propylamine-modified surfaces become less soluble in the solvents tested, presumably as a consequence of extensive hydrogen-bonding-induced aggregation. The implications of these modified nanocrystals for other applications are also discussed.
RSVM: a region-based software virtual memory for GPU

While Graphics Processing Units (GPU) have gained much success in general purpose computing in recent years, their programming is still difficult, due to, particularly, explicitly managed GPU memory and manual CPU-GPU data transfer. Despite recent calls for managing GPU resources as first-class citizens in the operating system, a mature GPU memory management mechanism is still missing, which leads to reinventing the wheels in various GPU system software. Meanwhile, due to ever enlarging problem sizes, we urgently need a system-level mechanism for unified CPU-GPU memory management. In this work, we present the design of Region-based Software Virtual Memory (RSVM), a software virtual memory running on both CPU and GPU in a distributed and cooperative way. In addition to automatic GPU memory management and GPU-CPU data transfer, RSVM offers two novel features: 1) GPU kernel-issued on-demand data fetching from the host into the GPU memory, and 2) intra-kernel transparent GPU memory swapping into the main memory. Our study reveals important insights on the challenges and opportunities of building unified virtual memory systems for heterogeneous computing. Experimental results on real GPU benchmarks demonstrate that, though it incurs a small overhead, RSVM can transparently scale GPU kernels to large problem sizes exceeding the device memory size limit; developers write the same code for different problem sizes, but still can optimize on data layout definition accordingly. Our evaluation also identifies missing GPU architecture features for better system software efficiency.
A critical analysis of thermochemical cellulosic biorefinery capital cost estimates

This analysis quantifies the impact of capital cost estimation methodologies and probability distributions on the 20-year net present values (NPV) of six thermochemical cellulosic biofuel pathways. It reviews the methodologies and distributions employed in the open literature, and compares the latter with those reported for existing energy projects. A sensitivity analysis calculates the impact of methodology choice on the NPV of each pathway scenario and an uncertainty analysis calculates the impact of probability distribution choice on the same. The sensitivity analysis finds that the choice of pessimistic or optimistic estimation methodology changes NPV by up to $300 million. The uncertainty analysis finds that the representation of capital cost by asymmetrical probability distributions increases the standard deviations of the 20-year NPV cumulative distribution functions by up to 35% relative to symmetrical distributions. Finally, recommendations are given to improve capital cost calculations in cellulosic biofuel techno-economic analyses. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Coronal magnetic structure at a solar sector boundary

A persistent large-scale coronal magnetic structure associated with a sector boundary is shown to consist probably of a magnetic arcade loop structure extending from one solar polar region to the other in approximately the north-south direction. This structure was inferred from computed coronal magnetic field maps for days on which a stable magnetic sector boundary was near the central meridian, based on an interplanetary sector boundary observed to recur during much of 1968 and 1969.
Anesthesia, surgery, illness and Alzheimer's disease

Patients and their families have, for many decades, detected subtle changes in cognition subsequent to surgery, and only recently has this been subjected to scientific scrutiny. Through a combination of retrospective human studies, small prospective biomarker studies, and experiments in animals, it is now clear that durable consequences of both anesthesia and surgery occur, and that these intersect with the normal processes of aging, and the abnormal processes of chronic neurodegeneration. It is highly likely that inflammatory cascades are at the heart of this intersection, and if confirmed, this suggests a therapeutic strategy to mitigate enhanced neuropathology in vulnerable surgical patients.
Assertiveness of Social Work Students

A goal of social work education is to increase assertiveness in students. This study of 162 undergraduates in social work suggests their training did not accomplish this goal.
Progress for Food or Food for Progress?: The Political Economy of Agricultural Growth and Development

Part I: Introduction Background Part II: Structures The Need for Food: Population Growth The Demand for Food Differential Sector Growth Incomes in Agriculture Productivity in Agriculture Employment Institutions Part III: Processes Trends in Production and Trade National Agricultural Policies Protectionism International Commodity Agreements National Planning International Aid International Planning? Part IV: Regions Tropical Africa North Africa and the Middle East Monsoon Asia Latin America The USSR and Eastern Europe Western and Southern Europe North America and Oceania Part V: Outlook Toward the Optional Society?
Vacuum-insulated-gate field-effect transistor

A vacuum-insulated-gate field-effect transistor (V1GFET) is fabricated using a modified polysilicon-gate MOS process. The vacuum insulation is formed by first selectively etching the initial SiO2 layer under the polysilicon gate in HF and then depositing LPCVD SiO2 (LTO) to seal the evacuated cavity under the gate. Initial measurements of n-channel FET drain characteristics result in an effective value for the channel-electron mobility × gate capacitance product of k' = μnC' = 21μAV-2, comparable to that of conventional MOSFETs.
Arabinose transport in araC− strains of Escherichia B/r

