cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning a performance metric of Buchberger's algorithm.

What can be (machine) learned about the complexity of Buchberger's algorithm? Given a system of polynomials, Buchberger's algorithm computes a Grobner basis of the ideal these polynomials generate using an iterative procedure based on multivariate long division. The runtime of each step of the algorithm is typically dominated by a series of polynomial additions, and the total number of these additions is a hardware independent performance metric that is often used to evaluate and optimize various implementation choices. In this work we attempt to predict, using just the starting input, the number of polynomial additions that take place during one run of Buchberger's algorithm. Good predictions are useful for quickly estimating difficulty and understanding what features make Grobner basis computation hard. Our features and methods could also be used for value models in the reinforcement learning approach to optimize Buchberger's algorithm introduced in [Peifer, Stillman, and Halpern-Leistner, 2020]. We show that a multiple linear regression model built from a set of easy-to-compute ideal generator statistics can predict the number of polynomial additions somewhat well, better than an uninformed model, and better than regression models built on some intuitive commutative algebra invariants that are more difficult to compute. We also train a simple recursive neural network that outperforms these linear models. Our work serves as a proof of concept, demonstrating that predicting the number of polynomial additions in Buchberger's algorithm is a feasible problem from the point of view of machine learning.
SEIZE: Runtime Inspection for Parallel Dataflow Systems

Many Data-Intensive Scalable Computing (DISC) Systems provide easy-to-use functional APIs, and efficient scheduling and execution strategies allowing users to build concise data-parallel programs. In these systems, data transformations are concealed by exposed APIs, and intermediate execution states are masked under dataflow transitions. Consequently, many crucial features and optimizations (e.g., debugging, data provenance, runtime skew detection), which require runtime datafow states, are not well-supported. Inspired by our experience in implementing features and optimizations over DISC systems, we present $\mathsf {SEIZE}$ SEIZE , a unified framework that enables dataflow inspection—wiretapping the data-path with listening logic—in MapReduce-style programming model. We generalize our lessons learned by providing a set of primitives defining dataflow inspection, orchestration options for different inspection granularities, and operator decomposition and dataflow punctuation strategy for dataflow intervention. We demonstrate the generality and flexibility of the approach by deploying $\mathsf {SEIZE}$ SEIZE in both Apache Spark and Apache Flink, and by implementing a prototype runtime query optimizer for Spark. Our experiments show that, the overhead introduced by the inspection logic is most of the time negligible (less than 5 percent in Spark and 10 percent in Flink).
The focus of virtue: Attention broadening in empirically informed accounts of virtue cultivation

Important empirically informed proposals of virtue cultivation invoke techniques of goal pursuit. This paper argues that these techniques are effective in changing behavior due to the attention nar...
Differential effect of the calmodulin inhibitor trifluoperazine in modulating cellular accumulation, retention and cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in progressively doxorubicin-resistant L1210 mouse leukemia cells: Lack of correlation between cellular doxorubicin levels and expression of resistance

Calmodulin inhibitors are effective in enhancing cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin (DOX) in DOX-resistant cells, possibly by enhancing cellular levels of drug. In the present study, L1210 mouse leukemia cells adapted to grow in vitro, in the presence of 0.025 to 0.25 microgram/ml DOX, and identified as L1210/DOX0.025, L1210/DOX0.05, L1210/DOX0.1, and L1210/DOX0.25 were approximately 5-, 10-, 20-, and 40-fold DOX resistant, respectively, compared to parent-sensitive cells (L1210/S). Using a soft agar colony assay and 3-hr drug exposure, the IC50 concentration of DOX in the progressively DOX-resistant (5- to 40-fold) L1210 cells ranged from 0.25 to 2.0 micrograms/ml and from 0.08 to 0.25 microgram/ml in the absence and presence of a non-cytotoxic concentration of 5 microM trifluoperazine (TFP) respectively. Further, based on the observed in vitro cytotoxic response, the IC50 concentration of DOX in the presence of 5 microM TFP was 2.5-, 4-, 6.7- and 8-fold lower than DOX without 5 microM TFP in the L1210/DOX0.025, L1210/DOX0.05, L1210/DOX0.1, and L1210/DOX0.25 resistant sublines respectively. In contrast, the IC50 of DOX in L1210/S cells was approximately 0.05 microgram/ml with or without 5 microM TFP. Cellular accumulation of DOX was 15-50% lower in the progressively resistant L1210 sublines compared to similarly treated L1210/S cells. However, in the presence of 5 microM TFP, cellular accumulation of DOX in the L1210/DOX0.05 and L1210/DOX0.1 but not L1210/DOX0.25 was comparable to the L1210/S cells. Cellular retention of DOX in the absence or presence of 5 microM TFP was comparable in similarly treated L1210/S, L1210/DOX0.05 and L1210/DOX0.1 cells, and a 2-fold reduction in the retention of DOX in the absence versus the presence of 5 microM TFP was apparent only in L1210/DOX0.25 cells. At the IC50 of DOX in the presence of 5 microM TFP, although cellular accumulation of DOX was concentration dependent over the range of 1-20 microM TFP, enhancement in cytotoxicity of DOX was dose dependent at 1-5 microM TFP but not 5-20 microM TFP. In cells treated for 3 hr at the IC50 concentration of DOX alone or DOX plus 5 microM TFP, cellular accumulation of DOX was 7- to 14-fold and 2.5- to 3.5-fold higher, respectively, in resistant than in sensitive cells. Additionally, following treatment for 3 hr at the IC50 dose of DOX in the absence or presence of 5 microM TFP, drug retention at 3 hr was 4- to 6-fold and 1.5-fold higher, respectively, in the resistant versus sensitive cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Isotopos radioactivos en medicina

