cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metadata Traces and Workload Models for Evaluating Big Storage Systems

Efficient namespace metadata management is increasingly important as next-generation file systems are designed for peta and exascales. New schemes have been proposed, however, their evaluation has been insufficient due to a lack of appropriate namespace metadata traces. Specifically, no Big Data storage system metadata trace is publicly available and existing ones are a poor replacement. We studied publicly available traces and one Big Data trace from Yahoo! and note some of the differences and their implications to metadata management studies. We discuss the insufficiency of existing evaluation approaches and present a first step towards a statistical metadata workload model that can capture the relevant characteristics of a workload and is suitable for synthetic workload generation. We describe Mimesis, a synthetic workload generator, and evaluate its usefulness through a case study in a least recently used metadata cache for the Hadoop Distributed File System. Simulation results show that the traces generated by Mimesis mimic the original workload and can be used in place of the real trace providing accurate results.
Orchestrating the Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project is under way. The Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health are cooperating effectively to develop organizational structures and scientific priorities that should keep the project on schedule and within its budget.
Canine tracheal blood flow after endotracheal tube cuff inflation during normotension and hypotension

Tracheal tissue damage associated with endotracheal intubation may be a direct result of high mucosal contact pressure (MCP) generated by the endotracheal tube cuff. Tracheal blood flow (TBF) was measured at MCPs in the normotensive and hypotensive (mean arterial blood pressure, 50 mm Hg) canine mod
Aqueous Solution/Air Interfaces Probed with Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy.

An important issue for developing a molecular-level mechanism of heterogeneous interactions at the aqueous interface is determining changes in the interface with changes in the bulk composition. Development of the nonlinear spectroscopy, sum frequency generation (SFG) provides a technique to probe these changes. Several molecular and ionic solutes have been used to investigate changes in the structure of the aqueous interface. Molecular solutes include glycerol and ammonia. Ionic and associated ion complexes include sulfuric acid as well as alkali sulfate and bisulfate salts. Molecular solutes and associated ion complexes penetrate to the top monolayer of the aqueous-air interface displacing water from the interface. Specifically, the conjectured ammonia−water complex is observed with ammonia tilted, on average, 25−38° from the normal. Ionic solutes generate a double layer in the interfacial region due to the differential distribution of anions and cations near the interface. The strength of the double la...
Twenty-four-hour time course of eosinophil granule proteins ECP and EPX during bronchial allergen challenges in serum of asthmatic children

To study in vivo monitoring variables for bronchial allergen challenges, we investigated the time course of the eosinophil granule proteins, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil protein X (EPX) after allergen provocation in serum. Thirty-two asthmatic children sensitive to house-dust mites and six healthy young adult controls were challenged by bronchial allergen provocations with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae. Blood samples were taken at regular intervals up to 24 h. Base-line concentrations of ECP (P < 0.004), EPX (P < 0.002), and eosinophils (P < 0.001) were found to be increased in asthmatic children, as compared with healthy controls. ECP and EPX concentrations showed a uniform pattern with two characteristic features: 1) a rapid increase for both mediators up to 30 min after provocation over base-line values (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001), followed by a rapid decrease nearly to base-line values in the next 30 min; and 2) a steady increase for ECP and EPX up to 10 h (P < 0.02 and P < 0.01), and even higher levels at 24 h, after challenge (P < 0.002 and P < 0.003). We conclude that although eosinophils are activated in asthmatic children after bronchial allergen challenge, ECP and EPX concentrations are not suitable monitoring variables. Base-line eosinophils seem to predict the occurrence of a late-phase asthmatic reaction after allergen provocation.
The nature of autoantigens targeted in autoimmune endocrine diseases

Autoimmune endocrine diseases result from autoimmune processes involving autoreactive T cells and/or autoantibodies. Considerable progress has been made in elucidating the self- (auto-) antigens involved in these processes. These include tissue-specific membrane receptors, enzymes and secreted hormones. As discussed here by Yao-Hua Song and colleagues, diagnostic and therapeutic applications should now result from these discoveries.
Hydrogen isotope exchange in alkylidynes on Pt(111)

Abstract The exchange of deuterium and hydrogen in ethylidyne and propylidyne on Pt(111) has been studied using temperature programmed desorption and secondary ion mass spectroscopy. Activation energies of near 7 kcal/mol characterize the initial rate of deuterium incorporation into both species. The exchange in ethylidyne is readily described by a sequential exchange model with equal exchange rates for each of the three deuterium atoms. In propylidyne, the situation is quite different in the following respects: (1) comparable incorporation rates require 100-fold higher D 2 pressures, and (2) incorporation rates are very nonuniform, some D being incorporated very rapidly and some H remaining unreacted even at very long D 2 exposures. Possible active exchange intermediates are discussed.
A single-mode Echelle spectrograph: eliminating modal variation, enabling higher precision Doppler study

