cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Scheduling of a Parallel Server System in Heavy Traffic with Complete Resource Pooling: Asymptotic Optimality of a Threshold Policy

We consider a parallel server queueing system consisting of a bank of buffers for holding incoming jobs and a bank of flexible servers for processing these jobs. Incoming jobs are classified into one of several different classes (or buffers). Jobs within a class are processed on a first-in-first-out basis, where the processing of a given job may be performed by any server from a given (class-dependent) subset of the bank of servers. The random service time of a job may depend on both its class and the server providing the service. Each job departs the system after receiving service from one server. The system manager seeks to minimize holding costs by dynamically scheduling waiting jobs to available servers. We consider a parameter regime in which the system satisfies both a heavy traffic and a complete resource pooling condition. Our cost function is an expected cumulative discounted cost of holding jobs in the system, where the (undiscounted) cost per unit time is a linear function of normalized (with heavy traffic scaling) queue length. In a prior work, the second author proposed a continuous review threshold control policy for use in such a parallel server system. This policy was advanced as an "interpretation" of the analytic solution to an associated Brownian control problem (formal heavy traffic diffusion approximation). In this paper we show that the policy proposed previously is asymptotically optimal in the heavy traffic limit and that the limiting cost is the same as the optimal cost in the Brownian control problem.
Raman studies of conformational changes in model membrane systems

Abstract Laser Raman spectra of concentrated samples of phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine were taken at approximately 10° intervals over a temperature range of 90°–19°C. The spectral region from 30 to 3300 cm−1 was investigated. Several new spectral features were discovered which are correlated to phospholipid liquid crystalline structure. It is shown that 1) frequency shifts occur in the PO 2 − symmetric stretch band which suggest a change in exposure of the PO2 group to the solvent upon melting, 2) the frequency of the translational hydrocarbon mode around 150 cm−1 appears to indicate the degree to which the hydrocarbon chain is extended, 3) the methyl and methylene stretch bands at 2890 and 2850 cm−1 very clearly demonstrate hydrocarbon chain melting, and 4) the 720 cm−1 band, previously assigned to the symmetric OPO diester stretch, appears to be due instead to the symmetric CN stretch of choline.
The Authentic Leadership Inventory (ALI): Development and empirical tests

Abstract This paper presents the development and preliminary validation of a new measure of authentic leadership, the Authentic Leadership Inventory (ALI). It also assesses the recently developed Authentic Leadership Questionnaire (ALQ). Results indicate some concerns with the ALQ but support the content validity, reliability, factor structure, convergent and discriminant validity, concurrent validity, and freedom from impression management response bias of the ALI. Confirmatory factor analyses also do not support treating authentic or transformational leadership as universally global constructs. Instead, it is argued that future research would better be served by using separate authentic and transformational dimensions (rather than aggregate or global measures) to understand the unique aspects of both leadership constructs.
Effect of surrogate–administered punishment on surrogate contact in infant squirrel monkeys

Three experiments were conducted in which surrogate-reared infant squirrel monkeys were exposed to punishment in the form of pressurized air emitted from the bodies of the surrogates. Punishment was administered irregularly during the day between the ages of 6 and 34 weeks, under different schedules of random presentation and at different parameters of the airblast stimulus. Physical contact with the surrogate was recorded separately for day and night activity. The results of all experiments were consistent in showing that punished infants spent less time than did nonpunished controls in contacting their surrogates during the daytime throughout the entire period of study. Nighttime scores were less consistent, but showed the same trend in 2 of the experiments. The results also suggested that different subtypes of squirrel monkeys are inherently different in their degree of surrogate contact, with monkeys of the Bolivian type spending more time in contact than those of either Peruvian or Colombian descent.
Review : Gene Therapy: Applications to the Neurosciences and to Neurological Disease

Gene expression is involved in some way in every human disease. As our knowledge of gene structure and function has blossomed in the last 2 decades, so too has our potential genetically-based repertoire for combating disease. Gene therapy refers to the manipulation of gene expression, either by augmenting the expression of therapeutic genes or by diminishing the expression of deleterious genes. In some neurological diseases, such as trauma, ischemia, and neurodegenerative disorders, gene therapy might be used to express genes for such substances as growth factors or neurotransmitters to prevent neuronal degeneration or to compensate for lost function, respectively. In other cases, gene therapy could be used to block the expression of genes that cause disease such as β-amyloid precursor protein or the Huntingtin gene. In inherited diseases of the nervous system such as muscular dystrophy, normal gene copies could be placed into the nervous system to compensate for lost function resulting from abnormal gene...
The proper placement of uniform connectedness.