Lecture at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru, on March 21, 1950.
Seven Myths of CEO Succession

Many believe that the selection of the CEO is the single most important decision that a board of directors can make. In recent years, several high profile transitions at major corporations have cast a spotlight on succession and called into question the reliability of the process that companies use to identify and develop future leaders. In this Closer Look, we examine seven common myths relating to CEO succession. These myths include the beliefs that:1. Companies Know Who the Next CEO Will Be2. There is One Best Model for Succession3. The CEO Should Pick a Successor4. Succession is Primarily a “Risk Management” Exercise5. Boards Know How to Evaluate CEO Talent6. Boards Prefer Internal Candidates 7. Boards Want a Female or Minority CEOWe examine each of these myths and explain why they do not always hold true. We ask:• Why aren’t more companies prepared for a change at the top?• Would directors make better hiring decisions if they had better knowledge of the senior management team?• Would they be more likely to hire a CEO from within?• Would they be more likely to hire a female or minority candidate?• How many succession should a director participate in before he or she is considered “qualified” to lead one?Topics, Issues and Controversies in Corporate Governance. The Closer Look series is a collection of short case studies through which we explore topics, issues, and controversies in corporate governance. In each study, we take a targeted look at a specific issue that is relevant to the current debate on governance and explain why it is so important. Larcker and Tayan are co-authors of the books Corporate Governance Matters and A Real Look at Real World Corporate Governance.
"Kull wahad la haalu": Feelings of isolation and distress among Yemeni immigrant women in San Francisco's Tenderloin.

Recently arrived Yemeni immigrant women in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood face a series of challenges as they go about living their everyday lives in a poor and crime-ridden neighborhood. They experience feelings of isolation and distress because of their limited English skills, their conservative Islamic dress that draws comments and unfriendly looks, and their household chores as mothers of often large families, which keep them busy at home. Despite living in close proximity to other Yemeni immigrants, these women feel profoundly lonely. In this study, based on interviews with 15 recently arrived Yemeni women, I show different “idioms of distress” that connect the women's emotional states to experiences of physical space and the body. I also raise methodological and epistemological questions about conducting anthropological work in communities whose members experience profound isolation.
Managing Side Effects on Shared Data

We are developing a toolbox for writing symbolic programs that may be executed on sequential and parallel machines without modification. The toolbox is designed for use by programmers who are not experienced in parallel programming, and consists of parallelism abstractions and data-sharing abstractions. Parallelism abstractions represent common, time-consuming operations that offer good speedup potentials for parallel implementations. Data-sharing abstractions support common side-effecting operations on shared objects, simplifying the coding of a large class of algorithms that modify shared data structures in a parallel implementation. In this paper we describe the data-sharing abstractions of the toolbox, and show how the toolbox may be used to construct efficient parallel programs without exposing the programmer to low-level parallel programming details, which are hidden by the toolbox implementation.
Effect of catecholamines on the bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dihydroxyphenylalanine at 8 mm concentrations prevented iodination of zymosan by intact neutrophils and decarboxylation of l-alanine by leukocyte sonic extracts. The same concentration of epinephrine also reduced bactericidal activity of the leukocyte against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, and Proteus rettgeri without decreasing phagocytosis of bacteria. Spectral studies indicated that epinephrine interferes with the myeloperoxidase-mediated reactions by competing for available H2O2 via its enzymatic oxidation to adrenochrome. These findings support a mechanism in which H2O2 plays an important role in the bactericidal activity of the leukocyte.
Densification and strength evolution in solid-state sintering Part II Strength model

A compact gains strength in sintering through low-temperature interparticle bonding, followed by further strength contributions from high-temperature densification. On the other hand, thermal softening substantially reduces a compact's strength at high temperatures. Therefore, the in situ strength during sintering is determined by the competition among interparticle neck growth, densification, and thermal softening. Distortion in sintering occurs when the compact is weak. Most strength models for sintered materials are semi-empirical relations based on the sintered fractional density. These models do not include microstructure or sintering cycle parameters; thus, they do not provide guidelines for thermal cycle design to improve compact dimensional control. A strength evolution model is derived which combines sintering theories and microstructure parameters, including interparticle neck size, solid volume fraction, and particle coordination number. The model predicts sintered strength and when combined with thermal softening gives a good prediction of in situ strength. The validity of the model is verified by comparison to experimental data for sintered and in situ strength of bronze and steel powders.
SSCS-Green Mountain Organizes 17th IEEE North Atlantic Test Workshop, IEEE NATW Special Session on Solid-State Circuits & System Test Held on 14–16 May, 2008

