cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ferromagnetic resonance relaxation in ultrathin metal films: The role of the conduction electrons

We explore the contribution to the damping term in the equation for spin dynamics in ferromagnetic films with the origin in the transfer of angular momentum from precessing moments, modeled here as localized spins, to conduction electrons. Our starting point views the origin of the damping as a time lag in the RRKY oscillations, following the approach of Simanek and Heinrich. We show this results in a damping term distinctly different from that which appears in the classical Landau-Lifschitz equation, but in agreement with a more general form derived by Mills and Rezende. It is the case that the dominant term can be absorbed into an effective Gilbert damping constant. Our analysis shows that while an overall factor inversely proportional to the film thickness appears in the final form, as argued by others, this is multiplied by a factor which displays strong quantum oscillations as a function of film thickness. There is a short-period and long-period oscillation, with physical origin in the fact that the transfer of angular momentum takes place in a finite quantum well. We comment on the relation of our work to that of others.
Blood cardioplegia: A review and comparison with crystalloid cardioplegia

The Oxford International Symposium on myocardial preservation provided an appropriate milestone and impetus to survey one aspect of operative myocardial preservation, namely blood cardioplegia, and to contrast it with the more popular crystalloid cardioplegia. This review is by no means complete or exhaustive but represents my best effort to summarize important information that has accumulated in the literature as blood cardioplegia, and our understanding of it, has evolved. It is appropriate to compare blood and crystalloid cardioplegia with respect to biochemical and physiological differences. Clinical comparison has been limited, for the most part, to randomized studies, and a number of differences and details of clinical management of the two techniques have been omitted, either because they seemed unimportant or there was no good information that would allow an objective comparison of their significance. Hopefully, the reader will recognize the intent to focus on meaningful differences and similarities between the two techniques and to present them fairly.
How Can a Career Counselor Work with a Whistleblower

Principles for counseling potential whistleblowers are presented along with two sample cases to assist career counselors in advising their clients. The article provides information on relevant laws, difficult choices, and the working alliance that must be developed with a potential whistleblower. A checklist of questions to guide the client in their decision-making is provided as well as a table of options.
Cardiorespiratory effects of intravenous morphine, xylazine and atropine in dogs.

The IV injection of xylazine (0.4 mg kg−1), morphine (0.4 mg kg−1) and atropine (0.02 mg kg−1) is frequently used to provide short-term sedation and analgesia for canine patients at our hospital. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the cardiopulmonary effects of this combination. Six hound dogs (weight 27 ± 3 kg) had the skin over the ventral neck and dorsal metatarsus surgically prepared and anesthetized with lidocaine. Central venous and arterial catheters were percutaneously placed into the jugular vein and dorsal pedal artery, respectively. Baseline measurements of respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature, direct systemic arterial pressure (SAP, MAP, DAP), central venous pressure (CVP), and arterial blood gas analysis were obtained. The 2-D, M-mode, and Doppler echocardiography were used to obtain or calculate fractional shortening and cardiac output. Level of alertness and resistance to handling were quantified on an analog scale. The drug mixture was given, and measurements repeated at 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes. A repeated measures anova was used to detect differences over time, and Dunnett's test was used for multiple comparisons when significance was reached (p < 0.05). Respiratory rate was significantly decreased below baseline after drug administration, PaCO2 increased to 50 ± 3 mm Hg (mean ± SD) at 60 minutes, and pH decreased to 7.31 ± 0.01 at 15 minutes PaO2 was unaffected. The HR was decreased at 30 and 60 minutes and MAP was increased 5 minutes after drug administration. Fractional shortening and cardiac output were decreased and pre-injection period/ejection time was increased by drug administration. Level of consciousness and resistance to restraint were decreased at all times after drug administration. The IV combination of xylazine, morphine, and atropine caused moderate cardiopulmonary dysfunction and reliable short-term sedation in dogs.
Reduction of Secondary Smoke Exposure in Asthmatic Children: Parent Counseling

Epidemiological evidence shows that children's exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke increases their risk of respiratory illness. This study evaluated five families and their asthmatic children (aged 5–14 years) in an outpatient counseling program for reducing the children's exposure to passive smoking. Intervention included biweekly counseling/instructions for parents to limit their children's tobacco exposure. A multiple-baseline, quasiexperimental design was used for self-reported measures of the children's smoke exposure and the parents' smoking frequency. Counseling was associated with smoke exposure reduction of 40–80% from baseline for each of 5 children, with most improvements sustained during follow-up. This study provides support for the development of tobacco exposure prevention programs for children with pulmonary disease.
Who Does Know