In this journal, Palmer and Rock (1994) articulated a principle of perceptual organization calleduniform connectedness (UC); and they contended that previous investigators of perception had failed to realize the need for this organizing principle. The authors outlined a theory of perceptual organization that “places the principle of UC at center stage” (p. 38) in that UC was assigned the two privileged roles of (1) forming the fundamental units for later perceptual processes, and (2) yielding the postconstancy regions that correspond to environmental surfaces. In this commentary, I argue that the proposed theory entails a serial ordering of perceptual processes that is inconsistent with current evidence regarding figure-ground organization, stereo fusion, and object recogntion. In addition, I point out that Kurt Koffka (1935) recognized the need for a principle of unit formation similar to the one proposed by Palmer and Rock.
Application of multihop relay for perfomance enhancement of AeroMACS networks

A new transmission technology, based on IEEE 802.16-2009 (WiMAX), is currently being developed for airport surface communications. A C-band spectrum allocation at 5091–5150 MHz has been created by ITU to carry this application. The proposed technology, known as AeroMACS, will be used to support fixed and mobile ground to ground applications and services. This article proposes and demonstrates that IEEE 802.16j-amendment-based WiMAX is most feasible for AeroMACS applications. This amendment introduces multihop relay as an optional deployment that may be used to provide additional coverage and/ or enhance the capacity of the network. Particular airport surface radio coverage situations for which IEEE 802.16-2009-WiMAX provides resolutions that are inefficient, costly, or excessively power consuming are discussed. In all these cases, it is argued that 16j technology offers a much better alternative. A major concern about deployment of AeroMACS is interference to co-allocated applications such as the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) feeder link. Our initial simulation results suggest that no additional interference to MSS feeder link is caused by deployment of IEEE 802.16j-based AeroMACS.
Testing an eddy-permitting model of the Southern Ocean carbon cycle against observations

Mesoscale processes play fundamental roles in the dynamics and biogeochemistry of the Southern Ocean. Previous modeling studies with coarse resolution models show varying estimates of carbon uptake there due to the differences in the representation of physical circulation and mesoscale processes. We develop a new eddy-permitting carbon cycle model of the Southern Ocean with improved representation of eddies, jets, and frontal structures. The model employs physical circulation fields from a Southern Ocean State Estimate: a model solution that is constrained by a suite of remotely sensed and in situ measurements to ensure realistic hydrographic structures and transport fields. A simple biogeochemistry model is coupled to the physical model to simulate the cycling of alkalinity, carbon, and nutrients. In this paper we compare simulated biogeochemical tracers with observations, and diagnose mechanisms controlling the regional carbon cycle. Model-data comparisons in Drake Passage and CLIVAR repeat sections provide tests for the model performance in capturing observed biogeochemical properties. Temporal variability of air-sea CO2 flux is primarily controlled by surface pCO2 on seasonal timescale, modulated by rapid fluctuations in surface wind speed on a shorter timescale. Analysis of simulated carbon transport indicates that the zonal mean circulation transports carbon southward, partly compensated by the northward stationary and transient eddy fluxes. Variability of zonal mean circulation, which is strongly correlated with Ekman transport, dominates the temporal variability of meridional carbon transport across the Polar Front.
The road less traveled: staff-driven re-org

In early spring 2002 the technology support staff at Bucknell University set out on a staff-driven reorganization and work redesign. In addition to describing the processes we used to begin, plan, develop and implement our reorganization, we will focus on the characteristics of our unique collaborative work environment and organizational values that enable us to undertake projects such as this.Many believe that reorganizations have to happen from the top down. Our reorganization took place from the bottom up and it has made all the difference. Ownership, trust, empowerment, collaboration, service, leadership at all levels of the organization, and creativity - these words sum up our process and our outcomes. It has been an amazing adventure!
Molecular Intercalation of Ammonia into Zirconium Disulfide

Abstract The intercalation and deintercalation of NH3 into ZrS2 has been investigated by evolved gas analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, vapor pressure measurements, SQID magnetometry, and X-ray powder diffraction. Ammonia intercalation of ZrS2, in contrast to other transition metal disulfides (TS2), is predominately a molecular insertion reaction. Only a small amount of NH+4 (≤1%) is present in the intercalate, which may be required for intercalation to occur. The small degree of charge transfer can be understood qualitatively within the rigid-band model. The equilibrium intercalate, (NH3)0.92ZrS2, can be indexed to a 3R, stage-1 structure having an occupied layer expansion (3.17 A) in good agreement with other NH3–TS2 intercalation compounds. The guest–guest and guest–host interactions that stabilize the intercalate apparently involve H2N–H···NH3 and H2N–H···S hydrogen bonding, respectively. Based on this study, ammoniated ZrS2 offers an excellent model system for probing the structure and properties of molecular guest species in lamellar materials.
Effects of ion and electron correlations on neutrino scattering in the infall phase of a supernova

Abstract Many authors have used one-component plasma simulations in discussing the role of ion–ion correlations in reducing neutrino opacities during the collapse phase of a supernova. In a multicomponent plasma in which constituent ions have even a small range of N / Z ratios neutrino opacities are much larger, in some regions of parameters, than for the case of a one component plasma.
Novel Peptidyl α-Keto Amide Inhibitors of Calpains and Other Cysteine Proteases

