cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thickness-dependent molecular arrangement and topography of ultrathin ionic liquid films on a silica surface.

The molecular arrangement and topography of ultrathin ionic liquids (ILs) on a silicon wafer have been studied by AFM and ARXPS, respectively. The results indicate a transition from an “anion–cation” layered (smooth) structure to a “drop-on-layer”/“sponge” (rough) structure when the film gets thicker, which can be attributed to the competition between solid/IL attraction and anion–cation cohesion.
Characterizing Metabolic Inhibition Using Electrochemical Enzyme/DNA Biosensors

Studies of metabolic enzyme inhibition are necessary in drug development and toxicity investigations as potential tools to limit or prevent appearance of deleterious metabolites formed, for example, by cytochrome (cyt) P450 enzymes. In this paper, we evaluate the use of enzyme/DNA toxicity biosensors as tools to investigate enzyme inhibition. We have examined DNA damage due to cyt P450cam metabolism of styrene using DNA/enzyme films on pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes monitored via Ru(bpy)32+-mediated DNA oxidation. Styrene metabolism initiated by hydrogen peroxide was evaluated with and without the inhibitors, imidazole, imidazole-4-acetic acid, and sulconazole (in micromolar range) to monitor DNA damage inhibition. The initial rates of DNA damage decreased with increased inhibitor concentrations. Linear and nonlinear fits of Michaelis−Menten inhibition models were used to determine apparent inhibition constants (KI*) for the inhibitors. Elucidation of the best fitting inhibition model was achieved by ...
Rates and patterns of land use change in the Upper Great Lakes States, USA: A framework for spatial temporal analysis

Abstract Land use/cover maps derived from aerial photography for five areas in the Upper Great Lake States were analyzed for rates and patterns of change using our framework for spatial–temporal analysis. The Detroit (1978–2000), Chicago (1990–2000), Milwaukee (1963–2000), and Twin Cities (1990–1997) Metropolitan Areas, along with the Muskegon River Watershed (1978–1998), were examined for five spatial levels (global, regional, zonal, landscape, and patch) and two temporal rates (referred to as first and second order) of change. We found that all regions gained considerable amounts of urban, lost land in agriculture, and either gained (MRW) or lost (all others) forest land. Urban doubled in most areas over 20 years, even in study areas where agricultural land was not initially prevalent. The amount of land in shrubland was substantial in many of these areas, at times exceeding the amount of land in subclasses of urban (e.g., commercial). The transitional shrubland cover type was involved most commonly in land use transitions (“into” and “out of”) throughout the five study regions. In general, ratios of agricultural loss to residential gain varied between 1.04 and 2.72. The amount of fragmentation of land use/cover varied over time and across 5 km buffer zones but increased substantially over the study periods. On average, the rate of urban growth exceeded population growth rates by a factor of four. Urbanization and fragmentation are clear characteristics of land use change across the Upper Great Lakes States, and our analysis framework allowed for a rigorous comparison across regions both spatially and temporally.
Security support for in-network processing in Wireless Sensor Networks

The benefits of in-network processing for wireless sensor networks include improved scalability, prolonged lifetime, and increased versatility. This paper addresses the challenges associated with securing in-network processing within WSNs, and proposes a collection of mechanisms for delegating trust to aggregators that are not initially trusted by individual sensor nodes. Security mechanisms are proposed to address the downstream requirement that sensor nodes authenticate commands disseminated from parent aggregators. Conversely, security mechanisms are also proposed to address the upstream requirement that aggregators authenticate data produced by sensors before aggregating. Simulation results in ns2 of the proposed mechanisms for secure in-network processing are presented, as well as implementation on a mote testbed.
Anisotropic Diffraction from Inclined Silver Nanorod Arrays on Grating Templates

Inclined silver nanorods (AgNRs) are highly anisotropic, with various applications in energy conversion, plasmonic and photonic devices, and sensing. So far, related studies have focused on the reflection or transmission, whereas studies on the diffraction and scattering from anisotropic AgNRs are still lacking. We investigate the anisotropic radiative properties of novel micro/nanoscale hybrid structures of inclined AgNRs deposited on compact disk (CD) gratings, which were fabricated with an oblique angle deposition technique. The reflectance of each diffraction peak and directional–hemispherical reflectance are characterized with a laser scatterometer and an integrating sphere, respectively, for both polarizations at a wavelength of 635 nm. The ordinary and extraordinary optical constants predicted from the effective medium theory (EMT) are incorporated into a rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) algorithm to estimate the diffraction efficiencies. The effect of scattering (mainly due to surface roughne...
Therapeutic strategies for familial hypercholesterolemia based on somatic gene transfer

Inherited dyslipidemias are important risk factors for the premature development of coronary artery disease. One example is an inherited deficiency of low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors that leads to the syndrome familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). We have used FH as a model for developing new approaches for treating this group of disorders by somatic gene therapy. Experiments in animal models that led to the initiation of a clinical trial of homozygous FH will be presented in this review.
Issues in Genetic Testing for Susceptibility to Alcoholism: Lessons from Alzheimer's Disease and Huntington's Disease