‘‘I don’ know nuthin’ ’bout dat.’’ I’m attempting to obtain a history from my patient, Mr. Hopkins,* in the ED, but his standard reply to most of my questions is either, ‘‘don’ know nuthin’ ’bout dat’’ or, ‘‘if you say so, you’re the doc.’’ It’s pitiful. Mr. Hopkins is 42 but looks easily 60-something, laying in a heap on the gurney, seemingly tossed there like a slack rag doll, unable to arrange himself in a suitable or comfortable manner. Before we begin talking, I try to situate him differently, seated upright a bit with a pillow supporting his head, but it is no use. He just slumps to a new position of discomfort. When I introduce myself and offer my hand in greeting, he gives me a limp fish of a handshake. His hand dies in mine; either unused to this standard greeting custom among men or unable to maintain power for more than an instant, it slides away from mine, furtive and uncertain. I have the distinct impression that Mr. Hopkins has not been so ‘‘formally’’ welcomed in quite some time. His hair is a gray tangle with bits of plant material distributed throughout it. He lacks all but 2 teeth, and the decay and debris collected about his dental remnants exudes a foul smell of neglect. The rest of him does as well. His face is puffy and heavily lined, his eyes runny and bloodshot with the crust of several mornings matting the corners and lashes. Under the gown and bed sheets, I detect the outline of a poorly conditioned individual, the chest caved in, the abdomen bloated. When asked, Mr. Hopkins reveals that he’s come to the ED because of 3 days of abdominal pain. Waving vaguely at the center of his being when asked further details about his chief complaint, he can’t describe his discomfort further except to say that it hurts. When given a menu of descriptors to choose from, my patient settles on ‘‘burning’’ and does relate that the pain seems to go straight through to his back. Thankfully, I have access to his computerized medical record because Mr. H doesn’t recall any of his medical history, even though it is all of recent origin. He does recall being hospitalized within the past year but can’t say for what reason (pancreatitis as it turns out). He admits to a ‘‘high blood’’ problem but doesn’t know the
Realization of a Stable and Highly Efficient Gyrotron for Controlled Fusion Research

The innovation of adding a beam prebunching section at the input to the cavity of a millimeter-wave gyrotron oscillator has yielded outstanding improvements in mode control and device efficiency. These results constitute a technological breakthrough which greatly improves prospects of developing gyrotrons with megawatt average power ratings as will be required for bulk heating of plasma in controlled thermonuclear reactors.
Nematode sex pheromones

Current knowledge of the involvement of sex pheromones in the premating communication of free-living, plant-parasitic, and animal-parasitic nematodes is reviewed.
Calciumoxyd‐ und Magnesiumoxyd‐ Gehalt im Sinterdolomit kleiner Körnungen

Um den schwankenden Gehalt an Calciumoxyd und Magnesiumoxyd im Sinterdolomit kleiner Kornungen zu klaren, wurden grose Sinterbrocken und Sinterstaub analysiert und das Sinterverhalten von Rohdolomit in reduktionsfreier Atmosphare untersucht.
Cloud Identification for ERBE Radiative Flux Retrieval

A maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) technique to the problem of cloud identification using coarse resolution broadband satellite data is developed and tested using simulated satellite observations. The results suggest that, in the determination of cloud conditions for the inversion of satellite-measured radiances to fluxes, the MLE method is an improvement over a Lambertian earth assumption and the clear/cloud threshold used in the inversion of Nimbus 3 and Nimbus 7 data. The use of the MLE method in the operational processing of Earth Radiation Budget Experiment scanner data is considered.
Generating sinusoidal fringe by defocusing: potentials for unprecedentedly high-speed 3-D shape measurement using a DLP projector

This paper presents a technique that reaches 3-D shape measurement speed beyond the digital-light-processing (DLP) projector's projection speed. For this technique, a "solid-state" binary structured pattern is generated with each micromirror pixel always being at one status (ON or OFF). By this means, any time segment of projection can represent the whole signal, thus the exposure time can be shorter than the projection time. A sinusoidal fringe pattern is generated by properly defocusing a binary one, and the Fourier method can be adopted for 3-D shape measurement. We have successfully reached 2000 Hz 3-D shape measurement speed with good measurement quality. Because the fringe pattern is generated digitally, this proposed technique provides an alternative flexible approach for high-speed applications.
Demonstration of LMMP workflow system using cloud computing architecture

The Lunar Mapping and Modeling Project (LMMP) is currently being built by NASA. The goal is to provide a single point of access to the best state of knowledge of the moon's terrain, rock and crater fields, resource maps, lighting conditions and thermal conditions. The LMMP contains a workflow system that allows us to allocate jobs to remote computing resources. We will demonstrate this workflow capability.
Bilocal Lee Model

A modification of the Lee model is used as a simple solvable example of a bilocal field theory. Particles of bilocal fields are considered intrinsically composite, and may be thought of as a "bare" particle moving in a self-consistent, self-generated potential. Exact and perturbation solutions are given for the single $V$-particle state function and for the $N\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\theta}$ scattering matrix, and are shown to be identical. Renormalization proceeds as in the local Lee model, but is not mandatory, as all quantities are finite.
Distribution of aquatic yeasts — Effect of incubation temperature and chloramphenicol concentration on isolation