Abstract A permease is described which transports and is inducible by l -arabinose in araC− strains of Escherichia coli B/r. The cell density at which the permease begins to appear depends on several factors including the presence of added cyclic AMP, and the concentrations of the inducer and the carbon source. The kinetics of induction, the K m , and the substrate specificity of the permease provide evidence that it is distinct from the previously described arabinose- specific permease present in araC+ strains, and is probably equivalent to the methylgalactoside permease present in E. coli K12.
In Dubiis Libertas: A Diogenic Attitude for a Politics of Distrust

Cynicism is generally considered anathema to democratic politics. This essay argues that it is a potential wellspring of constructive distrust. Diogenes of Sinope, the fountainhead of Cynic philosophy, is recollected as a means for recuperating cynicism as an attitude, and thus a mode of civic being, rather than simply a social condition. Particular attention is paid to the liberatory promise of the Cynic exercises of parrhesia (truth-telling), askesis (training), and ponos (hard work), as well as the use of chreiai (anecdotes) as critical rhetorical devices, in order to approach a more charitable and humane politics. Street and graffiti artist, Banksy, is situated as an important figure of contemporary cynic citizenship.
The great gas pipeline game: monopolistic expansion of Russia's Gazprom into European markets

Purpose – Russian dominance of the Eurasian natural gas delivery system has put the independence of the EU's foreign policy at risk. Although Europe is struggling to counteract the threat, Russia appears to be winning the game. This paper aims to recommend significant measures to reverse the trend.Design/methodology/approach – This is a discussion paper exploring the issues involved.Findings – Russia's stranglehold already has acquired 25 percent of the European market. Moreover, it is installing four new pipelines, and plans to increase its market share substantially. In response, Europe is building or planning three new pipelines. The author recommends additionally: strategic gas reserves, anti‐trust prosecution, financial and political inducements, and offering WTO membership to Russia in exchange for concessions.Practical implications – Europe can win the great natural gas pipeline game if it is played with commitment. Europe must focus on the big prize, natural gas independence.Originality/value – Th...
Mediation by cyclic AMP of hormone-stimulated glycogenolysis in cultured rat astrocytoma cells.

Summary Rat astrocytoma cells, demonstrated to have a hormone-stimulated adenyl cyclase and a cyclic AMP-stimulated protein kinase, degrade glycogen in the presence of norepinephrine, epinephrine, histamine, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and papaverine, suggesting that cyclic AMP mediates hormonally induced glycogenolysis in astrocytes. Propranolol blocks adrenergic-induced glycogenolysis as well as adrenergic stimulation of adenyl cyclase. Histamine did not activate adenyl cyclase and propranolol did not block histamine-induced glycogenolysis, suggesting that histamine acts in a different manner than do norepinephrine and epinephrine.
A Microprocessor-Controlled Dual-Channel Stimulator

A programmable pulsed stimulator, presently applied to cardiac pacing, is described. The salient features are dual-channel current output, each of which can supply up to four pulses as well as a pulse tain, with pulse width and delay entered via keyboard, and front panel display of all pulse parameters simultaneously.
A reassessment of the nomenclature of Matricaria L. and Tripleurospermum Sch. Bip. (Asteraceae)

The nomenclature of the taxa often called Matricaria recutita L. (common chamomile) and Tripleurospermum perforatum (Merat) Lainz (scentless mayweed) is discussed with reference to nomenclatural history, recent typifications, and the provisions of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. Justification is presented for the use of the name Matricaria chamomilla L. for common chamomile and the epithet inodorum rather than perforatum for scentless mayweed, both of which have been avoided in much recent literature. Varietal nomenclature of M. chamomilla is addressed, and the combination Tripleurospermum maritimum subsp. inodorum is validated.
Enhanced Cellular Infiltration With Removal of Sacrificial Fibers From a Dual-Polymer Nanofibrous Scaffold

The meniscus is a wedge-shaped, fibrocartilaginous tissue that stabilizes the knee joint by transmitting and distributing loads from the rounded femur to the flat tibial plateau [1]. With normal use, the meniscus experiences large tensile stresses along its circumferentially oriented collagen fibers [2]. Interruption of these fibers with injury inhibits load transfer and precipitates the early onset of osteoarthritis in the adjacent articular surfaces. Endogenous healing of the avascular region of the meniscus is limited, and restoration of fiber architecture is difficult to achieve [3]. The current, standard treatment of partial meniscectomy alleviates symptoms but does not restore mechanical function.© 2007 ASME
958-94 Neurohormonal and Hemodynamic Effects of SDZ WAG 994 a Novel Selective A1Adenosine-receptor Agonist in Patients with Heart Failure

