cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Central cholinergic correlates of impaired learning

Abstract Impairment of passive avoidance learning in mice by bilateral lesions in the hippocampus and by intraventricular administration of choline acetyltransferase (CAT) inhibitors was correlated with decreased levels of CAT in the hippocampus. Intraperitoneally administered scopolamine potentiated the behavioral effects of both hippocampal lesions and CAT inhibition. A behaviorally effective dose of CAT inhibitor produced no change in hippocampal levels of acetylcholine. These results indicate that the newly synthesized acetylcholine released at hippocampal synapses is essential for mice to learn at least one kind of task.
A skunk at the garden party: the Sochi Olympics, state-sponsored homophobia and prospects for human rights through mega sporting events

Mega sporting events, such as the Olympics, are sites of political struggle. Situating mega sporting events within the context of critical social theory, this article examines the potential of modern sport to serve as a vehicle for foreign policy and the promotion of international human rights. This article examines the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games in light of Russian legislation that bans ‘propaganda of non-traditional relations’, resulting in what many have described as state-sponsored homophobia. Highlighting the international community's response to this legislation, such as threatened boycotts, political statements and symbolic gestures of protest, the implications of the Sochi case study reveal the potential of mega sporting events to advance human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens in Russia and perhaps elsewhere. As human rights are historically and culturally contested, this article discusses the role of identity politics and liberal internationalism within the realm of...
The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on the Hatch Rate and Saprolegnia spp. Infestation of Channel Catfish Eggs

Abstract Fungal infestations of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus eggs can lower hatch rate, which requires the producer to spawn more channel catfish or risk fingerling shortages. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatments (0.0, 15.6, 31.3, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg/L) were evaluated to determine their effect on channel catfish hatch rate (number of fry/number of eggs × 100) and control of naturally occurring infestations of fungi Saprolegnia spp. in an experimental compartmentalized trough hatching system. Experiments were run at water temperatures of 23.2–24.0°C, dissolved oxygen concentrations of 4.5–6.8 mg/L (53–79% saturation), total alkalinity of 209–217 mg/L, and total hardness of 91–110 mg/L. Treatments were applied to hatching compartments while well water was flowing at a rate of one water exchange every 30 min and egg density was 2.5 g eggs/L of water. Observations for fungal development were made daily, and the maximum measure of fungal growth was recorded. An initial range-f...
Bedside hemoglobin measurements: Sensitivity to changes in serum protein and electrolytes

Objective. Our objective was to compare the effect of protein and electrolyte changes associated with hemodilution on the accuracy of photometric and conductivity hemoglobin determination methods.Methods. Blood samples from 10 patients with normal preoperative serum electrolytes and total protein levels were studied. From an indwelling arterial line, 20 ml of blood were removed; hemoglobin values were measured pre-(Baseline) and postdilution by Coulter counter, conductivity, and photometric methods. Blood samples were diluted by placing 4 ml of blood into three test tubes, and adding 1 ml of either 25% albumin, 0.9% sodium chloride, or 5% dextrose in water.Results. Blood sample dilution resulted in a reported conductivity hemoglobin that was significantly different from the Coulter value (p=0.0004) when 25% albumin, 0.9% sodium chloride, and 5% dextrose in water solution was used. Using the same dilutions, the photometric method accurately reflected Coulter hemoglobin values. The correlation between photometric and Coulter hemoglobin measurements was R2=0.97,p=0.0001. Correcting the conductivity hemoglobin values for changes in total protein, chloride and sodium significantly improved correlation with Coulter hemoglobin (R2 of uncorrected versus corrected=0.37 and 0.72;p=0.0001).Conclusions. In the range of electrolyte and protein concentrations found in this study, the photometric method of hemoglobin assessment was more accurate than either corrected or uncorrected conductivity hemoglobin determinations, as compared to Coulter-based measurements.
Similar accumulation and distribution patterns of two purine-oxidizing enzymes in Rana catesbeiana development

Abstract Xanthine dehydrogenase and uricase, enzymes acting sequentially in purine oxidation, were detected in very low concentration in all tissues and stages of frog development examined. Relatively high concentrations of both enzymes, 50–1000 times the basal level, began to appear in liver and kidneys only, at the opercular fold stage. The curves of accumulation appear similar but not identical. The purine-catabolizing enzymes appear in quantity at the same time as other enzymes of DNA breakdown, while the digestive system is differentiating from the endoderm.
Quench rates in air, water, and liquid nitrogen, and inference of temperature in volcanic eruption columns