Sponsored by the SSCS-Green Mountain chapter on May 14-16, 2008, the 17th annual North Atlantic Test Workshop (NATV) included a special session on solid-state circuits and system test focused on advances in built-in self-test for 65nm and 45nm nodes, adaptive test, and on-product reliability testing. Featured presenters were IBM's Mike Ouellette, Matt Grady and Kevin Stawiasz.
Exploring the new world of the genome with DNA microarrays

Thousands of genes are being discovered for the first time by sequencing the genomes of model organisms, an exhilarating reminder that much of the natural world remains to be explored at the molecular level. DNA microarrays provide a natural vehicle for this exploration. The model organisms are the first for which comprehensive genome-wide surveys of gene expression patterns or function are possible. The results can be viewed as maps that reflect the order and logic of the genetic program, rather than the physical order of genes on chromosomes. Exploration of the genome using DNA microarrays and other genome-scale technologies should narrow the gap in our knowledge of gene function and molecular biology between the currently-favoured model organisms and other species.
Imaging Evolution of Airway Disorders in Children

The radiographic evaluation of the airways in infants and young children is demanding because of the inherent technical challenges of imaging young children. Not only are the airways of young children small, but typically young children cannot cooperate with breathholding maneuvers and are breathing rapidly during the examination. Respiratory motion, alone or in combination with the relatively low lung volumes that occur during tidal breathing, may obscure abnormal findings or create artifacts resulting in a false-positive finding [1]. These problems are noticeable on CT studies, especially when attempting high-resolution CT (HRCT) with thin slices. The inability to acquire motionless images of the lungs in infants and young children at end-inspiratory and end-expiratory lung volumes, which is routine for studies done in adults, limits the information obtainable from CT. Depending on the clinical indication, these limitations may be minor and do not affect diagnostic accuracy, or they may be severe, rendering the study nondiagnostic. Examples of conditions that can usually be accurately diagnosed with CT in young children while breathing include tracheal stenosis and vascular rings. Examples of studies that are severely limited include HRCT of the lungs to assess airway changes in cystic fibrosis (CF) and HRCT applied to differentiate patterns of diffuse lung disease. If clinical circumstances dictate that a high-quality examination of the lungs is needed, then the usual approach is to use general anesthesia along with endotracheal intubation to control respiratory motion and lung volumes during imaging. Although effective, this method is invasive, expensive, and not without significant risk. Consequently, HRCT has been underused in infants and young children. In a recent review of the work-up of diffuse interstitial lung disease in infants and small children, HRCT was not even mentioned [2]. If HRCT is to be a practical clinical imaging tool
Is the function of dendritic spines to concentrate calcium

Although dendritic spines are thought to play an important role in synaptic transmission and plasticity, their function remains unknown. Theoretical investigations of spine function have focused on the large electrical resistance provided by the narrow constriction of the spine neck. However, this narrow constriction is also thought to provide a large diffusional resistance. The importance of this diffusional resistance was investigated theoretically with models. When calcium currents were activated on dendritic spines, peak spine head Ca2+ concentration was an order of magnitude larger in 'long-thin' spines than in 'mushroom-shaped' or 'stubby' spines. The same currents activated on dendrites produced even smaller local Ca2+ concentration changes. Although the diffusional resistance of the spine neck was important for producing these differences in [Ca2+], the amplitude and duration of the Ca2+ current relative to the number of Ca2+ binding sites determined whether Ca2+ would be concentrated near synapses. Given the importance of Ca2+ for long-term potentiation, the ability of spines to concentrate Ca2+ may play a key role in processes leading to learning and memory storage.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor prevents the loss of nigral neurons induced by excitotoxic striatal-pallidal lesions.

Abstract GABAergic neurons in the rat substantia nigra die after inhibitory inputs to the nigra have been killed, and glutamatergic inputs disinhibited, by striatal-pallidal injections of ibotenic acid. This delayed transneuronal injury model imitates the neuron loss observed in Huntington's disease, and may also imitate neuron loss distant from the primary injury in stroke and Parkinson's disease. Because the neurotrophins brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 can prevent excitotoxic killing of cultured GABA neurons, we tested whether either factor could protect nigral neurons from transneuronal degeneration. A continuous, three week supranigral infusion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor completely prevented the loss of nigral neurons caused by the ibotenic acid-induced destruction of the caudate–putamen and globus pallidus, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor increased nigral neuron size by 25%. These effects were specific to the TrkB tyrosine kinase receptor that mediates brain-derived neurotrophic factor actions, since supranigral infusions of saline or the TrkC preferring neurotrophin-3, did not prevent nigral neuron loss or induce a hypertrophic response. Neither trophic factor influenced the ibotenic acid destruction of striatal or pallidal neurons. These results demonstrate that exogenously supplied brain-derived neurotrophic factor can prevent delayed, transneuronal loss, and implicate decreased excitatory amino acid transmission or diminished nigral neuron susceptibility to glutamate inputs in the protective effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
Estimating terpene and terpenoid emissions from conifer oleoresin composition