A series of new dipeptidyl alpha-keto amides of the general structure R1-L-Leu-D,L-AA-CONH-R2 were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors for the cysteine proteases calpain I, calpain II, and cathepsin B. They combine 10 different N-protecting groups (R1), 3 amino acids residues in P1 (AA), and 44 distinct substituents on the alpha-keto amide nitrogen (R2). In general, calpain II was more sensitive to these inhibitors than calpain I, with a large number of inhibitors displaying dissociation constants (Ki) in the 10-100 nM range. Calpain I was also effectively inhibited, but very low Ki values were observed with a smaller number of inhibitors than with calpain II. Cathepsin B was weakly inhibited by most compounds in this study. The best inhibitors for calpain II were Z-Leu-Abu-CONH-CH2-CHOH-C6H5 (Ki = 15 nM), Z-Leu-Abu-CONH-CH2-2-pyridyl (Ki = 17 nM), and Z-Leu-Abu-CONH-CH2-C6H3(3,5(OMe)2) (Ki = 22 nM). The best calpain I inhibitor in this study was Z-Leu-Nva-CONH-CH2-2-pyridyl (Ki = 19 nM). The peptide alpha-keto amide Z-Leu-Abu-CONH-(CH2)2-3-indolyl was the best inhibitor for cathepsin B (Ki = 31 nM). Some compounds acted as specific calpain inhibitors, with comparable activity on both calpains I and II and a lack of activity on cathepsin B (e.g., 40, 42, 48, 70). Others were specific inhibitors for calpain I (e.g., 73) or calpain II (e.g., 18, 19, 33, 35, 56). Such inhibitors may be useful in elucidating the physiological and pathological events involving these proteases and may become possible therapeutic agents.
Opportunistic Channel Sharingin Cognitive Radio Networks

Licensed white space channels can now be used opportunistically by unlicensed users, provided the channels are relinquished when needed by the primary users. In order to maximize their potential, these channels need to be assigned to the secondary users in an efficient manner. The protocols to enable such an assignment need to simultaneously aim for fairness, high throughput, low overhead, and low rate of channel reconfigurations. One way of channel assignment is to allow neighboring access points (APs) to operate on the same channel. However, if not done properly, this may increase the number of collisions resulting in lower throughput. In this paper, we present a new channel assignment algorithm that performs controlled channel sharing among neighboring APs that increases not only the fairness but also the total throughput of the APs. Controlled sharing and assignment of channels leads to a new problem that we call as the Shared Coloring Problem. We design a protocol based on a centralized algorithm, called Share, and its localized version, lShare that work together to meet the objectives. The algorithm has tight bounds on fairness and it provides high system throughput. We also show how the 802.22 MAC layer protocol for wireless regional area networks (WRANs) can be modified considering the typical case of low degree of interference resulting from the operations of Share and lShare. Results from extensive ns-3 simulations based on data traces show that our protocol increases the minimum throughput among all APs by at least 58 percent when compared to the baseline algorithms.
Sidewinder catheter for conversion of retrograde into antegrade catheterization

Conversion of retrograde into antegrade catheterization is accomplished through the use of a sidewinder catheter with a reformed loop that is subsequently lost during advancement of the catheter tip. This technique was used to perform eight percutaneous dilatations (PTD) in seven patients (one had bilateral disease). Other applications for antegrade catheterization are considered.
Effect of 3-phenylamino-l-alanine on tryptophan binding to rat hepatic nuclear envelopes

Abstract We have determined that the addition of 3-phenylamino- l -alanine (PAA), a recently reported contaminant in l -tryptophan implicated in the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, affects tryptophan binding by utilizing an in vitro measurement of 3H-tryptophan binding to hepatic nuclei or nuclear envelopes. PAA (10−10 to 10−4M) diminishes the inhibitory effect of binding due to excess unlabeled l -tryptophan (10−4M). PAA alone has no inhibitory effect on binding. The effect of PAA on in vitro tryptophan binding is in contrast to that of another contaminant, 1,1′-ethylidenebis(tryptophan), which together with excess unlabeled l -tryptophan does not appreciably affect the binding. In vitro addition of PAA and l -tryptophan to nuclei of rat brain or of cultured murine macrophages does not affect [3H]tryptophan binding in comparison to l -tryptophan alone as if the case with hepatic nuclear envelopes. Adding PAA to an in vitro protein synthesis system and measuring [3H]tryptophan or [3H]alanine incorporation into acid-precipitable proteins reveals that it competes similarly, but somewhat less, than does equimolar concentrations of unlabeled l -tryptophan or l -alanine, respectively. This suggests that PAA or a breakdown compound becomes incorporated into proteins. Speculation as to how PAA may affect tissues in experimental animals is presented.
Evidence for an autocrine/paracrine function of chorionic gonadotropin in Xanthomonas maltophilia.

