cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effective distributed scheduling of parallel workloads

We present a distributed algorithm for time-sharing parallel workloads that is competitive with coscheduling. Implicit scheduling allows each local scheduler in the system to make independent decisions that dynamically coordinate the scheduling of cooperating processes across processors. Of particular importance is the blocking algorithm which decides the action of a process waiting for a communication or synchronization event to complete. Through simulation of bulk-synchronous parallel applications, we find that a simple two-phase fixed-spin blocking algorithm performs well; a two-phase adaptive algorithm that gathers run-time data on barrier wait-times performs slightly better. Our results hold for a range of machine parameters and parallel program characteristics. These findings are in direct contrast to the literature that states explicit coscheduling is necessary for fine-grained programs. We show that the choice of the local scheduler is crucial, with a priority-based scheduler performing two to three times better than a round-robin scheduler. Overall, we find that the performance of implicit scheduling is near that of coscheduling (+/- 35%), without the requirement of explicit, global coordination.
Response of Natural Enemies to the Green Peach Aphid in Different Plant Cultures

In field tests in 1977 and 1978, both parasites and predators of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), displayed definite preferences for different host plants. Parasitic activity by Diaeretiella rapae (M'Intosh) was 6 and 10 × greater in broccoli plots than in either radish or sugarbeet plots, respectively, but predators were 2–5 × less active on broccoli. Some predators, including Geocoris bullatus (Say) and Coccinella transversoguttata Falderman, exhibited host plant preferences unrelated to prey density. Greenhouse tests with G. bullatus confirmed these findings.
Characterization of turkey spermiophages with regard to traits common to macrophages

Turkey peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) and spermiophages (SMO) were assayed for characteristics of macrophages. The PEC elicited by i.p. injection of 3% Sephadex and SMO isolated from semen using Percoll were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium supplemented with 20% bovine calf serum (DMEM-20) for 24 h at 41 C in 5% CO2 to provide adherent cells for assays. Most PEC and SMO showed esterase activity (99.3 +/- 0.6 and 98.8 +/- 0.9%, respectively), and exhibited nonspecific phagocytosis of carbon (89.5 +/- 3.6 and 95.3 +/- 0.6%, respectively), zymosan (26.5 +/- 7.6 and 24.3 +/- 2.5%, respectively), bacteria (11.3 +/- 0.8 and 9.3 +/- 0.3%, respectively), and opsonized and nonopsonized SRBC. Maximum uptake of SRBC was seen by 2 h for PEC but not until 4 h for SMO. At time of maximum uptake, SRBC were noted in 35 to 40% of PEC but only in 15 to 20% of SMO. Turkey IgG-FITC bound to both PEC and SMO, but goat anti-turkey IgG-FITC bound only to SMO. Increased nitrite was found in turkey semen after 24 h storage, with highest levels in samples in which SMO were added. Nitrite production was demonstrated using adhered PEC, but SMO could not be tested due to low cell numbers. This research clearly identifies SMO as having macrophage-like activities. Accordingly, these cells may possess the ability to process and present antigen via histocompatibility receptors. Such activity could lead to immune directed responses, including antibody production or activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes.
DSMC Simulations of Blunt Body Flows for Mars Entries: Mars Pathfinder and Mars Microprobe Capsules

The hypersonic transitional flow aerodynamics of the Mars Pathfinder and Mars Microprobe capsules are simulated with the direct simulation Monte Carlo method. Calculations of axial, normal, and static pitching coefficients were obtained over an angle of attack range comparable to actual flight requirements. Comparisons are made with modified Newtonian and free-molecular-flow calculations. Aerothermal results were also obtained for zero incidence entry conditions.
Lipid composition of bile in morbid obesity before and after jejunoileal bypass surgery

Bile cholesterol, phospholipids, total bile acids, individual bile acids, and fatty acid compositions of bile neutral lipids and phospholipids were analyzed before, at one month and at six months following jejunoileal bypass surgery in a series of morbidly obese patients. Preoperative mole percentages of cholesterol and lithogenic indices were high, indicating that biles were supersaturated with cholesterol and outside the micellar solubility zone when plotted on triangular coordinates. At the one month post-operative period percentages of cholesterol and lithogenic indices were significantly increased as compared to the pre-operative state. At six months post-operatively these values had decreased to approximately the pre-operative levels. No changes were observed in percentages of lithocholic acid, but deoxycholic acid decreased to markedly low levels at one month and remained low at the six month post-operative interval. Relative proportions of cholic acid increased, and the ratio of cholic to chenodeoxycholic acid was significantly increased at both post-operative intervals. No significant changes were noted in bile neutral lipid or phospholipid fatty acid composition, indicating that no depletion of essential fatty acids had occurred.
Efficient algorithms for biological stems search.