Evidence from family, twin, and adoption studies suggests a heritable basis for alcoholism. However, alcoholism is likely to be genetically heterogeneous, and any genetic connection is likely to be in the form of genes conferring an increased risk or susceptibility. In this study, we present the evidence for a genetic component for alcoholism, and examine the precedent for genetic testing and screening for genetic susceptibility using Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease as examples. Finally, we discuss the preparations that need to be made before taking any findings about the genetics of alcoholism from the research laboratory into the clinic.
A numerical study of dynamic pulse buckling of ring-stiffened cylinders

Abstract Ring-stiffened cylinders are primary components of civilian and military structures which may be subject to impulsive loads that can induce a dynamic buckling response. Over the past 30 years there have been analytical, numerical and experimental investigations of dynamic pulse buckling of unstiffened cylinders, but no known references have been found which consider the effects of a ring-stiffener on the response. This paper presents a comparative finite element numerical study of the effect of a ring-stiffener and its size and spacing on the dynamic buckling response of a cylinder. Dynamic buckling behaviour is established by monitoring the nonlinear growth of initial shape imperfections in the finite element models in response to a uniform initial velocity. The finite element results show that the predominant harmonics and amplitudes of response are affected by the addition of, and the size and spacing of, a ring-stiffener. For a given initial impulse value, the addition of a ring-stiffener causes the predominant harmonics and amplitudes of response to be reduced. A variation in the modal content of the dynamic buckling modeshape from the ring-stiffener to midbay position also occurs. Results also show that pulse buckling theory, with effective radius to thickness ratios for the combined ring-stiffened shell, can give a reasonable estimate of the critical buckling modes.
Volcanic forcing and climate variations during the last glacial period

Abstract. Measurements of δ18O in the Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2 (GISP2) ice-core from Summit, Greenland, show repeated temporal variations associated with rapid warming events throughout the last glacial period of the Pleistocene-10–110 kya. The majority of these warming events are preceded in the ice-core record by an increased concentration of insoluble micro-particulate sulfate, indicative of increases in global volcanism. Wavelet analysis of ice-core and marine-sediment records show a repeated 5000–6000 yr periodicity in both volcanic SO4 and δ18O ice records, as well as a 5000–8000 yr cycle in the lithic concentration of ice-rafted debris, atmospheric CO2 concentration, and a database of late Quaternary volcanic eruptions. Increasing concentrations in atmospheric CO2 and CH4 initiated during periods of increased volcanism, peaking during a warm transition, reflect a volcanic-atmospheric-deglaciation feedback, regulated by meridional overturning current-shutdown related cooling.
The Interactive Effect of Worry and Intolerance of Uncertainty on Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

In this study, relations among worry, intolerance of uncertainty (IU), and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) were examined in N = 89 participants with a trauma history. Both worry and IU shared significant zero-order correlations with each of the three DSM-IV posttraumatic stress symptom clusters. Partial correlations, controlling for the overlap among the symptom clusters, suggested that both worry and IU shared unique associations only with hyperarousal. Finally, and consistent with predictions, IU moderated the relation between worry and PTSS. When examining each PTSS cluster separately, evidence of the moderating role of IU was found only in relation to hyperarousal. More specifically, simple effects revealed that worry had a significant positive association with PTSS and hyperarousal only at high levels of IU. These findings suggest a specific risk profile of high worry in conjunction with high IU for the development and maintenance of PTSS, with particular relevance to hyperarousal symptoms. Conceptual and practical implications of these findings regarding common PTSD treatment approaches are discussed.
Catheterization of edematous uncircumcised penis

Catheterization of a grossly edematous uncircumcised penis can be challenging if the prepuce cannot be retracted. Herein is described a technique in which an anoscope is used to visualize the meatus and facilitate placement of a Foley catheter. This simple technique can obviate the need for cystoscopy or suprapubic cystotomy.
ASYMPTOTIC PROPERTY FOR THE SOLUTION TO THE GENERALIZED KORTEWEG-DE VRIES EQUATION

We study temporal asymptotic property for the solution of the initial value problem for the generalized nonlinear Korteweg-de Vries equation, which is a nonlinear dissipative dispersive wave equation. The decay results of the solution follow from thepriori L 2 integral estimates and the Fourier transform.
The role of c-Src in platelet-derived growth factor α receptor internalization

Abstract We used two approaches to investigate the role of Src family kinases (SFKs) in ligand-stimulated internalization of the platelet-derived growth factor α receptor (αPDGFR). In cells that normally express SFKs, the internalization rate of the F72/74 mutant αPDGFR (which is unable to recruit or activate SFKs) was slower than that of the wild-type (WT) αPDGFR. When expressed in cells lacking SFKs (SYF cells), internalization of the WT and mutant receptors was indistinguishable, which indicated that there was not an inherent defect in the mutant receptor's ability to undergo ligand-driven internalization. The internalization difference between the WT and mutant receptors was seen again when c-Src was expressed in the SYF cells. Surprisingly, c-Src slowed the internalization of the mutant receptor but had little effect on WT receptor. We propose the following working hypothesis to explain these findings. In resting cells SFKs suppress internalization of the αPDGFR by phosphorylating a hypothetical protein X. This suppression is relieved when cells are exposed to PDGF because SFKs are recruited to the activated WT αPDGFR and thereby no longer actively phosphorylate protein X. The internalization of the mutant receptor is slow because it is unable to recruit SFKs and thereby fails to relieve the suppression of internalization. Our findings suggest a role for SFKs in regulating the permissiveness for internalization of the αPDGFR.
Study of nuclei far from stability with recoil mass spectrometer