Abstract The following algorithm, which is based on the thermodynamics of nonelectrolyte partitioning, was developed to predict emission rates of terpenes and terpenoids from specific storage sites in conifers: E i = x o r i γ o r i p i ∘ where Ei is the emission rate (μg C gdw−1 h−1) and p i ∘ is the vapor pressure (mm Hg) of the pure liquid terpene or terpenoid, respectively, and x o r i and γ o r i are the mole fraction and activity coefficient (on a Raoult's law convention), respectively, of the terpene and terpenoid in the oleoresin. Activity coefficients are calculated with Hansen solubility parameters that account for dispersive, polar, and H-bonding interactions of the solutes with the oleoresin matrix. Estimates of p i ∘ at 25 °C and molar enthalpies of vaporization are made with the SIMPOL.1 method and are used to estimate p i ∘ at environmentally relevant temperatures. Estimated mixing ratios of terpenes and terpenols were comparatively higher above resin-acid- and monoterpene-rich oleoresins, respectively. The results indicated a greater affinity of terpenes and terpenols for the non-functionalized and carboxylic acid containing matrix through dispersive and H-bonding interactions, which are expressed in the emission algorithm by the activity coefficient. The correlation between measured emission rates of terpenes and terpenoids for Pinus strobus and emission rates predicted with the algorithm were very good (R = 0.95). Standard errors for the range and average of monoterpene emission rates were ±6 – ±86% and ±54%, respectively, and were similar in magnitude to reported standard deviations of monoterpene composition of foliar oils (±38 – ±51% and ±67%, respectively).
Dendritic Growth tip velocities and radii of curvature in microgravity

Dendritic growth is the common mode of solidification encountered when metals and alloys freeze under low thermal gradients. The growth of dendrites in pure melts depends on the transport of latent heat from the moving crystal-melt interface and the influence of weaker effects like the interfacial energy. Experimental data for critical tests of dendritic growth theories remained limited because dendritic growth can be complicated by convection. The Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE) was developed specifically to test dendritic growth theories by performing measurements with succinonitrile (SCN) in microgravity, thus eliminating buoyancy-induced convection. The first flight of the IDGE in 1994 operated for 9 days at a mean quasi-static acceleration of 0.7 × 10−6g0. The velocity and radius data show that at supercoolings above approximately 0.4 K, dendritic growth in SCN under microgravity conditions is diffusion limited. By contrast, under terrestrial conditions, dendritic growth of SCN is dominated by convection for supercoolings below 1.7 K. The theoretical and experimental Peclet numbers exhibit modest disagreement, indicating that transport theories of dendritic solidification required some modification. Finally, the kinetic selection role for dendritic growth, VR2=constant, where V is the velocity of the tip and R is the radius of curvature at the tip, appears to be independent of the gravity environment, with a slight dependence on the supercooling.
LASER INDUCED PHOSPHORESCENCE IN GAS PHASE THIOPHOSGENE

Luminescence is observed from gas phase thiophosgene on excitation with the 5287 A line of an Ar+ laser. Analysis of the emission spectrum shows that the emitting level is the one initially populated by laser excitation of the (π∗ ← n)a3A2-X1A1201301406 band. Using a tunable dye laser, an excitation spectrum near the origin of this triplet system is obtained and analyzed. It appears that the observed luminescence is resonance phosphorescence resulting from direct laser excitation into a vibronic level of predominant triplet character.
Prolactin-releasing activity of neurohypophysial hormones: structure-function relationship

Oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) have been reported to release PRL both in vivo and in vitro. The objectives of this study were 1) to compare the potencies of the PRL-releasing activities of OT and TRH using cultured anterior pituitary (AP) cells, and 2) to assess the PRL-releasing activity of naturally occurring neurohypophysial hormones and selected analogs. AP cells were incubated with peptides for 15 min, and medium PRL concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. OT at 25, 100, and 400 nM increased PRL release by 110%, 175%, and 270%, respectively; higher concentrations (1600 and 6400 nM) did not cause a further increase in PRL release. TRH was 5-10 times more potent than OT on a molar basis. GH3 cells, a somatommamotroph tumor cell line, did not respond to OT and related compounds, but showed a similar responsiveness to TRH as AP cells. Twelve neurohypophysial peptides and selected analogs were incubated with AP cells, and their relative PRL-releasing activities w...
Gossypol: subcellular localization and stimulation of rat liver microsomal oxidases.