Motifs are significant patterns in DNA, RNA, and protein sequences, which play an important role in biological processes and functions, like identification of open reading frames, RNA transcription, protein binding, etc. Several versions of the motif search problem have been studied in the literature. One such version is called the Planted Motif Search (PMS)or (l, d)-motif Search. PMS is known to be NP complete. The time complexities of most of the planted motif search algorithms depend exponentially on the alphabet size. Recently a new version of the motif search problem has been introduced by Kuksa and Pavlovic. We call this version as the Motif Stems Search (MSS) problem. A motif stem is an l-mer (for some relevant value of l)with some wildcard characters and hence corresponds to a set of l-mers (without wildcards), some of which are (l, d)-motifs. Kuksa and Pavlovic have presented an efficient algorithm to find motif stems for inputs from large alphabets. Ideally, the number of stems output should be as small as possible since the stems form a superset of the motifs. In this paper we propose an efficient algorithm for MSS and evaluate it on both synthetic and real data. This evaluation reveals that our algorithm is much faster than Kuksa and Pavlovic’s algorithm. Our MSS algorithm outperforms the algorithm of Kuksa and Pavlovic in terms of the run time as well as the number of stems output. Specifically, the stems output by our algorithm form a proper (and much smaller)subset of the stems output by Kuksa and Pavlovic’s algorithm.
Chalcogenide glass waveguides integrated with quantum cascade lasers for on-chip mid-IR photonic circuits

We demonstrate on-chip hybrid integration of chalcogenide glass waveguides and quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). Integration is achieved using an additive solution-casting and molding method to directly form As(2)S(3) strip waveguides on an existing QCL chip. Integrated As(2)S(3) strip waveguides constructed in this manner display strong optical confinement and guiding around 90° bends, with a NA of 0.24 and bend loss of 12.9dB at a 1mm radius (λ=4.8μm).
A variational approach to low peclet number heat transfer in laminar flow

Abstract The boundary method of Galerkin is used to solve the problem of heat transfer in laminar flow with axial conduction. The set of particular solutions used in this calculation consists of the product of exponentially decaying functions (in the positive axial direction) and radially dependent confluent hypergeometric functions of Kummer's type. Nusselt functions and temperature profiles are presented and comparison is made with respect to the number of terms used in the trial function. The same problem is also treated by the method of boundary collocation with subsequent comparisons with the boundary method of Galerkin. Computationally, the methods presented here appear to offer considerable advantages over previously employed methods such as the interior method of Galerkin.
Highly carbon dioxide soluble surfactants, dispersants and chelating agents

Several CO 2 -soluble compounds have been designed and synthesized in an attempt to broaden the spectrum of processes that can employ carbon dioxide as a solvent. A highly CO 2 -Philic fluorinated polyether tail was incorporated into each of these amphiphilic compounds. Chelating agents, copolymers, sorbitol esters, and surfactants were prepared for applications including heavy metal extraction, dispersion polymerization, protein extraction, and the formation of CO 2 /water emulsions, respectively. The results indicate that at near-ambient temperature and pressures between 10 and 30 MPa, the solubility of these compounds ranged from 1 mmole/li CO 2 to complete miscibility. Favorahle preliminary results were also realized when these compounds were dissolved in dense CO 2 and used in their proposed applications. These results include metal removal efficiencies of up to 98%, polymerization products with molecular weights of 110,000-140,000 for PMMA and 10,000,000 for polyacrylamides, extraction of proteins from aqueous solutions, and the formation of stable emulsions of water in a continuous CO 2 phase.
BENEFIT‐COST ANALYSIS AND DEMAND CURVES FOR PUBLIC GOODS*

SUMMARY This paper starts by examining why demand curves are not as useful in the analysis of public as of private goods. It is argued that the ‘quantity’ of most public goods amounts to what is usually called a ‘quality’ measure. Because of this, and for other reasons developed in the paper, it is fruitful in the analysis of public goods to deal directly with the total amount individuals would pay for changes in public good provision, rather than with the average amount per unit change. A demand curve-like construction, dubbed an ‘aggregate bid curve’, is shown to be a useful tool. The aggregate bid is the precise meaning of ‘benefit’ in benefit cost analysis. It is conjectured that, under certain assumptions, all of the conditions of efficiency, with and without public goods and externalities, can be derived using aggregate bid curves.
Clinical implications of mycotoxins and Stachybotrys

There has been considerable interest and concern in recent years regarding the potential health effects of mycotoxins in the indoor environment. Although the existence of mycotoxins has been known for several decades, relatively little is known about their effects in humans. What is known comes almost exclusively from studies of ingestion as the route of exposure. This review summarizes what is known regarding health effects of mycotoxins in general and specifically examines the evidence for the role of indoor exposure to the fungi of the genus Stachybotrys as a cause of disease in humans. Much work remains to be done in the area of mycotoxin research. The risk of health effects from ingestion seems much more widespread than from indoor airborne exposure, although the latter has received considerably more media attention. Rigorously controlled studies are needed to clarify these issues.
Packaged Goods Marketing — “Pull” Companies Look to Improved “Push”