Effects of stable, selective A1adenosine receptor agonist (N6-cyclohexyl-2’-0-methyladenosine) SDZ WAG 994 were investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, multicenter study. After baseline hemodynamic and neurohormone data were obtained in 50 patients (mean age 56 years) with left ventricular dysfunction (mean EF 30%), who were NYHA Class I (32%) or II (68%), they received either 1, 2 or 5 mg of SDZWAG 994 or placebo orally. Hemodynamic data were collected every 30 minutes for 4 hours and then every 2 hours for 20 hours. Neurohormones and plasma drug concentration were measured 2 hours after dosing. The active drug was clinically well tolerated as there were no significant differences comparing adverse events reported with placebo and the 3 active drug doses. No important effects were seen on systolic, right atrial, pulmonary artery or pulmonary artery wedge pressures, cardiac index, or heart rate. The PR interval increased slightly with the 5 mg dose (176 to 193 msec at 2 hrs). Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels increased significantly (216 ± 137 to 407 ± 146 pg/mL, p l 0.01) with the 5 mg dose and increases of lesser magnitude occurred with 1 and 2 mg doses. Interestingly, plasma norepinephrine also increased with the 5 mg dose (477 ± 243 to 618 ± 237 pg/mL, p l 0.01). No significant changes occurred in plasma renin activity or epinephrine levels. In summary, selective A1adenosine receptor agonism, evidenced by an increase in PR interval and plasma ANP. was safely achieved for several hours in patients with LV dysfunction. Significant neurohormonal effects were observed with no important hemodynamic changes. Both A1adenosine agonism and ANP have been shown to attenuate hypoxic cell damage and vasoconstriction and this agent could have clinical utility in ischemic heart disease
Transcriptional silencing of N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) in metastatic colon cancer cell line SW620

N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) plays vital roles in tumor metastasis suppression and is frequently silenced in metastatic colon cancers. NDRG1 is silenced in a highly metastatic colon cancer cell line SW620. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential mechanisms involved in silencing of the NDRG1 gene. SW480 and SW620 are two colon cancer cell lines established from the same patient with different metastatic potentials, making them an ideal model for investigation of metastatic mechanisms. Knockdown of NDRG1 in SW480 to a level that is similar to that in SW620 also modulated cell cycle and proliferation in SW480 towards the status of the highly metastatic SW620. Epigenetic mechanisms of the transcriptional control of NDRG1 were investigated. The silencing of NDRG1 in SW620 was not due to promoter hyper-methylation as bisulfite sequencing of the NDRG1 promoter showed minimal DNA methylation in both cell lines. On the other hand, chromatin immunoprecipitation showed a significantly higher level of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) association with the NDRG1 promoter in SW480 compared to SW620, in agreement with its gene expression level. The low Pol II binding at the NDRG1 promoter in SW620 was associated with gene-wide decrease in histone H4 acetylation and increase in histone H3 serine 10 phosphorylation. Meanwhile, the NDRG1 coding region showed much higher histone H3 lysine 4 methylation in SW480. In conclusion we observed unique histone modifications in two colon cancer cell lines with different metastatic potentials, indicating possible mechanisms for the down-regulation of NDRG1 in metastatic SW620.
Comparative measurement of the molecular weight of an antineoplastic glucan from BCG vaccine.

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, developed originally for the prophylaxis of tuberculosis, is a potent immunostimulant used to treat superficial bladder carcinoma in man. The aim of this study was to compare the molecular weight and self-association properties of an antineoplastic glucan (PS1A1) extracted from BCG vaccine as determined by different techniques including diffusion, light-scattering and chromatographic methods. In the diffusion experiments, a semi-empirical relationship was derived between the effective diffusion coefficients, Dp, and the weight-average molecular weights, Mw, of several dextrans used as standards, according to the equation Dp = 2.233 times 10−6 x Mw−0.66. On the basis of this relationship, the molecular weight of PS1A1 was found to be 57.4 kDa, although, unexpectedly, membrane association was high, most probably because of molecular branching. In the light-scattering experiment it was observed that, unlike dextran, PS1A1 undergoes concentration-dependent multimerization in water. However, the molecular weight of PS1A1 in 0.1 M sodium chloride ranged from 60 to 68 kDa, with a mean of 65 kDa, over the same concentration range. This value was in agreement with the molecular weight determined for PS1A1 by gel-filtration chromatography in previous studies, suggesting that 65 kDa represents the approximate monomeric size of the unassociated molecule. Thus, it was evident that the aggregation was suppressed by electrolyte. Elemental analysis by X-ray fluorescence showed that PS1A1 contained carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and phosphorus, indicating that hitherto unobserved ionized phosphate groups might promote electrostatic interactions.
Acellular collagen matrix as a possible "off the shelf" biomaterial for urethral repair.