14 C-Labeled gossypol was orally administered to rats. The level of gossypol in the liver reached a maximum 1 day after administration, then decreased with time. Although gossypol was not exclusively segregated in any one cell fraction, most of it was found in the microsomal fraction. Gossypol appeared to distribute according to its lipid-soluble property rather than by virtue of its reaction with protein. In rats fed gossypol, the liver microsomal enzymes which catalyze the oxidative demethylation of p -chloro- N -methylaniline HCl (PCMA) increased in activity. A “no effect” dosage for the stimulation of demethylation of PCMA by dietary gossypol was found to be 50 mg/kg. The gossypol stimulation of rat liver microsomal oxidases seems to be due to an increase in enzyme synthesis since it did not alter the K m (6.7 × 10 −3 m ) but increased the maximal velocity of PCMA demethylation (33%). The ability of rat liver microsomal enzymes to dealkylate some carbamate pesticides was increased by the oral administration of gossypol.
A simulation-based study of scheduling mechanisms for a dynamic cluster environment

Scheduling of processes onto processors of a parallel machine has always been an important and challenging area of research. The issue becomes even more crucial and difficult as we gradually progress to the use of off-the-shelf workstations, operating systems, and high bandwidth networks to build cost-effective clusters for demanding applications. Clusters are gaining acceptance not just in scientific applications that need supercomputing power, but also in domains such as databases, web service and multimedia, which place diverse Quality-of-Service (QoS) demands on the underlying system. Further, these applications have diverse characteristics in terms of their computation, communication and I/O requirements, making conventional parallel scheduling solutions, such as space sharing or coscheduling, an unattractive option. At the same time, leaving it to the native operating system of each node to make decisions independently can lead to ineffective use of system resources whenever there is communication. Instead, an emerging class of dynamic coscheduling mechanisms, that attempt to take remedial actions to guide the system towards coscheduled execution without requiring explicit synchronization, offer a lot of promise for cluster scheduling. Using a detailed simulator, this paper evaluates the pros and cons of different dynamic coscheduling alternatives, while comparing their advantages over traditional coscheduling (and not performing any coordinated scheduling at all). The impact of dynamic job arrivals, job characteristics and different system parameters on these alternatives are evaluated in terms of several performance criteria.
A new approach to the furan degradation problem involving ozonolysis of the trans-enedione and its use in a cost-effective synthesis of eplerenone.

Whereas ozonization of furan 3a affords little or no carboxylic acid 5, ozonization of the corresponding trans-enedione 6 afforded carboxylic acid 5 in 82.4% yield (cryst., overall from furan, 100 g scale; after workup with dimethyl sulfide, followed by mildly basic hydrogen peroxide). This new approach to furan degradation is showcased in a cost-effective synthesis of eplerenone, an important new medicine for cardiovascular indications.
Overcoming efficiency challenges in organic solar cells: rational development of conjugated polymers

In this perspective article, we discuss the development of organic photovoltaic (OPVs) solar cells. Our focus will be on discussing the development of new donor polymers and device technologies, which resulted in enormous progress in OPV performances with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 8–9%. However, for the wide spread usage of OPVs, high module efficiencies (>10%) and lifetimes suitable for commercial applications are required. To achieve such goals, interdisciplinary advances in the development of new light-harvesting materials, the improvement of device structures, and the development of cost effective device processing methods are crucial. In particular, new donor polymers overcoming the drawbacks of current polymer solar cells can play an important role to further improve the PCEs and device stability. This perspective article addresses the polymer design criteria that have been distilled out from the research of the past 20 years: energy level matching, nano-morphology of polymer/acceptor blend films, local dipole moments of the polymer chains, and stability. Also, we introduce representative donor polymers and describe the research progress in the polymers development to move beyond certain milestones. We emphasize the importance of the synergetic research efforts in developing new materials, such as the design of new polymers with improved physical properties, the development of device technologies and a fundamental understanding of OPV mechanisms, which will help to continuously enhance the performance of OPVs.
Boron–Nitrogen Adducts of 1,3,5‐Triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane (PTA): Synthesis, Reactivity, and Molecular Structure

Addition of BH3 to 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) leads to the formation of the first coordination complex of PTA in which a nitrogen and not the phosphorus of PTA is involved in the bonding. Multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and computational chemistry are utilized in the characterization of the products. Crystal structures of PTA–BH3 (1) and O=PTA–BH3 (2) adducts are described. In addition a coordination polymer, [CpRu(PTA)2Cl(Ph3B3O3)]n (3), resulting from Lewis acid–base adduct formation between the PTA ligands of CpRu(PTA)2Cl and the product of the cyclocondensation of phenylboronic acid is described. The polymeric compound 3 was also characterized by X-ray crystallography. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
A Novel Sulfonated Carbon Composite Solid Acid Catalyst for Biodiesel Synthesis