Consumer packaged goods is an industry long known for its reliance on “pull” marketing strategies, that is, clever brand positioning supported by heavy advertising and couponing. As many product categories have become mature in the 1980's, managers find themselves increasingly concerned with improving the productivity of “push” programs — trade deals and personal selling efforts aimed at retailers and wholesalers. This article reports the results of an in‐depth, descriptive study of “push” marketing techniques among packaged goods companies. Discussed are: (a) specific “push” programs initiated on both the marketing (brand management) and sales force sides of the business, and (b) organizational moves to enhance integration and coordination between the Sales and Marketing groups. A concluding section urges packaged goods marketers to regard the “push” and “pull” components as twin building blocks of a companywide marketing strategy.
Multinomial logistic regression ensembles.

This article proposes a method for multiclass classification problems using ensembles of multinomial logistic regression models. A multinomial logit model is used as a base classifier in ensembles from random partitions of predictors. The multinomial logit model can be applied to each mutually exclusive subset of the feature space without variable selection. By combining multiple models the proposed method can handle a huge database without a constraint needed for analyzing high-dimensional data, and the random partition can improve the prediction accuracy by reducing the correlation among base classifiers. The proposed method is implemented using R, and the performance including overall prediction accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for each category is evaluated on two real data sets and simulation data sets. To investigate the quality of prediction in terms of sensitivity and specificity, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) is also examined. The performance of the ...
Type beta transforming growth factor (TGF-β) is a potent stimulator of the basal secretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in a pituitary monolayer system

In view of striking similarities between TGF-beta and inhibin, we investigated the possibility that TGF-beta might modulate pituitary hormone release in vitro. Long term incubations of beta transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) with rat anterior pituitary cells for 48 hr stimulates the basal secretion of FSH in a dose-dependent manner. The secretion of LH, TSH, GH, ACTH and PRL is not modified by TGF-beta. The minimal effective concentration of TGF-beta is 10 pg/ml (less than 500 attomolar) and is dose dependent over a range from 1 pg to 10 ng/ml. Treatment of cells with TGF-beta for short incubation times (4 hr) in assays similar to that used for hypophysial releasing factors is not effective, indicating that TGF-beta acts through a cellular mechanism distinct from that of LRF. Inhibin-A, recently characterized on the basis of its capacity to specifically inhibit the secretion of FSH in the 48 hr bioassay system inhibits the stimulatory effect of TGF-beta on FSH-release. Analyses of the dose response curves indicate that the interaction occurs in a typical non-competitive manner. The results suggest that a TGF-beta-like molecule, present in follicular fluid, may be responsible for the FSH-releasing activity ("anti-inhibin" activity) observed by us and others during the process of isolating inhibin from follicular fluids. They also suggest an important role for inhibin and the TGF-beta related molecules in modulating pituitary gonadotropin release.
Food sovereignty, food security and fair trade: the case of an influential Nicaraguan smallholder cooperative

The relationships among trade, food sovereignty and food security are underexplored. I conducted qualitative research with an in! uential cooperative to identify lessons that food sovereignty (FS) scholars could learn from fair trade and food security, and explore linkages among these projects. First, most co-op leaders and farmers view these projects as complementary, not contradictory. Second, state-led agrarian reforms and co-ops increase access to land, markets, water, forests and pasture, which have reduced ‐ but not eliminated ‐ seasonal hunger. Third, these diversi" ed fair trade coffee-exporting smallholders could be part of a FS agenda. However, the split in fair trade suggests that only speci" c versions of fair trade are compatible with FS. Fourth, capable cooperatives can enhance fair trade and FS goals, and food security outcomes. Fifth, organised smallholders resisting the fair trade split could learn from the FS social movement’s strategies. Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge to both approaches.
Design, fabrication, and characterization of LiNbO3 optical modulator for high-sensitivity mmW imaging system

Recently, our group has developed a high-sensitivity millimeter-wave (mmW) imaging system based on optical upconversion. In such a system, native mmW radiation of objects is first collected by a broadband horn antenna, which feed the mmW signal to Co-Planar Waveguide (CPW) on a Lithium Niobate(LN) Electro Optical (EO) modulator. The mmW power is then transferred to the sidebands of an optical carrier due to phase modulation. Detection is realized by measuring the optical power transferred to the sidebands. The overall performance of the imaging system is highly dependent on the conversion efficiency of the EO modulator, which is a function of the frequency of the collected millimeter-wave energy. In this paper, we present the design, fabrication and experimental results towards realizing LN EO modulators for use in the 95 GHz imaging band.
Bird community responses to cattle stocking rates in a Pacific Northwest bunchgrass prairie