Abstract Objectives. To determine whether a naturally derived collagen-based tissue substitute developed for urethral reconstruction would be suitable for urethral repair in an animal model. Several urethral conditions often require nongenital tissues for reconstruction, such as skin grafts or mucosal grafts from the bladder or buccal regions. However, the use of these tissues for urethroplasty may be associated with additional procedures for graft retrieval, prolonged hospitalization, and morbidity. Methods. A ventral urethral defect was created in 10 male rabbits. The acellular collagen matrix, obtained and processed from porcine bladder submucosa, was trimmed and used to replace the urethral defect in an onlay fashion. Serial urethrography was performed pre- and postoperatively at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. The animals were sacrificed 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after surgery. The retrieved implants were analyzed grossly, histologically, and with immunocytochemistry. Results. All animals survived until being sacrificed without any noticeable voiding dysfunction. Serial urethrograms confirmed the maintenance of a wide urethral caliber without any signs of strictures. Gross examination at retrieval showed normally appearing tissue without any evidence of fibrosis. Histologically, the implanted matrices contained host cell infiltration and generous angiogenesis by 2 weeks after surgery. The presence of a confluent transitional cell layer was confirmed by immunocytochemical analyses using pancytokeratin antibodies. Anti-alpha actin antibodies demonstrated the migration of unorganized muscle fiber bundles 2 months after implantation and organized muscle bundles 6 months after implantation. Conclusions. The acellular collagen matrix appears to be a useful material for urethral repair in the rabbit. The matrix can be processed easily, has good characteristics for tissue handling and urethral function, and has the advantage of being an “off the shelf” material.
Internal packing in the control of hemorrhage from large retroperitoneal veins

Abstract Background Hemorrhage from large retroperitoneal veins is usually controlled by suturing the venous tear. Infrequently, the extent and location of the tear and amount of hemorrhage preclude successful suturing. Methods In seven patients with severe hemorrhage from large retroperitoneal veins encountered in association with resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma (6) or repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (1), packing of the area with sufficient amounts of Surgicel (Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson, Somerville, NJ) and pressure for one half hour was used. Results All seven patients did not show any bleeding postoperatively and no clinical sequelae developed, with the exception of one patient who developed an abscess requiring drainage. Conclusion Internal packing with Surgicel appears to be reliable in controlling venous hemorrhage not manageable by the standard methods and may be preferable to roll gauze packing.
Analysis of Raritan Bay bottom waters for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons.

This study was designed to survey polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations and types in the bottom waters of the Lower NY Bay - Raritan Bay Complex. Knowledge of the types and concentrations of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons may elucidate mechanisms of transport and dissemination of these compounds in the environment.
Introduction of the American Pediatric Society's 2005 John Howland Award Recipient, Mary Ellen Avery, M.D.

Mary Ellen Avery (Fig. 1) was born on May 6, 1927, in Camden, New Jersey. APGARs were 10 at 1 min and 11 at 5. Having gotten off to a fast start, Mel decided not to walk until 19 months of age. As her mother recorded in her baby book, “Suddenly one Sunday afternoon she stood up and stepped out. Having discovered she could walk, she kept steadily at it.” How well do these early months portend the rest of the career! Having discovered, she kept steadily at it.
Factors influencing elevated ethanol consumption in adolescent relative to adult rats.

: Background: Many teenagers report frequent alcohol use during the adolescent period. Animal models may be an important tool for exploring factors that contribute to alcohol consumption during this critical period. Methods: Using a 24-hour, free-access, two-bottle-choice procedure between water and a sweetened solution with or without ethanol in nondeprived rats, the present series of experiments examined the contribution of a variety of contextual and experimental variables (i.e., isolate-housing versus pair-housing, type of sipper tube, caloric value of solution, prior experimental perturbations) on alcohol consumption in both adolescent and adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Results: Ethanol consumption was particularly magnified among adolescent rats using ball bearing–containing ball-point (BP) sipper tubes, with this exacerbated intake not due to caloric content of the ethanol solution. Isolation housing for 12 days did not alter ethanol consumption of adolescents relative to their socially housed counterparts while suppressing consumption of isolated adults. An examination of differences in the relative magnitude of adolescent ethanol consumption across experiments in this series revealed that ethanol intake among adolescents was elevated not only by the inclusion of BP sipper tubes but also by staggering the timing of isolate housing relative to the presentation of the novel ethanol solution. Conclusions: The results of this experimental series demonstrate that adolescent animals consume significantly more ethanol than adult animals under a variety of home cage continuous-access circumstances, with the relatively greater intake of adolescents further magnified by a number of test conditions. Subtle experimental details often thought to be innocuous can have a substantial impact on overall amount of voluntary ethanol consumption observed in both adolescent and adult animals.
On the movement of multiple reaction zones in porous media