A novel sulfonated carbon composite solid acid was successfully prepared by the pyrolysis of a polymer matrix impregnated with glucose followed by sulfonation. The title catalyst has higher acid site density, better esterification activity of both small and large free fatty acids (acetic acid and palmitic acid), and better reusability than the previously reported carbon-based catalyst prepared by sulfonating pyrolyzed sugar. This catalyst also exhibited higher esterification activity than tungstated zirconia (WZ) and Silica-Supported Nafion (Nafion®SAC-13). The higher activity of the sulfonated carbon composite solid acid catalyst was clearly due to the presence of a much higher acid site density than any of the other catalysts.
Heat shock inhibits phosphorylation of I-κBα

Previous studies demonstrated that induction of the heat shock response is associated with inhibition of the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB by a mechanism involving inhibition of I-kappaBalpha degradation. To provide further insight regarding the interactions of these fundamental cellular responses, the present experiments were designed to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which heat shock inhibits degradation of I-kappaBalpha. In an in vitro model of inflammatory cell signaling, treatment of RAW 264.7 murine macrophages with LPS (100 ng/mL) caused rapid degradation of I-kappaBalpha. Heat shock, 1 h before treatment with LPS, completely inhibited LPS-mediated degradation of I-kappaBalpha. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that heat shock inhibited LPS-mediated ubiquitination of I-kappaBalpha. Western-blot analyses using a phosphorylated I-kappaBalpha-specific antibody demonstrated that heat shock inhibited LPS-mediated phosphorylation of I-kappaBalpha. In contrast, heat shock induced phosphorylation of c-jun. In murine fibroblasts having genetic ablation of the heat shock factor-1 gene, heat shock inhibited tumor necrosis factor-alpha mediated degradation of I-kappaBalpha. We conclude that the mechanism by which heat shock inhibits LPS-mediated degradation of I-kappaBalpha involves specific inhibition of I-kappaBalpha phosphorylation and subsequent I-kappaBalpha ubiquitination. In addition, this mechanism does not involve activation of heat shock factor-1 or the heat shock proteins regulated by heat shock factor-1.
Modular dry-coupled ultrasonic probes for field inspections of multilayered aircraft structures

Most of the multi-layered aircraft structures including composite structures are still inspected primarily through various visual methods that require removal of multiple structural components to detect flaws in the internal layers of the structure. Some aircraft operators utilize for the multi-layered inspections more advanced NDI techniques such as X-ray. However, application of the X-ray technique still requires access to the bottom layers of the multi-layered structures for proper positioning of films or digital sensors. Additional time is also needed to comply with the safety rules for the X-ray inspection procedures. Hence, current inspection procedures for the multi-layered aircraft structures are fairly cumbersome, time-consuming and costly. Application of the dry-coupled ultrasonic modules makes it possible to detect and characterize defects in the internal layers from outside aircraft skin without disassembly. The inspection technique is easy to use, and, at the same time, is sensitive enough to identify critical structural degradation caused by the defects. The dry-coupled inspection technique is also sufficiently rapid so that aircraft downtime is minimized. The modules are also suitable for concurrent flaw detection and sealant quality monitoring in the multi-layer aircraft structures. The concept of the dry-coupled transducer modules has already been tested on the DC-10 horizontal stabilizer (crack detection around fasteners). Several current inspection procedures for aircraft multi-layered composite structures were reviewed to identify the areas for effective implementation of the dry-coupled ultrasonic techniques. Ultrasonic inspection techniques are being developed including flaw detection and characterization protocols for internal defects in various layers of the multi-layered structures. Modular dry-coupled ultrasonic transducers with exchangeable elements and digital encoding systems are being modified for applications on the multi-layered composite structures.
Compact photonic crystal demultiplexers and spectrometers

Compact on-chip wavelength demultiplexers and spectrometers are essential components for a variety of applications including integrated optical information processing devices, optical communications, and integrated optical sensing. Implementation of such devices requires strong dispersion in the optical materials, which can be realized using unique dispersive properties of photonic crystals (PCs). Possibility of integration, compactness, and compatibility with different host materials are the main advantages of PC based demultiplexers and spectrometers compared to other techniques. Here, we show an implementation of superprism-based photonic crystal devices (using a diffraction compensation scheme) that improves the performance of these devices compared to the conventional implementation. Structures obtained through optimization have been fabricated in SOI wafers using e-beam writing and ICP etching, and spatial separation of channels (with good isolation) in these superprism devices is experimentally demonstrated. The performance of these superprism devices as general-purpose spectrometers and for locating spectral features in a sensing platform will be also demonstrated and discussed. Further steps for improvement of these devices are considered and the related implementation issues are investigated.
The determination of the molecular weight and interactions of a polyelectrolyte in aqueous salt solutions by light scattering

The light scattering results for a polyelectrolyte in a binary solvent are experimentally evaluated in terms of the theory for multicomponent systems developped independently by Kirkwood and Stockmayer. Two proven experimental methods for molecular weight determination are discussed.
A Well-Balanced Path-Integral f-Wave Method for Hyperbolic Problems with Source Terms

Systems of hyperbolic partial differential equations with source terms (balance laws) arise in many applications where it is important to compute accurate time-dependent solutions modeling small perturbations of equilibrium solutions in which the source terms balance the hyperbolic part. The f-wave version of the wave-propagation algorithm is one approach, but requires the use of a particular averaged value of the source terms at each cell interface in order to be "well balanced" and exactly maintain steady states. A general approach to choosing this average is developed using the theory of path conservative methods. A scalar advection equation with a decay or growth term is introduced as a model problem for numerical experiments.
The Four Transverse Effects and Their Relations in Certain Metals.