Abstract In 2006–2010, effects of four different cattle stocking rates (0, 14.4, 28.8, and 43.2 animal unit months) were compared, representing 0%, 20%, 32%, and 46% utilization of vegetation by domestic livestock, on vegetation structure (as indexed by visual obstruction), and songbird population and apparent nest density, community composition, and diversity in a Pacific Northwest bunchgrass prairie in northeastern Oregon, USA. Overall paddock-level visual obstruction decreased and structural heterogeneity increased with increasing stocking rates, and those effects carried over 1 year after grazing had ceased. Most species were able to locate nesting sites regardless of differences in visual obstruction, except western meadowlark and vesper sparrow, for which obstruction was lower in paddocks with higher stocking rates. Apparent nest density for grasshopper sparrows was negatively affected by higher stocking rates. Grazing effects on absolute songbird population density were restricted to negative effects of higher stocking rates on savannah sparrows, but this relationship was not observed until 1 year after grazing had ceased. Songbird community composition differed between control and heavily-grazed paddocks, driven by an increase in the proportion of horned larks and a decrease in the proportion of savannah sparrows in heavily-grazed paddocks from pre-treatment to post-treatment years. Bird diversity indices were unaffected by stocking rate. Negative effects of high stocking rates on densities of two species and the absence of any clear positive effect for the other three species suggest high stocking rates as applied in this experiment may not provide suitable habitat for all grassland songbirds. The absence of negative responses of density to low and moderate stocking rates suggests these grazing regimes generally provided suitable habitat for all species.
Prey state shapes the effects of temporal variation in predation risk

The ecological impacts of predation risk are influenced by how prey allocate foraging effort across periods of safety and danger. Foraging decisions depend on current danger, but also on the larger temporal, spatial or energetic context in which prey manage their risks of predation and starvation. Using a rocky intertidal food chain, we examined the responses of starved and fed prey (Nucella lapillus dogwhelks) to different temporal patterns of risk from predatory crabs (Carcinus maenas). Prey foraging activity declined during periods of danger, but as dangerous periods became longer, prey state altered the magnitude of risk effects on prey foraging and growth, with likely consequences for community structure (trait-mediated indirect effects on basal resources, Mytilus edulis mussels), prey fitness and trophic energy transfer. Because risk is inherently variable over time and space, our results suggest that non-consumptive predator effects may be most pronounced in productive systems where prey can build energy reserves during periods of safety and then burn these reserves as ‘trophic heat’ during extended periods of danger. Understanding the interaction between behavioural (energy gain) and physiological (energy use) responses to risk may illuminate the context dependency of trait-mediated trophic cascades and help explain variation in food chain length.
Tracking meltwater retention in Greenland

In Greenland, surface melt has increased significantly in area and intensity in recent years. Melting has increased in the accumulation area, normally a region of snow accumulation. This increase in meltwater can affect the ice sheet's mass balance and ice flow dynamics. When melt occurs on the surface, meltwater may trickle down through snow a short distance vertically and then refreeze, forming thin ice layers, it may penetrate underlying snow and create pools, or it may migrate horizontally and become runoff. The fate of meltwater is not well understood because the processes of meltwater infiltration into an ice sheet have not been well measured.
From Interviewers to Friendly Visitors: Bridging Research and Practice to Meet the Needs of Low-Income Latino Seniors

This article describes a community-based participatory research (CBPR) effort conducted in a low-income, predominantly Latino community, which bridged traditionally-separate domains of practice and research by engaging neighborhood residents in a collaborative capacity-enhancement process for meeting the needs of vulnerable elderly residents. What began as a simple needs assessment to facilitate program development became a mechanism for engaging neighborhood residents in a collaborative social capital development process. The article describes the origins of this community-based effort, its consumer-led transformation from traditional needs assessment to service provision, resulting benefits and challenges, and implications for meeting the needs of vulnerable populations.
Fusarium head blight‐resistant wheat line ‘Bizel’ does not contain rye chromatin

Fusarium head blight (FHB), primarily caused by Fusarium graminearum in North America can result in significant losses in the yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L). Resistance sources have been largely limited to Chinese germplasm and, in particular, Sumai 3 or its derivatives. In recent years, resistance has been identified in Europe. Previous studies using the wheat line ‘Bizel’, developed in France, have shown that it has resistance to Fusarium head blight. Pedigree information shows that one of its progenitors is rye. This experiment was conducted to determine if ‘Bizel’ has rye chromatin, with the goal of developing a strategy for mapping FHB resistance genes. Two methods based on repetitive DNA sequences specific to rye were implemented. With both approaches, it was demonstrated that ‘Bizel’ does not contain rye chromatin. Consequently, wheat SSRs can be used to map ‘Bizel’ resistance genes for FHB.
Conjugated polymers for radiation detection