An innovative compact - yet high resolution - cross-dispersed echelle spectrograph has been designed, built, and deployed at TSU's 2-meter robotic telescope for initial tests and commissioning. This design is based on a single mode fiber (SMF) and it eliminates mode noise in fiber-fed spectrographs which is important for m/s precision exoplanet Doppler searches. The use of SMFs removes modal variation, makes the design compact and the camera focus slow and stable at the price of lower throughput. This can be improved by using adaptive optics or by placing it in space; the compact design is well suited for such deployment.
An examination of the test scores of the Folger and Konovsky measure of procedural justice

This study examines the validity of the Folger and Konovsky measure of procedural justice through confirmatory factor analysis of data from two distinct samples: 416 bank employees and 221 marketing managers. The results failed to support the original three-factor structure of feedback, recourse, and planning, but indicated that feedback and planning could be collapsed into one factor. Analysis of the results from the original feedback and planning subscales indicate that a construct underlying the items in these two subscales is the communication relationship between the manager and the employee.
Impact of an interventional radiology elective on medical students

Purpose A retrospective evaluation of a medical student Interventional Radiology (IR) elective at a single institution and its impact on specialty and subspecialty choice as well as awareness of the field. Materials and Methods Email addresses were obtained for all medical students that had taken the IR elective since its inception 5 years prior. For those current and former medical students with active email addresses, an anonymous electronic survey link was sent via email. Results Active email addresses were obtained for 83 of the 91 medical students who participated in the IR elective over a 5-year period. A 59% (n=49) response rate was obtained. Overall, 91.8% of respondents had recommended or would recommend the elective to classmates. The "hands-on" opportunities provided by the IR elective were rated as superior to those of other procedural-based electives by 65.4% of respondents. 29.2% of respondents ultimately decided to apply to Radiology and 47.9% of those expressed an interest in a career in IR. Interestingly, those deciding to apply to Radiology residency had statistically (p=0.04) less General Radiology experience prior to the IR rotation than did those who came out of it with unchanged or negative feelings toward Radiology. Of those who went into the elective with limited prior General Radiology and IR experience, a staggering 42.8% subsequently decided to apply to Radiology residency and 38.4% were interested in an IR career. Conclusion An IR elective is not widely available to medical students at many academic institutions. The survey at our institution highlights the impact that the elective has on students, even those without prior Radiology experience, in their pursuit of a career in Diagnostic Radiology or Interventional Radiology. The results underscore the importance of integrating IR electives into medical school curricula across the country, for continued recruitment and advancement of our field, and in light of the recently approved DR/IR certificate. Increased availability of this elective to medical students may also diversify the type of students applying to Radiology residency.
Social network site use, mobile personal talk and social capital among teenagers

Mobile personal talk has a positive relationship with network capital among teens.SNS adoption and mobile personal talk jointly predict teens' civic participation.Different SNS activities have different relationships with social capital.Mobile talk moderates relationships between various SNS activities and social capital. Social network sites (SNSs) and mobile phones are becoming increasingly important in teenagers' lives. Using data collected from a nationally representative survey (N=800), this study explores the variation of social capital by SNS adoption, different SNS activities, and mobile personal talk among teenagers. The results indicate that SNS adoption and mobile personal talk can not only enhance teenagers' close ties with friends, but also jointly promote teenagers' civic engagement. Among SNS users, mobile personal talk also increase teens' network capital. Different SNS activities such as commenting on friend's Facebook pictures and joining Facebook groups have different relationships with social capital, and such relationships are moderated by mobile personal talk.
Additions to z-transformation theory for sampled-data systems

THERE is one important class of feedback control systems which until recently has received but limited attention. The systems in this class are known as sampled-data systems. The distinguishing feature of this class of systems is that at one or more points in the system, signal information has the form of a train of pulses.
Numerical Simulation of Fluid Flow in the Vicinity of an Oscillating Cavity: Parametric Study

In this paper, numerical solutions of fluid flow in the vicinity an oscillating square cavity are presented. OpenFOAM (v 2.2.2), an open-source, Finite Volume CFD code was used to solve the problem. The oscillating cavity problem was studied with respect to the following parameters: (1) peak Reynolds numbers (based on the cavity size, Red) of 50, 100, 200, and 300, and (2) the ratio of the Stokes layer thickness to the cavity size (δ/d) of 0.25, 0.5, and 1. An oscillatory source term was provided to the streamwise momentum equation and the problem was solved with a stationary grid. The resultant fluid velocities were then vectorially corrected for the wall velocity. The patterns and the magnitudes of entrainment and ejection of fluid mass to and from the cavity were studied. Lower Red flows were marked by the absence of a secondary recirculation zone inside the cavity in contrast to higher Red flows. Lower Red flows were observed to have fluid contact with the outside shear layer for a larger portion of the oscillatory cycle, and thus, were observed to result in higher effective fluid transport across the cavity. Higher δ/d ratios resulted in decreased peak mass flow across the cavity aperture plane and only over a smaller portion of the cycle time owing to the thickness of the oscillatory boundary layer in relation to the cavity size. As the δ/d was lowered, effective mass flow was observed to increase and over a larger portion of the cycle time.© 2014 ASME
Registration of unseen images based on the generative manifold modeling of variations of appearance and anatomical shape in brain population