In the human and all other mammalian systems studied, LH and hCG bind to a common high affinity receptor with equal affinity. We have recently reported that a unique high affinity binding site in Xanthomonas maltophilia preferentially binds hCG and a native CG-like ligand over LH or other glycoprotein hormones. In the current studies, we have analyzed the effect of hCG or the native ligand on culturing Xanthomonas maltophilia. Both the human and native ligand caused a dose-dependent alteration in the pattern of the growth cycle and a change in the morphology of the bacteria during the stationary phase of the growth cycle. The protein concentration reached during the stationary phase was significantly (P < 0.005) higher in cultures supplemented with hCG or the native ligand. When an aliquot of the culture was diluted and plated on Earl's Martin Balanced agar plates, the number of subsequent colonies was increased (P < 0.02) in the fractions supplemented with the ligands. The increased growth was significan...
Differential effects of short-term fasting on pulsatile thyrotropin, gonadotropin, and alpha-subunit secretion in healthy men--a clinical research center study.

In healthy subjects, short term fasting suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes, with decreased serum levels of TSH and LH. However, effects of fasting on pulsatile release of TSH, LH, FSH, and alpha-subunit are less clear. Eleven healthy young men each underwent two 2-day studies: a baseline study during normal caloric intake and a fasting study during 56 h of caloric deprivation. During the final 24 h of each study, blood samples were drawn every 15 min for measurement of serum TSH, LH, FSH, and alpha-subunit pulses. Fifty-six hours of fasting caused a 50% suppression of mean TSH levels and TSH pulse amplitude, without altering TSH pulse frequency. Nocturnal TSH pulse amplitude decreased by 60%, with abolition of the usual nocturnal TSH surge. Fasting suppressed mean LH levels and LH pulse amplitude by 30%, without affecting LH pulse frequency. In contrast, mean FSH levels only decreased by 13%, without changes in FSH pulse parameters, whereas mean alp...
Drug-induced pulmonary infection

Immunosuppressive drugs lead to an enhanced risk for infection. The impact of these drugs on the immune system can be broad (eg, corticosteroids) or targeted (eg, rituximab). Infections can have serious consequences, particularly if there is a delay in diagnosis. It is hoped that a knowledge of the type of immune defects that are induced by these drugs and the specific infections that have been reported will guide clinicians in the appropriate use of prophylactic regimens and diagnostic considerations in the event of pneumonia.
Biochemical regulation of rubber biosynthesis in guayule (Parthenium argentatum Gray)

Natural rubber is an irreplaceable raw material vital to industry, transportation, medicine and defense. It is largely produced from clonal plantations of Hevea brasiliensisin southeastern Asia. Temperate-zone rubber-producing crops are greatly desired to increase biodiversity, protect supplies, and provide a safe natural-rubber alternative for the large numbers of people suffering from Type I latex allergy to proteins in latex products. Parthenium argentatum(guayule) is currently under development in the United States as a suitable source of hypoallergenic latex. Improved P. argentatum lines are still desired with higher latex yields, improved agronomic characteristics, and broader growth range. Understanding the biochemical regulation of rubber yield (principally rate of synthesis) and quality (principally molecular weight distribution) in P. argentatumis an essential preliminary to the identification and manipulation of key regulatory steps. In this paper, the biochemical regulation of rubber biosynthesis in P. argentatum will be discussed and unique features highlighted. We find that the P. argentatum rubber transferase has kinetic features, such as high K IPP , similar to other rubber producing species. However, P. argentatum also has some unique rubber transferase features, including very low K FPP and negative cooperativity for C15 farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), which affect the
Nurse Practitioners: A Comparison of Rural‐Urban Practice Patterns and Willingness to Serve in Underserved Areas

PURPOSE To determine nurse practitioners' (NPs) practice patterns and willingness to practice in underserved areas in both rural and urban settings in a largely rural state. DATA SOURCES A census of all NPs holding a Pennsylvania license and providing addresses in Pennsylvania or one of the contiguous states was conducted in 1996. The ZIP codes of practice sites were matched with 1990 census data. CONCLUSIONS Nurse practitioners in rural areas are more likely than their urban counterparts to provide primary care in primary care practice settings, they see more patients per week, and they are more likely to be the principal provider of care for a higher percentage of their patients. Experience with managed care contracts is greater for urban NP's as is their willingness to practice in urban underserved areas. Rural NP's were more willing to practice in rural underserved areas than their urban counterparts. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Access to primary care continues to be a concern in rural areas. The increasing market penetration of managed care and the deficit of primary care providers in rural environments may lead to increased opportunities for NPs in the rural health care delivery system.
Comparison of Five Ageing Methodologies Applied to Walleye (Stizostedion Vitreum) in Burt Lake, Michigan

Age estimations were performed on 25 walleyes (Stizostedion Vitreum) from Burt Lake, Michigan, by sectioning pectoral and pelvic fin rays, dorsal fin spines, and otoliths and by impressing scales. Age groups 4 to 11 were found using these methods. Paired t-tests showed no significant differences among all pairs (p > 0.05), except the pelvic fin ray and otolith combination. Variability exists among the age estimations for individual fishes, however, statistically all methods were of equal precision. A subjective merit analysis showed otoliths and pectoral fin rays had the highest rating, while pelvic fin rays had the lowest. In areas of the Great Lakes which have walleye populations that exhibit similar age patterns as Burt Lake walleye, otolith or pectoral fin ray ageing methods should be used as an occasional check for the reliability of scale age estimations.
Evidence-based policy in the new organizational paradigm part 1.