Abstract We apply a geospeedometer previously developed in this lab to investigate cooling rate profiles of rhyolitic samples initially held at 720–750°C and quenched in water, liquid nitrogen, and air. For quench of mm-size samples in liquid nitrogen and in air, the cooling rate is uniform and is controlled by heat transfer in the quench medium instead of heat conduction in the sample. The heat transfer coefficient in ‘static’ air decreases with increasing sample size. For quench of mm-size samples in water, heat transfer in water is rapid and the cooling rate is largely controlled by heat conduction in the sample. Our experimental results are roughly consistent with previous calculations for cooling in air and in water (although constant heat transfer coefficients were used in these calculations), but cooling rate in liquid nitrogen is only 1.8–2.3 times that in ‘static’ air, and slower by a factor of 2 than calculated by previous authors. Cooling rate in compressed airflow is about the same as that in liquid nitrogen. The experimental results are applied to interpret cooling rates of pyroclasts in ash beds of the most recent eruptions of the Mono Craters. Cooling rates of pyroclasts are inversely correlated with sample size and slower than those in air. The results indicate that the hydrous species concentrations of the pyroclasts were frozen in the eruption column, rather than inside ash beds or in flight in ambient air. From the cooling rates, we infer eruption column temperature in a region where and at a time when hydrous species concentrations in a pyroclast were locked in. The temperature ranges from 260 to 570°C for the most recent eruptions of Mono Craters. These are the first estimates of temperatures in volcanic eruption columns. The ability to estimate cooling rates and eruption column temperatures from eruptive products will provide constraints to dynamic models for the eruption columns.
Effects of Biomaterial Chemical Heterogeneity on Fibrinogen Activity-Platelet Adhesion Relationships

Fibrinogen adsorbed on material surfaces undergoes conformational changes that expose the platelet binding epitope located in the gamma-chain dodecapeptide. Circulating blood platelets bind to this exposed region, leading to platelet adhesion and activation, eventually forming a surface-induced thrombus. We have developed an AFM technique utilizing an antibody-modified probe that allows us to calculate the probability of this epitope being available following fibrinogen adsorption to solid surfaces, and have shown that the time-dependent changes in this probability of antibody binding correlate with temporal changes in platelet adhesion to materials. Recently, we have begun to explore how well this probability of adhesion correlates to platelet adhesion across a variety of different polymeric biomaterials. Results demonstrate that there is a strong relationship between this probability and measured platelet adhesion for 3 different homopolymer materials (figure 1), but two different phase-separated polyurethane (PU) materials possessing heterogeneous surface chemistries appear to deviate from this probability/adhesion relationship. These results suggest that the ∼50 to 100 nm sized phases in PU materials may affect the ability of platelets to bind to fibrinogen in a manner that leads to the improved blood compatibility seen with PU materials.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Micro-scale surface and contaminate modeling for polarimetric signature prediction

The optical properties of a surface may change significantly in response to contaminants from the environment and/or human activity. We utilize a first principles, physics-based radiometric ray tracing software package to evaluate the spectral polarimetric bi-directional reflectance distribution function (p-BRDF) of the virgin and contaminated surfaces. In the absence of contaminants and allowing only single bounces, we find the simulated reflectance properties of randomly rough Gaussian surfaces to be well represented by micro-facet based p-BRDF analytical models. However the addition of contaminants introduces phenomenology that falls outside the basic assumptions of the micro-facet analytical p-BRDF models. We will present initial results of p-BRDF simulations of random Gaussian surfaces with liquid contaminants.
Noninteracting dark matter

Since an acceptable dark matter candidate may interact only weakly with ordinary matter and radiation, it is of interest to consider the limiting case where the dark matter interacts only with gravity and itself, the matter originating by the gravitational particle production at the end of inflation. We use the bounds on the present dark mass density and the measured large-scale fluctuations in the thermal cosmic background radiation to constrain the two parameters in a self-interaction potential that is a sum of quadratic and quartic terms in a single scalar dark matter field that is minimally coupled to gravity. In quintessential inflation, where the temperature at the end of inflation is relatively low, the field starts acting like cold dark matter relatively late, shortly before the epoch of equal mass densities in matter and radiation. This could have observable consequences for galaxy formation. We respond to recent criticisms of the quintessential inflation scenario, since these issues also apply to elements of the noninteracting dark matter picture.
Properties of phase synchronizing sources for a radio camera

A distorted phased array can be made to operate as a diffraction-limited aperture if a compensating time delay and/or phase shift is added in each antenna element channel. When the distortion is not known a priori the correction mast be based upon phasefront measurements of the radiation from a source external to the array. The ideal adaptive synchronizing source is a point source radiating in free space. The phasefrouts of realistic sources are perturbed, however. Three types of practical sources and calculations of the conditions under which their radiation fields are acceptable for adaptive beamforming are discussed. The sources are the passive reflector, the active beacon, and radar ground clutter.
Design of a low-latency, high-reliability wireless communication system for control applications