In this paper we propose a method to register a pair of images unseen to the original dataset based on a generative manifold model. The basic premise of this approach is to design an image distance metric using a weighted sum of similarity and smoothness terms derived from a diffeomorphic registration of pairwise images. A refined image distance matrix based on this metric can be adopted as an input for nonlinear dimensionality reduction of the dataset, and the learned manifold can be approximated to simultaneously reflect the variations of appearance and anatomical shape. The generative manifold model that combines the image distance measurement and the manifold learning technique is used to estimate the geodesic path via the unseen pair for composition of the final deformation field. The experimental result of a set of real 3D mouse brain volumes demonstrates that the estimated manifold coordinates appropriately reflect the trend in the original dataset and that the registration of unseen images using the shortest path inferred from the generative manifold model improves the result against the direct registration.
Non-Hermitian Delocalization and Eigenfunctions

Recent literature on delocalization in non-Hermitian systems has stressed criteria based on sensitivity of eigenvalues to boundary conditions and the existence of a nonzero current. We emphasize here that delocalization also shows up clearly in eigenfunctions, provided one studies the product of left and right eigenfunctions, as required on physical grounds, and not simply the squared modulii of the eigenfunctions themselves. We also discuss the right and left eigenfunctions of the ground state in the delocalized regime and suggest that the behavior of these functions, when considered separately, may be viewed as ``intermediate'' between localized and delocalized.
A Numerical Modeling Study of Warm Offshore Flow over Cool Water

Abstract Numerical simulations of boundary layer evolution in offshore flow of warm air over cool water are conducted and compared with aircraft observations of mean and turbulent fields made at Duck, North Carolina. Two models are used: a two-dimensional, high-resolution mesoscale model with a turbulent kinetic energy closure scheme, and a three-dimensional large-eddy simulation (LES) model that explicitly resolves the largest turbulent scales. Both models simulate general aspects of the decoupling of the weakly convective boundary layer from the surface, as it is advected offshore, and the formation of an internal boundary layer over the cool water. Two sets of experiments are performed, which indicate that complexities in upstream surface conditions play an important role in controlling the observed structure. The first (land–sea) experiments examine the transition from a rough surface having the same temperature as the ambient lower atmosphere, to a smooth ocean surface that is 5°C cooler. In the seco...
Statistical volume element method for predicting microstructure-constitutive property relations

Abstract There is an inevitable need to establish multilength scale statistical microstructure–constitutive property relations in materials design. In this paper, we have developed a statistical volume element method to analyze, quantify, and calibrate such microstructure–constitutive property relations by statistical means. Statistical volume element simulations are adopted to predict material constitutive properties corresponding to various realizations of random microstructure configurations. A computing framework that links random configuration generators and finite element analysis has been developed. A statistical cause–effect analysis approach is proposed to study the influence of random material microstructure on material constitutive properties. Within the proposed approach, statistically significant microstructure parameters are first identified based on their linear impacts on material constitutive properties. Global sensitivity analysis is then employed to provide a more comprehensive importance ranking of these critical microstructure parameters considering both main and interaction effects. The uncertainties in material constitutive properties due to random microstructure configurations are quantified in terms of distributions, statistical moments, and correlations. The obtained probabilistic constitutive relations are used to calibrate the model parameters in a constitutive relation model following a statistical calibration process. The proposed approach is applied to examine a porous steel alloy material for demonstrative purposes.
Meta-Analysis of 23 Type 2 Diabetes Linkage Studies from the International Type 2 Diabetes Linkage Analysis Consortium

Background: The International Type 2 Diabetes Linkage Analysis Consortium was formed to localize type 2 diabetes predisposing variants based on 23 autosomal linkage scans. Methods: We carried out meta-analysis using the genome scan meta-analysis (GSMA) method which divides the genome into bins of ∼30 cM, ranks the best linkage results in each bin for each sample, and then sums the ranks across samples. We repeated the meta-analysis using 2 cM bins, and/or replacing bin ranks with measures of linkage evidence: bin maximum LOD score or bin minimum p value for bins with p value Results: Our analyses provided modest evidence for type 2 diabetes-predisposing variants on chromosomes 4, 10, and 14 (using LOD scores or truncated p values), or chromosome 10 and 16 (using ranks). Our simulation results suggested that uneven marker density across studies results in substantial variation in empirical type I error rates for all meta-analysis methods, but that 2 cM bins and scores that make more explicit use of linkage evidence, especially the truncated p values, reduce this problem. Conclusion: We identified regions modestly linked with type 2 diabetes by summarizing results from 23 autosomal genome scans.
Development of hand spray equipment for applying fungicides to control Cercospora disease of groundnuts in Malawi