Fresh (river), estuarine, and marine waters in and along the coastline of Connecticut were cultured by the membrane filter technique at 20 and 37°C on a complex medium containing 0–1000 mg/L of chloramphenicol. Using counts on medium with 500 mg/L antibiotic as a base, ratios of total and pink yeast counts were recorded for other chloramphenicol concentrations at both temperatures for the waters sampled. Variable results were obtained; in general, both total and pink yeast counts decreased with increasing antibiotic levels, being most apparent at > 400 mg/L chloramphenicol. Medium without antibiotic and with 100 mg/L always produced baterial overgrowth. A total of 209 white yeasts were isolated from all platings; the genera Torulopsis, particularly T. Candida, and Candida were dominant with lesser numbers of Cryptococcus, Trichosporon, sporogenous genera, and Kloeckera. Most species isolated were found on media at all chloramphenicol levels. Comparisons were made of yeast distributions in these temperate waters with reports from other areas.
Hemorrhagic adenovirus cystitis after renal transplantation

Purpose. Viral infections are a major cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality after renal transplantation. Although cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and polyoma virus infections are common, there have been only a few reports of adenovirus infections. Materials and Methods. We report an unusual case of a patient with adenovirus-induced hemorrhagic cystitis (AHC). We also performed a comprehensive MEDLINE review to identify similar cases. We then compared the presentation, management, and outcome of all patients to identify patterns that may facilitate the diagnosis and management of AHC. Results. Review of the literature revealed 36 other reported cases of AHC in renal transplant recipients. Thirty-six of the 37 cases occurred within 1 year of transplantation. These patients presented with fever, dysuria, hematuria, and graft dysfunction. Thirty-four received high-dose steroids for treatment of symptoms of acute rejection. Four patients received antiviral medications. The infection was self-limited with mean duration of symptoms being 20 days. In all cases, serum creatinine returned to baseline or near baseline levels with resolution of symptoms. Conclusions. Although uncommon, AHC usually presents within 1 year of renal transplantation with a consistent constellation of symptoms. The infection appears to be self-limited with full recovery in most patients within 4 weeks. The efficacy of antiviral medications could not be determined in this review.
Optical functions of BiI 3 as measured by generalized ellipsometry

The optical functions of BiI{sub 3} have been measured using two-modulator generalized ellipsometry (2-MGE). The measurements were made on crystals grown by a vapor-transport method under conditions that produced relatively thick ({approximately}1 mm) single crystals whose growth habits were characterized by the development of large faces for orientations other than that of the basal plane (i.e., other than the plane perpendicular to the {bold c} axis of the BiI{sub 3} rhombohedral structure.) By performing 2-MGE measurements on crystal faces other than the basal plane, it is possible to determine both the ordinary and extraordinary dielectric functions of the material. While the ordinary dielectric functions have been determined from previous normal-incidence reflectivity measurements, to our knowledge the extraordinary dielectric functions obtained here using the 2-MGE method are new results. Both the ordinary and extraordinary band edges are the same energy (1.99 eV), and both exhibit a strong exciton. The matrix element for the ordinary transition, however, is a factor of 6 to 10 larger than the matrix element for the extraordinary transition near the band edge. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
T-cell lymphoma associated with natural killer-like T-cell reaction

We report a case of T-cell lymphoma showing in the peripheral blood (PB) exclusively T-lymphocytes with suppresser T-cell preponderance and a high percentage of natural killer (NK) marker positive cells by flow cytometry. A T-cell receptor (TCR) gene analysis of the PB leukocytes demonstrated rearrangements of TCRα, TCRβ, and TCRγ genes. Therefore, the phenotype and genotype appeared to be consistent with an NK-like T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. However, when the PB lymphocytes were separated by size, it was found that 80% of NK marker positive cells were in the smaller cell population, while the neoplastic cells were in the large cell gate. A diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma with reactive NK-like T-cells was finally confirmed by demonstrating the presence of both large atypical lymphoid cells and large granular lymphocytes (LGL) on PB smears. Although immunoperoxidase stain of bone marrow and colon showed positive T-cell markers in the tumor cell population, cytoplasmic granules could not be identified in tissue sections and, thus, a distinction between T-cell lymphoma and NK-like T-cell lymphoma could not be made by light microscopy until NK markers were studied. CD57 was demonstrated immunohistochemically in small lymphocytes but not in the large tumor cells in the colon. Electron microscopy, however, demonstrated LGL reaction to the lymphoma cells in the colonic biopsy. NK-like T-cell lymphoma usually carries a poorer prognosis than peripheral T-cell lymphoma, thus the distinction of these neoplasms is important. This study emphasizes that T-cell lymphoma may cause an LGL reaction or proliferation. If the lymphoma cells were of the same size as LGL, flow cytometric studies may have misled the diagnosis to NK-like T-cell-lymphoma. Am. J. Hematol. 57:331–337, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Proton and sodium pumps regulate the plasma membrane potential of different stages of Trypanosoma cruzi