High-performance industrial control systems with tens to hundreds of sensors and actuators use wired connections between all of their components because they require low-latency, high-reliability links to maintain stability; however, the wires cause many mechanical problems that moving to wireless links would solve. No existing or proposed wireless system can achieve the latency and reliability required by the control algorithms because they are designed for either high-throughput or low-power communication between a pair or a small number of terminals. A preliminary wireless system architecture is proposed that focuses on low-latency operation through the use of reliable broadcasting, semi-fixed resource allocation, and low-rate coding. For an industrial printer application with 30 nodes in the control loop and a moderate information throughput of 4.8Mb/s, the system can achieve latencies under 2ms for SNRs above 7dB.
Flow of thermoplastics in an annular die under parallel oscillations

A sound wave extrusion system has been developed. This system includes a single screw extruder and an annular die having an internal surface oscillating in the sound frequency range. Oscillating shear flow has been imposed in the direction parallel to the main pressure flow. The die characteristics and average melt temperature at the exit from the die for several thermoplastics have been measured with and without imposition of oscillations. Modeling of parallel superposition of sound oscillations upon pressure flow has been performed using the Leonov viscoelastic constitutive equation. Three cases are considered: (i) the process is isothermal and the change in die pressure is only due to a nonlinear interaction of oscillatory and pressure flow; (ii) the process is nonisothermal and adiabatic, and pressure reduction is due to the nonlinear interaction and the dissipation of oscillatory energy leading to the temperature rise in polymer melts; (iii) the process is nonisothermal with heat transfer due to transient heat conduction and the dissipation of oscillatory energy. Pressure reduction occurs due to both nonlinear interaction and temperature rise. It is found that case (i) cannot explain the observed die pressure reduction, while case (ii) describes those data only at high flow rates. The theoretical results from case (iii) are found to be in qualitative agreement with experimental observations. Generally, the theoretical results of case (iii) are better than those of cases (i) and (ii).
Who Are the Victims of Identity Theft? The Effect of Demographics

Abstract Using the Federal Trade Commission's 2003 identity theft survey data, this article examines the relationship between a person's demographic characteristics and the likelihood of experiencing identity theft. Among other factors, the risk of identity theft appears to be higher for people with higher incomes, for younger consumers, and for women. A person's risk of being a victim of identity theft may depend, at least in part, on how many noncash accounts the consumer has and the intensity of their use. It may also depend on where the consumer conducts business and the precautions the consumer exercises. Because data to measure these factors directly are not available, differences in the risk faced by demographic groups may reflect differences in these considerations. This article should be of interest to those who are concerned with educating consumers about limiting identity theft risk and to law enforcement authorities.
Engaging by design: How engagement strategies in popular computer and video games can inform instructional design

Computer and video games are a prevalent form of entertainment in which the purpose of the design is to engage players. Game designers incorporate a number of strategies and tactics for engaging players in “gameplay.” These strategies and tactics may provide instructional designers with new methods for engaging learners. This investigation presents a review of game design strategies and the implications of appropriating these strategies for instructional design. Specifically, this study presents an overview of the trajectory of player positioning or point of view, the role of narrative, and methods of interactive design. A comparison of engagement strategies in popular games and characteristics of engaged learning is also presented to examine how strategies of game design might be integrated into the existing framework of engaged learning.
Perceived Effectiveness of Mainstreaming in Iowa and Kansas Schools

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived status of mainstreaming among music educators in Iowa and Kansas. A questionnaire was developed with items concerning years and type of teachi...
Provenance of the upper Miocene Modelo Formation and subsidence analysis of the Los Angeles basin, southern California: Implications for paleotectonic and paleogeographic reconstructions