A distributed parameter model has been developed to describe flow and dissolution of different minerals in porous media. Asymptotic solutions are obtained to give the separation of the different mineral reaction fronts and the time for the reaction front to move through the porous core. The experimental observations agree well with theoretical predictions.
Limiting access to information: A view from the leeward side

L'auteur s'interroge sur la valeur de l'information transmise par les moyens electroniques par comparaison avec celle issue de la communication interpersonnelle
Molecular symmetry. IV. The coupled perturbed Hartree–Fock method

Symmetry methods employed in the ab initio polyatomic program HONDO are extended to the coupled perturbed Hartree-Fock (CPHF) formalism, a key step in the analytical computation of energy first derivatives for configuration interaction (CI) wave functions, and energy second derivatives for Hartree-Fock (HF) wave functions. One possible computational strategy is to construct Fock-Like matrices for each nuclear coordinate in which the one- and two-electron integrals of the usual Fock matrix are replaced by the integral first derivatives. Skeleton matrices are constructed from the unique blocks of electron-repulsion integral derivatives. The correct matrices are generated by applying a symmetrization operator. The analysis is valid for many wave functions, including closed- or open-shell spin-restricted and spin-unrestricted HF wave functions. To illustrate the method, the computer time required for setting up the coupled perturbed HF equations for eclipsed ethane using D/sub 3h/ symmetry point group and various subgroups of D/sub 3h/ are compared. Computational times are roughly inversely proportional to the order of the point group. 10 references, 1 table.
The International Exascale Software Project roadmap

Over the last 20 years, the open-source community has provided more and more software on which the worldâs high-performance computing systems depend for performance and productivity. The community has invested millions of dollars and years of effort to build key components. However, although the investments in these separate software elements have been tremendously valuable, a great deal of productivity has also been lost because of the lack of planning, coordination, and key integration of technologies necessary to make them work together smoothly and efficiently, both within individual petascale systems and between different systems. It seems clear that this completely uncoordinated development model will not provide the software needed to support the unprecedented parallelism required for peta/ exascale computation on millions of cores, or the flexibility required to exploit new hardware models and features, such as transactional memory, speculative execution, and graphics processing units. This report describes the work of the community to prepare for the challenges of exascale computing, ultimately combing their efforts in a coordinated International Exascale Software Project.
Structure of the HIV-1 RNA packaging signal

The 5' leader of the HIV-1 genome contains conserved elements that direct selective packaging of the unspliced, dimeric viral RNA into assembling particles. By using a (2)H-edited nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approach, we determined the structure of a 155-nucleotide region of the leader that is independently capable of directing packaging (core encapsidation signal; Ψ(CES)). The RNA adopts an unexpected tandem three-way junction structure, in which residues of the major splice donor and translation initiation sites are sequestered by long-range base pairing and guanosines essential for both packaging and high-affinity binding to the cognate Gag protein are exposed in helical junctions. The structure reveals how translation is attenuated, Gag binding promoted, and unspliced dimeric genomes selected, by the RNA conformer that directs packaging.
Metastability of the Fluorite, Pyrochlore, and Perovskite Structures in the PbO—ZrO2—TiO2 System

The crystallization, transformation, and partitioning of amorphous PbO—ZrO2—TiO2 powders produced by pyrolytic decomposition of partially hydrolyzed, mixed alkoxide precursors were investigated. Materials have the general formulation Pb1+χTi[1/(1+φ)]Zr[φ/(1+φ)]O3+χ, where −0.2 ≤χ≤ 0.2 is the fraction of PbO nominal excess/deficiency and 0 ≤φ≤ 1 is the Zr/Ti molar ratio. Most compositions first crystallized as a metastable fluorite structure with varying degrees of pyrochlore-like cation ordering, which transformed to a single perovskite phase upon additional heat treatment. Higher Zr/Ti ratios enhanced the retention of fluorite and reduced the incidence of cation ordering. Compositions with off-stoichiometric amounts of PbO often yielded extended solid solutions prior to partitioning. For example, metastable perovskites with as much as 20% PbO deficiency (χ=−0.2) could be prepared for 0 ≤φ≤ 1, but only ∼10% PbO excess could be incorporated in solid solution for 0.33 ≤φ≤ 1. Increasing PbO content was found to promote crystallization, suggesting that this oxide acts as a network modifier enhancing mobility within the initial amorphous precursor powder. Higher PbO was also noted to favor cation ordering in the metastable phase and to accelerate the transformation to perovskite, as well as to promote partitioning for hyperstoichiometric compositions. The findings are discussed in light of structural relationships between the fluorite, pyrochlore, and perovskite phases, as well as current understanding of the thermodynamics of the system.
Stressful Family Experiences and Young Children: How the Classroom Teacher Can Help