Abstract Investigation of the physical performance of a knapsack sprayer with an experimental boom attachment suitable for applying fungicides at low/medium volume rates to control Cercospora disease of groundnuts is described. The spray distribution over bare ground and into stands of groundnuts at three stages of growth has been measured and recommendations are given for the design of a simplified boom attachment suitable for spraying a two-row swath.
The amide bond stretch of cyclic cis-amides☆

Abstract I.r. and Raman spectra of substituted 2-pyrrolidinones have been run. Examination of these spectra and comparison of them with work on N-methyl 2-pyrrolidinone supports earlier conclusions that the amide bond stretching mode of cyclic cis-amides absorbs between 1500 and 1460 cm−1. The comparison of spectra, along with MNDO calculations, suggests that alkyl substitution onto the ring carbon atom which is α to the ring nitrogen atom may leave the amide bond with a lesser degree of double bond character.
Modelling the effects of field-dependent quantum efficiency in organic semiconductor Schottky barrier solar cells

Abstract The external characteristics of a β-metal-free phthalocyanine Schottky barrier solar cell are modelled. The model utilizes representative circuit parameters and calculates the photogeneration current based on depletion region absorption and the field dependence of photogeneration. Projected power efficiencies are calculated for the case where the effects of series resistance and absorption in the front contact are overcome. The field dependence of photogeneration of this particular material severely limits the solar cell efficiency. However, the model should be the applicable to any material with a similar field dependence of photogeneration. In addition, a method is suggested utilizing Forster radiationless transfer to improve the generation efficiency in organic photovoltaic devices.
Reciprocal but nonsymmetrical transmission characteristics of tapered irises

Both the input impedance and the transmission coefficient of an H plane tapered iris are found to be reciprocal but asymmetrical. The H plane tapered iris behaves similarly to a transformer of nonunity turn ratio.
Increasing teacher diversity by tapping the paraprofessional pool

has become increasingly diverse racially and ethnically. This growing diversity is nowhere more apparent than in public elementary and secondary schools. In 1993, students of color made up over one-third of K-12 enrollments, up from less than one-quarter in 1976 (National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], 1982, 1996). While the number of teachers of color also increased during this time period, their proportional gains pale in comparison to the dramatic demographic shift in the student population. Specifically, the fraction of people of color in the teaching force rose from 10 percent in 1976 to 13 percent by 1993 (NCES, 1996). As these figures indicate, the racial/ethnic disparity between teachers and students already evident 20 years ago has grown with time. This gap, which has serious social and educational implications for the nation and its schools (Carnegie Forum on Education and the Economy, 1986; Hidalgo & Huling-Austin, 1993; Smith, 1989), is expected to grow even wider in the years ahead unless immediate steps are taken to actively recruit more people of color into teaching (DarlingHammond, 1990).
Low energy electron diffraction studies on Ge and Na-covered Ge ☆

Abstract The effect of surface structure on the work function of Na-covered Ge has been studied using LEED. Results are presented which demonstrate that structure in the work function vs. Na overlayer coverage characteristic is correlated with a surface structure transformation. An interpretation for the pattern observed from the clean Ge(111) surface is given. The surface structure and work function changes caused by heating the Na-covered crystal are also discussed. A derivation for the intensity of low energy diffraction beams from a semi-infinite crystal is presented. After deriving a general integral representation for the diffraction beam intensities, approximations are made which allow the beam intensities to be related to the individual atomic scattering factors. Application of this pseudo-kinematical approximation to the NaGe(111) system is discussed.
Structure and Dynamics of the Polyelectrolyte Complex Formation

The complex formation in the oppositely charged linear and flexible polyelectrolytes: quaternized poly(vinylpyridinium) (QPVP) and poly(sodium styrenesulfonate) (NaPSS) was investigated by static and dynamic light scattering (LS), flow birefringence (FB), and viscometry over a wide range of mixing ratios 0.003 ≤ m ≤ 0.9. NaPPS/QPVP systems in N-methylformamide + 0.01 M KBr generated complexes with fractal geometries. The observed clusters were stable and had average dimensions Rg ≈ Rh ≈ 1000 A at low and high mixing ratios. As the mixing ratio approached m = 0.4, which corresponds to the gel point, the number and the dimensions of clusters grew to R ≈ 1500−3000 A with a corresponding increase of the fractal parameter d ≈ 3. According to FB data, the axial ratio of the clusters at the gel point m = 0.4 was p = L/d = 1.07, which supports a model with spherical shape.
On the visibility of small metallic particles on crystalline substrates