The Los Angeles basin has undergone three stages of development related to complex plate interactions within the evolving San Andreas transform system: transrotation (16–12 Ma), transtension (12–6 Ma), and transpression (6–0 Ma). Timing of these stages correlates with microplate-capture events along the continental margin, and is expressed in changes in subsidence rates and provenance within the Los Angeles basin. The Modelo Formation and related units were deposited in the northern part of the Los Angeles basin at bathyal depths during late Miocene time. The northern Los Angeles basin was segmented into three subbasins, in each of which coarse sediment was deposited as submarine fans (Puente, Tarzana, and Simi). A fourth fan system (Piru) formed in the Ventura basin, just north of the Los Angeles basin. The Puente, Tarzana, and Piru fans were derived from the San Gabriel block, which consists primarily of crystalline basement and lesser volcanic and sedimentary components. Sandstone within the Puente fan reflects unroofing of the central and eastern San Gabriel block. The Tarzana fan was derived primarily from the central San Gabriel block, and the Piru fan was derived primarily from the western San Gabriel block, which is distinctly characterized by Ca-rich plagioclase derived from Proterozoic anorthosite and related bodies. The lack of Ca-rich plagioclase in the other fans eliminates the western San Gabriel block as a possible source area, and confirms differentiation of the Ventura basin from the Los Angeles basin by late Miocene time. The Simi fan was derived from locally uplifted Cretaceous and Paleogene strata; sandstone composition reflects the recycling of these sediments. Subsidence and provenance analyses are consistent with the following paleogeographic and paleotectonic reconstruction. Beginning at approximately 16 Ma, transrotation of the Western Transverse Ranges induced extension and thermal subsidence of the Los Angeles basin area. A second pulse of extension and thermal subsidence occurred when motion began along the San Gabriel fault at 12 Ma. Right slip of 60–70 km occurred along the San Gabriel fault, which produced transtension in the Los Angeles basin area and deposition of the Puente, Tarzana, Simi, and Piru fan systems. At 6 Ma, transform motion was transferred to the San Andreas fault; transpression has dominated the Los Angeles basin since 6 Ma, including rapid uplift, flexural subsidence due to tectonic loading, and rapid sedimentary filling. The rapid subsidence and filling and the sudden switch between transtension and transpression in the Los Angeles basin are typical of strike-slip basins in general. However, initiation of the Los Angeles basin by transrotation reflects the uncommon process of microplate capture along the rapidly evolving California margin.
Cyber Security and Government Fusion Centers

The Department of Homeland Security has recommended the creation of State, Regional, and Community Fusion Centers. These centers, run by state and local governments, are designed to take what may seem to be disparate pieces of information on a variety of subjects and "fuse " them together to be able to recognize indicators of potential terrorist attacks. These centers are generally staffed with personnel who have intelligence and law enforcement backgrounds. Unfortunately, very few have any concept of the cyber environment and do not know what constitutes indicators of potential cyber attacks. This paper discusses the need to develop a cyber capability in fusion centers and the importance of government involvement in coordinating a state's, community's, or region's cyber defense efforts.
Sequential multiple-assignment randomized trial design of neurobehavioral treatment for patients with metastatic malignant melanoma undergoing high-dose interferon-alpha therapy

Background Interferon-alpha therapy, which is used to treat metastatic malignant melanoma, can cause patients to develop two distinct neurobehavioral symptom complexes: a mood syndrome and a neurovegetative syndrome. Interferon-alpha effects on serotonin metabolism appear to contribute to the mood and anxiety syndrome, while the neurovegetative syndrome appears to be related to interferon-alpha effects on dopamine.Purpose Our goal is to propose a design for utilizing a sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial design for patients with malignant melanoma to test the relative efficacy of drugs that target serotonin versus dopamine metabolism during 4 weeks of intravenous, then 8 weeks of subcutaneous, interferon-alpha therapy.Methods Patients will be offered participation in a double-blinded, randomized, controlled, 14-week trial involving two treatment phases. During the first month of intravenous interferon-alpha therapy, we will test the hypotheses that escitalopram will be more effective in redu...
African American ethnicity is not associated with development of Barrett's oesophagus after erosive oesophagitis

Abstract Background Barrett's oesophagus is the primary risk factor for oesophageal adenocarcinoma; erosive oesophagitis is considered an intermediate step with Barrett's oesophagus development potential upon healing. Barrett's oesophagus occurs in 9–19% following erosive oesophagitis but minimal data exists in African Americans. The study aim was to determine if ethnicity is associated with Barrett's oesophagus formation following erosive oesophagitis. Methods Retrospective review of endoscopies from September 2007 to December 2012 was performed. Inclusion criteria were erosive oesophagitis on index endoscopy, repeat endoscopy ≥6 weeks later and non-Hispanic white or African American ethnicity. Barrett's oesophagus frequency following erosive oesophagitis by ethnicity was compared. Results A total of 14,303 patients underwent endoscopy during the study period; 1636 had erosive oesophagitis. Repeat endoscopy was performed on 125 non-Hispanic white or African American patients ≥6 weeks from the index procedure. Barrett's oesophagus occurred in 8% of non-Hispanic whites while no African American developed it on repeat endoscopy following erosive oesophagitis (p = 0.029). No significant difference was seen between ethnic groups in any clinical parameter assessed. Conclusions African American ethnicity appears to result in decreased Barrett's oesophagus formation following erosive oesophagitis. Further investigation to demonstrate factors resulting in decreased Barrett's oesophagus formation among African Americans should be performed.
Neurobiology of molt in avian species