The classroom teacher can identify and work with students experiencing stress---ways to help
Sequential Logic Circuits Using Spatial Wavefunction Switched (SWS) FETs

The spatial wavefunction-switched field-effect transistor (SWSFET) is one of the promising quantum well devices that transfers electrons from one quantum well channel to the other channel based on the applied gate voltage. This eliminates the use of more transistors as we have coupled channels in the same device operating at different threshold voltages. This feature can be exploited in many digital integrated circuits thus reducing the count of transistors which translates to less die area. The simulations of basic sequential circuits like SR latch, D latch and flip flop are presented here using SWSFET based logic gates. The circuit model of a SWSFET was developed using Berkeley short channel IGFET model (BSIM 3).
Sampling Rate Scheduling and Digital Filter Co-design of Networked Supervisory Control System

A networked supervisory control system is one type of networked control systems (NCS) in which a supervisor monitors and analyzes remote plants via communication network. This paper proposes an adaptive multiple sampling rate scheduling (AMSRS) methodology with digital filters in the signal process steps of the control loop to maintain the transmitted measurement signals' fidelity in order to help supervisor's decision making under normal and faulty operating conditions. Specifications of digital filters are chosen according to the system's frequency domain characteristics to bound the signal sampling and reconstruction errors as well as conserve available resource. A networked high throughput screening (HTS) process supervisory control system is used as a case study in this paper to demonstrate the effectiveness of using digital filters in the sampling rate scheduling method. A comparison between using the digital filter and previous zero-order hold approach (Z. Li and M.-Y. Chow, 2006) in signal reconstruction shows that digital filters can further reduce the reconstruction error. Furthermore, the use of filters extensively reduces the amount of consuming bandwidth (resource) in signal sampling and transmission (e.g., 40% and 56% bandwidth saved by two types of digital filters in specific case), and improves the system performance bounded by the limited resources.
Neighbor discovery in mobile ad hoc networks using an abstract MAC layer

We explore the problem of neighbor discovery in a mobile ad hoc network environment. We describe a protocol for learning about neighboring nodes in such an environment. The protocol is used for establishing and tearing down communication links with neighboring nodes as they move from one region of the network to another. The protocol is implemented on top of the abstract MAC layer service presented in [4], which provides reliable message delivery within the local neighborhood and also provides the sender with an acknowledgment when all neighboring nodes have received a message. There is an upper bound, guaranteed by the abstract MAC layer service, on the worst case delay that a message can experience before it is received or acknowledged. We determine the time complexity of the neighbor discovery protocol in terms of the bounded delays provided by the underlying abstract MAC layer.
Improving energy efficiency and enabling water recycling in biorefineries using bioelectrochemical systems

Improving biofuel yield and water reuse are two important issues in further development of biorefineries. The total energy content of liquid fuels (including ethanol and hydrocarbon) produced from cellulosic biomass via biochemical or hybrid bio-thermochemical routes can vary from 49% to 70% of the biomass entering the biorefinery, on an energy basis. Use of boiler for combustion of residual organics and lignin results in significant energy and water losses. An alternate process to improve energy recovery from the residual organic streams is via use of bioelectrochemical systems such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs) microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). The potential advantages of this alternative scheme in a biorefinery include minimization of heat loss and generation of a higher value product, hydrogen. The need for 5-15 gallons of water per gallon of ethanol can be reduced significantly via recycle of water after MEC treatment. Removal of inhibitory byproducts such as furans, phenolics and acetate in MFC/MECs to generate energy, thus, has dual advantages including improvements in energy efficiency and ability to recycle water. Conversion of the sugar- and lignin- degradation products to hydrogen is synergistic with biorefinery hydrogen requirements for upgrading F-T liquids and other byproducts to high-octane fuels and/or high valuemore » products. Some of these products include sorbitol, succinic acid, furan and levulinate derivatives, glycols, polyols, 1,4-butenadiol, phenolics polymers, etc. Potential process alternatives utilizing MECs in biorefineries capable of improving energy efficiency by up to 30% are discussed.« less
Alternative Modes of Binding of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase 1 to Free DNA and Nucleosomes