Abstract Dynamical diffraction theory was used to study the contrast of small metallic particles supported on crystalline substrates. The dependence of the particle visibility on the orientation and thickness is discussed. Experimental examples of changes in particle visibility for Pt/alumina and Pt/sapphire are presented.
Engaging Teachers, Scientists, and Multimedia to Promote Learning

There are many Web sites supporting instruction in the life sciences ( 1 ). One such effort, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's (HHMI's) BioInteractive ([biointeractive.org][1]), developed from a focus on practicing scientists explaining their research; engaging explanations driven by compelling examples and graphics; and meaningful dialogue with instructors to improve products and to facilitate classroom adoption of materials ( 2 ). [1]: http://biointeractive.org
Lattice-valued spaces: Fuzzy convergence

Abstract An alternative set of axioms is given for the study of lattice-valued convergence spaces. These axioms extend the notion of a probabilistic convergence space in the special case when the lattice is L = [ 0 , 1 ] . The category described here is shown to be topological, cartesian closed, and extensional.
Task initiation and amplitude of the contingent negative variation (CNV)

Abstract When a subject is allowed to initiate the occurrence of the S 1 − S 2 sequence in a CNV experiment, significantly smaller CNVs are generated than when the experimenter initiates the trials. It is hypothesized that the decrement in CNV amplitude is due to a pre-S 1 negative shift in the DC level of the brain which limits subsequent negativity.
Infrared temperature control system for a completely noncontact polymerase chain reaction in microfluidic chips.

A completely noncontact temperature system is described for amplification of DNA via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in glass microfluidic chips. An infrared (IR)-sensitive pyrometer was calibrated against a thermocouple inserted into a 550-nL PCR chamber and used to monitor the temperature of the glass surface above the PCR chamber during heating and cooling induced by a tungsten lamp and convective air source, respectively. A time lag of less than 1 s was observed between maximum heating rates of the solution and surface, indicating that thermal equilibrium was attained rapidly. Moreover, the time lag was corroborated using a one-dimensional heat-transfer model, which provided insight into the characteristics of the device and environment that caused the time lag. This knowledge will, in turn, allow for future tailoring of the devices to specific applications. To alleviate the need for calibrating the pyrometer with a thermocouple, the on-chip calibration of pyrometer was accomplished by sensing the...
Physiological and Pathological Actions of Calpains in Glutamatergic Neurons

These animations show the activation and actions of neuronal calpains under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. They emphasize how physiological events involved in excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity—such as glutamate release, calcium influx, and activation of postsynaptic calpains—can become destructive under pathological conditions. These animations would be useful in a neurobiology or neuroscience course, where they could be used to illustrate proteolytic mechanisms underling activity-dependent synaptic plasticity, and how excessive activation of these signaling mechanisms can lead to excitotoxic neuronal death.
SOR and MGR[ν] experiments on the crystal multicomputer

This report describes distributed implementations of the red/black SOR algorithm and of the MGR(nu) multigrid algorithm on the Crystal multicomputer. Rates of convergence and observed efficiencies for both algorithms are compared.
Nutrition Support for the Obese Patient

The severely obese represent an extremely challenging group of patients. Their body size and associated comorbidities complicate even routine medical care. These management difficulties spill over into nutrition support. As with any patient population, when the severely obese develop conditions such as critical illness and have an interruption in nutritional intake, they deserve aggressive nutrition intervention. However, standard enteral and parenteral approaches may be harmful. Most of the potential adverse effects can be attributed to the concentrated glucose infusion that represents a major calorie source of conventional feeding. To minimize the negative impact of nutrition support, a novel feeding approach, a protein-sparing, hypocaloric regimen, is presented. This technique preserves protein stores while avoiding glucose-related complications by intentionally restricting energy administration, in particular, glucose. Although there are relatively few investigations of this nutritional regimen in the literature, those that do exist confirm its safety and suggest a benefit for the patient. This article will review the issues pertaining to standard feeding approaches in the severely obese and the theoretical benefits of hypocaloric nutrition support. It will also review the published studies that used this method.
Hydro-geospatial analysis of ancient pastoral/agro-pastoral landscapes along Wadi Sana (Yemen)

Abstract In arid Southwest Arabia spatio-temporal patterning of land and water resources substantially shaped the lives and livelihoods of ancient peoples. This paper examines mid Holocene human subsistence and hydrology along the Wadi Sana drainage, including increased aridity, an associated shift from alluvial aggradation to incision, and its role the appearance of irrigation strategies that supplemented herding economies. Geospatial analyses indicate that (rather than solely the result of increased aridity) the onset of incision along middle Wadi Sana was most plausibly a function of heightened inter and intra-annual precipitation variability.
Coal agloflotation: a remediation technique for cleaning of town gas soils