Abstract Fusion reactions with heavy ions near the Coulomb barrier provide a direct means of producing nuclei far from stability. However, the cross sections for producing neutron deficient nuclei is often small (≲ 1 mb), whereas the total fusion cross section is of the order of several hundred mb. A recoil mass spectrometer (RMS) along with other detectors, such as neutron detectors, to tag the reaction products provides the needed sensitivity for nuclear structure studies on these neutron deficient nuclei. We have identified and carried out spectroscopy studies on several nuclei in the A = 70 region using the RMS at the University of Rochester. These results and the potentialities of the new RMSs in nuclear structure studies will be discussed.
Proportional means regression for censored medical costs.

Summary. The semiparametric proportional means model specifies that the mean function for the cumulative medical cost over time conditional on a set of covariates is equal to an arbitrary baseline mean function multiplied by an exponential regression function. We demonstrate how to estimate the vector-valued regression parameter using possibly censored lifetime costs. The estimator is consistent and asymptotically normal with an easily estimable covariance matrix. Simulation studies show that the proposed methodology is appropriate for practical use. An application to AIDS is provided.
Effects of copper, zinc, and sulfur application to peach trees on coastal plain soil

Abstract Expanded use of sulfur (S)‐free fertilizers and copper (Cu)‐free fungicides is likely to increase plant deficiencies of these essential elements. Zinc (Zn) deficiency occurs more frequently. An effective and reliable means of correcting Zn deficiency in peach trees remains to be documented in Texas. This study was designed to evaluate S, Cu, and Zn treatments on peach trees. Fifteen treatments consisting of combinations of five rates each of S, Cu, and Zn were evaluated using a central‐composite, rotatable design. Each treatment was replicated four times. Sulfur and Cu treatments were applied in January. Zinc treatments were foliar‐applied in March, April, and May. Responses were linear between applied Zn and leaf Zn, applied S and leaf S, and applied S and leaf area. A positive correlation between leaf Cu and leaf N was found. A preliminary study in the greenhouse revealed that both the 12.5 and 25 ppm Cu treatments were toxic. In a succeeding study, no statistical differences among Cu treatment...
The unrestricted natural orbital-restricted active space method: methodology and implementation

The full configuration interaction method in the space of fractionally occupied unrestricted natural orbitals (UNO-CAS method) is extended to excited states as well as to strongly correlated and reactive systems with large active spaces. This is accomplished by␣using restricted active space (RAS) wave functions introduced by Olsen et al. [(1988) J Chem Phys 89: 2185] and using the UNOs without the expensive orbital optimization step. In RAS, the space of active orbitals is subdivided into three groups: a group with essentially doubly occupied orbitals (RAS1), the usual CAS space (RAS2), and a space with weakly occupied active orbitals (RAS3). We select these spaces on the basis of the occupation numbers of the UNOs. All possible electron distributions are allowed in the usual CAS space, but the number of vacancies is limited in RAS1 and the number of electrons is limited in RAS3. We discuss an efficient algorithm for generating a RAS wave function. This is based on the Handy-Knowles determinantal expansion with an addressing scheme adopted for the restricted expansion. Results for both ground and excited states of azulene and free base porphyrin are presented.
22q11.2 Deletion syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract Otolaryngologic problems are common in the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS) population. Structural anomalies and retrognathia may predispose these patients to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The current association of OSA in this population is not defined. Objective (1) Define the frequency of OSA in 22q11.2 DS patients referred for polysomnography (PSG). (2) Determine if OSA is present before and/or after surgery to correct velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). (3) Determine effect of prior adenotonsillectomy on OSA following VPI surgery. Methods Retrospective review of children treated from 2006 to 2013 in a tertiary care setting identified by ICD-9 758.32 (velocardiofacial syndrome) and 279.11 (DiGeorge syndrome). Surgical history and PSG data were abstracted from the identified records. Results We identified 323 patients with 22q11.2 DS; 57 (18%) were screened at any point in care using PSG and 15 patients had PSG at multiple time points in care. In most cases, indication for PSG was sleep disordered breathing or pre-operative planning. Overall, 33 patients met criteria for OSA on PSG, accounting for 10.2% of our study population; however, the percentage of patients with OSA was significantly higher within the group of 57 patients (58%) who were screened with PSG. Twenty-one of the screened patients (54%) had PSG prior to any pharyngeal surgery and had mild to severe OSA (obstructive apnea/hypopnea index (AHI): median 5.1/h, range 1.9–25.6). Eighteen patients had PSG after adenotonsillectomy; 8 of these patients (44%) had mild to moderate OSA (median AHI 2.95/h, range 1.9–5.4). Seventeen patients had PSG after VPI surgery (palatopharyngeal flap (PPF) n = 16, sphincteroplasty n = 1). Nine of these patients (53%) had mild to severe OSA (median AHI 3/h, range 1.9–15). Patients who underwent adenotonsillectomy prior to VPI surgery had similar prevalence of OSA (50%, n = 12) than those who did not (OSA: 60%, n = 5, p = 0.70). Most children had mild OSA. Conclusion Prevalence of OSA in this population of 22q11.2 DS patients is higher than expected in the general population. OSA risk is highest after VPI surgery, and may be decreased by adenotonsillectomy. Providers should have awareness of increased prevalence of OSA in patients with 22q11.2 DS. Close monitoring for OSA is warranted given the likelihood of subsequent surgical intervention that can worsen OSA.
A GCM parameterization for bimodal size spectra and ice mass removal rates in mid-latitude cirrus clouds