Postnuptial molt is the major molt that occurs in most wild and domestic avian species each year. The process is much more than the replacement of feathers. Studies have shown that a significant increase in metabolic rate, increase in whole body protein synthesis, osteoporosis, loss of body fat, and a suppression of the immune system occur during this event of a bird's annual cycle. Several procedures have been developed to initiate feather replacement, and this review addresses hormonal and neuropeptide treatments that effected molt. The administration of thyroxine, progesterone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, and prolactin were examined. Of the four, the two most effective were thyroxine and prolactin administration. The neural modulators known to release thyroxine and prolactin, respectively, are thyroid hormone releasing hormone (TRH) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). To gain insight into the possible functions of VIP and TRH, the distribution of these neuromodulators and their terminal fields were reviewed in the avian brain. It was found that VIP-containing neurons and fibers identified a neural system in birds comparable to the visceral forebrain system (VFS) described in mammals. The VFS functions to regulate the balance of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system and, therefore, the VFS have been proposed to regulate the many behavioral and physiological events in the annual cycle of a bird, including postnuptial molt. In contrast to VIP that has an extensive brain distribution throughout the forebrain and brainstem, TRH is relatively restrictive and has a main concentration in nerve cells in and about the paraventricular nucleus, a key neural component of the VFS. Due to the roll of TRH in regulating the thyroid axis and operating within the framework of the VFS, it is proposed that the peptide functions to shift the balance of the autonomic nervous system in the direction of the sympathetic nervous system. A shift toward the dominance of the sympathetic nervous system appears to be required during this phase of a bird's yearly cycle.
AqpZ-Mediated Water Permeability in Escherichia coli Measured by Stopped-Flow Spectroscopy

We report that the water permeability of wild-type Escherichia coli during exponential growth is comparable to that of an aqpZ disruption mutant. In contrast, an increase in permeability is observed for the wild type at the onset of the stationary stage with no significant corresponding change in the permeability of the mutant.
Symbiotic Characterization of Vibrio fischeri ES114 Mutants That Display Enhanced Luminescence in Culture

Vibrio fischeri ES114 is a bioluminescent symbiont of the squid Euprymna scolopes. Like most isolates from E. scolopes, ES114 produces only dim luminescence outside the host, even in dense cultures. We previously identified mutants with brighter luminescence, and here we report their symbiotic phenotypes, providing insights into the host environment.
Thermal and pressure properties of amorphous polymers: relation to probe spectroscopy

We discuss the elements of a statistical thermodynamic theory of an equilibrium melt and its corresponding quasi-equilibrium glass. It involves a lattice model with a fraction h of vacancies as a measure of structural disorder. In the equilibrium melt the function h (V, T) is derived by a minimization of the configurational free energy. In the glass of specified formation history it is obtained from the experimental equation of state. The interpretation of this function as a free volume quantitiy in the frame of the lattice model results in important connections betwen thermodynamic and kinetic processes. In the present context the theory establishes correlations between the properties of the matrix and the characteristics of the o-positronium species
Universal Health Coverage and the Challenge of Informal Employment : Lessons from Developing Countries

The aim of the report is to review existing approaches and available policy options to improve access to health care services and financial protection against health shocks for informal-sector workers (ISWs). Along with their families, ISWs represent the majority of the population in many developing countries. The report reviews the definition and measurement of the informal sector and the literature on efforts toward its health insurance coverage. It also examines several country cases based on published and unpublished reports and on structured interviews of expert informants. Developing country efforts to expand health coverage are characterized by a common enrollment and financing pattern, starting with formal-sector workers and following with government-subsidized enrollment of the poor. Thus, ISWs are typically left behind and have been referred to as "the missing middle." They find themselves financially unprotected against health shocks and with limited access to quality and timely health care. ISWs are generally reluctant to enroll in insurance schemes, including social health insurance (SHI), community insurance, and other arrangements. Further, initiatives to enroll them in self-financed contributory schemes have generally resulted in adverse selection, as those with high anticipated health needs are more willing to pay and enroll than others. Successful initiatives to cover this population group are the ones where government has abandoned its expectations to derive relatively substantial revenue from it. Offering this group a benefits package that is relatively smaller than that of formal workers and charging them a premium that is only a fraction of that charged to formal workers is a strategy used by some countries to limit the need for public subsidies. While there is evidence that greater insurance coverage has improved access to health services for ISWs and their dependents, in several countries it has not yet improved financial protection for this target group. A broad set of reforms will be required to strengthen the supply side to ensure that additional public financing translates into improved coverage for ISWs.
User analysis in HCI—the historical lessons from individual differences research

Abstract User analysis is a crucial aspect of user-centered systems design, yet Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) has yet to formulate reliable and valid characterizations of users beyond gross distinctions based on task and experience. Individual differences research from mainstream psychology has identified a stable set of characteristics that would appear to offer potential application in the HCI arena. Furthermore, in its evolution over the last 100 years, research on individual differences has faced many of the problems of theoretical status and applicability that are common to HCI. In the present paper, the relationship between work in cognitive and differential psychology and current analyses of users in HCI is examined. It is concluded that HCI could gain significant predictive power if individual differences research was related to the analysis of users in contemporary systems design.
Integrated Electroanatomic Mapping With Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Images for Real-Time Guided Ablations