Wright State University, Dayton, OHThe Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPAC;Public Law. No. 111-148) addresses the need for the use ofscientific evidence within health care initiatives. Integrationof evidence can be complex and involve multiple systemsfor successful application of evidence-based decisionmaking. As pediatric health care professionals begin tounderstand how the PPAC will impact the care we provideto our patients and families, it is essential that nurses areaware of the issues and possible implications to clinicalpractice. In this initial article, definitions and relationshipsbetween evidence-based practice (EBP), public policy, andthe new organizational paradigm will be explored. Inaddition, issues and barriers relevant and critical to evidenceuse within health care organizations are addressed. In asubsequent article, strategies for facilitating changes inorganizational and individual nurse behaviors toward acontext of EBP will be discussed.
Building a better model of mantle structure

Using observations of seismic energy that has passed through the mantle, researchers can measure the relative velocities of seismic waves within different vertical regions of the Earth. With such tomographic constraints, they can get a picture of structures within the mantle and infer how the mantle moves.
Influence of drift field on n-i-p solar cell performance

Abstract Solution curves of the complete set of transport, continuity and Poisson equations for a two-carrier model of n-i-p junctions in CdS/CuInSe 2 and amorphous silicon (a-Si) are discussed for various degrees of compensation in the i layer. The solar cell performance is discussed in relation to the set of computed principal and derived variables, such as carrier densities, fields, potentials and currents. The resulting current-voltage characteristics show typical deviation from ideal characteristics, revealing the degree of drift-assisted carrier collection.
Thinking Musically, Writing Expectantly: New Biographical Information About Emily Dickinson

The papers of Ann Eliza Houghton Penniman, a music teacher active in the Connecticut Valley, reveal new biographical information about Emily Dickinson: specifically, the early training that helped ...
How Retirement Saving Programs Increase Saving

This paper summarizes the authors work on the effect of IRA and 401(k) contributions on net personal saving. They consider many different nonparametric approaches to controlling for heterogeneity in individual saving behavior and conclude that the weight of the available evidence suggests that contributions to both IRAs and 401(k)s largely represent new saving. The authors devote particular attention to reconciling their results with the findings in other studies that reach different conclusions, sometimes using the same databases that the authors analyze. Methodological limitations that undermine the reliability of results in other studies explain many of these disparities.
Milo as a Feed Ingredient for Broilers

ABSTRACT GRAIN sorghums are grown in large volume in the South and Southwest and often are considerably lower in price than corn. Feed manufacturers and broiler producers are therefore interested in the effect of including various levels of milo and other grain sorghums in broiler diets. Payne (1934) found that good quality kafir or milo could be substituted for yellow or white corn in chick feed. Melass (1943) confirmed this finding, however, he specified that milo would replace an equal weight of corn only if a good quality of alfalfa leaf meal was included in the diet. Hammond (1942) found that either yellow milo or hegari was of equal value to white corn in a balanced diet for laying hens. Harms et al. (1958) found that as yellow corn replaced milo in the diet of broilers, grown in batteries, improvement in the finish score and body weight was obtained. They also . . .
Hydrogen transport in composite inorganic membranes

A theoretical model simulating hydrogen transport through composite inorganic membranes is proposed. This model simulates operation of membranes made of three or more porous or metallic layers. Transport through Pd-alloy metallic layers is simulated using a comprehensive model proposed by Ward and Dao. The model accounts for external mass transfer, surface adsorption and desorption, transport to and from the bulk metal, and diffusion within the metal. Transport through porous ceramic layers is simulated following Burggraaf, who proposed an expression that combines viscous flow, Knudsen diffusion, and transition flow through porous media of complex geometrical structure. The model can also use experimentally determined permeance data when available. The theoretical model has been computationally implemented. Computations show very good agreement with experimental data available in the literature. The proposed model predicts hydrogen fluxes through composite membranes of several layers for standard operating conditions. The model can also predict which of the several layers used in manufacturing the membrane is controlling the total hydrogen flux. This information can be used to determine optimal thickness values for metallic and porous layers.
The Isotopic Anatomies of Molecules and Minerals

Most natural compounds are composed of diverse isotopologues that differ in the number and/or symmetrically unique atomic locations of isotopic substitutions. Little of this isotopic diversity is observed by conventional methods of stable isotope geochemistry, which generally measure concentrations of rare isotopes without constraining differences in isotopic composition between different atomic sites or nonrandom probabilities of multiple isotopic substitutions in the same molecule. Recent advances in analytical instrumentation and methodology have created a set of geochemical tools—geothermometers, biosynthetic signatures, forensic fingerprints—based on these position-specific isotope effects and multiply substituted isotopologues. This progress suggests we are entering a period in which many new geochemical tools of this type will be created. This review describes the principles, background, analytical methods, existing applied tools, and likely future progress of this emerging field.
Initiation of male sperm-transfer behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans requires input from the ventral nerve cord