Abstract We studied the plasma membrane potential (Δ Ψ ) in different stages of Trypanosoma cruzi using the potentiometric fluorescent dye bisoxonol. Our results clearly demonstrate that a proton pump plays a significant role in the regulation of Δ Ψ in all stages of T. cruzi as evidenced by depolarization of the Δ Ψ by H + -ATPase inhibitors dicyclohexylcarbo-diimide, N -ethylmaleimide, diethylstilbestrol, and bafilomycin A 1 . The H + -ATPase appeared to be activated by acidic conditions in trypomastigotes as evidenced by hyperpolarization of the Δ Ψ upon addition of acid. In contrast to epimastigotes and amastigotes, the Δ Ψ of trypomastigotes was markedly sensitive to extracellular Na + and K + concentrations and evidence was provided for an outward directed Cl − channel in this stage as well. Additionally, for the first time, the existence of an ouabain-sensitive functional sodium pump was demonstrated in T. cruzi based on the depolarization of the Δ Ψ in trypomastigotes by ouabain in the presence of Na + . In the epimastigotes, ouabain had no effect on the Δ Ψ in a sodium rich buffer. However, ouabain induced an additional significant depolarization in these stages when their Δ Ψ was already partially depolarized by the H + -ATPase inhibitor dicyclohexylcarbo-diimide, supporting the presence of an ouabain-sensitive sodium pump whose activity is masked by the H + -ATPase. In the amastigotes no evidence for a functional sodium pump could be found. In support of an inwardly directed K + channel, the Δ Ψ was hyperpolarized by K + free buffer in trypomastigotes and epimastigotes and by Ba 2+ in epimastigotes and amastigotes. The presence of K + channels in amastigotes and a sodium pump in trypomastigotes, in addition to the H + -ATPase, could provide important new targets for trypanocidal drug development.
Ecology and impact of Allorhogas sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Apion sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) on fruits of Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae) in Brazil

Abstract Two fruit-feeding insects, a gall wasp, Allorhogas sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and a beetle, Apion sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea), were evaluated in their native habitat in Brazil as potential biological control agents of Miconia calvescens DC (Melastomataceae). Allorhogas sp. occurred at two out of three field sites with native populations of M. calvescens, and Apion sp. occurred at all three sites. Both species exhibited aggregated distributions among M. calvescens trees sampled at each site. Allorhogas sp. infested 9.0% and 3.8% of fruits at each of two sites. The number of larvae and pupae of Allorhogas sp. and/or an unidentified parasitoid (Hymenopetera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae) ranged from one to five per infested fruit. Fruits infested with Allorhogas sp. were 20% larger and had 79% fewer seeds than healthy fruits. Although adults of Apion sp. were found on leaves and inflorescences of M. calvescens at all three sites, larvae and pupae were found in fruits at only one site, where a maximum of 1.4% of fruits were infested. Fruits infested by Apion sp. contained only one larva or pupa, and were 15% smaller and had 62% fewer seeds than healthy fruits. While a variety of apionids have been used for biological control in the past, this is the first time a braconid wasp has been considered for biological control of a weed.
Psychiatric Consultation for Patients With Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wounds

The study describes 260 persons referred over a 12-year period for psychiatric consultation after shooting themselves. The population consisted primarily of young, white men between the ages of 20 and 29. The abdomen was the most common site of injury for both sexes. Previous suicide attempts and past psychiatric histories were uncommon, but alcohol was involved in 25% of cases. Major depression and alcohol abuse were the most common psychiatric diagnoses. Tasks for the psychiatric consultant include dealing with reactions of hospital staff, instituting appropriate suicide precautions, determining future suicidality and psychiatric disposition, and helping patients cope with family reactions to the suicide attempt and with the psychological effects of disfiguring injuries.
Cellular antioxidant and pro-oxidant actions of nitric oxide.

We describe a biphasic action of nitric oxide (NO) in its effects on oxidative killing of isolated cells: low concentrations protect against oxidative killing, while higher doses enhance killing, and these two effects occur by distinct mechanisms. While low doses of NO (from (Z)-1-[N-(3-ammonio propyl)-N-(n-propyl)-amino]-diazen-1-ium-1,22 diolate [PAPA/NO] or S-nitroso-N-acetyl-L-penicillamine [SNAP] prevent killing of rat hepatocytes byt-butylhydroperoxide (tBH), further increasing doses result in increased killing. Similar effects occur with rat hepatoma cells treated with PAPA/NO and tBH or H2O2. Increased killing with higher concentrations of NO donor is due to both NO and tBH, because NO donor alone is without effect. Glutathione (GSH) is not involved in either of these actions. Based on measurements of thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances (TBARS) and effects of lipid radical scavenger (DPPD) and deferoxamine, the protective effect, but not the enhancing effect, involves peroxidative chemistry. Fructose has no effect on tBH killing alone but provides substantial protection against killing by higher concentrations of NO plus tBH, suggesting that the enhancing effect involves mitochondrial dysfunction. Hepatocytes, when stimulated to produce NO endogenously, become resistant to tBH killing, indicative of the presence of an NO-triggered antioxidant defensive mechanism. The finding that the protective effects of low concentrations of NO and the harmful effects of high concentrations of NO are fundamentally different in nature suggest that therapeutic interventions could be designed, which selectively prevent its pro-oxidant activity at high concentrations, thus converting NO from a “Janus-faced” modulator of oxidant injury into a “pure” protectant.
Long-lived particulate or gaseous structure in Saturn's outer magnetosphere?