Abstract The use of a “clean” fuel and the treatment of contaminated soils are two factors that can greatly improve the environment. Coal, which occurs in great abundance in the USA, is widely used both in the small-scale domestic and in the large-scale industrial market. Apart from high sulfur content, a high ash content of coal is undesirable. Soils contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a potential threat to health and the environment and need to be treated. The present study investigates the use of a hydrophobic coal surface for the adsorption and removal of oily/tarry contaminants such as PAHs from town gas soils. The agloflotation process uses a coal-soil-water mixture to achieve simultaneous removal of mineral matter from coal. The cobeneficiation achieves 90% and higher decontamination for soil and 40% and higher ash removal from coal.
Effects of ethanol in vitro on rat intestinal brush-border membranes.

Abstract Ethanol, at concentrations found in the intestinal lumen after moderate drinking, has been shown to inhibit carrier-mediated intestinal transport processes. This inhibition could occur by direct interaction with membrane transporters, dissipation of the energy producing Na+ electrochemical gradient and/or nonspecific alteration of membrane integrity. The latter alteration may be reflected by changes in membrane fluidity, chemical composition or vesicular size. These possibilities were examined with studies in purified brush border membrane vesicles of rat intestine. Ethanol inhibited concentrative Na+-dependent d -glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, ethanol did not inhibit concentrative d -glucose uptake under conditions of d -glucose trans-stimulation in the absence of a Na+ electrochemical gradient. Ethanol also inhibited initial, concentrative Na+-dependent taurocholic acid uptake, as well as equilibrium uptake. That ethanol exerted a dual effect on transport by increasing membrane conductance for Na+ while decreasing intravesicular space was supported by direct studies of Na+ uptake. Morphometric analysis confirmed that ethanol-treated membranes had a decreased intravesicular size when compared to untreated membranes. Finally, membrane fluidity measured by EPR showed that ethanol had a significant fluidizing effect without producing qualitative changes in membrane proteins, as determined by SDS gel electrophoresis. These results suggest that ethanol inhibits carrier-mediated transport by dissipation of the Na+ electrochemical gradient and alteration of membrane integrity rather than by direct interaction with membrane transporters.
Interstitial and peloid microfossils from the 2.0 Ga Gunflint Formation: Implications for the paleoecology of the Gunflint Stromatolites

Abstract Silicified peloidal arenite sediments from the 2.0 Ga Gunflint Formation contain morphologically diverse and exceptionally well-preserved microfossil assemblages. Peloids are current-deposited, sand-sized and larger intraclasts of organic-rich siliceous sediment which were derived from low- to high-energy sedimentary environments within the Gunflint depositional basin. Two distinct occurrences can be differentiated: (1) an interstitial assemblage dominated by well-preserved autochthonous Gunflintia minuta filamentous microfossils, but also containing larger filaments, spheroidal to elongated vesicles and other unusual microfossil-like structures, and (2) intragranular/peloid assemblages containing essentially all previously described Gunflint stromatolite taxa including clonal groupings of Huroniospora (Type E cells) showing over 12% dividing cells, and two undescribed filamentous morphotypes which resemble “actinomycetes” eubacteria. The size distribution of clonal Type E populations is almost identical to a major modal population of Huroniospora from exceptionally well-preserved Gunflint stromatolite materials. Both assemblages show a range of textures reflecting post-mortem degradation, but locally the interstitial communities show better preservation. Interstitial filaments differ from stromatolitic G. minuta insofar as they show (1) occasional cross-walls; (2) a size-frequency distribution which seems to reflect post-mortem/pre-permineralization shrinkage; (3) preferred growth orientations; and (4) lengths of up to 2.5 millimeters. The interstitial microbiota is also permineralized by early-diagenetic silica cement. The recognition of this new habitat contributes substantially to our understanding of Gunflint microbial ecosystems by providing new information concerning the ecology, growth and reproductive patterns of Huroniospora and Gunflintia . Detailed comparisons of interstitial Gunflintia with its stromatolitic counterpart collectively suggest that it was a photoautotrophic microorganism with the capacity to form dense (but very thin) microbial mats and of having directly influenced stromatolite morphogenesis. Similar comparisons suggest the Type E Huroniospora did not contribute directly to stromatolite growth.
Differentiation-Defective Stem Cells Outcompete Normal Stem Cells for Niche Occupancy in the Drosophila Ovary