There is a revived interest in the discovery and development of new materials and devices for radiation detection for nuclear non-proliferation and medical imaging. Conjugated polymers emerge as a potential candidate for dosimetry and scintillation. This report provides an overview of the fundamental detection physics and existing materials. The unique semiconductivity and photonic properties of conjugated polymers are discussed in the context of detecting high energy photons such as gamma rays. Approaches to enhance the sensitivity, particularly via the addition of compounds with high atomic numbers, are described.
The effect of quinolines on electron transport and proton gradients associated with photophosphorylation in spinach chloroplasts

Abstract The effect of several different quinolines and related compounds was investigated on electron transport and proton translocation associated with photophosphorylation in spinach chloroplasts. It was found that many quinolines, regardless of their chelating ability, strongly inhibited dimethylbenzoquinone reduction by photosystem II (PS II) or the ascorbate + diaminodurene (DAD) → methylviologen (MV) pathway in photosystem I (PS I). Ascorbate + N , N , N 1 , N 1 -tetramethyl- p -phenylene diamine (TMPD) oxidation by PS I could also be inhibited by some quinolines and related compounds. Three modes of action presumably explain the effects observed: (1) chelation of non-heme irons found in PS II between the plastoquinone pool and cytochrome f , (2) non-specific lipid effect on chloroplast membranes by quinoline-like nitrogen bases and (3) sulfhydryl effects on chloroplast proteins by mercaptoquinoline type substances. The inhibition of proton gradients associated with cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation resulted from removal of protons by the quinolines.
Proficiency-based training for robotic surgery: construct validity, workload, and expert levels for nine inanimate exercises

Background We previously developed nine inanimate training exercises as part of a comprehensive, proficiency-based robotic training curriculum that addressed 23 unique skills identified via task deconstruction of robotic operations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate construct validity, workload, and expert levels for the nine exercises.
A synergistic approach to atmospheric correction of NEON's airborne hyperspectral data utilizing airborne solar spectral flux radiometers, ground based radiometers, and airborne hyperspectral imagers

A wide variety of critical information regarding bioclimate, biodiversity, and biogeochemistry is embedded in airborne hyperspectral imagery. Most, if not all of the primary signal relies upon first deriving the surface reflectance of land cover and vegetation from measured hyperspectral radiance. This places stringent requirements on terrain, and atmospheric correction algorithms to accurately derive surface reflectance properties. An observatory designed to measure bioclimate, biodiversity, and biogeochemistry variables from surface reflectance must take great care in developing an approach which chooses algorithms with the highest accuracy, along with providing those algorithms with data necessary to describe the physical mechanisms that affect the measured at sensor radiance. Such an approach is in development with the Airborne Observation Platform (AOP) part of the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). NEON is a continental-scale ecological observation platform designed to collect and disseminate data to enable the understanding and forecasting of the impacts of climate change, land use change, and invasive species on ecology [1].
Anaesthesia for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: a review of 86 cases

Operative charts were reviewed in 86 patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a condition characterized by chronic muscular denervation. A total of 161 surgical procedures was performed. Major complications were few, and only one operative death occurred, unrelated to anaesthesia. Succinylcholine and malignant hyperthermia triggering agents were used in 41 (48%) and 77 (90%) patients, respectively, without untoward effects. Contrary to previous reports, this survey supports the safe use of succinylcholine and MH triggering agents in this disease.
THE PROMISE OF AN INTERACTION‐BASED APPROACH TO NEGOTIATION

I recently agreed to participate in a study in which the researcher was interested in learning how academic scholars make the personal choice to pursue their specific field of inquiry. She wanted me to explain my personal fascination with conflict, and to begin by reflecting on my adolescence as a formative driver for my interests. I remarked that the significant developmental markers in my life centered on major conflict episodes that, in many ways, also have served to define a generation. My junior high school years were defined by the JFK assignation, while my high school years witnessed the MLK and RFK assignations and the attending civil unrest in Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago. In college, I remember May 4, 1970 as if it were yesterday because I attended Bowling Green State University, a sister school of Kent State, and activists staged a very intense demonstration on campus just hours after the Kent State events. Finally, graduate school was marked by the Yom Kippur War and the fall of Saigon.
Suppression of a DNA polymerase δ mutation by the absence of the high mobility group protein Hmo1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The deletion of the gene encoding the high mobility group protein Hmo1 suppresses the growth retardation of the DNA pol δ mutation, pol3-14, at the restrictive temperature. pol3-14 mutant cells undergo cell cycle arrest, and hmo1Δ alleviates the arrest permitting continual division of the double mutant. Bypass of cell cycle control occurs with an increased rate of mutation. Both pol3-14 and hmo1Δ are mutators and their combination provokes a synergistic rate of CAN1 mutations. RAD18 controls branches of DNA repair pathways and its deletion also suppresses pol3 mutations. Comparing hmo1Δ and rad18Δ suppression of pol3-14 shows that while both require the presence of RAD52-mediated repair, their suppression is independent in that both can suppress in the presence of the other. We conclude that hmo1Δ suppression of pol3-14 occurs by a mechanism whereby normal controls on DNA integrity are breached and lesions flow into RAD52-mediated repair and error-prone pathways.
Surgical treatment for prostate cancer in patients with prior spinal cord injury