Voyager 1 and 2 and Pioneer 11 data on the variations in the number density of low-energy plasma ions in the outer Saturn magnetosphere are discussed. Low and high latitude observations are compared in reference to the position of the spacecraft crossing of the field line. Abrupt decreases in the number density interrupted the tendancy for the number density to increase with spacecraft approach to Saturn. All three spacecraft are concluded to have encountered the same magnetospheric structure in the field line, with absorbers being present in the equatorial plane. The absorbers are suggested to be either gas or debris, which may be detectable visibly or with occultation techniques.
Retail Price Reporting Effects in Local Food Markets

An experiment involving weekly newspaper publication of comparative food store prices in four U.S. cities stimulated competitive pricing behavior without reinforcement from consumer patronage shifts. Costs of a fixed, 100-item market basket fell, relative to control markets, an average of two percent during publication and recovered with termination of the reports. Responses varied among cities, stores, and product categories. Price dispersion was not affected. While consumers judged the information to be useful and accurate, it did not induce changes in their perceptions or shopping patterns. Grocer responses were attributed to the publicity value of the price reports.
Charitable Donations: Evidence of Demand for Environmental Protection?

Using data from the 2001 Giving and Volunteering in the United States survey, I examine household charitable donations to environmental organizations. Household income has a positive impact on environmental giving. While the tax price affects overall charitable contributions, it does not affect environmental giving. More education, being female, homeownership, and voting are also associated with a greater likelihood of contributing to the environment. African-Americans and Latinos are less likely to contribute to the environment, although conditional on giving, Latinos give more. Retired persons and households with children are less likely to contribute to the environment. Larger households give less to the environment. Households from the Northeast are the most likely to make environmental contributions while households from the South are the least likely.
Integrating creative design experiences and ethics into materials science

Western Washington University (USA) has integrated creative design experiences into the freshman and senior level experiences for three years. The next step in integrating design throughout the curriculum is focused at the sophomore and junior levels. This paper begins with an overview of the design integration process and then describes the specific new creative design projects in the sophomore level materials science course. Introductory materials science courses prove challenging for students because of the large variety of subjects that must be explored and because it is often the first course in which students synthesize knowledge gained in basic science courses to formulate solutions. Integrating creative design experiences into the laboratories help students connect these abstract concepts with the real world design choices engineers make when choosing materials for specific applications. The ethical considerations in making engineering design choices can be integrated into lectures and laboratories if both are taught from a design perspective.
A Tool For Predicting The Radar Cross Section Of An Arbitrary Trihedral Corner

Trihedral corners are common on military targets such as ships and ground vehicles, but there has been no routine method for predicting the contributions from corners whose faces are not mutually perpendicular. In a method developed at Georgia Tech, the corner faces must be polygonal but may be oriented at arbitrary angles to each other. The first one or two internal reflections of the i ncident wave are traced by the rules of geometrical optics, and physical optics is used to predict. the return from the final reflection. A significant step is the determination of the o utline of a surface patch receiving rays reflected f.rom the o ther f aces.
Defects, yield, and design in sublithographic nano-electronics

It is anticipated that defect densities in bottom-up self-assembled nanotechnology are much higher than those in conventional VLSI technologies. Therefore, defect tolerance needs to be included in various steps of the design automation flow. In this paper, a new defect tolerant flow is proposed and a new yield metric, based on this flow, is defined. This metric is evaluated for various molecular crossbars with different defect densities. Test and diagnosis of molecular crossbars, as the main building blocks in this technology, are also investigated.
Modes and tip motions in ultrasonic motors using torsional/ longitudinal vibration

Ultrasonic motors using combined torsional/longitudinal vibration rotate at frequencies where the stator tip has a large rotational velocity when the axial tip acceleration is high. Frictional contact with the rotor imparts a torque impulse to the rotor. Various geometries have been proposed that produce the required combination of torsional and longitudinal vibration. The resulting stator tip motions are complex and it is not obvious which frequencies will yield effective operation. We report here on simulations of the tip motion in such motors and use the simulations to predict the driving frequencies that result in rotation.
Adaptive Message Clustering for Distributed Agent-Based Systems