The Caenorhabditis elegans male exhibits a stereotypic behavioral pattern when attempting to mate. This behavior has been divided into the following steps: response, backing, turning, vulva location, spicule insertion, and sperm transfer. We and others have begun in-depth analyses of all these steps in order to understand how complex behaviors are generated. Here we extend our understanding of the sperm-transfer step of male mating behavior. Based on observation of wild-type males and on genetic analysis, we have divided the sperm-transfer step of mating behavior into four sub-steps: initiation, release, continued transfer, and cessation. To begin to understand how these sub-steps of sperm transfer are regulated, we screened for ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS)-induced mutations that cause males to transfer sperm aberrantly. We isolated an allele of unc-18, a previously reported member of the Sec1/Munc-18 (SM) family of proteins that is necessary for regulated exocytosis in C. elegans motor neurons. Our allele, sy671, is defective in two distinct sub-steps of sperm transfer: initiation and continued transfer. By a series of transgenic site-of-action experiments, we found that motor neurons in the ventral nerve cord require UNC-18 for the initiation of sperm transfer, and that UNC-18 acts downstream or in parallel to the SPV sensory neurons in this process. In addition to this neuronal requirement, we found that non-neuronal expression of UNC-18, in the male gonad, is necessary for the continuation of sperm transfer. Our division of sperm-transfer behavior into sub-steps has provided a framework for the further detailed analysis of sperm transfer and its integration with other aspects of mating behavior. By determining the site of action of UNC-18 in sperm-transfer behavior, and its relation to the SPV sensory neurons, we have further defined the cells and tissues involved in the generation of this behavior. We have shown both a neuronal and non-neuronal requirement for UNC-18 in distinct sub-steps of sperm-transfer behavior. The definition of circuit components is a crucial first step toward understanding how genes specify the neural circuit and hence the behavior.
Revenue Enhancement Through Increased Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement

The development of the FHWA fuel tax compliance program is described, and estimates of additional motor fuel tax revenues generated by enforcement programs are presented. Substantial revenue losses caused by motor fuel tax evasion schemes were discovered in the mid-1980s. Since 1986, the Internal Revenue Service and FHWA have worked cooperatively to reduce fuel tax evasion by supporting changes in tax collection procedures and additional enforcement resources. Since fiscal year 1990, FHWA has provided funding to supplement state and IRS fuel tax enforcement resources under the auspices of the Joint Federal/State Motor Fuel Tax Compliance Project (joint project). The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 provided $5 million annually through 1997 for the joint project. Enforcement activities directly contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) and state transportation funds, a yield estimated at $10 to $18 per dollar spent on these programs. Furthermore, the...
An approach to gain scheduling on fast variables

The authors consider the design of a gain scheduled control law for a nonlinear plant with the objective of regulating the output to zero in the face of a rapidly varying scheduling signal. The underlying theoretical construct is a certain manifold in the state-control space called an approximate regulation manifold. Based on maps describing this manifold and conditions related to the matching conditions of robust linear control theory, a state feedback control law that depends on the instantaneous values of the scheduling signal and its time derivative can be designed to meet the objective. >
The plus closure of an ideal

Abstract If R is a local integral domain let R + denote the integral closure of R in an algebraic closure of its quotient field. If z ∈ R + , we would like to understand the conditions under which z ∈ IR + , where I is an ideal of R . Necessary and sufficient conditions on the coefficients of the minimal irreducible polynomial for z are known when I is generated by two elements of a regular system of parameters and when z is in a degree two extension of R . In this article we obtain results for the case when z 3 ∈ R , as well as a sufficient condition for z to be in IR + when z a ∈ R for a ⩾1 and I has a finite number of generators.
Towards a more natural proof of metrization theorem for space-times

In the 1920s, Pavel Urysohn proved his famous lemma (sometimes referred to as “first non-trivial result of point set topology”). This lemma was instrumental in proving that under reasonable conditions, every topological space can be metrized. Motivated by the success of pseudo-metric spaces in General Relativity, Urysohn started working on an extension of his lemma and of the metrization theorem to (causality-)ordered topological spaces and corresponding pseudo-metrics. By the 1970s, general space-time versions of Urysohn's lemma and metrization theorem have been proven. However, the proofs of these results are not natural — they looks like clever tricks, not like a direct consequence of the definitions. Since one of the main objectives of this activity is to come up with useful applications to physics, we desire more natural versions of these proofs. In this paper, we show that fuzzy logic leads to such natural proofs.
Reliability studies of a 32nm System-on-Chip (SoC) platform technology with 2 nd generation high-k/metal gate transistors