Background Limited published information is available concerning the clinical course of spinal cord–injured (SCI) patients who develop prostate carcinoma and subsequently undergo radical surgery. We hypothesized that the choice of surgical treatment and the technical conduct of radical surgery would be influenced by sequelae of SCI and that poorer outcomes would result in this population as compared with neurally intact patients.
Synthesis of distillation configurations: I. Characteristics of a good search space

Abstract The exhaustive enumeration of all possible distillation configurations for zeotropic n -component feed mixtures into n nearly pure product streams leads to an exponentially large number of configurations, making the search for an optimal configuration intractable for even a modest number of components. To reduce the search space to a manageable level, we divide the column configurations into two categories: (i) Basic , configurations having ( n − 1) distillation columns; and (ii) Non-basic , configurations having more columns. On exhaustively simulating multiple four-component feed conditions using Underwood's method for pinched columns, we find that for none of the simulated feed conditions does a non-basic configuration have a lower heat duty than the lowest heat duty basic configuration. Based on this observation, we assert that a much smaller search space containing only basic configurations should be sufficient to find an optimal n -component configuration. We also find basic configurations allowing non-sharp splits (ABC → AB/BC) have lower heat duty more often than those with only sharp splits (ABC → A/BC or ABC → AB/C). Finally, the heat duty reduction due to thermal coupling is found to be less when compared to non-sharp basic configurations as against sharp-split basic configurations.
Smoking characteristics among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults.

Objective Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. Sexual minorities (lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals), smoke at higher rates than the general population. However, little else is known about sexual minority smokers. Furthermore, the sexual minority population is diverse and little research exists to determine whether subgroups, such as lesbians, gay men, and female and male bisexuals, differ on smoker characteristics. We examine differences in smoking characteristics (advertising receptivity, age of first cigarette, non-daily smoking, cigarettes per day, nicotine dependence, desire to quit and past quit attempts) among lesbians, gay men, and female and male bisexual adults in the United States.
Modulated backscatter for ultra-low power uplinks from wearable and implantable devices

Wearable and implantable wireless biomedical devices are often constrained by the limited bandwidth and high power consumption of their communication links. The VHF or UHF transceivers (e.g. MICS radios) traditionally used for this communication function have relatively high power consumption, on the order of mW, due to the high bias currents required for the analog sections of the radio. To reduce overall power consumption, both the data rate and the duty cycle of the radio are usually minimized, because the lifetime of the device is limited by the energy density of available battery technologies.Recent innovations in modulated backscatter techniques offer the possibility of a radical reduction in the power cost and complexity of the data uplink, while significantly improving data rate. This is achieved by a re-partitioning of the communication link. Backscatter techniques shift the burden of power cost and complexity from the remote device to a base station. Instead of actively transmitting an RF signal, the remote device uplinks data to the base station by modulating its reflected field.We present two ultra-low power biotelemetry systems that leverage modulated backscatter in both the near-field and far-field propagation regimes. The first example operates in the far field and is designed to telemeter multiple channels of neural/EMG signals from dragonflies in flight. This device has a mass of 38 mg, a data rate of 5 Mbit/s, and a range of approximately 5 m. The second example operates in the near field and is designed to be implanted in mice. The sensor has a maximum implant depth of 6cm and can transmit at data rates of up to 30 Mbit/s. The power cost of the animal side of both data links is 4.9 pJ/bit and 16.4 pJ/bit respectively.
A Disposable Biosensor for Organophosphorus Nerve Agents Based on Carbon Nanotubes Modified Thick Film Strip Electrode

A disposable biosensor based on acetylcholinesterase-functionalized acid purified multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) modified thick film strip electrode for organophosphorus (OP) insecticides was developed. The degree of inhibition of the enzyme acteylcholinesterase (AChE) by OP compounds was determined by measuring the electrooxidation current of the thiocholine generated by the AChE catalyzed hydrolysis of acteylthiocholine (ATCh). The large surface area and electro-catalytic activity of carbon nanotubes lowered the overpotential for thiocholine oxidation to 200 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) without the use of mediating redox species and enzyme immobilization by physical adsorption. The biosensor detected as low as 0.5 nM (0.145 ppb) of the model organophosphate nerve agent paraoxon with good precision, electrode to electrode reproducibility and stability. Analysis of real water sample using the sensor demonstrated the feasibility of the application of the sensor for on site monitoring of OP compounds.
Thermionic valves with dull-emitting filaments

An account is given of the history of the dull-emitting thoriated tungsten filament and of the development of thermionic valves containing these filaments. Intrinsic properties are described and discussed.
Diffusion, solubility and gettering of copper in silicon