Summary Rapid progress has recently been made regarding how the niche controls stem cell function, but little is yet known about how stem cells in the same niche interact with one another. In this study, we show that differentiation-defective Drosophila ovarian germline stem cells (GSCs) can outcompete normal ones for niche occupancy in a cadherin-dependent manner. The differentiation-defective bam or bgcn mutant GSCs invade the niche space of neighboring wild-type GSCs and gradually push them out of the niche by upregulating E-cadherin expression. Furthermore, the bam / bgcn -mediated GSC competition requires E-cadherin and normal GSC division, but not the self-renewal-promoting BMP niche signal, while different E-cadherin levels can sufficiently stimulate GSC competition. Therefore, we propose that GSCs have a competitive relationship for niche occupancy, which may serve as a quality control mechanism to ensure that accidentally differentiated stem cells are rapidly removed from the niche and replaced by functional ones.
The precession and nutation of deformable bodies, III

In preceding papers of this series (Kopal, 1968; 1969) the Eulerian equations have been set up which govern the precession and nutation of self-gravitating fluid globes of arbitrary structures in inertial coordinates (space-axes) as well as with respect to the rotating body axes; with due account being taken of the effects arising from equilibrium as well as dynamical tides. In Section 1 of the present paper, the explicit form of these equations is recapitulated for subsequent solations. Section 2 contains then a detailed discussion of the coplanar case (in which the equation of the rotating configuration and the plane of its orbit coincide with the invariable plane of the system); and small fluctuations in the angular velocity of axial rotation arising from the ‘tidal breathing’ in eccentric binary systems are investigated. In Section 3, we consider the angular velocity of rotation about theZ′-axis to be constant, but allow for finite inclination of the equator to the orbital plane. The differential equations governing such a problem are set up exactly in terms of the time-dependent Eulerian angles θ and ϕ, and their coefficients averaged over a cycle. In Section 4, these equations are linearized by the assumption that the inclinations of the equator and the orbit to the invariable plane of the system are small enough for their squares to be negligible; and the equations of motion reduced to their canonical form. The solution of these equations — giving the periods of precession and nutation of rotating components of close binary systems, as well as the rate of nodal regression which is synchronised with precession — are expressed in terms of the physical properties of the respective system and of its constituent components; while the concluding Section 6 contains a discussion of the results, in which the differences between the precession and nutation of rigid and fluid bodies are pointed out.
Antifungal susceptibility profiles of Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii from endemic and non-endemic areas.

Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection endemic in Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America. The causal agents are Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii. A large number of cases of coccidioidomycosis in New York State residents were identified. We compared susceptibility profiles of these isolates and of C. immitis isolates from California using mycelial phase inoculum and CLSI (NCCLS) M38–A broth microdilution protocol. Minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were also determined. Results indicated that geometric mean MICs of amphotericin B (AMB, 0.06 µg/ml), fluconazole (FLC, 8.0 µg/ml), itraconazole (ITC, 0.07 µg/ml), ketoconazole (KTC, 0.04 µg/ml), voriconazole (VRC, 0.04 µg/ml), posaconazole (PSC, 0.17 µg/ml) and caspofungin (CSP, 0.15 µg/ml) were in susceptible range as per breakpoints published for pathogenic Candida species. However, geometric MFC for FLC was relatively higher (52.4 µg/ml). Also, no significant difference in MIC and MFC values was evident for C. immitis and C. posadasii isolates. In conclusion, current methods for antifungal susceptibility testing yield reproducible profiles for Coccidioides species, which appear to be highly susceptible to most antifungal agents.
Automatic development of parallel simulation models in ADA

This paper introduces MultiSim, a prototype, user-oriented tool specifically designed to automate the model development process for parallel simulation models. Targeted toward the simulationist and written in Ada for high transportability among different numbers of processors, MultiSim combines discrete-event simulation knowledge, parallel programming knowledge, and target language knowledge and represents this knowledge in frame-like constructs. Through user interaction, knowledge of the system to be modeled is abstracted and a parallel Ada simulation model is automatically generated based on the knowledge resident within MultiSim.
Comparisons of statistical models to predict fecal indicator bacteria concentrations enumerated by qPCR- and culture-based methods