Extensive reliability characterization of a state of the art 32nm strained HK/MG SoC technology with triple transistor architecture is presented here. BTI, HCI and TDDB degradation modes on the Logic and I/O (1.2V, 1.8V and 3.3V tolerant) transistors are studied and excellent reliability is demonstrated. Importance of process optimizations to integrate robust I/O transistors without degrading performance and reliability of Logic transistors emphasized. Finally, Intrinsic and defect reliability monitoring for HVM are addressed.
A Strain‐Based Flow‐Induced Hemolysis Prediction Model Calibrated by In Vitro Erythrocyte Deformation Measurements

Hemolysis is caused by fluid stresses in flows within hypodermic needles, blood pumps, artificial hearts, and other cardiovascular devices. Developers of cardiovascular devices may expend considerable time and effort in testing of prototypes, because there is currently insufficient understanding of how flow-induced cell damage occurs to accurately predict hemolysis. The objective of this project was to measure cell deformation in response to a range of flow conditions, and to develop a constitutive model correlating cell damage to fluid stresses. An experimental system was constructed to create Poiseuille flow under a microscope with velocities up to 4 m/s, Reynolds number to 200, and fluid stresses to 5000 dyn/cm(2). Pulsed laser illumination and a digital camera captured images of cells deformed by the flow. Equilibrium equations were developed to relate fluid stresses to cell membrane tension, and a viscoelastic membrane model was used to predict cell strain. Measurements of aspect ratio as a function of shear stress and duration of shear were used to calibrate the cell deformation model. Hemolysis prediction was incorporated with a threshold strain value for cell rupture. The new model provides an improved match to experimentally observed hemolytic stress thresholds, particularly at long exposure times, and may reduce the empiricism of hemolysis prediction.
Initial transient problem for steady-state output analysis

This tutorial is concerned with providing an overview of the key issues that arise in consideration of the initial transient problem for steady-state simulations. In addition, we will discuss the related problem of construction of low-bias estimators.
Accurate size evaluation of cylindrical components.

The objective of this paper is to develop a methodology to calculate the size of a cylindrical profile accurately per American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. The ANSI Y14.5.1M–1994 standard defines the size of a cylinder as the size of the largest ball rolling on a spine such that all points on the surface of the cylinder are external to it or the size of the smallest ball rolling on a spine such that all points on the surface of the cylinder are internal to it. Current methods of size evaluation reduce the complexity of the spine and model it as a straight line. In this paper, a methodology is presented to evaluate the control points of the spine modeled as an open uniform B-spline curve of a prespecified degree based on points collected on the surface of the cylinder. This provides a quantitative measure of the size of the cylinder in accordance with ANSI standards. The formulations to evaluate the maximum inscribing spine and the minimum circumscribing spine are presented as multilevel optimization problems. The outer level optimization is used to identify the optimal set of control points for the spline representing the path of the rolling ball. The inner level optimization is used to find the nearest point on the spline corresponding to every point in the dataset. The optimization formulation presented in this paper has been used to calculate the true size of cylinders for several published, simulated, and real datasets. These results are then compared to traditional estimates for size of a cylinder. The results indicate that the method presented for calculating the size of a cylinder conforms better to the ANSI standards as compared to other methods, such as the maximum inscribed, minimum circumscribed, and least squares cylinders, which have been traditionally used as indicators of size of a cylinder [1]. Further analysis is presented to observe the effect of sample size on the results of the algorithm. It is observed that with an increase in the sample size, the difference between the results of the presented algorithm and the traditional methods increases with the presented method providing more accurate estimates.
A semiempirical estimate of the ground state polarizability of atomic iodine

We estimate the polarizability α of atomic iodine by a semiempirical method using the oscillator strength sum rule for the valence electrons and empirical term energies. Values obtained are 9.3×10−24 cm3 <α<11.6×10−24 cm3. Furthermore, we obtained a lower bound on α in terms of an average transition energy E≳ which is rigorous in the approximation where the effect of shell electrons on the core is neglected. This bound is α≳7.4×10−24 cm3 for E≳ = 6.9×104 cm−2. All values are significantly larger than results calculated previously.
Ghrelin Levels Correlate with Insulin Levels, Insulin Resistance, and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, But Not with Gender, Menopausal Status, or Cortisol Levels in Humans

The gut peptide, ghrelin, may participate in the control of energy homeostasis and pituitary hormone secretion in humans, stimulating both food intake and, at pharmacological doses, ACTH and cortisol secretion. Meal consumption and weight loss regulate ghrelin levels, but less is known about the relationship of ghrelin to body composition, aging, menopausal status, and lipid metabolism. Therefore, 60 adult men and women of widely varying ages and weights were characterized in terms of body composition and levels of ghrelin, glucose, insulin, lipids, and cortisol. Fasting ghrelin levels correlated positively with age and negatively with BMI and fat cell size, but were not related to fat mass, intraabdominal fat, or lean mass. Fasting ghrelin levels correlated most strongly with insulin levels (r = -0.39; P = 0.002), insulin resistance as determined by the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (r = 0.38; P = 0.003), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (r = 0.33; P = 0.009). Meal-induced ghrelin suppression correlated with the postprandial rise in insulin (r = 0.39; P < 0.05). Ghrelin levels were similar in men and women and did not vary by menopausal status or in association with cortisol levels. Our data are consistent with the hypotheses that insulin may negatively regulate ghrelin and that high-density lipoprotein may be a carrier particle for circulating ghrelin.
Defining Slavery Under a 'Government Instituted for the Protection of the Rights of Mankind'