Abstract The feasibility of quantitative predictive modeling of gettering of Cu in silicon, which requires quantitative understanding of its diffusivity and precipitation behavior, is discussed. Investigations of diffusion of Cu at low temperatures enabled us to determine the pairing constants of copper with boron, re-evaluate its diffusivity at room temperature in p-Si, and to predict its diffusivity in p + -Si substrates. We demonstrate that copper may either precipitate in the bulk of the wafer or diffuse to its surface, depending on the position of Fermi level in the sample. It is suggested that the Fermi level position determines the sign and magnitude of the electrostatic charge on the growing copper precipitates, and thus enhances or suppresses precipitation of interstitial copper ions. Modeling of p/p + segregation gettering of copper shows that while the copper can be gettered in p + layer during or after high-temperature anneals, it eventually will be released and will precipitate in the device region within the first few months of operation, unless more stable gettering (precipitation) sites for copper are utilized. An n-type layer is predicted to be an effective gettering site.
NADPH- and linoleic acid hydroperoxide-induced lipid peroxidation and destruction of cytochrome P-450 in hepatic microsomes

Temporal aspects of the effects of inhibitors on hepatic cytochrome P-450 destruction and lipid peroxidation induced by NADPH and linoleic acid hydroperoxide (LAHP) were compared. In the absence of added Fe2+, NADPH-induced lipid peroxidation in hepatic microsomes exhibited a slow phase followed by a fast phase. The addition of Fe2+ eliminated the slow phase, thus demonstrating that iron is a rate-limiting component in the reaction. EDTA, which complexes iron, and p-chloromercurobenzoate (pCMB), which inhibits NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, inhibited both phases of the reaction. Catalase as well as scavengers of hydroxyl radical, inhibited NADPH-induced lipid peroxidation almost completely. GSH also inhibited the NADPH-dependent reaction but only when added at the beginning of the reaction. In contrast with NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation, the autocatalytic reaction induced by LAHP was not biphasic, NADPH-dependent or iron-dependent, nor was it inhibited by hydroxyl radical scavengers, catalase or GSH. A synergistic effect on lipid peroxidation was observed when both NADPH and LAHP were added to microsomes. It is concluded that both the fast and slow phases of NADPH-dependent microsomal lipid peroxidation are catalyzed enzymatically and are dependent upon Fe2+, whereas LAHP-dependent lipid peroxidation is autocatalytic. Since the fast phase of enzymatic lipid peroxidation occurred during the fast phase of destruction of cytochrome P-450, it is postulated that iron made available from cytochrome P-450 is sufficient to promote optimal lipid peroxidation. Since catalase and hydroxyl radical scavengers inhibited NADPH-dependent but not LAHP-dependent lipid peroxidation, it is concluded that the hydroxyl radical derived from H2O2 is the initiating active-oxygen species in the enzymatic reaction but not in the autocatalytic reaction.
Glucose can reverse the effects of acute fasting on mouse ovulation and oocyte maturation.

Food deprivation suppresses ovulation. Although nutritional elements are responsible for this suppression, it is not clear whether energy metabolism has any effect on oocyte development under these circumstances. The aim of the present study was to determine which nutritional element is responsible for the effect of acute fasting on mouse ovulation and how oocyte development is affected. The results demonstrate that 64 h food deprivation blocks mouse ovulation. This was reversed by glucose feeding, oil feeding or short-term feeding, all of which elevated serum glucose levels. Furthermore, 48 h food deprivation inhibited follicle-stimulating hormone-induced oocyte maturation in vitro. However, 48 h glucose feeding increased serum glucose levels and restored oocyte maturation. Food deprivation increased serum progesterone levels and decreased serum oestradiol levels. Food deprivation also impaired follicle development, caused the death of oocytes and attenuated glucose consumption by cumulus–oocyte complexes. Taken together, the results indicate that: (1) the suppression of ovulation by acute fasting may be due to the control of oocyte development; and (2) maintaining serum glucose concentrations at a certain level is important for normal ovulation.
Telomere shortening in T cells correlates with Alzheimer’s disease status

Telomeres, the repeated sequences that cap chromosome ends, undergo shortening with each cell division, and therefore serve as markers of a cell's replicative history. In vivo, clonal expansion of T cells during immune responses to both foreign and autoantigens is associated with telomere shortening. To investigate possible immune alterations in Alzheimer's disease (AD) that might impact current vaccine-based therapeutic strategies, we analyzed telomere lengths in immune cell populations from AD patients. Our data show a significant telomere shortening in PBMC from AD versus controls (P=0.04). Importantly, telomere length of T cells, but not of B cells or monocytes, correlated with AD disease status, measured by Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) scores (P=0.025). T cell telomere length also inversely correlated with serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokine TNFalpha (a clinical marker of disease status), with the proportion of CD8+ T cells lacking expression of the CD28 costimulatory molecule, and with apoptosis. These findings suggest an immune involvement in AD pathogenesis.
Lateral or along-shore distribution of the polychaetous annelids of an intertidal, sandy habitat