This study describes a parameterization for bimodal size spectra in mid-latitude cirrus, based on 996 size distributions (SD) taken from 17 flights in non-convective cirrus during ARM and FIRE intensive observation periods (IOPs). Based on recent work and results given here, the Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe (FSSP) appears to be a viable instrument for approximating the concentration and sizes of small ice crystals for the cirrus studied here. This, in combination with new methodologies presented, allows the small particle mode of the SD (D≲100 μm) to be characterized. The large mode was characterized from laser imaging 2DC probe measurements. Recent work indicates that the thermal single scattering properties of ice clouds are not adequately determined by effective diameter (Deff) and ice water content (IWC) alone, and that information on SD dispersion (e.g. degree of bimodality) is also required. This parameterization satisfies this need, providing three gamma SD parameters for each mode of the bimodal distribution. Three of these six parameters are approximated as constant, while the other three are expressed in terms of cloud IWC and/or temperature (T). These simple inputs make the parameterization convenient for large scale models, such as Global Climate Models (GCMs). In addition, this parameterization provides a physically rigorous means for parameterizing the mass sedimentation rates from ice clouds in a microphysical sense. Accurate knowledge of mass removal rates is critical for predicting cirrus IWCs and radiative properties. Finally, the data in this study was used to parameterize Deff as a function of T for use in schemes parameterizing bulk short-wave single scattering properties. Uncertainties in estimating Deff drop considerably if most mid-latitude cirrus crystals are irregular, as recent studies suggest.
Selective ion-molecule reactions of lactams with dimethyl ether ions

The ion-molecule reactions of dimethyl ether ions CH3OCH3 + and (CH3OCH3)H+, and four- to seven-membered ring lactams with methyl substituents in various positions were characterized by using a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer and a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. In both instruments, the lactams were protonated by dimethyl ether ions and formed various combinations of [M + 13] +, [M + 15] +, and [M + 45] + adduct ions, as well as unusual [M + 3] + and [M + 16] + adduct ions. An additional [M + 47] + adduct ion was formed in the conventional chemical ionization source of the triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. The product ions were isolated and collisionally activated in the quadrupole ion trap to understand formation pathways, structures, and characteristic dissociation pathways. Sequential activation experiments were performed to elucidate fragment ion structures and stepwise dissociation sequences. Protonated lactams dissociate by loss of water, ammonia, or methylamine; ammonia and carbon monoxide; and water and ammonia or methylamine. The [M + 16] + products, which are identified as protonated lactone structures, are only formed by those lactams that do not have an N-methyl substituent. The ion-molecule reactions of dimethyl ether ions with lactams were compared with those of analogous amides and lactones.
New liquid chromatographic approaches for free amino acid analysis in plants and insects II. Thin-layer chromatographic analysis for eighteen varieties of palm trees

Abstract The free amino acids in the foliage of eighteen varieties of palm and the free amino acids in the phloem exudate of three varieties of palm were studied. The fluorescent label 5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl chloride was used for amino acid analysis using two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography on polyamide sheets. A possible correlation between the presence of arginine in the palm varieties studied and susceptibility to lethal yellowing disease was observed.
On-the-fly reduction of kinetic mechanisms using element flux analysis

A systematic approach for on-the-fly mechanism reduction is proposed in this paper. The approach consists of element flux analysis and dynamic generation of reduced mechanisms during reactive flow computation. At each time step of the computation, a reduced mechanism is generated based on local conditions and no previous information or analysis is necessary. The approach is demonstrated in a plug-flow reactor (PFR) model and a pairwise mixing stirred reactor (PMSR) model. A detailed n-pentane oxidation mechanism with 385 species and 1895 elementary reactions and a primary reference fuel (PRF) mechanism with 1034 species and 4236 reactions are used to illustrate the proposed approach. Auto-ignition delay, temperature, and species composition profile predicted by the on-the-fly reduction scheme agree with the detailed simulation and experimental results over a wide range of temperatures and equivalence ratios.
Video alignment to a common reference