Many agent-based simulation kernels rely on message passing in their core implementation. As the number of agents in a simulation increases or as the complexity of their communication expands the number of messages can increase exponentially. This is troublesome because the message content itself may be quite small, while the overhead, including message headers can dominate bandwidth and processing time. In these cases message passing becomes a bottleneck to scalability. The overhead of message exchange may saturate the network and degrade performance of the simulation. One approach to this challenge that has been investigated in related networking and simulation research centers is combining or "piggy-backing" multiple small messages together with a consolidated header. In many applications performance improves as larger, but fewer messages are sent. However, the pattern of message passing is different in the case of agent- based simulation (ABS), and this approach has not yet been explored for ABS systems. In this work we provide an overview of the design and implementation of a message piggy- backing approach for ABS systems using the SASSY platform. SASSY is a hybrid, large-scale distributed ABS system that provides an agent-based API on top of a PDES kernel. We provide a comparative performance evaluation for implementations in SASSY with a combined RMI and shared memory message passing approach. We also show performance of our new adaptive message clustering mechanism that clusters messages when advantageous and avoids clustering when the overhead of clustering dominates.
Kinetochore-independent chromosome segregation driven by lateral microtubule bundles

During cell division, chromosomes attach to spindle microtubules at sites called kinetochores, and force generated at the kinetochore-microtubule interface is the main driver of chromosome movement. Surprisingly, kinetochores are not required for chromosome segregation on acentrosomal spindles in Caenorhabditis elegans oocytes, but the mechanism driving chromosomes apart in their absence is not understood. In this study, we show that lateral microtubule–chromosome associations established during prometaphase remain intact during anaphase to facilitate separation, defining a novel form of kinetochore-independent segregation. Chromosome dynamics during congression and segregation are controlled by opposing forces; plus-end directed forces are mediated by a protein complex that forms a ring around the chromosome center and dynein on chromosome arms provides a minus-end force. At anaphase onset, ring removal shifts the balance between these forces, triggering poleward movement along lateral microtubule bundles. This represents an elegant strategy for controlling chromosomal movements during cell division distinct from the canonical kinetochore-driven mechanism. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06462.001
Altered Xylem-Phloem Transfer of Amino Acids Affects Metabolism and Leads to Increased Seed Yield and Oil Content in Arabidopsis

Seed development and nitrogen (N) storage depend on delivery of amino acids to seed sinks. For efficient translocation to seeds, amino acids are loaded into the phloem in source leaves and along the long distance transport pathway through xylem-phloem transfer. We demonstrate that Arabidopsis thaliana AMINO ACID PERMEASE2 (AAP2) localizes to the phloem throughout the plant. AAP2 T-DNA insertion lines showed changes in source-sink translocation of amino acids and a decrease in the amount of seed total N and storage proteins, supporting AAP2 function in phloem loading and amino acid distribution to the embryo. Interestingly, in aap2 seeds, total carbon (C) levels were unchanged, while fatty acid levels were elevated. Moreover, branch and silique numbers per plant and seed yield were strongly increased. This suggests changes in N and C delivery to sinks and subsequent modulations of sink development and seed metabolism. This is supported by tracer experiments, expression studies of genes of N/C transport and metabolism in source and sink, and by phenotypic and metabolite analyses of aap2 plants. Thus, AAP2 is key for xylem to phloem transfer and sink N and C supply; moreover, modifications of N allocation can positively affect C assimilation and source-sink transport and benefit sink development and oil yield.
Active Asteroids: Mystery in the Main Belt

Classically, comets from the outer solar system (beyond the orbit of Neptune), are expected to be icy, and thus active near the Sun, while asteroids in the inner solar system (interior to the orbit of Jupiter) are expected to be relatively ice-deficient, and thus inert. Studies of anomalous objects, most recently 133P/Elst-Pizarro, challenge this classical picture, however, and suggest that either (1) subsurface ice can in fact be preserved over billions of years in small bodies in the inner solar system but still be close enough to the surface to be excavated by an impact by another body, or (2) non-gravitational dynamical evolution (primarily driven by asymmetrical outgassing) of icy bodies from the outer solar system can drive these cometary bodies onto thoroughly asteroid-like orbits, erasing all dynamical signs of their trans-Neptunian origins in the process. The question thus boils down to whether occasionally sublimating icy bodies on stable asteroid-like orbits in the inner solar system, particularly in the main asteroid belt, may in fact be native to the region or whether they must necessarily be recent arrivals.
GePSeA: A General-Purpose Software Acceleration Framework for Lightweight Task Offloading