Background— New ablation strategies for atrial fibrillation or nonidiopathic ventricular tachycardia are increasingly based on anatomic consideration and require the placement of ablation lesions at the correct anatomic locations. This study sought to evaluate the accuracy of the first clinically available image integration system for catheter ablation on 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images in real time. Methods and Results— After midline sternotomy, 2.3-mm CT fiducial markers were attached to the epicardial surface of each cardiac chamber in 9 mongrel dogs. Detailed 3D cardiac anatomy was reconstructed from contrast-enhanced, high-resolution CT images and registered to the electroanatomic maps of each cardiac chamber. To assess accuracy, targeted ablations were performed at each of the fiducial markers guided only by the reconstructed 3D images. At autopsy, the position error was 1.9±0.9 mm for the right atrium, 2.7±1.2 mm for the right ventricle, 1.8±1.0 mm for the left atrium, and 2.3±1....
Study of an Iterative Technique to Minimize Completion Times of Non-Makespan Machines

Heterogeneous computing (HC) is the coordinated use of different types of machines, networks, and interfaces to maximize the combined performance and/or cost effectiveness of the system. Heuristics for allocating resources in an HC system have different optimization criteria. A common optimization criterion is to minimize the completion time of the last to finish machine (makespan). In some environments, it is useful to minimize the finishing times of the other machines in the system, i.e., those machines that are not the last to finish. Consider a production environment where a set of known tasks are to be mapped to resources off-line before execution begins. Minimizing the finishing times of all the machines will provide the earliest available ready time for these machines to execute tasks that were not initially considered. In this study, we examine an iterative approach that decreases machine finishing times by repeatedly running a resource allocation heuristic. The goal of this study is to investigate whether this iterative procedure can reduce the finishing time of some machines compared to the mapping initially generated by the heuristic. We show that the effectiveness of the iterative approach is heuristic dependent and study the behavior of the iterative approach for each of the chosen heuristics. This work which identifies heuristics can and cannot attain improvements in the completion time of non-make span machines using this iterative approach.
Characterization and Modeling of SiC LTJFET for Analog Integrated Circuit Simulation and Design

The design of analog integrated circuits, for instance, the operational amplifiers, have been widely perfected with devices and processes available in silicon. However, analogous circuits have been the subject of research in Silicon Carbide (SiC). Among SiC devices, 4H-SiC Lateral-Trench JFET (LTJFET) transistor offers advantages and new opportunities to make affordable and reliable analog integrated circuits for harsh environment. In this paper: (1) SiC LTJFET is characterized for modeling and simulation, (2) effect of temperature variation on SiC LTJFET threshold voltage and small signal parameters are reported, (3) gain performance and small signal parameters of the basic analog circuit block, Common Source (CS) amplifier, based on the variation of the load transistors threshold voltage (Vth) are studied and analyzed, and (4) frequency and transient response of the cascoded CS amplifier (CS-Cas) are reported.
Theoretical Study of Negative Molecular Ions

Although this review provides references to tabulations of molecular electron affinities, primarily it focuses on explaining why theory plays an important role in understanding the behavior of anions, explaining the challenges that anions pose to theory, making connections between the theories used to compute electron affinities and the potentials (e.g., charge-dipole, charge-quadrupole, valence attraction and exchange repulsion, dispersion, and polarization) that govern the electron-molecule interaction, and discussing how species with negative electron affinities may possess metastable anion states and how such states should be treated. In addition to references to published literature, many links are given to websites of practicing theoretical chemists who study molecular anions; these links (which appear in boldface) offer the reader a broad avenue to access much more information about molecular anions than can be covered in a review or even through conventional literature sources.
Practical divisible load scheduling on grid platforms with APST-DV

Divisible load applications consist of a load, that is input data and associated computation, that can be divided arbitrarily into independent pieces. Such applications arise in many fields and are ideally suited to a master-worker execution, but they pose several scheduling challenges. While the "divisible load scheduling" (DLS) problem has been studied extensively from a theoretical standpoint, in this paper we focus on practical issues: we extend a production grid application execution environment, APST, to support divisible load applications; we implement previously proposed DLS algorithms as part of APST; we evaluate and compare these algorithms on a real-world two-cluster platform; we show in a case study how a user can easily and effectively run a real-world divisible load application; and we uncover several issues that are critical for using DLS theory in practice. To the best of our knowledge the software resulting from this work, APST-DV, is the first usable and generic tool for deploying divisible load applications on distributed computing platforms.
Stack-based sorting algorithms