Handheld videos include unintentional motion (jitter) and often intentional motion (pan and/or zoom). Human viewers prefer to see jitter removed, creating a smoothly moving camera. For video analysis, in contrast, aligning to a fixed stable background is sometimes preferable. This paper presents an algorithm that removes both forms of motion using a novel and efficient way of tracking background points while ignoring moving foreground points. The approach is related to image mosaicing, but the result is a video rather than an enlarged still image. It is also related to multiple object tracking approaches, but simpler since moving objects need not be explicitly tracked. The algorithm presented takes as input a video and returns one or several stabilized videos. Videos are broken into parts when the algorithm detects the background changing and it becomes necessary to fix upon a new background. Our approach assumes the person holding the camera is standing in one place and that objects in motion do not dominate the image. Our algorithm performs better than several previously published approaches when compared on 1,401 handheld videos from the recently released Point-and-Shoot Face Recognition Challenge (PASC). The source code for this algorithm is being made available.
A solid-phase radioimmunoassay for detection of human antibodies. I. Measurement of IgG antibody to bee venom antigens.

Abstract A solid-phase radioimmunoassay (SPRA) has been developed to measure IgG antibodies to bee venom (BV) and phospholipase A2 (PLA) in human sera. The principle of the test is similar to that of the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) measuring IgE antibody. Cyanogen-bromide-activated paper discs coupled with BV of PLA followed by supplementary coupling with human serum albumin were incubated with standard or test sera, washed, and incubated with 125I-labeled anti IgG. The serum levels of the IgG antibody have been temporarily expressed in arbitrary units. The reaction between the antigen and antibody was specific and the results were reproducible. Sera from 19 beekeepers, 42 beesting-sensitive patients and 20 blood donors (controls) were assayed by the SPRA. IgG antibodies to BV and PLA could not be detected (
A single-unit high-current rectifier

Research on mercury arc rectifiers indicates that up to a certain temperature the arc drop is reduced as the temperature is raised, and that the efficiency is increased accordingly. These facts have been applied to the design of single-unit 3,000-kw 625-volt rectifiers, some of which are now in use on the Eighth Avenue subway in New York City. The provision of control grids makes the rectifier applicable to a wide variety of uses.
“Money Is Just Spiritual Energy”: Incorporating the New Age

Selon l'A., si le New Age est souvent caracterise comme un mouvement de contre culture, il represente en fait beaucoup plus un mouvement consumeriste, qui, en depit de ses pratiques exotiques et de la recherche d'une spiritualite alternative, renforce les valeurs du capitalisme de consommation. Il montre comment aux Etats-Unis la philosophie et les pratiques New Age, notamment par rapport a l'argent, sont de plus en plus integrees dans le monde des affaires (grandes entreprises nationales, management et strategies economiques, ecoles de commerce...), voire au-dela (armee, NASA). Il decrit egalement les liens historiques entre religion, monde des affaires et therapies auto-centree. Le New Age profite notamment de l'intensification contemporaine de l'interet pour ces therapies et de la marchandisation de la religion.
An Unusual Case of Bjork-Shiley Mitral Valve Dysfunction Corrected Nonsurgically

A case of Bjork-Shiley mitral valve dysfunction is presented. The patient had not responded to anticoagulant therapy and had hypotension, dyspnea, chest pain, and a pulse deficit but normal sinus rhythm. Simultaneous echocardiogram, ECG, and arterial pulse tracing were used as noninvasive means of monitoring. Nonsurgical correction of a clinical emergency restored the patient to prior normal baseline cardiovascular function. This case illustrates the possibility of restoring normal prosthetic function by supporting the patient medically while undertaking diagnostic testing and arranging surgical intervention. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a malfunctioning Bjork-Shiley mitral valve corrected without surgery.
Effect of Early Evisceration on the Keeping Quality of Atlantic Croaker (Micropogon undulatus) and Grey Trout (Cynoscion regalis) as Determined by Subjective and Objective Methodology

Heading and evisceration of Atlantic croaker and grey trout soon after harvest was shown to promote higher quality maintenance during iced but not frozen storage for both species. Fish eviscerated immediately upon landing maintained class 1 quality (FDA) 7–10 days longer than iced uneviscerated fish or fish eviscerated 3 days after harvest. Total volatile nitrogen levels and miccrobial counts (7° and 25°C incubation) increased more rapidly than trimethylamine levels as storage time progressed. Both Torrymeter readings and hypoxanthine levels served as good indicators of “freshness” (time/temperature age). However, of the two tests only Torrymeter values reflected quality differences between fish stored iced for an equal period of time (equal “freshness”) but varying in quality, due to the evisceration treatment.
Organizing microcomputer support services

Niebaum: What we are going to do this morning is just a little bit different from some of the other presentations. I am going to present some ideas about micro-computing support services; following my remarks Clair and Priscilla will be responding to my remarks, extending the ideas and commenting No that is not the way to do it; or, Yes that is the way we do it, too. So that will be the format of the talk.
Accelerating enterprise solid-state disks with non-volatile merge caching