A There have been many theoretical discussions of the Hall effect. Some of these have made much of the fact that in certain crystals conductivity, both thermal and electric, is known to be "aeolotropic," different in different directions, and have explained or, rather, described, the effect in question as due to oeolotropy set up by action of the magnetic field. Others have made prominent the direct "ponderomotive" action of the magnetic field on elements of the electric current, the moving electrons or ions. I have long been of the opinion that, in some metals at least, the Hall effect is not to be explained by this ponderomotive action alone, even if more than one mode of electric conduction is admitted. Thus, the rotation of the equipotential lines of the electric current by action of the magnetic field is about one hundred times as great in bismuth as in gold. In tellurium it is perhaps greater than in bismuth but in the opposite direction. It seems unlikely that the very large effects, of opposite sign, in bismuth and tellurium, respectively, can be explained without recourse to conductive seolotropy produced or modified by the action of the magnetic field. Until recently, however, I have had a hope that the small Hall effects, of negative sign, observed in certain metals, aluminium, copper, gold, silver, palladium and platinum, could be satisfactorily accounted for by the hypothesis of direct action on the electric current itself, this current having the dual character which my writings have so frequently described. In this hope I wrote a paper' which was read at the November, 1922, meeting of the National Academy. In that paper I undertook to state the relations of the four transverse effects to each other in terms derived directly from my theory of electric and thermal conduction, and in particular to calculate from the observed values of the Hall and Ettingshausen coefficients in certain metals values of the Nernst and the Righi-Leduc coefficients for the same metals. For brevity, however, I left out the very complicated formula which I had obtained for the relation of the Nernst effect to the Hall effect, giving merely numerical results derived by application of this formula. In a paper presented in April, 1924, to the Solvay Conference in Brussels I continued the effort described and gave at great length the derivation and application of the formula in question, using data which I had obtained from my own recent experiments on gold. It thus appeared that, while I could deal more or less satisfactorily with the problem in hand so long as
Statistical disorder and the analysis of a communication‐graph

The lines of a co-author graph represent channels of communication through which information has been and may continue to be informally exchanged. The Brillouin Information Measure can be used to describe important properties of the co-author graph and other communication-graphs. The “connectedness” of a graph can be represented on a scale in which one limiting value signifies a connected graph and the other limiting value signifies a graph in which all points are isolated. Important points can be distinguished from all other points in a communication-graph. These important points are defined mathematically and are called synthetic cutpoints. A measure of importance can be assigned to each point in a communication-graph. This measure can be used to order points in terms of their contribution to a favorable communication-structure.
A low-overhead dynamic optimization framework for multicores

This paper argues for a “less is more” design philosophy when integrating dynamic optimization into a multicore system. The primary insight is that dynamic optimization is inherently loosely-coupled and can therefore be supported on multicores with very low-overhead by using a Partner core. We exploit this property by designing a dynamic optimizer composed of a two-core partnership that requires a minimal amount of dedicated hardware and is resilient to (a) reducing the Partner core's clock frequency, (b) changing the Partner core's placement on the multicore die and (c) varying the latency of dynamic optimization operations.
TonB-dependent energy transduction between outer and cytoplasmic membranes

The TonB system of Escherichia coli (and most other Gram-negative bacteria) is distinguished by its importance to iron acquisition, its contribution to bacterial pathogenesis, and a unique and mysterious mechanism of action. This system somehow gathers the potential energy of the cytoplasmic membrane (CM) proton gradient and delivers it to active transporters in the outer membrane (OM). Our understanding of this system is confounded by the challenge of reconciling often contradictory in vivo and in vitro studies that are presented in this review.
A review of the order release policy research

Reviews a critical aspect of job shop scheduling research, namely the decision regarding release timing of orders to the manufacturing shopfloor. Covers articles specifically addressing the order release problem; the information should prove helpful for researchers employing order release policies in their research. The release decision literature is classified into three areas: descriptive studies including case and survey research, analytical or optimization‐based research, and simulations of theoretical and empirically derived job shops. Presents tables describing the release rules and summarizing the characteristics of the simulation research. Identifies a number of topics within the order release research area in need of further investigation, including the comparison of larger sets of release rules, the use of more realistic simulation models such as the dual resource constrained job shop model, the need for further empirical identification of release policies, and the use of release policies that c...
Testing of angle-ply laminates to obtain unidirectional composite compression strengths