Hardware-acceleration techniques continue to be used to speed-up the execution of scientific codes. To do so, software developers identify portions of these codes that are amenable for offloading and map them to hardware accelerators. However, offloading such tasks to specialized hardware accelerators is non-trivial. Furthermore, these accelerators can add significant cost to a computing system. Consequently, we propose a framework called GePSeA (General Purpose Software Acceleration Framework), which uses a small fraction of the computational power on multi-core architectures to ``onload'' complex application-specific tasks. Specifically, GePSeA provides a lightweight process that acts as a helper agent to the application by executing application-specific tasks asynchronously and efficiently. We then apply the GePSeA framework to a real application, namely, an open-source computational biology application, and demonstrate significant application-level benefits.
Multiple Description Coding and Path Diversity for Voice Communication over MANETs

We compare a single description coder (G.729) over a single path (SD), a new multiple description coder based on G.729 (MD-G.729) with path diversity (MD-PD), and a duplicated full-rate single description coder (G.729) with path diversity (DSD-PD) under various packet loss conditions for voice communication over wireless mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs). We show that for low bitrate speech codecs, using a multiple description coder is not very advantageous because the large packet overheads overshadow the small bandwidth savings. Instead, we can use simple path diversity wherein the full rate single description codec is duplicated over independent paths (DSD-PD). Such a method requires only a slightly higher bandwidth than MD-PD but the quality of speech delivered is significantly better when compared to MD-PD. We compare the three different communication methods under random and bursty packet loss conditions on the basis of the quality of the delivered speech. We evaluate the delivered speech quality using the objective speech quality measurement algorithm, PESQ
Examining Local Legal Culture

This study examines the contours of local legal culture in four criminal trial courts. Local legal culture is conceptualized as common practitioner norms governing case handling and participant behavior in a court. A questionnaire consisting of descriptions of 12 hypothetical cases, together with questions regarding the appropriate mode of disposition, disposition speed, and sentence, was completed by judges, defense attorneys, and prosecutors in each of the courts. Responses on these questions are compared across courts and various types of practitioners. The responses are also compared with analogous data on actual case dispositions in each of the courts. The major substantive conclusion of the research is that the existence of local legal culture—if defined as attitudinal agreement on proper disposition of criminal cases—is most apparent on issues of a procedural nature: disposition time and the necessity of a trial to resolve issues in the case. On these procedural dimensions there is general agreement among the lawyers and judges practicing in a court; furthermore, the contours of this agreement tend to differ across courts and to be related to actual practices (as illustrated by the samples of closed cases). On issues relating more to the substance of the cases—the appropriateness of plea concessions and the proper sentence—much more intracourt disagreement emerges. This disagreement is consistent with traditional notions of the roles of opposing counsel in an adversary setting, suggesting that at least attitudinal adversariness is present in the courts examined.
ParRescue: Scalable Parallel Algorithm and Implementation for Biclustering over Large Distributed Datasets

Biclustering refers to simultaneously capturing correlations present among subsets of attributes (columns) and records (rows). It is widely used in data mining applications including biological data analysis, financial forecasting, and text mining. Biclustering algorithms are significantly more complex compared to the classical one dimensional clustering techniques, particularly those requiring multiple computing platforms for large and distributed data sets. In this paper, we develop an efficient scalable algorithm, referred to as ParRescue(Parallel Residue Co-clustering), that is capable of performing biclustering on extremely large or geographically distributed data sets. ParRescue divides the cluster tasks among processors with minimal communication costs thus making it scalable over large number of computing nodes. The proposed implementation is based on an existing sequential approach that has been modified for amenable parallel implementation. The proposed Par- Rescue algorithm has been implemented using MPI and the performance results are reported based on executions on a 64 node Linux PC cluster connected over 100 Mbits links. The experimental results show scalable performance with near linear speedups across different data and machine sizes compared to the modified sequential algorithm.
Multicast tree construction in directed networks

Significant interest exists within the military in moving towards an integrated services environment where traditional network services such as ftp, telnet, and e-mail can co-exist with real-time services such as voice, video, and satellite imagery. Multicast routing is an effective means of providing the efficient utilization of network resources required to realize such an environment. Traditional multicast routing algorithms assume a symmetric network topology. Many military communication assets are either asymmetric in their load or asymmetric in capacity (a good example is the direct broadcast satellite). In addition, many military communication assets are bandwidth constrained, and routing symmetrically may further contribute to congestion. Therefore, a multicast tree construction which tolerates network asymmetry is desirable for many military communication environments. This paper proposes an algorithm for constructing shared multicast distribution trees in networks with asymmetric link capacities or loads. The algorithm tolerates asymmetry by building distinct, loop-free, sender and receiver paths onto a shared delivery tree. Additionally, the algorithm exhibits desirable security properties. Simulation results are presented that demonstrate the lower tree cost and better load balancing characteristics of the resultant trees over shortest path trees, with only a modest increase in path length.
U.S. CIGARETTE SMOKING AND HEALTH WARNINGS: NEW EVIDENCE FROM POST WORLD WAR II DATA