Flash memory is now widely used in the design of solid-state disks (SSDs) as they are able to sustain significantly higher I/O rates than even high-performance hard disks, while using significantly less power. These characteristics make SSDs especially attractive for use in enterprise storage systems, and it is predicted that the use of SSDs will save 58,000 MWh/year by 2013. However, Flash-based SSDs are unable to reach peak performance on common enterprise data patterns such as log-file and metadata updates due to slow write speeds (an order-of-magnitude slower than reads) and the inability to do in-place updates. In this paper, we utilize an auxiliary, byte-addressable, non-volatile memory to design a general purpose merge cache that significantly improves write performance. We also utilize simple read policies that further improve the performance of the SSD without adding significant overhead. Together, these policies reduce the average response time by more than 75%, making it possible to meet performance requirements with fewer drives.
Brain chirps: spectrographic signatures of epileptic seizures

Abstract Objective: A chirp is a brief signal within which the frequency content changes rapidly. Spectrographic chirps are found in signals produced from many biological and physical phenomena. In radar and sonar engineering, signals with chirps are used to localize direction and range to the signal source. Although characteristic frequency changes during epileptic seizures have long been observed, the correlation with chirps and chirp technology seems never to have been made. Methods: We analyzed 19 404 s (1870 s of which were from 43 seizures) of intracranially (subdural and depth electrode) recorded digital EEG from 6 patients for the presence of spectral chirps. Matched filters were constructed from methods in routine use in non-medical signal processing applications. Results: We found that chirps are very sensitive detectors of seizures (83%), and highly specific as markers (no false positive detections). The feasibility of using spectral chirps as matched filters was demonstrated. Conclusions: Chirps are highly specific and sensitive spectrographic signatures of epileptic seizure activity. In addition, chirps may serve as templates for matched filter design to detect seizures, and as such, can demonstrate localization and propagation of seizures from an epileptic focus.
Layered mantle convection: A model for geoid and topography

The long-wavelength geoid and topography are dynamic effects of a convecting mantle. The long-wavelength geoid of the Earth is controlled by density variations in the mantle and has been explained by circulation models involving whole mantle flow. However, the relationship of long-wavelength topography to mantle circulation has been a puzzling problem in geodynamics. We show that the dynamic topography is mainly due to density variations in the upper mantle, even after the effects of lithospheric cooling and crustal thickness variation are taken into account. Layered mantle convection, with a shallow origin for surface dynamic topography, is consistent with the spectrum, small amplitude and pattern of the topography. Layered mantle convection, with a barrier about 250 km deeper than the 670 km phase boundary, provides a self-consistent geodynamic model for the amplitude and pattern of both the long-wavelength geoid and surface topography.
When does a different environmental context make a difference in recognition? A global activation model

The effects on recognition of changes in environmental context between learning and test are examined. A context effect occurs when memory tests that take place in an environmental context that is different from the learning context produce consistent differences in performance. A formal model of context-dependent recognition within a global activation framework is presented. The model generates the predictions that (1) context effects will be present when items are tested in a new context that was not seen during learning and (2) context effects will be absent or very small when items are tested in a context that was experienced during learning but that differs from the context in which the test item was learned. Both predictions were verified in an experiment that varied the nature of the different-context test within subjects. Implications for research concerned with context-dependent recognition are discussed.
Ca2+-Dependent Regulation of Ca2+ Currents in Rat Primary Afferent Neurons: Role of CaMKII and the Effect of Injury

Currents through voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (I(Ca)) may be regulated by cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ levels ([Ca²⁺](c)), producing Ca²⁺-dependent inactivation (CDI) or facilitation (CDF). Since I(Ca) regulates sensory neuron excitability, altered CDI or CDF could contribute to pain generation after peripheral nerve injury. We explored this by manipulating [Ca²⁺](c) while recording I(Ca) in rat sensory neurons. In uninjured neurons, elevating [Ca²⁺](c) with a conditioning prepulse (-15 mV, 2 s) inactivated I(Ca) measured during subsequent test pulses (-15 mV, 5 ms). This inactivation was Ca²⁺-dependent (CDI), since it was decreased with elimination of Ca²⁺ influx by depolarization to above the I(Ca) reversal potential, with high intracellular Ca²⁺ buffering (EGTA 10 mm or BAPTA 20 mm), and with substitution of Ba²⁺ for extracellular Ca²⁺, revealing a residual voltage-dependent inactivation. At longer latencies after conditioning (>6 s), I(Ca) recovered beyond baseline. This facilitation also proved to be Ca²⁺-dependent (CDF) using the protocols limiting cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ elevation. Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) blockers applied by bath (KN-93, myristoyl-AIP) or expressed selectively in the sensory neurons (AIP) reduced CDF, unlike their inactive analogues. Protein kinase C inhibition (chelerythrine) had no effect. Selective blockade of N-type Ca²⁺ channels eliminated CDF, whereas L-type channel blockade had no effect. Following nerve injury, CDI was unaffected, but CDF was eliminated in axotomized neurons. Excitability of sensory neurons in intact ganglia from control animals was diminished after a similar conditioning pulse, but this regulation was eliminated by injury. These findings indicate that I(Ca) in sensory neurons is subject to both CDI and CDF, and that hyperexcitability following injury-induced loss of CDF may result from diminished CaMKII activity.
Revised respiration rates for the southern harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex badius