Tabbed and untabbed angle-ply specimens were tested in established shear- and end-loaded compression test fixtures. The strength and stiffness of the corresponding unidirectional AS4/3501-6 carbon/epoxy composite material system was then determined analytically using these data. Four different analysis techniques were used to predict the unidirectional composite strength from the measured angle-ply specimen strength. The compressive strength and failure mode of the angle-ply laminates showed a desirable insensitivity to fabrication techniques, testing conditions, and fixture type. Several special aspects of using angle-ply laminates, including the importance of matching Poisson's ratio, isolating the 0° laminae, free-edge effects, optimum lamina orientation, and stress concentrations induced by end tabs, are discussed. These topics are shown to be relevant to the understanding of how the high unidirectional composite compressive strengths, compared with conventional unidirectional specimen configurations, were obtained.
Array noise analysis for multi-megabit DRAM design

An analytical model for bit-line coupling noise in various DRAM architectures has been developed. The analytical expressions developed provide insight into the charge redistribution when the word lines turn on. They are also useful for determining the noise-to-signal ratio and for designing the sense amplifier circuit. Noise extracted from SPICE circuit simulation is included and is compared against the results from the present analytical model. Good agreement is found.
The impact of semiconductor detectors on gamma-ray and electron spectroscopy

Abstract A discussion is given of the basic operating characteristics and some applications of lithium-drifted silicon and germanium detectors for conversion-electron and gamma-ray spectroscopy. The following properties of Ge(Li) detector systems are reviewed: 1. Photopeak resolution; 2. Energy linearity and calibration; 3. Photopeak detection efficiency; 4. Compton scattering and 5. Pair production. In discussion of the relevance of these properties to the practical use of Ge(Li) and Si(Li) detector systems an attempt is made to place their advantages and disadvantages in perspective with respect to the properties of other important gamma-ray and electron spectrometer systems. Some measurements with Ge(Li) systems are discussed briefly, in the areas: 1. Decay scheme studies with radioactive isotopes; 2. In-beam spectroscopy; 3. Low temperature nuclear orientation; 4. Applied gamma-ray spectroscopy (activation analysis). The advantages of simultaneous use of Si(Li) and Ge(Li) detectors for electron-gamma spectroscopy is stressed and applications for measurements of 1. Internal conversion coefficients and 2. Electron-gamma angular distributions are reviewed.
Sulfur "Concrete" for Lunar Applications - Sublimation Concerns

Melting sulfur and mixing it with an aggregate to form "concrete" is commercially well established and constitutes a material that is particularly well-suited for use in corrosive environments. Discovery of the mineral troilite (FeS) on the moon poses the question of extracting the sulfur for use as a lunar construction material. This would be an attractive alternative to conventional concrete as it does not require water. However, the viability of sulfur concrete in a lunar environment, which is characterized by lack of an atmosphere and extreme temperatures, is not well understood. Here it is assumed that the lunar ore can be mined, refined, and the raw sulfur melded with appropriate lunar regolith to form, for example, bricks. This study evaluates pure sulfur and two sets of small sulfur concrete samples that have been prepared using JSC-1 lunar stimulant and SiO2 powder as aggregate additions. Each set was subjected to extended periods in a vacuum environment to evaluate sublimation issues. Results from these experiments are presented and discussed within the context of the lunar environment.
Dot-Immunobinding Assay for Detection of XanthomonasCampestris Pv. Holcicola in Sorghum

A dot-immunobinding assay has been adapted to detection of the bacterial streak pathogen, Xanthomonas campestris pv. holcicola, in infected sorghum leaves. To obtain bacterial antigens for the assay, leaf sections with bacterial streak lesions were soaked in 1 ml of sterile distilled water for at least 2 h. The soaking solution, containing bacterial antigens, was spotted onto 0.2 µm nitrocellulose membranes. The membranes containing the absorbed antigens were incubated in rabbit anti-X. c. pv. holcicola serum and then with protein A - alkaline phosphatase conjugate. Finally, the membranes were exposed to napthol AS-MX phosphate substrate with fast violet B stain and examined for violet precipitates. The assay allowed for detection of the equivalent of 40–400 bacterial cells (i.e., 4 µ1 of a 104–105 cells/ml suspension). Cross-absorption of the antiserum with Erwinia and Pseudomonas spp. enhanced specificity of the assay for X. c. pv. holcicola. The assay provides a rapid, sensitive, and specific means for detecting the bacteria in infected sorghum leaves.
Extended cognition and the mark of the cognitive

According to the thesis of the extended mind (EM), at least some token cognitive processes extend into the cognizing subject's environment in the sense that they are (partly) composed of manipulative, exploitative, and transformative operations performed by that subject on suitable environmental structures. EM has attracted four ostensibly distinct types of objection. This paper has two goals. First, it argues that these objections all reduce to one basic sort: all the objections can be resolved by the provision of an adequate and properly motivated criterion—or mark—of the cognitive. Second, it provides such a criterion—one made up of four conditions that are sufficient for a process to count as cognitive.