A framework was developed in order to specify a model for annual U.S. per capita consumption of cigarettes. Three separate time related variables were utilized to measure the effects of health related information regarding smoking. The empirical results from the post World War II data set reveal that while prices and income are important determinants of cigarette consumption, the estimates for both were in the inelastic range. The age distribution of the adult population is also an important variable. While the development of the filter tip has been successful in stimulating smoking, the low tar and nicotine innovation has not had a statistically significant effect. Health information has repeatedly produced substantial short and long run effects. Current consumption is falling at an annual rate of between 3 to 4 percent.
Topology, search, and fault tolerance in unstructured P2P networks

While P2P networks are currently being used mainly for sharing and swapping of music and video media files, many commercial applications of P2P networks for content provision and digital goods distribution are envisioned. However, such commercial use of P2P networks for content provision requires a high level of accessibility of resources. Failures in individual nodes can have a drastic affect on accessibility. This paper examines the impact of node failure on the accessibility of resources on P2P networks. Using an agent-based model of P2P networks, we investigate how network topology, search effort and resource redundancy affect accessibility under varying levels of node failure.
The development of self-control: Examining self-control theory's stability thesis.

Research on self-control theory consistently supports its central prediction that low self-control significantly affects crime. The theory includes other predictions, however, that have received far less scrutiny. Among these is the argument that self-control is developed early in childhood and that individual differences emerging then persist over time. The purpose of this study is to provide a rigorous test of the stability thesis. First, we examine the extent of stability and change in self-control for a national sample of U.S. children age 7 to age 15. Second, we consider whether parenting continues to affect self-control during adolescence - a period after the point at which self-control differences should be fixed. The analysis revealed strong absolute and relative stability of self-control for more than 80 percent of the sample, and this stability emerged in large part as early as age 7. Contradicting the theory was a smaller portion of respondents (roughly 16 percent) who experienced substantial absolute and relative changes in self-control even after the age of 10. Moreover, parental socialization continued to affect self-control during adolescence, even after accounting for both prior self-control and exposure to parental socialization.
High-resolution Structural and Thermodynamic Analysis of Extreme Stabilization of Human Procarboxypeptidase by Computational Protein Design

Recent efforts to design de novo or redesign the sequence and structure of proteins using computational techniques have met with significant success. Most, if not all, of these computational methodologies attempt to model atomic-level interactions, and hence high-resolution structural characterization of the designed proteins is critical for evaluating the atomic-level accuracy of the underlying design force-fields. We previously used our computational protein design protocol RosettaDesign to completely redesign the sequence of the activation domain of human procarboxypeptidase A2. With 68% of the wild-type sequence changed, the designed protein, AYEdesign, is over 10 kcal/mol more stable than the wild-type protein. Here, we describe the high-resolution crystal structure and solution NMR structure of AYEdesign, which show that the experimentally determined backbone and side-chains conformations are effectively superimposable with the computational model at atomic resolution. To isolate the origins of the remarkable stabilization, we have designed and characterized a new series of procarboxypeptidase mutants that gain significant thermodynamic stability with a minimal number of mutations; one mutant gains more than 5 kcal/mol of stability over the wild-type protein with only four amino acid changes. We explore the relationship between force-field smoothing and conformational sampling by comparing the experimentally determined free energies of the overall design and these focused subsets of mutations to those predicted using modified force-fields, and both fixed and flexible backbone sampling protocols.
Radiation dose escalation for loco-regional recurrence of breast cancer after mastectomy

Radiation is a standard component of treatment for patients with locoregional recurrence (LRR) of breast cancer following mastectomy. The current study reports the results of a 10% radiation dose escalation in these patients. 159 patients treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center between 1994-2006 with isolated LRR after mastectomy alone were reviewed. Patients in the standard treatment group (65 pts, 40.9%) were treated to 50 Gy comprehensively plus a boost of 10 Gy. The dose escalated group (94 pts, 59.1%) was treated to 54 Gy comprehensively and a minimum 12 Gy boost. Median dose in the standard dose and dose escalated group was 60 Gy (±1 Gy, 95% CI) and 66 Gy (±0.5 Gy, 95% CI) respectively. Median follow up for living patients was 94 months from time of recurrence. The actuarial five year locoregional control (LRC) rate was 77% for the entire study population. The five year overall survival and disease-free survival was 55% and 41%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, initial tumor size (p = 0.03), time to initial LRR (p = 0.03), absence of gross tumor at the time of radiation (p = 0.001) and Her2 status (p = 0.03) were associated with improved LRC. Five year LRC rates were similar in patients with a complete response to chemotherapy without surgery and patients with a complete surgical excision (77% vs 83%, p = NS), compared to a 63% LRC rate in patients with gross disease at the time of radiation (p = 0.024). LRC rates were 80% in the standard dose group and 75% in the dose escalated group (p = NS). While LRR following mastectomy is potentially curable, distant metastasis and local control rates remain suboptimal. Radiation dose escalation did not appear to improve LRC. Given significant local failure rates, these patients are good candidates for additional strategies to improve their outcomes.