Respiration rates of Pogonomyrmex badius workers were very similar to other myrmicine ants, but 30 times less than previously reported (Golley and Gentry, 1964).
Fluidized bed char combustion kinetic models

Abstract The effect of the kinetics of the heterogeneous reaction between the char and oxygen, and the importance of the subsequent homogeneous oxidation of carbon monoxide oil the performance of an atmospheric fluidized bed combustor have been examined by a comparative analysis of three models. Numerical calculations illustrating the effect of operating variables such as bed temperature, fuel and sorbent particle feed size and excess air were performed for values of the parameters which are pertinent to the design of large scale utility boilers. It is found that the kinetic models predict existence of multiple steady states over a wide range of operating conditions and values of model parameters. The model predictions of combustion efficiency, carbon loading and CO concentrations are in qualitative agreement with experimental data reported in the literature.
Realization of high efficiency inverted polymer photovoltaic cells for roll-to-roll application

Recent progress on solution processable polymeric photovoltaic (PV) cells has drawn a lot of attention in both industry and academia. Over 8% power conversion efficiencies (PCE) have been demonstrated. In order to realize the application of organic PV, high efficiency (~10%) is not the only criteria, but also the low material and processing costs and device stability. For mostly demonstrated laboratory high efficiency cells, the devices consists of high work-function bottom anode and low work-function top cathode, e.g. Al, which is well known that the oxidation of the cathode accelerates the device degradation. In order to accommodate the issue, recent effort has been focusing on developing inverted structure. In such case, the low work-function metal can be eliminated by using a composite electrode with a work-function modifying interlayer. Solution derived TiOx and ZnO nano-particles are widely used as the interlayer. It has been shown such interlayer can efficiently reduce the work-function of bottom ITO electrode and significantly improve the device stability. However, it is often found that the inverted cells processed a lower performance than their counterpart with conventional structure. Such low efficiency is caused by the surface trap states of the nanoparticles which introduce charge recombination.
Insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) and their regulatory dynamics

The IGFBPs are a family of homologous proteins that have co-evolved with the IGFs and that confer upon the IGF regulatory system both functional and tissue specificity. IGFBPs are not merely carrier proteins for IGFs, but hold a central position in IGF ligand-receptor interactions through influences on both the bioavailability and distribution of IGFs in the extracellular environment. In addition, IGFBPs appear to have intrinsic biological activity independent of IGFs. The current status of research on IGFBPs is reviewed herein. Following a brief introduction to the entire IGF/IGFBP system, separate sections for each of the six cloned mammalian IGFBPs, the most extensive for IGFBP3, cover selected topics that emphasize the dynamics of IGFBPs--that is, their regulation in cells, their functionally important post-translational modifications, and their interactions in the cellular microenvironment--and how these dynamics influence physiological function.
Sex-ratio selection in species with helpers-at-the-nest.

The data presented by Gowaty and Lennartz (1985) for red-cockaded woodpeckers, Picoides borealis, provide the first empirical evidence of a skewed sex ratio at the termination of parental care for a cooperatively breeding bird. Their findings take on added significance because they suggest that helping behavior per se may be a driving force selecting for an imbalanced sex ratio, rather than vice versa. It is well known that males outnumber females in adult populations of many, if not most, species of cooperatively breeding birds (Brown 1978, 1983; Emlen 1978, 1984). It is also true that among birds in general, and cooperative breeders in particular, males usually are the more philopatric sex, whereas females are the dispersers (Rowley 1965; Zahavi 1974; Gaston 1978; Woolfenden and Fitzpatrick 1978; Greenwood 1980; Reyer 1980; Koenig et al. 1983). The result is that males are more likely to remain in or near their natal groups and to act as helpers at the nest. These facts have led several authors to hypothesize that the skew in the adult sex ratio is brought about by heightened mortality associated with female-biased dispersal. This imbalance, in turn, imposes a demographic constraint on the ability of males to find mates, with the effect that a proportion of the male
Permeability of the cell-to-cell membrane channels in mammalian cell juncton

The channels in the junctions of various mammalian cell types--primary cultures and lines--were probed with a series of linear fluorescent amino acid and peptide molecules of different size and charge. Permeability is limited by probe size and electronegativity, these two factors apparently being related reciprocally. In respect to both factors, mammalian junctional channels are more restrictive than insect channels; hence the mammalian channels are narrower, more polar, or both. The channels of the various mammalian cell types differed slightly from each other; in some types the serum of the culture medium affected the channel permeability.
The Spectral Picture of Reinhardt Measures