The emergence of stacks as a hardware device in stack machines implies the recognition of the importance of using stacks in different computer applications and the need to make use of them in others. This paper uses stacks to solve the sorting problem. Two stack-based sorting algorithms are introduced. The first is based upon sorting by the insertion technique, whereas the second is based upon sorting by the exchange technique. Their analysis and performance are derived when stack computers are used to run them. A comparison study with other sorting algorithms is presented. This study shows that both algorithms have the best performance with a wide margin relative to other sorting algorithms when stack computers are used.
The Self-Directed Learning Process of Older, Rural Adults:

Medical advances and lifestyle changes have resulted in older adults living longer and healthier lives. Nevertheless, older adulthood, as other life stages, requires change in work, family, and health. Self-directed learning (SDL) is one way of negotiating these transitions. The purpose of this study was to understand this process of learning. This study employed a general qualitative design incorporating in-depth, semi-structured interviews for data collection. The sample of 10 purposefully selected adults from a rural area reflected diversity in gender, race, education, and employment. The age of the participants ranged from 75 to 87. Data analysis guided by the constant comparative method revealed the following process: Self-directed learning begins with an incentive to learn plus an interest, leading to accessing resources; with systematic attention in their learning, some projects ended whereas others remained ongoing. There is also a catalyst, usually another person, interspersed in this process. Th...
Anisotropic structural and electronic properties of InSb/AlInSb quantum wells grown on GaAs [001] substrates

InSb quantum wells (QWs) with remotely doped Al/sub x/In/sub 1-x/Sb barriers are candidates for several novel device structures that rely on a long electron mean free path. Mesoscopic magnetoresistors that take advantage of the high electron mobility in InSb QWs at room temperature are currently being developed for read-head applications. The promise of InSb QWs for spin-transistor applications has been shown recently by experiments that demonstrate a large zero-field spin splitting and ballistic transport at temperatures as high as 185 K. Since a semi-insulating substrate is required for electronic applications, the InSb/Al/sub x/In/sub 1-x/Sb structures are grown on GaAs [001] substrates. The /spl sim/14% lattice mismatch between the epilayers and the substrate results in a high defect density that partially limits the electron mean free path. We will present a detailed characterization of these defects and elucidate their role in limiting electron mobility.
Chemical and microbial degradation of ten selected pesticides in aquatic systems

This review summarizes work reported in the literature during the 25 years from 1945 to 1971 concerning the aquatic degradation of ten selected pesticides (Table I). These compounds, chosen for study by the Environmental Protection Agency, represent a broad range of currently used pesticide types predicted to be of continuing importance. Included are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s), herbicides, insecticides, and a fungicide which are representative of carbamates, s-triazines, organochlorines, and organophosphates. Although PCB’s are not used as pesticides, they are persistent in environmental waters and can increase the toxicity of chlorinated and organophosphorous pesticides (Lichtenstein et al. 1969, Hammond 1972).
Different Classification and Analysis of Cultures

We discuss four key historic efforts to understand and elaborate about specifics of cultures and their implications on consumer behavior. These efforts are by Riesman, Hall, Hofstede, and Brislin. Although these four approaches to analyzing culture are different, as seen below, they do have certain commonalities. They are neither totally isolated nor are they out of touch.
Botany of Desire: Looking at the Rose Plant as a Manmade Tool of Love

The use of roses as a symbol of emotion (specifically love) and as a result, a model of artificial selection, is rarely questioned. These plants share a rich history with multiple humanities around the world and have been a subject of genetic interest to see exactly what genes are being expressed that signal those beautiful desirable traits. To answer the question of “why” these plants have been a vector for human love for so long, I have analyzed 7 articles, one of them outlining the cause of the favored “double flower” mutation found in so many modern roses today. Upon completing my research, I have discovered that Greek mythology, political conflicts and an old love story have all played a role in the use of the rose as a metaphor for affection. In addition I outline the research done to positively identify the gene, RhAG in roses, that humans have been selecting for hundreds of years to achieve the “double flower” phenotype. Human influence on roses has ranged from artificially selecting the most beautiful and fragrant varieties to making them a metaphor that has lasted centuries. The rose is the plant of choice that fulfills the human desire of love. This article is available in The Review: A Journal of Undergraduate Student Research: http://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/ur/vol14/iss1/3
Uncertainty in complex dynamical networks: modeling, estimation, and design