Abstract Recently, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) revised their recreational water quality criteria, in which adjustments were made by approving enterococci (ENT) quantitative PCR (qPCR) as an alternative, rapid method and advocating the use of predictive models for water quality management. The implementation of qPCR-based methods and prediction models are meant to decrease the time between sample collection and public advisories and notifications. To date, few studies have compared qPCR-based models to culture-based prediction models and none of these studies have been conducted in coastal estuarine systems. In this study, we created prediction models using qPCR-based fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) data in dual-use recreational and shellfish harvesting waters and compared them to published ENT and Escherichia coli (EC) culture-based prediction models in eastern North Carolina estuaries. Furthermore, an empirical statistical model was created to predict qPCR inhibition levels so that proper remediation techniques can be applied when it is a problem. Predictor variable selection in both qPCR- and culture-based ENT models was very similar; both models included 14-day rain total, dissolved oxygen, and salinity/conductivity, with 89 and 90% of qPCR and culture data described, respectively. Using ENT management action thresholds, qPCR- and culture-based models showed high accuracy in management decisions. The qPCR model had 92 and 96% accuracy using the 110 and 1000 cell equivalents (CE)/100 ml thresholds, respectively, and the culture model had 90% accuracy in management decisions with the 110 MPN/100 ml threshold. EC models for qPCR- and culture-based concentrations used similar independent variables (14-day humidity, salinity/conductivity, a rain/storm variable, and a measure of air temperature), with each model explaining 26 and 55% of the data variation, respectively. When using different thresholds that were logs apart for management decisions, the two EC models accurately predicted management decisions; qPCR models correctly predicted management decisions 96 and 77% of the time (using 31 and 320 CE/100 ml, respectively) while culture models correctly predicted management decisions 96 and 88% percent of the time (with 31 and 320 MPN/100 ml, respectively). Equivalency between models was shown in our non-point source impacted estuaries, with ENT models performing slightly better than EC models. In addition, inhibition of the qPCR was a major issue that had to be addressed. An inhibition model was created with easily obtained meteorological data and accounted for a high level of data variability (adjusted R 2 = 0.82).
A time-varying transfer function model for modeling the charging process of a Lithium-ion battery

A time-varying transfer function model for Li-ion batteries is introduced in this paper. Because of its time-varying nature, the proposed model is capable of capturing the charging process better than conventional time-invariant transfer function models. The overall modeling process constitutes a three-step process, namely, estimation of a continuous time-varying model, segmentation of the model parameter estimates, and finally representing the overall process by a group of piecewise time-invariant models. The efficacy of the proposed modeling process is demonstrated by using simulated data collected from a good electrical Li-ion battery model.
Conservation easements: biodiversity protection and private use.

Conservation easements are one of the primary tools for conserving biodiversity on private land. Despite their increasing use, little quantitative data are available on what species and habitats conservation easements aim to protect, how much structural development they allow, or what types of land use they com- monly permit. To address these knowledge gaps, we surveyed staff responsible for 119 conservation easements established by the largest nonprofit easement holder, The Nature Conservancy, between 1985 and 2004. Most easements (80%) aimed to provide core habitat to protect species or communities on-site, and nearly all were designed to reduce development. Conservation easements also allowed for a wide range of private uses, which may result in additional fragmentation and habitat disturbance. Some residential or commercial use, new structures, or subdivision of the property were permitted on 85% of sampled conservation easements. Over half (56%) allowed some additional buildings, of which 60% restricted structure size or building area. Working landscape easements with ranching, forestry, or farming made up nearly half (46%) of the easement proper- ties sampled and were more likely than easements without these uses to be designated as buffers to enhance biodiversity in the surrounding area. Our results demonstrate the need for clear restrictions on building and subdivision in easements, research on the compatibility of private uses on easement land, and greater public understanding of the trade-offs implicit in the use of conservation easements for biodiversity conservation.
Creative patterns and stimulation in conceptual design

Conceptual design is a creative process. Designers create functions to satisfy customer needs and behaviors and forms to fulfill their functions. Although cognitive processes are at the center in developing new ideas, they are rarely taken into account in research and development of design support methods and systems. It is conceivable that if one understands how cognitive processes are stimulated to generate design ideas, then more effective methods and tools can be developed to support conceptual design. In this article, a cognitive model of conceptual design is developed to capture the relationships among design entities, design operations, and cognitive processes. A protocol analysis is performed to evaluate the model, and a cognitive experiment carried out to study the creative patterns and stimulating relationships. The results show that designers exhibit patterns of creative design behavior, and that these patterns can be captured and instilled into the design process to promote creativity.
Error Probabilities for Slow-Frequency-Hopped Spread-Spectrum Multiple-Access Communications Over Fading Channels

Bounds and approximations are obtained for the average probability of error in an asynchronous slow-frequency-hopped spread-spectrum multiple-access communications system with noncoherent binary frequency-shift-keyed (FSK) data transmission. Both nonselective fading and wide-sense-stationary uncorrelated-scattering fading are considered.
Goal Preference Shapes Confrontations of Sexism

Although most women assume they would confront sexism, assertive responses are rare. We test whether women’s preference for respect or liking during interpersonal interactions explains this surprising tendency. Women report preferring respect relative to liking after being asked sexist, compared with inappropriate, questions during a virtual job interview (Study 1, n = 149). Women’s responses to sexism increase in assertiveness along with their preference for being respected, and a respect-preference mediates the relation between the type of questions and response assertiveness (Studies 1 and 2). In Study 2 (n = 105), women’s responses to sexist questions are more assertive when the sense of belonging is enhanced with a belonging manipulation. Moreover, preference for respect mediates the effect of the type of questions on response assertiveness, but only when belonging needs are met. Thus the likelihood of confrontation depends on the goal to be respected outweighing the goal to be liked.