This article explores the way slavery was defined under American law. The article begins with the colonial period, showing how Virginia law allowed for the treatment of slaves as property. The article then turns to the US Constitution, which refers to slaves as “persons,” but in some places also treats them as property. The article then turns to Supreme Court jurisprudence, showing how the Marshall and Taney Courts treated slaves mostly as property. Finally, the article considers how slaves were redefined as people through the Emancipation Proclamation, the enlistment of black troops, and the Thirteenth Amendment.
Intermediates of Fatty Acid Metabolism by Cunninghamella Echinulata

Cunninghamella echinulata has the ability to utilize each even-chain fatty acid from acetate to stearate, and each odd-chain acid tested, as a sole source of carbon. Intermediates of the β-oxidatio...
Use of Transformations

Often data for subsequent multivariate statistical analysis violate one or more of the assumptions upon which the technique is based. These violations can result in errors in structural interpretat...
Analysis of Biomass Gasification Poisoning Accident Based on BN-bow-tie

Occurrence probability of biomass gasification poisoning accident is 1.202 98×10-4/d by transforming fault tree to Bayesian network.The two-way derived and diagnosed function of Bayesian network was used to calculate posterior probabilities and worth of each basic event.Then analyze the weak point which led to accident in the system.The reason and the consequence of failure were analyzed combining the bow-tie.Then prevention measures were got to prevent weak point from failure and control measures were adopted after it had turned to be failure.Thereby reduce the probability of accident.After adopting measures to weak point valve leakage it can reduce poisoning accident probability by 20.92%.The aim is to reduce accident probabilities.
Social change and the validity of regional stereotypes in East Pakistan.

This investigation combines two approaches usually pursued separately: the study of stereotypes and the study of national character. Using survey interview data on ethnic groups under the impact of social change, an attempt is made to validate two popular stereotypes, to learn where and why they fall short of accuracy, and to use the stereotypes as a heuristic device for gaining insight into changes in ethnic character.
Nitrogen Monitoring of West Hackberry 117 Cavern Wells

U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) oil storage cavern West Hackberry 117 was tested under extended nitrogen monitoring following a successful mechanical integrity test in order to validate a newly developed hydrostatic column model to be used to differentiate between normal "tight" well behavior and small-leak behavior under nitrogen. High resolution wireline pressure and temperature data were collected during the test period and used in conjunction with the hydrostatic column model to predict the nitrogen/oil interface and the pressure along the entire fluid column from the bradenhead flange nominally at ground surface to bottom of brine pool. Results here and for other SPR caverns have shown that wells under long term nitrogen monitoring do not necessarily pressurize with a relative rate (P N2 /P brine) of 1. The theoretical relative pressure rate depends on the well configuration, pressure and the location of the nitrogen-oil interface and varies from well to well. For the case of WH117 the predicted rates were 0.73 for well A and 0.92 for well B. The measured relative pressurization rate for well B was consistent with the model prediction, while well A rate was found to be between 0.58-0.68. A number of possible reasons for the discrepancymore » between the model and measured rates of well A are possible. These include modeling inaccuracy, measurement inaccuracy or the possibility of the presence of a very small leak (below the latest calculated minimum detectable leak rate).« less
Immunologic mechanisms of fingolimod and the role of immunosenescence in the risk of cryptococcal infection: A case report and review of literature.

Abstract Background Fingolimod is a disease-modifying agent used in the treatment of relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis. In MS clinical studies, the overall rate of infections in fingolimod group was overall similar to placebo, except for slightly more common lower respiratory tract infections and to a lesser extent HSV. Recently, an increasing number of cryptococcal infections associated with a long-term use of this medication have been reported. Methods We reviewed literature for cases of cryptococcal infection associated with the use of fingolimod and reported a case at our institution, as well as carefully evaluated the established immune mechanisms of the medication and discussed new insights into its short-term and long-term immunologic effects that may become important in the context of risk of infection. Results Unique characteristics of cryptococcal pathogen, its immune escape mechanisms, its ability to establish a latent infection with a potential for later reactivation, fingolimod's effects on many lines of immune system, both quantitatively and qualitatively, duration of therapy, and long-term effects of fingolimod, not previously described, in conjunction with effects of natural immunosenescence of the patient population, that appears to be most at risk, may be meaningful in further understanding the risk of infection with long-term use of fingolimod in people of older age.