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) is an abundant nuclear protein that binds chromatin and catalyzes the transfer of ADP-ribose groups to itself and to numerous target proteins upon interacting with damaged DNA. The molecular basis for the dual role of PARP-1 as a chromatin architectural protein and a first responder in DNA repair pathways remains unclear. Here, we quantified the interactions of full-length PARP-1 and its N-terminal half with different types of DNA damage and with defined nucleosome substrates. We found that full-length PARP-1 prefers nucleosomes with two linker DNA extensions over any other substrate (including several free DNA models) and that the C-terminal half of PARP-1 is necessary for this selectivity. We also measured the ability of various substrates to activate PARP-1 activity and found that the most important feature for activation is one free DNA end rather than tight interaction with the activating nucleic acid. Our data provide insight into the different modes of interaction of this multidomain protein with nucleosomes and free DNA.
Tectonic evolution of the Nakasib suture, Red Sea Hills, Sudan: evidence for a late Precambrian Wilson Cycle

The Nakasib suture is a late Proterozoic (Pan-African) ophiolite-decorated structural belt in the central Red Sea Hills of the Sudan. It represents one of the sutures along which the island arc/back-arc terranes and continental microplates of the Arabian-Nubian Shield are welded together. The Nakasib suture separates the 900–850 Ma old Haya terrane in the south from the 830–720 Ma old Gebeit terrane to the north. Five thrust-bounded stratigraphical groups are identified across the suture. These are, from south to north, Arbaat volcanic group (c. 730 Ma rift-related volcanic rocks), Salatib group (early passive margin volcanic and sedimentary rocks), Meritri group (the lower part of which contains alluvial and submarine fans of an incipient ocean basin, while its upper part can be tentatively equated with a platform of clastic sedimentary and carbonate intercalations which mark the stage of mature ocean basin opening), Nakasib ophiolite, and Shalhout group (arc-related volcanic and sedimentary rocks). These are intruded by syn-tectonic and post-tectonic plutonic rocks. The tectonic setting of the above lithological groups suggests that the early stage of the Nakasib suture development was marked by rifting of older crust, probably the Haya terrane, which culminated in development of a passive margin on the south margin of an oceanic basin prior to collapse into an ophiolite-decorated suture. This indicates that the Nakasib suture evolved through a complete Wilson cycle orogeny from rifting, through passive margin formation, to closure of the basin and suturing.
A co-operative web services paradigm for supporting crawlers

The traditional crawlers used by search engines to build their collection of Web pages frequently gather unmodified pages that already exist in their collection. This creates unnecessary Internet traffic and wastes search engine resources during page collection and indexing. Generally, the crawlers are also unable to collect dynamic pages, causing them to miss valuable information, and they cannot easily detect deleted pages, resulting in outdated search engine collections. To address these issues, we propose a new Web services paradigm for Website/crawler interaction that is co-operative and exploits the information present in the Web logs and file system. Our system supports a querying mechanism wherein the crawler can issue queries to the Web service on the Website and then collect pages based on the information provided in response to the query. We present experimental results demonstrating that, when compared to traditional crawlers, this approach provides bandwidth savings, more complete Web page collections, and collections that are notified of deleted pages. We experimentally compare the relative merits of using only Web logs, only file system information, and combinations of the two sources to provide information for the Web service.
Absolute Isotopic Abundance Ratios and Atomic Weight of a Reference Sample of Nickel.

Absolute values have been obtained for the isotopic abundance ratios of a reference sample of nickel (Standard Reference Material 986), using thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Samples of known isotopic composition, prepared from nearly isotopically pure separated nickel isotopes, were used to calibrate the mass spectrometers. The resulting absolute isotopic ratios are: 58Ni/60Ni=2.596061±0.000728, 61Ni/60Ni=0.043469±0.000015,62Ni/60Ni=0.138600±0.000045, and 64Ni/60Ni=0.035295±0.000024, which yield atom percents of 58Ni=68.076886 ±0.005919, 60Ni = 26.223146±0.005144,61Ni=1.139894±0.000433, 62Ni =3.634528±0.001142, and 64Ni =0.925546±0.000599. The atomic weight calculated from this isotopic composition is 58.693353 ±0.000147. The indicated uncertainties are overall limits of error based on two standard deviations of the mean and allowances for the effects of known sources of possible systematic error.
Predictive probability early termination plans for phase II. Clinical trials