Using a combination of techniques from the theory of groupoids, the theory of several complex variables, and single and multivariable operator theory, we describe in detail the spectral picture of the commuting pair (Mz1, Mz2) of multiplication operators by the coordinate functions z1 and z2, acting on the Hilbert space P2(μ) := C[z1, z2]−L2(μ), for μ an arbitrary Reinhardt measure on C2.
THE EFFECTS OF INSOLATION AND GRAZING ON POPULATIONS OF THE SPLASH ZONE ALGA PRASIOLA MERIDIONALIS (CHLOROPHYTA)

Field experiments at two sites assessed the effects of insolation and gastropod grazing on the distribution and abundance of Prasiola meridionalis Setchell et Gardner, a green alga that occurs in t...
Two-photon absorption in “double molecules”

Abstract The two-photon excited fluorescence excitation spectrum is reported for naphthalene and 2,2-binaphthyl, and for fluorene and difluorenyl. These results are compared with the previously reported results for benzene and biphenyl. The exciton approximation predicts that the two-photon spectra of such single and double molecules should resemble each other quite closely, even in cases where the one-photon spectra are quite different. However, this behaviour is not observed in the reported compounds.
Sex-specific control of growth and differentiation in the Drosophila genital disc, studied using a temperature-sensitive transformer-2 mutation☆

Abstract Mutations of the transformer-2 (tra-2) locus of Drosophila melanogaster cause chromosomally female (XX) animals to develop as males, but have no effect on the development of chromosomally male (XY) animals. In the female genital disc, such mutations cause repression of growth and inhibition of differentiation in the female genital primordium, while allowing growth and differentiation of the otherwise repressed male genital primordium. We used a temperature-sensitive mutation of this locus ( tra-2 ts1 ) to switch development from one sexual pathway to the other. Following development at the male-determining temperature (29°C), subsequent culture of the XX;tra-2 ts1 genital disc in vivo at the female-determining temperature (16°C) allowed the previously repressed female genital primordium to develop and form female genital structures, whereas the formation of male genital elements was grossly disturbed. Conversely, following development at the female-determining temperature, subsequent culture in vivo at the male-determining temperature allowed the formerly repressed male genital primordium to grow and produce male genital structures, and repressed the formation of female elements from the already fully developed female genital primordium. The experiments indicate that the tra-2 product has to operate during the culture period in order to maintain the female state of sex determination, i.e., to promote the development of female structures, as well as to repress that of male structures. The experimental treatments, as well as the results of temperature shifts on developing larvae, resulted in sexual transformation of the anal plates, and clarified the sexual homologies of these structures. In both genitalia and analia, a switch from the female to the male developmental pathway was accomplished more rapidly and effectively than the reverse change.
A thermodynamic property formulation for ethylene from the freezing line to 450 K at pressures to 260 MPa

A new thermodynamic property formulation based upon a fundamental equation explicit in Helmholtz energy of the form A=A(ρ, T) for ethylene from the freezing line to 450 K at pressures to 260 MPa is presented. A vapor pressure equation, equations for the saturated liquid and vapor densities as functions of temperature, and an equation for the ideal-gas heat capacity are also included. The fundamental equation was selected from a comprehensive function of 100 terms on the basis of a statistical analysis of the quality of the fit. The coefficients of the fundamental equation were determined by a weighted least-squares fit to selected P-ρ-T data, saturated liquid and saturated vapor density data to define the phase equilibrium criteria for coexistence, C v data, velocity of sound data, and second virial coefficients. The fundamental equation and the derivative functions for calculating internal energy, enthalpy, entropy, isochoric heat capacity (C v), isobaric heat capacity (C p), and velocity of sound are included. The fundamental equation reported here may be used to calculate pressures and densities with an uncertainty of ±0.1%, heat capacities within ±3 %, and velocity of sound values within ±1 %, except in the region near the critical point. The fundamental equation is not intended for use near the critical point. This formulation is proposed as part of a new international standard for thermodynamic properties of ethylene.
Expression of a Candidate Ataxia-telangiectasia Group D Gene in Cultured Fibroblast Cell Lines and Human Tissues

A candidate gene for ataxia-telangiectasia group D (ATDC) has been cloned (Kapp et al. 1992), sequenced and found to be a member of a recently reported gene family (Leonhardt et al. 1994). Transcriptional behaviour of ATDC has been examined in a number of cell lines and human tissues using a 3.0 kb cloned cDNA as a probe. Three normal and two ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) group D, non-transformed fibroblast cell lines produced a 2.4 kb mRNA transcript. The size of mRNA transcripts seen and the level of expression differ in different human tissues. Many tissues have multiple transcripts of ATDC and the most prominent transcripts observed were 3.0, 2.4 and 1.6 kb. Two out of three SV-40 transformed normal and one SV-40-transformed A-T group D fibroblast cell lines demonstrated no transcription of ATDC by RNA blotting analysis. These results suggest that SV-40 transformation may affect the expression of ATDC. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that ATDC was expressed at low levels in all of these cells. Additional Northern blot analysis demonstrated that X-irradiation with 10 Gy had no effect on ATDC expression at 1, 4 and 24 h after irradiation in either SV-40-transformed normal or in SV-40-transformed A-T group D fibroblast cell lines. Further understanding of ATDC will require cloning of additional transcripts and studies of ATDC protein behaviour.