As modern infrastructure networks become more and more complex and intricate, new research problems concerning network dynamics are arising (both in particular in application domains, and more broadly in systems and control theory). One keystone challenge is that many of these networks' operations are subject to internal and environmental uncertainty, both of which play a critical role in shaping the networks' dynamics and determining their performances. The impacts of these uncertainties on network dynamics and performance needs to be studied. The research in this thesis is primarily focused on developing new advanced control and design tools for complex dynamical networks subject to uncertainty. The presented analyses and methodologies are well motivated from an infrastructure perspective, and calibrated with requirements in numerous real applications. Specifically, the contribution of this research can be categorized into three aspects: (1) developing new stochastic network models for infrastructural applications, including for computing-network algorithms and for physical-network dynamics subject to uncertainty; (2) developing a framework for studying security and vulnerability in networks with cyber- and physical- components, by understanding the role of graph theory in network estimation problems; (3) designing new control and management tools to shape dynamics, as well as to meet both performance and safety requirements. The philosophy of this development work is to exploit a deep connection between network structure (i.e., underlying graph topology) and systems' dynamics. We seek to develop a set of tools that are directly useful in infrastructural applications, in that they (1) permit prediction and characterization of dynamics; and (2) inform system management and decision-making processes at desired time/scale horizons. The graph-based results presented here are closely tied to several application domains, including transportation-systems management, random data generation for computing, and network security. Illustrative examples and simulation results are included throughout, to highlight these applications.
Single and combined associations of accelerometer-assessed physical activity and muscle-strengthening activities on plasma homocysteine in a national sample

Summary Background Aerobic exercise and resistance training (RT) are individually associated with positive health outcomes. It has been shown that combining both aerobic and RT exercise may produce greater outcomes than each type alone. Homocysteine has been shown to decrease with aerobic and RT exercise. However, no study has examined the combined effects of both types on homocysteine, which was the purpose of this study. Methods Data from the 2003–2006 NHANES were used. Homocysteine values were obtained from a blood sample. Accelerometer-derived physical activity (PA) was measured using accelerometry, and MSA was measured via a questionnaire. Results Meeting the recommendations for accelerometer-derived PA was associated with lower homocysteine (βadjusted = −0·29; P = 0·04), as was meeting the recommendations for MSA (βadjusted = −0·30; P = 0·028). Compared to those meeting zero recommendations, there was no difference between those meeting 1 and those meeting both (P = 0·08). Further, higher homocysteine was linked with increased all-cause mortality (HR = 1·47; 95% CI: 1·29–1·69) and CVD-specific mortality (HR = 1·48; 95% CI: 1·20–1·81). Conclusion These results suggest that PA and MSA are associated with lower homocysteine and that there may be a dose–response relationship when combining both forms of exercise, which is an important finding as higher homocysteine is predictive of increased all-cause and CVD-specific mortality.
Elevated Triglyceride Level Is Independently Associated With Increased All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Established Coronary Heart Disease Twenty-Two–Year Follow-Up of the Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention Study and Registry

Background—The independent association between elevated triglycerides and all-cause mortality among patients with established coronary heart disease is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate this association in a large cohort of patients with proven coronary heart disease. Methods and Results—The study cohort comprised 15 355 patients who were screened for the Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention (BIP) trial. Twenty-two–year mortality data were obtained from the national registry. Patients were divided into 5 groups according to strata of fasting serum triglycerides: (1) low-normal triglycerides (<100 mg/dL); (2) high-normal triglycerides (100–149 mg/dL); (3) borderline hypertriglyceridemia triglycerides (150–199 mg/dL); (4) moderate hypertriglyceridemia triglycerides (200–499 mg/dL); (5) severe hypertriglyceridemia triglycerides (≥500 mg/dL). Age- and sex-adjusted survival was 41% in the low-normal triglycerides group than 37%, 36%, 35%, and 25% in groups with progressively higher triglycer...
Emergence of Pear Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and its Relation to Foliar Damage

Adult emergence of pear thrips, Taeniothrips inconsequens (Uzel), from soil in forests predominating in sugar maple, Acer saccharum Marshall, was monitored, using 7.6- cm-diameter traps, at sites in north central, northeastern, central and southwestern Vermont from 1989 to 1991. The onset of emergence ranged from 2 April to 15 May, but generally occurred in mid-April in all regions. We measured the number of thrips in soil in September and how many emerged in the spring, and monitored the timing and rate of emergence to determine if damage could be predicted from these factors. Thrips density in the soil was not consistently correlated with damage, making it an unreliable predictive measure. A correlation between thrips damage and the timing or duration of emergence was also not detected. The number of thrips per emergence trap was positively correlated with damage in all study years, and from this correlation the predicted number of thrips per trap for moderate damage to occur was 18 in 1989, 13 in 1990 and 8 in 1991. Annual fluctuations in the threshold number of thrips required for damage could limit the use of thrips emergence data for predictive purposes.
Pediatric Feeding in Infants With Pierre Robin Sequence Following Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis

Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) causes anomalies that can include micrognathia, cleft palate, and glossoptosis. At birth, infants typically present with a small mandible (micrognathia) which displaces ...