A phase II clinical trial is designed to gather data to help decide whether an experimental treatment has sufficient effectiveness to justify further study. In a one-arm trial with dichotomous outcome, we wish to test a simple null hypothesis on the Bernoulli parameter against a one-sided alternative in a sample of N patients. It is advisable to have a rule to terminate the trial early when evidence accumulates that the treatment is ineffective. Predictive probabilities based on the binomial distribution and beta and uniform prior distributions for the binomial parameter are found to be useful as the basis of group sequential designs. Size, power and average sample size for these designs are discussed. A process for the specification of an early termination plan, advice on the quantification of prior beliefs, and illustrative examples are included.
Abstract LB-353: From worms to humans: understanding the role of microRNAs in cancer progression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate important developmental events and are often misexpressed in human cancers, but little is known regarding how these small RNAs contribute to tumor formation. Our laboratory uses a combination of nematode and mammalian model systems to functionally characterize miRNAs and determine the role these factors play in controlling cancer progression pathways. We have successfully used the nematode to analyze how members of the lin-4 and let-7 miRNA families functionally overlap to direct common developmental events associated with cell cycle progression and differentiation. Specifically, animals that carry a triple deletion for the lin-4 homologue, mir-237, and the let-7 homologues, mir-48 and mir-84, exhibit morphological defects and fertility problems related to abnormal mitotic and meiotic abnormalities in the germline that were not found in the single or double deletion combinations. We have also begun to determine how the let-7 miRNA family functions as tumor suppressor genes in mammals. Our experiments showing that exogenous let-7 miRNA administration in the lung using a conditionally activated KRAS lung cancer mouse model result in reduced lung tumor load in these animals highlight the therapeutic potential of miRNAs. We are also studying the role of let-7 together with other miRNA families in directing cancer progression pathways in human tissues of urothelial origin. For instance, we find that let-7 is dysregulated in human prostate cancer cell lines differing in their metastatic status and indicates a novel role for this miRNA in prostate cancer progression. Due to our access to a vast repository of human prostate specimens from the Virginia Prostate Center at Eastern Virginia Medical School, we have begun to analyze the miRNA expression profiles in FFPE specimens taken from the primary prostate tumor, normal adjacent tissue and the lymph node metastasis of individual prostate cancer patients as well as in tumors from patients presenting insignificant and organ confined cancer. We are also determining the “miRNA signatures” in blood, urine, and expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) that were obtained non-invasively from both normal and cancer patients. Our work investigating the role of miRNAs during cancer progression promises to reveal novel therapeutic approaches and diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for human cancer. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-353.
Pediatric and Adolescent LGBT Health

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth face multiple challenges during their adolescence. This chapter addresses the developmental, psychosocial, medical, and mental health needs of LGBT youth and their families. This chapter explores literature on LGBT youth health disparities and introduces a framework for providing LGBT youth clinically and culturally competent care. Best practices and clinical resources for those caring for LGBT youth are reviewed in this chapter.
Seismic response analysis of interaction between stand storage tank and its base

Seismic response of stand storage tank-fluid-foundation interaction is calculated under action of strong earthquake. The effects of parameters on the seismic response of the tank is analyzed under four site conditions. The results show that seismic response of the tank is different in different sites; the effect of base modulus on its seismic response is obvious, the base is softer, the base moment and axial stress are more small, while the hoop stress and base uplift are greater.
A unique occurrence of Endophyllum (rugose coral; Devonian) in eastern North America; an ecological and biogeographical puzzle

Endophyllum is described for the first time from North America. The occurrence of a single, large colony in Middle Devonian strata in New York is both biogeographically and environmentally anomalous: it belongs to an Old World Realm genus but was found in the Eastern Americas Realm, and it occurred in a gray, ambocoeliid-bearing mudstone, a facies in which morphologically complex corals are otherwise unknown. Available evidence suggests that the coral lived not far from where it was found, possibly on a hardground or bank a few km north of the outcrop. Endophyllum ciurcai new species is described.
Opportunistic Sharing of Airborne Sensors

Airborne sensors are often idle for much of their flight, e.g., while the platform carrying them is in transit to and from the locations of sensor tasks. The sensing needs of many other potential information consumers might thus be served by sharing such sensors, allowing other information consumers to opportunistically task them during their otherwise unscheduled time. Toward this end, we have developed Mission-Driven Tasking of Information Producers (MTIP), a prototype system for opportunistic sharing of airborne sensors. This paper describes its implementation as an agent-based task allocation system on top of the Marti Quality of Service (QoS)-managed publish-subscribe information management system, and presents simulations of a disaster response scenario demonstrating how MTIP can increase the number of sensor tasks served as well as reducing the number of UAVs required to serve a given set of sensor tasks.
A Link between Integral Membrane Protein Expression and Simulated Integration Efficiency

Integral membrane proteins (IMPs) control the flow of information and nutrients across cell membranes, yet IMP mechanistic studies are hindered by difficulties in expression. We investigate this issue by addressing the connection between IMP sequence and observed expression levels. For homologs of the IMP TatC, observed expression levels vary widely and are affected by small changes in protein sequence. The effect of sequence changes on experimentally observed expression levels strongly correlates with the simulated integration efficiency obtained from coarse-grained modeling, which is directly confirmed using an in vivo assay. Furthermore, mutations that improve the simulated integration efficiency likewise increase the experimentally observed expression levels. Demonstration of these trends in both Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis suggests that the results are general to other expression systems. This work suggests that IMP integration is a determinant for successful expression, raising the possibility of controlling IMP expression via rational design.