The lateral or along-shore distribution of the polychaetous annelids of a subtropical, sandy, intertidal habitat in Florida (USA) was studied on three transects (covering 2.5 km of shoreline), sampled quarterly for 2 years. Although the average species number and density of individuals were not significantly different at specific tidal levels, the species composition was highly variable over time. Composition of density dominants was identical along-shore, and down-shore density distribution of selected species was also identical. Analysis by entire transects rather than by individual stations decreased along-shore heterogeneity by 10 to 15%.
Flash photolysis of caged compounds: New tools for cellular physiology

Caged compounds are molecules or ions of physiological interest, e.g. ATP, IP3, cAMP, cGMP, GTP and Ca2+ rendered inactive by chemical modification. The modification introduces a photochemically labile bond, which on exposure to ultraviolet light cleaves rapidly, releasing the active compound. This article reviews some of the major advances and applications of the photorelease approach, and illustrates its potential in several areas of interest to cellular neuroscientists.
Determination of the Intracellular Stability of Gold Nanoparticle Monolayers Using Mass Spectrometry

Monolayer stability of core–shell nanoparticles is a key determinant of their utility in biological studies such as imaging and drug delivery. Intracellular thiols (e.g., cysteine, cysteamine, and glutathione) can trigger the release of thiolate-bound monolayers from nanoparticles, a favorable outcome for controllable drug release applications but an unfavorable outcome for imaging agents. Here, we describe a method to quantify the monolayer release of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in living cells using parallel measurements by laser desorption/ionization (LDI) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry. This combination of methods is tested using AuNPs with structural features known to influence monolayer stability and on cells types with varying concentrations of glutathione. On the basis of our results, we predict that this approach should help efforts to engineer nanoparticle surface monolayers with tunable stability, providing stable platforms for imaging agents and controlled release of the...
Making Access Meaningful: Latino Young People Using Digital Media at Home and at School

Through case studies of 2 working-class Latino middle school students (ages 12 and 14), we examine how the young people negotiated economic and cultural barriers to digital media and mobilized opportunities to use media in pursuit of their own interests. For the young people in our study, school assignments offered opportunities to use digital media tools and become ‘content creators.’ However, the nature of the assignments and the restrictions placed on technology use in the classroom stood in contrast to the interests that motivated the teens' participation in popular media culture outside of school. We argue that this disconnect limited the potential of media production assignments to connect to student interests and provide youth with meaningful access to new technology.
Extensive dendritic sprouting induced by close axotomy of central neurons in the lamprey

Massive dendritic sprouting was induced in identified giant reticulospinal neurons of the lamprey by axotomy close to the soma. An axonal lesion slightly farther from the cell body induced new growth from both dendrites and axon. The amount of new growth per cell was the same whether it originated from the dendrites alone or from axonal and dendritic compartments. The location of the axonal lesion therefore determines where, in the neuron, membrane is inserted to produce the new neurites. The dendritic tree of a differentiated vertebrate central neuron was shown to have sufficient plasticity to extend new growth for several millimeters beyond the normal dendritic domain.
Differential electron scattering cross sections for the 3 (2)S to 3 (2)P0 h, k transitions in Mg II - comparison of experiment and theory

Angular differential electron scattering cross sections are reported for the unresolved inelastic 3s (2)S to 3p (2)P0 h, k transitions in Mg II for the first time. Relative differential cross sections have been measured at 35 eV and 50 eV in the angular range of Theta between 6 and 17 deg using the newly developed electron energy loss technique in a crossed electron-ion beam geometry. Theoretical values have been calculated in a five-state close-coupling approximation in which 3s, 3p, 3d, 4s, and 4p states were included, and to which measurements were normalized at Theta = 12 deg.
Layer separation for material discrimination cargo imaging system

We propose an approach to boost the accuracy of the performance of a high-energy x-ray material discrimination imaging system. The theory of using two energies of x-rays to scan objects to extract the atomic information has been well developed. Such an approach is known as dual-energy imaging. At the beginning of this century, mega-volt-level dual-energy systems began to be applied to extract information regarding the materials inside a cargo container. For a system that scans at two x-ray energies, the ratio between the attenuations of the two energies will be different for different materials. Using this property, we can classify the content of a cargo container from the attenuation ratio image. However, thick shielding can reduce the signal-to-noise ratio such that correct material identification with low false alarm rate is unfeasible without further image processing. We have developed a method for high atomic number discrimination that can more accurately identify a region of high atomic number. The pixels of each object are clustered using our proposed clustering approach. The thickness and ratio of high- and low-energy attenuations of each object can then be more correctly calculated by separating it from its background. Our method can significantly improve the accuracy by suppressing false alarms and increasing the detection rate.